Chapter 25 – The Leader
William had no idea what hit him. His body was thrown through the far wall of his study. While he struggled to pick himself up, he felt something hot and moist on the back of his head. He reached back with his hand and felt something gelatinous. He brought his hand before his eyes. It was covered with small bloody bits and he realized: He was touching his own brain.
He felt no pain. As a matter of fact he felt strengthened. He stood up and could see blood dripping from his head. His right arm was broken; it hung at his side, bent at an impossible angle.
He wondered if the lack of pain was shock. Somehow he knew it wasn't. He looked at the hole he had made in the wall and knew: I should be dead. Instead, I'm alive and I have the power to heal myself. In fact, I have the power than I have ever felt possible…I can do anything I want, and no one can stop me.
William Potter was not one to listen to anyone – unless it suited his ends. He looked for his wand and found it near the hole in the wall he made. He waved it at his arm and heard a sickening noise as the bones reset – again he felt no pain. No more following others who are more powerful than I am. No more being a toady. It's time the world learned to fear me.
The door to his study burst open. "William, what happened?" screamed a hysterical Cho. "Where are you? Oh my god, there's blood…where the hell is he?"
Cho hurriedly stepped through the hole and saw William standing. She also saw the exposed brain matter on the back of his head.
"William, your head," she shrieked. "We have to get you to hospital now."
William turned to Cho and smiled as blood continued dripping onto his shirt.
"No, I think I am fine," he said.
"Fine?" Cho screamed. "Your brains are falling out of your head."
William reached to the back of his head again and brought his hand before his face. He held a small piece of flesh between his fingers and examined it with the curiosity of a child.
"Well, this can't be right," he said.
He waved his wand and closed his eyes. The brain matter that spilled from his head during his initial impact leapt back into his head. He heard the same sickening crunching sounds as his skull mended itself.
William looked down at the blood covering him and the floor.
"Looks like I've made quite the mess," he said to Cho who seemed to have gone mute.
"Well, that won't do at all," he said as he again waved his wand. The blood disappeared. He then looked at the hole in the wall. His body had ripped a large hole though the plaster, and there was a smaller hole where his head and neck went through. He inspected the holes in amazement.
"You know this should have killed me," he said to a still mute Cho. "I really don't know why I'm still alive. But I have this feeling that I'm more powerful than ever."
He turned around and paced. Suddenly, he stopped and turned to Cho.
"I know what happened," he said. "I broke the Dagger of Fear and…"
William rushed through the hole to the other side where he immediately saw the shattered bottle on the floor . "Something threw me away from the Dagger and through the wall. Then a speck of light hit me in the face."
As he stood remembering what had happened, the temperature in the room quickly lowered. The window panes began freezing and Cho's breath became visible.
"What's happening," Cho said, finally breaking her stunned silence.
"I think they are here," William said.
"Who?"
"The Dementors, my dear, who else?" William said as if he were expecting them.
_C
A crisp white blanket of snow covered Hogwarts and the surrounding countryside like a linen sheet. From the clock tower, Harry could see small snow covered houses and buildings of Hogsmeade poking out of the snow. Looking at this peaceful scene made the beginning of the Christmas holidays more special than ever. He had never thought of peace before the war. Peace had an almost real flavor that calmed him and gave him an understanding at its preciousness. Harry's thoughts focused for a moment on rebuilding the Magical world. He then drifted to Christmas; what for him had been nothing more than another day had transformed into something special. Because of this, he was happy Molly Weasley had invited him to come to the Burrow for what she was calling "their first Christmas."
You know Harry, Ginny said through their bond. You are becoming more and more sentimental. The next thing you know, you'll want to pick out and decorate a garden gnome for the top of the Christmas tree.
Thoughts of the Christmas he spent at the Burrow and the tutu-clad garden gnome Fred and George tied up and painted gold for the top of the tree made him smile broadly.
And what's the matter with that? Harry sent back. I think it's brilliant to look forward to something. Don't you? I just want to take everything in and enjoy it all. I think this is going to be the best Christmas I've ever had.
How so, Ginny asked tentatively.
What do you mean, how so? Harry asked. There's so much getting ready to happen. I mean…it's just brilliant. Where are you, by the way?
I'm on my way to the clock tower, Ginny sent. I could see images of what you were seeing…flashes really. And they looked wonderful.
Harry thought for a moment and realized Ginny was supposed to be deeply immersed in Head Girl duties organizing the student departure.
Yes, yes, she sent. I know what I'm supposed to be doing. But really, how hard can it be to get into a carriage and then into the only train leaving today? It's only the midgets that concern me. This is only their first or second go – and I have them all corralled and ready to leave.
Harry's eyebrows launched to the top of his forehead at Ginny's calling the first and seconds midgets.
You handle all their little problems and see if you don't start calling them that, she sent. I don't call them that to their faces. She giggled and paused. It's just some of their problems are rather funny. Not their homesick or being bullied, I still take those issues very seriously. But things like a missing hairbrush or 'he made me eat too much candy.' I take a dim view on that kind of nonsense.
I suppose If you can corral the First-Years, then I know you won't have any trouble keeping our children in line, Harry sent as he laughed.
"I see nothing to laugh about, Mr. Potter," Ginny jokingly said as she approached him. "Actually, I'll have you know my father is quite the disciplinarian. Mum didn't raise us by herself you know. If you think you get to be the kindly good wizard of the family while I'm the wicked witch, you've got another think coming."
Ginny stepped up to him and kissed him even though his smile had grown.
"All right, I'll help with the discipline, starting now," he said as she finished her kiss.
