Right the Poll is closed and the Guild named, I'm sorry I didn't choose the most popular option but I tried saying Aegis Guild several times to me over and over and it just sounded daft, though considering everything else I'm into I'm not sure I can really talk. In my defence I did say in the beginning that the Poll would only be advisory.
The Guild
Harry and Emma were in a mixture of moods when they left the Headmaster's Office. Professor Lupin was leaving, their campaign had… fallen short… But on the other hand, there was a chance they could gain Mastery in their favourite subjects. They could each gain a M.A.D.A.M. They didn't go to straight to their friends, the Great Hall, the Common Room or the Practice Room. They instead went straight for the Room of Requirement.
They went inside and the room morphed into a replica copy of the Creeveys' living room in Yorkshire. Both Potters had been told they did not have to decide right away, but they did have to decide before the summer holidays which were in just a few weeks.
Harry and Emma sat down on a sofa next to each other.
"Harry?" Asked Emma. "What are you thinking?"
Harry looked at his sister. As long as they'd been together, he was always made the big decisions. It was something that came with being the older sibling when growing up otherwise alone in a hostile environment. Harry had played a role a bit more complex than that of an older brother.
"I don't know." Said Harry. "I know I should think about this offer, but… Professor Lupin…"
"He's leaving us." Said Emma sadly. "Sirius had to run away and Remus is being forced from us to."
"It's not fair." Remarked Harry.
Emma nodded.
"In the office, you said that we won't give up… what do you mean?" Said Emma.
"I want to keep fighting. For Remus and for other werewolves. I need to talk about it with the others first but… I want to create a group that fights for those rights."
"You want to revive W.A.R.T?" Asked Emma in clarification. "I had been wondering…"
"W.A.R.T did some wonderful things." Said Harry. "But I'm not Wallace Wackenbush or Morgan Stone. I want to do this my way, with the help of my friends. With the help of… my… sister…"
Emma caught the unasked plea in Harry's voice. "Yes Harry I will join you in creating your Werewolf trust."
"I don't think it's going to be a trust." Said Harry. "From what little I can gather, W.A.R.T acted more as a charity. I want us to act… a little differently. Also I don't want us to have to continuously worry about money."
"That may not be doable brother of mine." Remarked Emma. "Even with our savings, money is going to be an issue when running an organization, especially if Cornelius McFudgy decides to tax us."
"It's just an idea." Said Harry.
"I know, but it's going to need some refinement." Said Emma. "Now the matter at hand. What are we going to do about Dumbledore's offer?"
"You're free to decide for yourself, but there is no question from where I am." Said Harry.
"So you're going to accept it as well." Said Emma it wasn't a question.
"Yeah." Said Harry.
"You know that we're going to be overworked on our subject right up until the point we get our M.A.D.A.M.s right? Even if we get that far, the pressure placed on someone seeking Mastery of their subject is crippling."
"Yup." Said Harry. "And given you've indicated your own decision to accept the offer, you know it as well."
"Well yeah." Said Emma. "It'll be awesome, I'll get to brew the most advanced and complicated potions known to the Wizarding World."
"And I'll learn Defensive Magic and Theory only the best can wield and I'll get a chance to add to that wisdom myself." Said Harry.
Emma giggled. "Look at us, three years ago we were scared of making Dudley look stupid at school. Now we're a right pair of nerds."
"We didn't have to do anything to make Dudley look stupid." Said Harry.
The two of them laughed for a good few minutes. They were both aware that there jokes weren't that funny but they felt the need to release the tension. Their campaign had failed, but at least it was over. Win or lose it was time to relax. After a few minutes though they stopped and looked at each other.
"What are we going to do now Harry?" Said Emma. "I… I don't think I'm ready to face anyone."
"I know." Said Harry. "Neither am I." He looked at his watch. "Why don't we just stay here, it's dinner time now, so everyone will be in the Great Hall now."
Both Potters were solemn. Dumbledore and Remus had asked them not to say anything of the latter's leaving. An announcement was being made at a press conference at the Wizarding Education Authority with Fudge and the Hogwarts Board of Governors.
"You know." Said Emma. "If we hurry, we can sneak our swimsuits out of our dorms and get back here before anyone notices us."
Harry thought for a second. "Yeah ok, a swim actually sounds like a nice idea after everything we've done today.
ORACLE2PHOENIX
Harry and Emma were in and out of their Dormitories inside a minute. Harry had also nabbed their father's cloak, in case they had to sneak back after curfew.
Not long later they were in a more typical type of swimming pool, which made an odd change from the parties they had in the indoor water park.
"You know we could summon some flumes?" Said Harry.
"You do that if you want to." Said Emma. "I don't feel like it."
Harry didn't bother either, neither of them were in the mood to have fun.
"Are we just going to avoid our friends until tomorrow?" Said Harry.
"As cruel as it sounds, I think so." Said Emma. "I don't know if they've tried looking for us yet."
"Let's find out." Said Harry. He climbed out of the pool, dried himself a little and then fished his notebook from his bag.
Sure enough there was a message on his notebook.
Hermione: Where are you, Professor Dumbledore and Professor Lupin at dinner now?
Harry sighed. "Hermione is asking for us."
"What'll we do?" Said Emma, still floating part way into the pool.
"I'll wave her off." Said Harry.
Harry: Em' and I are discussing something Dumbledore and Remus spoke to us about, it's pretty important so we're going to be a while. We'll grab something later from the kitchens, I have my cloak. Don't know how long we'll be, so don't wait up for us.
"You know they're going to wait up for us." Said Emma, as Harry slipped back into the water.
"I know." Said Harry. "But we're not going back until we're ready and I did tell her not to wait up for us."
His sister sighed, but focused on floating about, Harry too simply floated in the water for a bit. Then after a while, Emma asked a question.
"How would you feel about me getting a Biniki Swimsuit?" Said Emma.
"Doesn't matter, because you're not getting one." Said Harry Sharply.
"Why?" Asked Emma.
"Penelope Clearwater could wear one because she's old enough." Said Harry. "You're only 12."
"What about when I'm 13?" Said Emma.
"No."
"14?"
Harry hesitated. "Why are you asking me, I don't have the authority to stop you?"
"Maybe, but you're my big brother, so you're going to anyway." Said Emma.
"Fine. You can get one at 14." Said Harry.
"What if I got one like Ruth's?" Said Emma.
"The thing with the oversized bra and shorts?" Said Harry.
"It's called a sport's Bikini." Said Emma. "In fairness, it's not much more revealing than this." She indicated her modest two-piece."
"Get whatever you like." Said Harry. "I'm not going to stop you, even if you get something like Penelope's."
"You mean that?" Said Emma.
"I do. I'm sure our parents would have something to say on the matter, but no one has the right to mother us." Said Harry. "Though if you do get one like Penelope's, don't let Ron's Mum see it, or Colin's for that matter."
"Noted." Said Emma. "I'm probably going to go for a Ruth Bikini, not immediately but still… it's something to think about. Have you ever thought about going on holiday?"
"Holiday?" Said Harry. "Where?"
"I don't know, somewhere abroad and hot and sunny, with a nice beach and people who don't speak English." Said Emma.
"I've never once thought about that." Admitted Harry. "We've never left Britain."
"Harry, with the exception of Godric's Hollow, we'd never been anywhere that wasn't Surrey or London until Hagrid came for us." Said Emma. "Scotland… Hogwarts is great and all, and so is Yorkshire and Devon. But I want to one day go somewhere exotic."
"Where?" Said Harry.
"That's the ultimate question." Said Emma. "We don't even have passports, how do you even get those anyway?"
"With a birth certificate." Said Harry.
"Oh right." Said Emma. "Do you suppose we have Birth Certificates?"
"I'd imagine the Dursleys were given copies." Said Harry. "Even if they weren't or they burnt them in the dead of night, I'd imagine there are records in either the Muggle or Magical Worlds where we can get a copy."
"Let's do that then." Said Emma. "Let's get our Birth Certificates and then our Passports and go somewhere exotic."
Harry looked at her. "You're not serious. We're 12 and 13 years-old, no one would let us on a plane. Anyway, by the time we get all that it would probably be September, and that's not taking into account I've no idea where to get our Birth Certificates from."
"We could take a boat." Said Emma.
"Maybe when we're older." Said Harry. "I'll make it your graduation present. A trip to…" He trailed off, not being able to think of somewhere.
Emma smiled "Thanks… we have to look at places."
Harry and Emma messed about in the pool for hours, alternating between talking and swimming. By the time they were ready to leave it was almost midnight.
"Should we even bother going to the kitchen?" Said Harry.
"Yes." Said Emma firmly. "You may not listen to Madam Pomfrey very much, but I do. We need to keep eating a healthy amount, skipping meals is not an option."
"Yes mam." Said Harry.
ORACLE2PHOENIX
"Greetings Mr Potter and Miss Potter." Said a House-Elf.
"Thank you." Said Emma. "Callie?"
"Yes Miss Potter?" She smiled happily.
"Uh… we haven't eaten." Said Harry. "Could we trouble you for some leftovers?"
The elves pottered off and came back rather suddenly with one plate of Pasta in Bolognaise and another with Mince and Potatoes. Harry took the mince and Emma the pasta.
"Oh dear." Said Harry, looking at the notebook.
"What is it?" Said Emma before taking a gulp of water the Elves had happily provided for them.
"It looks like Hermione has been sending me a message every twenty minutes demanding to know where we are." Said Harry. "I'll write and tell her we're kitchens now and we'll be up in a while."
"She really worries about you a lot doesn't she?" Said Emma.
"A little." Said Harry. "I wonder why sometimes. She doesn't seem to worry as much about you or Ron or anyone else."
"I think it's the orphan thing again." Said Emma. "Hermione acts a lot more like an adult than the rest of us, I think she's becoming a bit like Mrs Creevey and Mrs Weasley."
"I guess." Remarked Harry. "We're probably going to have to tell her if she's still up. The others too."
"Pity Luna isn't in Gryffindor." Said Emma. "We won't be able to tell her till morning, unless she still up and reading the notebooks."
"Luna will understand." Said Harry. "It is kind of odd though, she's almost as good as a Gryffindor, all her friends are in our house, she eats virtually every meal at our table… she even sat with you guys during our match with Ravenclaw."
"Yeah I guess." Said Emma. "Do you remember back when I first came to Hogwarts, when we first met her? We all wanted her in Gryffindor. When she went Raven… I almost wanted to go with her."
"What changed your mind?" Said Harry.
"She was a nice enough girl, but Ginny was likely going to Gryffindor and you were already there. I sometimes wonder whether she should transfer over to our house, with the exception of the Clearwaters no one particularly likes her there." Said Emma.
