Chapter 17
The RV's arrival was greeted enthusiastically by two redheads, Ron and Ginny had arrived first and were waving like crazy as the silver machine pulled up in front of Beauxbatons. The French Academy of Magic was undoubtedly housed in a beautiful building but it certainly wasn't receiving the reverence that it deserved from either set of newcomers.
Emma and Dan were so enthralled by Harry's château that Beauxbatons held nothing new for them. Remus had chosen to stay behind and look after the dog, he was now a Hogwarts professor and not really comfortable touring the competition.
The kids were all far too busy catching up with each other that a mere building stood no chance of gaining any notice. The Beauxbatons' Headmistress had actually to theatrically clear her throat before they eventually noticed her. Considering she was of a size that matched Hagrid, that really took some doing.
"Good afternoon everyone and welcome to Beauxbatons. My intention today is to provide a tour of our great school, then I have arranged for you to meet and chat with some of our current students. We have found that this is the best way for prospective students to get a proper feel of the school."
There was something about this woman that annoyed the hell out of Emma from the instant they met. It had nothing to do with her great size or poor spoken English, more like the way she looked at Harry. It was as if he was some special accoutrement that the headmistress wanted to mount above her school entrance. Emma had no difficulty in imagining this witch having 'the school chosen by Harry Potter' printed on all the school's official stationary. The Granger parents had gradually learned just how famous Harry was in the magical world, having his picture on the front page of the newspapers helped. That was emphasised for both parents when he became betrothed to their daughter, it was front page news in the magical community. She asked the obvious question, in perfect French. "Excuse me Headmistress, do you get a lot of students transferring? I got the impression from Minerva McGonagall that this was an unusual occurrence."
The large witch wasn't phased in the slightest. "Oh forgive my manners, I haven't introduced myself. I am Olympe Maxime, Headmistress of the Beauxbatons Academy of Magic. You are?"
Emma handled the introductions for the group, noticing that her original question was ignored. There were small warning bells ringing for the dentist, one glance at her husband was enough to see he'd noticed it too. The kids were so excited about being reunited that it had skipped over them, even Hermione missed it. They may be becoming paranoid but both thought that was better than walking blindly into something. Emma and Dan would be keeping a close eye on what was going on.
Harry and both Weasleys were disappointed to discover there were no formally organised Quidditch matches at Beauxbatons, merely pick-up games at the weekend if enough students were interested. Hermione was in full interrogation mode now and not really liking the answers she was being supplied with. The French Academy appeared to place more emphasis on teaching proper manners and deportment than it did on learning to defend yourself properly. Madame Maxime's answer of 'that's what we have aurors for' left a bad impression with all of the prospective students. Ron and Harry immediately thought of Lockhart's apparent defence philosophy, looking good while you got the shit kicked out of you was the most important thing.
On entering the library, Hermione's mind was practically decided there and then, Harry had a bigger and better collection of books at the château. The Hogwarts they had attended for the last few years may have had many faults but they group were quickly discovering that the grass wasn't always greener. That Headmistress Bones had sorted most of the complaints they had with Hogwarts was tipping the scales heavily in Scotland's favour.
Defence was always going to be an important subject to this group, Hogwarts had Remus Lupin teaching it which was a big plus for the castle. When you factored in proper Quidditch, a world renowned library, Professor Weasley, no Snape and a host of other changes, the groups' minds were certainly pointing northwards rather than in a southerly direction.
Both Granger parents couldn't miss the signals the kids were sending out, they'd gotten to know them pretty well over the course of the holiday. The headmistress surely couldn't be missing them either but she appeared unconcerned, this left them wondering what she had up her rather large sleeve. They didn't have long to wait.
Headmistress Maxime led them into the academy's dining chamber where there were half-a-dozen Beauxbatons students waiting on them.
Hermione wasn't alone in noticing that the six students were all female, and all a few years older than their group. It was obvious that they had been chosen because of the way they filled their uniforms, uniforms that were a lot more revealing of the female form than Hogwarts robes. There was no denying these were six very pretty girls.
Olympe thought it was going well as she handled the introductions to her students, two of the boys appeared ready to sign up on the spot. Unfortunately for the headmistress, Harry Potter wasn't one of them.
Harry had his wand out and was pushing his friends behind him before throwing up a shield charm Remus would have been proud of. "I don't know what you're playing at headmistress, but it stops now or we start throwing spells."
Hermione, Hannah and Luna were by his side with wands drawn as Susan and Ginny dragged the other two clearly beguiled boys away. The Beauxbatons students and their headmistress were totally caught unawares by these unexpected actions, all wisely decided that reaching for their wands would be a very bad idea. It was well reported that these students had disarmed Albus Dumbledore before he was arrested, they had no intention of facing that kind of force.
Hermione slotted right into their usual problem solving pattern of thinking out loud. "It's almost like Ron and Neville were affected by some air-borne potion Harry, surely the school wouldn't stoop to something as low as that?"
This sparked Luna off to offer a possible solution. "Perhaps not a potion Hermione, rather a person? That would mean at least one of these girls is a veela, a veela whose using her allure on the boys."
All wands were now trained on the girls as Harry almost barked an order at the headmistress. "I want an explanation, and I want it now!"
Olympe couldn't believe how quickly her ruse had disintegrated into a farce, she attempted to recover some semblance of order. There was no doubt in her mind these youngsters would open fire on her students, she couldn't allow that to happen. "Yes Miss Delacour is indeed a veela, she is also one of the top students at Beauxbatons Academy. She is just very excited to meet Harry Potter, this must have caused her to lose some control of her allure. To draw a wand on her for this reason is disgraceful."
Harry noticed the other girls glance toward a beautiful blond. He gave a courteous nod to the girl, though never lowered his wand. "Miss Delacour, I mean you no disrespect. I don't even know what a veela is and would certainly never hold being one against you. Madame Maxime, my mind was pretty much decided before this incident took place. I wouldn't like any of these young ladies assuming they'd failed you, or their school. There should be no blame associated to them for our decision. I think I can speak for all of us when I say we won't be attending Beauxbatons Academy of Magic in September."
Hermione knew what a veela was and could hardly contain her anger. She wasn't angry at the girl per se, more at the headmistress who'd clearly engineered the entire situation. Amelia Bones was desperate for them to attend Hogwarts but would never pull a stunt like this, she refused even to use Susan to try and influence them. "I agree Harry, I think we've seen and heard quite enough. Anyone disagree with the decision not to come here in September?"
Hermione didn't expect an answer, but she got one anyway.
"Hey Hermione, I think you need to lighten up. This school has some swell things going for it. Ow, Ginny stop slapping me. I was only trying to be polite."
Harry couldn't help but smile at the sound of another slap hitting the back of Ron's head.
Susan meanwhile was using methods on her boyfriend not available to Ginny. She knew how to overcome the effects of the veela allure, she simply kissed Neville until he couldn't think of anyone but her.
An encouraging glance from Hermione toward Luna gave the little blond the courage she needed. Her wand disappeared back up her sleeve as she marched up to Ron, took his face in both her hands and pulled him down for a kiss.
Hannah still had her wand out covering the situation while comically shaking her head. "Wish I'd thought of that, Luna's been hanging about way too much with you bloody Gryffindors." Her smile robbed the words of any malice as Dan and Emma led them from the dining chamber.
Both parents had quickly recognised this was another situation where the kids were in charge. The stood by, ready to offer any advice, but pleased they weren't needed. The kids had handled it wonderfully. They definitely agreed with the decision not to attend Beauxbatons.
The adults closed the doors after their group had gotten out of there and pointed everyone in the direction of the exit, it was time to get out of here.
