Harry Potter
Wishing for a friend Chapter 25
I don't own the Harry Potter verse. Just playing.
Thank you for your kind reviews.
Dear Gentle Reader.
The following chapters until we get to Halloween are trying to describe a magical world free of the bigotry and barriers of Dumbledore and the Pure-blood supremacist who had used the 'Statue of Secrecy' as a wall to keep Magical Britain in the Victorian age, and to keep out those witches and wizards they deemed not worthy to know magic but also as a barrier to separate and block off 75% of the magical world that they deem full of vile creatures. The new magical world is full of beauty and wonder and it is amazing to think what could have been.
After the dark age of Dumbledore, like after all great disasters, there comes an expression of hope and love for the future in a baby boom.
. .
23/04/13 18/04/13 09/04/13 07/04/13
Chapter 25. The Magical Gathering.
Saturday 14th of September 1991.
Harry woke up snuggled in his Hermione's arms. It was his favourite way to wake up. The morning twilight was showing the horizon, and the light coming through the windows was lightening the gloom of night of their bedroom.
Luna's Crumple-Horned Snorkacks had returned to her at the school all by themselves. Luna said that they missed her and her friends. The Snorkacks had shown a very cat like trait. Little Celeste had adopted Luna and slept on her shoulder, little Lily had adopted Hermione, while little Xeno and little James had decided to share Fleur and Gabrielle. The four Crumple-Horned Snorkacks were so cute and fluffy that Harry knew he could not compete.
The house elves had set up two large old fashion four poster beds with curtains in their bedroom for Fleur and Hermione's parents. The curtains were charmed for silence and privacy. The Ravenclaw suite was so big that it easily fitted their double king size bed, plus the extra poster beds, and the giant hot tub the girls were going to use for their 'girlie morning' as they got ready to look their best for a day at the Magical Gathering.
Years of conditioning at Club Durzkaban had caused Harry to wake up very early and very quickly. Hermione while not one for sleeping in, as that wasted valuable reading time. She was however, not a very early morning person. Harry smiled as little Lily snuggled into the sleeping Hermione. He gave her a kiss on her forehead, and let her wake up slowly.
Dobby popped in to give Harry his morning mug of tea. Strong, white no sugar as he was sweet enough, Hermione would say. He opens the door onto the balcony, and went out to watch the sunrise. He will share with Hermione, the beautiful pictures of the sun coming over the horizon, making the underside of the white clouds golden as the dark blue sky slowly change to blue and the stars disappeared. It looked like it will be another beautiful perfect day at Hogwarts.
He was only out there for a short while when Emma's arms wrapped around him from behind, and she kissed him on the top of his head. They watched the sunrise together in silence of the beauty they saw, enjoying the morning hug. Emma had had a terrible time with morning sickness with Hermione but by accident they had discovered a Harry hug in the morning was a brilliant cure for morning sickness, and you felt refreshed, loved and all tingly. They were joined on the balcony by a positively glowing Winky and Pinky, and Harry wrapped them in a hug.
The sun was up, and Harry started to send the visions of the sunrise to Hermione to wake her up slowly. Harry and Emma went inside, and saw only Dan was awake drinking his mug of tea. Hermione and Luna were very slowly waking up with beautiful smiles on their faces. The Fleur, Gabrielle and the rest sharing the bedroom were completely dead to the world.
Harry sat on Emma's lap, and hugged her tight as Hermione had shown him. While they waited. Harry did not understand what morning sickness was, as he never had the talk but he loved the hugs. He thought it must be something like the secret girl business that Hermione had eluded to when Harry felt the cramp that had awoken Hermione and then him during the night. He put his hand over where he felt the cramp was on Hermione's lower tummy and gave her a hug with his love and magic that relaxed her, and made the cramp go away. The love Harry felt from Hermione over the bond was immense. He did not understand what he had done. All he could understand over the bond was that Hermione was very happy about something called a monthlies only lasting less than an hour. Girls! Harry would never understand them. Apparently that was also against the rules.
The door of the suite opened, and aunty Aurora and aunty Emmeline came in for their morning Harry hugs. They were followed by Tonks who had brought her mother, aunty Andi, Professor Tonks who had not been feeling well first thing in the morning. She had heard about these amazing Harry hugs. Harry loved getting hugs from those who really loved him.
- Wishing for a friend -
After aunty Andi had finished her Harry hug, and had change from a light green to a radiant glow. Tonks gave her mother the book bag that they had brought with them. Aunty Andi pulled out the new improved first year Potions text book, and presented it to Harry. He was stunned. He read the title, Potions for First Year by Lady Lily Potter, Lady Celeste Lovegood and HBP, was written in gold letters on the white leather cover. He gently ran his fingers lightly over his mother's name, and looked over to Hermione as he wanted to share this moment with her. But she was not quite awake. He thought he would wait but the look on aunty Andi's face encouraged him to open it.
"Harry dear, please open the book." Aunty Andi said quietly so to not awaken the room.
Harry was not sure if it was the scent of the parchment, or the new leather binding or just the sheer joy of opening a new book, but suddenly his Hermione was there next to him, all bright eye and bushy tail, ready to share the adventure of helping him open his mother's Potion book for the first time. Poor Tonks could not stop laughing at Hermione's reaction to a new book.
"Good morning Hermione. This is the new potions text book for first years, it is charmed to be indestructible. It has an automatic cleaning charm, and is self standing with an automatic page turning. There is an information search engine and index. Your mother, aunty Celeste and I have edited all her old notes, guides and suggestions. We have compiled that into this new first year potions text book. Did you know your mother was a brilliant charms mistress, Harry?" Harry shook his head. "Well you will love these new features. Open the front cover."
Harry and Hermione had the book on their laps and opened the front cover. There was a large flap inside on the top edge, and Hermione flipped it up. It was a twelve inch portrait of Harry's smiling beautiful mother.
"Good morning Harry and Hermione." The Little Aunty Lily tutor portrait said. "I am your tutor for potions, to guide you through your potions step by step. Adding helpful hints, encouraging hard work and preventing any accidents. I will be able to help you understand each step of the process, and explain why. I will be able to assist with homework, assignments and certain approved extracurricular activities. Also I can award and deduct house points, give detentions, plus relationship, beauty care and grooming tips. Too!"
Harry was too emotional to speak.
"Aunty Lily, this is amazing. A fully interactive potions text book with our own personal potions mistress tutor." Hermione gushed as Luna now joined them with Fleur and Gabrielle as the excitement was too much for them to sleep.
Harry, Hermione and Luna with Fleur and Gabrielle started to read the new book and discussed some interesting points with Tutor Aunty Lily. Hermione asked a question about the various knives used in potions, and Tutor Aunty Lily drew their attention to the appendix at the back as the book automatically turned the pages to the section. Tutor Aunty Lily went through the pictures of the knives, and their uses and care. Hermione and Luna were reveling in the possibilities of this new book had to revolutionize education.
Aunty Andi handed Harry another copy of the potions book to take with him as the aunties shooed Harry, Dan and Claude Delacour away, so they could start their girlie morning. Fleur and Gabrielle were introducing Luna's Crumple-Horned Snorkacks to their mother Apolline who was fascinated by the cute little creatures.
