Chapter 46- I'm going to be what!?

June 1995

"There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self," Ernest Hemmingway.

Saturday June 3rd

"You again," Catherine growled as she found herself once again standing opposite Emma in a dark void.

"Guten Abend, Mrs. Greengrass," Emma replied.

"Shut up you ill-bred sausage loving kraut," Catherine said crossing her arms.

Emma sighed. "Honestly still with the name calling, I had hoped that we had moved past such juvenile behavior." Catherine just smirked at Emma who continued. "But if I must, could you please return what belongs to me, you inbred inselaffe," Emma replied, smirking as a vein began bulging on Catherine's forehead.

"The Greengrass family," Catherine hissed.

"Yeah, yeah, the Greengrass family is an offshoot of the House of Lancaster, and was founded in 1471," Emma said.

"So, the farm manager does know her history," Catherine said.

"Farm Manager…. I am a close advisor to Klaus Ingvalt the Mayor of Magical Vaduz, and ambassador at large for Lichtenstein, thank you very much," Emma said proudly puffing out her chest.

Catherine's eyebrows rose at Emma's statement. "Really, you an advisor to a magical government, Lichtenstein must be full of squibs who don't know any better." she chuckled.

"We prefer the term non-adept and please do not insult my friends," Emma said sharply.

"Did I hurt the poor squibs feelings," Catherine laughed.

"Can you say anything, that does not involve spitting insults," Emma groaned as Catherine continued to glare at her.

"I tire of this, Draco flammae," Catherine roared a blast of flame erupting from her wand.

"Dragon flames, real original," Emma sighed, raising her hand. "Panzerschild," she said, a white triangular shield forming in front of her.

"How original, a triangular shield to split the flames, like I haven't seen that before," Catherine said rolling her eyes spinning her wand in a circle turning the jet of flame into a circle hovering in front of her. "Excandescunt perforabunt sagittis," she said as the flaming circle began shooting out arrows of flame.

"Since when could you do that," Emma yelped, diving out of the way as the arrows of flame arced around her shield.

"Chaining elemental magic together is nothing special," Catherine said casually as the ring of fire continued to bombard the area with flaming arrows.

"But those are separate spells," Emma yelled alternating between dodging and blocking as she danced around the flames just barely missing her.

"And here I thought the Prussian education system was supposed to be holistic and efficient," Catherine said, delighted in Emma's frantic dance around the otherworldly space they found themselves in.

"Oh, come on, I graduated from Cambridge," Emma shot back.

"Like I'd believe that, when you can't even comprehend simple post spell casting manipulation," Catherine laughed.

"Wait, you can manipulate a spell after you cast it," Emma said, fending off a barrage of arrows before tripping and face planting into the floor.

"Merlin you are ignoramus," Catherine scoffed, looking down on Emma as more and more arrows hovered around her waiting to strike. "And sadly, for you I have no patience for commoner trash," she said dropping her hand firing the arrows.

"Panzerschild phalanx shift," Emma said her single glowing shield separating into a wall of interlocking shields forming a dome around her.

Catherine cackled with utter delight relishing the lovely dream she was having waiting to see the crowning jewel of her dream to be revealed as the smoke slowly dissipated. "What!" Catherine shrieked as instead of finding Emma's charred remains, she was staring at the surprisingly intact and unburnt Emma smirking behind a dome of glowing white interlocked shields.

"Anything you can do, I can do, now would you please return what belongs to me," Emma sang.

Break

"I am going to crush that vile woman," Catherine groaned as she woke up from another strange dream. It seemed at least once a week she'd dream of that girl's mother and her incessant pestering to return something that belonged to her. "Bah, it's just a dream, and even if I did have something that belonged to her, I would never return it," she muttered.

The Morning of Monday June 5th

"Ngh, too early….." Johanna groaned as the sun shone high in the sky.

"Too early it's after 10am," Emma said looking down at her daughter whose eyes shot open.

"In my defense, I didn't know that my performance would trigger a dementor attack or that I would have to activate my entire remedial project all at once, by tapping a leyline and channeling the power of a divine spirit," Johanna blurted out as her parents looked down at her as she lay comfortably in her bed.

"We know," Dan said.

"You do…" Johanna said.

"Yes," Emma said.

"So, I'm not…." Johanna said softly.

"Grounded no, expelled maybe, but your mother is working on that," Dan said.

"I'm going to be expelled," Johanna gasped, sitting up suddenly.

"Yes, it seems some did not take kindly to your actions, " Emma said.

"Oh…. but I just…" Johanna said softly, her head drooping.

"Johanna did you give a performance based on true events?" Dan asked.

"Yes, but it was Millie's idea, and we researched everything," Johanna said.

"Good girl," Emma said ruffling her hair. "And did you tap a leyline and use the power of a divine spirit to save everyone?"

"Yes, it wasn't like I was just going to let them kiss anyone," Johanna said.

"Good girl," Dan said, patting her hair.

"You're not mad," Johanna said.

"No not at you," her parents said.

"The school is another matter entirely," Emma said.

"Crud," Johanna muttered. "It's probably McGonagall, that tee-trinking erbsenzahler ," Johanna said pouting.

"Yes, we received quite the letter from her about how we shouldn't let you… How did she put it," Emma said looking towards Dan.

"Engage in reckless and dangerous uses of magic that put the entire student body at risk with your hair brained scheme that could have killed you not to mention that it was entirely improper for a girl your age to be engaging in such adult displays of affection," Dan said.

"Oh come on that was totally Luna and Artemis," Johanna exclaimed.

"And what did they do?" Emma asked.

"Luna's renting part of her body to the spirit of the moon who goes by Artemis for reasons they won't talk about, but I think it has something to do with her mother," Johanna said. "But that's not important, what is important was I wanted to borrow some of her divine power to use as a shield to drive off the dementors," Johanna said.

"And the use of a basic tantric mana transfer ritual," Emma said.

"Um what," Johanna dead panned.

"You mother is referring to your PDA with Luna," Dan said.

"I'm 14," Johanna said, blinking at her parents.

"Sorry, it's an English thing, it stands for public display of affection," Emma said in German.

"Oh, that's what you meant," Johanna replied as they shifted to German. Slowly a scowl appeared on her face as she remembered that particular memory. "Stupid, Luna stealing my first kiss," she grumbled.

"Hahaha, and here I thought you already had your first kiss by now," Emma said.

"Mom," Johanna snapped.

"Ok, ok," Dan said.

"Um, wait, why am I at home and not at school, and where is Victoria," Johanna said.

"What part of knocking yourself out saving the school did you miss," Dan said.

"Right, that," Johanna said.

"As for your sister it seems that Catherine Greengrass is still under the mistaken belief that Victoria is her daughter and removed her from the castle before we arrived to pick you up while under the guard of Anna and Jessica. Apparently, it's hard to stop ambassadors from entering the country, and Anna has a way with people," Emma explained.

"We have to do something," Johanna blurted out rapidly sitting up only to be pushed back down into her bed.

"Not to worry I am working on it, and your sister is more than capable of holding her own," Emma said.

"But Catherine Greengrass is very strong," Johanna said.

"True, but so is your sister," Dan said. "So just relax and let us handle it."

"Fine," Johanna huffed, crossing her arms and pouting.

"So how much do you want to put on your sister blowing up Greengrass Manor," Dan whispered.

"That's a fool's bet," Johanna replied.

"True, so how about how much of the house she destroys," Dan said.

"Dan," Emma snapped.

Afternoon of Monday June 5th

"Marcus, Lavender!" Victoria shouted leaping out of bed, her muscles tense and ready to fight as she looked around the rather posh room, she currently found herself in.

"Astoria, you're awake," Daphne squeaked, only to fall out of the large chair was she sitting in her art supplies clattering to the floor around her.

"My name is not Astoria," Victoria said glaring at Daphne. "And where am I?'

"At home and stop being a stupid little girl," Daphne said scrambling to clean up her supplies.

"Right, little miss failed everything," Victoria said looking down at her.

"It wasn't everything it was just potions, transfiguration, and charms," Daphne shot back. Her words only made Victoria's eyebrows rose, as her lips turned upwards into a perfect smile

"Mein got, I thought at least your brain wasn't a lie, but it seems I was wrong," Victoria said.

"I am not a dummy or a liar, little sister" Daphne snapped leaping to her feet glaring daggers at Victoria.

"Oh…" Victoria said walking across the room each step falling lightly on the plush carpet stopping mere inches from Daphne. "Do I look like the little sister," she said, placing her hands on her hips as her sparkling sky-blue eyes tilted downward to look into her sister's dull muddy blue eyes.

