DISCLAIMER: That part of this world and those characters you've seen before belong to their Creator: JKR. The rest is mine - although I cannot quit my day job as I make no $$$
A/N: YES! YES! I KNOW! IT'S ELIZABETH THE SECOND!!! I fixed it.
And as to the airplanes, see end A/N…
CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN: THERE'S MAGIC?
SUNDAY, JULY 14th, 1996 –Government House, Pottersport, Charenwell.
"This is the perfect spot, Dudley," Clara said. They seemed to be at a corner of some barricades right up front. "I'm surprised no one's staked it out already, but we are early."
"Perfect?" Dudley asked.
"To see things. We're right up front on the opposite side of the main path from where the carriages will pull up. Most people think the other side is better. But I think we can actually see more from here, don't you?" She was really excited.
"I guess," Dudley said. "You know more about this than I do. When's this supposed to begin?"
Clara opened a pamphlet. "They gave me this when we came through the Gatehouse," she said, "it's a program of sorts. It says here the procession should begin at two. The Duke is going to have an audience with Her Majesty beforehand."
"That's forty-five minutes," Dudley noted. "A long time to stand…"
"No worries there, Dudley. Act like you're going to sit."
"What?"
"Trust me."
Dudley began to sit down even though there was neither a chair nor a bench beside him. He was not sure what was going to happen or if she was messing with him. Before he could make up his mind Clara was sitting on something. Dudley looked behind him and a small park bench was there. He sat down next to Clara, as the bench really was only large enough for the two of them, and looked at her in shock.
"Some kind of magical field," she said with a shrug. "Don't ask me what kind. Could be some kind of conjuration keyed to our thoughts or movements, but I don't know."
"It's real?" Dudley asked.
"Real enough," Clara replied. "Although it will probably disappear if we stand."
"Guess we won't stand then," Dudley said.
"Well, not until the procession at any rate. We'll have to stand for that."
"Still, this is pretty cool. I never thought about magic being useful."
"It's just a different kind of thing. Technology is useful too. Just like technology, magic can be put to good uses, convenient ones like this, or bad ones. Good people are good people. Magic doesn't change that."
"Can magic make people like people they wouldn't like otherwise?"
"Not really. There are magics that can make people act or behave in ways they would not. They are mostly illegal and always considered improper. But deep down, it can't change who a person really is. They have things called Love Potions, but those don't make the person love anyone. Lust? Sure. Suppress their inhibitions? They can do that. But the potion can't create a true feeling or one which would last after the potion wears off. Why do you ask?"
"I … No girl has ever liked me before, at least not that I know of. I just wondered … I mean it's been a day and …"
"I will admit, based on what you've told me about your past, I probably wouldn't have liked you at all a couple years ago. But I didn't meet that Dudley, did I? I met you. I met a nice looking boy who wasn't mean to me and didn't think he could get boyfriend privileges just because I talked to him. That happens, you know. I also met a boy who figured out he needed to change and was willing to, not for me but for himself. Mummy always said if you can't like the boy as he is, then don't bother. I like the Dudley I met yesterday and who gave me flowers today and is taking me to the Ball. I don't know why, but I do. I just hope he likes me too."
"I do," Dudley said. "That's also weird in a way given the fact I hated magic almost as much as my Dad does once. You're showing me that my fear was misplaced, I guess. I should not fear a good witch, should I?"
"Not unless you really piss her off," Clara giggled. "But that is not a witch thing, it's a woman thing."
"You've been showing me that. It's not about magic, is it? It's about people."
The Queen looked either confused or upset. She had just listened to a lengthy discussion of the Concubine Bond, its history, effect, uses and permutations, both in the general sense and in regards to the women before her. She heard of its abuses back in Britain and heard from each woman as to their relationship with Harry. She also learned about the laws and trade in Britain supporting that culture and of the laws in Charenwell placing severe restrictions upon it. She learned the Bond was practically permanent and to break it entirely would have dire consequences to the witch. Those who were "free" remained bound to a family, not a single wizard, but such "family Bonds" took years to form and could only become effective once the Wizard died and then only if he wished it to be so. Most either did not, or did not know they could which was why Minerva was still bound to her third generation of wizard. It shocked the Queen that the accomplished woman was unashamed of her status or of her relationship with the boy young enough to be her grandson. But it was the boy who stole the show.
It was clear that he found the whole thing repugnant. However, he saw it as his duty to help those that he could. He could not break the bond, but he could make the lives of those bound to him better, meaningful and fulfilling for them. She then learned the other young men present were doing the same thing. From the women who had been bonded before they joined this group, she learned about what most wizards in Britain were like and how this life was heaven in comparison.
"This is not what we were told," she said. "We were told that it is slavery, which you do not deny outright, and that it is as illegal in magical Britain as in the rest of our realm. We were told the Duke is an immature boy who does not know any better and is probably doing this because he is selfish, shallow, and disrespectful of others and that he believes he is above the law. The Duke is a spoiled child with no moral fiber or concept of right or wrong. To be quite frank, we arrived here expecting just that. What we learn here puts lie to all we were told before we left. We see we were misinformed at even the most basic of levels regarding this aspect of our magical subjects and their culture. Lord Harry is as different from what we were led to believe as day is from night. We are forced to wonder in what other ways our Magical Counselor has misled us and for what purpose.
"I am sure, Lord Harry, that our discussions must have seemed at best like a scolding from a grandparent, which might seem apt seeing as my grandsons are about your age. I now regret my approach to this situation. You are indeed a surprising young man and a credit to your family and your country and I apologize to any offense caused either to you or your remarkable ladies."
After a half an hour or more of defending a position that in the broadest sense he considered indefensible, but in this situation thought was necessary, Harry finally relaxed a little. "Thank you, Your Majesty. For a while there, it felt as if I were caught out of bounds after curfew. Professor McGonagall could be quite – er – intimidating under such circumstances. Didn't matter what I thought at the time, disappointing her always made me feel guilty. I never wanted to and never want to let her down."
"Thank you Harry," Minerva said.
"It's true," he smiled. "Magical Counselor, Your Majesty?"
