DISCLAIMER: That part of this world and those characters you've seen before belong to their Creator: JKR. The rest is mine - although I cannot quit my day job as I make no $$$
A/N: For those who did not like the last chapter: YOU WERE WARNED! I had originally planned to include it and dropped it mainly for the reasons you said but there was some character development and plot points (minor) that I lost and realized some things would not play out so well if I didn't write that chapter and stick it in. (There will be some repetitive stuff later, but from a different POV so it's not really the same…) Had I not, others would later be writing "Where the hell did that come from? It makes no sense at all now!" (That first now impossible WTF? comes up in this chapter… but without the last chapter, I'm sure I'd have been slammed hard(er).) Then again, this does push back 'The Trial of Albus Dumbledore' to Chapter 28 or 29... (And I promise not later than Chapter 29...Seriously as it's already in the can and I have no reason to insert another Chapter before then…)
Besides, I wented to see a parent's reaction! And not by their dumping on their child or Harry! I wanted to see how they came to terms with all of this, which was why I put wrote the last chapter in. AND IT WAS NOT AN EASY ONE TO WRITE! Aside from maybe Mr. Patil, (and Mr. Weasley but he does come in later) I didn't think a magical could give perspective as they could maybe accept the laws. Muggles, on the other hand... And I chose the Grangers for I think obvious reasons. Who else would make sense? The Bells? The Lees? The Caldwells? The Robbins? And if I am going to have the Grangers discuss between themselves. we do need to know a little about where they're comming from, right?
Rant over. Sorry to those of you who liked the last chapter...
SATURDAY, APRIL 1st, 1995 - THE SOUTH WING.
When the dinner ended, the various families retired to somewhere private to talk. Hermione and her parents went to her apartment and Harry led Sirius and Remus to his study where the walls were lined with pictures of his wives. Sirius was not critical at all, thinking the Wing and now this were bloody brilliant pranks in a way, although he did bemoan the fact that his Godson and beaten him to marital bliss as it were and he needed to do something about it. Remus was not critical about the solution, although he continued to question why it was even necessary. He still had difficulty thinking ill of Dumbledore. Harry did his best to explain they did not know exactly what Dumbledore was up to and believed that asking would be pointless. Dumbledore had avoided all questions Harry had put to him thus far and things were moving too quickly to wait for information or an explanation from the man.
Harry spent much of the time talking about each of the girls and his month with each of them, although despite Sirius's pleading, he did stay clear of the "juicy bits" or any discussion of their "assets." He focused mostly on who they were and what he liked about them "outside of the bedroom." All the while, however, he was concerned about the meetings that were occurring down the hallway in the girls' apartments. He was far more concerned about Hermione with her parents. He figured about the only concern Hannah's mother would have was the age which, later that evening, was exactly what Hannah would say to him as this was her night with him.
Harry would not find out about Hermione's meeting with her parents until the next day and even then it would be some time before he got the entire story. Her parents were understandably very upset with her and the situation. Her situation was disturbing in both worlds for the adults and particularly for the highly educated Grangers who thought they had raised her to be an intellectual who understood that she was too young to begin a family, particularly if she truly wanted a career. Fortunately for Hermione, this discussion did not begin with just the three of them. Hermione's sitting room had additional guests who felt she needed support and knew they needed to convince the Muggles that there were reasons behind the reasons given, guests who were in a better position to speak of the threat and the conditions in magical society. Hannah and her mother as well as the Tonks family joined in support of Hermione, at least in general. None of the adults were thrilled with the idea that the girls were married so young or that they were involved in a Plural Marriage. But the magical adults understood why and were probably better at explaining certain things than Hermione could be if only because the "official" version in books was inaccurate.
Marilyn Abbott was a Muggle Born as was Ted Tonks. Andy was a "liberal" Pureblood raised in one of the most bigoted Pureblood families and had been disowned by her parents for her beliefs. Between them, they were able to explain the prejudices of their society. Prejudice was always a matter of perception and not reality. In the case of Magical Britain and its bias against Muggle Borns in general and Muggle Born witches in particular, a social stratification that was not unheard of in the Muggle World, one based upon families, was exacerbated by the perceived animosity Muggles held for witches. It was odd that the anti-magical bias even when joined by the Church in the 14th Century was almost entirely directed at women, particularly as there were almost as many wizards as witches. But that was the case. The vast majority of "witches" who were executed in various ways for centuries were not witches as all. Of those real witches who were drowned, pressed or burnt at the stake, the vast majority were Muggle Borns. The Pureblood bigots blamed that on their lack of respect for magical culture. It may have been a factor, but it may also have been the case that the Muggle Borns felt comfortable in the Muggle World and thus were easier to "catch."
