Chapter 2 – Seeing Sirius, Seriously
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Thanks go to my Beta helper: Amycat8733
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Friday June 26, 1992
10:00 AM Trip to Azkaban
The cold mist was something that normally wouldn't bother the witch. Cedrella Greengrass had been born in the Scottish Lowlands, and loved a sere grey day, rugged green hills jutting into the sea.
But the island she was approaching had no such beauty. Nothing but dread.
She couldn't believe Marius' news. Sirius Black was named the Head of the Black family by magic, and now Harry Potter was the heir.
The only way that Sirius could be considered the Head of House is if he had no trial. Cedrella used her position to try to find the trial record, to no avail. The thin file on Sirius Black was under a special ward set by the Chief Warlock himself.
All this time, she thought he had abandoned her, had turned traitor to their friends.
As the boat docked, she cast another warming charm and openly gave her primary wand to the guards meeting her there.
The guards were more looking for magical foci than anything else. Good thing that didn't cast against her hair, and it's wooden 'hair pins'. They only searched her pantry basket casually.
Apparently, if Cedrella wanted to poison her former lover, she was free to do so.
The guards led her to the cell, and locked her in. "We've moved the dementors. You've got fifteen minutes, Counselor Greengrass."
She turned to the far too thin captive, and started formally. "I'm sorry to be the bearer of sad news, but your Grandfather Arcturus has passed away."
Booted thumps were moving away, and Cedrella cast a quick warming charm silently on the man, before putting her backup wand back in her hair, just in case.
The wand, disguised as a long wooden hair pin had not raised any suspicion.
"Cedrella! I swear, I never…"
Lips were too busy with more important matters than talking, but were certainly communicating.
"I'm so sorry Sirius. I didn't know. Arcturus never told me you didn't have a trial. That's why I'm here. I have an idea. And I need your help to rescue Prongslet."
Saying the name Harry Potter would have caught all sorts of the wrong kind of attention here. Death Eaters on the left, and right, and across the hall too.
"Rescue? Isn't he with Alice and Frank? I mean sure, Hagrid took him to Petunia's for a time, but her house had Lily's blood wards."
"I've written it all down in a letter. It's not the best news Siri, but it can get better. With your help it will. Remember my aunties? The Light ones? Blanche and Esmerelda? They're going to take him in, if you agree. But they won't without your approval. And they know we'll all be family to him if this works out."
The letter must have had a heavy beef gravy spilt on it at some point. The animagus' nose twitched.
"I can't take him now, even if they let me out today! I'm a wreck!" Sirius whinged.
"But a fixable one. With your permission, I'll work on setting that up too, darling. Fixing dementor exposure should be done someplace beautiful. And warm."
"On the island?" The new head of House Black asked.
"Certainly. I'll arrange everything," the barrister promised.
"And you'll pack your bikini," the wizard asked, clearly thinking warmer thoughts than this island non-paradise provided.
"If you wish. Or just a sunhat." Cedrella teased.
Boots were coming back.
"I've shrunk several warm meals, a warm robe, and the cover is a cloak." Cedrella put the basket down, one of a pair that Sirius had enchanted a lifetime ago. She regained his lips for a brief moment, recasting the warming charm just in time.
"If you will sign here, we'll take care of the bequests to your cousins and yourself. And the matter with the child." The lawyer finished as guards came up.
Signed parchment went to Cedrella; Sirius was given what appeared to others to be his copy.
'This letter will transform upon the password when you have finished reading it.' Was the first line that only he could see. To everyone else, it was the disposition of his grandfather's estate.
"Time's up, Miss."
"Take care, Mr. Black. I will be in touch."
She held out her hand for shaking, but he bowed over and kissed it for slightly longer than was considered polite.
"Thank you for the basket. For everything."
Sirius was roughly searched, his mattress and bedding tossed, making sure that the witch hadn't slipped him anything. They even searched the food again, this time tossing the contents willy-nilly on the poor excuse of a bed. His letter in his hand went unnoticed.
Cedrella frowned at the guards' callous behavior. "That was uncalled for and I shall be speaking to Madam Bones about this. You should have done your jobs properly instead of trying to spoil the food I brought for my client."
Waving off the guards stammered excuses, Cedrella turned to take care of her other task and faced Bellatrix Lestrange's cell.
"I'm sorry to inform you that your grandfather has passed away. He loved you. I'm sorry, but since you are convicted for life, your bequest has gone to the heir of the House.
"Good. Draco can use it well." Bellatrix stated coolly.
"I don't know who told you it was Draco Malfoy who is heir, but it's…"
"Who else could it be?" The witch snapped.
This was the moment, and the lawyer had her spare wand ready.
"Sirius Black is Head of House, and he named his godson his heir. Arcturus confirmed this twice. Once when the child was born, and again about a month before his death. With witnesses both times."
"And who is that?" The evil witch spat.
"Harry Potter, of course."
As predicted, the news greatly upset the witch, and the people around them. Cedrella was able to rush backwards, slipping the wand through the cell door to the waiting animagus. Who lightly pinched her bum!
"Our Master is not dead! There will be many ready to aid the Dark Lord when he returns. And he will return! And then I'll be free to kill little blood-traitors like you! And Sirius Black, and anyone else who stands in my way. Harry Potter will die, and die horribly! I'll kill him. I'll kill him for this!"
