A Kiss Can Save the World
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Chapter 21
Albus sat in his cell as the clock struck midnight and thought 'Happy New Year'.
He knew if he didn't get out of here soon all hope would be lost, the weasel, giraffe and walrus were all starting to behave strangely and it could only be a matter of time before someone investigated.
What he needed was one of his famous plans, shit, what he needed was a wand!
Just as he was going to sink even further into his pity party, an elf wearing a robe appeared in his cell, grabbed his arm and they were gone.
Albus found himself in a darkened room where the only light was the stunner that flew past him and hit the elf. He was in shock as he then found himself engulfed in a hug, but the familiar aroma told him everything he needed to know.
Albus would take the aroma of goats over the stink of dragon shit any day.
-oOoOo-
Harry and Hermione arrived outside Gringotts, accompanied by Dobby and Winky, with Griphook leading the way through the massive doors.
The time and temperature difference made it's presence felt immediately upon arrival, when they had left, the sun was just beginning to set but it was still warm enough for shorts and tee shirt. In London it was well after midnight and below freezing to boot.
It was an enraged Ragnok that met them in the lobby, leading the group straight to his office. After they were all seated he decided to fill them in with the information they had available.
"As best we can deduce, something portkeyed into his cell just after midnight and portkeyed out with him as a passenger." Griphook looked towards his guests, "we suspect it was a Potter elf."
Harry brought Ragnok up to speed, "we just received a report that two elves were abducted from a party. Aurors are interviewing the organisers and guests as we speak. Our suspicion is that someone has discovered the ancient curse that bound the elves in the first place. The missing elves are also a couple, allowing one to be held hostage to the other's good behaviour."
Hermione continued, "Dobby was bound to the Malfoy's but still managed to contact Harry, trying to warn him of the Basilisk plot at Hogwarts."
"I know these two elves, they will fight this with everything that they have!" declared Winky.
"What I don't understand is how they were able to portkey in?" said Dobby, "Winky and I are probably powerful enough to do it, but would pull down every ward in the bank. Harry and Hermione could literally pull down the bank, but no one else could come close."
The two goblins looked shocked, they had seen Hermione's power and knew Harry would be at least the same, but the thought of the two elves being so powerful had never occurred to them.
"Have we any idea how it was done?" asked Hermione.
"The only thing we can think of is the 'Pendant of Kahan,' while we understand this would work, its been 'lost' for almost fifty years." Answered Ragnok.
Before anyone could ask, Griphook gave an explanation, "during the building and fitting of Hogwarts manager Kahan spent a lot of time travelling between Gringotts and the school. Rowena Ravenclaw made him a pendant that would cut through any wards. The pendant allowed him to travel from his office straight into the main hall at Hogwarts."
Ragnok continued the story, "as a gift from Rowena to a goblin, you can imagine that we were very careful with the item. Unfortunately, just after defeating his dark lord, Dumbledore showed an interest in it. He seemed to think we should all bow down and give him anything he wanted. Not long after this the pendant 'disappeared,' much like your two elves, and though he was, and still is our prime suspect, we had no proof. It was hard enough convincing the right people that he was rotten this time, but just after he defeated Grindelwald? Let's just say a goblin calling him a thief would not have went down to well. "
"Does that give him access to the vaults?" Hermione enquired.
"Oh I wish he would try," grinned Griphook, "every vault contains a ward that would kill any living thing entering via means other than the door. We never considered using a lethal ward on a cell as no one has ever escaped before."
"We had a major influx of elves from the people we would consider most likely to be involved, but there has been no information regarding a kidnapping at all." Offered Winky.
"Until we find out how these elves were captured I don't want any others involved in the search." Dobby and Winky were ready to protest Harry's statement but he was adamant, "they could be walking right into a trap. I know this is hard but we don't want to give whoever is involved more weapons or hostages."
Hermione tried to soften the blow, "Stag Industries have a lot of resources that will be brought to bear on this, the Ministry is also searching and our goblin friends aren't about to take this lying down either. We are not abandoning Dylan and Freda, as far as we're concerned, rescuing them is more important than caching that lying old coot."
