Chapter 11
Hogwarts
"What's the big news Dora?"
"I found us some highly trained wizards that would be a good security force for Hogwarts. There are 25 of them all US Maries about to retire or get out after their tour. They all have ties here and some have lost family to Moldyshorts. The highest rank is a Sergeant Major, tough as granite and a powerhouse. His take no prisoners attitude, seems to have stopped him from making the Command Sergeant Major position. His Major told me he thinks it's because the Sergeant Major likes the action and calls those who don't see action pussies." Dora took a deep breath and continued.
"I overheard a Gunny bitching about REMFs and asked a young Sergeant what that was. He said it's just Gunny calling non-combatants, and support troops, Rear Echelon Mother Fuckers. They sleep in beds, eat the best food, and get entertained while we get cursed at, shot at, and are in deep shit most of the time. Then they expect us to become all spit and polish as soon as we return from a mission."
"The Gunnery Sergeant threatened to whip another Sergeant Major's ass, if he put just one of his men or report or held up a promotion. Then he mumbled that the Sergeant Major best not take a mission or he just may get fragged. Fragged means your own people take you out if they get the opportunity to get by with it. The old man probably saved that Sgt. Major's life by sending him home after telling he would be fired when they got home. Our Sergeant Major has had enough and is going to retire. Most of his troops will follow his lead. He made his current rank with less than 16 years in the service, almost unheard of in the modern Marines." Tonks said her excitement showing through.
"I suppose you have a meeting set up for me to meet with them." Harry asked knowing the answer.
"Right in one chief."
Harry rolled his eyes and took Hermione's hand then followed Dora to a classroom that held the 25 Marines. The Gunny called the room to attention as Harry entered.
"Lord Gryffindor, I'm Sergeant Major, Gunny Powers, I go by Gunny. It's easy to remember and no one in their right mind names a child after a military rank." Gunny said and shook his head.
"It's nice to meet you Gunny. I go by Harry. Dora says you may be interested in a job. I heard what you lot did from Mad Eye, Robards, and Minister Bones, so there is no doubt you and your men have the skills we need. To be honest, which is the only way I know how to be. There are two things that worry me, first is if you can live with someone my age in command, the other is if you can put up with mostly monitoring students and keeping them safe. Moldyshorts is trying to return, and I will be his prime target, and the school will be high on his list. My number-one priority is the safety of the students, then the staff and last the facility. This castle is sedient and speaks to my fiancé and me. Hogwarts can also help defend herself. However, given the time and the power her wards can be breached leaving us and her vulnerable." Harry told the men not pulling punches or smoothing anything over.
"You speak true my Lord Gryffindor."
"I guess our major question would be if we will be able to keep up with our muggle training. We would require muggle military weapons and a range, plus other places to practice. Of course, pay will be a concern since we need to make a living a few us have wives and children. As for working for someone younger than us, it happens all the time in the military. I will admit you will be the youngest I've ever worked for. But I saw some of the things you have done and I don't see a problem. You have a good head on your shoulders," Gunny replied with a smile.
"Dora, Hermione and I think you did great finding these guys. It's your show and your force but you have our backing. Gunny and you other Marines this is my fiancé Lady Hermione Granger-Hufflepuff-Galahad. She's young but smart and powerful, I believe her favorite hex is one my mother developed called hair penis. And it does what the name indicates and can be set to last a day or years. Just so you know there are no Death Eaters in this school and those who try to enter have a less than pleasant experience before they die. There are still some here, who will join Moldyshorts when he returns. I guess the only questions left are can you lot start by 1 August and what do you need in the way of weapons and a training facility." Harry paused and four elves appeared with butterbeers and snacks.
"You can tell Dora that. Rest assured your pay will be higher than it is now, and we provide quarters and food. If you accept, we'll meet at my place outside of Orlando Florida on Lake Wilson's east side. We plan on being there from early morning 19 July to shortly before noon on the 25th. You and your families will be provided transportation here via a portal from my cottage. Your quarters will be set up and waiting. There is no need for you to buy anything but personal items, furniture and such will be provided unless you have your own and want to use it. I hope to be welcoming you to the Security staff soon. Dora I need just a moment of your time then you have the floor and can do what you need to get done."
Harry put up a silencing charm, "Dora offer them a 50 percent increase above what they're making now then give Gunny a 100 percent increase. You did well I like these people. We may have to see Her Majesty to get permission for muggle weapons but since they'll be going against Moldyshorts I don't think that will be a problem."
Harry and Hermione met each of the men individually then Harry waved his hand and comfortable couches appeared, as did more soft drinks and sandwiches. He and Hermione left for the suite.
A corporal named Rogers said, "Holy shit wandless magic and he did it like it was nothing."
"One of his grandfathers was the last warrior mage and we believe Harry is the current one. He is the nicest guy you could ever hope to meet but on his worst day I wouldn't want to fight him, I would rather take on Moldyshorts. That young man killed a 72-foot basilisk with a sword, in the Chamber of Secrets below where we are sitting. He was bitten and survived by a Phoenix crying on the wound. He says that caused something to click in his head. His power rating is already above Merlin's and he won't be 13 until 31 July but acts as if he is in his 40s," Tonks stopped to sip her butterbeer and let that sink in.
"Gunny, if you join us you will not be the only one who thinks take no prisoners is the right idea unless you need information. He already has ten or more captured wands in his collection from people who attacked him. The school watched him take down six students in their seventh year with eight curses the last one was Accio wands. These bullies challenged him to a duel to the death. I'll admit he allowed me to be his second then he told me to stay out of his way and cover his back. It took the school healer, one of the best in the United Kingdom, two days to sort the six out. Two are missing arms, and the other four will walk with a limp the rest of their lives. I'm the youngest fully qualified Auror in over 300 years and all I could do was watch," Tonks said enjoying the shock she saw on several faces, but no one doubted her words.
"Team, I think we may have found us a new home, if we can settle on wages." Gunny told his men.,
"Sergeant Major what do you lot make per month including everything, combat pay the whole works?" Tonks asked with a smile.
Gunny had each one list what they made them total it. Tonks took their paper to the suite and showed it to Harry.
"Damn Dora how can their government justify wages this low. Offer them a double but go to two and a half times if you need to."
Tonks went back to the classroom and passed their papers back then said, "Multiply that figure by 2 and that the chief's offer. Again, your room and board is paid for you and your family so our cost is more than what you see. Oh, before I forget we treat elves here with respect and not as slaves. Also Pureblood bigotry bullshit is not tolerated here any longer," Tonks stated.
"Well Sergeant Major, I may be dumb but I'm not stupid. I'm in," Corporal Rogers said. The rest soon joined him.
"Dora you realize you could have had us for less than this?" Gunny said.
Dora smile and said, "Well you work for a fair man now who appreciates your skills. His original offer was a 1.5 times what you're making now. But we estimated your pay higher than what it is. It was easier on all of us if we were up front with him. If I didn't show him those figures come the first budget review you would have heard 'Tonks what the fuck were you thinking to pay your people this little' all over this castle. I didn't think any of us needed that. A warning to all, if you see him pacing waving his hand in the air get ready for the explosion because Mount Harry is about to erupt and the shit is about to hit the fan. If Hermione gets quiet and sets her jaw, someone is in deep shit," Tonks replied and sipped her butterbeer.
"If you mess with her Harry, you get her to deal with and you would rather have him. The opposite is true as well. Messing with Harry is safer than messing with her. Harry may shrug you off if you mess with him, but mess with her and you may die rather horribly and slowly. I swear those two communicate without words. His first Halloween he saved her from a mountain troll and they've been close ever sense," She added taking another sip of her butterbeer.
"Earlier this year a basilisk petrified her, after killing it while she was still petrified he told her no one and nothing messes with his Hermione. That was heard by our school healer. She immediately increased her bet and moved the date they would get together to that day and won almost ₲400. Shortly after she woke up he asked her to be his girl. The truth is that as the boy who lived he could have 80 percent of the witches in this school in his bed with no questions asked. But he hates his fame and being a fan of the BWL is one way to get off the potential friend list. I'm telling you this to give you an idea of the type person he is," Tonks said and relaxed with a sigh.
They talked some more and the US Marines headed back to their base and informed their commander they were getting out as planned. The Major was hoping he could save some of the 25 he was losing.
"Sergeant Major if you don't mind my asking what was your offer?" The Major asked.
"Sir, we get full room and board for our entire family plus two times our total pay including combat pay, rations, clothing, housing, the whole nine yards." Gunny said with a smile.