A single eyebrow rose in question. "How so?" Ginny asked.
"Well for starters, you need to listen to my commands…I am the Defender of the Light, you know."
Harry waited for Ginny to react to his teasing, but she just stood looking at him. This was not what he was expecting.
"Well?" he asked. "Aren't you going to say anything?"
"What would you like me to say," Ginny said.
"I don't know; err, maybe that it will be a cold day in hell…or, if I don't want to walk around with bat bogeys…"
Ginny smiled at him. "Why should I?" she asked. "You are very well aware of my opinion on what you just said. And if you wanted to kiss me…well, I can't imagine my fiancé needing to go through all this drama."
Harry's face fell. He couldn't believe she knew exactly what he was trying to do.
Ginny bent over and grabbed for something invisible on the floor and reached up to Harry's face.
"Here you go, luv," she started, "I think you dropped this."
Harry looked at her empty hands and her blooming smile.
"You dropped your face," she finished.
"Ah," Harry said as he smirked. "Good one…good one." Harry repeatedly nodded his head knowing she had successfully taken the mickey out of his attempt at doing the same.
"Now, if I'm not mistaken, you were going to 'command' me to snog your brains out," she said using her fingers as quotation marks for command.
_C
Harry thought the ride home was perfect. Ginny's charges had managed to keep out of trouble. She mentioned something about telling them that she had a direct line to Father Christmas, and would report them if they got out of line. While they were a bit too old to still believe, most of them were still young enough not to want to tempt fate.
As the train pulled into the station Harry could hardly contain himself. He had pulled on his knapsack and literally dragged Ginny, who dragged Hermione, who in turn dragged Ron to the train car's exit platform. He was bouncing on his toes waiting for the train to stop.
"Harry, what has gotten into you," Hermione asked. "You are acting like a child getting ready to go to a toy store."
Harry turned and smiled at his friend. "Am I?" he asked.
"Yeah mate," Ron agreed, "What gives?"
"You know, luv," Ginny began, "you are starting to creep me out too. What gives?"
"It's a surprise," he replied, standing on his toes to get a better view of the platform below.
"Ah, brilliant! Everyone is here," he rejoiced.
"This is passed normal mate," Ron said. "I'm with Ginny. You are creeping me out too."
Harry turned back to his friends. "I don't think you'll mind when you find out what is about to happen.
"As you can plainly see, I have planned everything for you three to have an utterly brilliant start to the Christmas hols."
Harry moved aside so the others could see the entire Weasley family, the Grangers, and Andromeda and Teddy waiting for them.
Hermione turned to Ron and let out a scream. "My parents are here! Oh my lord, they are BOTH here!"
Ron quickly put his arms around Hermione after she seemed to want to jump off the train immediately to see her parents.
"Oh Ron, isn't it wonderful?" she blurted.
Ron released her once he was sure she would not jump from a moving train. As his hands became free, one hand went directly to the side of his head and started rubbing. Hermione saw this as well as felt a wave of nervousness from Ron spill though the link.
"Oh Ron, I'm sure everything will be fine," she said almost pleading with him. "Just give them a chance… Please Ron, for me?"
Mione, I not worried about them. I'm thinking of you, he sent through their bond. We will be together forever. I just don't want anything to ruin this Christmas for you.
Hermione understood his earnest concern was for her feelings. She took a deep breath and calmed herself.
You are right, she sent back to him.We just need to give them time to get used to us. I am so lucky to have you, you know.
"I don't think you have much to worry about," Harry said. "I asked Randal to meet with your parents and personally invite them, Hermione."
This time it was Hermione's turn to worry.
"What did you do?" she asked as terrified look crept across her face. "You know Daddy tries to be open-minded. He just has trouble…"
Ginny took her hand.
"Let's see what Randal can do, shall we," Ginny said. "I mean he's been the personal assistant to the Minister for Magic, so he must know a few things about negotiations and politics."
Hermione nodded quickly and turned to attempt to gauge her parents' emotions.
"At least they don't look upset," she said. "That's a good sign…I think."
As the train stopped, Harry stepped down to the platform and was the first recipient of one of Molly's bone crushing hugs. Each of them got one in turn.
"It so good to see you all home," Molly said. "And with everyone here to see you back; it's just as it should be."
As Molly spoke, Harry looked to Andromeda and Teddy. He was still only eight months old but growing faster than Harry could believe. He expected to see the infant who could be held in one arm. What he saw now amazed him.
"You know they don't stay small forever," Ginny said as she caught on to where her fiancé's attention was focused.
"I know, but do they always get big so fast," Harry said without thinking.
"Silly boy," Ginny said. "Of course they do. Come on, let's say hello to our godson. Mum seems more interested in minding Ron and Hermione at the moment."
Harry reached out to hug Andromeda. He couldn't help himself from embracing her and Teddy. It was something he had to do, and when he finished the look in her eyes told him he was right.
"Harry, Ginny," Andromeda started, "You both look splendid! I'm so glad you two are doing so well. I hope everything is going well at school. You know Molly has kept me up to speed on the news."
Harry started feeling guilty about not writing to her and Teddy.
"And Harry, I want to thank you for setting up the nanny for Teddy, though I wish you would have told me about it first. It took some time for me to accept the idea, but three days a week is perfect. You are a dear to think of it."
Nanny? Harry wondered. When did I set up a nanny for Teddy? He decided to try and follow some of Ginny's advice and keep quiet until he could find out more. Ginny, as well as professor McGonagall, had told him he should try waiting to say anything when he felt like he was lost in the details of a conversation. They both said he should not be as much concerned with the details as the outcome. Professor McGonagall told him it was the key to any leader's success to listen carefully and react slowly.
