Author Notes (31st Jan 2020): - First off I'd like to say sorry for the VERY long delay in this chapter. Life has a way of getting in the way of our hobbies. I hope this chapter is worth the wait as it certainly gave me enough trouble in its creation. I also try to explain in this chapter how I view the relations between the different 'races' in the Harry Potter world. I hope you enjoy it.
The Wizengamot members were stunned into disbelief. While the witches and wizards in the visitors' gallery were beginning a celebration that looked like it might continue on for some time. The reporters in the press gallery were all displaying looks like they had just received the greatest Christmas gift ever and were trying to work out how best to 'play' with it. The members of the diplomatic gallery all just looked delighted at the result.
Turning my attention to the main floor of the chamber, I could see, dad, Kingsley, Madam Bones and Gawain all thoroughly enjoying the moment. Gawain's Aurors were also struggling to hide their smiles at the situation that the Wizengamot found itself in.
A large number of Wizengamot members tried to speak over the noise in the chamber. However, they were unsuccessful each time. Eventually, Kingsley brought out his wand and fired off several cannon blasts that were so loud, they almost knocked several people over. They did have the effect of quietening the room down though. Unfortunately, one side effect of a quiet Wizengamot chamber is that the toad felt the need to fill it with her voice.
"You can't arrest us!" Umbitch croaked (sorry, I just love that term to describe her), "You don't have the authority." She screamed.
Dave simply looked at her with an amused expression on his face for a few moments before answering. "Actually, that is a slightly 'grey-area' just now." He advised her, "However, I did happen to bring along several people who DO have the authority to arrest you and they will happily do so now." Dave explained as he pointed to the representatives of the ICW who had moved up to join him.
"These esteemed colleagues of mine here will be handling your actual arrest." Dave told the Wizengamot, "Though the Supreme Mugwump of the ICW did allow me to inform you of your fate as a reward for my 'good behaviour' recently." Dave chuckled, as a few of the ICW representatives, gave Dave some strange looks.
"I'm fearful of asking just what sort of 'good behaviour' my little David exhibited to get such a reward" Aunty Sandra muttered to herself under her breath. Although she was very quiet, her comment didn't go unnoticed by several of the gathered ambassadors. Several of whom were having their own private chuckles at Dave's statement. The French and Russian ambassadors, in particular, had rather knowing grins on their faces. So I'm sure that there was a story in there somewhere.
"Standing here with me I have Senior Auror, Jean-Luc Devereaux representing the French Ministry. Senior Auror Günther Bräuer, representing the German Ministry. Senior Auror Toropov Yuri Antonovich representing the Russian Ministry. Auror Alejandro Martínez, representing the Spanish Ministry and finally but far from least Auror Tobiasz "Toby" Krzyzanowski, representing the Polish Ministry." He said in a commanding voice as he introduced each of the ICW representatives.
"I will now turn these proceedings over to Senior Auror Jean-Luc Devereaux." He stated as he saluted Jean-Luc before heading over to stand with Kingsley, Dad and Uncle Ivan. I did notice that Mick was very quickly by Dave's side as well.
The Wizengamot members were still in shock as Jean-Luc stepped up with Günther right by his side.
"Members of the British Wizengamot, as my esteemed colleague just informed you. You are indeed all under arrest." Jean-Luc informed them in his commanding voice.
"By the power granted to me by the International Confederation of Wizards on this day the 20th of May 1998. I Senior Auror Jean-Luc Devereaux hereby place under arrest the entirety of the membership of the British Wizengamot." He stated as the visitors' gallery once more exploded into rapturous applause. After waiting a moment or two Jean-Luc raised his hand, asking for quiet, and slowly, the visitor's gallery quietened down.
"I am directed by the ICW to arrest you for (but not limited too) repeated breaches of the International Statute of Secrecy. Along with a basic failure to correctly execute your duty of care to all of the magical citizens of Great Britain and Ireland along with large numbers of visitors to your shores."
"You do not have to say anything, but it may harm your defence if you do not mention when questioned something which you later rely on in court before the ICW."
"Anything you do say may be given in evidence. Do you understand what I have told you?" He asked them.
The Wizengamot members were all still too stunned to say anything. They just all sat there in disbelief.
"Do you understand what I have just told you regarding your arrest?" Jean-Luc asked them more forcefully this time. The overly officious speaker of the Wizengamot sealed their fates when he answered, "Yes, we do."
"Excellent." Jena-Luc answered with a satisfied note in his voice, "Now that is settled, I require you all to surrender your wands, along with any portkeys or other magical items that you have on or about your person." He told them.
When it looked like they were not going to comply, he commanded, "And I mean right NOW!"
Several members complied by placing their wands and a few other items on the desks in front of them. They then sat back, looking unsure as to what was to happen next. They were so used to hiding behind bribes, corrupt officials and lawyers the majority of them were wholly unprepared for a direct frontal approach by a group of highly trained and extremely competent Aurors.
"When you have placed your wands and any other magical items on the desk in front of you, they will be automatically secured. You can then make your way down to the floor of the chamber where you will be searched to make sure that you have indeed surrendered your wands and all other magical items. After that, you will be taken into custody."
A trickle of stunned wizards and witches made their way to the floor of the chamber. They were met by Aurors, who searched them to ensure their compliance with the orders of the ICW. The problem arose when the first member of the Wizengamot was about to be placed in handcuffs.
