Chapter 3
Saturday, July 4
2:00 PM, DMLE Ministry of Magic
While not an employee of the DMLE, Counselor Greengrass was certainly well known. She had a memory (carefully edited of course) from her visit to Bellatrix Lestrange.
While there, she hadn't noticed that Rodolphus Lestrange had also shouted death threats about Harry Potter, as did Rabastan.
Amelia did not dismiss the solicitor's complaints.
"My niece and other family attend Hogwarts, Madam Bones. If the rumors I heard about last year are true, you know, about the Dark Lord being at Hogwarts? Oh. But being there, in casting distance of that witch, her family? The Lestrange's are terrifying, and are just so awful! There were bars between us, but it felt like I was in such danger being so close to her unarmed! It was truly horrible!
"What if she escapes? She'd kill Pron…Harry Potter. And he's just a child!"
Mad-eye Moody just happened by while Cedrella was filing her complaint. Just because she'd mentioned it once or twice to Marius. Who spared nearly daily with Mad-eye and Harry. It had nothing to do with it. At all.
She might have mentioned while trying to get that wandless spell going too, not that she thought of it.
"You look a bit peaky, Miss Greengrass." Moody noted.
"Sorry. The trip was hard, and Mrs. Lestrange didn't take losing her inheritance well."
Madam Bones scoffed. "That's one way to put it. How did Sirius Black react to losing a fortune?"
Cedrella arched an eyebrow. She'd won the bet, and now Moody owed her a galleon.
"I'm sorry, but I don't understand the question. When the goblins gave me the notice of death, I too thought that I would be sending a letter to the Malfoy's. But Sirius Black is now listed, by the Goblin Nation of Gringotts, as Head of House Black. He has an unfulfilled marriage contract that will expire soon. He received his full inheritance from his grandfather, as a private person, and the House vault as the previous Heir."
"That's impossible! A conviction…" Amelia Bones bit back swear words. "Shacklebolt! Get in here! I want you to go down to records and pull everything on Sirius Black. Arrest record, trial notes, everything. I can't remember anything about it, but Edgar had been killed just a short time before that Halloween, and Susan was teething and up all hours…"
"Not your fault. I was in St. Mungo's, and don't remember anything either." Moody stated.
Amelia looked at Moody. "Edgar. Frank. Alice. The McKinnon family. Indirectly both Neville and Augusta. Not to mention Harry Potter losing his godmother. And that was just in the last months of the war. Those monsters. I'll warn the guards at Azkaban. This is a nightmare!"
"Counselor Greengrass, thank you for the warning. Please excuse me. Alastor." Director Bones was clearly dismissing them from her office.
Witch and wizard took the hint and left.
Moody handed her a galleon. "I want your help. I need your help. Not here. My house."
"My fees are normally higher than this." She teased, knowing full well he was paying off his bet. "Shall I bring the wine?"
Moody stared back, then started cackling. "I have an idea. I need one of your hairpins. I taught Mr. Potter this household charm…"
Cedrella looked as green as her name.
Moody looked demented.
"This isn't going to end well for someone." The lawyer whispered.
**OO**
Monday, July 6
Morning, Hogwarts
Harry couldn't believe that his aunties didn't object to his plans for Hermione. In fact, they thought it 'most appropriate'. What did that mean?
Harry couldn't believe how much he really liked Auntie Blanche and Auntie Esme already. They felt like family.
Marius came almost every morning, and had stopped by for 'Fight Club' today. The healer was impressed with Harry's progress on the list of charms he had been given to learn.
Marius borrowed the guest room to shower in, and came out in a truly wonderful outfit. The coat was cut like an old-fashioned tuxedo, in a deep blue that matched the healer's eyes. The vest was velvet, and of a similar hue, with fancy silver buttons, an ascot, with the stylised healer's Staff of Aesculapius symbol pinned there, also done in silver.
"And where are you going dressed up like this?" Auntie Blanche demanded.
"I have a morning meeting with a young lady. And yes, I have her father's permission to court her." Marius declared. "And no, until we see how things go, I am not bringing her over to meet my family and the famous Harry Potter!"
Harry put the back of his hand on his forehead. "I'm wounded sir. Wounded."
Just then, Tonks called from the floo. "Am I late? Oh, good, Harry, you're still here."