Did you actually listen to something I said? Ginny sent over their bond.
Yes, dearest, Harry sent back.
Sweet Merlin, he can be taught.
You know, no one else can hear you in here, except me?" Harry sent back. So do you know about this?
Of course, Ginny said. Mum has been calling on Andie since we left for school. She said she offered to help with Teddy but that Andie refused to accept any assistance. So she mentioned it to Randal and the next thing you know he had a service send nanny candidates for Andie to interview. When she said she couldn't afford a nanny, Randal sent her an official letter from the Defender of the Light's office telling her you had created a trust for Teddy.
All of this sounded wonderful. Harry wished he would have thought of it.
Randal knew that you would have asked him to do this if you had known about Andie's need. It's part of his job to do things like this for you.
Harry smiled as Teddy pulled on Harry's sweatshirt and smiled at him.
"I was happy to do it, Mrs. Tonks" Harry said. "I only wish I could do more."
Harry took Teddy's tiny hand in his own and watched as the boy pulled it directly into his mouth.
"Nonsense, Harry," Andie said. "And there'll be none of this Mrs. Tonks rubbish. You will call me Andie. Now what is this big event you have planned for everyone?"
"Big event?" Ginny said. "Do tell."
Harry smiled and withdrew his slobber-soaked hand from Teddy who whimpered his displeasure at losing his new toy. Harry then asked for everyone's attention. Once they all were listening, Harry invited them to a welcome home, pre-Christmas party at Grimmauld Place.
"Now, for those of you have been to my house – don't worry," he said. "I have been assured that the remodel is complete. This is my way of starting a new Potter tradition.
"Now if you will all follow me to the front of the station, I believe we have cars waiting to take us."
New Potter tradition? Remodel? Ginny questioned over the link.
Yes, Harry sent back. Kreacher has been begging me to hold some kind of function so he could show off his work.
Are you sure about this? Ginny asked. I'm sure…well he's not been the most…well…
Ginny Potter! Harry sent. Are you trying to say you don't think Kreacher is trustworthy? What would he think if he knew you didn't trust him? My poor elf has been working day and night, night and day. He's been working his little fingers to the bone.
Ginny could see it was Harry's turn to take the mickey out of her.
Well it's your party, she sent. If you trust him, then I do too.
That's my girl, Harry sent. Anything is possible, with a little nerve…and your brother George helping out.
Ginny smiled and gave Harry's hand a gentle squeeze as they made their way to the cars.
When they arrived at Grimmauld Place, Ginny had last been there. The tiny front garden had been redone in decorated miniature fir trees and Kreacher had planted Christmas plants. Kreecher had decorated the small iron fence with fairy lights, tree ornaments and tinsel. There was a sense of joy emanating from the normally foreboding house. Ginny could almost swear the old house was as close to smiling as the place had ever been.
"Well, looks like Kreacher has really spruced the place up," Harry said to the group who came with Ginny and him.
"Kreacher was always such a good elf," Andie said. "He would do anything to make us happy. I can hardly wait to see him again."
Harry looked directly at Ron expecting an acerbic or sarcastic response…at least a huff and rolling eyes. To his surprise Ron said nothing. Ron was too intently engaged in a guarded conversation with Hermione's parents to take notice of anything else.
Harry opened the door and could hardly believe his eyes. The remodel looked more like a complete rebuild. The hall had been completely replaced with a grand foyer with red and gold wall coverings. The ceilings were still high, but they were now decorated with artful wood casements. A fabulous hand scraped wood floor added to the warmth of the entryway. Everywhere Harry looked he could see travertine and stone finishes, exotic granites, rich stains and molding adornments that complimented the grandeur of this home – his home. Every possible detail was just perfect.
"Oh my," Ginny whispered as if she spoke too loud she would break the spell cast on the home.
"Yeah," Harry said.
Just then Kreecher ran into the room and skidded to a stop and bowed deeply in front of them. When he stood up everyone could see he wore a fully embroidered tea towel with the magical Potter crest emblazoned on it. Harry saw that it was red and gold with a gray bar across the middle. Seated inside the gray bar was a single gryphon. Since the Dursleys had never acknowledged his father, Harry had no idea where Kreecher would have found this kind of information. Even though Dobby and Sirius had mentioned the noble house of Potter before, Harry had just dismissed it as them poking fun. He never really gave it a second thought.
"God rest ye, merry gentlemen and gentlewomen," Kreacher said. "The master of the Noble House of Potter…" Kreacher bowed again, this time in Harry's direction. "… bids his family and friends welcome. Please enter and make yourself at home – this house has been renamed to fit its new owner – It shall now be known as Gryphons Den.
While Harry loved the new name and could see why it fit, he was shocked that Kreacher had done it without letting him know.
"Gryphons Den," said Harry's Uncle Randal. He had suddenly appeared at the door and apparently caught the little elf's welcome. "I can't say that it doesn't fit. As a matter of fact, it seems your little elf knows about my…err, our…family history. Well let's go see what he and Jinks have done to make this into the party you asked for."
Randal put his arms over Harry and Ginny's shoulders and started walking into the house.
"Good to see you again, Ginny," Randal said as they walked. "I do hope Harry has been treating you well. You know, all you need to do is say the word, and I'll be happy to help him improve his manners."
Ginny smiled. "I think I can take care of that," she said. "He's actually been very good. I mean he planned this whole thing without letting anyone know. That's a bit more than I expected of him."
"You do know I am right here?" Harry asked with feigned indignity.
