Chapter 24
Of Trackers, Traces and Taboos
August 1st, 1996
Nearly half-an-hour after Tonks' interruption in the Master Bedroom, Harry, Hermione and the rest of the Crestview Alliance – including the newest member, Charlie Weasley – were sitting at the elongated dining table in the event room of Black Manor. They were dining on a lunch of deli sandwiches and chips as they waited for the meeting to begin. Then Bill stood up.
"For those of you have not heard," he said, "Or have not had the pleasure of meeting him – I'd like to introduce our newest member of the Crestview Alliance: my brother, Charlie Weasley."
Applause and greetings were heard around the table as Charlie bowed in thanks. Fred and George wolf-whistled as their own little greeting.
"A few days ago, Harry had a conversation with me, Fred and George," Bill said, "During this conversation, several questions about possible betrayal were brought up. So I asked Charlie to investigate this betrayal. Today, he has succeeded. During our first meeting here at Crestview, I introduced you to a special Pensieve. We will be using that Pensieve again to view a memory of Charlie's investigation. Charlie, the floor is now yours while I prepare the Pensieve."
As Bill stood and left the table, Charlie stood up.
"What you are about to see will shock some of you," he said.
Harry noticed that Charlie was looking at him and Hermione as he said this.
"My mother, Molly Weasley, and my youngest brother, Ron," Charlie said, "have been keeping some secrets from myself and the rest of my family – and their friends – for a good few years now. Now, even though my sister, Ginny, is in this memory too, she has not been implicated in what you're going to discover. What you are about to discover is completely true, thanks to the wonders of Veritaserum."
Charlie walked away from the table and over to the Pensieve. With his wand, he removed a silver strand of memory from his head and placed it in the Pensieve. He and Bill then walked back over to the table, and Bill flourished his wand. Much like during the first meeting, a table appeared in the empty space of the room between the dining table and the Pensieve. Harry recognized it as the kitchen table of the Burrow. Charlie, Ron, Ginny and their mother were seated around it.
By the time the memory finished, Harry had wrapped an arm around Hermione's shoulders, holding her close to him. As it concluded, she buried her face against his shoulder and he could hear her crying softly. Harry couldn't blame her – he wanted to cry too. The words and tales of betrayal were still ringing in his head. His and Hermione's fears had been revealed as true, and there were even worse implications as well. Ron had spied on him and betrayed his trust, all for money and sweets and good grades. Ron's words describing Dumbledore's attempts to harm or murder Hermione horrified him, and yet Ron seemed okay with it, even though he fancied her. Molly Weasley, who had been like a mother to him, was plotting behind his back, all because she wanted to take his fortune for herself and her daughter.
But Harry knew he couldn't blame Ginny. He saw the shock on her face during the revelations. She knew nothing of her mother and brother's betrayal.
Around the table, there were pale and angry faces. Fred, George and Bill all looked as if they were going to be sick. Ron's former classmates looked angry and shocked. Daphne simply looked pissed off.
"Slimy git," Daphne commented of Ron, "And he actually think Slytherin are scum. Hypocrite! Sorry to say that about your brother, guys, but – wait, no, actually I'm not."
"If he didn't have ginger hair," Fred said, "I'd say he was adopted."
"He and Mum – both adopted," George said, nodding.
Hermione snickered amidst sniffles and sat back up in her chair.
"Are you okay?" Harry asked her.
"I had my suspicions about much of that," Hermione said, "But to hear it in Ron's own words. The bloody bastard wants Dumbledore to make me fall in love with him! He actually thinks I'd leave you for him? And Molly – I thought of her like a second mother and she just wants to poison me! Ugh!"
Her last word came out in a loud growl.
"Was she this feisty with you over the past – er – sixteen hours, Harry?" Daphne asked.
"Don't you dare answer that, Harry!" Hermione growled.
Harry held his hands up in surrender. Hermione giggled. She inhaled and exhaled, then looked back at Charlie.
"You said Ginny was innocent in all of this?" she asked. "I know I saw it, but..."
"I Obliviated Mum and Ron of my visit shortly after this," Charlie said, "But Ginny remembers it all. She wanted so bad to come here with me. She doesn't know where we are, she only knows that her brothers are here with you, Harry and Hermione. She wanted to congratulate you on your wedding, and she is also well aware of your future wedding too."