Andy told them of the two most famous real witches the English managed to execute. One was not English at all. She was a French peasant who had led an army that defeated the English in France. Joan of Arc was tried by the French and the Church and sent to England for execution as part of the momentary peace between the two almost perpetually warring nations. The other witch, while accused of witchcraft during her life, was executed by Henry VII for purely political reasons, namely to get rid of anyone who could challenge the legitimacy of his reign. This was Elizabeth Woodville, the alleged wife of King Edward IV (alleged because there were later accusations that Edward was already married). She was also the mother of the legendary "Princes in the Tower" who were supposedly murdered by Richard III. The problem was, after the Princes had been declared bastards by Parliament following the death of their father in 1483, they went somewhere else – Hogwarts. The reason they were never seen again was not because they were murdered, it was because they embraced their magic and left the non-magical world, particularly when it was clear that if Richard the III would not have killed them, Henry the VII or his allies most certainly would have.
But the point was pressed home. Muggle Born witches were about as low on the social scale as one could get. They had few opportunities unless they married well. Madam Bones would never have been an Auror had her husband not been a Pureblood from an Ancient and Noble House. St. Mungos and the Healing profession in general lacked such bias, but in recent years few Muggle Borns had the Potion skills to enter that profession. Quidditch was also unbiased based upon bloodlines, but Muggle Borns were at a disadvantage because they never sat a broom before Hogwarts. For most Muggle Born witches who remained in the magical world, unless they started their own businesses, they were generally shop girls or clerical employees regardless of their marks. By marrying Harry, even under these circumstances, Hermione had secured a future for herself she could not attain any other way. She had ceased being a Muggle Born for all practical purposes.
As for the threat which had driven their daughter to this, the Grangers were given a lengthy lecture about Death Eaters and Voldemort. Andy was very well versed in this having been raised by a family that supported such things. She said they made the IRA look like rank amateurs and Hitler look like an egalitarian. They killed Muggles for sport. Muggle Borns and their families were brutally terminated as a matter of policy. For those who had connections with the murderers, there had been rumors of something disturbingly similar to the "Final Solution" and Death Camps should the Death Eaters come to power. Between 1971 and 1981, half the Muggle Borns known to be in Britain disappeared although most probably fled abroad and never returned. The Death Eaters faced little challenge at first as the government was indifferent. It was not until much later when they began killing Purebloods who would not support them that the government finally began to act aggressively. Most of magical Britain hoped those days were at an end as most were not in favor of that Cause, but all feared it was not so.
Dumbledore was a further problem. No one would deny he was an able Headmaster and educator for the most part. Nymphadora seriously questioned his choice for a Potions Professor but … well it was well known that there was no real money in teaching Potions. Snape's predecessor was independently wealthy. Snape was not so one had to wonder why he chose that position when he could easily make more money opening a shop in Diagon Alley or working at St. Mungos. Then again, it was also well known that he had been a Death Eater at one point. Dumbledore had vouched for him claiming he had been "reformed." The Tonks family did not think it possible to reform a sociopath, which seemed to be an apt description for anyone who bore the Mark. Dumbledore's biggest failing was his absolute belief and faith in redemption and unquestioning ability to forgive. He failed to see that some people truly were lost causes. This had severely hampered the ability of the Wizengamot to deal with the Death Eaters in an effective manner and the Emergency Acts that were eventually passed and arguably prevented the Death Eaters from winning, were passed when Dumbledore was out of the country on ICW business. The Tonks argued that if Dumbledore had an interest in Harry, that could not be good for Harry or anyone Harry considered a friend. If that interest was tied to Voldemort somehow, it was not good for anyone at all. They agreed and argued persuasively that the best thing for Harry, his friends and the magical world in general was to get Dumbledore out of his life.
Hermione's contribution was more personal. She had told them she felt they had been drifting apart and wanted that to stop and saw this as an opportunity to become a family again. But she also stressed that just because she was pregnant and would be having a child, she was not about to stop her education. If anything it would be accelerated. She told them they had planned the next day with that in mind. By the time the Spring Holiday was over, certainly all the Fourth and Fifth years and maybe the Third Years as well would sit for their O.W.L.s as two of the examiners were among the guests. It would not be in every subject, just the ones that mattered, she said. Once this weekend was over, they would still have to attend some classes as History of Magic, Astronomy, Care of Magical Creatures, Divination and Muggle Studies were not included in the Wing's courses. But in all the others, she hoped they would all be at least into NEWT level studies. Just before the Grangers left for their own room, Hermione gave her father a summary of Harry's finances they had received from Gringotts. If nothing else, money was not about to be an issue – ever. The Grangers left not happy, but far more accepting then when they had entered her library like apartment.
