Chapter 1482 - Ch: 28-29

Chapter 28 –Druimoor

The Express arrived at King's Cross to the welcome of a number of Aurors, which was actually a relief to Harry. Other than the DMLE presence, the station was its usual chaos. Still, there was an undertone that those who were familiar with the summer holidays would know was not the usual. Harry gathered his and Hermione's shrunken trunks into a simple bag, while she kept a tight hold on Crookshanks' carrier. He had once again allowed Hedwig to fly on ahead, much to his familiar's pleasure. They said goodbye to their friends and promised to be in touch in a week or so when plans for the summer firmed up some. Then they carefully made their way through the crowds, keeping a hand inside their pockets and ready to grab their wands. Rather than make their way through the magical barrier, they went to the edge of the magical platform and found a loo. Now that they could apparate, they had informed the Grangers not to bother with London traffic. As soon as they were in an alcove out of immediate sight, they each apparated to the Grangers' backyard.

Hermione and Harry landed moments later in the welcome confines of the fenced, manicured backyard that they knew so well. Jean and Neil were sitting in nearby chairs and stood immediately to come greet them. As soon as hugs were exchanged, the disgusted feline who was making his displeasure known was released from his confines and Crookshanks bolted across the yard. For the first time Harry let out a breath and felt like he could relax as Neil stepped over toward the grill.

"So Hermione, come and get a drink and tell us about the troubles you alluded to in your last letter. You mentioned that your hunt went well, but there were complications?"

Hermione sighed and traded a couple of mental comments with Harry, but he was fine to let her lead. By the time dinner was ready, the Grangers were apprised of the last few weeks of happenings. Everything from horcrux hunting and forest fires to school exams was covered.

"Well you two have certainly had an eventful school year. So, obviously Voldemort is your focus when he is found. As much as I hate to say that. Until then, what is the plan? Do you plan to keep training?"

"Some. Honestly, I would like a bit of a break. Also, we need to start looking at the Potter properties. You and Neil have been great Jean and I know we're family, but I need to look at what my family left me. I especially want to see about Druimoor. It's my ancestral home, but it hasn't had any house elves or other magic in it for years. I know Gringotts has had it maintained, so it must be at least in decent shape, but I probably need to go talk to them. My account manager can tell me how to get there as well. I checked a map and it's about three and a half hours from here. So, we need to visit Gringotts in a couple of days."

"So, you'll stay here to start the summer and then maybe go to Druimoor if it's in habitable condition?"

"Perhaps, but if we do, we'd want you to come. At least on the weekends when you don't have the practice to run. And all this depends on Voldemort. I'm sorry Jean, I wish we had more definite plans."

"That's fine, I understand. What I don't understand is this Jean bit. What happened to mum?"

Harry blushed and looked at his feet.

"Sorry, I sort of forgot. Its new to me mum, but it does feel good. Dad, do you mind…mind that?"

"Of course not Harry. Just because we haven't seen you for months doesn't change anything. You are married to my daughter. As for the summer, we'll see how it goes."

The rest of the evening went well and, after watching a brief, stupid game show on the telly, Hermione declared she was tired and everyone retired early.

The following day was spent quietly at home for the Potters, a rare treat that was welcome after the recent madness with exams. Harry still itched to be doing more, but he knew that the relaxation was good for his mental wellbeing and had to admit that the following day's meditation went smoother as he was able to more easily slip into his calm center of focus.

After their one day break, the Potters resumed their training on their second morning home. That afternoon though was planned for their trip to Gringotts to talk to Silverstaff, who had responded to Harry's owl and set an appointment for two in the afternoon. Both of them were happy to have trained in apparition, being able to move themselves around quickly and efficiently as they apparated to Diagon. Still, they traveled with disillusion charms and wands out, wary due to the current security concerns.

As the Potters quickly walked through the Alley to the bank, two people made passing glances at them, and Hermione knew that those people had devices to look past their charms. Harry's cloak would have been better coverage, but was more cumbersome. The charms did well enough, especially since Diagon was not nearly as crowded as it once had been. Both the people who spotted them didn't move closer, so they were able to pass by quickly, although they remained on guard. When they stepped in the bank and had goblin guards at their backs, both felt relieved.

Minutes after stepping inside the bank, the Potters were shown to Silverstaff's office.

"Good afternoon Lord and Lady Potter. Please have a seat. How may I and Gringotts help you today?"

"Hello honorable Silverstaff. May your vaults overflow. We are here to inquire after the Potter properties, specifically Druimoor. We would like to visit, and possibly stay there, but are unsure of the condition, or how to reach it."

"I see. Well, let's discuss the other properties first. As you know, the cottage in Godric's Hollow has remained in stasis and unrepaired per the request of the Town Council as a memorial to your parents. Of course, the final decision is yours. If you wish, you could override that decision and have the cottage repaired. It has three bedrooms and one bathroom. The damage was extensive and would take at least a month to repair. Your property in France is land only. Finally, the Dedianos estate in Greece is on the island of Leros. It is listed to be on the western side of the island, a short distance outside of the city of Xirocampos. You own fifteen hectares on a bluff overlooking the Mediterranean with a walk that winds down to a small crescent of beach. Here is a floorplan of the house. It is in the style of a Roman villa with a central courtyard and includes plenty of space inside and out, as well as a swimming area in the large courtyard in the style of a Roman bath. The land has been in your family for several hundred years, but your great-grandfather Henry built the villa. He quite admired Roman architecture."

Harry looked over the floorplan and was impressed. The house had seven good size bedrooms, all with attached baths on a second floor. The first floor were all common spaces. All were arranged in a square around the massive courtyard that showed a series of flower beds, hot and cold pools, fountains, and outside dining areas.

"Wow, this is impressive, but how has it been maintained? How would I get there?"

"Gringotts is contracted to maintain it. In the past, House Potter had between eight and fourteen house elves that traveled between the family properties. Now we keep the interior of the house under stasis and the outside of the house has charms to slow the aging process. Then we hire maintenance with locals on the island. There is a portkey necklace available in your vault. I can have it brought here if you wish. I didn't before because you indicated you weren't ready yet."

"No, I wasn't. Hermione, what do you think? Greece sounds nice."

"Yes, but I think we need to focus closer to home for now. Silverstaff, what can you tell us about Druimoor?"

"Yes, Druimoor is your ancestral seat for the past 832 years. Of course, the current manor has only stood for 411 years. As you can probably surmise, Druimoor is a contraction of Druid Moor, as the site of the manor is closely situated to a conjunction of ley lines that was spiritually significant to the ancients of this isle. The total size of the land is 172 hectares, encompassing forest and farmland. The manor itself is 1580 square meters total, with fourteen bedrooms and four floors from basement to attic. The land also includes a number of utility buildings, as well as barns, workshops, and a garage. All are under stasis charms and Gringotts checks on the property on a monthly basis. The farmlands are mowed, but have been left fallow. The orchard is kept clear of grass, but the harvest is left to the animals and birds. The house remains fully furnished as it was the day your grandmother died, two months after her husband passed. Your father was in school and only returned briefly after. The elves who were left were quite old and passed on through the years."

Harry used his meditation techniques to calm himself. It was a lot to take in. The house was massive. And the idea that it had been sitting in stasis for so long. Hermione didn't say much, but her presence helped to calm and soothe him. Silverstaff seemed to understand that he needed a moment and had paused before continuing.

"As for how to visit the manor, I should have told you before, but you were adamant about waiting. Simply press your wand to your signet and say 'Druimoor'. Anyone who is touching you will portkey with you. When you are ready to leave, just say 'return' and you will return to the spot you left from. Here are floorplans and a map of the property. If you wish to visit, I can go with you to show you around if you wish?"

"Thank you Silverstaff, but we're not sure of our plans yet. We should be able to get around with the map."

"Of course. Might I recommend that you take brooms when you go. It is the best way to view the property overall. There are some older ones in storage at the manor, but they might be a bit slow. Do you plan on moving in soon?"

"Um, well, we still have to decide. We have to finish school yet."

"Well, if you do decide to in the future, you will need house elves. Gringotts can arrange for the purchase of them if you wish. I would say six at minimum for the size of the manor."

Harry grimaced, knowing that Hermione wasn't happy with the idea of hiring house elves. Still, a manor with fourteen bedrooms would need help.

We won't make the decision hastily love. Maybe we should talk to Dobby. Remember what he said about needing the castle's magic? Well, if Druimoor is at the center of ley lines, maybe it will be good for him and others also. And we would treat them well and pay them too. They don't have to be slaves.

Perhaps. We'll discuss it. We need to see the place first.

The mental dialogue was cut short as Silverstaff continued.

"Now, that is about it for the properties. Everything else is going well with the Potter holdings. Do you have any questions on the statements you've been receiving?"

Harry briefly checked with Hermione, but then they both assured Silverstaff that they had no further questions at the time. They both thanked him then he summoned an assistant to take them down to the vault. Once there, Hermione located the Dedianos amulet portkey exactly where Silverstaff had told them it was. It was actually a beautiful amulet on a gold chain and she happily put it on before joining her husband for the ride back to the main floor of the bank.

