Chapter 22: Twenty-Two: Belle of the Ball
Harry Black stared out of the window of the Hogwarts express as a flurry of snow whipped past. Hermione, thankfully, was leaning against his shoulder. The teen felt he would always be in Neville's debt for rescuing the pair before they were too far gone. But the once-shy plant-loved has ignored all of Harry's thanks. Harry's thoughts had turned back to the last several weeks since he and Hermione had returned to Hogwarts. The funeral for Hermione and Ceph's parents had been especially hard. He had been there to support his little brother and girlfriend, lots of tears had been shed.
Then Two days after their return from being purged the Weasel had once again come sniffing around Hermione causing Harry to threaten the taller boy. The pair had gotten into a tousle only stopped by Professor McGonagall and Professor Snape. They had been awarded a 3-week detention and fifty points removed each. By the weekend Harry had received a letter from his dad admonishing him, but also telling the teen Sirius and Andromeda had had a meeting with Dumbledore.
"What are you thinking about?" Hermione asked drawing him from his thoughts.
"What makes you think I am thinking?" Harry grinned.
"We can hear the gears whirring in your head," Neville piped up. The dark-haired teen glanced at him with a raised eyebrow.
"You have been spending too much time with Draco."
"Ha! Whose fault is that!" Neville threw back in his face.
"So, what were you thinking about? You had your brooding face on," Hermione asked once again.
"I do not have a brooding face," Harry replied appalled.
"Yes, you do," a voice drawled from the door. Draco joined them closing the door behind him. With a sigh Harry looked at Hermione.
"I was thinking about Andi and dad's meeting with Dumbledore," the boy returned.
"Dumbledore cannot do anything, he has too many people hemming him in now," Hermione replied.
"I am not worried about me," Harry scoffed, "but I do not want to see anything of you hurt or the family."
"Nothing will happen, Dumbledore is all hot air," Hermione reassured.
"Now that the Weasley's have been cut down with Weasel's arrest, Dumbledore is running out of allies," Draco spoke up.
"It was not really the Weasley's though," Hermione suggested.
"How do you mean?" Neville asked curiously.
"Well, Bill Weasley is an ally of Harry's father. Charlie is dating Tonks and they are both in America now to help her recover from her coma. The twins have always been on your side," Hermione reasoned.
"What about the dad and that Percival guy?" Draco asked.
"I am not so sure about Percy, but Arthur has always been on Harry's side," Hermione answered. "That leaves Molly, Ron, and Ginny. Molly is a Prewett and both the youngest have taken after her."
"I have heard rumours for years, the Prewitt's were descended from Mordraut," Draco considered.
"But the family have worked hard this last century to dispel those rumours," Neville argued.
"Yet they still remain," Draco muttered.
"Mordraut?" Harry asked.
"A dark wizard around in the time of King Arthur and Merlin," Draco waved him off. Hermione looked eager to know more but she fought her natural inquisitiveness.
"It still remains that most of the Weasley family are on Harry's side thus Dumbledore's allies are limited," Hermione returned.
"Are you looking forward to the ball?" Harry asked trying to distract them all from thinking about Dumbledore.
"I cannot wait, I loved the Yule ball last year despite the incident with the Weasel," Hermione said, "I am just sorry we are missing the ball at Hogwarts."
"I am not, the Black Ball will be so much better if everything I have heard is right," Draco replied. Before Hermione could ask anything else, there was a knock on the door. It slid open to reveal Ceph, Mark Evans, and Danica Selwyn. The latter seemed to be a little uncomfortable, either because of the Gryffindors or because of the older students.
"Hi, we wanted to come by and visit," Ceph said.
"Come and have a seat, we do not mind," Harry suggested. Neville moved up and the three firsties took a seat on the opposite bench. Harry and Hermione shared a look when they saw how close Ceph was to Danica.
"Are you looking forward to going home for Christmas?" Hermione asked the youngest Selwyn.
"I love Yule time, I am quite close with my sister and that's the only time I get to see her other than the summer," Danica's forest-green eyes seemed to come alive as she talked about the Yule period. Her usually stoic expression was completely gone and looked very pretty, Hermione thought. The tween's honey blonde hair fell to her shoulders smoothly moving with everybody turn.
"I did not realise you had a sister, I met Lady Alwyn over the summer," Harry supplied.
"My mother. Seraphina goes to Durmstrang, she is sixteen already," Danica explained.
"So, you two have become friends now?" Harry looked between Ceph and the tween girl. Cepheus blushed as Hermione tried not to laugh at him.
"Well, yeah, erm, like you said it does not matter what house you are in," the boy said rubbing the back of his neck. Hermione wanted to coo but she did not want to embarrass her brother. Luckily, Mark spoke up.
"Harry, I have been telling mum and dad all about you. Do you think we are related?" Mark asked excitedly.
"Maybe, cousins or something," Harry suggested trying to temper the boys' hyperactivity.
"Mum and dad want to meet you, thank you for rescuing me from Dudley. Did you know he has gone to St Brutus's Secure Centre for Incurably Criminal Boys?" Mark asked. To the tweens surprise Harry burst out laughing. It took him a good ten minutes to get his breathing under control.
"Oh Mark, that is hilarious. Such Irony!" Harry wheezed. Mark had a good idea now why Harry found it funny, grinning himself.
"What is so funny about that?" Neville and Draco looked confused.
"While at the Dursley's, my reason for disappearing every September was explained as going to St Brutus's," Harry explained, "they even told Marge that was where I went. A lot of the kids feared me in the Summer of '92 before I was locked away."
"None of the kids wanted to go near him," Mark added.
They all chatted happily after that until the Express slipped into London and soon settled into Platform Nine and three quarters. Harry grabbed his backpack and slung his arm over Ceph's shoulder. The Duke of Cumberland, Cyrus Greengrass was with his wife Evelyn waiting for Daphne and her sister Astoria. The imposing Regent of House Longbottom, Augusta was also there. Then Harry found his own family; his dad Sirius with Narcissa and Remus. The only one missing was Aunt Andi and her husband, but she was at the school until Christmas day. Harry rushed off the train and into Sirius' arms.
"Welcome home kiddo," the man said.
Christmas had been a wonderful affair with the whole family except Nymphadora who was in America with Charlie. Harry had managed to pull Hermione aside into one of the rooms to talk to her.
