Chapter 4 – The Weasley Sisters
Harry awoke on the morning of August 1st; he had already made up his mind to find Peggy Weasley, one of the two missing Weasley girls. The Peggy Weasley from the other timeline had been a well-known Astrologer, and fortuneteller, so Harry decided to start there.
Harry knew finding Peggy would take more than magic, it would require a complete understanding of the muggle internet. He needed Hermione.
Harry dressed quickly, and ran down to the kitchen in search of Hermione, who, typically was awake before him. Harry found her reading in the sitting room with Ginny across from her.
"Um, Hermione, can we talk outside?" Harry asked.
Hermione looked up. "Good morning to you, too." She said shortly.
"Oh, sorry, good morning." He corrected. "Can I please see you outside?" He added.
Hermione huffed at Harry as she rose from her chair, and followed him outside.
"What's up?" She asked once they were out of everyone earshot.
"I need to ask for a favor, but you can't tell ANYONE what you're doing." He said cryptically.
"Ok." She said in a confused tone.
"I've been having a recurring dream," he began, using the same lie he told Charlie. "I keep seeing two Weasley girls, both older than Percy getting kidnapped by Death Eaters. I approached Charlie last night , and he confirmed the Weasley's had two girls, nut he says they died in a car accident." Harry explained, pausing for breath.
"Are you serious?" Hermione asked.
"Yeah. But here's the favor, I think they're still alive, but I can't find them on my own. I don't know muggle computers that well." Harry added sheepishly.
"Harry, are you sure this is a dream, and not a vision from You Know Who?" She asked nervously.
"I'm positive; just don't ask me why I'm positive." He explained.
"Ok Harry, I'll help. What was here name?" Hermione asked.
"Peggy, Peggy Weasley. Though it could be almost anything now." He added.
They made arrangements to stop at a muggle coffee shop on the day they were to go to Diagon Alley. Hermione had convinced the Weasley parents that the information they were researching was vital to what Voldemort was doing. They begrudgingly agreed.
Harry dressed, and ran down to breakfast, on the morning of August 15th. He had been forewarned by Arthur Weasley that their Hogwarts letters would arrive that day and they would all be going into Diagon Alley together.
Harry found two envelopes sitting on the kitchen table, and Hermione standing in the corner reading a third.
"Is it them?" Harry asked, referring to the letter Hermione was reading.
"Yes. But something seems strange, there's no book for Defense Against the Dark Arts." She explained.
"Who cares. So long as we can go to Diagon Alley." Harry retorted, quickly scanning the book list.
When Ron and Ginny arrived, they ate quickly and prepared for the floo trip to the Leaky Cauldron.
Upon arrival, Harry and Hermione told the Weasley's they were going across the street to the café.
They café was jammed full of muggles, entering, exiting, drinking, luckily for Harry, there was one available terminal.
Hermione made short work of the task. She began running searches on the names Annie and Peggy Weasley, unfortunately the search engine returned over ten million hits.
"This is going to be a long day." Hermione huffed.
Two hours into the endeavor, Hermione came across an old newspaper article.
'Sister fortunetellers, Annie and Peggy Smith of Little Whinging, Surrey, had the distinct honor of telling the Queen's fortune today. They arrived early yesterday morning at Buckingham Palace, only to be met with a mob of reporters yearning to hear their story. The contents of the actual session are obviously secret, but inside sources claim the Queen was in high spirits after their session. This reporter…'
"Harry, I think I've found something." Hermione said, calling Harry over.
Harry read the article. "That's got to be them, run a search on Annie and Peggy Smith." He told her.
"Already done." Hermione answered, handing Harry a piece of paper.
Harry couldn't believe his luck. "They're still in Little Whinging!" Harry said out loud.
"Does this means Ron's sisters are alive?" Hermione asked, not really expecting an answer.
"Yeah, but you can't say anything yet." Harry told her.
"But why?" She asked.
"We should talk to them first. Just in case we're wrong." Harry answered, hoping Hermione believed him.
"Ok, but you have to promise you won't go see them alone." She said.
"I promise." Harry lied.
They took the information and returned to Diagon Alley. They quickly met up with the Weasley's and continued their shopping adventure.
