Chapter 10 Of Rescues and Dragons
Blaise was a young man on a mission as he stepped through the international floo and began his journey home. He was intent on freeing his mother and sisters from the hell that their 'home' had become. His father had become more and more violent as time went by, and he was sure as hell not going to let him or anyone else lay a hand on his mother, let alone his sisters.
Enzo Francesco Zabini, his father, was head of 'famiglia', and had been ever since he'd murdered his brother in cold blood at the tender age of nineteen. Enzo had been praised for his shrewdness and violence in ridding himself of the heir apparent to the family. He'd ascended to the head of the Zabini clan; and under his rule the clan had seen a growth in their power and wealth unprecedented at any other time in the families' history. Even the Sicilian Mafia had decided to leave Clan Zabini alone, as any war with them would cost too much in money and manpower, a conquest the Mafiosi deemed would be a Pyrrhic victory at best.
The man had never touched Blaise personally, preferring instead to beat his mother in his stead. Blaise learned early on to obey every order given to him, and to never antagonize his father. His first bout of accidental magic had occurred during one of the beatings his mother was suffering on his behalf. He'd been so angry that the magic he unleashed had slammed his father against a wall, where the man had broken an arm and a collarbone. Enzo had stared at his son in fascination and appraisal, caring little about the injuries he'd sustained. "Impressive, little man. You are stronger than I thought. You'll be an impressive asset to the family someday, Blaise. For this demonstration, I will allow you this one time to defy me. Any further rebelliousness and it will not only be your mother that suffers!" said Enzo in that cold and clinical voice that brought fear to anyone who heard it. Blaise had understood perfectly; his sisters lives were now also in danger, and all because of him.
When he'd gotten his Hogwarts letter he thought foolishly that he'd been saved. Being so far away from his father meant that he'd have no cause to defy him, that the distance between them would give that man no reason for hitting his mother. But that feeling of being saved had vanished at the first letter from home he'd received. He opened the envelope carefully, hoping his mother had written him. Instead he found pictures of his mother lying face down on the floor, beaten and covered in her own blood. The simple note from his father said 'I own you. I own her. I own them. Don't even think it.'
Tracy had been the first to notice the grim faced boy, sitting alone at the far end of the Slytherin table. She'd approached him, noticing that look on his eyes that she also knew so well. And their friendship had started, brought about by their joint misery that came from their fathers'. Daphne didn't quite understand the pain he and Tracy suffered, having two loving parents and all. But despite that, the trio had formed a close friendship, and protected each other fiercely from the wickedness in House Slytherin.
It had been a heaven sent miracle that he'd been chosen for Pendragon. It amazed him that within a matter of days he'd gone from being a hated Slytherin with few friends, to being a Dragon, with family. He figured out pretty quickly that Harry and he shared a lot of the same history when it came to violence. He could see in the way Harry's carried himself and avoided human contact. But it was the eyes that cemented his suspicions; the green eyes held the same look of hopelessness he saw in his own.
It was a surprise to him when Godric and Harry had both told him to go and fetch his mother and sisters from the clutches of his father. Godric, for his part, knew the importance of having ones family protected, but not understanding the reason they needed protection. Harry, on the other hand, understood what Blaise was going through and as he and Pendragon could do something about it, made the offer that was his mission at the moment. To rescue his girls and see them safe!
The Zabini villa overlooked the township of Sanremo, a relatively small city on the far west coast of Italy, mere mile from the border with France. It was a huge compound that overlooked the blue beauty of the Mediterranean. He carefully meandered through the narrow streets of Sanremo, taking care to make sure he wasn't followed. Being stealthy was never a strong suit of his, preferring instead the 'act like you belong' method. But that wasn't possible where he was headed. To the untrained eye, the Villa was merely a beautiful example of classic Italian architecture. But for those in the know, the Villa was a den of foulness that permeated everything surrounding it.
Blaise managed to use the servants' entrance to quickly make his way towards his mothers' sitting room, hopeful that his sisters were there as well. He'd been lucky so far, the Villa seemed almost abandoned. The servants were probably attending to their duties throughout the house and grounds, working diligently so as to not upset the master of the house. He glided up the stairs silently, surreptitiously walking towards the far end of the house. He didn't bother knocking, but silently opened the door and closed it behind him after he entered.
It always healed his soul to see his sisters'. At the moment the two were napping on his mother's day bed, holding each other tightly. "Blaise, what are you doing here?" asked the dark-haired beauty that was his mother, who was sitting at their bedside reading a book.
"Come mother," he said as he embraced her forcefully, "I am getting you and the girls away from here. I have a safe haven for all of us, away from the Clan, away from father!"
Alessa Zabini hugged her son tightly, beginning to understand the implication of his words. "Are you sure Blaise? Take Clara and Elena instead, I will stay to face your father."
"No, mama, we all go! Grab the girls, we're leaving right now!" said Blaise vehemently. His mother nodded in agreement, moving to wake the sleeping girls.
"Mama is it time to wake up already?" asked the bleary eyed Clara. Seeing Blaise she squealed and launched herself at her brother, "Blaise!" The yelp from his sister Elena was also marked by the young girl throwing herself at her brother.
"Come girls, we're leaving right now. We have to get you all away from here. Follow me quietly and I'm going to take you to the safest, most wonderful and magical place in the world. We're all going to Hogwarts!
"And where, might I ask, do you think you'd be safe from me boy?" asked the cold voice of his father.
Blaise pulled his wand, and spun in an effort to raise it at the hated man. But his actions were too slow, as the fist that his father threw at him landed on his cheek and knocked him back against the wall. "I don't need my magic to take care of you, Blaise; you are a sad example of a dutiful and faithful son. Defying your father? I told you what would the consequences would be if you ever did that didn't I?"
Elena and Clara were crying loudly, trying through their fear to prevent their father from hurting their brother. Alessa tried to stop Enzo from attacking again, but was pushed aside like a rag doll. Enzo balled up his fists and began assaulting his son with everything he had. Punch after punch landed on the defenseless boy, his face getting bloodier by the moment, the snapping of his ribs getting louder.
"Master Bla…!" screamed Dobby before being forcefully ejected by the wards reacting to his intrusion.