The Major whistled then said, "There is no way anyone I know of could come close to matching that. I heard a lot about that young buck and hear he is not someone to cross. I saw the memory of him killing a fucking 70 foot plus basilisk with a fucking sword of all things. Then he took down two of Voldemort's inner circle within an hour of the basilisk and disarmed Dumbledore."
"Yes Major, Harry calls Voldemort, Moldyshorts and shows him no respect what-so-ever. Did you hear about the six older students he took on?" Gunny asked with a smile.
The Gunny and Major talked awhile, then Gunny clicked his heels together, snapped a salute, did an about face and marched from the room. Gunny liked the Major but was tired of the political games played in the Marines. He did his 22 and it was time to move on. Both his wife and he had English families here and it was time to come home and meet the rest of his extended family. His wife was six years younger and now they could afford one or two children. Since she was a witch there was a high probability their children would be magical. Fortunately, unlike the muggles it was a short trip home for him and his team. When they reached the base, they submitted their paperwork to get out and go on leave until their separation date.
Gunny knew two almost honest gunrunners that he trusted, and that could get his team the best at reasonable prices. He contacted them and provided them with a list of what he wanted. The M82A1 .50 caliber sniper rifles with the computerized scopes magically hardened would be the most expensive. But with a ten round magazine and an ever-filling charm, they were nearly priceless. He contacted a friend in the Magical CIA that owed him a life debt and learned charms that let him duplicate ammunition. He also learned to magically and physically harden items so once the rife and scope were ranged they stayed that way until changed manually. He decided on black and dark gray fatigues as a uniform using their current stripes as rank indicators.
"Harry I received a letter from Gunny he has access to the weapons he needs and provided a list. He wants to know how we handle getting them into the United Kingdom." Tonks asked indicating she thought it would be a problem.
"I'll write him a letter. Her Majesty agrees that as an Earldom we have the right to both a magical and muggle security force. This gives me the right to arm them any way I see fit. I guess when I told Jackoff, errr… Karkaroff I mean, I was king of this hill I was right in more ways than I knew." Harry said with a small smile.
"I'll include it with my response. He says the team will meet us in Orlando 19 July. He did ask about uniforms for the Security people suggesting their combat fatigues but in black and dark grey. I think that may be a good idea so the students know who not to fuck with. They'll keep their old ranks and wear black stripes. He said and I quote: 'I will bring you some Lieutenant Colonel oak leaves I'm not working for no fucking captain or low ass major, been there done that won't do it again.' Don't be surprised if he comes up with you a uniform complete with general's stars. I think we need to be prepared to get our chains yanked and be ready to yank back. I get the impression the Mutt and Wolfie are in for a run for their money." Dora said with almost a feral smile that would make a goblin proud.
"Agreed, it's your section Dora. You handle it. And if he does what you think I'll wear it proudly but keep that to yourself." Harry said and looked at Dora in a way that indicated he meant for her to keep it to herself.
"Yes Chief."
Harry caused her to drop a piece of paper. When she bent over, she got a stinging hex to left ass cheek.
"Damn you Potter that wasn't necessary," She swung around quite pissed off.
"But Dora it was fun. You know I don't like called Chief," Harry smirked.
"Well I don't like called Dora but now you have everyone doing it," Dora almost screamed.
"Yes but your Mum said it was alright would you rather be called by your first name?" Harry and showed his sneer.
"Only if you want hexed," Dora stated but kept her wand pointed down.
They ragged each other for several minutes then went back to what they were doing. Hermione was shopping with Emma so it was just Harry and Dora in the suite when Sirius and Remus walked in.
"I swear Remus if I had known the state of that class I would have taught history," Sirius stated shaking his head.
"I can't believe Dumbledore let things get this bad, how is anyone getting OWLs and NEWTs?" Remus asked showing his irritation.
"It's simple Remus, they've dumb downed the tests to the point the ICW doesn't recognize the scores as valid. You might want to think about sponsoring a Defense club and use it to bring them up to par faster. If they volunteer they want to learn, and no club has homework but the need to learn something new before the next meeting so you don't embarrass yourself is motivation to learn." Harry suggested with a smile.
"The pup has a point Wolfie," Padfoot replied to Harry.
"I agree Mutt. And so you know I now agree Dumbledore was trying to destroy our world and build his own. I can't believe the shit or damage that old bastard did. I wonder if we'll ever find out how many people that he obliviated." Remus said and the wolf flashed for a moment.
"I doubt that Mooney. Have you guys heard the latest?" Harry asked to change the subject.
"No what this time pup," Sirius asked wondering what happened this time.
"When the last LeStrange went through the veil, which was Bellatrix, Frank and Alice became coherent and should be home tomorrow. The healers think she used a Black family curse that caused their memories to leave them unable to speak and shut down all but basic motor skills. It seems Alice was trying to pass Neville messages in gum wrappers but couldn't write or express herself any other way. Frank and Alice know everything that was said around them. Fortunately, for Neville he kept them up to date with what he was doing by talking to both of them and telling them, he loved them. They told Nev he kept them sane by sharing his life with them." Harry told the shocked Marauders who were friends with Frank and Alice.
"I hope they can help the boy's confidence," Sirius said.
"I agree, between his core being bound, the old bastard fucking with his memory, and everything else it's no wonder he has little confidence in himself. Did you guys hear that we hired a 25 man team to work for Dora and provide security?" Harry asked.
"Was that the team of US Marines she was talking about?" Remus asked back.
Harry replied with a huge smile. "Yes, some real hard asses in the group, led by Sergeant Major 'Gunny' Powers who will probably make Mad Eye look like a pussy. Their Major sent me his service record. It includes a Purple Heart, you have to get bloodied to get that one, he has two Silver Stars for valor. The Silver Star is two levels under their Medal of Honor, kind of equivalent to Order of Merlin Second Class. He's not a desk or paper pusher type guy and calls those REMFs, which stands for Rear Echelon Mother Fuckers. His attitude is pretty much, take no prisoners unless you need Intel, then get the most knowledgeable and leave the others for the carrion eaters to sort out. I've got ₲5 that says behind his desk he will put up a poster that reads: Yea tho I walk through the Valley of Death, I fear no evil, for I am the meanest mother fucker in the valley. I think that poster or something very similar."
"What will your poster show, two vultures with one saying to the other 'Patience my ass I wanna kill something'?" Sirius asked with a smile
"Thanks Mutt, I'll look for that one when we go to Orlando. I had Dobby pop me over just after Hermione and Emma left. I put in a portal so we can just step through," Harry said with a smile looking forward to vacation.
"Padfoot if I remember right the bungalow as James called it is about a mile or so from Magic Kingdom on a lake." Remus said having been there only once.
"You're right it's on the south side of Bay Lake with muggle repelling wards and looks like swamp, from what I saw it's too big to be a bungalow. Dora says ten of the guys are married or will be by the time they get to Florida. The others have decided to go with three to a room so we'll need 15 rooms, ten for a week and five for two nights. The single guys would rather go to Daytona Beach and look at the bikinis. Gunny told Dora to expect to hear some war stories about that, but to believe only about half of what is said." Sirius replied deciding they needed an updated map of the area.
"With you two, Dora, the Tonks, the Grangers, Hermione, and me that only leaves one bedroom at our place. Two of the team used to work at Disney and said it's too expensive for what you get when you usually only need a room for changing clothes and sleeping. They said to go cheap but clean and gave Gunny a list of out of the way places that cater to wizards. Harry said and spread out two new maps.
The rest of the term sped by as they settled into a routine. Mad Eye was still busy with trials and overseeing the Death Eaters being sent through the veil. The pure bloods were screaming bloody murder that their number was rapidly dwindling. Her Majesty heard one gripe too many and declared all magical being equal and threatened to disband the Wizengamot if they it didn't include elves, Goblins, centaurs, werewolves, and vampires in the assembly. She let those beings know that it was Harry and Hermione's idea for her to make the declaration.
Harry, Hermione, Dan, Emma, Ted, Andy, Dora, Sirius, and Remus headed west for the United States.
Orlando Florida
The group of nine arrived at Salem Institute of Magic, toured the facility. Harry's primary concern was how they got electricity to work around magic. Hermione kept Mount Harry from erupting when he found out that the United Kingdom didn't allow electrical devices to be imported. He was told that with proper wiring and shielding electricity was no problem. He fired off two letters to Pomona and Amelia stating he was wiring Hogwarts for electricity and importing electrical devices into his Earldoms, and the United Kingdom needed to pull its head out of its ass.