"Let's go see Fred and George." Ron recommended to the group.
"I have to go to Gringotts, I'll meet you guys there." Harry said.
"All right dear, but hurry back." Mrs. Weasley said.
Harry announced himself to the Head Goblin. "Harry Potter, I'd like to go into my vault please." He said, handing the goblin his key.
The Head Goblin gave the key to another, who bade Harry to follow him.
They arrived at the vault moments after they boarded the rail car. Harry did not recognize the vault.
"Do you have the correct vault?" He asked the goblin.
"Of course, Mr. Potter." He said shortly.
The goblin inserted the key and moments late the door swung open. Harry was mesmerized. He had never seen so much gold.
"I think there is a mistake." He finally said.
"No mistake, we combined your previous inheritance with your new inheritance, just as our letter indicated." The goblin explained.
"What letter, what inheritance?" Harry asked, now feeling dumbstruck.
"Why the Black family inheritance, of course. Didn't you get our letter?" The goblin inquired.
"No, I never received any letter from Gringotts." Harry explained.
"Well, your assets have grown exponentially, in gold alone, it has grown by a factor of twelve, paper assets by even more than that." The goblin elaborated.
Harry entered the vault and removed several hundred galleons and all the so called "paper assets" the goblin mentioned. And they were considerable.
Harry left Gringotts and met up with the Weasley's as they were emerging from 'Weasley's Wizard Wheezes'.
"Harry, you missed it, this place is incredible." Ron said excitedly.
"That's ok, I'll catch it next time." Harry said distractedly.
"Is everything ok, Harry?" Ginny asked.
"Fine." Was all Harry could say.
That night, Harry sat alone in Ron's room going over all his newfound wealth.
"I own the Three Broomsticks, I thought Madam Rosemerta owned the Three Broomsticks, go figure." Harry said to himself, paging through the nearly endless lists of deeds, titles, and contracts.
"What'ya doin', Harry?" Ron asked, jumping on the bed.
"Oh, nothing." Harry answered, quickly locking everything in his trunk.
Ron shrugged, changed, and went to bed. Harry followed his example.
Harry awoke the next morning to find a tawny owl standing on his chest. "I guess you have something for me?" Harry jokingly said to the owl. He reached out and grabbed his copy of the Daily Prophet, paid the owl, gave it one of Hedwig's treats, and sent it on its way. Harry sat back in bed reading the paper. The headline jumped out at him.
Cornelius Fudge, Minister or Moron?
By Rita Skeeter
This reporter has learned that the Minister of Magic; Cornelius Fudge, has known about the return of He Who Must Not Be Named for over a year. Sources close to the Minister confirm that he willingly allowed a Dementor to "Kiss" the one man who could have confirmed Harry Potter's story after the Tri-wizard Tournament, last June. Barty Crouch Jr., the son of the late head of the Department of International Magical Cooperation, was impersonating the famous Auror, Alastor Moody, for an entire year, furthering the Dark Lord's rise. Rather than listening to the testimony of Crouch, under Veritus serum, he allowed the Dementor to remove his soul through his mouth, leaving Crouch an empty shell. When Fudge learned of the events of that night, he adamantly claimed those involved were mad, and proceeded to deny the existence of the Dark Lord, leaving the wizarding community defenseless against his Death Eaters. This reporter has further learned that Minister Fudge has been regularly meeting with now convicted Death Eater; Lucius Malfoy, behind closed doors. Is the Minister guilty of conspiring with the Dark Lord, or just guilty of stupidity? Either way, the Daily Prophet is calling for the Minister to step down, and allow a competent wizard to take his place.
The article continued for several pages, with pictures of the Minister in ridiculous poses. Harry laughed in spite of himself. "Skeeter finally did something right." Harry thought to himself.
As soon as he had read the entire article, Harry dressed and went down to breakfast, but stopped at the bottom of the stairs, where Hermione and Ginny were listening to the conversation transpiring in the kitchen.
"Sure you don't need any 'extendable ears', Harry quipped.
"Shhhhh." They both said together.
"What's up?" He asked.
"Dumbledore's in there. He's trying to convince dad to run for minister." Ginny answered.
