Chapter 7

19th all the Newt examination were over for September session and Harry invited all the 7th and 8th years to number 12. Earlier that day the Headmistress had summoned her and the charms professor Prof. Flitwick produced two patent papers in her name, one for her bottomless bag and the other for her Shield charms, and both the professors wished her a happy birthday. When she thanked them Prof. Flitwick laughed and said that she was soon to become a very rich woman if she used her invention properly. Luna has given her a sea shell and silver hair clip where as Neville a perfume of coffee, caramel and vanilla note. Dean had given her a portrait of her parents drawn in charcoal and framed in rosewood. Hermione and Luna went ahead to inform Andromeda and prepare food. In the morning Harry had flooed to Burrows to inform. Ron and Ginny got her a book on cook and every day charms. Shortly after Luna and Hermione, came Ron and Ginny. They all sat in the kitchen and talked and planed the food. Teddy had started making sound and knew Hermione and Luna well. He sat on Hermione's lap and changed his face like her. Then upon seeing Luna made half of his face like Luna and the other remained Like Hermione. Ron noticed and started to laugh and then all joined. They laughed till they were in tears. Patil sisters came with a beautiful silk scarf in merlot red with very fine gold needlework in the border. In the afternoon, all the others came through, including the Slytherins, they all brought hampers from honeydukes. They all sat on the Drawing room and had food and talked. They discussed the future past present.

Then after the food was almost and they were having deserts Harry told about his proposition to all. They all listened and many of them wanted to help. Slytherins listened too it seemed. Tracey and Daphne were willing to help. Millicent told in uncomfortable voice that if they could trust her with children then she could help too. Luna said that she was welcome.

Blaise suddenly asked, would they accept death eater's children. How possibly someone answer such question? Silence filled the room. Then Harry took a deep breath and looked at Neville and got a nod from him. Then he looked towards Hermione and Luna. Hermione gave an affirmative nod and Luna called up Madam Tonks. When she came Luna explained and asked her whether she was comfortable with it. Madam Tonks said that she did not held grudge against the children for the irresponsible decisions of their parents and on the top of all she herself was a Slytherine, so what is there not to except.

Then Madam sat with them and told the story of a boy called Tom. Through mid way everyone understood that it was the story of the dark lord. When she finished they could not talk for some time. Then Harry told his story from his childhood. There was so much similarity of their lives that it was unnerving. Justin said that he didn't know that you-know-who was a half blood.

Harry said he had no problem with orphans of either side of the war. Then Blaise told them that there was a lady friend of his mother Mrs. Snyde who with her husband took the dark marks. They fought the 1st war and were thrown in Azkaban. They broke free with the mass break in Azkaban. They had a daughter who might be two years old now. There were other death eater's children who were kept all together in the basement of Malfoy Manor under the care of house elves. Then he looked at his house mates. Theo and Millicent nodded at this. Tracey and Daphne didn't know. So could they save these children? All were stunned by this knowledge.

Theo told them he had a cousin over there. He didn't even know how to retrieve the child. Andromeda said that this is a mess that needed to be cleaned up as early as possible. She then went to floo call the minister who was apparently her potions partner from school. Minister stepped in to No.12 after 20 minutes and sat with a coffee mug and listened in detail. Malfoy manor was security kept and was impossible to breach. He then called head auror Gawain Robards who came in immediately. Upon one more round of storytelling Mrs. Longbottom was invited in.

The students sat in silence as the Minister, the Head Auror and the Architectural Expert plotted and planed. Andromeda told the students that it was almost five. So whoever wished to help with the children might stay the night since she needed more hands. She would inform the headmistress of their stay. Rest of them should return. All of them even Michael stayed back. Ginny and Ron called to their mother and said that they would be staying in no12 that night. Mrs. Weasley was not happy but their father agreed and upon hearing came for help.

Now the Manor was big and very few people knew the basement. Only Dean, Harry, Ron, Hermione and Luna in their group were ever there but in a horrible circumstance. So they sent Aurors to bring out Draco Malfoy. The Minister, Auror Robards and Madam Longbottom took the floo to ministry.

