Chapter 4 - Single-minded over Marriage.
A/N Just because Moody thinks something is true, doesn't mean it is. After all, Hagrid would NEVER do anything illegal, like breed dangerous creatures. Right?
**OO**
Thanks go to my Beta helper: Amycat8733.
Thanks to barryc10 for pointing out a word usage with Mock. It is intentional.
A/N Happy Halloween! And Harry, wherever you are. Watch out.
**OO**
Monday, July 6
About 9:30 PM, Hogwarts
Dumbledore was angry, very angry and his familiar wasn't answering his call. It couldn't be that Fawkes abandoned him!
As he turned the corner to go up the stairs to his office, his magical senses informed him of company.
"That was most unwelcome, tonight, Alastor. If I didn't know that Amelia had picked the place, I would have thought you had turned against me."
Ever since that day at the Weasleys when Marius had called Alastor Moody to investigate Harry Potter's family, Alastor had lost almost all respect for one Albus Dumbledore. James Potter had trained under Moody. Many was the time that Moody directly asked Albus about the boy, and how Harry Potter was doing. Expressed interest in seeing the Potter lad, had sent gifts that were acknowledged, but no letters had been sent to Mad-eye.
When introduced, Moody's name meant nothing to the boy! Nothing! None of the gifts he had sent were among the boy's possessions, and the muggles hadn't heard of Alastor Moody before that time either.
Mad-eye seeing Harry Potter so ill, so deathly thin, changed everything. But Moody was too professional to reveal anything to anyone.
"Amelia Bones is the most honest person we've had in charge of the DMLE in over a century. She has enough gold that the amounts needed to bribe her would beggar even the richest families. She's tough enough to fight the ones that would try to force her, and other than that Frenchman she lost two decades back, she doesn't have a love interest to coerce or manipulate. Trying to use her niece would see you lose your position as Headmaster. You have no leverage with that witch, and it bothers you." Moody guessed, but stated as fact.
Dumbledore continued up the stairs.
"You don't understand the situation with Harry Potter." Albus stated.
"Help me understand." Alastor asked gently, offering a sip from his flask as they settled in the Headmaster's office. A token of friendship, kindness to someone that Alastor was beginning to understand wasn't worth the effort. But Moody had 'sweet-talked' Death Eaters into revealing important information in the past.
Seeing the Phoenix leave had been confirmation of the judgement that Alastor Moody was coming to understand.
"Jam, tea and lemon cakes, scotch and two glasses." The Headmaster demanded.
Seeing no sweet preserves amongst the tray that appeared, Moody assumed Jam was the name of the elf.
As refreshments were served, Albus tried to smother his feelings of rage. "The boy needs to live with blood relatives."
"I don't think the muggles would allow a child in prison, not even to visit." Moody said softly.
"The aunt needs to be released immediately! I can't believe Arabella would fail me like this!" Albus was near shouting again.
"The situation isn't what you want it to be. That has to be frustrating." Alastor soothed professionally. "Now, you feel like everything you planned is falling apart. We both know that protecting the boy is important, and I am happy to work on that together with you."
"The boy needs to be safe from Death Eaters!" Albus stated vehemently.
"Patrols have already increased in Hogsmeade by the Scottish auror force, and I've talked to several business owners. Asking them about problems since the fall of You-know-who. I haven't heard one complaint about the boy moving to the Village. Most are willing to help with a bit of gold to improve the wards there. As for the protections on the house, well, they are already good and getting better."
"Good, good! Yes, you can see how vital it is. We need to find Petunia, get Harry back with her. Then the uncle…"
"Albus, you are not listening. And you are ignoring the facts of the situation. You saw the memories; I saw the evidence. The man tried to murder a magical child. That's a death sentence if we brought it before the Wizengamot."
"It takes time to train someone, Alastor! You may not like my methods, but the results will save the world!"
