Chapter 5
Dan Granger was sitting having a conversation with Griphook that was changing his family's lives forever and found himself once more in agreement with Harry; the goblins were brilliant at business!
Every stumbling block was quickly and easily overcome as the required documentation would appear out of thin air as another regulation would have its box ticked. Dan handled the business side of their practice and had a lot of dealings with financial advisors but none who were in the same league as Griphook.
It was now apparent where Harry was getting his information and decision making skills from as the goblin easily explained the available options to each specific problem but left all the final decisions to them, it was exhilarating as it was terrifying to say goodbye to their old lives and become New Yorkers.
When their business was completed Griphook produced some vintage champagne and the three of them toasted their new lives before Griphook became serious once more.
"Mr and Mrs Granger, what I'm about to discuss with you doesn't exactly come under the heading of Gringotts business but I choose to look upon my job as doing whatever I can to aid Lord Potter and its under this heading that I'm going to make some revelations that mustn't leave this room for now."
Dan and Emma were intrigued, Griphook had just spent a few hours going over every aspect of their finances and arranging every detail of their new practice including lists of suppliers and contacts at a reputable agency for hiring staff, they weren't yet at the stage where the goblin was classed as a friend but they trusted his advice and were curious to what he intended to reveal. They should have remembered what curiosity did to the cat.
"In my dealing with Lord Potter I had noticed a level of maturity that was, shall we say uncommon for one with so few years behind them which aroused my suspicions, after speaking with the Potter elf Jake and seeing Lord Potter again today my suspicions were confirmed. Lord Potter is rapidly magically bonding with your daughter and Hermione with him, if it continues at its present pace the bond will complete within the year."
Emma had a vague idea what this entailed as her conversation with Hermione replayed in her head but Dan was totally clueless, Griphook tried to explain just how much their lives were now altering.
"A bond like this is a rare and wonderful thing to behold, for the couple involved they will grow closer as their magic merges and in the rarest of cases a full soul bond can form. This does not require sexual intimacy though they will crave contact with each other, I noticed that they never let go of one another's hands when they were in this office earlier and I would surmise they embrace a lot?"
Emma nodded and asked a question though she was positive she knew at least part of the answer, "What does this mean for the kids?"
"It basically means that they have found their life mate, both will never consider another and be together till the day they die. Subconsciously they both know this and their magic is helping them mature as they face up to their new responsibilities of having a partner for life, they also have the added burden of the whole Voldemort scenario so again I would surmise that it's pushing their maturity along even further. From what I've been able to learn their drive to protect each other has been present for some time and you can expect any lessons or tasks to be undertaken with unwavering vigour and commitment."
Dan was struggling with the whole concept, "Are you telling me that Harry's going to be my son-in-law and even though my daughter's not yet thirteen I don't have a say in the matter?"
Griphook could see this conversation wasn't going quite as he hoped but could only give one answer, "Yes."
Dan was working himself up to a rant when Emma cut him off at the knees, "Daniel Granger please engage that brain you have when choosing your next words, and they may be the last anyone listens to for a while. We've just been told that our daughter will miss out on the hell that is teenage dating, wondering if the boy really likes you or just tying to get into your knickers, deciding how far to go and the heartache of finding out you made the wrong choices. Instead she has a wonderful boy who thinks the entire world revolves around her and unless I'm mistaken will ask her to be Lady Potter as soon as the law allows. We have a chance to be part of that wondrous journey with you getting the son you always wanted or fight this and risk loosing the daughter we've only just got back, she will obey you out of duty but you will lose both of their respect. This is the same person who's assuring the safety of our family, providing us with opportunities we'd only dreamed of as well as being the finest young man we've ever met. I would now like to hear your thoughts on the matter."
Dan recognised the 'dealing with difficult patient' voice and attempted to look at this logically, he agreed with every word his wife just said but this was his little princess so 'protective father' kept kicking the shit out of logic with the thought of some boy after his daughter. Logic's parting shot was to wonder why Griphook mentioned this which set Dan's thoughts off in a different direction.
He looked directly into the goblin's eyes, "I take it there's a good reason why you're telling us this other than to watch me squirm?"
Griphook actually laughed, he liked these muggles. "Yes there is, Lord Potter currently has nine betrothal contracts awaiting his attention as old pureblood families vie for control of the Potter fame, fortune and power. Should there be a change in government to that of a darker nature pressure could be brought to bear for Lord Potter to choose one of these 'for his own good' and to protect the bloodlines. Lord Potter would choose to relinquish everything that he has rather than be parted from his chosen life partner but my job as his advisor is to ensure that doesn't happen."
"Could they do that?"
"Mr Granger the Ministry of Magic is run along the lines of what I would think of as an exclusive golf club, yes everyone is technically equal but the real power is held in the hands of only a few. These few control just about everything and rather than having to break the law they just change them to suit their current needs. Add to that mix nepotism, bigotry, corruption with incompetence running rife and you have a recipe for disaster which is probably as good a word as any to describe that establishment. Lord Potter's godfather has been in prison for eleven years without a trial or even charges being pressed, we now have evidence proving his innocence yet I don't hold out much hope of getting him released as that would entail some people in power accepting blame for their mistakes."
Dan felt as if his insides had been turned to ice but he needed to know, "Just what are you suggesting?"
"I'm suggesting that we head off all of this by letting Lord Potter become betrothed to the only girl he would consider for the position."
Emma had to take over the questioning as Dan appeared to have entered a catatonic state, "What exactly are the implications of a betrothal and what will it mean for Hermione?"
Griphook was trying again to phrase it in terms muggles could relate to, "The only restriction on Hermione is that she wouldn't be allowed to become emotionally involved with another boy without revoking her betrothal first, with their impending bond that's not even a consideration. Otherwise it's almost the equivalent of someone giving her their school ring; they are only saying that both are serious about each other without tying themselves down to further commitments."
This brought Dan out of his funk, he had envisaged signing Hermione's life away but this didn't sound too bad and should they end up married the decision would still be hers to make.