Twenty-four guest rooms had been filled on Friday with the thirty-seven guests who had already arrived. Most of them were the parents or Magical Guardians (or both) of the two families. All were adults. Professors Tofty and Marchbanks were among the guests. Although they were not parents or grandparents or even great-grandparents of the young women, they were friends of Amelia Bones and Augusta Longbottom and were senior examiners who administered the OWLs and NEWTs. Ginny's father and brother Bill were already in the Wing as well.
At eight in the morning, the door from Hogwarts opened. It would not allow anyone inside to leave, in fact to anyone inside who was not a Potter or Longbottom, it was hidden. It opened to allow the remaining twenty-five guests to enter. All but eight were students. Of the adults, five were Hogwarts Professors and the sixth was Madam Maxine, Headmistress of Beauxbatons and the other two were Gabrielle's parents. Included on the guest list was Victor Krum and his fiancé Katya who would be coming up from Hogsmeade. The occupants of the Wing were not worried about "gate crashers." Only the guests could find the door with their invitations and the two least wanted people in Hogwarts from the occupants' standpoint, Professors Dumbledore and Snape, were away from the Castle. The new guests were not shown to their rooms directly. That would happen after lunch by which time the Wing's House Elves would have transferred their belongings to their rooms.
During the night, two of those elves had been busy. Dobby and Winky had received permission from Sirius Black to enter his family home and bring that library to the Wing to augment the Magical Library's already extensive collection. By ten in the morning, the transfer was complete, although Doddy did report the need to subdue another House Elf who seemed intent on defying the wishes of "The Great Harry Potter's Godfather." At ten, the door to Hogwarts closed and a bell sounded telling those who had been through it before that Time Compression had activated again.
Professor McGonagall was staring at a painting in one of the salons. It looked like something and yet it did not. It was mostly blues and, she thought, oddly pretty, but she had never seen anything like it.
"It's a late Monet," a voice said. She turned and saw a red haired girl, one of her students although she knew the girls was in Slytherin.
"Excuse me, Miss Rosier?" she said.
"Claude Monet. He was a Muggle French painter who painted from 1862 through the 1920's. I think this one was 1912 or so. It's called Water Lily's and is said to be frightfully expensive. This one isn't. It's just a reproduction. I think the frame cost more than the print."
"Now that you mention it, it does look like them," McGonagall said.
"We have about ninety reproductions of his works around here as well as several others from other French Impressionists although many say Monet was the Master of that style," Rosie said. "They're not supposed to look like a picture, I'm told, but to portray the essence of the scene or something like that. I find them very peaceful, don't you? Our Gabrielle picked them out. She's a huge fan of that style."
McGonagall nodded. "Where are we?" she asked after a moment.
"The South Wing," Rosie said.
"I know my invitation said that, Miss Rosier, and am too old to fall for an April Fool's prank! I can assure you this is not the South Wing!"
Rosie shrugged. "Can you?" Before McGonagall replied Rosie continued, "it will all be explained after lunch which will begin in about an hour in the Main Dining Room."
The lunch all but convinced McGonagall she was being pranked. This place, wherever it was, could not be a part of Hogwarts. Meals at Hogwarts were served "family style," all the food being placed magically upon the tables and each student selected what they wanted and placed it on their plates. Only the staff ate differently and most were so set in their ways they ate the same thing for lunch every day, thus the lack of selection at the staff table. That was not the case here. In this Dining Room, they all had menus with a surprising selection of dishes. An elf took their orders and several minutes later, their selection appeared before them. There was a surprising variety of selections, far more than she had ever recalled being available in the Great Hall. She had the Fish and Chips which, she was loathe to admit, was actually better than what she had either at Hogwarts or the Three Broomsticks, the later claiming to have the best in Magical Britain. Another difference was the lunch was not "all you can eat." Perhaps this was a good thing as several students had atrocious eating habits – pile it on and shovel it in. Most of the students here seemed to actually have decent table manners.
If one included students from the other two schools attending the Tri-Wizard Tournament, the Dining Room had almost the same number of adults as students. McGonagall was seated with the Grangers which again convinced her this could not be Hogwarts as she could not remember a time during her tenure as a professor when a Muggle had been to the school. She knew they had been at one time, but that was before Dumbledore had become Headmaster. There seemed to be some tension between Miss Granger and her parents, but the three did not discuss this at all. Aside from that, it was quite a pleasant lunch.
After the lunch, all the people gathered in what she was told was the Ballroom. It certainly looked like one with the parquet floors and such. It was not set up like one, however. At one end there was something not unlike a stage with nine chairs towards the back and a lectern or something similar near the front. Seventy-three chairs were arranged in seven rows, four rows of ten and three in back or eleven. McGonagall noticed that the back rows were the first to fill and the front row seemed reserved for the Hogwarts Professors and some others. Upon the stage she saw Harry, Hermione, Hannah Abbott, Neville Longbottom, Ginny Weasley and Susan Bones take seats along with three adults. She knew Amelia Bones, head of DMLE, but did not know the other two offhand.
