This came out a few days ahead of my deadline. Which is a good thing. I hope the quality is still there. When I plan this out, I always have items left over from the previous chapter that I wanted to include. Since I average about 9 or 10 k already, there is still plenty left for the next chapter.
Things will shift away from Luna here soon. In fact next chapter will focus more on Harry and Neville again.
Mr. Beta told me he will have a chapter up of his own. If you haven't read it- please do.
He is Rob4133. Good stuff.
And as always- please comment. I know you folks are busy- but this will let me know how I am doing.
Oh one last comment- My chapter of a magical terrorist attack was planned months ago. As I typed this, there was a terrorist attack, (that's what they're calling it today)., On the parliament.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the ones affected, I just wanted to comment in case anyone had thought I was trying to draw attention to the story.
Lastly, Thanks for reading-
B.
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It had been a busy couple of days. If they thought they were being isolated before, now it was as if they were pariahs. Even Tory had complained that she was being ostracized. Daphne seldom lost her patience, especially with her little sister whom she adored, but she did this time. In the meeting room in front of the other five.
"Suck it up, little sister! This is not just about you. All of us here are going through this even more so. Do what I did."
"Become the ice princess?"
"Become the ice bitch," she corrected. "They won't have to like you, but you can make them respect you."
"Tory come here," Neville ordered kindly.
Pulling her onto his lap, he hugged her and calmed her. She was under his protection, so her happiness and safety were his concern. Her obedience to her lord was unquestioned.
"This is not going to last long." He spoke softly. It was the same thing that Harry and he had said to the girls. Even now, lords all over the land are finding out exactly what the issues were and how best to deal with it. These same lords would be contacting their friends and allied houses to find out if they were similarly affected.
"...And Dumbledore is in meetings with the minister this week. They need to find out what kind of impact this would have if we demand payment of the bonds."
Harry snorted, "They don't know but we have already gone through with this with Gringott's. They can't afford to let this happen."
The young girl asked, "But what does all this mean?"
"What it means, sweetie," Tracey took over. "They're going to be mad this week. Then next week they'll be falling all over themselves trying to be your friend."
"Your true friends will be the ones that treat you the same. The same ones that have been on your side the whole time."
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There were too many interested parties for anything smaller than one of the medium sized courtrooms. Dumbledore, Fudge and a host of "interested parties" discussed all of the potential "disasters in the making" ad nauseam.
The youngest person in attendance had been called in from his honeymoon. He still had three days left, but they needed someone to take notes of everything. Someone they knew they could count on, with the proper attitude.
They had spoken of him specifically the day before. "But his wife, er.. his husband. Damn it! Ms. Clearwater works for them!" The minister hated being confused.
"Yes minister, she does. But Mrs. Clearwater hates them. We can tell him, her what to release to her husband." She stopped speaking for a moment to gather herself. "Damn I hate these pronouns!" She made a command decision. Speaking to everyone she said, "From now on when we refer to Mrs. Clearwater we will use feminine pronouns. She took her mate's name, so she will grow comfortable with the new designation."
Becky Durnworth had been tasked with keeping notes just for the day. She detested most, if not all of the people here. The mention of "Mrs. Clearwater" still had the rest of the ladies smiling at the joint prank. Even after all this time, they still detested the fop and those whose boots he licked. He was nothing but an unmitigated arse to everyone, no one would speak "out of school," so to speak. She had never spoken to anyone in this setting before but her undiminished ire was pushing her to speak now.
"Minister if SHE is a she. Then she should have to use the ladies loos. I've spoken with all of the other ladies, and none of them have an issue with it. If she's joined 'the team,' then she should use the team's locker rooms."
The minister went through this, weighing the political implications. "Good. Thank you, Mrs. Durnworth. Excellent suggestion. Deloris make sure that gets disseminated to everyone. Especially Mrs. Clearwater and the rest of the ladies. I know that we mentioned having a separate loo, but we won't be able to afford even bog rolls if those little lords make good on their threat."
Mrs. Clearwater had a dicta-quill copying everything that was spoken, as well as writing personal notes, for context in case things need clarification. They had gotten back to their flat and had an owl waiting on them just the day prior. Penny untied the message while Percy started to put away their luggage.
"It's from the ministry. They want you there tomorrow morning. Apparently, there are some important negotiations and they need you as secretary." He immediately began to puff up, she knew the signs she had put too much effort into battling the pompous arse and wanted the guy she fell in love with, the one she too seldom saw. "There's a personal note from the minister," if possible his chest puffed out even further, "It says that since you are Mrs. Clearwater, you are to use the 'ladies facilities.' Those are his words, she said trying hard to hide a smirk before handing the missive over. "It also says people will be referring to you with female appellations."
His eyes got big and he visibly deflated. Only partially mollified because he was wanted by the minister.
"Percy I love you. It doesn't matter whether they call you a "her" or a "him."
He smiled at the memory. The quill was writing already at full tilt and everyone was just repeating what had been already been said. She had thrown the note away and pushed him back onto the bed and climbed on top of him and reminded him why they got married. He kind of liked her being the aggressor in the bedroom.
Dumbledore's voice brought him back to the present, "There just aren't enough funds Cornelius. If we pay off Lord Longbottom there aren't enough galleons to cover the loans to Lord Potter, it will bankrupt us and we will lose our 'most favored wizarding nation' status. And then we'll be in arrears with loans to other member nations at higher interest rates. Soon we'll have no voice and no friends in the ICW!"