"The legal benefits are immense for everyone involved, Lord Potter acquires protection from being forced into a relationship while all of you then come under the protection of the Noble and Ancient House of Potter. If we do this properly it will take Dumbledore and the Ministry off the board of potential foes leaving Voldemort as the only opposition player still in the game." Griphook didn't think the father would be able to handle the news that his daughter would be considered married when the magical bond completed, the goblin decided he would give the man a chance to get better aquatinted with the young Lord before dispensing that nugget of information. The betrothal would cover his young Lord in the meantime and when the bond completed they would be faithful to each other even if one of them died.
Dan looked towards his wife for advice on a subject so far outside his comfort zone that warp factor speeds would be needed to get him there in this lifetime, "How do we handle this love, what will Hermione think?"
Emma gave him a reassuring kiss, "She will think that she has the best father in the whole wide world, our little girl is worried about these contracts and wants to be with Harry so much she set fire to a professor's robes to save him while they were just friends. Her dream is to be with Harry and us so we get a chance to make our girl's dreams come true, Harry will be harder to convince as he might think we're pushing Hermione into something she's not ready for and he won't stand for that. He may be young but his morals and ethics are every bit as strong as yours when it comes to a certain young lady."
Griphook interrupted, "I don't foresee that being as big a problem as you think, every conversation I have had with him has revolved around the safety of your daughter. If we emphasise the potential benefits in her security then Lord Potter will happily comply, he places your daughter's well being far above his own. Hermione Jean Granger is named as his next of kin and sole benefactor, should anything happen to him she will inherit over a billion."
"Sterling?" croaked Emma.
"Galleons," the goblin replied as both Grangers passed out with the shock.
-oOoOo-
Harry and Hermione were currently in the Potter vault collecting all the books they could find to begin a library in their school / hideout / new home actually felt the best fit. Jake and Sophie were shrinking the books and placing them in a trunk for transport later.
Hermione stopped as she discovered a case full of betrothal, engagement and wedding rings; she was staring at them with longing when she felt Harry's arms encircle her from behind.
"Never doubt that one day you will have the complete set; I would happily give you the first one right this minute if I didn't think it would have your parents baying for my blood. I hope that by your birthday or at the latest Christmas they would know me well enough to accept this, you are mine my Hermione and there will never be another."
Both elves were observing this and mentally halved their initial estimate of bond completion.
-oOoOo-
Harry and Hermione rejoined her parents with Griphook in his office and both immediately felt the tension in the room, most of which seemed to be emanating from Dan. Harry sat in a chair and Hermione joined him on his knee, both were wondering what could have gone so wrong to cause this.
Dan decided to just blurt it out, "Hermione would you like to be betrothed to Harry?"
The resulting scream pierced eardrums and had two goblin guards bursting into the room with blades drawn but their training never prepared them for situations like this, the young witch was currently wrapped around Lord Potter kissing him before exploding onto her father. After more hugs, squeals and more kisses it was her mothers turn to be attacked, when the witch turned her attentions onto Master Griphook both guards suddenly remembered pressing appointments elsewhere in the bank and beat a hasty retreat out the room. Dragons, dark wizards and bank robbers were one thing but nowhere in their contracts did it mention anything about being hugged and kissed by a young witch, that was above and beyond the call of duty.
Back inside Dan was watching his daughter treat the room like a pin ball machine as she ricochet off everyone present though did seem to linger longer with Harry, "Can I take it you approve of the idea?"
"Oh yes daddy, thank you yes!" she gushed.
"What about you Harry?"
"Mr Granger I thought it might take a while longer for you both to get to know me before I asked for permission to have Hermione as my betrothed, my answer is of course yes."
"Oh Harry we need to go back down to your vault, I know the exact ring I want."
"I'm sure you mean our vault and would this be the ring in question?" Harry couldn't fail to notice the way Hermione's gaze had kept returning to a certain ring so when she was getting ready to leave he had pocketed the pair, hoping he would need them later but never thinking they would be required as soon as this.
Hermione confirmed her soon to be betrothed had got it right by pouncing on him and almost hugging the life out of him, she was so happy she could probably out-bounce Tigger at the moment.
Griphook intruded on the proceedings, "To do this properly we need a representative from the ministry to authenticate the documents and preside over the ceremony, I have taken the liberty of inviting one of the few whose honesty and integrity I trust."
The door opened admitting a middle aged witch whose whole persona screamed 'don't mess with me', Griphook did the introductions.
"Madam Bones is head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, may I present Lord Potter, Miss Hermione Granger and her parents."
"Lord Potter it's a pleasure to meet you, I believe you know my niece Susan? She also attends Hogwarts."
"Yes Madam Bones we both know Susan but neither Hermione nor I have any intention of returning to a school where they would employ Voldemort to teach their students."
"I had heard rumours my Lord but was assured that's all they were, surely you jest?"
"He was growing out the back of Quirrell's head, which explained the turban. I spoke to him and had to kill them both in self-defence."
Bones was suddenly all business, "Why was the DMLE not informed of this?"
Harry had faced down Voldemort, Dumbledore and McGonagall; it was time to add Bones to the list. "With respect ma'am I have been kept ignorant of wizarding procedures and customs, until Griphook's introduction a minute ago I didn't know your department existed. I suggest you take the matter up with our former headmaster."
"My apologies Lord Potter if I suggested any wrong doing on your part, unfortunately the person who assured me it was a rumour was your former headmaster. Would you be willing to come down to my office and make a statement?"
"That would not be possible ma'am, my former headmaster doesn't quite know about the former part yet as he thinks he has some control over my life. I no longer live in this country and am only here today on business."
This news shocked the witch, "Can I ask you why you left Britain?"
Harry answered with a question of his own, "Can I ask if you have made any progress in granting my godfather his basic human right of a trial?"
Amelia Bones had the good grace to look embarrassed, "I'm sorry my Lord, I'm being stonewalled at every turn and even the press dosen't want to know. Proving that he was not your parent's secret keeper doesn't help the fact that he killed Pettigrew for betraying them or the twelve muggles who died in the resulting blast. The whole of magical Britain has painted Sirius Black as the most evil man left in the country after the defeat of Voldemort and I can't get any backing to change that."
Emma couldn't keep quiet any longer, "The fact that he's innocent of one crime he was never charged with should reopen the whole case and permit him the trial he should have had in the first place. Your legal system, press and don't even mention that nuthouse you call a school would all be torn down and rebuilt in our world, is it any wonder we left the country?"