The floo flared, Tonks stumbled out, and would have fallen. Marius was suddenly there and caught her.
"Thanks. Always have a bit of trouble with floos.'' Tonks admitted.
"You must be a powerful witch. Try wearing a partial inhibitor while flooing." Marius extended his hand. "Marius Greengrass."
"Tonks" She reached to shake, but he lifted her hand and gently touched his lips. "Um, thank you. It's nice to meet you. You look familiar."
"I'll see you soon, Auror Trainee Tonks. Bye, Harry. Have fun in school!"
With a quick hug to aunties and Harry, Marius floo'd to Diagon.
Tonks shook her head. "No one should be that good looking in the morning. I should give him a ticket for stealing my breath, and making my heart…well, look at the time!"
Auntie Blanche asked Tonks a question. "My friend, before she went into that facility, said that her daughter-in-law wanted you to date William Weasley."
Tonks blushed. "I like Bill, but his job with the goblins puts him all over the world, mine is here. Well, I need a bloke. Now, if he'd let us do a sharing contract, I'd be fine with it, but Molly would never consider it."
"You might be surprised, my dear. Don't let us keep you. Harry, at least a light cloak today, love. It's cooler than expected, and I don't want you catching a cold." Auntie Blanche advised.
Harry couldn't help himself. Remembering a time when Arabella Figg gave him a moldy rain slicker that had no warmth but wouldn't be 'noticed' by Petunia and taken away. The difference in his circumstances was incredible.
Harry gave hugs to both aunties. Esme wished him luck.
After class, Harry planned on asking Hermione. Today. He wanted to ask Saturday, but lost his nerve. His Aunties had been supportive at breakfast, though Pepper looked upset.
Hermione was more important than the house-elf's feelings though. Or Ron's. Or well, anybody's. Today was the day. Hermione would be his!
Harry hoped.
**OO**
Monday, July 6
Afternoon Hogwarts
After the last class, Harry was extremely troubled. What if she said no?
"Hermione. I have something very important to ask you."
Hermione took his hand, and led him to the lakeshore. Technically, they were now out of bounds to the limits that Moody had set for Harry, but Hermione didn't notice.
"Hermione. When I felt like I was dying, all I could think about was you, and how I would never see you again. You are very important to me."
"Oh Harry!" Hermione squeezed his hand. "Death can't really separate forever. We'd be together again someday. You and I, what we have, it's very special."
Harry couldn't agree more, happy that Hermione felt the same
"Hermione, I want you to be…"
"Well, well, well. What do we have here?" The silky baritone voice in someone else could earn a fortune reading poetry or sonnets. Harry, for one, would pay said fortune to never hear it again, as this voice meant nothing but torture to Harry.
"Professor Snape." Harry greeted him politely but warily.
"What are you doing here, Potter? I clearly remember the Headmaster telling you the importance of maintaining certain blood wards. Wards that can't be maintained by you playing quidditch or messing about with strumpets! I need to return you back to your home. Your muggle home."
"Professor Snape! I'm not yet thirteen and certainly no scarlet woman! I'm telling! Come Harry. We've done nothing wrong."
Snape grabbed Harry by the back of the neck of his clothes. Instead of just taking whatever Snape was doing lying down, Moody's lessons came through.
The casual robes that Harry wore for wizarding class were in Snape's hand, but the boy was free and pointing a wand at the bullying man.
"Pepper!" Harry called and Snape wondered what sort of spell that was even as the potions master wandlessly disarmed the arrogant brat, throwing the robes in his hands down.
Before the elf could pop Hermione and his master away, Harry yelled "Capsicum annuum", pointing his finger.
As Harry Potter popped away, the potions master received a snoutful of hot red pepper spray.
Delivered with speed, accuracy, and incredible power.
A moment later, the elf was back for his master's wand and robes. Pepper tripped the struggling potions master so he fell into the lake.
The house-elf reasoned he was trying to help the man wash out his eyes, not push him into the mud to stain his robes, or against the sharp rocks there that cut the awful wizard's hands or anything else like it.
**OO**
One hour later, Hogsmeade House
Esme called Moody right away. Going back and forth to school was supposed to be safe!
Harry had declined walking with the quidditch group today because of his plans for Hermione. Plans that were now in ruins!