Harry contacted two magical contractors and asked them to go to Hogwarts and give him a bid for setting up the school with electricity. Then was told the best place to get the projection systems and other electronics he wanted was Singapore. They operated off the same type electricity where the Americans were a bit different. The group took a portal from Salem, to Singapore where Harry had a ten-bedroom bungalow. They did their shopping and shipped nearly ₲30,000 worth of equipment to Hogwarts. They had a great seafood dinner at Long Beach Seafood Centre on the East Coast Parkway. Then it was off to another bungalow in southern San Clemente on the beach. This one only had eight bedrooms.
Tonks used her notebook computer and emailed Gunny telling him where they were. An hour later he and his wife Anne arrived. At dinner Harry offered to have Dobby and Tinker move the Powers belongings into their Hogwarts suite.
Gunny and Anne merged seamlessly into the group. They were roasting hot dogs drinking beer or butterbeer when they found out Dan had been a Captain in the SAS and seen action in the Falklands. Gunny told Dan he had a half dozen 40 caliber automatic pistols and he and Emma could each have one if they wanted. When ask why not 9 millimeters Gunny said, "When I hit the bastard I want him to stay down. A 40 cal., I can charm to be recoilless but a 45 cal. will still kick up and usually to the right. With an extended magazine, I have fifteen rounds with a 45 I have seven. With a 9 millimeter, I have 17 but need two per man. The 40 caliber will take a laser sight the 45 will also but the first round you fire knocks the damn thing off center to who knows where."
"Well Deadeye do you want to try a 40 cal.?" Dan asked Emma with a smile.
"With no kick oh hell yes. And with a laser maybe even you can hit a silhouette in the upper body," Emma replied while almost bouncing.
"Deadeye? Mum what haven't you told me?" Hermione asked in her I want information now tone.
"Kitten, the second time your mother went to the range she put nine out of nine in the center of the bulls eye and the range office called her Deadeye and it stuck. Even dentists had to qualify once a year. I can use a pistol but I prefer a rifle except for not being patient enough I could have been a sniper," Dan told his shocked daughter.
"Dan I know the feeling they're a special breed, but I have two cases of the M82A1s with computerized scopes and the whole nine yards. It will throw a .50 caliber slug over 1800 meters and take out what it hits. A shot to the head of a giant and the giant is dead. Put four teams of six with those and add .50 caliber machine guns to each tower and you have awesome fire power at a long range." Gunny said almost as if he was looking forward to kicking some ass.
"We'll still have to take out Inferi, and the only way I know to do that is fire and a lot of it." Harry interjected.
"Ok so we'll need something like napalm or phosphorus and be able to launch it a fair distance. I'll have to think on that," Gunny stated with a smile.
"Padfoot have you talked to the twins about the grenades?" Harry asked looking at Sirius.
"Yes, you're thinking of us adding something like Gunny is talking about to the mixture." Remus said almost as a question.
"Actually Mooney I was thinking of putting it inside the balls and exploding it over the Inferi. If we can make the small ball duplicate and expand, we can catch a lot of them on fire at once. Kind of like that, cluster bomb we watched the other night on the military channel. If we put two riders to a broom and get up to about 500 feet then launch the balls we should be able to get more range than launching from a tower."
Sirius and Remus explained what they were talking about to Gunny, and Gunny loved the idea.
"Harry"
"Yes love"
"Anne is a potions mistress and has teaching experience. She also has her Masters in Herbology. She told me that five of the other wives were teachers through last May here. Two have Transfiguration Masteries, one has Charms, and another has a Potions/Herbology combined Mastery. The fifth has her Mastery in Defense. These are equivalent to PhD's in the muggle world. The other four are about half way to getting their masteries in Runes or Arithmancy. All they have left is the research and their thesis. Anne says Corporal Rogers is a parselmouth and can teach you to read and write it. Most spells in Parseltongue are more powerful and travel farther. Rogers is kind of like a wizard sniper." Hermione told him shocking Harry to his core.
"Ask them to get their CVs together and we'll send them to Pomona this could help her quite a bit." Harry said without hesitation.
"Karen, one of the ladies working with Runes, says the Apache Shaman's can cure Remus and teach him to cure others. She says they don't take money but do accept precious stones as gifts. She suggests two one-carat diamonds for the cure and teaching. Offer too much or too little and they'll be insulted." Hermione said while glancing at Remus.
"I'll talk to Remus, you find out about the CVs please," Harry said watching Hermione's bottom as she walked away in her skintight jeans. He tripped over his own feet and Gunny said, "Eyes front when you're walking is a good thing lad. Just between us I think you picked a winner."
"I couldn't agree more Gunny. To be honest I'm not sure who picked whom. She's both good to me, and for me and that's a hard combination to find and harder to beat," Harry replied with a large smile.
"Yes I found that with Anne. She keeps my life in the proper perspective and me from going off the deep end. We need to get this thing with Moldyshorts settled so we can get on with life and not have to look over our shoulder for that bastard," Gunny stated firmly but friendly at the same time.
"Our current Intel says he's in Albania trying to get strong enough to get back here. There's a ritual using the Bone of the father, Flesh of the servant, and Blood of the enemy that will restore him to a mortal body. His father's body lies in Little Hangleton near his old mansion. We will be alerted if the cemetery or mansion is entered by a wizard with or without his dark mark. Once we get back to Hogwarts, we'll take the team and find the best places to put snipers and to hide the strike team. We suspect him to go to the mansion first and make his final plans. I know he wants my blood, but might have used Dumbledore instead. The old bastard's death has probably given Moldyshorts more confidence than ever since his greatest competitor is gone," Harry replied.
"Chief it's good to work for a commander that listens to his Intel and doesn't put shit before a committee of people that are un-blooded in battle and can't make a fucking decision if they want black coffee or cream and sugar. I assume you'll be in the middle of it?" Gunny said with a smile.
"Hell yes, I want his wand for my collection. I hope it will be the last, but we both know it won't. Some shithead will hurt one of our team's families somehow, and we'll suit up for battle to show them the error of their way just before they meet their maker on the other side. As our families grow and get larger, the chance of one of them or their extended family being hurt increases, and the cycle starts again. I read somewhere, 'that without darkness there can be no light and without light, there can be no darkness. One ebbs and the other flows then the reverse happens just like ocean tides. To truly find peace, there must be balance.' That seems to make sense to me, and I believe it was Merlin, who first said it, but it could have been Artur Pendragon," Harry replied solemnly.
"Damn you're deep for one so young, but only your body is young isn't it. I have a feeling you have more experience than the rest of us combined," Gunny said gaining more respect for the young man.
"Gunny it's a family thing passed down from before Merlin. Unfortunately that's about all I can say about it except I have gifts from all four of the rings I wear. Hermione has gifts from her two and hers are different and the same all at once."
"Your children are going to be hell on wheels I think Harry."
"Well with uncles like the team, Padfoot, and Mooney, and aunts like Dora and others I expect you're right. They may be terrors but they damn sure won't be spoiled brats, Gunny."
"Brats I'll agree with, but they'll damn sure be spoiled. I can't imagine any child born into this group that would be otherwise at least to a point," Gunny stated and Harry agreed.
The next morning David Stonefeather took Harry and Remus to Northeastern Arizona. Harry left Remus and two diamonds with the Shaman and he and David met the others at the Bay Lake bungalow. Harry added two floors and twenty bedroom suites with full baths.
Hermione took Anne, Lisa, Karen, Carol, Ruth, Sharon, Jessica, Stacy, Mattie, and Cathy through the portal to meet with Pomona and the Headmistress hired the lot of them and sent Harry a kiss back via Hermione. Harry bought four dozen transformers to run American electrical equipment on mostly for the team. He bought a high dollar VHS to DVD recorder so he could get a lot of the nature series from the educational channel converted to DVD. Remus came back smiling and with an ICW certified blood test showing him free of Lycanthropy. He and Sirius got plastered and ended up in Bay Lake. They sort of sobered up when Gunny yelled, "Alligator!"
Remus made a pass at Dora and ended up back in the lake and her yelling, "I don't kiss fucking drunks. Where is that fucking Mutt, I'll shrink his pecker to nothing."
Sirius threw himself in the lake and did a sobering charm on both him and Remus. Everyone heard, "Damn it Remus I told you it was a mistake if you tried that shit. But nooo, the great thinker knows all. Well shithead we wasted all that good boozed for nothing. Now get your ragged ass up there and apologize to my cousin or I'll ask Hermione to hex your bits."