Griphook tried to get the meting back on track, "I fear Hogwarts is in for worse times as McGonagall has resigned with Snape being promoted to Depute Headmaster." Both former Gryffindor's shared a glance that said quite clearly they were glad to be out of there.
The goblin had used the slight pause to produce a basin covered with runes, "Perhaps this will help solve the problem, Lord Potter I need you to think of the encounter with Quirrell/Voldemort. Bring the memory to the front of your mind and Madam Bones can make a copy that can be viewed in the pensieve."
Harry did as he was instructed as Madam Bones teased a silver thread from his forehead and placed it in the bowl, a few taps with her wand and the whole scene played out in 3D above the bowl.
Dan had his arm around a crying Emma before the end while silently thanking every deity he could think of that there weren't enough potions for Hermione to continue through that wall of flame with Harry, otherwise she would have been right there with him and no child should ever have to face that. Even after surviving the death of that creature Harry was just dumped straight from hospital back into classes then shipped off to his abusive relatives, no support system in place, no counselling for the trauma he'd undergone just 'thanks but we need to hush this up' then detention for fighting and a dressing down in front of his fellow housemates.
How this boy turned out the way he did is a miracle and absolutely no thanks to the bastards who were supposedly looking out for his welfare, if Harry was going to be part of their lives from now on then he swore to be the father figure the boy had never known, Dan Granger had found his son.
Hermione had her head buried in Harry's chest by the time it had finished, it was too painful to watch what the boy with his arms currently around her had to endure, and those screams at the end were the stuff of nightmares.
Madam Bones brought everyone's focus back to the present, "Lord Potter can I say this is the first time I've ever known something to be bigger than the rumours surrounding the deed. You and Miss Granger should be nominated for bravery awards but then that would make a powerful old man look stupid when a couple of first years breached defences supposedly designed to stop a dark lord. Without your efforts we could have been facing a war that we're not prepared for, Susan will not be retuning to Hogwarts in September and I will be talking to other parents I trust as well. I promise to visit Azkaban and speak to Sirius to see what I can do for him."
"Thank you Madam Bones and could you please tell him I'm doing my best to get him a trial."
She placed the memory in a glass vial before marking it with evidence tape as Griphook got to the real reason for her presence, "Madam Bones we would like you to preside over a betrothal ceremony between Lord Potter and Miss Granger."
Amelia would swear she actually heard the noise made by thousands of witch's dreams being shattered, including her own niece and her best friend who'd even promised each other they would share.
She looked at the boy and asked what she knew was a stupid question, "Lord Potter do you undertake this venture of your own free will?"
"I do."
She then looked towards the girl and asked the really stupid question, "Miss Granger do you undertake this venture of your own free will?"
"Of course I do."
She then turned her attention to the parents, "It's almost unheard of for muggle parents to allow their child's participation in a betrothal contract, has everything been explained to you?"
Emma was getting bad vibes from this woman and didn't appreciate the quip about 'Susan', the way her name was emphasised meant that Emma wouldn't be in the least surprised on discovering that one of the betrothal contracts in Harry's file was made out in the identity of Susan Bones. "Yes everything has been explained to our satisfaction."
Amelia tried again, "I'm not sure that you understand the relevance here, your daughter may find herself receiving unwanted attention that she won't have the training to deal with not to mention he-who-must-not-be-named and his followers."
Emma had just about enough of this bitch; no-one was getting away with belittling her daughter. "That Madam Bones is why we don't live in Britain, I'm afraid none of us have any confidence in the ability of the ministry to provide justice or protection for their citizens. As to the training aspect the difference between my daughter and the other nine betrothal contract offers Lord Potter has received is that Harry loves Hermione, how many others with the proper training would have followed him down there to face Voldemort when the head of the country's police force can't even say his bloody name!"
Griphook was beginning to regret his choice, not realising how much the woman wanted this betrothal for her niece until Emma Granger, like a lioness protecting her cubs mauled one of the most powerful women in the magical world.
It was a thoroughly chastised Amelia that just glanced over the documents; she would be going through them very carefully later. "Do you have rings?"
Harry and Hermione stood before her each holding the ring they were going to place on the other's finger.
"This is a very simple ceremony, as the Betrothal ring is placed on your finger the phrase 'I will have no other while I wear this ring' must be spoken. This constitutes a magically binding contract so I must warn you not to proceed with this lightly."
Harry and Hermione were lost in each others eyes as the rest of the world ceased to exist, the rings were platinum with a knot design and a golden Griffin on either side of the knot. As Harry placed the ring on Hermione's finger she said, "I will have no other."
As Harry was having his ring placed on his finger he repeated Hermione's phrase, "I will have no other."
Golden ribbons of light appeared wrapping around both of them before shrinking to concentrate on their joined hands forming knots, uniting the couple for eternity as they sealed their destiny with a kiss. The lone betrothal ring on Hermione's finger was joined by the matching engagement ring and wedding band while Harry now sported a wedding band and his head of house ring.
Amelia was stunned into silence at what she'd just witnessed but Griphook went down on one knee, "Lord and Lady Potter, may I be the first to congratulate you and offer my sincere thanks for allowing me to witness such a rare and beautiful sight,"
Emma was just thinking that the betrothal ceremony was beautiful and looking forward to seeing an actual magical wedding when Griphook's words cut through that like a scalpel, Lord and LADY?
Madam Bones followed Griphook's lead, "Lord and Lady Potter let me apologise for my earlier comments, I had no idea you were bonding and sincerely wish you every happiness together. Susan and a few thousand other witches are going to be heartbroken when this news breaks, and it will break because the completion of the bond will have been recorded at the ministry with no chance of it being kept quiet."
Griphook took pity on the bemused parents and explained what had just happened, "Due to the commitment expressed when they recited their vows the bond completed and in the eyes of the magical world they are now married."
Emma noticed both Harry and Hermione were almost in tears waiting on their reaction to what had just happened, she refused to spoil her daughter's special day and threw her arms around both of them. "Congratulations you two, I've never seen a couple so made for each other."