Harry smiled to himself. "Just like in the other timeline." He thought.
Harry smiled to Ginny, and proceeded to walk straight into the kitchen.
"Don't." Hermione began, but Harry ignored her.
"Good morning." Harry said brightly, causing them all to jump.
"Harry, dear." Molly began. "Could you give us a moment?" She asked politely.
"Oh, no need for me to leave, of course Arthur's going to run. But his problem is financing." Harry explained.
"Exactly, that's what I've been trying to say." Arthur agreed.
"Arthur, we can raise money." Dumbledore said unconvincingly.
"Oh, don't bother, professor, I'll finance it." Harry said distractedly while he poured himself a cup of tea.
"Oh Harry, we couldn't allow that." Molly said.
"I'll go to Gringotts later today." Harry said, ignoring Molly, causing Dumbledore to smile.
"You have no excuses, Arthur." Dumbledore said, smiling at Harry.
"Harry, campaigns are expensive, it would cost thousands of galleons." Arthur said pleadingly.
"How many?" Harry asked, not really caring about the answer.
"At least ten, maybe even twenty thousand." Arthur answered.
"You'll have it in an hour." Harry answered, walking out of the kitchen.
"Harry!" Arthur called after him.
"Harry's right, dad." Ginny said, stopping her father as he chased Harry.
"See Arthur, everything's settled." Dumbledore said, now smiling at Ginny.
"I don't know." Arthur said to Dumbledore, then turned to Harry, who had sat down on the sofa, "Harry, are you sure you can afford this?" He added.
"Are you kidding, I could fund your campaign for the next five years, and not put a dent in my vault." Harry answered smugly.
"Excuse me?" Hermione said, suddenly entering the conversation.
"Oh, did I forget to mention, Sirius named me beneficiary. He left me the entire Black family fortune." Harry answered, now trying desperately to keep from laughing.
"Yes you did." Hermione said, placing her hands on her hips, trying to look as stern as she could.
"Oops." Harry said, now totally loosing his composure.
"Perhaps I could Speak to Harry in the kitchen?" Dumbledore asked, motioning to Harry to follow him.
Harry rose and followed Dumbledore into the kitchen.
"Harry, are you sure about this?" Dumbledore asked.
"Yes." He answered, completely seriously.
"Then I think we should make arrangements to get you to Gringotts." Dumbledore recommended.
"I could go now." Harry said.
"Oh?" Dumbledore said through his half-moon spectacles.
"I don't want anyone to know, but I can apparate." Harry explained.
"One of your new tricks, I presume." The Headmaster surmised.
"One of many." Harry answered back.
"Be that as it may, but we'll still have to come up with an excuse to get you outside, the Burrow has anti-apparition charms on it." Dumbledore pointed out.
"Not for me." Harry answered simply.
"Oh?" Dumbledore said again.
"I learned some VERY advanced apparition." Harry said proudly.
"You have twenty minutes, after that, you're on your own." Dumbledore said, making Harry immediately apparate to Gringotts.
The trip only lasted ten minutes, Harry apparated directly to the Gringotts' front door, walked in, retrieved his money and returned.
"Impressive." Dumbledore said when Harry returned with two large bags of gold.
"Thank you." Harry said humbly.
"A most useful trick, indeed. Could you teach it?" Dumbledore asked.
"Oh yeah. Why, do you want me to teach it to the students?" Harry asked.
Dumbledore smiled to himself. "Perhaps Harry, perhaps." Was all he said, he just motioned towards the door, and Harry followed him out.
"It's settled Arthur, starting tomorrow, you are a candidate for the position of Minister of Magic." Dumbledore announced.
Harry took the two bags of gold, which were almost as large as him, and placed them on the coffee table.
"Wow, how much is that?" Ginny and Hermione said together.
"Ten thousand galleons. Hermione, could you get in touch with Rita Skeeter and have her meet me?" Harry asked.
"Why would you want to talk to her?" Hermione asked disgusted.
"Because I'm going to tell the world that Arthur Weasley is the right candidate for the job, what's the point of being famous if you can't stick your nose in politics?" Harry explained.
"Yes Harry, a most astute political move, I will also be speaking with Miss Skeeter." Dumbledore added.