"It's the House she was chosen to go into." Said Harry. "We can't very well go back and change it now. Anyway, if she wasn't a Ravenclaw there would be no need to commandeer the Practice Room, or the Room of Requirement."
"You already commandeered the Practice Room and there are plenty of uses for the Room of Requirement other than maintaining healthy Ravenclaw relationships." Remarked Emma dismissively.
"Do you ever think we should branch out?" Said Harry. "Our club had become rather… closed off."
"Club?" Said Emma. "I thought we were a group?"
"I think we should come up with another kind of name." Said Harry. "But that's not the point right now."
"What is the point?" Said Emma.
Harry looked stumped for a moment. "Well… to be honest I just don't know."
"Well what does our group stand for?" Said Emma.
"Right now duelling." Said Harry. "That's it. We've all taken an interest in Defence Against the Dark arts, Swimming and Werewolf rights, but they're not an official part of our… entourage."
"We are not an entourage." Said Emma.
"I guess we really do need to decide what we're going to be." Said Harry.
"Yeah." Said Emma. "Time for bed I think."
"Agreed." Said Harry. "Thanks guys." He said to the House-Elves.
"Not at all Mr and Miss Potter." Squeaked Callie happily.
ORACLE2PHOENIX
Harry and Emma climbed into the Gryffindor Common Room at about half past midnight. Hermione was still up, but everyone else had gone to bed, the Exams had been exhausting and most people just wanted to sleep off all the stress they had endured.
"Where have the two of you been." Said Hermione.
"Didn't you get my messages?" Asked Harry.
"Yes."
"Then you have your answer." Remarked Emma. "We're going to bed."
"Why were you two gone so long?" Demanded Hermione.
"Dumbledore, Remus and a couple of others… gave us a lot to consider." Said Harry. "There's too much to go into right now, but since you waited up, I will tell you this… Remus is leaving us…"
"What?" Said Hermione, her eyes widening in sadness.
"He says that his position has become untenable." Said Emma. "There was some other stuff but can it wait until tomorrow?"
Hermione nodded.
"We're going to bed, I suggest you do to." Said Harry
"Right… sorry Harry… Emma… Goodnight."
ORACLE2PHOENIX
"Emma get up." Said Ginny prodding her friend.
"I don't want to." Said Emma.
"You've got to." Said Ginny. "We're going to breakfast, and this is our first day after all those horrible exams. We're celebrating."
"Today is not a day to celebrate." Snapped Emma.
"What are you on about?" Asked Natalie, lifting her head up from her trunk.
"Nothing." Said Emma. "I'm up, I'm up."
She really didn't want to face this today. She knew that gits like Malfoy and Harper were going to be lauding Remus's resignation over all of them. They'd lost the campaign, they'd made a great effort and achieved a lot, but they'd still lost.
The Second Year girls met up with the rest of their friends in the Common Room. Harry and Hermione were a little moody as well as a result of what they knew what was going to happen.
"What's with you Harry?" Asked Vicky, "You and Emma have been miserable ever since you got up."
"Remus is leaving." Said Harry.
Those who hadn't received the news yet stopped in their tracks.
"Come on." Said Emma. "We need to meet Luna, I don't want her to find out from the Daily Prophet.
ORACLE2PHOENIX
Emma and Harry had got as far as mentioning Remus was leaving to Luna, before Dumbledore stood up and made an announcement.
"May I have your attention please?" He spoke. Everyone in the hall turned to look at him. "It is with great regret that circumstances beyond the controls of both myself and this school have made Professor Lupin's continued employment at this school untenable. Therefore he shall be departing us after the leaving feast, a new Defence Teacher has been chosen and he shall work with Professor Lupin to ensure a stable transition and also ensure that significant progress made this year to fix overall performance in Defence Against the Dark Arts continues to be built upon. I inform you of this now because those of you who receive Daily Prophet this morning will encounter the same news. I am sure many here are greatly saddened by this development, especially as so many of you declared your support for him. This decision has not been taken."
Remus himself was not present for dinner. Harry wondered if he would stay until the leaving feast. According to Percy, no Defence teacher in his time had ever managed that before.
"This is what the two of you had to discuss in Dumbledore's office?" Said Demelza. "Then why were you gone so long?"
Harry and Emma looked at each other. "That… wasn't everything… can we discuss this somewhere else?"
ORACLE2PHOENIX
With exams over, there was no more homework. Post exam classes were suspended for a few days before resuming for what little was left of term, so the group retired to the Practice Room to entertain themselves and for Harry and Emma to tell everyone.
"So why were the two of you gone all night?" Asked Hermione, almost demanding an answer.
"Well…" Trailed off Harry. "You know how Em' and I had different exams?"
The others nodded.
"Well, we've also been given, extra assignments." Said Emma. "I got some from Madam Pomfrey and Harry got some from Remus."
"For me it was mainly extra spells or creatures to research." Said Harry.
"I was assigned potions to brew, some of them really complex." Said Emma. "It turns out that, since they started this just after Christmas, they were testing us."
"What?" Said Ron. "Why?"
"They were testing just how… good we were at Potions or Defence." Said Harry.
"Yesterday was the culmination in those tests." Said Emma. "We passed."
"Yes but what does it mean, now that you've passed?" Said Neville.
"We still have to go through some more testing by experts and some extensive studying but…" Emma looked to her brother.
"Dumbledore said that, if we agree to this…"
"Which we both will." Said Emma
"… then this time next year we could each be sitting our O.W.L. in our subject of choice." Said Harry dropping the bombshell.
"And if all that goes well we can sit our N.E.W.T. the year after." Said Emma.
Everyone's eyes opened wide, they knew from when Hermione got her Time Turner from McGonagall that being given the opportunity to sit anything early was rare.
"So…" Ron trailed off. "You'll both have a N.E.W.T. in a couple of years' time, before you even sit the rest of your O.W.L.s Emma?"
"Maybe." Said Harry. "The testing up until now has been quite intensive, but it will get even more so. Remember what McGonagall said, they don't normally allow people to skip years."
"But this isn't skipping a year." Pointed out Ginny. "It's just sitting one qualification early. But still. Emma, you could have an O.W.L. after only three years' study."
"Four." Said Emma. "Though I wasn't here I did study quite a bit while Harry was in First Year."
"But still this is incredible all the same." Said Demelza. "Are you going to tell Dumbledore you want to do this?"
"Yes." Said Harry. "He told us to spend a couple of weeks thinking about it, but we're ready."
"We already do most of the extra work required anyway." Said Emma. "Besides, getting even the O.W.L early will greatly better our chances at being accepted by the Education Authority to do a M.A.D.A.M."
"Dumbledore even indicated that we may be able to complete a M.A.D.A.M. before we graduate." Said Harry.
While the other's jaws dropped; Hermione, who had been uncharacteristically silent since there declaration, decided to speak.
"Don't be ridiculous, you two would never be accepted for a Mastery without strong O.W.L.s and N.E.W.T.s in other subjects." Said Hermione, she seemed rather dismissive.
Emma frowned. "Professor Dumbledore seemed to have faith in us. Professors Lupin, Moody and Slughorn all seemed to think we had a good chance too."
Hermione looked ready to counter, when several others at once said "Who?"
"Professor Moody is going to be Remus's replacement." Said Harry. "He certainly seems qualified. He hasn't got a M.A.D.A.M. but he knows the Dark Arts more than most and he was an Auror for decades."
"Yeah our Dad knows him." Said Ron. "I've never met him, but Moody is a legend. Over half the people in Azkaban are there because of him. Mainly Death Eaters, he was very good at rounding them up. Though these days they say he's as mad as a hatter."
"Well he seemed pretty stable last night." Said Harry.
"Who was the other person?" Said Demelza. "Slughorn?"
"Oh yeah he's apparently Snape's predecessor." Said Harry. "Quite unusual."
"What's unusual about him?" Said Neville.
"Well he was Potions Master and Head of Slytherin." Said Harry. "Yet… he's… nice…"
"He's retired right?" Said Vicky. "Why's he back?"
"Is he replacing Snape?" Said Ron excitedly.
"No." Said Harry. "He said he was enjoying his retirement and he was just doing this for Emma."
"What all for Harry Potter's sister?" Remarked Hermione scathingly.
Emma's eyes narrowed, something was off with Hermione.
"Um…" Harry trailed off, "Lily Potter's daughter."
A moment of silence followed that declaration.
"Apparently he was very fond of our Mum when she was a student." Said Emma looking pointedly at Hermione. "He was really happy to finally meet me, he's the one who conducted tests on my perfume and he's been assessing the quality of the extra-curricular potions I've been doing. After all I can't rely on Snape to help me can I?"
Hermione seemed a little tense and irritable. Emma, wasn't the only one to notice, Harry had become aware of his friend's unusual attitude. Given what was about to happen to them, he assumed Hermione would be the most excited. Yet it seemed she could barely restrain biting off their heads. The few comments she made seemed almost like efforts to bait them.
"Hermione are you alright?" Asked Ron.
Hermione turned to look at Ron, some of the irritation eased away, then to everyone's surprise, she looked to Harry, to Emma, to Harry again, then back to Emma before settling back on Ron.
"I… I'm fine… Sorry I have some work to do in the library, excuse me…"
With that declaration she ran out the door.
"But our exams are just finished, and I thought today was supposed to be about relaxing." Said Geoffrey.
"She's probably just stressed." Said Harry. "She has been using that stupid hourglass for a year now, Merlin knows how much it's screwed her up."
"Yeah it's probably best that she handed it back in." Said Ron.
"She did?" Asked Harry.
"Yeah." Said Neville. "Yesterday after you guys left, she went to Professor McGonagall and gave it back.
"She's dropping Muggle Studies though." Grumbled Ron. "I've now got no friends in that class."
"If it's any consolation, my friends abandoned me to." Said Ginny glaring at Emma and Demelza.
"And we told you, we were raised in the Muggle World, we don't need to take Non-Magical Studies." Said Demelza.
"I'll still be there." Said Luna.
"Yes, at least you haven't abandoned me." Said Ginny happily.
ORACLE2PHOENIX
Later on Hermione seemed much happier than she had during the Potter's declaration, it seemed that she just needed a bit of time to herself. She also seemed to react far more like Harry had initially expected her to.
"Just think, if you get the Mastery before graduation you'll be one of few people to ever achieve it as a Hogwarts Student, most people aren't even considered until they've finished school and the number of Masteries for Defence and Potions has been lacking in recent years, there has only been one Defence Mastery since the Wizarding War and that was Lupin's and there have only been three Potions Masteries…"
Harry and Emma let her talk it out of herself, they suspected a hint on jealousy was coming from Hermione. Later on when they were alone an interesting question arose.
"What subject could Hermione sit early though?" Said Harry. "She's equally talented at all of them."