When everyone was seated, Hermione walked to the lectern. "Good afternoon," she began. "For those of you who don't know me, I am Hermione Granger a Fourth Year here at Hogwarts. For those who don't know where we are, this is the abandoned South Wing of the Castle."
"Miss Granger," McGonagall said, "having been at this school for forty-six years if you include my time as a student, I am well familiar with the South Wing and this most certainly is not it. Surely this is a joke."
"It is not," Hermione said, "and while I'd like to think I have a sense of humor, pranking is not me. Then again with Fred and George Weasley here with us as well as two of the original Marauders…"
"Really?" one of the Twins said.
"Where?" the other one added.
"Think we can get an autograph?"
"Worship the very ground they walk upon?"
"Pick their brains for totally wicked pranking ideas?"
Hermione held up her hand. "Later boys. And I'm sure at least one of them would be thrilled to have you worship him. Be that as it may, this is the South Wing which a few of us have recently renovated…"
"Miss Granger, on what authority did you do this?" McGonagall asked.
"Why your's, Professor," Hermione said with a smile. "When Harry's name came out of the Goblet, you did allow us to use any unused part of the Castle for his training, did you not?"
"I did, but this…? How much of this Wing have you renovated?"
"All of it," Hermione replied.
"I certainly did not give you permission for that!"
"You also did not limit us to any particular space," Hermione added. "As we felt we needed as much space as this Wing had to offer and it was unused and full of junk, well there you go."
"I expect you to change this back by the end of the Holiday!"
"That's not going to happen," Harry said standing. "I, Lord Harry James Potter, Head of the Ancient and Noble House of Potter, by virtue of Blood Inheritance as confirmed at Gringotts, March 30th, 1995 do hereby claim my Birthright as magical and legal Heir of Godric Gryffindor!" As soon as he finished a bell rang out. It was different from the one in the Wing and much further off. A new ring also appeared on his left forefinger. It was not very fancy, just gold unadorned by any jewels, but there was a lion on it where a stone would have been. Harry knew at once it was the Gryffindor Ring.
"The bells of Hogwarts!" a voice gasped.
Hermione then spoke: "I, Lady Hermione Jane Potter nee Granger, by virtue of Blood Inheritance as confirmed at Gringotts, March 30th, 1995 do hereby claim my Birthright as magical and legal Heir of Rowena Ravenclaw!" The distant bell rang out again and there were more gasps.
"But how can that be? She's Muggle Born!"
"The magic in the Ravenclaw maternal line died out generations ago," Hermione said. "A daughter descendant of Ravenclaw was born a Squib and most likely was sent into the Muggle World. Do you think she let on she knew about magic? How long before her descendant daughters forgot they ever had a magical heritage? Two generations? Less? Do not assume that Muggle Borns are not from magical lines 'cause in most cases – maybe all – they are if you look back far enough!"
Susan then rose. "I, Lady Susan Amelia Bones, Head of the Ancient and Noble House of Bones, wife by Line Continuation of Lord Longbottom, by virtue of Blood Inheritance as confirmed at Gringotts, March 30th, 1995 do hereby claim my Birthright as magical and legal Heir of Helga Hufflepuff!" The distant bell sounded a third time.
"Merlin's Beard!" McGonagall whispered to herself. "It can't be!"
Neville then rose. "I, Lord Neville Augustus Longbottom, Head of the Ancient and Noble House of Longbottom, by virtue of Blood Inheritance as confirmed at Gringotts, March 30th, 1995 do hereby claim my Birthright as magical and legal Heir of Salazar Slytherin!" The distant bell sounded a fourth time followed by several others. The bells rang for several minutes before all was silent again.
"But you're in Gryffindor!" a student's voice protested.
Neville smiled. "Apparently when Tom Riddle, also known as You-Know-Who, snuffed it at the end of October 1981 – or at least his body did – the Slytherin line passed to the next closest descendant, which would be me apparently and no, I did not know that."
"Those of you who thought I was Slytherin's heir my Second Year," Harry added, "were not far off. My line is next in line after House Longbottom."
"What was with those bells?" someone asked.
McGonagall stood. "The bells of Hogwarts - as they were known - used to sound upon the return to the Castle of one of the founders. They're not real bells and you won't find them anywhere. It's part of the Castle's magic. As we could hear them, it is safe to say we're at Hogwarts. They have not sounded since Salazar Slytherin left the school and, according to legend and tradition, would never sound again unless and until the Heirs returned united as friends and family. It would appear that is what we've just witnessed."
"Birthright?" a voice asked.