"Of course dear," Ginny said. "If I said it anywhere else, you wouldn't know just how amazed I am."
Harry rolled his eyes. "Well, I don't need to stand here and take any more of this than necessary. Would you like a butterbeer?"
"There's a good lad," Randal said. "Bring me a Dewars will you. I took the liberty of stocking your home with plenty of my favorite. While most wizards stick to the standard Ogdens Best – I think Muggles have perfected the art of creating a smooth scotch."
Harry's blank stare gave Randal pause. "Don't tell me no one has ever taught you about whiskey," Randal said incredulously.
"Oh no," Ginny said. "They've taught him more than enough."
"I see," Randal said with a knowing grin. "Well then it's about time you learn more of your family legacy, Harry. We Potters are known for our love of adventure and a fine scotch whiskey."
As Randal turned around to call Kreecher, he nearly tripped over his house elf Jinks. Jinks held a silver serving platter with a butterbeer mug and two glasses of Randal's favorite Muggle libation.
"Ah, hi Jinks, there you are," he said. "And, as always, perfectly equipped.
"Yes sir, I am here to serve," the old elf said. "I believe you would have chosen the Glenlivet Cellar Collection, 1971 for this occasion."
Randal's face blanched. The elf had gone into his cellar and produced the most expensive bottle possible. It wasn't that he minded sharing, but to give such an exquisite single malt to a neophyte was next to sacrilege.
Ginny noticed Randal's hand was shaking when he handed her the butterbeer and more pronouncedly as he handed the other glass to Harry.
"Now Harry, this is the very top of the shelf," Randal said with a quiver in his voice. "You see it was the very last whisky to bear the signature of the master distiller Jim Cryle before he passed the torch to the next generation. It's his masterpiece. It is the by far the standard that all others are measured by. It…"
Harry sighed and looked at his uncle as a small bead of sweat formed on his upper lip.
"I think I get the point, Uncle Randal," he said. "It is the best of the best."
"Quite right," he told his nephew.
Harry lifted his glass to his lips and stopped when he saw his uncle's eyes appear to bulge to the point of popping out of their sockets.
"Am I not doing it right, then?" Harry asked.
"Harry, it must be savored," Randal said relieved his nephew didn't just down the whiskey in a single go.
"Here, watch me," Randal said.
Randal brought the glass to his nose and inhaled slowly. He closed his eyes, savoring the sensation of the impressive, rich and fruity spirit. He then brought it to his lips and sipped what seemed little more than he did when he inhaled.
"Oh yes," Randal said. "Quite surely the most definitive scotch ever. I use the word smooth to say the high alcohol content is not obvious at first taste and the initial harsh bite is missing. Now understand smoothness can't hide the alcohol content forever, if you let even the best whisky evaporate into your sinuses, you'll know it's there!"
Randal seemed to express a reverence for the golden liquid as he spoke.
"The opposite of smooth is a sharp attack," he continued. "I think this is the most important single criteria for new drinkers. Some experienced tasters will forgive a sharp attack if there are other qualities of taste desired and present.
"And then there is the finish, which is nothing more than the aftertaste, an important quality to experienced tasters. I only mention it as aftertaste when it is particularly remarkable. Sherry cask aged scotch usually have…a… nice…uh…enduring finish…"
Both Ginny and Harry stood goggling at him.
"What?" he asked.
Harry handed his glass to Randal.
"Maybe when I have a little more experience with it I can show the proper appreciation," Harry said. "In the mean time, why don't you enjoy mine? I get the feeling you might like it much better than I will."
Harry looked at Ginny, who immediately offered him her butterbeer.
"Thank you, luv," he said. "I really think this is more to my tastes tonight. No offense intended Uncle Randal."
"Oh, none taken Harry," Randal said without hesitation. "None taken at all."
As Harry and Ginny moved to the other side of the room they greeted many of their school chums and members of the Order of the Phoenix.
"I thought your uncle was about to bite your arm off when he saw you getting ready to down that scotch like it was a pint," Ginny said.
"Oy, Harry," Seamus said in mock indignation. "What this about scotch? Don't tell me you've been holding out? Not Harry Potter, tell me it isn't so."
"Seamus, good to see you, mate," Harry said. "Did you and Alicia get everything back up to snuff at Illusions?"
"It's about as good as it's going to get, Harry," Seamus said. "I have Magical Law Enforcement all over me now. They were unimpressed by George's handiwork allowing Muggles in. Now, I either have to choose magical or Muggle clientele. And, if I choose Muggles, I can't book real magicians.
"You'd think the ministry had more important things to do than to put the thumb on small business owners."
"Don't listen to him Harry," Alicia said. "He's just mad because he won't get as much business from Muggles. They loved the place. We'll manage."
Harry could hear the disappointment in his friend's wife's voice. He was about to suggest Seamus stop in with his uncle.
"So where's this scotch I heard you talking about," Seamus continued like a dog looking for his favorite bone. "Most of you lot wouldn't know a good scotch if it bleeding bit you."
"Err, do you see that man there," Harry said pointing at his uncle. "Tell him I said you were a man of outstanding character and ability. Then let him know you know about the '71 he's hiding. And if he doesn't…"
"Glenlivet Cellar Collection, 1971?" Seamus said. "Oh bloody hell, there's no way he's got that here. Not with you lot. That's like feeding the host to pigeons – it's just not right."
As Seamus hurried toward Randal, Harry surreptitiously stopped Alicia.
"Err, Alicia, could you do me a small favor," he began.
"If you are about to ask me to stop Seamus from making a scene Harry, you are already slowing me down."
