Author's Note: Sorry for the wait but things seem to have been getting in the way of my writing time lately. Anyhow, fear not I will find time and will finish. As a side note, I have went back and removed the flashback thing and added it where it would've went in the first place and just added a lemon warning. Thanks for the feed back and the reviews as they continue to be helpful. Also, I'd like to take the time to let yall know that there is only two or three more chapters before school starts and then the conflicts begin again.
Disclaimer: I don't own anything. It all belongs to the lovely JKR. I am just playing with her creations for my own amusement.
Chapter 25 - Professors Granger Possibly?
Amelia Bones was sitting in her home office on this Saturday morning reviewing a few of the things she wanted to bring up with her niece Susan and her spouses. She knew they had to be cautious when releasing any information. Especially, since some of the things that have happened has the potential to cause dire effects.
With this in mind she stood up and readied herself to activate the portkey she had that would take her to the Granger home. It was delivered to her the other day while she was at the Ministry along with a note from her niece letting her know that it would take her to the front door and was not only to be used for visits but for any emergencies she found herself in and needed to quickly escape.
Grasping the pendant that hung from the chain around her neck, she said the activation words and felt the familiar tug before she was deposited onto the front stoop of the Granger home. She reached up and used the bell to alert the occupants of her presence.
However, before she had completely released the button the door opened to reveal a nervous looking Susan asking, "What happened? Were you attacked? Are you alright?"
"Calm down Susan. I'm fine. I just came over for a visit and to discuss somethings with you four. Can I come in or is this not a good time?" Amelia said to try and calm her niece.
"Of course, you may come in. I was just worried something may be wrong since you usually let me know by owl before you visit," Susan said as she stepped aside and allowed her aunt to enter the foyer. "Follow me and the others will join us shortly."
Susan turned and started to lead her aunt toward the living room while she mentally asked the others to join them. Once they were seated and Winky had popped in and left a tray of tea and biscuits, they were joined by the others.
"Hello Amelia, good to see you," greeted Harry as he entered the room followed closely by Daphne and Hermione.
"You too Harry, Hermione, Daphne," Amelia said as she took a cup for herself. She settled back in her seat and looked at the group in front of her before continuing, "I have to admit that I'm not stopping by to just visit however. I need to speak with you about somethings that have happened."
"Amelia, you're welcome anytime, no matter the reason behind the visit," Hermione said, "although, I hope there hasn't been an attack or something worse."
"No, there hasn't been any attacks recently, even though I almost lost some of my aurors. Which is why I wanted to ask you what the plans are for announcing Dumbledore's death to the public?"
"How did you almost loose aurors if there was no attack?" Susan asked wondering why her normally controlled aunt had shown such contempt in her voice when she had spoken.
"Our wonderful Minister," she practically snarled, "sent my aurors into the Goblin Nation to demand that they release Dumbledore to the Ministry without alerting or asking me about it first. As you can imagine, they weren't met with a friendly welcome. It just happened that I was present in the bank when they showed up and was able to handle it before I returned and proceeded to tear into Cornelius. That's why I asked what the plans are for releasing that news."
"His stupidity astounds me," Harry chuckled slightly, thinking about Amelia ripping into the Minister. "We actually have a meeting on Monday with Bloodtooth and are going to discuss that issue. Am I to assume that you agree with the assessment that, that particular information needs to be withheld as long as possible?"
"Yes, I totally agree. I have the feeling that once Lord Voldemort hears of the downfall of his greatest perceived threat that he'll move forward with any plans he has. If we can use this to our advantage, it will be worth the delay in alerting the public of his death. The public has already been asking for his head on a platter ever since they found out what he's done in the name of his so called greater good," Amelia answered.
"We spoke about this with my godmother on Friday over lunch and came to the same conclusion. When we see Bloodtooth Monday we're going to see what the goblins have in mind and let them know of our concern. I agree that we can use this to gain some time to plan for the inevitable once news of his death is released," Harry told Amelia from his spot beside her niece.
"I'm glad to see that you are all thinking ahead. If you would, please keep me informed of what you find out on Monday."
"Of course we will Aunt Amelia," Susan replied. "Maybe you can offer some suggestions for us as well since you're here. We were in the middle of discussing the changes we want to make at the school, including staffing issues."
"What do you have in mind?" Amelia asked. She knew they were going to make changes but was curious as to what they had come up with so far.