Harry smiled. He knew Ginny fancied him, so to know she supported him being with Hermione was nice.
"Why couldn't she come?" he asked.
Charlie smiled, grimly. "The risks of the Trace. I promised her we would find a way for her to be here. We'll work on it soon enough. She's quite wary of being around Mum and Ron now."
"Understandable," Bill said.
"She promised me that she is entirely innocent in all of it," Charlie said, "She knew nothing about any of it. Even after I had given her the antidote to the Veritaserum, I could tell that she was being completely honest. Yes, she fancies you, Harry, but she would never agree with Mum's plan. Hermione, you're her best friend. She was horrified at what Ron said."
Hermione sniffled and nodded.
"I gave her a communication mirror," Charlie said, "So Bill, Fred, George – and even you, Harry and Hermione – if you wanted to talk to her sometime, then feel free. But I told her to be careful with it, and that she can only contact us during an emergency, for her own safety. She even promised to destroy it if she thought anyone knew about it. She wanted me to tell Dad about this, but I told her I couldn't, simply because of the memory removal. But I'll make sure he knows soon enough, and we'll learn if he was involved in any of this. But only after Ginny is away from Mum and Ron."
"Good idea," Bill said.
"Let's go back to what Ron said about Albus' plans to harm Hermione," Amelia said. "Why was this so important to him?"
"Because of what she means to Harry," Remus said, smiling at Hermione, "Not just in the romantic sense either. With Ron's evident betrayal, Hermione is Harry's most trusted friend."
"And she always has been," Harry said.
Hermione smiled.
"Maybe you haven't heard, Amelia," Remus said, "But Hermione is the smartest witch of her age. Albus is afraid of that. We're all wondering what Albus' plans are for Harry. Well, let's ponder this. Harry, your parents' Will – James and Lily listed your guardians..."
"The Will said I was never supposed to be placed with the Dursleys," Harry said. "Albus knew this – he was the witness to their Will."
"And yet he placed you there with the Dursleys," Remus said, "And made you return every summer, even though he knew you were being mistreated. What if that mistreatment was part of his plan? We learned today that Albus wanted the Weasleys to be your surrogate family, and Ron to be your best friend. Ron was able to latch onto you, Harry, why? Because you had no friends."
Harry nodded.
"Albus knew this," Remus said, "He knew you were mistreated, lonely, and – if I may say – not very confident before you came to Hogwarts. Those of you who were with Harry in school, I'm sure you saw that."
"So many people wanted to be your friend, Harry," Katie said, "But I think Ron kept pushing them away."
"He did," Neville said, "I remember. I wanted to be your friend, and he basically said I couldn't. I was too afraid to say anything to you."
"I wanted to be your friend my first year," Luna said, "Our mothers were friends, did you know? But Ron told me you were the Heir of Slytherin, and that 'Loony' people were enemies of the heir."
"He was so vocal about how bad you were when your name came out of the Goblet of Fire," Susan said, "Made sure you didn't hear it, but he said you were a cheat and how you wanted to show up Cedric. Made the Hufflepuffs hate you more."
"You see what he was doing, don't you?" Remus asked, "He was trying to make sure you had very few friends. He failed when it came to Hermione."
"But he put up with you after a while, Hermione, because he started fancying you," Tonks said.
"But it was all because of Albus," Remus said, "He wanted you to have very few friends. Because without friends, it would make you weak. It would make you vulnerable. These weaknesses would make you easier prey to Voldemort. And then I think he realized how important you were. He needed you to destroy Voldemort. So he plots with Molly Weasley to make you fall in love with Ginny. You fall in love with her, and – as Molly said, maybe you would get Ginny pregnant. You'd want the baby to have a good life, and you'd do everything to make sure that happened – even if it meant you'd sacrifice yourself. You die, and if Ginny is an underage mother, Molly might take guardianship of her grandchild. Just to get your fortune. Molly would probably deny the Emancipation given to pregnant underage teenagers, telling everyone it was for her daughter's own good."
Harry sighed and nodded. It seemed like it was plausible.
"A suitable reward for Molly Weasley's assistance and schemes," Kingsley said, "At least in Albus' view."
