Chapter 27 - New Outlooks, part 1Sirius came over on Saturday morning as requested. Dan and Emma had asked him to come and explain a few things as they toured Potter Manor.
"Are you ready?"
Harry was not sure who Sirius was asking, but he answered as he pulled out his three inch long metal key Portkey and his wand. "We were waiting on you to get here," he said with a smirk to tease his godfather. "Everyone put a finger on the key." When they did, he touched his wand to it and said, "To Home."
A few seconds later, they landed in a cove of trees and bushes just inside the fence. The only direction open to the outside of the cove was towards the house, and there was a path in that direction as well as a small gate.
"I, uh…" Dan said nervously as he looked around. Emma seems just as uncomfortable.
"It's only the wards," Harry said as he took his mother's hand. "Bear it as best you can until we get you through the gate." He led the group forward, with Hermione taking her father, and Ginny and Gabrielle taking Sirius. Harry thought he was going to have to find out how to key them into the wards, as Sirius had been years ago.
As soon as they were through the wards at the gate, everyone relaxed, even Dan and Emma.
"This countryside is very pretty," Emma commented as she looked around.
Dan nodded his agreement, although he was focusing more on the large manor house ahead. "Are all Wizarding families this well off? Your house is the smallest I've seen, Sirius, and yet it's bigger than most non-magical houses that I've been in."
Sirius laughed for a moment. "No, Dan, you just associate with some exceptional people. The Potters and Blacks are some of the oldest magical families in Britain. We're not the wealthiest, but our longevity does gives us a measure of wealth that the younger families generally don't have. After talking with Jean-Aimé and doing a little research, I found that the Delacours are one of the best established and wealthiest families in France. It's merely your … good luck to have us all as part of your family."
"I see…"
"The Weasleys are below average in income," Ginny said without any shame, "but the family house is probably more typical. I'm sure my father would be happy to show you around it if you wanted."
"Actually, your father is not below average in income," Sirius gently corrected her with caring look. "He is a Ministry Department Head; he just has a few more Hogwarts fees than the average family. Also, your family has the asset of the thirty acres of land The Burrow sits on, which offsets the lack of cash. Taken as a whole, the Weasley family is in a comfortable position. Added to that, Arthur is also well respected at the Ministry. Be proud of your birth family, Ginny."
The redhead gave him a grateful smile for his support.
"So how many Wizarding families have a manor house like this," Dan asked to steer the attention back towards the house they were about to enter.
"That's hard to answer as it depends on how you define family," Sirius said. "Taking the Blacks for example, for now, all the Blacks do, as I'm all that's officially left of them. Several generations back, my great-grandfather had two brothers and a sister, I think. The family house belonged to him as head of the Black family, but you could also say that it belonged to the extended Black family too. It depends on how you want to view it."
Harry opened the front door and led them in. He was pleased to see the entry way and front parlor looked clean. A wave of his wand turned the magical gas lights on, making the place look very normal, as if someone lived here now.
Dobby arrived with a pop and a bow. "Good morning, Master Harry."
"Good morning, Dobby," Harry returned, pleased to see the elf looked to be in much better health and better attired in what looked like a miniature butler's suit. "I like your uniform - very spiffy."
Dobby preened and literally bounced on his toes for a few seconds. "Thank you, Master Harry. I found it in the elf quarters." He waved his hand over the suit and a few smudges of dust disappeared. He also became fixated on the Potter crest on his chest for a few seconds before returning his attention to Harry. "Can I get you or your guests anything, Master Harry? Tea?"
"Tea in the family room, if you can tell me where it is."
"It is on the right and I will be serving you." Dobby disappeared with a pop.
"Right. This way then," Harry said and led them through the heavy double doors.
"What is this room for?" Emma asked. "It looks like a family room."
"This is the public meeting place," Hermione answered. "That fireplace is for the Floo Network."
"Oh, so friends could come over?"
"Yes, Mum. This sash here rings the bell to let someone know you're here, although I would think the house elf would know first." Hermione led her parents into the house proper.
Harry guided them down the hallway, looking in the first room on the right. It was a library. He stood there casually and waited for Hermione to catch up. He also noticed Ginny look in and then glance towards her older sister-mate with anticipation.
"Is this the family roo…" Hermione started to ask as she looked in, seeing a good-sized two-story room filled with books. The floor and the catwalk around the room for the second story both had gliding ladders attached to the walls.
Harry could see her think about all the wonderful things she could learn here. It was so stereo-typical Hermione that it was amusing. He grabbed her hand and pulled the unwilling girl away. "There will be plenty of time, years even, to enjoy that room. Besides, it's not clean and ready to be used yet."
She started to give him a pouty look until giggles grabbed her attention. Hermione shot an annoyed look at Ginny and Gabrielle, who stuck their tongues out at her, which she returned, causing laughter all around.
On the left was a large dining room, which was clean. The table there would seat twenty. The next doorway on the left led to the kitchen. A quick look in there showed it to be spotless with a tea service waiting.
The next room on the right was the family room. Dobby was there working his elf-magic to prepare the room for use. The last sheet over the furniture disappeared before the dust and cobwebs left, as if blown away.
"We'll be back here for tea in about five minutes, Dobby," Harry told him so he would not feel too rushed.
"I'm sorry I'm not ready, Master Harry. Bad elf! Dobby go punish himself for not having master's room ready."
"No, Dobby! No punishments!" Harry yelled to stop the elf before he did anything. "I didn't tell you to have this room ready the other day. You're doing a good job. I wanted to show my parents more of the house before we sat down is all."
"Thank you, Harry, for treating him well," Hermione softly told him as they continued down the hallway for the stairs at the end.