Tonks was very keen to learn how to use her metamorphmagus gift to do the hair styling that Hermione and Luna could do. She was talking to Emma about 'rock' hair styles and Emma was getting Hermione to demonstrate them from memory of the pictures in the books and on TV at home. Hermione looked cool with the black wavy cow lick of the King, Elvis, and even struck the pose, and did the 'Thank you very much.' in a deep voice that was so un-Hermione-ish that it left Luna and Tonks giggling on the floor. Hermione then changed her hair to show the raw badness of Suzi Quatro, Buffy Summers, Vampire Willow Rosenberg, Stevie Nicks, and other badass rock chicks. Tonks got a lot of inspiration, and was going to look good tonight at her first gig.
"So Tonks," Emma asked. "Have you decided on a name for your group?"
"Yeah," Tonks replied. "It sound lame but it was the only name we all could agree on. We decided to wear a cool rock version of our Hogwarts uniforms, and call the group 'Schola of Silicis'. We thought it might encourage the school to develop a music program."
"That catchy, and a music program would balance the new performing arts faculty."
"We thought so. We have even written some songs. Cedric wrote a song about the Hogwarts express called 'Schola of Silicis - Get me to school on time'."
- Wishing for a friend -
Harry, Dan and Claude were heading for the Gryffindor suite of the Founders Quarters where Xeno, Ted Tonks, Sirius and Remus had set up the hot tub and massage tables for their boys morning. In the hallway they met Neville who was coming to join them with his dad Frank while his mother Alice with Susan and Hannah went to the girlie morning.
Harry was concerned at the look of fiendish delight on the faces of Grans Augusta, Amelia and Minerva, who went with Maurice and a large posse pink fairy godmothers to the Founders Bathroom which the oldies had commandeered, to help Olympe give Hagrid a makeover. Even the Grey Lady and Giggling Myrtle went to show support to their friend Hagrid.
There was the muffle sound of a screaming bellowing bull coming from the Founders Bathroom. Remus explained it was nothing to worry about. Veelas like their mate to only have hair on their head. Remus was lucky as he could use magic to remove the unwanted hair but Hagrid being half giant was resistant to magic, and they had to resort to mundane method of using wax. Harry wonders how they were doing it as uncle Vernon never made that sort of sound when he waxed the car.
Harry and Neville loved the hot tub and the massage they got for their boys morning. Neville was very interested to read with Harry the new Potions text book as Tutor Lily explained in simple details that made sense to Neville, and they discussed various plant ingredients, and their uses. While Sirius and Remus kept the rest of the boys entertained with stories of the Marauders.
Later, Harry asked Dan how the visit to the hospital where Dumbledore was staying, went? Dan told them that they really wanted to cause the old goat as much pain as their Hippocratic Oath allowed, but when they saw him, they had no idea how to cause him any more pain than what he was already suffering. As he looked like he had been put in a cement mixer on wash cycle. Dumbledore was just held together with medical grade stainless steel wire, plates, rods and great big screws and bolts. Dan explained they did a couple of root canals, and had put back the few teeth that had not been claimed as a highly prized sample that the other doctors wanted to study. So Dumbledore only had every second or third tooth refitted, and Dan said he looked like Cletus Delroy Spuckler, the "slack-jawed yokel" from the Simpsons. Dan kept to himself that the old goat breeder would be in agony until the broken jaw heals, and they can adjust any high points of the teeth in his jaw.
- Wishing for a friend -
Breakfast was noisy in the Great Hall as everyone was excited for the trip to the Magical Gathering. For the first generation students it was particularly exciting has they had invited their parents along, and they would be staying at Hogwarts tonight. They parents will be seeing the mythical Magic School in all its glory for the first time.
Just before breakfast finished it happened.
The doors to the Great Hall banged open, and there stood a half giant all dressed in black. His beard was stylishly trimmed and his long hair was in a platted pony tail down his back. He was wearing black sunglasses, a black silk open neck shirt showing a non hairy neck, a black leather long coat and black leather pants with big black cowboy boots. Next to him stood a radiantly beautiful half giant Veela in a shimmering white gown and white high heel shoes. Next to her was a slightly younger tall Veela and her charming husband with their three beautiful Veela daughters and oldest had a boyfriend.
All sound in the hall stopped. Fleur recognized the youngest Veela as a student two years ahead of her from her school.
"The youngest Veela is Marie-Antoinette de Beauvoir. She is two years ahead of me at Beauxbatons Academy of Magic." Fleur said to Hermione and Harry. "The other Veelas are her older sisters, Brigitte and Coco with their mother Simone. They are Madam Olympe's daughter and granddaughters."
"Merlin! So the gorgeous Veela in the shimmering white dress is Madam Olympe, and the big dude in black is Hagrid?" Harry confirmed and Fleur nodded. Harry stood up and yelled. "Go Hagrid!"
Hagrid smiled as the other students realized who he was, and start to clap and cheer. They never thought Hagrid could get someone who looked so hot. Sirius and Remus let go some loud wolf whistles as a number of wizards near the door started to drool from the Veela allure.
Hagrid then pulled out his new wand, 24 inches cedar with a Hippogriff feather and Blast-Ended Skrewt stinger core, and tapped the floor twice. Dan and Emma thought they could hear a whirling clunking sound of a Wurlitzer Jukebox when the Great Hall was filled with music. They recognized the beautiful waltz "Somewhere, My Love (Lara's Theme from Dr. Zhivago)"
Hagrid turned, bowed to his Olympe and took her hand with the other on her waist. Then with a grace totally unexpected they waltz between the tables of the Great Hall. Their children and granddaughters followed their example with the youngest two dancing together. The grace and beauty of their waltz was spellbinding breathtaking. New dude Hagrid was no Fred Astaire but neither did he have the two left clodhoppers of the old Hagrid. What he did have was his beautiful Olympe whose Veela heritage had kicked in big time. She had lost 40 hard lonely years, and returned to the beauty of her youth. She was every bit a match equal to Ginger Rodgers, making Hagrid look totally awesome. All Hagrid had to do was to keep up with his Olympe and not tread on her toes. Everyone was so stunned that they could only look on in amazement as the music charmed them, while the witches swooned and others got all hot and bothered.
The music triggered a memory in Harry; he stood, turned to Hermione and bowed. He took her hand, lifting her up and started to waltz with his other hand on her waist. Hermione was able to mirror Harry's movements from the memory, over their bond as they waltz with such energy, style, grace and beauty. With twirls, spins, dips and lifts, all in time to the rhythm and passion of the music. Emma and Dan could only watch as their little girl had turned into a beautiful princess, and love had given her wings. They knew with her Harry, Hermione would shine at the ball.
Luna could not sit still with the passion she felt through the link. She took Gabrielle's hand, and followed Harry's steps in perfect synchronization over the bond of love she shared with her brother and sister. Xeno, Claude and Apolline watched, moved with amazement, as their children waltzed. They were so happy how their daughters, Luna, Fleur and Gabrielle had blossomed with their friendship with Hermione and Harry. They could see the children would be best friends for ever.
