So I know it's been a long time since I've updated and that sucks I know but here's a new chapter! Yay!
Harry Potter is not mine.
Albus, the man of many middle names and titles, Dumbledore didn't know what to do. It had been only three days since Serena De Luca had returned with Harry and the others and there was already a change to the school. Each time he tried to get Harry alone to talk with him, to explain that Voldemort wasn't really dead, Serena De Luca seemed to be there. Harry was never alone. Even when Serena wasn't around, there were others. Even Minerva seemed to be on their side. Previously she would tell him anything he needed to know but now she completely shut him out. It seemed that Snape was the only one who he could rely on for information about the castle. As he sat in the Great Hall Albus watched Gryffindors and Ravenclaws mix together as well as the other houses as they ate dinner. He knew he would have to do something about it and something soon.
Harry sighed contentedly, Hermione leaned back into his arms and he could smell the parchment paper and subtle scents of cinnamon that always seemed to accompany her. If it was up to him Harry would never let Hermione leave his arms. He and Hermione were sitting with Serena and Cedric during dinner. Serena was talking with Hermione about the differences between British and Italian magic laws. Harry was only slightly paying attention to it, he happened to be wrapped up in his own conversation with Cedric. It had only been a few days since they returned from Italy and already Harry and Hermione both had to admit they missed it. Antonio and Concetta had been amazing hosts, they welcomed the Founders with open arms and made them all feel at home. Sirius was now staying at the De Luca household until he was able to find a place of his own.
"Harry James Potter, I have been trying to get your attention for the last five minutes and yet you've been staring into space!" Serena's eyes sparkled with amusement. Harry shrugged and had the decency to look embarrassed.
"Sorry Rena, I guess I just got lost in my thoughts." Serena nodded and then the amusement shifted into something more serious.
"I've been talking with James and it turns out that through some of his contacts he's managed to find out that Bellatrix has been spotted around Diagon Alley." There was something dangerous in her tone. As they trained Serena confided in the others that she wanted to come face to face with Bellatrix and take her down. Harry had been worried but knew she was capable of taking care of herself.
"Well it's more than likely that Bellatrix will have a following so just know that we have your back." Hermione beamed at Serena. Serena nodded, she was grateful to have friends like Harry and Hermione.
"There's a Hogsmead weekend coming up, are you going to be meeting James to discuss more?" Cedric asked. He couldn't help but worry about his bond, he knew she was strong but she had a tendency to take action before thinking things through.
"Yeah, he's going to bring one of his contacts. A client of his who's in the know and has some people that run in various circles." Serena took a sip of her pumpkin juice. "The guy is friendly enough for James to trust him."
"But for you?" Harry asked.
"I've never met him so I can't say. You know I don't willingly give my trust out to just anyone though." Serena pushed her food around on her plate, she was getting better at eating but there were still days when her appetite was lost.
Hermione looked up to see Professor McGonagall walking towards the group. She could tell by the expression on the Professor's face that she was not happy. "Serena, Harry, I'm sorry to interrupt your dinner but I just wanted to let you know that Dumbledore wants to see you in his office. No matter what I've told him, he's adamant about talking to the both of you."
Serena and Harry both scowled. Dumbledore had been trying to get them alone to discuss something of 'dire importance' but the Founders had done a good job at blocking his attempts. Serena let out a sigh of frustration.
"Okay fine, if he wants to talk to us then he will. He has done enough butting in where he doesn't need to and trying to control things." Serena seemed to grow angrier as she spoke. Cedric placed a hand on her shoulder and she looked at him. Minerva could tell that they were communicating through their bond, she had never been happier for her students.
"Alright, I'll let him know that you'll see him." Minerva walked back to the head table.
"Are you okay Rena?" Harry asked. Serena nodded, pushing her plate away from her.
"Yeah, I think it's time we tell Dumbledore all the things we've discovered while gone and the few days we've been back." Hermione looked at Serena, a questioning look.
"You sure? I thought you wanted to save that for when we really needed it." Serena shrugged.
"He's getting too nosey and frankly I'm worried he may get desperate." Serena explained.
"Rena's right, he doesn't know all the things we have against him. The only one who even knows about us being the Founder's Children is Professor McGonagall. We have so many aces up our sleeves and it's time we reveal them." Cedric was typically a guy of few words but when he did speak, the others listened.
Finishing dinner the four stopped briefly at the Ravenclaw table to tell Luna and Neville, who had taken up to sitting with his girlfriend, and informed them on what would be happening. It took some convincing but Harry and Hermione managed to get both their bonds to return to their dorms. They promised to keep the link open so they would know what was happening. Harry and Serena walked silently towards Dumbledore's office. Harry was a bit nervous and Harry knew that even though Serena's face was impassive she was a bundle of nerves.
"Are you sure we're doing the right thing?" Harry asked as they stood in front of the gargoyle.
"I'm never sure about anything Harry." With that Serena straightened her shoulders, told the gargoyle the password and marched up the stairs to Dumbledore's office.
"Ah, Ms. De Luca and Harry. I'm so glad you could make it." Dumbledore smiled, trying to act like the grandfather of the situation. Serena conjured up a chair for herself while Harry conjured up one for himself.
"Dumbledore, we need to talk."
Ta-Dah, I hope you all enjoyed the chapter. Hopefully I'll have more soon. More things will come to light as the story goes on.