The students went to the 1st floor and started to transfigure cots, beds, cloths and whatever they could think off. Some started to cast warming charms and cushioning charms all over the 1st floor which was restructured prior for the nursery. Andromeda went to the kitchen to prepare food. Everyone was excited as well as nervous.

Andromeda came and told after an hour or so that there would 18 children, all of them below 4 years. Minister had sent his patronus to inform. Harry would have to open the security shield for free apparition.

After approximately three hours of wait there was another patronus that the children were coming. Harry removed the shield. Almost simultaneously four elves three female one male appeared with babies. They dispatched the babies to the students and went away with loud pops. After several rounds of apparition all the children came in.

The Minister came in with the last lot and Harry closed the shield. He informed them that the Malfoys were trying to tell the guards for a long time but no one was willing to listen to them. He could identify Irene Nott a very thin child. Then there was the matter of four elves that were originally Black House elves and given away as wedding gift to Narcissa. They wanted to came back to serve the house of Black. Harry let them stay and charged them to Hermione.

So the rest of the night was feeding and burping and getting the children settled down to sleep which was not easy job for inexperienced teenaged people. When all was done some went to rooms and some slept on the warm floor of the 1st floor nursery. Before going to bed Hermione requested Andromeda to accompany her to kitchen and called all the elves. It seemed that the name Hermione Granger was very famous in elfdom. The elves were very nervous. Hermione put Kreacher in charge of others and assigned them one compulsory duty. Winky knew how to read and write which she learned from Dobby and Dobby from her in their free time. Winky was to teach all the others reading and writing every day for one hour. And they were to help and obey Andromeda and in crisis were to take her advice. After the meeting with elves Andromeda started laughing and told Hermione that she was starting a revolution.

When Harry Neville Ron and others came to the kitchen for a late night snacks she informed them. They all laughed and teased her of her SPEW days.

Next day all went to school. Harry and Hermione packed up to shift to no12. Padma was going back home and Parvati decided to go too. Neville would go home and then in a week join no12 for visit. Susan went to her parents as did Anthony and Justin. They would come to visit no12 in a week. Theo and Blaise went to Blaise's town house. They would come and meet time to time. Dean went home and so did Seamus they would also come and meet at no 12. Terry was a half blood and his family suffered from Muggle-Born Registration Commission. His parents went in hiding. He would take time and help them reestablishing their home. He will keep in touch and would back once the results were out.

Luna got permission to visit on weekends.

Ron would move in once his NEWTs are over and visit regularly with Ginny till then.

Harry and Hermione started to settle down look after the children and play with them. Hermione had other engagements too which she went on doing. Ron dropped by every other day. They went to meet Lavender together and Ron went white faced upon seeing her all wrapped up. They talked about things. Lavender told them that Neville came every day detouring while visiting his parents. Neville came in another 10 minutes.

They sat together and discussed about the war. Lavender suddenly thanked Hermione for saving her from the werewolf though she said that she was never best of friends with Hermione. She always jealous and suspicious of Hermione and at present when she sat on her hospital bed mutilated she saw little point in all that. She then looked at Neville and Ron and thanked them for killing Grayback. She apologized to Harry for not believing him initially and then took Parvati's hand and smiled at her. Then she said she is settling the debts in case she didn't survive. They were all stunned.

That weekend Andromeda had excused herself to take rest and let the young people enjoy themselves. Neville came to meet Harry and Hermione who had a junior Hufflepuff with him who was Rolf Scamander. Hearing his name Hermione enquired if he by chance related to the famous Newton A. F. "Newt" Scamander the author of "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them". He said he was the grandson. When Hermione was talking Neville took Harry aside to say that Rolf had a little crush on Luna. Hermione asked for tea when Ron came in. They were then joined by Dean, Anthony and Justin who knew Rolf well enough it seemed. Each time floo went up Rolf would sit straight and then upon seeing the visitor would slump back to his chair. Parvati and Padma would come with curry and rice later.