Enzo laughed. He looked down at his son, 'how pitiful', he thought. "You haven't even the strength to face me. And to think that at one point I thought you'd be able to take over leadership of the Clan from me. You are pathetic, my son. And it will give me immense pleasure to see you squirm when I take my anger out on your sisters. Maybe that will show you that you can't rebel against me. But for now, it will be dear Alessa that suffers your betrayal!" Enzo pulled a wicked looking dagger from the folds of his cloak as he approached his wife.
Blaise looked up at his father through swollen eyes, and summoning what strength he had left, lunged at him.
Alessa clung tightly to Clara and Elena, but pushed them to the far side of the room trying to get as far away as they could from the beast before them. She'd seen the tiny house-elf try to appear, gaining some hope that it would try to help Blaise, but that swiftly went away as the creature vanished.
Enzo noticed the charging boy, and moved to avoid him, but was unprepared for the speed that Blaise was coming at him with. Blaise grabbed his father in a bear hug, wrestling with the knife in the man's hand. His father punched hard in the ribs, making Blaise wince in pain. It was then that the feral grin appeared on his father's face as the hated man took him in an embrace. "I had high hopes for you, Blaise…what a waste." and with a vicious thrust, plunged the dagger into his sons abdomen.
"Blaise!" yelled Harry as he popped into the room. Magic poured out of him as he took in the scene, two young girls cowering in fear, as the third woman tried desperately to reach her son. The man, bloody knife still in hand, was looking like a crazed psychopath. He gathered his magic as he extended his hand, releasing all the pent up emotion he was feeling toward the man. The knife was blasted from Enzo's hand, impaling itself into the wall with a resounding thud. The man took a step back in fear, realizing now that he was not at the top of the food chain were this boy was concerned. The power radiating off him frightened the seasoned Clan leader. Here was someone who would not be intimidated by his actions and would not give up without a fight to protect those that needed protection. He raised both hands pleadingly, asking for mercy without saying word. Harry looked at him in contempt, before with a negligent flip of his hand, had the man flying towards the far wall. Enzo looked like some twisted form of wall art, as he tried in vain to free himself from his magically imposed confinement.
Blaise lifted his head slowly, painfully, to look at his father. He had a hand pressed against his belly, trying to ignore the pain from the knife wound. "I am Pendragon, father, I never stand alone. My family is coming, asshole; you've lost your hold over us."
"The smart thing to do here, Mr. Zabini, would be to follow your son's advice and leave the rest of my brothers and sisters alone." said Harry as he calmly walked over to Blaise and knelt before him. "You look like shit, Blaise." said Harry worriedly.
"Kinda feel like shit too Harry, what the hell took you so long?" asked Blaise.
Harry was staring intently at the man that had hurt his brother. "Sorry about that, but Hermione and I decided to get married this afternoon…so, well, we were kind of preoccupied with that."
"Damn it Harry, don't make me laugh, this hurts like hell!" responded Blaise. "By the way, Mom, this is Harry Potter. Those two over there are Clara and Elena, my little sisters."
"A pleasure ladies, I hope to get to know you all better in the near future. Everyone one else should be here soon." Harry stood before the man, not an ounce of fear showing his features. "You've hurt Blaise for the last time, sir."
"Lord Harry bloody Potter! What the hell were you thinking charging out here all by yourself?" asked a winded Godric who was followed the rest of Pendragon.
"What?" asked Harry innocently.
ooOOooOOoo
"Oh, crap!" thought Hermione.
"Hermione, what is it?" asked a concerned Godric.
"It's Harry, he's…well, he's in Italy!" she answered.
"Italy. Harry popped himself to Italy? That's impossible!" asserted Godric.
"Yeah, well it may be impossible, but Harry is still in Italy. I can feel him through the bond. He is most definitely in Italy!" answered Hermione.
Sirius was not at all surprised, doing the impossible seemed common place to his godson. "Godric, floo to the ministry, they have an international floo you all can use to go to him. Make sure you bring him back in one piece, because I am going to dismember him when he gets back!"
"Of course Sirius, that's a capital idea! Dismembering sounds about right, although I've always preferred flogging. Come on Dragons, follow me!"
The Pendragon's arrived in Sanremo a few minutes later. Awkwardly asking the floo attendant for directions to the Zabini villa, they all charged up the hill as quickly as possible. Godric was a little taken aback at the wards surrounding the villa. They were powerful and it took him a few minutes to bring them down, and understanding now why Dobby had trouble getting through. When the wards finally fell, they raced across the compound heading for the main house, bursting through the doors like rampaging bulls. The sound of fighting coming from upstairs had them all clambering up the stairs.
It shouldn't have surprised Godric that Harry had everything well in hand. Had he time to think things through, he would have been proud at the way Harry seemed to have handled things. But he didn't have time to think things through, and he did the first thing that came to mind. He yelled at Harry.
It took all of Godric's will to keep from laughing at the response and innocent look that Harry directed at him. "Let me take care of this, Godric." said Hermione as she passed him and headed toward her husband.
Harry knew he was in trouble the moment he caught sight of Hermione. The look of anger in her eyes was somehow less frightening than the rage he felt from her through the bond. "'Mione?" he asked cautiously.
"Don't give me that 'Mione crap, Harry Potter! If you ever, and I mean ever, think about leaving me behind like you did I will hex you into next week!" she yelled at him.
"But you said…but Blaise…"
"Yes, Blaise was in danger! That does not mean you go charging off and leave us all behind! You could have been seriously hurt, and then where would I be." she embraced him roughly. 'I can't lose you Harry!' she thought to him.
He hugged her back fiercely, accepting that being married to this forceful young witch would require an adjustment to his 'charge first ask questions later attitude'. "I'm sorry; honestly, all I could think about was that our brother was in danger. I didn't stop to think it through, and you're right, it was stupid and impulsive." He buried his face in her hair, taking in the scent of her, the adrenaline in his system slowly dissipating.
"Harry, we have to get Blaise to Madam Pomfrey! Now!" advised Daphne as she and Tracy gently levitated him towards the exit.