"Well you sit in all her classes, you tell me." Asked Emma
"I don't know, she is equally good at virtually everything." Said Harry. "She could never sit just one class earlier than the other. Well she could Muggle Studies, but so could we, that's got nothing to do with academic skill. I suppose it would probably be either Charms or Transfiguration, or maybe… it doesn't work. It would make more sense for her to skip a year."
"Which she can't do according to McGonagall." Said Emma. "Do you think Hermione will go for a M.A.D.A.M.?"
"Not really." Said Harry. "I think she'll focus more on getting a job that makes a difference, probably at the Ministry."
"A friend of ours work for the Ministry?" Said Emma incredulously.
"Hey, Ron and Ginny's Dad works for the Ministry." Said Harry.
"Ok point." Said Emma. "I guess Hermione is more likely going to be like him than a git like Fudge or that foul pink cardigan woman. At least I hope she would."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Said Harry.
"Harry, she wasn't exactly courteous to us earlier." Said Emma.
"You can't judge everything about her on what's happened recently, she's been under a lot of stress, especially since we had her get involved in both questioning Sirius's innocence and campaigning to keep Remus here." Said Harry.
"Alright I'm sorry." Sighed Emma. "Let's face it, it's been a long year, too long. I miss being able to have fun with our friends at people's houses and actually visiting places. Swimming in the Room of Requirement is fun, it's beyond fun, but I've rarely taken a step outside."
"So what you're saying is… bring on the summer?" Said Harry grinning.
"Bring it on and take me to the beach." Shouted Emma enthusiastically.
Harry smiled, the holidays would definitely be welcome after this year.
ORACLE2PHOENIX
The last days of term were amongst the sunniest that Harry or Emma had ever enjoyed at Hogwarts. As a special treat, another Hogsmeade outing was announced for the day one week before it was time to leave on the Hogwarts Express. Though the Second Years couldn't come, Harry and the other three used the opportunity to bring a crate of Butterbeer back from the village.
Like last year, it was time for a group photograph. So after a party of Butterbeer and Raspberry Cheesecake (thank you Harry and Emma) in the Room of Requirement, everyone changed into their swimsuits.
"Wait whose going to take the picture?" Said Colin. "We can't ask McGonagall."
"Don't worry, I've got it taken care of." Said Emma. "Callie!"
There was a sudden pop and the kitchen House-Elf popped into existence.
"My Miss Potter, Callie was not expecting you's to be in this room." Said the Elf.
"You won't tell anyone will you?" Said Emma.
"Only if asked." Said Callie. "We elves have used this room for storage for centuries. Nobody has ever asked us about it."
"Great thanks." Said Harry.
"I thought we could have two pictures." Said Emma. "One with us dry and one with us drenched. Callie would you be able to come back a little later to take another of us?"
"Of course Miss Potter." Said the Elf cheerfully.
The first picture was rather uniform. The taller half of the group, the four Third Years, Natalie and Ginny sat on chairs, while the other six sat in front.
The second picture was a bit more chaotic and a lot more fun, everyone could tell it was going to be the better picture. With wet hair and skin as well as the colours of swimsuits darkened by the excess moisture, each person alone presented their own interesting image. But together, instead of doing the six in front of six like they had before they broke off into little groups within the group.
Hermione took up position between Ron and Harry, with an arm draped around each of them. Colin, in a position that would make many another boy jealous, wedged between Demelza and Ginny, each of whom with an arm round his waist, while Emma stood on her knees behind him with her arms wrapped round his neck and her head leant forward next to his whilst resting on his shoulder. Neville in the meantime, demonstrating a bravery he once lacked, pulled Luna directly onto his lap and wrapped his arms around her waist, failing completely to resist kissing her on the cheek whilst in this position, not that Luna had any objections. Geoffrey copied Neville's example down to Vicky on his lap and his lips on her cheek, but they also reached out for their best friend and pulled Natalie in for a rather odd looking two person simultaneous one-arm hug, which Natalie reciprocated with her own neighbouring arm.
Once they were all in position they called Callie and got their picture. Yes this had been an interesting year, dominated as much by swimming as by escaped convicts and werewolves.
ORACLE2PHOENIX
At the leaving feast, for the first time in months, the group were begrudgingly resigned to their separation from their friend in Ravenclaw. However it did warm some hearts to see Luna getting quite chummy with Ruth Clearwater.
"Another year gone." Said Dumbledore. "Once more, this year, Hogwarts must bid goodbye to those who are leaving us and give them our best wishes as they go out into the world outside. So may I ask you to join me in a round of applause for our Seventh Years?"
There followed an enthusiastic clapping for those who were leaving, many of the outgoing students looked a bit embarrassed, Percy however was sitting with his chest up in an effort to express his Head Boy Badge and an expression of pride on his face mixed in with a tint of smugness.
"It is also, as you all know, regrettable that we must say goodbye to a most valued member of staff. Professor Lupin came to us this year, after several years where we were unable to provide the quality of education we would otherwise hope to in Defence Against the Dark Arts. It is thanks to him, that many of you are so much more confident in this subject, it is also thanks to him that Defence scores in all of this year's exams are the highest they've been since 1978."
Without prompting, Harry and his friends led a cheer in gratitude that was replicated across much of the hall.
"Though the circumstances of his departure are not what we would ever want, Professor Lupin shall leave us, secure in the knowledge that he has left a lasting impact on all of you. That you have all learnt lessons from him that you will keep with you and use for the rest of your lives and beyond."
There followed another round of applause. Throughout this whole of the feast, Remus was sitting there looking a little embarrassed but happy to receive some praise.
"We therefore wish Remus Lupin the very best in his future endeavours." Said Dumbledore finally on that subject.
There followed one last round of applause for the outgoing Defence Professor.
"Now, before we announce the winner of this year's House Cup, there is one more final announcement." Said Dumbledore.
Harry and the others grinned at each other. Thanks to their performance at Quidditch and all the points Malfoy lost being rude to Professor Lupin, Gryffindor had won by a large margin.
"Could Mr Harry Potter and Miss Emma Potter stand up please?" Said Dumbledore.
Harry and Emma looked to the Headmaster in surprise and saw a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. Ron and Ginny had to urge their best friends to their feet.
"Over the last 6 months, Mr and Miss Potter have undergone a series of tests, each in a certain subject. For Mr Potter it was Defence Against the Dark Arts and for Miss Potter it was Potions. These tests culminated in significantly more advanced exams, during which I'm sure many of you enjoyed Mr Potter's performance in outwitting the security trolls."
Harry found to his embarrassment that the other students cheered on him at that reminder.
"Needless to say, both Brother and Sister performed exceptionally, surpassing all our expectations of them. In recognition they are both being given the opportunity to sit their O.W.L. exam next year and the N.E.W.T. exam the following year. This is opportunity is a rare honour that is scarcely granted to students. Never before has it been awarded to two students at once and this is the first time a student has been given the honour for over twenty years. So well done Harry and Emma Potter."
As people clapped and cheered, Harry and Emma sat down, using their size, or rather lack of it, to try and seem less noticeable. It didn't help.
After Gryffindor were awarded the House Cup for the third year running, a number of academically conscious older students expressed their admiration directly to the Potters.
The Weasley Twins also expressed their congratulations… in their own way…
"Oh dear…" Remarked George.
"Such swotiness from our dear Potters." Said Fred.
"It looks like we're running out of time to corrupt you both…" Said George.
"Still, with all those new potions skills your Emmaship might yet be salvageable."
"Would you to knock it off." Snapped Ginny. "Just because they don't want to fail all their O.W.L.s like you doesn't mean they're no fun."
"My dear Ginnykins." Began Fred.
"Shut up." Said Ginny. "So Harry, Emma, looking forward to the summer courses?"
"Summer courses?" Asked George.
"Oh yeah they're not just going to let them sit the exam just like that." Said Ginny, snapping her finger. "They're going to need to prove themselves."
"But you already did that." Said Fred.
"To the teachers." Said Emma. "We've now got to prove ourselves to the Wizarding Education Authority, they control the exams board that assess and mark the qualifications. We can't sit our subjects early without their consent."
ORACLE2PHOENIX
The following morning, was a bit of a commotion. Hundreds of students had to drag their trunks, pets and in some cases brooms from their dormitories. Things were made even more chaotic as, partly in anticipation of forthcoming restrictions faced at home, many students sought to use levitation charms to relocate heavy luggage down or up, depending on where your Common Room was, to the carriages.
As a result many students ended up getting bumped by floating trunks under poor levitation control, while some decided to take advantage of the unique situation and have a 'trunk war' failing to take into account the trunks were actually full. McGonagall was not pleased after two Gryffindors, a First Year boy and girl, had one such fight at the top of the Grand Staircase which resulted the contents of each trunk raining down on the seven levels covered by it.
Harry, Emma and friends were at the Second Floor landing when the trunks burst open and although there was some considerable distance they could hear McGonagall punctuate every syllable towards the two students in question. Even by the time they got to the Entrance Hall, they along with everyone present knew that both the First Years had been assigned a detention after the holidays.
"I guess this is goodbye for now." Said Vicky.
"Yeah." Said Natalie. "If we don't see you over the summer, see you at the start of next term."
"You guys are coming with me to the beach." Said Emma sternly.
"We'd love to." Said Vicky, "But our Dads are not going to be happy about us signing that petition."
"I think we can look forward to a summer of chores and restricted activities." Said Natalie in resignation.
"Come on Geoffrey." Said Vicky, "This will be our last few hours together for a while."
Geoffrey took his girlfriend's hand and they, along with Natalie climbed into a carriage.
"Well see you." Said Neville, taking Luna's hand.
"This shall be an interesting summer." Said Luna. "Good luck with your studies Harry, Emma."
"Thanks." Said Emma.
"Yeah. Have a good summer." Said Harry.
Luna and Neville climbed on board a carriage along with a pair of Hufflepuff Sixth Years.
"Well Harry, I'll meet you on Platform nine-three-four." Said Emma. "Do you want to take this carriage or shall we?"
"We'll take it." Said Ron before anyone could answer as he climbed on board.
"Git." Muttered Ginny. "Have a nice Summer Harry."
"Thanks you too." Said Harry, "I hope you to have a great time as well Demelza."
"Here's hoping." Said Demelza. "Thanks, it… it should be a nice change."
Colin took Demelza's hand in a gesture of comfort and lightly waved his hand in goodbye.
"See ya soon Harry, Hermione." He said happily. "We should go swimming over the summer."
"In the sea." Emma Piped up.
Harry rolled his eyes.
"Goodbye." Said Hermione. She and Harry climbed into the carriage.
Then Emma and her remaining friends got into the next one.
"I miss Luna." Said Emma all of a sudden.
