Author Note: A lot of fluff, some people get tough, some unpleasant things happen to bad people, and we learn some more info.
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Monday morning Dolores Umbridge came into her office. She had snapped at two clerks and a guard on the way in so she was in a happy mood. Humming a jaunty little tune she settled at her desk to notice it had no documents waiting on her. No papers other than a single interoffice memo. Reading it her heavy thick caterpillar like brows merged together in an angry scowl. Her pink hairbow slipped a bit as she slammed the memo down. Breathing for a minute she grasped it in her stubby fingered paws and shuffled off as fast as she could down the hall to Cornelius' office. There must have been some horrific mistake.
Blowing past his secretary she barged into his office without knocking. She saw that Madam Bones was sitting across from him as was Arthur Weasley. They looked up curiously at her but otherwise did not recognize her authority.
"Ahem-hem."
"After barging in here like that you do not have to use that affectation to get our attention Ms Umbridge." Amelia Bones dryly said.
"That is Madam Umbridge. I am the SENIOR Undersecretary to the Minister!"
"NO you are not. Not any more Dolores." Cornelius slammed his hand on his desk. "You've become an embarrassment to this administration and office. So you're being dismissed."
Amelia almost laughed out loud at the gobsmacked expression that replaced the angry haughtiness on Umbridge, like she had been slapped with a fish. She actually took a step backwards before composing herself and becoming sweetly sickening.
"Oh Cornelius, but why would you say such a thing?" She batted her eyelashes as she cooed her words.
"Dolores you falsified some of your security files. We did a audit on your records and found out that you had lied about who your mother was. Your father was old man Orford down in maintenance before he finally retired and your mother was a muggle woman named Ellen. You are not a pure-blood like you've claimed." Cornelius tried to politely explain.
Arthur mused, "Really? Old man Orford? I remember him when I was a young clerk here. He had some really nice pipe-weed he would share as we would sit and chat."
Dolores looked disgusted, "That man is not my father. My blood runs as pure as Merlin's. You are slandering me."
Madam Bones cleared her throat, "Ahem, Dolores Umbridge born August 26 1951. Attended Hogwarts 1962 to 1969. Slytherin House. Began working in the Ministry 1970. Has climbed the ladder through blackmail, backstabbing and bullying. Father is Orford Umbridge. Currently residing in the Lower Tidmarsh Senior Retirement facility. Mother is Ellen Cracknell. Orford and Ellen divorced in 1966. Ellen now lives in Northam with her husband she married in 1974. Younger brother is a squib named Stanley who works in a hardware store in Cardiff." She read off of a notebook. When she was done she looked at Dolores with a slightly smug smile, "Your father says hello and complains you do not visit often enough."
Dolores let out an anguish high pitched cry. "No. No. Those people are not my family. My family are all dead. Father was an honored member of the Wizengamut. Mother was a highly prized member of the Potioneers guild."
"Dolores poor Mafalda down in Underage has told us about how you've leaned on her to persecute muggle-borns. You plan to trap and control merfolk? Good grief woman." Cornelius shook his head sadly at her. "You've been a very nasty piece of work and we just can't let you remain anymore. So don't make this any worse than it already is."
Dolores stood there with her chest heaving. Arthur liked plump women but he turned his head from the sight of Umbridge having a breakdown as things were moving that should not be moving. The phrase eldritch abomination for some reasons ran screaming through his head.
She flung herself on his desk knocking Madam Bones and Arthur to the side, "NO Cornelius you're being lied to. They're lying to you. I'm a pure-blood. I can show you. Please let me show you!"
Cornelius flung himself backwards almost knocking his chair over to get away from the grasping arms of Dolores Umbridge sprawled on his desk like a beached squid. Arthur had dove to the side away from her drawing his wand as he had no idea how she was going to react.
Madam Bones had stood up, carefully but quickly, she was more of an administrator but had still gone through some auror training when she became head of the DMLE. She drew her wand and carefully sighted on the backside of the wailing woman. At this range she figured a first year couldn't miss, but still one had to be careful. A single "stupefy" and Dolores fell silent.
"Thank you Amelia. I was not expecting this sort of reaction." Cornelius mopped his brow with a handkerchief.
Arthur poked her in the flabby shoulder with his wand causing her to snort in her unconscious state. "We should probably get her secured before she wakes back up."
"Yes I believe she needs a rather long rest." Amelia said.
====xxx xxx======xxxxx======xxx
Narcissa had finished her breakfast in Castle Black. Going over the various papers and such to run Lucius' business empire. For someone who professed to hate muggles he certainly owned enough businesses and stocks in the muggle world. She would look into a few of these, asking Emma to help as she did not know these companies. Apparently they made the Malfoys a great deal of money which is good.
As she was musing and making notes on what questions she needed to ask one of the house elves popped in, "Mistress. Mister Nott is at Malfoy manor demanding to see you."
"Reginald? He's at Malfoy Manor in person?"
"Yes mistress."
"Very well I'll be there soon. Take him in the blue lounge and give him some sherry until I arrive."
Nodding rapidly the elf popped back out.
Narcissa frowned into her plate for a moment then began to smile. Reginald had just walked right into the web solving two problems for her.
=====xxxx=======xxxx=====xx
Stepping out of the floo at the Manor Narcissa checked herself in the mirror. She was still wearing a muggle tracksuit with sweats pants and shirt. Smiling at her appearance she thought it would be more interesting to face him dressed like this.
Sweeping into the lounge she saw Reginald sitting in a chair watching the door. He smiled when he saw her. "Interesting wardrobe choice. Not your usual sort."