"Molly, may I use your fireplace?" Hermione asked.
"Yes dear." Molly answered, already with tears in her eyes.
"Did I miss something?" Ron asked, walking down the stairs.
Harry spent the remainder of the summer holiday between telling any reporter with a camera and a quill, that Arthur Weasley was Harry's candidate for the position of Minister of Magic and attempting to make heads and tails of the Black family fortune.
Two days before the end of the holiday, Harry made arrangements with Dumbledore to act as an alibi as Harry would investigate the Weasley sisters, though Harry did not tell him exactly what he was investigating.
Harry awoke early that morning and apparated back to Little Whinging.
Harry spent the morning just watching the Weasley sisters and pretending to be on the internet.
"Would you like anymore coffee?" Peggy asked.
"No thank you." Harry said.
"Do you live around here, dear?" She asked pleasantly.
"Um, yes, not far, on Privet Drive." He answered, taking the last sip from his coffee.
"Ah, lovely little homes on Privet Drive. I live in Guildford Villas." She explained, wondering why he was staring at her.
"I'm sorry." Harry began. "But you look amazingly like my friend's family, what is your name?" Harry asked, noticing she had no nametag.
"Peggy. My sister Annie and I own this café." She answered.
"What's your last name?" He asked tentatively.
"Um," she faltered. "Potter," she lied.
"Now there's an interesting name, let me introduce myself, I'm Harry Potter." Harry said with a sly smile. She turned beet red.
"Pleased to meet you," she said taking his hand. The effect was instantaneous, her eyes rolled into the back of her head, and she dropped to the floor.
"Peggy? Peggy, do you hear me?" Annie's voice seemed distant and desperate.
"What's your name again?" She asked, turning to Harry.
"Harry." He said.
"Go to the counter, grab a towel, dip it in cold water, and bring it to me." She commanded. Harry turned to go, but another voice stopped him.
"Don't bother Harry, I'm fine." It was Peggy.
"Oh Peggy, you gave me such a fright." Her sister said.
"Annie, I think we have our answers." Peggy said motioning to Harry.
"Answers, what answers? Did you hit your head?" Annie said concernedly.
"I touched his hand Annie, you know what that means." Peggy replied, giving her sister a knowing look.
"You saw his future?" She asked.
"No, I saw ours." Peggy responded in an amazed voice.
"Ours, how did you see ours? We have never been able to see our own past or future." Annie said, now hoping this was true.
"Ask Harry." She said smiling.
Annie rounded on Harry. "What is she talking about?" She demanded. Harry knew this meant he had to come clean.
"You are Annie and Peggy Weasley, the daughters of Molly and Arthur Weasley. You were abducted when you were children from a park in Ottery St. Catchpole. You both had your memories modified so that you wouldn't remember them or return to them on your own. Let's see, you have two older brothers, four younger brothers, and one younger sister. Your home is called the Burrow. And, oh yeah, you're witches." Harry said breathlessly.
The sisters stared at each other; it was Peggy who spoke first. "Told you," she said to her sister.
"My vision had us meeting our real family for the first time, a whole houseful." Peggy said.
"I can't believe it. I want to believe it, but I can't." Annie said to her younger sister.
"I have never steered you wrong, Annie, believe me when I say Harry is the REAL THING." Peggy replied.
"The real what," Annie demanded.
"He's a wizard." She said simply.
"A what," Annie asked again.
"Show her Harry, I know you can." Peggy said to Harry, giving him a knowing look. Harry looked around the back room of the café, and apparated right next to Annie.
"Is that proof enough." Harry said with a huge smile. The look on Annie's face said it all.
"I guess so." Peggy answered him.
The newly found Weasley sisters and Harry spent the remainder of the afternoon talking about the wizarding world at large, but more often, the Weasley family. Harry explained to them that he was an orphan, and the Weasleys have become his surrogate family since finding out about the wizarding world. They seemed thrilled to be related to such a great family. Unfortunately Harry felt the need to also tell them about the bad side of the wizarding world, Voldemort, and the wayward son, Percy.