Claude knew his wife Apolline would have loved to join in the dancing as Headmistress Olympe Maxime and the girls up held the very best tradition of Beauxbatons Academy of Magic of making a totally awesome entrance. But Apolline and he had got very lucky last night, and could barely walk.
The entrance of the all new dude Hagrid and his family, will be remember for years. It reminded Emma of her favourite scene in a movie about a much-beloved schoolteacher, and his long tenure at Brookfield, a fictional British boys' public boarding school. The teacher conquers his inability to connect with his students, as well as his initial shyness, when he marries Katherine, a young beautiful woman whom he meets on holiday. They made an entrance just like that when they return from their honeymoon, and the boys meet her for the first time. Beauty tamed the savage boys.
Ted Tonks was sitting with his wife eating breakfast. He had been staying at the school for a couple of days. Enjoying a somewhat second honeymoon, well actually they never had the first honeymoon due to eloping, and some little family issues, but it been the most magical honeymoon ever. And to top it off he did not need his law degree to work out his very happy wife's coded message of 'two blue' when she returned from her girlie morning. She was not depressed. She was ecstatic. So when he saw his very old friend Hagrid dancing like a star with his Olympe, it did not surprise him. It was just another day at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The most magical school of all.
- Wishing for a friend -
Minerva was thinking over what had happened this morning while everyone was trying to calm down the swooned and hot and bothered witches and drooling wizards. Her friend Olympe had asked for help to give her Hagrid, a makeover as Hagrid's quaint rustic outdoor bathroom under a waterfall in the forbidden forest lacked the hot water and privacy she needed. Young Harry offered the Founder's bathroom as it has the biggest bath in the castle, and could supply all the hot water and privacy she needed. As it was for a good cause, every witch who always wanted to do something with Hagrid's hair, beard and clothes had come to help. Maurice's style and new clothes for Hagrid made him look a million galleons. Olympe said Hagrid could move his feet but that waltz was amazing. Minerva knew she would have to use her Headmistress title to get a dance with Hagrid at the ball.
Minerva was also amazed to watch Harry and Hermione waltz. Harry's steps and style reminded her of a handsome charming wizard in Slytherin, two years ahead of her at Hogwarts. He was quiet the charmer, and a bit of a lady-killer due to his ability to shoot an arrow of love through a lady's heart. She thought of the waste that that monster of an old goat breeder had turned the charmer onto a real lady killer. She shook her head to clear her thought. Those days and monsters were gone. She looked out to the happy faces waiting for her instruction. She stood and there was silence.
"Thank you Madam Olympe and Hagrid for that magical start." Olympe and Hagrid got another round of cheers and applause. "Thank you. As we are going to the Magical Gathering I must ask all of you to be safe and care for each other. The children from the orphanage will be coming, and I would encourage you to see the Pink Fairy Godmothers if you could care for another child today. Now will the students going to meet family in Diagon Alley please stand, and walk quietly to the doors where the Most Senior Undersecretary for First Generation Liaison, Professor Pomona Sprout, is standing with the Potter family aunts and uncles plus a small posse of Pink Fairy Godmothers. They will escort you to Diagon Alley to meet your guests, and then travel to the Magical Gathering."
The students grabbed their bags and things and walked quickly to the doors. Sally-Anne gave her bag to Dean, and taking his hand, led him to Aunty Andi. She wanted to introduce Aunty Andi to her adopted parents. It took five minutes for that group to clear the Great Hall.
"Now the rest of you going directly to the Magical Gathering will be lead by Deputy Headmaster Professor Flitwick, the other professors plus another posse of Pink Fairy Godmothers. Could you please quietly make your way to the doors now. Even though this is Saturday, you are still representing the school, and must be on your best behaviour. Think safe, think of others, and enjoy the day. Thank you."
The students quickly left the Great Hall, looking forward to exciting day. Madam Rookwood and the rest of the Pink Fairy Godmothers were taking the children from their growing 'Hogwarts Lily Potter Magical Orphanage for magical orphans'.
- Wishing for a friend -
The Chief Witch, Madam Longbottom with Madam Bones, Minister Croaker and Senior Undersecretary Narcissa Black had been meeting to redesign the Ministry of Magic. The leadership of the Department of Mysteries, DMLE and a few other non-bigoted departments had survived intact. Minister Croaker and Madam Bones were taking the opportunity to headhunt some new blood from the first generation witches and wizards who have experience in the mundane world, and who had come to the Magical Gathering. They were trying to encourage them to come back to the all new magical world.
With the restructuring, they quickly found that with the return to the Code Merlin, there were certain departments that had no laws supporting them, and could be abolished. Those departments made up over sixty percent of the bloated corrupt Ministry with seventy percent of the Ministry budget. Fortunately for the new Ministry, the staff of those departments failed to resign before they went off to attack a sovereign nation and were terminated. Thereby voiding their employment contracts, and losing the generous termination bonuses.
The New Ministry of Magic will be a smaller, and a more efficient government that will actually serve the witches and wizards equally.
- Wishing for a friend -
Headmistress McGonagall and the Most Senior Undersecretary for First Generation Liaison, Professor Pomona Sprout, had been standing out front of Gringotts, greeting the families and friends invited to the Magical Gathering by her students for the last half an hour. The last few had arrived through the new high volume entrance to Diagon Alley that was a sign of the new Ministry's common sense and practicality. There was no way the Leaky Cauldron could cope with the numbers of wizards, and witches, and the magically aware mundanes, going to the Magical Gathering. The new entrance was just outside the Goblin Lands of Gringotts Bank, and connected to Cecil Court which allowed access to Charing Cross Road and Leicester Square station at one end, and St Martin's Lane at the other.
As each student introduced their family and friends to Headmistress McGonagall and Professor Sprout, they were directed to follow the Pink Fairy Godmothers through the return portal doorway back to Hogwarts, and there to wait. From the portal station, they could see the castle on the hill, while the house elves took their luggage for their stay at the school tonight, and served morning tea and cakes.
Dean Thomas' mother had arrived and he had introduced her to his girlfriend. Sally-Anne saw her mum and dad, and ran to meet them, dragging her boyfriend Dean with her. She gave them a big hug and introduced Dean to them. They were so surprised to see the shy lonely child that they had put on the train, and watch it disappear into the distance only two weeks ago, not expecting to see her again until Christmas, was so full of life and joy. They were surprised to receive that letter inviting them to a Magical Gathering to meet Sally-Anne's extended family and to stay overnight at Hogwarts. Sally-Anne took her parents hands, and pulled them over to Aunty Andi.
"Aunty Andi?" Sally-Anne cheerfully said. "This is my mother and father, Regina and Thomas David Perks. Aunty Andi is my extended family house aunt and the reason why I have this silver Potter Family ring. I don't understand all the details but Aunty Andi will explain it to you." Then in a loud whisper to her parents she continued. "I found out that my birth mother was her late sister."
Regina put her hand out to shake Aunty Andi's hand. "Just Regina and Thomas, Aunty Andi." She said with a smile as Aunty Andi looked about the same age as themselves.