"Just what do you think you're doing!" An elderly wizard snapped at Senior Auror Antonovich.
"I'm handcuffing you so that you can be safely transported to the holding cells at the ICW." He calmly advised the elderly wizard, as he secured the wizard's hands behind him before snapping the cuffs on.
"You're doing what…" The elderly wizard started to respond before the portkey activated and removed him from the Wizengamot chamber.
This caused a large amount of alarm from the other Wizengamot members, several of whom had not yet surrendered their wands. Stupidly some of those wands were now pointed at the Aurors representing the ICW.
"Lower your wands and place them on the tables before you." Snapped a cold sounding German voice as Günther issued the Wizengamot members a warning. All traces of his previously warm voice were now gone. The Wizengamot members looked uncertain as to what to do.
"You have until the count of five to comply or you will be forcibly disarmed." He advised them as he was joined by the Aurors who were not currently engaged in the process of handcuffing Wizengamot members.
"1" Günther called out.
"2"
"3" He stated as a few of the wiser members placed their wands on the tables and made their way to the floor.
"4" He called out watching the last group of about 12 Witches and Wizards who had still not lowered their wands.
Before he could call out five several of this group cast spells at the Aurors. The spells didn't travel far, a few were shielded and dissipated. While the remainder were redirected and ended up crashing into the ceiling. But one froze in place just after it had left the wand of its caster.
The wizard in question stared at his spell in amazement for a moment before he was jerked off his feet and flew into the back end of his spell. He travelled far enough to end up landing on the floor of the chamber and lay there in a crumpled and twitching heap.
Günther and the other Aurors all turned to Natasha who was trying to look innocent about what had just happened. She didn't say anything other than raising an eyebrow. After a moment or two, Günther just smirked at her and instructed one of his Aurors to handcuff the still twitching wizard.
I distinctly heard Dave's voice chuckling saying, "It's always the quiet ones."
"What happened to him?" Hermione asked as she indicated the wizard as he was port keyed away.
"Going through a spell burst in a direction other than it was intended can have several strange effects." The French Ambassador advised her, "The most common is as you just saw. The nervous system of the affected individual is simply over-loaded, and they collapse in a twitching heap."
"For how long?" She asked.
"Depends on the spell." He replied, "From what I just witnessed, I would expect that particular wizard to be twitching uncontrollably for a few days at least." He explained with a small chuckle.
Before Hermione could reply a call rang out in the chamber, "All rise for the Supreme Mugwump Babajide Akingbade!" All the Aurors on the floor of the chamber rapidly came to attention. As did Kingsley, Uncle Ivan and the rest. The Diplomatic Gallery was also very quick to get on their feet, as were the visitors and press galleries.
The wizard that entered looked like a slightly shorter and less muscular version of Kingsley. Although he did sport a magnificent beard and his eyes were mesmerising.
While he had a solemn look on his face when he entered the Wizengamot chamber, I remember thinking that it seemed a very unnatural expression for him. His face seemed more accustomed to deep thought or laughter. Indeed as we got to know him more over the years, we did indeed learn that he had a very refined sense of humour, as well as thoroughly enjoyed laughing as he shared stories.
Not much was known for sure about his background, but he was indeed a diplomat's diplomat (as we were later told). He genuinely believed in good diplomacy but backed up with an Iron fist if all diplomatic efforts failed. His support in the arrest of the British Wizengamot was only the first such example of this. Over a surprisingly short timeframe, he made his views known, specifically that the various Ministries around the world would be held fully accountable for their actions.
Babajide Akingbade greeted everyone (including the Aurors sent by the ICW and the British ones) in the chamber. He appeared to be very familiar with Uncle Ivan and the Aurors from the Australasian Auror Service. From the smile directed at Dave, he was also more than aware of him as well.
Once the Wizengamot members had been port keyed out the majority of the Aurors from the ICW left as well. Jean-Luc, Günther and Natasha stayed behind, however. Kingsley soon called my family and me down to the floor of the chamber, along with the Greengrass and Davis families.
We followed the diplomats down to the floor of the chamber. Almost all of the diplomats paid their respects to Babajide Akingbade before leaving. Only the French, German, New Zealand, Fijian and of course the MACUSA Ambassadors stayed behind.
As we joined the group, Kingsley quickly introduced us all to the Supreme Mugwump Babajide Akingbade. He had a ready smile and eyes that caught everything. He also had a very firm handshake and a comforting voice. All the Ambassadors were warmly greeted like the professional colleagues that they were. When Kingsley introduced my family; however, the level of warmth went up a degree or two.
His greeting of Harry was particularly telling. Over the years my Harry had developed an almost innate distrust of politicians. But when he met Babajide Akingbade, I got the distinct feeling that Harry not only felt comfortable around him but that he could actually trust him.
"Supreme Mugwump Babajide Akingbade it is my greatest pleasure to introduce to you, Harry James Potter," Kingsley said with evident pride in his voice as Harry stepped up to shake hands with the Supreme Mugwump.
"Mr Potter," Babajide Akingbade said as he took Harry's hand, "It is a pleasure and an Honour to finally have a chance to meet you in person." He said as he smiled proudly at Harry.
"Your exploits are already legendary in the recent conflict, and you have my sincerest thanks and that of the ICW for your efforts in standing up to Tom Riddle Jnr and ultimately defeating him." He explained.
"Thank you, Supreme Mugwump", Harry replied as his cheeks showed just the slightest blush on them, "I had a lot of help, and I was also very lucky," Harry explained with his characteristic humility.