"Are you all right? After everything that has happened?" Harry asked, knowing this would be Hermione's first Christmas without her parents.
"I have been better. Though I have to hold back on punching the Weasel every time I see him, I am glad he has been arrested," Hermione replied fiercely. Harry burst out laughing.
"You are definitely a Gryffindor," Harry told her. She grinned back at him before they lapsed into quiet.
"I am sure you did not ask me in here just to see how I was," Hermione stated looking at Harry who was fiddling with some loose cotton on his robe. The teen seemed to make a decision and began to kneel in front of her. He held up a box with a ring in it, engraved with ravens with a black diamond cut to look like an eye set in black Rhodium. "Oh, Harry, it's beautiful."
"It is a family ring, worn by my great grandmother. It will hopefully protect you against some potions and some minor mind magics. We will have to start training you on Occlumency," Harry said. "I would like you to become the true Lady Black, I am still trying to break the other contract, but your parents signed the betrothal contract before they died."
"Yes, Harry, I love you," she took the ring in trembling hands and placed it on her left ring finger where it resized to fit her. She looked at the green-eyed boy as he stared right back into her brown eyes. Time seemed to stop as she moved closer, then her petal-soft lips touched his. Harry threw himself into the kiss, tightening his arms around her.
"It is about time you put that ring on her," a voice drawled, breaking their kiss. Harry pulled back slowly, reminded of their first kiss, glaring at the blond. The pointy-faced youth was smiling with his hands on Cepheus's shoulder. Neville was looking over Draco's shoulder.
"You are always spoiling the moment; that is the third time, Ferret, that you have interrupted me. Jealous of Hermione?" Harry asked, joking with his cousin.
"Really? I am jealous of you. Hermione is quite the steal," Draco winked at Hermione, who grinned at him.
Now his mind turned back to today as he and the three other boys sat around waiting for one young woman and Andromeda to finish getting changed.
"What time will your gran be there?" Harry asked his sandy-blond friend.
"I expect it will be soon, but I figure your father is going to have you 'fashionably' late," Neville sniggered.
"I have never been to a ball except for the yule ball, and we all know how that one went," Harry deadpanned. "What are they like?"
"The first hour or so is people being introduced; if it is the Black Balls of old, there was a herald that introduced everyone as they entered. After they had entered, the Black's would come through another door, then there would be dancing and nibbles," Neville explained.
"Also, lots of deals and alliances get made, then everyone usually leaves by midnight," Draco added.
"Well, I hope we will have some gracious young men to escort us to the Ball," Andromeda spoke up from the door. Harry turned to look, his jaw-dropping. Hermione looked phenomenal; she wore a light green dress that seemed to float around her, the black ring glittering on her finger. The bookworm wore the necklace that Harry had got for her, which showed off her creamy neck. Her hair had been done up like the yule ball in their fourth year, but she looked stunning.
"Wow, everyone is going to be so jealous," Harry announced with a smug grin.
"Why is that?"
"Because I'm going to be on the arm of the most beautiful witch in the room," Harry returned, hearing a little harrumph from Andromeda, but when he looked, the older witch was smiling at him.
"Come on then, gentlemen, we must be going," Andromeda led them to the parlour where she picked up a frisbee. Everyone took hold of the object, waited for what seemed like five minutes, then were jerked almost off their feet as they were transported to an antechamber at Gaderscipe Nest. Sirius was already there with Amelia Bones; Narcissa waited for her son. Ted Tonks smiled at his wife, giving her a little kiss. Neville said a quick goodbye before being escorted by a house-elf to the Hall.
"You are looking lovely," Amelia commented as Remus stepped into the room. Also wearing formal robes, he had the crest of the Black House on his arm.
"Right, we are all here," Sirius spoke. Narcissa lined them up; Sirius was to be the last out. Hermione and Harry before them. Remus and Cepheus, then Andromeda and her husband, with Narcissa and Draco going first. When they were lined up, Narcissa knocked on the door, which promptly opened.
"Announcing the arrival of the Daughter of Black, Narcissa and her son Draco." Narcissa strode out on Draco's arm, who was only slightly shorter than his mother now.
"It is going lowest to highest in the House," Harry explained, seeing Hermione's question face.
"Announcing the arrival of the Daughter of Black, Andromeda and her husband, Edward," was the following announcement.
"I have never done anything like this before," Hermione said nervously, clutching Harry's army.
"Me neither. Remember, I only found out six months ago who my father was," Harry whispered back.
"Announcing the arrival of Lord Black, Cepheus, and Steward to the House of Black Remus Lupin."
"We are up next," Harry whispered as they took their place at the ornate door. It opened after a few minutes, and Harry was able to look down the stairs they were standing at the top of. The Hall seemed extensive, with hundreds of people all looking at them.
"Introducing the Twelfth Marquess of Rendlesham, Harry Black and his betrothed, Miss Hermione Granger." So, they were announced a little differently, Harry thought, as they descended the steps. He could see men and women all dressed in formal robes, whispering to their neighbours.
"Welcoming back, His Grace, the fifteenth Duke of Anglia, Sirius, and the Regent Bones, Amelia." The pair looked stylish as they stepped onto the top of the stairs overlooking the crowd.
"Welcome, my lords and ladies, Sir's and Dames, Gentleman, and their wives to the Black Yule Ball. It has been many years since the last such ball, but I hope it will be the first of many. I wish you all a wonderful yule and peaceful winter solstice," Sirius looked every bit the pure-blood lord, worlds-away from the escaped prisoner from Azkaban. As Sirius descended the stairs, that was the signal for the party to begin. The noise level grew, and people started mixing. Harry had been trained in these situations for several weeks during his Saturday etiquette lessons with Narcissa. He knew to stay by his father, at least for the time being. His summer had consisted of him learning to dance, so Harry knew he would have to dance eventually.
"Your Grace, Lord Rendlesham, I would like to introduce my wife to you, Charlotte." Harry was pulled back to the here and now as Minister Fudge introduced his wife.
"It is a pleasure to meet you," Harry kissed the woman's knuckles.
"Congratulations on your betrothal, my lord. I have heard wonderful things about Miss Granger," Charlotte Fudge told him.