Then Aunty Andi ignored the hand, and just pulled the surprise Regina into a hug.
"You have done an amazing job caring for Sally-Anne. We have lots to talk about, and you will be staying in my guest bedroom tonight. Did you bring any baby photos?" An emotional Aunty Andi greeted them.
"Oh yes. Even the strange funny ones that we could never show anyone else."
"Good. Love to see them. Please call me Andi. Besides being the little imp's Aunty Andi, I am also her Potions Professor." Andi said then turned their attention to the two distinguish witches standing next to them. "Now please allow me to introduced the Headmistress of Hogwarts, Professor Minerva McGonagall and the Most Senior Undersecretary for First Generation Liaison, Professor Pomona Sprout."
The headmistress and most Senior Undersecretary warmly greeted them. They remembered Professor McGonagall visit to offer Sally-Anne a place at Hogwarts. They were then directed to follow the Pink Fairy Godmothers through the portal doorway to have morning tea in the grounds of Hogwarts. Their first sight of the Hogwarts castle glowing in the morning sunlight reminded them of what Camelot must have looked like.
- Wishing for a friend -
As soon as Regina and Thomas came through the portal they felt it. A tingle in their fingers and a tingle in their toes. The feeling seemed to grow. "Andi can you feel that?"
"Oh, you can feel the ambient magic in the air?" Andi asked, Regina and Thomas nodded. "This is a nexus of some very powerful magic ley lines meeting at this spot, and is the reason why the school is here. But with the arrival of my Head of House Lord Harry Potter, thing have been given a big boost of power. That is why the castle glows white. Even in the dark."
"Wow, this magic feels amazing. The castle reminds me of what Camelot would have looked like."
"Well it should. The central part, is the castle of Camelot. The founders of the school Godric Gryffindor, Rowena Ravenclaw, Salazar Slytherin and Helga Hufflepuff moved the Castle of Camelot after the deaths of Arthur, Guinevere and Lancelot, to this nexus of magic ley lines, to be a magic school. They added the extra towers for classrooms and accommodation."
"Wow, is the climate perfect all the year?"
"Well it was the law that July and August cannot be too hot, and by order, summer lingers through September. But for the last few centuries, magic had been getting weaker, and winter started in October, stayed until June and the snow ignored the legal limit."
"And that has all changed with the coming of Lord Harry?"
"Yes we have had sunshine on a rainy day, just so we can have a picnic lunch." Andi continued. "It was raining cats and dogs and snap. The sun came out and the grey clouds went away. Now it doesn't rain till after sundown. By eight, the morning fog must disappear. I have never felt the magic so powerful even when I was at Hogwarts years ago."
"So in short, there's simply not a more congenial spot?"
"For happily-ever-aftering than here in Camelot." Regina and Thomas finished as a duet with a sparklingly smile. Regina and Thomas were high school sweethearts, and had stared in the musical production for their senior year.
"Daaaad!" Sally-Anne complained. It was so embarrassing when her parents started to sing. But she was saved from further embarrassment by the headmistress.
"May I have your attention? Good. Now everyone is here. Welcome to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. There is the castle on the hill where you will be staying tonight. Please leave your luggage here and it will be delivered to your accommodation. Please allow me to introduced to you the Head of Potter House and extended families, Lord Harry Potter with Lady Hermione Potter."
Regina and Thomas looked and expected to see an old distinguish couple but were surprised to see two children in black dress robes holding each other's hands, surrounded by five beautiful blonde girls. The robe of the boy was covered in house crests.
Thomas started to drool until Sally-Anne got his attention with a whack to the back of his head. "That is Milord and lady Harry and Hermione with their Luna and their Veela friends Fleur, Gabrielle, Marie-Antoinette and Brigitte." She whispered. "The big dude in black is their grandfather. So behave yourself, Dad." She did not want her dad to meet and get in with uncles Sirius and Moony.
Professor McGonagall continued. "The other members of House Potter are to help you are uncle Remus and aunty Aurora, uncle Sirius and aunty Emmeline, and aunty Andi. They, with the Pink Fairy Godmothers are here to assist you." She said as they each in turn waved their hand as they were introduced. "Now could you follow the Pink Fairy Godmothers through the portal to the Magical Gathering, and have a safe and magical day. Oh and finally, the new Royal Dragon Sanctuary is out of bounds to everyone who does not wish to die a very painful death."
"Yeah right!" Thomas snorted to himself. "Probably just some Komodo dragons or a crocodile."
Sally-Anne smiled mischievously. "Hey Dad, come on, hurry up. I want you to meet my friends Fluffy, Puffy and Rudolph."
- Wishing for a friend -
As Harry, Hermione and Luna followed the pink Fairy Godmothers through the portal, and passed the main hall of the International Portkey Station, one of his Goblin champions came, and asked him if he would come to see the Viceroy of the Royal Oak Forest and Magical Sanctuary of Woodstock. Harry smiled, led his entourage to follow his champion to the VIP room. Where they found a number of VIPs discussing a giant model of the Royal Oak Forest and Magical Sanctuary of Woodstock with Lord Ragnok.
"Harry, Hermione and Luna, greetings." Ragnok said as he came across the room to greet them. "I have an exciting surprise for you." Leading them to the model.
"That is a great model of the Sanctuary, Ragnok."
"Yes thank you. After our meeting last night we have been discussing the layout. Here is my manor and International Portkey Station with the final battlefield next to it." Ragnok pointed out. "Next to the final battlefield we are building the Goblin theme park called Cobalorum Sanctuary." (Thanks PhoenixWing31284 )
"Here we have the Elysian Fields Memorial Lake. For funerals. Oh by the way Milord Sirius, we have booked your function for 8pm tonight. Will that be suitable?"
"Yes that would good. Thank you Viceroy."
"Good. Now then behind the International Portkey Station we have a lookout on the highest point in the Sanctuary. From there you can see over all the valleys in the Forest and Sanctuary."
"Then in the valley next to the lake we have the Magical Creatures Sanctuary under the care of centaurs. For unicorns, fairies, pixies, Bowtruckles, Demiguise, furballs, Puffskeins, Hinkypunk, thestrals, Nifflers, Snidgets, wood-nymphs, and Aethonons."
"And Crumple-Horned Snorkacks." Luna added. "Little Lily and Celeste would like to set up home away from home there with their fairy friends."
"Of course Luna, they would be most welcomed." Ragnok smiled.
"Thank you Viceroy."
"Then in the larger valley next is the Royal Dragon Sanctuary for dragons and larger magical creatures that can take care of themselves, like; Cerberus, hellhounds, Abraxan, Bigfoot, yeti, nundu, Chimaera, cockatrice, Erumpent, ferrets, trolls, Griffins, Grims, Hippogriffs, Weasels, Jabberwocky, kelpies, Lethifold, Manticores, rabbits, Tasmanian Tigers, Salamanders, and Sphinxes. We have had the first Griffin arrived this morning. The very rare Richard Griffith Griffin. (For Richard Griffith OBE who played Vernon Dursley RIP) We have released the dragons from vaults at Gringotts. We had Norwegian Ridgebacks, Hungarian Horntails and Ukrainian Ironbellys."
