A Kiss Can Save The World
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Chapter 10
Emma Granger sat watching the young redhead walk back and forth covering the same piece of carpet again and again.
"Ginny please stop! You wearing out the rug isn't going to help them. Come over here and sit with me."
"Oh Emma I'm just so worried, I know they can take care of themselves but I wanted to help!"
Ginny sat on the sofa with Emma who put her arm comfortingly round the girl.
"Listen Ginny, when Harry and Hermione faced Voldemort Dan and I were with them."
Ginny looked at her with part astonishment and not a little awe.
"Dan and I thought that being there would help and couldn't have been more wrong! We were so far out of our depth I was terrified. Had anything went wrong we would have been liabilities, someone could have been hurt trying to keep us safe while Harry and Hermione wouldn't have been able to concentrate for worrying about us."
Ginny was beginning to understand as Emma continued
"If Harry and Hermione know their loved ones are safe it allows them to concentrate on protecting each other. I can see they both love you and know you love them but this is the best way we can help, by staying safe and letting them do their stuff"
Ginny sighed, "I know your right but I feel so helpless. This is so hard!"
Emma gave a rye smile, "I never said it was easy! That's my only child out there and I don't care what some age spell says she's still my little girl and if anything happens to her…"
"If anyone even looks like harming Hermione then all hell will break lose in the shape of Harry, Dobby and Winky!" said Ginny
The tears were slowly running down Emma's cheeks as the roles reversed and Ginny now comforted the woman who was effectively her grandmother – Potters sure don't do normal!
Sirius was enjoying his newfound freedom; a visit to Gringotts had been followed by a quick trip to the barbers and then onto Madam Malkin's.
It was now a very different Sirius Black that was sitting in Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor drinking coffee while people watching.
Remus sat beside his friend contemplating the changes in his life since last week.
He now had a job, was wearing new robes Sirius had bought him along with the dress robes ordered for Harry and Hermione's wedding and sitting having coffee in public with his friend for the first time in over thirteen years.
Any one of those events, and new robes was an event would qualify as a red letter day in the life of Remus Lupin but all of them together had him slightly worried.
It seemed every time Remus got a break the shit would hit the fan and he'd be back to square one or lower. With a boost of this proportion the relevant downturn would require dragon dung and a propeller!
The Hogwarts professors heard the commotion heading towards them and when they saw the imposing figures leading the procession both men were out of their seats, heading towards their two favourite teens and all thoughts of the planned visit to the Apothecary forgotten.
Hermione saw them first and waved, "Sirius, Remus over here! We're going to have a little chat with the Wizengamot, should be fun if you've nothing better to do!"
Sirius was grinning like a madman while Remus had a distinctly wolfish look of delight on his face as both echoed "Oh we wouldn't miss this for anything!"
By the time they reached the front of the ministry for magic, parade was the only term to describe it as witches and wizards had tagged along while they made their very public way to the doors of power in wizarding Britain.
There were over a hundred people heading for the checkpoint as the wizard on duty bravely stood with his hands out in the universal signal to stop as he shouted over the crowd noise.
"I need your names, nature of business at the Ministry and I need to weigh your wands!"
Harry just smiled, "I am Lord Gryffindor and this lovely young lady is my wife, we have an appointment with the Wizengamot and don't carry wands!"
The guard had no answer especially when Harry gestured over his shoulder to the unconscious Aurors and assembled crowd.
"Oh and they're with us!"
The poor wizard was lamenting the fact that training never covered this scenario
"I'm sorry my Lord but I don't have enough visitor badges!"
Hermione roared with laughter "the angry mob is at the door with pitch forks and torches, only at the ministry would they worry about enough visitor badges!"
Harry just shook his head and started heading towards the Wizengamot, politely asking directions from shocked ministry workers as everyone stopped what they were doing and joined the parade.
They eventually found themselves outside a set of double doors that were being guarded by eight Aurors; reinforcements had been called as the news spread.
Hermione spoke to Remus and Sirius "let us handle this, don't draw your wands unless attacked"
One of the Aurors shouted, "Only Potter and Granger are allowed in, the rest of you go home!"
The same Auror was now looking along the bloody blade of Godric's sword into the deadliest pair of eyes he'd ever seen
"Insult my wife, the Lady Gryffindor again and I will kill you!"
Two Aurors on Harry's left reached for their wands but were stunned by Harry without him even looking, as his gaze never left the wizard at the end of his blade.