"She is special. I am glad that she chose me," Harry wrapped an arm around his best friend and future wife. They chatted some more before Minister Fudge moved off from his father to talk with someone else. Then Harry felt some tenseness coming from Draco, who was standing next to him. He saw why as Sir Malfoy was approaching. He reluctantly shook hands and thanked him for his words of congratulations.
"Your Grace, thank you for welcoming me to your home," the man spoke formally.
"Thank you, Sir Malfoy. It is always a pleasure to have a Malfoy here after all our families have been friends for many years," Sirius replied.
"Yes, we have. Would you do me the honour of allowing me to visit the Daughter of Black Narcissa and her son?" Malfoy asked.
"I am sure something can be arranged," Sirius told the man, "I will send an owl to you with the details of a meeting in a few days."
"Fleur," Hermione called out in fondness, distracting Harry, who found himself looking at Bill Weasley on the arm of his fellow champion Fleur Delacour.
"It's a pleasure to see you, Hermione; it has been too long," the veela-woman still had a strong French accent.
"Now I know why you wanted to stay in England," Harry told the redheaded Lord Weasley slyly.
"She enchanted me," he replied with a loopy smile before becoming serious, "Lord Rendlesham, Miss Granger, please accept the apologies of the House of Weasley in my brothers' attempts at breaking your betrothal. I had no idea that he was planning this, or he would have been warned."
"Do not worry, Lord Weasley, the House of Black does not hold you responsible. I take it Master Weasley has been appropriately punished?" Harry danced the dance of formal discussions. He noticed the relief on Bill Weasley's face; Harry could have easily called a Blood feud on the Weasleys.
"He has my lord; I hope he has learned his lesson in interfering in another Lord's Business," Bill had been taught the old formal words. "We are awaiting news on the Trial, to receive what punishment he should receive from The Crown."
"Good, now there is another problem you may help us with due to your connection with Gringotts and your family. Would you be available for a meeting in two days?" Harry knew Hermione was staring at him now as she had finished talking to Fleur.
"I would be amiable; please send me the details," Bill nodded and had a quick greeting with Sirius before moving onwards.
"Well done, Harry, you managed that really well," Sirius laid a hand on his shoulder. Harry felt happiness in the pride his father was showing him.
"What happened?" Hermione whispered, "It seemed to be something to do with Ron."
"Bill was apologising because Ron's attempted 'seduction' of you is a House sin. We were already betrothed, it had been formally announced, but he still tried to interfere in House relationships," Harry explained.
"That is a bit outdated," Hermione replied.
"Not for pure-blood wizards, you had those lessons with me, so you know I could have asked for a Blood feud as the Weasley price for interference with an Ancient and Noble House. I know it is old but what he essentially did was attempted line theft," Harry blushed as Hermione looked at him. "We are already betrothed, so it is expected we marry, and erm, have children to continue the line."
"Still old fashioned," Hermione snorted at Harry's face.
"Yes, but still expected until the traditions can be changed," Harry answered shortly. Soon afterwards, Harry and Hermione were free to move around the Grand Hall. They soon found Draco on the arm of Theo, then Neville joined them. The small group watched the adults as they discussed Hogwarts, though they tried to avoid Hermione's past couple of months.
"Lord Rendlesham, thank you for the invite," Susan curtseyed as she came over with Hannah and Ernie MacMillan
"Susan, Hannah, Ernie, I am glad to see you here tonight. How is your Yule going so far?" Harry's face lit up on seeing the heirs.
"Brilliant, I got some new books," Ernie enthusiastically spoke.
"You sound just like Hermione," Harry laughed, getting laughs from the small group of teens.
"Is that a bad thing?" Hermione slapped him gently on the shoulder.
"No, dear, it is absolutely wonderful," Harry replied, appearing apologetic.
"Oh, you are so whipped," Draco suggested to more laughter.
"I seem to remember someone else running around trying to make themselves perfect for their date. I think you are whipped," Harry responded.
"Oh, he is, and maybe soon in chains," Theo winked at the dark-haired boy who looked mortified.
"Whose is in chains and being whipped?" Harry heard Ceph's voice. He wiggled past Ernie to lean on his older brother.
"Erm, no one, Theo was making an adult joke," Harry stuttered, "What are you doing over here anyway?"
"This party is boring; there is no one my age here," the boy whined.
"You can stay with us for a little while," Harry answered.
"Where is your cane? I notice you are not limping that much," Hannah asked curiously. Both Ernie and Susan looked him over, then realising he was not using his cane at all.
"Oh, Andromeda used a spell to keep my thigh stiff tonight, but I doubt I will be able to dance on it," Harry answered.
"I was hoping for a dance tonight after all are we not the belles of the ball?" Hermione said mischievously.
"Yes, congratulations on becoming betrothed. It has been a while since we last spoke, Harry. You seemed quite distant lately," Susan commended the couple.
"Yes, sorry, I have had a lot on my plate recently. I am sorry if I ignored you," Harry answered. Hermione immediately felt guilty as she felt Harry rub his thumb across her hand soothingly.
"So, show us the ring?" Hannah squealed, then the three girls moved away as Hermione showed them the ring.
"I do hope I do not get like that when I get a ring," an arrogant voice with a tinge of amusement spoke up.
"Countess Kendal, always a pleasure," Harry told the other teen.
"Harry, we are going to be allies; just call me Daphne," the girl had let her black hair down, so the silky trestles flowed down her back. Next to her was a mini-me, dressed remarkably similar. Tracey Davis, her friend, had also joined them as well as Millicent Bulstrode. Harry noticed that Daphne was directing his attention to where Sirius and Cyrus Greengrass were talking amicably.
"Quite the party you have got going on here," Millicent told Harry while looking around.
"Have you been introduced to my little sister, Astoria?" Daphne asked. The mini-me stepped forward shyly curtsying. Harry kissed her delicate hand, earning a small giggle. Harry noticed his little brother staring at the young dark-haired beauty. She appeared to be one or two years older than him. Harry had been teasing his brother about Danica, but perhaps this 'older woman' was another reason to tease him.
"This is my little brother, Cepheus; I think you two may get along well," Harry said, propelling the boy forward, who copied his brother and kissed Astoria's hand. The young pair seemed somewhat distracted as Harry caught Daphne's questioning look. He winked at her and gave the girl a smile.
"Playing matchmaker?" Hermione whispered in his ear as she slid her arm around him.