"Training? How is it training if the lad dies? Harry Potter being dead at the hands of muggles? Muggles you placed him with? The dark would crucify you due to the actions of muggles, while celebrating. The light side would be angry with you for not watching over your apprentice or protégé or whatever they are calling Harry Potter right now. You would be blamed for his death, the country's loss of a child hero. No one knows how badly you have made a mess of his home life. Not yet. But if you keep pushing, it will come out. We, your friends, are trying to protect you. And your reputation. If you become the monster trying to kill Harry Potter in the eyes of the public, you won't keep any of your many jobs. All sides will equally hate you. And that is the appearance you have given several people tonight, Albus. Including me."
"You don't understand the truth!" Albus raged
"You had your chance tonight to tell the truth. Hiding it in your hyperbole nearly put you in St. Mungo's."
"There are secrets I'd like to share with you, but I can't risk them getting out."
"Albus, your anger at losing control is blinding you to the facts. One more day, Albus. That's all the muggles needed to end Harry Potter. Arabella Figg couldn't have saved him; his family was waiting for him to die before hiding the body. Could your tracking charms work on someone who was dead? He would have entered that house and never been seen again. You are throwing a wobbly because he was rescued."
"No! Of course not! They weren't supposed to go so far! They can be reasoned with, or bribed." Dumbledore reasoned. "Harry Potter will not be safe with has-been, broken down and drunken local aurors who think they are good enough to own a wand!"
"The Ministry of Magic of Scotland has had nothing but budget cuts and problems since you came to Hogwarts nearly a hundred years ago. I don't know why you dislike this country, or disdain the population as a whole but your vendetta needs to stop. Scotland is where the castle is. And where the only magical community resides. Harry Potter being there will help make it a safer and better place. Maybe with the lad living there, you'll be more supportive of measures that see revenue put where it's needed."
"NO! Harry needs to go to school here, but living in Scotland? No, no, no! You need to listen to reason, Alastor. You must help me remove Harry Potter from this country, and get him back with his aunt. It is vital!" The Headmaster insisted.
"To who? You? Certainly not Harry Potter." Moody was on the edge of pulling his wand.
Albus paced. "The welfare of the British Magical Society is on the line here! You must see reason, my friend, and help me. I need to find his aunt, and then you need to use your connections to get her released. And then…"
"Don't bother, Dumbledore. I've heard enough." Alastor stated, standing.
"You have two choices. Let Harry Potter go, let him live here in Hogsmeade, and be happy. Or continue to strive to put this exploded cauldron back together again. Let me warn you, there aren't enough reparo charms in the world for that. It's far, far too late. Too many people have seen, Albus. You need to listen for once. And not expect blind obedience.
"The only thing I'm grateful for is that there's no one from the old crowd for you to call on to find Petunia. I don't know where she is, or where Vernon is for that matter. I wouldn't know how to find her, and I'd be your best chance. Please Albus, come back. Step back into the Light. You lost your Phoenix tonight! We need you. Let's work together against the dark one. You know that there's a taboo on the name. He was seen here at this school. We need to prepare to face him."
"Just like your Basilisk? You've been harping on constant vigilance for fifty years, and nothing more has been seen since." Albus sneered, very Snape-like.
"Yes! Just like that! You denying he was here doesn't change the truth! I saw the memories, as did you. Are you trying to deny using your relationship with Nicolas Flammel to get the Dark Lord to come to Hogwarts the year Harry Potter starts? Are you trying to deny it worked? The Dark One possessed a teacher. You had many in the Order say you were wrong about him not being dead. But I wasn't one of them, Albus! I believed you! And using logic, I showed you why it was a basilisk back then, or some kind of medusa-like creature."
Albus scoffed, and snarfed down a lemon cookie vengefully.
"Fine. Don't believe me. But that third-year girl wasn't killed by any spider, and we both know that Hagrid loves dangerous animals. The Wizengamot declined my petitions for mirrors in the corridors. A waste of money, they said. Hagrid's hidden his monster well. But what did we have? A Cerberus! A Cerberus was here, and the only reason there's no trial is that you didn't own it, or care for it. Hagrid would go to Azkaban for something you requested. He'd best keep his beasts away from students from now on, or I'll come up to the castle to do some pest control!"
"Hogwarts is not under the authority of any Ministry of Magic." Dumbledore proclaimed.