"He's a person too, even if he looks a little different," he replied. He also blushed when Hermione gave him a kiss on the cheek for his declaration. Ignoring a chuckle from his godfather, he said, "Let's look up the stairs before we have tea."
Dan and Emma were impressed by the bedrooms on the first floor. Going up one more floor, they found eight smaller rooms. Half were bedrooms and the other half looked like they had been used for hobby rooms, which Sirius confirmed.
"I can't remember how they were all used," Sirius said as they check out the smaller rooms, "but I remember your mother using one for a potions lab. Your grandmother used one to paint, portraits that is. James and I used one to work on our pranks the summer before our last year in Hogwarts."
One did look like it had been a potions lab at one time, but there was nothing personal left in it, to Harry's disappointment. The other three non-bedrooms were only used for storage now.
Back on the ground floor, they went into the family room, which had large fireplace and comfortable leather covered furniture around it, as well as a large fur rug on the floor.
"What is that?" Emma asked, pointed at the pure white pelt on the floor.
"It's a Yeti pelt," Sirius answered. "If I remember correctly, Harry's grandfather killed it and brought the pelt back. He was quiet proud of it since Yeti are hard to find and kill. He bragged about to all of his close friends and I overheard him once."
"But…" Hermione gasped an objection she could not completely voice.
"I know," Sirius replied to the unasked question, "but the books are wrong that no wizard has gotten close to one. There's the proof."
Ginny knelt down and felt the fur. "It's so soft."
Gabrielle knelt and then rolled onto it.
Sirius chuckled. "If I didn't think it would get me into more trouble than I could handle, I would have animated the pelt for the head to rise up and look at her," he said, pointing to Gabrielle - who glared at him.
Harry chuckled. "I'm not sure if the first fireball would have hit the Yeti or you."
"That's what stopped me," Sirius said sheepishly, causing Dan and Emma to grin at him.
Dobby popped into the room with the Tea set and served as everyone took a seat.
"What do you think?" Harry asked his adoptive parents.
"I'm impressed and I'm glad you have something from your family," Dan replied as he looked at his wife for her answer.
"It is very nice and it's a good thing you have help to take care of it. It's a lot of house to clean," Emma said, her tone making it very clear she was glad not to have to clean it all. Everyone chuckled.
"Dobby does a very good job," Hermione said.
"And we have plenty of room to fly," Ginny added.
"It's for family," Gabrielle told them.
Dan and Emma shared a thoughtful look, but said nothing else in the end.
"Dobby?" Harry called.
"Yes, Master Harry," said the elf after popping in.
"I've noticed that Sirius can remember the house when he's here, but has trouble when he's not here. Is there a way I can add him to the wards?" He watched Dobby think about that for a moment.
"Dobby is not sure, but the Master's Study may have the answer."
Harry was surprised. "I didn't see a study. Do you mean the library?"
"No, Master Harry. Master's Study is its own room with a desk and books."
"That sounds interesting. Can you take me there?" To Harry's further surprise, Dobby walked over and grabbed his hand and "pulled". For a split second, everything went black.
When his sight came back, Harry fell to the floor, since he was in a sitting position with no chair under him anymore.
"Dobby is sorry, Master Harry!" the elf wailed.
"Shush, Dobby; I'm fine." He stood up and looked around the dusty room he was now in. It took him a moment to realize Dobby has just transported him, something he was not aware house-elves could do.
"Master Harry, I am called, but I will return soon." The elf popped out.
It took only a second for Harry to realize what had happened and he chuckled. He wondered if Dobby would be bringing someone else here too or if he would be alone here while the elf apologized profusely to the girls.
The room had a cast iron stove for warmth, a large desk with a chair, a wingback chair near the stove, a couple of book cases on one wall that were about three-quarters filled, a door on one wall, and large picture frame next to the door. The picture grabbed his attention and caused him to walk over. With a grin, he viewed a map of the house along with seven labeled dots on it. The other six dots were hurriedly walking out of the family room and in his direction.
Deciding to leave this a secret for now, he left the secret room before they found him. As he started to leave, he saw a single book on the desk. Hoping that was what he needed, he grabbed it and opened the door to leave. In doing so, he saw a small indention where the door handle on the outside should be, and indention about the size of the end of a wand. Memorizing where it was, he shut the door and walked into the middle of the library, just as the three girls hurried into the room.
"There you are!" Hermione rushed over to him. Ginny and Gabrielle only a step behind her, checking him out to make sure he was all right.
"I hope you didn't do anything to Dobby," Harry said calmly. "I'm sure he didn't mean to alarm you."
"We didn't, but still … you simply disappeared and when I called Dobby he couldn't tell me exactly where you were other than in the Master's Study…" Hermione's breathing was returning to normal now as the adults walked in.
"We knew where you were, but not how to get there," Ginny explained, looking calm again. Gabrielle nodded.
"Are you all right?" Emma asked as well, concern showing.
"I'm fine. Dobby took me to a secret room." He looked at the book in his hand and smiled when he saw the title. "I found this book on my family, too. See, the Book of Potter." The girls looked excited.
"Let's go look outside before we return," Harry suggested as he shrunk the book down and put it in a pocket. "I want to see if there's a Quidditch Pitch."
"I don't remember there being one," Sirius told them.
Harry and Ginny were disappointed to find that Sirius was correct. However, Harry thought that putting up goals would not be very difficult and planned to do that soon. He spent an hour that evening reading his family book, amazed at what he found in it.
Sunday morning, the bond-mates used the white rabbit's foot Portkey to travel to Sirius's house, then use the Floo to travel to Neville's. Luna was already there and greeted them with Neville.