A still dazed Ron couldn't take his eyes off the little blond who was leading him by the arm, she had a tight grip and was blushing like a Weasley. "Luna, why did you kiss me?"
It was Hermione who answered for her now embarrassed female friend, also her parents and Harry still had no idea just what went on in there. "A veela can emit an allure that will have men falling over themselves to please her. Susan kissing her boyfriend broke the allure, that's why Luna kissed you Ron."
She couldn't make it any plainer to Ron that Luna wanted to be his girlfriend without battering it into his head with a beater's bat, Hermione could only hope he didn't hurt Luna with a crass answer.
Ginny asked a question to give her brother's brain time to work before he opened his mouth. Like Hermione, she knew Ron had the ability to hurt Luna badly if he just blurted out the first thing that came into his head. "Why was Harry not affected?"
This set Ron off laughing. "Tough luck mate, best medicine ever and you get to miss out." Both he and Luna were now deep shades of red but Luna still held on to his arm, Ron appeared very happy with this development. He loved his holiday already, this was so much better than walking around creepy pyramids.
As soon as they left the building, Hermione grabbed Harry and applied her own form of treatment as a reward. She was so proud of him for his actions in there. Thus it was three grinning boys who made their way back to the RV, each with a young lady on their arm and no thoughts of veela on their minds.
-oOoOo-
Molly and Arthur were sitting quietly, both had enjoyed their holiday but agreed it was good to be home. Her relationship with her family was slowly on the road to recovery but Molly needed to push it further. "Arthur, Ginny's going to be in France for her birthday. Could we have a big party for her once they come home? There are people I need to show proper Weasley hospitality to and this would be a good opportunity."
Arthur paused for a moment before answering. He thought Molly had turned the corner but needed to be sure. "Can I assume hospitality is all that will be on offer? Neither Lord Potter nor the Grangers need any relationship advice." He'd deliberately used Harry's title to impress on his wife the seriousness of what she was proposing.
"Arthur, I won't lie and say I wouldn't prefer the boy to be courting our Ginny because I obviously would. Bill though had a long chat with me and pointed out that it's not always what I want that counts. I let that blind me and caused our children to be hurt, that won't ever happen again. Harry has made his choice and all of our children who know them appear to think that's not something that's going to change. I need to and have accepted that. What I won't accept is that Ron and Ginny's best friends don't visit the Burrow because of me. That needs to change and I thought this would make a good first step."
"I think that's a great idea Molly. Once we hear how they got on at Beauxbatons, we may have some idea of when we could hold it. Talk with Ron when they get back and he can do the inviting for us. I would add Hermione's parents too. They've spent the summer introducing the children to muggle culture, it would be nice to return the favour and let them see how a wizarding home runs."
From little acorns, majestic oak trees grow. With this one tiny step, Arthur began to believe his family were truly on the mend. He'd heard a muggle saying, may you live in interesting times. Arthur Weasley thought they could do with a bit of normality in their lives. These last few years had certainly been interesting, they were also bloody murder on his nerves.
-oOoOo-
Ron thought they were pulling his leg when he was told that the bedrooms in the RV got bigger at the push of a button, only the six of them assuring him that it was true had him half-believing. He couldn't wait until they parked and he could see it for himself. Listening to some of their adventures as they crossed France had both Weasleys wishing they'd come with them.
Harry was then trying to prepare them both for what they would find when they got to the Château. "Guys, there's something important I need to tell you both."
Harry in serious mode had Ron and Ginny's undivided attention.
"We had someone else join us on holiday, smuggled him out the country actually. My godfather has travelled all over France with us."
Ginny wasn't sure if she'd picked him up right. "Your godfather? Isn't that Sirius Black?"
Harry's nod had Ron bolting to his feet, well except for Luna holding on to his arm. Hermione cut in before either of them could say anything bad about Sirius.
"He's innocent, never got a trial, the ministry just threw him in Azkaban and left him there to rot. He escaped to get reacquainted with his godson. He's staying with us at the chateau but this is obviously something we need to keep secret, we won't even be able to talk about it when we leave France."
Ron glanced around the RV and saw nothing but serious faces looking back at him, this was clearly no prank. Considering basilisks, horcruxes and headmasters trying to kidnap Harry from the Grangers, Ron really couldn't rule anything out. He also understood Harry meeting his godfather would be a massive event for his best friend, he trusted Harry and Hermione not to lead him wrong. "I take it we're going to get to meet him? What's he like?"
He got his answer from the little blond at his side. "Oh you'll love Snuffles!"
As he was listening to the explanations, Ron decided this was quickly becoming one of the strangest days of his life.
-oOoOo-
Harry's chateau had both of the Weasleys gasping, Luna was once more on the ball though. "Don't worry about it, all our reactions were pretty much the same as yours. It's amazing how quickly you get used to it."
Remus had heard the RV approach and was waiting outdoors for their arriving. "Harry, there's a letter from Amelia here for you. It's marked urgent. How did it go today?"
"Disaster wouldn't be too strong a word to use. Is it a coincidence that this arrives now?"
Susan sprang to her guardian's defence. "Harry, you know Aunt Amelia would never try to pull crap like happened today?"
"Yeah Susan, I also know she wouldn't mark something urgent if it wasn't."
Lord Potter
There is an urgent family matter that requires your presence at Hogwarts as soon as you can possibly manage. With speed in mind, I have spelled this parchment to be a portkey that will bring your party directly to my office.
Hoping to see you soon
Madam Amelia Bones
Harry didn't know what to make of this, "Family business?"
Neville was nodding his head in understanding. "This is something that affects the Potter family, therefore the rest of us can't accompany you. Hermione is of course allowed, as are Dan and Emma."
Harry spotted the black dog peering around the door, to much sniggering he shouted on Snuffles. Only when the dog had ambled down did Harry speak to him. "Sirius, this is Ron and Ginny Weasley. I need to speak to you now."
Ginny watched in awe as the big dog transformed into wizarding Britain's most wanted man, being friends with Harry Potter was certainly never boring. Noticing that no one else appeared confused by this development, she quickly decided just to go with the flow. Knowing that it would also have her mother taking a heart attack with the mere thought of her actions, Ginny had a slight smile on her face when she stuck her hand out in greeting. "Pleased to meet you Mr Black."
"Ouch, you wound me young lady. My name is Sirius, Mr Black makes me sound too old. I'm pleased to meet any friends of my godson. "
Ron followed his sister's lead before Harry could ask what he needed to. "Sirius, I need some advice on this. Pureblood stuff still leaves me confused."
"Well, Neville's correct. Amelia stating that this is Potter family business excludes the rest of us. Knowing her, this will be correct and urgent. I don't know what happened at Beauxbatons today but Amelia Bones doesn't play games, you can trust her implicitly."
Harry just needed to hear his own opinion confirmed, Hermione was of course by his side. A nod was all it took for her to do the asking. "Mum, dad, you want to come with us to Hogwarts?"
The both immediately agreed before Susan asked a question. "Harry, I had a letter all written to Aunt Amelia, I was just waiting to add what happened at Beauxbatons before sending it. Do you think you could take it for me? It will only take a moment to fetch it..."
Dobby appeared with the letter and the photographs she had set aside to include.
Harry couldn't hide his smile, Dobby was determined to make himself useful in a place full of elves, his knack of being able to anticipate their needs gave him the edge. "Sure Susan, anyone object to telling the new headmistress we'll be at Hogwarts in September?"
The wide grins that greeted this statement were his answer, Harry had something else to say before leaving though. "Luna, I intend to raise your treatment from your housemates with the headmistress. Should they attempt the same shit next year, they won't know what it them."