"Who'd want a snake as an ally," Hannah spoke up, distracting Harry from answering to the shock of her best friend.
"Hannah!"
"I resent that. I am a Slytherin too," Draco muttered.
"You are a tame snake; you do not count," Harry joked, getting a laugh from everyone. After that, the group fell into easy banter talking about the upcoming year until Ceph began yawning. "Right, I better get this one to bed."
"Aww, can't I stay here with you?" Ceph yawned again in his own discussion with Astoria.
"No, come on. Let us get you off to bed." Harry thanked the small group for coming and led Hermione and his brother over to Sirius.
"Before you go, Harry, I've got a late Christmas Present for you," Amelia told him as Narcissa, and Remus were about to take them back to Hárasteorra Hall. She handed him a small amulet, jade in colour; it was circular and looked like an unfurling fern.
"Thank you," Harry replied as Hermione tied the string around the back of his neck.
"It is Māori. I picked it up in New Zealand. It is called Koru; it symbolises personal growth, positive change, and harmony," the witch looked at Hermione with a glint in her eye. "It also has charms on it so that you can call my Aurors and me to your location since you seem to have a habit of being attacked."
"Thank you, this will be great. It is also beautiful," Harry looked at the green gem.
"Hopefully, Harry will not need it," Hermione made the group laugh before they said goodbye heading off home. Cepheus was yawning as they reached the bottom of the stairs to the rooms, and Draco could not hide his own yawns. As the two adults ushered Draco and Cepheus away, Harry turned to Hermione.
"I really do love you," He gave her one last kiss as he escorted her to her room. Harry took his leave, then returned to his own room, getting ready for bed. He slipped between the crisp sheets.
Harry dreamed. At first, he was back in the courtroom, like he was in August, facing Minister Fudge, Madam Umbridge and Professor Dumbledore.
"Hermione Granger is to serve life in Azkaban for being a filthy Mudblood," Umbridge sentenced his future wife. He turned to look at her, she was wearing a dress of some sort, but it was dirty and stained. Her face had tears streaking down them.
"Harry, do something!" She yelled out, but he was rooted to the spot.
"I object, please. She is my betrothed," Harry tried to yell out, but nothing seemed to come from his mouth.
"I will take her to Azkaban, my Lord," Draco's voice echoed as Harry looked up to find Voldemort stood behind the three officials.
"Do what you will with her. Mudblood's do not belong in our society," Voldemort told the teen, sounding bored. "Next!"
"Sirius and Cepheus Black, sir, traitors to the cause," Theo had his hands on Cepheus, who looked so small in his prison uniform. His face was all bruised, and blood oozed from his nose. Sirius looked worse than he did when he was in Azkaban before.
"What do you have to say for yourself?" Minister Fudge said lazily.
"You serve a monster; our magic should be free to all those that have it," Sirius shouted as Harry watched Lucius Malfoy pour golden Galleons into the Ministers pocket.
"Professor Snape, you have the right to do what you like with Black and his spawn," Minister Fudge proclaimed. Severus Snape stepped from the shadow, and with two quick 'Avada Kedavra's.' the pair were dead. Harry fell to his knees, crying for his dead father and his brother.
"Your honour, I would pay for the Granger girl to be my slave," a voice spoke up.
"Oh no, Ron, please do not tell me you are a Death Eater," Harry said aloud, but the redhead completely ignored him.
"As you are one of my most loyal servants, you may have her," Voldemort dismissed the boy. Harry was afraid of who would enter next, but his dream seemed to shift until he stood in the atrium of the Ministry of Magic or thought he was standing, but he seemed to be much closer to the ground. He could see the Fountain of Brethren as he slithered? Harry was sure that he was some kind of snake in his dream, but he did not know what. His body felt smooth, powerful, and flexible. He was gliding between shining metal bars, across the dark, cold stone. . .. He was flat against the floor, sliding along on his belly. . .. It was dark, yet he could see objects around him shimmering in strange, vibrant colours. . . He was turning his head. . .. At first glance, the corridor was empty . . . but no . . . a man was sitting on the floor ahead, his chin drooping onto his chest, his outline gleaming in the dark. . .. Harry put out his tongue. . .. He tasted the man's scent on the air. . .. He was alive but drowsing . . . sitting in front of a door at the end of the corridor.
Harry longed to bite the man . . . but he must master the impulse. . .. He had more important work to do. . ..
But the man was stirring . . . a silvery cloak fell from his legs as he jumped to his feet. Harry saw his vibrant, blurred outline towering above him, saw a wand withdrawn from a belt. . .. He had no choice. . .. He reared high from the floor and struck once, twice, three times, plunging his fangs deeply into the man's flesh, feeling his ribs splinter beneath his jaws, feeling the warm gush of Blood. . .. The man was yelling in pain . . . then the man fell silent. . .. He slumped back against the wall. . .. Blood was splattering onto the floor. . .. His forehead hurt terribly. . .. It was aching fit to burst. . ..
Chapter 23: Twenty-Three: Dealings with Snakes
Harry longed to bite the man . . . but he must master the impulse. . .. He had more important work to do. . ..
But the man was stirring . . . a silvery cloak fell from his legs as he jumped to his feet. Harry saw his vibrant, blurred outline towering above him, saw a wand withdrawn from a belt. . .. He had no choice. . .. He reared high from the floor and struck once, twice, three times, plunging his fangs deeply into the man's flesh, feeling his ribs splinter beneath his jaws, feeling the warm gush of Blood. . .. The man was yelling in pain . . . then the man fell silent. . .. He slumped back against the wall. . .. Blood was splattering onto the floor. . .. His forehead hurt terribly. . .. It was aching fit to burst. . ..
"Harry! HARRY!" He opened his eyes. Every inch of his body was covered in icy sweat; his bedcovers were twisted all around him like a straitjacket. He felt as though a white-hot poker was being applied to his forehead.
"Harry!" He opened his eyes to find Hermione above him looking concerned, but his vision blurred. The pain seemed to get worse, then he was vomiting over the side of the four-poster bed.
"He looks really sick," a small voice said. Harry realised through the pain it was probably his brother. Moments later, this was confirmed.
"Ceph, go wake up Remus and Sirius," Harry heard Draco tell the boy. Abruptly he felt something cool on his forehead. Hermione was dabbing him with a washcloth.