Harry smiled knowing his friend was in the best hands possible.
"No, Seamus is on his own, in that area," he said. "I was going to suggest that you mention your problem with MLE while you're talking to my uncle. He's very good at handling Ministry issues. He might be able to help out."
Alicia smiled and went after her husband. Seamus had already started a reserved conversation with Randal. Something Harry would find out later would be considered a decidedly spirited conversation for scotch drinkers. He'd also find out more about scotch than he ever wanted to know.
The party was a smashing success. Harry could hardly believe all the trouble Kreacher had gone to ensuring everyone had a good time. Kreacher had made plans for everyone, including the children brought by order members. The elf had brought in a nanny who also performed as a favorite television character to entertain them. At the end of the festivities, Kreacher had arranged transportation for all the guests. After those who were spending the night at Gryphons Den were shown to their rooms, Harry found Ginny seated on a couch in the drawing room. She had taken off her shoes and folded her legs beneath her. When Harry sat down she moved to hold him.
"It was a wonderful welcome home party, don't you think," she said.
"It was much more than I expected," Harry said.
"Mm hmm," Ginny mumbled back, half asleep.
Harry smiled and closed his eyes. The last thoughts he had before sleep fully took him were about how lucky he truly was to have Ginny.
"You are the luckiest man alive," she said sleepily.
"Yes I am," he agreed.
_C
Randal was annoyed, and the slight headache he had from Harry's Christmas party wasn't helping. He wanted to have a word with the head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. He also needed to talk to Iris and James. It didn't help that he hated waiting for people who were late. He had been expecting a report on his desk from Iris and James covering a new informant they had planted into William's organization. While he expected he would go a little lighter on the twins because they were family, he didn't expect them to take advantage of him; at least not so soon.
For reasons surrounding the upkeep of the magical bureaucratic world, Randal had become the de facto chief of staff for the Defenders of the Light. There were several reasons for this; the first being Harry's preoccupation with his "Hero thing" as Ginny and Hermione called it. The second and most pressing reason was the required disposition of the war booty. Randal was providing Harry the needed buffer to keep the rabid bureaucrats at bay.
The ministry, like all government organizations, ran on the daily requirements of it bureaucrats. They were the cogs that ran the magical world's machinery. Far-be-it for Randal to say they were unnecessary, considering he was one of them.
Their seemingly arbitrary deadlines were, usually, negotiable. But for some reason when it came to Harry Potter, even the Minister of Magic faced significant bureaucratic pushback for delays. Being the Defender of the Light only gave Harry a slight advantage – one that Randal had become accustom to using at every turn. That was until he faced Madam Boslem.
Appointed by the Wizengamot to oversee just about everything bureaucratic, Madam Boslem was the biggest pain in Randal's backside when it came to… just about everything. She demanded the D.O.T.L produce a budget and staff to manage overhead by the end of the year, a damn near impossible task for the most organized witch or wizard.
She also demanded a plan for war booty distribution be published within the week. This was another of her unreasonable timelines. As far as Randal was concerned, she just liked pointing out his shortcomings to everyone in every staff meeting from the janitorial staff to the minister himself.
Lucky for Randal that Kingsley was under the same microscope.
As he skimmed another neglected report on his desk, there was a knock at his door. "Come," he said. "I hope you don't want anything," he said to the opening door. "I haven't anything to give at the moment."
"Randal, I wonder if Ron and I might have a moment," Hermione said.
Randal's head snapped up and he smiled at the sound of Hermione's voice.
"Hermione, Ron, come in, come in, sit down," he said. "I do work for you, so of course we can talk."
Hermione and Ron entered and sat down. Ron started the conversation by asking what Randal meant.
"I thought you worked for Harry," Ron said.
"Well, I actually work for the Office of the Defender of the Light," Randal said. "And I suppose it should be the "Defenders" since there are four of you who were appointed to roles. The two of you are only subordinate to Harry and Ginny."
Ron glanced at Hermione and opened the link.
You know this might make this a lot easier now, Ron sent.
I was thinking the same thing, Hermione sent back.
"That being the case," Randal continued, "I technically work for all of you. So what can I do for you? Do you need help with licensing, or a run in with the Department of Magical Law Enforcement? Seems like that's a common theme these days."
"No, we need everything you have on Ajax Potter and his quest to create another Dagger of Misery," Ron said.
Randal's face flushed and registered discernable shock; something neither Ron nor Hermione had ever seen on the man.
"Where did you hear about that?" Randal asked in a voice trembling as if a most personal secret was revealed to the press.
"Let's say a little bird told us," Hermione said.
"You work for us, right?" Ron said trying to confirm his position with the man.
Shaking himself from his shock, Randal nodded his head.
"Yes, of course," he agreed.
"Good, then here's the deal," Ron started. "We took Jax after we found out he was being kept under wraps. After talking to him, we found out there was more complexity to the story. Information, we found that you and Harry had been told by Jax."
Ron turned and walked directly to Randal's desk.
"And by the way, we need to be kept in the loop from now on…If something happens here and we aren't informed, you can bet we will find out," Ron said.
Hermione interrupted. "What Ron is trying to say is that we are taking a more active role. We are not going to stand by and allow events to unfold around us.
"So, when we found out about the capture of Ajax Potter and his mission…well you can imagine, we were at a loss. The diversity of issues surrounding the Potter family and its interwoven magical issues is a great deal to comprehend. And, if you know anything about your nephew, Harry, he's not very good at sharing information.
"That being said," Hermione went on, "We are in a dire situation. If the original Dagger of Fear is released, it will exterminate of a good portion of the Muggle population."