"I see my briefing on you was indeed correct." Babajide Akingbade stated happily, as he looked at Harry approvingly "Let me tell you something very important, Mr Potter."
"A good Auror is always lucky in some way. Sometimes they make that luck, other times they just take full advantage of their opponent's bad luck." He explained with a chuckle as he got a smile out of Harry, "However a SMART Auror also NEVER turns down help that is offered honestly."
"I'll try to remember that Sir." Harry answered with a smile, "But I'm not an Auror, I haven't even properly finished school yet." He explained.
"Perhaps." Babajide Akingbade replied with a conspiratorial look at Kingsley, "But I have also heard of Kingsley's plans for his Aurors here, and if he doesn't hire you and your friends I might just have to come back here and arrest him for gross incompetence." He added with a laugh at Kingsley's expression.
The rest of us also had a good laugh as well.
"Now I know you don't want to put up with long-winded speeches by professional windbags like myself, so I will be brief." He said as Harry, and the rest of us tried (and failed) to hide our thankful looks at being spared speeches, "I would like a chance to meet with you and your friends over a good meal in the not too distant future if I may?" He enquired.
"I would be honoured, Sir," Harry replied after a quick glance at Ron, Hermione and me.
"Excellent." Babajide Akingbade beamed, "In that case, I will let you and your family go as I know that you have another appointment just now. I will be in touch with the details shortly." He advised as he once more shook hands with us all before he headed off with the Ambassadors and Uncle Ivan.
Harry looked at Kingsley before he joined the group also. "Appointment?" he asked.
"I'll let Percy explain as he has gotten everything organised for you all," Kingsley told us as he also moved off and left us with Percy and Dave.
"What's going on, Percy?" Bill almost demanded, but there was no heat in his voice.
"Nothing major, we just need to get you all sorted for your Magical Passports." He said as he handed each one of us (including the Delacour's) a set of parchment.
"Magical Passport?" Bill asked, "I already have one." He said a little confused.
"Not like these, you don't," Percy answered while trying to hide his smile. Seeing Bill's confused look, Percy took pity on him and pointed to the parchment in his hand saying, "These forms are for Diplomatic level Magical Passports." As all of us were caught off guard.
"Because of Dad's new role in the Government, his family warrant diplomatic passports for any travel outside of the country," Percy explained.
"What about me, Harry and the Delacour's?" Hermione asked when she realised that she had a set of Diplomatic forms as well, along with Harry and the Delacour family.
"Well, dad already considers you and Harry as family." Percy told a now blushing Hermione and Harry, "As for Julian, Apolline and Gabrielle the French Ministry is offering them a temporary goodwill Ambassadorial role for their upcoming trip to Australia." Percy explained to a now delighted Delacour family.
"If they accept that is," Percy asked them as he got a swift set of replies in the positive.
"Did you have anything to do with this My Lord Marquis of Port Jackson?" Harry asked Dave with a smirk, a questioning look and a small bow. His use of Dave's title caught him off guard for a moment before a mischievous gleam appeared in his eyes.
"A little, Your Grace," Dave replied with his own bow to Harry. He had a perfectly straight face, however.
This simple reply caused several moments of stunned silence. Predictably it was Hermione that first spoke up.
"What?" She called out quickly. "Did you just call Harry a Duke?" She asked.
"Well, he started it," Dave replied with a cheeky grin. George and Charlie couldn't help themselves, and they started to laugh.
"Stop that." Hermione snapped at the two of them. They seemed to be disrupting her line of thought, "Is Harry really a Duke? Or are you just pulling his leg?" She wanted to know.
"Technically he isn't at this point in time." Dave replied, "Although once he gives his oaths of office to the Sovereign of the Isles, I do believe he will be a fully recognised Duke. A Lord of the Realm." He explained.
I turned to my Harry only to see a look of complete shock on his face. It was adorable the way that he was so thoroughly confused, I couldn't help myself I had to laugh. This, of course, upset Hermione as she was trying to order her thoughts in regards to this new information. Dave lost his struggle to keep a straight face and broke out into a broad smile.
"I take it you haven't read all of that book about your family then?" Dave asked Harry.
"Ah…." Harry tried to reply before George jumped in.
"Maybe he should let Hermione read it, then she could read it back to him." He chuckled.
Bill and Charlie had a good laugh at this and Hermione finally overcame her irritation and also began to laugh. Ron was looking both dumbfounded and amused.
"Duke?" Harry asked when he found his voice again. "Duke of where?" He wanted to know.
"It's all in the book." Dave replied smirking, "I would have thought that you would have wanted to discover it for yourself."
"Just tell me," Harry demanded while looking a little irritated.
"If I must…" Dave said calmly taking in Harry's irritation, "Once you give the required oaths to the Sovereign of the Isles, you will officially be the Duke of Dorset." He explained.
"As the Duke of Dorset, your area of responsibility will also take in the neighbouring magical counties of Dorset, Devonshire, and Somerset. Just about all of what is commonly referred to as the 'West Country'." He explained.
"Ottery St Catchpole is in Dorset." I blurted out before I could control myself. Harry's look of surprise was a delight to see.
"Correct, Harry will also need to work with a few neighbouring Muggle Dukes like the Duke of Devonshire. As they have populations of Magicals within their own areas of responsibility. Just like any issues with Muggles in your area of responsibility will necessitate you working with the relevant Muggle Dukes." He explained as Harry nodded in understanding, but still very much overwhelmed by this sudden revelation.