Having to actually tilt her head upward to meet Victoria's gaze sent another wrecking ball into Daphne's crumbling world. Johanna being taller than her was one thing, the girl was German and Germans were on average taller than the English, but her own little sister, that was just not possible. "No fair you are wearing heels," Daphne said, her nasally voice sounding more like whining.

Victoria cocked an eyebrow at Daphne. "Really, that's laugh considering you are the one wearing heels," she said.

"What does that have to do with anything," Daphne shot back.

"Nothing really, besides the fact that you are the short one, little girl," Victoria said invading Daphne's personal space, looming over her.

"And so what if I am short, I am not a little girl," Daphne shot back, hefting her larger chest.

"No that just makes you fat," Victoria chuckled, poking Daphne. Daphne balled her fists, her cheeks turning red as Victoria's finger sunk into her soft belly. "And there is quite a lot of it tubby," she said pinching an inch.

"I am not fat! I am big boned!" Daphne screamed.

"Astoria must you antagonize cousin," Catherine said entering the room. "And yes Daphne you are turning into a rather corpulent girl." Catherine sighed her eyes analyzing Daphne's increasing weight.

Replacing her mirthful smile with a mask of indifference Victoria turned to face her former mother.

"Mom, Astoria is my sister not my cousin," Daphne protested.

Catherine sighed, pinching her nose. "Daphne, Astoria we need to talk."

"I have nothing to say to you," Victoria replied.

"Astoria," Catherine groaned, rubbing her forehead. "This is exactly what I wanted to talk to you about."

"How about no," Victoria replied, rolling her eyes.

Neither girl saw Catherine flick her wand, or registered a spell had been cast until they were both wrapped in fiery chains that burned without damaging their skin. "I have had enough of your excesses," Catherine said sternly as she looked over each of them. "It seems I have been far too lax in allowing you the occasional indulgence. You are a Greengrass not gluttonous commoner," she said tightening the binds squeezing into Daphne's excessive flesh.

"Yes, I understand mother," Daphne cried out in pain.

"No, I do not believe that you do," Catherine said, yanking Daphne towards her.

"Yes, Mother…" Daphne said unable to meet her mother's gaze.

"Pathetic," Catherine sneered, pulling an elegant gold and silver dagger from her dress. "And I have no need for pathetic little girls," Catherine said holding up the dagger letting the sunlight reflect off the blade.

Daphne's eyes widened in shock as she began shaking like a leaf as her pupil's focused on the blade. "No, not that, anything, I promise I'll be good, and I will hold up the family's honor," Daphne muttered.

"You're not seriously going to kill her just because she's a little heavy," Victoria blurted out.

Catherine looked at Victoria out of the corner of her eye. "This blade is not meant for killing."

"Mother, please don't take it away from me," Daphne pleaded, tears beginning to flow from her eyes, as she fell to her knees.

"Take what?" Victoria asked as Daphne began bawling her eyes out.

"Her title as the future Countess of Greengrass," Catherine said.

"No anything but that," Daphne cried mucus leaking from her nose mixing in with her tears.

"And stabbing her does that how," Victoria said.

"This is no mere dagger," Catherine said, turning to face Victoria.

"Sure, looks like one to me," Victoria said, taking a closer look at the dagger. The blade was so clear she could see her reflection in it, taking note of the blue highlights running through her hair. However, what truly caught her attention were the gold lines running the length of the blade from the hilt to the tip. "Ok, on second thought maybe not, a mithril blade with orichalcum conduits creating a magic circuit disguised as ornamentation," she said taking a closer look at the hilt and cross guard. A garish red and gold affair that was out of step with the simpler more refined nature of the blade. "So, who'd you steal it from?"

"You would do well to remember our family's history Astoria," Catherine said tightening her binds making her grimace. "This dagger was gifted to us by John Gaunt the Duke of Lancaster, and the great grandson of Salazaar Syltherin."

"And I care because," Victoria said.

"You should care because this dagger was made with a fragment of Caliburn, the sword of selection that King Arthur pulled from the stone," Catherine said.

"And this turned Daphne into a blubbering mess because," Victoria said.

"It's a fragment of the sword of selection you moron, mother is going to take my title from me," Daphne cried out.

"Yes, you have proven yourself unworthy of being the future Countess Greengrass," Catherine said as a golden sickly golden mist surrounded the blade.

"No," Daphne screamed as the dagger was thrust into her, the mist flowing over her body. Her cries turned into screams as the mist enveloped her.

"Daphne Greengrass, for your failure to uphold the honor and standing of House Greengrass I hereby revoke your title as the heir to countess Greengrass," Catherine said as the mist began to flow back into the blade. "Can you not even take your punishment like a proper witch," Catherine said, silencing her.

"What the hell am I watching," Victoria muttered in German as red flames erupted out of Daphne's back to her silent screams of agony.

"With the revoking of your title I am taking back your Flame of the Red Dragon, the ancestral gift of the Greengrass family granted to us by Lludd Llaw Eraint for watching over the Green fields of Wales," Catherine said pulling the knife from Daphne drawing the deep red flames along with it. "Henceforth you shall be known as Daphne Beaufort, a baronet and member of the branch family, however should you prove yourself worthy I will consider reinstating you as the rightful heir." Catherine said cupping Daphne's chin before letting her drop to the floor.

"As for you my dear niece," Catherine said, turning to Victoria.

"I will never be your heir," Victoria said, narrowing her eyes at Catherine.

"Must you reject your family too harshly," Catherine said.

"Hah, you call this a family," Victoria shot back.

"This is your family, and you will respect it," Catherine hissed, returning Astoria's glare.

"Respect is earned, not given," Victoria said.

"You are trying my patience," Catherine replied, tightening her grip on her wand.

"Wunderbarr," Victoria sang.

"Why must you ruin your lovely voice with such a vulgar language," Catherine sighed.

"Hahahahhaha," Victoria laughed despite the painful bindings. "That's rich considering English is a West Germanic Language, trottel." She barely had the time to register the snarl exploding on Catherine's face before her world exploded in pain. A searing burning pain racked her body as if her entire being was on fire. Gritting her teeth, Victoria met Catherine's glare with determination refusing to give the woman the satisfaction of seeing her scream. "Es ist es wert," she muttered before finally passing out from the pain.

Tuesday June 6th

"Ouchie," Victoria groaned as she once again woke up in an unfamiliar bed.

"Miss are you alright," a blond-haired maid said quickly standing up from the chair where she was keeping watch.

"I feel like someone tried to turn me into barbeque," Victoria said.

"I'm sorry, I don't really know much German," the young woman said.

"Right sorry, forgot I was still in England," Victoria said switching back to English.

"Yes, the Mistress was quite insistent that you stay here for the summer instead of galivanting off to the continent again," the maid said.

"Of course, she did," Victoria groaned deciding laying down was the least painful choice.

"Miss may I ask a question," the woman said.

"Certainly," Victoria replied.

"Who are you," the woman said. "Mistress said that you are Daphne's cousin, Astoria, but Daphne has no cousins, the current lady's mother saw to that sending anyone who could threaten her power to fight in the Great Magical War."

"My name is Victoria Granger," Victoria replied, earning an odd look from the woman.

"That is interesting," the maid said.

"It is," Victoria said.

"Yes, because I personally saw to Hermione while she was visiting here last summer and she never mentioned having a sister," the maid said. "And the magic of the manor recognizing you as being family, distant family, but family nonetheless. A recognition that has been fading since your arrival."

"It has," Victoria said.

"Yes, and none of the maids recognize you, while the lady talks as if you have been here all along. Which raises the question of who you really are?" the maid said.

Victoria laid her head back looking at the over opulent ceiling inlaid with gold and silver, missing the rustic wooden beams of their home in Liechtenstein. "No, the real question Mina is why you are asking me such questions," she said, turning her head to look at the woman.

"How do you know my name," the woman squeaked stepping back.

"Because ding dong, you looked after me while I was growing up," Victoria said smirking at the woman.

"Impossible," Mina gasped, stumbling backward before falling on her posterior.

"Not impossible and it doesn't answer my question," Victoria said.

"No, it only gives me more," Mina said. "I mean Daphne's change I can understand from being lazy and eating too much, but you…."

"Look like a whole new person," Victoria said with a smirk.

"Understatement," Mina said. "But what happened to you?"

"Would you believe me if I said, Hermione who prefers to go by Johanna by the way, and her mother," Victoria said.

"Actually, yes, I would," Mina said. "You didn't see the way she took on the lady of the house and Emma's are a source of delight amongst the staff."