"Yeah well she's got a boyfriend to be with now." Said Demelza. "Who knows, maybe this time next year, it will be our turn."
"Hmm." Said Ginny thoughtfully. "Maybe. So Colin, which boy do you think you'll be dating?"
Poor Colin stuttered in horror as his best friends laughed at him.
ORACLE2PHOENIX
Emma and the other three were in the process of playing Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans Russian Roulette when the door to their compartment was opened by Harry.
"Emma, we've got a letter."
29.04.89
Dear Harry and Emma
I've managed to find somewhere safe to hide. It will take weeks if not months for this letter to reach you, I'm not sure how long it will take this owl to get to you, he's rather small and gets easily overexcited very easily but he was definitely eager. I can't tell you where I am in case this letter gets intercepted.
I apologise for the brief reply I sent in Easter but the German Aurors were getting a little uncomfortably close, I guess I never realised how recognisable my bike was. Thankfully Marlene's wand has been invaluable. I cannot thank you both enough for that, it's like having a piece of her back after all this time. I've completely altered what my bike looks like, not permanently though. If I ever do getting my name cleared, I'm changing it back.
I've also used the wand to adjust my appearance, and have a wash. You've no idea how refreshing it is not to have to smell… never mind.
Anyway there is something I never got the chance to tell the both of you. The anonymous gifts you got for Christmas, the Firebolt and the Perfume set. It was me who sent them. I do hope you liked what I got you Emma. I wasn't too sure what to buy, I tried asking your faithful Kneazle but I could not get an intelligent answer out of him. He was all in favour of making you happy, he is definitely fond of you, so fond that it took all my efforts not to kill him. Never mind that. In any case I hope you enjoyed the presents.
Once the British forget about me, I think I'll sneak back into the country so we can have a nice long chat. I want you both to write me a letter about what I've missed out. There is no way your mother would have ever wanted you at her sister's place. In the meantime, if they give you trouble, remind them that your Godfather is out of prison.
I will find my way back to the both of you. I promise. I have done a poor job fulfilling my duties as your Godfather, so I have a lot to make up for. Keep in contact with me, I'm monitoring the news in Britain from where I am. I see you are both standing up for Moony (saying Professor Lupin sounds real odd). Anyway good luck to you all, your father and I had plans to get more involved in W.A.R.T. but he wanted to wait until things settled down after Emma was born, so I waited as well. Professor Moony did a lot of good for the werewolves during the war, even if it made some people suspicious of him at the time.
I understand Pettigrew was pretending to be a pet of one of your friends. Feel free to give him or her (by the way if it is a 'her' they have a strange taste in pets) this owl.
In the meantime, I'm going to take this opportunity to explore the world. I might show up in places from time to time to keep the Minister back home from doing anything he shouldn't like sending the Dementors back to the school. I should apologise for that, it never occurred to me that someone would be so stupid as to send those things to Hogwarts.
I'll keep in touch.
Sirius
"Owl?" Said Emma.
"Ron's already taken to him." Said Harry. "He asked Crookshanks whether or not it was an owl."
"Poor Ron." Said Demelza. "I guess this whole thing was hard on him in particular."
The others nodded.
ORACLE2PHOENIX
"Greetings father." Smirked Natalie.
Harry, Emma and their friends watched Natalie and Vicky from a distance. Harry had discretely placed his hand on his wand, he didn't care if the man was Natalie's father or that he wasn't allowed to use magic outside of Hogwarts. He would defend his friends if needs be. Thankfully it wasn't necessary.
Gilbert Fairbourne looked rather angry to see his daughter. He was quite large and looked like he could come of better in a fight than most.
Gareth Frobisher on the other hand, while he looked just as angry, was nowhere near as tall, he was rather short and was considerably older than Gilbert.
Both men ordered their daughters to follow them immediately. Vicky managed a quick kiss before Gareth barked "Now!" Causing half the platform to jump.
Geoffrey looked to his other friends in resigned content before waving goodbye and running over to his mother, whom he promptly pulled into a tight hug, one which he looked like he needed.
"I hope they'll be fine." Said Harry.
"They will." Came a voice from behind them. Everyone turned to see Mrs Longbottom.
"Gr… Gran." Said Neville in shock.
"Don't worry about your friends." Said Mrs Longbottom. "Fairbourne and Frobisher can be right… well the point is they are not violent men. Stubborn and foolish, but not violent."
Harry breathed a sigh of relief. Between what had happened with Demelza and his and Emma's own experiences, he was wary of some adult's attitudes towards their children.
"Neville." Barked Mrs Longbottom. "Aren't you forgetting something?"
"Uhh…" Hesitated Neville, momentarily confused.
"Are you referring to me?" Said Luna. "I'm Luna Lovegood, we met last summer. I'm now your Grandson's new girlfriend."
Augusta stared silently for a few moments before she let out a loud "HA! Well yes I was. It is nice to meet you again. You must come around for dinner sometime. I would like to get to know you a bit more. I am intrigued to know what Neville see's in you."
"I look forward to it." Said Luna.
"As do I. Neville come on, I've left dinner in the oven, don't want the house to burn down now do we?"
Neville looked utterly horrified at the interaction between his Grandmother and Luna, his Grandmother had to repeat herself
"Neville come on."
"Uh… yes… coming…" Said Neville.
"Wait one second." Said Luna. She pulled him into a deep kiss. "Alright, on you go, I think your Gran wants to talk to you."
Mrs Longbottom did indeed look shocked at the girl's display of courage. There were many Gryffindors who would never attempt such a thing in front of her. But she and Neville left nevertheless without any comment about what just happened.
"Colin, Demelza." Said Mrs Creevey announcing herself. She came through the crowd with Mrs Weasley right behind.
"Hello everyone." Said Mrs Weasley. "Sorry but we're going to have to go, I've left your father alone with Fred and George. Percy and Penelope are busy saying goodbye and Arthur alone with the twins…"
"Bye guys." Said Ron.
"Yeah buy." Said Ginny.
There was a quick exchange of hugs before they departed.
"My Daddy is over there." Said Luna "I look forward to seeing you all this summer." Then she too left.
"We'd better get going to." Said Mrs Creevey. "We have just enough time to grab a bite before the train to York leaves."
Harry and Emma followed Mrs Creevey back through the platform and upon seeing Vernon waiting impatiently bade a quick goodbye to their friends. Colin's Mum looked like she wanted to have words with Vernon, but Emma smiled at her reassuringly which seemed to hold the concerned mother back.
"Come on you two." Grumbled Vernon. "I've spent long enough waiting here. What's that?"
Emma looked to the slip of parchment in her hand. "Oh it's a letter from our Godfather."
"What are you talking about neither of you have a Godfather?"
"We do." Said Emma.
"He escaped from prison last year." Said Harry.
"Pr… prison?" Said Vernon.
"Yeah, remember Sirius Black. He was apparently very close to our Dad." Said Harry. "He's on the run now so we don't get to see him as often."
"He is a bit concerned for us." Said Emma. "He's out of the country right now but he mentioned coming to visit us if he thinks we're unhappy."
Vernon took a few minutes to calm down enough to drive after hearing that declaration.
ORACLE2PHOENIX
"Turn him back now." Said Petunia crossly.
"We can't." Said Harry. "We're not allowed to use magic outside school, not until we're 17."
Dudley had completely forgotten about the countermeasures put in place last year to protect the Potters. No one was particularly sure at that moment, Harry had just been trotting down the stairs to make a start on dinner when Dudley, who was next to the banisters changed into a pig.
"He'll be back to normal in around two hours." Said Emma. "I'll put some meat scraps on the floor for him."
"Where is the roast by the way?" Asked Harry. Normally the Dursleys had a roast on a Sunday and left the meat either in the fridge or on the work surface.
Vernon grumbled. "We're not having one. We're having… Baked Potatoes."
Emma blinked. "Huh? Do you actually like those now?"
Vernon growled "Of course we don't!"
"Then why…" Emma trailed off, but stopped when Harry burst out laughing. When she found the source, she found herself in a fit of giggles. There was a healthy eating chart pinned to the fridge door with Dudley's name on it.
"About time." Harry said "You've been damaging your diet for too long now."
"My baby is not overweight." Shrieked Petunia.
"Oh please, he probably weighs more than the two of us combined." Said Emma. "I'll mash his potato and mix it in with some baked beans."
Vernon growled again.
A quick look in the cupboard confirmed to Harry. "It looks like there are no baked beans…"
"Well what are we supposed to have with it?" Said Emma.
ORACLE2PHOENIX
"Why?" Whined Emma. "Why didn't Petunia turn into a goose?"
She and Harry miserably retreated to their room.
"I don't think feeding us spinach is recognised as abuse if everyone else can have it." Said Harry.
"It should be." Moaned Emma. "That was disgusting."
"Next time we just add butter." Proposed Harry.
ORACLE2PHOENIX
Over the next few days, meals became a dreaded time for the Potters. Using the notebooks they sent desperate pleas for help. Mrs Weasley respond with three fruitcakes and some chocolate and ginger biscuits, Hagrid sent some of his rock cakes, Luna sent a box filled with home-grown brambles and raspberries and after a few trips by Hedwig, Hermione and Mrs Creevey sent snacks of their own.
Harry was relieved that the notebooks worked despite the distance between him and his and Emma's friends. He started making plans to send one to Sirius, in order to allow instant contact with him. The two of them were also able to contact Natalie and Vicky.
Their parents had not been happy, but as Mrs Longbottom predicted, they were not in any danger of abuse. They had each been grounded for two weeks and were confined to their rooms except to use the bathroom. They were also forbidden from contacting any of their friends, but neither set of parents knew the notebooks existed.
Emma distinctly wanted to go to the beach, and Demelza suggested a really nice one she knew in Cornwall. But she wanted to go with all her friends, meaning they had to wait until Natalie and Vicky were no longer grounded.
However, for Harry and Emma, this summer was not going to be all that relaxing. A few days after they got back from Hogwarts, Mad-Eye Moody sent them a letter saying that he would be picking them up for the start of their summer tuition.
ORACLE2PHOENIX
Emma was in the process of fixing her hair and Harry was feeding Hedwig when they were distracted by the doorbell followed by an almighty shriek a few seconds later.
The Potters had warned the Dursleys that they were being given extra tuition this summer and that their new teacher would be coming to pick them up. They had of course failed to mention Mad-Eye looked like he had just come from a den of lions and explosives.
Harry rushed downstairs in time to see Moody, irritably shoving Petunia out the way.
"Budge woman, no sense in having me stay out in the open where any old bastard can strike me dead now is there?"
"Hello Professor." Said Harry.
"Ah Potter, good you're ready. Where's the other?"
"Right here." Said Emma coming up behind Harry carrying a cauldron with ingredients and utensils inside.