"What is going on here?" Sirius' voice came from the doorway to his room.
"We heard Harry screaming so raced in here, he had blood on his forehead and was thrashing about," Hermione reported. Harry swallowed, trying to wet his mouth.
"Contact…Order of Phoenix…. Arthur Weasley….Bitten by snake….Ministry of Magic," Harry just barely got out.
"Damn him!" Sirius banged the door making all the teens jump, "Remus, send a Patronus to Dumbledore. Arthur Weasley is in trouble at the Ministry."
"All right," Narcissa slipped past Remus, gently touching the man on his way out. The woman put a glass of water on Harry's bedside table and helped him sit up in bed. Hermione offered the dark-haired teen his glasses, then Narcissa offered him the glass of water.
"Small sips only," she gently chided him as he took a massive gulp. Harry had not had a mother figure except Molly Weasley, but as Narcissa combed his sweaty hair, he thought this was what having a mother felt like. Since the middle of summer, she had almost become like a mother to him, and he found that he felt very fond of Draco's mum. Draco and Harry had become like siblings themselves. He felt pressure at his side, realising Hermione was holding him.
"Are you up for talking?" Sirius asked. The boy nodded, taking another drink of water as Narcissa soothed him.
"I dreamt I was in the Ministry to start with, at my trial, but I was being judged by Fudge, Umbridge, Dumbledore and Voldemort," Harry exclaimed, recounting his dream to the assembled group. "Then the dream shifted, and I was a snake, or at least I thought I was a snake. I was outside the Department of Mysteries when I found Arthur Weasley asleep, he woke up, so I attacked him."
"I knew he would not stop," Sirius mumbled.
"What are you going on about?" Draco asked.
"Before the incident with the Dementors, the Order of Phoenix had several 'goals'," Sirius explained, "protecting Harry was one of them; the other was protecting something in the Department of Mysteries. So, I told Dumbledore many times the DoM was safe, that a guard was not needed."
"But he did not listen to you," Harry suggested.
"Obviously not," Sirius replied straight-faced. Harry heard Cepheus giggle at his father; it was nice to listen to the boy laughing after two months of sadness.
"I wonder-" Draco started but was cut off by Remus entering the room.
"They got to Arthur in time; he is alive and heading to St Mungo's Hospital," Remus told them all to a relieved sigh, "but Headmaster Dumbledore wants Harry to come to Hogwarts to explain his dream and how he was feeling."
"How does he know that?" Sirius asked.
"After I sent him a Patronus, he contacted you via the Floo network. I told him it was Harry that had warned us, but he seemed to already know."
"As much as I hate sending Harry anywhere right now, I think we had better go," Narcissa suggested, "You and I can take him."
"I am going with you!" Hermione proclaimed, daring anyone to argue, "Harry needs my support and will tell me everything anyway."
"All right," Sirius agreed and transfigured her bed clothing into some jeans and a jumper. She quickly ran to grab some shoes and socks while Narcissa did the same for Harry. She also performed some freshening up charms. He looked at her, thankfully getting a smile in return. "Remus, can you stay here with Ceph and Draco?"
"I want to come with you," Ceph said.
"You should stay here, bud; I do not want you near Dumbledore if I can help it," Sirius told him, hugging his youngest son. Draco looked like he wanted to say something, but catching his mothers' eye, he turned to Ceph.
"Come on, I will take you back to bed and tell you about the time Harry caught the Snitch with his mouth," Draco led the youngster out the door as he grinned at Harry. Hermione returned, so the four made their way to the Lord's Study.
"Headmasters office, Hogwarts," Sirius called out, throwing his Floo powder into the fire. Hermione followed him, then Harry. Narcissa was just stepping out elegantly when Professor McGonagall arrived with the Weasley twins and the two youngest Weasley's.
"Really, there was no need for Miss Granger and Miss Black to come," Professor Dumbledore was saying when the Head of Gryffindor House arrived.
"What's happened?" Ginny Weasley was the first to say something; even though she had been receiving Mind Healing, she still harboured feelings for Harry. Hermione took hold of Harry's hand, showing the Weasley's they were together. Ron's face went bright red as he began to splutter.
"Had to take what was mine? She belonged to me!" Ron told his former friend angrily.
"Ronald Weasley! You will keep your voice down. We are here because your father was attacked tonight; I am escorting you to St Mungo's," Professor McGonagall snapped.
"I bet it was HIS fault. He has always been jealous of how popular and good looking I am." Harry could not believe the hypocritical crap that was coming out of the redhead's mouth.
"You are lucky to be walking free and not in a prison cell awaiting trial," Harry told the redhead, who glared at the boy. Harry got a nudge from his father and a look that told him to be quiet.
"Master Weasley, silence yourself! I would suggest going to see your father, I let my son talk me out of speaking to Lord Weasley, but I think it is time we had a chat," Sirius barked, silencing the teen. The twins grabbed either side of their younger brother, hauling him off before he could do any more damage to the Weasley family. Ginny gave the other teen girl a glare before following her brothers through to St Mungo's. The Deputy nodded to Sirius, going with the fiery redheads.
Albus Brian Wulfric Percival Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Order of Merlin recipient (First Class), sat in his chair studying the group of four like they were something new that he had not come across. He knew his plan had backfired; Miss Granger holding hands and being here was a testament to that.
"Miss Granger was not given permission to leave Hogwarts grounds over the Yule," Dumbledore's stern grandfatherly voice made Harry stiffen. He knew his dad would say something, so he gestured for him to be quiet. He wanted to handle the elderly headmaster.
"Professor Dumbledore, I was assured her guardian gave Miss Granger permission to leave the school."
"I am her guardian," the headmaster argued.
"You must have misplaced the papers, Headmaster, but Andromeda Tonks was awarded custody of Miss Granger as she is the betrothed to the Heir of my House," Narcissa spoke up with steel in her voice. You could almost see the ice in the air as Narcissa tried to freeze the old man with just her eyes.
"I must be mistaken then," Dumbledore replied before turning to Hermione, "Surely dear, you would feel better returning to Master Weasley, as he has your best interest at heart, and he will be having a traumatic few weeks with his fathers' injuries."
"Protego," Harry called out, one of his wands in his hand as he tightened his grip on Hermione. "I do not appreciate you trying to charm my beloved, especially after everything you have done to our family."