"I wished you'd said that at the bank so I could watch you lose a bit of anatomy. Ha! Get a prosthesis for a missing bum! Good night, Albus. I hope that you get your head together. Petunia is where she belongs. And we have bigger problems than where a lad like Harry Potter lives!"
Albus sat at his desk a long while, thinking of the conversation. He called for Fawkes, and again was denied. He then put quill to parchment and wrote a note. Dumbledore needed someone familiar with the muggle world. Someone with underworld connections.
Albus had to leave the next morning for Switzerland, which was why they had met tonight. Moody knew that! No, Dumbledore would have to hire someone to work while being out of the country. Someone faithful. Someone he could trust.
Dumbledore pulled out a small bag of coins, note finished, and called for an elf.
For the right price, his pet werewolf should be able to track Albus' quarry. It might be difficult breaking Petunia out. But if Remus Lupin could at least find the muggle woman, that would be a start.
**OO**
Wednesday, July 8
Potion-making tent, Hogwarts Grounds
Harry was done, and was waiting on Hermione. The brightest witch ever was full of questions that she had never had the chance to ask before. The kind and patient professor from Salem gloated more and more.
Harry was worried that the woman wanted to kidnap his girlfriend; the professor was just so impressed with his Hermione's intellect.
Harry had just finished telling his godfather all about Hermione. They were writing in a pseudo code. Hermione wasn't mentioned by name, nor was anyone else, and the letter, of course, was just signed 'your godson'.
The man had an amazing outlook on life. He thought that the main way to fight Death Eaters was to prevent them from becoming Death Eaters in the first place. His brother, Regulus, became one because his own parents served the Dark Lord!
He felt it was very important to be kind and welcoming to people new to magic, and get them to stay in the Wizarding World.
When Sirius had graduated Hogwarts, there was a big push from the people in charge not to rent to anyone with muggles in their family. That affected half-bloods and muggleborns.
Harry made notes in his notebook he was carrying around. Mad-eye had one way to deal with Death Eaters, and Sirius' way would be another.
Harry just knew that there had to be a way to keep people safe from Voldemort. Harry Potter felt it deep in his soul it was HIS responsibility to help. He looked up at Hermione. Her hair was so full of life when she was excited like this. Gesticulating everywhere.
Harry smiled, and drew a doodle of a Snowy Owl on the side of the note.
Here was a family member Harry didn't remember, but who he knew without a doubt loved him.
One day, they would be reunited, even if Harry had to kill all the dementors there.
The Potter boy certainly wanted to kill all of the Death Eaters there.
**OO**
Saturday, July 11
10:00 AM, Number 4 Privet Drive
Remus Lupin was in rough shape so close to a full moon. He was stubborn in that he wouldn't ask for help, but would hunt and live off the land near his mother's old cottage in Epping Forest in Essex. It was a lovely and peaceful place, with plenty of small game.
What Lupin really wanted was a decent job.
Hearing from Dumbledore that Harry Potter was in danger, and in the custody of new guardians that were careless with the boy's safety concerned him greatly.
Being asked to track down Vernon and/or Petunia Dursley nee Evans in muggle prison was a surprise.
While there was no love lost between Petunia and Lily, Remus had helped set blood wards on Lily's sister's muggle house.
'My parents are gone. I can't let them get my sister, too.' Lily had said. 'I just don't want Harry anywhere near here. When he's older, and can handle it, we might risk a short visit so Harry can see that I am not being mean, or shutting her out because she doesn't have magic. The animosity is from her.'
Why did Dumbledore want Harry here? The blood wards were still active, their weak magic reaching out to the wizard that had helped place them. It would be the only comfort he would receive this day.
Starting inside, Moony sniffed around the empty house.
Blood, a lot of it had been spilled fairly recently. Vomit, sweat. Someone sick, the vomit with a nasty overtone of something familiar.
Arsenic!
What in the world?
The furniture was gone, but the house hadn't been cleaned yet. The door with many locks was still in place, and there was a purchased cat flap sitting on the floor next to the door that appeared ready to install that had been missed out by the movers.
Remus followed his nose, and it led to other places.