"No it isn't. I thought I would broaden my horizons now that I am a grieving widow." She said slinking across the room. "So what brings you to my home Reginald? I thought my letter would have been sufficient to let you know I'm not in the mood to romance anyone right now." She said sitting across from him crossing her legs demurely.
"I know Narcissa. I'm not here to try and pitch woo to you today." Reginald said frowning, "After what happened to Hector and Gareth I had a few things I needed to relocate. As Lucius had such a wonderful way of hiding things, and your close friendship to Fudge, I felt they might be safer here." He said tapping the side of a large case on the floor beside the chair.
"Oh. Of course. It was such a shame to hear about what happened to them. I would be more than happy to help you Reginald." She said smiling.
"Oh good thank you. I really appreciate this." Nott said standing up.
"Oh, yes. You understand of course that a favor of this magnitude will bring a bit of indebtedness to me." She said with a sly smile.
"But of course. I know how the game is played Narcissa."
"Very well then please bring your case and follow me." She said standing and turning to leave.
"You're going to show me the secret hiding chambers?" He asked with a chuckle.
"Well you are one of my oldest and dearest friends Reginald. I guess if I am to get through these troubling times I will have to begin to rely upon those closest to me." She batted her eyelashes at him coquettishly.
Reginald smiled as he grabbed his case. "Allow me to be the rock upon which you build your new life."
====xxxxx=======xxxx========xx
Walking through the wine cellar Reginald was impressed, "So the secret room under the dining room is not the actual cache. Nice."
"Oh yes. Abraxas built this manor with misdirection and concealment to the foremost in his plans." She explained offhandedly. Reaching a dead end she took her wand and tapped out a sequence on the wall. Causing the bricks to slide and shift like the entrance to Diagon Alley.
The long chamber beyond had several shallow alcoves along each side. Narcissa stepped aside, leaning against the wall in such a manner that her bosom was projected by her body posture, and allowed Reginald to proceed her. "Just find an empty alcove and place your case there." She gestured with her left hand.
Leering at her he nodded and confidently marched into the chamber. He had taken only a few steps past Narcissa when he heard her whisper something. The next thing he knew was that the lights had gone out and consciousness was no longer his friend.
===xxxxx======xxxx======xx
Waking up Reginald Nott found himself in a strange predicament. He was naked he noticed first due to the cool breeze across areas that should not have a cool breeze upon them. Secondly and the more troubling of the two immediate issues was that he was chained by the wrists, ankles and neck to the wall. Looking around wildly he saw that the alcove he was in had no windows, no shelves and was not much larger than a cabinet. There was an open doorway in front of him but it might as well have been on the moon for all the ability he had to get free.
"Ahh. Reginald you're awake. I was beginning to wonder if your heart had given out."
"Narcissa! Well this is a new game. I thought this sort of thing was more your sister Bella's style." He chuckled.
Walking up to him she ran her perfectly manicured finger along his jaw, "Oh you wish this was a game Reginald. This is revenge."
"Revenge? Revenge? For what? I have treated you with nothing but the utmost respect and admiration, tenderness even."
"You lusted after me because I was Lucius' wife. Because I have money and property. Not once have you really tried to know me Reginald."
"Nonsense Narcissa. I have treated you like an equal. Like a very interesting and riveting person."
"Really then what color are my eyes?" She said with her back to him.
"Your eyes? uh. They are uh. Oh come now Narcissa you cannot expect a person to know what color your eyes are right off hand."
"Really? I know a muggle who can describe his wife with his eyes closed right down to the eye color."
"Okay so their simple little minds are less cluttered with things. Now what sort of game is this Narcissa? Let me go." He said rattling the chains as he struggled.
"NO I don't think I will. I know you're useless with wandless. And you cannot apparate with your body chained to the wall the way you are. So you'll stay here. Alone, in the darkness." She said walking out of the alcove.
"BUT WHY!" Nott cried in anguish.
"Heather, your wife was 22 when she died. You got her pregnant at 16, was it? You like young girls Reginald. The way you took your mark. What was her age? 7? 8? 9? Do you even recall? You are a very vile and evil person."
"But she was just a muggle its not like they are real people. You were one of us. YOU'RE one of us."
"NO. I WAS NEVER ONE OF YOU! I was forced to marry Lucius Malfoy by my parents. I never loved him and he never loved me. I was his good little obedient wife. A show piece. I had Draco and that was all the love I ever had in my life. ALL of it. Not from my parents, not from my sisters, not from my husband or his associates. Backstabbing vile creatures all of you. Climbing over each others bodies to get to the top of the heap all so you can lick your dark lord's feet. SO no Reginald I am NOT one of you." Narcissa heatedly hissed as she began piling bricks up with her wand. Building a wall across the opening of the shallow alcove Reginald was chained within.
He began to splutter and rattle his chains, pulling and twisting as much as he could. He began to beg her to release him, shout for help, as each brick row climbed.
"Reginald, I do believe this is where you are supposed to cry out 'For the Love of God, Montressor'," Narcissa said as she paused with only a few stones left to place. Nott was crying with his head hung on his chest as best his chains would allow. Narcissa finished the stone work and smoothed it over. "Not a fan of the classics I see."
Taking Nott's case she opened it to see what he had within. A few rather unpleasant books and some items she recognized as slaver rings were within the case on top of a lot of other things. She closed the case with a glower.
"Ishka." She called out.
A small greenish blue eyed house elf appeared, "Yes Mistress?"
"Take this case and hide it in Albert Runcorn's house, make sure you are not seen. Then come back and I'll have a note for you to give to someone."
"Yes Mistress." The elf said taking the case and popping out with it.