"I think we need to try and anticipate their next move. Abduction has been used very effectively so the questions we need to ask are, whom will they go after next? And why?" asked Griphook
Ragnok gave his thoughts, "he's obsessed with controlling Harry, and the key to that is sitting right next to him."
The temperature in the room dropped until it felt colder that outside, but when Harry spoke it definitely became sub-zero. "If he touches my wife and babies he will die less than a minute later. His death will be as painful as I can make it. No one touches my family!"
"But what if she is abducted?" asked Ragnok
Harry gave a smile that was even colder; "Dobby, Winky and I could find her within seconds, regardless of location, wards or whether she was conscious. We are bonded couples but share a bond of friendship between us that would allow the other three to find the one taken. Merlin help the people responsible when we did!"
Dobby was nodding in agreement, "I think they would go for easier targets, and that means Ginny or the Granger's."
Harry reached over to take Hermione's hand, "I'm sorry love but I think Dobby may be right."
Hermione squeezed his hand before replying, "I'm afraid to say it but so do I, but we have a couple of resources that should give us the edge. We have Rowena's journal and access to Godric through his portrait."
This brought a look of disbelief from the goblins.
"We need to research the pendant and, hopefully, the curse that enslaves elves. If we can produce portkeys to match the pendant or a counter curse we would really swing this in our direction." Hermione's jaw was set and determination burned in her eyes.
"Is that possible?" asked a stunned Griphook.
"The one thing I've learned is that when my wife sets her mind to something, nothing is imposable."
-oOoOo-
The four figures appeared in the lobby and could hear laughter coming from the room ahead. Griphook had chosen to remain in London and follow the investigation from that end. They walked into the room where Sirius was holding court.
Hermione couldn't believe the change in the man who was living in a cave, as a dog, less than a month ago. His whole appearance now seemed to radiate health. But it was the mischievous sparkle replacing that haunted look from his eyes that was making the biggest difference. The location and company had done Sirius the world of good.
Narcissa and Remus stood together while watching the by-play with their two friends, and both were secretly delighted at what was in front of them.
Remus was shocked at the change in his oldest friend, while he had spoken to him only five days ago, this Sirius seemed rejuvenated. Remus already knew where he wanted to spend his next holiday.
Narcissa watched as one of her oldest friends was basking in the attention being shown her by Sirius. She had seen Rose deflate men's egos with a few well chosen words so understood that she had an attraction for him, otherwise Sirius would be sulking in a corner by this time.
She could also see Pansy and Violet were enjoying themselves, sitting with Ginny and Neville, while laughing as Sirius told more outlandish stories as the night progressed. For the two young Parkinson's, being allowed in the company was novel, being included was unbelievable.
The mood dipped as the news of the escape was confirmed by the returning group, but Sirius was having none of it. This was a New Year for everyone in more sense than one, and he was determined that they were going to enjoy it. The name of Dumbledore had blighted too many lives here in this room, and he would be dammed if it would be allowed to affect his life anymore.
By the time midnight came around on the island, the occupants of the house were all in fine fettle with lots of Happy New Year kisses being exchanged.
Between them, Harry and Hermione had managed to speak to all the Grangers and Ginny concerning the threat, and the importance of always wearing their protection charms and portkeys.
It was about 2am before the party broke up and headed to their rooms, as had become their custom, Neville escorted Ginny to her room, kissed her while the door remained open then headed happily to his own room.
By some strange coincidence, his was about four rooms along but since two of those intervening rooms held the Potters and Sirius, this was all the discouragement Neville needed from nighttime roaming.
He had brushed his teeth, changed into his pyjamas and was just climbing into bed when he suddenly screamed "Ginny!" at the top of his voice. Neville bolted out the door and raced along the corridor, Harry and Hermione were right behind him, while Dobby and Winky beat everyone there. They were too late, Neville had known they would be too late, Ginny was gone
-oOoOo-
Ginny was getting into bed with a smile on her face, she seemed to be smiling a lot recently, when an elf appeared beside her and she was taken.