"Well, to start with we've asked Professor McGonagall to take over as Head Mistress permanently. We're going to fire Professor Binns and replace him with Professor Burbage as the History of Magic professor, we're also letting Trelawney go since we're removing Divination from the curriculum and are only going to offer instruction to those that show seer abilities," Susan replied.
"Also," continued Daphne, "we're adding some courses. We liked the recommendations from the staff about adding Basic Healing, Wizard Studies, and Introduction to Wizard Government and Law. Our thoughtful wife here," nodding toward Hermione while she spoke, "has also brought up the idea of adding a General Studies course for the first and second years as a refresher course to make sure all students have been properly educated in primary courses that are offered in the muggle school systems."
"It's something that has always irked me about the wizarding world," Hermione began, "and after finding out that some families just barely educate their children in the basics, I believe it's needed."
"So you need help finding qualified people for these new and vacant positions?" asked Amelia while she thought over what she had just heard.
She had never considered wizarding children may be at a disadvantage when it came to starting Hogwarts, after all they had knowledge of magic before entering a magical school. However, after looking at it from this view she could definitely see that some families had probably just given enough instruction for their children to get by with. This maybe something they should consider looking into changing as well sometime in the future.
"Yes, with Professor McGonagall taking the Head Mistress spot, we will need a Transfiguration professor, a DADA professor, a Basic Healing professor, a Muggle Studies professor, a Wizard Studies professor, a General Studies professor, and a professor for Introduction to Wizard Government and Law. So that's seven new professor's we need to hire immediately so that we can get the required information and get the supplies list out on time," Daphne listed for them.
"Well, you actually know a few people who have Mastery's in those subjects," Amelia said while looking amongst them.
"We do?" asked a hopeful Harry.
"Yes, you do. For one, Remus Lupin has a Mastery in DADA and Charms. While, Narcissa Black has a Mastery in Transfiguration. So that is two spots you can fill hopefully," Amelia replied.
"What do you three think about those suggestions?" asked Harry. He knew that Remus was a great teacher but wasn't sure what the others thought about asking Narcissa.
"Harry, we all know Remus is an amazing teacher," Hermione said, "and if Narcissa has a Mastery we can at least suggest her since she is in the House of Black and we're going to be asking Minerva about the suggestions anyway."
"Since we're looking towards people we know and can trust, I think it might be worth a shot to ask my mother to take the spot for Introduction to Wizard Government and Law. She knows the ends and out of the Wizengamot since my father is a Lord and they continually challenge the laws so she's done extensive research into them over the years," Daphne suggested.
This set Hermione's mind off on the subject of her parents. If there was a way for them to actually be able to see the school, then they could help fill two of the remaining spots.
"Hermione, I couldn't help but catch your thoughts there, and think we maybe able to allow Dan and Emma into the school since we're actually the Founder's Heirs," Susan said aloud. "I'm not sure what abilities it will give us inside the school but we can plan a trip there later this week to see what we can learn."
"That would be good since then we could fill the Muggle Studies and the General Studies positions. Both my parents have Doctorates and my mum has one in English Literature as well, so she could easily handle the General Studies class. I'm not sure about them being in a room full of magical students without some protection however."
"There's always Dobby and Winky," said Harry. "If they come to the school, then we have to find something for the elves to do anyway."
"That would work," Hermione said, "and it's worth a shot. If they would agree, then I'm sure we can figure out away to get them inside the school."
"So, that leaves Basic Healing and Wizard Studies," said Harry looking at Amelia for her input once again.
"Sorry, but besides Madam Pomfrey I can't think of anyone for Basic Healing, and I'm not sure whether she would have the time," Amelia replied, "and I have no clue who you can ask about the Wizard Studies course."
"Well, we have a good start on our list anyways, thanks to you. Was there anything else you wanted to discuss with us?" Harry asked since they had gotten off topic.
"No, my concern was the releasing of vital information. As long as you let me know the outcome of your meeting, I believe we're good for the moment. I think I'll be heading over to the Ministry to check up on things and make sure that our Minister isn't doing anything else foolish without my knowledge," Amelia answered as she stood.