Randal nodded. "I know."
"Did you know that Ajax has partially fulfilled his quest, that there is now a second Dagger of Misery?" she asked.
"No, I didn't," Randal admitted. "As a matter of fact, I thought it was just a story he told us to throw us off the trail of the murders he committed."
Hermione nodded thoughtfully, while Ron sat down.
"What do you know about the woman searching Diagon Alley for him now?" Ron asked. "Do you even know about her? My brother and sister-in-law are helping her. I know Bill reported the incident on the beach and the assault on the man. The report clearly says that she used a sword to wound the man who killed her father. You never suspected that the man she wounded was Ajax?"
Randal shook his head.
"It's not there were other things going on at the moment," Randal said defensively. "Your other brother's kidnapping being the most pressing…not to mention the bondings, and the work of the Office of the Defender of the Light…there has been quite a bit happening here."
"Randal, we know that you are overwhelmed," Ron said. "I would be a complete git if I didn't think you needed help and that's what we are here to offer.
"According to my Dad, there's a Madam Boslem out for your head. There's William, who has decided to kill Harry and everyone around him. Someone is trying to kill Ajax. And then there are two Daggers to track down."
He turned to his bondmate. "Have I missed anything, 'Mione?" Ron asked.
"The distribution of the war booty that Harry and Ginny have been ignoring," Randal said. "The Death Eaters that still are at large. The weddings…"
"No need to worry about that last item, mate," Ron said. "My Mum has that all sorted. She's got George helping, so that's as good as settled. Judging by the party last night, there's nothing to worry about on that front.
"Now what we need to do is what my Dad told Harry he needed to do a while ago," Ron continued. He stood up and went to the door while Hermione took up where he had left off.
"What you need, what the Office of the Defenders of the Light needs, is a trusted staff," Hermione said. "And that is what we decided could no longer wait."
Ron opened the door and Percy Weasley entered. "My brother Percy has agreed to help by organizing the office staff, producing a budget, and developing a plan to distribute the war booty. He's really good at that kind of thing.
"That will free you to help us navigate the rest of the Potters'…uh, issues," Ron said with a hint of a laugh.
"I'm not here to replace you Randal," Percy assured him. "I think Ronald has some very viable arguments, I must say. He's become very good at planning – much more than I would have ever given him credit for two years ago."
Ron smirked.
"Thanks, Perce," he said. "Now that that is settled, we need to get to Ajax's pursuer. She's going to know what happened to the other second Dagger of Misery."
"I didn't know there was more than one until now," he said apologetically. "I really didn't think the first one still existed until James found the Dagger of Fear."
Both Ron and Hermione showed their surprise.
"He's got it?" Hermione asked as if all their problems were solved.
"No, William took it when he was kidnapped," Randal responded.
_C
"You know you could have told me she wanted to murder someone before I took her to Diagon Alley," Bill said in a strained voice. "Merlin knows what she would have done if we'd have actually gotten to see Randal. You know she acted like there was nothing to it."
Fleur Weasley sat patiently at her kitchen table as her husband paced ranting and raving about what their guest had told him. She sighed as Bill brought up point after point of information that she didn't tell him. She sat in uncharacteristic silence waiting for Bill to lose steam.
"Well, now what are we supposed to do?" Bill finished.
"Are you finished?" Fleur asked flatly. "If you have more, zen pleeze, go on."
Bill furrowed his brow knowing it was his turn to sit quietly as his wife explained her thoughts. Since she didn't raise her voice, he was sure he was about to be put in his place. She had a way of making him feel foolish for doubting her. It was a most endearing thing when it concerned her little idiosyncrasies around the house. He also tended to feel like a complete mountain troll once she let him in on what would eventually appear a well thought out plan for success.
"No, I think that's it," Bill said. "Evidently you are about to set me straight."
"Moi?" Fleur questioned. "Non, I would do nothing of the sort. I will tell you that you were correct in part. Asiya is, in your words, a lunatic. She is zhat way because she is in love and must kill 'er lover. 'ee as given er no choice. 'ee is on a quest for revenge that will cause more pain and suffering than 'ee could ever imagine. She does not wish to kill 'im but she cannot let 'im do zhis. I will also tell you zhat she plans to kill 'erself after she kills 'er lover because she cannot imagine life without 'im.
"You would never have 'elped 'er if I 'ad told you everything. And I doubt you would 'ave ever taken 'er to Randal if you knew. Zhat would 'ave been stupid."
Fleur also explained Asiya believed she didn't have a choice. Her lover was weak and unable to see past his own rage and hate."
_C
George thought Harry's party was a smashing success. Harry's house-elf had enlisted the help of nearly a hundred Hogwarts elves to ensure everything was perfect. It seemed that every single elf seemed to feel they owed a personal debt of gratitude to Harry.
If only I could get their help with the wedding and reception, he thought. Mum's plans are perfect and with all those elves helping, she'll get the storybook wedding she's dreamed of giving Ginny.
George went to the kitchen to make himself a cup of tea and think about how to ask Kreacher for his help. He understood his mother was not too keen on the idea of using house elf labor for things any able bodied witch or wizard could do for themselves. He was also sure she had made her opinion known around Kreacher But this large formal event needed as much help as possible. So he decided that while he told Kreacher what a fine job he had done with the Christmas party, he'd let slip that he "only wished" he could find as much help for the wedding. With it only being two weeks away and his mother on holiday with her father, and there being so much left to do, he was at a loss. No one would be available to set-up, serve, or tear down.