"The Founders owned an equal and indivisible interest in Hogwarts and all or most of Hogsmeade Valley. Since it could not be divided, it could not be passed down unless some generations later the four heirs returned together and the heirs of Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff married the heirs of Gryffindor or Slytherin. Again, that seems to be the case which means they can claim as their own this Wing. It should be noted that in the thousand or so years since the founding of the school, the Heirs never reunited before now."
"Hold it," one of the twins said, "are you saying Harry and Hermione are married?"
"We are," Hermione said. "As of March 30th."
"When did you become – er – boyfriend/girlfriend?"
"The day before, I guess."
"That was quick!" a voice commented.
The other twin was looking at a piece of parchment. "Congratulations, Professor McGonagall!" he said.
"Excuse me?" Harry, Hermione and Professor McGonagall said almost in unison.
"It seems you won the pool!"
"What pool?" Hermione asked.
"The one about when you and Harry would finely figure out you're really a couple!" the twin laughed. "McGonagall picked by April 5th, 1995! She was the closest to the real date. Lee's gonna be pissed as he had the next closest with March 20th. Personally, I thought the Professor was a little optimistic considering how thick you two were but… I'll have the 52 Galleons and change for you on Monday, Professor!"
McGonagall was actually blushing.
"You had a pool about that?" Hermione asked in disbelief.
"Yup! Most of the staff and over half the students were in on it." "A Sickle a pick!" said the other twin.
"Why didn't you tell us?"
"Wouldn't be any fun if you knew about it up front," the first said.
"What's Ginny doing up there?" the other twin asked.
"She's Lady Longbottom now," Neville said proudly.
"Pay up!" that twin said. "I told you they'd be quicker about it than Mum and Dad!"
"Hold on! The bet was no potions and quicker!"
"Do fertility potions count?" Ginny asked.
"Is that a love potion?" the twin set to lose asked.
"Not really," Ginny said.
"Bugger!" the twin said reaching into his pocket and handing something to his brother.
"Thanks Gin!" the other one said.
"Hold on!" Mr. Weasley said, "you're saying you're married?"
Ginny nodded. "Hermione will explain."
"Before we begin, some introductions," Hermione said. "For those who don't know, this is Harry Potter, my husband. Also with us is his other wife via a Line Continuation Contract, Hannah Abbott, and I will be telling you all what that is and how this happened. We also have Neville Longbottom, his First Wife Ginny Weasley and his other wife by Line Continuation Susan Bones. Also with us up here is Amelia Bones, Head of DMLE and Ted Tonks, a Healer from St. Mungo's. Harry?"
Harry stood, "And now for the Marauders," he said. "About twenty years ago, Hogwarts played host to a group of four students who were considered legendary pranksters…"
"A true inspiration," one of the Twins said.
"Worthy of emulation," the second added.
"One called himself Prongs. He was my father James Potter and obviously cannot be with us today. Another was called Wormtail and he was the one who betrayed his friend – my father – and my mother to their deaths."
"Black!" someone said.
"His name was Peter Pettigrew and I'm sure the Weasleys are familiar with him." There were gasps.
"We never knew him!" Arthur protested.
"You knew him by a different name, Mr. Weasley, and in a different form. You knew him in his animagus form and your family called him Scabbers."
"Bloody Hell!" several redheaded men said.
"You know this?" Arthur asked.
"Surely Ron told you about last year," Harry replied although it was now obvious he had not.
"He said Dumbledore told him not to say anything about what happened at the end of last year," Arthur replied.
"Yes another nail in that coffin," Harry continued. "Scabbers was the traitor who allowed Voldemort to kill my parents and was the one who killed all those muggles just before turning into the rat that he is and escaping down a storm drain."
"That means Black is…" a voice began.
"Innocent of those crimes," Amelia said, "although we still have the issue of his also being an unregistered animagus to deal with. As soon as he can access his vaults, I will be expecting prompt payment of a fifty galleon fine."
"If you can catch him," said an oddly dressed wizard seated next to Luna. "He's really Stubby Boardman. He said to be invisible too."
Harry laughed. "Those of us who were students here last year know the third Marauder – arguably the brains of the operation. He is with us today. Please welcome back Moony, also known to us as Professor Lupin." Remus stood to an enthusiastic applause from the students and the staff from the school.
"Finally, here on stage is the last of the Marauders – in presentation, not in any other way. I'd like to introduce my Godfather, also known as Padfoot and also known as the not really invisible Lord Sirius Orion Black, Head of the Ancient and Noble House of Black."
Sirius stood, although it seemed the only ones applauding were the Weasley twins and the two girls who were with them.
"B-b-but he's said to be a murderer, a Death Eater!" someone said.
Sirius bared his left arm. There was another gasp as there was no dark mark. While for many the marked had faded after Voldemort disappeared, it never truly went away and the hidden marks became visible and had remained that way ever since. Sirius had no mark and therefore was not a Death Eater.