Ron had his arm protectively around her, there was no blushing this time as he spoke. It was more like a declaration of intent. "Anyone messing with my girlfriend will know exactly what hit them, me!"
Luna snuggled into his chest, her voice barely heard. "Thanks guys." Having friends was great and a boyfriend was even better.
The four travelling to Hogwarts touched the portkey before Harry activated it.
"Ok, I want to see how these bedrooms get bigger."
Ginny just couldn't resist. "Ronald Weasley, Luna's been your girlfriend for two minutes and you want to drag her off to a bedroom?"
This was greeted by gales of laughter as Ron proceeded to treat them to his goldfish impression. Sirius was impressed, "Oh I like this one Moony. Am I glad I'm not a professor at Hogwarts when this lot turn up."
Hannah had the closing word though. "Just wait until you meet her older twin brothers!"
-oOoOo-
Frank could honestly say he'd not felt better since before he was medically discharged from the army. That woman Poppy was literally a miracle worker. She waved her stick over him a good few times and then he had to drink some really disgusting tasting medicine but the results were unbelievable. It had been so long since Frank had been shrapnel and pain free, he'd forgotten what it felt like. He'd walked around the beautiful lake last evening with Sibyll on his arm. Yes he was tired afterwards but they had then cuddled on the sofa and considered possible names for their daughter.
Discovering that both Sibyll and their baby were fine and unaffected by the possession was the best medicine Frank could imagine. He was now looking forward to getting married and the birth of their daughter more than he thought possible. They had been treated very well in the castle and all that had been asked of them was to tell the story to some lord. Sibyll apparently knew who this was and had quickly agreed, now Minerva was leading them to the headmistresses office so this meeting could take place. Frank thought he would be used to shocks by now but when the young lad was introduced as Lord Potter he realised he wasn't. He couldn't wait until he and Sibyll could get out of this castle and back to some normality.
-oOoOo-
The party of four from France arrived in the headmistresses' office to find both she and her deputy waiting on them. After exchanging greetings and pleasantries, Professor McGonagall left to fetch some people while the situation was explained to the four.
"Sorry for all the secrecy and making this a house Potter matter but, after you hear these stories, we will have to decide whether we go public with it or not. There's also someone who I think needs help, which is again why I didn't want everyone involved at the moment."
Amelia handled the introductions when Minerva appeared back, before everyone sat and listened to this odd couple's tale.
Hermione had begun by taking notes but relinquished that duty to her mother as the story progressed. She was on Harry's lap and holding him tight by the time they reached the part where Frank went into the other room to shoot himself. Hermione had no problem imagining Harry doing something similar and wondered if Dumbledore had planned for an eventuality like that since Harry used to have that vile horcrux in his head. She was now silently crying tears of relief that Harry would never again have to face the monster that was Voldemort.
Harry was comforting Hermione which gave him time to get his brain in gear. This was wonderful news, he felt a weight lift off him he didn't even know was there. Saying that a prophecy was a load of shit was one thing, knowing he would not have to kill Voldemort again was something else. That a squib and a muggle finished off the all-powerful dark lord was poetic justice as far as Harry was concerned.
"I met the seventeen year old horcrux version of Voldemort a few months ago, and the spirit who was living out the back of Quirrell's head last year. I also had to fight the one that was behind my scar so I have a fair idea of what you two have gone through. That thing murdered my parents and has made multiple attempts on my life, House Potter owes you both a huge debt of gratitude. My only question here is what happens next?"
Frank didn't understand the question, he thought the answer was obvious. "Sibyll and I want to get married, then live our lives and raise our daughter away from magic. Riddle made it quite plain what he would do to me and my family, I understand he wasn't alone in holding those kind of views? I don't want my little girl raised in a world like that."
Amelia could see the misunderstanding here. "I think what Lord Potter is alluding to was do we tell anyone about this?"
Harry nodded in agreement. "Sir, my life hasn't been my own since the night that curse bounced off my forehead. I'm sure that's not something you would wish for your unborn daughter."
Sibyll quickly gave Frank the rundown on the boy-who-lived, he appeared horrified. "I want my daughter to be just a normal little girl. She's going to face enough problems because of the age of her parents, she doesn't need anything else hanging over her head."
None of those present had wanted to mention the age issue, Frank bringing it up allowed Harry to offer his help. "Sir, I am more than happy that the secret of how he met his end doesn't leave this room. We don't have to go public with this but can still tell certain people he's gone for good."
Amelia was just about to propose the very same thing so agreement was quickly reached. Harry could now make his offer of aid. "I can appreciate you wanting to live your lives in peace and would like to help. I would like you to accept my offer of a house in whatever part of the country you wish to live in, also a trust fund for your daughter to see her get a good start in life."
Frank's jaw was on the floor, good things like this just didn't happen to him. He glanced toward Sibyll, totally out of his depth. "Is this for real?"
She was also astonished at the offer but was able to reply truthfully. "The Potters are one of the oldest and richest wizarding families in Britain. Harry here is the last of his family, Voldemort saw to that. You, love have only met the very worst that wizarding society has to offer. Lord Potter's proposal is genuine and one I think we should quickly accept, it would safeguard our baby's future. Is there anywhere you always wanted to live love?"
Frank was now gazing at the woman he was going to marry as all his dreams appeared to be coming true at once. "I always dreamed of a cottage by the sea in Somerset or Devon, what about you love?"
"I think that sounds wonderful."
Harry jumped right in. "Good, I'll have the goblins begin searching for the perfect house at once. Ragnok will need to know the full story too, if for no other reason than to destroy the body of the goblin you shot. I suspect he'll wish to reward you as well, please graciously accept. Goblins don't take to kindly to their gifts being refused. Again I fear you've only met the wrong sort. I intend to buy the Riddle and Gaunt properties and have them razed to the ground, I want no trace of him left on the planet."
It was a dazed Frank and Sibyll who made their way back to the Hogwarts guest quarters they were staying in at the moment, promises of house details and pictures ringing in their ears. Amelia had also promised them a portkey to Hogwarts so they could have access to Poppy for when the baby was due. Both were too long in the tooth to believe in happy ever after but this came a lot closer to that than either ever thought they would possibly see.
Back in the office Emma had both of them engulfed in a tight hug. "He's really gone, that madman will never threaten my family again."
Dan was looking at it from a different angle. "Harry, that was a wonderful thing you just did for that couple. You literally helped them make their dreams come true."
"Dan, all I want is to grow up with Hermione and lead as normal a life as possible. Thanks to those two, that dream of mine is a lot closer. It might have been nice to have someone take the spotlight off the boy-who-lived but I wouldn't wish that on anyone. Headmistress, are we done with the surprises for the day?"
"I'm afraid not Harry, remember I told you there was a request for help? When Frank was contemplating shooting himself, the spirit of Voldemort was at the Bulstrodes. Millicent's parents were trying to convince her to allow the spirit to take control of her body and become the dark lady, naturally she strongly objected. Only the timing saved her from a fate worse than death. The girl is now terrified that she will be blamed for his demise and also worried at what her parents will come up with next."
Emma was so angry she couldn't speak, it was left to Dan to say the words for her. "What kind of sick parents could do that to a child? Can I assume you both know her?"
Harry thought of the large girl who he had to pull off Hermione at that idiot Lockhart's farce of a duelling club. "The last time we had any dealings with Millicent, she had Hermione in a head lock!"
