Disclaimer – Harry Potter and its affiliates are the sole property of JK Rowling.
Disclaimer – Merlin and Morgan Le Fey are characters in History and Myth. They do not belong to me either.
Disclaimer – Sun Runner abilities are the property of Melanie Rawn.
Note – I am glad that you all enjoyed the humor that I posted in the last chapter. I thought the story could use a laugh and not be quite so serious for a few moments. Lately I had been putting to much stress on the negative and not on the lighter side of things. However now that we have had our laugh lets get back to business.
Chapter 12 – My Kingdom for a Veela
The following days saw a flurry of activity in the castle. Severus and Draco had reassembled the DA as well as the SGF. With Wormtail on the loose again, it would be a matter of time before he tired to get into the castle again to cause mischief. Harry was not all that concerned. This made the other runners a little confused. Whenever anyone brought up the subject of the rat Animagus, Harry would shrug it off. Finally Draco could stand it no longer. In a meeting between the Light Runners, he finally had to ask.
"Harry," he said. "Why are you not that concerned about Pettigrew getting into the castle and spying on us?'
"Well for one thing," answered Harry with a smug smile. "You are forgetting that I placed wards to prevent him from getting into the castle. He can only observe as close as the grounds of Hogwarts. He can not actually get into the castle itself anymore."
"But aren't you worried that he will run on the light and tell the rest of the Dark Runners what we are doing?" asked Hermione a little chagrined.
"Nope," said Harry. "Albus shredded his colors when he was caught the last time. Am I the only one that keeps up with these things?"
"That's right," said Severus. "I too had forgotten about that. So who is left of the Dark Runners?"
"The list is fairly small now," replied Harry. "The only ones left that are any threat to us is Terry Boot, Lilith, Viktor Krum, Rookwood, Millicent Bulstrode, Dolohov, Gibbon, and Mulciber."
"So few to make so much trouble," said Minerva.
"Well Millicent has never actually caused us problems," said Harry logically. "She was in that one battle and when she saw how strong we were, she never approached us again. Dolohov, Gibbon, and Mulciber are seriously hiding. Rookwood is on the run for what he did to Madam Bones. That leaves the three leaders."
"So how do we catch them?" Ron asked. "If Dolohov and the rest are hiding, how do we catch them?"
"That is going to be easy," said Harry.
"I think we are missing something," said Molly burping Arthur. "How is it going to be easy to catch these people?"
"You all do seem to forget a lot of things," said Harry.
"What do you mean Harry?" asked Neville. "We are having a hard time catching any of them."
"That is true," he replied. "WE are having a hard time catching them. However I know of some creatures that WILL be able to find them."
"OH THAT'S RIGHT," blurted Hermione suddenly. "You have control of half the Dementors of Azkaban."
"BINGO," said Harry brightly. "I will be making a trip to the prison soon anyway. I have to check on Uncle Vernon and the rest anyway. Albus should be here in a few moments and we will check on the prisoners to make sure that none of them are getting the idea of another breakout."
At that precise moment, the fire in the fireplace enlarged and Albus Dumbledore spun into view. He stepped into view and Minerva muttered the charm to clean him before he could cause the babies to start choking and sneezing. He looked around the room and beamed a smile at everyone.
"Hello all," said Albus walking over to Octavia and giving her a kiss on the forehead. "How are we all doing this evening?"
"Peachy," said Harry with a warm smile for his friend and mentor. "I was just reminding everyone about the other so called friends we have that could help us locate some of the rest of the Dark Runners."
The blue eyes that were always so light with mischief were sparkling madly. Minerva and Severus were the only ones besides Harry that caught the look in his eyes.
"What do you have up your sleeve Albus Dumbledore?" asked Minerva suspiciously.
Albus walked over to her and leaned over to give Alexander a peck on the cheek.
"I?" he asked as innocently as he could.
"You know you aren't fooling anyone," stated Severus bluntly.
Albus chuckled and walked over to give Destiny a kiss. When he made his round of all five children, he sat in the chair that was always reserved for him. He pulled out a letter from his pocket and handed it to Harry. Harry accepted the letter and read it. As he was reading it a second time, he burst out laughing.
"What is so funny?" asked Draco leaning over Harry's shoulder to read the letter.
When he was done reading the letter, he too started chuckling. Albus took the letter and read it out loud.