"Excellent, this makes things much easier," Victoria said with a smirk.

"Victoria, what are you going to do," Mina said.

"Go gallivanting off to Germany, wanna come," she replied with a spark in her eyes.

"Is the sky blue," Mina replied.

Friday June 9th

Dear Marcus,

I am sorry I was not there when you woke up, but I hope you are recovering well. And it seems I need to ask a favor of you. If you haven't heard by now, Catherine Greengrass in her infinite wisdom has decided that I am her niece, and that I am to stop galivanting off to the continent for the summer. She has however said that you come from a fine family and that you are free to visit me, here at the manor. I very much look forward to seeing you. But if you could inform my mother of my temporary dwelling and that to stick to the plan as it seems to be working.

Victoria Granger

PS- Would you mind informing Alexandra that while I was really excited for our recording session, I will regretfully have to decline for the time being.

PPS- And if you could please tell Millie that I will be attending the Monaco Arts Gala in August.

"Oh bloody hell," Marcus groaned after rereading the letter.

"What seems to be the problem son," an older gentleman said looking up from his newspaper.

"A friend of mine is in trouble and I need an international portkey," Marcus said.

"The same one that got you slammed through a plate glass window," his father said.

"Victoria had nothing to do with that," Marcus said.

"That's not what I heard," his mother said entering the room.

"Let me guess Countess Bloody Greengrass," Marcus sighed.

"Watch your language young man," his mother snapped. "And no, it was the Marque Tuttle.

"Fine but it's not like I haven't heard you call both of them a menace," Marcus said.

"Yes, but they are a menace we have to live with," she said gently rubbing her belly. "And we can't afford to antagonize them right now."

Marcus stared at his mother, his jaw slowly dropping. "You're pregnant."

"Wait what!" his father gasped.

"Way to ruin it Marcus," his mother pouted.

"Ruin what," Marcus said before looking at his stunned father. "Wait dad didn't know."

"Of course, I didn't know," he exclaimed.

"Um, sorry," Marcus said sheepishly.

"I want to know how you figure it out," his parents said in unison.

"Lucky guess," Marcus shrugged. "So, um can I get a portkey to Liechtenstein?"

"There is no way you are that lucky," his mother said crossing her arms and glaring at him. "And why do you need to go to Liechtenstein?"

"What the heck is a Liechtenstein," his father added.

Marcus sighed. "You've made no secret of the fact that while you both see the superiority of magicals over non-adepts, you also have made no secret of the fact that you do not like the pure blood nobility act."

"And that someone informed you that I was pregnant, something I wasn't fully aware of until this morning," his mother said.

Marcus gulped nervously. "I um, well you see, the Greengrass family makes a lot of donations to Saint Mungo's, and when you combine that with rubbing your belly, and the fact that the PTA meeting later this month, it was the best of the available options."

"Who are you and what have you done with our son," his mother said.

"Yeah, there is no way you are this observant," his father added.

"It's all Victoria's fault," Marcus blurted out.

"As in that singer you like," his mother said, cocking an eyebrow.

"Yes," Marcus said.

"But what about Astoria…." his father said.

"Marcus are you two timing girls," his mother snapped.

"No," he pleaded.

"It sure doesn't sound like it," his father said.

"Astoria and Victoria are the same person and it's a long story, but the short version is Victoria was showing me some observational tricks she learned in divination that might help me in quidditch," Marcus said quickly. "So, when mom said those things, and I saw her rubbing her belly it just kind of clicked."

"Always with the quidditch," his father chuckled.

"Wait you're telling me that Astoria Greengrass, and Victoria Granger are the same person, so does that mean…." his mother gasped.

"No Emma Granger and Catherine Greengrass are not the same person," Marcus said.

"I am confused," Mr. Flint said.

"Ok, simple version, Catherine Greengrass is a horrible mother, and Astoria fell very far from the tree, and Emma Granger showed her the love her mother never did so Astoria decided that she'd rather have Emma Granger as a mom and I guess magic agreed with her, leading to her becoming Victoria Granger," Marcus said.

"Marcus what have we told you about, plant teacher tea," his mother said.

"Mom, honest, I've never tried that stuff, and Victoria would kill me, before Millie fed me to Audrey," Marcus blurted out.

"Marcus, I don't even know where to begin explaining just how many ways what you said is wrong," Mr. Flint said.

"Um, magic," Marcus said.

"Magic doesn't…" Mr. Flint said.

"Yeah, well magic is supposed to keep muggles away and we've seen how useless those are when Mrs. Granger is involved," Marcus said.

"He does have a point," Mrs. Flint said.

"Ok, fine," Mr. Flint relented.

"Does this mean I can go to Liechtenstein," Marcus said.

"Yes, but we are coming with you," Mrs. Flint said.

"You are, we are," Marcus and Mr. Flint replied.

"Yes," Mrs. Flint said.

"Oh boy," Marcus sighed.

Early Monday morning June 12th

"Hallo Cathy," Emma exclaimed happily waving as Catherine fully materialized into the shared dreamscape.

"You again," Catherine growled.

"Don't be like that," Emma sighed.

"It's enough dealing with a failure of a daughter and a rebellious niece, but some dam squib must haunt my dreams," Catherine said.

"I have a name you know," Emma said.

"I am well aware of your name," Catherine said. "But why should I dignify the peasant with a name."

"A peasant, really," Emma sighed, rolling her eyes.

"You have yet to prove yourself worthy of anything else," Catherine said.

"Blocking your spells the last time didn't count," Emma said with a smirk.

"If all you can do is block and dodge you are not worthy of my attention," Catherine said smugly looking down her nose at Emma again.

"Well I am being honest you are not someone I really want the attention of anyway," Emma said. "What with your holier than thou attitude and a rather horrid set of parenting skills."

"You dare criticize me," Catherine growled.

"I just call it like I see it," Emma said.

"You know nothing about parenting," Catherine snapped.

Emma's eyebrows rose as she looked at Catherine, her surprise giving way to laughter. "That is rich."

"Laughter the last refuge of failure," Catherine said.

"Technically Samuel Johnson said Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel," Emma replied. "And if we are being technical, Johanna performed at the Olympics, and beat your daughter at the Monaco Grand Prix, while Victoria is a budding singer with several successful concerts. Now don't get me wrong Daphne has a lot of potential, but she has her faults that will only serve to hold her back. Faults you gave her I might add," Emma said.

"That is enough, excandescunt sagitta genocidia subcinctus!" Catherine roared a wall of flaming arrows forming behind her.

"Panzerschildschlag," Emma called out, firing a glowing white shield straight into Catherine knocking her back. Emma took more than a little delight in seeing the look of utter shock on Catherine's face as she flew back. "Do not mistake my disdain for violence as weakness Cathy."

"You will pay for that," Catherine growled.

Break

"Ouchy," Emma groaned as she found herself back in the real world with the perfect view of the underside of her bed.

"Emma, is this some sort of new exercise routine you are trying or did you just get blasted across the room by something," Dan asked looking at his wife currently laying against the wall upside down.

"Mom, Dad," Johanna yelled, throwing open the door. "Um… mom what are you doing," she said, cocking her head to the side.

"Yoga I think," Dan said.

"If it's yoga, I think you're doing it wrong," Johanna said.

"I'm not doing yoga," Emma said, swinging her legs down to the floor before rolling back to a standing position.

"Then what was that bang right now," Johanna asked.

"That was your mother getting tossed across the room," Dan said.

Johanna could only look between them in confusion. "And why did you throw mom across the room."

"Because he didn't," Emma said.

"I don't see anyone else," Johanna said.

"Are you going to tell her," Dan sighed.

"Tell me what?" Johanna asked.

"I discovered the light of my soul, the threads of fate that I have woven with those I love most dearly. And I am using those threads to have that which was taken from us returned," Emma said.

"Um, what," Johanna deadpanned.

"I think what your mother is trying to say is that she has discovered that the human soul is less of a metaphysical thing, and more of an actual thing, and that as a mother she shares a connection to the souls of those she cares about," Dan explained.

"Dad that doesn't…." Johanna said, narrowing her eyes at him. "No wait that actually makes sense," Johanna sighed thinking of her own snowy mindscape. "But that still doesn't explain how mom got blasted across the room."

"It seems Victoria's desire for me to be her mother, and my returning her feelings has created a tenuous link between us," Emma said. "So I had the brilliant idea of pulling on that strand really hard and ripping it away from Catherine Greengrass."

"And this got you blasted across the room how?" Johanna asked incredulously.