Something he found that the goblins didn't was a secret hiding place in the smallest bedroom. Little treasures of broken toys and crayons, and food leftover from the train carefully wrapped.
The picture being painted here was of neglect and worse.
Moving room to room, the werewolf silently howled in grief smelling obvious signs of a small child actually housed in the cupboard under the stairs.
Shedding silent tears, Lupin moved through the house twice more. Seeing nothing more that could aid his search, he left, relocking the door.
Seeing a nearby neighbor washing a car, the wizard walked over. "I'm trying to track down my friend's nephew…"
Remus Lupin was shocked about hearing how awful that horrible Potter boy was.
And how Mrs. Polkiss had managed to finally find Dudley so her son could at least telephone his best friend.
It was a start.
**OO**
Sunday, July 12
Hogsmeade, morning after Fight Club
"Cedrella picked up your finished letter, and dropped this off for you, Harry." Auntie Blanche said, wiping a bit of sweat with a towel. "It's good that you can get to know each other. My niece is working hard to get him out of that wretched place."
Harry nodded, and broke open the letter.
'Dear Godson, It was great hearing about quidditch. I think playing harp sounds amazing. Your mum played piano beautifully, and your dad had the best tenor voice I ever heard. We'd sing songs during the holidays. I bet you don't know a lot of our songs yet. That will be something that I look forward to.'
'I wonder what happened to my old guitar? I might have left it in my bike, which likely means I need a new one.'
'Have fun at the concert. C. wants to go but doesn't dare in case AD is there. Save a memory for me.'
"I held you right after your dad, when you were born. You were so tiny, and loud, and pink. Your dad was so proud and terrified at the same time. Your mum looked at you, and named you Harry James after her grandfather who fought in World War II and after your dad.'
"I love you, godson, and look forward to being with you soon. P."
"Aunties? Can I buy Sirius a guitar? I wonder if there are any harp/guitar duets?" Harry asked in the sweetest way, making their hearts just melt. Who could say no to that reasonable request?
**OO**
Monday, August 3
Afternoon, Safe house, Wales
After a lot of dead ends, and touching base with Alastor Moody, Remus Lupin was getting ready to leave the country. He'd accomplished the task he'd been paid for. Rereading the letter from Dumbledore, Lupin, for far too little gold, had been hired to find Vernon and/or Petunia Dursley.
Remus had succeeded.
Alastor Moody gave him a contact in Budapest that wouldn't care if he was a werewolf. Moody gave Lupin a small fortune to leave the country without revealing that secret to Albus Dumbledore.
"When I first started the investigation, I smelled arsenic in the vomitus in a small upstairs room. Downstairs, I found signs of a magical child sleeping in the cupboard under the stairs. For years." Remus reported.
Remus slid a thin volume over to the auror.
"What's this?"
"My mother, Hope Lupin, detested that people treated children so badly, especially werewolf children. She invented a spell that allows people to feel the pain of another without hurting them. The details are inside. This isn't meant as a prank, but rather an educational tool. One that causes no lasting harm, and would allow for Harry to share some of his experiences with Albus, don't you think? As far as I know, she never published this spell creation either. It's not known." Remus' eyes showed pride in his intelligent mother.
"I don't have much, but I would have taken in James' cub if I had known he was with Petunia. I swear, Mad-eye."
"I checked. The Dursleys could have given Harry to Arabella to raise, and she wouldn't have peeped. Of course, Albus was flooing there, so might have visited if he suspected. No matter now, the lad is safe.'' Alastor shared.
"Unless Albus finds Petunia or her husband, gets them out of prison, gets magical guardianship back over Prongslet, and takes Harry there." Remus worried. "Then Harry would be in great danger.
"Vernon was the worse of the two." Moody confided.
Remus Lupin wrote out an address. "Did you know that there are people in charitable ministries that write prisoners to keep their spirits up?"
Moody's glee was visible.
"You and I? We never spoke." The auror declared.
"Shame that, especially since I'm leaving for a job on the continent. It would have been nice to share a cuppa."
"Or something a mite stronger." Alastor agreed.