"How are they settling in?"
"Well, and they should be back to full health soon. We are trying to have all breeds including the native Common Welsh Greens, Hebridean Blacks, Night Fury, and the Antipodean Opaleye from Australia."
"Will they get along together?"
"Normally they would not. But there is a feeling of peace and hope here. It is a large valley, and once they have marked out their territory things should settle down and they live in harmony. Hagrid has volunteered, and taken charge of the of the Dragon Hatchery and Nursery. He looked so happy we could not say no, and we have just received a batch of Norwegian Ridgebacks eggs. Hagrid is looking after them, and has even given the eggs names, all starting with N; like Norbert, Nanny, Norwegian, Noriega, Norridge, Nanobot, and Norberta."
"Hagrid always wanted a dragon. Now he has more then he could dream of." Minerva said.
"Well he got his wish big time." Augusta said.
"I just hope he does not bring a big one for show and tell." Minerva said.
"Now, to the west in the plains we have the farms that will grow food for the Sanctuary."
"So it will be self sufficient?" Hermione asked.
"Yes. The native Americans are also sending a breeding group of their white buffalo."
"Viceroy, will this be a conservation park?" Luna asked.
"Yes. It is too good of an opportunity to miss, and will give it a purpose for the future." Ragnok continued. "Then in the valley to the north the Woodland Realms Elves are making a mini Middle Earth. Legolas would you like to explain?"
"Thank you Viceroy. Good to see you again Harry, Hermione and Luna. In the steeper valley here we are building Rivendell, here the shire, Mines of Moria, Fangorn Forest, the flooded tower of Isengard, Helms Deep, Edoras, Minas Tirith, the Black Gate of Mordor on the ridge between us and the Dragon Sanctuary. The ridge will be called the Mountains of Shadow with the Royal Dragon Sanctuary serving as the land of Mordor. We will be having accommodation, food, shops, museums, libraries and educations centers. We will be running bungee jumping off the bridge at Rivendell, tours and quests. The quests range from easy search and find gold rings and small golden Palantíri (or singular Palantír) also known as Seeing-stones. The hardest quest is a Tri-Quest Tournament to retrieve a gold ring from a nesting Ukrainian Ironbelly in the land of Mordor, a golden Palantír from the flooded tower of Isengard and passing through the maze of the Mines of Moria. That should satisfy most Lord of the Rings fans, and serve as an introduction to coming to Middle Earth itself."
"Wow Legolas that is a theme park. We found out that our English and Maths professors are die hard Lord of the Rings fans." Hermione said. "As is my mum."
"Great Hermione. You will love to see the great eagles. We will be bringing them next week with some Ents to care for the Sanctuary forest. "
"Wow."
"Thank you Legolas. Now in the last valley we will have the Valley of Witchcraft and Wizardry. On the east side of the stream called the English Channel, we have the Continental Wizardry. Monsieur Delacour would you like to explain."
"Thank you Viceroy. We have gone for a Renascence theme with open air markets, courts, cafes, restaurants and beer gardens. The Veelas will be running beauty salons and boutiques. At night the cafes, restaurants and beer gardens can be linked together to form a large open air concert hall. My cousin is very good at putting together these musical extravaganzas. He is a wizard with the violin. You may have word of him, Monsieur Andre Rieu."
"Wow."
"Thank you Monsieur Delacour. Madam Undersecretary Black, would you like to show the British Wizardry?"
"Thank you Viceroy. We have decided on a more traditional Wizardry theme of Merlin and Arthur. We plan to build a Camelot Castle and offer accommodation, food, shops tours, museums and education centers. Entertainment with be quest for the Holy Grail, where you can be a knight in shining armour and rescue damsels in distress or tournament, with fighting and jousting."
"Do you have a castle aunty Cissy?" Harry asked.
"No but we are still at the planning stage."
"Good, my ring is telling me that I own Lancelot's fortress Joyous Guard. It was built as a copy of Camelot, and is still in good shape. That would look great here."
"Yes, all you would need to do is move it here like the founders moved Camelot to Hogwarts." Fergus said.
"How did they do that Fergus?"
"They gathered about one thousand wizards and witches together, and with their combine magic shrank the castle and carried it. They took the castle on a tour around Britain to promote the new magical school they were founding. That tour rallied the witches and wizards together, and gave Hogwarts a flying start after the dark ages."
"Do you think that would work again? The last century under Dumbledore, dark lords and the Pureblood Bigots has been like another dark age, and really killed the spirit of the magical Britain."
"If you call, they will come. That tour of the castle with the founders brought witches and wizards from everywhere." Fergus said.
"It is like the Olympic Torch rally that the mundanes have every four years for the start of the Olympic Games. They carry the Olympic torch all over Britain, and people come from everywhere to watch it go pass. It makes them feel part of the games." Hermione said.
"Thank you Fergus, Hermione and Harry. That would be a great start. Let me make all the arrangements."
"Good if you get some pictures of Joyous Guard you can start a campaign in the Daily Prophet, Witch Weekly and the Quibbler."
"Thank you Narcissa, If you need any help with moving the castle, please ask? Now Harry, further down the valley the English Chanel flows into the pond. On the other side of the pond where the valley spreads out, we have to the west the New World Magicals. They are thinking old Native American wilderness and new, modern sort of New York / Las Vegas / Hollywood theme. They have already applied for a casino license to go with their planned consolidated casino-hotels and associated entertainment. Some Brothers have also inquired about the film rights to your story Harry."
"Really. I am not that special."
"You saved the Magical World Harry. Pure Hollywood Gold. The hero must get the girl. With a Harry and Hermione love story it would win all the Oscars. It would be bigger than Ben Hur. Fergus would even get a special Oscar for best story telling. They would kill for a story like yours. If you let the Viceroy handle the negotiations, you could have it made in Britain with all the finest and best British mundane and magical actors." Dan said.
"Wow. What do you think Hermione?"
"It would be great but would it break the Statue of Secrecy?"
"No the mundanes would think it is just movie magic and Hollywood make believe like James Bond and Star Wars. With real magic we would save a fortune in special effects." Dan said.
"Who would you get to play Fawkes and me?" Fergus asked. Just wondering of course.
"Who could we get to match you? You would have to play yourselves, Fergus. No one could sing, flame travel and tell stories like you two." Dan said as Fergus smiled. He was going to be in the movies.
"The first thing is to write your official story, Harry." Emma said.
"Luna and I would love to help with Lily and Celeste, mum." Hermione said.
"We could call it 'Harry Potter, Wishing for a Friend.'" Luna said.
"Great title Luna. We could add the subtitle; 'One wish changes everything and saves the world.'" Hermione added.
"Saves his Hermione!" Luna added with a big cheeky smile, and earns a hug from Harry and Hermione.
"Well Viceroy, you have given us something to think about."
"You're welcome Harry. Now continuing on. On the far side of the pond, in the middle left we have the Egyptian / Africa desert, plains and jungle magicals. Their doing tombs, pyramids and sphinxes. Then next, the Indian Subcontinent with a Taj Mahal / temples theme with the mountains in the background being used as the Himalayas. Then in the Far East, we have the Mystic Orient..."