"Paddy you wouldn't," Remus said his voice trembling.
"You damn right I will, now move out shit for brains. The brains of the Marauders my aching ass," Sirius pouted like a spanked puppy.
Dora and the rest of them were laughing so hard she couldn't stay mad at Remus, but she could give him a hard time. The team of Marines looked at each other knowing they had made the right decision, and everyone would fit and all backs would be covered.
At 05:30 Gunny looked out of his bedroom window and watched as Harry swung a sword in each hand. He seemed to be dancing but making moves that had beauty and meaning while building his arms and upper body. Harry suddenly threw both swords up and they disappeared as he dropped and did 50 pushups. Then stood and held his hands up and the swords reappeared.
"Honey what are you doing it isn't even six?" His wife asked from their bed.
"Anne love come here and watch Harry," She padded to the window and watched Harry's graceful dance.
"How long has he been at that?" She asked quietly.
"Well I first saw him a 05:30 or a bit after. You're watching a warrior mage making peace with his ancestors. That young man is a force unto himself and his lady is almost 80 percent as powerful. His Minister of Magic said he's over a 1300 on the Merlin scale, I think she's off, more like 1500 and Hermione is about 1200. I've worked with a lot of different types in the last 20 years but I've never seen anything like him. Now let's make use of that nice bed," He said licking his lips.
"Gunny you sure have good ideas early in the morning," Anne cooed.
As the couple turned away, they missed seeing Harry smile. Harry had felt Gunny's eyes on him and his magic picked the Sergeant Major up in a heartbeat.
At breakfast Harry said, "Morning Tonksie I see you and Wolfie got to bed fairly early."
"Don't start that shit, chief I'm not in the mood," Dora growled.
"Remus not much of a kisser then?" Harry asked with a snigger,
"Harry, are you looking for a fight after your warm up? You're about to get one," Dora stated fiercely.
"Sorry Dora, wrong time of the month I'll play nice," Harry said with an irritating smile.
"Harry shut it now," Dora said pulling her wand, which came flying to Harry.
"Dora be nice, if you can't take it don't dish it out. Don't let your button get pushed or it could cost you or someone else their life in a fight. Ten deep breaths and tell little brother what's bothering big sister and I'll go kick someone's ass and make it all better," Harry said his tone changing to one of comfort.
"I'm alright now and I'll tell you later I promise with pudding on top. But you can kick Sirius' ass for me if you want." She replied.
Harry tossed her the wand and asked, "Why?"
"For getting him and Wolfie drunk," Dora replied.
"Going wolf hunting and bad cousin messed with wolfie and got him piss drunk and drunks smell bad and have bad breath and bad breath is not good for snogging, I got it. I'll go hit Sirius in the ass with a hard stinger," Harry said and disappeared.
"OWww shit, damn it Harry what was that for," Sirius yelled.
Mumbles
"You're shitting me. OWww damn pup stop it," Sirius was begging now.
"Alright I won't do it again, no you can't castrate Mooney, OW damn it Harry," Sirius yelled loud enough to wake up the second and third floors.
Harry appeared next to Dora and asked, "All better now sis?"
"Yes thanks. I imagine Remus will walk softly around you today. Was Sirius asleep?" she asked wanting a yes.
"No he was bending over putting on his boxers the first time, left cheek. The second time was the right cheek. The last time was faked." Harry said with a smile.
Hermione entered the dining room.
"Hermione your fiancé deserves lots of kisses, he was good to his big sister this morning and helped with her bad cousin," Tonks said and winked at Harry.
So Harry got rewarded about seven times. As the others came in, they asked if Harry killed Sirius.
"No Gunny, it was a wandless stinger. With a wand, my stinger is about the size of a pencil lead. With my hand it's about as big around as your thumb at its largest diameter." Harry said with a feral smile.
"Damn that had to hurt," Gunny said and laughed.
"It probably did but not as much as being thrown out of his bedroom window. Now he knows not to hurt my big sister's feelings. She threatened to turn Hermione loose on him so he actually got the better deal," Harry replied as Sirius entered the dining room.
"Yes I need someone to practice my hair penis charm on. It should now change color to match the surrounding hair and be even harder to find," Hermione told them giving Sirius a glare that made him shudder.
"Harry you're her Head of House you need to take her wand," Sirius told his godson,
"Nope, you're my godfather that's your duty you do it if you think it's that important. Just let me know when so I can watch you get your clock cleaned," Harry said with an evil grin.
"You're hanging around the M team too much," Sirius accused Harry.
"M team?" Harry asked with a frown.
"Yes M team, Marines duuh. Shit now I'm doing it," Sirius replied shaking his head.
"You know I kind of like that, Gunny did you get the uniforms?" Harry asked.
"Yes, good charm work by the way the lining is something I didn't recognize though." Gunny replied.
"That would be basilisk hide. It stops all minor curses and lessens all but the killing curse. I had Dora and Mad Eye hit me with a ~Crucio~ and was able to disarm them. I won't say it didn't hurt some but it didn't incapacitate me either," Harry stated.
"In other words Gunny it hurt like a bitch but he was able to fight through it. I was able to do the same but the little shit ducked my Expelliarmus and took me down," Remus said looking like death warmed over.
"Good morning Remus how's your head?" Harry asked with an evil grin.
"Hurts like hell. I called Dobby for a hangover potion and a headache potion and the little bugger disappeared and didn't come back with the potions. What is that all about?" Remus replied and looked for Dobby.
"Let's see, could it be someone got drunk then made an ass of himself, and tried to put the make on my big sister who happens to be my chief of security. Then after getting dunked in the lake instead of apologizing like a man, he proceeds to get pissed again and has to be carted off to bed. Said big sister cries on little brother's shoulder and little brother says he'll take care of it. Little brother tells big bad elves no potions for Wolfie. Big bad elves say 'Yes Master Lord Harry Potter sir' and disappear. Does that sound about right sis?" Harry said between laughs at Remus.
"Close but you didn't tell the part about me threatening to castrate him and hanging his little bits over my fire place," Dora replied with a giggle at the end.
"Dora I'm sorry. I usually am not like that, and hold my liquor better, forgive me please." Remus begged.
"I'll think on it, and let you know if and when I do. Perhaps Ron Rico 151 proof rum isn't your drink. And a bit of advice hurling on a woman's shoes then trying to kiss her doesn't make a good impression," Dora said sweetly.
"I didn't," Remus said and looked at the others with horror on his face.
"You bloody well did then slipped and pulled both of us down in it," Dora answered.
"Don't look at me I told you several times to just go to bed. But no you know best and said 'I've got it handled' you sure didn't handle it well, and I actually thought about letting her castrate you. But Harry saved your ragged ass, and threw us both in the alligator filled lake. But as furious as Dora was we stood a better chance with a 20 foot alligator than a pissed off witch." Sirius said while wondering if he could hold food down.
"Whose idea was the rum Padfoot? If I remember right I suggested a couple of shots of firewiskey." Remus asked while holding his head.
"How was I supposed to know you couldn't handle the rum? You've spent a hell of a lot more time in the muggle world than I have. I didn't get good room service in Azkaban, oh great brains of the Marauders. Lil's is laughing her ass off and James is howling while he rolls on the floor," Sirius replied with no emotion.
"There isn't even any aspirin in this place. Damn my head hurts," Remus complained.
"GOOD!" Several voices said as one.
"Remus we're all very happy you're cured but hopefully the celebration is over. It's just a suggestion, old man, but if you want to ask a lady out, you might want to do it while sober. You start small, ask her out to dinner and take her to a nice place. Then if you're comfortable ask her to go dancing, and limit yourself to no more than two drinks over a four-hour period. Puking on her shoes while slobbering on her, didn't seem to work that well. I may be young but I can see how that would be a turnoff," Harry paused for effect.
"I think Prongs must be ashamed of the last two Marauders. One plays the Azkaban card to keep from dating and the other has to get pissed to ask a beautiful young woman out. Well at least the son of Prongs may have caught his lady in a moment of weakness but he did manage to ask her properly. Today they are going to Magic Kingdom where he will spend the day doing what she wants to do. It will be just the two of us alone and most probably acting our age. Hermione do we really have to get old and act like theses two?" Harry asked sadness showing in his voice.
"Yes on the getting old and hell no on the acting like the decrepit old Marauders. I think we should act more like my Mum and Dad or Ted and Andy," She answered with a smile.
"Good point love, God I love smart women," Harry replied with a grin.
"Harry I hate to rain on your parade but you need an adult with you until you're sixteen." Dora said as if it was fact.