"Guys, we have to get out of here! A bunch of really big and angry looking men are heading this way, and they don't look happy." gasped Ginny as she came barreling into the room.
"So? Let's just all pop back to Pendragon." suggested Harry.
"Little brother, you do realize we're in Italy, right?" asked George.
"Yeah, Harry, only you are strong enough to get back to the house." added Fred.
Godric pulled a sheet out from the day bed, "Everybody, take hold of the sheet, I'm going to turn it into a portkey. Harry, stay with Blaise, he's in no condition to travel this way. With the wards down, I'll get Dobby to take you back."
"Mama, I will see you in a moment." Blaise told his mother calmly, "get Elena and Clara out of here, we'll be right behind you!"
Harry kissed Hermione deeply just before the portkey activated. Through the bond he was able to confirm that they'd all made it back. "They're all back at Pendragon. You're mother and sisters are fine. Dobby?"
"Master Harry sir is alright?" asked Dobby.
"Yes Dobby, but Blaise here really needs to get to the hospital. Can you take us directly to the infirmary?" asked Harry.
"Right away, Master Harry!" said Dobby as he grabbed a hand from Blaise and Harry.
It was not a moment too soon, either, as the room suddenly filled with the angry men that Ginny had warned them about. Just before Dobby popped them away, Blaise looked at his father for the last time and in a soft voice said, "We are free."
ooOOooOOoo
Mrs. Zabini had gone to the infirmary to be with Blaise while he recuperated, accompanied by Daphne and Tracy. While his injuries were severe, they would not be life threatening. Clara and Elena sat by the fireplace with Luna and Neville, asking a thousand questions about Hogwarts and Pendragon that the couple did their best to answer. George and Fred had gone back to doing their homework, not wanting to fall behind the difficult schedule that Severus had set for them to attain their Potions mastery. Hermione, accompanied by Ginny, had gone down to the library to visit Remus and her parents. Godric and Sirius sat at the dining table, casting angry glances in Harry's direction.
Harry had gone to the kitchen to get some peace and quiet. The Founder and his Head of House had yelled and lectured him for the better part of an hour. That, along with the disapproving look from his friends (except for Fred and George, who were trying not to laugh), had made for a less than stellar afternoon.
He lost himself in his work, mechanically making the hearty stew that would feed them all that night. He let out a sigh as he noticed Godric and Sirius approaching. "Relax, Harry, we're done with the lecturing. We actually just came over to discuss the first task of the tournament with you. We've been lucky enough to find out what it will be."
Harry eyed them suspiciously, not quite sure what to make of that statement. "How did you find out?" he asked.
"The Weasley's, actually, Charlie Weasley. He's visiting the school come Monday, would you like to hazard a guess as to what his job is?"
"I think Ron or Ginny may have mentioned that he's works at a dragon reserve in Hungary…wait a damn minute, are telling me I have to face a freaking Dragon?" he'd said that a bit louder than intended, as that piqued the interest of the rest of the House towards the kitchen.
"Yes, Harry, you will have to face a dragon as part of the first task. From what Remus has been able to ascertain through his research, the first task usually involves a dangerous creature from which you must retrieve an item you would need for the second task." answered Godric.
Harry was stunned. A bloody freaking dragon! "You know, I think I'd rather face the basilisk again! What kind of sadistic bastard would make teenagers face a dragon?"
Sirius raised an eyebrow at Harry, knowing he'd eventually come up with the answer. "Think about it, pup. Who do you think?"
"Dobby, could you please finish dinner for me? I have a headmaster to find and castrate!" said Harry as he took off his apron and set it on the counter. Godric and Sirius stood to block his exit, Sirius even going as far as grabbing and holding Harry back.
"Let me go, Paddy!" yelled Harry.
"I will when you calm down! I'm the one that goes off half-cocked, not you, so settle the hell down!" roared Sirius.
"Harry, what's going on? Why are you so angry?" asked Hermione as she, Ginny, Remus, and the Grangers popped back to Pendragon.
"Oh, hey love, guess what? Sirius and Godric here have found out what I'm facing in the first task. Apparently, Headmaster Albus fucking Dumbledore has arranged for the four champions to be dragon kibble!" yelled Harry.
"Dragons?" gasped Hermione.
"Yes. Dragons. Big scaly lizard looking things that make that damn basilisk I killed look like a chew toy!"
Hermione did the only thing she could think of. She nodded her head at Sirius, who slowly released Harry. She embraced him and looked directly into his eyes. She kissed him softly, making sure that it conveyed to him all the love she felt for him. Through the bond she felt him starting to relax. 'I love you, 'Mione, thank you.'
'Silly boy, you never have to thank me for being there for you. I love you, and will be always by your side.' she replied.
"They're doing it again." said George.
"Seems like it. It was kind of cute to begin with. Now I think it's a bit rude." added Fred.
"What are you talking about?" asked Hermione curiously.
"The talking in your heads thing you two do! It leaves us," George said waving his hands dramatically at the huddled group, "out of the conversation!"
"You guys know? I thought it was our little secret?" she questioned.
"I may have mentioned that you two would gain that ability at some point. Forgive me, I hadn't even considered keeping it a secret from everybody." replied Godric.
"It's alright Godric, we more than likely would have told everyone eventually." added Hermione.
"You two can talk to each other, telepathically?" asked a stunned Emma.
"Yes, Mom, we can. It's one of the reasons I fainted this afternoon, as Harry had 'heard' a question I asked him," she said tapping her forehead, "in here!"
"Can we talk about this some other time!" said a worried Harry. "In case you've all forgotten, I have to face a dragon in a few days!"
"Oh, right then, moving along …" said Sirius with a lopsided grin.
"Behave, Lord Black, no need to upset your godson any further. Harry, you never let me finish explaining about the task. Yes, you're facing a dragon, but you need not worry about it." said a grinning Godric.
"I'm sorry My Lord, did you just tell me to not 'worry about it'?" said Harry as his anger once again started to bubble over.
"Uhm…sorry about that, I suppose I should have elaborated a bit more. What House are you in, Harry?" asked Godric a bit more seriously.
"Pendragon!" he answered immediately. Godric tilted his head to the side and gave him a questioning look. "Are you seriously telling me that I have power over dragons?"