**OO**
Saturday, August 15
Breakfast, Hogsmeade
Harry and Hermione had been invited to spend several days with the Weasleys. Summer school was over, and it would be a chance to be with friends, and get school supplies together.
Hermione was most anxious to get Harry and Ron back as friends.
Harry and Ron had been exchanging letters, and Ron had visited once. But Harry didn't have any wizarding toys, and other than going up to school, there was no place to fly.
And after all the broom comments, Harry wasn't sure it was a good idea anyways. The twins had loved quidditch camp, and Ron was very irate at missing out, even if he was the one that chose to stay home.
Harry invited his first friend his own age over to their home in Hogsmeade. The two had spent an awkward hour before Ron left, and Harry felt like a heel for being a bad friend.
When Hermione was there, the couple practiced their magic, or played harp, or worked on lessons. When it was just Harry, he spent a good deal of time reading. And asking questions about the wizarding world.
Auntie Esme and Auntie Blanche were appalled that they hadn't noticed the lack of entertainment in the house. Harry was always busy with something!
The aunties promised that as they got the shop up and running, they would save out games for Harry so the next visit with Ron would be better.
Harry didn't enjoy chess as much as Ron, and let them know he already had a chess set. Which he really did, from a Christmas cracker the year before.
Being at the Burrow was going to be more relaxing for Ron, and more stressful for Harry.
It was time to be off to Diagon Alley for school supplies. The group met Hermione there with her parents. The Grangers had wanted to meet Harry Potter, the boyfriend. They were in line at Flourish and Blotts when Ginny found out that Harry Potter had a girlfriend. Of course, Miss Weasley had been told before, but hadn't believed her brothers. Now, she cried. In public! And that led to Draco mocking both girls, and Arthur and Lucius Malfoy got in a big fight. Muggle fisticuffs!
The famous author had tried to grab Harry, and Harry dodged. The young seeker went around Mr. Weasley in the fray, and it was Gilderoy Lockhart getting punched by Lucius Malfoy that wound up on the front page of the newspaper.
After telling Percy where he was going, Harry had gotten Hermione and the Granger parents away from the not-former-enough Death Eater that was Lucius Malfoy, and got them out of the Alley completely.
Harry was taking no chances with any muggles around that nasty sort of person, especially people he hoped to call family one day!
Harry checked them all for tracking charms (none). Harry was very stressed about it all. They went to a nearby used bookstore, and then a music store to get some harp duets and other music. Afterwards, Harry took everyone out to lunch at an Indian restaurant. By then, he was nearly calmed down.
Harry had a good time talking to Hermione's parents.
Dan Granger was really into fitness, and participated in a local do-jo that did hand-to-hand combat. Former SAS, the man loved military history, and even occasionally played a game involving lots of miniature combatants. Harry said it sounded brilliant, and couldn't wait to see some of Mr. Granger's collection.
Harry was able to share his love of music, how harp seemed to be easy for him, how much he loved studying with his best friend, and how his aunties were working on getting stuff for a second-hand store. And getting it organized.
Emma Granger had a great love of Antiquing, she called it. On a couple Saturdays a month during the school year, she and Dan would drive around looking for bargains from estate sales and such.
Hermione looked around, before saying softly. "I wonder if we could enchant something to glow in the presence of magic. Then my parents could buy it, and your aunties could resell it."
"Sharing in the profits! I like it. But what if it were something dangerous? Hmm. What we need is a way to make sure it's safe." Harry took out a pad and pencil and jotted notes.
Emma looked at Dan. "These two have a lot in common."
Hermione smiled at Harry. "He's my best friend, mum."
Dan smiled at his little girl, who was growing up far too fast. "That's wonderful, pumpkin. Friendship first is very important in a relationship."
Harry looked up at that, and smiled at Hermione. "Friends forever." And gave her cheek a kiss.
Unsure of going back, but wanting to keep his friendship with Ron, the couple debated what to do.
"You can always floo to our home if things don't work out, Harry. You'd be very welcome for the weekend." Emma Granger offered.
Harry promised to have the Granger's over for tea at the shop soon, as he wanted his family to meet Hermione's.