"Confundus charm Dora," Harry replied without hesitation.
"Security cameras can't be confunded Chief. And once inside we'll agree on a time and place to meet just like normal people and you two can be off while I look around at things I want to see," Dora shot back at her boss.
"Sounds like a plan. Maybe while we're gone Mutt and Wolfie can think about where they want their lives to go. They both got a second chance and I don't think they should waste it," Harry said giving the two old Marauders an evil grin.
"Come on ladies we can take one of the cars and get good parking, we have season passes that lets us in the theme parks a 08:00 instead of 10:00 and gets us a tour guide. You others have the same. Go to the VIP ticket window and ask for your guide and have fun, that's what we're here for, it gets serious when we go back to Hogwarts." Harry stated and the others agreed.
Tonks drove them to Magic Kingdom, in the magic enhanced cars that didn't take long. They had a great time and true to his word, he let Hermione dictate what they did. His shock for the day was the three trips through Space Mountain before it got too busy. They met back at the bungalow for dinner at 18:00 and compared notes. Most that went weren't impressed with Epcot. Dan and Emma said Epcot was all right but more for the education aspect than rides.
Hermione described Space Mountain and Emma was hooked so they would be going back to Magic Kingdom the next day. They went to Town Center for the fireworks and were told Magic Kingdom had the best fireworks display and the Polynesian Resort had the best view of them. Their waiter suggested making late dinner reservations for outside dining. They decided later the food at the Polynesian wasn't anything special but the view of the fireworks was spectacular. The rest of the team had joined them and there were two new wives. Rick Rogers was married to a dark haired beauty named Marie, and Jones married a blonde named Vicky, both ladies were writing their thesis in world history.
On 25 July, they stepped through the portal into Gryffindor suite's common room.
Chapter 12
Hogwarts
They found the Security Wing hallway was next to the suite. Gunny and Anne had the first suite and the others were just down the hall. They had a large common room/meeting room. A portal led to a valley that held a firing range, weapons testing area, and a building for training classes, that included a large bathroom with showers. Gunny had a free hand to set it up any way he wanted.
Harry was surprised at how much better the castle looked with electric lights, but he was amazed at the Chamber of Secrets. The Chamber had a classroom, dueling room, running track, gym with showers, and a large swimming pool. Instead of two chambers, it was now one large one. Harry thought it was a ₲150,000 plus well spent.
26 July – First breakfast after Florida
Harry and Hermione joined Pomona, Minerva, Poppy Pomfrey, and Filius Flitwick at the head table.
"Good morning Professors."
"Good morning Harry, Hermione how was your trip?" Pomona asked.
"Enlightening and successful, it had several highlights the brightest was Remus Lupin was cured and has the ICW certified blood test results to prove it. He also learned how to cure others, Madam Pomfrey I didn't think to ask him if he could teach that to you, so you may want to get with him about it. I know it took him about 48 hours, but that may be based on how long he had the disease. The castle has a whole new look with the lights don't you think?" Harry asked liking the new look.
"Yes and it's a lot easier on the eyes when reading," Pomona said.
"How's the hiring coming along?" Harry asked letting his curiosity show.
"I only need one more for muggle studies. Arabella Figg, and her friend Megan Spencer, will teach that class but I'm still looking for a third," Pomona responded with a smile.
"Headmistress, please tell me you didn't tell her she could bring all of her cats into this school." Harry shuddered.
"No I didn't. Like everyone else, she's limited to one pet or familiar. She found good homes for the others. I owe her ₲5, since she bet that would be the first thing you asked." Pomona stated with a smile.
"Yes well being baby sat at her old place and surrounded by what seemed like a hundred cats wasn't a pleasant experience. Yes, I know there weren't that many. But at age four, counting wasn't the thing I did best. I'm pleased for her, she's a good lady with a heart of gold. Do we have any issues to discuss?" Harry asked hoping for the answer he would receive.
"Not really Aurora Sinistra says the DVDs she's seen are amazing and agrees that the class can be held in the day time. Harry just so you know the people you recommended were hired because they were the best applicants. I think your dream of making this the best school is off on the right foot and has a great chance to succeed." Pomona replied.
"Great. I have something for you, Professor McGonagall, and the Heads of House," Harry passed out a new version of the Map. "Tap it with your wand and say I swear I am up to good deeds."
After they did that, Harry said, "As you can see everyone is in the great hall. Now tap it and say search Gunny."
"That locates Gunny anywhere inside the school wards. You can search for all Ravenclaws or any other House or group of students. If you want to determine which broom closets are in use a simple search broom closets does that. Tapping an area and saying zoom will enlarge that area. Tapping the edge and saying zoom normal returns it to normal." Harry said as he taught them to use a modified Marauders map.
"That's a masterful bit of charm work Harry." Filius stated.
"The idea came from the old Marauders Map that is now retired. Hermione and I took the idea and added the search and zoom features. Lady Hogwarts provided the information on the castle which you see about one third of. She keeps the unused parts in stasis, and has them locked down until they're needed, but we can easily handle 1000 students. You may have noticed she locked down the dungeons. The new potions classrooms on the 7th floor are well lit and ventilated." Harry said with a smile.
"Yes we know, I tried to show Anne and Lisa the potions lab and to my surprise I couldn't get into the dungeons. Fortunately, Lady Hogwarts told me where they were. Imagine my surprise to hear a voice in my head. I almost wet myself and cursed you at the same time," Pomona replied trying not to giggle and succeeding.
"I'm truly sorry about that, but in my defense I was quite busy at the time," Harry said with a grin.
"It looks like the security force is settling in," Pomona remarked while watching the map.
"Yes, they're going to be learning the ends and outs of the castle and how to get from one spot to another rapidly. After Christmas, we should have another eight of their friends. Next summer we should top out at 51 including Gunny. It needs to be made clear to all their mission is to protect students, staff, and Hogwarts in that order. These men normally take no prisoners if they put someone down its very rare that person is able to get back up. Gunny is in a class by himself, and at least four of the others could make Mad Eye look like a wimp. If you look closely at the stripes on their sleeves, it will give you an indication of their skill level. However even that's misleading because some have specialties and others haven't been in the service long enough to gain the next rank." Harry conceded and sipped his water.
"Gunny was in the top one percent of all enlisted Marines. Their motto of "Semper Fidelius or Semper Fi, means Always Faithful. That and 'leave no one behind' are the codes they live by. Corporal Rogers says Gunny can make you feel lower than whale shit on the bottom of the ocean and never raise his voice. He also says that if Gunny says 'the Lord may have your soul but your ass is mine' that pain is a short time away. Master Sergeant Mitchell's favorite is 'your ass is grass and I'm the lawn mower'. Headmistress, these are battle hardened and extremely dangerous wizards. They may not act like it and will be friendly to a point, but when it comes to security they're all business." Harry told Pomona in a kind but still forceful way.
"Harry if Voldemort does come back, well even if he doesn't I'm glad they're here. I thought Albus should have done something long ago. There is no way two prefects can provide security it didn't even make for a good show. I suppose they'll have the right to give detentions and such?" Pomona asked indicating her support for the change.
"No they'll put students on report and let the Head of House deal with it. The doors to the common rooms will be locked down ten minutes after curfew. Anyone out after that gets to spend the night in a cell in the dungeon, a very unpleasant experience that they won't want to repeat." Harry said with an evil smile.
"Headmistress I've spent some time with the wives and they are trained in hand to hand combat as well as muggle weapons and wands. They're nowhere near the level of their husbands but I doubt if the Death Eater Inner Circle including Bellatrix LeStrange could take one of them," Hermione added.
After breakfast, Harry and Hermione took the team and their wives on a tour of the castle and grounds. They saved the Chamber of Secrets for last and gave them the password to use their portals. Gunny suggested an indoor pistol range since all guns had silencing charms so sound wasn't an issue. Harry called Dobby and Gunny told the little elf what was needed. They put it in the northwest corner on the wall that was nearest to Myrtle's bathroom.
They spent Harry's birthday at an amusement park then had a big dinner with the Minister and others invited. Hermione invited the Royal Family and was surprised when they appeared through a portal. The Royal Family was awed by the castle and Lady Hogwarts talking to Harry and Hermione. For the most part, they kept to Harry's request of only cards or small gifts except for the Firebolt from Sirius and Remus. Hermione gave him a gold chain with a medallion that had his coat of arms on it. The team went together and got him a full set of gear, his uniform had one star on it. Then they paid him a high complement and started calling him the old man. Then they had to explain it was a term of endearment not a slam. Anne told them they had other words not for mixed company they called a commander they didn't like or respect. Gunny whispered something to Mad Eye and got a smile and a nod.