"Harry, I'm glad you could make it," Neville said warmly as he shook Harry's hand. "Hermione, Ginny, and … Gabrielle, right?"
The little blonde witch smiled at him and nodded, suddenly shy.
"Hello, Ginny, Harry, Hermione, and Gabrielle," Luna said pleasantly. She was dressed in multiple shades of dark pink and cream robes, making it look like an abstract picture of a wild garden of roses or maybe of tongues of fire. They looked good on her and went well with Neville's black robes.
Neville led them to the sitting area, where his grandmother awaited. "May I present my Gran, Augusta Longbottom."
Harry took her hand and bowed from the waist as Sirius had taught him. "Madam Longbottom, it's a pleasure to meet you."
"And to you, Mr Potter. My Neville has only good things to say about you." She looked at the girls with curiosity.
Harry was not sure of the best way to introduce them without giving the secret away, and he had talked with Sirius several times about the problem. "These are my best friends: Hermione, Ginny, and Gabrielle." Each girl gave a practiced curtsy to the matron.
"I'm pleased to meet you as well, young ladies. Won't you have a seat?" Madam Longbottom snapped her fingers as she sat. A tea service suddenly appeared on the low table and she started to pour. The bond-mates sat on a long sofa, as they usually did, while Neville and Luna took a settee.
"Neville tells me you've been a good friend to him. I'm pleased with that, as both of your fathers were also friends. Actually, the Longbottoms and Potters have long been on friendly terms." She handed the teacups and saucers out, as well as passing the sugar and cream around for them each to doctor their tea as desired. "He also tells me that it would be in everyone's best interest for us to have a conversation." She looked at Harry intensely. "I find some of his stories from Hogwarts difficult to believe, but I know that he's never lied to me either. He suggested that you could fill in some of the missing details to explain them better."
Harry was not sure exactly how to take that and looked over to his friend.
Neville nervously smiled at him. "Gran has recently been elected to the Hogwarts Board of Governors, and … well, I don't have all the details about what happened at times, but I know enough and Luna has said a few more things, and…" He trailed off looking like he hoped that Harry would understand.
As usual, Hermione seemed to catch on faster. "Exactly what are you wanting to know about our time at school, Madam Longbottom?"
The woman examined the fine china teacup for a moment. "There is a saying that goes: Where there's smoke there's fire. I've heard some truly appalling stories about the last few years at Hogwarts from multiple sources, and yet most of the people involved - or perhaps accused - have reputations that make those stories difficult to take seriously. I've also known some of these people for years so they have a good reputation with me, and yet ... I also know that it is possible to hide events and abilities with magic. In short, I have contradictions that I can't explain and yet I must, as I take my new responsibilities to Hogwarts seriously. I'm asking for you to tell me of any unusual events that have happened at school while you've been there. If you would like to change Hogwarts for the better, even if only for your children, I would like for you to truthfully, and without holding back, tell me what you think of the school, the professors, and what you believe needs to be changed and why."
Harry slowly blinked once, hardly able to believe what she was asking. A look to Hermione and Ginny confirmed that they felt as surprised as he did. He cleared his throat softly. "Madam Longbottom, were we to do as you ask then people should be sacked. Is that your goal?"
Slowly, one corner of her mouth rose slightly. "Mr Potter, without your testimony, we already have enough information that I can already guarantee you one professor will be sacked and another will be sent away. I have enough information to put yet a third under intense scrutiny. I do not desire to sack professors, but if sacking professors will restore the reputation of Hogwarts so that parents will send their children there again, then so be it.
"If you are not aware, the present reputation of Hogwarts, between your leaving, the fiasco of the Triwizard Tournament, and other recent blunders almost guarantees a smaller enrollment next year if nothing is done. The Board of Governors must take decisive action and the sooner the better. Will you help me, Mr Potter, Miss Granger, and Miss Weasley?" she entreated them with her passionate speech.
"I know you don't want to go there next year, but I'm sure you'll want your children to go there one day," Ginny told him quietly.
Harry understood that she really meant she wanted their children to go there, but could not say it that way. Of course, she had a point because his ancestral home was in Britain.
"It would be the responsible thing to do and it won't hurt us," Hermione said.
That seemed reasonable too, he thought. There had been many times he had wished there was someone he could report Dumbledore's shenanigans to so they would be safer. A look to Gabrielle showed her to be nodding slowly in agreement.
"We'll help, but we're still attending Beauxbatons next year," he told her, to see what she would say.
Augusta Longbottom nodded. "Most unfortunate, but I understand that bridges have already been burnt. Neville, please freshen our drink." She snapped her fingers and a well-dressed house-elf popped in. "My writing materials, please."
The elf left and returned in a few seconds with a large journal, quill, and ink.
"You may start where you like. I will endeavor to keep this anonymous; however, I'm sure some of this will be unique to you, which would allow people to guess it is one of you three. In that case, I'll attempt to keep that information in reserve if possible."
Harry nodded. "Thank you, Madam Longbottom. Before we start on discussing professors, trolls, basilisk, Dementors, and other problems, I think I should tell you another story about a few of the professors first. When my parents died on Halloween of 1981…"
Harry, Hermione, Ginny, Neville, and Luna told stories for the next hour and a half. They all moved to the dining room and continued through a leisurely lunch and dessert, and then another hour back in the sitting room, with Gabrielle confirming her near-death experience this year. A very cross Augusta Longbottom left them in the early afternoon to review her extensive notes from the students.
The six students went outside to spend the rest of the afternoon together. Harry pulled Neville away while Ginny pulled Luna away. Hermione and Gabrielle followed Ginny towards a large shade tree.
"So, you and Luna?" Harry asked with a smirk.
