Chapter 14: Christmas Miracles
The window of the Hogwarts Express was cold against Harry's head as he woke up from a brief nap. Looking around, he saw that Ron and Hermione were still asleep. Ginny must have gone off to see Neville and Luna. Harry stretched silently and gazed out at the rolling countryside. A quick look at his watch showed that there was still plenty of time before reaching King's Cross. Not wanting to wake his friends, Harry relaxed in his seat and tried to focus on the present. His dreams, as of late, kept going back to everything that happened around Christmas last year. The dreams involving the night at Godric's Hollow were particularly disturbing. Though his scar never hurt, Harry could never manage to completely shake free of the nightmares. In fact, they seemed to be getting worse as the year progressed, not that Harry would dare mention that to anyone, especially Hermione.
"Things will be fine. I am going to see Teddy, work on fixing up Grimmauld Place, and eat a ton of Mrs. Weasley's cooking," Harry thought to himself. "No murders. No killer snakes. No horcruxes. No freezing nights in a tent."
Harry smiled when he thought of seeing Teddy Lupin, his godchild. Teddy was eight months old now and from the pictures that Andromeda had been sending, it appears Teddy is favoring a turquoise blue for his hair color. Harry had not told anyone yet, but his plan to clean up Grimmauld Place was not just so that he could live there after graduating from Hogwarts but so that it would be fit for Teddy. Andromeda's hope was that eventually Harry could take full custody of Teddy, something that Harry was hoping for as well. It wasn't that Andromeda was unfit to care for Teddy, but she was getting along in age and she also knew that Harry and Teddy would be able to bond in a way she and Teddy never could. After all, who would be better than Harry to know the pain of losing both parents at so young an age.
The only problem now was that Harry and Ginny had broken up. In her last letter, Andromeda was sympathetic towards Harry and the break up. However, she also expressed worry that Harry wouldn't be able to handle raising Teddy alone. At first Harry had been upset at the accusation that he needed someone to help him raise his godson, especially since he had known plenty of muggles who were raised by a single parent. Then he remembered that from Andromeda's perspective, Harry was an 18-year-old boy who had zero experience raising children.
"I guess I'll just have to do my best to prove to her that I can be a responsible godfather by making Grimmauld Place safe for Teddy and come up with a plan for raising Teddy so Andromeda knows that I am taking this seriously," Harry thought determinedly.
As he began making a checklist in his head of the things that will need to be done at Grimmauld Place, Ron woke up yawning.
"Good nap?" Harry asked in a whisper, so as not to wake the still sleeping Hermione.
"Not bad. Hope the trolley comes by soon, I'm starved," Ron whispered back, glancing over at Hermione. "I forget how cute she is when she sleeps."
Unsure of what to say, Harry simply nodded and looked out the window to keep Ron from seeing the jealous look he was sure was plastered on his face.
"Well, I think I'm going to go and see if I can find the trolley. Want me to grab you anything?" Ron asked.
"I'm good, thanks. You'll probably want to get Hermione some pumpkin juice. She's always thirsty when she wakes up," Harry said.
"How do you know that?" Ron asked, surprised.
"Last year. Every time she woke up in the tent, she would go get a drink of water," Harry replied coolly.
"Huh," said Ron, "I never noticed. Learn something new everyday, I suppose. "
"Yeah, I suppose," Harry said, a bit annoyed that he seemed to know more about Hermione than her boyfriend.
Ron, oblivious to Harry's annoyance, quietly opened the door to the compartment and slipped out without waking Hermione. Harry sighed deeply and pulled a piece of parchment, ink, and a quill from his bag. Careful to keep the ink bottle between his legs so that it wouldn't spill as the train moved, he started making a list of the dates he would be at the Weasley's, Grimmauld Place, and Andromeda's. Then under each section of dates, he listed the things he needed to remember for each of the places. For the Weasley's, he still needed to wrap the Christmas presents for each of the Weasley clan, plus Hermione, who was spending the holiday at the Weasley's, since there was still no sign of her parents, according to the Ministry. He and Hermione were also going to take some time at the Weasley's to revise their lesson plans for the spring. For Andromeda's, Harry needed to remember to bring Teddy and Andromeda's presents, plus find a moment to sit with Andromeda and have a heart to heart talk about his ability to raise Teddy. Grimmauld Place had the longest list. Harry listed all of the artifacts, spells, and curses that still needed to be taken care of, as well as a reminder to get a Christmas present for Kreacher, and things he needed to buy for Teddy's room. Satisfied, though a bit overwhelmed, with the lists, Harry rolled up the parchment and placed it, his ink and quill back in his bag.
A few minutes later, the compartment door opened and Ron entered with his arm full of various sweets and treats and three bottles of pumpkin juice. Tossing a bottle to Harry, Ron plopped down in the seat next to Hermione, causing her to wake up.