The guard grabbed the lawyer's elbow, as a thoroughly frightened Cedrella tried to wandlessly cast her pepper spray spell that Mad-eye taught her.
It failed, but the guard behind her copied her movements with his wand, and at point blank range cast "Capsicum annuum".
The death threats to all there increased as the wicked witch screamed horribly. Cedrella heard Sirius calling for her in concern, but could do nothing right then to reassure him. She was far too scared to do anything but allow herself to be dragged away.
Cedrella was quickly escorted back to the boats, more frightened than she should have been by the incarcerated monster.
"Someone needs to warn the Boy-Who-Lived! That's one horrible witch!" One of the guards stated.
As Cedrella got her primary wand back, she cast warming charm after warming charm, but had been chilled right down to her bones. Her boyfriend was the Gryffindor, not her.
The boat left at speed, the shriek of the witch echoing oddly over the steel grey water for far too long.
**OO**
It wouldn't be until a few days later that the animagus gave in and said the password "I solemnly swear I am up to no good."
The huge meal of Beef Wellington with all of the trimmings was exactly what Sirius needed to add to the start of regaining his strength. Cedrella risked being locked in a cell nearby to get him that wand. It was only a backup in case something went wrong, and all Sirius used it for was warming charms at the moment.
Sirius never caught on that the meals in the basket were magically replenishing, and he still had more.
Having warm clothes and warm food was nice. Having a nice, warm witch would be better, so he was keeping his head down and following the plan.
For now.
**OO**
Friday June 26, 1992
Morning, Gringotts bank
Ragnok, assistant director to the bank, and clan-chief of the Maglubs was gaining a reputation for being unbribable. He had never associated with any of the Dark ones, the so-called Death Eaters, unlike the current bank director.
Realizing they were putting not just their own heads, but the head of their clan-chief on the line, Goldrub and Spurnik made their way to said chan-chief, and knelt in obeisance.
"Stand you fools! I'm not Director. Not yet anyway. What do you want?" The goblin demanded roughly.
Showing the proof of malefesance going back to Walburga Black's death on one ledger, and dubious withdrawals on another had the honest goblin seething.
"Theft? Actual theft? Oh, this is wonderful! Come sit. Tell me your impressions of the Potter lad. My spy at the ministry tells me that there was a second prophecy about him just two years ago."
The three goblins shared goblin snacks that squirmed, and beverages that would have made a wizard gag, and spoke of important things.
**OO**
Saturday, June 27, 1992
Breakfast
Today was the day. Everything was done at the Ministry, the official paperwork registered. Everything for the guardianship was done.
Harry was moving in with his new family.
The goblins had even obtained Sirius Black's permission somehow. Clever goblins.
Marius and Harry had arrived at the shop before the ladies. Marius had borrowed a friend's house elf named Marla. The plan was to get at least the living areas cleaned before the aunties arrived.
They had an early start. Opening the shop, they were greeted with a decade of dust, and a surprise.
Lily Potter had apparently laid down blood wards that were activated as Harry Potter entered the home. He felt the magic of his mother's love wrap intensely around him for a moment before settling down to a warm 'hum'.
Marius hugged the young mage and whispered to him "Welcome Home, Harry. You are going to be loved here."
Harry smiled in response, and the pair climbed the back stairs to the living quarters, and got to work.
They chose the kitchen as the first thing to be cleaned. Harry then walked, by himself, to the green grocer just a few doors down, and purchased supplies for breakfast.
By the time the food was ready, a dusty Marius claimed that he had one bedroom ready to sleep in.
Marla, a shy little lady, asked quietly if she could request help from the 'free elves'.
Marius looked puzzled. "As long as they swear not to hurt Harry, they can come."
The elf refused to stay for breakfast, saying that whatever was leftover was fine. After living as the Dursley house-elf for a decade, Harry put aside a plate for her, the same as his, under a warming charm.
As Marius had instructed, Harry ate a healthy breakfast that included two eggs, some smoked kippers, and fried mushrooms. Marius drank a protein shake that he brought with him, along with some of the food Harry cooked. The two wizards talked only of little things while eating.
Marius had overseen another magical binding being removed the night before and was glad that Harry had this project to work on, as all of his spells were overpowered.
Marius checked Harry's scar, too, to make sure that the evil magic was well contained. It was. Harry didn't understand what all that was about, but Marius promised to work on getting it out.
Harry got back to work leaving the pot of oatmeal for the extra elves coming, and the dishes to Marius per his request. It was only fair as Harry cooked after all.
As house-elves popped in, several stopped to watch Harry take out a full swarm of doxies with one spell and vanish the entire mess.
They clapped, and Harry took a dramatic bow, smiling widely.
Harry then commanded them to the kitchen for the elves breakfast, and tried to serve them. They all fussed at that, so Harry backed away.
The Potter lad clearly needed elf lessons.
Then they all got to work. The house-elves even sang working songs together. Harry hummed along with the tune. It was a happy crew that cleaned the living quarters together.
As soon as the last bed was made, Marius tried to send the house-elves home.