Neville bashfully kicked at stone on the ground as they walked towards a greenhouse. "Yeah," he finally said. "We've been having a lot of fun hanging out together, and well … I finally asked her out the day after the third task."
Harry laughed and slapped his friend on the back. "Good for you. How's it going?"
"Mostly good." At Harry's raised eyebrow, Neville knew he had to continue. "We get some funny looks sometimes, but what bothers me is how some of her house-mates treat her. That makes me angry and she doesn't like that." He leaned against the greenhouse and looked at the girls in the distance. "She doesn't like me to help her and I want to make it better for her," Neville said a little frustrated.
"Sounds to me like you're taking care of it," Harry replied. Neville gave him a questioning look. "You're talking to your Gran about it. You should also be sure to mention it specifically and ask why her head of house has let it go on for four years, or why he hasn't made the Prefects stop it. I like Flitwick, a lot, but I think he's too hands off with the Ravenclaws if he lets that happen. In fact, I think all the heads of house are too hands off, with maybe the exception of Sprout and I simply don't know enough about Hufflepuff to say."
"You have a point," Neville said slowly as he thought it through. "I like McGonagall, but even she isn't really that good of a head of house, as some of your stories showed. And we all know what an arse Snape is," he said with a mischievous grin.
Harry chuckled. "We do, and you have enough melted cauldrons to prove it."
Neville chuckled before he gave Harry a sly look. "I can't get her to tell me, but I think Gran's going to push for Snape to be sacked."
Harry grinned evilly. "As he should be. He's an arse like you said, but he's also redundant. Professor Tonks has taken over and she's good."
Neville nodded agreeably. "Harry?" he asked tentatively. "What's it like?"
"What's what like?"
"Being bonded to three girls."
Harry looked at Neville, having been looking at the girls in the distance too, and saw that his friend was actually blushing.
"Why? Are you planning to marry three girls as well?" Harry asked, doing his best to keep a straight face.
"No!" Neville looked shocked until Harry started laughing, then he slapped him on the shoulder. "I was just wondering what it was like to be … with a girl and … for it to be permanent."
Harry considered the question. "Are you that serious about Luna?"
"Merlin, no. We just got together. But between Luna and you and the dance with Padma, I've started to really think about girls … and think that maybe it would be … pleasant to have someone who thinks you're special and wants to be with you."
The girls were talking with their heads close together, as if afraid they would be overheard, and Harry watched them for a moment. "I don't know that I'm a good person to answer that. I didn't have a choice, Neville. If I wasn't bonded now, I know I wouldn't have a clue about girls."
"Yeah, but you are, so you do have a clue - at least more than me," Neville insisted.
"True enough." The girls were laughing and sneaking looks over at them, making Harry wonder if they were talking about him or Neville. "I still don't know that I can answer, Neville, because the bond helps us get along. We can still get angry with each other, but we rarely stay that way for very long. Still, I like being with them and now I can't imagine any other way. I think that's what marriage for a normal person would be like. It changes how you see yourself and after a while, you're no longer you but part of a family. Does that make sense?" He saw Neville looking at him wistfully.
"That would be great."
"Neville, you're like me because you don't have your parents to grow up with, but that's no reason to get married as soon as possible."
"What? No! No, I wasn't thinking that. I just … I just wondered what it was like." Neville sighed and kicked at the ground again. "I do wish my Dad was able to explain it to me, and a lot of other things. Thanks Harry. I'd go to my Gran, but I can't really do that."
Harry nodded as he thought he understood. At least he would have Dan, even without the bond. Of course, there was also…
"Neville, I got an idea. Why don't you write Sirius and ask him if he'll come over and spend some time with you. He's really an overgrown prat most of the time, but that's what makes him fun and he will answer questions." Harry watched his friend consider the suggestion.
"He is from an old family, which would make my Gran feel a little better, although I think that's a silly reason." Neville slowly started to smile. "Thanks Harry, I may do that." He started to chuckle. "I'm sure there's a relation if I look hard enough."
Harry chuckled too. "I believe I saw a Longbottom on Sirius's family tree, but I can't remember how far back. Shall we go join the girls? I'm sure they've had plenty of time to talk about us."
Neville grinned and they started walking over.
The six had a lot of fun together for the rest of the afternoon. When the bond-mates left right before dinner, Neville and Luna were promised an invitation for a week in France.
The next morning Sirius came over to the house. "Here I am," he announced when he walked in the back door.
"Good, you're early," Harry told him as he pulled out his wand.
"Whoa! What are you going to do with that?" Sirius asked, eyeing him a little warily.
"Do you want to come over to my house one day?"
Sirius nodded.
"Then stand still." Harry did a spell that ended with him tapping Sirius on the forehead. "Do you remember about Potter Manor now?"
Sirius blinked for a moment and then smiled. "I do and I'm not there. Good job, kiddo. I take it you found the spell yesterday?"
"Yeah, I found it last night. I did Dan and Emma too and they can also remember. Dobby?" Harry called with a light clap, the combination being their agreed upon signal.
The elf popped in. "Yes, Master Harry."
"Please return this book to the desk in the Master Study. I really don't want it to get lost." Harry handed his family book over.
"Of course, Master Harry. Is there anything else?"
"No, Dobby. I'm reasonably sure we'll visit once more before September, so I'll see you then."
Dobby popped away.
"I guess I need to help the girls bring their trunks down, I'll be back in a minute." Harry went up the stairs to the girl's room. He watched them finish Gabrielle's things, her being the last. That gave him an idea for her. "Sirius is here," he announced.
"If you can get Gabrielle's, we can get ours," Hermione told him as she pulled out her wand.
A few minutes later, the bond-mates, Sirius, Emma, and Dan were all in the living room saying good-bye and hugging.