- Wishing for a friend -
Harry's entourage decided to go to the Magical Creatures Sanctuary to find a new home away from home for Luna's Crumple-Horned Snorkacks. Firenze the Centaur met them at the entrance to the valley, and led them to the Fairy Glen. There they found a small brooklet that led to a picturesque glen that would be perfect for Snorkacks. Luna, little Lily and little Celeste started to give instructions to Xeno to transfigure a trunk of an oak tree into a home for the Snorkacks. Aurora, Emmeline and Fleur joined in and it was soon made it into a Fairy Tree. The nearby fairies and unicorns came to welcome the Crumple-Horned Snorkacks.
After a tearful farewell, Firenze led the entourage up the hill to the lookout. They could see the new construction happening in the various valleys, and the larger animals in the Royal Dragon Sanctuary. Well the Goblins were busy in their valley, and the roadies were busy setting the stage and equipment for the rock concert tonight on the final battlefield. While in the Valley of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the continent was being divided up into the French speaking quarter with cafes, The Italian speaking with coffee shops and fast designer brooms and the German speaking quarter with the beer gardens and expensive cars. Over the English Channel, it was Saturday meaning the weekend, and they were having morning tea with scones, jam and cream. Followed by a lunch of fish and chips.
They turned back to watch the dragons in the sanctuary, and saw Hagrid hugging a Common Welsh Green while the hellhounds were giving adventure tour rides through the sanctuary. They could see Fluffy leading the four hellhounds with people riding on their backs. Remus keen sight was able to recognize the family riding on Rudolph, the last hellhound. The father was MI6 with his daughter Dana in front and a screaming wife Helen hanging on tight behind. They could see why the wife was screaming as Rudolph was playing chicken with the Ukrainian Ironbelly and they still had to get pass the Sphinx.
Overhead, they saw Puffy cruise pass with Sally-Anne and Dean dragon surfing on her back with the wind blowing their hair. Behind them with big smiles were two orphan children with pink trim to their clothes being held by Dean's mother, and Sally-Anne's mother while a very green looking dear old dad holding on for fear of certain death. Sally-Anne was standing in front with Dean holding her out stretched arms as she cried out. "I am Queen of the sky! Hear me ROAR!"
Puffy may have had added to the roar.
- Wishing for a friend -
Harry's entourage made its way to the Cobalorum Sanctuary. Where the Goblins have set up a market stalls while the larger building and rides were being constructed. They had food stalls with a wide variety of Goblin and Wizard food. Plus stalls for Goblin made weapons, armour and items. They were surprised to see a Potions stall. Dan recognized the mundane dress men as Dr James Kildare, his son Dr Ben Kildare with Dr. Leonard Gillespie. They were talking to a black hair wizard that Sirius would recognize anywhere.
Severus Snape saw Harry's entourage approach, excused himself to the three doctors he was talking to, and bow low to Harry. "Milord Potter." he said but remained bow down.
Luna saw the situation and spoke to Harry over their link. 'Harry, tell the wizard to arise. He is a prisoner of the Goblins.'
'Okay.' "Please arise."
Severus arose and stood up to the bemusement of the Americans. They could see his clean black hair and around his neck a black leather collar with sharp studs and a large silver letter 'P' hanging off the collar.
"Thank you Milord."
"Severus you're alive? Why are you not dead?" Andi asked surprised to see him.
"The Viceroy spared my life. He had my dark mark removed." Severus pulled up his sleeve to show his left arm was free of the dark mark. "They did a ritual and transferred my dark mark to Lucius. They realized that the dark mark would kill me when the dark lord went through the veil, and they did not want to explain my death to the memory of Lily, your mother Milord."
"Wow. They could do that?"
"Yes, it was a skill they discovered curse breaking, and they recognized what the dark mark was."
"So, what are you doing here?"
"My sentence is to assist the two Potion Mistresses I have been assigned to. We have been looking at hair care products and the wolfsbane potion, I was hoping Remus would be here, and would be prepared to try free samples of our improved wolfsbane potion."
"What have you done with it?" Remus asked.
"We have sorted out some issues with the production and have increased the potency at a lower cost. We currently have three different flavours and even a sugar free one for the weight impaired. The research we are doing might even give us a cure in a couple of months."
"Can I have a look at some?"
Severus gave the wolfsbane potion sample kit to Remus who checked the sample vials of different flavours and potency, using his wand and revealing spell. He open the banana flavour vial and put a drop on his tongue. He could tell instantly it was really good stuff as it cleared his head.
"What does that potion do?" Asked Dr James Kildare.
Severus was reluctant to answer but Remus did.
"It is wolfsbane potion to help werewolves go through a full moon, and keep their right mind and humanity during the change. This is really good stuff Severus. You want me to try it next full moon?" Dr James Kildare realized that Remus was a real live werewolf but he still wonder how the potion worked.
"Yes Remus. And if it works for you, please spread the word."
"Thank you I will."
Turning to Dr James Kildare Severus continued. "The active ingredient of wolfsbane plant is aconite. It acts to maintain the chemical balance in the mind, and reinforce the neurons connects to each other to form stronger neural networks for memory and consciousness."
"Can mundanes take the potion, and will it work for them?"
"The active ingredient is magical so you don't need your own magic for it to work. My Potion mistresses tried it out on me, and I found it to be a excellent brain tonic. It cleared my mind, and made it sharper and quicker."
"Could I try some?" He held out his left hand to accept the vial and everyone could see the shake of Parkinson. The reason why he had given up practicing brain surgery. Severus put a drop of the potion on the doctor's tongue. Within five minutes the shaking stopped.
Ten minutes later Dr James whacked the back of his son head. "That's for denting the car on your high school prom night. I had forgotten about that." Turning to Severus. "This is very good. How long do the effects last for?"
"For werewolves the effects last for a few days."
"Have do thought about using it to treat Parkinson, dementia and alzheimer?"
"We can add that to the list. But if you would like to take a sample kit you may find a number of diseases that it can treat."
"Thank you Severus."
"Severus, you are actually smiling." Andi remarked.
"Yes Andromeda, I may be a prisoner of the Goblins but they have already saved my life, and given me a future. Best of all, I am free of two dark lords that had enslaved me, and now I am doing what I love without any dunderheads to ruin the day." That and he was so glad he had been removed from Hogwarts before he had been forced to obey the dark lord Dumbledore's orders, and abuse the son of his Hogwarts nemesis, James Potter. If he had done that he would have been so dead now. Not even Lily would save him then, he thought.
Andi turned to Harry, and showed him a copy of the new potions text book. She was silently asking if she could give Severus a copy.
Hermione gave Harry a glance and looked into his eyes for a moment. It was only a moment but this is the information that was shared between them.
'I love your emerald eyes Harry.'
'I love your sweet honey eyes. Hermione.'
'Thank you Harry. Aunty Andi is silently asking you if she can give Severus a copy of the new Potions text book.'
'Yes that is what I thought her hopeful look was for.'
'Severus had given us his copy of Lily's notes. He had kept them safe, and gave them up to help you.'