"But the Great Harry Potter sirs need luncheon soon!" "The Great Harry Potter need help in the kitchen still. There is no food in the pantry, and these dishes being terrible! No, no!" "The Great Harry Potter sir be needing a new couch and firewood for the fire."
And on and on.
Marius, dressed in stained, old healer's robes that looked short and a little tight, leaned with crossed arms looking at what he was mentally calling 'cousin'.
"So, Harry, you have a few fans, I guess." Marius chuckled.
Harry, trying to concentrate on a whirling dervish of dust, lost control. Marius suddenly looked grey and peaky.
"Sorry about that. What were you saying?" Harry smirked.
Marius had been pranked!
"Why you cheeky monkey! I'm going to…" Marius started, but whatever he was about to do was interrupted by the arrival of their aunties.
"Oh look! You two have gotten so much done already! Well done Harry! As for you Marius, you are clearly working the boy too hard. Come now, it looks like we have good timing. Thank you for having lunch for us. We did quite a bit of shopping. New dishes and housewares and such. We got a few of the things that you picked Harry, and then a few more." Blanche was just so happy to be moving from their tiny quarters.
This is what the sisters had dreamed of, and while not poor, they did not want to risk their small nest egg in case it didn't work out. With free rent on the shop, thanks to living here, there was little risk in their venture. Well, unless they bought too much stock. But they were going to get professional advice in the way of Harry's account managers now.
Marius ducked into the hall bath, and was cleaned up and in spare clean clothes for lunch. The elves working in the kitchen had already washed and prepared the new plates and serving platters.
Harry watched how Esme quietly had the elves set aside their food so that they could eat elsewhere while the wizards ate in the dining room.
Harry was made to understand that elves were servants, and in upper-class homes, servants did not sit with their employers for meals.
Harry nodded. He had never been allowed to sit with the Dursleys for dinner. Oh sure, the occasional breakfast, but that was likely more to do with what the neighbors thought.
Number 5 had a good view of the kitchen eating area, after all.
Auntie Blanche was now in charge, and the elves and wizards were all back to work after eating lunch.
After a full day of magical cleaning, the apartment was spotless. There were new curtains at the polished windows (Harry got to fly his broom to charm the outsides clean), the floors now glowed the golden honey of natural wood, and every bathroom (all five) sparkled and gleamed. Fresh towels were hung, ready for use.
Marius had to apparate Harry twice to Tesco for cleaning supplies, but they worked a treat on the older flat's porcelain.
The human cleaning party plopped on the couches, and sipped fresh butterbeers from Rosmerta down the lane.
Harry asked to speak to the house-elves who had helped.
"I understand that gifts of clothes are normally right out for you folks. I have a gift for you that is not clothes, but cleaning supplies. These are muggle rubber gloves that can be shrunken to fit. These tins have toxic chemicals, so be careful not to eat them, or store them where young children can. Muggle cleaners worked on some of the nastier stains. I want each of you to have this as a gift for helping. Thank you."
The elves had seen Harry work magic with these cleaners and decided that the gloves were not clothes, not that he was their master anyway.
As the elves left, there was one hanging back, and definitely avoiding the gloves.
"I be Pepper sir. I used to be cooking elf for Mistress. She passed away six weeks ago, and no one call for Pepper. Mistress said that Pepper be serving the Great Harry Potter sir after her death, but you no call me. Has Pepper done wrong, somehow?"
Esme, the quieter of the two sisters stood and looked at the heraldry worn by the house-elf.
"You were Gwendolyn's elf, weren't you Pepper? I hadn't heard that she passed away."
"Ugly man from Ministry try to hush it up, but Pepper keeps him out of house for a time. Pepper hides gold away at Gringotts. Silver too. And all paintings."
"Pepper, you did very well. I'm Esmeralda Hillcrest."
"Pepper be remembering you. And Mistress Blanche."
"This is our ward, Harry Potter. Harry, if you wish to accept Pepper's offer of service, place your hand on his head. 'I take you as a family elf.' And then tell Pepper who to obey." Auntie Blanche directed.
"What if I tell him to ignore any rules you set down about unreasonable bedtimes?" Harry asked.
The aunties chuckled. Something about magic was helping them bond. Harry and the sisters had made oaths to each other. The aunties wouldn't turn Harry out, and that he would continue to recognize them as family even after he turned seventeen. The thought actually terrified him, that some families did turn out children once they were 'of age'.
Harry realized this meant that they were still in school!
Harry turned to the elf. "I know nothing about wizarding life. This sounds to me like slavery. Wouldn't you like to stay free and earn a salary?"
The house-elf started sobbing about being unwanted, and having no family. That stabbed Harry right in his heart.
Harry picked up the elf, bodily, and hugged him. Harry unconsciously poured his magic into the shaking creature, until they both softly glowed.
Shaking himself, Harry put his hand on the quivering elf. "I take you as my elf. Please obey Auntie Esme and Auntie Blanche, and Cousin Marius. Oh, and my friend Hermione too please, once she starts visiting."
Harry blushed a little at that. Marius knew about Hermione. How could he not, since Harry escaped the Burrow to the healer's flat as soon as Harry could after his fight with that youngest Weasley boy.