"So our little Harrikins is actually our Liege Lord?" George asked Dave, who nodded in reply. George, Bill and Charlie quickly responded by bowing to a now very embarrassed Harry. As they straightened up, Harry flipped the group of them 'the bird' and gave them an evil glare. This response only caused George, Bill and Charlie to smile even wider, as they now knew they had another method to tease my Harry.
While my brothers were teasing Harry, Gabrielle had caught up with Dave. Her expression showed she was trying to hide her amusement while attempting to appear angry with him. It wasn't working.
"My Lord Marquis of Port Jackson," She said as she executed a picture-perfect curtsey. The expression on Dave's face was priceless, as it was plain he saw through her attempt to be angry with him. "Is this what you meant when you said you had 'anozer annoying government job'?" She asked.
"Not entirely." Dave answered to looks of disbelief, "That 'other job' was looking after my Earldom. This is a whole new 'other job' now." He explained as Gabrielle began to swat him as she called him a few names in French that I didn't catch or recognise and really shouldn't write down where children may end up reading them.
"Just when were you going to let me know more about your 'ozer job'?" She asked as she poked him in the chest.
"As soon as we escaped from all these Poms," Dave replied while giving us all a very cheeky grin, "As they tend to go a little overboard with things like that." He added just as Ron, Bill, Charlie, Harry and Hermione all took turns in clipping him on the back of the head.
"Such brutal natives." Dave chuckled as his father walked up to our group.
"Looked to me like you deserved it." Uncle Ivan chuckled before he reminded us that we needed to see about getting our passports and that Dave needed to sign some more parchment work for the arrests that were just carried out.
Before we all separated, Gabrielle gave Dave a hug and a kiss while her mother and sister looked on with an odd expression on their faces. They were definitely planning something, I could make a guess as to what it was, but I would wait until they told me.
Getting our Magical passports was a rather painless exercise, mostly because Percy knew his way around the paperwork as a true master of the bureaucracy involved. The Delacour's also were able to have their paperwork processed and sent off to the magical French embassy in record time. We were all promised our actual passports by the end of the upcoming press conference.
Walking back into the Wizengamot chamber, we saw a much smaller crowd of people. Most of them had moved off to get good seats for the press conference. However, I did see Dad off talking with Kingsley, Uncle Ivan and the Supreme Mugwump Babajide Akingbade. Dave and Gawain looked like they were finishing up some parchment work. This was confirmed when Gawain quickly left carrying a decent-sized stack of parchment.
We were about to head over and chat to Dave when he was intercepted by Daphne and Tracy. We couldn't hear what was being said, but just from his stance, it was clear that Dave was more than slightly annoyed at the conversation. I quickly glanced at Gabrielle and could see the daggers in her eyes as she glared at the two girls.
Before she did anything, Fleur and I quickly grabbed her and steered her to the press gallery. From there we would be close by and able to hear what was being said. As we made it into the press gallery, we were indeed able to make out the conversation.
"You're completely missing the point, Miss Greengrass," Dave said with the irritation evident in his voice.
"This should be close enough," I whispered to Fleur and Gabrielle as Hermione joined us with a question clear on her face. "We snuck over here to listen in on Dave's conversation in an effort at stopping Gabrielle from hexing both Daphne and Tracy," I whispered urgently to her. Hermione gave me a quick smile in appreciation and understanding. We all then returned our attention to the conversation going on below us.
"Have you even read the books I left for you?" Dave asked.
"I've seen those books before." Daphne huffed, "My father has a copy, and I have read his one." She stated.
"So, I'll take that as a no then." Dave replied, taking a deep breath to calm himself, "You REALLY need to read them, even if it is just the pages, that I had marked out for you."
"Why?" Daphne snapped, "They're all the same book."
"Are they?" Dave asked her. From his tone, I could tell he was trying to stress an important point. "You wouldn't be saying that if you had read them like I asked you to."
"Well, I haven't so you will just have to tell me what's so important about them then." She almost demanded.
"I've been trying to tell you about what they say right from our first meeting in the hospital that day. But so far you have refused to listen to anything I have told you. I had hoped that if you saw the evidence with your own eyes that the message might sink in through the solid rock that you seem to have used to encase what passes for your logical mind." He growled out.
We could hear Daphne gasp almost like she had been slapped.
"You expect me to turn my back on…" Daphne started to reply in a voice that sounded like it was on the verge of tears.
"Yes, I do," Dave answered in a flat, emotionless voice. "You can also forget the fake tears; they don't work on me."
We could hear some small giggles at this point that we assumed was Tracy.
"I grew up with 6 sisters and a whole, horde of female cousins." Dave explained, "I can spot fake tears a country mile away."
"Does my heritage mean so little to you?" Daphne asked him in a cold voice.
"What you're referring to isn't 'your heritage' as you put it." He told her, "What you're referring to is high-grade Dragon shit."
"Language, David," Tracy remarked in a shocked voice.
"I can think of some other terms to describe it if you like. But that was the politest one I could come up with at short notice." He said with a chuckle.
We all exchanged looks with each other as none of us understood what was being discussed.
"I know the rules of…" Daphne said in a rush before Dave cut her off again.
"No! You! Don't!" He told her stressing each word. After a pause, he continued on, "If you had bothered to open those books I left for you to read, you would know that they all say different things about the situation you are referring to."