"Kreacher, can you please come here," George called.
The old elf immediately appeared in front of him.
"I wanted to complement you on such fine work surrounding last night's party," George said. "It was positively smashing. I just hope I am up to the task with Harry's upcoming nuptials. You know it's going to be a very large event. I just hope I have everything we'll need. You know…I just don't know how you did it here. Everything was perfect."
Kreacher was not as dim-witted as George took him. The little old elf stood emotionlessly as he listened to George. George, on the other hand, being used to Dobby's immediate willingness to help was at a loss at Kreacher's seemingly unwillingness to help. This caused George to embellish the story more and more. But to no avail. Kreacher stood silently by as if waiting for some cue to move.
"If Mr. Wheezy requires Kreacher's help, all he needs do is asks," Kreacher croaked.
George rubbed his head and sighed. "Well why didn't you tell me that?"
"Mr. Wheezy didn't ask."
"Of course," George replied. "Well then my good elf, how about you and about a hundred of your closest elf friends lend me and Mrs. Molly Wheezy a hand with the wedding? We need your help to make everything perfect so that Harry and Ginny will be happy. You do want them to be happy, right?"
Kreacher's mouth split open revealing his jagged teeth in what George could only guess was a smile.
"We live to serve," the elf said. "And to serve great wizards and witches like the Defenders of the Light would make every elf happy."
George mentally rolled his eyes. Great, he thought, now the house-elves are part of Harry's cult following. I wonder if he really knows how good he's got it.
"Wonderful," George said. "Here's how it needs to go…" George spent the next two hours explaining everything to Kreacher, hoping the unmoving little elf was listening. After he reviewed the details of the tear down, he sat back and took a breath. "Do you have any questions, Kreacher?" he asked.
Kreacher looked down for a moment. He then lifted his head and asked, "How are you going to keep Molly Wheezy from breaksing your head when she finds out you did all this?"
"Uh, well, that, my dear elf, is a good question," George said. "I think I'll leave that up to her new son-in-law. I'm going to be too busy trying to get a certain Miss Potter to succumb to my charms.
Not to mention, I'll have the entire wizarding world as witnesses to stop her from hexing me."
"Tis a plan," Kreacher agreed. "Not a wise plan…but a plan none the less."
_C
James and Iris were irritated beyond belief. If they had missed the Floo call because of being late, they were sure Randal would give them a world-class telling off. He was a very patient man, except, it seemed, when it came to them. And Iris was not averse to telling James it was his fault they were late in the first place.
"She was just another pretty face," Iris said to the stack of papers she shuffled at her desk. "Did you just say you had an early day tomorrow and ask her out? Noooo, not the dashing James Potter; oh no, that would be too coarse, too common, too sensible."
James looked up from the fireplace where he had stationed himself since they arrived. "Yes, Iris, got it," he said. "Can you please give it a rest?"
"Actually, no," Iris snapped. "Why would I do that? I mean, really, what would that accomplish; would it make us less late, give us a better excuse for being late, or perhaps give us some insight that maybe, just maybe our informant would have given us? I think not!"
Iris rose from her desk and rounded on James. Her raven hair was dancing with her magic as though she were in the midst of a wind storm. Her emerald eyes gleamed with fury. Missing a rendezvous with a mole was the pinnacle of stupidity. Any time an informant risked making contact, it had to be a risk worth taking. Any mistake could cost them valuable information…not to mention the informant's life.
"You should have listened to me," Iris growled. "Now we have no bloody idea what in Merlin's pants William is planning."
"I know," James bit back. "I know, and all I can say is I'm sorry and it's inexcusable. What do you want me to do? Open a vein right here?"
Iris' anger was not quenched. "As if I thought it would help," she snapped back.
"Look, we always have a reason to go to Hogwarts," James said. "I know he'll contact us if there's vital information out there. Let's just keep working with what we have."
"We have nothing," Iris rebuked.
A knock at the door stopped Iris from sending a stinging hex at her brother to punctuate her last statement. The door opened revealing Ron and Hermione.
"Oy, we aren't interrupting a family quarrel, are we?" Ron asked.
"No," Iris snarled, "We both agree my brother is a dolt."
"Hey, that's no way to talk about my best mate," Ron said. "He may be a little thick sometimes, but that's what makes him…Harry."
Iris sighed and rolled her eyes. "I wasn't talking about Harry."
"Oh, right," Ron said as he looked at a thoroughly told off James.
Ron and Hermione stood at the door waiting for what seemed like an eternity. "So…do you two have a moment?" Hermione asked.
"Due to my brother's incompetence, I think we have more than enough time to share," Iris said as she stared boreholes with her eyes into James' head.
"Good," Hermione said. "Please close the door, Ron."
Hermione and Ron both sat down on a small bench in the twins' office. "We need to talk about Ajax and William," Ron started. "And we also need to find my brother Bill. He has the woman who stabbed Ajax with him.
"And, don't forget Ron," Hermione said. "We also need to know everything they know about the Dagger of Fear …as well as the second Dagger of Misery made by Ajax."
James and Iris stood dumbfounded. Neither of them could believe the amount of sensitive information Ron and Hermione had just revealed – information they had no business knowing. They turned to each other, silently accusing each other of leaking information.
"And before you go into your secret squirrel tripe, let's not forget we were both appointed to the Defenders of the Light," Hermione said. "We already spoke with Randal and are working under Ministry authority.
"Yeah," Ron confirmed. "Randal even gave us these." Ron tossed a shiny set of law enforcement credentials to James. The credentials had been tailored to the office of the Defender of the Light. and gave the bearer legal standing. Hermione held up her own set.