Hermione had lost the small amount of respect she'd had for the potions master when he called her that.
"Snape called me a strumpet!" Hermione told Harry's aunties who weren't the only ones who gasped. Two portrait people took off for Hogwarts as Hermione went from being angry to very sad.
She was sure Harry had been about to ask her to be his girlfriend, and now the moment was spoilt!
While Pepper doted on Harry, sniffed at Hermione, and worried his hands, Auntie Blanche got the children settled at the table to pretend to start their homework while waiting for help.
When Moody arrived, Harry had been worried about being in trouble, but by the laughter of his male guardian, he was thinking not.
"As you may have guessed, your tale doesn't match what Snape told Poppy, Minerva or Albus. Snape was trying to do the right thing, returning you to your 'rightful' guardians. Ha! You might not like this Harry, but it would be best to just set a meeting with Dumbledore. Tell him enough to let him catch up and get over everything."
"Not at Hogwarts! Not where Dumbledore controls the wards!" Harry yelled, and then took a quick breath. "Please sir. I consider Hogwarts my home, but I am well aware of the Headmaster's power there."
The magical paintings in the living room started to chime in. Pepper had retrieved them from his former mistress's vault. They all had frames at Hogwarts, and were more than happy to spy on Snape and Dumbledore 'for the cause'.
"I suggest that we get a pensieve. Surely, Harry has one in a vault somewhere?" Esme suggested softly.
Moody smiled. "I can borrow the departments for an hour or so if need be. But that is a good suggestion. Harry, think about sending your elf."
Harry called Pepper and gave him instructions. He also requested a bit of money in muggle pounds.
"What do you need that for, Harry?" Auntie Blanche asked gently.
"I started to ask Hermione to be my girlfriend before Snape interrupted. I want to be able to take her to the zoo, or museum or wherever she wants to go. I won't go over my spending limit, I promise."
Moody pondered. "I'd rather not have you taking the Knight Bus. Or really anything on a regular basis. Maybe we can get Miss Granger's home hooked to the floo network. Add a few wards and such. What do you think, Hermione?"
Hermione was holding Harry's hand, and looking at her best friend in wonder. "You mean it?"
"Of course, I mean it! It doesn't cost that much to hook up the floo." Moody answered, well aware that wasn't what she meant.
Hermione maturely stuck her tongue out at the man, while Harry answered her with an action. He took the cover off two Celtic knotwork decorated harps that he had bought for them to practice on. The aunties had approved them as educational tools, so Harry didn't have to save up his pocket money.
"I'm serious, Hermione. And I plan to go to art museums, or opera or whatever you want because I know that you put up with quidditch, and do what I like."
Hermione pulled Harry towards him, took his face into her hands, and kissed him gently. Right on the lips.
Esme cleared her throat. "Miss Granger. We generally show affection in private."
"Yes, Madam. I just wanted to say 'yes' to Harry's question."
Harry grabbed Hermione, and kissed her back. "That's 'thank you'."
Blanche mock glared at the boy. "That's enough of that!"
"Yes, ma'am." Harry and Hermione said together. And then they laughed. They all laughed.
"Good! Now that's settled, you won't dismiss your bodyguards so quickly. You're not to be in Hogwarts alone. Not even to go to the loo! Tell Oliver Wood if he does a good job, I'll get him the best keeper broom for Junior Quidditch. But he's to make sure you get home in one piece without you getting nabbed by that Death Eater!"
Harry and Hermione asked in shock and in stereo. "Snape's a Death Eater?"
**OO**
Moody sent Minerva McGonagall a special invitation to the meeting at the bank, with a promise of sharing a bottle of something 'toxic' if she came.
The stern Scot loved a certain muggle tipple that Moody happened to enjoy as well. And he gladly accepted that she would no doubt drink him under the table later, and had a reservation at the Three Broomsticks 'adult area' just in case Minerva accepted.
Moody had his own room at the shop in Hogsmeade, and loved staying over now and then. It scared the shadier neighbors, made the good ones feel safer.
Alastor was quite sure that he wouldn't be in any shape to apparate anywhere after a 'session' with his long-time friend.