"I was merely suggesting," Dumbledore backed off, knowing not to push the young man.
"You asked my son here for a reason; what do you want?" Sirius asked, stepping in. He could see Harry was practically vibrating with anger.
"Can you tell me about your dream?" the headmaster asked as Sirius noticed a slight movement. Using his dog senses, he realised Severus Snape was in the room, but he would not give them the satisfaction of telling them he knew.
"I was in the Ministry of Magic-" Harry began repeating his dream to the headmaster though this time it was told very clinically. Hermione squeezed his hand when he got to the part about attacking Arthur Weasley.
"This is very troubling; indeed, it seems you have a connection to Voldemort. So, after Christmas, I want you to start Occlumency with Professor Snape!" Dumbledore all but ordered. Severus Snape stepped out of the shadows; Harry glared at him but did not acknowledge the man.
"It will be-" Snape started to say.
"No!" Harry empathically said, his eyes blazing. "I told you at the beginning of the year, I already knew Occlumency."
"I have been teaching him during the summer and on Saturdays," Narcissa offered.
"Obviously not well," Snape muttered, getting a glare from Sirius.
"You will not let my son go anywhere near that Death Eater, except for lessons," the Black Lord told the headmaster directly.
"Come now, Sirius, surely you can see Harry would be in danger without the lessons," Dumbledore tied to act friendly with the man, "He needs more lessons if tonight is anything to go by."
"I was tired. I had an emotional few days," Harry explained, having spent the time worried about his sick fiancée. He had thought that Dumbledore might be interfering again. "What was Mr Weasley guarding?"
"Excuse me?" Dumbledore blinked at the sudden change of subject.
"Mr Weasley was obviously guarding something; Sirius told us you had the Order of the Phoenix guarding something in the summer beside me," Harry once again threw the headmaster off-guard. Dumbledore gave the boys' father a disapproving look.
"That is between me and the Order," Dumbledore replied sternly, his eyes now cold.
"Fine, then count me out of this war. But, father, can you start enquiring with Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry or Beauxbatons Academy of Magic?" Harry asked. He was fed up with the way Dumbledore was playing him, so he needed more time before he could speak to Amelia Bones.
"I think Draco would be interested in joining you. I am sure Andromeda would approve of Hermione coming," Narcissa was not sure what game Harry was playing, but she turned the screws even tighter. She knew if Hogwarts lost Harry Black, other parents would consider sending their families elsewhere.
"It was a Prophecy," Dumbledore stumbled, suddenly panicked at the loss of Harry. If the boy went abroad, he might never get back the Potter coffers. "There was a prophecy spoken about Voldemort, but I cannot tell you what it says. Only that Voldemort is after it."
"Thank you, now I am exhausted. I want to go to bed. I will see you in January," Harry led Hermione over to the fireplace and disappeared. Narcissa stopped at the fireplace when she realised Sirius had not moved. He stared at the headmaster, knowing his ring would likely block any invasions of his mind.
"I am warning you, Albus, if you or your pet bat mess with my children or Hermione again, I will see you thrown in the deepest, darkest hole I can find," Sirius threatened, then followed his cousin through the fireplace. When he got back, Harry and Hermione had already left, probably heading up to bed.
"We will speak tomorrow," Narcissa suggested before leaving the man alone in his study.
Hermione led Harry up to his bedroom after they returned from Hogwarts. The lamps were already off in Ceph's and Draco's room as they passed.
"Finite Incantatem!" she waved her wand so that her and Harry's clothes resumed their original life as pyjamas. "Are you alright?"
"That man is an interfering old bugger," Harry replied as he climbed back into bed. However, he was silenced from his following comment as Hermione slipped her shoes off and slipped under the bedclothes. "Erm, Hermione, what are you doing?"
"Well, we are supposed to be betrothed, are we not? So, when we return to Hogwarts, I want to join you in the married suites," Hermione replied so matter-of-factly, Harry could not argue.
"Erm, OK," he gulped as she turned her back to him. He gingerly scooted closer to her. Hermione grabbed his hand and pulled it around her body. "I am sorry for any, erm, morning issues I might have."
"You are a teenage boy, it is expected," She giggled as she closed her eyes.
"How are you feeling, Arthur?" Molly Weasley asked sweetly, stroking her husband's hair, trying to hide the anger she felt. Though the attack had been unexpected, she thought it was a miracle. When Headmaster Dumbledore had informed her, Molly had hoped that Arthur had been killed, but he was too stupid to even die. She had never even heard the word divorce.
"I am fine, just a little injured," Arthur gave the woman a grin, though he knew what she was thinking. Arthur was not as stupid as he appeared. First, however, he had to play along until Bill had finished his investigations.
"Good, then I will go let the children know," Molly kissed his forehead and left, walking to the room that had been put aside for their family at St Mungo's. When she walked in, all the children except Charlie and Percy were there. Her eldest Bill, the new Lord Weasley, had his arm around that French strumpet.
"How is he?" Bill asked his face a picture of concern. Molly fixed her face.
"He will be fine, dear, nothing that a little bed rest can help heal," She gave her best motherly smile.
"What was he doing at the Ministry at this late hour?" Bill narrowed his eyes as he examined his own mother.
"That is between Arthur and Albus Dumbledore; the man obviously respects your father," she smiled at the thought of the headmaster; he had helped them a lot over the years and would see them return to power. But, nevertheless, she was angry that Bill had taken the Weasley chair. She had hoped to install Percy or Ron in the Weasley Chair.
"I will need to speak to him; I received an official summons by the Duke of Anglia last night. After Ronald's potioning of Miss Granger, I have been trying to do damage control before the Trial commences and Ronald gets life in Azkaban for line theft," Bill told the woman, gaging her reaction. Anger flared in her eyes before it was quickly hidden by motherly concern.
"Ronald was merely helping her along, she is a shy and timid creature," she played innocently.
"Ronald has been interfering with the Black family line," Billy bit back.
"What family line?" Molly snarled, losing her coolness, "Harry is betrothed to Ginevra,"
"Hermione was mine; she deserved to be with me, not that so-called hero," Ron butted in angrily.
"Lord Rendlesham IS betrothed to Miss Granger. You will be lucky if Black does not ask for some serious repercussions for this," Bill replied angrily, standing up to his full height. "We will have to see what happens at the Trial, but His Grace could ask for your life at the Wizengamot."