"Indeed, Lord Harry," the Queen said. "The Crown of England has had a Magical Counselor since before the Norman Invasion. It was and is a wizard whose function is to advise the Crown on issues of magic and the magical world. When your Duchy was granted independence from England in 1217, it was with the understanding that the Duke serve in such capacity in perpetuity and at the Crown's pleasure. Our estate here on your south coast is no accident. It was built over two hundred years ago to facilitate communications between the Crown and its Counselor in conditions of secrecy. That was rather hard to do in London or Windsor surrounded by courtiers."
"But if it's the Duke, how could you have met with your Counselor before I was invested?"
"Towards the end of your last wizards' war, and not long after Margaret Thatcher became our Prime Minister, because that war had spilled over noticeably into our world, and in consultations with the Prime Minister and your Ministry of Magic in Britain, we deemed it prudent to consider a Counselor closer to the problems as it were. This was not long after Duke Charlus passed and while we had faith and admiration for your Grandfather, our government did not hold with his conclusion that the problems back home could and should be resolved internally as opposed to by my government. While he was recommending some form of military intervention, he felt that non-magical involvement was dangerous. As this was deemed inflammatory at the time, we were persuaded to seek counsel closer to home."
Harry nodded. "Might I ask whether you had a meeting with your Counselor since this past Wednesday?"
"I had."
"And it was then that he spoke to you about my fitness to rule or stand as Duke? I gathered the premise of your questioning was along those lines ultimately."
"It was and you are correct, Lord Harry. It was also I should note the first time we spoke of you in any context. He had mentioned an unnamed 'Boy-Who-Lived'…"
"Merlin I hate that name," Harry growled.
"My apologies."
"It's okay, Ma'am."
"As I said, he had mentioned this other boy before, but without name or detail. I was surprised at our talks. I have faith in the judgment of our ambassador here and his assessment seemed to be of a totally different young man. I am pleased that it was his assessment that is accurate."
"Would I be wrong in assuming your Counselor is Albus Dumbledore?"
"You would not. I am curious as to why you supposed it was him."
"Many reasons, not in the least being he is de facto dictator back home. But the timing is consistent. Since arriving here I have learned that he has been plotting against me and my country, probably for years. He illegally held me in Britain following the death of my parents. He illegally appointed himself as my guardian and used such guardianship to access my family accounts, to what end I do not know. And, it would seem, he concocted a rather elaborate plan to have me married off and breeding, produce an heir, assassinate me and gain control of that heir for his own purposes. On Wednesday, I pretty much put a stop to all of that, publically called into question his competence and honesty, revealed him as an embezzler and legally had his accounts frozen pending repayment of the stolen funds. It would seem the old coot is the one throwing the tantrum."
"You have evidence of this?"
"As to his misuse or outright theft, I do. It was deemed sufficient to freeze his accounts. As to the rest, yes. However to use it would expose assets we would prefer not to place at risk. It was deemed sufficient to use other evidence in our possession to take action against his followers who were the key to executing his plan."
"Again, Lord Harry, it would seem our Ambassador is right and our former Magical Counselor is wrong. It is true you are very young and inexperienced. But you are surrounded by capable advisors and accept their counsel. And you are also decisive. Your predecessor is old, to our knowledge accepts no counsel other than his own, and would prefer not to make a decision, or at least let us know he has made one.
"Albus Dumbledore is discharged as Magical Counselor without recognition forthwith. The Duke of Charenwell is hereby reinstated as it ought to have been."
"Are you sure, Your Majesty?" Harry asked. "You were quite right when you noted my youth and inexperience."
"We are quite confident in you, Lord Harry. What you lack in experience you make up for, or so it seems, by learning. We are confident you will not answer our questions unless you know the answer or have a considered opinion on the matter. We have correctly noted you are well advised and consider such advice in making your decisions and we further note that your decisions and your agenda are for and in the best interest of your people. We believe further that your years in Britain have made our people yours as well if not under your governance, then in your heart. You took upon your rather unique family not because you wanted to or because it was in your best interests to do so, rather because it was in their best interests. We desire the counsel of such a wizard, Lord Harry. We welcome advise from those who give it for the good of others and not because it furthers their own aims. We recognize your responsibility to place the welfare of your nation before all things, but are still confident you shall perform your service to us and advise us as to our own magical matters with the interests of our government at the forefront.
"That being said, Lord Harry, you are aware are you not of the situation in our magical realm?"
"Acutely, You Majesty. Your magical realm is involved in a resumption of a civil war. The current situation is merely a continuation of the war that occurred from sometime before 1971 through the murder of my parents in 1981. The factions are the same as are the principals. Most unfortunately, the magical realm chose to take no action during the hiatus to eliminate the causes. As the animosities remained, it was only a matter of time before open hostilities resumed."
"So this Voldemort person has returned from the dead?"
"That would assume he died, Your Majesty. There is no evidence that he did. But yes, he has returned. I have seen him."
"You've fought him," Hermione said.
"Oh?" the Queen asked.
Harry nodded. "Four times thus far," he said. "Twice when he was attempting to return and twice since. The first two times I beat him somehow."
"Beat him?"
"In 1981, his physical body was destroyed, yet his spirit somehow remained. When I was eleven, he took possession of a wizard who was a professor at my school. I faced him and killed the man he possessed, preventing his complete return at that time. A year later I destroyed his second attempt. A year ago, he managed his complete return and I fought him to a standstill. A few weeks ago, I and my friends fought his best and most dangerous followers to a standstill despite being outnumbered two to one. I also faced him again. I do not yet understand by what magic he has managed to evade death and return. But he has returned, his followers flocked to him and it's as if the intervening years never happened." Harry felt that to discuss horcruxes was unnecessary, particularly as the evidence suggested they might no longer exist.
"Dumbledore mentioned this. He seemed confident that it was a minor inconvenience."
"In which case he is either a fool or has an agenda of his own that is probably not in the best interest of Your Majesty or your people. The terrorist organization known as Death Eaters quite nearly won last time. Their goal is to take over the magical world and enslave the non-magical. Conquest of Magical Britain is only the beginning and they were on the brink of that victory in 1981. They returned in full force while the magical government took no action whatsoever to prevent them from returning or any action that would protect us in the event of their return or the rise of another similar movement.
"To be frank, Voldemort and his Death Eaters, while a real and dangerous threat to us all, are not the problem. They are merely a symptom and until the problem is dealt with, both of our worlds remain in peril."