"Don't forget to owl or call after you find out about your entrance exams," Emma admonished them.
"We won't and we'll see you in a month when you come to visit," Hermione reminded her as she hugged her mother. All the kids were hugging Dan and Emma.
All set to leave, Sirius held out the silver goblet. He would be acting as chauffer. A moment later, the troop was in the Delacour house again. Apolline and Jean-Aimé were both there waiting.
"Mother! Father!" Gabrielle gushed as she threw herself at her mother. The other kids hugged their parents-in-law more sedately. The Delacours greeted Sirius.
"Did you have a good time?" Apolline asked.
"We did," Gabrielle answered quickly.
"I found my ancestral home while we were there, thanks to Hermione," Harry reported, causing the girl to blush slightly.
"Wonderful. Will we get to see it next time we're in Britain?" Jean-Aimé asked.
Harry nodded. "You can, but I'll need to key you into the wards. I know the spell."
"Very good. Why don't you go unpack in your rooms and then you can spend the day as you wish before you see Madame Maxime tomorrow," Jean-Aimé suggested.
Harry turned and gave his godfather a hug. "Thanks for bringing us back. Oh, do you know how you're related to the Longbottoms?"
"Hmm." Sirius thought about it while he hugged the girls good-bye. "I'm not sure, but something like an eighth or ninth cousin. I think we have to go back to my great-great-grandfather to have a common ancestor. Why?"
"Well, I mentioned that you might be able to answer some questions he has and I was hoping you'd help him," Harry said a little tentatively, not so sure now that he was talking to Sirius.
Sirius smiled and chuckled. "I'd be happy to, if I can." He slowly lost his smile as he asked, "This is because Frank isn't able to, isn't it?"
Harry hoped this was not giving away too much. "There's some things a boy can't ask his grandmother."
Sirius nodded knowingly and clapped Harry on the shoulder. "I'll help where I can. Frank and Alice were friends and I should have thought of this. Take care Harry." He disappeared with small pop as he touched his wand to the silver goblet Portkey.
Harry saw approving looks from Jean-Aimé and Apolline, which made him feel better. Pulling his wand out, he stacked Gabrielle's trunk on top of his and caused the two trunks to follow him.
After unpacking, they spent the rest of the morning doing some last minute revising for their upcoming exams. The afternoon was spent talking, playing, and a little kissing - although Gabrielle had to settle for snuggling.
Just before dinner, the signal on the Floo sounded. Apolline looked around and smiled at her daughter. «Gabrielle, please go see who came over.»
The little girl arose from her place leaning against Harry and walked into the next room. Everyone else heard her squeal, «Fleur!» Apolline chuckled and followed them all to greet her oldest daughter.
«Welcome home, my dear. How are you? How did you do on your exams?»
«I'm very tired, Mother. The exams are very appropriately named.» Drawing a chuckle from her mother, and a look of interest from Hermione. «I think I did well, though.» Fleur brightened. «I also received a letter from Gringotts. They want me to go to their Paris branch on Friday for an interview.»
«Did they say what you might be doing?» her mother asked.
«Not completely, but some possibilities were: gathering information for them in places the goblins couldn't go and working with some of their customers on special projects, which would probably include some curse breaking. The letter also said that some travel to nearby countries would probably be required,» Fleur explained.
«That sounds very interesting,» Hermione said, the other three mates nodded their agreement.
«Go put your trunk in your room and then come to dinner. I'll send a message to your father.» Apolline sent an elf to Jean-Aimé's office to tell him to come home. He greeted his oldest daughter joyfully.
At dinner, they all caught up on the news with each other. Fleur described her exams and Hermione had to restrain herself from asking more than basic questions, and she was successful because she knew she could ask the older girl those questions later. Harry talked about his ancestral home. The Delacours talked about their holiday on Crete.
During dessert, Apolline looked at her husband and smiled. He returned the smile and nodded. «We do have one other bit of news.» Apolline looked mostly at Fleur and Gabrielle. «You will have a baby brother in about six months.»
Gabrielle dropped her fork and ran around the table to her mother and hugged her. Fleur also gave her a hug when Gabrielle let go.
Harry saw that Jean-Aimé looked very pleased with himself. «Congratulations,» the boy said.
«So he'll be born around the end of December?» Ginny asked.
«Probably mid-December. My fertile time came late this spring.» At Hermione's questioning look, Apolline continued her explanation. «As I think I've mentioned in the past, Veela are fertile only twice a year: in the spring and in the autumn, and it usually only lasts about a month during each period. However, when that period occurs varies between February and April, and between September and November. For me this year, my time was in April.» When Hermione turned thoughtful, Apolline smiled and added, "«Yes, that means all Veela babies are born between October and early January, and then again between April and early July. Gestation is a little different for us, being about eight to eight and half months.»
«Thank you,» Hermione told her. «So, this is something that we'll need to be aware of for Gabrielle?»
«Yes. She should know all of that, but it will help for you and Ginny to be aware of it too. Gabrielle will be a little extra … needy during those times of the year,» she said with a smirk and a quick glance at Harry. «I'm not exactly sure when those urges will start, but being bonded probably will accelerate the year it starts.» Her youngest daughter and son-in-law looked very embarrassed and Apolline felt very smug about that, hoping it would delay their intimacy a little. However, she also knew that when the urge hit, they would have a hard time denying it.
«When will you start showing?» Fleur asked.
«In about a month, or maybe as long as two. Veela babies are generally small at birth. Even if he carries no Veela traits, he'll still be born after about eight months and be small, since I influence that.» She rubbed her still flat stomach and looked at her husband lovingly. «He will be our last child.»