Narcissa looked at the wall behind which Nott was hanging for a few seconds then dismissing any feelings she turned and walked out tossing his wand in a small fire pit and watching it burn before she closed and concealed the hidden chambers again. It seemed like her day was going to be rather busy.
===xxxx======xxxx=====xxx
Everyone trickled in for breakfast at Hogwarts. Trying to get awake, trying to get ready for the day. Harry and Hermione smiling and holding hands as usual went to sit down when Luna came up. Harry and Hermione started to spread apart so she could sit between them when she took Hermione's hand and had her sit on Harry's left so Luna could sit on Harry's right. She then gave a brief glare at Ron before sitting down like nothing was out of the ordinary.
"Uh Luna what was that all about." Harry asked after Hermione shrugged and took her seat.
"There have been those saying I am trying to interfere in your relationship or insert myself into it."
Hermione looked at Luna with a gentle smile, "Luna I doubt you could interfere in our relationship. Harry and I are bonded."
"Besides we are still figuring everything out for ourselves, adding anyone else to the mix would make things a lot more complicated." Harry shrugged, "Not to say you're not cute or nice and we want to stay friends with you but Hermione and I are doing good as it is."
"I know Harry. Some people though do not understand as they see the cloud and not the sky." She said taking some porridge and putting it between two pieces of toast.
Ron was looking like he wanted to say something but decided to be silent. Neville watched Luna make her porridge sandwich and begin to eat it then shrugged and went back to his own meal.
"Right okay Luna." Harry said starting his own breakfast.
"Today is going to be a nice day. Everyone should enjoy it." Luna declared as Millicent sat beside Neville. Between him and Ron making Ron frown and shove back.
"Move Weasley." Millicent barked at him.
"Make me!" He grumped back causing her to grab his left arm and twist it behind him shoving him down the table a space.
"OWO WOWOW! Dang it Neville get your girlfriend off me."
Neville calmly looked at the big girl then looked at Ron, "Uh she's not my girlfriend Ron. And you did ask her to make you move."
"Okay okay. Fine I'm sorry. Look let me go. Please. Geez." Ron emotionally begged.
Millicent let go of him but grinned when she sat down. "I am sorry. It was a bad night last night."
"Oh is everything ok?"
"The house is talking about what happened to Crabbe and Goyle. Wondering who's going to be next to go."
"No one else is planning on doing anything are they?" Harry asked with a chuckle but his eyes remained steady on Millicent's face.
"No they're afraid of you right now. They don't know how you're doing this but they know its you or your pet." Millicent said thrusting her chin in Luna's direction.
"I am not their pet. I am their friend."
"Whatever. You're linked to them."
Harry took note of that, [So no matter what she's going to be a target as long as we are.]
{I know. I bet it was Ron saying that about her trying to be our girlfriend.}
[Probably. I'll talk to him later about it.]
{Good idea.}
Luna didn't seem to mind or care. She actually seemed happy. "Thank you Millicent that is very nice of you to say that."
"Uh yeah right okay."
"So how come they don't think its Ron or Neville?" Hermione asked calmly.
"Most of the house think Ron's as stupid as bludger and Neville is regarded as barely capable enough to carry his own books let alone plan out such cunning traps like what happened." Millicent explained matter of factly.
"Hey I'm not that stupid." Ron exclaimed.
Ginny rolled her eyes at her brother while the twins laughed uproariously.
"NO Ronniekins,
you're not that stupid,
Not that stupid at all." They said.
Ron just glared at everyone.
"I'm not saying you're that stupid and I know Neville's capable just that's what everyone thinks about you guys." Millicent clarified.
"Oh well. They better watch their mouth right Neville?" Ron grumped.
Neville just shrugged, "I'm not going to fight all of Slytherin house just because they don't like me. It's not worth it."
"What?" Ron said in surprise. "But, but, c'mon man." Ron tried to rouse Neville's anger.
"No. Let it go Ron." Neville said eating his breakfast.
"Ron you have a very large Wrackspurt infection. You should probably have it looked at before they eat your brains. Left untreated it can cause some severe issues." Luna calmly said while looking into her pumpkin juice cup. She occasionally swirled it left or right before she set it down and poured some orange juice.
Ron started mumbling grumpily into his plate and ignored her after that.
{So what are we going to do with her?}
[I guess what we've been doing all along so far.]
{Okay. Good. I don't mind her tagging along as she's not a threat.}
[I know. She's a esper according to Draco. A sensitive who cannot turn off her ability.]
{Oh. I'll have to look them up in the library.}
[Right. He said they usually wind up going mad or dying before they get out of their twenties.]
{You don't think that will happen to her do you?}
[I don't know, but I'd like to not test that.]
{Yeah I definitely need to research that.}
=======xxx-xxx========xxx======xx
Emma Granger and Dan had both gone to Magda's to help out with the clinic and to study some more of the healing they might be able to perform.
"Potions. You may brew potions if you wish." Magda explained bluntly when asked what they could do to help.
"I thought Hermione said that you had to cast a spell into a potion to activate it." Emma replied.
"Some of them yes. But Muggles have been brewing potions for thousands of years. Healing potions, infertility, fertility, and the such. It is only the more reality altering ones that require the application of a spell to finish." She nodded to herself bringing a rather old book down and setting it on the table in front of the Grangers.
"SO basically if it does something that our muggle medicine could do we could brew it?"
"Yes Daniel. Many muggle medicines are just refinements of old potions. Take the penicillin muggle doctors use so much of. It was originally a cure disease potion ingredient. Then muggle doctors refined it. Aspirin is just willow tree bark that has been used as an ingredient in pain relief potions." She said opening the book to show them her point.
"Well that looks pretty easy."
"Yes Fiona and I produce most of the potions for the village and surrounding farms."