"We will fight him. I know the law. There is a magically binding contract that connects Harry to Ginevra," Molly responded with venom.
"If I find you had anything to do with this, mother, there will be some serious consequences," Bill told her sternly. He took Fleur by the arm and left the room, followed quickly by the twins leaving Molly with her two youngest children.
Harry woke up considerably more comfortable than he had last night. He was hugging someone; the warmth emanating off them felt exactly right. Harry realised he had been stroking soft skin with his fingers. As his senses returned, he realised he was in the very predicament he had warned about. Gently pulling away, the dark-haired teen kissed Hermione lightly before leaving a giggled girl behind as he entered the toilet. Hermione felt a little flustered herself but had loved having his body wrapped around hers. She went to her own room, not seeing anyone on the way.
Ten minutes later, Harry stepped into the Breakfast room where they ate any informal meals to find Cepheus, Draco, and Narcissa were already down there.
"Are you feeling better this morning?" Draco watched his cousin blush; there was a story behind that.
"Much better, thank you," Harry answered, looking at Narcissa. She was positively glowing. The blonde had finally disappeared, so she had returned to her natural dark looks; her face was a lot softer than it had been when he met her at the Quidditch World cup.
"Listen, before Hermione comes down, I would like you to know that Remus and I, well, we are seeing each other," Narcissa announced.
"Congratulations, how did you get the old mutt to finally give in?" Harry asked as Draco was frowning at his mother.
"I converted him during the summer, but we wanted to wait until Christmas to make sure we were happy," Narcissa explained as Remus came through the door. He looked around the room at the bright grins.
"I hope you were not calling your father a mutt," Remus said, giving Narcissa a kiss on the cheek. Draco's frown deepened.
"Nope, only calling you a mutt," Harry answered brightly, getting a swipe around the head.
"Draco, honey, we have got some more news," Narcissa announced as Remus took a seat next to her; he took the woman's hand in his. The former Malfoy flattened her robes around her body, showing off the baby bump, "I am five months pregnant. You are going to have a little brother."
"Congratulations, so are you planning on getting married?" Harry asked as Hermione entered the room. To Harry's eyes, Hermione looked beautiful. She was wearing jeans and a white jumper, but her hair was fly-away as always.
"Oh, you told them about being pregnant," Hermione smiled, offering her own congratulations to Remus.
"How did you know?" Draco demanded.
"I noticed last night how your mother was glowing. That is the only reason I could think of," Hermione answered as she took a seat next to Harry.
"We are having a little boy," Remus touched Narcissa's belly. All the teens could see the pair were clearly in love with each other.
"How do you know it is a boy? Does your mummy-sense tell you that?" Harry asked, getting a laugh from a few people in the room.
"Oh, Harry, there is a spell that you can perform. The healers say the boy is happy and healthy," Narcissa wiped a tear away from her face.
"Does that mean I have to call you, dad?" Draco growled. Harry knew he was simply posturing. The three of them had talked about Narcissa and Remus getting together since their return to Hogwarts.
"Not if you do not want to. Lucius is still your father."
"Good," Draco settled into eating his eggs, though he was secretly happy for his mum.
"Have you thought up any names yet?" Hermione asked.
"I am still waiting to hear when the wedding is going to be?" Harry demanded at the same time.
"We have thought of a few names, we like-"Remus was interrupted by the arrival of Sirius and Amelia, who had been staying the night before.
"Sirius, which is what they are naming the child. After the most handsome Black," Harry's dad posed until he got a smack round the head from Amelia.
"We were hoping you would be godfather," Narcissa said, looking at Harry, "You are all but family anyway, you have become like another son, and I know you and Draco are like brothers, no matter how odd that might have seemed eight months ago."
"Pfft, he is a prat!" Draco screwed his face up at his mother's suggestion though Harry could see the laughter in his eyes.
"Who would have thought I would be brothers with a jerk like him," Harry lamented, getting his own smack round the head. The adults all laughed at him. Ceph just laughed at Hermione smacking him; he did not understand some of the rest of it.
"How are you feeling about last night?" Sirius asked gravely. The mood instantly sobered up.
"I am fine, but I am worried about Professor Dumbledore. He tried to charm Hermione again," Harry got a loving glance from Hermione.
"Yes, how did you know that he was about to charm Hermione last night?" Sirius looked at his son curiously.
"I felt it," Harry responded, then told the ones not there what had happened during their meeting with the headmaster. "I was not completely bluffing when I said can we look into Ilvermorny or Beauxbatons."
"You want to move schools?" Hermione asked him.
"I am so fed up with this war, but I am the most scared that Dumbledore will do something to you," Harry told her honestly.
"As much as I agree with you about leaving, you are the third party in this war. Some people do not want to join Voldemort, but they are equally bothered about joining the Great Leader of the Light," Sirius told him, sarcastically speaking Dumbledore's title. "We have a duty to those that have become allied to us. I spent a lot of time with the neutrals last night. We have got several that have officially allied to us, to you, they see you as a leader to follow. Remus and Narcissa's lessons were not just about becoming the perfect pure-blood."
"I thought something was up when Remus would go on about battlefields and what strategy I would take," Harry suggested easing the tension from the room.
"We had a bit of a talk with the Selwyn's last night about a possible alliance, but they were more interested in speaking to you," Sirius looked at his son, who appeared alarmed.
"What do you mean they want to talk to me? I do not know any of them," Harry told the group.
"It seems their youngest daughter has been discussing you, her elder sister is at Durmstrang, but they are considering transferring her to Hogwarts," Sirius replied.
"If Dumbledore does not try to stop the move," Harry said darkly, still upset about the meeting during the night.
"I think it is time I approached Minister Fudge with an arrest warrant for Dumbledore," Amelia suggested. "He really is dangerous."
"I thought you were the director of the DMLE. Surely you can issue Arrest Warrants?" Hermione asked the woman she admired.
"Generally, yes, but Albus Dumbledore is such a powerful figure. It needs the Minister's signature on it so that everything is legitimate," Amelia explained.
"Oh, I see. I am sure Minister Fudge will agree," Hermione said, getting an almost evil smile from the woman.