They arrived in what appeared to be a crofter's cottage and her former headmaster immediately stunned the elf.
"Good morning Miss Weasley, excuse me a minute while I place Dylan here along with Freda, I'm not sure what's been happening but these little buggers seem so determined to return to Harry. These two are actually worse than that little freak Dobby. We're having to threaten to kill the other one, and it still takes the imperius curse to get them to follow orders."
Ginny was standing there in her nightgown; her wand was lying on her nightstand. She was still wearing her charmed necklace and portkey so wasn't panicking yet. If he made a move to curse her, she was out of there.
"Now I bet your wondering why I brought you here? Well don't worry; you won't be harmed in the slightest. In fact, when my plan succeeds you will be one happy young lady."
Ginny just gave him an enquiring look.
"Yes my dear girl, you are going to carry the next Potter heir."
Ginny couldn't help it, she burst out laughing.
Albus had prepared arguments for a few reactions but laughter had not featured in any of them. What was this girl playing at?
"Is there something you would like to share with me Miss Weasley?" he asked.
Ginny was literally wiping tears of laughter from her eyes as she considered her response. "Well you see old man, my father will kill you before he would let that happen…" she was about to add only if her mum didn't get to him first when he held his hand up for silence.
"That is quite impossible, and I am not referring to Arthur trying to defeat me in a duel. You see Miss Weasley the reason that's impossible is Arthur Weasley is not your father, I am!"
Ginny didn't know whether to laugh, cry or kick the clearly delusional old fool in the nuts. The more she thought about it, the better the third option looked.
"I can see you don't believe me so let's have a little history lesson. A prophecy was made determining one of two boys could defeat the Dark Lord, Potter or Longbottom. So, planning ahead as always, I decided the best way to control a boy was with a girl, you!"
'Yes, a kick in the nuts was well overdue,' thought Ginny
"Your mother had six children under the age of ten and only your father's meagre salary to support them. When I offered her the well-paid role of a part time researcher, she jumped at the chance."
The little redhead was now feeling seriously disturbed.
"Every weekend she would come to Hogwarts, and every weekend she would be fed potions, an imperius here, followed by a few memory charms there, and then anything was possible. You will have his child, my grandchild, then, between the Potter fortune and my guidance, they will rule the world."
He was insane; Ginny knew he was insane, but the image of his little bony arse anywhere near Molly, while she lay there not knowing what planet she was on, brought about a fierce reaction. She just couldn't help it, as wave after wave of revulsion passed through her; she just had to let go.
Albus Dumbledore probably knew more shield charms than any other witch or wizard alive, but they were all useless against the onslaught facing him. Who would have believed that all this could come out of such a small body?
The final wave of revulsion emptied Ginny's stomach as projectile vomit hit Dumbledore squarely on the chest. The self-proclaimed greatest wizard of our time was once again dressed in multi-coloured robes, though where the carrots came from no one was quite sure.
Ginny wiped her mouth with the back of her hand, and noticing her Ginny Potter bracelet, made up her mind. She dived towards Dylan and Freda.
Albus tutted at the impetus child before firing off a stunner at his daughter, he was astonished to see it deflecting off her back.
Ginny grabbed both elves as she screamed at the crazy old wizard, "my father WILL kill you! Blue lagoon."
Ginny could feel the wards trying to hold her back, but, as she thought of Harry, Hermione and Neville, she felt her power increase and blasted the wards apart.
Albus watched in horror before ending up on his arse due to the power released from the destroyed wards, he lay there wondering just what the hell had happened.
-oOoOo-
Harry was trying to console Hermione while his own mind was in turmoil, but Neville was a basketcase! One second he was laughing while the next looked ready to vomit.
Suddenly Neville dropped to his knees as Harry and Hermione both felt power flowing from them as well. A sobbing Ginny, still clutching both elves, appeared in front of them.