This time we heard twin gasps.
"Those books and the so-called 'rules' that they contain are complete and utter crap." Dave stated quite forcefully, "The only reason that they exist is to be used to exert control over those gullible enough to believe them."
"That's, most likely why the version of the book you found was hidden away where it was. Your father most likely didn't want you to find it and be influenced by it."
"It can't be…" a voice said. We couldn't make it who said it though.
"Why not?" Dave challenged, "You must know that almost all of the so-called 'Pure-blood' traditions are based around exerting control over others." He said in a voice heavy with contempt and derision.
"They have a different version of that so-called 'guidebook' so that they can trot out the one that suits their needs at the time." He explained, "Why else is it so closely guarded and restricted?"
"If it was REALLY so useful and helpful in raising a 'pure-blood' witch to understand her heritage it would be more readily available and there would only be a single version of it."
This time the gasp came from me, as the other three looked to me with the same question on their faces.
"I know what book Dave is talking about." I told them, "It's called 'The essential guide to pure-blood traditions' and there is a version for witches and one for wizards."
"Great Grandpa Weasley spoke out about that book, both versions of it." I told them in a rushed whisper, "It's one of the main reasons why my family have been labelled as Blood-Traitors. Because he exposed that there are many different versions of both the witches and wizards' editions. He made sure all of us Weasley's knew about it."
"But many of the more traditional 'pure-blood' families still treat it as gospel," I explained.
I could see the look of understanding dawning in the faces of the other three. This new knowledge only seemed to heighten their interest in the conversation taking place below.
"My parents expect…" Daphne stammered out.
"You to be to your own person." Dave stated, "Not to be taken in by the delusions of a group of long-dead control freaks."
"In all the time I have spent working with your parents in the last year and a half, they have always bragged about you and your sister. How smart you both are, how focused, how driven but also how caring and compassionate as well."
"Not once have they bragged about how proud they were of you for following a bunch of outdated rules in a set of dusty old books."
"In fact, I believe that if they knew what you had been up to and what you had tried to do. It would both have been devastating and heartbreaking for them, thinking that was what you thought they expected of you."
"But the traditions must be upheld," Daphne stated in a way that made me think she was trying to convince herself more than Dave.
"Bunyip shit!" Dave snapped quite forcefully, "That argument stinks more than a thunderbox in the middle of the Nullarbor in high summer."
At the time, I had no idea what a 'thunderbox' was, but from the way, he said it, I could grasp the edges of his meaning. Hermione, on the other hand, was struggling to hold in her laughter, so she clearly fully understood Dave's full meaning.
"Traditions that give meaning, purpose makes sense. Traditions that you are proud to take part in and have no shame in letting your family know about make sense. But traditions that are designed to entrap, control or even enslave others or to bring hurt to innocents, they are best forgotten and consigned to the dustbin of history." He instructed.
"But what will people think of me." She almost sobbed.
"Anyone who tries to deride you for actions outside of your control is not worth knowing." Dave replied, "It doesn't matter who they are, if they can't take in and assess ALL of the relevant information WITHOUT bias, then they are either an idiot or a bigot. Neither of which are worth your time."
"But…"
"There are no 'buts' in this Miss Greengrass." Dave said in a softer tone of voice, "I've read the reports that you all gave of when you were captured. Believe it or not, I've also read the interrogation reports of some of those who were involved with your capture. All those reports agree that you fought with everything you had at your disposal to try and escape and keep your sister safe. Even when you realised that you couldn't escape yourself, you still fought tooth and nail to try and help your sister escape."
"One thing I've learned from my job, Miss Greengrass, is that ANYONE can be captured. Sure, the amount of effort involved can vary wildly from person to person, but no one is invincible. And for the opposition to realise that they needed to send a group of 15 people after two schoolgirls, is kind of a big mark in your favour." Dave chuckled.
We could hear some small chuckles from the floor of the chamber as well. Hermione, Fleur, Gabrielle and I were also showing some grins at Dave's statement.
"Even once you were captured, you still did everything you could to not only look after your sister and Tracy when she joined you. You were also doing what you could to look after those others who were 'guests' along with you."
"Then, after you were released and safely back with your mother in our safe house, you continued to do what you could to help those who were still suffering. After you took some time to recover yourself, some well-earned time I must add."
"I know your sister took strength from watching you, as she also started to follow your lead. Tracy here did the same as well." Dave said, and I could picture his crooked grin in my mind, "The three of you certainly inspired others at the safe house as well. But most of all I think you all brought hope back to those who were around you."
"I think you and the other Aurors brought us hope," Tracy said in a small voice as though she was more thinking out loud than participating in the conversation. Indeed, Dave's small chuckle seemed to startle her a bit.
"We didn't bring the hope those that are under our care have." Dave explained, "We cultivated conditions under which hope had a chance to take hold and grow."
"People like you two, help far more than you realise in the creation and spread of that hope." He told them, and I could hear his own gratitude clearly in his voice as he said it.
"So, you don't look down on me, I mean us, then?" Daphne asked.
"Absolutely not!" Dave snapped straight back, "What right do I have to act in such a manner?" He asked in a shocked voice.
"I can honestly tell you, Miss Greengrass, that what you went through was harder than any test I had to face at the Auror Academy." Dave advised her, "Even some Aurors far more senior and experienced than me have admitted that they don't think that they could have dealt with the situation as well as you did. I deeply respect ALL of those Aurors as well."