Fudge rubbed his tired eyes with the thenars of his hands. "Look, we've been at this several hours already. Why don't we break for our midday meal?"
The irony was lost on some of the less astute when several voices called for a pizza vote.
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Harry was, as usual, lying on his back in between the girls. Suddenly there was a weight on his chest. The weight shifted a bit and he was rocking back and forth. He opened his eyes reluctantly. He didn't even sigh anymore, it only extended the conversation and tended to confuse him with her explanations.
Luna was shaking Hermione, hence the rocking. "Hey 'Mione. Mione. Are you awake?"
Hermione was on her side facing the wall. She didn't even turn over. "Do you know what time it is?"
"Harry. She's using that voice again. You know. The one you call her tough guy voice."
"Luna I can't imagine why. By the way, do you know what time it is?"
"Yes. Yes, I do," she said dismissively. "Thank you."
Luna repeated back to the two, "Do YOU know what time it is?"
Hermione cast a wandless tempus spell. "Luna it is 4:03 AM. What is it you want?" She still hadn't turned from her side but now her voice a pleading to it.
"We need to call Daddy Granger."
This she turned over for. She waved to the lights and had them light a quarter power. "Now?"
Luna nodded. Her silver-grey eyes intense.
The kids had three mirrors in the flat, not counting the individual mirrors Mooney and Padfoot charmed. One large one for the group. Most recently they had been using this one as a telly. The Grangers would play a movie on the VCR and then would set the mirror up to show on their large mirror. It worked rather well. The girls had some plans in development to utilize this in the future. Mooney and Padfoot had been working on some of the runes necessary to repeat on many mirrors at once.
The other two mirrors were medium size and hung on the walls in the bedroom for private conversations. This one happened to hang on the wall closest to Luna's side of the bed.
Luna adroitly turned, still kneeling on Harry's chest. She didn't weigh enough to really bother him, but he could only raise his head without spilling her.
"Granger house. Granger house," she repeated.
After the fifth call, a light could be seen in the mirror. "Hermione? Luna?" A tired eyed Dan responded. Shaking his head to 'clear the cobwebs,' "Do you know what time it is?" He asked, sounding a little sharper than he meant to.
"Why yes. Yes, we do. Thank you, Daddy Granger."
Before the conversation could move forward. Emma turned over and looked like Hermione did when she was irritated. Before she could say anything, Luna interjected quickly, "Do you know what time it is?"
Without caffeine or sufficient sleep, Emma took a moment to process this non-sequitur. "Huh? Wha..."
"It's 4:08 am. Thank you, Emma."
Completely nonplussed Emma asked, "Luna did you wake us to ask us, 'What time it is?"
Luna shook her head, her eyes big and just enjoying the love of the extended family. Even though the "phone call" had some import.
"Then why dear, did you ask us what time it is?"
"Because that's what you and 'Mione, and Daddy Granger ask every time I call. It's a Granger family tradition. Isn't it?"
Harry coughed, unable to laugh because of the 100 pound girl sitting on his chest. She was so innocent looking.
Finally awake and actually touched by the little girl. Emma once again tried to be the mother replacement for Luna. Luna knelt on Harry's chest clad only in a purple thong. She needed to teach her a semblance of modesty. "Luna love. Do you know what a house coat is?"
Her head tilted to the side as she looked at the ceiling thinking about house coats.
"I think so, Emma Mum but..."
Hermione interrupted using the voice again. "You are not going to play 'Pinky and the Brain.' Luna, it is not a coat for the house."
She actually looked relieved, "Oh that's good. I was wondering how muggles would be able to get them on the houses easy." She got excited as the thought took over in her mind. "But think of it Harry. It would keep the house warm in the winter, and you can put all kinds of decorations on it. You could have little pockets where you could..."
"Luna!" The three Grangers said at once.
Luna got quiet, she looked hurt.
Harry shifted her and moved her, sat up nd moved her into a hug. He spoke to her soothingly. "It's okay Luv. You didn't do anything wrong. They don't understand everything yet."
"You do Harry."
"Of course I do Luna love."
Hermione immediately joined the hug and apologized. Harry spoke to the adults. "When she's afraid because of a dream or a vision it's easier for her mind to go off on tangents. It's harder for her to focus."
That explained a lot for the adults. Gently Emma asked. "What did you see Luna honey?"
Still in the hug, she turned her head looking to the mirror. "I saw Snape and Malfoy. They were mad. Snape wants to get some revenge. They told Voldemort since the muggles got involved, they want to teach them their place. They wanted permission to attack the government."
Dan disappeared from the mirror only to reappear in front of it a moment later with a cell phone in his hand. Pushing a couple of buttons then waited.
"Good morning Sergeant Major get a hold of the colonel and ask him if he knows what time it is."
They watched as Dan nodded listening to the voice on the phone. Then repeated himself," Yes that's a new Granger family tradition; one I'm fond of. We're here waiting at his earliest convenience."
Dan hung up and then spoke to the kids. "It will most likely be just a couple of minutes.
Hermione stood up, also just in a thong. "We need to get dressed. Call us on the big mirror Daddy." Before breaking the connection.