Rufus came in at that point. "Ah Daniel there you are. I was looking for you to help me."
"Oh okay. What's going on?"
"The Pritchard's have some goats that are feeling funky and they want a second opinion on them."
"Uh, I'm a dentist not a veterinarian."
"Now you're a veterinarian." He said nodding towards the door.
"It can't be that hard dear. Just treat them like little Billy Macgruber and try not to get bit." Emma laughed.
"Yeah just follow my lead and it'll be alright." Rufus said leading Daniel out.
===xxxxx====xxxx=====xx
At lunch Madam Bones was sitting in her office when Arthur Weasley came in.
"Yes Arthur?"
"I just got this letter. I'm not sure about its authenticity or reliability." He said handing the letter over to Madam Bones.
She took the letter and after reading it twice set it on the desk then began to polish her monocle. "If this is true and Reginald Nott is fearing for his life from Runcorn we have an issue. Runcorn is next in line to replace Umbridge."
"I know. He's not a very popular person but he still has more friends than Umbridge did."
"Dementors have more friends than she did Arthur." Amelia corrected.
Arthur shrugged agreeably, "Well there is that. I was trying to be polite."
"I know, Arthur. Next question have you made contact with Nott?"
"No I came to you first as this is a political bucket of worms. A bit above my pay grade." He grinned.
Sighing Amelia nodded, "Very well. Open an investigation by at least trying to contact Nott. See what is going on with him. Take a couple aurors and go to his manor I suppose."
"Okay Amelia. I'll head out now."
"Better call Molly and tell her you'll be late to dinner. I have a feeling today is going to be busy."
Arthur nodded as he headed out.
====xxxx=====xxx=====xx
Arthur and two uniformed aurors arrived at Nott Manor. A stately Georgian style structure just outside the New Forest in Hampshire just outside Southampton.
As they approached the front entrance they noticed that the door was slightly ajar. Drawing their wands the three moved up with Arthur taking the lead.
"Reginald Nott. This is Arthur Weasley. I'm on official business from the DMLE and I have aurors with me." He shouted into the entry hall.
Looking at the other two men Arthur pushed the door further open and casting a Homenium Revelio checked the entry hall. Seeing no one they crossed the threshold and began to walk through the silent house.
Looking around the main hall they found no living person, no living beings at all. The house looked like it had just had its owner walk out and would return momentarily.
"Reginald Nott. Hello? This is Arthur Weasley. I'm on official business with the DMLE and I have aurors with me." He shouted again at the main stairs, this time using a sonorous to make sure his voice carried through the house. The only response they got was his own voice echoing back from the far rooms.
"Uh Reed, go get some detectives. I have a bad feeling about this." Arthur said swallowing deeply.
The tall dark haired auror nodded and stepped out to retrieve the detectives while Arthur and his partner continued to look around. Entering the main lounge they found a spot on the carpet that was charred and burned in the rough size of a human body.
"Looks like Nott didn't have a good day after all." The blonde auror said as Arthur shook his head.
=====xxxxx=====xxxx======xxx
By dinner time the Nott manor had been turned upside down by detectives and investigators. They had found a few dark artifacts and items on the fringe of gray. No house elves, no sign of Reginald Nott either though. Only the large charred carpet area.
Cornelius Fudge was in Amelia's office getting a report on the investigation, "Amelia are you trying to say that Albert Runcorn killed Reginald Nott?"
"We don't have enough proof to make it stick, yet, but I believe its possible."
"Just from a burned carpet?"
"Well there were bone fragments in the carbon scoring along the edge of the carpeting. A few teeth as well were found. Unfortunately they used a scrambler so making the magical aura of the castor is impossible." Amelia calmly explained.
"A Scrambler? What's that." Fudge asked unfamiliar with the term.
"It's a wand that has been specially designed to alter and distort the magical aura of the person using it. It makes it difficult to control the spell used so only brute force kinds of spells are all they're good for."
"Like killing someone with a fire based spell?" Fudge sighed.
"Yes. Exactly like that."
"Alright. I authorize a raid on Runcorn's home. Between the note from Nott and the extremely circumstantial evidence that he has been killed there is enough probable cause for you to take action." Fudge reluctantly stated.
"Thank you Cornelius. We will be as discrete as possible."
"I'm not concerned about discretion, I'm concerned about if you are correct or not. Because I'm not sure which I find more disturbing, and after this morning I have had enough disturbances."
"Absolutely understandable sir." Amelia said as her boss went out of her office shaking his head.
"Moody, Shacklebolt, get Weasley in here and set up for a tactical raid. Full combat teams."
====xxxx======xxxx=====xx
Emma was sitting in the lounge at the Castle Black reading when Dan came in. Flopping into a chair he sighed.
Looking up from her book she chuckled, "Hard day at the office dear?"
"Odd. When they call Rufus an oddsjobsman they are not kidding." He groaned.
"Oh really? So what all did you do today?"
"Tended to some sick goats, helped rebuild a stone wall, helped thatch a roof, and delivered some groceries to a sweet old lady that was almost bent over in a U from arthritis."
"Muggle or magical?"
"She was a muggle according to Rufus but another one of those around here that knew about magical stuff. Apparently Wales doesn't exactly play by the same rules London does."
"Well that could make things interesting I suppose." Emma observed.
"So how was your day?" Dan asked getting up and giving his wife a kiss on the top of her head so as not to interrupt her reading.
"It was quiet. Narcissa was off doing some sort of personal business, she left a note. So Magda and I worked with Gwen on a lot of health and medical stuff. Combining magical and mundane healing techniques. You know its amazing how much magic can do, but there is a lot it can't do either." Emma observed with admiration.
