I don't own HP!
Note:
HUGE thank you to Patti Jensen! I would have forgotten that I'd changed Dora's age in chapter 13. I do have a plan, and it will explain things a bit better; after all there are always a few secrets that law enforcement/the government tries to keep from the public.
I read a review that said that eleven year old kids don't need to be tucked in. While they don't necessarily need it, abused children need more attention and it helps to show that they are loved. Harry craves love, even if he dislikes too much attention; Draco had verbal abuse from Lucius, and he's always craved love. Children that aren't abused still need some attention and care from their parents or guardians.
When I was around eleven years old, I was occasionally carried to bed by my father from the sofa (while playing possum) just so I could still see that he cared for me (as he was too busy working all of the time), or my mother would read to my younger sister and me, as we shared a room. Each family is different; each child is different. I can honestly say that I still crave hugs from both of my parents, and when I feel the need for a hug and they aren't there, or I feel that someone else (that I'm related/married to) needs one, I will give them one. Very rarely will I hug someone that I consider a friend, but like I said before, everyone is different.
So here's the fixer chapter or a bonus, whichever. ;)
Opening Protection
While the adults watched the children play together, Harry decided to for-go the Jacks and headed over to Dora, "Dora, why are you small now? You're older."
"Elementary, my dear Harry," Dora took him away from the other kids. "I'm undercover as your bodyguard, along with Aunt Cissy, cousin Draco, and cousin Siri. Do you see that shimmer over in the parlor? That's Kings, he's my boss, after Madam Bones."
"Why do I need a bodyguard?" Harry frowned.
"The man who got your parents killed managed to escape Auror custody. Until we catch him or his rat animagus form, you're going to be under our guard. Aunt Cissy, cousin Siri, mum, and dad know about it," Dora smiled at the younger boy.
"So, what about Neville's Grandmother? Why isn't she asking questions?" Harry frowned, "And won't the other people coming today notice?" Harry asked worriedly, oddly accepting that Dora was there to protect him and the rest of the family.
"Dowager Longbottom is fairly well versed with Auror procedures, what with Neville's mum having been one, before she was attacked," Dora shrugged. "Don't mention that to Neville though, okay?" Dora pleaded.
"Okay," Harry replied. "So, when are we meeting Lord Greengrass and will Neville and Susan be able to stay and play while he's here?"
"That's a good question, kiddo. I'll go ask," Dora smiled as she led him back to the Jacks group and then trotted towards the adults. "So, Harry brought up a good point. When is Lord Greengrass arriving and when do the other kids need to leave?"
Amelia smiled as she watched the children, "Susan may stay until I'm done with my next meeting, which will be from noon until four, if that works for the Tonks family."
"Neville's tutor arrives at a quarter past four, so he may stay until four. Did you wish for me to meet with Conner about my role in this school, or can this be sussed out at a later date?" Augusta was still being her imperious self, but seeing Neville playing so happily made her be a bit more amicable.
"Hashing it all out once we have the Board together would be best, thank you for your insight, Dowager Longbottom," Narcissa smiled happily.
"Augusta, please. Dowager makes me feel too... antiquated," Augusta stated. "I trust there will be wards on this school? As the children aren't that far off from Hogwarts."
"Yes, we're planning on the best Goblin Curse Breakers and Ward Masters. All Goblin vetted, of course," Ted smiled at Augusta, pleased that they were making headway with the old battle-axe, as Andy was fond of calling her behind closed doors.
"Very well, I'll be back to pick up Neville at four, precisely," Augusta huffed and headed off to the floo.
"I'd best head to my meeting," Amelia sighed. "Susan, I'll be back around four to pick you up. Have fun with the other children."
"Okay Aunt Amy," Susan replied as she hurried forward to hug her aunt, and then let her go back to work.
It was nearly three by the time that Lord Greengrass showed up; he was the only one who brought his wife along with his two daughters.
The meeting with the Neutral or Gray Leader was about to begin!