"You do have the ability to talk to them, as do all of you Pendragons. Dragons love our House! Dragons are incredibly magical beings, after all, and thus highly sensitive to magic. They are not the lumbering beasts that most of the world believes them to be. Trust me when I tell you that you will have no problem dealing with this task."
Harry visibly calmed down at this. Hermione was holding on to him tightly further calmed him. Emma approached her children and hugged them both. "Godric, would it be okay for Dan and me to be here for the task?"
"That's a splendid idea Emma! We'll just have Dobby pop over to your home and bring you here." smiled Godric at the now relieved Emma.
A timer alarm going off shook Harry from his trance. "Dinner is about ready, I just have to pull the bread from the oven. Off you go, everyone, time to wash up. We'll eat in just a few minutes.
ooOOooOOoo
Dobby was excited when everyone had finished eating their desserts. He'd cleaned up the dishes quickly, excited at the prospect of showing Harry and Hermione their new quarters. Hogwarts and he had worked very hard to get everything just right.
"Lady Hermione, Lord Harry, Hogwarts and I have gift for you. Can we show you please?" asked Dobby as he bounced up and down in joy.
"A gift from you and Hogwarts, Dobby? You know you didn't have to do that."
"We did, Master Harry, I and Hogwarts know you are great wizard who will change world."
"I am, we are, very grateful to you both then Dobby. Lead the way!" said Harry as he took Hermione's hand and followed the still bouncing elf. They were led towards the far end of the common room, directly opposite the entrances to the girls and boys dorm rooms.
"Only you and Lady Potter may open this door, sir." he said indicating the wooden door before them. It reminded Harry of some doors he'd seen at Alder Glen. He was very impressed with the carving on the door, engraved in stunning detail, the coat of arms of House Potter.
"If the door is any indication, then the rest of it is bound to be beautiful as well." admired Hermione as she walked up to the door and grabbed the handle. With a distinct clicking sound, the heavy door swung open easily.
Harry and Hermione were left standing there open mouthed in amazement. The beauty of the room was amazing in the simplicity of its décor. A large marble inlaid bathroom took up one end of the room. There was also a study that Hermione couldn't wait to use, with two large desks facing each other. The master bedroom was large as well, with a huge four poster bed up against the far wall.
"Thank you Dobby, this is truly a wonderful gift. Thank you." said Hermione tearfully.
Harry knelt before his friend, and gave him a hug. "Thank you Dobby. This gift is beyond thoughtful."
With tears in his eyes, Dobby nodded at the two before heading toward the exit. He stopped and turned, looking toward his Lady and Lord, and bowed deeply before closing the door behind him as he exited.
"Well, I'm going to go take a shower. You, husband, are going to take one after I am done." Harry was blushing really hard.
Hermione reached for him and pulled him in for a hug which quickly turned into a deep kiss. "Harry, dear, I am just your average fifteen year old hormonal teenager. You, as a quasi-normal teenage boy, are probably doubly hormonal. It's going to be alright. We're definitely not old enough to be doing some things we probably wish we could be doing, but we're together now, and have all the time in the world."
"Quasi-normal?" he asked smirking at her.
"Yes, quasi-normal! Look at us Harry; we've got a room that we both share. My parents are on the other side of that door and are pretty okay with us being in here together, as evidenced by the fact that my father is not currently trying to break down the door. We've an ever growing bunch of people that we can call family. It's not really normal, is it? But it is normal for us, Mr. Potter."
He thought about her words as she kissed him and headed toward the shower. She was right; she almost always was, about their growing family. He chuckled a bit at the thought of Dan Granger trying to break down the door to get at the boy who would threaten his daughter's virtue.
His thoughts turned serious as he reflected on how close they'd come to losing Blaise, lucky that his injuries, while severe, where not life threatening. That he'd willingly placed his life in danger to save his mother and sisters was something that Harry understood perfectly. He would have done the same thing in an instant. The thought of Hermione in any sort of danger sent a cold shiver up his spine, but was reassured by her presence in his mind, telling him everything was alright.
He heard Hermione casting drying charms on her hair as he pulled some pajamas out of the dresser for himself. Unselfconsciously, he unbuttoned and pulled off his shirt and grabbed a towel Dobby had set for him on the bed. He headed for the shower, thinking perhaps that the act of cleansing would somehow quiet his racing mind.
Hermione had a smile on her face as she felt her husband enter the bathroom. A month ago, the thought of she and Harry sharing a bathroom would have never crossed her mind. And while the sharing was something new to her, it did feel natural. She turned to him with a smile, noticing that he'd taken off his shirt, and the color left her face as she took in the scars that Harry had crisscrossing his chest and stomach. She struggled for breath as she approached him, tears streaming down her face as she took in her husband's injuries. Harry frowned at her look, not quite understanding what she was looking at, and then he remembered that he'd taken off his shirt. He started backing away in fear and shame, trying ineffectively to cover himself with the towel he had thrown over his shoulder. But she was a bit quicker as she grabbed the towel and ripped it from his grip, tossing it on the bathroom floor. He lowered his head in shame, unable to look her in the eye.
Hermione had no words at the sight before her, her husband, ashamed at himself for the evil that was done to him! She reached out a hand and touched his chest, tenderly tracing her fingers over the old scars. He looked in her eyes and didn't see what he feared he would see: pity. Instead, a look of total love and understanding shone through those coffee colored eyes. She took his hand and led him from the bathroom and sat him on the bed. "Get in bed, Harry." she whispered.
He scooted back towards the headboard, pulling the thick blankets over himself as he felt Hermione join him. She placed her head on his shoulder, and cried softly. 'I'm going to murder them, Harry!' she thought to him. 'No love, they aren't worth the bother. I'm emancipated; I never have to see their faces ever again.'
'Will you tell me?' she asked.
'Someday, maybe; I don't like even thinking about it, much less talking about it.' he answered.
'Alright, love, for now I'll let this slide. But I won't forever. Someone hurt you, and all I want to do is hurt them back.' He ran his fingers through her hair, taking comfort in that simple action. It wasn't long before he fell asleep.