"Sorry, 'Mione," Ron said with his mouth stuff with a chocolate frog.
"It's okay," Hermione said sleepily. "Do you ever not talk with your mouth full?"
Ron swallowed and said excitedly, "Oh, here, I got you a pumpkin juice. I know you're usually thirsty when you wake up."
Harry did his best not to glare at Ron, as Hermione smiled and took to the bottle from Ron.
"Oh Ron, that's so sweet. I can't believe you knew that. Thank you!" Hermione said, giving Ron a quick kiss on the cheek. Ron blushed as Harry went back to staring out the window, trying desperately to keep his jealousy in check.
"'Ello everyone," said Neville, who slid open the compartment door and sat down next to Harry. Luna and Ginny followed him in.
"Hey Neville!" Harry said, glad to focus on something other than Ron and Hermione. "How are you?"
"Doing alright, I suppose. Oi, Ron, I was suppose to tell you, the other prefects are looking for you. I think you're suppose to be doing a patrol or something," Neville said.
"Bloody prefect duties," Ron muttered, standing up and reaching into his bag for his prefect badge.
"Parvati is waiting for you in the first car," Neville added.
Ron nodded. "At least they didn't replace Hermione with Fay Dunbar. Parvati is much prettier."
"Ron!" Luna whispered, "Hermione's right here."
"What? Hermione would agree that Parvati is prettier than Fay. Right, 'Mion?" Ron said, confused as to what was wrong.
Hermione jerkily nodded, avoiding eye contact with Ron. Neville opened his mouth to say something but Hermione quietly shook her head at him, signaling it wasn't worth talking about anymore. Ron, still oblivious to what had happened, headed out of the compartment without another word. Harry shook his head in disbelief at how thick Ron could be.
"You okay, Hermione?" Harry asked.
"Yeah," Hermione sighed. "Count on my boyfriend to only be concerned with how a girl looks."
An uncomfortable silence followed, until Luna pulled out the latest edition of the Quibbler and asked if anyone wanted a copy. Soon laughter filled the compartment and all thoughts of Ron's senseless comment were forgotten. Ron didn't reappear in the compartment until the train was nearly to King's Cross.
"Where've you been?" Harry asked innocently.
"What's it matter?" Ron snapped. "I had prefect duties."
"Sorry," Harry said quickly, "was just curious. Usually doesn't take you that long to do your rounds."
"Yeah, well," Ron stammered, "had to break up a couple of fights and… and… You know, make sure people were behaving."
Harry and Hermione glanced at each other, wondering what had gotten into Ron. Harry knew Ron wasn't telling the complete truth but decided not to press the issue. However, based on the look Hermione was giving Ron, Harry knew she was going to be questioning him heavily later tonight.
In an attempt to break up the uncomfortable silence that followed Ron's last comment, Neville suggested that they start getting their stuff ready, since they would be arriving at King's Cross in ten minutes. Everyone agreed, perhaps a little too wholeheartedly, and the compartment was filled with a flurry of movement. Finally arriving at King's Cross, everyone said their respective goodbye's. Neville and Luna headed off to find their families as Ron, Ginny, Harry, and Hermione headed over to where Molly Weasley was waiting with Arthur and Kingsley.
"Minister? Not that it isn't great to see you but what are you doing here?" Harry asked, as they approached the three adults.
"Good to see you looking well, Harry. I'm going to be escorting you to Grimmauld Place and, er, I have another matter I need to discuss with you in private before we leave here," Kingsley said.
Harry, looking a bit confused at Kingsley's last remark, merely nodding and walked over to secluded area of the platform as Mrs. Weasley embraced her two youngest children and loudly exclaimed that they were much too thin. Harry shook his head with a smile before turning back to Kingsley.
"So what did you need to talk with me about?" he asked with concern.
Kingsley, sensing the worry building up in Harry, said, "It's nothing to worry about Harry but considering the attacks on your family, as well as other muggles, we thought it might be prudent to recast the Fidelius Charm on Grimmauld Place."
Harry let out a sigh of relief. "Brilliant, I'd actually been thinking about that for a while now, especially if I'm going to be eventually bringing Teddy there."
Kingsley smiled, "Excellent. We'll perform the charm when we reach Grimmauld tonight but first I need to know, who do you want to be your Secret Keeper? Remember, it needs to be someone you completely trust with your life… and also Teddy Lupin's life."
"I know the exact person," Harry replied without a moment's hesitation. "Hermione."
Chuckling knowingly, Kingsley responded, "A most excellent choice. We'll need to bring Hermione along with us then… Harry, I know you'll be giving permission for Hermione to give the location to the Weasley's but I think it would be safe to not give anything away here on the platform. I'm going to pretend and tell the Weasley's that I need to take Hermione to the Ministry to discuss some things regarding her parents and that I'll bring her to the Burrow later tonight. Can you play along?"