"What is the real problem?"
"To over simplify, the problem is bigotry. The terrorists are mostly Purebloods. Those who are not believe in the supremacy of bloodline…"
"Sounds like Hitler and his Nazis and that Aryan nonsense."
"An appropriate analogy I believe," Harry replied. "The problem is this belief system dates back centuries. Worse, the government is for all practical purposes run by the bigots. All seats on the Wizengamot are hereditary. The government is mostly Purebloods or those from ancient magical lines. Those from newer magical families have no voice whatsoever. Worse, the prejudice prevents them from even getting jobs in the government. While not all Purebloods believe they are a superior race, many do and those that do only oppose Voldemort's methods, if they oppose him at all. The whole system, the whole society as it is now constituted is rotten to its core and must be replaced."
"And your recommendations?"
"Obviously, the first actions must be directed against the Death Eaters. That organization must be exterminated to the last man. They are all mass murderers of the worst sort. That would eliminate the immediate threat. But the entire social system that gave rise to them must be eliminated as well. The current government must be replaced by a more equitable system. The caste system must be destroyed. The educational system must also be replaced. In its current incarnation, it fosters the environment of caste and bigotry that is at the heart of the problem that finds that world in its current crisis."
"What is your assessment of the ability of the magical government to deal with the situation?"
"They can't. They will fail. It's only a question of when and not if."
"During your last War, my government was considering military intervention. Are you saying it is really the only option?"
"I would say that direct, military intervention by your current armed forces should be considered an option of last resort. However, military intervention will be necessary."
"You're saying we should not do it, but we have to?"
"What I am saying, Your Majesty, it this: We cannot sit back and hope that the magicals in Britain will sort this out on their own in a manner that is in our long term best interest. We consider it almost certain that Voldemort and his vile following will prevail in magical Britain in time. But, direct intervention by a non-magical force would probably be counter-productive. In addition to revealing magic to a much larger number of people – quite possibly to the world at large – which might well reawaken the animosities that led to our secrecy in the first place, there is also the fact that most magicals would resist, regardless of their leanings. However, an intervention by a magical force loyal to Your Majesty could both succeed and preserve the secrecy of our world.
"Although I have only been Duke for two weeks officially and lived until three weeks ago ignorant of both this nation and my family's role, I have already directed my government to begin preparations for war. Magical Britain lacks both the will and the means to deal with the crisis. Charenwell lacks merely the means. Last week, I took actions directed at weakening the enemy financially. As Lord Black, I learned that Voldemort's financiers owed me a huge amount of money and the debts have been called. For all practical purposes, they are broke. Even more important, their safe havens and storage sites were all or mostly on Black lands. I have retaken control and confiscated what was there. It will set them back, but they will recover given time. They will recover because I doubt the magical government will take action. But this gives us time as well.
"We are in the initial planning stages. Some things can be done fairly soon. We hope to begin an evacuation of First Generation witches and wizards and their families from Britain within the next few months. They are under the most immediate risk of harm in the current crisis. They will be relocated here, although we are still working on the means. Travel to this country by magical means is exceedingly difficult and limited. Even my own countrymen typically travel to Britain by ship or airplane. We intend to airlift the evacuees from Britain over a period of months because that is easiest and quickest way to move them. There is the added advantage that using non-magical transport will not be detected. We are concerned that despite the fact they are at risk, should the magical government discover the Muggle Borns are leaving, they will try to stop it. Fortunately, they do not monitor airports.
"Removing the Muggle Borns will also effectively destroy the concubine trade. The vast majority of witches so bound are Muggle Borns. We are taking additional measures to significantly reduce if not eliminate that particular problem.
"Those are near term plans. Long term, I plan to raise a magical military which will be used to deal with the issues in magical Britain. I believe only that sort of intervention will work, but by keeping it magical, it will not create enmity between the worlds. And, as Charenwell is part of non-magical Britain, use of our troops is in a sense use of your own, Your Majesty. We are a long way from that point as it now stands and I would like to be able to consult with your government on these and related defense issues."
"It would appear you have given this matter far more thought that your predecessor, Lord Harry. You are also far more concerned about the troubles and the potential impact upon the rest of Britain than he seemed to be. I can assume you planned to consult with my government at some point?"
"We were planning on contacting your ambassador fairly soon once we had a better idea of what we could do now and what we need to be able to do what we might need to do later."
"We shall let our Prime Minister the Right Honorable Mr. Major know. We assume you would prefer to consult here?"
"It would be preferable, Your Majesty."
"Very well. We are sure that can be arranged. A word of caution, Lord Harry: the Prime Minister does have contacts with your world. It now seems regrettable that his contacts are through the British Minister for Magic's office."
"I was not aware of that, Your Majesty, but it makes some sense. However, at this time the Ministry is in a bit of turmoil. There is likely to be a vote of no confidence against Minister Fudge any day now and it might take them some time to replace him. This might be the most opportune time to meet with the Prime Minister."
"We shall see that it is arranged, Lord Harry. Whom should we contact here?"
"The Lord Mayor's office will handle scheduling and other details, Your Majesty."
SUNDAY, JULY 14th, 1996 – Pottersport, Charenwell.
"What are you watching?" Vernon Dursley said looking up from that day's copy of the London Times, which was about the only thing about his situation he was not complaining about. At least they had his newspaper here.
"It's the Queen's State Visit, Vernon," Petunia said. "It's happening now up at the Castle. Her motorcade arrived several minutes ago. They fired off cannons, the troops saluted; they played God Save the Queen and all of that. According to the telly, she's in a tent out in front of the castle right now meeting with the Duke of this place."
"Bloody useless," Vernon grumbled.
"We are now switching live to our team in the Castle who will cover the events," the television announcer said. The scene shifted to a man and a woman who seemed to be seated at a desk in the open. Behind them, Petunia could see a crowd gathering on a large lawn. Beyond that was a high, stone wall and a classic castle gatehouse where a steady stream of people were coming and moving off to the lawn.
"Good afternoon Charenwell," the man said, "I'm of course Nigel Martin."
"And I'm Emma Harris," the woman said, "and we're live from the courtyard of Government House awaiting the procession of guest and dignitaries for the first State visit from Queen Elizabeth in almost ten years. Needless to say, the crowd seems excited at the prospect of seeing the Queen."