Marius did always think that Ron was shy of brains compared to his older brothers. While Marius had never met Bill or Charlie, he liked the rest of the siblings very much.
Suggesting a potion for his supposed best friend to fall for his sister?
Harry hadn't wanted to accidentally blast Ron through a wall. It wouldn't be good for his relations with the rest of the Weasleys, it wouldn't be good for the Burrow. And it certainly wouldn't do Ron's health any good either!
Harry felt the bubble of magic, as Pepper claimed this house as his. Other house-elves coming here on errands would know who to go to, and be added to the wards as needed.
The elf was smiling, and ready to go to work!
Pepper looked to Mistress Blanche, who was the oldest, and tended to be the bossier sister.
"We'll have to work on a meal plan soon, but for tonight I suggest something simple. I don't mind if you get something from the Three Broomsticks. We had been planning on that after all."
Pepper looked aghast at the thought. "When Master Harry takes his Mistress 'Mione or you other ladies out for eating is one thing. Not for everyday!"
"Hermione. Her-my-own-knee." Harry repeated the name slowly several times until Pepper could say 'Mistress Hermione' perfectly. That was, until the elf noticed the time.
Pepper zoomed into the kitchen, while Harry was quizzed on some of his favorite foods.
Harry was so tired, and warm, and cozy, he couldn't help it. While the sisters worked on a menu for the rest of the week, Harry napped until dinner.
**OO**
Thursday, July 2, 1992
About 10:00 am, Secret Courtroom, Stirling Castle, Scotland
Alastor Moody, Marius Greengrass and Harry Potter walked in together all dressed in muggle suits. Marius wore one that was fashionable in the late 1800's while Mad-eye's looked to be from the 1940's.
Marius' outfit made him look like a blond vampire, and since Harry had seen him in jeans and a muggle t-shirt, knew the man was doing it deliberately.
Harry wore off-the-rack Harrods, but would have been happy with a second-hand one.
It wasn't like Harry was going to wear it again, and it would likely wind up as a donation to his aunties' new shop.
The Dursleys had their case 'expedited' to be heard while Albus Dumbledore was out of the country on business. This was going to be an odd hybrid court that included a squib judge. And use of Veritaserum, pensieve memories, and certified Healers' reports.
Alastor had also had a contact in Scotland Yard look into a few things that Harry had said about telling teachers and a visiting policeman to the school.
Mad-eye wanted to know if someone magical had been mixed up in this, and if so, Alastor thought the initials of that person would be Albus Too-many-names Dumbledore.
The prosecution went first, starting with the healer's scan report that Marius had taken that night at the Weasleys'. The severe dehydration, the ongoing malnutrition, the evidence of ongoing physical abuse.
George and Fred had had water in the car, and that apparently saved Harry from a trip to St. Mungo's. But it had been close.
After a few select memories, which the defense tried to get ruled as inadmissible, Harry had to take the stand himself.
The truth serum made his voice oddly even, low, and without tone. Harry didn't like it, but he answered questions in embarrassing detail of how the Great Harry Potter was nearly taken out by a pair of muggles.
It was extremely unpleasant.
The defense barely asked him anything, other than what magic he had used against his family on purpose. Since it was only accidental magic that had saved Harry time and again from murder attempts, Harry could honestly answer that he had done nothing against the Dursleys.
Vernon shouted death threats at Harry in front of his lawyer and everyone. The barrister just face-palmed and then tried to get his client under control.
Marius had to leave just before it all ended, summoned to a work emergency. He squeezed Harry's hand, and got permission from the judge to exit as the healer's testimony was first.
The look the former Death Eater gave the pair of muggles was something Harry hoped he never had directed at himself. Marius might have been dressed up as a vampire, but he looked ready to attack. Ready to take the Dursleys apart, and take all their blood to help power the wards. Then leave their tortured, broken bodies for the crows.
Vernon and Petunia were sentenced to muggle prison for life, convicted of attempted murder of a magical child, and ongoing severe child abuse of same. The judge ruled that all of their property was to be sold, and all of their assets given to Harry in compensation for the years of harm done. Not that money was enough, but Dudley was left with nothing more than his school money and in the care of an aunt who didn't want him to live with her.
Harry wondered if Dudley would now know how Harry felt.
It was only after the trial that Harry fell apart. When the boy found himself realizing that he was truly safe for the first time since he lost his parents. Moody pulled the lad into a small consulting room. Harry clung to the grizzled auror and wept. And wept. Vernon was going to prison, and would not be able to hurt him ever again. So was Petunia. Harry bawled for some time, pent up tears and fears of more than a decade.
Moody would never confess that not all of the tears on his muggle vest were Potter's. Not even under torture.
**OO**
Friday, July 3, 1992
Morning, Magnolia Crescent
Mrs. Figg was not normally a gossipy neighbor, but when Mrs. Polkiss stopped by to ask where the Dursleys were moving, Arabella panicked.
Arabella hadn't seen Harry Potter since he came home from school. Petunia had shouted at her for asking about the boy, and then the whole family had disappeared.
Owls and floo calls to Dumbledore went unanswered. Per usual.
What if the boy had been dying? Her husband, when alive, and daughter had power, she was nothing but a worthless squib!