Once they were back in Diagon, the Potters stopped for ice cream and then apparated back home, arriving around half past three in the afternoon. It had been a monumental day and both of them still had thoughts churning over the wealth of information they had gathered.

That night Harry cooked chicken curry to surprise the Grangers when they got home from the practice, which they were quite appreciative of. The main topic of discussion at dinner was the Potter properties and they were equally stunned at the size of the manor when Hermione gave her parents the general statistics. Once they had finished eating, Neil took the cleanup duties and then they all gathered around to look over the manor floor plans, as well as the overall details for manor grounds. After reviewing everything thoroughly, both couples decided to wait a couple of days until the weekend and then go together to look in person. While Harry was curious, he had waited a year, he could wait a bit longer.

The next couple of days were spent with the Potters keeping busy working on their summer homework assignments, as well as keeping up with the drills that Tonks had given them. They also traded owls with their friends and everyone seemed to be settling into a boring summer routine.

Unfortunately, the Death Eaters were anything but bored and the Prophet brought bad news usually every other day. While muggle targets remained a favorite, the Potters received a scare three days after arriving home when the Prophet brought the news of an attack on the home of Varinius and Lucinda Brown. Varinius was a neutral voice in the Wizengamot who had voted in favor of a recent increase in Auror funding and the attack seemed to be payback for that vote. Thankfully, Lucinda was away during the attack, but Varinius was listed as gravely injured. His age was given as seventy-one, so the Potters were unsure what his relation was to Lavender, but pureblood England was too closely related for their not to be a relation and they worried for their fellow Gryffindor. Hermione quickly sent Hedwig off with a note to express their concern and offer any help possible. The following day, Lavender replied with her thanks. Her grandfather was doing better, but would be in the hospital for a couple of weeks. He had been quite cheered though to see Lord and Lady Potter send their well wishes.

For Harry especially the attack on the Browns only chafed him more as he practiced harder and wished to do more. The day after the attack, he sent Hedwig to Tonks to schedule a training session. He had been talking to Sirius on the mirror and he had offered Grimmauld's basement whenever they wanted. Tonks replied the same day and scheduled a training session for Saturday late afternoon at four. Hermione quickly drafted letters for all their friends and sealed them with the House Potter signet before sending Hedwig off on a loop to visit each of their friends and allies. If Harry worried that they were working her too much, he needn't have as Hedwig was happy with her regular flights.

Soon enough Saturday arrived and everyone in the Granger house was awake by eight. After a quick breakfast, they all gathered in the living room and Hermione explained briefly what to expect from the portkey. Then she took hold of Harry's hand while Jean and Neil each placed a hand on his shoulders. Harry then took his wand and tapped it to his signet while saying 'Druimoor'.

The group landed with a bit of a stumble, but everyone managed to stay upright as they stood and then looked around what was obviously a large receiving hall. The ceiling was at least six meters above them and the floor was inlaid with the Potter crest. The walls were primarily lined in a fine grain white granite with carved columns of a blue stone done in fine detail. On one wall was a large fireplace, also carved from the same bluish stone. On the other wall was a massive tapestry with an intricate tracery detail. When Harry stepped closer, he saw that it was his family tree. Looking toward the end, he smiled to see both his and Hermione's names. The room wasn't overly large so Hermione pulled out her map and they decided where to go to first.

"Well this is the magical arrivals hall, the central foyer should be just through this door to our left. The main staircase is there and we can access the rest of the house from that point."

Harry nodded and let his wife take the lead as both he and Hermione held their wands and made their way through the double walnut doors into the main part of the house. Although they felt they were most likely safe, it didn't hurt to remain prepared.

When they reached the central receiving hall, both couples were awestruck at the sweeping three story expanse of space with the curling staircase that greeted a reception hall that was twice the size as the entire first floor of the Grangers' house. The front doors of the manor were solid oak and they stepped outside for a minute to look on the beautiful expansive lawn before ducking back inside.

Once they were back in the main hall, Hermione took in the amazing carved stone details that were everywhere, especially in the inlaid detail in the floor. Then there was the carved details in the stairs, which displayed a plethora of flora and fauna. Still, there was much to see and Harry had left her in charge of the map. Shaking herself out of her daze, Hermione went to a massive side table and spread the map for everyone to see so that they could orient themselves and discuss where to go next.

"Alright, this space is stunning, but we have a lot to see. The first floor are the common spaces. I suggest we work east to west. Here on the east side we have the ladies' parlor and office, then the library on the back corner of the house and extending up to the second floor. If we then wrap around the center of the floor, we can cover the central ball room and formal dining room. The back appears to be an entire glass conservatory with a family dining area. We can then circle to the kitchens on the western side corner and then come around the western side where the largest formal living room and game room, as well as the lord's formal office. That will then loop us back here. I guess then we go to the second floor. Mostly a lot of guest suites on the west and children's and nanny rooms on the east. Should be fairly repetitive. There are some classrooms near the eastern corner where the library extends up to that level. The third floor is listed as storage and overflow guest space, with half the floor designated for elf quarters. I want to see that and see where the Potters kept their elves. I know that Gringotts said the Potters were known for treating them well, but I am curious. The basement is primarily storage on one side, with the other side listed as pools, gym, and a training arena."

Neil shook his head and whistled.

"Well, I guess it's good we wore our trainers. We've got some walking to do."

The rest agreed and Harry let Hermione lead on the path she had chosen. The house was a bit eerie, but he felt a low level of magic that told him enough wards were still in place that he wasn't worried and he was able to relax for a bit. It took about forty minutes before they reached the other side of the first floor and entered the lord's office. Harry felt a pull toward the crest on the back wall and stepped over to it. He noticed a spot in the carved wood where his signet would fit and wondered if he should.

Go ahead love. The magic must be compelling you for a reason.

"Mum, dad, Harry is being pulled by the house magic toward the crest. Let's step back a bit."

Harry pressed his signet into the crest and watched as it swung open to reveal what looked like a small safe behind. Then a number of panels on the walls around the room swung open to reveal portraits. Harry looked into the safe and pulled out several books, as well as an ancient looking quill. Then he turned to sit at the desk with the items. As he did, one of the portraits of a man in ancient looking colonial dress smiled down at him.

"Excellent, another Lord Potter takes his seat. Welcome, I am Lord Ralston Potter."

"Indeed, welcome. I am Fleamont. What year is it and who might you be?"

"I believe I might know. Harry is that you?"

Harry looked around in shock and then looked at the last portrait that had spoken. It was his father.

"D…Dad?"

"Ha! It is you! Everyone, meet Lord Harry James Potter. How old are you now son?"

"Fifteen."

"Fifteen? And already a lord? James, when did you pass?"

"Um, everyone, it's great to meet you all, but that's a long story. The blame lies with a dark lord who named himself Voldemort. I'm afraid I don't have a lot of time today. I do need to introduce someone very important. A year ago I soul bonded with my best friend. This is Lady Hermione Jean Potter."

Harry pulled Hermione over to be introduced to the six portraits of past Potters in the room. There had been other portraits around the house as they toured, but all had been sleeping. He wondered if all would be awake now.

"A soul bond you say? Well, that certainly answers some of the questions. Welcome my lady!"

"Congratulations son. I wish your mother and I could have met your lady. Now then, who else have you brought with you?"

"These are Hermione's parents, Drs. Neil and Jean Granger. They are non-magical. Although Hermione is muggleborn, she is the smartest witch in our year, and Professor McGonagall says the smartest in the last fifty years."

James chuckled.

"Of course, a brilliant muggleborn. You are a true Potter. Now son, I know you have a lot to do. What are your plans for today?"

"We're just here to look around the manor. It's been looked after by Gringotts for years. All the elves are gone and it's been in stasis. Honestly, we've been staying with the Grangers and we're still in school, so we probably don't need a large home for now. This is the first time I've been here though and I wanted to see the place."

Fleamont huffed and shook his head.

"Stasis? And no elves? It's amazing the place is still standing. Especially with a dark lord on the loose. Look Harry, do you understand why manors have elves?"

"I think so, to cook, clean, and take care of the place."

"Well yes, partially. It really is a testament to the goblins that they have kept the place going without elves, because there is much more to a magical home. Druimoor has ancient wards that help to power the modern wards. Go ahead and sit back down and open the top right drawer of the desk. Once open, reach in and press the button on the underside."

Harry did as told and was amazed when the top of the desk folded back and what appeared to be a map of his entire property lit up on the desk. All the portraits appeared to stretch to look at the map. Several clucked and his father was looking dismayed. He noticed several areas in orange and the manor itself was yellow. He guessed it wasn't good.

"As I thought, the wards are dangerously low. You can start to help them, but the wards need constant magical power to drive them. Witches and wizards provide some, but elves have a unique magic that feeds wards in ways that we cannot. In conjunction, elves also need the unique magic that wizards and witches have. Think of it as two types of magic that need to live symbiotically. One cannot survive without the other. The elves live with us and we give them some of ours and they give us some of theirs. Our wards get powered and they get powered personally for their very lives."