"She hit me with a dragon flame buster," Emma said. "Now who wants breakfast?" she asked walking past a stunned Johanna.

"Wait, wait, wait," Johanna exclaimed.

"Mom, assuming I believe everything you just said, how did you do it? You don't have magic," Johanna exclaimed.

"There is no rule saying that you have to have magic, to be able to perform magic," Emma said.

"That doesn't make any sense," Johanna said.

"Yes, it does," I just used some of the gems you left lying around to provide the magic power," Emma said patting Johanna on the head. "Just because I don't have it doesn't mean I can't use it."

"That's…. No that makes sense to," Johanna sighed. "Well I'm going back to bed it's too early," she said, turning and walking out.

"You left out the part that you didn't use a mana gem last night," Dan said.

"I didn't," Emma said.

"No," Dan said.

"But a person can't just, I mean at my age," Emma gasped.

"Says the woman who…." Dan said with a smirk.

"Shut it you," Emma said, swatting him.

Friday June 16th

"So, this is Liechtenstein," Mr. Flint said as they stepped out of the customs building.

"It's very modern," Mrs. Flint added.

"I think anything is modern compared to Wizarding Britain," Marcus said.

"So where to next," his mother asked.

"I um…." Marcus said, dropping his head. "Crap…. Victoria never actually told me her address."

"He gets this from you," she said looking at her husband.

"Me," Mr. Flint said.

"Yes, you, or did you forget," Mrs. Flint said.

"Oh please, one time, you forget the address one time," Mr. Flint said.

"I don't suppose we can just go knocking on doors," Mrs. Flint said.

"Dad, don't you have that spell that can point out magical signatures," Marcus said.

"Yes, I use it as part of my rescue work," he said. "But with so many magicals in one place it's not exactly going to work very well."

"We just need to find the biggest one," Marcus said. "Johanna is easily one of the most powerful witches in the school so there is no way she isn't one of the strongest ones here too."

"Well, it can't hurt to try," he said, pulling out his wand while Marcus and his wife provided cover for him.

"Did it work," Marcus asked.

"I think so," Mr. Flint said, putting on a pair of glasses that projected a small arrow pointing him towards the strongest magical source in the surrounding area.

Break

"Marcus," his mother said.

"Yes," he replied.

"That is not a school girl," Mrs. Flint said as they waited for an attractive blond to exit a government building.

"I dunno maybe dad messed up the spell," Marcus said.

"No, she has the strongest magical signature in the city," he replied.

"Well so much for that idea," Mrs. Flint said.

"Maybe we could just ask her," Marcus said.

"Ask me what," Emma said from behind them.

"GAH!" the three exclaimed, jumping back.

"Wait, what, how did you," Mrs. Flint exclaimed.

"Magic," Emma chuckled. "I mean it's just a simple körperdouble spell, that uses a clear quartz to refract the light in such a way as to create the illusion of another person on top of another. Since you're just looking from a distance it works well enough," Emma said as the Emma across the street vanished only to be replaced with a young woman with long black hair. "Thanks, Ria," Emma waved.

"I'm confused," Mr. Flint said.

"You cast a tracking spell that locked onto me for some reason, and well some people are a little overprotective at times," Emma said waving Ria and several others off. "Now what can I do for you?"

"I'm really sorry, but I'm looking for a classmate of mine Johanna Granger," Marcus said.

"You are a friend of Johanna's," Emma said with a smile.

"You know her," Marcus said.

"Well should hope I do," Emma said. "I am her mother after all." she chuckled as the trio fell over.

"You're Emma Granger," Mr. Flint said.

"Yes," Emma replied.

"Perfect," Marcus said, leaping to his feet.

"And you are," Emma said looking at the boy.

"My name is Marcus Flint, and I have a message for you," Marcus blurted out.

"Oh, your Victoria's Marcus, the quidditch nut," Emma said happily, clapping her hands together.

"Yes," Marcus gulped.

"And you have a message for me?" Emma asked.

"Yes, Victoria's being held hostage at Greengrass Manor," Marcus said.

"I suspected that," Emma replied.

"Marcus you didn't say anything about kidnapping," Mr. Flint yelled.

"Oops," Marcus said sheepishly.

"Oops, only you would call kidnapping an oops, Merlin what has gotten into you, honestly I still think you need more time to heal after falling off your broom," Mrs. Flint said whacking her son on the arm.

"I am afraid that is my daughters' fault," Emma said.

"No, it's not," Marcus replied. "People were in danger and I couldn't sit by and let the dementors hurt them."

"Dementors," Mrs. Flint gasped with a horrified look in her eyes.

"Um, yeah, big dementor attack at the end of school," Marcus said.

"And you didn't tell us why," Mr. Flint said.

Marcus simply turned and pointed to Emma.

"That surprisingly makes a lot of sense," Emma said.

"I'm confused," Mr. Flint replied.

"I believe what your son is referring to is partial obliviation of myself and my husband, the attempted oblivation of the Blustrodes, not to mention the attempted obligation of our daughters and Neville Longbottom," Emma stated.

"Wait, that actually happened," Mr. Flint said.

"Yes," Emma said. "I will certainly understand if you wish for Marcus and Victoria to stop seeing each other."

"Yeah, not going to happen," Marcus chimed in.

"Marcus…." Mrs. Flint hissed.

"I think this might be better discussed over lunch, my treat," Emma said looking at the three of them.

"Believe the correct answer is yes," Johanna chimed in.

"Johanna, when did you get here," Emma said.

She simply shot her mother an incredulous look. "Ria called me and really, you think I wouldn't come running when someone tags you with a tracking spell."

"You get hit with one little spell and my daughter thinks, I'm an invalid," Emma chuckled, patting Johanna on the head. "Now how about some lunch?" Emma said leading the way. Soon the quintet found themselves at a quaint German cafe straddling the magical and mundane parts of the city.

"Um… I have a question," Marcus said, raising his hand.

"Ja," Emma said.

"Johanna, correct me if I am wrong, but when you first arrived at Hogwarts, you were a first generation magical correct," Marcus said.

"Ja," Johanna said.

"Which means that your mother was not born with magic," Marcus said.

"Marcus," his mother hissed.

"Ja, this is true, and there is no harm in asking questions Mrs. Flint," Emma said.

"Please it's Abigail, Dunstan" Mrs. Flint and Mr. Flint said.

"Then I insist you call me Emma," Emma said.

"Of course," the Flints replied.

"And your son is correct, I did not, and do not have magic," Emma replied.

"Then my spell shouldn't have worked," Dunstan said.

"You must have picked up this instead," Emma said pulling a large glowing diamond out of her purse.

"Is that a mana gem," Abigail gasped as Marcus yelped, jumping behind Johanna.

"I'm your sister's boyfriend, you'll protect me right," Marcus stammered.

"I feel like I am missing something very important," Emma said as the Flints continued to stare at the gem with dumbfounded looks on their faces.

"Johanna has a tendency to pull out glowing gems when she's angry and then things tend to get a little crazy," Marcus said.

"Oh, come on the Basilisk was not my fault, and the dementors were being stupid," Johanna replied.

"Wait, I thought the Potter boy stabbed it in the mouth, killing it after Ginny Weasley was taken to a chamber under the school," Mr. Flint said.

"Potter didn't stab anything, if anything he helped Johanna, Neville, and Millie blow it up," Marcus said.

"But that is not what was told to the press," Abigail said.

"Or my department," Dunstan added.

"It seems someone is playing games with memories and public perception," Emma said darkly.

"Anyway, that's beside the point," Marcus said.

"It is," the adults replied.

"Yes, Victoria sent me a letter telling me to inform you that Catherine Greengrass has decided that her niece is no longer allowed to go galivanting off to the continent, and that whatever it is that you are doing it is actually working," Marcus said causing Emma's smile to grow. "Oh, and to tell Alexandra she is sorry for missing their lessons and recording session, and that she is going to the Monaco Arts Gala in August," he added quickly.

"That is excellent news, thank you Marcus," Emma replied.

"I'm confused everyone knows Countess Greengrass has no extended family, she does have two daughters though," Abigail said.

"No, she doesn't," Marcus said.

"She doesn't," Dunstan said.

"Nope," Johanna added.

"So, what are we gonna do about Victoria, we can't just leave her there," Marcus said.

"He's a keeper," Emma whispered to Johanna in German.

"Ja, Victoria found a good one,"

"Um, danke," a blushing Marcus said softly.

"Hello still confused," Dunstan said.

"Don't worry you'll get used to it," Marcus said.

"I am not that confusing," Johanna pouted.