Getting dressed, Arabella walked over to Number 4. A moving truck, a company that sounded familiar, was packing and loading everything up.
Far more quickly that would be expected, actually.
One worker came up to her as she arrived.
"Are you Arabella Figg, widow of Mortimer Figg?"
"I am." Mrs. Figg was now on full alert.
"The goblins think that the way wizards treat their squibs is disgusting. The way they cheat the widows of honored warrior's criminal. We have a thank you letter from Harry Potter for you. And a gift. Please sign here for the receipt. No goblin would ever harm you, Madam."
"You look like a Viking!" The woman declared, as she signed the receipt with a muggle looking, but magical feeling pen.
"That's because I look like Curse-Breaker Erik from Iceland. It's a glamour to look like him."
Arabella started to walk away.
"If wizards were smart, they would build a shrine to you. Harry Potter is a Chosen Warrior. You saved his life more than once, apparently. Thank you, ma'am, for what you did. We will all benefit. I'm BloodRage. If you ever need anything, come to Gringotts and ask for me."
Several other people around them nodded at that, and bowed to her, before continuing their work.
"We will be by to deliver the freezer and all of the food from the house per Mr. Potter's instructions. My men can put it into stasis containers for you. We are instructed to build a pantry onto the house if needed. You will not be billed for any costs, as they are being paid by others in gratitude for your saving actions.
"Oh my! My kitchen is a fright right now. I best get home, and prepare."
"Expect a Gringotts' house-elf to aid you, ma'am." BloodRage said, calling for the elf to follow the lady home.
Arabella was so involved and so busy that it wasn't until everyone left her home that she realized something important.
No one had said where exactly Harry Potter was, other than he was in good health, and living with new guardians!
She started to go to the floo, then stopped herself.
If Albus Dumbledore wanted to know about this development, he could find out himself!
She went to admire her new walk-in pantry, and new mudroom. The mudroom had two score magical cat feeders and the same amount of watering devices in neat rows. And a separate area for the cat's comfort on days of inclement weather. The room had outdoor access for her precious pets, but would be kept pine-fresh, as the litter boxes banished messes instead of accumulating them.
Harry's gift was the deed to the house that Albus had said he bought for her. That wizard never gave her the paperwork on the house. Now, all bills to be met by House Potter for the rest of her life. She now had an open account at Tesco's, and the local grocers and at the Magical Menagerie. She also had the name of a goblin if she ever needed repairs. Or funds for anything.
She was also given a muggle account at the village bank having several thousand pounds for 'incidentals' and would be replenished as needed.
Harry's simple note, "Your lunches were always large and delicious. Thank you for caring for a lonely orphan."
Arabella cried and cried at that. She could have done so much more, but Albus wouldn't let her. The goblins had removed the silver box on the mantle that she once believed held her husband's ashes, but now remembered that he was buried in Godric's Hollow.
The feelings of all the things she could have done burdened her with grief for a time.
But at least she had tried to help Harry Potter.
**OO**
Saturday, July 4, 1992
'I'm not up early, I just stayed up too late' in the morning, basement, The Shop
Cedrella Greengrass showed up for morning practice looking pale and weak.
She gave a short report of her encounter with Bellatrix Lestrange. She had to not just warn Harry Potter, but give him tools to get away. She just had to try to help!
"I need to learn this spell wandlessly. I want Harry to learn it as well. No wand, magical foci, or wooden hair pins with magical cores that are not legally wands. Just hands."
Mad-eye looked at the witch's hairdo with a critical eye and nodded.
"The incantation is 'Capsicum annuum'. Try thinking of the effect, more than the spell, you two. This is what it looks like."
Moody cast at one of the dummies, and had them both try.
Harry got it after a few attempts, Cedrella got it much longer after that. It was her first wandless spell of this kind.
The run-in with Bellatrix was highly motivational for learning for both of them.
**OO**
Saturday, July 4, 1992
Breakfast
"Look here. Free scholarships to all upcoming first and second year Gryffindors, and for all members of the quidditch team. Junior Quidditch. What do you think Arthur? May the children go? Not Ginny though, she's not even eleven. I know that they require that. Sorry love. Maybe they'll do it again next year."
Arthur read the letter, and agreed. "You can floo to the Three Broomsticks from here, and walk up.
Fred and George were gracious in their acceptance of the quidditch invite, and effusive in their thanks in the quick note they wrote.
Ron, embarrassed by his poor broom, declined. Besides, he knew that Cedric was going. Ron reddened even more thinking about that.
The twins had also gotten revenge for Harry just the other day. The twins had pranked Ron with a very mild love potion, the kind used to get a witch or wizard to notice someone. Keyed to someone who played quidditch at the Burrow.
Keyed to Percy's friend Cedric Diggory.
Hedwig showed up just then. Harry offered to let Ron use the Nimbus for quidditch.
Ron declined again. It wasn't just the broom issue. The youngest male Weasley wanted to keep his distance from Diggory for a time.
Ron had invited Cedric for a fly on his broomstick, just the two of them. Or go for a picnic down in the orchard.
Just the two of them.
Cedric was very polite in his refusal, and had given his friend Percy such a sympathetic look! But Ron really, really liked Cedric. And kept suggesting activities to share until the twins dragged him away.