"As I said," Amelia spoke as she rose again, "it would seem Lord Black is the victim of a grave injustice perpetrated by our own government. As Head of Magical Law Enforcement, it is my duty to see justice is done, even as here where by doing so a supposed criminal is cleared and our political leaders must be forced to find another excuse for what happens in our world. The law is supposed to protect the innocent and punish the guilty, not hide the mistakes and support the prejudices of the Ministry. To Lord Black, I apologize for what has happened to you and for the years our leadership robbed from you. You should not be having to get to know your Godson and yet for unjustifiable political reasons you are. As Head of DMLE, I will see this matter through to its proper conclusion and see you restored to your freedom, estates and family. I only wish it would be as easy as a flick of a pen. It may take some time."
Sirius nodded. "Thank you," he said softly. "That there is one honest and honorable person in government … there remains hope for our future."
He had escorted her to the private dinner the night before and she had been quite gracious about it. But Sirius had to admit that the flame for her had long died even before she made it clear they could be friends, but no more than that. He still was not her type, she said. Besides, she reasoned, how could she as Head of DMLE help him if they were an item? It would ruin both of their credibility should his case come up. Amelia did point out to him later that Marilyn Abbott seemed to be paying particularly close attention to him and was a widow as well - and had been a year behind him in school. Sirius was too much the dog not to accept a freely offered bone as it were.
Amelia Bones promised Sirius and everyone present a proper trial for Lord Black in time. Sirius agreed to questioning under Veriteserum as soon as a batch was ready. Until then, he was under the protection of the Ancient and Noble Houses that now owned the South Wing and was free to remain upon their lands, which included Hogsmeade Valley. No Auror or other Ministry Official would be legally able to violate such sanctuary, although she could not extend that guarantee beyond the lands of Houses Potter, Longbottom, Bones, Abbott and now Granger/Ravenclaw. With the Black matter dealt with, Hermione allowed those who had been at Harry's dinner party the night before to leave, save herself, Madam Bone and Healer Tonks for the rest of the presentation was "old matters." This was also done to allow Harry and Neville to leave for their private apartments to avoid the storm that surely would be brewing as Hermione revealed all that the South Wing was about.
Harry soon found himself on the balcony of his Private Apartments for again it was a nice day with the warming charms in place and he liked the view. Andy Tonks and her daughter were off to one side with Sirius Black talking about something. Remus was enjoying the sunshine. He had already said he intended to enjoy as much of this as possible given his now fifteen month reprieve from his condition. Hannah and her mother were in bikinis enjoying the sun some distance away.
The plan was that the other guests and families would arrive once they had learned all and accepted it. The House Elves would act as gatekeepers as they could sense hostile intent. Basically, anyone allowed into Harry's Apartment (or Neville's upstairs) were accepting - even if reluctantly - of what was going on. Harry stared out at the lake wishing he could go for a fly on his broom.
"Harry?" a female voice asked.
Harry turned and saw the Grangers standing near him. Rose Granger pulled him into a brief hug.
"I wasn't expecting that," Harry said realizing he had flinched on contact.
"Whether I like it or not - and I am undecided at this time - you're now my Son-in-Law," Rose said.
"I'd ask you the question," Robert Granger said. "But it seems you already married my daughter. Still, what are your intentions towards my little girl?"
Harry nodded thinking. "She's very special, you know," he began.
Robert nodded.
"I'd have been quite content if it were just Hermione in my life," Harry continued. "Don't know what I ever did to deserve her. She's the one girl of all of my wives whom I loved before all of this and that's important. I want to do right by all of them, but especially Hermione. She's so … so brilliant! I want this time to be the beginning of her life. Years from now I want this to be an admirable time for her, but just the beginning. I don't want her to peak at sixteen or seventeen, but I do want her to outshine everyone now, then and forever! Neville and I may be the focus of a lot of this but don't kid yourselves. Hermione is the driving force! Without her, none of this would happen. She's crossed House lines here at Hogwarts. You have any idea how special that makes her? She's a Gryffindor who inspired Slytherins! Those two Houses hate each other on principal, but our Slytherins look to her for leadership. One day … maybe … Hermione will be Minister for Magic. She's be brilliant at it. If not that, I'd settle for Prime Minister of Great Britain, but… Whatever she wants and can attain, I'll see to it!"
"And the other girls," Robert Granger began.
"Brilliant too," Harry said, "the lot of them! I see my role as seeing to it that they can do whatever they're capable of doing now and even years and years from now."
"And you?" Rose asked. "What do you want?"