"Good." Said Moody. "If you'll let me Miss Potter I'll send those on ahead."
With a tap of his wand, Emma's equipment vanished.
"Come on, we're meeting Horace at the Ministry." Said Moody.
"The Ministry?" Said Harry cautiously.
"Aye, don't worry it's just the paper work." Said Moody. "I'll also keep anyone to keen to meet you away."
Harry nodded.
"Right. If you'll each take one of my arms." Said Moody.
ORACLE2PHOENIX
Emma was relieved to find this experience apparating was not as nauseating as her first.
When the two Potters looked around themselves, they found they were in some great big and crowded underground chamber. The Ministry of Magic was like a small underground city.
"This way." Barked Moody.
"Where are we?" Said Emma incredulously.
"The Ministry of Magic." Grunted Moody. "If you must know we're very near the Circle and Hammersmith Lines."
Harry and Emma locked eyes and shrugged. They entered a line of Witches and Wizards at the security desk. After a few minutes waiting they reached the desk where a bored looking man was sitting.
"What is your purpose for visiting?" He asked.
"I'm taking these two to the Wizarding Education Authority. We have an appointment with Griselda Marchbanks." Said Moody.
The Security Wizard insisted they each have their wands inspected. After that was done, they were given badges and told to wear them throughout their visit.
Moody guided Harry and Emma through the Ministry and up several levels in a lift until they reached the floor where the Authority was located.
"Ah Alastor." Said a man sitting at another reception desk. "You're just in time, if you'll go on through Professor Marchbanks is expecting you."
Moody nodded then guided Harry and Emma into an office where they found Professor Slughorn and Madam Bones talking with an elderly witch.
"Ah Alastor, so this is Harry and Emma Potter?" She said eyeing them with some distain.
Harry felt a lot like he used to when he and Emma were eyed up by Marge when they were younger.
"You really think they're up to it Horace." Said Marchbanks sneering down at them. "They look awfully weedy, I understand the girl isn't ever a teenager yet."
"Hey I will be soon!" Protested Emma.
"Hah, typical children. Trying to act older than you are…"
"Now, now Griselda." Said Slughorn diplomatically. "I can assure you, Miss Potter is very talented in potions."
"Talent, is not enough." Said Marchbanks scornfully. "I expect the both of you to demonstrate extreme academic proficiency. I can cancel your fast-track program at any time. In a few months you will both come to the Ministry and undergo exhaustive tests, if I'm even the slightest bit convinced this is a waste of time I will pull you from the program."
"You promised Dumbledore Griselda." Growled Moody. "They would be tested and given a fair chance."
"I see you're getting ready to step into your new role Alastor." Said Marchbanks rounding on the ex-Auror. "Professor Lupin left some big shoes to fill, I curated both your Defence Exams and I know where each of you has better qualities in this subject."
"I think we're getting off topic." Said Madam Bones. "Mr Potter, Miss Potter, do you know why you're here?"
"Umm… something about paperwork?" Said Harry.
"As you know, all underaged Witches and Wizards are not permitted to perform magic outside of school. However, because of your circumstances, you both are about to receive temporary exemption from the Reasonable Decree for Underage Sorcery. However this is not a blanket exemption from the trace. This exemption is for a period of 6 month and allows you to only use magic in the residences of either Professors Slughorn or Moody, or on the premises of the Wizarding Education Authority."
Harry and Emma looked at each other, they were not expecting this. But it made sense, in order to prepare they needed to be able to cast magic.
"Do you understand?" Asked Madam Bones.
"Yes."
"Yes."
"Very well, we have some forms for you both to sign."
Harry, Emma, Slughorn and Mad-Eye each filled out details and signed their names several times over.
"I am currently doing summer classes and I will be coordinating things in the lead up to the Winter Diet." Said Marchbanks "I will assess you both sometime after all the classes here are finished, probably on or about the diet. Now if you'll all excuse me."
ORACLE2PHOENIX
After bidding Madam Bones and Professor Marchbanks goodbye, Harry, Emma, Slughorn and Mad-Eye, took the Ministry Floo straight to Mad-Eye's house.
"I don't think Professor Marchbanks likes us very much." Commented Harry.
"She is much stricter than most." Conceded Slughorn. "But she has good reason to be sceptical. Many parents try to bully the Wizarding Education Authority into letting their children sit their O.W.L.s and N.E.W.T.s early. As a general rule she treats all fast track students with distrust until they prove themselves to her.
"So when do we get to prove ourselves to her."
"Adult classes for the Winter Diet stop in October and then the exams start. So it will be after that, unless she can find time beforehand." Said Slughorn.
"Right, how about we both get started." Said Moody. "Harry and I will use the exercise room. Feel free to use anything in the Potions Lab, but don't open the cabinet across from the door. I've enchanted some nasty surprises for anyone who shouldn't be accessing it."
As Harry had just received his exemption, Moody sought to test his skills with a wand by having him perform various spells from all over the Defence Curriculum.
"Not bad Potter." He said. "But I want to try something different."
He summoned over a teacup then verbally incanted several curses into it.
"I want you to remove all the curses I just placed on this cup: with my wand."
Moody handed over his wand to Harry. Perplexed the young boy took it and then proceeded to remove the curses. He managed it easily enough, but he found his efforts were much more clumsy than normal. Unlike the vase he had to decurse in his Defence Exam, the teacup cracked.
"Not so easy with someone else's wand is it?" Said Moody, he reached into his boot and pulled out another one. "The wand in your hand is the same one I've owned for 51 years. This one I've owned only 23. This lesson is not about your Defence Against the Dark Arts exam Potter, I'm more than convinced you could pass the O.W.L. right now with flying colours and the N.E.W.T. after spending at most a week studying for it. I am going to prep you for these exams, but by general nature I prepare my students to fight the Dark Arts. When the war against Voldemort started, I soon found that there were times when I lost my wand, whether it was dropped during a large skirmish or a Death Eater got a lucky disarming spell at me or whatever, it was always useful to have a back-up."
"Should I get a back-up?" Said Harry.
"You're not an Auror, so I can't order you to do it. If all you want to do is pass your exams, then you need no extra wand. However, if you want to fight the Dark Arts, an extra wand could come in handy."
Harry nodded, the Dark Arts were his enemy, Dark Wizards: Pettigrew and Voldemort had both attempted to use Emma against him. If Moody thought an extra wand would be a good idea, then he would get one.
"In fact." Said Moody, reaching into his left sleeve. He pulled out a third wand. "Consider it a reserve backup."
Harry grinned. "Have you ever had to revert to that?"
"Once." Admitted Moody. "Although at no point I did lose my original wand in that fight. I gave each of my other wands to two comrades who were not smart enough to plan ahead."
"When did you get that wand?" Said Harry incredulously.
"About two years into the first war. I was caught in a battle alongside two Hit Wizards against five Death Eaters. Most of them were barely out of school, had no experience in a real fight. But the owner of this wand, Mulciber, he was a tough one. A month previously he had led a massacre at a Muggle Primary School, killed fourteen of the kids. After I took his life I rather made a name for myself. This was a trophy of that battle, I used it in a fight that got his son put in Azkaban towards the end of the war."
"Father and Son Death Eaters?" Said Harry.
"Oh yes. They weren't the only ones, many families had a child who followed their parent's example. Mulcibers, Malfoys, Notts, Yaxleys, Carrows…"
"Carrow?" Said Harry.
"You know of the Carrows?" Said Moody in surprise. "Nasty Brother and Sister, it still grates me that they escaped punishment."
"In Emma's year there is a pair of twin sisters: Flora and Hestia… in Slytherin."
"Hmm… the Carrows I know have no children… must be cousins or something." Pondered Moody. "In any case, we can think about your wand at a later date. For now, we need to get you ready for these exams.
ORACLE2PHOENIX
"Hmm… Mana is a curious substance." Said Professor Slughorn. "But it is not really studied much, and it has only so many known uses."
"I think it could have significant potential." Said Emma. "But I've been mixing it into various potions and it's yielding very little in the way of results."
"Very little?" Asked Slughorn. "Has it achieved anything?"
"Well I have used it a few times experimentally in Wolfsbane, obviously not in any of the stuff I sent to Professor Lupin, it seems to enhance the effectiveness of the Potion overall, which is rather useless as the Potion does what it does anyway."
"Enhances the effectiveness?" Said Slughorn.
"I have haven't actually used it on any Werewolf. But if my hypothesis is correct the Mana would speed up the transformation process and making the transformation process slightly less painful. But if you give werewolves Mana enhanced potions, 99 out of 100 wouldn't be able to tell the difference."
"It is interesting though." Said Slughorn, "No one has been able to manipulate the Wolfsbane since it was first conceived."
"I think Mana might be key to finding a cure for Lycanthropy." Said Emma. "Unlike most magical substances, it doesn't interfere with the Wolfsbane's formula. But in order to do this, I need to get a better understanding of Arithmancy. I barely know anything basic."
"Hmm… I wouldn't give up on it just yet." Said Slughorn. "In Seventh Year, N.E.W.T. students have to complete a special project. You could probably do something on Mana. But it would require a lot of careful consideration. Also bear in mind you may wish to base your Mastery on this project."
ORACLE2PHOENIX
Harry and Emma went back to Privet Drive a little exhausted. After talking to Professor Slughorn about Mana, Emma had went on to brew several potions, many of which she had never attempted before.
"So are you going to get an extra wand?" Asked Emma.
"I'm going to write a letter to Ollivander and see if he minds." Said Harry. "Both Dumbledore and Moody have indicated he doesn't like selling someone more than one wand."
"Do you think he'll sell you a third?" Said Emma.
"I'm going to ask, but I sincerely doubt it." Said Harry. "He may consent to a second one maybe, but never a third."
"Do you really need three wands though?" Said Emma.
"A reserve back-up couldn't hurt." Said Harry. "Especially if something happened to this wand. I hope nothing ever but still…"
"You've become really fond of that, haven't you?"
"Yeah. Haven't you become fond of yours?"
"Maybe a little." Conceded Emma. "But in my choice of profession, wand work is a lot more limited."
"But as a witch you still use it a lot." Said Harry.
"What do you want me to say Harry? I like my wand well enough, what more is there?"
"It's just, today whilst using Moody's, I realised how different it was to my own." Said Harry.
"Hmm." Said Emma. "Ollivander did tell us the wand chooses the wizard, or witch, I guess other wands just don't work as good as your own."
"Maybe." Said Harry. "I really don't want to make dinner now."
"Neither do I." Said Emma. "Fruitcake?"
"Good idea. No one has asked us to cook tonight anyway." Said Harry.