Hermione made sure Harry was asleep, and got up grabbing a robe and quietly left their room. She made her way towards her Head of Houses quarters. She stood before the door, unsure if she should be doing this, but steeled herself and softly knocked on the door.
"Hermione? Is everything alright? You look like you're ready to kill someone!" stated Sirius taking in the appearance of his godson's wife.
She could no longer hold it in. She couldn't let it out before, as Harry needed her to be supportive and strong for him. "Sirius!" she cried as she went to his arms. He was a bit taken aback by the action of the young witch, but not knowing what to do he held her tightly and let her cry. He looked toward his fiancée, who had come over to spend the night. She nodded encouragingly to him, knowing that the young girl just had to let the emotions out before she'd be able to say anything coherent.
"Sirius," she said between sobs, "they really hurt my Harry! I want to go and kill them right this second for the torture that they put him through."
"Talk to me Hermione, tell me what you mean?" asked a concerned Sirius, wondering what she was implying.
"They beat him; they beat him! He has scars all across his chest and back, they look like belt marks."
Sirius and Amelia both gasped at this. Sirius knew that Harry had been horribly treated in that house, but had never known just how bad things had really been. Amelia, for her part, was detaching herself from the emotion she felt for her soon to be 'nephew'. The Auror in her began formulating an action plan that would see those diabolical people incarcerated for the rest of their lives.
"Hermione, do you think you could get Harry to press charges against the Dursleys?" asked Amelia.
"You want to arrest them? Tell me you're joking!" spat Sirius.
"Easy Sirius, I'm just asking the question. But yes, I want to arrest them. You and the other Marauders going off on a killing rampage is not something I want to contemplate happening. Losing you again to Azkaban is NOT going to happen because you can't control your emotions! And lest you forget, losing your temper is the reason you spent all those years in Azkaban!"
She hadn't said it, but it was implied that it was also in part his fault that Harry had ended up in that house, as he'd been unable to take up his guardianship because of his incarceration. A tear trailed down his cheek, his anger now turned inward as the guilt washed over him.
"Don't Sirius; this is not your fault either. Yes, the Dursleys have much to answer for, and answer they will. But don't forget who actually put him in that house: Dumbledore!" added Amelia.
Hermione thought about that, deciding that she would convince Harry to press charges against his aunt and uncle. Even that horrid cousin of his had much to answer for. "I'll get Harry to press charges Amelia, I don't know how I'll do it, but I'll convince him."
"I'm going to have Tonks look into it from the muggle side of things too. If the injuries Harry sustained are documented in some medical file somewhere, we'll find it and use it against them. I promise you that they will not get away with what they did to your husband, Hermione!"
It was a much calmer Hermione who headed back to her room, quietly opening and then closing the door behind her as she made her way back to her bed. She climbed into bed and scooted over to place her head back on Harry's chest. She placed her ear over his heart, its strong beat finally lulling her to sleep.
ooOOooOOoo
"Cedric, mind if I have a word with you for a moment?" asked Harry of the 'Puff seeker.
Cedric raised an eyebrow questioningly at the young man, but nodded his head as he was led to a quiet corner of the great hall.
"Dragons." whispered Harry.
"Excuse me, you said what?"
"Dragons. Remember, Tri-Wizard tournament, tasks…"
"Oh holy crap, we're to face dragons for the first task?"
Harry dipped his head, leaving the stunned Cedric to deal with what lay ahead.
ooOOooOOoo
"Ms. Delacour, might I trouble you for a moment?" asked Luna softly.
The Beauxbaton champion looked curiously at the blonde witch before her. "What can I do for you, miss?"
"Lovegood, Luna Lovegood, Ms. Delacour. Someone wanted me to give you some information to help you with the first task. He didn't think you'd believe him if he told you himself, so he asked if I'd give you the information."
Fleur was genuinely curious now; that someone from a rival school would offer her help was almost ridiculous to think would ever happen. She decided to play along though, having already found out from Madam Maxime that the first task would have her facing dragons. It wouldn't hurt to have allies, she thought. "And what information would that be, little girl?" she asked a little condescendingly.
Luna raised an eyebrow at that, a bit dumbfounded at the attitude she was getting from the witch she was trying to help. "Dragons." she spoke softly before turning on her heels and leaving the stunned lady in her wake.
ooOOooOOoo
Igor Karkaroff, Headmaster of Durmstrang, watched nervously as Professor Snape walked towards him.
"Igor, I trust you've been well?" drawled Severus at the Death Eater.
Igor stared at the man before him, no longer looking like the sallow and pale man he remembered from before. This Severus was wholly different. He actually had color on his face, and the greasy hair he remembered was no more, as the long hair was now a silky black and held back in a ponytail.
"Can I safely assume that you know what's happening for the first task?"
"And what if I do?" asked Igor suspiciously.
"Nothing, Igor, I was just asking. I just have a bit of information that I'd be willing to pass along…as a favor." replied Severus.
"I know the first task. So, no, I don't need your help! I am not one who wants to owe the likes of you a favor!"
"Very well, Igor, have a good day then." said Severus with a mysterious smile as he walked away.
ooOOooOOoo
"I can't believe you told them!" yelled Fred.
"I will not have an advantage over the other competitors, Fred. But also, it was the right thing to do." said Harry.
"He's right you know, Fred." added George.
"I know he is, but it's just…wrong! It goes against everything I used to hold dear!" wailed Fred theatrically.
Godric was laughing to himself at the interplay between the three. It was helping to relax the tense atmosphere this morning of the first task had brought with it. Everyone had been up really early, none of them able to get much sleep as they all worried for their brother. Sirius was a wreck of nerves, running his fingers through his hair incessantly. Remus kept pacing back and forth in front of the fireplace, casting a glance at Harry every once in a while, before returning to the pacing. Severus was just frozen in place on the comfortable chair next to Sirius, his eyes a million miles away.
Godric saw Hermione come out of their bedroom, red eyes still clear to see despite her obvious attempts to wash them away. She walked calmly to her husband, and sat on his lap and buried her head in his chest. Hearing his heartbeat had a calming effect on her, as did the running of his fingers through her hair. "Dobby has breakfast ready if you're ready, 'Mione?"
