Chapter 6: The Gryffindor of Gryffindor

Four hours later, Baroness Perenelle Flamel was sitting at the bedside of her last, and perhaps her greatest apprentice, Hermione Jane Lupin. Nicholas was with Harry and Remus, planning out whatever men planned out when the women were gone. Thanks to the time turner, they were reliving the last twelve hours in order to get everything started, though it would take every last moment until Wednesday evening for everything to be ready. Perenelle was glad that someone talked Harry into having it on Wednesday, and not Tuesday as there were limits on what the time turner could do.

Looking at the sleeping girl, Perenelle sighed. She knew a lot about Hermione from Harry and from the Apprenticeship Bond she had with the girl. She really had been the brightest witch of her age, rivaling Rowena Ravenclaw and Perenelle's own mother Morgan Le Fey.

Yes she was the daughter of Morgan Le Fey. But the archrival of Merlin was not the woman she knew and loved. Perenelle's mother was a warm and loving woman who liked to sit beneath the trees on Avalon and in Britannia and sing softly to the animals and to nature. That woman became the Morgan Le Fey that fell victim to the darkness because Merlin thought he was infallible in his training. That was also the woman whom almost killed Arthur Pendragon and most of his Knights. When Morgan finally realized what she had done, she and no one else escorted Arthur Pendragon to Avalon where he would sleep. She remained vigil, vowing to protect Arthur while he slept forever. It was shortly after this that Perenelle, who had lived on Avalon most of her life, left the island.

Perenelle was pulled from her thoughts as Hermione stirred and began to wake. "Good afternoon child. Did you have good rest?"

"Yes I did. But why…?" Hermione asked, still half asleep.

"Harry had to stun you. We then performed very ancient magic so that your animagus form would quiet and rest."

"She needed her mate." Hermione said quietly.

"Yes she does. And one day your mate will be yours again. For now, I thought we should chat." Perenelle said.

Hermione realized that she was in bed and in her night clothes. She quickly moved to cover up, but Perenelle stopped her. "Relax child, you needed your rest. Tippy thought you might be more comfortable in your bed clothes. Now, can you explain to me how you were able to solve Lycanthropy?"

"How did you know that?"

"Thru our bond."

"Oh." Hermione said. "I didn't solve it, just…changed it. It was Ron's idea really. He said when you have two sides you have two options. If you disagree with either side or view you come up with a new side. That is what I did."

"I do not understand." Perenelle said.

"Anyone who takes the potion every month will still change, but they change into a regular wolf instead of the monster. After a lot of research and a few raids into the Department of Mysteries and other huge libraries that are not exactly open to the public I discovered a few things.

"The wizard that created the werewolf used the wolf as a base and then corrupted it. I found that the wizard wished to be an animagus, but did not have the ability so he created a potion. He used too many dark rituals and lost control of his experiment. His notes and his bloodline were destroyed by his 'experiments'. The only reason I know any of this is a few of notes were salvaged."

"So your potion removes the dark taint then?" Perenelle asked, genuinely curious.

"It does more than that. That is where the last ingredient comes into play. You see the potion also requires the blood of an animagus. Thanks to mundane medicine, I was able to learn that someone infected with the Lycan Curse has a corrupted animagus gene. Do you know what genes are?"

"Yes I do. It is one of the areas of study I have spent quite a bit of time in." Perenelle said.

"Thank god. So many magicals have no idea about the mundane world. It was one of the reasons why the world almost ended." Hermione said bitterly. "Anyway, I learned that the animagus gene in werewolves was corrupted by the potion and the rituals so I went about a way to replace the gene with a healthy one."

"A monumental undertaking" Perenelle said.

"Yes it was. The 'werewolf' gene only showed when the beast was free, under the full moon. The rest of the time, it was dormant and impossible to find. That is the reason why werewolves could not be animagi. My potion causes the gene to become active and for the werewolf to transform. Once that happens, the silver nitrate attacks the affected cells, weakening the hold of the monster. After that, the potion replaces the affected gene, because it is almost dead. During the Full Moon, other genes activate which causes the transformation. The good part is that the former Lycan can transform into the wolf at any time besides that, with the right training. And no matter what can remain in control of the animal."

"Child, please tell me you were awarded the Order of Merlin, First Class. For this?"