"And what a day as well," Nigel said. "State occasions prevented Her Majesty from attending the Investiture of Duke Harry two weeks ago and she was represented by her ambassador. But she's here today to formally recognize our Duke and Duchess and to preside over the elevation of the Duke's Consort Lady Black to Countess of Darby. She will also be awarding knighthoods to the Countess, our Duke's newest Lady, Ginevra Weasley and our Duke's close friend Lord Neville Longbottom who, along with the Duchess, our Lord Mayor and Lady Dame Dora Black, fought in pitched battle against terrorist who threatened the security of Britain."
"What's this rubbish about Duchesses, Countesses and Ladies and such," Vernon growled.
"Hush Vernon," Petunia said.
"Let's cut to our own Sally Rogers who's with her crew in the crowd," the woman said.
The scene cut to a younger woman who was standing with her microphone. Behind her was the growing crowd of people. "Thank you Emma," she said. "Well, as you can see we are getting quite a turn out here today. Security believes that we may well see more people for today's event than for the Duke's Investiture two weeks ago. They are estimating there will be well over twelve thousand here today, which should push the catering staff for the picnic buffet to its limits. No word yet on how many will be lucky enough to attend the State Banquette and Ball, but we can be certain that each ticket holder is hoping they will be one of the lucky ones in the Lottery. Let's see."
The camera followed the woman as she walked over to a line of velvet ropes, behind which the crowd was gathering. The camera focused on two young people who were seated on a bench. Petunia recognized the boy immediately.
"VERNON! DUDLEY'S ON THE TELLY!"
"What's this nonsense?" Vernon said, and then he saw his son's face seated next to a very pretty girl with light brown hair. "That must be his date. Why would he be at that sort of thing?"
"Hush Vernon!"
"So," the woman asked Dudley, "are you enjoying the festivities?"
"Not much happening right now," Dudley said, "But I am enjoying the company," he added indicating the girl he had his arm around.
"And who are you, young Lady?"
"Clara. Clara Jasper and my family and I are up from Pottersport. This is my friend Dudley who's just moved here from a place outside London in England."
"Really? So this is your first time in Charenwell?"
Dudley nodded. "My Dad's company sent him here to run a new plant they're building."
"Our Duke did mention something along those lines two weeks ago," the news lady said. "What do you know about it?"
"Not much really. My Dad worked at a plant that made drills. We moved here for the new plant which is making munitions or some sort, I think. His company makes that as well, I heard. They're building a whole city eventually, but I suppose you'd already know that."
"Am I wrong in supposing you are not like most of us?"
"I'm just a person," Dudley said with a shrug. "In the end, that's all any of us truly are, right?"
"Well said. Welcome to Charenwell."
"Thanks."
"So are you two lucky enough to be attending the Ball later? You sure look dressed for it."
"We didn't come here with an invite," Clara replied. "But I did get picked in the lottery and Dudley here was kind enough to offer to be my escort."
"What's this?" Vernon said to the screen.
"Looking forward to meeting the Queen?"
"I am," Clara said. Dudley just shrugged.
"I'm more interested in meeting the Duke, myself," Dudley said. "I mean, he does live here and all and from what Clara says I might well run into him from time to time. That and there's the fact we are about the same age."
"The lad's getting to meet this Duke?" Vernon said.
"So it would appear," Petunia replied and the news woman ended her talk and looked for someone else to interview.
"Taking their bloody time," Vernon said going back to his paper. Several minutes later the original pair was back on the screen.
"We have just received word that the audience has concluded," the man called Nigel began, "and the special guests are exiting the tent for the carriages which means the procession is about to start. Emma?"
"According to the program," Emma said, "Lord Mayor Lupin and his guest will be in the first carriage leading the guests and dignitaries along with Sir Stephen Blaire, Her Majesty's Ambassador and his wife. They will be followed by the families of some of our young women who were illegally sold into slavery within the past few years…"
"What's this rubbish?" Vernon asked looking up.
"A most despicable thing," Nigel went on. "Sources from within Government House have reported that some forty-two girls were sold into slavery in Britain over the last few years by their high government officials who took advantage of our government's inability to act without a sitting Duke. Our Duke has demanded reparations for the families of the victims seeing as our British friends are unwilling to release their slaves and return them home."
"WHAT KIND OF NONSENSE IS THAT?" Vernon bellowed. "THERE ARE NO SLAVES IN BRITAIN!"
"Vernon, I'm sure they're just mistaken," Petunia said.
""Then it's bloody inflammatory propaganda! Even the bloody Russians were not this bad!"
"There is some suggestion that should the British Government fail to comply with our legitimate demands, the Duke will seek authorization for a full on trade embargo. Seeing as over eighty percent of their food supply is from our fields and fishing fleet. That could have serious implications going forward."
"They're daft! We are not dependent upon one country for that much!" Vernon said. "And if they're rattling their sabers, what's the bloody Queen doing here at all?"
"Vernon!"
Vernon shut his mouth as the first carriages began entering the courtyard. They were spaced such that the next carriage in line did not emerge from the gatehouse until the one in front had dropped off its passengers and moved on. They watched as the Lord Mayor and his date and the British Ambassador waived to the crowd. Vernon grumbled that the Ambassador seemed to be in far too good of a mood if there was really talk of slaves and an embargo. The next three carriages held the families of the repatriated victims, who were now married to some of the other guests. The family of "The Former Miss Shelly Parker" was first and the announcer said Miss Parker had just recently married a Mr. George Weasley, said to be a very capable British businessman. The Smith family was next. Their daughter Verity apparently was married to another business man named Fred Weasley. They were followed by the Carter family, whose daughter Danielle was also married to Fred Weasley.
"ALSO?" Vernon howled. "WHAT DO THEY MEAN ALSO? THAT'S ILLEGAL NONSENSE THAT IS!"
The last of the families to arrive were the Johnsons, whose daughter Samantha was recently married to a William Weasley who was a banker.
"Sickos! The whole ruddy lot of them!" Vernon growled.
A carriage entered with a young man with red hair and three women. "Next," Emma said, Mr. William Weasley and his family: his wife and Consort the former Ms. Fleur Delacour and his wives the former Ms. Mary Howard and Ms. Samantha Johnson."