"Your sacrifice would make you seem like a hero, Harry," Bill said. "Especially if you defeated Voldemort along the way."
"Albus might have been okay with Voldemort surviving your death," Remus said, "I'm sure he thinks he could kill Voldemort, and the world would see him as the savior once again. Meanwhile, Albus is plotting behind everyone's back as the new Dark Lord, taking over Great Britain in a move that would shock and stun everyone. By the time they try to retaliate, Dumbledore has his army ready. The Third Wizarding War begins this time without a prophecized hero to save us all."
"That is entirely plausible," Amelia said, "And it is really quite frightening how easily that scenario could have played out in reality."
"Well, it won't happen," Harry said, "I – we - will train and prepare while here in Crestview, and we will destroy Voldemort, Dumbledore and their allies. I will not let the future generation grow up with threats of Dark Lords and wars like we have."
"Hear, hears" and murmurs of agreement were heard.
"Is there any suggestions for immediate response to these revelations?" Remus asked; then he smiled wryly, "Those that aren't fueled by anger or negative reactions."
There were smatterings of laughter in reaction to Remus' words, but nobody had any suggestions.
"Then we can move on," Remus said, "Does anyone have any speculations about how the British wizarding world may react to the Daily Prophet's article announcing Harry and Hermione's wedding? No offense meant to the newlyweds, of course, but this may be important."
Harry and Hermione gave understanding smiles.
"Well, whatever Albus' plans were to split the two lovebirds apart," Tonks said; grinning in Harry and Hermione's direction at the word 'lovebirds', "It is possible he now realizes his plans have failed."
"Very likely," Remus said, "Speculations of his reactions or next move?"
"He might have realized that the reason – or one of them, at least – for the wedding was Emancipation," Amelia said. "He also may have realized that it was your idea, Remus. Then he might wonder what else you are plotting."
"He must know I am a part of this group," Bill said, "He knows my connections to Gringotts, and how easily I could get permission to perform Emancipation."
"Are Betrothals listed in the Hall of Records?" Daphne asked. "That is how the Daily Prophet found out about Harry and Hermione's wedding."
"Wise thinking, Daphne," Remus said, "Yes, they are. But only on request."
"Albus' high-level position in the Ministry – as Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot," Amelia said, "would have given him access to such records. I think it is safe to assume that he has discovered Harry's – and perhaps Neville's – Betrothal contracts. Including Susan's, even though hers was a little unconventional – it would have self-updated in the records."
"Then he probably realizes they will wed soon as well," Kingsley said, "and he would know it would lead to Emancipation."
"Which means he probably realizes those listed in the Contracts are here with Harry and Neville," Remus said.
"We believe Albus is suffering from paranoia, yes?" Pierre Delacour asked.
"Indeed," Andromeda said. "Possible paranoia and senility in his old age. Especially due to recent events."
"Paranoia would get the – how do you English put it? – metaphorical cogs in his mind going," Pierre said. "He would wonder how many teens left the country with you, Remus."
"He's suffering from the same paranoia that Fudge was, isn't he?" Harry asked, "He thinks we're building a student army."
"Or, at the very least, adding students into an army of legal-aged witches and wizards," Hermione said.
"Well, eventually he'll discover how many members of Harry's defense club are here," Angelina said, "Especially those of whom that are still students and don't show up at Hogwarts. That will get the paranoia going."
"Wait," Daphne said, as she looked at her sister, "Astoria. If Professor Dumbledore thinks I am here, then he might assume my sister came with me. She's going to be on long-term risk for the Trace."
"I don't want to get married, thanks," Astoria said, giggling.
"I'm sure it won't come to that, dear," Tonks said. "But your sister is right. Long-term risk for the Trace. As long as you are here. Even with several legal-aged witches and wizards here, and Trace might set off anyway if you were to specifically use magic."
"Easily done," Daphne said, "Keep your wand in your bedroom, Tori."
Astoria nodded.
"Lessons will be more difficult when it comes to that," Remus said, "But we'll work on that."
"Ginny will be in the same risk if we bring her here," Charlie said, "And I did promise I'd find a way to bring her."