Sirius and Remus met with the twins several times and they came to school two weeks early to get caught up for their past lack of study was the official reason. The Goblins located an older brother and younger sister of Myrtle's and split the money equally between them. Ragnok told Harry that they were relieved to find out what actually happened and thanked Harry for what he had done and the Goblins for the effort it took to find them. Ragnok added the two didn't seem all that interested in the money although it would make them more comfortable.
Harry began training with the team. He was a fair shot with a pistol but not great. However, he was deadly with an M4 carbine out to 400 yards. On full auto, it took him three days to learn to squeeze off 3 or 4 rounds and put at least two in the head of a dummy. Hermione took to the pistol and a recoilless shotgun like a moth to a flame. She let Harry know in no uncertain terms she would have his back along with Dora.
28 August 1993 – Hogwarts
As the new students and their families arrived, they were greeted by the Headmistress, Harry, and Hermione. When the last family arrived, they were all escorted to the Great Hall where the Headmistress introduced Harry and Hermione as the owners.
Harry started, "Welcome to, or back to, Hogwarts. This year brings many changes hopefully for the better. As I said, last year that this is a school and therefore it's a place of learning. As such, there is no place for bullying or bigotry. If you don't like these policies there is the door, it opens out. Hermione, the Headmistress, and I have gone to a lot of trouble and great expense to try to provide the best for the students and therefore demand your best effort in return. Everyone here today has read and signed the paperwork, well at least signed it. Would the security team please stand. Miss Tonks is my Director of security her second in command Sergeant Major Gunny Powers a retired United States Marine. His team is all former US Marines. When it comes to security what they say goes period," Harry paused a moment.
"As I told the Headmistress, these men are all battle-hardened veterans. Run afoul of one at your own risk, if you live you'll be out of here the heartbeat after you're able to travel never to return. They're here to protect you as students not to coddle you. Simply follow the rules and their directions and you'll do well," Harry took a sip of his water while he let that sink in.
"This school had the lowest pass rate on OWLs and NEWTs in history. That is not acceptable to me and shouldn't be to you as parents or students. What this means is that fifth and sixth year students will have to work even harder than normal. However, you will have help and study guides to insure that you are studying the correct material. There will also be study groups and clubs to help you get caught up. Every class has three teachers, two for years one through five and one for the last two years. Every teacher has at least one Mastery, or is writing their thesis to complete it. Each of the security team also has at least a Mastery in Defense most have two or more." Harry paused again and looked around.
"When you tour the dungeons take a close look at the cells because if you're out after curfew that's where you'll end up sleeping. All common rooms will be locked down at 22:10 on the nights before classes and 23:10 on Friday, and Saturday nights. The first time you break curfew it will be handled by your Head of House. If there is a second time you will be suspended for one month, a third time gets you a one-way ticket out of Hogwarts. The time reveling spell is Tempus if you don't have a watch. Fist year students will learn it after dinner when they meet with their Head of House. Now for the good news I give my fiancé and co-owner of Hogwarts Lady Hermione Granger-Hufflepuff-Galahad the floor." Harry said and sat down.
"Thank you Harry. Lady Hogwarts did Lord Gryffindor speak true?"
"Yes my Lady."
"Thank you Lady Hogwarts. In addition to the clubs Lord Gryffindor spoke of, there are also Physical fitness, arts and crafts, household management, chess, Quidditch, and clubs for each class are being started. If there is enough interest in football, baseball, rugby, or basketball those clubs may be formed. The M Team, our security, force has volunteered to hold dueling clubs for first, second, third year students. They will group fourth and fifth, and sixth and seventh year students together for a total of five dueling clubs. By the time you sit your OWLs or NEWTs, you will have used every spell used on the tests by the ICW testing committee. This is meant to catch up those of you who have had less than good Defense Instructors in the past. Moldyshorts placed a curse on the Defense Against the Dark Arts name and classroom. The Goblin curse breakers have removed the curse but we chose to change the name and classrooms anyway." Hermione paused for that news to sink in.
"For those of you who like history please feel free to form a club, you now have three teachers with Masters or are Master candidates in World History. Divination is now an optional course if you are shown to be a seer. The Department of Mysteries or ICW seers will provide the test. See your Head of House for more information on that. The ICW does not provide OWL or NEWTs in Divination and we will not provide a rest period and grade it any longer. Astronomy is also an elective course and will be taught during the normal class hours. The astronomy tower is now off limits and is being used by the M Team. Lady Hogwarts did I speak the truth." Hermione asked then sat next to Harry.
"Yes my Lady."
The meeting was over and people mingled with each other and the staff. All was going well then Molly Weasley approached Harry and Hermione.
"Harry…"
"It's Lord Gryffindor and Lady Hufflepuff, Mrs. Weasley."
"Oh never mind I want Ron back in Hogwarts and I want it now," She stated firmly.
"Your wants are not our concern. However the answer is no, actually make that hell no," Harry stated his anger almost at the surface.
"Surely you can't deny him an education over a small misunderstanding," She said her voice rising.
"Mrs. Weasley would you like to see the twins and Ginny graduate?" Harry asked politely but firmly.
"Yes of course." She sputtered.
"Good, I said no, Ronald Weasley will not come back to Hogwarts and the subject is closed. Mention it again and you'll find yourself in the English Channel about one quarter mile out from the cliffs of Dover. If I permitted Ronald back the chances of him living 48 hours are slim and none. I clearly told him if I lay my eyes on him, he's a dead man. I meant it then and I mean it now Ronald Weasley had best stay away from Hermione and me. Now do my fiancé, you, and me a favor and get out of my sight before I throw you out of Earldoms forever. Ronald made his bed now he has to sleep in it," Harry said and turned his back and walked away.
"Ronald would do better running into Harry than me. Harry will kill him quick, but I'll drag it out and make sure he suffers more than the Longbottoms did," Hermione added then caught up with Harry.
"Molly, get it through your head those two can and will do what they said. If they don't then Tonks, Remus, Gunny, or one of the team will if they manage to beat me to it. Albus and you set Harry up to meet Ron and he and Hermione know that. Then you and Ron were paid to spy on Harry. Harry thought for over a year Ron was his first and best friend. The Chamber of Secrets where my godson saved your daughter's life and almost died because of your youngest son changed Harry for the better." Sirius said and paused gathering his thoughts.
"If that young man can hate, he hates Ronald and you, through that you're both high on the shit list the rest of us maintains. Those battle-hardened men on M Team think the sun rises and sets in Harry and would gladly sacrifice their lives to save his. The second best thing you can do is speak to Harry only if he speaks to you first. The best thing you can do today is to hug your children and get the hell out of here before one of these men or women decide to take you out." Sirius stated and turned his back and walked away.
Molly looked at Remus and he nodded. Gunny just stood there as if measuring her for a coffin. Molly scurried to her children, hugged them, and went through a portal home.
The Burrow
Arthur came home white faced. "Arttie what's wrong?"
"I asked Mad Eye why Harry had it in for Ron and got shown a series of memories including some of Dumbledore and Snape's trials. What the fuck was on your mind when you agreed to do what Dumbledore asked. And just so you know, Ronald has been lying all summer. His actions nearly got everyone killed and Voldemort back with a young body. If I was Harry, I probably have killed Ron. RONALD, GET DOWN HERE NOW!"
"Yes Dad."
"You have until you're 17 to get your act together or I'll throw you out of this family. If you lie to me again, I'll throw your ass out of here. You will get your OWLs, you will learn etiquette, you will no longer eat like a hog, you will only eat two helpings, and you will work around this house or I'll disown you and throw you out. Just so, you know I watched the memories Harry, Hermione, and others provided. I know how close you came to getting us all killed and the dark lord returned in a young and powerful body. Fuck up once more and you're gone forever." Arthur stated forcefully.
"But…"
"But nothing, get down here with your charms book and I'll give you an assignment," Arthur said interrupting Ron.
"Mum said I was going back to Hogwarts."
"Well as usual your mother's mouth wrote a check her ability can't cash. If you really are in a rush to die I'll take you to the Hogwarts gate and watch what happens when the wards grab you. Since you're not allowed in any of Harry's Earldoms it shouldn't take long." Arthur stated.