Head Master Harry Potter and Minister Albus Dumbledore,
Gabrielle and I have discussed our options with regards to the escaped vermin. We have decided that we are more than interested in accepting your request to capture this traitor to the wizarding world. We love Harry and the Weasleys as if they were our family. Then again they are our family. Obviously Molly did not tell anyone that Bill and I got married. So if it will help my family to capture a rat then it will be done. Expect an army of Veela to appear at the gates of Hogwarts Saturday evening. Gabrielle and I would love to play with the babies and meet the rest of our extended family. Let it be known that when we are done with this rat that he will wish he had never been born much less messed with our family. I want to point out that my mother will be joining the hunt. She is an expert at catching rodents. She has a nice recipe for rat tat tooie. She has a great recipe for Rat stew. She also knows how to char broil rats. Well you get the idea. He will be caught.
Love from Fleur Delacour Weasley
After everyone got over the initial shock, they too started howling with mirth. Everyone knew that the Delacours would not eat Peter, but the idea of Wormtail being char broiled was hilarious.
"Well I think it is time that Albus and I make our visit to Azkaban," said Harry still chuckling weakly. "Severus I will ask you to great the pest control team when they arrive. Have the elves and the castle see to their comfort."
"Of course Harry," said Severus wiping a tear of laughter from his face. "I'll make sure that the pest control team is taken care of. I will even make sure that the elves know to save a special pot for the making of rat stew."
Once again the assembled group burst out with peals of laughter. Harry stood up and made his rounds to the children kissing each one of them lovingly. Albus followed his example. Harry noticed Ginny standing there smiling and raised his fingers to his lips in a silent salute. The rest of the assembled group all followed his example.
"Harry," said Draco suddenly. "May I come with you to the prison? I would like to observe how you and Albus do things. It's just for grins and giggles."
"Sure Dragon," said Harry. "If it is ok with Albus then I am ok with it."
"That would be fine with me," said Albus. "Just stay close to Harry or myself. Of the three of us, you are more prone to both the effects of the Dementors as well as the threat from the prisoners themselves. A strong Runner you may be, but Running on the light will not help you there."
"Absolutely," said Draco. "I will not leave Harry's side."
"Well then I suggest we get going," said Harry. "Someone will need to have the house elves ready for when we come back so that we can have some chocolate or something. Not all of the Dementors are under my control."
"I will see to that for you," squeaked Dobby from behind Harry.
"Thanks Dobby," said Harry. "I did not notice you here. Is there something wrong?"
"No Harry Potter," he said. "I was wondering if Dobby and Winky can borrow Mistress Poppy."
"Of course you can," said Poppy immediately. "Is Winky hurt or sick?"
"No Mistress," said Dobby. "She is fixing to have her baby and we need your help."
In a matter of seconds, Molly handed Arthur to Severus and then she and Poppy followed Dobby up the stairs.
"That would explain why I haven't seen them in awhile," said Harry with delight. "I wonder why they didn't tell me that Winky was pregnant."
"It is the nature of house elves to not burden their master with something like this," said Albus. "Even elves that are as remarkable as Dobby and Winky will not disturb you with something that they feel isn't necessary."
"Well that is silly," said Harry. "Neville, Luna, Hermione, and Ron, please make a round of all the house elves and see if any of the other female elves are pregnant. If you find any send them to Madam Pomfrey as soon as possible. If they refuse, then make it seem like it will hurt my feelings if they don't. You understand what I am trying to say right?"
"We know Harry," said Hermione dismissively. "Now get to Azkaban before it gets too late. I will see to your refreshments myself for when you get back."
"Thanks," said Harry walking over to Albus and Draco.
He grabbed the arm of each mage and turned on the spot. Within a few seconds, they were standing at the gates of Azkaban Prison. Albus made his way to the left while Harry and Draco made their way to the right. Draco did not say anything. He just walked near Harry. Harry walked up to the biggest Dementor that Draco had ever seen.
"Pull ten of your best and go hunting," Harry said to the Dementor. "I want Augustus Rookwood, Antonin Dolohov, Mulciber, and Gibbon found. Bring them to my office in the castle. Someone will be watching out for you to allow you access into the castle. Warn your minions that they are not to harm anyone in the castle or they will feel my anger. Subdue your victims only as much as is necessary."