Ginny found herself immersed in hugs from her adoptive parents and clung to them like her life depended on it. When she portkeyed in Neville was only semi-conscious, due to Ginny's power requirements, but, with the knowledge she was safe, he had a smile back on his face while descending into a magical exhausted sleep.
Ginny had not only managed to save the elves but Dylan was still wearing the 'Pendant of Kahan,' she had single-handedly removed all their opposition's advantages.
Dobby and Winky took the elves away for treatment after handing over the pendant to Harry. Sirius and Remus put Neville to bed as the house occupants tried to settle down for the night.
Ginny hadn't released her hold on her parents, even when kissing the sleeping Neville she had Harry's arm in a death grip. She also hadn't said a word, which scared Harry and Hermione even more. Something was seriously wrong if Ginny wasn't talking.
The three Potters headed towards the master bedroom, Ginny gave them no choice as she refused to surrender their arms she was grasping. The got into bed with Ginny in the middle and, clutching them both to her, told them Dumbledore's tale.
Hermione was getting close to hysterical by the end. Molly had been raped, physically and mentally, and she, the supposed smartest witch of her age, had wanted her to receive the Dementors kiss when the woman needed medical treatment.
It was Harry who spoke, with such authority in his voice, that both female Potters had to sit up and take notice.
"Ok, lets set a few things straight, I am your father Ginny Potter and don't you forget it! We will check out the old bastards story in the morning but nothing is going to change that. You are Ginny Potter until you become a Longbottom."
This brought a glimmer of a smile to the faces of both the ladies.
"Now we will have Molly checked first thing tomorrow and see how far his manipulations went. I am only talking about her mind, as the other subject never needs to leave this room. I understand you will want to tell Neville and we wish to be there when you do. We are a family and we stick together. Is there anyone here who thinks this will make any more difference to Neville than it does to us?"
Both girls now had tears in their eyes but smiled as they shook their heads.
"Finally I would like to say that you were one hundred percent correct when you said your father would kill him. He kidnapped my daughter from her bed, that crosses the line in my book, and there will be no second chances."
He half expected an argument from Hermione but all that came back was, "only if I don't get to him first!"
They held each other close and chatted into the night before Hermione was struck by a thought, "if he was doing that to Molly, do you think he messed with the Dursleys minds as well? Their behaviour was anything but normal. Most people care for their pets better than you were treated at Privet Drive."
It had always troubled Harry the vast gulf in treatment between Dudley and him, could it be that the old man screwed with there heads? Dudley's treatment was as odd as his, just the other end of the spectrum. So-called normality would be somewhere in the middle. Could punishing him to one extreme cause them to treat Dudley to the other?
The sun hadn't risen but the Potters were up, Ginny took Hermione into her room to get dressed while Harry stood just outside the door. Returning via Neville's room to give her sleeping boyfriend another thank-you kiss. The Potter parents got ready one at a time in their bathroom while Ginny clung to the other outside.
She thought her behaviour was just a touch irrational but didn't care, she felt safe beside her parents and knew no harm could come to her as long as they were by her side so she intended to make sure that happened.
As they walked into the dining room Dobby appeared with some news, "the only other person involved is his younger brother, Aberforth Dumbledore, and they were held in some small cottage. Both Dylan and Freda are fighting the curse but it's draining their magic, and neither wants anyone to help in case it affects their bond. They would rather die together than live apart."
"How long do they have?" asked Hermione.
"A few days! It's different from not having a master; they have one and are disobeying him when he calls."
"Could our magic help without affecting their bond?" pondered Harry.
"I'm not sure but I'll ask if they want to try. Do you need me for anything?"
Harry took a deep breath before answering, "yes, could you ask Minerva if Molly Weasley ever worked as a research assistant to the former Headmaster."
After a slight pause he replied, "Winky is asking her now. Yes she worked until she had to leave due to being pregnant with Ginny."
Dobby watched the extreme reaction of the three Potters to that news, they looked ready to be sick, and suddenly the relentless manipulation towards a Harry/Ginny relationship by Dumbledore made sense, "the bastard!" he whispered.