The Granger parents got to see another side of Harry. A few minutes ago he just gave away a small fortune of a new house and a trust fund to two strangers. Now he was digging his heels in because this girl had hurt Hermione. This belligerence was the first sign to the Grangers that Harry was in fact only thirteen. Hurting Hermione was unforgivable in his book. They didn't know Harry had another reason, forbye her treatment of Hermione.
The girl in question thought she understood this and attempted to placate her betrothed. "Harry, it was Lockhart's lesson that got out of control that night. What her parents tried to do to her was barbaric. We have to help if we can."
Harry gently moved Hermione off his knee before getting up and walking around the office. Hermione held her hand up to stop her mother interrupting, Harry needed the time to think. His fists were clenched and by his side as he eventually asked a question.
"What would happen if it became known that Voldemort went to the Bulstrodes for help and they refused, causing his demise?"
There was a sharp intake of breath from the three witches inside the office, Amelia managed to answer first. "Harry, they probably wouldn't last the summer out. The other death eaters still at large would murder them."
Harry nodded his head as if he'd come to the same conclusion. Hermione caught his attention as she spoke softly to him. "Harry, that would be wrong."
Anyone else would have had the face snapped off them but this was Hermione, Harry tried to explain his reasoning. "So is throwing someone in Azkaban without a trial, so is leaving a baby on a doorstep, so is using a veela to try and get me to attend a certain school. He didn't turn up there randomly Hermione, Voldemort would only have went to the Bulstrodes if they were death eaters. Death eaters who avoided justice the last time, why the hell should I help them avoid it again? Unless it becomes public knowledge that Voldemort is dead, nothing is going to change in Britain. I don't want Frank or Sibyll involved because they were two innocent people, just in the wrong place at the wrong time, the Bulstrodes aren't. They were going to give up their daughter so Voldemort could return, isn't that a wrong that deserves to be punished?"
This was met by stunned silence, allowing Harry to continue uninterrupted. "Telling our friends about Voldemort changes nothing. Britain will still be the bigoted shithole it is at the moment, where blood purity matters much more than ability. We've had to listen to Malfoy, Parkinson and Bulstrode boasting they were better than us simply because of who there parents are. Without exposing that Voldemort has been banished for good, that opinion's never going to change. Just because Bulstrode chose not to be Voldemort's new body doesn't make her innocent or one of the good guys, it just means she's smarter than we thought she was. Do you think any of them would help us if we were in trouble? They would be too busy organizing the party to celebrate our demise."
Harry could see he was getting his point across. Yes Millicent Bulstrode had hurt Hermione but this was far bigger than that. It was time to push on. "We haven't really had time to discuss this as a family yet but I'm pretty sure the four of us are finished with living in Britain."
He glanced toward the Grangers for conformation, Dan was the one who gave him it.
"We were waiting until after the visit to Beauxbatons to ask if we could live in the chateau. Even if you attend Hogwarts, you are both gone from September until the middle of June. We want to move our practice to France and live there."
Harry smiled and nodded. "That is my home where I now intend to live, I would love you to stay there too. Hermione?"
She walked over and wrapped him in her arms. "I love you Harry, wherever you are is good enough for me. If that happens to be a fabulous French chateau where mum and dad are living too, I'm not going to complain. I'm also sorry I doubted you over Millicent and think you're right. Frank and Sibyll fought Voldemort with everything that they had, it was merely self-preservation that would have prompted Millicent to refuse her parents. Had she been asked to help get someone else possessed, we both know her answer would probably have been different."
Harry gave her a quick peck on the cheek before handing Susan's letter to Amelia. "I wanted to wait and see what this was all about before informing you of our decision. Susan didn't have time to write the last bit in her letter, since it just happened today. We're all attending Hogwarts come September, though we'll be moving permanently to France to live. Since you've both had more time to consider the Bulstrode situation, I would like to hear your ideas."
Minerva though was still focused on an earlier part of Harry's conversation. "Olympia tried to use a veela to get you to attend Beauxbatons?"
Hermione actually growled her answer. "We left that school with our wands in our hands. If one of them had reached for their wand, it would have got ugly. So would the veela, with a couple of stinging hexes to her face."
Amelia had thought Harry could possibly take the Bulstrode girl under his family protection, she now realised that would never work. They were going to have to become creative.
-oOoOo-
Glenda Bulstrode opened her front door to find two children standing there. That she recognised them immediately was hardly surprising, both had been featured heavily in the Prophet all summer.
"Mrs Bulstrode? I'm Harry Potter and this is my betrothed, Hermione Granger. Could we come in for a moment?"
Glenda found herself leading them into the family room and introducing them to her husband. His shocked expression probably matched her own, neither realised it was about to get a whole lot worse. Millicent slinked her way into the room and stood against the wall.
Harry let them sweat for a moment before telling them why they were here. "Mr and Mrs Bulstrode, Millicent. We came personally to thank you for getting rid of Voldemort. Actually, I was getting fed up of kicking his arse and am really pleased you finally finished him off. I intend to recommend to the ministry that you be publicly thanked for this great service to the British wizarding community."
Graham Bulstrode felt sick until a glaringly obvious solution presented itself. "Why I'm afraid Mr Potter that I can't let you do that. Certain associates of mine wouldn't take too kindly to that news. You really were a foolish Gryffindor to come marching into a strange house without any support. The Bulstrodes will soon be known, in certain exclusive circles of course, as the people who killed the boy who lived. George, you want a piece of this?"
A rather large gentleman appeared with his wand already in hand and pointed at both youngsters, he had obviously disillusioned himself when the door had been knocked. Standing back against a wall and not moving meant that both kids had missed him completely. Graham and Glenda now had their wands out and covering the young couple too.
Millicent was by any standards a large girl but she was surprisingly quick for her size. George Goyle was certainly surprised when the cast-iron frying pan she had hidden behind her back connected with speed, and considerable force, against the side of his head.
The resounding thunk, combining with George suddenly kissing the floor, saw the other wand holding Bulstrodes distracted. This was enough of an opening for Harry and Hermione, their wands shot into their hands almost as quick as the stunners left them. Both had targeted Graham Bulstrode though and Glenda found herself facing two wands while trying to decide what to do. Glenda was again distracted as the front door was blown open, she also could have sworn that little bushy haired girl was now sporting pink hair. The witch wasn't worrying about anything once Millicent's frying pan connected with her head.
The entire incident had taken seconds. Millie now stood there, frying pan raised and ready for battle, as Granger turned into an older girl who had shocking pink hair. A woman wearing a monocle had burst into the room, wand at the ready and also looking for trouble. She immediately took control of the situation.
"Shack, Tonks, sweep the house and make sure there are no other surprises before we invite our guests in." The polyjuiced auror and his young partner swept through the house, reporting it empty. Only then did Amelia call for her deputy to lead the others in.
Millie was delighted to see Professor McGonagall but confused by the appearance of another set of Potter and Granger. There were also accompanied by an older couple, the woman could only be Granger's mother. She threateningly raised the frying pan. "Someone like to tell me what's going on here? I'm not afraid to use this."
"Oh good, I like my bacon crispy. How's your summer been Bulstrode?"
"What's it got to do with you Potter?"
"Well, we're here because you asked Professor McGonagall for help. If you've got everything under control, we can leave and continue having a brilliant holiday. I am curious though, why the frying pan?"
"Bastards took my wand. This fat lump is Goyle's father, my loving parents thought it was time to marry me off. Possessed by Voldemort or married to Greg Goyle, now there are some shitty life choices for you. I would rather run away, which is why they took my wand."
Tonks spoke in praise of the girl. "The big guy was disillusioned when we entered, they had us cold until the girl saved our arses. Doesn't this complicate the plan?"