«I'm so happy for you.» Fleur hugged her mother again and then her father. She turned to Harry and the girls. «Come to the family room. I want to know something, and tell you a few things.»
After everyone made themselves comfortable, Fleur looked at Harry. «What happened during the third task for you? Madame Maxime would tell me little and what she did say sounded unbelievable.»
Harry explained what happened, leaving nothing out, including what Malfoy tried to do to Gabrielle and his response.
Fleur's look darkened at the part about Malfoy. «That's why they were asking if we'd seen a blond boy. No one could find him, so I believe he found your large spiders. Good riddance!»
«We all agree,» Harry said, indicating the bond-mates, «that Malfoy deserved punishment, but I am starting to question if I went too far. I feel a little guilty, and yet, if he was willing to sell someone into slavery at fourteen, what would he have done later in life?»
Jean-Aimé nodded. «It shows you still have a conscience, which is good. I know it will be a little difficult to live with and will probably make you think twice before you do something like this again, but I too am glad you did it.» Apolline agreed wholeheartedly with her husband.
«I can understand feeling guilty, although in a different way,» Fleur told him. «I never should have been picked for the Tournament. If I had known the tasks ahead of time, I would not have entered my name.» She hung her head, looking regretful.
«Why?» Hermione asked. «I know the second task was difficult for you, but you were very close to the center of the maze when you ran into Krum.»
Fleur looked up at the girl. «Thank you, you're being kind. I did do reasonably well until I ran into Krum and he cursed me, ending my chance there; but the first two tasks were disasters.»
«I thought you did well in the first task,» Ginny told her.
«No,» Fleur shook her head vigorously. «While I am a strong witch because of my Veela heritage, that heritage worked against me, making me a poor choice and the task much harder.»
«I don't understand,» Hermione said, perplexed.
«In the first task, the dragon saw me not as an opponent to steal an egg, but as a competitor like another dragon because I'm also a creature of fire. It made my work much more difficult. The second task placed me underwater, a place Veela normally avoid. You will rarely see Veela enter water that is over their head, and when they do, it is only because of great need.»
Apolline nodded confirmation when Hermione looked at her. «You still did very well, my daughter, even if the tasks were stacked against you. It was doubly unfortunate that the Bulgarian Krum was Imperiused to attack others.» She shook her head in derision. «I believe it will be many years before they hold another Triwizard Tournament, if ever.»
«I didn't know it was so hard on you,» Harry told her with admiration. He looked at Apolline. «Now I know why you were so upset when I brought Gabrielle out of the water.»
Apolline gave him a kind smile. «She never should have been there. I was told she was needed to help Fleur and there was literally nothing she had to do other than be available. I wrongly assumed she was to be something like a cheerleader or perhaps an assistant to Fleur in some way, like holding things for her sister. My assumption was made worse by my not asking exactly what Gabrielle would be doing. Again I thank you for saving her, Harry.»
Harry blushed and nodded. He really wanted to change the subject away from the Tournament, so he asked, «Fleur, we're supposed to meet with the Headmistress tomorrow. What can you tell me about her?»
Fleur brightened at the more favorable topic. «She is a good woman, very fair to everyone, and she cares about the school greatly.» They spent the rest of the time before bed talking about Beauxbatons.
While the bond-mates returned to France, an important meeting convened at Hogwarts in the Great Hall. All the teachers were in chairs where the students normally sat while eleven people sat at the head table.
A woman in her sixties stood in the middle of the head table and banged a small gavel. "This meeting of the Hogwarts Board of Governors is now in session. Edna Gamp has the chair and Roy Warner is the scribe."
Gamp surveyed the teachers in front of her. Except for Dumbledore, all were looking nervous, probably due to the fact that they had been told this was a mandatory meeting unless they no longer desired to be employed here. A part of her disliked what they were about to do, but a slightly bigger part of her understood that it was necessary and that motivated her.
"You have all been called here for us to discuss the current state of affairs at Hogwarts and to plan a new path. Shortly put, this is a sorry excuse for the supposedly best school of magic in Europe." As expected, there were a number of gasps at her pronouncement, but sugar-coating things would not be productive she knew.
"I hear that some of you do not agree with that. Well, let me tell you. If this school does not get better very quickly, then my grandchildren will not be going here in a few years and I don't like the thought of that. Also, I've received a number of letters asking why you are driving children away. On top of that, the Ministry is asking why the number of applicants for Healers, Aurors, and several other important professions are at an all-time low."
"But Hogwarts produced the co-winners of the Triwizard Tournament, and one of those was only fourteen," McGonagall objected.
"That would be the same fourteen year-old who the school never should have let in the Tournament and placed in all the danger? The same Tournament that almost had a non-participant drown? The same Tournament that allowed two participants to be kidnapped from school grounds and almost be killed? The same Tournament that caused a member from a prominent family in Britain to publically leave our country for another school and take two of his friends with him? The same Tournament that caused a fifteen year-old boy to either run away or be abducted - and we still don't know where he is? And the same Tournament that allowed a convicted Death Eater to teach here all year? That Tournament Professor McGonagall?" Gamp knew she was being unfair to Minerva, but the chairwoman wanted to make sure they all knew how bad things were.
The usually stern and in-control professor actually pushed back into her seat in an effort to get away from the questions. She also did not answer.
"With my apologies to Minerva because she had very little responsibility for any of the problems I just named, I hope you all understand how much work there is to do to return Hogwarts to its former excellent status. If we do not, there will be fewer students here next year than this last year, or so the letters threaten." Gamp was pleased with the shocked murmurs.