"The Noble Peace Prize for Humanitarian Efforts, the Order of Merlin, and the Order of Gryffindor; this was after the third world war and the Statue of Secrecy was gone." Hermione said. "Madam Flamel—"

"Please child, call me Perenelle."

Hermione was quiet before speaking "Perenelle, you really are taking me on as an apprentice, aren't you? This isn't just a cover story for us?" Hermione asked.

"You are correct child. I am taking you on as my apprentice for real, just as Nicholas did with Harry. The difference is that I have more to teach you than Nicholas has for Harry. Hermione you have so much potential and you have done so much, I feel that if I did not give you all that I know then world, and you, would miss out. Though you will be my apprentice, I shall not require the oath of fidelity others do. You shall be my apprentice and my magical heir, for only my heir may ever set foot on Avalon."

"Avalon?"

"Yes. I was raised on Avalon after my mother fell into darkness. You shall not be her heir, as you are not my heir in blood. That falls to Harry."

"Who was your mother?"

"You know her as Morgan Le Fey. I shall teach you all that I know about magic, history, fighting, and living child, all that I ask is that you remember that not everything in books is accurate."

"You sound like Harry, and Ronnie, and Ginny, and Hugo. Rosie always thought books were great too." Hermione mumbled.

"Books are great, but they are written by the victors. Now, we have precious time before dinner tonight, too say nothing about the coming out party tomorrow, so we must prepare." Perenelle said as she stood up and crossed to closet. She saw Hermione still on the bed and smiled "Come child, you are a sister of Gryffindor; you need to look the part. And then we must head to a small place in America to get your hair and nails done."

Harry, Nicholas, and Remus were having a rather heated fire call with Albus and Sirius. "Albus I mean no disrespect, but if you would have gotten off your ass years ago, then this would not be happening. You knew Sirius had no trial, and you knew I was a descendant of Gryffindor so don't start with me!"

"ENOUGH!" Nicholas raised his voice which shut everyone up before they could say anything else. "Albus, you are partially to blame for this state, as are you Sirius, for you should not have run off. Harry is also to blame because he did not share his plans with you, though I understand why. Now we must put aside our differences and work together. Albus how did Sirius' hearing go?"

Albus sighed. "It went very well. Ten minutes was all it took. Sirius Orion Black is now a free man in the eyes of the ICW. They are preparing the paperwork now for the British Ministry."

"Good. As this is Harry's coming out party, we can serve the Minister with this tomorrow night. Sirius, can you get a good set of robes?" Nicholas asked.

"I already have access to the Black Fortune. Chairman Mackrack was waiting for us when we exited the hearing. I have to spend some time with some healers—" Sirius said.

"Overnight is what they said, Sirius" Albus said.

"Sirius, you need to get healthy. You still look like death on a triscuit. Tomorrow night Sirius, you need to wear your best robes and Albus, you need to wear Gryffindor colored robes—"

"No." Harry shut off his mentor. "Your family colors. You are still Lord Dumbledore."

"What of Minerva?" Remus asked.

"Her family colors as well. She is head of the Clan McGonagall. Remus you'll be in the Gryffindor colors as a member of the family. Tippy has already gone to see Madam Maulkin and will bringing our robes back." Harry said. "What about Alex?"

"I had a friend of mine check her out and found the tracing spell. It has been removed along with a few other spells that have Lucius Malfoy's magical signature on them." Albus said.

"And we have documented everything." Sirius said.

"Good. Charlie needs to be here tonight so that we can go over some of the formalities as he is Heir Apparent of the Noble House of Prewett. Bill is going to be here too. In fact I need to talk to him about taking on the Lordship of the House of Prewett. Anyway, every lord and lady of the noble houses will be here tomorrow night as well as their heir apparent, members of the Wizengamot, and Ministry of Magic Department Heads. I think that having all of the Weasleys together will be a nice gift for Arthur and Molly as well." Harry said.

"Agreed" All the men said together.

"I take it Gringotts is handling the announcements?" Albus asked.

"No. The Tonks family. By the way Sirius, I kind of made Ted Tonks the official emissary and solicitor of the Blacks, Potters, Gryffindors, and the other families." Harry said.

"Great idea. What time does this shindig start tomorrow?" Sirius asked.

"Seven o'clock. The apparition point will be open at six thirty. I've also made sure that the Hogwarts professors and board of governors are here as well." Remus said.

"What of the Queen?"