The twins gave Ron the antidote, and told him that if he ever tried to potion Harry into liking Ginny, that next time it would be publicly embarrassing, and they would target Draco Malfoy.
Arthur asked Ron what he had learned from this experience.
Ron's ears went red, but he went to go write Harry a letter that Hedwig was wisely waiting for.
**OO**
Saturday, July 4, 1992
Breakfast, The Shop
"Is someone excited?" Auntie Esme asked as she dished up some sort of fancy egg dish. "Excellent breakfast, Pepper. My compliments."
Harry was practically vibrating with anticipation of the quidditch try-outs. The Weasley family had been offered spots for Ron, Fred, and George, as well as any other children still at home and of the age to participate.
The academic camp was also holding signups. Hermione would love those, and Harry had sent her the information about it.
Harry ate eggs, oatmeal, bacon and a bit of syrup, while Esme sipped tea and read the paper.
"The next-door neighbor saw you washing all of the outside windows on your broomstick. She was curious how you were using magic so openly, but wanted to hire you to do the same to her house. You could start a little after school business if you wanted.
"I can live here? At home? I mean after school starts?"
"Of course you can! Many families live here for that reason. Haven't you noticed that classes are a lot fuller than the dorms? The school saves money on meals, as well as needing less adult supervision."
Harry smiled wide and beamed at his aunties. "You mean it? You really want me to live here all the time?"
"Of course, sweetheart! And it's not just to clean up the shop either. That's going very well."
Pepper grumbled in the kitchen. The house-elf wanted to help clean the shop, but Moody wanted Harry practicing spells. Spells he would have no reason to practice if the shop were cleaned up by the elf.
Moody had been called over earlier in the week to investigate Pepper's inheritance claims, and the house-elf was correct. Gwendolyn Pepperidge had indeed been childless and had left everything including her house-elf to Harry Potter. Moody had asked for the elf's help in the Pepperidge home, as it seemed to be stripped of everything valuable.
Pepper shook his head at the antique furniture and all that had been removed from the home until Moody said that the elf could help get it back, since it was stolen.
Pepper laughed at that, and was distracted with that task. Some of the good furniture wound up in the Hogsmeade house, the rest went into the attic, shrunk down. The Pepperidge house itself was kept, but rented out.
The goblins loved Harry's business-minded aunties, and were giving them their best rates. Whatever that meant.
"We have a surprise for you this morning. Plan on coming home after tryouts for lunch."
"Moody's coming?"
"Oh yes, he didn't want you going without either him or Marius as escort. For some reason, he trusts a former death eater more than us to protect you!"
Harry laughed. Marius was a very good dueler. Harry had gotten to see him and Moody go hammer and tongs in the makeshift practice room that they had made in the basement. Lily Potter had set up the cellar for brewing, and had reinforced the walls just in case of exploding cauldrons.
Moody declared it perfect for learning offensive and defensive spells. And Marius' oaths didn't prevent him from practicing or using magic in defense of family. Marius just couldn't go on Death Eater killing sprees anymore. Not that he wanted no.
Harry couldn't wait to be as good as them, but he was still learning the basics. And was told that he would be doing so for a while.
Harry didn't know that the surprise wasn't that Moody was coming. But who he was bringing with him.
"Hermione! You're back from France!" Harry rushed across the room to hug his friend.
"Auror Moody picked me up, and had my parents sign some parchment work. Did you know that unless someone chooses otherwise, that Headmaster Dumbledore is our magical guardian? He's far too important and far too busy to worry about little ol' me!" Hermione said in a rush. "And we get to sign up for classes! My parents said yes about school too!"
Harry beamed at Mad-eye Moody. Dan and Emma Granger were very nice, for muggles that was. Harry didn't have the best experience in the non-magical world. But Harry worried about someone like Lucius Malfoy casting the imperius curse, and doing something horrible to Hermione.
Like putting her in a contract with Draco. That was just unthinkable!
Harry pulled out of the hug reluctantly. Harry had almost died, and she was constantly in his thoughts. He truly thought that his feelings for her helped him survive long enough to get help.
And then his fight with Ron. Harry hadn't realized the depths of his feelings before these two events.
"Hermione, please meet my REAL family. This is Auntie Esme and Auntie Blanche. Madam Hillcrest and Madam Rosier, to be formal. Oh, and meet Pepper. He's a house-elf who specializes in cooking. Wait until you taste lunch!"
"Please call me Blanche and this is Esme. We're trying to keep an informal household for Harry."
Hermione nodded her acceptance. "Thank you for everything you are doing for my friend. Harry! You look great!"
"I have so much to tell you!" Harry started, but he looked at his new watch. "But if I'm not there in 30 minutes, they won't let me try out."
Moody laughed, and started for the door. "Toodles, ladies. I'm looking forward to lunch, Pepper. Potter has given you quite the build-up."
"Be careful, Master Harry sir. Nice to meet you, Mistress Hermione."
Pepper said her name quite carefully. After all, Harry had only told him five times not to shorten her name.
Harry started talking about his summer since leaving the Dursleys. Hermione had been briefed by Moody on some of the highlights there, and knew enough that it wasn't for talking about yet. And especially not in public.
Harry spied Fred and George running up from Three Broomsticks behind them.