"Did she just say wives?" Vernon growled.
"I think she did," Petunia said in shock.
"And here comes one of his brothers," Emma continued as a new carriage with another red haired young man and three women entered the courtyard. "This would be Mr. Fred Weasley, his wife and Consort the former Ms. Alicia Spinet and his wives the former Ms. Verity Smith and Ms Danielle Carter."
"What kind of sick place is this?" Vernon yelled.
"I – I don't know," Petunia said.
The procession continued. "Mr. George Weasley and his wife and Consort the former Ms. Angelina Johnson and his wives the former Ms. Shelly Parker and Ms. Ellen North." This time there was no howling from Vernon as he simply watched in shock. "Next, we have Lord Neville Longbottom with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank and Alice Longbottom and his wife and Consort, Lady Longbottom the former Ms. Susan Bones and his wife the former Ms. Amber Harker."
"Vernon! They're kids some of them! They can't be much older than Dudley!"
Vernon just growled.
"And the last Carriage before Her Majesty and our Duke. It seems it's the Duchess Hermione and some of the Duke's wives …"
"Some?" Vernon and Petunia said together.
"…Lady Minerva, our head of educational development and we remember Lady Astoria from the Duke's Investiture two weeks ago. According to the program, the other two are recent additions to our Duke's household: the former Ms. Stacey Campbell and apparently the younger sister of the Weasley brothers. Her name is Ginevra, but it says here she goes by the name Ginny."
"One must admire the Duke's taste," Nigel said.
"Still, this is one sick place," Vernon said. "Duke's probably an old pervert given how old one of them is and how young the others are. Bet the older one's this Duchess."
A band of bagpipes and drums soon followed.
"I hate that racket," Vernon growled.
They were followed by soldiers in very old looking red uniforms.
"Which means the Royal Party is arriving," Emma said. "First in are His Highness Charles the Price of Wales and his sons William and Harry…"
"Fine example for the boys!" Vernon said, "a country full of God forsaken heathens and polygamists!"
The next carriage carried the Queen and Prince Philip. Vernon complained that the ruddy Royals should have declined the invite and barring that should not look so happy to be here.
"And finally our Duke, Harry the First!" Nigel said.
"Bloody common name for a bloody aristocratic little turd," Vernon said.
"and his wife and Consort Lady Luna Black who shall be recognized formally as the Countess of Darby today along with the rest of the Duke's wives Ladies Mallory, Dora and Daphne." For the time being, it was a wide camera shot, such that Vernon and Petunia could not see the faces of the people clearly. Finally, as the Duke and this Lady Luna began to walk up the steps behind the other women to bow to the Queen, there was a close up of their faces.
"It can't be!" both Vernon and Petunia said in shock.
"BLOODY FREAKS!" Vernon added.
SUNDAY, JULY 14th, 1996 – Government House, Pottersport, Charenwell.
Dudley and Clara had arguably a front row seat for the ceremony. True, they were standing as there were now over ten thousand in the Courtyard. But their view was unobstructed. They watched as each carriage arrived and the occupants were announced to the crowd. Dudley noted that Clara was rather stunned to learn that women from her country had been bound as concubines.
"It's illegal here," she said. "Oh, having one is not – not entirely. We did tell you that. But not even the Duke could sell a person off. We were told that the British wizards could not sell us either. Apparently, we were wrong about that. Why would they do that?"
Dudley had no answer. He watched in confusion as the Weasleys entered with their wives.
"Brits no doubt," Clara said.
"Why do you say that?" Dudley asked.
"Aside from our Duke, no one here has more than one wife. Fair bet the other wives were concubines once," Clara said. "Since we neither have need for them nor can we purchase them – well maybe we could, I don't know. But without the Duke's permission we could not bring them here. But they are here. Besides, never heard the last name Weasley, so my guess is they are friends of the Duke from Britain."
"They are," Dudley said. "Didn't recognize the first one, but the other two came 'round the house a couple of years ago."
"That explains it then." Clara said. "Still, as I understand it, it's not like a British wizard to openly admit to having a concubine. Not like this at any rate."
"As I remember, those two are probably unusual for wizards," Dudley said.
"Oh?"
"They came over with another kid and their father to pick Harry up. They were taking him to some kind of World Cup for wizards…"
"Quidditch," Clara said. "It's kind of like football, but it's played flying around on brooms."
"Really?"
"It's really complicated and confusing, or at least I think so," Clara said. "Daddy and Granddad are fans, though. Anyway, you were saying?"
"Oh yeah. Well, this was before the Dementors, you know. Back then I was bloody terrified of all magic. Had an incident where a huge wizard put a spell on me 'cause he was angry at my parents about Harry. Anyway, at that time I was on a rather severe diet. Used to eat far too much and it caught up with me. Anyway, so I was hungry and one of those two dropped what looked like a piece of candy and I was fool enough to eat it. Caused my tongue to grow as long as my arm, which might have been funny if I wasn't so freaked out about it. Didn't help my parents carrying on as they did. So I got this four foot long tongue and the older wizard keeps saying he'll sort it out, but my parents wouldn't let him and then all of a sudden, I'm back to normal. I guess it was kind of a joke looking back. But it just made me fear magic all the more."
The carriage carrying the House Potter ladies passed by.
"Who are they?" Dudley asked.
"Some of the Duke's ladies. The one in the deep blue dress is the Duchess and the others are also wives of House Potter," Clara said looking at her program. "Two of them are new."
"Five wives?" Dudley gasped. "And you said it's only some of them?"
"As Lord Black, he has four more."
"Bloody hell! Who's the older one? She's got to be what? In her thirties?"
"She's older than that," Clara said. "She's been bonded to the last two Dukes. She taught primary school here before my parents were born."
"Can't be that old," Dudley said.
"She's a witch," Clara said. "We live a lot longer and age slower."
"How much longer?"
"It's rare for any of us to die before a hundred from natural causes. We can expect to live to a hundred and thirty and beyond if we take care of ourselves. For a long time people thought it was due to our magic, and it is to some extent. But the non-magicals here live a lot longer than they would elsewhere and if they are bonded to a witch or wizard, longer still."
"So she's a lot older then?"