They were chatting over tea when Theo came through. He visited time to time and though Hermione and Harry suspected only to meet Padma. That day he also dragged Blesie in with him. Seeing Theo, Harry commented that Indian dinner had not yet arrived. Both Neville and Blesie laughed at that. Hermione asked Ron when Ginny and Luna would come. Ron told her, Ginny said that they would arrive around seven thirty in the evening. Neville introduced Rolf to the new comers. Upon hearing the name Theo reacted the same way as Hermione and got same answer in return.

Then Padma and Parvati came through with a brown leather tote on Padma. Both the girls had plaited their long dark hair. Dean said that he knew the girls would forget food while Theo stood and relieved Padma of her bag. Yes feeding men of Hogwarts were never easy feat retorted Parvati and sat beside Neville. At last came through the group from Hogwarts with Luna, Ginny and Daphne. Rolf sat up straight. Daphne went to great her house mates. Daphne kissed the chick of Theo and wiggled her eye to Padma who in turn roller her eyes. Then she kissed Blesie and placed herself between him and Neville. Ginny was looking beautiful and he went straight to Harry and kissed him on the lips. Ron made gagging noise. Luna noticed Dean went pale and every one stopped talking. Luna asked Dean how his drawing was coming up. Did he contact someone in Paris? The conversation came back as Ginny settled by Harry's side with a pink faced Harry. Harry stole a glance in Ron's direction who was discussing Quidditch with the boys.

Hermione requested the elves to provide the dishes and started to unload the tote. Pot after pot came out from the tote of every size and shape with exotic dishes with rich aroma. Justin smirked and said that Hermione's purple, beaded handbag is quite in fashion at that time.

They went on piling rice, fish, vegetable, chicken etc. on their plates. Padma making a mountain on Theo's plate to which Parvati said one meal was not enough to fatten him up. Ginny served for Harry then took food herself. Rest started having food together. Luna asked Rolf about his Grandfather's new discovery and wanted an introduction. Rolf agreed and his face lit up. Neville and Hermione eyed each other and Neville wiggled his eyes.

Ron asked Parvati about Lavender's health. Harry asked Anthony about Prof. Snape. Did his parents say something? Blesie was astonished to hear that Anthony's parents know about Prof. Snape's health. Are they not muggles? Ron got angry at this comment and said that all Slytherin's were bigoted pigs. Padma protested at that. Ron became angrier and said she wouldn't understand as she was mashing up with one. Daphne said that it was not fair and Ginny said nothing was fair in life. Did any one of them stop Malfoy and his goons? She asked Daphne where was she when they were hexing Neville year after year. Harry and Hermione tried to come down everyone. Daphne's eyes were in tears but Neville squeezed her hand and said it was ok. But Ron said that they should stop this thing whatever they are trying to do. They did not know a thing about losing anyone near and dear.

At that Harry lost his temper and said that Ron is new to this business of loosing and Harry is a veteran one and so were Neville and Hermione. Ron snorted and said it was not the same. So now Harry and Ron started arguing. No one knew what to do to put a stop on it.

Suddenly Luna used her wand to amplify her voice and told the boys to shut up. Her voices become so shrill that everyone immediately stopped talking and three of the elves popped in. Luna took a deep breath and told everyone that the food was wonderful and it is a very bad form to fight while eating not to mention wastage of good food, time and money. There was something in the way she delivered the lecture it resembled Prof. McGonagall at her dreamiest.

Everyone dissolved into laughter. Ron went up, ordered Ginny to come along and flooed to Burrows. Ginny gave a kiss to Harry and Hermione and followed.

Harry then apologized on behalf of Ron. Blesie shrugged and said that he always knew that Gryffindors were drama queens and got an elbow from Daphne and a snort from Hermione. Parvati put some more chicken and instructed Blesie to use his mouth constructively. Blesie arched one of his eyebrows and gave a look to Parvaty in perfect imitation of Prof. Snape. Neville shuddered visibly and told Blesie to let him eat in peace.