Harry felt Dan's hand on his shoulder, "Welcome to the family son, now do I get to kiss the bride?"
Some couples claim their relationship is magical but both Granger parents had just witnessed the beautiful sight of their daughter magically bond with a young wizard and really had no option but to accept and support this in the same way they accepted and supported the fact she was a witch. They would sit down as a family and calmly discuss what these changes meant; the first change was that there would now be four of them involved in the family discussion.
There was very little business done after that so arrangements were made to return tomorrow with the hope of arranging tutors as the Potters and Grangers headed home.
-oOoOo-
Albus was actually looking forward to his breakfast this morning as his new defence professor announced his appointment at a book signing in Diagon Alley yesterday, the headmaster was hoping for the front page and some peace so he could personally lead the search for Potter. The pumpkin juice he was drinking ended up splattered over the headline that effectively just cast an Avada Kedavra on all his plans and left the old wizard looking distinctly green. In his century and a half of life he had learned quite a few curse words and used every one of them, even those in Mermish as he attempted to understand what he was reading.
Boy-Who-Lived Married To Best Friend
Screamed the front page headline that was causing reactions like his at breakfast tables up and down the country, the picture featured Harry and Hermione in their Gryffindor robes with Hedwig on his shoulder. One arm was around the girl but his other just hung at his side as Ron had moved away from them and been cut out the picture. How the hell was this possible as the last reported sighting of the Grangers was in Southern Italy, looking at a magical institute.
Albus lost his appetite when he read that Lord and Lady Potter would not be returning to Hogwarts in September as both had nearly lost their lives in the castle due to the headmaster employing a professor possessed by the spirit of he-who-must-not-be-named to teach the children defence against the dark arts. This is being investigated by the DMLE whose departmental head Madam Bones acquired a pensieve memory of Lord Potter once more defeating the dark lord at great personal injury to himself.
Madam Bones had the honour of being present when Lord Potter's betrothal ceremony tuned into a full bonding with his wife Lady Hermione Potter, unfortunately Madam Bones also reported that the Potters no longer live in Britain citing schooling and the lack of trial for his godfather as reasons for quitting the country.
Albus had not only lost his appetite but was in real danger of loosing what little there was in his stomach, the paper went on to remark that Hermione broke all academic records for a first year student and then regurgitated any known fact about Harry for the next five pages.
The small article proclaiming the latest Hogwarts defence professor was buried deep inside the paper and concentrated more on the fight that broke out between Arthur Weasley and Lucius Malfoy than it did on Lockhart, it seemed Albus just couldn't catch a break.
He sat with his head in his hands trying to prepare himself mentally for the deluge of howlers he knew would soon be heading his way.
-oOoOo-
A distraught young red headed girl sat alone in her tiny bedroom trying to figure out why her world had just been smashed into tiny pieces. The headline in the Prophet would be the main topic of conversation at every magical household the length and breadth of Britain but more so in the Weasley household, while the arguments and accusations had been flying back and forth across the table she had left unnoticed to go to her room.
Her one true love's jumper was under her pillow, wrapped in her nightgown but she didn't think she was ready yet to speak to the boy who had betrayed her with another girl.
Instead she took out an old black diary and began writing in the pages, her new best friend Tom would know what to do. He would never ignore her or break her heart by running off and marrying someone else after spending his nights with her and making promises he apparently never had any intention of keeping.
All her life she'd been overlooked or ignored, promised a new dress only to find out it was second hand well she'd had enough. There was only one person who had her best interests at heart and from now on the only person Ginny Weasley would be listening to was her friend Tom Riddle.
-oOoOo-
The owl from Gringotts offering her an employment interview had intrigued Minerva McGonagall, she assumed her friend Filius had used his contacts there to intervene on her behalf. She was flattered but just couldn't see herself working in a bank.
She was shown into a very opulent office where the goblin was unusually polite with his questions but appeared to be fixated on the state of her current relationship with her former boss.
Minerva was getting quire annoyed with this line of questioning when the goblin changed track, "Please excuse me Professor but the people I represent need to be certain that the whole scenario of you walking away from Hogwarts is not some grand scheme of a rather manipulative old wizard. I believe I was there at the precise moment you realised that you could no longer work for the wizard in question which was why I recommended you for this post, the decision to employ you though is unfortunately not mine to make."
Her Scottish brogue grew more noticeable in her voice, which was a sure sign to anyone who knew her that she was rapidly losing patients with the situation. "Why am I here then instead of meeting with the people who can make the decision?"
The Potters appeared out from under their invisibility cloak, "You are Professor, how would you like to work for us?"
-oOoOo-
Sirius Black didn't look it but he felt better than he had in over a decade, his visit from Madam Bones was the first conversation he'd had with someone from the ministry since waking up in this cell all those years ago. That wasn't the main reason for his euphoria though, it was the newspaper she'd left him that had the emaciated wizard actually chuckling with laughter.
His godson was married just before his twelfth Birthday to the smartest witch of his age, it took his father until seventh year just to get Harry's mother to date him. Sirius was amazed at just how much Harry resembled James and though this looked an older photograph the connection between the two kids in the picture was plain for everyone to see.
Reading about his godson's exploits filled Sirius with such a sense of pride, youngest seeker in over a century, fought a mountain troll to protect the girl he was now married to and defeated the dark lord again! This combined with the news from Madam Bones that they knew he wasn't the Potter's secret keeper but Harry still couldn't get him a trial decided his course of action.
He'd told her that Peter had escaped and was alive but not that they were both illegal animagus and now he knew why he'd withheld that information, Sirius Black might not be able to escape from Azkaban but Padfoot would be giving it a right good go.
Chapter 6
Harry was lying face down on the table wondering if his father-in-law was trying to kill him though nothing would ever match the butt-clenchingly painful 'family talk' that they had the other night on their return from London. It was so bad Harry was seriously considering jumping off the balcony to escape.
The elves had joined them as they knew more about magical bonds than the rest of the family put together, the trouble really kicked off when Sophie announced that because of their bond Harry and Hermione would have to sleep in the same bed. This resulted in a joint talk about sex, hormones and differences in their growing bodies by his in-laws while sitting next to his wife which, even in the world of Harry Potter was bizarre. If you could actually die of embarrassment then Voldemort would be saved a job.