"Sixty-eight according to this, which isn't old by our standards at all."
"Still, Harry's married to her?"
"Bonded to her, which is almost the same thing," Clara said.
"Yikes. He can have that magic bit."
They watched the rest of the procession and finally saw Harry in the final carriage with four other women."
"I'll give him some credit," Dudley said. "Even the older ones are lookers. And he even looks like a Duke, I guess."
They watched and applauded as Harry and the cute blonde in a green dress followed the other ladies up the steps. The Queen was awaiting them and Harry bowed to her while the other ladies curtsied. They then stood off to the side as the Queen approached a podium. She gave short speech stating she was pleased to once again be among the people of this magical land and thanked the Duke for his gracious hospitality and an enlightening discussion of the troubles within her own magical realm back in Britain. She then called forward Harry and the blonde whose name was Luna apparently. Luna knelt before the Queen, an oath was made and she arose as the Countess of Darby. Luna was then joined by two others. One was a boy about Harry's age called Lord Longbottom and the other was a red haired girl. They knelt with Luna and were knighted.
"The Knights of the Round Table are real?" Dudley asked when he heard of the Order.
"It's an Order for the Magical Protectors of the Realm," Clara said. "Been around well over a thousand years."
"Whoa! And Harry?"
"He's one as well. He was knighted when he was recognized as the Duke."
"Was that for fighting that Volde – what's-it?" Dudley asked.
"He and his followers are threats to us all, Dudley," Clara said. "While we are safe from him here, all of Britain is at risk. Naturally the Queen would knight those who fight in defense of her country. Although Daddy has said that such honors are political as well. Probably to build a relationship between the Crown and our country in this case, or between the Crown and us magicals or something like that."
Before Dudley could think of a comment, the air filled with a droning sound. Dudley and thousands of others looked up. Four biplanes in a staggered "V" formation flew over the castle, the blue on red bull's-eye clearly visible on the underside of their lower wings.
"Those would be our Tiger Moths," Harry said to the Queen and her entourage. "We currently have twelve in flying condition, although I'm told we have thirty-six others in storage that can be reassembled."
"Are you a pilot, Lord Harry?" the Queen asked.
"I was the youngest Seeker in a century, Ma'am" Harry replied. "But that's in broomsticks, not bi-planes. I soloed in one of those yesterday. Still have a lot to learn about flying planes, though."
As soon as the biplanes disappeared, another flight of four planes flew over in a similar formation. These were single winged airplanes with a distinctive outline known to many who studied the warplanes of the Second World War.
"Spitfires, Lord Harry?" Her Majesty asked.
"Yes Ma'am. We got twelve of those in flying condition and another twenty-four in storage. My Grandfather flew them during the War. So far all I've done is sit in the cockpit of one for a bit."
Four more flights of four planes passed over head. First came the Hawker Typhoons. Then the Douglas Dakotas followed by the Bostons. Finally, the large, four engine Lancasters passed over head. As each flew over, Harry told the Queen how many he had and how many more were in storage.
"What are you trying to tell us, Lord Harry? Are you planning an Air Force as well?"
"Basically," Harry said nodding. "But while we have the planes, we need pilots which is something I'm working on. Moreover, the planes are of little utility right now. Something I'd like to talk with your people about is whether we can install upgrades for more modern and more accurate weapons. I recalled the news footage of the war a few years ago and speaking with my people I know those planes can't carry those weapons as they are right now. They would be a real boost to any military operation, but even though I'm told most of our targets will be somewhat isolated – wizards like Voldemort and his followers don't like living near Muggles – I would still prefer accuracy."
"Assuming that can be done, how do you plan to get the pilots?"
"My Air Force will be mostly women," Harry said. "Most of the young ladies who accompanied me today begin training this week. It gets them in the fight but keeps them reasonably safe as well. My grandfather ran some test during the last War and it seems it's pretty difficult to take down a flying airplane with magic."
"And you, Lord Harry?"
"Well, I intend to become a fully qualified pilot," Harry said. "I've always liked flying. But should we go to war, I'll probably be on the ground with the Army. There are reasons for that, not in the least being there are those who have reason to believe I will be very formidable magically speaking and the fact my enemies are trying to seek me out even as we speak. Then there's also the unfortunate fact that I've already been in the fight. There's a part of me that can't sit back while others fight my battles."
Harry gave a short speech welcoming the Queen and her family and thanking them for finding the time to attend. He also welcomed home "our lost daughters" and pledged to try and return the others as well, but steered clear of promising success. The speech ended and the official party retired into Government House, with the lucky lottery winners queuing up to join them.
Dudley and Clara soon found them seated at a table with others from around the country and enjoying a very elegant meal. Dudley was told that Harry was probably enjoying a "private" setting with the Royal Family. Apparently, Dudley was told, it was customary for the Duke to dine with select guests at these things, and then join the entire gathering for the dancing and socializing following the meal.
As they were eating their dessert, the Royal Family made their appearance, slowly making their way to the entrance, speaking with many of the guests. The Prince of Wales himself stopped by their table for a few words. Clara said the Royals were not attending the Ball itself and were going to head back to the Royal Estate.
The dancing commenced soon after the Royal Family departed with Harry leading off with Luna as his first partner. Dudley admitted he was impressed and confessed to Clara that he doubted he'd do as well. She told him not to worry. Soon, he was in the crowd on the dance floor with Clara and she made it seem easy. Dudley wondered whether there was magic involved, but then realized if there was it was a good kind and stopped worrying about choosing to enjoy the company of the pretty girl before him.
Harry had danced with all his girls save one. He found Ginny talking with Bill and Fleur and she joined him for his last dance before he took a break.
"I noticed you didn't wait for me," he said as they started.
"I'm sorry," she said, "was I supposed to?"
"I guess not," Harry said. "Besides it was your brothers."
"And Neville," Ginny said.
"Oh?"
"He's really improved since the Yule Ball," Ginny said. "Then again, he's a lot more confident in himself after this past year."
"He's that," Harry agreed.
"Thank you, Harry," Ginny said.
"I wasn't going to be mad about your dancing…"
"No. Thank you for that as well. No, I meant thanks for believing me and not hating me."