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Prime Minister John Major had a headache. A couple of them. And they were seated directly across the desk from him. On a good day, the busy man had meetings of one sort or another until 2000 hours. Today was not a good day. He had enough of the routine emergencies to deal with, unforeseen worker's strike, a sudden unforeseen decline in the value of the pound sterling, were just a couple of the routine emergencies. But when the silly painting that no one had been able to move, told him he needed to clear his calendar for a meeting with the minister of magic. That just set the meeting off on the wrong foot to begin with.
The minister sat with is hat literally in hand and spun it around in his hands like a steering wheel, continuously turning anticlockwise. His suit, which was always the same, was a tacky green color matched the hat. It was twenty years too late. A 70's style double breasted, with the wide lapels. The green more suited to St Patrick's day, it looked hideous with his skin tone and especially his body type.
And he was the better dressed of the two. His companion was far older than anyone he had ever seen. His beard was at least three feet long, and at times seem to have a will of its own. Alternately rolling up a bit before letting gravity unroll it, and then it would fan itself out and once more fall together. This old man, whom the minister referred to as 'Albus' wore the most hideous magenta dress he had ever seen. The dress, he was told they were referred to as "robes" had shooting pink and green stars firing off at odd moments leaving the same colored trails as the stars flew. The robes, the hat, and the beard were disconcerting by themselves, the message they delivered even more so.
He thought Maggie had enhanced her story of dealing with magicals. She had told them she oft had canceled the rest of her meetings following a visit and would drink herself into oblivion. Up until today, he had found the minister irritatingly odd. Today, he considered the ramifications of taking the rest of the day off... and maybe tomorrow hiding from everyone with his favorite bottle or bottles.
"So you see minister," the old boy was trying to schmooze him with his best foot forward and eyes twinkling merrily. "It's crucial that we meet the demands for gold or it could ruin our economy."
"Let me see if I understand this. You expect to receive two separate demands for payments of bonds issued during your last "war." The minister even made the quotations with his fingers. "These bonds were issued to assist with the waging of the war and any funds left over would help for rebuilding and assistance for victims. Correct?"
The aged man nodded, "Yes minister essentially correct."
"And since the government issued these bonds, then you had must have made allocations from each annual budget to pay for these bonds. Did you not? What percentage of the bonds do you have already?" He suspected he knew this answer. The small one, Fudge, spun his bowler even faster.
"Umm... there were budget shortfalls."
John rubbed his tired eyes. "Of course there were, there are always shortfalls." Pushing a button on his desk, he ordered tea. When he did he used the code phrase to indicate he may need assistance.
The PM was one of the most powerful men in the world. When you spoke in his office, you could expect even when items were designated "most secret" that you were being recorded. However with the code that he just provided, even more people were watching and recording. Margaret Thatcher had made a decision improving the scope of MI 5 3/4's mission, and they too with that code word were included. Colonel Markum suddenly even busier than he had planned. He now had two "hot" items to deal with.
The tea was delivered a minute later by one young gentleman and young lady. Following the service, the gentleman took a spot in the back corner. One chosen specifically to give an excellent angle on the visitors while keeping the minister out of the direct line of fire, if needed. The young lady, a specialist in hand to hand combat, hovered nearby ostensibly to assist with the scones or tea service but in reality ready to "tackle" the prime minister or to engage the targets as necessary.
Dumbledore took their placement in at a glance and could not blame the minister for doing so. Fudge had long ago determined that muggles were beneath his notice, therefore, he didn't notice them.
"Okay," he paused taking a bite and then a sip of tea. Tea served in business meetings had a twofold purpose, one: to relax the participants and hopefully improve camaraderie while in the meeting. And two: allowing the well ordered mind time to work while sipping or nibbling at the food. It, like everything else, was a tool to be used.
Putting his cup down, he ended the short silence. "And how much is demanded if all bonds were presented?"
"Discounting interest, 1 million galleons, each." Fudge looked nervous as he answered the question.
"How much is that in pounds sterling?"
"Roughly, 50,000,000 Pounds." Even Dumbledore looked afraid to speak the words. "Each," he repeated. "There are two bonds."
"One hundred million pounds? And you have no part of this? At all?"
The looks on the two faces told him everything.
"May I be blunt gentlemen?" He saw the two of the nod. Fudge did so while working on his fourth scone. "I have been told. By you as a matter of fact," while looking at Fudge with disdain clear on his face. "That we are muggles, and by treaty, we are to leave the magical world alone. Is this not correct?"
Once more the bowler spun around, now going so fast one would think Fudge was driving in the 24 hours Le Mans; now the rim also covered in butter.
"Well you see," he hemmed and hawed, "That is not exactly what I had wanted to say. I meant that we are all citizens but the treaty gave us the right to rule ourselves."
Dumbledore's eyes stopped twinkling. This was obviously news to him and he looked irritated. "Cornelius, that was most unpolitic. We have always had a good relationship with her majesty's government. We all live within the same shores and breathe the same air. We certainly aided one another during the last Great War. And it is in that spirit of cooperation that we come to you now."
Major could see the politician in the man. He dressed abysmally but could charm the birds from the trees if given time to do so. It was time to turn the screws; a little anyway. "As you both know I, I mean we," he said looking pointedly at Fudge. "Treaty or no serve at the pleasure of her majesty. In fact, any expenditure of this magnitude would at least go through her majesty and perhaps a committee from the either of the houses as well. I cannot go in without full details on this. Are you both prepared to answer some detailed questions?"