"Nicholas and I have spoken to Her Majesty and she is most anxious to come. Her Majesty, Prince Phillip, the Prince and Princess of Wales, along with their sons Princes William and Henry, and the new Prime Minister and his wife will be arriving via portkey at seven fifteen. That should be enough time to put Fudge in his place. Their guards will be here by six thirty to secure the area. In fact a few of them are already here."

"What time do you want us there then?" Albus asked.

"Albus, I would like you to enter with the rest of the masses. You should not been seen as one of us." Harry said.

"Why?"

"Because I want everyone to know why Fudge is an ass and why change must come. If it looks like you are swayed when presented the chance with everyone else, then everyone will assume I'm right a lot easier." Harry finished.

"Logical." Albus said.

"Yep. Sirius, I would like you to be here as soon as possible. As long as you are at Lionfire Hall, no one will dare touch you. Not only you are free, but you are also a Noble Lord and this entire event falls under the rules of parlay. It is one of the reasons why I can't kill the Death Eaters outright tomorrow night." Harry finished. "By the way, can you bring Charlie and Alex with you? I want Alex to have some fun before all the boring people get here."

"Harry, we need to get going. We still have much to do, even with a time turner." Nicholas said.

"Alright, anything else?" Harry asked. "Good see you both soon." Harry then closed the connection. Together the three men went off to prepare for tomorrow night.

At seven o'clock the next evening, Harry and Hermione were waiting just inside the back doors of the manor. It had taken three different uses of Nicholas' time turner and two of Perenelle's to get everything finished even with a full day of planning and carrying out the tasks, but everything was now ready.

Outside on the back patio stood many of the most influential people in Magical Great Britain, both dark and light. Nicholas and Perenelle were playing the roles of elder host and hostess to the tee, which gave the youngsters the chance to prepare Harry's speech and some Pepper-Up potions. Now was the time for the announcement, which would formally introduce Harry to the world and put them on notice. Hermione, his best friend in the world, stood next to him. She would exit first and then signal Harry to come out and head to the podium which was where he would give his speech from. After many years of effort, Harry finally became comfortable in front of audiences and giving speeches. That would serve him very well this evening.

Taking a deep breath Harry nodded to Hermione who stepped out onto the patio. She moved to the top of the stairs and gave a small signal to Ted Tonks. He cast a sonorous spell and spoke in an official voice as Remus silenced the self-playing instruments.

"Lords and Ladies of the Realm, Gentlemen, Ladies, honored guests, it is my honor to present to you Harry James Potter, Lord of the Ancient Houses of Peverell, Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw, and Hufflepuff. Lord of the Ancient and Most Noble House of Potter. Heir Apparent to Ancient House of Flamel, Heir Apparent to the Ancient and Most Noble House of Black" Ted said as everyone began to realize how powerful Harry was going to be shortly. Ted could only smirk as he left some information out as they would make the Minister of Magic shit more than he was ready to already.

Harry emerged from the manor and waited for the applause and flashes from the flash bulbs to go off. After a few moments, He made his way down the steps of the manor and to the podium. Harry's speech would be going out over the Wizarding Wireless Network live.

Harry stepped up to the podium and cast a wandless spell that caused a step to rise out of the ground so that he could look over the podium. He was 11 years old after all and short after all. "Lords and Ladies of the Realm, Gentlemen, Ladies, honored guests, and everyone who can hear my voice; this includes elves, goblins, vampires, werewolves, giants, centaurs, reporters and any other creature I forgot to mention."

A number of people laughed at the reporter joke, which was his intent. "As today is my 11th birthday, as tradition indicates, I hereby announce myself to the world tonight that I am indeed alive and that I am prepared to do my part for our world. First, under Article II Section 541 of the Wizengamot Charter, I hereby declare my emancipation as the sole remaining heir of the Potter Family. It reads that at the age of eleven, any orphan who is heir apparent of their house may claim Lordship of said house. The acceptance of a Lordship dictates the immediate emancipation of the individual—"

Harry was cut off by someone he and Hermione both swore they would kill "You never claimed your Lordship in front of the Minister of Magic nor the Wizengamot. No one on the Wizengamot would give a child that much power." Delores Umbridge stated.

"And who are you Madam?" Harry asked, already knowing.

"I am Delores Jane Umbridge, Senior Undersecretary to the Minister of Magic and Proxy for the House of Fudge on the Wizengamot." She responded.