Shack was shaking Harry's head, enjoying having hair until the potion wore off. "I don't think so. He had his wand out with the intention of killing two kids, I say we just have him wake up in a cell with no memory of coming here. Pour a bottle of firewhiskey down his throat for effect. Tonks is right though, the girl's actions saved our bacon. Is there any way we can help her out of this?"
"Somebody needs to tell me what the hell is going on!" Millicent's voice had risen quite a bit by the time she reached the end of her sentence
Hermione though, was very cool as she gave the large girl her answer. "Oh Miss Bulstrode, your parents were caught red-handed attempting to perform a ritual to resurrect Voldemort. Unfortunately, the attempt backfired and he's now gone forever. They will admit to that or we publish the truth."
Millie's voice was a lot quieter as she asked the next question. "What about me?"
It had been hard to discuss this issue because none of them had known what would happen inside the house, Millicent though had clearly made her choice. Amelia gave the girl some of the better options they had discussed earlier. "I don't really think going back to Hogwarts and Slytherin is an option for you now. Whichever way this develops, you are going to be hit with some degree of notoriety. Mr Potter has offered to fund your schooling at the establishment of your choice, I highly recommend you accept his very generous offer. Do you have any family or friends that you could spend the rest of the summer with?"
Millie lowered the frying pan and shook her head. There were tears in her eyes as she recognised the appearance of hope for the first time since the Voldemort incident.
Amelia knew Harry couldn't take the girl in, due to his rather infamous houseguest. She was about to offer Millicent a room at Hogwarts when Minerva spoke up.
Minerva had regretted her decision to let Albus leave that baby on the doorstep from the moment she arrived back in Hogwarts that fateful night. Here was another child being ripped from her family by the actions of that monster Voldemort, Minerva couldn't walk away again. "Miss Bulstrode, you showed great bravery not only here, but in writing to me. I would like to offer you any help you need in choosing a new school and a place to stay during the holidays. We can make this arrangement as formal or informal as you like, I doubt your parents will be getting out of Azkaban before you turn seventeen."
The large girl broke down in sobs of relief. Minerva led her away to pack anything she needed as Tonks and Shack bound their prisoners, ready to bring them around and see if they took the offer. It didn't really matter to him, the death eaters were going down either way.
Harry and the three Grangers took their leave of Amelia, promising to see her when they returned from France to begin their withdrawal from Britain. The portkey took them back home.
-oOoOo-
Dolores was feeling quite pleased with herself. The headline that her department had foiled an attempted return by you-know-who made very pleasing reading. That the two aurors in question had been working on orders of her predecessor was conveniently overlooked. The final demise of the dark lord had even pushed the news that the Potter brat would be attending Hogwarts onto page two. That he was going to be living in France from now on barely got a mention. Yes, today's Prophet was a high point. The report sitting on her desk meant that tomorrow was going to be an entirely different story.
Albus Dumbledore had escaped ministry custody and could be anywhere by now. Combined with Sirius Black still being on the loose, things could turn ugly for the ministry very quickly. She already had a plan in place to destroy Dumbledore's reputation, trying to kidnap the boy who lived in front of irreproachable witnesses was not something the old wizard could recover from.
That both these wanted criminals were apparently focused on the Potter boy meant she needed measures in place to cover her arse should the worst happen. Since the dementors were already enraged that Sirius Black had escaped, she intended to issue orders that both wizards should be kissed on sight. Considering that Hogwarts would undoubtedly attract both escapees, the ministry would use dementors to guard the school. Purely for the children's safety of course.
Chapter 18
Harry hated having to leave Sirius in France. On an intellectual level he understood perfectly why it had to be this way, didn't make it any easier or mean he had to like it though. Not only was he leaving behind his godfather, Harry was leaving the place that had so quickly become his home. This was no welcome escape from the Dursleys after a hellish summer, Harry was seriously considering staying here and hiring tutors. With Sirius currently living here and still being a wanted man and Remus being Hogwarts bound, Hermione had managed to talk Harry out of it.
Sirius attempted to lift his godson's spirits as he walked with his arm around Harry's shoulders toward the RV. "Cheer up Harry, you'll all be heading back to Hogwarts next week anyway. Dan and Emma will soon be back to keep me company and it'll be Christmas before you know it. We'll all be together again then."
No mention was made of Peter Pettigrew while Ron and Ginny were there but everyone else hoped Sirius would be standing in Kings Cross station to greet them off the Hogwarts express come December. Sirius being a free man was top of Harry Potter's Christmas wish list.
The sun had barely risen as the RV was pointed in the direction of the château gates to begin the long journey home. This wasn't going to be the gentle amble around France the outward leg had been, more the quickest route through France to Calais. With a little luck, the party would sleep in their own beds for the first time in over a month. Today would be all about covering that distance in the shortest time possible, stops would be limited to refreshments and allowing for a change of drivers.
When Dan and Emma had made the decision to leave Britain, they saw no need to hurry back and had been in contact with their lawyers from France. There was already quite a bit of interest from dentists wanting to buy their practice. All the kids had quickly received permission from home to stay in France until just before it was time to head to Hogwarts. All the parents and guardians had been getting frequent letters and lots of photographs from their charges clearly indicating they were having a wonderful time. Letting them stay longer wasn't a hard decision to make.
Remus was at the wheel for the first stint with Dan sitting beside him as everyone waved goodbye to Sirius as they pulled away from what everyone inside the RV considered the best holiday of their life.
Emma was back with the kids and watching as her daughter comforted Harry, the boy really had no experience of leaving loved ones and needed Hermione's support at the moment. Just having Hermione beside him though meant Harry couldn't be down for long, he attempted to lift the air of sadness that had settled over everyone that their holiday was ending.
"Ok, summer holidays might be almost over but it's less than four months before our Christmas ones begin. You are all invited to spend them in France with us and bring your families along. It's not as if we don't have the room and you know the elves would love having loads of guests in the house."
This really cheered everyone up, especially when Hermione jokingly confirmed she would be coming. Emma was still trying to get her head around how much of an effect Harry had on her family, his use of 'we' and 'us' had a lump in her throat while tears were threatening to form in the corners of her eyes. In the space of the summer holidays Emma Granger had gotten a son, and she knew Dan felt exactly the same way. What do you say to someone who's changed your world?
Emma decided just to keep it light. She hugged Harry and kissed his cheek while confirming that she and Dan would clear their schedules to make sure they would be there. Both Harry and Emma knew there was more being said with the hug and the smile was back on Harry's face.
They may have been sticking to the motorways and stopping at service stations but this was still an adventure to the majority of those aboard the RV. The traffic gods were smiling down on them and they made good time to Calais.
Both Weasleys were astonished at the scale of the port and blown away by the sheer size of the ferries. Ginny was suffering from a panic attack and appeared ready to pass out as Dan drove their vehicle straight into the belly of the beast. Harry and Hermione were desperately trying to console her but having no success. It wasn't until they reached the upper deck and Ginny could see the sea and sky that she showed any signs of calming. A trip to one of the restaurants had her once more glancing around in amazement.
Luna whispered in her ear. "Just wait until you see the shops. I know you and Ron have already bought some gifts for your family but how do you think your dad would react to getting something bought on a ship that was crossing the channel?"
Ginny didn't have to answer her friend, both knew her father would love anything muggle but this would be special.
When they all headed down to the shopping area, Ginny's gaze immediately settled on a die cast model of the ferry and the youngest Weasley knew she didn't have to look any further. A box of fancy chocolates for her mum were soon followed by a few giant triangular things called Toblerone for the twins and Percy. Hermione had assured Ginny it was a type of confectionary and they would enjoy it.