She gave them each a brief hug before she headed out. She knew that they were all at least on the same page when it came to how they should handle things. She took comfort from the fact that they each seemed happy with the way things had ended up for them. It could have gone very badly if they had not taken to marriage with one another so easily and she knew that they were going to turn things upside down in the wizarding world as long they all continued to work together. That alone allowed her to put up with that bumbling idiot of a Minister and without that hope she knew she would've surely hexed his balls off when he pulled that stunt with her aurors.
Rita Skeeter was sitting in her flat when she was once again surprised by the same house elf.
"Ms. Skeeter, I have a letter for you from my Lord and Ladies," Dobby said as he handed her the parchment he had been instructed to deliver.
"Thank you, are you to await a reply?" questioned Rita when she noticed that he wasn't going away.
"Yes, Ma'am," Dobby replied patiently.
Rita sat back down in her lime green chair and tore open the seal.
Ms. Skeeter,
We are writing to ask for a meeting with you this coming Tuesday at 1pm concerning your possible employment as our official press representative. If you agree, please send your reply with my friend Dobby. He will be your escort on Tuesday and will ensure you arrive at the correct place. We have terms we would like to discuss and sincerely hope you take the time between now and the meeting to consider what you expect and are willing to comply with for this position. Just remember we are only interested in the truth.
Lord Potter Black and Ladies
Rita was thrilled about the chance and knew the possibilities for her career would be endless with this position. She also knew that crossing this powerful foursome would be devastating for her in more ways than one.
"Please inform your Master and Mistresses, that I gladly accept the invitation and welcome the chance to work with them."
"Yes, Ms. Skeeter," was all the reply Dobby gave before popping away to deliver the message.
Rita only had one concern actually about accepting this position and that was the one condition she would have to seriously be reassured about. Since the goblins had shown up and warded her flat so thoroughly, she knew that she was going to be stirring things up that could possibly bring He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named to her doorstep. If that was to continue, she would want as much assurance about her safety as possible.
Xeno Lovegood was enjoying this time with his only daughter as she helped him pack for his upcoming expedition.
He loved spending time with her and would miss her awfully but knew he was doing what was best for his daughter by leaving her this time. He was sure that he would be targeted for his article that shed such light on the so-called Dark Lord. Even with the wards supplied by Lord Potter Black from the goblins, he wouldn't take the chance with her life. If he was here, she would be and that would place her in peril and he wouldn't take that chance.
He had noticed the time that his daughter had been spending with the Longbottom boy and wandered if there was more than friendship there. He wasn't sure what to think about that since that sort of thing would've been handled by his late wife. He would do the only thing he could think of and just ask Luna outright what was going on.
"Luna, darling can you come here a moment and talk with me?"
Luna stopped her packing and walked over to her daddy's side wondering what had him so serious looking. He normally only looked this particular way when he didn't know what was the right approach to take.
"Yes Daddy?"
"Luna, what's the relationship between you and Neville exactly?"
Luna wasn't expecting this question just yet and was surprised for a moment. She knew he was out of his element with this kind of thing so figured that was the reason he decided to be so blunt. She did the only thing she could and that was tell the truth as she saw it.
"At the moment, we're just friends. You know that I haven't had good experiences with those but Neville is a good friend. As you know, he is the last of his line and will need a wife to carry on his family name. I'm not that wife. I want to be able to pass on the Lovegood name since I'm the last of our line. However, that doesn't mean I wouldn't like to be his wife or have him father my children."
"You want to be a second wife?" asked the stunned father.
"Yes, I've seen Neville's aura is compatible with mine, however, there's another he matches as well and all of our aura's would work well together."
"So he's dating this other girl? How will that work with you staying with him?"
"No they aren't dating, not yet. Hopefully, things'll happen that'll bring them together over the summer. If that's the case then, I'll need you to speak with Madam Longbottom about a second wife contract after we start school this year and I've had the opportunity to broach the subject with them."
"Alright darling, just be careful. You know what you want and I won't stand in the way with what ever you decide. You're my light, little moon, and I'll do all I can for you."
With that said Xeno placed a kiss on her forehead and they started to pack once more. He knew she'd be safe and that was all he could ask for. He also knew she would somehow steer things in the right direction for her future with the Longbottom boy and wouldn't do anything that would cause them harm. He wasn't sure how she used the aura sight to ensure things went the right way but he never understood it when his wife had done it either.
Neville was seated at the table with his gran when their house-elf Nipsy entered with Hedwig. Neville had to admit it was an amusing sight to see the small elf with a snow white owl almost the same size as her perched on her shoulder. He was amused that Nipsy remained able to stand upright without leaning to one side.