Anthony then explained to Blesie that it was true he was a muggleborn and yes his parents were doctors who were called to help Prof. Snape. The problem had occurred when the venom in the professor's blood stream started corrupting his organs. They all knew that the venom could not be cured using charms. It needed to be exposed to bezoar which was impossible to put inside the blood stream. So they needed some mechanism to siphon out the blood purify it and reinsert it in the body. The Professor was deteriorating very fast. Hermione was there and informed the healers about this muggle contraption that could siphon and clean blood. His parents were only doctor she could think about in short notice. This was how the whole situation unfolded.

All the pure bloods were intrigued on hearing muggles had such contraption which would work when magic would fail.

After the meal they had some more chat when Daphne told them about the wand checking that might be held in Hogwarts. Then they talked about the 7th year at school and Daphne apologized to Neville for not standing up against Malfoy. Blesie said if there is any consolation then it was that Draco, Pansy, Vinc and Greg were repelled like a plague in their own house too. Theo added that he thought that Draco was losing his magical abilities. His magic was becoming unstable and he was withdrawing more and more while Vinc was taking forefront. Daphne said that her and Tracy's worst regret was that they could not save Milli from Vinc's abuse.

Rolf then said that it was getting late and they should return to the school before the Headmistress sends a Howler. It was way past curfew even in the relaxed state of these days. So Luna and Daphne too took their leave. Daphne went through a round of kiss to her housemates and gave a kiss to Neville too. All the girls laughed as Neville went pink and Daphne ran through the floo. Luna followed and then went Rolf. Theo Anthony and Justin helped Padma with the pots and they all sat for some more. They discussed the upcoming trials. Around 10 Patil twins left and so did Theo and Blesie. The boys went with Anthony and Justin till the nearest Apparition Point. Neville and Dean would stay.

When they return Hermione sat with them for some more time and discussed about Ron. They were housemates and knew that Ron is hotheaded. Then Harry told Dean and Neville that he might accompany Hermione out of country for some days. Would Neville and Dean stay in no 12 on those days? The house was safe otherwise except against Dementor. With the children Harry was not sure he should leave the house unprotected in any ways. The both could cast Patronus. Hermione objected and said she would manage alone fine. At that Harry got angry and asked why she didn't leave him when everyone, even Ron left. Then he said he wanted to do it. He considered them his family too. Dean asked what it was and where they would go. Then Hermione told her parents story. That she needed to go and fix it. But there was always a chance that the fixing would go wrong and they lose their entire memory. And then she started crying. It was so uncharacteristic of her that Dean and Neville didn't know what to do.

They said that they would stay and guard the house. Everything would be all right. Dean asked whether Ron was going too. Harry said with the family tragedy Ron was needed at home. It might be any day in the coming week. They said they were free no that was not a problem. Neville said he was thinking to take Harry up on his offer and shift to London for a month or so. He didn't trust the ministry not to arrest the children and wanted to keep an eye. He would also work in his grandmother's London office for a month or too. Dean said he would like to stay too if it would not be a trouble. He was making a folio before he would go for the mastery in Paris.

Harry was very happy at that and grinned and Harry took them to their room. Before leaving Neville requested Hermione never to experiment with memory charms again.

Last week of September Prof. Snape was out of coma. Luna came through with the news from the Headmistress. So they all went to see him in the hospital. Though he was awake he was very very ill and couldn't talk at all since to a part of his vocal cord was damaged by snake bite. Only two people were allowed to meet him at a time and that too from a distance. When the group reached the hospital teachers were already there in queue to meet him. Most of them were in tears and came to apologize. When the teachers were done the Headmistress told Harry to come with her. She explained that with a history so strong between them they should meet each other under supervision. After sometimes Harry and Headmistress came out and Neville and Dean went in. Harry said he had apologized for his misconducts and after hearing them the professor gave him a nod. Then Neville and Dean came out and Hermione and Luna went in. Upon entering they were in the direct line of vision of the dark black eyes. Hermione felt something unusual while the approached the professor and stopped. Luna went ahead talking and informed the professor that they have won. She thanked the professor for his efforts of the war and said that Prof Dumbledore's brain was too infested by Nargles for him to think straight. Malfoy's were in prison. Then she turned to Hermione and told her to come near. Hermione again started walking and stood near Luna and the Professor looked at her. She said that there was a trial against the Professor and he was acquitted of all the charges. Hermione felt suddenly as if her magic was extending and moving out. The professor might have felt that too and was looking at him strangely. The nurse ran in and one of them instructed them out. They waited outside as Dean went to inform others. Hermione felt dizzy and took a chair. She suddenly thought that not once after 2nd May she had heard Luna talking of her imaginary creatures. She realized that it was a very clever way to make people at ease. She looked at Luna and saw Luna watching her. Luna asked whether Hermione was feeling well magically. This question struck odd to her and she stored it later to find an answer. A nurse came up and said that the professor was not feeling well and there would be no more visitors today. So they again went to inform the others on their way out.