The Dementor bowed to Harry and looked towards Draco.
"This person is positively under my protection," said Harry. "He is now under your protection as well. When he comes to visit the prison for whatever reason, you will personally see to his safety."
Once again the Dementor bowed low to Harry and then turned and bowed to Draco.
"I am here to see Vernon Dursley," said Harry. "Which cell is the muggle in?"
The Dementor beckoned a second over and the new Dementor led them to Vernon's cell. Harry unlocked the cell and entered. In the two years that Vernon was here, he had lost a lot of weight.
"Harry?" asked Vernon in disbelief. "Is that really you?"
"Yes it is me Uncle Vernon," he replied. "I came to check on you to make sure that you were eating and that you were not being harmed."
"Is this the muggle that knocked you down the stairs Harry?" asked Draco.
"Yes I am the muggle that did that," replied Vernon. "I made a terrible mistake. Not just because I ended up here, but because I lost my wife and son as well. Please Harry, I beg of some kind of news. What is going on with my family? This includes you."
Harry conjured chairs for Draco and himself. Vernon didn't even wince. Harry raised an eyebrow at this as he sat down.
"Doesn't my magic bother you anymore Uncle Vernon?" he asked.
"No," said Vernon. "After being here for so long and seeing so many horrible things and learning about the other criminals that are here and why, I realized that you are one of the good guys and that it is because of people like you that people like me were safe to begin with."
"That is great to hear Uncle Vernon," said Harry. "I will begin at the beginning then."
Harry sat with Vernon for an hour telling him everything. He even told Vernon of Ginny's sacrifice to save the children's lives. When Vernon asked about Draco, Harry gave him the best possible explanation that there was. Vernon didn't seem at all phased by the answer.
"At least you have him to watch out over you," said Vernon. "It was something that I never did."
"How would you like a second chance?" asked Harry. "If I was to offer you a way to be with your son and wife again and to make amends for what you did to me, what would you do?"
"That depends on what you ask of me," said Vernon.
"Fair enough," said Harry. "When Ginny was killed, Molly moved to the castle to care for my children. All five of them. I am godfather to James, and Destiny is mine as much as the rest of them. Draco and I are the parents of the triplets. Aunt Petunia and Dudley work at the orphanage that was set up in my mother's name for wizards like me that would end up in non wizard families. I think the orphanage has about twenty children in it at this time. Some were abandoned by non magical parents who do not want magical children and some had parents that were killed when we stopped Voldemort. What it is missing is a father figure. What if you were to return to your wife's side as that father figure? Would you be willing to show compassion for children like me? Would you be willing to care for children that did not ask to be what they are?"
"I know I was a bad person to you Harry," said Vernon. "If I could take away the things I did to you I would. I can't do that, but I can do so for other misfortunate children. I accept your request."
"Then this is what will happen," said Harry. "I will place a different guard at your door so that you will not feel the effects of the Dementors anymore. From there I will speak with Albus Dumbledore who is the Minister of Magic. If he agrees to this idea, we will place you at the orphanage. A wizard will check up on you twice a day for the next two years. It will be like you are on parole. Aunt Petunia will talk to the wizard every day. If you slip up just one time and hurt her or another child ever again, you will end up right back here and then even I won't be able to help you. Do you understand what I am telling you?"
"I understand Harry," said Vernon. "Thank you for the compassion that I never showed you."
"You just take it easy," said Harry. "If all goes well, you will be out of here in a couple of days. Alastor Moody will be the one to escort you to the orphanage. Aunt Petunia will tell you your duties and such. I know she misses you. Before I leave, there is one thing I need to do. I have to test you to make sure that you do not have Runner potential."
Harry explained what a Runner was and also explained that he was the most powerful Runner on the planet. He left out the most powerful wizard part as he did not want to push his luck with his Uncle any more than necessary. When Vernon accepted Harry request to be tested, Harry transformed into his phoenix Animagus form and looked at Vernon. Vernon did not have any potential. Not even the slightest glimmer of a gem. Harry transformed back to an astonished Vernon.
"How did you do that?" he asked.
Harry spent another hour explaining to Vernon what it was and what he could do. Vernon was positively delighted at that.
"That was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen," he exclaimed and then looked at Draco. "Can you change also?"