The visitors looked at each other. Dumbledore had told him previously that the Prime Minister would not have authorization and would press for information. The old man answered, "We are."
"Okay. So tell me about the people that are doing this. Since you are expecting a large amount of bonds to be turned in I assume there a number of people involved. A consortium perhaps?"
You didn't get to be a successful politician without learning how to "read" people. That question made both of them nervous.
Dumbledore was silent, he put each hand in the other sleeve. While appearing an oriental gesture, Major read it as an unconscious self-protection gesture.
They both waited for Fudge to answer.
"No. No just t.. two people."
"You did say two bonds. That's right. Are these enemies to the crown?" Unless related somehow to a larger issue, (he was thinking about the sudden decline in the value of the pound.) It was still something her majesty would want to know.
"No. No, they aren't I don't think so."
"Then this must be a political issue. Unless these two need a sudden influx of cash."
"Definitely political. I assure you. Both are presumed to be very wealthy." Dumbledore looked smug. As if that was going to help in deciding whether he would receive aid or not.
"Well these men?" He waited for an answer. Seeing them both nod he continued. "Why are they doing this? You had mentioned bankrupting the ministry."
Although previously counseled to maintain a calm exterior, Fudge couldn't help himself. "Because they're a couple of spoiled brats! Making demands because everyone won't kowtow to them! Just because they're unhappy, claiming they or their betrotheds aren't safe. Demanding that I hold a trial for Sirius Black."
Fudge looked at the minister fire in his eyes. "I tell you minister. I know they're hiding him. I've told Amelia to arrest them until they bring Black in exchange, but she won't do it. She may be in cahoots.."
"Cornelius. I don't think the prime minister needs that much detail." Dumbledore restrained Fudge from jumping up out of the chair in indignation. He had a sudden mental image of the two of them being shot.
John briefly let a smile play across his face, one that Dumbledore did not miss, before once more schooling his features.
"Spoiled brats minister? Which two spoiled brats are we referring to?" John allowed himself to enjoy this part, watching Fudge blow up all over again. He liked pushing his buttons.
"That Potter boy. The boy-who-lived?" Fudge met his eyes and raised his eyebrows as if expecting the muggle to know about the wizarding hero. "Him and that other boy, Longbottom. Thick as thieves those two are. They are so full of themselves. First tricking himself into the tournament, then calling bloodfued. Bloodfued! On those fine families. They are all outstanding pure blood families. And those two were going to kill them all. All over an accident. And now this. This would ruin our economy. It would take every galleon we could scrape up to meet half of one of the two bonds issued."
Once more the old man calmed the younger.
"Wait a minute," he said signaling for more tea. He raised his pinkie with his gesture, indicating to make sure the premade cup that came in for him had a little extra "sweetener" in it.
"Spoiled brats. Do you mean to tell me, that these two are children?" He vaguely remembered hearing or seeing the name, but he had so many briefings on many different subjects unless it was of critical importance, one his aides was expected to have a file on it. A file he was sure to be reading soon.
"Yes, yes," Fudge answered irritably. "He defeated 'He who must not be named.' As a baby."
He couldn't help but push his buttons. If Fudge was going to ruin his day, he was going to get even. "If he defeated him, why then can't you speak his name?"
"Because it's not done! It's not done!" He repeated unnecessarily.
"Minster, Harry Potter defeated him, but that doesn't mean he's dead. We don't normally speak Voldemort's name; because people were afraid it would bring undue attention to them. It's just a name," he said looking at Fudge, wondering not for the first time how this man got elected. "There's no taboo. No one, not even Voldemort is strong enough to put a taboo on a word."
"Alright, so this Potter boy is influenced by that other man..."
"No, they're the same age."
"Certainly you have influence with their parent's?"
"Minister, unfortunately, both sets of parents died within days of each other during the war."
"Their guardians then."
Dumbledore shook his head answering the last question. "Again. It is unfortunate that both of these young men have taken up their lordships."
"Wait! What? Lordships! Are they peers?"
Dumbledore hesitated. "I'm .. unsure minster. They hold Lordships within the magical kingdom, and one or both may hold a lordship in the mundane. However, I am unsure. If they do they have not taken up their mundane mantles in the last several hundred years."
"How is that important?" Fudge fumed.
"It may not be. However, her majesty will want to know. And every bit of knowledge we get helps us formulate a response. Isn't that how you operate on your side of the fence?" Raising an eyebrow in query. He wasn't sure that Fudge operated at all. He wondered if the man wandered from one crisis to the next, never having control. Or whether he was having a bad day.
"Of course, of course. And offering a peerage would be a nice carrot to dangle in front of the schoolboys. Just like a Niffler, they'll leap after the pretty bit of shining metal," Fudge was suddenly excited thinking the muggle had found a way to help him.
"To recap, these boys. How old are they?"
"They're fifteen."
"Right. Two fifteen-year-olds, school boys I assume, are purporting to present the bearer bonds which if they do will exceed a 100 hundred million pounds sterling before interest is applied. They are lords already and maybe peers of the realm. Doing so would bankrupt you and you have no way of paying them back and no plan set to do so."
"Correct." Fudge was still sold on his Niffler idea and would report it back that way.
"What about the other magical communities?"
"We will be presenting this to the ICW, that's our version of your UN. But that body has a history of saying much and doing very little."