"Why is it he…" SMACK
"Shut your jealous mouth. That young man has what he has because his parents died protecting him or he earned it. What the hell have you done but piss and moan about how little you have. Well there is a solution to that it's called hard work and by God you will learn what those two words mean or I may kill you myself it will probably less painful than what Harry or Hermione does to you if they see you again." Arthur said on the verge of really losing his patience with his youngest son.
It was after 23:00 when Ron went to bed he had studied more in one evening than all summer. If that wasn't bad enough when he started eating his father backhanded him and knocked him off his chair and put him to studying at the table with nothing to eat. The next morning his mother did the same thing, and he only had one mouthful, and tried to say how good it was. After de-gnoming the garden and pulling weeds by hand, he was sat back down at the table and told to study etiquette and charms. The first lesson was on eating and what things to avoid at all costs. After missing the last two meals, he decided to try what he read and received two sandwiches, juice, and a cookie for lunch. While it wasn't all he wanted he found by chewing it slow with his mouth closed it seemed to be much more than he thought. At dinner, he got two helpings and one piece of pie for desert. Ron received a letter from Ginny and the twins.
Dear Ron,
You wouldn't believe how much this place has changed. Dad would be in heaven we have electric lights and quite a few of our classes use muggle projectors that show moving pictures with sound. Our classes have two professors and it's almost like having a tutor. There are no more than twelve in any of our classes. In charms class we get to see the wand movement in slow motion as the incantation is said, and then we get to practice under the watchful eye of a Professor. Transfiguration is the same way. But potions is the biggest change it's on the seventh floor and is well lit, there are no periods longer than one and a half hours. We study the ingredients, and how they are supposed to act together when combined. We found out why there is a certain order to put things in a cauldron. I know now how certain proportions and stirring direction matters so much. You'll be surprised to know Neville is at the top of his class in potions. His herbology skills help him a lot. He helps us second years in our study club.
All Quidditch teams have new brooms and the model is based on the position so all the seekers have Firebolts. Of course, they belong to the school. Our head of house is Sirius Black with Remus Lupin as his assistant. Did you hear Remus was cured of his lycanthropy in the U.S.? He's teaching the cure to Madam Pomfrey. Write me back and I'll answer. Fred and George want to add to this.
Hey little bro,
As Gin-Gin said, you wouldn't know this place. Classes are really good and the way they're taught it's easy to learn. So far, our longest essay has been 200 words, the Professor said if you can't make your point in 200 words you can't make it in 10,000. You probably heard about the M Team that provides security. They are 25 of the baddest assed dudes on the planet. Sergeant Major Gunny makes Mad Eye seem like a pussycat.
We are working with them on a special project. We got invited to Gunny's office, and he has this huge poster behind his desk chair that reads: Yea tho I walk through the valley of death I fear no evil because I'm the baddest M*****f**ker in the valley. The deal is Ron, George and I believe he is the baddest dude of them all and they are all bad asses. Even the youngest has his Defense Mastery they have an updated version of the Marauders map and know everything that goes on in the castle. Marietta Edgecombe got caught out after curfew and they had her caught within ten seconds of being alerted. She spent a miserable night in the dungeon sleeping on a concrete slab with a single thin blanket and no pillow. Since she was on probation, she was expelled immediately the next morning by Headmistress Sprout. Her mother apparently came charging up to the gate and a fishing boat in the English Channel plucked her out of the cold water.
The nest morning Harry gets a Howler and he just kept eating, when it opened, it was almost too quiet to hear but it was Mrs. Edgecombe griping about her daughter being expelled. Harry calmly as you please answered with his own howler telling the woman her bitch of a daughter broke probation and was expelled as the result if she didn't like that she should have chosen another school or read the rules of the probation she signed that she had read and understood. He then waved his wand over the envelope and it disappeared. When asked by Gunny what he had done Harry say, "Family secret that amplifies my voice by a factor of ten and sends it directly to the receiver." I imagine Dad got to hear it as well as the rest of the Ministry."
Ron I'll tell you now you'll be wasting your time asking us to ask Harry to let you back in school. Bro he wants you dead for what you did. Fred and I are on probation and we are not going to risk expulsion for something that has no chance of success.
Ginny, Fred, George
Ron decided he would answer later.
When Arthur got home Molly asked, "Arthur what's wrong you look tired and strung out?"
"We've been laughing most of the day and my sides are sore," Arthur replied.
"What happened that was so funny."
"The Edgecombe bitch got fired for sending a howler on Ministry stationery," Arthur replied.
"That doesn't sound bad enough to fire someone over."
"Molly like Ron you need to think before you speak. Let's say for sake of argument I send you a howler saying I want Ron on the Quidditch team, what's the first thing you hear?"
"From Arthur Weasley?"
"No, you hear Ministry of Magic the Desk of Arthur Weasley Director of Muggle Artifacts." Arthur told them. Then he asked them, "Now you tell me am I acting as a citizen or a Ministry official?"
"Well it would be hard to tell from that."
"Now suppose that's all Cecilia Diggory heard as she left the Great Hall, is she going to tell her friends you and I had a disagreement or that I'm in trouble with the Ministry?" Arthur asked and Molly got the point.
"More than likely the latter and a vicious and untrue rumor about you gets started that affects your career." Arthur stated.
"So now you see why it's a big deal. Now suppose this howler is to the head of an Ancient and Most Noble House someone only heard the first part. Or worse what if is to Earl Potter-Gryffindor-Ravenclaw-Slytherin?" Arthur asked with a smile.
"Arthur, tell me it wasn't and Harry didn't take this as an Act of war," Molly said holding her hand over her heart.
"Well it was to Harry, but he didn't take it as an act of war. He fired back a howler to Mrs. Edgecombe that was heard throughout the Ministry. It had some kind of amplifying charm so it was heard deep in the Department of Mysteries. You know how far my desk is from the Minister's office, well I heard her loud and clear. Saying Amelia was pissed is like saying the sun is hot. Kingsley drug Edgecombe into the Minister's office and marched her back to her office giving her ten minutes to clear her desk. Rumor has it Marietta Edgecombe broke curfew and was expelled since she was on probation and was warned any rule breaking and she would be expelled. She and her mother signed the paperwork saying they both understood the rules," Arthur stated.
"Dad you may want to read this from Ginny, Fred, and George. It's all there but what they left out. I have a feeling Marietta ran afoul of the M Team and they probably straightened her out. Luna told Ginny this summer there were big changes coming. And with the dark lord trying to return it made the school the safest place in the world," Ron said and handed the letter to his Dad.
"Well Molly rumor has it Edgecombe went to Hogwarts and demanded entry and ended up in the English Channel off the cliff of Dover." Arthur said and shook his head trying hard not to laugh.
"Arthur, Harry and Hermione warned me to shut up before I ended up there, at the time I didn't think much of it but there's no doubt they meant it." Molly answered glad she shut up and left.
"Molly, leave those two alone and you as well Ron. Mad Eye and Kingsley says the M Team are professionals as near a warrior mage as there is without actually being one. Some say there are two warrior mages in place right now and biding their time waiting for Voldemort to return. I know for a fact Harry took Mad Eye down more than once while practicing dueling and battle fighting." Arthur asserted and sipped the tea Molly placed in front of him.
"The other thing I found out was from Bill the money we received from your family and mine being killed in the last war was paid by Harry. Ragnok and Ted Tonks finally got him to agree to keep half by saying anything less was an insult to those who died and they were right. Harry said he didn't need the money and that not all the money in the world would bring his parents back, or makes him happy. In one stroke of the pen, we went from ₲52 in the vault to ₲6 million all because of Harry. So I'm telling you both, stay away from him unless he approaches you and speaks directly to you first. Ronald you can learn if you apply yourself, your change in table manners shows me that. The next chapter in that book is on friendships, how to develop and keep a friend. There will be a test when you finish that chapter so I suggest reading it more than just once." Arthur said kindly and patted Ron on the shoulder.
"Yes Dad." Ron replied but deep down he knew he blew the best thing he would ever have by losing Harry's friendship.
Hogwarts Christmas break
The term went fast for all. There was a small birthday party for Hermione. Harry got her a diamond necklace and earrings and caught hell for spending so much money. He told her it was a family heirloom meant for Lady Potter and got kissed breathless for that.
The new classes were well received. The muggle Professors had set up a class where they taught the students about the muggle money system then had to purchase items and make change as both a buyer, and a seller. They showed them memories of shopping in malls and places like Harrods, Versace, Louis Vuitton, Gucci and other luxurious places. Then they showed the similar styles at cheaper prices but lower quality. That brought about a discussion of mass production.