"Hold on a minute," Amelia said, "We're too focused on Traces. I don't think Albus is going to rely on the Trace. He can't keep an eye on it at all times, even if he was able to get one of his Order into the department. Even then, he doesn't know when or if it will happen."
"His paranoia would not go well with waiting," Andromeda said, "Not for his short-term plans."
"He's planning something else," Hermione said. "The only question is... what?"
"I think we should assume Daphne is right about Astoria," Remus said. "We need to place Tracking Charms on you, Astoria. Just in case he has some way to take you back to England that we're not thinking of."
Astoria looked frightened, but she nodded in agreement.
"Albus would probably realize we placed Tracking Charms on her," Kingsley said, "It would need to be done in a way he couldn't know."
"Well, whatever we figure out," Remus said, "We need to do that with the other Traceable teens as well, until they get Emancipated. It would only be for a couple days for most."
Mundungus Fletcher raised his hand slowly. "I might have something. It might be unconventional and borderline illegal. But, that is how I work!"
Remus smiled wryly. "We'll take any suggestion. Those who still have the Trace on them at the moment – and Mundungus – please remain here after the meeting, along with anyone who might be able to assist as well. Any other issues that needs voicing?"
George and Angelina smiled at each other, and George raised his hand.
"I'm sure a few of you have heard," George said, "But as of early next year, the fates have decided that I will be ready to be a father. This wonderful woman next to me is pregnant. And she has promised me it is mine, though I had no doubts."
Angelina rolled her eyes and smacked George playfully on the chest. Then she kissed him. Fred wolf-whistled, and everyone around the table applauded and congratulated them.
Neville raised his hand shyly. "I'd like to get a team of interested people together that would like to help me build a greenhouse and a garden. I can take care of both once they're prepared, but I need help to get them started, including building the greenhouse."
Remus smiled. "That is a wonderful idea, Neville. Any volunteers?"
Ted Tonks, Apolline Delacour, Hestia Jones, Dedalus Diggle, Charlie Weasley and Luna Lovegood raised their hands.
"Thanks," Neville said, blushing slightly.
"I think we can find a place outside of the general area planned for houses, Neville," Bill said, smiling. "I'm going to hold the first construction meeting later today, and we'll go out and decide where the general locations of houses will be. You're invited too, Neville, so you might be able to find a good place for the greenhouse and garden."
Neville nodded.
"Any other issues?" Remus asked.
Nobody said anything.
"Very well," Remus said, "I have two final announcements. On Saturday, we will be hosting another wedding at three in the afternoon. This one much larger than the first, but just as important. Just so there is little risk of repetition, if we could have some new volunteers for cooks and those willing to help decorate, it would be appreciated, please raise your hand."
A few people raised their hand including Hermione, who volunteered to help with the décor.
"Excellent; I'm sure you can decide a time between now and Saturday morning to discuss plans," Remus said; he inhaled and exhaled then looked around at everyone, "Now, this is extremely important. Tonight is the full moon. I'm sure everyone knows what that means. Since his arrival, Charlie – with the help of Bill as well – has assisted me with some creature-specific wards in the vicinity of the nearby woods where my shelter is. These wards will keep me in those woods. While Andie has made me some Wolfsbane, I will likely be roaming the woods at one point or another tonight. By no means should any of you step in there. Other than that, feel free to roam outside until it gets too dark to see without assistance of magical light. I will be myself until the full moon rises, and the wolf until it wanes. So keep extra vigilant."
Everyone nodded solemnly, silently communicating that they understood.
"Thank you," Remus said, with a soft smile, "The meeting has concluded. Those who have been requested to stay behind, please do so. Everyone else, feel free to leave. Thank you for your attendance and words of wisdom today. It has been much appreciated. Remember, only united, can we be victorious in this war."
Light applause followed this, and most of the members of the Alliance stood and left the event room, including Harry and Hermione. Remus, Amelia, Mundungus, Gabrielle, her parents, and the rest of the underage non-Emancipated teens remained in the event room.
"Harry, Hermione!" Charlie said, as they left the room.
Harry and Hermione turned as Charlie approached.
"Hi, Charlie," Harry said, "Good to see you. Welcome to Black Manor."
"Thanks," Charlie said, "Look, I want to apologize for any grief I might have caused you in there. I should have warned you better before the meeting."