"You must eat, Hermione. The day will be stressful enough, best not do it on an empty stomach." added Godric sagely.
Hermione threw him a look of annoyance, "I'm. Not. Moving!"
"That is okay, Lady Potter, Dobby bring you food!" said the happy elf as he brought he a plate he placed on the coffee table in front of her. She admitted to herself that it did look enticing, so she unwillingly moved from Harry's lap to sit properly. Taking a bite of the toast, she looked around, "where is everyone?"
"They're all down eating in the great hall. They wanted to get a read on what's going on with the rest of the school. Neville and Luna will meet us there when we leave. Daph and Tracy are at the infirmary and are going to help Blaise get down to the pitch. Ginny is with her parents visiting with Charlie, we'll see her at the pitch too," explained Harry. "Oh, and all the parents are touring the school with Hagrid."
'How can you be so calm?' she asked her husband.
'You think I'm calm?' he said staring into her eyes.
'Well, look at those three over there,' pointing at the Marauders, 'they look as if they're about to have kittens!'
Harry chuckled softly at the truth of her statement. 'I'm not even slightly calm; I am just not projecting it like everyone else.'
'How can you do that?' she asked curiously.
He considered her question carefully, "I honestly don't know, 'Mione."
"Don't know what Harry?" asked the twins.
"Hermione thinks I'm calm, I'm trying to explain to her how that's not the case, I am just able to put my fear in a box and let the calm wash over me."
Godric approached the group and sat, interested in where the conversation was heading. "It's a warrior's response, Hermione. Anybody would be scared at the prospect of facing a dragon. Harry though knows that being scared won't help him, so is able to set the fear aside and act through it rather than fear making him take action. It's a balancing act, too much fear and he wouldn't be able to do what needed to be done; too little fear and he would be careless with his actions."
Harry glanced down at his watch and sighed. "It's time."
ooOOooOOoo
The stands were bursting with people, not a seat empty. Godric had transformed the Pendragon robes everyone was wearing into something more…fashionable. The flat black robes had been transfigured to a deep royal purple, trimmed in gold, their House badge prominently displayed above their left breast. Hermione's had the added badge of House Potter, which was set just to the left of her Pendragon badge. She thought that odd, but would ask Godric about it later. She really didn't care who knew she was married to Harry. People would find out eventually, and that she'd be lambasted them and the press was a certainty.
Harry and Sirius led the regal procession of Pendragons, who followed in their wake. Hermione was holding on tightly to Harry's hand, trying not to let the fear overwhelm her. Following Godric, the Pendragons veered off and headed toward their designated spaces in the stands, where the parents had already been seated. Harry, Hermione, and Sirius kept going, marching towards the champion's tent.
It was the first time that Godric and his Pendragons had been seen in public since his arrival and the reopening of the House. The cheers died down as people caught their first glimpse at the wizarding world's hero. The silence was total, broken only by the occasional roar of a dragon in the far background. Godric cut quite the dashing figure in his bespoke suit and maroon robe. He and the rest of Pendragon stood stock still until they all, with military precision, sat as one. He turned back to look at his kids, "that was fun!"
"Tracy, I believe we've created a monster!" said Daphne grinning.
"Agreed, we'll just have to make sure to prick his ego in the comfort of our House tonight, don't you think?" asked Tracy.
"Girls, leave the poor man alone! He's been dead for eight hundred years, he's allowed a bit of showing off!" added Blaise sarcastically. He couldn't help himself, he knew what was coming, but just couldn't help himself. He closed his eyes in anticipation, and sure enough, his head rocked forward as the two slapped him in the back of the head.
"For the love of Merlin!" he yelled, "I'm a grievously injured person here! Mama!"
"Sorry, dear boy, you brought that on yourself and have only yourself to blame." laughed Alessa at the pouting face of her son.
Seeing the Dragons all laughing had the rest of the stands recover from their shock and begin once more to scream and shout.
ooOOooOOoo
"Sirius Black, I arrest you in the name of the Ministry!" yelled an angry Bartemious Crouch.
"Yeah, good luck with that, Barty!" mocked Sirius.
Barty Crouch turned to two Aurors standing at the entrance to the tent, "you two, arrest this man immediately!"
Shack and Tonks turned to the former Head of the DMLE, and looked at Sirius. "I'm sorry, Mr. Crouch, but we are unable to. Mr. Black has the sanctuary of Hogwarts, and may not be harmed or removed from the wards." answered Shack.
"Just get on with it Barty, we've a tournament to start, haven't we?" teased Sirius.
"Would you knock it out, Pads?" whispered Harry, "He's likely to make me face all four dragons if you don't shut it!" That brought Sirius up short, his grin vanishing from his face to be replaced by the cold hard stare he'd acquired while in Azkaban.
He walked over to Barty, whispering in his ear, "You sent me to prison even though I was innocent. I'm going to make you pay for that."
"Come on, Harry, let's get a move on. You've a dragon to face and dinner to make. I'm partial to spaghetti tonight, what do you think?"
"Ooooh, spaghetti, Harry can I please please please come over too, can I bring my parents?" asked a pink haired Tonks with a pleading look at Harry.
"Fine! Bring Shack too if he wants, okay?" said Harry with a mock glare.
Barty was able to collect himself, finally, as he turned to the four champions. "This afternoon, it is your task to face a dragon and retrieve from it a golden egg. An egg that you will need to be able to complete the second task. Points will be awarded by our panel of judges based on your speed and ingenuity, any questions?"
Harry, of course, drew the largest meanest dragon that existed. It's what he expected, really, given how fate seemed to want to screw him over as many ways as was possible. But he resigned himself to the task ahead, knowing that Godric would not put him knowingly in harm's way.
ooOOooOOoo
'Victor just finished his run, love, he's heading back to the tent with his egg.' said Hermione.
'How'd he do?' Harry asked curiously.
'Pretty good, I think. He blinded the dragon and was able to get the egg that way. They will probably deduct some points though, as the dragon accidentally stepped and broke some of her own eggs.' she replied.
'Well, I guess that means I'm next. I love you, Mrs. Potter.'