"The girls pointed out that it seemed out of character for you," Harry said. "That, and of course the bond prevented you from lying. Still, a part of me hoped you were not truly involved. Unlike Ron, you never turned your back on me as a friend, so it would have crushed me if you were a part of it. If anything I should thank you for not being a part of it. But enough about that. Let's just focus on now and the future, okay?"
"Sounds like a plan to me. Although, to be honest, when I was crushing on you first year…"
"You wouldn't have been able to do it. The mere thought of writing to me would have put you off."
"I did send that Valentine," she said blushing. "It was horrid! I was so embarrassed that it was read in front of everyone."
"Looking back, it was quite funny," Harry said. "I might still have it somewhere."
"Really?"
"I kept a lot of stuff," Harry admitted. "Looking at stuff like that over probably kept me sane at Privet Drive…" Harry's voice faded as he saw a face he did not expect to see. It couldn't be, he thought, not here.
"Harry?"
"Um … I just thought I saw something I wasn't expecting."
Ginny paled. "What?"
"My Cousin Dudley. I must be seeing things. I was talking about that place and … still."
When the song ended, he saw the face again. "Come with me," he said to Ginny as he led her in search of what he was sure was his imagination. But as he drew closer, it seemed very real. "It can't be," he said.
"What? What can't be, Harry?"
"If I'm right, Ginny, promise me you won't hex him?"
"How can I? We had to leave are wands in the changing tent."
"Just don't get angry with him."
"Who?" she asked. Harry was now standing before a large, blonde haired boy who was talking to a shorter girl with light brown hair. The boy had his back turned towards Harry and did not see him. The girl was paying attention to whatever the boy was saying, then glanced over and a surprised look crossed her face.
"Milord," she said.
The boy turned. His face soon registered some kind of surprised expression.
"Harry?" he said.
"I'm surprised to see you here," Harry said.
"Yeah," the boy replied with some embarrassment, "well, Clara invited me to this and then she got a winning ticket so…"
"Clara?"
"Sorry," the boy said. "Harry, this is my friend Clara Jasper. I met her yesterday on my morning run and she's been showing me around and telling me loads of stuff. Clara, this is my Cousin Harry."
"Cousin?" Ginny said as her eyes narrowed.
"Milord," the girl said curtsying.
"Please, it's just Harry. "It's only been three weeks since I learned about any of this and the titles bother me usually."
"I'm pleased to meet you, Harry," Clara said.
"And this is my Wife-in-all-but-law, Ginny Potter-Black," Harry said. "Ginny? This bloke is my Cousin Dudley. And I have no idea what he's doing here."
Ginny growled "Pleasure."
"I take it you've told her about me then," Dudley said with some disappointment.
"She's known me for four years, Dudley," Harry said.
"Can't blame her for hating me then. I'd hate me too."
"Dudley!" Clara said.
"The Dudley Harry knew was not a very nice person, Clara. That Dudley was the one attacked by Dementors last summer. Harry hasn't seen me since then."
"What are you on about?" Ginny asked.
"I want to apologize Harry," Dudley said. "You went through thirteen years of hell with my family and I certainly was part of it."
"Hey Harry," a voice said and he saw Luna and Hermione walking up.
"This is my Wife and Consort Hermione, Duchess of Charenwell," he said introducing Hermione, "and my other Wife and Consort Luna, Countess of Darby. Ladies, this is Clara Jasper and her – erm date I guess – my Cousin Dudley."
"You've got to be kidding," Hermione growled. "What's he doing here?"
"He had just apologized…"
"If he thinks that will make up for…"
"Hermione, please calm down," Harry said. "I want to hear him out, okay?"
"I guess." Hermione clearly would have had other plans.
"Go ahead, Dudley," Harry said.
"I also wanted to thank you for saving me from those dementor things last year. They told me at that magic hospital that the things would probably have killed me."
"Magic hospital?"
Dudley nodded. "Dad wanted to take me to a regular one, but Mum told him – again – that the only cure for magic is magic. They wound up taking me there when we were eleven and that huge bloke gave me a pig's tail."
Harry chuckled. "He was hoping for the full thing."
"Don't blame him. I was one."
Hermione snorted. "Harry has described you as being as big as a baby killer whale."
"I've lost weight!" Dudley protested. "But a couple years ago, that would have been close to the mark. Almost got expelled for being rounder than tall."
"You have lost weight," Harry nodded. "A lot, to be honest."
"Damn Dementors did it in a way," Dudley said. "I saw what my life had become and I didn't like it at all. Been trying to change. Dumped all my old friends – good thing to as I heard Piers got arrested for drugs. I realized that all my bad memories began because of you in a way."
"Oh?" Harry asked suspiciously.
"Not like you might think. When I was real young, Dad used to punish me for not being mean to you and I couldn't understand why and didn't want to. I wanted you as a friend. I think I was about three or so. The more he punished, the more stubborn I got 'cause I knew something was off. Then he switched to bribery and … well kids can be selfish and some of us more than others. Taking those 'bribes' led to where I was in life: fat, lazy, a bully with no real friends and probably the only one in that house truly deserving of St. Brutus's. Sorry Harry."
"Er – no problem I guess."
"St. Brutus's?" Hermione asked.
"Dad told everyone that's where Harry was going to school. He said it was a school for criminal boys."
"He didn't!"
Harry and Dudley shrugged.
"I was hoping to say this to you when you got back from your school. But Dad locked you away before I got home and you were gone the next morning," Dudley shrugged. "Felt real bad about not being able to talk to you. Well, I did have a minor relapse on Friday when we had to carry all our own luggage."
"Relapse?" Hermione asked.
"I complained that Harry would pick this summer to scamper," Dudley shrugged. "Then again, I didn't know much about what was happening back home with you magicals, did I? So – um – but how long have you known about all this?"
Harry chuckled. "Uncle Vernon's going to have kittens, isn't he?"
"About what?" Dudley asked. "That you're a Duke? That you're married, more than once it seems? Or that he now lives in a country full of people like you?"
"You know?"
"Clara's been telling me," Dudley said. "She's a witch, you know."
"And you're not running for it?"
"He did go pale when I banished a spider yesterday," Clara said. "But he seems okay with it."
"She's really nice," Dudley said. "The magic stuff doesn't bother me, it seems. That was mostly Dad, I guess and the fact I had no idea about it at all. I'm hoping to be different than him. I figure if I think of what he'd do or say and do the opposite, I might have a decent life instead of hating everything the way he does."