"Well, look who it is! The Great Harry Potter Sir!"
"George, I can't get my own elf to knock it off. I certainly don't control other elves."
"Mum wanted to send you a howler about you taking and bonding Pepper, 'cause dad can't afford to buy an elf. Mum doesn't get the cooking and cleaning help." Fred opined.
"Wait. I know that Pepper was calling Harry 'Master' but that's just because Harry's the head of house. Right? I've read about House Elves. Hogwarts has the most anywhere. Magical creatures. They aren't slaves, right? Harry! You don't own a slave?"
"Hermione. I told Pepper he could work for me for money, under a family bond, or whatever he wanted. He wants to work for me. Now, I give him everything he needs, and would gladly give him a salary, allowance, whatever you want to call it. Pepper wouldn't accept rubber gloves from me as he was worried about being banished, as if I was trying to say he was worthless and should be thrown away."
Harry fought tears for a minute. Stupid potions! Like at the trial. It seemed like every other minute he was wanting to cry like a baby!
"I know what it's like to have your supposed family saying things like that. Making it clear I'm unwanted, and should be thrown away. Pepper just lost his mistress, a lady he'd been with for ages! Is he a servant? Yes, but a loved one. It's different, Hermione. It's magical bonding. I can feel him. Happy. Working at home in the kitchen making a special lunch for us.
"We're from a society that outlawed slavery, the owning of people as property was banned a long time ago.
"I've already lost Ron due to his comments about you. Please tell me that we can work this out. I'll give him clothes if I have to, but really don't want to! Pepper is a nice elf, but no way is he more important than you!"
Hermione bit her lip, and really listened to what Harry was saying. He was willing to basically fire this servant, and use a non-verbal way of saying Pepper was worthless and unwanted to appease Hermione's view of slavery.
"Cultural differences Miss Granger." Moody suggested gruffly.
"Fine. I don't like it, but don't dismiss your elf because of me. I still have a lot to learn about magical society."
"How was France? Did you find Rue Magique where they said?" Harry asked, trying to divert the conversation, and get it back to at least a neutral topic.
"Other than this one horrible bigot who chased us from a bakery that was supposed to be really good, it was very interesting. How could she even detect that my parents were muggles? Honestly!"
Hermione willingly answered questions, but would actually make notes later. Ron had done something big and stupid, and blown up his friendship with Harry.
Hermione intended to get the friends back together, and get this worked out.
**OO**
While Junior Quidditch sign ups were happening, so was a very special something. Signup for Summer School.
Hermione Granger was in seventh heaven.
Her parents normally worked six days a week, staying late on Thursday night, and working a half-day Saturday. During the summers, Hermione would usually spend time in the library across the street from the clinic, and occasionally going to some sort of academic camp.
This year, Hermione was going to be able to participate in all the academic camps for magical students. Potions, illusions, enchanting, magical cartography, scrying and more was on offer. Most of the classes were meant for third to fifth years, so that they could take additional OWLs for classes no longer offered at Hogwarts.
Upcoming second years could take three, no more.
These classes, however, were not free. In fact, they were quite expensive. Hogwarts used the money to pay for the teachers, and the extra went into the general Hogwarts fund.
Harry was paying for he and Hermione with funds from Madam Pepperidge, Pepper's former mistress.
Harry jumped at the chance to take a potions class from someone not named Snape, and added enchanting since that blended nicely with the shop and some of the things he had been talking about with his aunties. Junior Quidditch meshed well with those classes, and Hermione would have access to the library when Harry was busy, if she wished. He dithered about the third class.
Hermione also jumped at the chance to learn potions from someone who actually taught them. They were going to be held on the grounds not far from the quidditch pitch in a portable lab.
The instructor refused to enter the castle proper due to her animosity with the resident potions master.
For the second class, Hermione signed up for the junior healing course. The third was not a hard choice for her. She had always wanted to learn harp, so chose orchestra. Musical instruments were provided for class, but the students had to practice there. No instruments were lent out.
Harry had always loved harp, and in the magical world, wizards as well as witches played the stringed instrument. With a shy smile, he also signed up to learn the lovely looking instrument.
And was very glad that Dudley was far away and couldn't tease him.
They also signed up for some weekend one day courses. This was going to be so much fun!
**OO**
Oliver Wood was beyond ecstatic to receive the invitation to try out for the junior quidditch. This would be his last year that he was eligible, and his widowed mother couldn't afford the tuition.
Cedric Diggory had been coming for years, and claimed that he had gotten more out of this experience than at school. Hooch refused to teach any but Slytherins more than the basics during the school year.
As biased as Snape, she was.
The fact that every person on the Gryffindor team was offered a 'scholarship' from an anonymous benefactor was the only reason Fred and George could go. Fred and George had sent a thank you note to Harry, but it was still on the wing.
Molly thought it was Minerva, Arthur thought it was Albus, trying to make closer ties to Harry, and Moody just laughed at everyone, making Marius wonder if it really was Harry after all.
No one knew it was Moody who had done it so that Harry could honestly say he hadn't!
The Gryffindor team was all there, chatting, and Harry escorted Hermione to her seat in the stands.