"It is alright," Hermione said, "I'm fine. As I mentioned in there, I expected some of it. Just the reality of it overwhelmed me."
Harry frowned. He knew she was worried about something else, but perhaps she didn't want to say it to Charlie.
"Also there was the fact that we've lost somebody we thought was a friend," Hermione said, "And may never be able to get that friendship back. Maybe it never even existed at all. He just posed as our friend to achieve his own means. How did he never become a Slytherin?"
"Dumbledore," Charlie said, "There's been speculation that he has been able to manipulate the Sorting Hat into Sorting students where he wanted them to be. You were Sorted into Gryffindor, Harry, so Albus made sure Ron was as well. Even if he has some Slytherin qualities."
"Quite possible," Harry said, then looked at Hermione, "He didn't bother with you at that time because he didn't know we'd become friends."
Hermione nodded.
"Here," Charlie said, as he handed Harry a mirror, "I know neither of you have one yet, so I'm giving you one to share between you. The password to Ginny's mirror is 'spitfire' if you want to talk to her at any time. She's keeping her mirror close at hand, and it will vibrate when we contact her. She's a smart girl – if she's with Mum and Ron when she feels it vibrate, she should be able to make excuses to talk openly and privately."
"Thanks," Harry said, "I expect we'll talk to her soon enough. Maybe today or tomorrow."
"Congratulations on your wedding," Charlie said; Harry and Hermione thanked him; then Charlie laughed. "I think Ron believed the Prophet when it said you were with child. Because Ginny asked me whether or not you were pregnant, Hermione, but I think it must have been Ron's words first that sparked it."
"I'm not pregnant," Hermione said, "But that's not to say I might want to be before we return to England."
Charlie smiled. "Ginny was quite surprised to hear you're marrying four other girls, Harry. Though she does support it."
Hermione laughed. "We saw that coming. We think she might support it because it means she might have a chance with Harry."
"Does she?" Charlie asked, grinning.
"I'm quite fine with five brides," Harry said, chuckling, "I don't know if that will ever change."
Hermione snorted. "Only in the worst-case scenario. I already feel like I will have to be in a queue for kisses."
Charlie laughed. "The only one of your future brides, Harry, that I knew the identity of at the time was Gabrielle. I'm not exactly sure if Ginny knows exactly who Gabrielle is, other than Fleur's sister, so that is probably why she wasn't surprised by Gabrielle being your future bride, when it came to her age. How are you coping with that?"
"I was told to ignore her age since she is partially a Veela," Harry said, "So I am going to do my best."
Charlie nodded. "Probably best. One of my co-workers was a part-Veela that was around Gabrielle's age. They're immune to fire – even partial Veela - so she was brilliant at handling dragons. A couple of the male handlers were sacked because they were overheard plotting ways to put her in a situation to create a Life-Debt. It wasn't pretty. They left with burns on their body, and it wasn't from the dragons if you know what I mean."
Harry winced. "Moral of the story. Don't piss Gabrielle off."
Charlie laughed. "Good idea. Though I wouldn't worry. They're very possessive of their life-mate. Frankly I wouldn't surprised if her parents allow her to train for the war."
"What?" Harry asked.
"If you find yourself cornered, Harry," Charlie said, "She would defend you, and probably do it quite well."
"I don't want to put her in danger," Harry said.
Charlie smiled. "I understand. But I'd think about it, if I were you. Veela are extremely tough to kill. She'd be a great asset."
"Let her train with you, Harry," Hermione said, "If you think her life would be at risk, simply tell her she can't go to battle with you."
Harry grimaced. "I'll think about it."
"I imagine you have plans," Charlie said, with a wink, "And I need to put up my tent and unpack before it gets dark. So I will leave you be. Once again, congratulations Lord and Lady Potter."
He smiled, turned and walked away.
"What do you think, Hermione?" Harry asked, "Do we have plans?"
Hermione rolled her eyes. "Not those kind. You exhausted me. We're taking a break until tonight."
Harry grinned at the promise of more to come.
"Besides," Hermione said, "we need to be social more, especially with the future members of our family."
"Family," Harry said, "I love that word. Alright. But no gossiping about you-know-what."