"So some things are the same on both sides."
He finished his second cuppa. "Even if she looks on this favorably. She will want something. She will not just give you a 100 million quid. If you want our help, we will expect complete disclosure on your dealing with the two lords. Is there anything else you wished to share with me?"
The two looked at each other and shrugged. Major seeing it, stood and shook hands with each. The few other pleasantries sounded before the two through powder into the fireplace and floo'd out. The smile on Major's face left with the visitors.
Hitting his intercom he asked as secretary Mrs. Rhodes to get the appropriate people involved. He tried to play catch up with some of his routine items before once more calling for his secretary, "By the way Mrs. Rhodes Make sure that someone contacts the college to determine whether those boys are peers or not."
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Earlier ...
Colonel Markum had just been getting up when he received a strange phone call from his Sergeant Major. "Are you sure you got that right?"
"Yes sir. He wanted me to ask you if you knew what time it is."
"Very well, obviously the major needs me to call him." "So much for PT, this morning," he grumbled to himself.
A short time later he was at his desk in his study, speed dialing his newest major.
It was answered on the first ring. "Major." He asked pointedly, "Do YOU know what time it is?"
Dan had wanted to ensure Luna had been calm and that the two of them weren't upset. However, he didn't want to upset his boss. His boss that even before his retirement had the best of connections. If he was retired, it wouldn't be the first time the brass had manipulated ranks.
"I do. Thank you for returning my call colonel. I have an issue that I believe demands your immediate attention."
"Continue major."
"I wanted to let you know you are on speaker, and I have Lord's Potter and Longbottom and their betrotheds listening in."
Dan related everything he had been told, omitting the confusing references to time, at least for the moment.
"We have taken some actions already to protect her majesty and the PM. Are they going to be available today? If we need them?"
Dan looked to the mirror and saw everyone nodding. "Okay report as usual this morning, bring your mirror, if we need to contact them that will be the quickest." Markum was silent for a moment, wondering if he needed any more info at that moment. A few seconds later, he said, "Markum out," and disconnected.
Dan turned to the kids. "He'll be busy for a little while. Not only does he have to worry about the queen and the PM, he has to find out where everyone is, including the royal family and beef up security for them. I need to get to work, I'm almost certain a threat of this magnitude will need immediate action and we'll be calling soon."
The six were going to disconnect but he stopped them, "One last thing. Each and every one of you there is family to Emma and I. We know it's not easy for you. So be careful and don't be afraid to bug out if needed."
The mirror reverted to being just a mirror, when Luna asked, "Harry? Are we supposed to ride bugs out?"
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Markum had just finished speaking with the major before he got alerted to the conversation with Dumbledore and Fudge. The entire time he had been getting ready for another day at the office and by the time they floo'd out, he was at his office and let all of his superiors know what he knew of the situation, as well as sending some of his wizards to check the wards at the palace, Downing St., and Balmoral, as well as the other critical areas.
Two hours later colonel had managed to get himself included in the meeting that primarily dealt with the monetary side of it, but the political, as well as any safety issue, were sure to come up as well.
John hadn't had the best of days, he started the meeting off with, "You all heard the recording or actual conversation?"
Seeing everyone nod, or grunting assent, he continued, "Colonel I know you are involved with all of this, but you requested the opportunity to brief first. The floor is yours, what is MI5 3/4's position on this?"
"Thank you, but this goes beyond your meeting and must take precedence." He knew he had their attention now. "I received a call early this morning from Major Granger, one of my newer associates. He was alerted to the probability of a magical terrorist attack."
His boss, Sir David Manchester had already been briefed but wanted to get it out in the open. "How certain is this Mark?"
"My source says it is all but assured. She can't pin it down to exactly when, but she knows it will be soon."
Everyone made quick notes, and several were quickly jotting down lists of instructions. Everyone would have a late night tonight.
"You might as well tell them the source Mark, they'll find out eventually."
"Yes sir," he answered. They weren't going to like it, but nothing could be done about it.
"The information came from Lord Potter's youngest betrothed. She has a unique magical ability, and she saw this happening."
Immediately several scoffed and were irritated that their valuable time was wasted on this.
The PM didn't think it was a waste, not yet. "You said several interesting things there Mark. First of all, you said youngest betrothed, how many does he have? Is this some part of his turning in those bonds? And why should we believe her 'seeing' this?" He said making quotes.
"In order. He is betrothed to two young ladies. Luna Lovegood, she's the seer and Hermione Granger. She is Major Granger's daughter. They are threatening to turn the bonds in because they have been systematically abused at the school. Long story made short. Both Lord Potter and Lord Longbottom each have two soul mates. In the magical world, this is a real thing. As I understand it, it ties their life forces in together. They share magical energy, emotions, and eventually at its final stage thoughts. To separate any of the bonded would result in their death, so it is really a big deal. While that in and of itself is interesting, it's not a part of this discussion. Getting back on track," he said looking up from his notes to the PM. "Here is the interesting part, Fudge and Dumbledore told you the amount that they would have to pay back, but skimmed over the reason."
"I realized that. I assume you know more?"