"No, you just like to rewrite the rules," Marcus said.

"I do not," Johanna said.

"Johanna, while others may not remember exactly what you looked like when you arrived at Hogwarts as Hermione I still do," Marcus said.

"You do," Johanna said.

"Yup, and I remember how terrible you were at magic, and yet last week you drove off a swarm of dementors, all while the professors did nothing," Marcus explained.

"It wasn't all me, I tapped a leyline and Luna helped," Johanna said.

"It takes a coven of 13 witches to control a leyline, and you did it by yourself," Marcus said.

"No one told me that," Johanna snapped. "And I was on the clock."

"And don't even get me started on Victoria, because you are literally turning her into your sister, and I don't even know where to begin with that one," Marcus said pointing at Emma.

"And you haven't told anyone because…." Emma said.

"Because it's what Victoria wants and why shouldn't she be happy," Marcus said.

"Good boy," Abigail said.

"Abby, this is," Dunstan groaned. "If this gets out, and if she ever finds out we knew…."

"She will do nothing," Emma said.

"She will…." Abigail and Dunstan said looking at Emma.

"Of course," Emma replied.

"But Countess Greengrass is a very powerful witch and has connections," Dunstan said.

"Cathy is a bully, and I do not like bullies," Emma said. "Plus, just because I don't have innate magic doesn't mean I can't use it," she said holding up a glowing diamond. "And as for connections, well…" Emma said blushing a little.

"Mom what did you do," Johanna groaned.

"I kinda sorta got appointed as the finance minister and ambassador by Claus," Emma said softly.

"Congratulations," Marcus exclaimed.

"Magic is weird," Abigail muttered.

"Don't you worry Marcus, Victoria is going to be just fine, and all you need to do is make sure you come to the Monaco Arts Galla," Emma said.

"Yes, ma'am," Marcus barked.

"And Dunstan, what was that spell you used earlier," Emma asked.

"It's a simple locator spell that scans the area for magical signatures, with the ability to lock onto stronger magical signatures," Dunstan explained.

"Fascinating, where did you come across such a spell," Emma asked.

"I'm part of the ministry's emergency response team," Dunstan said.

"Are you an EMT," Johanna asked.

"No, my specialty is search and rescue," Dunstan replied.

"Yep, dad gets called in all the time when people go missing or there is an accident and stuff," Marcus said.

"Do you think you could show me the spell," Emma asked.

"I can but…." Dunstan said.

"But what," Emma said tilting her head to the side. "Oh," she gasped, perking up. "You mean my not having innate magic, but that's what these are for," Emma said holding up her wrist and pointing to the gems on the bracelet.

"Marcus is your friend's mother breaking the rules of magic," Abigail asked.

"Probably," Marcus replied with a shrug. "You just get used to it after a while."

"Hey I do not break that many rules," Johanna said in a huff rolling her eyes.

"No, you just used a bad batch of Polyjuice to turn someone into your sister," Marcus said.

"How is that my fault, you broom nut," Johanna replied.

"It was your hair, ice girl" Marcus chuckled.

"I'll show you, ice girl," Johanna said, pulling out a sapphire.

"I'd rather you didn't freeze anyone where non-adepts might see it," Emma said, snatching the gem out of her daughter's hand.

"Still didn't get your wand replaced," Marcus said.

"Why bother gems work well enough, and the stupid thing will probably just blow up again," Johanna replied.

"You blew up your wand," Abigail gasped.

"I was channeling the power of a divine spirit, and a leyline through it to power a large-scale transfiguration and shield spell at the time, and to be honest it didn't really like me," Johanna said.

"You've actually met a divine spirit," Dunstan said. "I thought they were a myth."

"No, they are real," Johanna replied. "And don't bother asking who."

"I won't, and I'd like to stay as far away from them as possible," Dunstan said.

"Are they dangerous," Emma asked.

"Not any more or less than you might expect from something out of ancient mythology, it's just that," Abigail said. "The last person to seriously research them did not have a pleasant end."

"That explains a few things," Johanna said thinking of Luna.

"Johanna, you find this girl and you tell her she is not alone," Emma said.

"She's not," Marcus said, putting the pieces together.

"Good boy," Abigail said. "Now about your wand, it exploded because it no longer matched you.

"But it matched me just fine at Olivanders," Johanna said.

"True, but if anything, my son has told me is even partially true, the you, you are now, is not the you, that you were back then," Abigail explained.

"Understatement," Emma added, earning her a scathing look from her daughter.

"Which means that it was not a match for you, and forcing that much power through an unmatched wand would cause it to explode," Abigail said.

"Dear I think even a properly matched wand couldn't handle that kind of power," Dunstan said.

"Perhaps, but there are other options," Abigail said.

"Not in Britain," Dunstan said.

"But we're not in Britain," Marcus said.

"Right," he added.

"So, what should I consider when looking for a new wand Mrs. Flint," Johanna asked.

"Wood is the most common substance, but if price isn't a limiting factor you could go for a magically conductive metal like mithril, adamant, or orichalcum. However, those wands are a bit more limited when it comes to suitable core material, and would need a focusing gem," she explained. "What most high-end wands do instead is use a wood base surrounded by metal pinstriping to handle the excess magic or for finer control," Abigail explained, pulling out her own wand, about 12 inches long mage of oak with several very fine lines of a shiny metal wrapping around it.

"It's very pretty," Emma said looking at the wand.

"Thank you," Abigail said.

"You must be like super-duper powerful if you have a wand like that," Johanna said.

"I am no more powerful than your average witch, I just require the extra control for my line of work," Abigail said.

"Oh…." Emma said, perking up.

"I am a healer, or in non-magical terms a physician's assistant," Abigail said as Emma got a mischievous or devious look in her eye, Abigail wasn't sure.

"Should I be worried," Abigail whispered to Marcus.

"Should my mom be worried," Marcus whispered to Johanna.

"Nah, she's probably just gonna ask her if she wants to do some aid work," Johanna said. "Mom's starting up a new NGO."

"That's not going to be easy," Abigail said.

"Magical governments tend not to play well with others, and the bureaucracy can be positively Byzantine," Dunstan added.

"Perhaps, but I have found the German speaking world a bit more receptive, when I ask people nicely," Emma said.

"Johanna, I do not want to see what happens when your mother doesn't ask nicely," Marcus shuddered.

Evening of Saturday June 24th

Dan whistled as he caught sight of her in a simple white and gold dress, that gently caressed her body, as she turned to look at him. "Someone is going all out tonight."

"Is it too much," a blushing Emma said as she turned away.

"Not at all," Dan replied. "You just surprised me, since I know you don't like the dog and pony show that is the Hogwarts PTA."

"I do not, and I thought something a little nicer than usual is warranted given the debacle with the dementors, and my little tiff with Cathy," Emma replied.

"You don't think they will really kick Johanna out," Dan said.

"I'm not sure," Emma replied. "But if it does come to that, I am sure Johanna will be fine."

"True, our daughters are nothing if not resilient, and she would be closer to home going to Saint Hidle's," Dan said.

"Yes, but Johanna has chosen to go to Hogwarts and wishes to remain there, and I would hate to see that taken away from her," Emma said. "Are you ready?"

"Yes," he said, putting on a suit jacket, the dark colors equal and opposite to Emma's white and gold, matching in how complementary they were. "I've even got the portkey," he said holding up a pocket watch. "I still can't believe that they manage to invent a spell that effectively proves an entire branch of physics correct, and breaks it at the same time," Dan said, opening the watch.

"True, but I could do without the spinning until you want to vomit," Emma said.

"You would think they would fix that," Dan said. "The darn things have been around for several hundred years."

"That long," Emma gasped.

"At least according to one of Johanna's books, the records are spotty but apparently the portkey spell was reverse engineered from a Mongol spell that they used to transport material over long distances during their conquest of the Kievan Rus," Dan explained.

"And when did you have time to do all that research," Emma said.

"Vaduz is a lot smaller than London, and they only call me in for the special cases," Dan explained wrapping an arm around his wife. "And besides I can't let you be the only one who understands magic, now watch this," Dan said, twisting a dial on the watch before they popped out of existence.

"I hate you so much right now," Emma gasped as they appeared in a small room set up for portkey arrivals at the Banquet House in London.

"No you don't," Dan said holding her up. "And besides this way it wasn't as bad as the last time."

"Don't remind me," Emma said.

"Dan, Emma," Rama called out.

"Rama, Sita," Dan replied as Emma steadied herself.

"You know I should be surprised but I'm not," Sita said softly to her husband.