'I agreed with you. Severus deserved a copy. I love your sweet honey eyes more.'
'I do too.' With a smile.
Harry nodded his head to Andi.
Andi turned back to Severus and handed him the copy of the new potion text book. "Here Severus. Please accept this. It is a first edition copy of the new potion text book by Lady Lily Potter, Lady Celeste Lovegood and HBP."
Severus was stunned. He whispered "Lily, the muggle-born princess, Celeste, the pure-blood princess and HBP, the Half Blood Prince." As he gently ran his fingers lightly over the gold letters on the white leather cover. He had tears in his eyes as he had never had been given something so precious. He open the cover and lifted up the inside flap to see the green eyes smiling at him.
"Hello Sev. Been having some fun with potions without inviting me?"
Severus could not stop the tears from running down his cheeks. He was lost for words as the two Goblin Potion Mistresses came to hold him up with a hug, and share in the precious gift he had been given. He did not notice Harry's entourage move off to leave him with his memories or that his black dress robes had been turned hot pink. The thought going through his mind was; 'Thank you Harry Potter.'
- Wishing for a friend -
After an interesting lunch of Goblin and Wizard cuisine, Harry entourage went with Tonks to the final battlefield Rock Concert, where she was schedule to rehearse with her band 'Schola of Silicis'. They sang Cedric's song 'Schola of Silicis' get me to school on time'
Baby we was makin' straight O's
But we was stuck in a dumb daze
Don't take much to memorize your lies
I feel like I've been a hypnotized
And then that magic man he come to town...
…..and if you wanna be a teachers pet
well baby you just better forget it
Rock got no reason (BackGround Lyrics Uh La La La)
Rock got no Rhyme
You better get me to school on time
OH YEAH (yeah)...
They also loved today's assignment too. Maurice came to rehearse some songs with them including; 'Find me somebody to love, We are champions, Better the Devil you know, and they invited Dan, Emma, Sirius, Emmeline, Remus and Aurora to help them sing Bohemian Rhapsody. Everyone loved that and Hermione was so amazed at her parent's rock heritage.
- Wishing for a friend -
When the rehearsal was finished Sirius and Remus sprung their prank on Harry as payback for giving his charge card to Emmeline and Aurora, who then had drag them off to Harrods for six hours of grueling retail therapy. That and for Harry breaking Snivellus and making him cry. Something the Marauders were never able to achieve, and worst of all Harry did it without trying and with kindness. Maybe it was time for this old dog to learn some new tricks. Nah. This would be more fun. What could possibly go wrong?
"Harry," Sirius said carefully. "I must thank you for allowing Emmeline and Aurora to buy us these new clothes. It made them very happy, and we look so cool."
"But now that Emmeline and Aurora are expecting, they have discovered that they have nothing to wear?" Remus continued.
"And the Veelas have set up their beauty salons and boutiques just over there."
"And they take your charge card."
Harry could not resist doing something nice for his favourite witches. He took out his charge card and held it up. "Would you lovely witches wish to see the Veela Boutiques?"
The reaction was immediate. The lovely witches turned into lovely shoppers, and snatched Harry and Neville, and rushed away to the best retail therapy ever. Shoes.
"Sirius?" Harry pleaded.
"I am so sorry Harry but we are going to explore the beer gardens and I am afraid you're under age." Sirius said with a fiendish smile.
First Harry and Neville had to sit, and judge all the swimming costumes that the young witches modeled for them at the Beach Wear and Sun Boutique. Poor Neville tried bravely, and almost succumbed to embarrassment and Veela allure but his reward for surviving was big hug and kiss from Susan and Hannah. Hermione, Luna, Susan and Hannah had the promise to be very beautiful but Fleur, Gabrielle and the other witches were already stunning.
Next was the Lingerie Boutique which Harry discovered was fancy name for female intimate unmentionables. Fortunately for Harry and Neville the Lingerie Boutique must be more intimate and unmentionable than the Beach Wear and Sun Boutique as it was a closed stall, and the boys had to stay outside to co-ordinate Dobby and Floyd as they transported the sealed shopping bags back to the Ravenclaw suite of the Founders Quarters. Even Winky and Pinky got something special to wear for Dobby and Floyd.
As Harry and Neville sat there and waited outside, they met another older teenager in the same boat. Viktor Krum a Durmstrang student, was at the Magical Gathering with his family. His father Igor Krum, was the Bulgarian foreign minister, and was helping with the planning of the Continental side of the Valley of European Wizardry. His mother and sister were in the Lingerie Boutique as they had nothing quite like that back in Bulgaria.
"So?" Victor asked with his heavy accented English. "Do you play Quidditch? I am a Seeker myself."
"We have just started to play. I am a reserve chaser for the Ravenclaw junior team, and Neville is a reserve chaser for Hufflepuff."
"For you size and shape I would have thought you would be a seeker?"
"Could be, but my girls and I make a very good trio of chasers. But if you are interested we are having a Round-Robin Quidditch tournament tomorrow at Hogwarts. You could bring your friends and enter a team. Registration is at 9:00 am with a kick off at 10:00 am. There is a junior and senior league with the main attraction of a Parents verses Professors Quidditch match."
"That sounds very interesting. I have enough friends from school here including my sister who is a great keeper. My father Igor would love to play in the Parents verses Professors match as he played Seeker for the Bulgarian National Quidditch team. I hope to one day follow in his footsteps."
"Great. Looking forward to see you there."
"Thanks Harry."
"Oh by the way for the tournament we play with an one hour time limit for senior league, thirty minutes for junior, plus charmed bludgers to help make the game safe for the first years, and not break their bones."
"Oh how does that work?"
"The bludgers were charmed to have the impact of a quaffle, so they still hurt a little but leave a large red chalk mark. If you were marked by a bludger, you had to immediately go for a five minute timeout in your team's sin bin, and have the chalk mark cleaned off. Then the wait the five minutes before rejoining the game again."
"Why? Our quaffle is made out of iron. It would kill you." Viktor asked.
"Oh our quaffles are rubber with a leather covering."
"We will try this new idea. It may save a lot of our first years at Durmstrang from killing themselves."
"See you tomorrow then."
Hermione, Luna, Susan and Hannah came out with the last of their shopping bags for Dobby and led Harry and Neville to the Clothes Boutique. Harry hoped Emmeline and Aurora had purchased something really special at the Lingerie Boutique that would really blow Sirius and Remus' minds. Hermione ensure Harry that they did. Without going into details but it was black, made of leather and came with long black high heel boots, chains and a riding crop.
- Wishing for a friend -
After an exhausting afternoon of shopping, finishing at the holy grail of retail therapy, the Veela Shoes Boutique. Harry thought his charge card would have melted. But Emma was happy to tell him that they had bargained for everything, and Fleur and Gabrielle shared the mother's sense of style. So they were able to buy something special for everyone, and then be able to mix and match with each other. But it was Hermione's radiant happy smile that made it all worthwhile. Luna just loved to model so many beautiful clothes, and so many stylish shoes that Gabrielle mixed and matched for her. She learnt a lot about colour and style from those experts.