A sobbing Winky suddenly appeared and wrapped herself round Ginny, "oh my poor girl, don't you worry. You're a Potter now, just like Dobby and me. We all stick together." She then looked at Harry; "if you want to kill him then you better find the prick before I do because I'll rip him limb from limb."
Hermione had her arms round both of them but could clearly be heard saying, "join the queue Winky, Join the queue."
Dobby and Harry prayed they never became the recipients of the looks their wives were wearing.
Harry set the tasks for the day, "the most important thing is to find a counter to that curse. Ginny's protection charm worked brilliantly and allowed her to activate her portkey. Could something like that protect from the curse? Ask Godric's portrait for help and keep us informed about Dylan and Freda, we need to go to Gringotts."
Both Winky and Dobby kissed Ginny on the cheek before leaving. Harry put the pendant round Ginny's neck and, taking her other arm, told her to think of Ragnok's office.
-oOoOo-
Ragnok and Griphook were showing the effects of having a long night. Sitting drinking coffee, going over the few facts they had for what seemed like the hundredth time, when there attention was drawn to the three Potters now standing in Ragnok's office.
Ginny came forward and bowed, removed the pendant and spoke to Ragnok, "what was stolen has been returned."
Both goblins looked at the pendant and then back at Ginny, "how?"
The story was retold, minus the parental issue, and Griphook immediately arranged for the three remaining prisoners to be sent to the goblin medical facility.
"You have done us a great service Ginny Potter, Friend of the Goblin Nation." Ragnok answered formally.
The Potters were delighted and sat to discuss their next moves.
"Is there anyone here how thinks the old man is sane?" asked Hermione.
"Sadly no" answered Ragnok, "what the wizarding world passed off as 'eccentricity' in Dumbledore would have seen anyone else checked into St Mungo's."
Ginny asked quietly, "What does that mean? Are we going to try and capture him?"
"No! While I agree he's not sane that doesn't mean he's not dangerous, quite the opposite in fact. We all acknowledge that he's fixated on my family and will commit any crime to accomplish whatever his goals may be. If a goblin prison cell couldn't hold him then no hospital would stand a chance, and I suspect we will get confirmation that he's manipulated our lives a lot more than we first thought. In the end it comes down to the fact my family will never be safe while he lives, and my family's safety is the most important thing in the world to me." Declared Harry.
No objections to the statement came from the room so they proceeded to process the new information in the hope of throwing up some leads.
Griphook quickly found information on the brother, "it appears that the brother might be a few Knut's short of a Galleon as well. He dropped off the wizarding map after just escaping a term in Azkaban for casting 'inappropriate' charms on a goat. We are currently searching our records for any purchase of a small farm building."
A goblin healer approached Ragnok with some news and was asked to address the group. "The two muggles have had their minds modified to hate anything magical and treat one Harry Potter as a freak of nature. The witch has the worse case of mind meddling I have ever seen or even heard about. She has been fed instructions regularly for many years, over a decade at least, and now has trouble functioning since they have stopped being administered. Her mind has been messed with so much that the poor woman must have been a nightmare to live with, smothering you with love one minute and screaming at you the next."
"Is there anything we can do for them?" asked Harry.
The healer replied, "the muggles should recover in a couple of weeks but the witch might not make it. Her mind is unravelling at an alarming rate. She keeps asking for Harry and Ginny as if her world is focused on you two and meeting you both may help. If I may be so bold, can I suggest Mrs Potter not accompany you as this just might send her over the edge. Regardless of whether this does any good it may be the last chance to talk to her before she losses what little grip she has left on reality."
Before Harry could answer, Hermione spoke over their bond, 'we have to do this for Ginny, don't worry about me, I'll be with you in that room'
Ginny looked into his eyes questioningly and asked, "Dad?"
"Lead the way healer" he said, "Hermione could you come as well? I want to speak to the Dursleys after Molly."
They found themselves outside a hospital bedroom as the healer gave them some final instructions, "even our scans had her screaming in rage so we gave her a mild calming draft, don't be alarmed if see appears sleepy."