"Good to know I guess. That at least they can't just wave their wands and solve everything."
"True. There is that. I was thinking."
"Uh-oh. What now?"
"Well I'm beginning to like it here. Its quiet, we don't have to worry about the crime, or pollution, or overcrowding like Crawley. Jets passing overhead all times of the day and night going into Gatwick."
"True. Much prettier neighborhood. Some of the places we drove in today were amazing. So you want to stay here? Even when the kids get older?"
"Yeah. Harry and Hermione are going to need a place to settle down when they get out of school so they could have the place in Crawley if Paul doesn't mind. It'll be close enough to London for a young couple to have a career and life and all. Unless they go off into some magical village somewhere."
"Sounds good to me. Next time we see them we can talk to them about it. Plus talk to Narcissa I guess."
Emma smiled "Sounds good, now get cleaned up and see what you're cooking for dinner."
"One thing I will miss will be all the take out options." Dan grumbled.
"Well there is the pub."
"True. They have a good meat pie. Just don't ask what meat."
"I doubt its a Lovett special." She said laughingly.
"True, just don't yell giddyap." Dan laughed taking her hand.
=====xxxx====xxxxx====xx
The auror teams gathered at their staging points outside the house of Albert Runcorn.
Arthur and Moody checked the timing and positions of everyone. A nod and the initial forces moved in. Setting up anti-apparate fields and shutting down the floo.
Next the front and rear doors of the house were blown off their hinges with small vials of thunderflash potion being thrown in to explode with a brilliant blue white glare and sharp cracking thud. Armored auror teams rushed in behind the explosions moving from room to room. Finding Albert Runcorn sitting in his lounge disoriented and dazed weakly trying to hex one of the aurors coming into the room he was subdued and taken into a custody within moments.
Arthur and his team swept into the house to begin their search. Several minutes later one of his team called out, "I found something!"
Arthur came jogging up the stairs to the inspector that was pointing to a small white case hidden in a concealed panel in the wall of the master bedroom.
"Got em." Arthur said with some satisfaction.
===xxxxx======xxxx=====xxx
Getting ready for bed Hermione was sitting on the edge of her bed brushing out her hair. Giggling occasionally.
Lavender and Parvati looked over with an awkward expression before coming over to sit beside Hermione.
"OH Hi. Sorry I was talking to Harry." She said with a smile.
"Yeah we kinda figured. Uh we wanted to let you know it was Ron who has been saying that about you guys and Luna." Parvati explained with a degree of embarrassment.
"Harry and I figured as much. We just thought it was him being jealous." Hermione sighed.
"I can see that. He has said a few things that sounded rather petty about the two of you. Especially about your being married and all." Lavender sighed with an awkward expression.
"Oh well. I don't know what to tell him. He hasn't said any of this where Harry or I could hear." Hermione frowned.
"I know. He waits until he can't see either of you before he says anything, or when you're off on one of your adventures." Parvati explained.
"Oh. Well that's his problem I guess. But what's his problem with us being friends with Luna?"
"Well he's jealous that you and Harry are already having sex and no one has yelled at you about it, so he says you're dragging Luna into it too. Like Harry's getting to have some kind of sex harem and he's not. He doesn't always make sense about it." Parvati shrugged. "He seems to think Neville is getting one too."
Hermione rubbed her face, "Oh good grief. Really?" She asked with a groan looking at the girl.
"Yeah." She said with a nod.
"Oh Merlin. Nev and I have barely played around a bit, and as for Millicent I think she would rather snog me than Nev. Not that any of us have even considered opening that door." Lavender shivered.
"Ron has a very confused attitude on relationships." Hermione sighed.
"I know. From what we've talked his family has been incredibly repressed. His mother doesn't even believe in premarital anything." Parvati made a face as she said that.
"That's why Ron is so hung up on us getting to have it and he's not?" Hermione groaned in astonishment.
"Yeah probably. So since we're talking about that. What's it like?" Parvati asked eagerly.
"Parvati!" Lavender admonished.
"Oh don't start with that. You was talking to me about that too."
"I know but still." The blonde blushed.
Hermione laughed, {Dear the girls are asking about our sex life. What do you want me to tell them?}
[Uh. I dunno. Whatever you feel appropriate?]
{Okay dear.} Harry felt a wave of amusement come across their link.
[You're not going to volunteer me for any in person demonstrations are you?]
{Not a chance mister. You're mine!}
[Okay. I'll leave you to it then mistress.] He sent a wave of amusement and love across to her.
"Sorry I was checking with Harry what he would mind me telling you."
"Oh. And?" Lavender queried expectantly.
"Well as long as I don't give out anything too personal we can talk about it some."
"Okay good. So is it really as good as some of the stories say?"
Hermione shrugged, "I don't know. I never had sex before I got bonded to Harry so I have nothing to compare it with. With Harry though its like we become one person literally. I feel everything he feels, he feels my feelings. Every touch, every caress, every kiss. One big loop over and over building until its like we explode out of our bodies. There is no barriers, I don't know where i end and he begins." She breathlessly described with an expression of ecstasy.
Parvati sighed deeply, "Oh that sounds like blessed perfection."
Lavender nodded, "Oh that does sound like something it would be hard pressed to compete with for mere mortals."
"I guess. I dunno. I mean I still see a few guys and find them attractive, and I know Harry finds a lot of other girls attractive still. How he can walk around with that thing like that drives me crazy. Just Harry and I don't want to really branch out yet. We're still getting our own relationship figured out before even considering anyone else or any other permutations in it."
The other girls laughed as they sat and relaxed in friendship.
===xxxx======xxxxx=====xx
The next morning the papers had a huge blaring banner headline causing everyone who had a copy to gasp in surprise, horror or wonder at it.