Hermione approached and put her hand on his shoulder "I'm so glad you had that chat with Ginny on anger management, she would just have killed him!"
The Auror fainted
"Ok anybody else have anything to say or will we pay our unelected officials a visit"
The doors were open and they marched through only to stop in disbelief at the sight waiting for them.
The members of the Wizengamot sat on raised benches around the room but it was to the centre of the chamber that all eyes were drawn. Two wooden chairs complete with chains awaited occupants while a pair of dementors hovered next to them.
Prongs and his mate immediately shot out of the Potters hands with the doe shepherding each dementor towards a face full of antlers while an enraged Dobby and Winky reduced the chairs to matchsticks.
In less than a minute the whole assembled crowed was presented with a never before seen sight, dead dementors!
The golden stag and doe headed towards their owners where they received a grateful pat on the head before disappearing.
Harry asked Hermione to wake the Aurors, which she did with a casual wave of her hand.
"Tim Davis!" Harry shouted, standing in the centre of the chamber with his sword clearly in view.
Not a word was spoken but every head in the Wizengamot turned towards a balding, middle-aged wizard sitting on the front row of benches.
"Ah, Tim Davis I presume! Could you please explain to the good people here why you would send armed Aurors into Gringotts demanding they hand over two friends of the goblin nation?"
Shocked silence permeated the entire chamber.
"The wizarding world couldn't deal with a half blood prick like Voldemort so now you want to pick a fight with a noble race of warriors!"
A collective sharp intake of breath at the mention of the evil wizards name was still the only sound
"I want a name Davis and how much you were paid!"
Harry stood, sword ready and radiating power as he fought to control his temper, only Hermione's soothing words through the bond held him together.
Tim Davis sat terrified; the acting chief warlock was getting ready to crawl under the bench in an attempt to reach the exit behind him. It wasn't much of a plan but then Davis wasn't much of a wizard! He suddenly found himself lifted out his seat and floating three meters off the ground in the centre of the room.
"I want some answers!"
Davis was now spinning upside down and as the galleons started to fall from his pockets Harry summoned and then floated the coins over to Griphook who placed them in stacks to be counted.
After a minute with no more gold appearing Griphook gave the figure
Hermione exploded
"Two hundred galleons, you nearly started a war for two hundred galleons! Each Aurors that was sent out today, their life was worth ten galleons!"
Hermione was now seriously angry as people looked for cover from the power escaping the raging witch
Davis shot towards Hermione and was looking into her eyes as she spoke
"NAME, NOW!"
He managed "Gree" before his heart stopped beating and he collapsed to the floor dead from an unbreakable vow.
Hermione was looking for something to blast when she felt her husbands arms pull her into an embrace, which at least stopped the building shaking.
As the Wizengamot members started to poke their heads back up Hermione broke the embrace, she now had an outlet for her temper
"What is wrong with you people? You are members of the most eminent assembly in the wizarding world yet use this position to line your vaults with bribes and vote with commercial self-interest at every turn. Your list of failures is spectacular and our whole world pays the price"
"Why was Voldemort not dealt with? The goblins had all the information you required but nobody bothered to ask them. An innocent man, Sirius Black spent twelve years in Azkaban without a trial! My husband had his parents legal will ignored, the Potter vaults robbed, his magical core bound and memory obliviated by the Chief Bloody Warlock of the Wizengamot!"
Harry's arms again found their way around his wife as he offered his support and love.
Harry took over, "The Wizengamot cannot continue in its present form, Amelia who do you trust?"
Amelia answered, "Griselda Marchbanks is the most honest and trustworthy person I know"
"That's good enough for us, any objections?"
Not a sound was heard
"Congratulations Madam Marchbanks we wish you well with the undertaking of this mammoth task. Our philosophy is put the best people into position then let them do their job that's why our new company Stag Industries has Griphook, Dobby, Winky, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, Dan and Emma Granger as well as the Potters as directors. We all have the best interests of the magical world at heart"
The implications of Harry's words combined with the shocking display of magical power from the couple left no room for doubt in anyone's mind, change voluntarily or we'll do it for you!
The composition of his board of directors was not lost on them, a goblin, 2 elves, 2 purebloods, a werewolf, 2 muggles, a halfblood and a muggle born!
Inclusion and equality would be the new ministry buzzwords.