"Nipsy, is sorry to interrupt Mistress but this owl wouldn't allow Nipsy to remove young sirs letter," said Nipsy with a slight comical bow since she was trying to juggle Hedwig's weight with her own and maintain the balance needed.
"Of course, she wouldn't Nipsy," Neville said, "Hedwig is very loyal to Harry and takes her duty to heart, so don't feel bad that she wouldn't release it to you even though you're our faithful elf. She was only doing her duty like you were."
"Thank you young sir, but if you could call her to you and retrieve your letter my shoulder would much appreciate it," Nipsy said only to receive a slight head nod from the owl before it took flight over to Neville.
"That is an outstanding animal," Augusta said, "and thank you Nipsy. Anytime Hedwig shows up, you're more than welcome to interrupt myself or Neville since she is the familiar to Lord Potter Black."
"Yes Mistress, Nipsy will do as requested," said Nipsy before bowing to her Mistress and then walking from the room.
Neville took the parcel from Hedwig and gave her a strip of his rabbit while thanking her. She took his offering and gave him the same nod before launching herself into the air and out the open window behind him.
Neville broke the seal on his letter and unrolled it to start reading.
Hey Nev,
I wanted to invite you to accompany myself, my lovely ladies, and my godmother on Monday to Gringotts. We have a meeting with Bloodtooth but we're hoping you could come and have that bothersome curse removed. I've been assured by Bloodtooth that you'll receive the best care from their healers and should be ready to leave by the time our business is concluded.
Since you'll be joining us Monday morning for training, you can answer then and if you accept can portkey over with us and let your gran know that we'll be there at 1pm if she wishes to join you. After our business is finished, I'd like the honor of purchasing your new wand from Olivander's, to show my appreciation for you standing by my side during the battle at the DOM.
Your Friend,
Harry
Neville looked up from this letter and saw his gran looking at him expectantly.
"Here it would be easier to just read it," he said as he passed her the letter.
After finishing the letter she said, "Neville, you may inform Lord Potter Black at your training session that I will meet you there and that we accept his grateful offer of the wand."
"Thanks gran," Neville replied, "I know Harry and he feels responsible my father's wand being broken and replacing it is his way of dealing with his guilt. Even though we both know it wasn't his fault."
Emma and Dan hadn't seen the teens much the day before and were curious if today would be the same since it was already almost lunch and they haven't ran into them.
"Do you think we should go up and check on them?" questioned Dan from his seat at the isle.
"Not yet, if we haven't seen them before supper then I'll venture up to check on them. I'm sure if something was wrong Winky or Dobby would've let us know by now," Emma said assuredly.
"You're right. I've just gotten used to them being around is all. I'm not sure what we'll do with them all away at school this year," Dan replied. "I'm not sure I want to go on any extended trips with everything they're going through. Even though not worrying about the practice is great, I'm not sure I'd take to lazing about."
"We'll think about that later in the summer, right now let's just help with what we can and enjoy it."
"Enjoy what mum?" Hermione asked as she walked into the kitchen followed closely by Susan, who took seats at the isle across from Emma and Dan.
"Oh, we were talking about the upcoming year and I was just reminding your father that we'll find something to occupy us this year while you four are away, but until then we should just enjoy the summer."
Do you think we should ask them now or wait until we find out if they can enter the school? Susan asked Hermione as she turned to her.
Well, that could save us the time of trying to figure out if they can or not since they may not even like the idea, responded Hermione smiling at her wife for worrying about her mum and dad.
"OK you two, do you mind letting us in on the discussion you're having in front of us?" teased Dan. It was something to know that they could speak with each other mentally but it was something all together different to experience it.
"Sorry daddy," started Hermione, "we actually have something to ask you and mum."
"It actually has something to do with the upcoming school year," said Susan as she noticed that Hermione's voice had pitched at the end since they could both feel the sudden arousal that was coming from the missing two spouses.
Emma had noticed the pitch change, as well as, the blush that was creeping up Susan as she spoke. She was sure that there was a reason and that it had to do with the missing Daphne and Harry. She barely could suppress her chuckle as she noticed both girls shift in their seats at exactly the same time.
"Oh, and what is it you have to ask?" questioned Dan not really noticing the girls discomfort for what it was.