#Ministry Murderer Captured in Dinnertime Raid!#
# In a stunning development it appears that Albert Runcorn is believed to have murdered Reginald Nott, and is suspected in several other recent disappearances and deaths of both muggles and Magicals.
In a coordinated operation between the Auror and the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts offices Runcorn's residence was raided just after dinnertime last night. Multiple dangerous and proscribed items were discovered hidden in the house. According to Mr Runcorn's solicitor he denies all knowledge of these items or any activities in regards to the deaths. Senior officials wishing to speak off the record have stated that preliminary evidence points to Runcorn having manipulated his own mind to forget about the activities he was part of.
Regardless of whether his destination is Azkaban or Saint Mungo's secured mental wing he is going to be facing a very long time away from society.#
A smaller article in the lower front page though was remarked on by only a few people, #Senior Undersecretary Resigns.#
#Citing health related reasons officials within the ministry announced today that Senior Undersecretary to the Minister Dolores Umbridge would be resigning. She will be missed deeply in a polite statement by Minister Fudge. Her replacement will be announced within the next few days according the Minister, pending a full DMLE background check and Wizengamut approval.#
=====xxxx======xx====xxxx=====xx
The next several days passed remarkably unremarkable. Millicent said with Nott being taken out to deal with the fallout of his father's apparent death there was a power vacuum which several students were fighting over. The main consensus though was not to get on Harry's bad side as he had to be the one arranging all of these deaths and removals.
Draco had confirmed that she was correct as he had spied on most of the students in their discussions. He said it seemed like a fourth year named Rittenhouse, or a 5th year named Atherton were the front runners for the power in the house.
Luna remained a fixture at the Gryffindor table. Talking to the others about her usual sort of things, Wrackspurts, how to avoid Gulping Plimpies and being happy to see that the vampiric gum disease that had been plaguing the Ministry was clearing up.
Professor Lupin had been asked by Harry if Luna could go with them to visit Sirius this Saturday and he said he would have to ask her father but did not see why she couldn't.
Dan, Emma and Narcissa had a good week. Chatting and having meals together. Emma and Dan learning to adapt to the small village lifestyle a lot easier than they had expected. Narcissa was Narcissa and would be no matter what they joked. Even wearing muggle clothes she still moved and acted like the Lady of the Manor that she was. Sirius had invited them over when he came home from the hospital leading to a tense but happy reunion between Andromeda and Narcissa.
The Ministry shuffled people around and decided that doing a complete audit of everyone to make sure of their behavior and appropriateness to remain in the ministry would be a good thing. Amelia Bones was practically dancing as while it meant more work she would be able to go after people that had somehow been elevated beyond their skill levels or their malfeasance in office ignored.
Apparently Cornelius having had two of his highest officials turn out to be very high profile embarrassments motivated him to shake the trees and see if any others nuts fell out.
=====xxxx===xxx==xx
Saturday morning came and the weekend edition of the paper arrived. Hermione was looking through it when Luna looked over her shoulder and sighed sadly.
"What is it Luna?"
"They have placed a vampire in power. He is part of the rot-fang conspiracy." She explained matter of factly.
"What's she talking about?" Seamus asked.
"Rufus Scrimgeour was named Undersecretary to the Minister to replace that Umbridge person."
"Yes and he is a vampire and will not last more than a year. By the next Yule he shall fall." She sang then began eating her crepes.
Everyone just kinda stared a moment then went back to their own breakfasts. "Okay Luna that seems rather curious. Why do you say that?" Harry inquired curiously.
"Say what?" She glanced at him confusedly.
"That Rufus is a vampire and he will fall by next Yule." Harry prompted.
"Oh that. Because he is and he will."
"Right okay." Harry said understanding that the wheels of her mind had already turned to a new topic.
"So how many times are you going to ask Parvati to do that Ron? More than once is rather rude."
Ron choked on his breakfast before Neville managed to slap him on the back helping him clear his windpipe. "Wha? What're you talking about?"
"Asking Parvati to perform that is rather rude as well as improper. And no I have not done that to Harry either."
Ron looked at everyone who was staring at him suddenly like he had grown a third head, "Uh no. I. I forgot a book for class in the dorms." He said suddenly getting up and running off.
Seamus laughed, "Anyone gunna remind him its Saturday?"
"He'll figure it out on his own." Neville declared shaking his head.
Parvati was trying to both avoid blushing and not laugh into her plate.
"Lunch should be interesting Harry. Although it will be a bit odd."
"It will be?" Harry was a bit concerned if Luna was calling something odd.
"Yes. Do not react badly as she isn't who she looks like she is as she is herself and not her." She said before wiping her cream and blueberry topping across her crepes.
"Oh okay."
{What is all that about?}
[I have no idea.]
"You're going to love who all is coming to lunch." Draco said sliding into Ron's former place at the table.
"OH really Draco? Who is coming?" Hermione asked looking up from the paper.
"Well mother, your parents, and aunt Andromeda with her husband and daughter."
"My parents will be there?" Hermione suddenly grinned a lot happier.
"Well yeah." He said running his finger through Ron's plate of crepes morosely. "Any excuse to see more of our world. That and mother has grown rather fond of them it seems."
"Well that's a good thing isn't it?"
"I suppose." Draco frowned as all he managed to do was frustrate himself.
===xxxx=====xxx=====xx
Coming out of the floo at Number Twelve Grimmould Harry, Hermione, Luna and Remus Lupin were greeted by Sirius who grabbed each of them in a tight hug the moment they were in the room.
"Harry my boy. Welcome to the humble abode of the Black family. Everyone else is in the library. And by the way, who is your friend?"