**OO**
Monday, July 6
7:30 PM, Gringotts, secret Room of Truth
Esme Hillcrest, Slytherin alumnus, was the quieter of the two elderly Greengrass sisters. They had lived on a modest stipend from the family, and the inheritance of their husbands, but Esme knew a secret. A secret that she was waiting for the opportune moment to exploit.
Meeting with Dumbledore was fraught with peril, so Madam Hillcrest reserved a special room in Gringotts. People didn't have to talk, but all of the chairs were charmed with truth charms. Powerful ones.
She was unclear of how they worked or what they did, but knew that Dumbledore would be forced to speak and/or write truthfully as the chairs had powerful enchantments applied.
The table too. The powerful enchantments prevented any sort of hidden meaning or attachments to contracts signed there. Decades ago, it was the go-to place for marriage contracts.
Now, the old families seem to avoid such. Shame on them! Slytherin didn't mean lying and cheating. It meant cunning and ambition.
If Dumbledore met them and spoke, he might betray what was really going on.
In the meantime, she arranged for a certain heir ring to be delivered AFTER that meeting.
**OO**
Harry fussed at the tugging. "Why do I have to wear another dress?"
The boy actually whinged without cringing. Progress!
Auntie Blanche kissed his forehead, and said that Hermione would no doubt find him very handsome. After all, he could wear the dress robes to take Hermione out, a far better reason to own them than this meeting. Esme nodded at this, and the boy settled down.
"Why are we doing this?" Harry asked.
"We are trying to get Dumbledore to drop the public suit overturning your guardianship. We plan to tell him nothing but the truth, and then see what he says. You should not have been abandoned as you were, Harry. Albus used his position as Chief Warlock to make himself your magical guardian. That's not just a title. The ministry has a definition of what that means. Certain duties he has to do. Duties he clearly failed. If Albus wants to save his reputation, he'll let this go." Blanche explained.
Harry remembered all of the times that the Headmaster had watched him last year. Not talking to him, but watching him.
Creepy.
But the thought of Dumbledore having the power to get Petunia out of prison, and for Harry to return to his old prison was enough to make him listen and follow his aunties' wise advice.
**OO**
Professor Snape was stopped at the doors of Gringotts, and wasn't allowed into the corridor of the conference room.
His bright red eyes made it look like Snape had either been crying recently, or doing muggle chemicals. Something available from his former associates, for a reasonable fee. At least at first.
Severus' name was not on the list that Dumbledore provided of the people he was bringing, so Snape was excluded.
Minerva wasn't on Dumbledore's list either, but was on Moody's so she was escorted in. She recognized what special room this was, and purred in response.
Esme passed the Deputy a cup of tea fixed the way she liked, and the women smiled at one another.
Auror Trainee Tonks was at one door, while Auror Moody was at another.
Tonks had been introduced to the famous Harry Potter (publicly), and waved at him. Then changed her nose to a pig snout for a moment, making him choke on his tea.
Madam Bones was representing the ministry for this meeting, so everyone was there.
Except Dumbledore.
"Susan told me the oddest tales of last year. Trolls and three-headed dogs. I presume that this was not the normal gossip gone awry in the telling?" Amelia Bones queried.
Harry pointed to the pensieve, and the muggle test-tube rack that the boy had gotten second-hand to store his testimonies for his relatives' trial. Harry had added a few, grateful he didn't have to watch them all yet again.
"I swear that these memories are mine, and that they are true memories. Some aren't pleasant at all. Dumbledore hid something called a Philosopher's Stone at Hogwarts. Voldemort wanted it to create a new body. I didn't like that idea, and interfered." Harry stated succinctly.
The room flashed white, confirming he spoke the truth as he saw it.
Moody nodded at the boy. 'Well done' he mouthed.
Minerva McGonagall started to apologize, but realized that she would have more time later. She did reach over and pat the boy's hand.
"I'd like a copy of those memories at the end of the meeting, if that's okay with you, Mr. Potter." Madam Bones asked.
Harry looked to Moody and his new aunties who all nodded. "Yes, Madam Bones. You may, and thank you for asking instead of just taking. It's very nice to be treated like this."
Before Director Bones could ask for more details, though, the door opened.