They were also showing a movie per night. When they showed Pearl Harbor, the student found it hard to believe that so much destruction was caused by so few in such a short time. Then Gunny stopped the disk and told them. "Students this happened fifty years ago, they have things now that make these look like a stinger versus a Killing Curse. At the end when the atomic bombs blew up, the students were amazed that things like that existed.
Gunny said, "What you saw at the end are now used to start a bomb at least 300 times as powerful. If one exploded over London, the deaths would be counted in hundreds of thousands. I have called in an air strike and had the pilot release a bomb seven miles from the target, and I put it in a window, the window I wanted it to enter. The only thing left of the four-story building was rubble, and no one survived. Nearly thirty wizards died in the building, and they had some nasty wards around it. I was over 600 yards away when it blew, and was covered in ash. I've been told there are some here that think muggles are backward animals. Well, nothing could be further from the truth. You're watching a muggle movie on a muggle projector. Keep one thing in mind worldwide the muggles out number us by almost 4000 to 1. If we went to war with them, these are not odds that we could survive. Now you have thirty minutes until curfew, have a good evening."
Slowly but surely wizard attitudes toward the muggles were changing. Parents were getting interested in what the children were learning. Pomona was asked if the parents could visit during Christmas and see these movies the children talked about. Pomona, Harry and Hermione agreed, and decided to show the Battle of Britain, Terms of Endearment, Star Wars IV, and Beauty and the Beast in that order on 28 December.
Harry and his group had a nice but quiet Christmas, which was what they wanted. Dora forgave Remus. He politely asked her to dinner at a London restaurant on 1 January, and she accepted. Sirius asked Septima Vector for a date and she accepted. Harry and the M Team gave Sirius and Remus lots of advice on how to treat ladies on the first date. They took it all in good humor, and then asked Harry when he was going to ask Hermione for a date.
"We've gone out almost every weekend since my birthday. We go to dinner, movie, or dancing depending on what we feel like doing. Dan and Emma escort us where we want to go then pretty much leave us alone. So what is you two's excuse?" Harry retorted but with a grin.
The old Marauders shut up and left the two alone. Hermione sniggered and said, "We're awful to them"
"Love they both talk the talk then sit down, they need to walk the walk as well. I know Sirius is struggling but he's been out about six months and needs to start living again. If I need to build a fire under him, I will. It's for the greater good after all." Harry said with a slight crooked grin.
"That's bordering on being one step to far Harry James Potter," Hermione huffed with her hand on her hips and the look on her face.
"Yes dear"
Movies in the Great Hall
Nearly all the students and parents showed up for breakfast on 28 December. Pomona explained the four movies selected and the reasoning behind their selection. The first was about muggle history that some wizard present might have had fathers or grandfathers involved in. The second movie gave an idea of recent muggle living conditions. The third was science fiction produced as entertainment for all ages and was fiction about space and other planets. The last was animation entertainment meant for children and young at heart since it was actually a love story.
When the Battle of Britain ended, Gunny asked those who had family in that war to stand and about 25 percent stood up. "Please keep in mind this stuff actually happened only on a scale much larger than a movie could show. I would also remind you this movie was about the 1940s. As I told the students, they have advanced tremendously since then. The bombs you saw dropped can now be guided from men and women on the ground. They can also be released over five miles away and the aircraft doesn't have to be close to, or over, its target. You also may know Himmler as Grindlewald since that was his real name."
Terms of Endearment brought wet eyes to many of the witches. But the point of how muggles did things in their homes without magic was clearly made.
Surprisingly Star Wars was a hit to both men and women. When asked if such was possible the wizards were shocked to find out there was a space station orbiting the earth as well as hundreds of other satellites that took pictures and provided muggle communications. When asked about robots, Gunny said they weren't that sophisticated yet but there were some used to do dangerous jobs.
Beauty and the Beast was a big hit with the younger children but liked by all. MSgt. Mitchell tried to give them an idea of the amount of work that went into making an animated movie. Hermione showed a crystal of her and Harry watching a new Disney animated movie being made using computers. She shocked them when she told them how much the movie cost to make versus how much it made.
It turned out this was one of the more popular things the school did, and most of the parents thanked the staff individually. The parents would get another shock when they saw their children's grades and told how they fit within the ICW standards. Dumbledore's reputation took another hit even from his past supporters.
Spring Term 1993
On 17 January, Harry and Hermione sat their first of 12 OWLs, which would take the entire week. They were being tested in Paris by the Education Department of the ICW. These were grueling tests and near murder if you didn't know the material. Their scores would be sealed until they ask them to be released or they turned 16. When Hermione produced a corporeal patronus, the examiner almost fainted. When Harry did it with his off hand, and threw a stunner through the stag with his wand hand, all she could do was sputter amazing work.
Harry had taken Arithmancy O++, Astronomy O, Charms O++, COMC O++, Defense O++, Herbology O, Muggle Studies O++, Potions O+, Runes O+, and Transfiguration O++. Harry had 24 OWLs.
Hermione had taken Arithmancy O++, Astronomy O+, Charms O++, COMC O+, Defense O+, Herbology O++, Muggle Studies O++, Potions O++, Runes O++, and Transfiguration O++. Hermione had 27 OWLs.
They set up an appointment to take their NEWTs beginning on 16 May.
"Hermione I'm so proud of you I don't know what to say. I mean the highest number of OWLs ever I think that deserves dinner at La Tour D'Argent tomorrow evening." Harry said and kissed his future wife.
"You're so sweet and Harry 24 OWLs is quite outstanding yourself. What did your Defense practical duel take, 3 seconds and their top Auror down? We qualify for Os in NEWTs in the subjects we have O++s in without taking the tests. If we get the same scores on our NEWTs and turn in dissertations we have our Masteries in those subjects." Hermione told him almost bouncing up and down.
"Hermione there is no if it's when." He replied and found himself with her lips pressed firmly to his. That was something he truly liked above anything else (at least for now).
"Alright Yoda lets go give Mum and Dad the news and get reservations for tomorrow evening." Hermione said after releasing Harry's lips.
"I think the best part was when we arrived Monday the examiners knew we were wasting their time. Well maybe it was the surprised look on the Auror's face when you took him down with a patronus and stunner." Hermione said with a smile.
Dan and Emma were elated for the two children and Harry thought Emma was going to croon when he told them where they want to eat the next evening. Emma spent nearly 20 minutes extolling the virtues of La Tour D'Argent to Dora who said, "It's just a restaurant Dobby probably can do as good or better."
After the meal the 22nd, Harry got a lot of kisses from an ecstatic Hermione. Harry agreed with Dora. It was just a restaurant, which served too little food for a lot of money. But it made his Hermione happy and that was what counted. For two days, they drove Sirius and Remus around the twist by shrugging when asked about their scores. When they finally gave in, Sirius' 'holy shit' could be heard ringing through the Gryffindor suite.
Harry had a small growth spurt in February he moaned and groaned for two days about his muscles aching. After what they did to Sirius and Remus about their scores Harry got no sympathy from them. On 26 February, they began testing the twins and the Marauders gas balls and shrapnel balls. The shrapnel balls worked and were devastating if exploded 50 feet over a group of dummies. The gas balls just didn't hold enough fuel to stop an Inferi.
"Guys how many fuel ball are you putting in these?"
"Ten"
"OK double their size and try five instead of ten, and only duplicate them twice. That will make fifteen if we can explode them about 20 feet over the Inferi it may work. It's too bad we can't use phosphorous and penetrate their bodies before exploding them or explode them on contact."
With the cold came more time on the pistol range although they kept up with rifle practice every two weeks in all kind of weather. One day Harry was looking at his pistols magazine and the ammunition box, and thought runes and an ever filling rune on the magazine and a duplicating set of runes on the ammo box. He went to his desk, drew the two set of runes, and asked Hermione what they would do together.
Harry grabbed the paper with the runes and Hermione yelled, "Hey!"
"You'll get it right back I need to add a couple of runes to both sets." Harry said and took off.
Twenty minutes later Hermione was looking over the runes and said, "Well this set un-shrinks whatever and will keep the carrier full. This set duplicates whatever after it reaches the line of runes and shrinks the carrier and its contents. My question is why not an expansion charms on the inside to keep the original size like our trunks."
"That's just one of the many reasons I love you. Think about the duplicating runes on a box of ammo and the other set on the magazine." Harry said with a huge smile on his face.
"A full magazine in a gun that never runs out of bullets, let's take this to Gunny." Hermione replied and grabbed his hand.
Gunny's eyes lit up and he said, "Simple and elegant and all it costs is some time to see if it works."