Emma and Hermione entered after their aerobics session and he received a kiss from his wife before she headed for the shower, Emma picked up the lotion that Sophie prepared and began massaging it into his aching muscles.
Harry groaned in relief as Emma shook her head, "Harry I'm going to be having words with Dan, he's pushing you too hard and could end up doing damage."
"Mum I need to push; Voldemort and his supporters won't take it easy on me just because I'm not ready. My body's used to punishment as I had ten years of it at the Dursleys; here I get a proper diet, a kiss from my wife and you to massage my aching muscles so I've never had it so good. We're trying to get our fitness levels up before classes actually start; all we've got on today is spending time with Minerva."
"She tells me you're taking lessons in etiquette and decorum, what brought that on?"
"My wife is a lady and I intend to treat her like one, my earlier life consisted of being fed on scraps and if I wasn't quick enough they went in the bin so knowing the proper fork to use was never high up on my agenda. I was sure they used to do it on purpose to see if they could break me, and in my hungrier moments that bin could look pretty inviting but that would mean letting them win and I could never do that."
Emma's fingers dug too deep for a second causing the boy to winch as she was imagining the Dursley's necks in her hands. She calmed herself down by remembering why she'd learned this skill in the first place as Dan picked up injury after injury from his beloved rugby, he enjoyed his gym but it didn't replace the tension released by spending an afternoon legally hitting people. She was enjoying her morning aerobics sessions with Hermione, their daughter had never been the athletic type but was at least listening to them as she started off gently and built herself towards using the gym for the first time in her life.
Harry could actually feel through her fingers what his new mother was thinking; both Grangers had insisted he stop the Mr and Mrs crap now that he was family. Using 'Dan' seemed the best fit at the moment for him and his father-in-law but Emma had immediately insisted he call her mum and Harry couldn't help but love her for it.
"Mum its ok, I plan on accidently running into the Dursleys one day and introducing the beautiful Lady Potter to them, Petunia will be sick at the thought of missing out on introducing Hermione to her friends." 'And this is my niece the Lady Potter' he said in a credible imitation of Petunia's most pretentious tone. "Vernon might actually lose some weight since Griphook blocked the company issuing him a reference so he could just end up stacking shelves in Tesco's. In my time at the Dursleys I learned a few things about how they tick and this will be punishing them for years to come."
Emma could feel his muscles beginning to relax, thanks to her ministrations and his pleasant thoughts of revenge on his repulsive relatives, "I was pleased Minerva accepted your offer to stay here, I never realised that not only had she given up her job but her home as well."
"Minerva is a great teacher and has so much more to offer other than the transfiguration she's brilliant at, we're learning about magical law, etiquette and deportment in different situations this morning then we're taking her to the Empire State building to spend the afternoon as a muggle. We could swing by the new practice and pick you guys up when you finish?"
Emma was chuckling at the thought of Minerva the muggle and was abut to make a suggestion when realisation hit, "I was about to suggest we could meet and go out to dinner but where are we going to get food as good as Sophie's or a view to match the one we currently enjoy."
Harry replied cheekily, "Well mum I'm just delighted that you like my humble abode here."
This earned Harry a smack to his shorts-clad ass as Emma chuckled, "Well I'll say this for you Lord Potter as hideaways go this one's not too shabby."
-oOoOo-
It was a sombre group who silently sat dressed in black in a large room at Gringotts, Hermione clutching Harry's hand with the Grangers positioned just to their left.
There was another couple present with a pink haired daughter who appeared a few years older than Harry and Hermione though it was the shabbily dressed man in the corner who caught his eye.
Before Harry could say anything the Malfoys made their grand entrance with Amelia Bones trailing in their wake, Harry was delighted when the Malfoys had objected to Dumbledore being present and he'd objected to Fudge because as far as Harry was concerned the minister had an innocent man's blood on his hands so Madam Bones was representing the ministry.
Sirius Black had been killed while attempting to escape from Azkaban and magical Britain was of the opinion that this just proved his guilt; forget that he never had a trial they would sleep better in their beds knowing that the murdering death eater was finally deceased.
Nobody questioned why the extra guards and dementors were suddenly posted to his wing, or why said extra guards were unable to stop the dementors they were supposed to be in control of when Sirius mysteriously found his way out of his cell. As far as the Potters were concerned the whole thing stank worse than a barrel of fish heads on a sunny day.
There were people who didn't want questions asked far less have them answered so the Sirius Black case was well and truly closed and his will reading today would mark the final chapter in his story.
Harry wasn't able to grieve for a man he'd never met and only found out existed a short while ago but was seething with anger at being denied the opportunity to meet the wizard who should have raised him from a toddler except for the incompetence and deliberate manipulations of the ministry of magic.
It became clear why there were so many goblin guards present as Director Ragnok entered the room and occupied the head of the table position, the Black account must be substantial to require the goblin leader's personal attention.
Griphook was at his side before standing up and beginning to read, "I will now read the last Will and Testament of Sirius Orion Black."
'Anyone present who knows me probably can't believe I'm being so responsible but today I held my godson in my arms and swore I would do right by him. James and Lily have given me the greatest honour ever bestowed in naming me Harry's godfather and I already love the little guy like he was my own. Therefore I have no hesitation in bequeathing all land, titles, property and vaults that I posses to Harry James Potter. My only proviso is if I die from exhaustion on honeymoon before changing my will then I want you to look after my new wife kiddo, she's going to be devastated at losing such a hansom man and wonderful lover. We've all got to go sometime and this would be my preferred method.'
The silence when Griphook finished speaking only lasted a few seconds before Malfoy senior exploded, "How can the Black title, lands and gold go to this half-blood mongrel, the Blacks were great believers in pure blood supremacy so my son should have inherited by blood. I demand the will be changed to prevent the dishonour of Potter and his filthy mudblood whore inheriting…"
Dan Granger didn't know what a 'mudblood' was but he was well aware of the words this arsehole had bracketed it with and to use them in reference to his daughter was going to cost him. Since Kings Cross station Dan had felt as if his little princess was slipping away from him and he couldn't even get angry at Harry who treated Hermione like the lady she apparently now was, but this blond prick was going to experience a lot of pent-up Granger aggression that no amount of gym work seemed to shift.