"Pardon my tardiness, but the goblins wouldn't allow my assistant in." Dumbledore's inflection on the word goblins made it clear that he held them, as a people, to be fairly worthless. An unwise thing to say in a place owned and operated by people of that species. Goblins that might even now be secretly hiding in the room, at the boy's invitation. Acting as additional security.
Amelia Bones shook her head. "You were warned where this meeting was to be held, and told to provide a list for security. It's your own fault. Now, let's get this over. Do I understand that you wish to attempt to overturn the decision of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement in regards to the guardianship of Harry Potter?"
"Yes, of course! I should be the boy's magical guardian."
A white light flashed on the table, followed by an odd flag symbol in red. The wizard stating those words believed it to be true, but magic knew it was false. Interesting. Amelia had heard of this phenomenon but not seen it.
"So, you testify that you have been acting as the boy's magical guardian since his parent's death? Why then, was he abused?"
"I have been, and I knew of no such abuse."
That time, there was a red flash, and Albus jumped a bit, as though stung.
"The more you lie, the worse the consequences. After three or four, it might be enough to truly injure you." Amelia Bones warned.
A flash of white verified that Amelia was telling the truth.
Dumbledore clearly wanted to rant about the unfairness of it all, but stayed quiet.
As promised, Goldrub took Harry off to see a dragon during the testimony, leaving the Potter account manager, Spurnik at the table in the boy's place.
Proof of Harry's injuries, and several pensieve memories were played. Dumbledore was given a copy to take with him.
Amelia Bones, as tough as she was, had tears in her eyes.
Tonks, on duty, had to conjure a hanky as tears had freely flowed. She looked quite ready to strangle the old wizard.
With his own beard, mind you.
"Clearly, the uncle belongs in prison. But the aunt was likely bullied by her husband to act as she did." Albus excused.
That red flash was brighter, and Dumbledore stood.
"I won't stay here and be treated this way! I am trying to explain!"
Another flash of red, and a small bolt of energy spat from the wall landing straight on the old man's posterior.
"That looked painful, Dumbledore. Answer this. Why is it so important to you about who has legal guardianship? You can't be truly worried about the boy's welfare. He nearly died. It has to be something else. Wait, you want him to die?" Amelia demanded.
Albus did not deny that accusation.
Harry was escorted back in, but Spurnik stayed, putting himself bodily in front of the lad.
Minerva McGonagall stood up. "The troll, Fluffy. The detention in the forbidden forest with nothing but an unarmed wizard for protection?"
"I trust Hagrid with my life!"
Dumbledore's second flash of white was soon met by its twin.
"So do I, and I count Hagrid as a friend. But he doesn't have wand-rights! And then there was the Voldemort possessed Quirrell trying to get the stone you stored at a school! It was bait, it had to be, but who for? Voldemort? Or my death? Did you lure the Dark Lord there to kill me?"
Nothing.
Dumbledore gathered up his things, thoroughly angry, and moved away from the truth table. "I will petition the Wizengamot to overturn this nonsense. You don't understand what is going on, or see the bigger picture."
"Hold it right there, Albus Dumbledore! The boy asked a very valid question, and I want to know the answer to that." Minerva McGonagall demanded.
The man stayed silent.
"Very well. As of this moment, all of the duties of Headmaster that you have been shirking are yours to deal with. I demand a salary for my time as Deputy, and I will take over staff discipline as is my remit. I warn you; I will inform the board if you do not step up to your duties. Play politics, or run the school. Choose. But don't expect to have your name on the door, and me doing your work. Never again."
A bright white flash followed, clearly showing that the Deputy had been very hard working indeed.
"Minerva, you can't…" Albus Dumbledore had felt the warning. The next jolt could see him in St. Mungo's.
Harry just looked at the headmaster, tears in his eyes.
"I used to look up to you. Admired you. Now, I think you're like my relatives, and want to kill me."
Albus looked to the door. It was past time to be away from here. He reached up his hand.
A flash of phoenix fire came into the room, and suddenly the large bird landed on Harry's shoulder. The song lifted his heart.
A flash of white imminated between Harry and the eternal bird as Harry's heart filled with love. And an emotion he knew little of.
Peace.
"Come Fawkes, it's time to go." Dumbledore commanded, but the bird refused to even look at the man.
"I think the phoenix is giving you clothes, Headmaster." Harry softly explained.