Harry smiled. "I see Madam Umbridge. I regret to inform you that neither the Minister of Magic nor the Wizengamot of Great Britain has any say on who claims their family Lordship."

"Then who does Mr. Potter." Umbridge demanded.

Harry looked over at the goblin delegation and smiled. "They do."

"Those half-breeds!" Umbridge screamed.

"Silence woman!" Mackrack said loudly, putting his glass of elf wine down. "Since the time of Merlin, the goblins have been entrusted to keep excellent records of the bloodlines and to convey Lordships in absence of the Sovereign of Britannia or the Lord Protector of the Realm. That is written in the original Charter of the Ancient Houses."

"I will not allow some sub-human—"

"Silence!" Harry yelled, releasing the control of magic a little, which allowed his aura to be seen. It also signaled Albus and the others that the fun was now beginning. Hermione smiled even more as Harry prepared to verbally rip Umbridge apart.

"You are in no position to allow anything. In fact I believe the seat you hold on the Wizengamot does not even belong to the House of Fudge. As my right a Lord of the Wizengamot, I challenge the claim of the House of Fudge to have a seat on the Wizengamot. I call upon the Senior Clerk of Wizengamot to verify this if he is here right now. You may use the floo inside to return and check the hall of records. Please see Baron Flamel for entrance. I am sure that the rightful family would like to have the seat back." Harry said as he quickly cast a look at his watch. He had three minutes before the queen and her party arrived. Perfect.

"That will not be necessary Lord Potter as I am carrying copies of the records with me, as is my duty on an evening like this. If I may have a moment?" And older man asked.

"Of course. If you wish, please step over to Baron Flamel who will make sure you are not disturbed." Harry said as turned to look the men who were trying to get to the clerk. Seeing this as well, the clerk quickly made his way over to Nicholas where he opened a portable desk and began to look thru the records. Harry

"Minister Fudge, where are you?" Harry asked. The Minister of Magic moved to the front of crowd, or was rather pushed by the crowd to the front. "Hello Minister, my apologizes for calling you out and for tis question of the seat. I know the Minister for Magic would never allow anything like this to happen. It must have been an ancestor who, pardon the pun, fudged up years ago."

"It must have been, but I am sure that the Wizengamot seat is my family's." Fudge said.

"We'll see. Now minister, I was reading some of the books my mentor gave me and I have a question for you."

"Of course Lord Potter" Fudge said nervously.

"As the Minister of Magic you are responsible for the behavior all of your employees at all times they represent the Ministry of Magic, correct?" Harry asked.

"Ahhh…"

"You are correct Lord Potter." Augusta Longbottom said from the crowd.

"Thank you Madam." Harry said before turning back to Fudge "So Minister, why in the world did you hire a woman who clearly hates anything not human?"

"She does not—"

"I am sorry Minister, but I believe she does. Did you not hear her? Calling the goblins, those responsible for our economy sub-human? Are you that deaf, or maybe you agree with her?" Harry accused.

"Now see here—" Fudge began, but was cut off by a wandless, gestureless spell from Harry. Harry then turned to face public.

"Did we not survive a war fought over blood purity?"

"Yes we did Lord Potter." Dumbledore said from the crowd.

"Thank you sir." Harry said before turning to the crowds again. "Why did we fight a war? Why did Lord Voldemort try to take over Great Britain? The reason is because he and his followers were afraid. They were afraid of change, afraid of muggles, and afraid of the other magical creatures we share this planet with. We do not own this planet exclusively; we share it with all other living things. We Death Eaters walk all over us because we were told that they were too strong to fight against them! It took the sacrifice of my mother to banish a monster who would not stop killing until we were all dead. Many of his followers were sent to Azkaban, but there are many who are walking the streets today and in the Ministry of Magic. In fact, I bet there are those who are still loyal to the Dark Tosser here tonight."

Many people began to stir and look around, looking for someone acting strangely. "Relax everyone, everyone here is here under the rules of parlay and no one may attack another while here tonight. However, in the coming days, I shall present evidence that has come to my attention to the Wizengamot and to the International Confederation of Wizards about those who escaped justice the first time around." This caused many of the Dark Families to look like they ate sour candies, but knew that if they left, they might as well place a sign on their back saying "DEATH EATER"

Harry then turned back to Fudge who was shaking in his boots. "Minister Fudge, I would recommend you set your final affairs in order because when I am done with you, Azkaban will be too good for you."