"My name is Luna Lovegood sir. Thank you for the hug."
"Oh yeas. You're Pandora and Xeno's girl aren't you?"
"My mother was Pandora Lovegood and my father is Xenophilus Lovegood."
"Oh I'm sorry. I didn't know. Well glad to have you here anyhow."
"My pleasure mister Boardman."
"Hunh?" Sirius asked as he began to lead them to the library.
"You spent some time pretending to be Stubby Boardman didn't you?"
"Uh no. The other way around he pretended to be me. I'm much cooler and hip than he ever could hope to be."
"Oh. That does make sense."
===xxx====xxx====xx
Entering the library Hermione hugged her parents. Then greeted the others in turn. Harry noticed that Narcissa was wearing a muggle dress as was a woman who looked similar to her but had long flowing raven black hair, dark blue heavy lidded eyes. She was smiling friendly at Harry and the others.
"Ahh Harry let me introduce you to my cousin Andromeda. Mother had blown her out of the family when she married Teddy there but one of my first acts as back in the Black was to restore her to the fold."
"Hello ma'am, sir." Harry said politely.
The third person near them was a young woman in her early twenties with brilliant bubblegum pink hair, bright electric blue eyes and an easy going demeanor.
"This brilliant bubble of happiness is my niece nymp"
"Don't even go there uncle!" The girl emphatically declared as her hair drifted from pink to brilliant scarlet and her eyes shifted to pure black.
"Whoa there demon girl. Calm it down." Sirius laughed as Andromeda her mother frowned.
"Nymphadora Tonks what have I told you about being ashamed of your name? It is a very classical and beautiful name."
"Mother it makes me sound like an exotic dancer." The girl whose name was being argued over huffed.
"How about we just say Dora?" The sandy haired chubby man with a grin said hugging his daughter across the shoulders. Staring down his wife in the process.
"Yes father." She calmed down, Andromeda frowned but acquiesced.
"Hullo Harry. I'm Dora but I like to be called Tonks." She said holding her hand out to Harry as her hair drifted back to the bubblegum pink. She noticed Luna watching her hair shift, "Hi. You okay?"
"I am fine. Did you know your hair is shifting on its own?" She observed.
"Uh yeah. I sometimes loose a bit of control when I get upset or emotional."
"You can control your hair?"
"Sort of. I'm a metamorphmagus."
"Oh. That must make it rather awkward at times."
"Yeah lets just say finding a boyfriend who isn't a total perv has been a problem."
"I can imagine." Emma agreed.
{Down boy. If I understand the relationships right she's your cousin.}
[Yeah but in the wizarding world that's okay] He sent back with a chuckle.
{You know we have still got some regeneration tests to do.} She sent with a wicked grin.
[Yes dear. I'll leave the harem idea for Ron to dream about.]
{Good idea.}
=====xxxx======xxxxx=====xx
Everyone settled in chatting and relaxing. Ted asked Harry about his magic skills and Remus proudly bragged on how well Harry and Hermione had been doing, "They've even managed to produce fully corporeal patronus!"
"Really? That's extraordinary." Andromeda complimented the pair, "Not even many full grown magicals can do that."
"That's what professor Lupin said. I guess we just feel the love and do so."
"Well may we see them?"
Harry looked at Sirius whose face shone with pride at his godson, "Certainly."
Harry and Hermione stood up side by side casting as two silvery smooth phoenix appeared in the room gliding and moving around leaving a trail of silvery ripples in the air. They looked like they were made of glowing quicksilver.
"Oh." Luna gasped as the two swooped close to her and she had her eyes roll back in her head briefly as a large grin broke out on her face. "They are beautiful. Father says the patronus is a representation of the souls of the caster."
"Yeah. Wow. Those are something else entirely." Andromeda observed.
Harry and Hermione had stood close enough to almost be touching when they cast, their smiles evident and showing no strain whatsoever from casting this Narcissa observed.
Letting the spell fade everyone felt a momentary sadness before breathing resumed normally. "Wow. That'll get your attention." Dan gasped.
"The spell is a manifestation of pure positive energy. It can be used to drive away some of the most vile and darkest creatures as well as send messages and a few other tricks." Remus explained.
"Great job Harry. Great job Hermione." Sirius applauded.
======xxxx=====xxx=====xx
Lunch was served by Sirius and Remus.
"Sorry for subjecting you to mine and Remus' cooking but I don't have a house elf." Sirius laughed as he ladled out large portions of pasta and garlic bread.
"What ever happened to the nasty little thing Aunt Walburga had? He was named Kreacher wasn't he?"
"Yeah Drommie. He was. He died about the same time Reg did. Dear old mum had an absolute fit and blamed me and James for it. Said we had cost her so much and she had no living children, yadda yadda." Sirius offhandedly responded.
"That's unfortunate. How did she manage? I know she wouldn't have lived without a house elf."
Andromeda observed.
"Uh I think she got one from Aunt Druella. I have no idea."
"We inherited all of hers. None of them said anything about working here." Narcissa pointed out.
"Well I guess that's a mystery then." Sirius shrugged.
Everyone soon tucked into the food although Harry asked after a few moments.
"Who was Reg?"
"Reg was Regulus. My little brother. He joined up out of sense of familial duty I guess, he was still in school. Then one day he just vanished. Everyone knew he was dead though. You didn't get out of service to him alive. Only boots first." Sirius spoke slowly and sadly twirling the pasta with his fork.
"Oh. I'm sorry."
"Old water over the dam. Harry." Sirius plastered a fake smile that didn't reach his eyes. "So wanna take a look around the place?"
"Uh sure that would be nice." Harry said slurping down the last bit of pasta on his plate.