Fleur ordered a delectable dinner for them at the Veela cafe that was savory, scrumptious and just a little bit spicy. Then they made their way to the rock concert. Tonks' band session started at 6:00 pm and went for an hour with a second session starting at 10:00 pm. Harry, Hermione and Luna loved their first Rock concert with Neville, Susan and Hannah. Tonks' band played all the songs they rehearsed with Maurice, and did a very good cover of Bohemian Rhapsody with a little help from their friends. Cedric's song was a big hit.
- Wishing for a friend -
Before 8pm they gather together at Elysian Fields Memorial Lake. Remus was holding Sirius up as he remembered the stories that Kreacher had told him about his little brother Regulus Arcturus Black. Kreacher, Dobby and Floyd had recovered his body from the lake of Inferi of the victims of Voldemort. They had also found Sirius' father Orion Black. Sirius thought of the irony that his mother would have loved to have been an inferi but she died too late. They also found two missing Black House elves and Christopher Tonks, Ted Tonks younger more handsome brother, and Narcissa Black secret lover who had disappeared during the war. He had been murdered by Lucius Malfoy to break Narcissa's will, and ensure she did not stray. The grief of the lost of family and lovers even after all these years was very heart rending. Such that the adults had stopped giving instructions.
"Harry." Luna said over the link. "Sirius is overcome, and the Goblins are waiting for instructions."
"Yes I see that. What can I do?"
"Ask Kreacher to go, and get new Black Family robes to cover the dead. Check with aunty Cissy if she agrees to include her lover. If they had married he would have been part of the family. Then ask the Goblins to put them together on one floating burning platform."
"Ok." "Kreacher could you please go and get some new Black Family robes to cover our family?"
"Yes master. How many?"
"Three?" Harry said questioningly as he looked at Narcissa to see if she would agree with her lover being in a Black Family robe. Narcissa was being held by her sister Andi and Ted. She looked at Harry, and nodded a thank you. "Yes three for the adults and two small for the Black Family elves."
"Thank you master." Said a happy Kreacher as he popped away. It was a great honour to include the house elves who had died in the service of the family. He returned a moment later and with a wave of his hand, the bodies were dress in the new Black Family robes.
Viceroy Ragnok stepped forward. "Milord Sirius. Would you accept this award for Regulus for his part in destroying the dark lord?"
"Thank you Viceroy. But could you put in on Regulus chest."
"Certainly." Ragnok said and placed the gold 'Order of the Royal Phoenix' first class on Regulus' chest. He saluted with his fist over his heart, and then turned to Harry for more instructions.
"Please place our family members together on one platform."
The Viceroy smiled, treating the wizards and house elves as equals in death was a big step in the right direction. The Goblins put the bodies of the wizards and house elves together on the platform, and pushed it out into lake. Harry nodded to Legolas, and he loosed a flaming arrow at the platform that triggered the special burning charm, a light version of fiend-fire that controlled the flames into the shape of a viking ship that appears to burn, and sink into the lake when the bodies have been turned into ash. The sail on the ship had the Black Family crest as did the shields mounted on the side with the new family motto 'Pur du coeur'. The name of the ship was 'Conturbatio Administratur'.
As they watched, Arwen, Legolas' wife started to sing a sad moving elvish lament called "Into the West". She was accompanied by the elvish warriors who had come to fight for Harry and Hogwarts that day.
The soaring words and tune lifted up their hearts.
"...Safe in my arms
You're only sleeping
[Chorus]
What can you see
On the horizon?
Why do the white gulls call?
Across the sea
A pale moon rises
The ships have come to carry you home
And all will turn
To silver glass
A light on the water
All souls pass..."
When the lament was finished. It was quiet.
Remus started to hum. Sirius joined in, and they sang;
"Hey hey-ey, goodbye
Na na na na, na na na na, hey hey-ey, goodbye"
Then everyone join in the chant.
"Na na na na, na na na na, hey hey-ey, goodbye
Na na na na, na na na na, hey hey-ey, goodbye
Na na na na, na na na na, hey hey-ey, goodbye
Na na na na, na na na na, hey hey-ey, goodbye
Na na na na, na na na na, hey hey-ey, goodbye"
The flaming ship sank leaving the ashes behind. The platform returned to them, the Goblins put all the ashes in one golden urn, and gave it to Sirius who passed it to a grateful Kreacher.
The adults decided to go the VIP room for a wake, as the expecting witches took the children back to Hogwarts. While Tonks went back to play another session at the Rock Concert with Coco, Brigitte and Marie-Antoinette taking an excited Fleur to her enjoy the rest of her first Rock concert.
- Wishing for a friend -
Harry was enjoying the his favourite part of the day. Holding his Hermione in his arms as he sent calming images over their bond of flying through clear skies or sitting by still waters or a mountain fairy glen, until she fell asleep, safe and sound. He loved the way his Hermione would purr when she was happy asleep.
Harry looked over Hermione's shoulder to see Luna, the little snuggle bug, smiling as she was snuggled up to Gabrielle. Fleur and Gabrielle had taken Luna under their wings as it had been a tough day for the little witch with her Crumple-Horned Snorkacks leaving home again to stay in the Fairy Glen of the Royal Oak Forest and Magical Sanctuary of Woodstock. But they did promise to visit.
Harry could see the love Fleur and Gabrielle had for Luna and Hermione, and that they will be very best friends forever. It will be sad to see Fleur and Gabrielle go home to France after the ball but with the new Tri-Wizard Quidditch Tournament starting this year plus with Hagrid or his Olympe visiting each other every weekend, they should see regular visit from the two Veela best friends.
All was quiet. Nothing was stirring. Not even the four poster beds that Fleur and Hermione's parents were sleeping in. They may have the curtains closed and charmed to be private and silent but for some reason they would rock. Harry made a note to ask Hermione why? But it can wait until the morning. For tomorrow will be another exciting magical day at Hogwarts and they needed their beauty sleep. Harry closed his eyes, and was asleep before his head touched the pillow.
- Wishing for a friend -
Lady Hogwarts was very pleased to have so many magicals sleeping in the castle tonight. She was really humming and rocking with magic. With all the guests of the first generation students invited to go to the Magical Gathering, they had made arrangements to accommodate 1,100 in total. The most they have had for five hundred years. But there were many first generation alumni at the Gathering, who had left the magical world after graduation, and never to return until now. They had come from the Gathering to see their old school. A place of not so happy memories. But they felt the magic and were in awe of the change. They pleaded with Headmistress McGonagall to stay. She could not say no. So they moved the tables from the Great Hall, and slept another 300 in conjured sleeping bags. Bring the number up to 1400. The most they have since Merlin visited the founders.
- Wishing for a friend -
The Powers-that-be smiled. Many people had been hurt, and families destroyed by the manipulations of the old goat breeder for his greater good. They had just faded into the back ground with their lost and pain. For the future they needed to find, and encourage these hurt lost souls to come out see the new Magical World, and start the process of healing.
Then tomorrow She was going to treat all the goddesses to some well deserved retail therapy at the Veela Boutiques. She really liked that black leather number with the long black high heel boots and riding crop. Hades had plenty of chains.