Draco smile and transformed into his dragon form. With a quick pop, he changed back. Vernon clapped his hands in delight. The young men laughed with him and told him that when he was out of here, that he could come to the castle and see the forms of the others. After that, Draco and Harry left. Harry closed the cell door, but did not lock it. He looked at the Dementor standing there.
"Do not feed on him anymore," he said. "This man is your personal ward for now. Remember, do not feed on him."
The Dementor bowed to Harry and stationed itself outside the door. Harry and Draco made their way around. They went outside where they visited the graves of the Malfoys and the Lestranges. Harry conjured flowers for the graves and he and Draco made their way back to the entrance way. They met Albus at the door. Harry briefly outlined what he wanted and Albus was quick to agree with Harry.
"It will take me a day or so to fill out all the paperwork, but your request shall be granted Harry," stated Albus with a warm smile. "Now I suggest that we get back to the castle to meet with the pest control team."
Harry and Draco laughed at this. Harry then grabbed the arms of the two other men and apparated back to the entrance of the castle. Harry was met in the entrance by Hermione and Luna who held out a cup of hot chocolate to them. All three men drank deeply of the chocolate and felt lighter immediately. While they nibbled on a chocolate éclair, Poppy came up to Harry.
"Head Master, Winky had a little boy," she said. "At the moment we have four other pregnant elves here in the castle."
"You are seeing to their health care, right?" asked Harry.
"Of course," said Poppy with a smile. "They are all doing fine. In fact Dobby and Winky are waiting to speak with you as are the Veela."
"Draco and Albus, why don't you two talk with Fleur and her friends while I go talk with Dobby and Winky," Harry suggested.
"I would be delighted," said Albus.
Harry headed up to his office and Albus and Draco made their way to the office that held the veela.
"Professor Dumbledore," said Fleur in greeting. "Professor Malfoy! How are you?"
"I'm well, thank you my dear," aid Albus. "I believe that the professor here uses the last name Potter now my dear."
Fleur looked at Draco for a moment and then smiled. She walked over to him and gave him a kiss on each cheek.
"One more for Harry's family," she said. "At least you know that you are loved."
"That is very accurate," said Draco. "Please tell us how you are planning on catching the rat. Harry is busy at the moment being noble somewhere else in the castle. He asked us to meet with you and get the details."
"What is he doing now?" asked Gabrielle.
"One of our house elves gave birth to a baby boy elf and he is seeing to her comfort," said Draco. "Harry treats them as equals. These two elves in particular love Harry just as much as Albus and I do. They will not let any other elf near the rooms Harry and I share."
"That is so sweet," said Fleur. "Is it true that Harry has babies as well?"
"Harry and I are the proud parents of a set of triplets," said Draco holding his head up high. "You sister in law Ginny was the mother. She still protects the children even though she is no longer with us. So if you should happen to see her, give the proper devotion please. This is something that Harry started and we all do it as well."
He and Albus demonstrated the gesture and the Delacours all smiled and nodded repeating the gesture.
"That is a sweet thing to do for Ginny," said Fleur. "You request will be honored."
"Thanks," said Draco. "Now, what are you going to do about that rat?"
"Well we are going to patrol the castle in a circle," she said. "You Animagus are not the only ones that can change their shape. When we transform, our eyes are as sharp as an owl's. We will spot him if he is anywhere near. Some of my sisters will fly in longer circles and some such as Gabrielle and me will stay closer to the grounds of Hogwarts. This way we will help catch the traitor rat."
"That sounds like a great plan," said Albus. "I will leave you all to it. Draco and I act as proxy for Harry when we say to please do what you have to do. The castle is your new home until your quest is done."
Draco nodded to Fleur who smiled. They talked for a bit longer about tactics and such. When the conversation was over, Albus excused himself and went back to the Ministry. Fleur asked Draco to see the children. The three Delacour women headed to the nursery. Each was greeted by a hug and kiss from Molly. The three women exclaimed over the children. They took turns holding each of the five.
"I can see why they say that all of these children are Harry's," stated Fleur. "I bet he loves each one the same, no matter who the parents are."
"That is very true," said Draco. "He is protective of all of them. If I am not mistaken, you are the Aunt of all of them except James."
"That is correct," said Molly.