The girls took it in stride. They had commented that all families have skeletons in their closet, and if the wizarding world has only one evil madman with followers, then it's doing better than the regular world. Closing time arrived without waning; Harry had finally decided to ask the question he wanted to ask.
"Do you want to meet them?" He asked. The girls looked at each other.
"Of course," they screamed simultaneously. Harry was so relieved.
"When do you want to go?" He asked. Again the girls looked at each other.
"Now," they screamed again. Harry laughed.
"I think we should put it off until tomorrow, remember, your parents don't even know I'm looking for you. This is going to be quite a shock. But if you like, I'll go talk to them right now, and try to explain this to them as delicately as possible." Harry answered.
"OK Harry, you go talk to them, but if they want to see us now, I want you to come right back and get us, anytime." Peggy said forcefully.
"Deal," Harry said before apparating away.
The Weasley house was quiet, the children were de-gnoming the garden, Molly was cooking dinner, and Arthur was going over paperwork he had been neglecting at the Ministry. There was a loud knock on the door, Arthur stood. I'll get it Molly dear, you finish." Arthur said to his wife. Arthur strode the length of the house to the front door. Upon opening, he was shocked by who was standing there.
"Harry! What are you doing back so soon?" He said taking Harry's hand. "I have urgent business with you and Molly." Harry said, not looking as urgent as he sounded.
"Molly dear, can you come out to the sitting room?" He yelled to his wife while ushering Harry to the sofa.
"Harry dear, is something the matter?" She asked concerned.
"No Molly, I just HAVE to talk to the two of you." Harry said still sounding urgent.
"Of course Harry dear, what is it?" Molly said, sitting on one of the chairs.
"Now, please don't deny anything, because I already know but, I've found your daughters." Harry said quickly.
"What are you on about, Harry," asked Arthur.
"I know your two daughters, Annie and Peggy were abducted from the park many years ago, I know you believe they're dead, and I know you altered the memories of Bill and Charlie. But before you get upset, I FOUND THEM!" Harry emphasized. Molly had tears in her eyes, and no voice to speak with. Arthur stared blankly at Harry.
"You found them, alive?" Arthur could hardly speak.
"Alive and well, living in the muggle world." Harry said as Molly began to cry openly.
"My babies, you found my babies?" Molly asked and yelled at the same time.
"Yes Molly, I did. And if you want, I can bring them to you tomorrow." Harry said, now feeling the emotions in the room.
"Please Harry get them now! Bring them to me! Now! Please!" Molly screamed. Harry didn't need telling twice. He ran out the door so he could apparate without them seeing.
"Could he be serious Arthur, Could they still be alive?" Molly said through her tears. Arthur was openly crying as well, if any of the other children or Hermione had come in at that time, they'd have thought the Weasley parents had gone mad.
After an endless minute, there was another knock at the door. Molly and Arthur turned towards the door.
"MY BABIES," Molly screamed, louder than Harry had ever heard. She ran up to them, recognizing them instantly. Arthur was only a step behind.
"Oh my girls, I've missed you so!" He exclaimed while taking Molly's lead and hugging them both tightly. "MOMMY?" Peggy bellowed.
"I remember!" Annie said, now obviously remembering her family vividly.
Harry was now crying openly. There was so much emotion in the room, he couldn't stop himself. The hugging and kissing lasted almost an hour, when a booming voice came from the kitchen.
"MUM, when's dinner," bellowed Ron. "MUM, where are you!" He bellowed again. Harry took it upon himself to intercept Ron before walking in on such a strange site. Harry ran into the kitchen.
"Alright Ron?" Harry said, drying his eyes.
"Harry, what's going on, mate?" Ron asked perplexed.
"Let's go outside, I want to talk to you and Ginny." Harry said, leading Ron to the door.
Harry sat with Ron, Hermione and Ginny out in the yard on the grass. "Ron, Ginny, do you guys consider Hermione and me family?" Harry asked, preparing to break the happy news.
"We don't consider you guys family, you ARE family." Ron said without hesitation.
"Good." Harry went on. "I have come in to some information about OUR family that you two, no three..." He said motioning to Hermione. "…need to know." Ron nodded to Harry to continue. "Ron, Ginny, you have sisters." Harry said quickly. Ginny started laughing.