"Does that answer your question?" He asked her. But I could also hear a bit of a challenge in his voice as well.
"It does. Thank-you."
"There is only one person who defines your worth Miss Greengrass, that person is you." Dave said, once more, falling back into what I've since come to think of as his 'teachers' voice. "Not me, not your friends, not your family and most certainly not the so-called 'pure-blood' society. You and you alone. Understand?"
"I think I do," Daphne replied thoughtfully.
"Excellent." Dave said happily, "That is a significant step Miss Greengrass, hopefully, one that will enable you to truly forgive yourself."
"Can I ask you a couple of other questions?" Daphne blurted out. I could almost hear her own surprise at her request. Tracy certainly seemed to be amused by what I can only guess was the expression on either Daphne's face or Dave's.
"Certainly, you can." Dave replied, "Although we might have to make them quick ones, as I have a growing feeling that there is a group of witches just itching to be asking me some questions of their own." He chuckled.
"I'll bet." Tracy replied with an evil chuckle, "One young witch, in particular, I'd wager."
"I'm not willing to bet against that," Dave answered with his own chuckle. A quick glance across to Gabrielle showed that she was smiling and nodding in agreement. "Before we get side-tracked. You mentioned questions, Miss Greengrass?" He enquired.
"I did." She said, now sounding slightly nervous, "I wanted to know why you were so quick to reject my offer when we spoke the day after my arrival at the safe house?" She asked.
As she said this, I could see the expression on Gabrielle's face changed instantly, as I'm sure she guessed the same as me what this 'offer' had been.
"I'm assuming that you mean, other than the fact that I was already engaged to be married?" Dave asked with a slight edge to his voice.
"Yes." Was Daphne's embarrassed reply.
"You were listening to our earlier conversation, were you not Miss Greengrass?" Dave inquired.
"I was… But I just need to hear your reasoning." She stated, "Please."
There were several moments of complete silence from the group of them. Eventually, Dave spoke again.
"My reasoning, Miss Greengrass, is straightforward." Dave stated, "Relationships of any sort if they are to be successful need to be based on trust between those involved. Furthermore, those involved need to be completely honest with themselves as to why they want to be part of that relationship."
"You were not completely honest with yourself, and it showed." Dave explained, "I could read it in your eyes and how you were acting. Your behaviour was driven by an incorrect assumption about what you thought your family required of you. In short, you were forcing yourself to make that offer."
"Because of that, I could not have anything to do with it. I will not be a party to taking advantage of someone in that way."
"Before you say anything else, that might demean yourself or insult me, I will add the following. I can categorically state that the experiences you went through because of your capture had absolutely NOTHING to do with MY objection to your offer." Dave explained, "Your experiences and your responses to them (apart from the offer under discussion) have only led me to form a positive opinion of you, Miss Greengrass. You as well Tracy."
"Is that clear enough for you?" He asked.
"It is. Thank-you." Daphne replied, and I could feel the relief in her voice. I could almost picture her rebuilding her self-confidence and view of herself as she absorbed Dave's reply.
"If I may offer some advice here, Miss Greengrass?" Dave asked. We didn't hear an answer, but she must have nodded in agreement as after a few moments he continued. "You would do yourself a disservice if you didn't follow up on your interest in a certain Wizard that apparently caught your eye at Hogwarts." Dave chuckled.
"How did you know..." Daphne almost demanded as Dave quickly jumped in with a reply, "Tracey gave it away. But not in the manner that you think." He told her. We heard the start of an indignant denial from Tracey before Dave rescued her from Daphne's anger.
"It was her not so subtle questions about the whereabouts and condition of two particular wizards that gave away your interest and intentions towards one of them. Along with her own towards the other." The smile on his face could be heard in his voice.
"Don't believe everything my family tells you about my observational skills when it comes to women." Dave advised her, "I grew up around a large number of females from all sorts of backgrounds, and I paid close attention to them as they hunted their various love interests over the years. So, I'm very confident that I can spot a witch or witches who have a genuine interest in a certain wizard." He said with a laugh.
"Just not when he is ze wizard, in question, no?" Fleur asked Gabrielle with a smile that brought a blush to her cheeks, along with a glorious smile of her own.
"I actually got to meet both of the wizards in question at the Weasley's family home recently," Dave told them, and we could hear both Tracey and Daphne pay closer attention. "So, I can confidently tell you that they both survived the Battle of Hogwarts, with only light injuries that have since been taken care of. They also both came across as genuinely decent people who would be well worth your time to get to know better."
"And?" Tracey asked in a cold tone that stated louder than words what she wanted to know. Dave seemed content to leave her hanging for a few moments before he answered.
"They are both currently single..." Was as far as Dave got before Tracey, and possibly Daphne let out a small squeal of delight.
"So, what do I do now?" Tracey said as though she was speaking to herself.
"Well if you would like the opinion of a simple male..." Dave started to say.
"I do." Tracey quickly answered.
"It is very refreshing to be able to chat honestly with members of the opposite sex. No playing at games or manipulation, just genuine conversation where you can both learn about each other." He advised. "That way, you're both able to base any future decisions on accurate information directly from the source. As I mentioned before, relationships based on a foundation of honest communication have a far higher chance of standing the test of time. Regardless of the type of relationship."
"Your sisters and cousins will be shocked that you're so observant." Tracey giggled.