Harry rubbed his face and looked at his wife. This challenged all her ideas on elf equality. He could see a range of emotions flitting across her face and knew she wanted to speak. She was having a hard time keeping silent and he gestured for her to speak up.

"But the elves are treated horribly. They're slaves! That's not right!"

"I see that you have the viewpoint of your upbringing Lady Potter. True enough, some elves are badly treated and that is a crime. It is no different than someone who mistreats their horse or gods forbid a child. Those people need to be dealt with. If elves are treated as they should, they are valued family members. Yes, they work hard, but no more than they desire and they are given all that they need. An elf from a strong magical family can live for well on two hundred years."

That bit of information shocked everyone into silence and Fleamont continued.

"So Lord Potter, even if you do not return to the manor full time, please see to the situation and stay here for some time this summer. And please hire some elves. The land needs the magic rebuilt, especially if a dark lord is coming. Now then, James please instruct your son on the ward book."

"Yes indeed. Son, please listen to your grandfather about the elves, it is critical. Now, the book you hold is the ward book. Use the quill to add or remove names of those allowed access to the manor. You may allow visitors to the grounds without adding them to the book, but the manor is sacred. Remember that if you are planning events. Sometimes it easier to plan them out on the grounds. Go ahead and check the book and remove anyone you do not want and add anyone you need to. You may want to add the Grangers. They can be here now since they are in your presence. If they left the room you were in, they were feel an overwhelming desire to leave."

Harry nodded and opened the thick book. There were some names he didn't know that he crossed off. Then he spotted one that sent a chill of rage through him and he slashed through Peter Pettigrew's name. Once he was done removing names, he added the Grangers, as well as his allies. With the ward book done, he turned and placed it back behind the crest in the wall. Then he turned back to the portraits.

"Thank you all. I know that we need to talk more later dad, but we still have a lot more to look around. Hermione and I need to talk about the issue with elves too."

"Actually Harry, while you were working on the ward book I was thinking on it. I guess I need to readjust my thinking. Maybe we should start with an elf we know. If he's interested."

"Dobby."

Before he could say anything else, Dobby appeared in front of them, looking quite surprised. Then he looked quite worried as he took in his surroundings.

"Master Lord Harry Potter sir has called for Dobby, but this is the manor! Ooh, but wards here are very weak. No wonders that Dobby was able to come. This be bad, very bad. Where be Lord Harry Potter sirs elveses?"

Harry shook his head at Dobby's grammar as he prepared an answer.

"Actually Dobby, the answer is part of the reason we were discussing calling you. I hadn't meant to summon you yet. I'm surprised you came all the way from Hogwarts. Do you work there during the summer too?"

"Some. There not be much to be doing now, but Dobby be needing magic since Dobby not be bonded. It be the best Dobby can do."

What do you think love, I know your stance on elf rights.

Yes, although it seems I have to adjust that in light of what your grandfather had taught us today. If Dobby wants to bond to House Potter, then go ahead. I suppose you may need more elves in the future with the way the wards look. I really want to see the elf quarters.

"Dobby, we've been discussing this and we understand better why the manor needs elves. Would you be interested in bonding to House Potter and coming to work here? We probably won't be at the manor a lot for a while since we still need to finish school."

"Dobby would be most pleased to work for such a fine family and fix the manor, but Dobby be worried! If just Dobby stays, the manor will hurt Dobby badly in a day or two. Other elveses be needed immediately or magic damage will be very bad."

"Hmm, I see. Well Gringotts did offer to arrange the sale of some elves. How does this sound Dobby, we need to finish our tour today. Tomorrow we'll go to Gringotts and then return here with the new elves. We'll call you back at that time and everyone can bond to the manor together and start working. Alright? You can also let the head elf at school know you're leaving."

"That will work Master Lord Harry Potter sir!"

Dobby popped out and Harry sighed.

"We will also be working on a shorter way to address us tomorrow as well.

"I'm quite pleased grandson that you're dealing with the elf situation and the wards. It will be good to have the manor back in shape shortly."

Harry nodded to Fleamont and then everyone stepped out of the lord's office. Another five minutes saw them finish the tour of the first floor and then ascend to the second floor. On the landing of the second floor were more portraits, but now all the house portraits were awake and Harry's ancestors were eager to talk to them. While Harry found them intriguing, it slowed the tour down. The one that Harry did stop at was a full size portrait of his parents. They looked impossibly young and very in love. He came to a halt and pulled Hermione close as James spoke first.

"Hello again Harry and Hermione. I decided to jump between my pictures. I warned your mum that you were in the manor. I didn't warn her that you were bringing your wife."

"No you didn't James Henry! Harry, can you please introduce us?"

"Um, mum, this is my wife, Lady Hermione Jean Potter. We soul bonded a year ago. We've been best friends since our first year at Hogwarts. To catch you up a bit, I'm fifteen now, almost sixteen. This is my first visit to the manor. Voldemort is back. You and dad were killed by him when I was fifteen months old. I survived when the killing curse backfired. Voldemort managed to survive because he had created horcruxes, splitting his soul and storing pieces in various containers. During my fourth year, he got a new body and came back, gathering his Death Eaters back to him. I was hurt during that. It was when I was in the hospital wing that I kissed Hermione and we soul bonded. We've been dealing with the horcruxes for a year so he's mortal now. We're left with finding him and killing his resurrected form as well as hunting down the Death Eaters now. I've been gathering allies to House Potter and working toward that goal since the prophecy says I have to be the one to finish him. That's a quick summary."

Lily shook her head as she held onto James.

"My poor boy. I never wanted any of that for you. When Albus told us the prophecy, I half hoped it was mad rantings, even though we agreed to go into hiding. I'm glad you've found your soul mate at least. Who else is standing behind you?"

"Oh, excuse me. This is Drs. Neil and Jean Granger, Hermione's parents. They're dentists. Which you'll understand mum since you were muggleborn as well. Hermione is the smartest witch in our year. Actually the smartest in at least fifty years if not longer."

"Beautiful, smart, and muggleborn. That's how us Potter men like them. Well son, I know we have a lot more questions, but you still have to look around the rest of the manor."

"Yes dad. We'll be back tomorrow with the elves. We probably will stay a few days sometime during the summer to help the wards as well. We have to decide. I'll bring Sirius by as well. I'll set up chair and some pints and he can talk for a few hours."

"Yep, sounds like Padfoot. Take care son."

The tour continued around the second floor, which was mostly bedroom suites, as well as the second floor extension to the library. After that they moved up to the third floor. Here the area that Hermione was most interested in was the half of the floor that was reserved for the elves. The space they found was under some eaves with about a meter and a half head clearance, meaning they had to stoop. For elves though it was a perfect height. Within the space were corridors laid out with good size living rooms, a large galley kitchen, family bedrooms, bathrooms, and dorm bedrooms for younger elves. The space was decorated colorfully and was wonderfully homey. Although Harry's back was cricked by the end of the tour of the space, he and Hermione were reassured that they could comfortably accommodate up to twenty elves. He didn't plan on hiring that many, but the space was available.

Last on the tour for the day was the basement, half of which was storage areas, including a root cellar, a wine cellar, a crockery, and other essentials to the kitchen. There were also large general storage rooms that stored a large selection of extra tables and chairs for various functions. Much of it was shrunken, but even with shrinking spells, there was a limit. The other half of the cellar was a shock when they walked into what appeared to be a Roman bath with beautiful elaborate tile and a selection of hot and cold baths. Or at least that's what the various pipes designated. Everything was currently drained and in stasis, but it was easy to see that it wouldn't take much to get the baths and a massive lap pool functional once again. Next to that then was a large workout room with a range of equipment. Then there were two professional dueling rooms lined in Ironbelly hide over the thick granite walls that combined with the magical dummies were designed to take a beating. Harry was thrilled when he saw the setup. It would be a great place to train, as just one of the rooms was twice the size of the training room at Grimmauld.

With the basement tour done it was almost two in the afternoon and everyone was tired and hungry as they gathered around Harry to return portkey back to the Grangers. They hadn't looked around the outside of the manor, but figured that could wait until the next day. While Hermione and Neil fixed lunch, Harry went to send a note to Silverstaff to request a meeting the following morning to purchase elves. He knew it was Sunday, but hoped his account manager could arrange it.

After eating lunch with the Grangers and relaxing a bit, the Potters apparated to Grimmauld Place a bit before four in the afternoon. They went early so that they could talk to Sirius about the manor. When they brought up the subject of elves, he was dismayed that he seemed to have failed in his godfatherly duties. The problem was that the use of house elves was so ingrained in pureblood society that he didn't even think to explain it. He was excited though when he heard that James and Lily had a portrait. He hadn't realized that they had managed to get one painted and he was excited for a chance to see his friends in a way.

Training with Tonks went well, but the training room at Grimmauld was a bit cramped after they had been spoiled by the Room of Requirement. When Harry explained what he had available at Druimoor, everyone readily agreed to meet the following Wednesday at Druimoor when Tonks had a night off. Since Harry had put them all in the ward book, he would just need to key them to the floo, which Sirius would help him do the day of. The afternoon session wrapped up with everyone excited to see Harry's ancestral home in just a few days.