"How are your girls doing," Dan asked. "I feared the worst after hearing they were hurt."

"Not to worry, it was nothing serious, and frankly their punching dementors has made them rather popular back home," Rama said.

"Really," Dan replied.

"Yes, up until now, it was thought that dementors were invulnerable, but that seems to be no longer the case," Rama replied. "And it was thanks to the discoveries made by Johanna."

"I'm just glad she could help out," Dan said.

"Emma you look positively stunning," Sita said.

"Dhanyavaad," Emma replied.

"Danke, and since when could you speak Hindi," Sita said.

"I thought I would pick up a few words," Emma replied. "And is that a sari," she said admiring Sita's deep blue dress.

"No, but it is inspired by them," Sita said. "I know some here might frown on it, but after what my daughters did, it was the least I could do."

"Thanks, doesn't…" Emma said as another couple walked by.

"Honestly, what does she think she's doing by wearing that, don't they realize their country doesn't exist," the woman said, holding her nose up at them.

"And what's wrong with that," Dan interjected. "When did it become illegal to show support for your culture. Honestly, it's 1995, not 1825."

"Like I care what a muggle thinks," the husband said, roughly brushing him aside.

"Stuck up jerk," Dan muttered in German.

"Thanks," Rama said.

"That's what friends are for," Dan said as they entered.

Break

"Mother must I really be here," Liz asked, tilting her head up to look at her from her wheelchair. "The doctor's said….."

Evangeline shot her a withering glare. "And I told the doctors not to meddle in pure blood affairs."

"Mother they are my legs, and I…" Liz protested.

"Will do what you are told," Evangeline snapped. "The family's position is bad enough and then you go and screw it up."

"I did no such thing," Liz said.

"I beg to differ," her father added. "Not supporting Daphne Greengrass, protecting a commoner, getting hurt, your slipping grades, becoming friends with those upstarts."

"They are not upstarts," Liz protested. "They are good people, and I hope to one day call them my friends."

Evangeline glared at Liz; her nostrils flared with anger. "They are beneath you, just like that worthless boy you refuse to put in his place."

"They are not beneath me, and Mathew is a," Liz said before her mother silenced her with a flick of her wand.

"Silence, I will not hear any more of this, now you have a role to play and I expect you do it," Evangeline hissed glaring at her daughter who simply bowed her head as her father wheeled her inside the grand ballroom.

Break

"Emma," Maggie called out, sauntering over to her friend.

"Maggie," Emma gasped dumbfounded at the site of her friend walking towards her.

"Do I have something on my face," Maggie said.

"No, it's just…" Emma said circling her slimmer friend dressed in a purple and silver dress, that did little to hide her generous cleavage, with a leg slit so high it was more about showing some leg than it was making it easier to move. While the dark colors had a slimming effect on her waist. "Wow, Monaco has been good to you."

"Really, I don't think…" Maggie stammered.

"Oh honestly," Emma sighed. "Sita come here."

"Did you have the same problem with Emma," Alex asked.

"Yeah, pretty much," Dan replied.

"Our wives are idiots," Alex chuckled as Sita proceeded to smack Maggie on the back of the head.

"But we wouldn't want it any other way," Dan replied.

"Got that right," Alex added. "And I have to ask, I wasn't seeing things earlier when you walked out of the portkey area," Alex asked.

"Nope, portkeys are a very fast and effective way to travel, but Emma hates all the spinning," Dan said.

"Dan are you breaking the rules of magic," Alex said.

"Mana battery powered portkey," he said, showing him the watch.

"Did I hear you mention batteries? I am fascinated by them," Arthur Weasley chimed in.

"You must be Molly's wife Arthur," Dan said.

"Yes," Arthur replied. "And you are…."

"Arthur this is Dan Granger, Emma Granger's husband and…" Alex said.

"Ah yes, I was hoping to ask is it Hermione, or Johanna, because I have been getting conflicting information from my children," Arthur said.

"Both actually, her full name is Johanna Hermione Granger, we named her Johanna after one of Emma's distant relatives," Dan explained.

"And Hermione?" Arthur asked.

"I think my wife is the most beautiful woman in the world, no offense gentlemen," Dan said.

"None taken," Arthur and Alex replied.

"I picked Hermione, as in Hermione the daughter of Helen of Troy," Dan explained.

"Then why did she go by Hermione at first," Arthur said.

"She was worried about being ridiculed for not being British that's why she went by Hermione since that is a character's name in a Midsummer Night's Dream," Dan explained. "She only recently decided to go by Johanna after she felt more comfortable at the school."

"That makes sense," Alex chimed in.

"Yes, my older children said something similar, but my youngest two did not take the change well," Arthur said.

"I am sorry for any trouble Johanna might have caused," Dan said.

"It's a small price considering that Johanna saved my Ginny," Arthur said. "But I must warn you Molly is a bit testy given how they framed it as lying."

"Thanks," Dan replied.

"Speaking of testy," Alex said nodding his head towards April Brown who was looking more than a little upset as she marched towards their wives with Molly following close behind.

"You," a red-faced April growled stomping towards Emma, her fists clenched.

"Good evening April, is something wrong," Maggie said.

"Something wrong, that's all you have to say after what happened," April hissed, shoving Maggie aside before stopping mere inches from Emma.

"April I…" Emma began to say only to be cut off by a slap across the face. The sharp crack of the slap reverberating across the ballroom as all talking stopped.

"You bitch, it's all your fault," April screamed, grabbing Emma's shoulders. "If your daughter hadn't done anything then…." she said glaring at Emma who just looked at her, her eyes brimming with concern. "Then…. then …. Lavender would still….," April choked up tears beginning to stream from her eyes. "Still be here…." she cried as Emma hugged her.

"Hush, everything will be ok," Emma whispered into her ear. "Lavender is a strong girl."

"How can you say that," April said. "She was attacked by dementors… and has gone missing."

"Lavender's gone missing," Emma asked, leading April to a chair as the others watched.

"Yes, she was initially placed in the long-term care facility at Saint Mungo's but now she is gone," April said.

"Gone, gone how," Maggie asked.

"I don't know, all Saint Mungo's told me was that it wasn't their problem any more and it would be best if I just forgot about her," April sniffled.

"No," Emma said, placing a hand on her shoulder.

"No…. but it's…." April said.

"Impossible, sorry but I don't know the meaning of the word," Emma said with a smile.

"What how…." April gasped. "But I…"

Emma smiled and shrugged. "Meh, you're not the first person to slap me, and that doesn't mean we still aren't friends, plus it's the right thing to do and Johanna will go do something crazy if I don't."

"Thank you," April cried, hugging Emma while Arthur wisely managed to pull his wife aside before she could chime in.

"I'm afraid it's going to take a little more than that to appease my anger," Evangeline said, forcing her way through with Liz's wheelchair.

"What a surprise Marquises Tuttle is angry about something," Maggie muttered.

"Did you say something commoner," Evangeline said glaring in her direction.

"Yes, I did actually," Maggie said, blocking her path. "Liz how are you doing Millie's been very worried about you after what happened?"

"It's just a scratch," Liz said softly only for her mother to squeeze her shoulder.

"I would hardly call having both legs shattered a scratch," Evangeline said.

"Of course, which is why Millie wanted me to check on you since you haven't responded to any of her letters," Maggie said.

"Millie sent me a letter," Liz said looking up at Maggie.

"Yes, and she wanted me to deliver this to you personally in case anyone or anything was interfering with the mail," she said, handing Liz a letter. A letter Evangeline couldn't take away from her with everyone watching.

"Thank you," Liz said, opening it.

Dear Liz,

I swear, if I find out that you are being an emo headed idiot holed up in your room all summer singing wo is me. Yes, you were hurt, and your legs will heal with time. But more importantly you did a wonderful thing. Don't let a little injury or Evangeline Tuttle stop you from being a better person. Because I will find you and I will hug you until you stop being an idiot.

Millie

"Oh Millie you fool," Liz said softly before putting the letter away, a tear rolling down her cheek.

"If you could stop putting my daughter in pain I would appreciate it," Evangeline said.

"Mother she didn't," Liz protested.

"Silence daughter," Evangeline said pushing past Maggie.

"How rude," Maggie huffed.

"Can I help you," Emma said.

"Yes, and you can start by kowtowing at my feet like the muggle swine you are," Evangeline said.

"And why should I do that Mrs. Tuttle," Emma said standing up matching Evangeline glare with almost practiced ease.

"You wouldn't want what comes next, peasant," Evangeline replied stepping around the wheelchair.