"We will just have to claim James too then," said Fleur with a dainty laugh. Gabrielle just grinned and nodded her agreement.
---------
Harry meanwhile found Winky lying in her bed. Her son was in her arms. Dobby was sitting next to them looking at them with the same look that he gave every time he looked at Harry. When Harry walked in, Dobby stood up and bowed to Harry.
"It is not necessary to bow to me Dobby," said Harry. "You are my family if you remember. Winky that is a beautiful baby. May I hold him?"
Winky smiled and handed Harry the baby. Dobby looked a little troubled.
"I'm sorry Dobby," said Harry quickly. "I did not mean to hurt your feelings."
"No Harry Potter," said Dobby. "I is talking with Winky. We is wondering if we can name the baby Harry?"
"I would be honored," said Harry sincerely. "Thank you so much for thinking of me."
Tears of joy fell from both sets of elf eyes. Harry gently handed the baby back to Winky and told her to take as much time off as she needed to care for the baby. He placed a kiss on the head of the infant and left. He headed down to the Great Hall to get something to eat. He picked up a plate of food for Draco while he was at it. He found Draco about twenty minutes later saying good night to the Delacours. When he saw Harry with the food, he rushed over and thanked him.
"What happened with Dobby and Winky?" he asked.
"They wanted to name the baby after me?" said Harry sheepishly. "I told them that I was honored."
Draco grinned and sat on the nearest bench to eat his dinner. As usual Harry knew all of his favorites and had gotten him a little of each. While he ate, he filled Harry in on the plan that Fleur and her family had for capturing Peter.
"That sounds like a great idea," said Harry. "With any amount of luck, he will be caught soon and sent to the Dementors for the kiss. We will not make the same mistake again."
"Harry that really was a decent thing you did for your Uncle," said Draco. "You are much more forgiving than I am."
"I did it just as much for Aunt Petunia and Dudley as I did for myself," Harry replied. "I know they both miss him. Besides, someone has to teach you how to be generous."
"Hey!" said Draco standing up and letting the plate of food hit the floor. "I will get you for that."
The two men started wrestling right there on the floor. Severus and Hermione were in a conversation when they came upon the scene. Severus quickly produced a camera and snapped the shot.
"Well now," he drawled. "Isn't this interesting? The Head Master and the Potions Master are rolling around the floor like children. What would people say?"
"They would say that you should not have said anything," said Harry. "Now you are gong to really get it."
Both Harry and Draco glanced at each other with that knowing look and both pounced on Severus. Hermione caught the camera before it hit the floor and took a few pictures. She quickly raised her wand to her throat.
"Sonorus," she whispered. "WRESTLING MATCH IN THE FOYER! WRESTLING MATCH IN THE FOYER! WHO WILL WIN? WILL IT BE THE HEAD MASTER? THE POTIONS MASTER? OR THE DADA MASTER? COME GET YOUR TICKETS TO THE WORLD MOST IMMATURE MEN WRESTLING IN THE FOYER!"
She quickly cast the countercharm and watched as the students and teachers alike poured into the foyer to watch the three men wrestling around like children. When she turned her back to whisper something to Minerva, she got pulled into the match by Severus.
"This will teach you," he said as she screamed. "I think it will be a free for all."
Minerva quickly conjured up some mats under the wrestlers.
"Students are allowed to watch, but not to join in," she said. "I will be the referee. Any other professors that want to join in may do so."
It was not long before other professors were in on the wrestling fit. The students all sat there and bets could be heard on the outcome. Fleur and her family laughed and helped Minerva keep it safe for the combatants. About two hours later, Pomona Sprout got her hand raised in victory. Harry quickly conjured up a trophy and handed it to her. A plaque with read "Pomona Sprout Wrestling Champ" was placed in the trophy room. The rest of the teachers all laughed and had a good time. Harry was delighted that so many people let their hair down and joined in the fun.
"I think we should do things like this more often," said Neville. "It was a great tension release."
""I agree," said Pomona. "I have to defend my title sometime you know."
Everyone laughed as they helped clean up and made their way to their own quarters. Harry sat down behind his desk and prayed that tomorrow would bring some good news.
Author's note – so many of you enjoyed the fun style that I added in the last chapter that I decided to do it again. I hope you have as much fun reading this as I had writing it. Please keep sending me those great reviews.