For the second time in as many weeks Lucius Malfoy's face suffered because his mouth insulted someone's daughter only this wasn't middle-aged with paunch Arthur Weasley behind the punch, this was a very fit and well built Dan Granger who knew how to throw a punch.
Malfoy was on the deck with a broken jaw before he even realised Dan had moved but he soon found out the muggle wasn't finished as he sprang on him and continued to pummel his now less than aristocratic features.
Draco was drawing his wand to aid his father when Harry reached across, grabbed him by his blond locks and smashed his face down into the table while his mother now had a reason for her nose being up in the air. There was a Vinewood wand directly under it being held as steady as a rock by Lady Potter; Mrs Malfoy showed a lot more control than the male members of her family by remaining completely still.
The goblins could hardly contain their glee at the pureblood wizards getting their arses kicked but eventually they helped Dan off the pulverised Malfoy though one of them rather clumsily managed to stand on the blond wizard's cane and snapped his wand. Poor Lucius really had no idea how to deal with a punch to the face, as if getting hit by Arthur Weasley wasn't bad enough he'd now been beat-up by a muggle and totally lost the plot.
"We will keep you alive only long enough to watch you're wife and daughter being raped to death."
It took every goblin present to restrain Dan and Harry but they had forgot about Emma, she took two steps before lashing out with all her might and her instep connected perfectly with Malfoy's groin. He wouldn't be raping anyone for a long time while the unmistakable noise generated from the impact brought every male in the room up short, Harry approached Ragnok and bowed.
"Director Ragnok I apologise for you having to witness that but I will not apologise for the reaction of my family, too many of these purebloods think they can say whatever they like with impunity well not where my family's involved. Anyone using words like that in connection with my family are going to find the wrath of house Potter visited upon them."
Hermione lowered her wand but kept it in her hand while allowing Mrs Malfoy to tend to her dazed and bloodied son, nobody bothered with her bleeding husband as he lay groaning on the floor.
Lucius Malfoy was in a terrible rage, it was bad enough loosing to a blood traitor but now he had been painfully and publically thrashed by a muggle and his wife, he should have been ruling the country by now instead of lying bleeding on the goblin's floor while holding his crushed nuts. Pain, rage and a kick in the stones are not good companions of clear thought and careful planning so when his anger sought and found a target Lucius locked on.
Harry Potter had ruined his dreams of serving at his master's side and cost him a fortune in bribes when he defeated the Dark Lord as a baby, now the news was that he had repeated the feat at Hogwarts before the holidays. Lucius was taking a massive gamble with his plan and couldn't afford any slip-ups so Harry Potter was going to have to die.
As carefully as he possibly could the death eater slid the blade from the special concealed holster in his boot and lunged at the brat while he was distracted talking to the goblin.
Hermione had been watching Malfoy senior because if he was in any way similar to his son then he would make a try at revenge, when she saw him attempt to attack Harry the young witch fired the tripping hex at him.
Lucius landed short of his target but the dagger had cut his hand when he fell, it was barely more than a scratch except the horror reflected on his face told a different story altogether. Seconds later he was screaming in agony though it was thankfully short lived as the poison was rapidly coursing through his body and stopped all brain functions less than a minute later, he was a dead man the second that poison entered his body.
The whole room had watched the tableau play out in front of them as Harry held a crying Hermione in his arms, "It was only a tripping jinx!" she kept repeating.
Amelia spoke in her official capacity as head of the DMLE, "Lord Potter, I had the privilege of speaking with your godfather and he was immensely proud of you, he had the newspaper that featured your bonding on his person when he died. There is not one shred of doubt in my mind that he had no intentions of changing his will. As to the matter of Mr Malfoy the whole room heard Lady Potter cast the tripping hex as a defensive measure to protect her husband and only a poisoned blade could have caused that reaction. Had he even scratched either of you with that dagger nothing could have prevented your death, there will be no charges resulting from these actions."
Director Ragnok decided it was time he took part in these proceedings; he should be able to get one over on the purebloods as well. "Madam Bones I hate to disagree but we must allow the law to run its course here, Mr Malfoy attempted to murder a head of two noble and ancient families, a deed which his family stood to benefit greatly from. There can be no doubt of the attempt nor what the law states on the matter."
Emma watched from Dan's arms as the body was removed and the dagger retained by the goblins as evidence to be produced at a trial if necessary. Part of her was thinking that no one should have to die like that but by far her greatest emotion wanted her to go over and have one last kick at the bastard who'd threatened her and Hermione with rape before trying to murder her children. Who were these animals who could do that to a child? She now understood Harry's drive as that man's eyes had been filled with hatred towards her son-in-law before his wife had saved his life again, no wonder they were so close having killed to protect each other before they even made it to their teens. She had a feeling that Harry was about to have even more responsibility thrust upon him.
"Everything that the Malfoy family had, including all family members now belongs to Lord Potter-Black," announced Ragnok.
Both remaining Malfoy's were deathly pale at that news but the Potters decided to let them stew for a few minutes. Harry was trying to work out what Ragnok's words would mean to them when his eye was caught with a most unusual sight, the girl with the pink hair was now the proud owner of green hair though it was rapidly turning purple.
"Could somebody please handle the introductions here?" Harry asked.
Amelia gave a sheepish grin, "Sorry my Lord, this is my fault. When I spoke to Sirius the only people other than yourself he asked after were his cousin Andromeda and one of his best friends Remus Lupin. I asked them here today to met you and hear about Sirius."
Through their bond both Harry and Hermione were developing a keen sense of when someone was lying or trying to manipulate them and their bullshit detector was going off in their heads at deafening volume. Their best guess at the moment was Madam Bones trying to create some ties to good old Blighty for them because currently they could care less if they never set foot in the country again.
"My Lord I'm Andromeda Tonks, this is my husband Ted and our daughter Nymphadora, she's a metamorphmagus and loses a bit of control when excited. Sirius was my favourite cousin because neither of us believed the pureblood bullshit that our family supported; I was cast out of the Black family for marrying Ted instead of who they chose for me, the fact that he's a muggle born means I've had no contact with my family for nearly twenty years. Cissi here is my sister yet hasn't even acknowledged me though we're currently only sitting a few seats apart."