The wave of love coming over the bond at Harry was breathtaking. 'Be safe, Mr. Potter. Luna says she'll kill you if you get killed.'
He chuckled knowingly at his sister. 'Tell her Sirius wants spaghetti tonight and I expect her help. We've got a full house!'
'I will, be careful!'
"You ready there, pup?" asked Sirius.
"Yeah, I think so." he stood and embraced his godfather. "Amelia coming over tonight? I wondered what she thought of the will?"
"Yeah, she'll be there. Don't worry about that though, just get through this damn task. Screw the points; just come back to us in one piece or Hermione will be a bear to deal with!"
The cannon blast announced his time had started, and Harry calmly stepped from the tent to get his bearings. He stepped into what looked like a quarry, steep stone walls surrounded him. He saw the immense dragon staring at him menacingly.
~Approach and die human!~it roared.
~Lady Dragon, I am Harry Potter, member of House Pendragon of Hogwarts~ he said.
A long silence followed, as the rustling of chains was the only sound echoing off the walls of the quarry. ~You better not be lying human, or you will be a tasty treat!~
Harry stepped out from the exit, approaching the dragon warily.
'Harry, Godric says to not be scared, she'll let you approach her if only to test the truth of your statement' spoke Hermione.
~Your aura is strong, young one, and does indeed mark you as a Pendragon! If I didn't know any better I'd say you were one of the old wizards from before.~
~Before, Lady Dragon?~ he asked curiously.
~You may call me Zulaika, young mage.~ Harry bowed his head respectfully.
~I'm Harry, Zulaika, Harry Potter.~ he said, sitting before her on a boulder.
~Hundreds of years ago, as we dragons tell it, magic was much stronger than it is now. Human mages created spells of immense power and complexity, something we dragons have not seen in ages. As time passed the mages disappeared, killed by those you call muggles in acts of fear and weakness. The great mages of the era cut down, no one was left to pass down the ways of ancient magic to the next generation. You are the first of your kind that has shown some semblance of that past power, though you are young yet. It is unfortunate that magic seems to be fading from this world, for if magic were to vanish, so would we vanish as well!~she sighed heavily. ~ And why have you come before me, young Harry?~
~I am entered into a tournament, which is why you were brought here. You have among your clutch a fake egg that I am supposed to retrieve from you~ he answered.
~Yes, I had noticed. Do you want it?~
~If it's not too much trouble Zulaika? Apparently the egg contains clues for my next task.~
Zulaika swung her neck towards the eggs, carefully placing the golden egg in her maw. She reached over to Harry and placed it in his lap. She placed her nose right in front of him and took in a deep breath. ~You are mated, young one?~
~I am, my mate…my wife, is over there in the stands worrying about me.~ he said indicating towards the stands.
~Call her to you, Harry, I would like to meet your mate if that's okay?~ she asked.
'Mione, care to come over and meet Zulaika?' asked Harry.
'Seriously, she wants to meet me?' she asked in awe.
~She's on her way; she should be here in a moment. ~ he told her.
Hermione had come out from the stands a little embarrassed at the looks she was receiving from the galleries. Emma had refused to let her go, and only Dan and Godric prying her fingers from Hermione's arm had allowed her to join Harry.
Harry stood and reached out a hand, which she took eagerly, glad to be back at her husband's side. Even though she was standing in front of the largest living thing she'd ever seen, just being able to touch Harry had reassured her of their being safe. She looked up at the dragon, and bowed deeply to her.
~A pleasure to meet you, Lady Dragon.~ she said timidly.
~You may call me Zulaika, Hermione. Your mate is almost as powerful as you young mage! Hermione, through the blessing of Magic, you two will be able to accomplish the seemingly impossible if you only set your minds to it. I fear that danger lies ahead for you both, remember that together you are stronger. When the danger has passed, I wish you both to come see me. Now, call your clutch mates, Harry, it has been too long since I've been able to have a conversation with anyone, and you Pendragons always were a precocious and cheeky bunch.~
Harry let go of Hermione's hand, and walked out the exit, ending his task. Stepping back out of the tent he waved at Pendragon to join him and Hermione. The eager Pendragons, along with Godric and Sirius, made their way over to Zulaika. They all stood before her and bowed deeply.
~Your clutch mates are all powerful as well, young mage. Remember that the darkness will have no chance against you if you all stand united.~
~Lord Godric, it is good to see you again, though a bit odd as you are supposed to be dead!~
Godric chuckling said ~It is good to see you as well, Zulaika. Is all well with you and your family?~
~All is well with them. Our range is suitable, and our keepers keep us well fed. Bring your cubs to our range sometime Godric, we have younglings that need riders!~
All the Pendragons whipped their heads at Godric; even Sirius was staring at him in anticipation. Godric made a big show of deliberating it before nodding his head, ~Very well, Zulaika, we shall visit soon!~
The Dragons completely lost it at that, whooping and hollering in delight. They were going to ride dragons!
ooOOooOOoo
The silence in the stands was, quite simply, astounding. No one moved and no one made a sound as the sight of House Pendragon standing before the dangerous creature amazed them. Dumbledore for his part was furious. Harry had made a mockery of his tournament. No magic had been used; no heroics displayed, no epic battle was fought. A simple conversation, with a bloody dragon of all things, was all it had required for Harry to complete his task.
His control was slipping away, and he had no idea how he was going to regain it if lost. The sight of House Pendragon actually bowing and showing respect to the creature sickened him. This was not how the world was meant to be! Creatures were to be subdued and conquered. He'd have to talk to that Skeeter woman at some point to make sure she vilified this turn of events. That the boy-who-lived was cavorting with that beast had to be shown in the worst possible light. Once the public turned against him, it would be simple to reassert his control over Potter.
But something more was bothering him, something that he couldn't quite put his finger on. The appearance of Augusta Longbottom at the school was quite annoying. She'd been a pain in the ass when she'd been a teacher, trying unsuccessfully to stop the downturn in academic standards that he was implementing. Once she'd gone, it was easy enough to hire the worst teachers he possibly could. In the span of a few years Hogwarts had gone from the guiding light of magical schooling to laughingstock.
It was all for the 'greater good'.