With their later appointment the next morning, the Granger house had a bit of a lie-in until half past eight before then enjoying a leisurely breakfast of scones and fruit. The Grangers had seen the manor the day before and had discussed if they wanted to come along, but had decided that they had their own business to attend to. It was important that Hermione and Harry handle some of their own without the parents tagging along. So, at a quarter until the hour, the Potters apparated to Diagon and then cautiously made their way to Gringotts.

When they entered the bank a single goblin greeted them at the side entrance due to the fact that it was a Sunday and they were there solely because of the Potter account and the fact that they had an appointment. They were led to Sliverstaff's office directly and their account manager did not waste time.

"Good morning Lord and Lady Potter. I take it you have been to visit Druimoor and now have seen the need for the acquisition of elves?"

"Yes Silverstaff. Truthfully, being muggle raised, the idea of the near slave status that many elves work under was difficult for me to swallow. I now understand that this is a perversion perpetrated by certain families. The elf quarters at Druimoor seemed quite sufficient. I was wondering if I may also set up an account as part of the house accounts for use by the elves?"

"Well normally the elves just draw on the house accounts. Druimoor will need a bit to get back in shape. I would say a house account of three thousand galleons a month should be more than sufficient. This should allow the elves to take care of the maintenance that Gringotts has been handling, as long as you purchase elves with those skills. You can designate what the elves use the funds for from that. If you wish some personal use, that can be specified."

"Fine, I'd like to establish a house account of three thousand galleons. I also need to modify the existing maintenance account that Gringotts has. I do appreciate the work that has been done to maintain the manor in stasis."

Silverstaff nodded and produced the forms. It took only a couple of minutes and the paperwork was complete.

"Now my lord, how many elves and what specialties do you need?"

"My lady and I discussed this last night. We need manor maintenance and cleaning primarily, as well as grounds maintenance. We want to get the orchard cleaned up and would like to have the fruit harvested rather than leave it to the birds and let it rot. The elves can use what they need and we'll take some for us and friends. The rest can be donated. As for the fields, we don't plan on opening those up for a few years. The elves may need to plant some vegetables for their own use and we wouldn't mind a few, but the plots would be minimal. A cook would be handy, but we won't be hosting lavish banquets for a while. I have one free elf already who is skilled in general maintenance and cleaning. With where the wards are at, I think we need another seven elves. That will give us eight total."

"Excellent. A sound plan. Please follow me then. Gringotts keeps a number of young elves that work here and train in the skills you mentioned."

The Potters followed their account manager out of the office and through the winding back corridors of the bank. Soon they reached a broad expanse of stone stairs and began to wind down. The climb was long but after continuing down what must have been several stories, Silverstaff veered down a long simple hallway and began to lead them through a maze of additional corridors until they came to a grey door that they stepped through. On the other side of the door was a large dorm like room with rows of beds and small wardrobes. The center of the room had long trestle tables where groups of elves were busy either eating or working on projects. Seeing they had visitors, all of the elves quickly gathered and lined up, grinning. Silverstaff took the lead as he greeted the elves.

"Good morning elves! This is Lord and Lady Potter. Their manor is currently in stasis without any staff. They have one other elf they are going to bond with later today, but they need an additional seven staff to join them at Druimoor. For the skill level they need, I want only those individuals who are twelve years of age or older to step forward. Please introduce yourself and state your skills."

The group of elves thinned by at least two-thirds, which Harry was glad for as it would make the choosing process easier. Then the remaining elves introduced themselves as requested. Hermione was thankfully making mental notes and they conversed mentally as the introductions moved along. Once everyone was done, Harry thanked them and then leaned in to have a more obvious conference with his wife. Soon they had made their decision and picked the seven individuals that they thought would suit their needs. When they were picked, the elves were so happy they were practically bouncing with joy. Silverstaff then stepped aside with Harry.

"Now Lord Potter, the elves are priced by age as that indicates the amount of training they've received. The total value of all the elves you've selected is 32,400 galleons. I have the draft slip here that will need your signature."

Harry just managed to avoid looking shocked. He supposed that considering how long he would have the elves that it was a deal, but the cost up front was steep. Dobby was quite the bargain. He signed the draft slip and the transaction was done.

"Thank you Lord Potter. Now, if you wish, I will escort you and your elves to a central portkey and apparition point. From there you can take them directly to Druimoor."

Harry agreed and turned to see that Hermione was now surrounded by their seven new family members, most of whom carried small bags of personal items and were ready to follow their new lord. The group all left and followed Silverstaff back out the twisting corridors of Gringotts until they reached the point where they could portkey. Hermione took Harry's hand and then all the elves gathered around to touch him as Harry activated the portkey and they were all on their way.

As soon as they reached the manor, the elves looked around in awe. Then the oldest, Giley, looked as if he were about to cry. Harry knew from Silverstaff that he was twenty-eight and had been sold back to Gringotts to clear some debts. He was skilled in managing a small homestead that was a secondary house and it was Harry's plan to put him in charge of the elves. Now he wondered what the problem was.

"Giley, what's the matter?"

"Sorry my lord, but I can feel the wards and they is bad. We have much work to do."

"Ah well, that is why you are here. First though, we are one short. Dobby!"

Dobby popped in and was bouncy with excitement. Then he looked around at the other elves and calmed himself. Harry immediately took charge.

"Dobby, are you ready to join House Potter?"

"Yes Master Lord Harry Potter sir!"

"Alright, first rule for all Potter elves. I am Harry, or Lord Harry if you must. Hermione?"

"Same for me. Hermione or Lady Hermione if you must. Nothing more."

"Now Silverstaff explained the bonding process to bond you to House Potter and the manor. The manor was secondary as I understand. I will go in order of seniority. Giley will be lead elf for the manor. Dobby will be his second. The rest please line up by age."

The elves all lined up as requested and Harry went down the line, placing his hand on each head so that his signet touched each as he called forth a bit of house magic as he stated the binding oath. The oath was quite basic and before long he had eight bonded house elves.

"Alright, excellent. That's the first step toward setting the manor right. I understand that my staying here some will help as well, so I will visit daily, mainly to train down in the basement. Your quarters are up on the third floor. Hermione will tell you what else needs to be done while the wards passively recharge."

"The first rule is that you are only to work ten hours a day. I prefer eight, but Silverstaff said that would be unheard of for elves. First priority are the training rooms in the basement. We need the pools functional as well as the workout rooms. Next, the main floor needs all the furniture uncovered and all the rooms cleaned. Work up from there. We don't plan on sleeping here or having overnight guests, so the second floor isn't a priority, although please see to the library as soon as possible. Today Harry and I will be looking around the outside of the manor and would like to have a picnic lunch. Besa you're our cook, so please do any food shopping that is necessary. That brings up the subject of household budget. There is a budget of 3000 galleons a month for the household. Use that as you need. If there is money left at the end of the month and you need something for yourselves please buy what you need or want. Friddy, you have sewing skills, please set aside time after the initial cleaning to purchase fabric and design uniforms for all the elves. Approve the design with myself and Lord Harry. These aren't clothes, they're uniforms. We're not giving them to you, we're only giving you the fabric. It's important that you project the proper image for House Potter. Any questions?"

None of the elves had any questions so Hermione and Harry apparated a couple of them up to the third floor. Once there, the others were able to use their elf skills to locate their master and mistress. All of the elves were amazed and overjoyed when they saw their quarters. They then insisted that they get busy on the list of items that Hermione had detailed. As all the elves popped out, Hermione and Harry were left alone.

Well, I guess that leaves us with our scheduled outside tour.

I guess. You still want to fly right?

It will be the fastest way.

I know. Just not too fast. And no tricks. Please.

Harry gave a mental chuckle over his wife's less than enthusiastic response to an aerial tour of their property. She had to admit that it was the best option to tour 172 hectares of land. They both apparated back downstairs and then walked out to the back terrace. The terrace was grand and sweeping and the view would probably be quite impressive once the gardens were pruned and trimmed back to their original glory. Harry reached into his robes and pulled out his shrunken broom. Once he restored it to its original size and climbed on, he coaxed Hermione on in front of him and then urged it gently up into the sky.

The day was a glorious late June day and really was perfect for a fly. Even Hermione made a mental comment about it and Harry swept east as he turned to look at the back of the manor. Then he swept and skirted the gardens, noting that he had some rather expansive rose gardens. There were also a half dozen greenhouses. Those should be investigated. He wondered if there was anything still alive in them.

This is the magical world love. More likely that something took over and started its own kingdom in one of the greenhouses.

Ugh. You're probably right. Maybe I should have Neville come over and take a peek.

Hermione agreed and then they were off and skirting some forest before circling around to the orchard. It appeared that they had at least four different kinds of fruit trees, but they were in obvious need of maintenance. Further on they saw the many acres of unused fields, as well as a half dozen cottages for field workers. On the far end of the property there was another expanse of woods with a peaceful lake hidden within and even a modest waterfall along a stream that fed into a lake, all within the manor grounds, which Harry could feel via the wards.