Harry nodded in agreement and the two walked back over to the Weasley clan and Hermione.
"Hermione," Kingsley said, "if you don't mind, I'd like for you to come with Harry and I. After I drop Harry off, I wanted us to go to the Ministry to discuss some things regarding your parents – nothing is wrong – but we're just trying to gather some more information that might help us find them."
"Arthur," he said, turning to the Weasley patriarch, "I'll bring Hermione to the Burrow later tonight, if that is alright?"
"Of course," Mr. Weasley replied. "You'll be alright, Hermione?"
"Yes," Hermione said sheepishly, "anything I can do to help with the search for my parents."
And with that, everyone headed towards the brickwall separating the magical platform from the muggle one. After going through the barrier the Weasely's waved goodbye as Harry, Hermione, and Kingsley headed towards a very slick looking black sedan. Anticipating Harry and Hermione's question, Kingsley said, "When I was with the muggle prime minister, I grew fond of the muggle cars. They can be quite useful, you know."
Harry and Hermione nodded as they loaded their school trunks into the trunk of the car and, without thinking, both hopped into the backseat, leaving Kingsley alone in the front. Once they were on the highway, Kingsley filled Hermione in on what was actually happening.
"Of course I will be the Secret Keeper! It would be an honor!" Hermione exclaimed. "Oh, Harry, I can't believe you trust me that much. Thank you!"
Harry blushed, "Hermione, you've saved my life more times than I can count. There's no one I trust more in this world."
"Hermione, I do hope you accept my deepest apologies for using your parents as a pretense for taking you with us. It was the only thing I could think of that wouldn't raise any suspicion from the Weasley's or anyone on the platform who might see you leaving with us," Kingsley said remorsefully. "But be assured, we are still looking."
"I understand, Minister. I know you've had your hands full with the attacks on muggles," Hermione replied quietly, tears welling up in her eyes.
Harry reached over and took her hand, giving it a comforting squeeze. Hermione looked at him and smiled. "I can always count on Harry to be there for me when I need it," she thought to herself.
For the rest of the drive the Grimmauld, they filled Kingsley in on their first semester of teaching. Kingsley couldn't help but notice that each of them played down their own teaching abilities while praising the other's. "They'll eventually open their eyes and see the truth about their feelings for each other," he thought to himself with a smile.
When they pulled up to Grimmauld Place, Kingsley parked and the three, with a quick look around to make sure no muggles were watching, walked up to the house that Harry and Hermione had not been in since the incident at the Ministry over a year ago. As they stepped inside, Kreacher appeared from the kitchen.
"Master Harry has returned!" he cried in a deep voice. "Is Master Harry here to stay?"
"It is good to see you again Kreacher. I'll be here for a week this time. I'll be staying at the Burrow for a bit and also going to see Teddy, then I have to go back to school. But after that, I'll be here for good," Harry said, hoping Kreacher wouldn't be too disappointed at his short stay. Luckily, Kreacher understood Harry's school and family obligations.
"Kreacher is just glad Master Harry is back. Kreacher is proud to have been able to play a part in Master Harry's success at beating the Dark Lord."
Harry cringed a little, memories of the battle coming to the forefront of his mind.
"Er, thanks Kreacher. I'm – we're – very grateful for all you did for us. Would you mind making us some tea? The Minister, Hermione, and I have something we need to do before they leave."
"Of course, Master Harry. The tea will be waiting for you in the kitchen when you're finished" Kreacher said, scurrying back to the kitchen.
"Harry, you shouldn't let him call you 'master.'" Hermione said, her S.P.E.W. side coming out.
"I know, I know." Harry replied. "One step at a time, Hermione. Old habits die hard and Kreacher isn't like Dobby." A sad look washed over Harry and Hermione's faces as they remember the loyal, albeit eccentric, house elf.
Kingsley cleared his throat, gaining the attention of the two teenagers. "Well, why don't we step outside and we'll get started."
Casting a strong disillusionment charm over the three of them, Kingsley and the two teenagers walked across the street, well hidden from view by a close grouping of trees.
"Now Harry, Hermione, in order for this to work there are some things you need to understand about the Fidelius Charm. As you know, Dumbledore was the original Secret Keeper for the location of the Order of the Phoenix. When he died, everyone he had told that location to also became a Secret Keeper, thus the problem we have now in which Yaxley might be able to come here, based on what you told us about the incident at the Ministry last year. Theoretically, we could just move the location of the headquarters for the Order but quite honestly that may turn into a hassle. So, what I am proposing is the disbanding of the Order of the Phoenix, which would render the Fidelius Charm on the location of the Order of the Phoenix moot."
"WHAT?" Harry and Hermione shouted together.