Hermione grinned. "I promise. Come on, we'll go out to the tent. They'll surely go there when they're finished up in the event room."
Harry agreed, and a few minutes later, the newlyweds were sitting together on a couch in the tent's large sitting room.
"Hermione?" Harry said, "I could sense that you were keeping something from Charlie about what we discovered today. Do you need to tell me something?"
Hermione frowned and sniffled. "Don't be surprised if I have nightmares over the next few days. I could picture some of those things Ron had described. Drowning in the Hogwarts Lake. Being mauled by Remus, and turning into a werewolf, then being expelled from Hogwarts because of it."
Harry wrapped an arm around her waist and cuddled her close to him.
"I would never let that happen to you," he said. "If you have any nightmares, I'll wake you from them and hold you close until you can sleep peacefully again."
"That is just one of the many reasons I love you," Hermione said.
"Oh?" Harry asked, "Is there a list? Do tell."
"Maybe another time," Hermione said.
Harry smiled and leaned toward her and kissed her gently. Hermione chuckled against his lips and returned the kiss. Before the kiss could linger, they heard someone clear their throat.
"Hello, Daphne," Harry and Hermione said in unison.
"Hello, Potters," Daphne said, grinning, "If you're going to continue that, go back to your bedroom."
Daphne, Susan and Padma made their way into the sitting room, and sat down in the three empty chairs.
"What was Fletcher's idea?" Harry asked.
"Oh, it was a good idea," Daphne said; then wrinkled her nose, "Disgusting, but a good idea."
"'Disgusting' usually sums up his ideas," Hermione said, "So what was it?"
"Liquid Tracking Charms," Susan said, "Auntie says they are possible – though borderline illegal."
"Er... liquid Charms?" Harry asked, quite confused.
He looked at Hermione. She also looked confused; apparently she never heard of them either.
"Enchanted drinks," Padma said, "It is brewed in a way similar to Potions. They remain in your system for about a week. Then once you – you know, pee it out – you just take another one."
"I'm afraid to ask," Hermione said, "But how do you know when it has left your body?"
"Your pee sparkles," Daphne said, with a snort. "That's the disgusting part. We have to actually check to see if it sparkling."
Harry snickered and Hermione playfully slapped him on the chest.
"Thank goodness it is only my sister who has to take more than one," Daphne said, "And she'll have to take them for the duration of our stay. That is quite a lot of sparkling pee! Poor Tori. She won't get to use magic. But that is what she gets for not wanting to marry – after all, she could marry you or Neville, Harry."
"Can you blame her for not wanting to marry at her age?" Padma asked.
"Not really," Daphne said, shrugging.
"The Liquid Tracking Charm doesn't sound as bad as a Pregnancy Test Potion," Susan said, "I asked Angelina about them, since – you know – it might be in my plans in the near future. You literally want to sit on a toilet when you take it, because anywhere between a minute and five minutes after taking the Potion, you're going to pee one of two colors. Blue if true, and green if not."
"If we can stop talking about pee," Padma said, rolling her eyes, "Susan's Auntie, Mundungus, Healer Tonks and a few others are brewing the enchanted drink now. Thankfully, they believe that once we're Emancipated, it will be more difficult for someone like Dumbledore to summon us back to England, because it usually can't be done without the Trace's magic in your body."
"In your body?" Harry asked, "I thought the Trace was in your wand?"
"That is what the Ministry wants you to believe," Daphne said.
"A wand is just an object, Harry," Hermione said, "The magic in your body flows through the wand's core and centers it. Think of wandless magic for example."
"Point," Harry said.
"Anyway," Padma continued, "As Daphne said, only Astoria will need more than one dose. Once it is out of our system, the rest of us will be alright since we'll be Emancipated on Saturday. It should be done before bedtime. Until then, we're just required to stay in groups."
"Just in case we vanish into thin air and find ourselves back in Great Britain," Daphne said.
"How will we know your location when you have the Tracker coursing through your body?" Harry asked.
"Auntie explained that," Susan said, "It is the same way the Ministry owls or Aurors get to a person's location so quickly if the Trace is set off. Healers are required to collect some of your blood during a check-up and send it to the Ministry. They place a droplet of your blood on a Portkey, and – bam – instant travel to your location. Same thing with the Trackers. After we take the enchanted drink, we put some of our blood in a vial, so that it can be used on a Portkey, just in case."