Circling back along the west side, there was a large stable and several barns. Then as they circled back toward the manor there were several more utility buildings, as well as what looked like a garage. In total, the aerial tour took a bit over two hours before they landed on the back veranda again. As they touched down, two elves greeted them and they were pleasantly surprised to see a patio table and chairs had apparently been found in storage.

The elves were quite prompt and soon they were being served a quite delicious lunch that was most welcome as the flight had worked up an appetite. As Harry's appetite was satisfied, his thoughts were a bit disturbed.

What is it love?

Just thinking that I shouldn't be this content. A wonderful flight with my lovely wife and now I sit here eating a delicious lunch at my manor, served by my elves. Meanwhile Voldemort is still who knows where planning more attacks.

I understand, but we can't do anything until we have more information. In the meantime we keep training so that we are ready. Maybe after we eat we see how the elves are coming along downstairs.

Harry nodded and gave a mental assent to that plan. He had seen the majority of his property and the elves were in place. He was visiting so that his magic added to the wards as well. The two different magics were doing what they could. He wouldn't feel safe allowing Hermione or anyone else to stay at the manor with the shape the wards were in, but they could visit during the days when the Grangers were working. He hoped the wards repaired quickly.

A few minutes later the Potters finished their lunch and thanked the elves, being sure to call Besa and thank her especially. Then they made their way to the basement. Once there they were thrilled to see that the pools were almost filled and the weight room and training rooms were cleaned up and ready for use. Although it was Sunday, they shed their over robes and practiced with the training dummies for an hour. Then they called Giley and Dobby and said goodbye for the day before returning to the Grangers so that they could spend some time with them before they returned to work for the week.

Chapter 29 - A Plan Takes Shape

The following week saw the start of July as a summer routine set in for the Potters. Although the manor still wasn't completely safe, they visited it during each day and spent time either training in the basement, studying in the library, or enjoying time out on the grounds. On Monday Sirius visited for the first time and set up a comfortable seat while the elves supplied refreshments and he spent hours talking to James and Lily's portrait, giving them a much longer history of all that had happened. Wednesday brought the arrival of all of their allies for their first training in the basement training rooms, with everyone quite appreciative of the facilities.

After two weeks of regular visits to the manor, and with the elves now in residence, Harry started to see firm changes in the wards, with the manor now showing yellow green and the grounds firmly yellow. Grandfather Fleamont had warned him it would take time, but the progress was encouraging.

What wasn't encouraging was the ongoing Death Eater attacks. Voldemort had truly gone to ground and frequent inquiries with Tonks brought no further leads. For at least the hundredth time, both Harry and Hermione regretted the fire that flushed him out of his known base.

One day in mid-July the routine was set to deviate slightly due to a morning meeting at Gringotts. The meeting was fairly routine to discuss a possible acquisition of a new apothecary goods supplier in Croatia. It was an opportunity that the Silverstaff said the business division had identified as having high potential and Harry was willing to hear about it. Anyway, it would break up the usual dullness that had infiltrated summer, especially now that they had finished the last of their homework assignments.

After eating an early breakfast with the Grangers and wishing them a good day at the practice, they had a bit of time to kill and then apparated to Diagon Alley as usual. Harry was in a hurry, hand on his wand as usual, but he would later admit to being a bit distracted as he thought about his businesses. It was Hermione who noticed the first trouble and gave the mental shout of warning.

Get down!

They were almost to the bank and Harry grabbed Hermione as they dove to one side of the marble stairs. All around them was chaos as Death Eaters suddenly appeared in clouds of wispy black smoke and began to fire immediately. There weren't a lot of shoppers, but there were enough. It was a Friday discount day after all. Harry immediately sent a patronus off for help and then put up a shield as he began to coordinate with his wife.

Hermione, we need to help these people, only the one man by Eeylops is even trying to defend himself. I'll go over by Flourish, you take the Menagerie side.

Got it. Shields up. Let's just try to herd the sheep into buildings first.

With their destinations selected, the two young defenders began to help shoppers try to get into buildings, providing shields while at the same time sending cutting and bludgeoning curses at the attackers. Harry was done using anything weak like stunners. He was hoping to not have to use anything more severe. Once they were done with Flourish and Blotts and Magical Menagerie, he and Hermione inched their way up their sides of the street, trying to sweep innocents along under their shields and into shops as they went.

Where are the fucking Aurors?

No idea.

As they passed two more shops, the Potters finally heard the welcome sounds of apparition around them and then saw Auror robes. The Death Eaters seemed to realize that they were outnumbered and began to disappear. All too soon it became eerily quiet as shields were dropped and Harry and Hermione went to embrace each other. Hermione had a nasty cut on her leg and Harry was holding his left hand painfully, but the injuries appeared minor. They were also exhausted. Looking around, they saw at least ten downed Death Eaters. Then Director Shacklebolt appeared and began barking orders before turning to them.

"Well Lord and Lady Potter, I may not have been happy with all of your escapades of late, but I have to thank you. If you hadn't been here, we'd have more than two innocents dead. We also have four dead Death Eaters and another seven captured. That will give us plenty to question. It looks like you both could use a healer though. Come this way."

Harry nodded, still stunned that they apparently had killed four. Of course those four were in the process of killing innocents. He had to remember that. They were led into a makeshift triage tent and Hermione's cut leg was healed quickly. Harry though had four broken bones in his hand. A splint was applied and he was handed doses of skele-gro and pain potion to be taken once they were home. Rightfully he should go to St. Mungo's, but he refused. Hermione would take care of him. Anyway, they still needed to check in with Silverstaff. They thanked the disgruntled healer and left him to his other patients.

As they left the healing tent, they spotted familiar pink hair and went to check in with Tonks. She was happy to see they were alright and glad to see evidence that her training had paid off. Then she was called away, but she promised to check in with them at the Grangers' house the next day.

After talking to Tonks, they finally made it to the bank and their very late meeting with Silverstaff, who was just amazed that they had still decided to come see him. The business discussion was kept brief and then they made a quick trip back home.

When the Grangers got home that evening Jean sought out her children and found them up in their room. Hermione was reading, watching over Harry, who was surprisingly asleep. What Jean didn't like were the potions bottles on the night stand and the splint on Harry's hand. She had knocked lightly and now whispered, albeit urgently.

"Hermione, what happened?"

Hermione sighed and set an alert spell over Harry, knowing that he would most likely still be asleep for a while. Then she guided her mum out of the room.

"Come on mum, let's go downstairs and I can tell you and dad everything at the same time."

Jean didn't like the sound of this, but conceded to that and a minute later Neil was looking at his worried daughter with concern as she sat her parents down in the living room.

"Dad, mum saw Harry upstairs. He's resting while the potions work on him. Our outing in Diagon today didn't go as planned. Death Eaters attacked. Thankfully we were there since the Aurors took a full three minutes to show and the general populace did little to defend themselves. Of course most of the shoppers were housewives out for Friday discount day. Harry and I both sustained minor injuries. Two innocents were killed. Several others were injured. Four Death Eaters were killed. I honestly don't know how many of those were due to Harry and I. Some might have been from friendly fire on their side with how inaccurate they were firing. A number were captured and will be interrogated by the DMLE. All I got was a minor cutting curse on my leg. A healing spell and a bit of salve tonight and I'll be fine. Harry took a glancing blow from a bludgeoner on his left hand. It could have been worse. He had four broken bones. We came home with skele-gro and pain potions. He refused to go to St. Mungo's. I would have preferred the hospital, but the bones were clean breaks and the potions are straight forward, but they will make him sleep a lot. I need to make a hearty soup tonight with lots of starchy potatoes for him to aid in the treatment. He should be fine in a day. Honestly, it was terrifying while it was happening, but our training proved out and we're fine now."

Neil was off the couch and pacing anxiously as he turned back to his daughter, shaking his head.

"Damn! Damn! Damn! I hate this! I wish we could take you both away from all this!"

"I know dad. I don't like it either. Remember, Harry and I feel each other's pain. I feel a bit of his fatigue as well. I'm ready to be done with Voldemort and live my life with my soul mate reforming pureblood wizarding Britain. Until then we do the best we can. Now, I really should work on the soup. Do you mind having that for dinner?"

"No dear, make what you need. I'll come help."

Hermione nodded and Jean went to help her in the kitchen. Meanwhile Neil decided to go work in the backyard. Jean had purchased some new large bushes the previous weekend and they needed holes dug. He figured taking his aggression out using a shovel on their rocky soil might help his attitude.

Harry slept for a couple of more hours and then insisted that he eat dinner downstairs with the family, although he did allow Hermione to make a sling for his hand. The soup was quite good and the potions made him eat three bowls worth. By the next morning he had finished the last potion and only needed to keep the splint on for the rest of the day to complete his treatment.

The next day was Saturday and normally they would visit the manor, but Harry was still recovering and Hermione wanted him to limit his movements. He had been thinking on something during the night though and wanted to do some research that would require the library. Of course, with their link, Hermione was well aware of his idea. She wasn't entirely thrilled with the idea, but she could see some merit to it and so she agreed on Saturday morning to visit the manor and find the books he needed.