"You can't disband the Order of the Phoenix!" Harry cried.
"There are still Death Eaters!" Hermione followed.
Kingsley threw up both hands, in an attempt to calm down the two, "I know, I know. However, think about it. The ministry is back in full control of, well, not death eaters. Most of the Order was killed during the course of the war last year. While there are still Death Eaters, it is time for the Order to disband but, if necessary, a new Order could appear. One for and lead by your generation, Harry. The loyalty, courage, strength, and force you and your classmates showed at the Battle of Hogwarts is testament to your generations ability to protect the wizarding world from evil. While those of us from the Order of the Phoenix who survived will always be here to guide and fight alongside of you, the time has come for us to be mentors and you all to be leaders."
Harry and Hermione paused to consider Kingsley's words. A new Order? Led by their generation?
"You may be right," Harry started slowly. "But how do we 'disband the Order of the Phoenix' in way that the Fidelius Charm will disappera?"
"Simple," Kingsley replied, pulling out a piece of parchment from his robes, "this has the signatures of the surviving official members of the Order of the Phoenix. Their signatures affirm their agreement to disband the Order of the Phoenix. Once I sign it, the Order of the Phoenix will be no more and the Fidelius Charm will also be no more. Which will free us to cast the Fidelius Charm over #12 Grimmauld Place."
The two teenagers gave each other skeptical looks but nodded for Kingsley to continue. Digging into his robes again, Kingsley pulled out a quill and ink bottle, quickly signing the parchment.
"That's it?" Hermione asked, excepting something a bit more climatic.
"That's it," Kingsley responded. "Now, the Fidelius Charm, in performing the spell, works similar to an Unbreakable Vow. I need you both to clasp the other's forearm."
Looking a little confused, Harry and Hermione gripped the other's forearm, like they were greeting each other with a medieval handshake.
Waving his wand in complex manner, Kingsley said, "Do you, Hermione Jean Granger, accept the position of Secret Keeper of the location of Harry James Potter's home, concealing the secret within your soul?"
"I do," Hermione replied, her eyes locked with Harry's and voice serious and confident.
"Do you, Harry James Potter, accept Hermione Jean Granger as the Secret Keeper of the location of your home?"
Never breaking eye contact with Hermione, Harry replied, "I do, with all my being."
"Then so shall it be. Fidelius nunc et aeternum."
The brilliant white light seemed to cover the entire house and Hermione glowed with a deep golden hue, before everything went back to normal.
"Whoa," Harry said, the image of Hermione glowing so beautiful stuck in his mind "that was unexpected. Does that mean it worked?"
"Let's try it," Kingsley said, "Harry, look across the street, what do you see?"
"A bunch of muggle homes," Harry replied quickly.
Kingsley chuckled, "Harry, what is the address of your home?"
"My home is at … um… Well, that's odd, I am not sure where my home is located," Harry stammered, confused.
Hermione smiled as Harry struggled to answer Kingsley's question. "Well, I think that's a sure sign that the spell worked. Here, Harry, let me help you. Harry, Kingsley, the location of the home of Harry James Potter is #12 Grimmauld Place."
Relief washed over Harry's face as he was now able to recognize his home across the street.
"Well, now that that is settled, let's head back inside for some tea before I take Hermione back to the Burrow," Kingsley said, pleased that the spell worked.
As promised, Kreacher had the tea out and ready for them in the kitchen. They sat and enjoyed the fresh brew, making some small talk about school. Harry and Hermione asked Kingsley for some advice on their lesson plans, and Harry even asked him if he would be willing to come do a guest lecture for the upper years DA class. Kingsley replied he would love to, but would need to check with his schedule first. Finally, it was time for Kingsley and Hermione to go. Harry walked them to the door, trying to hide his disappointment that Hermione had to go.
"Write to let me know you made it back alright, okay?" Harry told her.
"Of course. By the way, do you want me to tell the Weasley's the location?" Hermione asked.
Harry thought for a moment. "You know, as bad as this may sound, it might be better to wait on that, ya know, until they ask."
"It's not that I don't trust them," Harry quickly said, "but it might be safer to keep this as quiet as possible for as long as possible."
Kingsley nodded in agreement, "I have to agree with Harry on this one."
Hermione scrunched her eyebrows in concentration before replying, "Yes, I think I have to agree as well." And with that, Hermione stepped forward and pulled Harry into a tight embrace. "Take care of yourself, Harry. Write if you need anything. I'll miss you," she whispered into his ear.
Harry could feel his face turning red at Hermione's words, "I'll miss you too. See you at Christmas, okay?" he whispered back.
Hermione gave him a squeeze of affirmation before breaking the embrace. Shaking hands with Kingsley, Harry waved at them as they walked to the car and drove off, silently wishing that Christmas would get there faster.