"The Board met once last week to start a list of issues to address and possible solutions. I've been shown yet more items to investigate and address, and we shall start there first. So that everyone knows each other, especially as half of the Board is new, we shall start with introductions. For the staff, when it is your turn to introduce yourself, please tell us what you do here and how long you've been employed."
Gamp started with Roy Warner at one end of the table and went to the other end, then through the entire staff, including the non-teaching staff.
Then the questions started. Many policies were brought up and how they were implemented was discussed. Those concerning safety were given great scrutiny. Various events were discussed: unusual Quidditch injuries, trolls and Dementors at the school, students being petrified, security on the grounds, neighbors in the Forbidden Forest, and dangerous happenings in the classroom. Inter-actions between the houses and the students were also examined.
When there was a break for a late lunch and for the Board to adjourn to a classroom for executive session, the staff was tired and discouraged. Even Dumbledore and Flitwick were not their normally calm and jolly selves.
Albus Dumbledore could not help but notice how many of the things discussed involved events Harry Potter would have been involved in or known about, and that the grandmother of his close friend - Neville Longbottom - was now on the Board.
When Gamp banged the meeting back into session two hours later, the entire staff was on pins and needles - including Albus Dumbledore.
"I see that many of you are nervous and I wish to put you at ease. Most of you are doing the best you can with what you've been given. The Board recognizes that if we want more, we need to give you more to work with and we shall."
Most of the staff visibly relaxed.
"The Board has decided that many of the school policies are out-dated and need to be updated. A sub-committee will work with the Headmaster to bring us more up to date. Security is major concern, even when there is not a war in progress such as fifteen years ago, therefore there will be two new positions for security personal. One benefit from this is that many of the hours the present staff spends walking the corridors will be returned to you."
The entire staff was pleased with that.
"You will still have to help out a little, but you will have much more time for other teaching opportunities or yourself in the future. Also in regards to time, it seems to us that many of the problems you face are due to lack of time to do everything you must. Therefore, no staff member will hold more than two positions. For example, Professor McGonagall now holds three: Deputy Headmistress, head of house, and professor.
"Those who are head of house will not be teaching more than three years of classes, so you have time to interact with your house and to actually help the students. This would give the students more guidance and the ability to ask you questions to give them a better education.
"For those professors who only teach, you will no longer be teaching more than five years of classes.
"The Headmaster and Deputy Headmaster will be mostly administrative positions, but they will be required to teach two years of classes to better keep a pulse on the feelings of the students.
"Obviously, we will need to hire more teachers with this reduction in workload. I'm also pleased to tell you that we have enough income that there will be no pay cuts, so you will be paid the same amount for fewer hours of work."
There were several positive murmurs at that announcement.
"One general policy change that we feel needs high-lighting is that all detentions from now on will be educational in some way. We realize punishment is sometimes needed, but needless punishment helps no one. Scrubbing floors is now a thing of the past unless the student needs practice with cleaning charms."
Filch looked upset at that.
"I suspect that the Herbology discipline will benefit the most from this. Potions can also be made, and even sold if we make more than we need. It has also been suggested that Hogwarts create some products that students can charm, transfigure, or otherwise create in detentions that can be sold - as long as the work is done for educational purposes during detentions and not child labor.
"Now for the less than pleasant news…" Gamp saw the tension return to the staff.
"Madam Hooch, you are a very part-time instructor as the referee of six games of Quidditch a year. Would you like to continue that with a reduction in pay to match your work hours, or would you like to teach a few classes to bring your workload up to match your pay? If you don't have an answer now, you may tell us before the end of the week."
"I believe I'd like to think about it," Hooch replied.
"Very well. Professor Grumbly-Plank. You're paid to substitute on a per class basis. Do you want to continue that or would you like to teach consistently next year? You may also think about this through the week if you need to."
"I would like to teach a few classes all the time, if that's possible," the teacher replied.
"It is. The Headmaster will arrange something with you." Gamp looked at Hagrid. "Professor Hagrid. It has come to our attention that you do well with the larger and more dangerous creatures."
"Thank ya…" Hagrid said, pleased.
"However, that does not work for the younger students and you have not shown the ability to take their needs into account. Therefore, we would like you to return to the position of gameskeeper, although you may teach the two NEWT level Care of Magical Creatures class if you so desire. Do you have an answer for us now, or do you need to consider the matter?"
Hagrid's expression fell. "I'd like to teach the two classes," he finally said.
"You may, although we will also require you to work with whomever teaches the three younger years and that person must approve your lesson plans." Gamp looked around and finally spied the ghost among them.
"Professor Binns?"
The ghost seemed startled to be called upon. "Yes?"
"Did you know you're dead?"
"I, I am?" The ghost looked at himself, especially his hands. "I do appear to be a little transparent."
"Yes, you are dead, Culthbert Binns. The Board of Governors thanks you for your years of service, but we also do not need your service any longer. If you wish to haunt the castle, you're free to do so, or you may wish to move on to the afterlife. However, you will no longer be teaching classes here." Gamp searched for her next victim while the ghost stared at her for a moment and then began to drift out of the room.
"Professor Babbage. It has been said that your course in Muggle Studies reflect Muggle society of a century ago and in no way prepares wizards to understand Muggles today. Many of us on the Board will admit to not knowing if that is true, but a few of us deal with Muggles frequently and they agree with the complaint after looking at your course book. Therefore, you will bring the course up to the present or we ask that you transition to another course of instruction, such as History of Magic. You have until the end of the week to tell us what you'd like to do."
Babbage nodded weakly.
"Mr Filch, we are not sure why you are on staff as many of the duties of caretaker require magic and therefore you are at a disadvantage. We do not mean this as a slight, only that you were hired for a job you can not accomplish. Therefore, we will give you three months pay, a letter of recommendation, and our thanks for your years of service here. Your possessions are packed and sitting in the Entrance Hall."