When Harry and Emma didn't come down to start preparing dinner, Petunia came to investigate. A few seconds after trying to confiscate the fruitcake, Mopsus took exception to the goose.
Vernon and Dudley were not happy, neither one of them knew how to cook their own food and the Potters were too tired to take pity on them. So they had cornflakes and toast for dinner that night.
ORACLE2PHOENIX
"Vicky and Natalie say they are no longer grounded." Said Emma looking over the notebook. "Oh and Natalie's uncle has taken the two of them to a nice restaurant in Wales."
"Why Wales?" Said Harry.
"Why not?" Replied Emma smirking.
The Dursleys glared at the Potters out of the corners of their eyes. It was breakfast and Emma, sick of melon had the other day asked Petunia to buy pineapple instead. She refused, so Emma went to the grocers and bought some for herself and Harry. The Dursleys had realised too late that it was nicer than melon and tried to nick the Potters' supply, only to find that action turned them into farm animals. Despite last year they had forgotten several of the lessons Dumbledore had forced them to learn.
Pride prevented them from asking the Potters to share, it also prevented them from buying pineapple of their own.
"It's been two weeks since we got back and we haven't seen anyone." Said Harry. "We should go to the beach soon."
"I'll ask Demelza to make the arrangements." Said Emma writing down a message in the notebook. "She's mentioned her brothers wanting to meet us."
"That could be interesting." Said Harry. "Since we'd probably go to Cornwall anyway, might as well synchronise things."
Emma nodded but looked to the forecast. "Just a shame the weather is not really beach weather right now."
"It will be soon enough." Said Harry.
"Ooh Demelza has written back." Said Emma. "She says that she's watching the forecast right now as well and we should wait a while before we go to the beach. Oh Mrs Creevey is inviting us round for dinner tonight?"
"Let's go." Said Harry. "It will be nice to see how Demelza's settling in."
"Hang on." Barked Vernon. "What about our dinner?"
"Just follow the instructions on the packet." Said Emma. "I mean it's a Quiche, all you do is stick it in the oven. Should be within Petunia's talents."
Petunia glared at Emma, but she didn't say anything, whenever Mopsus spotted the goose, he went for it like it was his first meal in a week. The Potters had actually begun feeling a little sympathy for her.
ORACLE2PHOENIX
"Hi ya!" Said Dennis happily when he opened the doors for the two Potters. "Colin. Harry and Emma are here."
Colin came running and stopped just in front of the two of them. "H… Hi Emma." He stuttered.
"Hey Colin." Said Emma overlooking his embarrassment and hugging him regardless.
Demelza came running down the stairs. "Hello guys." She too had a hug with Emma, though with none of the embarrassment, and Harry.
"Is anyone else coming?" Harry asked.
"No." Said Colin. "Ginny is feeling a little under the weather and Luna is having dinner at Neville's tonight."
"Neville's?" Said Emma.
"Yeah. Should be an interesting time for Neville, probably Luna and Mrs Longbottom to." Said Demelza grinning.
"Are you guys going to come in and say hello?" Called Mrs Creevey.
ORACLE2PHOENIX
"This Fudge person is the same man who tried to take you both into custody last summer wasn't he?" Asked Mrs Creevey.
"The very same." Said Emma.
"I don't like the sound of him." Said Mrs Creevey. "A man like that should not be in a position of power. From what Colin and Demelza told me, this Professor Lupin is the best man for the job."
"Believe me we have similar concerns." Said Harry. "Especially since we researched Umbridge, his Senior Undersecretary, she has been involved in a large number of campaigns to deny rights to certain groups."
"I take it one of these groups includes Muggleborns?" Said Mrs Creevey.
"That's a little difficult." Said Harry. "She clearly has a low opinion of them, but she seems mainly focused on part-humans and magical creatures comparable with humans, such as Centaurs, Merpeople, Vampires, Goblins and of course Werewolves."
"Wait, Vampires are real?" Said Mr Creevey. "And Mermaids."
"Yeah." Said Harry. "The lake in Hogwarts apparently has a Mervillage. Though from what I've seen in books I wouldn't compare them to anything you see in fairy-tale books."
"What about the Vampires?" Said Mrs Creevey.
"They mainly live in Europe, mostly in seclusion. Some venture into the Wizarding World from time to time though." Said Harry.
"Do Vampires ever… bite people…" Asked Mr Creevey.
"It's been known to happen." Said Harry. "But for the most part they just keep to themselves. They can't go out during the day, because the sunlight would kill them. Vampires really only pose a significant danger if you actually venture into their territory, and even then, most of them don't attack humans. They mainly live on animal blood or Blood Replenishing Potion."
"So they're of no danger here?" Said Mrs Creevey.
"Not realistically." Said Harry.
"Out of interest." Said Demelza. "Are we going to do anything else for Professor Lupin?"
"Well?" Said Emma looking at Harry.
"We did have the idea of starting up a new group." Said Harry. "One that will carry on the work done by W.A.R.T."
Dennis, Katy and Alex Creevey burst into giggles.
"I'm sorry. Wart?" Said Mrs Creevey.
"What about it?" Said Colin.
"Don't you think that names a little…" Mr Creevey trailed off.
"Oh right?" Said Colin suddenly grinning. The others too chuckled.
"When you're expected to sit O.W.L.s, N.E.W.T.s and M.A.D.A.M.s I guess you get used to the odd acronyms." Said Emma.
"So you want to revive W.A.R.T.?" Said Demelza.
"Not exactly." Said Harry. "We want to start our own organization, with our own goals in mind."
"Aren't you a bit young to be starting up a civil rights group?" Asked Mrs Creevey.
"We've got to start sometime, and given all the problems that arose between W.A.R.T. and the Ministry, we need all the time in the world to think of solutions." Said Harry. "Besides, we made a pretty good effort in Hogwarts. If the ministry and the parents hadn't intervened then Remus would probably still have a job."
"So we're going to form a Werewolf support group of our own." Said Demelza. "Awesome."
"Harry and I are." Said Emma. "You guys and the others are under no obligation to join as well."
"But we can if we want to?" Said Colin.
"I… guess…" Said Emma.
"Cool." Said Colin.
"Just try and be careful whatever you do." Said Mrs Creevey. "I don't want any of you to get arrested naked outside the Ministry or anything."
Everyone looked in Mrs Creevey in confusion.
"Why the heck would anyone do that?" Asked Demelza incredulously.
"Some protesters can be quite… radical." Said Mrs Creevey, seeming to blush.
"You weren't completely naked." Said Mr Creevey before he could stop himself.
"What?" Said Dennis in horror.
"Mum?" Said Colin in equal horror.
"So who's up for desert? I made a Carrot Cake."
ORACLE2PHOENIX
After dinner and a wonderful Carrot Cake, Demelza showed Harry and Emma her new room. It was essentially the same spare room that she and Emma had slept in the previous year. The only difference was the sofa bed had been replaced with an actual bed and the space had been more personalised.
"This looks cosy." Said Emma, she plopped herself on the bed.
"It is." Agreed Demelza. "It's so strange, it's like this is my bedroom now but it's also not…"
"It is." Said Colin insistently. "You're always welcome here."
"That's not what I mean." Said Demelza. "It does feel like it's my space but it doesn't feel like it did back in Cornwall."
"We can kind of relate to that." Said Harry. "Hogwarts has always felt more of a home to us than Privet Drive ever has."
"I know." Said Demelza. "I'm not sure it's the same thing though, here is starting to feel more like a home than Hogwarts."
"It will probably take you time to adjust." Said Emma.
"Yeah." Said Demelza. "So, what are your current plans for the organization?"
"Well…" Said Harry trailing off. "If the rest of the group want to join as well…"
"They will." Said Colin.
"Go on Potter." Said Demelza smiling.
"We were thinking of just evolving our current group into… our new group." Said Harry. "We have far more issues with the Wizarding World than just Werewolf rights."
"You want to become a pressure group to challenge the Ministry?" Said Demelza.
"Yeah." Said Harry. "First thing, even before the Werewolf rights thing, is Defence Against the Dark Arts. Let's face it this group was founded on Duelling, and we've been expressing significant concern over the subject since Lockhart."
"We're going to have to discuss this with everyone." Said Emma. "We've also been thinking more on the name."
"Harry's Duelling club?" Said Demelza.
"We don't have a name." Said Harry. "If we become the kind of group that I'm suggesting we'll need one, and no we are not naming it after me… or anyone for that matter."
"Spoilsport." Grumbled Demelza.
"What about the Defence Group." Said Colin. "We've kind of been that for a while anyway."
"I don't want it to be something so generic as 'group' though." Said Harry. "A Trust is also out. We're not just looking for funds, we're looking to stand up for all that we believe in."
"Club wouldn't work either." Said Emma. "We're not doing this for just leisure purposes anymore, this is serious."
"So something like charity…" Colin trailed off.
"No." Said Harry. "Again, we're not raising funds, we're campaigning for what we believe in."
"So… a name for a pressure group." Said Demelza. "Like a Union."
"As in a Trade Union?" Said Emma. "Is what we're doing what a Trade Union does?"
"I don't think so." Said Harry. "None of us have jobs."
"But we do have a profession to support." Said Demelza. "Defence Against the Dark Arts and we have people to stand up for as well, Lycanthropy sufferers and anyway Unions pressure the government in the Muggle World."
"Maybe." Said Harry "I'm still not set on the idea of becoming a Trade Union. We aiming for things other than workers' rights."
"It was just a thought." Said Demelza. "How about… I got nothing…"
"We need Hermione." Said Emma. "She's the smart one, she'll know plenty of words that can work."
"Fine, but no acronyms." Said Harry.
"Agreed." Said Demelza. "We are not warts."
The others burst out laughing.
"The weather is supposed to pick up, it should be nice at this beach in a few days." Said Demelza. "Can I tell my brothers to meet us there and then?"
"Sure." Said Harry. "Your parents aren't going to find out are they?"
"No. It's just going to be Zack taking his younger brother and sister to the beach. Mr and Mrs Robins don't need to know that they are consorting with an undesirable."
No one said anything at the time, but Harry and Emma both felt a bit disturbed by Demelza's referral to her parents and herself. She seemed to be embracing her estrangement.
ORACLE2PHOENIX
"Are we sure the weather is going to be nice?" Said Emma in disbelief as she looked out the bedroom window. Little Whinging looked like it was under the heads of a thousand power showers.
"Come again?" Said Harry.
"Look." Said Emma.
"Never mind." Said Harry. "It should be fine in Cornwall. Are you going to get changed?"
"Alright. If you could just give me a minute please?"
Harry and Emma simply wore their swimsuits under their clothes and the two of them ran to the small side alley they used last year and called on the Knight Bus.