"You see, we are taking a more active role in the work of the Office of the Defender of the Light," Hermione said. "We believe William is, or shortly will be, extorting money from the Ministry in exchange for not releasing the Dagger of Fear in his possession."
"We need to get this all sorted before the New Year," Ron said. "That's when my brother Percy wants to hold the first war booty redistribution hearings. We'll need to make sure we can get Harry and Ginny as much information as possible, as well as William's most likely course of action before the end of the day."
Blinking was the only sign of life James and Iris showed as they stood silently.
"What?" Hermione asked. "Too aggressive a timeline?"
Hermione looked down at her robes when they continued their silent staring.
"Did I spill something on my robes?"
_c
Harry woke to the sounds of Arthur and Molly readying themselves for their holiday. The elder Weasleys exhibited the same amount of confusion Harry had grown to love every time they packed up their brood for Hogwarts.
"Molly, have you seen my shaving kit," Arthur said.
"Yes dear," Molly replied. "I put in your suitcase. Why you insist on using that Muggle contraption, I'll never know."
"Oh Molly," Arthur replied, "You are the first one to chide the boys for whipping their wands out for the littlest thing."
"Hopefully, you'll be whipping your wand out for other things," Molly said gleefully.
Harry's face blanched.
"You are a naughty little girl, aren't you?" Arthur said.
Ginny had already gotten up and gone to the kitchen to make tea leaving Harry on his own. He was paralyzed. Thoughts of what he should do were racing in his head. He couldn't interrupt – that would be wrong. But he couldn't just sit there without them knowing he was in earshot of their…their …behavior.
"Mum, Dad," Ginny's voice came though the kitchen door. "Do you have time for a spot of breakfast before you leave?"
"Oh Arthur, isn't that wonderful?" Molly gushed. "Ginny's made breakfast."
Harry saw this as his chance. He sat up, theatrically stretched his arms over his head and yawned loudly.
"Oh, good morning all," he said. "I see you're all ready to go. I'll just see if Ginny needs help in the kitchen."
Harry scooted from the couch past Mr. and Mrs. Weasley through the kitchen door. There he saw Ginny bustling around the stove and pantry.
"Good morning , luv…What's wrong?" Ginny said upon seeing Harry's expression.
"Uh…err…well," Harry stuttered.
"Are you alright?" Ginny asked urgently as she moved towards him.
"No, not really," Harry started. But as soon as he saw Ginny's expression of concern turn to fright, he decided he may have overreacted. "I mean, yes, yes, I'm fine," he said.
Ginny had heard this from him before and wasn't about to let him relapse into anything close to what they had gone through last summer. "No, you are not, Harry," she said. "Now tell me, what's the matter?"
Ginny crossed her arms and glared at him. While they both had been learning to deal with their war experiences with Healer Garzino, Ginny had also learned how to deal with Harry's communication issues. Garzino warned her that Harry could have a setback at anytime and that she was perfectly capable of handling it if she didn't try to ignore it or let him ignore it.
"It's nothing, really," Harry said.
"It must be something or else you wouldn't be in here claiming it's nothing."
Harry could see she was intent on knowing what was bothering him regardless of how trivial it was. "Ginny, really," Harry started, "It's really embarrassing."
"You have all your clothes and my Mum and Dad are the only ones in the house, so it can't be that bad."
Harry's face turned the brightest shade of red Ginny had ever seen. "Ginny, can we please talk about this later?" Harry pleaded. He froze as he saw Arthur and Molly entering the kitchen.
"Ah, smashing!" Arthur said as he went directly to the stove. "Look, Molly, I think our little firefly is going to give you a run for your Galleons in the breakfast department. Isn't that right, dear?"
Arthur looked up from the stove and saw the serious look on Ginny's face. He turned and saw an extremely flustered Harry standing opposite her. "Is something the matter?" he asked.
"See, even Daddy sees something is wrong," Ginny said. "So out with it – What's got you going like this?"
"Yes Harry," Arthur said in a very serious voice. "We can't have any secrets. Best to get it all out in the open so we can deal with it and move on."
"Harry, dear, if it has you this upset, then we should talk about it," Molly added. "It shouldn't be that bad, we just saw you wake up and…"
This time Molly froze as she suddenly realized where Harry was moments ago. She went to Arthur and whispered in his ear. Ginny was unwilling to wait for her parents' conversation to get to the bottom of what was happening.
"I'm waiting Harry," she said.
Arthur and Molly Weasley were the closest things to saints that Harry had ever known. While they had seven children, Harry had never considered how they got them. He just thought the pair were born parents.
Just then Arthur burst out laughing. Molly was having a difficult time containing her own laughter and was trying hard to spare Harry's feelings.
"Will someone tell me what's so funny?" Ginny demanded.
Finally, Molly could hold her laughter back no longer. She too burst into a full laugh. Harry was caught up in their laughter and decided they knew what he and Ginny were discussing. Ginny was the only one of the four not in on the joke.
"Oh, bless my soul," Arthur said, catching his breath. "Harry, my boy, that was…well, I don't know what it was…Ginny, dear, I suspect Harry happened to hear your Mum and I gallivanting in the entrance hall. That's what's got him gobsmacked."
Ginny narrowed her eyes in disbelief. She could have opened the link to ensure this was in fact what upset him. But she decided his laughter was enough to show her she may have nothing to worry about…this time.
"Harry, you'll be a lucky man if you have a love like mine at our age," Arthur said.
At this Harry opened the link.
I think I already am a lucky man.
You had better, Ginny sent back playfully.