"Camouflage can be a powerful defence." Was Dave's answer, "But in all seriousness, you will find that actually talking (and listening) honestly with the person of your interest will be the most potent tool at your disposal." He told her.
"Is that how a certain French witch caught you?" Daphne asked and you could hear a tightness in her voice, as though she wasn't sure if she should have asked this particular question. Gabrielle appeared to be straining her ears for all they were worth.
"Yes, it was a huge part of how she caught me, to use your terminology," Dave answered her with a slight wariness in his voice. Gabrielle however, was almost floating in happiness.
"So, her conversation is her most potent weapon then?" Tracey asked, trying to get a rise out of him.
"It is certainly something that I truly love about her," Dave answered reflexively, and Gabrielle looked like she was just about to launch herself from the press gallery into Dave's arms. Thankfully Fleur and Hermione were able to hold her back.
"But far from her only one?" Daphne probed further. This question seemed to hit a nerve with Dave as his voice suddenly had a slightly more formal tone to it.
"Just what are you implying, Miss Greengrass?" He enquired, "Are you accusing her of using certain abilities native to her, because of her heritage to attempt to influence me? Or are you accusing me of being so weak willed that I would fall pray to those 'mythical' abilities?"
There was silence for several moments as Daphne made a few attempts to reply. But could not find the words she was looking for.
"Just to clarify the situation for you, Miss Greengrass. My extended family and my parents have several close friends who share a common heritage as the young lady you speak of. Those ladies and their families are certainly no strangers to my family, nor me." Dave explained, "I've also heard just about all of the misguided and bigoted stories that are spread around about those who share their heritage. I'm very confident in stating categorically that any self-respecting person of that heritage would NEVER act in such a manner." Dave's voice had a very definite edge to it when he said this, and it was easy to picture him attempting to keep himself from expressing his anger at the implied insult from Daphne.
"No there are always exceptions to any rule. However, the Veela nation in our part of the world takes a VERY dim view of those who would abuse their gifts in such a manner." He stated, "I'd be willing to bet that it wouldn't be all that much different in this part of the world as well. Especially when you consider the true fundamental nature of the magic of a Veela. And before you ask, no I won't tell you what it is, as it is something you need to discover for yourself. But I can state it is NOTHING like what you are alluding too with your previous statement."
I glanced at both Gabrielle and Fleur and they were both smiling brilliantly and there were unshed tears in their eyes as they listened to Dave.
"I will say this though, if you can't see past the external appearance of a lady like Gabrielle, or those who share her heritage. You are missing out on the best parts on who they truly are." He stated with absolute confidence. "Actually, that also applies to the rest of us as well." He said more to himself than the two girls he was talking to. Gabrielle was now looking like she REALLY wanted to get her hands-on Dave, but Hermione and I were far more interested in this conversation, so we did our best to keep her under control. In the end I'd say we made the right choice, especially considering what else we learnt from this conversation.
Returning my attention to Daphne, Tracey and Dave. I realised that Dave had now realised his earlier statement and was sounding a little flustered until Daphne (surprisingly) took pity on him.
"Can I ask, why do you refer to Tracy by her first name and not me?" Daphne asked to change the conversation from the awkward moment that had just occurred, "As I know, my mother has requested that you do so on several occasions."
There was a chuckle from Dave at this, and his amusement was evident as he spoke, "Do you recall our very first conversation when you were first brought to the hospital at the safe house?" Dave asked.
After a moment, there was a gasp from Daphne, and a laugh from Tracy, followed by several questioning looks between the four of us.
"As you are no doubt just remembering, you were very vocal in expressing your opinion on a wide range of topics that night." Dave reminded her, "I've had many people yell at me over the years, but few have matched your eloquence or passion in doing so. Even fewer have been as creative in their descriptions of my perceived shortcomings as to drive me to need to go and actually look up some of the terms involved." Dave explained before having a good laugh.
"Sorry about that," Daphne said in a subdued voice.
"Don't be." Dave said still very amused, "It was a learning experience for me, and I greatly enjoyed finding out just what some of those terms and phrases actually meant. I've even had an occasion or two to make use of them since. They were quite effective." He explained with a chuckle, I could also hear Tracy having a nervous laugh as well.
"After your mother had made the formal introductions of you and your sister to us all, you stated quite firmly that to me you were ALWAYS going to be Miss Greengrass." Dave reminded her and I could hear the smile in his voice, "Since then I have been simply acquiescing, to your request." He stated with a cheeky laugh in his voice.
There was silence for a few moments before we could hear some small snickers of laughter from both Daphne and Tracy. There were a few smirks amongst our group as well.
"Well then," Daphne replied, "please let me fix that error. You may call me Daphne, Auror Webb." She stated, rather formally.
"Thank-you Daphne." Dave replied, "As I believe I have stated before you may call me David or Dave."
"Thank you, David." Daphne said as Tracey had a small laugh, "May I ask one last question?"
"You may, but please make it quick." Dave requested.
"Why did my father look so frightened of you earlier at the embassy?" She blurted out in a rush.
We could hear Dave take a deep breath as he contemplated his reply. Eventually, he spoke, "Your father and Tracey's father had been running a great many risks for quite some time before they joined up with Percy and then my team." He began.
"When we became involved, we did what we could to mitigate those risks, without tipping our hand. However, we all knew that time was running out for them both." He explained, "We wanted to get both of your fathers back to one of our safe houses, but Cyrus wanted to follow up on one final lead before he did."