"That is pretty clever," Hermione said, "Didn't know Dung had it in him."
"Clever and dangerous," Harry said, "The Portkeys might take us straight into a trap."
"Nothing is fool-proof, Harry," Daphne said, "Ever heard of the Taboo?"
Harry shook his head.
"There is a reason most witches and wizards are scared to say Voldemort's name," Daphne said. "Back in the First Wizarding War, Voldemort put a Taboo on his name. Anyone brave enough to say his name usually were brave enough to defy him. In Voldemort's mind, defiance meant death. If you said his name, the Taboo activates through an enchantment, and Death Eaters would automatically Apparate to your location. People don't say his name just in case the Taboo returns – which is entirely possible before the war ends."
"That explains why everyone tenses up," Harry said, "And some people look around them when you do say it."
"Yep," Daphne said, "Now... imagine a group of Aurors standing in a room with wands drawn. One says Voldemort and..."
"The Death Eaters fall into a trap," Harry said.
"Precisely," Daphne said. "However, Dung's idea does have merit. According to him, Liquid Tracking Charms cannot be traced, which is why they're borderline illegal. So, if we're checked for Trackers, nobody would find them."
"So they likely wouldn't expect such a quick retaliation," Hermione said.
"Exactly," Daphne said.
"Let's go back to the Taboo," Harry said, "Is it possible Dumbledore could use it to track us?"
"Unlikely," Susan said, "It was discussed when the enchanted drink idea was mentioned. Dumbledore's paranoia would prevent him from using it. He doesn't know how big our group is. Until his own alliance grows, he won't risk it in fear of being outnumbered and defeated."
"The question is: how long before his alliance grows to the point where he wouldn't be outnumbered so much?" Hermione asked.
"He'll have some difficulty," Daphne said, "If he's paranoid about people discovering his Dark secrets, he won't tell many people about who they would be up against if they joined him. First, he'd probably have to tell them why we're a threat to him, and do it in a convincing manner. And second – once they find out his opposition is the Chosen One, that will likely scare them away."
"Or they'll walk away laughing," Padma said, "After all, why would the Leader of the Light be afraid of the Chosen One? Especially when so many believe Harry and Dumbledore are friendly."
"Precisely," Daphne said.
"Why would me being the Chosen One scare people?" Harry asked.
"You apparently have a prophecized power the Dark Lord knows not," Daphne said, "Sure, not very many people outside our Alliance knows that. But you're also prophecized to defeat the most feared Dark wizard since Grindelwald. If you can defeat a Dark Lord that nobody else could, you have to be a powerful wizard. People will be scared of that power. Not because you could be a Dark Lord. But because they wouldn't want to fight you either way."
"But I don't know what this power is!" Harry said, "Love, maybe. But I don't see how that will defeat him."
"Yeah it isn't like you'll make love to him," Daphne joked.
Hermione groaned. "Thank you for that wonderful mental picture, Daphne."
"Harry, we know you don't know what that power is," Susan said, "But most people don't know that, do they? People tend to fear the unknown. That is your biggest weapon. That is why they would be scared of you."
Harry nodded.
"So," Daphne said, "Is your wedding night finally over or are you just on another break?"
"I promised Harry that I would not gossip about such things," Hermione said, with a smirk.
"Aw, why not, Harry?" Daphne asked.
"Because it would take away the surprise when it comes to be your turn," Harry said.
"Hermione already told us you love tits," Daphne said.
Harry looked at Hermione and raised a questioning eyebrow.
"I didn't tell them," Hermione said, "I merely gave a hint and they guessed... accurately."
"I refuse to say anything," Harry said. "But since you are a definitive Slytherin, I can see you are going to try to trick me. Perhaps you think you can ask me questions, and even though I won't answer, you'll try to read any facial expressions I might make?"
Daphne pouted and snapped her fingers. "Damn. He figured me out. Granger, you were supposed to shag his brains out, not give him more!"
"It is Potter now, Daphne," Hermione said.
"I am well aware of that," Daphne said, "But if I called you that, Harry would think I meant him."