Filch was wide-eyed. "I, I'm sacked?"
"We're sorry, Mr Filch, but we no longer need your help here at the school." When Filch said nothing more in his shock, she moved on.
"Professor Tonks, because of your good work, you are now in charge of the Potions department here. You may move here or continue living at home. If you choose to continue living at home, the Headmaster will work out a schedule with you and which of the five years you will be teaching."
Andromeda Tonks was surprised and pleased. "Thank you, Madam Gamp."
Snape looked upset and sneered, an expression which did not change when Gamp looked at him.
"Professor Snape, you are acknowledged to be one of the best Potion Masters in Britain. However, we are not a Potion laboratory but a school and you have proven every year that you have been here by the stack of complaints against you that you are not a teacher. You are relieved of duties immediately. You will not receive any pay or letter of recommendation. Be glad we don't blacklist you. The house-elves have been packing your possessions during this meeting and they are waiting for you by the front door after you say your good-byes."
Everyone was shocked into silence except for Albus Dumbledore. Gamp threw a glare at him as he started to speak and said, "Don't bother defending him as you have in the past, Dumbledore. His poor record speaks for itself and he is the primary reason we don't have enough Healers, Aurors, and other vital people, not to mention that OWL scores in Potions are at an all-time low.
"Professor Trelawney," she said as Gamp turned towards the teacher. "It is widely recognized that true Seers are born and not created by instruction. Therefore, we have decided to cancel the Divination course. We thank you for your service and award you three months pay and a letter of recommendation. Your possessions are also by the front door waiting for you after you've said your good-byes."
Trelawney stared at the chairwoman, frozen and not making a sound, as if unable to believe what she had heard.
Gamp continued after no questions from Trelawney. "Professors Vector, Sinistra, Babbling, Sprout, and Madams Pomfrey and Pince, you are doing well and we thank you for that as well as ask that you continue."
The three professors and two support staff looked relieved while the remaining ones looked concerned.
"Oh, one change with Astronomy that we've planned for is that it will become an optional course. Therefore, like all other optional courses, it will begin in the third year and you can teach all five years. I'm sure you'll want to adjust your curriculum accordingly."
Sinistra nodded her understanding.
"Professor Flitwick. You are acknowledged to be one of the best teachers here as well as an expert in your area of Charms. However, as you heard in our questioning, there is bullying happening in your house and we consider that unacceptable. We ask that you seriously consider how you will fix that and submit a plan to the Headmaster if you wish to continue as head of house, or else we ask you to step down from that role and only be a teacher. Do you have an answer now?"
Flitwick nodded gravely, feeling like he had gotten off lightly compared to some of his colleagues. "Thank you for the opportunity to improve. I'll prepare a plan to make things better and work with the Headmaster on it."
"That's very acceptable." Gamp looked at the next person on her list. "Professor McGonagall. You are considered a very able administrator and an excellent teacher. We ask that you continue in the role of Deputy Headmaster and, in accordance with the new policies, teach only the NEWT level Transfiguration classes. If that does not appeal to you, you may teach five years of Transfiguration, and we would suggest the upper five years. Do you know what you want to do now or do you need the rest of the week to consider it?"
Minerva McGonagall's mouth worked a few times before she could say anything. She finally cleared her throat and asked, "I won't be head of Gryffindor any more?"
"No," Gamp told her. "We believe you are better in the Deputy Headmistress role than in the head of house role."
McGonagall looked like she could not believe that. "I, I think I'll need to consider my options."
"As you wish," Gamp said agreeably before turning to the last professor she had yet to address. "Professor Dumbledore. You are a great wizard. However, we find that you are not a very good administrator, as evidenced by your lack of leadership for better education, the lack of qualified teachers over the years in various positions, the many troubles and unsafe events in the school, and your propensity for meddling in children's lives outside of school."
Dumbledore cringed mentally, understanding that she was referring to Harry Potter on the last charge.
"As the Wizengamot has removed you from its body, we believe that Hogwarts would be a better school with someone else in charge. We do thank you for the service you have given in the past as a teaching professor and award you three months pay and letter of recommendation as a teacher. Your possessions are also by the front door waiting for you after you've said your good-byes."
Gamp turned slightly as no one said a word because of shock at Dumbledore getting sacked. "Professor Sprout. Due to your excellent reputation as a teacher and head of house, the Board offers you the role of Headmaster, or Headmistress if you prefer, along with teaching either the first two years or last two years of Herbology. Do you have an immediate answer or do you need to consider it?"
The graying Herbology teacher blinked owlishly, surprised by the offer. "I, I'm flattered, very flattered by the offer." She swallowed nervously. "I'm very tempted by it, but I think a couple of days to think it through would be for the best."
"We understand and we hope that you do accept." Gamp surveyed the crowd. "The Board would also like the school to offer career preparatory classes for seventh years and possibly for the sixth years as well. The suggestions we have are: government, Auror-prep, Healing-prep, Warding, Enchanting, and possibly others as needs have been evaluated. If anyone has any suggestions for these classes, please let us know.
"Unless there are any questions, this session of the Hogwarts Board of Governors is closed." When no one from the mostly shocked crowd said anything, she banged her small gavel and looked pleased.
Augusta Longbottom was very pleased with many of the changes. She watched most of the professors and staff gather around Dumbledore to speak with him before he left. There was no surprise that only Andromeda Tonks spoke with Snape and it was a very brief conversation at that. Snape soon left, as did Filch and Trelawney. Dumbledore left a half hour later. This was turning into a school that she wanted her grandson to attend. It was too bad that it was too late for the Potter heir and his friends.