Harry frowned. "One day - maybe - I'll get that. What I want is a quiet life without all of this Boy-Who-Lived nonsense and without others trying to either control me or kill me. I always wanted a real family. After that and assuming I can get that life, I really don't know. There's too much expected of me in a way and I want nothing to do with it! It seems that Neville and I are stuck for now. I want to be unstuck and then figure that out."
"And where are you going to live?" Robert asked.
Harry explained that because he, Hermione, Neville and Susan were Founders Heirs, they would have to live here in the South Wing for six months of every year. He explained that the girls apartments could be expanded to about twice their current size without too much difficulty which would allow for three additional bedrooms and an additional bathroom if needed. As for the other six months of the year, Harry had several properties, most notably Potter Manor. As Hannah's consort, there were also Abbott properties where they could spend time. Finally, there was also the possibility of spending time at one of the Delacour properties. They had a "palace" in Paris, a large Manor and estate in the Loire Valley and a large Villa outside of Nice overlooking the sea. Harry admitted that he had yet to see any of these other places, or at least had no memory of them. He figured they would check them out this coming summer if possible.
"Did I miss something?" Rose asked sometime later.
"Excuse me?" Harry replied.
"You claim to be married and I have seen the papers confirming that, something Robert and I have to accept based upon your word and that of Ms. Bones, but none of you are wearing any rings? Is there a reason for that? Do people in this world wear wedding rings?"
"They do," Harry said, "or so I'm told."
"So it slipped your mind then? Not that I'm surprised. You're only fourteen or so."
"It didn't," Harry said. "I got them on Thursday. Just haven't had to time to give them to the girls yet. As soon as Hermione gets here, I'll correct that problem."
"And weddings?" she asked.
"I haven't thought about that," Harry admitted. "I wouldn't be surprised if Hermione has. She did say something about the magical ceremony being important, but aside from that…" Harry shrugged.
"Oh, there're going to be weddings," a new voice said. Harry saw that Hannah and her mother, both in bikinis, had joined them. "I'm Hannah," she said to the Grangers. They remembered her from the night before but had forgotten her name. The previous evening had been information overload. "This is my Mum, Marilyn," she added.
"Weddings?" Rose asked.
Hannah nodded. "We spent the last two days shopping for all kinds of things. Our elves can make a lot, but wedding dresses and such are best left to designers and such. Hermione's plan is that the weddings will begin on Day Eight of Time Compression at the soonest. Should give us all time to make the final arrangements and plans. Harry and Hermione will be first…"
"We are?" Harry asked.
"That's really quick," Rose added.
"Yes you are," Hannah said, "and Mrs. Granger don't worry. The Elves will spend time with you and Hermione to make it as perfect a day as possible. Unfortunately, we won't be able to invite any more guests, so it will be just the people we have here. Still, it should be wonderful!"
"Have you picked Bridesmaids and such?" Rose asked.
"Oh yes," Hannah said. "Those of us who have sisters, well they'll be bridesmaids. And most of us is going to be a maid … no matron of honor at least once and all of us a bridesmaid at least a few times as well. Each wedding will have four groomsmen and bridesmaids. We were thinking of no more than three, but Ginny insisted she wanted her brothers to stand with her and Neville agreed so it's four."
"And the Groomsmen and Best Man?" Rose Granger asked.
"That's up to Harry, isn't it," Hannah said, "although I hope he will agree not to have Sirius Black as Best Man or Groomsman at our wedding."
"Why not?" Harry and others asked.
"'Cause he's your Godfather and I lost my Daddy in the War," Hannah said. "I'm hoping he'll agree to escort me down the aisle in Daddy's place."
"We'll need to ask him," Marilyn said. "I think he's a good choice, but he needs to agree…"
"Oi! Sirius," Harry called out waiving Sirius and Remus over (and proving he was still fourteen or so in the Grangers' eyes but also thoughtful as well.)
"You rang?" Sirius quipped as he and Remus arrived.
"We're talking 'bout weddings," Harry began.
"Good to know, but why am I here?" Sirius asked. "Aside from being your godfather that is?"
"Need some best men things," Harry said. "I figure you and Neville and Professor Lupin…"
"Harry, I'm no longer," Remus began.
"You will be again," Harry said. "But that's not why I called you over. Hannah?"
"Lord Black?" she asked. "For now, Harry and I are to be married by ceremony on Day Ten. Hermione and he will be married that way on Day Eight. My Daddy died during the War and my Mum and I would be honored if you'd agree to stand up for me in his stead - escort me down the aisle?"
Sirius was dumbfounded for a good minute and many wondered if he had also forgotten how to breath. "I - I would be honored," he stammered.