ORACLE2PHOENIX
As usual the Knight Bus took its long trip round Britain and Ireland. On the way it stopped at Hepton Farm where it picked up Colin, Demelza and surprisingly Dennis.
"Hey guys." Said Colin. "I hope you don't mind, but the Robins want to meet both me and Dennis."
"No, that's not a problem." Said Harry. "You can probably take this opportunity to meet everyone else and ask any more questions you have about the Wizarding World."
"Also Eilidh will be happy to meet someone not as old as us." Said Demelza.
"Do you think we'll pick up anyone else?" Asked Harry.
"Not sure." Said Emma. "Ron and Ginny will most likely get a lift by Apparation, or even car as they don't live to far away. What about Hermione?"
"I think Mr Weasley went to pick her up, she's not fond of fast moving buses." Said Harry.
"Vicky and Natalie might get a lift." Said Emma. "Natalie's Uncle is apparently very proud of them for standing up for Remus, despite what their parents opinions are. I think we might get to meet him."
"That'll be interesting." Said Demelza. "The only other time we saw him was when he was playing bodyguard for those two Ministry officials."
"Oh yeah." Said Harry. "The other of those bodyguards is going to be our Defence Teacher."
"The guy with the peg leg?" Said Colin. "He looks like he's been through a war."
"He has been through a war." Said Emma. "Remember what Hermione said, he's a famous Auror from the Wizarding War. He's been passing his wisdom on to Harry."
"Hey. It's getting sunnier." Dennis piped up.
The others looked out the window, it was indeed.
"This is our stop." Said Demelza recognising the town in question. She had managed to pick about the only area of the country that was not under a torrential downpour.
ORACLE2PHOENIX
Demelza had chosen well. After getting off the Knight Bus at the beachside, they were treated to a scorching sunlit stretch of sandy beach with a view of the vast Atlantic Ocean.
"The town is just behind us, with various facilities we may want, such as toilets, chip shop and so." Said Demelza, as the others looked out at the view.
"That's the Ocean." Said Emma. "The whole world is out there, just beyond the Horizon."
"Yeah." Said Harry lamely.
"This is the first time you've seen the sea isn't it?" Said Dennis.
"Not exactly." Said Harry. "We saw it once, but at that time it was really stormy and… it was nothing like this."
"Just look at that…" Said Emma, her eyes fixed on the water. "It looks so… I wanna go in."
"So do I." Said Harry.
"Then go." Said Demelza. "We'll keep a lookout for everyone else, but my brothers are going to want to meet you both, they've heard a lot about you."
"But…" Harry began.
"Just go." Said Colin.
Harry and Emma looked at each other, as if gaging whether the other approved.
"We'll join you once more people come. Now go." Ordered Colin, an action a little out of character for him.
With that final prompting, Harry and Emma shed their clothes, which included Harry's specs, so that they were down to only their swimwear and raced for the water. They initially felt a little cool as a light breeze tickled their skin. But between the running and the sunrays shining form over the sea, they managed to warm up considerably.
Of course the second they entered the water they discovered it wasn't quite the same as the swimming baths in the Room of Requirement. By the time they stopped running they were up to their knees.
"Oh Godric that's cold." Moaned Emma.
"I think we're supposed to just go straight in." Said Harry. "Ladies first?"
Emma responded to that last statement by shoving her brother over, so that he fell butt first into the water. To add insult to injury, when his head surfaced and he finished shouting crying out in shock, she added. "No you first, I insist."
She then burst out laughing, pointing at her brother as he wriggled about in the sea.
He got used to the water a lot faster than he thought he would. She was still laughing and pointing, so it was a bit of a shock when he made his move. Clambering to his feet, Harry used Emma's outstretched arm to pull her closer then lifted her off her feet.
"AHH!" she shrieked.
Harry held Emma horizontally in his arms, at the ready. The brother and sister locked eyes for a moment before he dropped her in the water.
Harry stood over her splashing form, laughing, only to get the fright of his life when someone jumped on his back.
"Don't be mean to my friend Harry." Sniped Ginny in a mockingly bossy voice as she clung to Harry in an involuntary piggyback ride.
"Fair enough." Said Harry. He wiggled his arm back and fastened it around Ginny's waist. With one good tug, he rotated round her body around his, allowing him to grab her with two arms and she too ended up wet after being thrown in the water...
"Hey Harry." Came Ron's voice. Harry turned to see him and Hermione running closer, though most of Ron's attention was on Hermione. Harry couldn't blame him, she had obviously been shopping since they got back from school. His female best friend was clad in a brand new bikini and though he didn't think of her that way, Harry had to admit she looked attractive in it.
The two Weasleys were also in new outfits. Ron was in pair of shorts, not that different from Harry's, and Ginny had opted for a Sports Bikini, rather like Ruth's only red instead of black, Harry felt it suited her very well.
"Stop that line of thought Harry or Ron won't be too happy." Said a voice in Harry's.
"Nice to see the two of you enjoying yourselves." Said Hermione. "Demelza's brothers and sister have arrived, do you want to come and see them now?"
"Yeah lets." Said Harry.
They rather clumsily exited the water and made their way back up the sand.
"I like your new suit Ginny." Said Emma.
"Thanks. Percy took Ron and Fred and George and I shopping as a treat. He just got paid the other day." Said Ginny.
"That was nice of him." Said Emma.
"I think he feels a little obligated. Despite his insistence, Mum is refusing to let him pay digs." Said Ginny.
When they re-joined Colin and Dennis; Neville and Luna had arrived already also a young man and a little girl were there as well, Demelza seemed to have disappeared though.
Neville had the same suit he'd worn at Hogwarts, but Luna had obviously gone shopping as well at some point, or possibly she made it herself. Luna had gotten a two-piece rather similar to Emma's… in shape… but asides from the combination of a peach coloured top and a yellow coloured pair of shorts, she at some point added an image of two gnomes fighting over a radish.
"Do you like it Emma?" Said Luna. "My Daddy imprinted this using one of his devices. He had to freeze the image though, showing them actually moving in front of Muggles would not be that smart."
"Uh… yes it's very nice." Said Emma. "Did you draw it?"
"Yes." Said Luna. "About a year ago now."
"Yes she was just explaining that those creatures were called gnomes." Said the young man. "I'm Zack by the way. Demelza's oldest brother. This is Eilidh."
Zack was relatively tall and skinny with brown hair, the same colour as Demelza's, only his was shorter and curlier. Eilidh was only slightly smaller than Dennis, despite being 3 years younger, she had a freckly face that was complimented by a thin pair of glasses and long curly dark hair.
"Nice to meet you both." Said Harry friendlily.
"H… hello." Squeaked Eilidh, her voice almost as high pitched as Dennis's.
"Hi." Said Harry.
"Hey ya." Squeaked Dennis.
Eilidh regarded the smallest boy for a moment then smiled and held out her hand.
Dennis seemed to blush, but took it none the less. "I'm Dennis."
"Yes. Demelza said." Remarked Zack looking at the two youngest with amusement.
"Where is Demelza, she was here a second ago?" Asked Harry.
Zack sniggered then pointed to the pathway, just off the beach. Demelza was in the process of speaking quite aggressively to a boy, almost as tall as Zack, who looked thoroughly scared for his life.
"Max has been a bad boy." Said Eilidh. "But Demelza sent him a shouting letter a few weeks ago and he's been much less of a bad boy since."
"Well he's stopped drinking and he's no longer going out with dodgy people." Said Zack.
"Demelza scared him." Said Eilidh. "He immediately poured all the alcohol he hid at home down the sink and he's stopped bringing girls round. It's a bit of a shame, but some of them weren't very nice. I wonder he would be interested in any of my friends?"
Zack coughed uncomfortably, and everyone else tried not to look amused at the eight-year-old's ignorance. After a minute or so, Demelza pulled her younger older brother into a hug then dragged him over. Max looked severely chastised.
"So you two have fun?" Said Demelza cheerfully. "This is Max, and I see you've met my other siblings."
"Hello." Said Max solemnly looking at the ground.
"Oh don't be so broody, you've stopped being a twit now so we can move on." Said Demelza.
Max glared at her. This brother was considerably big for his age, like Demelza he was strongly built and Harry suspected he was athletic. With a slightly more cheerful personality he could probably be very popular with members of the other gender. Then again, from what Eilidh had said he already was.
"It is good to see you little sister." Said Zack, pulling her into a tight hug. It appeared that in her haste to set Max straight she had not properly greeted any of her siblings.
"Hey Eilidh." Said Demelza fondly as she actually lifted her sister off the ground and hugged her.
"He he he… I missed you Demelza. Mummy and Daddy don't know we're here today so don't tell them, ok?"
"No one is telling those gits anything." Growled Max loudly.
"Max." Said Zack sternly. "Remember, clean up your act."
"Git, is not a fucking swear word." He barked.
"Maybe not but that temper will get you into trouble if you don't watch yourself." Came a deep voice behind him.
Max turned and was confronted with a huge black man dressed in purple robes. Any thoughts he had on confronting this new person died, he had an aura that spoke 'do not mess with me, it won't go all that well'. Harry, Emma and the others from Hogwarts recognised him from when he escorted Madam Bones and Master Crouch.
"Hey guys." Said Natalie as she, Geoffrey and Vicky joined everyone. "This is my Uncle Kingsley, from the Shacklebolt side of the family."
"Greetings." Said Kingsley, his eyes wandered over everyone present and they stopped at Harry. "Mr Potter, and Miss Potter… my niece has told me quite a bit about you both. I must express my admiration for what you both did for Remus at school."
"You knew him?" Said Harry in surprise.
"A little." Conceded Kingsley. "He and your father were a couple of years below me at Hogwarts. But I shall not intrude on you much longer. Have a good day everyone."
Kingsley Shacklebolt left the youths to their own devices.
"Tha…" Max stuttered. "That guy felt like a cop."
"What's a cop?" Asked Natalie.
"Uh… you know… police…" Said Max in confusion.
"Oh I know police… wait aren't they the people who hate me?" said Natalie. "My Uncle loves me…"
"Why do the police hate you?" Said Max in confusion.
"They don't Natalie, we've told you this." Said Hermione. "Some of them have just recently been exposed as quite racist."
"Whatever." Said Natalie. "Anyway my Uncle is an Auror, I understand there are similarities to the police."
"Ah… right." Said Max. "I meant nothing by that…"
"Why would you?" Said Natalie.
"Uh there is some limited hostility to the police in this world." Said Hermione.
"I thought the police were the hostile ones?" Said Natalie in confusion.
"Can we just leave this?" Said Ron. "We're here to have fun right?"
"Fine. So are we going swimming or not?" Said Natalie, supressing her curiosity. She turned to face Max again. "Did you bring your trunks big boy?"