"Are you ready for this Ginny Potter?" asked Harry
She had a hold on his arm tighter than Devil's Snare as she mumbled "no" but followed him in anyway.
Molly Weasley tried to sit up in the hospital bed but found she was just too tired. She, of course, immediately recognised her daughter but not the handsome young man on whose arm she clung, at least not until he spoke.
"Harry?"
He just nodded, but the look of happiness in her eyes could be seen from outer space.
She held her hand out and Ginny, very reluctantly, took one hand of Harry's arm and held it towards Molly.
Molly didn't notice the reluctance but she did notice the exquisite bracelet she was wearing, and the inscription brought tears to her eyes. "Ginny Potter! Your Ginny Potter now?"
Harry bent down and kissed his daughter on the top of her head, "yes she is!"
Molly let Ginny's hand go and lay back with a look of utter bliss on her tear stained face. She didn't notice that they had both left and honestly didn't care, she had completed her task.
The name Ginny Potter had started unravelling the threads of manipulation placed in her mind by Dumbledore, the old wizard had been aware this might happen but not too worried. Molly wasn't supposed to live long after the dream of Ginny Potter became a reality.
Ginny fell apart after leaving the room, "how could anyone do that to her?" she sobbed.
"He had the same fate planned for you and me, our champion of the light is worse than Riddle. At least he just tried to kill us both." Answered Harry.
After Ginny had recovered, with the help of a mild 'cheering charm' from Hermione, they moved on.
The three Potters walked into a room containing both Dursleys and noticed a difference in their behaviour immediately.
Vernon couldn't even look at them, appalled at his previous behaviour, so turned on his side to face the wall. Petunia apologised for their treatment of him before her natural nosey nature took over and asked Harry to introduce the girls.
"This is my wife, Hermione, and our daughter Ginny."
At Petunia's stunned look, Ginny answered the unspoken question.
"They adopted me though I will have two sisters and a brother at the beginning of September."
Petunia's mouth was moving but no sound was being emitted, Harry put his arm around his wife and daughter, "yes Aunt Petunia, Hermione is pregnant and we're going to be blessed with triplets."
"Harry, how will you afford four of a family?" asked Vernon, his curiosity getting the better of him.
Harry was shocked! Not only was his uncle's tone polite, but also, he thought, it was the first time he had ever called him by his name.
Ginny was still under the effects of the cheering charm so answered quite happily, "believe me sir, money's not something these two need to worry about any time soon."
"Harry?" asked Petunia, "what happened to Dudley?"
"As far as I'm aware, he decided to stay at his school over the holidays."
Petunia had tears running down her cheeks, "I know I have no right to ask but could you look out for him? Please?"
It was Hermione who answered, "we will go and get him, he needs to be medically checked as well. You should be better in a few weeks then you can come and live with us while we all decide what to do next."
Petunia was really crying now, "Oh we couldn't impose. You'd do that for us after the way we treated you?"
Harry was looking at his wife as if she had two heads but had to agree with her thought that it was the right thing to do.
"Aunt Petunia, Uncle Vernon it won't be an imposition. Hermione's family moved there yesterday and we have plenty of room. Ginny will be back at school so you don't even have to put up with her."
The feisty redhead maturely stuck her tongue out at her father.
"But Harry," said Petunia, "don't you have to go to school as well?"
Ginny was laughing, "they don't attend Hogwarts anymore, they own it."
They chatted some more before leaving on their latest quest.
Harry was going to find out if his cousin had his mind manipulated or if he really was just a fat, arrogant bully.
A/N some questions have been asked of the Weasley ages and the timeline of this fic, all data was obtained from the wonderful HP Lexicon site.
Bill – born Nov. 29 1970
Harry – born July 31 1980
Ginny – born Aug. 11 1981
Voldemort attack on the Potter's - Oct 31 1981
Bill goes to Hogwarts Sept. 1 1982
No Weasleys were at Hogwarts before Harry reflected Voldemort's AK on Halloween.