The flash of white confirmed that Fawkes was no longer bonded to Albus Dumbledore.
"My aunties wanted you to know why you lost your guardianship of me. We met here to tell you, and you still want to gain control over me. The healers removed me from your care. What do you need to know to accept this, sir? That I have new guardians and am happy? Am well fed? Please, tell me what you need to hear to leave me alone?"
"Harry, my boy, it's…"
The air became heavy with magic.
Embarrassed and angry, the old wizard left the bank without another word. Walking, instead of the amazing trip by phoenix he had called for. Minerva shot out after him, demanding answers.
After reassuring the lad that he would be back and visit from time to time until Harry was older, Fawkes too left the building. Leaving Harry with a sense of wonder.
What Dumbledore had lost; Harry had gained.
**OO**
The stunned adults took tea, and said little for a moment. Esme and Blanche cooed over Harry, and reassured him it was going to be okay.
"Amelia, this won't take long, and I want you here as a witness. Can you have Miss Greengrass come in please?" Miss Blanche requested.
The busy solicitor came in, saw the little black box and nodded.
"Amelia, please witness. This is an heir ring, and it belongs to Harry Potter."
The white flash was a brilliant symbol of truth, and Harry put it on with no issues. The man's ring resized easily to fit the boy.
As she was leaving, the head of the DMLE saw the sigil of the ring. "Oh. OH!"
Amelia smirked, and gave Harry a couple of galleons.
"What's this for?"
"Butterbeer, snacks, treats. This was a very entertaining day, and I owe you." The head of the DMLE stated. "Thank you. You are an amazing young man."
"Thank you, ma'am. And thank you for all the help today. I don't think it did any good though. Dumbledore is really mad. I need to talk to my aunties when we get home. Maybe I should go to a different school." Harry stated in a worried tone.
Harry, can you wait outside for just a moment?" Amelia asked gently.
Harry left, worried he'd said something wrong. Again.
"Moody, can you please make a copy of these memories. Ladies, Harry isn't wrong about Dumbledore. That man is clearly deep in his own plans. I need to know what he wants. But the law of the land is that British children have to go to Hogwarts. If they have magic, that is."
"Harry met some children who go to school elsewhere." Esme spoke up. "We're just starting to get settled, and I don't like the idea of moving elsewhere. But if he would be safer…"
Moody shook his head. "A new British boy shows up to a new school with two aunties? You'd stick out. And have no special wards. Harry would be assassinated by people he didn't know who had no reason to hate him personally. Just a love of gold from the ones who want him dead. Those special cases have family legacies of different schools. Malfoy Sr wanted Draco to go to Durmstrang, and couldn't get permission."
The group left the meeting room seeing Harry talking to Tonks. As they watched, he lengthened his hair.
"Yep, that's how you do it. Noses are harder, but I'm sure you'll get it." The metamorphmagus looked proud.
"Thanks Tonks! Hey, you should make Moody bring you to Fight Club."
"What did I tell you was the first rule about Fight Club?" Moody loomed over the boy, making the goblin guards nervous.
"That we talk about it a lot, and invite our friends?" Harry asked in a small voice.
Moody rolled his magical eye.
Tonks stage whispered. "The first rule about Fight Club is that we do not talk about Fight Club!"
Auntie Blanche shook her head. "Not another one!"
"I'd like that, Harry. Thanks." Tonks answered sincerely.
They all chuckled at that as they left the bank.
No one noticed Moody's mood as he apparated away, but the man was extremely angry, and trying to hide it from his ward.
**OO**
Monday, July 6
8:30 PM, The Burrow
Molly Weasley was beside herself. Albus Dumbledore was furious with her family! Somehow, he had gotten the idea that Arthur had somehow kidnapped Harry Potter from his muggle relatives, then framed said muggles so they were sent to muggle prison!
Dumbledore was a very powerful wizard. And right now, the DMLE was running all sorts of raids on Death Eaters home. Raids that were proving effective, and getting a lot of evil devices out of the hands of dark wizards and witches.
Raids that her husband was on right now!
But Molly had seen the Healer's scans herself. Being locked up even one day longer would have killed the boy's familiar. How much longer Harry could have lasted himself? Not much longer. Harry Potter would have died if her boys hadn't taken action!