"A lot more, and this part is not limited to the six teenagers. We have other sources that have verified this. What Dumbledore and Fudge did not tell you is that they are the author of much of the animus directed at the two. Dumbledore is the headmaster of the school they attend, and he has cast a spell over the students and staff. Over 95% of the school population are affected by it, it makes everyone hate those specific students. Just as recently as 10 days ago, Luna had to defend herself from a much older student in a duel that could have been to the death. It is believed that this duel was engineered by Headmaster Dumbledore."
"That paints a slightly different picture, doesn't it?"
"Yes sir, and that's just the tip of the iceberg. Fudge's leading supporter is one of Voldemort's inner circle. He contributed more to Fudge's coffers than anyone else. While we don't have direct evidence of it yet, guess where those funds that the elder Potter and Longbottom families contributed went to."
"So they mismanage the money on the front half, it winds up in their enemies hands, they bribe the current minister with those funds, and said minister comes to us hat literally in hand begging for it back."
"Yes sir, that's the picture. I have briefings prepared on both Dumbledore and Fudge. There is also data included on the major player's of Voldemort's inner circle."
Another older man at the far end of the table objected, "This sound suspiciously like this was engineered to extort funds. I am always leery of 'seers." It was his turn to make quotes, with his fingers. "Nothing but charlatans. Carneys preying on the weak minded and fools."
The colonel sighed, these meetings were a part of his life, but he hated them all the same. "I was trying to be brief. We will share what we know about Potter and associates abilities with the right people, but a lot of that will be classified, especially all of Luna Lovegood's abilities. But I can assure you, she is not Jean Dixon or Kreskin. More than that I will not divulge."
"We all have the highest levels of clearances." The unnamed man was getting upset.
"Then it is a 'Need to Know' issue. And you do not have a need to know." He loved it when he could be blunt to these politicians. "I'll brief the PM and anyone else he tells me to. But I and my boss Sir David agree. Bring it up with him." Since he met the man eye to eye and didn't flinch. The corpulent toady shifted his eyes first.
SMARTARSE SMARTARSE SMARTARSE SMARTARSE
"My lord." Lucius bowed low and waited for the little Voldemort to recognize him.
"Approach Lucius. Tell me. What transpires."
"We've been in meetings all week. Potter and Longbottom threaten the ministry. They hold on demand bonds. Redeeming them would bankrupt the ministry. The minister and Dumbledore go to beg for funds from the muggles."
"The muggles involve themselves into our affairs. We need to distract them. Teach them the folly of interfering in the lives of their betters."
Lucius nodded. "Yes my lord. Severus tells me he is putting a plan together. He didn't want to present it to you until he has it perfect."
"Excellent. It is his attention to detail that marks him as a master of potions, as well as a master planner." The two little red eyes shifted back and forth several times. Anyone attending knew this meant that Nagini must feed him again soon; before he became irritable. "Any news of Wormtail?"
"I'm afraid not. All of our contacts deny knowledge. He is not in the normal jails. We are trying to find information on the muggle army jails, but we must woo those contacts carefully."
"Even one such as Wormtail deserves rescue. Inform me if any news comes."
"I will lord. How else may I serve you?"
"Inform our contacts on the continent and in Africa. We need some new blood. Blood that will assist us in rising to new heights, to rule both magicals and muggles." His little piggy red eyes got distant as he dreamed aloud, "Soon Lucius. Soon. I'll be reborn and we'll have Potter's bints and him in chains. We'll use his women and then kill them in front of him. Then when the light of hope has died in his eyes, then we will make him beg us to end his miserable existence!"
"It will be a glorious day my lord." Lucius had the proper face on as he looked to the floor.
"Leave me, Lucius. Tell them I am not to be disturbed. Come Nagini, let us union again. Come and make me strong."
Lucius left as the faithful familiar slithered closer to the hideous infant like Voldemort.
SMARTARSE SMARTARSE SMARTARSE SMARTARSE
"Dan We'll need to interview Miss Lovegood."
"Understood. They were told. They will not let her go by herself. At a minimum, my daughter and their fiancé will accompany them. The other three will want to tag along as well. They don't trust many people these days."
"If what you say in your briefings is true, then I wouldn't trust many either."
Dan wrote a message and called for Dobby to take it. He realized while waiting for a response that House-elf deliveries were perhaps the most secure transport system in the world. He made a mental note to speak to the colonel about it. He was sure to ask Dan about the availability of some house-elfs.
SMARTARSE SMARTARSE SMARTARSE SMARTARSE
"Tory? Did you want to stay here? Or go home for the weekend?"
It was difficult for Daphne to get a "read" on her younger sister. She was smart, beautiful, and rich heiress to one of the most notable names in Magical Britain. One moment she was the happy loving sister she had always been. Sure there had been rough patches, there always were with sisters, but for the most part they had gotten along. But now, you were never guaranteed to get the same girl two days running. Either the happy one that still liked a little snuggle, to the one that gave you the "evil eye" and looked on you with disdain bordering on hate. A new Ice princess in the making. Neville never had siblings, so had no idea. For all he knew it was a normal thing for girls to be this way. And Tracey refused to answer until she had all the facts.
"You're going to leave me again?"
"We're not leaving you, sweetie. We have to go to London."
"You're not going to be with me, that's leaving me." Her voice was cold and clipped. "Am I allowed to go with you?"
Daphne hesitated, It wasn't her place to say yes or no, but she didn't want to ostracize her further. "I guess if you want you can. It will most likely be boring. Neville and Harry have to meet with some men."