"Then you shall call me Lady Potter," Hermione said, with an air of royalty in her voice.
"Only in social gatherings," Daphne said, with a snort. "Or if I am being sarcastic."
"You used Granger when being sarcastic," Hermione said.
"True," Daphne said, sighing. "Wow, scary thought. I'll be Daphne Black in two days. Or Daphne Potter-Black."
"Either way is fine with me," Harry said.
"Padma Potter-Peverell," Padma said, "That rolls off the tongue."
"Susan Bones-Potter," Susan said. "Bones as the first surname will allow my line to continue, since I will be the new Lady Bones, and our children will share both names, so everyone will know our children are Potters too."
"So would that make Harry 'Lord Bones'?" Hermione asked.
"Regent Lord," Susan said; then looked at Harry, "As Regent Lord Bones, you will gain my family's Lord Signet Ring that my grandfather held before you, but because I am a Bones by blood, I will control the Wizengamot Seat when Auntie retires from the Council, and in turn I will pass it to our children when it is their time.."
"Fine by me," Harry said.
"What will Gabrielle be?" Daphne asked.
"Er... good question," Harry said, "I don't know if they care about Line Continuation or not. I'll have to discuss it with her and her parents before the wedding."
"Hannah has a much older brother who has continued the Abbot line," Susan said, "So she will be Lady Longbottom. She told us girls the night before your wedding, and she'll be First Wife. Luna will keep her name too."
"As will my sister," Padma said. "Neville only has one title to his name anyway. Patil and Lovegood are Minor Houses, and as such do not qualify for Lordship until our Houses ascend."
"I just realized something," Susan said, "With Neville's Gran no longer with us, and my Auntie out of the country, the Wizengamot Council will be a bit lax on the Light side of the votes. Auntie and Mrs. Longbottom were the loud voices for the Light. The other families have their own voices, but they usually are silent voters. They do not speak much on debating issues – only vote for them."
"So what does that mean?" Hermione asked.
"It means," Daphne said, "That the Dark Alliance will probably have a string of winning votes – even though a few such as Lucius Malfoy and Patroclus Nott are in Azkaban, they still have a good voice. Without a loud voice for the Light, several Neutrals will vote with the Dark. That is not a good thing. Especially with a Neutral Minister of Magic like Rufus Scrimgeour."
"Dumbledore is known to commonly collaborate with the Ministers," Susan said, "He could give some ideas to Scrimgeour, and make Scrimgeour think that they were his ideas to begin with. As Minister, his words will ensure votes in the Council."
"Which means," Hermione said, "Dumbledore will have a lot of power in the Council. Whatever issues he wants voted upon, will be voted upon. And they most likely will pass."
"When is the next Council meeting?" Padma asked.
"Sunday," Susan said.
"I guess we're about to find out what happens," Daphne said, "when an apparent Dark Lord controls the Wizengamot."
"We need to tell the Alliance," Harry said, "We just discovered what Dumbledore's next move is."
"Yeah, but the question is," Hermione said, "Exactly what will Dumbledore do?"
As for that, you'll find out in a few chapters.
Next chapter: Hermione has a nightmare, which leads to some late-night comfort (wink-wink), and Harry and Hermione talk to Ginny through the mirror. And Dobby and Winky comes into the story!
IMPORTANT NOTE:
My wonderful readers and reviewers, we are now at the last complete chapter I had written before I began to publish this story. I had hoped I'd be able to get a bunch more chapters written before it came to this, but due to my fingers locking up from cold winter weather (GRR!), there have been issues. As of the date this chapter is published, there are two more complete chapters ready to be published, and I am currently working on Chapter 27. But once I get past a few tough scenes that are threatening writer's block, I'll be able to get into a flow of writing chapters, since I have several ideas. (As long as my fingers want to work, that is). Updates from now on will not be as quick until I get more written. But I hope to return to this pattern before too long. We're getting into some really exciting chapters coming up! Big storylines! I'm just as eager as you are, believe me!
We have barely just begun (I think my earlier plans of this having a Part 1 and Part 2 will come into fruition. This will be a fairly long story. Two years, chronologically, of story to get through with so much happening before those two years are up!
I wish to thank all of you for the amazing response to this story so far. I am excited to read every review!