The entire party then gathered on the deck as the last rays of sunshine were reflected back of the famous chalk cliffs of Dover, they were almost home.
The RV stopped shortly after clearing Dover, the holiday was now officially over.
"Dobby can start popping everyone home while Emma and I drive the RV back to the hire outfit. Luna, you're still staying with us since that's what we arranged with your father and he's not back until next week so you'll need to say goodnight to Ron here."
Dan didn't need to say anything to Neville, Susan was already saying goodnight to him before Dobby popped her and Hannah off home. Neville was next and then the Weasleys. Remus was staying in Crawley for the weekend until the lunar cycle forced him to leave for Hogwarts, he apparated there while Dobby popped the three kids to the Granger home.
Dan started the engine and found Emma by his side. "What a summer. I still can hardly believe it all happened."
Emma rested her head on his shoulder. "Any regrets or doubts?"
Dan switched lanes as the traffic thinned out, taking his time to answer. "I don't think so. I'm very excited about our move to France, and we don't even have to search for accommodation. The situation with Hermione and Harry is still something I'm coming to terms with but have you ever seen our little girl happier?"
A kiss on the cheek told Dan his wife agreed with that opinion. He continued on in the same vein. "Harry is certainly someone who grows on you, I can hardly imagine our lives without him in them anymore. Did I mention I have a little revenge planed for those horrid relations of his?"
Emma was now sitting up straight in her seat. "Daniel Granger, you know fine well you've never mentioned anything of the sort. I assume you're just about to?"
A little smirk played over Dan's features. "Sirius, Remus and I sat a couple of times and discussed a few things to do to the Dursleys, I never want those two angry at me. Anyway, once I had talked them both out of anything to do with dismemberment, we came up with something to hurt their pride. Dobby was only too willing to help."
Dan paused until he heard the growl coming from his wife. She wanted details and it wouldn't be prudent to keep her waiting much longer. "Well everything we've learned about the Dursleys tells us they are the worst kind of social climbers. I thought it would be poetic justice to rub their noses in what they had but didn't want."
Emma could hear a trace of anger in her husband's voice as he spoke of the Dursleys not wanting Harry, and she loved him all the more for it.
"How anyone could not want Harry is beyond me. Hell, Ginny's mother was ready to start world war three to get him into her family yet the Dursleys only saw a freak. Anyway, once I heard about Harry's wine problem, an idea began to germinate in my head."
"If you don't tell me what this idea is in the next few minutes, I'm going to start becoming annoyed."
"Right, well we're going to put a tiny dent in Harry's wine surplus by delivering a special crate of it to every resident of Privet Drive, all except one that is. Did I forget to mention these bottles have specially printed labels with Harry's picture on them? The crate also has a picture of him standing in front of the Potter château."
Emma was trying to imagine how the Dursleys would react to that when Dan provided the kicker. "There is also a letter attached, thanking everyone for making his stay in Privet Drive such a pleasant one. It goes on to explain that Harry won't be back in Privet Drive as he's taken up his family title and will now live abroad. The letter is signed Lord Harry James Potter and has his family crest embossed into the paper."
Emma's eyes were sparkling as she anticipated the consequences for the Dursleys. News like that would spread like wildfire over the entire community of Little Whining. The Dursleys would find themselves bombarded with questions at every turn, questions they had no answers for. That, combined with discovering their nephew is a wealthy lord who they threw out their house, would go a little way to extracting some revenge for Harry.
"When did you get so devious?"
"Hey, I live with two of the smartest girls I've ever met. I need to be devious just to survive."
The couple actually enjoyed the drive back to the hire firm. All that remained to do was park the RV in their forecourt and place the keys into their secure holding box. Dobby had dealt with all the luggage and the interior of the RV gleamed as if new, he also had them both home only seconds after they called him.
-oOoOo-
Augusta Longbottom was struggling to equate this tanned young wizard who was currently chatting away to her with the shy, nervous boy who was her grandson. The only thing she was finding harder to believe was some of the photographs in front of her. In every single one, Neville was not only smiling but he was surrounded by his friends. It was also hard to miss that Amelia Bones' niece was right beside him in almost all of them.
All the kids had arranged to meet at the Grangers for their last defence lesson on Sunday, Augusta couldn't help but think this was the best thing that ever happened to her grandson.
-oOoOo-
A similar, though noisier scene was currently taking place at the Burrow breakfast table. Arthur was enchanted with his metal model of the ferry, especially since the doors opened and you could see the tiny cars and coaches inside.
"You really drove into the belly of the ship?"
Ginny was telling the story for the umpteenth time while the twins were busy trying to fathom the hidden meaning behind the confectionary their sister had bought them. They even fed a piece to Scabbers just in case this was a prank. When Ron offered to be a tester too, they gave it a try and were relatively quiet for the rest of the morning.
Molly watched on as her family behaved as normally as they ever did, she thought this would be the perfect time to announce her intentions.
"Ginny, we want to hold a belated birthday party for you, one where you can invite all your friends over."
This got the immediate attention of all the Weasley children, wondering just what their mother was up to now.
"I also would like you to invite the Grangers. I was rude to them yet they still took you both on holiday and treated you like family. I owe them an apology."
The tension that had built up in the room quickly died as excitement took its place.
"We'll shop for your school things tomorrow, Sunday you're at the Grangers so we could make it Monday. You're all back to Hogwarts on Wednesday."
Ron was in quickly. "Luna's dad comes back on Monday, could we invite him too? Luna might not be able to make it otherwise."
Both twins thought this was the perfect opportunity to tease their brother over his new girlfriend but settled instead for some gentle joking. "Aw mum, we couldn't have that."
"Yeah, Luna appears to have taught Ron some table manners. She needs to be here."
"Of course Xeno's welcome, we should probably invite Neville's gran and Hannah's parents too? You want to invite Amelia Arthur?"
"I think that's a great idea. The kids have been together for most of the holidays, a party just before they all head off to Hogwarts would be the perfect way to end the summer."
Arthur noticed Ginny appeared quite sheepish about the whole idea and asked his daughter what the matter was. "Mum, dad, I love the idea of a party. I was wondering if it could just be a summer party though, and not one for my birthday?"
Molly was quite hurt by her daughter's request. "Why would you not want a birthday party?"
Ron then showed that Luna was rubbing off on him by diffusing the whole situation and helping his sister out. "It's not that she doesn't want a birthday party mum, more like she's already had one. We celebrated Ginny's birthday when we stayed at the château and all her friends have already given her presents. That necklace she's wearing was a gift from Harry and Hermione, I don't think she's taken it of since they gave it to her."
Ginny was now blushing as she showed her necklace to her family. It was a fine gold chain with a golden angel charm hanging from it. "It's a guardian angel with charms and runes placed on it, it protects the wearer from all forms of mental attack. They had it especially made for me at a magical jewellers in France."
Molly could see it was a beautiful gift but it was the practicality of the necklace that touched her heart. Had her daughter possessed a necklace like this before she started Hogwarts, that diary wouldn't have worked and most of last year's events would have been nullified. Although Molly had no way of knowing the necklace and charms cost the equivalent of a years salary for Arthur, she could easily guess at the comfort wearing it provided for Ginny. She was not going to turn this into an argument.
"Very well then, no candles or Happy Birthday written on the cake but I'm still making a cake."
That declaration received absolutely no arguments from the Weasley family, Molly's cakes were legendary and no one was about to pass up on one of them.
Ron sounded the only sour note. "Professor Lupin won't be able to make it on Monday, it's too close to the full moon. That's why our last lesson will be Sunday."