Astoria purposely put as much venom into her voice. "No. You would just ignore me there as well. I'll stay here. At least here I'll have friends that actually talk to me."
Daphne alternately looked as if she wanted to beat the little girl or to cry. Tracey stopped her from responding. "Just remember. We offered. You declined."
She got Daphne to leave the room, telling her to go to the loo and wash her face and then turned back to the girl. She wanted ice, she'll show her ice. Speaking really low, her mouth next to the girl's ear. "Just remember. You aren't near as "bad" as you think you are. She's your sister, but my mate. You hurt her further and I will teach you why your sister and I were safe when all of the others girls were targets." Her eyes locked on to Astoria's. "You get me, little girl? My family developed some pain spells. It's in the family Grimoire, and I'll break them out, just for you."
She wasn't mad, not really. But everyone had been saying so many mean things to her, and sometimes it was easier jut to go with everyone else. Then too they were leaving her again. Those pampered lords were stealing her sister. Very confused and more than a little intimidated she swallowed in spite of herself. Trying to regain some dignity, she left, slamming the door in the process.
SMARTARSE SMARTARSE SMARTARSE SMARTARSE
While Neville and the girls were speaking to Astoria, Harry and the girls had informed Minerva they would be gone. She didn't like it, but they were considered adults in their world and had many adult responsibilities.
It wasn't too much later when Misty, Winky, and Dobby had dropped them off at the apparition point.
"Good." The man stood up to greet them. "I'm Sergeant Major Cole. You can call me by my first name."
"What's your first name?" They were all confused, but Daphne had asked first.
"I already told you, Sergeant Major."
Luna tilted her head, the way she did when she was confused, "Did your parent's not like you Sergeant Major?"
He only chuckled, "They like me, fine miss. Go on to the back, you're expected."
Dan had hugged all of the girls. And greeted the two guys warmly with a friendly pat on the back. And introduced the rest of the group to his boss Colonel Markum. They were sitting in a well-appointed conference room. The colonel, Dan, the six, as well as a couple other men that weren't introduced sat at the table. Two more men were stationed at the walls.
"After Major Granger called, the PM had a couple of distinguished visitors."
"Anyone we know?" Harry had been elected to do most of the talking.
Markum snorted, "You should. Albus Dumbledore and Cornelius Fudge were very upset with you folks."
It was Harry's turn to snort. Right into his coffee cup. "They came begging for the Queen's gold."
"Right in one." He pushed a button, and the conversation was played.
Harry looked to Hermione, he didn't want to say anything one way or the other. "What is her majesty's position?"
"She has been advised obviously, but hasn't made a determination."
Harry and Neville exchanged a look and a nod. Once more Hermione spoke, "It is our opinion that her royal highness should NOT assist the ministry of magic with this. It is their incompetence that got them in the first place."
Daphne took over, "Neither Lord Longbottom or Lord Potter really want the gold. We would much rather have the bonds as leverage."
The colonel was amused. "Do you always let the ladies speak for you?"
Even the guards smiled when all four girls answered, "They do if they know what's good for them."
Neville explained, "Harry and I are both well above average in intelligence. But all four of these ladies are genius level. They all have their areas of 'expertise'. We are smart enough to listen to them."
"Very wise. I'll pass on your recommendation. There are a couple of other things. Even more important. Miss Luna, you had some dreams and saw someone attacking the queen?"
Lune immediately reached for Harry's hand. She only nodded, looking very scared.
"Relax. No one here will hurt you. I'm quite sure that even if we tried, we would have to go through your friends first."
One of the guards standing against the wall snorted. Even though it wasn't very loud, Markum still turned an eye to him. That helped him make a decision. It was only later when he was reflecting on the day, did he realize just how much small innocuous actions could change the course of events.
"What I am proposing, is that we go to a different room. This one will have some special mirrors in it and others will be watching. What I am going to do is to just ask you some questions. If at any time you feel scared, or you get tired we will stop. Is that okay?" He had been careful to keep his voice soft and calm and make eye contact the entire time.
Every eye was on her. The other five looked at her with concern. "It's okay. This is supposed to happen."
"Are you sure?" Harry asked. "We can leave right now if you're not."
She patted his hand. She could feel the love blazing through from her two bondmates. And though they didn't know it, there was a different type of bond that extended from each member of the six to each and every other member. A bond of familial love. It almost hurt her eyes every time she traced the individual tendrils of those bonds, but it was fun to interact with them. "It's fine guys. Come on. The prime minister is waiting."
The colonel stopped, surprised. He looked to Major Granger, "Did you..?"
He shook his head, a smile already on his face. "No sir. No one said a word. But that's our Luna."
Luna was ushered to a room that had mirrors on three of the walls. She sat with her back to one of the mirrors. The door she came in, except for the handle was mirrored also. This is where Harry, Neville and the girls waited for her.
The seat was plush and swiveled. With child like enthusiasm, she took a minute to spin around. "Harry! Buy me one of these! Please. Weeee!"
The five just laughed; pure Luna.
The colonel let her play for a minute, before getting her attention. Behind one of the mirrors, the PM and his advisors, most of them anyway, laughed. They all wanted to do it too.
"If we can focus."
"Oh okay. If I must." She reluctantly stopped spinning. Although the world seemed to continue for a time.
The best way to conduct an interview was to do as a conversation. Especially if you were speaking to a child.