"And that would be," Emma said, moving closer until the pair were only a few feet apart neither one backing down. The silence was nearly palpable, as the growing crowd glanced back and forth between the pair.

"Peasant, Emma's dress looks as pricey as Evangeline's," a woman said. "Pricier, is that silk. Sure, looks like it, and those earning. What about the bracelet, that has to be real diamonds," the crowd muttered about Emma's choice in clothing, real silk and diamonds compared to artificial silk and lower quality jewelry for Evangeline who's face slowly began to turn red.

"Enough," Evangeline shouted, snapping up her wand. "You are the commoner and you will bow to me like the poor servant you are," she said, firing off a wordless spell.

As the others gasped, Emma calmly raised her arm the diamonds on her wrist glowing. "Panzerschild reflexion," she said a white shield flaring to life just as the spell was about to hit her. The yellow light of the spell slammed into the shield forcing it to bend, Evangeline smiling with delight just as it seemed the spell would break through. However, the shield held snapping back into shape sending the spell back at its caster.

"What!" Evangeline screamed as her own spell slammed into her, lowering her back before crashing to the floor. Time seemed to stand still as the crowd watched in awe as Evangeline's dress began to change. The artificial silk gown turned into a scandalously short red satin minidress that would show her unmentionables if she moved the wrong way while a corset forced her breasts up provocatively in a top that was far too low. Her hair pulled into a seductive style, while high heels appeared on her feet.

"Note to self, do not piss off Ms. Granger," the others began to whisper as Evangeline struggled to get up. The high heels slipping on the floor sending her splatting to the ground arms flailing cushioned only by her sizable chest. Growling she finally pulled herself up, still teetering on the extremely high heels.

"How did she do that, I thought she was a muggle. The gems on her bracelet were glowing. A squib then. How else could she have activated the bracelets. Right the mana gems, but where did she. Her daughter uses them," some muttered.

"A squib taking down a noble, what is she thinking, honestly causing such a scene," Mrs. Parkinson whispered into the crowd.

"What's next demanding equal standing when they are barely magical in the first place," Mrs. Davis added.

"And causing such a scene," Mr. Malfoy chimed in.

"They do have a point, and who knows maybe we will be next," some began to mutter in agreement as the crowd began to split the muggle and one of the muggleborn parents moving towards Emma and Maggie while the purebloods moved towards Evangeline while the half-bloods spit 70/30 with more backing Evangeline as she stumbled to her feet struggling with the high heels.

"Honestly can you go anywhere without causing a scene," Catherine said stepping forward as the crowd parted.

"Good evening Catherine, and I would not call defending myself making a scene," Emma replied. She might have stood equal with Evangeline, but Catherine remained taller although not by nearly as much as before.

"I beg to differ with that assessment, the Marquises Tuttle would not have felt the need to take such drastic actions if you and your daughter would stop causing trouble," Catherine said. "Something that is on the top of tonight's agenda."

"And what is that," Emma replied.

"Whether or not your daughter should remain a student at Hogwarts," Catherine explained, looking down her nose at Emma.

"Just what is your game," Dan said, moving to stand next to his wife.

"I wouldn't call our children's lives a game," Catherine said.

"That's the pot calling the kettle black," Maggie muttered to her husband.

"I quite agree with you, which is why I wanted to discuss the dementors," Emma replied.

"As do I," Catherine said.

"For once we actually agree on something," Emma said.

"I doubt that," Catherine said.

"Oh…" Emma said. "And here I thought we were talking about the dementors attacking students on more than one occasion."

"The first attack was an overreaction to a possible sighting of Sirius Black," Catherine said. "The dementors were given a rather overzealous set of instructions by the ministry."

"And that excuses the attack," Emma replied as several other parents nodded in agreement.

"No, but it does explain it," Catherine said. "Dementors are akin to mindless automatons used by muggles."

"Point taken but what about the second after the Ministry's so-called intervention," Emma pressed.

"She has a point," an older woman with gray hair said.

"Thank you," Emma said, turning to the older woman.

"Nonsense, it is the least I could do after the way my granddaughter Sylvia raves about Johanna and how much fun and cool Hogwarts is with her around," the woman replied.

"Mrs. Stingray has a point," Andromeda Tonks added.

"The ministry intervention was successful, until something agitated the dementors," a toad like woman chimed in.

"Then why has my department still not received the paperwork on it, Madame Umbridge," Amelia Bones chimed in.

"The minister saw to it personally and this is not the place to be having such discussions," Umbridge replied.

"Fine," Amelia said, glaring daggers at her.

"This is all well and good but it still doesn't explain why the dementors assaulted the student body at the final match of the quidditch cup," Mr. Flint said.

"That is actually quite simple," Catherine said.

"It is," Emma replied.

"Yes, and it is all the fault of your daughter," Catherine said pointing a single long finger at Emma.

Glaring at Catherine Emma replied. "And how would my daughter be at fault for causing the dementors to attack, an attack her and her friends helped stop, mind you."

"And the method she used to stop it was oddly convenient," Violet chimed in.

"That was for a project assigned by Professor McGonagall," Emma shot back.

"A convenient excuse," Evangeline said, still stuck in her scandalous outfit.

"And…." Gwendoline began to say as Maggie walked past her.

"Slander my daughter, and my friends and I will undercut you on every contract you get even if it bankrupts me," Maggie whispered in Gwendoline's ear.

"Mom what are you doing,' Tracy hissed as her mother backed down.

If Catherine was upset by Gwendoline staying quiet she didn't show it. "Now we can't prove that your daughter purposely instigated the attack."

"Of course, she didn't," Emma snapped.

"What we can prove is that her performance, significantly upset a majority of the students which when combined with her overzealous interpretation of the rules of quidditch and subsequent suggestions to Lucian, created a powder keg of emotions that no dementor orders or not could ignore," Catherine said stepping forward.

"Every British magical understands dementors, and knows to control their emotions around them, but the daughter of some German upstart squib thought she knew better. Orchestrating a failed interpretation of history in some sort of deranged excuse for cheerleading, that was guaranteed to offend most of the students and professors in attendance. It's a miracle people weren't hurt worse than Liz," Catherine said moving aside to put Liz on display again.

"Shut the hell up you demented old wind bag. Johanna didn't plan anything and it was an accident, so I suggest you apologize before I get angry," Liz said only for her hands to grab her throat. "You silenced me, you bitch," she screamed only for no sounds to come out.

"As you can see Liz is still so traumatized, she can barely speak," Catherine said.

"I'll show you traumatized," Liz silently growled.

"I am sorry Evangeline it seems; Liz is still far too traumatized to even see the mother of the girl who did this to her," Catherine said motioning for Evangeline to wheel Liz away.

"You will pay for this," Liz whispered as many parents seemed to be agreeing with Catherine as they passed

"Then why wasn't this taught during defense against the dark arts," Mr. Patil said.

"It is," Catherine replied. "Not that a primitive Madarsi would understand that."

"I would appreciate it if you would stop referring to my friend with such vulgar terms," Emma said.

"So, you are friends with them," Catherine said.

"Yes, I consider the Patils to be close friends of mine," Emma said.

Catherine smirked as more than a few in the crowd gasped. "Well that is very illuminating."

"You're surprised that I'm their friend," Emma said rolling her eyes. "You're even more close minded than I thought."

"Close minded no," Catherine said. "Cautious, very much so," she added, crossing her arms. "There is a reason the East India Company and the government took the necessary steps it did to pacify India."

"Rampant colonialism and greed," Sita shot back.

"Now who is the one being dramatic," Catherine said. "The entire magical system of India is based on dark magic, very dark magic. It was for the good of the world that the British Ministry of Magic conquered India to purge the threat of Hindu mysticism."

"I strenuously object to your baseless accusations," Rama growled. "My homeland was subjugated by greedy old men, and Hindu magic is based on….."

"The eternal way, and the object of human pursuit," Catherine interjected. "And yet it also seems very interested in the concept of balance, or karma."

"Yes, that is correct, but I fail to see how that makes the magic of my people dark," Sita said.

"Of course, you wouldn't, manipulating karma is a potent weapon," Violet said.

"Hindu magic cannot manipulate karma," Rama said.

"That is where you are wrong," Catherine said, moving to the side. "Daphne, come forward now," she called out.

"Yes, mother," Daphne said softly as she shuffled forward in an ill-fitting dress, her head dipped towards the floor.

"Oh my god," Emma gasped looking at the sullen girl slowly standing behind her mother trying and failing to hide the weight she had gained. "Johanna had told me Daphne was having trouble but I never imagined this," she muttered in German.