"Mrs Tonks I have nothing but admiration for a woman with the courage to follow her convictions, I also happen to think that muggle borns make the best spouses." Harry joked as he kissed his still trembling wife. "My first action as new head of the Black family will be to bring you and your family back into the fold."
Harry's attention turned to the shabbily dressed individual who'd been introduced as Remus, "Hi Harry, you won't remember me as you were little more than a toddler the last time we met but I was good friends with both your parents and Sirius."
Harry's eyes were boring into the man, "Why?" was all he said.
A confused Remus answered, "Sorry Harry, I don't know what you're asking?"
Harry's voice was devoid of emotion as he answered, "Why if you were such good friends with them didn't I hear from you until now? Why am I hearing from you now?"
"It was thought best I have no contact with you…"
Harry cut him off, "Who thought it best? You - My parents - My godfather?"
Remus then said the one name guarented to set Harry off, "Dumbledore said…"
"What the bloody hell was Dumbledore sticking his crooked nose into my business for and why were you letting him? I was eleven before I discovered my parents weren't a couple of no account drunks that died in a car crash, does that sound like your 'good friends' to you? Sirius had a valid excuse for not being part of my life so don't you dare hit me with this 'Dumbledore said' shit."
Remus didn't know what to say, his world had ended that night as well and even though Albus had worded his suggestion carefully there was no doubt an order had just been issued. "I'm sorry Harry but I'm a werewolf and figured that I wouldn't be welcome."
"Were my parents aware of your condition?"
"Of course they were."
"And did it make any difference to them?"
"No."
"Then why did you assume it would make a difference to their son? Its been nice meeting you Mr Lupin but I intend to spend the rest of my life looking forward not back as there's nothing left there for me anymore."
Harry shook the wizards hand before Remus left; he silently promised himself he would get Griphook to assist with finding the man a job while they kept an eye on him. He would get to know Remus Lupin on his own terms and in his own time, not as some ministry sponsored experiment. Now all they had left to deal with was the Malfoys.
"Director Ragnok what are my choices regarding the Malfoys?"
"The moment you sign the paperwork to become Lord Potter-Black their lives become yours to do with as you wish, making an attempt on a Lords life for profit is punishable by death to the perpetrator and their family, this is the oldest law in our land and the name Malfoy will cease to exist."
Harry's gaze locked on the terrified blond Slytherin, "Draco unlike your father or his former master I do not kill children for power or profit but I would end both your lives in a heartbeat to protect my family." His tone of voice more than convinced the remaining Malfoys he was deadly serious. "Ok does anybody have any options for me that doesn't result in these two having to die?"
It was surprisingly Andromeda who made a suggestion, "My Lord as head of the Black family you have the power to dissolve Cissi's marriage making her once more a Black, Draco could be formally adopted into the family but in any case would no longer be a Malfoy. They could stay with us until we get something sorted out."
Narcissi Malfoy had expected to die from the moment her stupid husband had made that ludicrous attack, the arrogant bastard had all the subtlety of a troll when his pride was involved. She would have tried to intervene and prevent this catastrophe but the wand in her face had meant business so she could only watch the train wreck occur. It was a total shock to hear her sister speak on their behalf and maybe they would get to see tomorrow after all. She spoke for the first time that day, "You would do that for us Andi?"
Andromeda spoke as if trying to explain something to a child, "Cissi you are my sister in blood, my family and no decree can change that. You and Bella bought into the bullshit and look what it got you both, our sister is a crazed psycho in Azkaban while we sit here bargaining for you and your child's lives. What happened to those three Black sisters who did everything together?"
Harry was liking this woman more and more as her values seemed to mirror his own, "Ok Mrs Tonks how do we go about this?"
"Well for a start my Lord you can call me Andi, it's all very simple once you become head of the Black family but I would recommend having them take loyalty oaths"
Cissi was on her feet, "I will gladly swear loyalty to the Black Family and its head for me and my son."
"There will be no oaths taken here today and Draco will perform his own oath, if I'm old enough to receive it then he's of age to make one. Listen carefully Draco because the games have stopped and this is now life or death, you go and stay with your aunt for a week and give your future careful consideration. Your father made choices that will see the name Malfoy struck from the records and placed both your lives in my hands, I'm hoping you're going to make better choices."
Draco's first instinct was to scream abuse at Potter but that was his father talking, his invincible father who was dragged out the room like a piece of poisoned meat. He wanted to swear vengeance rather than allegiance but even he could see it was his father's own fault, beaten-up by muggles then killed by a tripping jinx. He'd repeatedly told Draco that he was a disgrace to the Malfoy name because Potter bested him well who was the disgrace now? Draco just nodded agreement to Potter as he didn't trust his mouth not to run away with him and they'd seen the results of that once already today.
With that settled Harry signed the papers, welcomed Andi back into the Black family and dissolved the Malfoy marriage, he thought he was finished for the day when a loud pop announced otherwise.
"Master Harry Potter sir is an even greater wizard than Dobby thought, to defeat former master and take Dobby into your service is Dobby's greatest wish."
The little elf was sobbing as he clung to Harry's left leg before remembering why he was there, "Master Harry and Mistress Mione must not return to Hogwarts, former master is releasing great evil there by really dark magic. People will die but not Harry Potter and his Mione."
"We're not going back to Hogwarts Dobby but can you tell us anymore about this threat?"
The little elf was back to clinging to Harry's leg and sobbing with relief; Harry's eyes asked a question of Narcissi Black.
"I'm sorry my Lord, my former husband used to hatch plots almost weekly to return his beloved dark lord. I'm afraid I stopped listening years ago."
All eyes moved towards Draco and the boy felt this was his first test, should he tell them what little he knew? "Father said something was going to be opened that would result in the purging of Hogwarts of all those not fit to attend, he said last time it was open a student died. That's all I know, he told me to keep my head down and enjoy the show."
Both Potters looked to Amelia to find out what the ministry position on this matter would be.
"The Cannons will win the league before the ministry would shut Hogwarts on the word of a house elf, even if they tried Dumbledore would block them at every turn. We would need more information before we could take any action."