Molly was slightly shocked at the change in attitude of her youngest son. "You continued your lessons while on holiday?"
Ron nodded as his wand shot into his hand from the wrist holder they all now wore. "Expecto Partonum."
A silver Jack Russell terrier shot out Ron's wand and paraded up and down their kitchen table before disappearing.
Percy had been quiet all morning but it was left to him to break the silence that followed Ron's demonstration. "That's a corporal patronus. I'm head boy and I can't cast one of those."
Ron couldn't help but laugh at his family's reaction to his spell. "You should see Harry's, his is simply amazing."
Ginny was nodding in agreement as the rest of the family struggled to comprehend what they just witnessed. "Professor Lupin is a wonderful teacher, he has us all working on this charm. Luna and me can only manage some mist at the moment but the rest of them all have an animal patronus."
Percy was flabbergasted but asked the obvious question. "Why would he be teaching you something so advanced? That's NEWT level and beyond."
The rest of the family wanted to know the answer to that question as well so Ron provided them with one.
"It's really simple. The ministry are using dementors to hunt for escaped criminals. Potter's law says that anything that can go wrong is bound to happen to Harry sooner rather than later. Using that theory, it's only a matter of time before he comes face to face with one of these things."
Ginny jumped in as the two youngest Weasleys began to mimic the twins' way of speaking. "As Harry's friends, we have to be ready for anything."
Ron wholeheartedly agreed. "Harry never goes looking for trouble, it just has his address and likes to keep in touch."
All the Weasley kids were laughing at that analogy and began to provide their sceptical parents with examples.
"Quidditch is a dangerous sport, who else but Harry would have his broom jinxed during his first ever match."
Fred remembered the incident well. "Yeah, George and me thought he was a gonner for sure. We were underneath Harry hoping to grab him when it tossed him off."
Ginny couldn't help but comment on what she herself had seen. "That rogue bludger was no picnic either, chased after him the entire match before finally breaking his arm."
Percy couldn't resist having a little dig at his mother's former idol. "Yes, and that was before Lockhart removed all the bones in his arm while supposedly trying to fix it."
Both Molly and Arthur were wide-eyed listening to these tales but Ron had the last word. "What nobody has mentioned though is that Harry caught the snitch in each of those incidents, he's never been beaten and doesn't know how to give up. that's why when trouble finds him, he's kicked its arse every time. Em bum?"
Ginny tried to save her brother's arse. "And his friends are always there to help him."
Molly decided to let Ron's slip go, she'd certainly made enough of them herself this summer. "Ok, breakfast is over so get your washing down here and then tidy your rooms. Diagon Alley for Hogwarts supplies tomorrow, Ron and Ginny heading for the Granger on Sunday and then party at the Burrow on Monday. We'll also need the garden de-gnomed…"
The five Weasley children shot out of there as if fired from a canon before they could be assigned that tedious task. Arthur chuckled as he was left thinking things may be looking up for the Weasley family but something's will never change.
-oOoOo-
Harry and the girls were woken by owls delivering their Hogwarts letters and book lists, a decision was then jointly made to tackle Diagon Alley today. With Remus offering to accompany them, the party of six set off for London. The instant their group stepped into the Leaky Cauldron all sound stopped, Harry was painfully reminded of his first visit there with Hagrid.
Dan and Emma got to see another example of just how famous Harry was, they were mobbed with well-wishers and Remus had to act as bodyguard as the kids were getting swamped. On reaching the alley itself, the reaction was repeated all over again.
When the arch opened they could see people busily rushing from one shop to the next, it appeared as if they were all trying to get their business done as quickly as possible and then get out of there. When someone called out Harry's name, the effect was incredible. From their vantage point, the group could see the effect pass down the Alley like a ripple. People's heads suddenly came up and the expressions of hope expressed there were painful to watch. There was a surge in their direction but this reaction had now been expected and anticipated.
Remus got the kids into the apothecary and guarded the door while the three students got their supplies for school. A flustered Emma asked him if it was always like this and the new Hogwarts professor considered his answer carefully.
"Amelia's letter told us the ministry's announcement that Voldemort's attempted return had been thwarted had somewhat backfired on them. Instead of jubilation, it was meet with fear that his return was remotely possible in the first place. The ministry's assurances that he was definitely gone this time fell on deaf ears, the people thought he was definitely gone the last time."
Both Granger parents could understand that viewpoint and Remus then drew their attention to the posters that currently adorned every piece of exposed brickwork in the Alley. Clearly visible were multiple copies of wanted posters featuring Sirius Black or Albus Dumbledore. Remus had explained before they left for France that Sirius was considered the most dangerous murderer in Britain and now the Prophet had apparently been publishing information on Dumbledore that exposed his misdeeds and clearly criminal actions.
"So now we have the possibility that the evilest dark lord in living memory could return, his number one supporter has broken out of Azkaban and is currently on the loose. Meanwhile the supposed leader of the light is shown to be nothing more than a man hungry for power, a man who didn't care how he held on to it either. People have a natural distrust of their governments so that leaves only one person the British wizarding community feel they can count on."
Emma saw exactly where this was leading and whispered the name. "Harry."
"Exactly, seeing him in the Alley today is like a confirmation that all will be right with their world again. When people become so frightened that it affects their daily lives, they look for any symbol of hope to cling onto. Harry Potter is that symbol for magical Britain."
"I thought Augusta and Amelia were exaggerating when they said it would be a disaster for Harry to leave Hogwarts, I'm beginning to see what they meant."
Dan and Remus were left riding shotgun on the group as they had to force a path through the crowd to get from shop to shop while Emma followed closely with the kids. News that Harry Potter was in Diagon Alley had spread like wildfire and everyone apparently wanted to see him for themselves. The only thing stopping the group getting the hell out of there was the joy expressed on everyone's faces. They were in absolutely no danger in Diagon Alley as anyone lifting a hand or wand against Harry would in all probability have been ripped to pieces by the adoring crowd.
Getting inside Gringotts massive doors gave them a minute to regroup.
"Wow, that was something else. Usually I just get stared at and the occasional handshake, today is just mental. Here's hoping Hogwarts is nothing like that."
"Yeah, I was beginning to think I was betrothed to Prince William."
This earned a chuckle from her mother, "So was I Hermione, so was I."
Luna was left to ask the obvious question. "Who's Prince William?"
No one got time to answer the girl as Ragnok made an unprecedented appearance on the main floor of the bank. He marched straight over to greet them. "Lord Potter, it's a pleasure to see you and your family again. Could I impose on you for a few moments of your time? It concerns family business."
"Of course Ragnok, how can we help?"
Remus and Luna both understood that family business excluded them but had their dealings at Gringotts seen to at once. Ragnok coming out to greet Lord Potter raised Harry's standing dramatically inside Gringotts. Any friend of Lord Potter's would not be waiting in a queue to be served. Remus left with Luna to continue their shopping while the others met with the goblin leader.
They had hardly sat in Ragnok's office when the pleasantries were dispensed with, it was straight down to business. "Lord Potter, the goblin nation owes you a great debt for contacting us over our missing goblin."
Harry was about to interrupt but Dan's hand on his shoulder stopped him, he could see this was something Ragnok needed to say.
"It is impossible for a goblin to be affected by Voldemort's type of soul magic, our physiology physically prohibits this. He must have voluntary joined with this filth, for a goblin to do that sickens us. More importantly, can you imagine the reaction of witches and wizards if this incident ever became public knowledge? We would be ruined as everyone rushed to claim their gold from Gringotts."
"There is certainly no debt between us Ragnok. The trust I have in you and the goblin nation will not be affected by the actions of one rogue goblin. How are Frank and Sibyll?"