They spoke for some time about the schedule for the next few weeks. Hannah told them that training would resume on Day 3 and would be four hours a day, every day including wedding days from just after breakfast until lunch. The weddings would take place around dinner time which would allow the bride five or six hours to get ready, something Harry did not understand but decided not to press the matter. Harry had tentatively decided that Neville, Remus and Sirius would stand as Best Man for him at three weddings each. Neville would be Best Man for him at his weddings with Hermione, Luna and Rosie. Remus would be Best Man at his weddings with Hannah, Padma and Daphne and Sirius would be there with Harry when he married Katie, Marcia and Gabrielle.
About two hours passed from when Harry returned to his Apartments and Hermione finally showed up. As soon as she entered the Apartments, she apparently headed to her room to change which allowed Harry a little time to retrieve the shopping bags from his study and set them up beside a chair at a small table on the balcony. Hermione arrived in a robe and was probably wearing a bikini underneath. Harry waived her over to the table where she and Hannah joined him and the other adults stood nearby.
"How'd it go?" Harry asked Hermione.
She shrugged. "No lynch mobs that I could tell. McGonagall's lips disappeared a few times…" Which meant she was very angry about something. "Of the parents, I'd say our Muggle Borns' parents are confused, the Patils look rather put out and I have no idea what Mr. Weasley's thinking. You?"
"No one tried to kill me, hex me or toss me off the balcony," Harry shrugged.
"I suppose that's a good thing," Hermione nodded. "What's in the bags?" she asked noticing nine shopping bags.
Harry smiled and reached into two of the bags and pulled out a box from each. "Just some small presents," he said. He handed a box to Hermione and another to Hannah. They opened them and saw they each had a pair of very nice pearl earrings. Hermione smiled at first and then gave Harry a look. "Not finished yet," he smiled as he handed each of them two more boxes, these two had opal earrings. The diamond earrings elicited the first gasp from the girls and their mothers.
"These are lovely," Hannah said.
"Are they real?" Hermione asked.
"They better be considering what they cost," Harry said as he handed out two long boxes.
The girls smiled at their new gold necklaces which they then passed to their mothers as Harry handed them another box inside of which were pearl necklaces. Then came the very expensive diamond necklaces.
"Harry!" Hermione said, "this is too much!"
Harry shrugged. "I don't think so," he said. "Then again, don't expect all this every time I go out shopping," he added as he handed them another long box. "This last one is custom made for each of you featuring your birth gems." Hermione opened hers and saw deep blue gems which she knew were sapphires. Hannah's stones were yellow.
Hermione and Hannah were speechless.
"All of that lead to this," Harry said. "I should have done this the right way, the normal way. Should have dated you two for a bit at least then met the parents and hopefully charmed them into liking me - figuratively speaking of course - then asked you proper to marry me. But I guess normal and Harry Potter don't work. Still, I want you two to know that I don't regret this at all."
He handed a box to Hermione first and then another to Hannah. They each opened theirs and saw their two carat diamond rings. Hermione's was set in platinum and Hannah's in gold. Neither made any move to do anything but look at them, so Harry removed the one from Hermione's box and placed it on her finger. It magically resized itself to be a perfect fit. He then did the same for Hannah.
"I guess that makes it official," Sirius quipped.
"Not quite," Harry said. "Those are just 'engagement' rings. It's not official until I put these rings on their fingers," he said producing two more boxes. He showed them to the girls. Hermione's was also a platinum band and had three small diamonds and two small sapphires whereas Hannah's gold ring had three diamonds and two citrines, just like the stones in her custom necklace. He gave them each a few minutes to look at the rings and allow their parents to do so as well before he retrieved the boxes and placed them in the bags. "Hannah said there will be weddings," Harry said. "You will get these on that day."
"And you?" Hermione asked choking up.
Harry produced two more boxes. One had a plain platinum band and the other a plain gold one. "These rings will magically join together. Hermione's will be first. Then, when Hannah places hers on my finger, they'll magically intertwine. As will the others. In the end, it will look kind of like a rope, with five platinum strands interwoven with four gold strands, each strand matching the gold or platinum in the ring of the wife who gave it to me."
"So you got stuff like this for all of us?" Hannah asked.
"Of course," Harry said.
"When?"
"Right after we got Neville's new wand," Harry said. "We had a couple of hours to kill before we met up with the others and he suggested the jewelry store. We went in for rings at first and … I guess we kind of got a little carried away."
"A little carried away?" Hermione asked. "How much did this cost you?"
"You know that doesn't really matter," Harry replied.
"How much?"
"'Bout thirty thousand."
"Quid?" Robert asked.
"Galleons," Harry replied. "Neville says we got a pretty good deal…"
"A hundred and fifty thousand quid…?"
"Roughly seventeen thousand each," Harry said. "I think they deserve it, don't you?"
"But they're just girls…"
"They're also my wives," Harry said. "I'm told that's kind of a permanent thing in this world. I would probably never have done this for a girlfriend, but a wife is another matter altogether, don't you think?"