"Let us just say I have information I am sure he will not want to get to the public." Breakfast was quickly finished as the topic of conversation turned to lighter things. As Hermione and Harry went off to the library, Amelia grabbed her robes, kissing Sirius goodbye before stepping through the fireplace to the Ministry of Magic.
Amelia Bones, regent to the Bones family, was not a woman to be trifled with. She had worked hard to get to the position she was in. She had no allusions to becoming Minister of Magic but had always wanted to work in Law Enforcement. As she entered the Aurors office, many Aurors nodded to her, respectively. She asked for Proudfoot, Shacklebolt and Scrimgeour. They soon followed her into the Director's office. Closing the door behind them. She immediately looked at Kingsley Shacklebolt.
"Where do your loyalties lie?" she asked.
"Excuse me?" he blinked owlishly at her.
"I know that you and Nymphadora were part of Dumbledore's bird club, so I will ask again, are you loyal to the Ministry or Albus Dumbledore? Think about it carefully because your answer will define whether you have a job or not in the next half hour," Amelia promised. Kingsley was gobsmacked. Amelia had surprised him with the knowledge that she knew he was part of the Order of the Phoenix.
"My loyalty has always been to truth and the Light," Kingsley answered.
"Then you will immediately resign from the Order of the Phoenix and give me your oath to only work for the Aurors," Amelia demanded. Proudfoot and Scrimgeour just watched her and Kingsley. The bald man nodded and offered his oath up to his boss.
"Now we got that paperwork out of the way, what's going on?" Rufus' face did not reveal what he thought about one of his Aurors being a 'double agent.'
"After I have spoken to you, I am going to Minister Fudge to get him to sign off on an Arrest Warrant for Albus Dumbledore." The three reactions were completely different; Rufus' face was closed off, Shackleolt was shocked, and even Proudfoot was stunned.
"Excuse me? I thought you said you were going to arrest Albus Dumbledore," Caleb Proudfoot looked at his boss as though she had gone mad.
"I have got charges of Child abandonment, illegal Obliviations, illegal charms, illegal potions, Heir tampering with and stealing money," Bones went over the list before handing out a file each to the three men. "I want you to go over the files as you will be coming with me. I shall be back soon after I have spoken to Minister Fudge."
Amelia left the trio to go over the folder while she had just a single piece of parchment, marching straight through the Ministry to the Minister's office. Percy Weasley was sat outside at the reception desk.
"Mr Weasley, I want to speak to the Minister," she demanded. The redhead gulped, looking down at the diary.
"He has some free time tomorrow," the man suggested.
"Not good enough, I need it now," Amelia took a seat, waiting for the Minister to finish his latest meeting, which he did so ten minutes later. He seemed all smiles as he bid his visitor goodbye. Then he saw Amelia; his smile waned.
"Have you been there long?"
"Not long, but I need a moment of your time." Whether he saw the serious look on her face or knew she would never give up, he had 'Wetherbee' reschedule his meetings for the next half-hour allowing the woman to enter. Once he was seated, he looked at his Director of Magical Law Enforcement.
"What can I do for you, Madam Bones?" He asked politely, hoping he would get the woman out of his office sooner.
"I want you to sign this Arrest Warrant," Amelia explained, handing over the document. Cornelius Fudge looked over it, then jumped at the name.
"Holy Merlin's ghost, this is for Albus Dumbledore?"
"Yes, he is a dangerous man and should be removed from his position before being put on trial," she clarified. Immediately Fudge's wheels began turning; this could mean that at least one of his political enemies would be indisposed. But a lot of the public looked up to the Headmaster of Hogwarts. He knew what Lucious Malfoy would want, but the man could no longer offer his coffers up to Fudge.
"Albus Dumbledore is a very powerful man; he has many people on his side," Fudge said slowly.
"Yes, but he has endangered the life of the school and too many pure-bloods children. They may even come and thank you," Amelia suggested slightly. Fudge might be able to get some 'donations' back if he played this right.
"OK, you do what you have to, and we will set a trial date once you've arrested the man," Fudge agreed, signing off on the Arrest Warrant. Amelia hid her smile as the woman left the office, knowing she had got what she came for without the use of her blackmail material, which she was reluctant to use until it was needed.
Thirty minutes later, after a discussion with the Board of Governors for Hogwarts, she was stood on the edge of the wards to the school as she met up with Marchbanks and a couple of her colleagues. All three of Amelia's Aurors had joined her for this. Without speaking, the Director of the DMLE marched up to the school. The woman understood it was lunchtime, and most of the students had stayed for the winter holidays, well, those fourth year and above. Amelia wanted to manage this delicately, so she took Rufus and Caleb to wait outside the headmaster's office with the Board of Governors. She sent Kingsley to summon the senior teachers of Hogwarts.
The headmaster had no idea what was coming; the Prophet had announced the attack on a Ministry worker though thankfully had left out any names. However, his thoughts were on Harry Black and how to get him to return to Dumbledore's tutelage. He felt the Wards warn him of someone's entrance, then several minutes later, Kingsley Shacklebolt entered. He had been surprised when the mild charm he worked on the man had worked; he had been his inside man in the Aurors since Voldemort's return.
"Kingsley, this is a pleasant surprise," he told the man cheerfully.
"This isn't a social call, Headmaster," Kingsley spoke. Dumbledore could see the man appeared angry and upset about something, but he avoided the headmaster's eyes so he could not see into his mind, "I am here with Madam Bones. She requests you and the Heads of the Houses, please meet at your office."
"I'm sure that will be fine," Dumbledore excused himself. All the senior teachers had heard and excused themselves to follow the Headmaster and Shacklebolt. Some of the children looked at the five teachers and strange man breaking out into gossip. Outside his office, Dumbledore was surprised to not only see the Amelia Bones but Rufus Scrimgeour, another familiar Auror and a couple of the Board of Governors.
"Please come in," He spoke the password to Guardian, then led the group up to the office where he took a seat. The others all ranged around the office though he noted Sprout, Snape, McGonagall, and Flitwick all stood behind his desk on either side of him. "What can we do for you today?"
"Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, under the Charter of Magic and in Magic's name you are hereby placed under arrest for Child abandonment, illegal Obliviations, illegal charms, illegal potions, Heir tampering, Line theft and theft from an Ancient and Noble House," Amelia read out the charges before placing the Arrest Warrant on the man's desk.