Early Saturday arrived and Hermione woke, unable to sleep any longer as her thoughts churned with Harry's idea. Or Harry's thoughts were churning. Sometimes when they were both thinking about the same thing and working through the same problem it was hard to tell where one person's thoughts ended and the other's began. She carefully climbed out of bed so that she didn't disturb Harry. Then she showered and dressed before using her lady's ring to portkey to the manor. That was an incredibly useful bit of information they had found a week earlier in the lord's office-the information to allow the lady's ring to be granted portkey status to the manor.

As soon as she arrived, Giley and Dobby appeared, but she sent them back to their tasks and made her way to the library. It didn't take more than an hour to find what she needed and she was ready to return home. Before she did, she checked with Besa in the kitchen and the elf was happily waiting with fresh baked buns and fruit from the orchard that she took back for breakfast.

When Harry woke, he thanked his wife for her early errand and gave her a searing kiss. After breakfast they then both began working on research. After several hours, he had his answer and a plan began to form. Hermione didn't like it much, but she had to agree that she didn't have anything better.

That afternoon, Tonks came by to check on them and also update them on the cleanup and arrests. Even with her unique skills, she looked like she hadn't slept since the previous day. When Hermione offered her leftover homemade soup and bread for lunch, the stalwart Auror's facade almost crumbled with gratitude. As they sat eating lunch, she gave them their update.

"Well, the attack was actually highly planned within Voldemort's ranks. One of the ones we captured was Lord Walden McNair. Looks like he was the leader on it and it was his idea to aim for a Friday discount day. Apparently Mum McNair used to favor them and he figured the Alley would have more visitors than usual. Everyone else was secondary, but all were still marked and fairly high up the food chain. A lot from families whose names you would recognize. Shack is having various charges drawn up and the trials should start in a couple of weeks. There are two individuals who will take that long before they are released from St. Mungo's anyway."

Harry nodded, taking in the information and thinking now may be the time to propose his plan. Not with McNair for certain, but someone a bit more junior.

"That sounds good Tonks, so McNair is inner circle, will he be able to tell us where Voldemort is based?"

"Maybe, but because he sits on the Wizengamot he is protected from serum questioning, at least until a trial. If he gets a good solicitor, he can delay that for a while. The others are marked and do not sit on the Wizengamot, so we have already questioned them with serum. Unfortunately, they all talk to someone like McNair who has protections. None of them are close enough themselves to know where Voldemort is based. You have to love our system. So, they are close, but not too close."

"Damn, it seems they're learning their lesson. I do have an idea though, but it's not something you can approve. I need to talk to Kingsley and soon. I know he's busy. This actually is a bit tricky since he doesn't know the prophecy. It was easier when Amelia was the director, because she was an ally. Anyway, can you take him a note directly?"

"Um, sure. Mind you, they're both still not happy about the fire, but you earned points with your work yesterday. Write something up and I'll take it as soon as we're done eating. By the way, did you cancel training today since I'm working?"

"Yes, I sent notes to everyone while Harry was sleeping off the potions yesterday. I figured you would be busy before you even told us, plus I knew Harry needed to recover."

Tonks nodded and finished her soup. Then Harry went and retrieved some parchment and drafted a brief note to Kingsley that he sealed with his signet, asking that he meet with him as soon as possible at a place of his choosing. Tonks took it as soon as he was done. She seemed a bit more relaxed after a few minutes with friends and some good food. She then apparated away, leaving the Potters to return to their reading.

Several hours later a pop in the Grangers backyard brought Harry to attention while he was cooking dinner. Despite the wards on the property, both he and Hermione had their wands in hand since they weren't expecting any magical visitors. Then they heard a familiar voice calling from the backyard.

"Wotcher Potters and Grangers! I brought you a visitor. The man you wrote a note to earlier today decided to come chat now."

That was way too specific, combined with Tonks' unique manner of address, to be an imposter and everyone calmed a bit. Hermione went and opened the back door for their visitors.

"Hi Tonks, hi Kingsley, come on in. Harry's turning his pots down and then we can talk."

"Pots? Ooh, something does smell yummy."

Harry laughed as Tonks grew her nose to an impossible length and extended it toward the kitchen.

"You're both welcome to stay if you wish. Shrimp scampi over linguini with spinach."

"It smells great, but my elf probably already cooked something."

"Well, I don't have an elf. All I have is a can opener. I'll be happy to stay."

Hermione laughed and then introduced Kingsley to her parents before all six of them went to the living room. Hermione looked warily at her parents. They hadn't heard the plan yet and she knew they wouldn't like it. Still, they needed to know.

"Mum, dad, you're welcome to sit in, but you need to know that we're going to discuss a final plan to take on Voldemort. You won't like it, but we have to move ahead."

"I figured by how serious the two of you looked all of a sudden that I wouldn't like it. I suppose it's better than random attacks on the way to the bank. Go ahead, I'll try to keep quiet over here."

Harry nodded and took a breath as he looked to Kingsley.

"Kingsley, Tonks briefed us on the arrests earlier today. I know McNair led the attack on Diagon, but he is protected due to his seat on the Wizengamot. That's ridiculous, but it's not something we can do anything about for now. It seems he is the only one of the group with direct contact with Voldemort. The others are marked, but haven't been that close. I want to use one of them for a messenger. That means letting one of them go though. I know, I hate the idea, but I have a possible solution. Here's why I want to do it. We can't just sit back and let Voldemort send out his attackers to do his dirty work whenever he wants. It took the Aurors three and a half minutes to respond and look what they managed to do in that time. And that was on a magical target. Muggle targets are worse. We need to find Voldemort. I know Dumbledore mentioned a prophecy, well it says that it has to be him and me. I know some don't believe the prophecy, but anyway we need to flush him out and fighting me will do it. So, I want to challenge him to a duel…"

Tonks hissed and Jean gasped. Neil could no longer sit still and got up to pace behind the couch as Harry continued.

"I've been reading the ancient rules on dueling. I'm not talking the modern dueling circuit rules. The ancient rules are different. I, as the heir of Gryffindor, am going to challenge the heir of Slytherin to a duel under the ancient rules. I want a one on one battle at the ancient site that is said to be the birthplace of magic in the British Isles. I don't want to give him the advantage of calling on his werewolves for the full moon on the thirtieth, so the duel with be the 22nd of July. The spot will be at the confluence of the Rivers Tay and Lyon on the edge of the Tay Forest near the Croft Moraig. Anyone who is a student of history will know the significance. I am sure he will bring his Death Eaters and I will bring my supporters, but we shall personally only fight each other. His pride will force him to accept, not to mention that turning me down will look bad in the eyes of his followers. That is the message I wish to draw up and have carried to him by one released prisoner via a chain of compulsion charms. Also, even though we have to release one prisoner, we can try tracking him after he has a chance to carry his message. They may check for magical tracking charms, but I doubt they know a thing about muggle devices. I want to try to put a muggle tracking device on the person we choose. Then we can just take him back after he serves his purpose."

Kingsley sat back and looked at the young lord in front of him. The room was silent for long minutes while everyone contemplated Harry's plan, but it was his place to break the silence.

"Damn, alright Harry. It's a hell of a plan. I don't like it one bit, but I don't have anything better by a long shot. I can see that Hermione is supporting you, but I can guess she doesn't like it either. We would have just over a week to get our forces together. You wouldn't prevent us from going against anyone else besides Voldemort?"

"No, he will bring his best I'm sure and so will we."

"Fine. I'll agree. There is a young halfblood we have who has worked himself up the chain of command amazingly far. Name of Taylorson. I'd prefer to not release one of the purebloods back to their families. Draft your letter and I'll arrange to meet with him tomorrow and give him the letter. Tell me about the compulsion charm you are planning?"

Harry squeezed Hermione's hand. This was where her brilliant spellwork would come into play.

"Well, Harry's plan for the duel is the main focus, but the message has to get through several hands to Voldemort. That means getting past any number of individuals who may decide they know better and decide not to pass it on. The initial compulsion charm on the first person is easy enough, but we need to layer the charm so that it passes on to each person who handles the letter. I've found an interlaced charm that should work. It's tricky, but as long as it doesn't take too long between each handoff we should be fine. So I'm also adding a bit of an urgency compulsion. This kind of charm work is intensive though and typical parchment can only hold so much. I've seen some special parchment that's quite expensive, but we're going to pick up one sheet tomorrow. It's multilayered with dragonhide so that it will hold the charms better. Once we have that, Harry will draft his letter, I'll do the charms and he can seal it with his signet and blood. Then we can do the corresponding charms on Taylorson. Oh, we will also add a sonorous charm to the spellwork, not quite a howler, but it should make the letter read out loud so that anyone nearby will hear the challenge when Voldemort reads the letter. That will be important, so that anyone of his nearby followers knows he has been challenged."