"Well, you know that we're making a lot of changes at the school but you don't know that we met with Minerva and discussed some of those," Hermione said.
"What changes did you discuss?" asked Emma.
"Well for starters, we asked Minerva to take over as Head Mistress permanently, to which she agreed," stated Susan.
"Excellent choice I say," Dan said. "Minerva seems to have the best interests in mind for her students."
"We agree, which is one reason we chose her," Susan said. "We also have made some staffing and curriculum changes."
"We're getting rid of the ghost, Professor Binns, and replacing him with Professor Burbage, who was the Muggle Studies professor even though she's never lived in the muggle world," continued Hermione. "We're also removing Divination from the curriculum and are only going to offer it to those who've shown the gift for it."
"We're also adding four classes," said Susan. "Basic Healing, Introduction to Wizard Government and Law, Wizard Studies, and a General Studies class for first and second year students to make sure they're all performing at the correct level in primary studies."
"OK, I understand the first two additions but why the General Studies class?" asked Dan.
"Oh, well you see children from wizarding homes aren't required to attend primary school and are taught at home," Susan stated. "Your lovely daughter here, has noticed that not every one is at the same level and that some suffer for this and would like to give them all an equal opportunity to advance themselves. Hence, the General Studies to make sure everyone is where they should be."
"Which leads to what we wanted to ask you both about," said Hermione. "You see, we need professor's for General Studies and Muggle Studies."
"I see that," said a confused Emma after seeing an equally confused Dan, "but what do you need to ask us about that for? We don't know anyone from the wizarding world that you don't already know."
"We were hoping that you would be able to fill the General Studies spot and that Dan could fill the Muggle Studies spot," said Susan.
"How?" came Dan's eloquent reply. He and Emma both knew that muggles weren't allowed in the school or to much less even see it. That was one of the things that had worried them about sending their daughter there in the first place.
"Well, we're hoping that as Founder's Heirs we can change the wards around the castle and allow you entrance. We've a trip planned for one day this week to see what we can actually do as Founder's Heirs and was going to wait and ask you then but since we overheard you we figured we would ask now," Hermione explained.
"I see, and if you can allow us entrance, how do you suppose we survive in a magical school without having magic?" asked Dan. "I mean, I'm sure at some point we could find ourselves in a situation we wouldn't be able to handle."
"Well, we actually have thought of that as well. You see if you can and do agree to come with us to the castle then we would have to find a duty for Winky and Dobby to keep them busy and happy. We plan to ask them to be your assistants," Hermione said matter of factly.
Emma and Dan shared a brief look and both instantly knew that this was something they would need to discuss further, preferably alone.
Looking back at her daughter and daughter-in-law Emma said, " Well, we'll discuss it and let you know before you leave for the school what we've decided."
"Thanks, mum, that's all we can ask for really. We know that its a lot to think over and understand," hurriedly said Hermione as she grabbed Susan's hand and headed out the room. "Just let us know what you decide."
Emma started chuckling after the haste exit and a clueless Dan asked, "What's so funny and why did she shoot out of here like her knickers were on fire?"
"Oh darling, they probably felt that way if what I believe is true," smiled Emma. "Let's head upstairs and see about you setting my knickers on fire?"
Dan just grinned as he stood and headed behind his wife for their room and said, "But dear, you aren't wearing knickers."
Inside the Burrow's apple orchard, a small sneaky rodent was making his way closer to the wards that surrounded the home of the Weasley's. He wasn't sure if they had changed their wards to include animagi or not so he was proceeding with caution.
After he passed the ward line he knew that they hadn't taken the time to redo the wards to keep him or any other animagi out. He breathed a sigh of relief as he neared the shack they called a house.
He knew he could find out information for his master here since some of the Weasley's still had to be close to the brat. He'd read the news like everyone else but after going over his possibilities, he had to believe this was his best hope, if not he knew his master would skin him alive and then feed him to that bloody snake of his.
He entered the house through a hole he knew from his time here before and headed to find his targets. He heard talking coming from the kitchen and made his way there carefully. He used a tunnel in the wall that would lead him to the top of the cabinets above the table. This would offer him a nice vantage point to observe the unsuspecting family.
He peered over the edge to see that it was the oldest boy, the dragon handler boy, and their father sitting at the table. He had heard that they were waiting on the others to start a family meeting and hoped and prayed that he would get some useful information for his master this time.