Leaving the restaurant with a warm hug from Hermione's mother and a handshake from her father pleased Harry greatly.
"We'll meet you both in a week at the Leaky Cauldron at 1:00. Unless you bail out of the Burrow before then." Mr. Granger stated.
The couple agreed, and walked back to Diagon to finish their school shopping.
Hermione hoped that Gilderoy Lockhart stayed late to sign books.
**OO**
Monday, August 17
Afternoon, Ottery St Catchpole
Ron was angry that Harry had left at the bookstore, but agreed that muggles and Death Eaters were a poor mix. Harry had gotten muggle money, and asked Ron if he would like a treat of some kind. This worked out perfectly. Molly traded apples to the local village green grocer for money on account that she would use for small things there.
Ron had never purchased anything in the village. He had never even had an ice lolly from the little push-freezer that some enterprising soul had set up for summer.
The three friends wandered in the shops, not buying anything. Except for Hermione in the tiny used bookstore.
They enjoyed their ice cream while walking. Ron quietly asked them questions that both Harry and Hermione thought were just hysterically funny, not that they were laughing at Ron. It was just that he was very ignorant of the muggle world.
Hermione said Ron and Harry should come over sometime to her house, but Ron declined.
"No offense Hermione, but nothing in your house would be much. You know, mostly just rubbish stuff because it's not magical."
"Ron, you do know that Mr. and Mrs. Granger have important jobs? They work as healers. Their car was one that would have made Uncle Vernon drool. Very high-end, so please, try to be nice." Harry asked.
Hermione nodded, and changed the subject since they were away from other people. "Ron, I know that you feel that I do that slavery is just wrong. I want to start a club at school. Society for the Promotion of Elfish Welfare. We can spread the word, maybe convince people to give their elves clothes. If there were more free elves, then they would be happier!"
Ron noticed the unhappy look that she gave Harry. It made him feel a lot better for some reason. Good. She shouldn't be with Harry in the first place!
Harry shook his head. "I disagree about that. Besides, before you get very far, Hermione. You know that I love you, right? Well, when people shorten it, well, you know, initials…"
Ron started laughing. "Oh! Oh! Now that's hysterical. Hermione, good one! You are so clever. SPEW. Hahaha."
"Ron! Stop! Hermione, It's okay. We're not laughing at you…" Harry tried, seeing his girlfriend getting upset.
"Well, I'm am! Hermione's very clever. She clearly did this on purpose." Ron stated.
As they approached the Burrow, and the trio were still in the orchard proper, they saw Ginny talking to Professor Dumbledore in the distance.
"Mum's going to throw a fit. She's not home. No chaperone. Percy at least should be out there. Why's Dumbledore here anyways?"
"Hermione! We didn't get ice cream for everyone! We should go back, or Fred and George will feel left out."
"What about me?" Ron whinged. "I don't want to go all the way back just to buy those two jokers something."
"We are going to get enough for everyone to have for dessert tonight, Ron. Including you." Harry entreated.
"What are we waiting for?"
**OO**
Albus Dumbledore had a problem. No, he had several problems. Several terrible problems.
Sirius Black had not had a trial. Albus had known that Harry would become heir at the death of Arcturus Black. The wizard wasn't that old! But no, dark magic had taken its toll.
Unless all of the wonderful Black gold would fall into Draco Malfoy's pockets, Harry Potter needed a pureblood wife.
Albus didn't approve of plural relationships. Of course, if asked what he thought of witches, he would say polite nothings, and talk about the weather. Dumbledore didn't approve of witches in politics, or ones that own businesses and petitioned the Wizengamot for various issues. And he certainly did not approve of witches that chose to work instead of having children! There needed to be a law for that as well.
Albus had tried to talk Molly and Arthur into a contract between their youngest and Harry long ago. Always no. Let the young people decide. Ha!
Now, Harry had chosen a girl of a muggle background. House Black had to have a pureblood bride. And he certainly wasn't going to allow Sirius out of Azkaban to marry! No! That would be even worse of a disaster, because the wizard would fill Harry's head with all sorts of ideas. Sirius had been brilliant at enchanting, at charms, and did well with magical creatures.