"Damn. You would think I wouldn't be surprised by now. Are you sure you just finished OWLs? If this all works and we get past all this, I'm swearing Filius to secrecy and then telling him this so he can give you some extra credit. So, it sounds like you have some work to do in the morning. You also need to get that muggle device. I don't know if Taylorson will notice it or not, he was raised magical. Why don't you come by the department around two tomorrow. Once you're done with Taylorson we'll release him to a generic location and send him on his way. It'll be like winning the lottery for him."

"Sounds good. I know this is not the best situation, but hopefully this will see an end to the madness."

Kingsley sighed and nodded. He hoped so too. Still, it just seemed like more madness added to the rest.

The group spent another half hour planning and ironing out details for the next day. The Grangers were even given a couple of tasks. The timeline was tight, so everyone would be busy with tasks in the morning before releasing their messenger in the afternoon. Once the details were finished, Kingsley excused himself and then Harry returned to the kitchen to complete dinner. Tonks stayed and raved over the meal before leaving for her own flat shortly after nine that evening.

By the time the Potters turned in that night, both were feeling the fatigue of a long day spent planning monumental events and worrying too much. They needed the comfort of each other and happily cuddled up, wrapping themselves together tightly. Even mentally there wasn't much conversation, touch said so much more. After a bit though the kisses grew longer and more heated until they were snogging and soon even the few items of summer sleepwear started to be tossed aside. As Harry stared down at his wife and she saw the burning green fire that desired only her, she couldn't help but whimper as her body responded and she felt a trickle of fluid between her legs. Then he was kissing her again while his fingers explored her. His thoughts betrayed an apparent need to work up her desire, but she had about had enough.

Harry James, get your bloody fingers out of the way and make love to me already!

Harry gave a mental chuckle and then he finally complied as he quickly slipped into her, gasping as he pulled her closer and thrust as deep as he could into her. With their eyes locked, they were completely merged and began to set a mutual steady rhythm. Neither wanted to end too soon, but both desperately needed to come. It was a heady dance, an impossible balance that continued for long minutes. When Hermione felt she was close, she flipped them over and began to ride Harry in perfect, rolling motions, each downward plunge eliciting a perfect gasp from her husband. Finally neither could continue and the explosion came as Harry sat up and clutched her to his chest as he ejected stream after stream into his beloved as their mouths met in a kiss that drowned their silent screams as each clung to each other. The climax lasted untold minutes as each continued small thrusts before finally falling back to the bed and falling asleep still linked to each other in body, mind, and soul.

All too soon the next morning, Hermione's tempus charm tried to summon the lovers from their post coital bliss. Their lovemaking was always wonderful, but sometimes it sent them into a unique oblivion that was almost like an intense dreamless sleep potion that was hard to pull themselves out of and this morning was one of those. After several attempts, they finally managed to drag each other to the shower together and then mostly behaved and finished the shower in a relatively decent amount of time. They may have been a bit late on the schedule for the day, but neither was complaining.

For the Potters, their first errand was a visit to Flourish and Blotts for a single sheet of the special dragonhide parchment. At twelve galleons a sheet, Harry would be writing very carefully and only using the one.

While Harry and Hermione went to Diagon and then returned to start the letter, the Grangers both had errands of their own since it was Sunday and they weren't working. Jean was paired with Tonks, who was apparating her to the chosen duel site in Scotland. It was a relatively remote section of land with historic significance that was also the conjunction of a number of ley lines. Anyone magical would feel the power in the land immediately. Jean's task was to survey the land with Tonks' help. Hermione's methodical mind came from her mother, who spent the morning charting the ground and taking rolls of non-magical film, as well as copious notes, so that they would have the lay of the land. While she did so, Tonks also took lots of magical pictures to add to the effort.

While Jean and Tonks were busy, Neil was in north London at ten when a special shop opened that sold security and surveillance gear. A couple of years earlier he had bought security cameras for the dental practice there and knew they also sold tracking devices used by private investigators. Harry was covering the costs, so he was free to get whatever was needed.

With everyone else busy, Kingsley wasn't slacking either and had gotten to the office early to start contacting some muggle resources. He had been told that the muggles could get detailed pictures of the entirety of the British Isles from space and now he wanted to see if that was true.

By eleven in the morning, Neil was back home and Hermione was looking over the tracking device. With the battery it was about twice the size of her thumbnail, which was quite impressive. Her main concern was how long it would last around magic. Contrary to popular assumption, magic didn't kill electronics instantaneously. It depended on the amount of magic and the device. Still, she didn't think the tracker would last long if they took it into the Ministry. That brought up some discussion and planning that had just started when Jean and Tonks arrived back at the house. Tonks stayed to talk for a couple of minutes, while Jean left to drop off her film at the one hour photo center.

A half hour later Jean was back with a large order of fish and chips and the plan was worked out. Tonks ate quickly and then left to inform Kingsley of the slight change of plans. Harry and Hermione would still be at the Ministry as planned, but from there the plan would deviate a bit.

At half past one, the Grangers wished them well and the Potters apparated to an alley near the Ministry. Once there, they found a nook above some bricks and tucked away a brown paper parcel that contained the tracking device. Then they walked across the street and entered the Ministry via the visitor's entrance. As they entered, they knew their presence would be noticed, but the cover story for the media would be that they were there to give statements regarding the Diagon attack a couple of days previously. Of course they elicited stares, but thankfully Tonks was waiting at the security desk and escorted them quickly through.

As soon as they were in the DMLE offices they were taken straight to a conference room to the side of Kingsley's office where the director was waiting. Once they stepped in, they saw Amelia was there too.

"Minister Bones..hello."

"Enough formality, we're all friends here. I'm glad you're early. Shack has filled me in on the plan and I had my secretary clear my calendar. I can't say I like this one damn bit, but I don't think anyone does. I wanted to talk to you first. You notice Shack just stepped out. This room is level one secure. I'm here to ask a favor, as an ally."

"Alright, please go ahead."

"I know you haven't told Shack everything, but he deserves to know. I respectfully request that you offer an alliance with the Most Noble House of Shacklebolt. You won't regret it. Kingsley's a good man."

Hmm, what do you think love?

Well, we did bring Amelia into the alliance at Arthur's suggestion and that's worked well. House Shacklebolt is one of the Sacred Twenty–Eight. And everything Tonks has said about the man is above board.

"Alright Amelia, we offered you an alliance at Arthur's prompting. I'm willing to do the same with Kingsley at your prompting. If he accepts. Let me bring him and Tonks back in."

Harry stuck his head out and gestured the two Aurors back in. Once all were seated, he took the lead.

"Kingsley, I have some non-Ministry business first. House Bones is allied with House Potter and Amelia has encouraged me to ally with House Shacklebolt as well, if you are willing? There are house secrets that would help you, but I cannot reveal otherwise."

Kingsley took a long slow breath and nodded.

"Alright. I had a suspicion that you and Amelia were allied. I've had some questions. I'll happily ally with House Potter. We both stand for the light. Who else is allied beside House Bones?"

"Houses Black, Longbottom, Weasley, and Lovegood, as well as Remus Lupin, and my in-laws the Grangers. Also the former Blaise Zabini, is now under Potter protection and is privy to our secrets. Now, I, Lord Harry James Potter, offer you an alliance with the Most Ancient and Noble House of Potter, what say you?"

"I, Lord Kingsley Aloysius Shacklebolt, accept an alliance with the Most Noble House of Shacklebolt and the Most Ancient and Noble House of Potter. On my magic, so mote it be."

The magic flared between them and Harry felt the familiar flare in his signet as he clasped hands with Kingsley.

"Thank you Lord Shacklebolt. Now, there is much you need to know. I will try to do this quick given what else we need to do today…"

Harry proceeded over the next twenty minutes to tell him about the prophecy and the horcruxes, including destroying all of them, up to and including the snake the most recently. Hermione helped with mental promptings to ensure he didn't skip over anything too important in his haste. Kingsley only barely managed to remain in his seat. When Harry finished, he leaned back to give the director of the DMLE a chance to talk.

"Alright, well that explains a lot. I knew there was a prophecy. Albus told the Order that much, but never gave us the exact wording. I don't know how much of it I believe. I know you told me that it said you had to kill him, but now to know the details about how it pinpointed you on Halloween…wow. I wish I'd known about the horcruxes sooner. It explains what the hell you were doing in Wales and why the Minister was aiding you recently and going around me, even if I don't like it. I still think the fire was foolish, but that's past and done. Let's move on with this next plan. We were going to release Taylorson at two. It's now a couple of minutes past. Not that it matters, he'll be glad to go whenever. Are we ready to move forward?"

"Yes, we've got the letter and Hermione's ready with the charm work. Her specialty."

"Well I for one will be interested to watch."

Kingsley nodded in agreement with Amelia.

"I've got that covered Amelia. I've reserved one of the interrogation rooms so that you can watch from the observation chamber."

"Excellent, thanks Shack. Let's get moving then. Tonks, you want to retrieve Taylorson?"

Tonks nodded and headed for the holding cell while the four others made their way to the interrogation room that Kingsley had set aside. The Potters went inside, while Kingsley and Amelia went next door to watch. A couple of minutes later, Tonks brought in the manacled and blindfolded Taylorson.