"Who do you think you are?" Someone in the crowd shouted. "Who gave you the power to overthrow the Ministry of Magic?"

At the same time a portkey arrived right behind Harry. Harry felt the portkey arriving and smiled. "I believe that she has the power. Lords and Ladies, announcing Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of Her other Realms and Territories Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith." Harry then dropped to one knee, as did every other man while every woman curtsied. Though many of the people at the party were purebloods, they had been taught very well that the Monarch was still in charge of them.

"Arise my subjects." The Queen said as she made her way to the podium. She saw Cornelius Fudge looking rather pale while other people were very angry looking. She looked to Nicholas and Albus who nodded then to Harry who was eyeing the Minister. "Good evening my subjects. I am honored to be here in front of so many of you for the first time. For over five hundred years my family has not directly interfered nor have we known what has happened here. That ends today." The Queen moved from the podium and Prime Minister Blair moved to the podium and spoke.

"By order of the Sovereign Ruler of Great Britain, Queen Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of Her Other Realms and Territories Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith, the following laws are hereby enacted and enforced by ancient magic. One. The Ministry of Magic is hereby dissolved. In its place shall be the Ministry for Magic, which will be headed by the Queen's Minster for Magic. The Queen's Minister for Magic shall be appointed by the Queen with the recommendation of the House of the Wizengamot of Great Britain and the House of the High Lords of the Magical Realm."

"So ordered" The queen said.

"Two, anyone who works for the Queen's Ministry for Magic or enters the Queen's Ministry for Magic building shall be questioned under truth serum regarding their involvement in any illegal activities."

"So ordered" The queen said.

"Three, those prisoners who are currently housed in Azkaban Prison shall have an automatic appeal of the sentence to the Supreme Court of United Kingdom. Anyone found not guilty by that court shall be compensated 200 galleons a day for every day they were unlawfully detained and have their wand returned to them within one hour of their release. Anyone found guilty shall be sent to a new facility which is to be built."

"So ordered" The queen said.

"Four, any criminal of the Ministry of Magic of Great Britain who has been found innocent of the crimes they are accused of by an international court of law shall be considered innocent. They shall also be compensated 200 galleons a day for every day they were unlawfully detained and have their wand returned to them with one hour of their release. That means that the criminal Sirius Orion Black is a free man."

Sirius removed the glamours he was wearing and stood tall next to his godson, wand in hand. Next to him were Nicholas, Perenelle, Albus, Amelia Bones, and Rufus Scrimgeour.

"So ordered" The queen said.

"Five, until further notice, all travel between Magical Great Britain and other countries and territories is restricted."

"So ordered" The queen said.

"Chairman Mackrack, Director Croaker, raise the wards please." The queen asked.

The Chairman and the Director of the Department of Mysteries stood before the queen and removed small pendants that they wore around the necks. The queen removed a similar pendant and placed it on top of the other two. When this happened, the Chairman and Director chanted in old Gaelic for a few seconds. Afterwards everyone felt ancient magic settle over them as they realized what had happened.

"Thank you gentlemen. Prime Minister, continue." The Queen said.

"Six, as of this day forward, Lord Potter Harry James Potter is hereby recognized as the High Lord of Hogwarts and of Hogwarts Valley including Hogsmeade."

"So ordered" The queen said.

"Seven, as the Heir to Godric Gryffindor, I hereby proclaim Lord Harry James Potter to be the Lord Protector of the Magical Realm of Great Britain. He shall serve as the official representative of the Crown in all matters concerning the magical subjects of Great Britain."

"So ordered" The queen said. "Harry James Potter, kneel before your sovereign."

Harry moved to knee in front of the Queen and waited patiently. "Harry James Potter, I hereby dub thee Duke Gryffindor of Gryffindor, Lord Protector of the Magical Realm of Great Britain and representative of the Crown." The Queen slowly performed the touching of the sword to Harry's shoulders, knighting him. As soon as the knighting was finished, ancient magic went to work enforcing the rules Queen Elizabeth ordered. "Arise Duke Gryffindor."

Harry rose from his knees and turned to the crowd as Prince Charles and Princess Diana placed a heavy over robe over his existing robes, denoting he was now the Lord Protector. Harry noticed for the first time that everyone was perfectly quiet; they were all shocked at what had transpired.