Harry needed to be kept ignorant and pliable. But no one wanted to listen to him.
Well, today, he had gone over Arthur's and Molly's heads, and gotten the girl onboard with his plans. Such a sweet child. She knew her family would prosper if they followed his guidance.
With just one more stop, Albus left the Burrow, disappointed he had missed Harry. Well, Remus Lupin was searching for the muggle guardians, and soon, Harry would be reunited with them.
And Miss Granger would just have to settle for one of the Weasley boys.
Albus shuddered. No, no, no. It was just too similar for one half of a prophecy given two years before that seemed to indicate both his death, and the death of the wizarding world as he knew it.
Harry HAD to leave Scotland, had to get away from the brilliant witch whose parents were muggles, and needed a bride with a large family. Not a small one. It was Albus' duty to thwart that prophesy!
What was one or two children's happiness compared to that?
**OO**
Monday, August 17
Afternoon, British Ministry of Magic, London
Moody was furious. He'd thought that Albus was in Switzerland still but obviously had popped back to interfere with Harry's life. Again.
"Arthur, do you have a minute? You are not going to believe what Magical Contracts just received. I need your help." Moody growled.
**OO**
Wednesday, August 19
Morning, Magnolia Crescent, Little Whinging
Arabella Figg owled a clipping from the local newspaper to Albus Dumbledore.
Vernon Dursley had had a heart attack and died while in prison. She had bought two copies of the paper, and sent another clipping to Esme Hillcrest so she could let Harry know.
Harry Potter would be forever safe from that horrible man, even if Albus did manage to get him out of prison. Ha! Now it was Albus' turn to get past a Cerberus.
Apparently, the other inmates hadn't been too kind to the would-be child killer. Vernon had complained about being hit more than a few times. Others had 'bullied' Vernon verbally. Apparently, the stress of it all took a toll.
Shame that.
**OO**
Thursday, August 20
Afternoon, Ottery St Catchpole
The constant staring from Ginny was getting annoying, and the girl still couldn't string two words together to talk to Harry.
But she glared at Hermione, according to Hermione, Fred and George.
The twins were constantly telling their sister to behave, and try to make friends with Harry Potter's girlfriend. In other words, accept the situation as it was.
Something she had told her brothers that she was in no hurry to do, regardless of what the headmaster said or didn't say.
Headmaster Dumbledore had dropped in on Monday, while Harry, Hermione, and Ron had walked to the local muggle village. The great man had taken the time to talk to a girl not yet at Hogwarts.
That had been disturbing to Harry. What was disturbing to her parents is that their daughter was alone with him. That was not done!
The floo flared, and without asking permission (something Harry now knew not only how to do, but should do), Albus Dumbledore walked into the room.
"Harry, my boy. You must tell me where your Aunt Petunia is. I can't find her to rescue her. This is all a huge misunderstanding. The wards are going to fail soon, and once they do, they can never be restored."
"Well, that's good news. I can't tell you that, not that I would if I did know. She's guilty of a crime. Of crimes, sir. And she is now paying for them. If you cared for me at all, you would be happy that I now have a happy home. One where I am allowed to visit friends during the summer. Or do you think that Weasleys are a bad influence?"
"I've heard disturbing reports about you and Miss Granger." Dumbledore said, turning to Hermine. "Don't you want to be a prefect someday? You are putting your chances at being Head Girl at severe risk!"
"What?! Oh no! What did I do wrong sir! Please tell me!" Hermione started worrying her hands and looked ready to cry.
"Going around, holding hands and kissing. Tut, tut." Dumbledore shook his head, trying to look sad and wise.
Hermione looked at Percy. His slight nod was permission.
"Percy kissed his girlfriend at our age. His muggleborn girlfriend. And both Percy and Penny are prefects. Good ones too, I might add." Hermione stated somewhat heatedly. "Are you angry because I'm not a pureblood princess? You don't think I'm good enough for THE Harry Potter? Is that it?"