"Oh Harry, you know I'm the only girl." Ginny said, honestly.
"Well Ginny, you're wrong, you have two older sisters?" Harry asked grinning.
"Come on mate, what are you on about?" Ron interjected.
"Ron, you and your family are the only family I have, you, that is to say we, have two older sisters, Annie and Peggy Weasley." Harry said, now a little flustered.
"Oh please Harry, tell me you're serious." Ginny said, now sounding excited.
"I am serious Gin; they're inside with your mom and dad." Harry said with a smile. Ginny and Hermione jumped off the grass, and ran into the house. Ron just continued staring at Harry.
"Serious?" He asked simply.
"Very." Harry retorted.
Ron jumped to his feet, and ran the length of the yard to the back door. Harry decided to give them a little privacy before joining them. Harry hadn't been sitting long, when he heard the Weasley's back door.
"Is there something you want to tell me?" Harry turned towards Hermione's voice.
"Not really." Harry said shortly.
"Harry, we've been best friends since Halloween night of our first year at Hogwarts, we've been through everything together, tell me what's going on." Hermione sounded forceful.
"I can't talk about it Hermione, let's just say I've gotten some added training and information since school ended." Harry chose his words carefully.
"You know I'm not going to let this die, what is with you?" She pressed. Harry looked down at the grass.
"I've changed Hermione; I'm not the same person anymore. I know things; things I didn't even know were possible." Harry said downheartedly.
"Like what?" Hermione pressed on while sitting beside him. "I know how to apparate, I'm an animagus, I can perform wandless magic, and I can perform elemental magic." Harry looked over at Hermione. "I think that's it." Harry lied.
"Harry, an animagus, wandless and elemental magic, you can't be serious?" Hermione was now totally floored.
"As serious as the Weasley daughters," Harry answered.
Hermione contemplated what she had just heard. "What kind of animal are you?" She asked. Harry looked into her eyes, and immediately changed into a griffin. He spread his wings when he heard Hermione gasp, then immediately changed back. "Wow Harry, a magical creature, that's really advanced magic." She said excitedly.
"Really?" Harry said, knowing how advanced it really was.
"Can you show me some wandless magic?" She asked. Without a word, Hermione started to rise up off the floor. She went up about ten feet before she yelled down to Harry. "Alright, all right let me down!" She cried. Harry quickly obliged.
Hermione started a barrage of questions. Harry was only half listening, and answered each question without thinking. He knew this was a typical reaction by Hermione, but it annoyed him just the same.
"Hermione listen, it's very important that you NOT tell anyone about me, not even Ron, do you understand?" Harry sounded serious.
"Why not Ron," she asked confused. "He can't keep a secret, especially when he's mad." Harry answered automatically.
"I promise." She said simply.
"Where are my OTHER children?" Harry heard Molly yell. Harry and Hermione stood as one, and moved towards Molly. Molly met them halfway, and took them both in a tremendous bear hug.
"I am so happy." She whispered to Harry. "Now," Molly began, wiping the tears from her eyes. "I want all the WHOLE family inside." She emphasized the word "whole". Molly led the other two back inside.
Arthur and Ron were sitting talking to Annie, while Ginny was talking to Peggy. Neither Harry nor Hermione had ever seen the Weasleys happier. Harry and Hermione sat next to Ginny and Peggy, while Molly prepared dinner for the entire group.
"Everyone alright here," Harry asked Ginny and Peggy. He was amazed how alike they looked. They both, with no preamble, leaned into Harry and kissed him on opposite cheeks. Harry blushed.
"You gave me my family, Harry. I'll never be able to thank you." Peggy said, reaching over to kiss Harry again.
"Me too," came the voice of Annie, who likewise kissed Harry. Harry turned to Ron.
"If YOU try to kiss me, I'll slug you." Harry said jokingly. They all laughed.
The girls got up to help Molly in the kitchen. Harry was left with Arthur and Ron. "Harry? I presume this is one of those things Dumbledore did not want me to ask about?" He asked more than stated.
"Sorry Arthur, I can't talk about it." Harry said sadly.
"I don't care if you ever explain it to me; I'm forever in your debt." Arthur said honestly.