"Minister Fudge, you and I need to have a small chat. Duke Gryffindor, may I be so bold as to use a room in your home?" the queen asked.

"Of course. Miss Lupin can escort you to the main sitting room."

"No need. I was here often when I was a child." The queen said then turned to her Prime Minister and Fudge "Gentlemen." The queen then headed for the manor with the two Ministers, Prince Phillip, Prince Charles, and Princess Diana.

Harry moved back to the podium and smiled. "This concludes the boring part of the evening." There was laughter from the crowd "As this is a traditional coming out party, now we can eat and enjoy the evening. The wards will open at midnight. Until then, enjoy." With that the podium disappeared and the musical instruments began to play by themselves once again.

The queen settled into a chair in the sitting room and was immediately served by Tippy, who looked very happy to be serving the queen.

"Minister Fudge, I want you to understand that at this moment, you should be thrown into shackled and tossed into the deepest hole I could find. However, Duke Gryffindor believes in second chances and is willing to give you one."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Fudge said.

"Thank Duke Gryffindor and do not think you are getting away with anything. You will step down from your office and will retire from public life. If you disobey this, the Lord Protector shall have my permission to kill you where you stand."

This shocked Fudge. This was serious, but he knew that he had to comply. "I understand."

"Good, now I want a proper briefing about Magical England, right now." The queen demanded.

Outside at the party, Harry and Hermione were moving around meeting people and having a good time. The first people Harry went to meet were the Weasleys, who all came tonight, by personal invitation of Harry and Hermione.

"Lord Weasley, it is an honor to see you and your family." Harry said.

"Mi Lord." Arthur said as he bowed. "This is my wife, Molly, and our children." Arthur introduced the rest of the family as per tradition, even though they all knew each other.

"Lady Weasley, I believe you are missing two of your clan." Hermione said.

"My second oldest, who is also Heir Apparent to the Noble House of Prewett." Molly said.

Harry smiled and leaned into speak to Arthur and Molly, "Turn around then."

Both did as they were asked and saw their son Charles with an almost carbon copy female version of himself in his arms. "Charlie!" Molly said before she ran to Charlie. Harry smiled and moved away from the family and saw Lucius Malfoy staring at the Weasleys.

"Lord Malfoy! Are you quite well?" Harry asked.

"Yes Mi Lord, very well." Lucius said.

"You know, if things were different, I would have no problems killing you right now." Harry said with a straight face.

"I see your position has gone to your head." Lucius said.

Harry spoke in a cold voice. "You are a Death Eater and have tortured too many families. Put your affairs in order Lucius."

Harry then moved on deeper into the crowd and met more people, including many young ladies. It was after speaking to the Longbottoms that Harry heard Sirius at the magical microphone speaking.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, as tradition, I would like our host, the Duke of Gryffindor come to the dance floor for the first dance of the night."

Harry moved to the center of the dance floor, along the way he grabbed Hermione. When they arrived, Sirius, who was playing his part perfectly, spoke. "Who is the pretty young lady?"

"This is Hermione Lupin-Potter, daughter of the Ancient and Most Noble House of Potter, apprentice to Baroness Perenelle Flamel, and my adopted sister." Harry said as Wind Beneath My Wings began to play. It was the song they danced to during the sibling dance at both of their weddings. Ginny and Ron both agreed it was one of the finest dances the two had ever seen.

The two moved across the dance floor elegantly, with Harry showing off over a century of dance lessons and times dancing with his wife and sister. At the end of the song, Harry kissed Hermione's hand and then they both moved off to dance with others, knowing this was part of their duty.

The dance floor quickly became full as many couples took to the floor. Harry danced with almost every woman and girl under the age of eighteen there. He even danced with a few of the older ladies including Molly Weasley, Andromeda Tonks, Narcissa Malfoy, who was a terrific dancer, Dora Tonks, Augusta Longbottom, and little Alexis Weasley whom he carried around as she began to fall asleep. The only one who he had not danced with yet was Ginny, who had not gotten into line yet.

Hermione was much the same way, and had to smash a few toes as some of the young men had wandering hands. These included many of the future Slytherins including Malfoy, Nott, and some Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs. She was pleasantly surprised that Neville did not kill her toes, and kept giving her weird looks as they danced. She also danced with the Weasleys, except Ron, who was talking with Ginny the entire time.