Amelia and Griselda knew the responsibility for changing the magical world was about to fall on their shoulders but that was as it should be, they shouldn't need a couple of teenagers to save their arses at every turn, though it was comforting to know they were available if required! They both turned to the Potters and nodded.
Hermione then threw a hand grenade into the Wizengamot, "Madam Marchbanks you can expect a few resignations as anyone who has excepted bribes in the past has until tomorrow to resign or have the details of said bribes and what they were spent on published in the Daily Prophet!"
There was uproar until Harry held his hand up
"Anyone who feels unfairly treated is welcome to meet with me personally"
From behind him Harry heard Sirius start to laugh and his comment, "like that's going to happen" started the whole crowd containing ministry workers, Aurors and just general wizarding public laughing at the Wizengamot members getting their comeuppance.
Hermione asked, "Amelia, just out of interest what charges were we facing today?"
It was an embarrassed Amelia who replied "underage use of magic"
The crowd turned ugly as they remembered the chairs and dementors
Harry said, "Madam Marchbanks it is our belief that no one is above the law, please can you cast the age verification spell on my wife and I"
She also looked embarrassed but complied and like Poppy cast the charm again to confirm her results "it would appear that an apology is in order as you are both of age"
"Thank you now if our business here is concluded we should be going and allow these good people to return to work. Tomorrows Prophet should be interesting!"
With that they left throwing the two hundred galleons into the fountain on the way out.
They had just left the ministry when Sirius couldn't hold it any longer "take out over twenty aurors, storm the ministry, kill a couple of dementors while forcing the Wizengamot to back down! Not satisfied with that you choose the next Chief Witch and tell half the Wizengamot to resign or else – just a normal day for the Potter's?"
"That was the most awesome display of magic I've ever seen but what's Stag Industries?" asked Remus
"It was on our to-do list but not here, we need to go somewhere private for this discussion," said Harry
"Actually love this might be better in public with a few silencing charms, let the people see the group" said Hermione
"As usual my brilliant wife is correct, Dobby could you get Dan, Winky I think Ginny and Emma will be going nuts about now so we'll all meet in Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor"
The elves popped off to collect the rest of the group as everyone headed for the Parlor
When the girls arrived Ginny hugged Harry while Emma held Hermione at arms length, checking for injuries before following the young witch's example and hugging her daughter.
Florean was delighted to see Harry again and gave the group a large table at the window and taking orders from the ten of them since the three guards had left for Gringotts and Dan had arrived with Dobby.
The elves had a hard time sitting at the table while someone served them but thoroughly enjoyed their ice cream sundaes.
Griphook did the honours with the silencing charm while Harry asked the question
"Did anyone here think what happened at the ministry today will accomplish all our goals?"
No one answered
"Then why did you do it?" asked a confused Remus
"To keep them busy while our real plan gets off the ground, it also doesn't hurt that the ministry and Wizengamot are now behind us" said Hermione
Sirius just shook his head, "I could have sworn you both were in Gryffindor, when did you get so Slytherin?"
"We're just using a bit of misdirection while the real prank takes place unnoticed, wonder where I got that from?" Harry's comments drew a smile from both Marauders
"The only way to change the wizarding world is commercially which is where Stag Industries come in. Our plan will see the best Hogwarts graduates vying to join our company, which will influence every aspect of wizarding life."
Harry continued despite the sceptical looks "We are going to be teaching young witches and wizards to use mobile phones and emails, you think they'll go back to tying a piece of parchment to a birds leg when they can talk to someone in Beauxbatons instantly. The students from the other two schools currently at Hogwarts will have six months use of our muggle studies annex and then be offered the same facilities built at their school for free! What are the chances they're going to say no?"
"At the same time we will be working on magical equivalents to the muggle devices which will be produced and sold under the Stag banner. Ginny, did you enjoy the muggle shopping?"
The change of direction caught everyone out
"It was brilliant Harry, I didn't know so many clothes existed"
"What if I told you that the new annex will have a clothes shop and each student will be given muggle money to help teach them how to shop and pay for their goods!"
"They get to keep the clothes?" asked Ginny
"Yes"
"Hermione your husband is going to be the most loved man in Hogwarts! Hell he already is!"
Hermione just laughed, "There will also be a muggle stationary shop because pens and notebooks are a lot easier to use and cheaper than quills and parchment. We will still use the traditional methods but for reports and homework. Once we have magical equivalent of CD players we can stock the shop with them as well."