They met Theo and Blesie on the way out and told them the changed state. Those two were very disappointed. Neville told them that they could come back the next day at 11 in the morning and visit the professor. So that was decided. Then they all went to the tea room and sat for some tea. Harry told that Professor didn't react much in his presence. Dean laughed and said Neville apologized for melting so many cauldrons in his class. They all looked at Neville to see his face turning pink. Neville swear that he heard in his mind the professor's voice calling dunderhead. All laughed at that.

September went off without any News from Percy.

October 4th when Hermione went to work Percy took her to Mr. Ogden. There Hermione was informed that the Australian Ministry of Magic had found a Mr. Wilkins, Monica and Wendell, and their confectionery in Pitt Street, Sidney. She would be accompanied by Healer Miriam Strout of St. Mungo's and any one of her choice. She said Harry insisted on going with her. At that Mr. Ogden went to floo.

After that he took Hermione to MoM's office where Harry was waiting with the Minister. It was decided that they would go in a group of four Harry, Hermione, the healer and a security personal. Minister decided upon Hestia Jones. They would meet in the ministry portkey bay on 6th and would be off.

Harry said that Hestia as a good one and he approved her. But he would like to have an unbreakable vow from Hestia, the Healer and Minister himself to keep the location secret. Minister raised one of his eye brows. But Harry raised one of his in mirror imitation. Both the Minister and Harry stared at each other for some time which for Hermione was like eternity. Then Minister smirked and said ok and Hermione released her breath. The Minister called Hestia Jones and Healer Strout and discussed the whole issue while Minister floo and called Mr. Ogden to bind them. The healer told them that she needed to check her parents to come up with a solution and Hermione provided her a copy of the procedure she followed with wand movement details. The Healer told that it might take a week.

After that Harry asked Hermione to be the one who would hold the vow from all of them where Mr. Ogden would bind them. So Jones, Healer Strout and Minister took the vow to protect and not disclose the location of Wilkins, Monica and Wendell i.e. Doctors Jean and Robert Granger who are Hermione's parents. Then Harry insisted to bind him too and it was done. Then Harry looked at Mr. Ogden and he smiled at Harry and Hermione and took the vow too. They thanked everyone and parted ways only to be guided by Harry to Percy's cabin. Harry requested Percy to take the vow and Percy stood up and took Hermione's hand and Harry bound them.

Hermione was impressed by Harry's way of handling the matter and his maturity and was a little sad of his paranoia. War removes all trust from one's heart. But the extent of Harry's paranoia truly came out in no12 when he called Neville and Dean to tell. When he told them that He was going with Hermione he also asked whether they would mind to take an unbreakable to Hermione. He himself had taken already. Hermione was astonished that neither Neville not Dean even gave a look of confutation and took the vow. Harry then told Hermione to pack as it was what she did better much better than Harry. At night Neville and Dean came with their things to stay and over dinner they informed Andromeda. Harry told Andromeda that Dean and Neville would be sharing the house for the time being and would help with the children. Dean would teach them to draw and Neville would reconstruct the garden. Andromeda seemed happy. Andromeda look almost replica of Bellatrix and still one could differentiate them. She did not have her sister's mad cold demeanor. Then Harry told her that he and Hermione would be gone for some days for a vacation. He said he needed some time alone and Hermione wouldn't let her go alone so she too was going.

So on 6th Harry and Hermione with her purple bag waited on the ministry portkey bay.