Molly had found Arthur's copy of the healer's scan, and made a copy of it, leaving the original in their bedroom. Alastor Moody, Healer Greengrass and her husband had all signed it. Very official.
Ron was moping and sulking again. He couldn't see that he had said anything wrong. Even Harry had asked to 'agree to disagree' seeing that Ron's opinion of a girl was different than his.
What Ron wasn't accepting was how Harry felt about this girl. Ron admitted that he had gone too far with the love potions, though weren't those actions normal?
Ron had apologized, and Harry accepted. Then the git invited him to extra lessons! Offered to pay for them. Mental!
Now the Headmaster was here at the Burrow, and ranting. Ron had never seen him so angry, and he had seen the old wizard a lot growing up. Something about kidnapping Harry, how could they. Oh, and another thing. What was this about Ron and Harry no longer being friends?
What did it matter to him?
The great wizard came over to the Burrow from what he called 'a disaster of a meeting' in Gringotts, and demanded to speak to Molly immediately.
Molly cleaned up her hands and apron as best she could from the freshly slaughtered chicken, leaving it to drain, while she dealt with the irate administrator.
"Headmaster, I'm sorry that you are angry. And you clearly hold our family responsible, but if we could just talk about this…"
She pushed over the copy of the healer's notes. "Harry Potter was on death's door. My boys saved him. If you think that this action is wrong, then I ask you to leave. I'll register a complaint with the Wizarding Education Board if you hold this against my boys in any way. Or Ginny too."
Molly Weasley was no weak-willed blind follower. She was a member of the Order because of what she believed in and had the magical power to back it up. Albus paused to consider her words. He'd shut his eyes at the bank on all that, and tried to deny it.
"It wasn't that bad! Oh certainly, they didn't treat him as nicely as I hoped they would…"
Dumbledore had come to the part of the report about multiple times that the boy had had injuries so bad that they could be counted as death attempts. Multiple concussions. Ongoing malnutrition. Dehydration to be close to organ failure.
He hadn't bothered to pay attention at the bank. The focus had been on getting the boy back.
It took a minute, but tears filled the man's eyes. All of his plans were in ruins due to muggles! Worthless muggles! Just like attacking his sister. The man's magic flared in annoyance.
Molly thought she saw a penitent man.
"Everyone makes mistakes, Headmaster. You clearly think the best of people. Look at Snape."
Albus whirled to the homemaker. "Are you aware that Harry attacked my potions master? Without cause? First tried to blind him, then drown the poor man!"
"That's not what the twins said. Professor Snape not only called Harry's girlfriend a very bad word, he actually put hands on him. According to George, Harry cast a non-lethal spell that allowed him to get away unharmed. After all, the professor was very angry. What if he had taken the boy, had returned Harry to an empty muggle house and locked him in, without telling anyone? We're back to no food, no water, and this time no owl to beg for help."
Albus sighed. As much as he wanted this woman to see reason, she had somehow gotten beyond the notice-me-not fields on the boy.
Lily Potter's protection reached out from beyond the grave to anyone of shared blood. Including the Prewitt's and Weasleys. If the headmaster had stopped to think about that logic, he would have realized that James' blood was part of the protection.
"I need to speak with Ronald, please."
"Of course, Headmaster."
Albus took Ron outside for a short walk, staying with eyesight but not earshot of his overprotective mother.
Ron came in, ears red.
"Mum, I think I should write a note to Harry. Let him know I still want to be friends."
"Oh, Ronald! Thank you, Albus! See, you still have to share a room with him for six more years. So much better if you're friends."
"No mum, that's not true. Harry has moved to Hogsmeade. He told Fred and George. He'll be going home after class to be with his new family."
Molly envied that. She missed her brood when they were away at school. But Scotland was so much wetter and colder than where they lived, and the orchard was flourishing. They'd never be able to afford land like that, and to have to start over from scratch would be impossible.
Molly never noticed Albus' face as she was caught up in her own thoughts.
If she had, she would have chased him from her house for good.
**OO**
A/N I would like to recommend other stories here for us all to enjoy. Send me a pm.
I know I have been influenced by RobSt writings. Anything written by him is wonderful. One I have reread over and over is 'A Different Halloween'. Such a sweet story! I highly recommend it.
Peace to all. VashonBeader