Harry continued, "We're pretty sure that the youth will go with our ideas but we need to start changing the adults which will take longer. Remus, what's the position in the werewolf community?"
"Fenrir Greyback didn't have a dark mark so he's still out there but apart from him most just want to lead as normal a life as possible" answered Remus
Harry glanced at the elves and Griphook who nodded, "right that's him taken care of!"
Cries of "what!" and "how!" came from Sirius and Remus
Harry explained, 'wizards walk about with their superior attitude but Dobby dumped Lucius Malfoy on his arse and that was before he transformed! We took down twenty Aurors today holding back, the goblins are born fighters and I felt very comfortable knowing they had my back. The elves will find Greyback with the goblins taking care of business."
"Can it really be that easy?" asked Sirius
"The reason Voldemort succeeded was because the ministry officials and Wizengamot members all have their own agendas or can be bought. Our world is full of people who've been taught it's their birthright to be better than everyone else and anything they want is theirs for the taking. They weren't above the law, they were the law!"
"The idea that ability and hard work brings success is a totally alien concept, Hermione is incredibly powerful, exceedingly brilliant, stunningly beautiful and filthy rich but to a large part of our society she'll always be just a mudblood and anyone insulting her dies – their rules not mine!"
Hermione leaned over and kissed her husband, "Remus pass the word amongst the community that free wolfsbane potion, jobs and housing for them and their families will soon be available through Stag Industries."
Remus couldn't speak; he was shaking Harry's hand and kissing Hermione's cheek while shedding tears of joy
"Dobby and Winky, can we find out if other elves are being abused then see about getting them out of there! Any legal options available even if we have to go for the financial ruin option, anyone who mistreats an elf is a shit in our eyes and no sleep will be lost over it." Said Harry to some very happy elves
"We actually thought of an Elvin village where you could live rather than lofts or cupboards. Have houses built to your design and form a community some where close to Hogwarts, we already own the land but it's your decision!"
Dobby, like Remus shook Harry's hand and kissed Hermione while Winky kissed everyone though she did seem to kiss Dobby for a lot longer than she did anyone else!
"I take it that's a yes then!" said a beaming Hermione
"Mum, dad we haven't forgotten the non magical folk. Every year children die in this country from illnesses that can be cured in the magical world. We plan to open the Lily Potter Clinic to save as many as we can. It will be a small private clinic and with the goblins help we should be able to get round the non-magical regulations. Even if we have to obliviate to keep our world secret what's losing a tiny piece of your memory compared to losing your child?"
Sirius now had tears in his eyes as well, "Prongs and Lily would have been so proud, hell I'm so proud of you two I could burst!"
Harry turned to Griphook, "I know the goblins want recognition as equals and in our eyes you have that and more my friend but your goals will take the longest to achieve. We had thought having a goblin teach investment and finance at Hogwarts would help but I would now like to add the noble art of fencing to that list after seeing you in action."
"I am honoured by your words and delighted at the suggestion of goblins teaching at Hogwarts. The goblin nation has aligned itself to Lord and Lady Gryffindor and the ideals expressed here today make me proud to have played a small part. It would give me great pleasure to be involved in Stag Industries." Declared Griphook
Sirius placed his right hand on the centre of the table saying, "Count me in!"
Remus immediately followed his actions placing his hand on top of Sirius's
Dan, Emma, Winky, Dobby, Griphook, Ginny and Hermione repeated this before Harry placed his hand on top saying "Stag Industries, for the benefit of all!"
A golden light shot along each of their arms as the strangest brotherhood in history was formed.
Harry was scared as he walked along the garden path arm in arm with Hermione towards the beautiful cottage set in the heart of Kent. Dan and Emma were in front and grinning like Cheshire cats at Harry's discomfort, they were spending way too much time with Sirius!
The cottage door opened and Harry was stunned into silence as Hermione led him into the living room.
"Oh my Hermione how you've grown and on the arm of a handsome young man as well! He's a quiet one I see and they're the worst, sir what are your intentions towards my granddaughter?" asked Amanda Granger
"Excuse me but I was told I was here to meet Hermione's grandmother and when you opened the door I thought you were Dan's sister, his younger sister at that!"
"I like this one Daniel though I notice you never answered my question" said a beaming Amanda
"My apologies Mrs Granger I can assure you my intentions are honourable, in fact we're here to invite you to our wedding this Saturday!" replied a smiling Harry
Amanda Granger had to sit down while Dan supplied a small sherry from the decanter on the sideboard.