Having a dumbed down population would make the return of Tom all the easier, as the sheep would only be able to cower in fear. They would bend over backwards to accommodate any request Albus had of them, so long as the Dark Lord was taken care of. He'd managed to defeat Grindewald after all, to much acclaim and adulation. He missed the acclaim and adulation. Ridding the world of a second evil would cement his legacy as a hero and legend. And after taking over the ministry, he would leave this world a better place. Cleaner and disinfected of the filth that now polluted it.
OoOOooOOoo
It was a rowdy dinner that night, Pendragon fit to bursting at the seams with the amount of people that now congregated there. And Harry had never been happier. His wife stood by his side as she gently stirred the huge simmering pot of gravy, tasting it occasionally and adding seasoning, before resuming her stirring.
Luna was on his other side, slicing thick slabs of bread before slathering them with the garlic and butter concoction she had made. She had a look of intense concentration on her face that he found really endearing. He kissed her forehead before resuming his work on the tiramisu, the dessert having been the request of the entire House.
"What, only she gets a kiss?" asked Hermione with a smirk.
"Now, now, Hermione, no need to be jealous just because Harry likes me more than he does you!" responded Luna.
"Oh, really, because it think that I'm the one that's sleeping with him!"
Harry turned a deep red, and froze in place, not knowing what to do. It was only when the girls started laughing at him that he understood that he was being teased mercilessly!
"Your husband is too easy to tease, Hermione."
"I know, and hopefully that won't change for a long time." added Hermione before placing a loving kiss on Harry's lips.
"Hey, I had a thought about the Christmas holidays; I could use your opinions."
"What's the plan, love?" asked Hermione curiously.
"Well, Alder Glen is huge and hasn't been used in ages. I bet we could all fit in there easily enough, and we could all of us have Christmas together." explained Harry.
Hermione thought this was brilliant idea. It wouldn't take too much to convince her parents, the Marauders or Godric. The Zabini's and the Davis' were already here. The Greengrasses would surely come, as would Madam Longbottom and Neville. Harry wouldn't let Luna spend it alone if her father was out of the country again. The Weasley's however, would probably go to the Burrow, if only to keep Ron away from them.
"Could I invite Tonks and her family? Maybe the Bones' girls as well?" she said.
"Hermione, it's OUR home now, invite anyone you want!" said Harry as he grabbed her hand.
She entwined her fingers in his, 'thank you, love.'
He kissed her brow, "For you, anything and everything!"
Luna giggled, "Dear Merlin, Harry, the cheese is never-ending with you, isn't it?"
"Hey, lay off the husband! I happen to like the cheese, thank you very much." she said as she planted a kiss on his cheek.
"How are you able to feed this many people, Harry?" asked Tonks curiously as she walked in.
"It takes practice, that's for sure. But having two beautiful assistants always helps!" he responded.
"Tonks, how would you and your parents like to spend Christmas with us at Alder Glen?" asked Hermione casually.
Tonks eyes bugged out at that, "Seriously, we can come with you guys to the Glen? Remus has told me how beautiful the place is, can we really come?"
"Of course, that's why I asked."
Tonks squealed in delight and ran from the room in search of her parents. Remus came in a not a moment later, his hand on his cheek, and stunned look on his face. "Alright there, Moony?" asked Harry.
"Tonks just came barreling into me, kissed me on the cheek, and then ran away!"
"And that's a problem because…?"
He shook his head, trying to banish the thoughts in his head regarding the beautiful young Auror. It wasn't really working, but he did try. "No problem, it was just curious is all."
Harry laughed at his uncle, "It's okay if you like her Remus, I've got the feeling she likes you too!" Hermione and Luna nodded vigorously in agreement.
"Really, huh, who would've thought…" he said as he wandered disractedly away from the kitchen.
Dinner was finally ready, and the hungry horde helped themselves to the grand buffet that Harry and the girls had laid out. Godric had conjured up an extra table that the adults had taken over, although one would be hard pressed to tell the difference given the laughing and teasing going on there.
"Harry and Hermione have invited all of us to spend Christmas at his home. Don't worry, there is plenty of room for everyone, believe me!" stated Sirius.
"What do you think Sirius, wouldn't it be a huge imposition?" asked Alessa.
"I rather doubt it," said Severus, "look at them all, together, like family. That's not going change. Harry has always wanted a large family, and now he has one. Offering his home for the holidays, in his mind, is probably the least he can do."
"Just wait until those two start having kids!" chuckled Dan.
"Daniel Granger, I swear, if Hermione and Harry have kids before leaving Hogwarts it is you that I'm going to insist gets put on diaper duty!" The entire table laughed at the pale face that Dan now sported.
"I for one am all for it. Neville and I have had few happy Christmases. Spending it with his girlfriend, his brother, and his extended family will make both of us very happy." added Augusta.
"Deirdre and I will definitely be there!" said Adrian. "We have a wonderful time, just the three of us, but it would be nice to do something grand."
Deirdre kissed her husband's cheek, "He's right, having a huge Christmas would be wonderful!"
"I get to spend time with Tracy, that's all I can ask for." whispered Bronwyn. "Christmas in our home was not happy; it will be a blessing like none other to see my girl smiling even more brightly than she is right now."
And so it was arranged, Christmas at Alder Glen was in all their futures.
A/N
Thankfully, finished. I might, at some future date, rewrite this chapter. While somewhat pleased with it, I think I could improve it.
Question for ya'll: Severus marauder name? I can't for the life of me think of anything that would suit him. Ideas? I suck, horribly, at naming things, as my black cat 'Blackie' will attest to.
Another thing…I probably won't write Fleur (or anyone with an accent for that matter) the way I mostly see it done, you know, how 'ze vela talk to 'arry and such. Usually when I'm reading, my mental 'voice' supplies the accent. Hopefully it does for you guys as well. Besides, it would take me way too long to butcher words like that!
Lastly, I was just about to start reading a story when I became fascinated with the 'discussion' taking place in the review section. It was all about canon this, and non-canon that. It got me to thinking. As a newer member to fanfic, it had been my thought that all the writing in here is non-canon. I mean, only JKR writes canon, correct? Or am I over simplifying this question?