"Which do you think will set him off more?"
"Can't even guess. All of it. Mum was saying she was gonna watch the Queen on the Telly, so they probably know some already. They might know all. Guess it depends on what the telly folks said," Dudley shrugged.
"And when he finds out you're – um – consorting with the enemy?"
"He better get used to the idea," Dudley said. "I actually like it here. Besides, his Company made it clear that quitting and failure are not options. They sent him here, you know."
"Actually, I didn't," Harry said.
"Dad said the Duke controls his company and wanted a plant here," Dudley began.
"I don't make those kinds of decisions, Dud. I say I want to offset our trade deficit in manufactured goods and create jobs. Someone else decides the details. In this case, that someone else was a bit of a joker when he was our age. Oh, and I did say I wanted you lot out of harm's way. Sooner or later the bad guys would have come looking, and they are not interested in a cuppa. I guess my people decided to kill two birds with one stone."
After a pause Dudley asked: "Married eh? How long?"
"Three weeks as of today with Hermione here," Harry said beaming. "The others were later."
"Bloody hell! How did that happen?"
"Bit of a long story, Dud."
A/N:
Why WWII planes? Why not something newer?
Having been involved in such programs not long before this time, the answer is governments don't give away airplanes. The best you can hope for is to buy them for a little over cost, if they're selling and the Brits were not. Giving another country an Air Force is never done lightly as it gives that country the ability to cause problems. Training and arming their army is far less threatening geopolitically (up to a point. Tanks and heavy artillery are another matter and by this time the Brits were largely out of the major arms deals.) Even used "modern" aircraft are expensive. The Israeli defense industry grew because its usual suppliers were keenly aware that any shipment of offensive arms scared the Arabs silly. What they used in the '67 War was of Korean War vintage for the most part (they had a few decent French fighters). If the Israeli's wanted top notch stuff, it was easier to make it themselves or upgrade old stuff themselves than hope for a political climate that would allow them in the market. Besides, every time they got good stuff, the Americans and Russians also upgraded their neighbors. The times they got good stuff without pushing was when the Russians dumped front line tanks and planes into their neighbors.
Another example was Spain under Franco which lacked the financial resources to buy into the market. The Spanish Air Force still had Heinkle 111 bombers as front line aircraft in the 1970's. (Those were the German bombers used in 1939 against Poland and 1940 against Britain [and later] and Franco got his during the Spanish Civil War in 1937 or '38.) It would break both Harry and Charenwell to get front line aircraft and it's unnecessary. (Front line aircraft are not leased and the buyers with money drive that market and they don't want old planes.) The planes he has are more than adequate if their targeting and weapons systems are upgraded and a laser guided bomb is not terribly expensive (moreover, the Weasley Twins might come up with a magical alternative for less cost). Were we to talk about modern combat aircraft, the two years Harry wants to use to prepare would be largely wasted in negotiations with the Brits about the planes. Moreover, had that been an empty airfield, Harry would never have asked for planes in the first place as they are not known in magical combat…
Here, the planes are already in inventory. (The Bombardier Q300 notwithstanding, but that's a civilian passenger plane… An Airline is not as threatening as a Bomb Wing.)
RELATIONSHIP SCORECARD:
If you didn't read the Intro, you missed that. This is so you can keep up with who's with who and how.
Key:
Names in Italics = OC
Gr – Gryffindor, Hu – Hufflepuff, Ra – Ravenclaw, Sl – Slytherin. SG – St. George's School, PE – Prince Edward School, SA – St. Andrew's, SP – St. Patrick's, SD – St. David's.(Number indicates last year completed. No number means they finished all seven years.)
P = pregnant.
Harry James Potter, age 15.
1. Hermione Jane (Granger) Potter, age 16 (Gr-5); CONSORT (POTTER).
2. Her Grace, Lady Dame Luna Celeste (Lovegood) Black, Countess of Darby, KRT, age 15 (Ra-4); CONSORT (BLACK).
3. Dora (Tonks) Black-Potter, age 22 (Hu); CONCUBINE (BLACK).
4. Minerva Grace (McGonagall) Potter-Black, age 68 (Gr); CONCUBINE (POTTER).P
5. Mallory Michelle (Grant) Black Potter, age 39 (Hu); CONCUBINE (BLACK).P
6. Daphne Renee (Greengrass) Black-Potter, age 16 (Sl-5); CONCUBINE (BLACK).
7. Astoria Lynn (Greengrass) Potter-Black, age 14 (Sl-3); CONCUBINE (POTTER).
8. Lady Dame Ginevra Molly (Weasley) Potter-Black, KRT, age 14 (Gr-4); CONCUBINE (POTTER).
9. Stacey Marie (Campbell) Potter-Black, age 17 (SA-5); CONCUBINE (POTTER).
Bill Weasley, age 25.
1. Fleur Patrice (Delacour) Weasley, age 19; CONSORT (BILL WEASLEY).
2. Mary Ellen Howard Weasley, age 18 (Ra-5); CONCUBINE (BILL).
3. Samantha Christine (Johnson) Weasley, age 17 (SG-5); CONCUBINE (BILL).
Lord Sir Neville Algicyrus Longbottom, KRT, Head of the Ancient and Noble House of Longbottom, age 15.
1. Susan Marie (Bones) Longbottom, age 16 (Hu-5); CONSORT (NEVILLE).
2. Amber Selma (Harker) Longbottom, age 33 (Sl-5); CONCUBINE (LONGBOTTOM).P
Fred Weasley, age 18.
1. Alicia May Spinet, age 18 (Gr). CONSORT (FRED).
2. Verity Nicole (Smith) Weasley, age 21 (SG-5). CONCUBINE (FRED).
3. Danielle Louise (Carter) Weasley, age 20 (SG-5). CONCUBINE (FRED).
George Weasley, age 18.
1. Angelina Olivia (Johnson) Weasley, age 18 (Gr). CONSORT (GEORGE).
2. Shelly Ann (Parker) Weasley, age 22 (SD). CONCUBINE (GEORGE).
3. Ellen Suzanne (North) Weasley, age 20 (PE). CONCUBINE (GEORGE).