Harry was only half joking when he said Amanda could pass for Dan's sister, only the younger part was in jest! She was a beautiful woman in her mid fifties who easily looked ten years younger. Between her and Emma it was obvious where Hermione took her beauty.
Everyone was now seated as Dan carried out the introductions "Mum, this is Harry Potter, otherwise known as Lord Gryffindor!"
Dan had been looking forward to his mother's reaction for days but this was totally unexpected, she sat staring at Hermione while her mind seemed to be elsewhere.
"Mum, are you alright? I know it's a bit short notice…"
"Why didn't you tell me Hermione went to Hogwarts?" asked Amanda to the total astonishment of everyone in the room
"Gran how do you know about Hogwarts?" asked Hermione
"My grandmother was a squib, her mother had attended Hogwarts and was in Gryffindor, and then she married a non magic person who left after finding out she was a witch. When I was little I used to love listening to stories of the castle but my mother always said Gran made them up and they were like bedtime stories. Please tell me it's true!"
A dozen of the reddest roses she'd ever seen appeared in front of the young man and floated into her arms. Here was the proof her beloved grandmother had told her the truth all those years ago.
Hermione conjured a stunning crystal vase as the roses were placed on the centre of the table.
"Oh I'm sorry for being such a bad host but it means so much to know my grandmother was telling the truth! Now what's this I heard about a wedding and my Hermione going to be a Lady no less!" asked Amanda
Emma started laughing "Mum because of magic they're already married but Harry wanted to do it properly for Hermione and is having the old St Mary's church rebuilt as her wedding present. Meet Lady Hermione Jane Potter Gryffindor!"
"I think I could use another small sherry Daniel" Amanda said
Taking her glass to refill it Dan joked "Don't worry mum your taking this better than me, I fainted!"
"I think that was more to do with the golf course dad!" Hermione laughed
"Mrs. Granger Hogwarts is undergoing a lot of rebuilding at the moment but I would be delighted to give you a tour of the castle when it's finished" said Harry
Amanda hopefully asked, "You can do that?"
A laughing Emma said, "Mum Harry and Hermione own Hogwarts!"
"Where's that sherry Daniel?"
It was a different Harry and Hermione who now stood with Ginny clinging to them, dressed in black with the Potter / Gryffindor family crests on their cloaks.
Harry looked around the small group gathered in a quaint private glade in the evening light just behind the castle and saw the five remaining Weasley brothers with their heads lowered as Ron's coffin lay in front of a small podium. The Hogwarts staff were also present.
This was not a religious service rather a gathering of family and friends to share stories and reminisce about the deceased.
Bill spoke first about Ron's preference for running about the burrow without the benefit of clothing, which had a few people blushing until Bill casually mentioned that he was only three at the time!
Charlie then told the tale of Ron's first time on a broom though the scolding that resulted was glossed over.
Percy recalled teaching Ron the rules of chess and how no one had been able to beat him since!
The twins spoke together of the numerous pranks they had pulled on their younger brother, or to give him his full title "test subject'
McGonagall described the scene in a girls toilet containing a certain three first year Gryffindors and a fully grown, thankfully unconscious by the time she got there mountain troll. It was also the day a certain brown haired witch had lied to her head of house!
When they got up to recall their favourite memory of Ron, Hermione was still blushing at her former head of house knowing she lied.
The told of the giant chess set and their best friend Ron's sacrifice so they both could continue the task of stopping Voldemort reaching the stone.
The irony that a few short years later he would lose his life trying to split them up was not lost on the people assembled.
Ginny was too emotional to speak, she had clung to Harry and Hermione only letting go when they went forward to say their part. She was currently being held by Bill but immediately switched back to the Potters after their speech finished.
As the sun was setting Ron's coffin was lowered into the grave and covered in earth.
Fireworks exploded into the sky but these were unusual in that the multicoloured display normally associated with fireworks had been replaced by bright orange in homage to Ron's favourite Quidittch team.
A simple but beautiful marble headstone appeared bearing a white knight chess piece and the inscription
Ronald Bilius Weasley
Brother and Friend
The three Potters again shared a bed but there was no laughter tonight, just plenty of tears as they hugged drawing whatever comfort they could from each other.
No matter your age or magical maturity losing a brother / best friend hurts like hell.
The name of Molly Weasley was cursed quite a few times that night!