As midnight approached, Remus announced the time. As per tradition, all of the eligible men and women lined up around the dance floor and waited for Harry and Hermione to choose their partners for the last song. Harry looked around and spotted Ginny while Hermione focused on Ron. Harry moved to stand in front of Ginny and smiled. "May I have this dance?"

"Of course Mi Lord" Ginny said as Harry spun her out to the middle of the floor. Hermione took Ron's hand and escorted him out, not waiting for a yes or no. Once they were out on the floor, the band started to play Tears in Heaven.

The song was very special to golden quartet as it was the song they all danced to at both their weddings in the past as couples. It was their way to remember those that they lost. Ginny rested her head on Harry's shoulder as the danced, lost in her own little world. "Mi Lord—"

"To you I will always be Harry." Harry stated.

"Harry, why do I have the feeling that you and I are attached somehow?"

"Because the Potter men for over 800 years have fallen in love with red heads, normally by the age of eleven" Harry smirked.

"Really? What do you intend to do about it?" Ginny asked, feeling rather rash.

"This." Harry said as closed the distance between their mouths and kissed her on the lips. It was a short kiss, but it meant the world to Harry, and to the other half of Harry's soul that was looking down on him from her place in heaven.

Meanwhile Ron and Hermione were dancing, not quite as well as Harry and Ginny but close.

"You know, you really scared the crap out of me the other day." Ron said, whispering so only they could hear.

"How?" Hermione asked.

"When you appeared out of nowhere, you looked like you were ready to kill." Ron admitted.

"I was."

"But why?"

"Because…you and I were very close." Hermione said.

"We were married weren't we?" Ron asked.

"Yes."

"There is more, wasn't there?"

"You were taken from me. And I refuse to lose you again. It took a lot of people to stop me from killing myself the first time."

Ron was quiet for a moment as a memory that was not his own flittered through his mind. It was seeing Hermione, much older with graying hair with a wand turned on herself.

"You'd look beautiful even as an old lady." Ron said and without thinking he leaned forward and kissed Hermione on the lips, promising a very different future than the past Hermione had already lived.

In heaven, a small group was looking down on the gathering with interest.

"Didn't you tell them our return could only happen naturally?" Ginny Potter asked Gabriel.

"He did. However, Harry was quite right about the Potter Curse and Ron and Hermione love to break rules as much I did." James Potter said as he entered the observation area.

"Like someone else I know." Ginny said.

"Yep."

Ginny sighed, "So the curse is real?"

"What Potter Curse?" James questioned jokingly.

"Yes father-in-law of mine." Ginny said.

"Yep. For over 900 hundred years, Potter men have fallen for strong redheads. Normally early in life while their sisters have fallen for those who would complement them, and give them the passion they need. Harry fell in love with you when he was eleven. The problem was he never was shown love from Vernon and Petunia so he had no idea how to deal with it. Now, he has over 160 years of love to compare to how he feels for your younger self."

Ginny nodded and then turned to Gabriel. "When do we go back?"

"Soon." Gabriel said.

What no one knew was that Gabriel had already visited Ronald and gave him a push after he had spoken to Harry, Remus and the Flamels. He knew that with Harry's leadership, Hermione's brains, and Ginny determination that they needed Ron's strategic mind in order to save not just their world but the universe as they knew it.

"Where is Ron?" James asked.

"Working with Lily and Lancelot on his swordsmanship" Ginny answered.

"Why, he can beat everyone including Pendragon easily now." James said.

"Relax James, Lily knows what she is doing." Gabriel said. "Ginevra, you and Ronald shall return on the blood moon, which is in a month their time. Also, there are two others who have returned, but only one knows his past."

"Neville!" Ginny said realizing that Neville was too good of a dancer while she watched him and her. Also, Neville had not made it to heaven when he died. "Hannah made sure he could dance. How long has he been back?"

"Three weeks, right before he was dropped out of the window. I'll show you what happened to his dear uncle when Neville responded to the attempted murder." Gabriel said.

"WHAT!"

"Algie tried to kill Neville. With Neville gone, he would become the Longbottom of Longbottom. He also bound Neville's powers when he was a baby. Do not worry, Algie also stole from the Department of Mysteries, he shall…what is the proper saying…rot in places worse than hell of eternity." Gabriel said.

"Who is the other person to return?" James asked.