"Here he is. They changed out his prison garb this morning. I'll go next door and wait."

"Where ta bludy hell am I?"

"Shut up Taylorson!"

Harry cast a silencing charm, as well as a sticking charm on the chair. Then he let his wife begin working her temperance and compulsion charms. The first would calm the subject down enough to let the interlace of the second set of charms work better. Harry stood back and marveled at Hermione's spellwork. She was still fretting over their anticipated OWL results when she could do this? It took a full ten minutes and she was tired by the end, but soon the charms were done. When she stepped back, he waved the others into the room and Kingsley practically apparated over.

"Damn that was beautiful to watch! Alright, he's still looking a bit confunded, time for the next step. Here's the portkey. Set to activate when needed. Grab hold of our man, then tap the key with your wand and say 'Shack', it will take you to the spot we picked out. Tonks went there a couple of minutes ago to make sure no muggles are about."

Harry did as indicated and soon the three of them went spinning briefly and landed in the alley across from the Ministry. It was the same spot where Harry and Hermione had left the tracker about an hour earlier and Tonks was waiting for them.

"Wotcher you two. Let's get moving. Our man is starting to look more alert."

Harry nodded as he went to retrieve the package from the nook where he had secured it. Meanwhile, Hermione bent and cast a minor diffindo on the hem of Taylorson's robe. The small tear in the hem created a perfect small space to secure the tracker. Harry opened the package and turned on the device. Looking at the handheld monitor it appeared to be working. Hermione secured the tracker in the hem and then repaired the small tear in the robe. Finally, she worked one more small memory charm to cover the last few minutes that they were with Taylorson, then she checked that the letter to Voldemort was secured well within his robes. With that done, they all grabbed the portkey and returned back to where they had left to find Kingsley and Amelia waiting.

"So, how'd it go?"

"All according to plan, but I've got the monitor for the tracker turned off inside the Ministry. We're going to turn it back on when we get back to the Grangers. I want to see where he goes."

"Alright, it's Sunday, I want to see this. Will they mind visitors?"

"No. Especially not with how important this is. Mum's pictures should be done now as well. We can discuss strategy as well."

"Sounds good. By the way, I sent a team of Aurors to the Tay Forest region while you were gone and set things up as we discussed, but we can talk more when we get to the house."

Soon the five of them were back at the Grangers and found Neil and Jean waiting anxiously. As Harry looked around, he realized they really needed to bring all the allies in, last minute or not.

"Everyone, I'm going to try to gather all the allies. I would normally bring everyone to the manor, but we need a non magical location. Mum, dad, hope you don't mind?"

"Of course not son, how about I order Chinese? Should be able to order enough to have something for everyone. It's still a couple hours until dinner yet, but I figure we'll be here for awhile."

"Sounds fine. Hermione, should we split the list?"

Hermione and Harry split up and began to apparate to collect their allies. At times like this, they really could have used a phone, but it would do. Harry went first to Neville and then to Grimmauld, where he also found Remus. Amelia agreed to go home to retrieve Susan. Hermione meanwhile went for the Weasleys and Lovegoods, which included Blaise, who was staying at the Burrow. By twenty after three the Grangers house was full of the allies of House Potter, all of whom had been told there was an emergency meeting, but had not been given more details. Thankfully it was Sunday, so everyone had been home. Once everyone was seated with drinks, Harry took the lead.

"Thanks for coming everyone. Sorry for not giving you any notice, but everything has been happening fast. You all heard about the attack on Diagon. Kingsley can tell you more about that, but first you need to know that House Shacklebolt is now part of the House Potter alliance and he knows all the details about what we have been facing. Both Hermione and I received minor injuries during the attack and while I was recovering, I had an idea of how to pull Voldemort out of hiding. It isn't something that anyone is terribly happy with, but we don't have anything better. So, we're going with my plan and it's already been put into motion this afternoon…"

Harry was interrupted by Hermione, who was holding the tracker, which seemed to have now indicated that Taylorson had reached a steady destination.

"Harry, he hasn't moved for thirty minutes. Let me check the atlas."

Neil's large fold-out atlas of Britain had been moved from his office to the dining table and now Hermione was flipping through it and comparing it to the tracking map. Soon she stopped and slowed down before finding the page she needed.

"Kingsley, he's in Oxford just south of the old castle. Right next to the river. Should be just off Paradise Street."

"Understood. I'll be back in a few. We'll put some surveillance in the area, but let's keep tracking and see if he moves again. Harry, please continue, I'll be back."

"Right, we'll explain that in a bit everyone. Anyway, my idea that I had to draw Voldemort out is to challenge him to a duel under the old laws. I'm challenging him as the heir of Gryffindor to the heir of Slytherin."

The room echoed with protests, with Molly Weasley being predictably loud, but Harry put up his hands and eventually the room calmed.

"I told you that the idea wouldn't be popular. Having random Death Eater attacks in Diagon and in muggle shopping malls is worse. This is the plan we're moving ahead with, so let me continue with what we've done. I had to get word of my challenge to Voldemort, so we decided to use one of his junior flunkies as a sort of messenger owl. I drafted a letter on special parchment that Hermione enchanted with some seriously complex interlaced compulsion charms. That letter was given to a man by the name of Taylorson and he was released this afternoon. The charms will compel him to pass the letter on to whomever he reports to, who should then be compelled to keep passing it on until it gets to Voldemort. Of course we knew Taylorson would be checked for tracking charms, but we didn't think he would be checked for muggle devices. That's what you see Hermione watching. We have a muggle tracking device on him. It's our hope that he can serve his purpose and then we can still take him back into custody. Kingsley may even be able to track down some Death Eater bases and take some others in as well. We don't know how long the electronics will last around magic, but hopefully long enough."

Everyone looked a bit shocked, but it was Bill who asked the practical question.

"Alright, I don't like this much, but when and where is this duel?"

"The time I named is noon on the 22nd of July. The location is the purported birthplace of magic in the isles, the ley line center, the confluence of the Rivers Tay and Lyon on the edge of the Tay Forest near the Croft Moraig."

"Shocking, you weren't sleeping through all of History of Magic Harry."

Hermione laughed.

"I said the same thing Luna."

"I do a lot of extracurricular reading. Binns didn't have anything to do with it."

Next to speak up was Arthur, just as a pop signaled Kingsley's return.

"The 22nd doesn't give us much time to plan."

"No, but we've already started. Hermione, why don't I watch that for a few and you fill them in on what we've got so far. Jean, you as well."

"Yes, this morning mum and Tonks did a survey of the site and took magical and non-magical pictures, as well as sketches of the major landmarks. Kingsley, now that you're back, did you get in contact with your sources?"

"Yes. I don't understand these satellite images, but they say they have detailed pictures taken from space that will give us images from the sky of the area. I'll have them by tomorrow. Also, this afternoon I sent two teams to the area. The entire space has been blanketed with keyed anti apparition and anti-portkey wards. Keyed means that if you have the passcode you can get through, which we do. It means if you don't, you have to walk in from over three kilometers out. We've made one exception for a few days. We've created a funnel whereby anyone apparating in lands in a small open clearing. I've got a group of Aurors waiting there of course. Our hope is that when Voldemort gets the letter he'll send scouts and no matter where they try to land, they'll end up filtered straight into the Aurors. That way we at least arrest a few more of his lower echelon. One less wand we have to fight."

"Well, I have your non-magical photographs developed here already, as well as my notes, I can show you the layout of what to expect. Most of the area is open until you reach the forest on the west and southwest. There is some rocky terrain. The only animals are sheep and a couple of deer, but they took off and scare easily."

The focus soon turned to Jean and Tonks who had been at the site the most recently as a couple of card tables were setup and the notes and pictures were spread out in order of the actual lay of the land. Soon stomachs grumbled and Neil called for a large order of Chinese food, amazing a number of the purebloods both with the telephone and the idea that the food would soon appear on the doorstep. When everyone began to eat, the group started to rave over the amazing variety of the exotic cuisine.

As dinner wrapped, Susan was taking a turn watching the tracker and noticed that Taylorson was moving as she alerted everyone. Then there was a sudden jump that indicated he had apparated. As dishes were cleared, Hermione came to show her how to use the atlas and locate where he had moved to. It only took a couple of minutes for Susan to announce the new location.

"Kingsley, we've got him in Wimbourne. Cutback Street right where it bends down toward the harbor. It looks like he's stopped."

"Got it. I wonder if he's in for the night? We can hope. I'll send surveillance there as well."

"The rest of us should probably call it for the night. I know the Grangers have to get back to their business in the morning. Thank you for hosting us."

"Of course. This is all a bit surreal. To think I'm going back to fixing teeth in the morning."

"That's how I felt this past year mum. Working on horcruxes one minute and being the dutiful schoolgirl the next. It's a surreal life."

The rest of the group thanked their hosts and all the allies agreed to meet for training on Tuesday afternoon at the manor. As the last of the guests popped out, the house grew quiet again and Hermione could only think that it was the calm before the storm.