"You didn't seem to be surprised that the PM was here. I know you don't know a lot of muggle politics, but I assure you this is a rare occasion."
"I'm not surprised at all. Fate decided that this needed to happen, so she made it happen."
"You make it sound like Fate is a person."
Luna smiled at him. There was much he didn't know. "She is. More or less. I mean I've never seen her wear a body. But I know she exists. A lot of people do. Harry and Neville do too."
"They do?"
"Oh yes. Harry says he's Fate's bitch. It amuses her, so the more he says it the more she makes it happen. But she really does like Neville and him."
BEHIND THE GLASS-
While everyone else was enjoying themselves. One corpulent naysayer objected. (The same objector as the day before). "Minister, must we waste our precious time with tripe like this?"
IN THE ROOM -
"Oh stop whining. Yesterday you said I was a charlatan. Today you have no time for this? This is exactly the place the major is supposed to be."
"Umm, Luna. I didn't say any of that. And Major Granger is waiting with your betrothed."
"Ohh! I see. No, not Daddy Granger, but your boss major. If he's a major why do you outrank him?" "And I was talking to," she got up and walked to one of the large mirrors and pointed to a spot on it. "Him. I think his name is Peeble or something. He told everyone I was a fraud."
BEHIND THE GLASS-
Everyone stopped talking when the girl walked over and looked Peebles in the eye. And pointed right at him.
"Still think this is a waste of time Peebles?" John major asked.
IN THE ROOM-
"Colonel? Who is Travers?"
He shook his head. "I'm not sure Luna. What can you tell me about Travers?"
"Not much. But Fate just showed me that Peeble has been playing with one of the maids and taking money from a man named Travers. And the maid works for Travers too."
"Really, my that is interesting. I'm sure that the PM will be very interested in Travers and Mr. Peebles relationship."
"Luna you don't know a lot about the muggle government, do you?"
"A little. But our studies don't really cover that. Besides, 'Mione and Daph know all of that."
"Well Major is not his rank. His name is John Major."
"Oh I see. It's a good thing he's not in the military then, huh?"
"Why is that?"
"Because it would be a little silly to have a Private Major." Then thinking about it, "Or how about a Major General Major."
BEHIND THE GLASS-
Peebles was taken out of the room. He was ordered to be held incommunicado until MI5 could investigate. Since Luna had given them this information, it wouldn't take more than four hours for his life to be changed drastically.
John Major looked on amused. He never liked the prat anyway.
IN THE ROOM -
"Luna I think we need to focus. Can you tell me how your gift works?"
She spun around once more, just because she could and answered, "I can try. It works a couple of different ways. Sometimes, Lady Fate will send me a message like she did today. But that's rare. I think she really wants Mr. Major here today. Mostly though, I'll dream about all of the different possibilities and see the outcomes of different actions. Like what would happen if Daddy Granger hadn't answered our call yesterday."
"What would have happened?"
She shrugged, "In every reality I looked, he would always answer our call. He loves us. I'm sure there's a timeline where didn't but, that would take too long to find."
"Is that all?"
"Oh no. Sometimes I enter people's dreams and see what they see, or make them dream stuff."
"Make them dream stuff?"
"Yeah." she was being mischievous. "I made Harry dream of fairy princesses and roundabouts for a week. That was fun."
Markum snorted, such a weapon and the girl was playing around with it. "Did Harry think it was fun?"
"He was okay with it. I love him so I wouldn't hurt him. Besides, sometimes I'll just look at their memories. You know the people whose dreams I am walking in. But that can be very enchanting."
"How so?"
"It's easy to get locked up into their memories. Sometimes I'll forget where or who I am."
"And Harry helps you?"
"And Hermione, she loves me as much as Harry does."
IN THE ROOM WITH THE FIVE -
Hermione had been listening intently, chewing on her bottom lip the entire time. (Epiphany) "That's how she does it!"
"That's how she does what?"
"Harry, don't you see? It's impossible for her to have seen that much telly for all the references she's been using. She's watching through everyone's memories."
Tracey picked up the thread, "And since the speed of thought is so much faster, and people remember way more than they can consciously speak of..."
Daphne finished, "She can quote almost any movie, or song, or conversation verbatim; as long as the person had seen it."
Harry and Neville looked at each other, it didn't change anything, but once Luna is aware that they know, she would be throwing many more obscure references out at them.
"I guess we can all take a little more Luna." Then he subvocalized, "At least I hope so."
IN THE ROOM-
"So this threat..."
"Yeah, Snape is really mad. He wants blood. He wants to make muggles pay."
"Is this personal? Or just because of the events on the ship?"
"Both I think. He was abused as a child by his muggle father. So he hates muggles and muggle born."
"Do you know anything else about the attack?"
She shook her head. "Every place I look it happens at a different time and a different place." She locked eyes with him, "But every place I looked it happens. That's why Fate wanted all of us here together. She wants us to help you and you to help us."
Luna stood and walked over to the mirror and looked at the PM. She spoke directly to him. "You need to meet with us. Today. There are things we need to do. All you know of magic is what you've been told. The colonel decided right before my interview that you and some others need to see some of our abilities. We have a friend that Fate wants you to meet."
She had said too much and being used by Fate and the other higher powers was always tiring. Turning she left the room and hopped in Harry's lap and just hung on, while everyone gave her the love she needed.