Harry so wanted to kiss her, but settled for a warm hug instead, and got back to the try-outs. Which turned out to be a misnomer. It was putting people through their paces, and setting up various teams that weren't just a rehash of house teams. It also included a lot of students that did not make their house team or went to foreign schools.
While the flyers were being sorted out, Hermione quizzed Moody on a variety of subjects. The scarred warrior seemed to keep track of all of the adults, most of the older players, and of course, Harry himself.
The fact that a greasy potions master was watching from a higher window concerned the auror. Especially since that was Dumbledore's office window.
Mad-eye watched the man watch his ward. According to Albus, Snape reformed before the end of the war. Much like Marius, only without the overseas move. Playing spy.
Moody would believe Snape a spy, but for whom? That look was of a man who wanted to kill, but couldn't. Probably due to Albus making him swear a magical oath.
Those awful muggle computers could not be easily purged and the prison records were in a secured place. As were the Dursleys. Even Moody didn't know where Petunia Dursley was imprisoned.
If Dumbledore tried to undo all of the progress made for Harry Potter, he would find it extremely difficult.
The court case showed that someone had interfered with police procedure in regards to Harry Potter. Reports made to teachers were somehow logged into the system, but no follow-on action was reported. The time Harry talked to a school bobby went up two levels before being sent sideways. Magical manipulation was indicated. Moody would be asking unpleasant questions of his former friend sooner or later, once he was back in the country.
On the way back, Mad-eye watched for the potions master, but he wisely stayed in the castle. Too bad.
Moody would love a chance to question him privately, and had a couple places that he could do so. Not that he could report said evidence or testimony. Highly immoral, highly criminal, and most certainly lethal.
Mad-eye wouldn't risk it for Snape.
On the walk back, Moody set out the boundaries for Harry between Hogwarts and Hogsmeade. The entire Gryffindor team would be walking back to the village after classes and quidditch, and agreed to escort their seeker both ways.
Moody arranged to make sure that at least the oldest boys walk Harry back all next week after all the summer activities. They promised to do so until the end of the summer sessions.
Moody promised them all new brooms for school if they kept their seeker from harm. That was far less than an adult bodyguard would cost, and Alastor wasn't worried about Death Eaters more than Albus Dumbledore. And even Dumbledore wouldn't attack a group of students.
Harry didn't protest, as he liked being with his friends, and the Grangers agreed to drop off Hermione at the Leaky on the way to work, so she was coming too most mornings.
The stands were covered, and she could read or work on assignments, or use the library if the weather was cold.
Moody, Hermione and Harry headed back to the Hogsmeade House that they were starting to call 'the shop', for lunch.
**OO**
Moody invited Hermione for morning drills. The room was big enough for more people, after all.
"Alastor, can't you call your dueling practice something else? It sounds like Harry is going to join the aurors." Auntie Blanche asked.
"Or the military." Hermione concurred.
"What? You don't like dueling, or drills. Do you want me to call it Fight Club?" Moody demanded.
Hermione started to giggle, and Harry snorted.
"Find something funny, Potter?" Moody asked.
"No sir. Just remember the first rule of Fight Club.[i]" Harry stated.
"…You do not talk about Fight Club." Hermione chimed in perfect duet.
The two muggle-raised students laughed aloud.
The magicals just looked bewildered, but Moody looked intrigued.
"And what is the second rule?" Moody asked.
Harry and Hermione just looked at each other. They didn't know, they hadn't actually seen the movie.
"Harry, where's the phone? I'll call Dad. He'd know."
Harry pulled out his pad of paper. "I don't have one, but I wonder if Mr. Weasley does. I'd certainly like one."
**OO**
Moody left after that, going off to work. He reminded both students to wear wizarding clothes for school, and try not to look muggle.
Hermione might very well be one of the only muggleborn students to attend, and the classes were not well advertised.
That's when things got interesting that afternoon. Harry started work on the reading they had for Monday, and Hermione sat next to him at the table to do the same. But she had a different game going, and wasn't paying all her attention to her work.
The aunties were on the largest sofa, sorting through a box that had been dropped off by a helpful neighbor. "You dear girls. I've been wanting to get rid of this stuff for ages, but it's too nice to just throw away."
Boxes labeled 'to be washed', 'to be fixed', 'shelved', 'muggle' were set up, and they were chatting amiably. In all, the atmosphere was mostly nice. Except between Pepper and Hermione.
Pepper started to avoid Hermione after a time. She had dropped a linen handkerchief, a glove, and her Gryffindor scarf several times.
Harry's watch chimed, and Harry called Pepper for his snack, and asked Hermione what she wanted.
Hermione asked for Earl Grey tea, hot.
What she received was Earl Grey tea, loose tea leaves in cold water, and very spicy sauce.
Hermione's nose twitched, and conceded the point to Pepper, and after a huff or two, agreed verbally to stop trying to free him. Pepper replaced the tea with the properly made cup he had waiting.
Auntie Esme noticed everything, and winked at the elf who just folded his arms and huffed right back.
[i] Fight Club came out in 1999. I have never watched it, but if Moody had been able to watch something with fighting, and had funny rules, he'd use the concept.
The second rule of Fight Club, well. I can't tell you. Sorry. It's the rule.
[CP1]