"Yes, this is truly my daughter Daphne," Catherine said with a commanding voice silencing the crowd. "She has been hit by an unknown Hindu curse cast on her by Johanna Granger because she was jealous of my daughter's accomplishments," Catherine said, creating a hologram of Johanna with a flick of her wand. "We can all see that Johanna looks similar to what Daphne used to before the curse was cast on her. I have been to multiple curse breaking experts and they concur that a curse was cast but are unable to break it, and I was forced to disinherit my own daughter before the curse spread to the rest of the family."

"No wonder she seemed to come out of nowhere," several in the crowd muttered as a few more broke to Catherine's side.

"That's enough," Augusta Longbottom's voice boomed over the confusion. "I have had enough of your games, Catherine."

"Are you accusing me a noble pureblood of lying," Catherine replied.

"Yes, and as part of the sacred 28 my blood is just as pure as yours," Augusta said.

"That remains to be seen given your son's predilection for a certain type of witch," Catherine said.

"You leave my son out of this," Augusta growled.

"I would but we all know the reason Bellatrix went insane because your son tried to use the same curse and the backlash is what has kept him and his wife in the hospital all this time," Catherine said.

"You dare…." Augusta growled only for Emma to put a hand on her shoulder.

"You don't like me, that's fine, but if you want to take me on, then get on with it and leave my friends out of it," Emma said walking forward.

"Brave words for a squib," Catherine said.

"And that's what scares you," Emma said. "You are afraid that a mere squib, and a commoner might just be your equal."

"I am afraid of nothing, and you will never be my equal," Catherine growled.

"Then why all of this," Emma replied with a sweep of her arm.

"Because it is necessary," Catherine said.

"Necessary for what," Emma snapped.

"To protect the magical world from those who would wish to destroy it," Catherine said.

"Hahahahahaha now I know you are insane," Emma chuckled.

Catherine tilted her head to the side flipping her long blond hair back over her shoulder. 'Really it is crazy to want to protect one's home and loved one."

"No, but to think that I would want to destroy the world is laughable," Emma said.

"Yes, your actions speak louder than words, or do you not want to free India from British control by creating a magical super weapon on par with those held by the department of mysteries," Catherine said as everyone gasped.

"That rat bastard Italian windbag," Emma growled under her breath in German.

"So, I ask for the good of Hogwarts, no Britain as a whole, that Padma and Pavarti Patil, and Johanna Granger be removed from Hogwarts before any more students are hurt by their karmic curses and dark magic," Catherine said.

"What," the Grangers and Patils gasped.

"You don't have the authority to make such a decision," Maggie called out.

"She doesn't but as the acting under secretary of education, I do," Delores Umbridge said.

"You wouldn't dare," Maggie said.

"But I already have," Umbridge said, holding up several documents.

"That would require a majority vote by the board of Governors," Augusta said.

"Then shall we vote," Catherine said. "All those in favor of removing the Grangers and Patil's from Hogwarts raise your wands." Nine glowing wands slowly rose into the air. "All those against removing the Grangers and Patils." A paltry 3 lit wands belonging to August Longbottom, Sylvia's grandmother and a man Emma didn't recognize. "I believe the yays have it," a smirking Catherine said.

"Then as the head of the Hogwarts board of governors I have to ask you to leave," Lucius Malfoy said.

"Yes, of course, but your bigotry is as evident as your superficial beauty and trappings of wealth," Emma said turning on her heel and walking out.

"Emma I," a teary eyed Sita began.

"You have nothing to apologize for, and this changes nothing," Emma said, placing a hand on her shoulder.

"But," Rama began.

"Come on let's find a place with some decent beer and figure out what to do next," Dan said.

"Mind if we join you," Alex said with Maggie right beside him.

"The more the merrier," Dan said.

"You really are just like Sylvia said you would," Sylvia's Grandmother said.

"Thank you…." Emma replied.

"Please call me Jemila," Jemila replied. "And you made quite the impression back there," she said as they walked out their heads held high.

"You think so," Emma replied.

"Yes," Jemila said. "Cathy has always preferred to act from the shadows pulling the strings behind the scenes so she can retain her noble pureblood facade."

"Plausible deniability," April said.

"That and she enjoys playing with people," Jemila said. "She hasn't changed one bit since she was my dorm big sister at Hogwarts," She added drawing a few stares.

"Wait, what…." Emma said, looking at the much older woman.

"Oh my, I thought you knew," Jemila giggled.

"It never really came up before," Maggie said.

"Ok, now we are really missing something important," Sita said.

"Let's just say that Catherine Greengrass is much older than she looks," Jemila said.

"I'll say, she doesn't look a day over 30," Emma said. "I mean I know; magic can help people live longer and that Perenelle and Maria are special cases, but still, wow."

"And Catherine does not like it when people bring up her age," April said.

"Understatement," Maggie added.

"So just how old is she," Sita asked.

"95," Jemila said.

"Wait what…" Emma and Sita gasped.

"Yes, she is quite literally an old hag who has remained in her prime," Jemila said.

"It's a result of her magic power and the gifts granted by her noble title no doubt," Emma said.

"Yes, and you are surprisingly informed," Jemila said.

"Knowledge is power," Emma replied. "But the power of noble titles is surprisingly hard to come by even Perenelle and Maria do not know much about them."

"And it doesn't help that their countries removed their royal family's revoking their noblesse oblige," Maggie chimed in.

"Yes, all of the records on France's magical titles were lost in revolution and the communists took care of Romania's," Emma explained.

"This is all very interesting but aren't we getting a little off track," Sita said.

"Right, how are we going to fight this," April said.

"Fight what?" Emma asked.

"Emma, your daughter was just thrown out of school, and all magical children must go to school," April stated.

"Oh that, I was already thinking about pulling Johanna and Victoria out and putting them in Saint Hilde's and I'm sure they'll have a spot for the twins and anyone else who wants to come along," Emma said.

"Emma that's…." Sita gasped.

Emma giggled. "I told you I have friends and money, and I am not afraid to use them for a good cause," Emma replied as they came across a girl in a wheelchair sitting quietly by the door.

"For the love of merlin, I am going to smack the witch right out of that woman," Maggie huffed walking over to the girl.

"Um… Emma…. Do you think…." April said.

"Think what…" Emma replied.

"That maybe you want to stop her," April said pointing towards Maggie.

"Why she's helping…." Emma said. "Oh, you thought…. No that's Evangeline she wants to smack not Liz."

"Liz what are you doing here," Maggie said.

"Eep!" Liz squeaked. "Mrs. Blustrode, please I can explain I wanted to say something in Mrs. Grangers defense but they…"

"Silenced you, I know," Maggie said.

"You do," Liz said.

"Yes, it was fairly obvious to most of us," Maggie said. "But the real question is what are you doing here all by yourself."

"Mother took my wand and I can't exactly walk down the stairs in this," Liz said softly.

"And your mother is where," Maggie asked.

"She kind of got pulled away by some guy in a suit screaming that it was about time his date showed up and that it was coming out of her pay," Liz said.

Maggie snorted as she tried to hold back her laughter. "You have got to be kidding me," she finally got out.

"Is this some sort of muggle thing because he pulled her over to the muggle side where there is some sort of party going on," Liz asked.

"No," Maggie snorted. "But I can't in good conscience leave you here." She said looking down at her. "So, would you like to come and visit Millie for a while."

"Really," Liz gasped. "But I…." Liz said wringing her hands.

Maggie giggled before smacking Liz lightly on the head. "Millie told me that you were trying to be better, and if Millie says that you are trying to be a better person who am I to argue. Now do you want to come for a visit and finish healing on the beaches of Monaco?"

"Wait what….." Liz gasped.

"Yes, or no, would you like to come and visit Millie and enjoy some time on the beach instead of sitting in some musty old mansion," Maggie said.

"I believe the correct answer is yes," Jemila said.

"Definitely yes," April added.

"Um, yes," Liz finally said as the other woman joined them.

"Excellent," Maggie said.

"Maggie, are you doing what I think you're doing," Emma said walking up to them.

"Maybe…." Maggie giggled.

"Congratulations," Dan said to Alex.

"For what," Alex replied as Maggie wheeled Liz out.

"Well let's just say that having twin daughters is very different than having one girl," Dan chuckled.

"Um, ok, but Maggie isn't pregnant," Alex said.

"Alex, could you give me a hand," Maggie called out as Dan snickered.

"You don't honestly think," Alex said. "I mean Liz is what like 17 or 18 years old that's practically a grown woman."

Dan shrugged. "That doesn't seem to be stopping your wife," Dan laughed.