ORACLE2PHOENIX
There was no denying that Demelza was happy to see her brothers and sister again. Her siblings intermixed pretty well with the group, despite the fact that two of them had no access to magic whatsoever.
Max was giving Hermione a bit of the eye, much to the irritation of Ron. Thankfully any conflict was avoided because Natalie seemed very interested in the 16-year-old and he found her interesting enough to divert much of his attention away from Hermione and her new suit. Emma silently wondered if there was a future there. Probably not, then again, Natalie was sort of like the third wheel with Vicky and Geoffrey, maybe a boyfriend was just what she needed. Still, given how much time she would spend at Hogwarts it probably wasn't worth thinking about all that much.
Eilidh and Dennis seemed quite keen to play games with each other. As the youngest other person heading off to Hogwarts, Eilidh seemed very keen on making friends with the boy, she had brought a beach ball and had convinced him to play catch with her in the sea.
Zack in the meantime was very interested in Harry and Emma.
"I need to thank you both for what you've done for my sister." He said. "I'm quite sure she would be an emotional wreck by now if it were not for the two of you."
"It's no problem." Said Harry. "We too have issues with our relatives. They're a bit different but…"
"Even so." Said Zack. "I have to ask you both something. Something I really don't want mentioned to Demelza or Eilidh. Does the Wizarding World have any… facilities for homeless children?"
"Uhh…" Harry didn't know.
"Yes." Said Emma. "Though I wouldn't recommend them. Children with nowhere else to go are made wards of Hogwarts and stay in the castle until they reach maturity. After that they are given a grant to find themselves a home and make their way in the world, be it Magical or not. There are no facilities to help them make the transition though and most have to rely on friends. Why do you ask?"
"I want to keep my options open." Said Zack. "I really never believed our father would go as far as he did. But there is nothing that can be done about that now. I'm making preparations to take custody of Eilidh should I need to… but as I proved last year, I'm not up to the job."
"We'll keep an eye on her." Said Emma. "That's what family does."
"Why do you both care so much, if you don't mind me asking?" Said Zack.
"Our relatives were not a good choice for raising us." Said Emma.
"We don't like thinking about our time before Hogwarts, but we recognise the faults of some parents and guardians for what they are." Said Harry. "We will help our friends, because our Hogwarts family is really all we have."
Zack looked a bit taken aback.
"We will protect Eilidh, as Demelza's sister and as our friend." Said Emma. "It looks like she's quite close to Dennis right now anyway."
Zack chuckled, but then he pulled a bit of a frown. "My parents don't realise this, but they're not just driving Demelza away. I didn't spend Christmas with them out of protest. Max has spent a good deal of time away as well. Please don't abandon my sister."
"We won't." Said Harry. "I promise."
Most of those at the beach were too old to really play silly puerile games like tossing a beach ball around or making sand castles, but Eilidh and Dennis were just young enough and Harry and Emma never had the opportunity to do this growing up. In any case, even for Zack and Max, there were certain things that were always fun to do at the beach.
At around midday, a group of people went up into the village and came back with food from the local chip shop. Also to the delights of Eilidh, Colin, Dennis and their sweet tooths, there was an ice cream van nearby as well.
ORACLE2PHOENIX
"I'm really going to miss you guys." Said Demelza emotionally as she pulled her older brothers into a nice long cuddle.
"We'll keep in touch." Said Zack. "Having reunions like this is going to be difficult, but not undoable."
"We should try something just before you go back to school, just the four of us." Said Max.
"You'll write to me won't you?" Asked Eilidh pleadingly.
"I will." Said Demelza. "Now that I'm gone, you're in charge of keeping these two in line."
"Hey what did I do?" Protested Zack.
"You got a girlfriend and I had to hear it from Eilidh." Said Demelza. "Will I get to meet Rachel?"
"Uhh… we'll see." Said Zack.
"You'll write to me to Dennis?" Said Eilidh urgently, distracting everyone's attention.
"Of course." Said Dennis. "The school has access to its own owls, I'll write to you and tell you how Hogwarts is."
"Yay… Thanks…" Said Eilidh excitedly hugging the slightly older boy.
"We need to go now." Said Zack. "I promised I'd get these two home for tea…"
"Bye." Said Demelza weakly.
The three members of the Robins family, got into a car and drove off.
"So what now?" Said Ron. "I'm not too ready to go home yet."
"When do you get picked up?" Asked Emma.
"We don't." Said Ginny. "Mum gave us money for the Knight Bus. We go home when we feel like it, though I'd imagine she'd be pretty mad if we waited too late."
"I have money as well." Said Hermione. "I didn't know how long I'd be out."
"Same." Said Geoffrey.
Vicky and Natalie nodded their heads as well.
"Us too." Said Neville indicating himself and Luna.
"So what now?" Asked Ginny.
"Harry and Emma want to talk about group stuff." Said Colin.
"I could go for that." Said Natalie. "It's still nice and warm here and no one has tried being mean to me yet. Maybe the Muggle world isn't as bad as I thought it was."
"Why did you think it would be bad?" Asked Hermione.
"No one minds me being black in the Wizarding World." Said Natalie. "The knowledge that someone here might is a little… off-putting."
"Do you think I could head back early?" Asked Dennis. "I'm not really part of this group."
"You're always welcome." Said Emma kindly. "But you probably wouldn't have anything to say."
"I'll flag up the bus and get you home." Said Colin.
He and Dennis left for a few minutes then Colin came back. Harry then explained what he planned to do.
"Our parents will be furious." Said Vicky. "But I think I still want to do this."
"What she said." Remarked Natalie. "Uncle Kinglsey told me never to give up on werewolf rights."
"Just to make it clear." Said Harry. "No one is obliged to sign up to this, it's not going to be easy. It's also not just about werewolves and duelling anymore. I think Fudge is a problem and I think the Ministry is a problem."
"In order to change this world, we must first change ourselves." Said Luna. "We must form a coherent front to challenge the issues we're confronted with. Then we must encourage others to join and support us."
"So it's settled then." Said Emma. "Our Duelling Group is about to change. So I think this is a great time to name our organization."
"We are still about Defence." Said Hermione. "Not just the subject, we are talking about Defending those who are discriminated against, not just werewolves, but I think…" She seemed reluctant to continue
"You can say it." Said Ron. "We'll protect Muggleborns and fight for their rights to."
Hermione smiled gratefully at Ron. "Thanks, I didn't want to say it myself."
"There will be other groups as well." Said Harry. "But we can add them later. Right now, name?"
"Well you don't want us to be a trust, a society or a trade union." Said Emma. "I still think a trade union is the closest thing to what we are."
"A group that defends rights, promotes the quality of a profession and stands up to those in authority in order to make those achievements." Said Luna. "A Guild."
"A Guild?" Said Harry. "I'm not sure everything we're planning comes under the definition of a Guild."
"But Guilds can stand for more than their craft or profession." Said Hermione. "We are a Defence Against the Dark Arts support group. In recognition of Professor Lupin's efforts and the quality of his teaching, we now support Werewolf rights…"
"…and we now recognise that the Ministry is indirectly encouraging a decline in the quality of Defence." Said Harry. "Alright. We become a Guild, but we still need a name. The Defence Guild?"
"I think that would be best." Said Hermione. "We are still a Duelling group and we still hold the quality of Defence Against the Dark Arts as a top priority."
"Ok then." Said Harry. "Those in favour of us becoming the Defence Guild, say aye."
"Aye." Said Hermione.
"Aye." Said Emma.
"Aye." Said Ron
"Aye." Ginny
"Aye." Luna
"Aye." Demelza
"Aye." Colin
"Aye." Neville
"Aye." Natalie
"Aye." Vicky
"Aye." Geoffrey
Harry nodded. "Aye." He said. "Then it is settled, from this day forth we are the Defence Guild."
"So what now?" asked Ginny.
"We need to start planning." Said Harry. "As nice as it is here, we need somewhere to meet that's indoors so we can discuss and plan things from this point forward."
"I'll ask my Gran." Said Neville. "She may even be able to help us, she knows the Wizengamot and the Ministry very well, we also have the space."
"Alright, but don't make her feel she has to let us in." Said Harry.
Neville snorted. "There is not a soul alive or dead that could make her think that."
ORACLE2PHOENIX
Later that evening Harry and Emma settled into their room and left the Durselys to their own devices.
After such an exhausting day, it was all the Potters could do to get a nice long rest.
"Good night Harry?" Said Emma, going to bed.
"Night Emma." Said Harry.
However, after midnight, as everyone in No. 4 slept, Emma felt huge pain in her chest. It was if a knife had been dug into her heart. But she did not wake, all she could see was the forest. It was deep and dark and cursed. The trees surrounding the immediate area were white, as if all life had been reaped from them.
In the centre a spectral essence resided, clearly in agony. It was alone, and surrounded by the rotting carcasses of hundreds of dead animals.
There was a sudden sound. The spectral essence seemed to glance in the direction of some bushes.
"A rat." It whispered in disgust. "Very well I shall…" But the essence cut itself off as the rat transformed.
"M… my Lord…"
The Essence reared itself up to regard this human that now stood before it.
"I… I have come to re-enter your service… m…master…"
"Wormtail!" Uttered the creature, hope evident in its voice.
Emma woke with a start, gasping for air and clutching the area of her chest just over her heart. The pain was intense, but no matter how hard she clasped herself, she could not quell it. The feeling was rooted behind the bones and out of her reach, it felt horrible.
Next to her, Harry woke up at the same time, clutching his scar and panting for breath.
"Emma. I… just saw Voldemort… and Pettigrew… in a forest… somewhere…"
Now the bad news, well maybe not entirely for me but… I'm going back to College, starting on Monday. I've been to inductions and the course tutor said that this course is going to be really hard work, I don't know if she was only saying that because she was in a room full of school leavers but I suspect it will take up most of my time, which is not going to leave a lot for fanfiction.
Therefore I'm warning you, while I'm not going to abandon fanficiton, my time for it over the next year or so is going to be limited. I will still try and answer messages sent to me as often as I can, to update my profile occasionally but, while I'll do all I can, updating the stories may not be so manageable. The recent 6 week absence I had was actually because I was on a placement in preparation for this course. I will do what I can but no more, I've always encouraged authors to focus on studying more than fanfiction and I'm going to be doing the same for myself.
The good news I'm finally finished Third Year. The last couple of chapters may have been more interesting but I am so glad I'm out of the Prisoner of Azkaban year. This marks the end of Phase 1, or perhaps phase 2 because phase 1 might have ended when Emma arrived at Hogwarts. Whatever I'm now entering the next phase, which for the sake of argument we shall call phase 2, which may mean nothing to you guys but I'm telling you anyway.
I'm going to try and post the next chapter for 23rd September which will be this stories 2nd birthday, but no promises.
Please review.