Dobby let go of Harry's leg and ran head-first into the wall, he was about to repeat the experience when Harry grabbed him, "What are you doing?"
"Dobby is punishing himself for not getting enough information, Dobby has to always punish himself when he's been bad or Malfoy's tell me to."
Hermione had fixed the blond pair with a look that could kill while Harry spoke to the misguided little elf, "Dobby you're in our family now and I order you never to punish yourself again, do not take orders from anyone but Hermione or I and if you think you've done something wrong speak to us about it."
The little elf was crying tears of happiness again as Hermione had an idea, "Madam Bones if we gave your department permission to search the former Malfoy mansion for information on this plot would you supervise it? Griphook could go as well to recover any goblin items there and Dobby would identify any hidden rooms or compartments for you both."
Amelia was stunned, getting into Malfoy mansion was almost as difficult as breaking into Gringotts yet her she was being offered carte blanche access with Elvin assistance and goblin back-up, "My Lady I can have a trusted team ready by nine am tomorrow."
A now smiling Dobby popped away to make the house ready.
Harry spoke to Griphook, "We need to have another plan, you know Dumbledore is going to spout his 'Hogwarts safest place in Britain' rubbish so we hit first."
"What are you suggesting my Lord?"
"Let's research this threat, if a student died surely there must be records of that? We need to find out how it happened and if it could be stopped from being repeated, I've suddenly come in to quite a bit of gold and would happily spend it allowing students to attend other schools that are safe. Run stories in the Prophet about the threat and promise financial aid with the extra costs involved if parents wish to send their children overseas to be taught."
Amelia sounded a note of caution, "My Lord the minister might see that as a direct attack on his authority, laws have been changed for less."
"Griphook could we use that pensive of yours again, my wife and I have a few memories we would like to share."
A quick word with Hermione and Amelia removed two silver threads from each of them; everyone then watched Harry's first encounter with Hogwarts new Depute Headmaster, Hermione's adventure with the toilet troll as well as Harry's jinxed broom from her prospective. They finally watched Harry's encounter with Voldemort in the forbidden forest before he spoke, "We left out the encounter with Voldemort at the end of the year as most people in here have already seen it, what do you think the effect would be if we walked into the Prophet offices and provided them with the complete set?"
Had Dan Granger seen those before he met Dumbledore it would have required more than goblins to pull him off the old bastard. He was all in favour of marching straight over to this newspaper and blasting the old coot right out the water. It was one thing to hear your daughter say there was an incident with a troll but another to watch it, the bloody thing was enormous and had swung Harry about like a dish rag.
Ragnok had seen Griphook's memory of viewing the other conflict but these memories were much more impressive, there level of commitment to one another left no doubt in his mind that they would form a full soul bond with the political, financial and magical power behind them to become a force to be reckoned with. Ragnok knew a war was coming and his people looked to him for guidance in leading their nation to safety and prosperity, Voldemort wasn't even a consideration, Dumbledore wasn't much better and the ministry couldn't help itself far less the goblin nation. Ragnok saw in these two the beginnings of another option, if they got time to grow and train then that's who the goblins would be throwing their support behind so they would just have to make sure they got that time.
Amelia could hazard a guess at the outcome of everything she'd seen becoming public knowledge, an angry mob storming the ministry while Snape and Dumbledore would be the first to lose their jobs she'd bet her auror's badge they wouldn't be the last.
Tonks had been quiet all day but there was just no way that was going to last, "Cor you two, we had heard stories but bloody hell that was something else. I saw the broom thing but it was all hushed up, same with the troll, we all know Snape's a bastard but why were you in the forbidden forest at night?"
Harry was struggling not to laugh at some of the expressions the girl's face was morphing into, "We were sent there for a detention." He saw Andi and Ted Tonks exchange glances so dived right in. "Mr and Mrs Tonks, when you rejoined our family I became responsible for your safety, I could not see Nymphadora sent to Hogwarts as I don't consider it safe."
"But I've just sat my OWL's and need NEWT's to become an auror and please call me Tonks, some parents should be shot for inflicting such punishment on their children."
"Well Miss Tonks we are currently arranging private tutors at a secure location and as family we would be delighted if you would join us, just tell us what NEWT's you want to take and it would help us too having somebody older to duel against."
"Wow! How good would duelling Harry Potter look on my application to the auror department?"
Amelia Bones actually smiled, "Miss Tonks having seen images of Lord Potter in action I can say it could only help with your chosen profession."
Harry could see himself getting his arse whipped for a while but a steep learning curve was exactly what he was after and he would need to win against somebody four year older before he was ready to take on the adults. This girl also looked like a lot of fun and it would be important that he and Hermione took time out to live and not bury themselves in work. She was also now family and that gave Harry a nice warm feeling in the pit of his stomach, the Malfoy's fates were pretty much in their own hands and he could only hope the would make the right decisions.
"Madam Bones please take those copies of our memories to assure the minister that our fears are genuine and any stories in the Prophet or elsewhere are not personal. As I stated earlier I will not stand by and watch my family being attacked so, should the issue become personal against my family then retaliation will be swift."
Amelia nodded though with Malfoy gone and Lord Potter now in possession of all his financial records she had a feeling Fudge wouldn't be creating any waves, Dumbledore though would be an entirely different matter.
-oOoOo-
Ginny noticed her hand was bleeding, and then she noticed the knife in her other hand. She was behind the shed her dad kept all his muggle stuff in, it was the middle of the night and she had no idea how she got here.
The real shock came when she realised what she'd been doing there, her Harry's jumper was cut to shreds. The now sobbing girl was making her way back to her bedroom while trying to understand what had happened, her only thought was that she had been sleepwalking and been woken when she accidentally cut her hand.
Ginny was heartbroken at the destruction of her prized possession because she would have forgiven him soon and he could cuddle up to her once more but that was no longer possible.
She had the biggest piece that was left wrapped around her hand to stop her cut bleeding as she lit a candle and reached for her quill and ink, Tom would tell her what to do.
A/N thanks for reading.
Sirius was the first to lose his life in the new war but won't be the last.
War does not determine who is right - only who is left.