"Miss Lovegood. Though her past is sealed, her soul returned when Neville's did, the magical backlash caused her mother to not practice the spell that killed her."

"Are they soul mates?"

"No. Though they were happy with their lives, they missed so much by not being together." Lily said entering the observation room with Ron.

"Did you see what you did?" Ginny asked her brother.

"Are you kidding me, Ginny, I feel like I am split between here and there. Who do you think said he wanted to marry her?" Ron said.

"It is because of your animal forms. They are drawn to each other and have even crossed barriers thought uncrossable." Gabriel said.

"I know. You said we'll be returning on the blood moon?" Ron said.

"Yes, now come there is much to do before then." Gabriel said as he walked the two Weasleys out of the observation area.

Everyone watched as the two couples danced and kissed, breaking too many hearts along the way. No one knew where Harry Potter had been, they would learn in an interview with the Daily Prophet later in the week, but they knew he knew love and whom he loved. It was the redhead in his arms.

Perenelle and Nicholas looked at the foursome with love in their eyes, for these two couples would lead the Wizarding World into a new golden age and they would help them wherever they could. Knowing the evening was drawing to a close, Nicholas escorted his wife out to the floor and took her in his arms once again and danced.

Remus and Sirius were looking out over the crowd, thinking about their missing friends, loved ones and their charges. Remus missed his late wife, but knew that with his daughter here, he would be happy. However he did owe the Grangers a visit. Hermione was everything he could hope for in a daughter and he approved of her choice in men. Ronald Weasley came from a good family and hopefully would show his daughter how to have fun. He looked towards Dora Tonks and decided to listen to his daughter and asked her to dance.

Sirius was thinking about how much Harry had already changed his life. He was a free man, and godfather to one of the most powerful men in the world now. He saw so much of his long gone friends in Harry it hurt. He knew he messed up and should have never have gone after Peter. He vowed to be the man he should have been all those years ago, and that included settling down with a good woman. Which if the way Remus and Dora were looking at each other, was exactly what his old friend was going to do sooner rather than later.

Albus stood next Minerva and thought about everything he had been told by Harry and examined his own feelings actions over the years. He wished he would have done things differently, though now he had a chance thanks to Harry. "Minerva, would you care to dance?"

"Of course Albus" Minerva said, a little surprised.

Slowly many other couples joined those on the dance floor, enjoying their time together. One of the couples was the Malfoys, who were speaking very quietly, and dancing much closer than they normally would.

"Cissa, I will either be dead or in Azkaban by the end of the week." Lucius said. He had been quiet for most of the night since Harry's speech, only giving short answers and bowing out of small talk that often was a part of these events. He had been thinking about what following his Master had cost him and his family. It cost him more children, Narcissa had wanted badly, and a chance to use his skills to better all wizard kind, not just those who followed a lunatic.

"Why?" Narcissa asked.

"Why do you think? Potter has evidence. He would not have said anything tonight if it was not ironclad. And besides, I am tired of this life."

"Lucius?"

"I am tired of being a bastard. I never wanted this life, but I was good at it. I am the twelfth Lord Malfoy and every one of us have tried to destroy our world."

"But what about the purity of our race?" Narcissa asked.

"You never believed that any more than I did. My Lord promised power, but the torture I received was not what I expected."

"What brought this on?" Narcissa asked her husband.

"Potter and also Draco. I want him to live a different life, a better life. Albus Dumbledore is over 150 years old and is still going strong while most Dark Lords have not lived to see 50. Maybe there is something to this love business and being opened minded. I cannot do that. I am too covered in dark magic to ever come clean, but I want you and Draco to. Narcissa, I love you. I love more than I ever thought I could love anyone or anything. I know I have not been the best husband to you, or a father to Draco, but understand that I will make it all up to the both of you."

"I'm scared Lucius." Narcissa whimpered.

"There is no reason to be anymore. I shall make sure you and Draco are well protected my love."

"I love you husband."

"And I love you my wife. Tomorrow, I shall go to Dumbledore and confess everything."

"Why him?"

"Because Fudge is a fool and Dumbledore will arrange for a fair trial and if I ask, he will protect you and Draco" Lucius said before he moved to kiss his wife again, not noticing that Draco was watching them, knowing something huge was coming.

Finally the song ended, and everyone watched as the wards around Lionfire Hall became visible and then faded away, signally that the night was over.