Ragnok's smile was wide and toothy. "A most unusual couple if I do say so. Frank has served in his country's military and has honour enough to be considered a goblin. They now live in a cottage on the Somerset coast, just outside the Exmoor National Park."
All four were pleased at this news.
'They resisted all attempts to offer them anything bigger or grander, claiming this was exactly what they wanted. We purchased the orchard adjacent to their property, that will give them plenty of room to raise their daughter. I know you wished to have a hand in paying for these things but goblin honour dictated we must care for the people who saved us from this potential catastrophe. We also dug the body up from where Frank had buried him and fed it to our dragons. This filth did not deserve a warrior's burial and is now literally dragon dung."
Harry never wanted to be the subject of goblin anger, even death didn't spare you from it. "I assume you have the building warded, and perhaps even watched? I would like to know when their daughter is born and that everything is fine."
"Their chickens won't even have to worry about foxes, nothing trying to harm any creature on that land will get through our wards. Their cottage is one of the safest places in England."
Harry told Ragnok they would be moving to France and he immediately offered to contact their Paris branch and have them placed at his disposal. He also offered Gringotts services to arrange the transfer of the Granger's business to France. When he mentioned the tax breaks this would give them, Dan and Emma agreed at once.
They made their way back onto Diagon Alley and the whole place had taken on an atmosphere that was almost a carnival compared to what it had been earlier. The Alley and shops were now bustling with people who were enjoying shopping, comforted by the knowledge that, with Harry Potter in the Alley, they would be safe.
Dan thought it was illogical, improbable and quite a few other words he could think of. What he couldn't deny though was the evidence that was right in front of him, these people really did think a twelve year old boy was their saviour.
Further evidence was provided by three beautiful older girls who rushed Harry and started hugging and kissing him. The laughter from Hermione told the Granger parents that these were not strangers. With the jealous stares from every witch in the Alley over the age of eight, the girls stopped their displays of affection but were still all smiles.
"Mum, dad, this is Alicia, Katie and Angelina. They're Harry's Gryffindor Quidditch teammates from Hogwarts."
"Oh you've no idea how glad we were to hear you were coming back. Oliver was inconsolable when he found out you were leaving."
Katie confirmed Alicia's sentiments to the Grangers. "Harry's the best seeker in Hogwarts, we won every game last year."
Dan thought he was being cool with his answer. "Harry, I would really like to see a Quidditch match. You never told me it was played by beautiful young ladies."
Hermione was mortified but was saved from further embarrassment when Harry and the three chasers all burst out laughing.
"Emma, can we take Dan into Quality Quidditch Supplies for a moment? I want to get him a Holyhead Harpies poster."
The timbre of Emma's voice told Harry and Hermione that Dan would suffer for his crass comment later. "That sounds fine Harry. I might get one of those beater bat things, I can think of someone I'd like to practice on later."
This drew more laughter but they all headed for the Quidditch store. When Dan saw the aforementioned poster, he definitely wanted one. Emma too was enthralled to watch the players flying about. The manager appeared with a specific poster already in his hand.
"Lord Potter, ladies, could I have a moment of your time? We've been running a Gryffindor Quidditch Poster this summer and its become our biggest seller. I was wondering if you could sign one for me?"
The distaste was there in Harry's face for everyone to see, the manager though attempted to persuade him. "I would display it in the window to be raffled, with all the proceeds going to St. Mungo's hospital. I would also ensure I got the other three's signature too, I want the full team's signatures on this."
Alicia was the quickest to spot a deal here. "I would be delighted to sign your poster, provided I got a free one?"
The manager could see he had the boy swithering, the cost of a few free posters would easily be offset by having a Harry Potter signed one displayed in the window. "Why Miss Spinnet, that's a deal I would be happy to offer the entire team."
Harry agreed and signed the poster only to find a blushing Katie offering hers to be signed.
"Harry, I know you hate this stuff but could you sign mine as my teammate? I think it would be so cool to have one signed by the entire team."
As he was being asked to sign as Harry potter, seeker and not the hyphenated boy he quickly agreed. "Only if you'll sign mine Katie, I think that's a great idea."
They left the shop, Dan had his Harpies' poster and Emma with a Gryffindor one. Hermione had saucily said that she didn't need a poster, she got to kiss the real thing every day. She did accept the Gryffindor shirt from Harry with Potter on the back though.
The trip to the bookstore was again a surprise as Hermione only bought the books she needed for Hogwarts and nothing else. She finally responded to the strange glances she was receiving. "What's the point in buying books when there's that wonderful library at the Château? Dobby told me he could easily get me any book I want from there."
By the time they met up with Remus and Luna in Madam Malkins, Dan was saddled with the task of transporting what appeared to be a miniature tiger in a basket weave carry cage. A bandy-legged ugly tiger at that. Hermione cooing at the creature through the bars left no doubt just who the animal belonged to. Luna and Remus were being fitted for robes as Harry and Hermione joined the queue.
Remus made a fine figure standing there in his new robes for Hogwarts but Harry could see he was somewhat torn, he was also pretty sure he knew what the problem was. "Remus, you earned every knut of that money and more. You are going to be the best defence professor Hogwarts has had in donkeys' years."
Luna agreed. "Certainly better than Lockhart."
Remus was now smiling. "Thanks Luna, with a ringing endorsement like that, I can't possibly fail."
Harry then explained to the girl serving that he wanted the Potter crest on the Hogwarts robes for himself and his betrothed.
Emma had a lump in her throat as she saw her daughter standing there, proudly wearing her new robes with the Potter family crest on them and twirling the betrothal ring on her finger. The wide smile on Hermione's face dispelled any of her doubts though, her daughter's happiness was hard to miss.
It was a happy bunch who headed back to Crawley where Dobby would have their dinner waiting on them. Remus knew he would be torn when it came time to leave but he would see the kids every day at Hogwarts. He was also looking forward to spending his first Christmas with friends for many years.
-oOoOo-
Albus Dumbledore watched from the edge of the Forbidden Forest as preparations were being made for the children's return to Hogwarts. He found it difficult to believe he had been lambasted because a beast Salazar Slytherin himself had placed inside the castle had unfortunately been released on a few students, yet here were the ministry surrounding the castle with over one hundred of the most deadly and foul creatures known to wizardkind.
Placing Dementors at Hogwarts was an act of such utter folly that only the ministry of magic could have come up with that suggestion, far less put it into practice. What they failed to take into consideration was that, should anything go wrong, the ministry would be faced with an unmitigated disaster of such magnitude and monstrosity that the public would physically drag them out their precious building and hang them from the nearest projection they could throw a rope over.
This would leave Britain wide open for a powerful wizard to retake control and become the voice of reason once more. What were Albus Dumbledore's few mistakes when held up against the horrors their own ministry of magic had just brought about?
The icing on the cake though would be the unfortunate death of a certain Harry Potter. The witches and wizards of Britain would practically beg him to return and look after them when their own ministry of magic was clearly responsible for the death of their saviour.
All Albus had to do was ensure such a tragedy occurred. Since no living person understood the Hogwarts wards like he did, it really shouldn't be too difficult to collapse them at an opportune moment. Then all he needed was a few initial victims for the dementors to feed on. A few fresh souls should be enough to trigger a feeding frenzy and then there were hundreds more young souls conveniently nearby.
Salazar wanted to cleanse Hogwarts with his Basilisk but Albus Dumbledore intended to show him how it should be done. It was a pity though that no one could ever know he engineered the entire event. If he couldn't be headmaster of Hogwarts then no one would, he'd see the castle closed forever first.