"None of us could convince him otherwise, so we came to a compromise of sorts."
"What compromise? Why was it needed?" Daphne asked.
"The meeting your father wanted to attend didn't feel right. But, by him attending, it would also allow us to get inside a secure location that had been previously out of our reach." Dave told her, "The compromise was that we would allow him to go to the meeting, but he would smuggle a few of us in on his person so that we would ALL be told the secret for the location. The decision for extracting the two of them would also be made by me."
"During the meet, things went sideways when Greyback demanded that your father murder a muggle to prove his loyalty to the death eaters. At that point, we dropped all attempts at stealth and subtly and simply cut our way in so we could get the two of them out. It wasn't a pretty sight." He explained as we heard a small gasp from one of the girls.
"When I broke through to where your father was, I was in full on fight mode and covered in blood and gore. Appearing suddenly like that and then taking out the occupants in the room in the manner that we did, seemed to unsettle them both. My choice of companions didn't help either." He said with a small laugh.
"Who were you with?" Tracey asked.
There was silence for a moment before he spoke. "I had with me some friends of mine who have some rather unique skills and backgrounds." He stated as we heard a small sound of discomfort.
"You mean your creature friends." Grumbled a voice that sounded like Tracey's.
I could almost feel the glare that I knew this statement would have caused. This was only further confirmed when Dave next spoke. The coldness in his voice scared me in a manner that even his anger on the day we met didn't.
"Miss Davis." Dave began, and I could see that Hermione, Fleur and Gabrielle had also picked up on the change in address and tone, "I'm very much aware that you are handicapped by your upbringing along with your minimal and bigoted education. However, that does not excuse you from insulting my friends." He growled out.
"But they're creatures, they are not human," Tracey replied in an ineffectual effort to defend herself, it turned out to be the wrong thing to say.
"Careful, Miss Davis. Your bigotry and lack of education are showing. Didn't our earlier conversation enlighten you on this topic at all?" Dave warned her, "My friends are just as human as you or me. The only possible exception being one particular Vampire." Dave coolly advised. Tracey sounded like she wanted to say something, but judging from the sound, she made, I'm guessing that Daphne had elbowed her in the ribs.
Hermione looked like she was about to explode with questions, if I'm honest with myself I'd have to admit that I had several of my own right about then also. Fleur and Gabrielle also seemed very interested in his statement. Thankfully with Dave being the teacher that he is, and his belief in fighting 'bad' information with 'good' information, I knew an explanation wouldn't be far off. I was right.
"The facts of the matter is this Miss Davis, unless you are an actual Muggle you are not an actual human or to use the scientific name a Homo Sapien." There was another pause here while Dave seemed to allow Tracey and Daphne some time to absorb this information. Hermione looked like she was right on the verge of self-destruction while fighting between her primal urges of wanting to run to the nearest library and staying to hear more of this conversation.
"If you feel the need to use labels, the one that you should use is Homo Magicis. As it is the commonly accepted one that is used to describe us, magic users." He told her, "And before you say anything else. YES, it includes what you call Witches and Wizards. As well as Veela, Banshees, Sirens, Lycans, Hags, Fey and many more that you haven't likely heard of yet. If you stretch the definition slightly, it could also include Pure-Blood Vampires as well." He instructed.
"What!" Tracey and Daphne both exclaimed just moments before Hermione did. Luckily for us, Fleur was able to clamp a hand on her mouth and cast a silencing charm on her.
"Does that surprise you, Miss Davis?" Dave asked her, "To now know you have a closer genetic relationship to those that you would call creatures than you do to Muggles?"
We could hear Tracey mumbling something to herself repeatedly. Most likely, some sort of denial.
"Do you want to know the truly shocking truth?" Dave asked her. This brought an abrupt halt to Hermione's struggles as we all strained to listen, "Those that you would call creatures, have a more fundamental connection to magic than any witch or wizard, along with a greater right to wield it." He stated with a note of finality.
"Why did you tell me this." Tracey almost sobbed, "You have just turned my world upside down and made everything I've been taught a lie." She accused him.
"You're welcome," Dave answered, calmly. "You were living in a dangerously false world, Miss Davis. A world that puts my friends in danger. If by destroying it with a little bit of factual knowledge, I can help make my friends safer, I'll do it as many times as I need to." He advised her calmly.
"I want you to understand something, Miss Davis, you too Daphne. Despite all my recent work here, if I was forced to choose between my friends and their safety or this backward and bigoted country. I'll choose my friends every time."
"Have I made myself clear?" He asked.
"You have, and thank you," Daphne answered as Tracey mumbled as well.
"As I mentioned before, you're both welcome. I do advise you both to think carefully on what I have told you here just now, though. Because you are going to be having a special guest lecturer next week who will be explaining it in more detail to you all."
"Who?" We heard the two girls ask.
"I don't want to ruin your surprise." Was Dave's chuckled answer, "But he is always a big hit with the ladies."
Even from where we were sitting, we could feel the curiosity of both Daphne and Tracey spike. Along with our own, I'll admit.
"I will say this, though. He is a VERY close friend of both my family and me, and I'm willing to bet you have never met anyone like him before. But DO listen very closely to what he comes to teach you."
"If he is as different as you say, how do you expect us to deal with him?" Tracey asked.
"With the 'Golden Rule' I would hope." Was Dave's amused answer.
"Golden Rule?" We heard asked.
"Treat others, as you would like them to treat you." Dave quoted.