===xxx====xxx====xx
They came to the first floor landing where there was a large hole in the wall leading into the next room.
"Putting in a door?"
"No Harry, my dear sweet mum put her portrait up here with a permanent sticking charm that basically welded the frame to the wall. None of us could get the stupid thing down so Dan got the bright idea if we couldn't get the frame off the wall why not just remove the wall. Simple yet effective." Sirius declared appreciatively.
The rest of the tour turned over nothing odd due to how much Sirius had been working. He had also hired a team of goblins to come in and clear the place out of dark, ugly or gray artifacts.
Returning to the library with the others Sirius was smiling, "So Harry you and Hermione are welcome to stay here any time you want. As you can see I've got plenty of rooms. And we're only a good 20 minutes from King's Crossing on foot. So you won't have that far to go to get to the express."
"That would be nice." Harry agreed.
"Plus you are welcome at Castle Black." Narcissa pointed out.
"And Emma and I talked to Paul when you graduate if you want it the house in Crawley is yours. And until then Paul said you're always welcome to crash there if you need to." Dan expressed happily.
Harry took Hermione's hand in happiness. "Thanks everyone we're really happy about this. We'll probably bounce around from house to house and all. That way everyone gets a turn basking in our greatness." He said laughing.
Sirius barked out the loudest laugh in response, "OH man he got Jamie's humility definitely."
======xxxxx=======xxxxx=====xx
When they finally came out of the floo that night at the castle they were well fed, happy and relaxed. Even Luna was floating like she was on a cloud from the way she had been accepted as part of the crew.
Escorting her to Ravenclaw they bade her goodnight, before they walked back to Gryffindor Tower.
"Well that was great. Sirius seems a lot nicer than I was expecting."
"True. He is in treatment though." Remus agreed, "So he has his moments. I will be going back to make sure he is alright tonight."
"Yeah please. I guess he's going to be okay isn't he?"
"We will endeavor to help him through this. The fact he has brought Andromeda back into the family and Narcissa as well will be a big help."
"Good. I'm glad." Harry said giving the professor a hug.
"No need to get mushy now." Remus said as he ruffled Harry's hair.
===xxx====xxx====xxx====xx
Entering the common room Ron came over, "Hey could you guys ask Luna not to do like she did at breakfast again?"
"Ron, I have no control over Luna whatsoever." Harry earnestly stated.
"Really Ron. She is kind of like an elemental force." Hermione chimed in.
"Yeah well some of us are not as open about things in our life. How would you like it if she spilled details about your love life."
Hermione laughed and moved up to the girl's dorm. Harry just chuckled and put his arm around Ron's shoulders, "If she did Hermione and I would not be upset as we have not exactly been secret about it."
"Yeah but. I'm not comfortable with that as you are. If it got back to mum I was doing things with girls she would be upset."
"Would Molly be happier if you were doing things with boys?" Harry teased.
"NO! That would be even worse to her."
"Okay. Well be nice and we'll see what happens with Luna alright?" Harry said with a bit of a slasher grin.
"Alright Harry. You can let go of me now." Ron squeaked a bit.
"Yeah sure." Harry said warmly, "That sounds like a good idea." Harry wiggled his eyebrows then went to the dorms. "See you in a few Ron."
"I swear he's getting mental. If this keeps up who knows what'll happen next." Ron swore under his breath as he followed moments later. Ensuring Harry had a long enough head start.
========xxx-xx-xx======xxx
Review Responses
desertsandbox: I'm not entirely sure about the far future yet. I doubt it though.
Lordxaero: Yeah the Hellfire club might have been a throw away line or might not. I haven't decided if they'll ever visit or not but it is most assuredly based on the real historical one. Thank you for the compliment. I love Luna too.
Bountyhunter1977: NO there are no plans for the Grangers and Narcissa to have a threesome or anything like that. Narcissa is paying attention to the way the Grangers relationship works as she has never seen a loving caring married couple before. Her marriage to Lucius was an arranged one and not based on love, her relationship with Snape is mutually using, her parents did not have a loving relationship, so this is her first exposure to it. As for Harry and Hermione being naked it was meant to show how they are not caring anymore about such things as much. A slight drift in their mental point of view. True there is plenty of cases for that and if she researches it her and harry might start having some arsenic seasoned chips, definitely not going to share at their picnic table...
Firebird-fenix: They had already been taught the patronus but as they caught Sirius before needing to use it we had not seen theirs yet until this chapter. As for who the final pairings turn out to be I'm not sure who they are yet, neither are Harry and Hermione. But this chapter should give a bit of insight in their mental positions right now in regards to that. Remember Luna is 12, is an esper who feels Harry and Hermione love for each other as a physical thing, and is very very lonely. Even if she is awkwardly flirting with Harry its not exactly meant to be anything serious.
Dennisud: OH yes this chapter should have satisfied your vision. As for Neville his day is coming.
Bmatsea: Hey even death eaters have standards. Besides Goyle isn't the necrophiliac. I know who is and we'll meet him, eventually. Thank you for seeing the Morticia imagery. I am a big fan of the Yvonne DeCarlo version of the character and was picturing Narcissa in that style. Nothing to be sorry about. And while Narcissa may be enjoying some muggle clothes she will be flipping back and forth on occasion as well So we have not seen the last of the Addams look.
Jadesabrexiv: Sweet. All my kids are grown and graduated but they still talk about the cool teachers they had. Being a small town we all know who they are too. As for the island yeah that would be an interesting choice, not one I can work with in this story but it is in the notebook as something. Although as they are birds (essentially) they may go visit for a get away from it all vacation. Lol.
Everyone else: Thanks for the compliments. Hope you are still enjoying.