While Hermione Granger had been raised to be respectful to authority, she had not been raised to worship at the Dumbledore altar like so many others had. Learning of Harry's abuse, and the Headmaster's role in Harry's life had eroded her feelings of admiration for the wise wizard.
Now, Hermione was feeling nothing but contempt for the manipulative old man.
Molly, for one, couldn't fault the girl though. She'd kept a sharp eye on the preteens. They had kept their actions age appropriate. The odd things gossiped about muggleborns had made the woman a bit overprotective, well more so.
Molly Weasley had no complaints, so why did a man, who was in no way tied to these children during the summer, at her house, yelling at them?
For some reason, Molly couldn't seem to say anything though.
"Miss Granger, you need to watch your tone, young lady." Albus Dumbledore commanded.
Harry didn't react well to his girlfriend getting shouted at. The house started to shake a bit, the ghoul in the attic starting a hideous wailing, and the cat shot through the living room then through the open window with a shriek of terror.
Hermione missed Percy going for the floo. Soon it flared again, disgorging Mad-eye Moody and Arthur Weasley.
Mad-eye signaled Harry to move outside with Mr. Weasley, while the auror in ful redl robes and insignia continued to confront the Headmaster.
Arthur dealt with the badly vibrating young mage. Harry was sent to the other side of the pond to blow up rocks before the Potter boy blew up the Burrow. And was told to use silencing charms in his work.
Hermione burst into tears at seeing Moody.
"The Headmaster wants me to break up with Harry so that Ginny can date him! He threatened to take away being a prefect or Head Girl!"
"Albus? Is this true?"
"I never said that! I am concerned that someone so young is dating and acting inappropriately. As her magical guardian, it is my right to tell her these things."
"Oh no, Dumbledore. You're behind on your post. I told you that her parents asked me, which is why I am here. Come lass, it will be alright!" Moody hugged Hermione in front of everyone, then conjured a handkerchief to dry her tears.
Arthur came in just then.
"Dumbledore. After you barged into my home on Monday, meeting my daughter with no chaperone, I informed you to owl before you visited again. You are abusing your floo privileges here."
Both men glared at the Headmaster over this. Moody took over.
"Albus. You're barmy. This is about control! I know about the exclusive marriage contract between Harry Potter and Ginevra Weasley. You didn't have Arthur or Molly's signature, only the Widow Weasley. I love that witch, but I also know that she's more than a little touched in the head." Moody stated. "No offense meant to your mother, Arthur."
"WHAT?! No child of mine will be forced into marriage. How dare you, Albus Dumbledore!" Molly shrieked, finally breaking through whatever had been cast at her.
"I'm sorry, Molly. I should have told you. Mad-eye showed me the paperwork that Albus tried to file on Monday. He got my mum's and Ginny's permission. And both their signatures as well."
Arthur really hadn't wanted to cause a storm at home, especially with visitors.
"I only was informed about it, as the Marriage and Betrothal office saw it wasn't valid, and asked for Harry Potter's legal guardian's signature." Moody informed them. "Arthur, your mother is a lovely lass, but losing your father has sent her round the twist and is easily manipulatable. I think it's time to register officially as Head of House Weasley."
Arthur nodded, and glared at Dumbledore.
Hermione couldn't believe what she was hearing.
"Wait. Ginny signed. What about Harry? I know he loves me, and he's nothing but annoyed with Ginny."
"You stay out of this, you mu, you muggleborn, you! Harry Potter and I will marry one day!" Ginny declared, very happy that said bridegroom was not in the room.
"Ginevra! Watch your language!" Molly warned.
"You don't even know him! I don't know what's going to happen in the future, but I love him! I won't stand by and have my best friend railroaded into a marriage he doesn't want! That's slavery. That's assault! All sorts of bad things! I won't stand for it!"
"Well said lass, well said." Moody clapped, and all the Weasley boys but Ron joined in.
Hermione blushed but she meant every word.
"I don't appreciate you using my ill mother against me like this, Dumbledore. Or using my daughter for whatever plans you have. I am her legal and magical guardian. Not you, and not my mother. I think you should leave now. I'm taking you off the wards. Don't try to come back."
"I'll report this at the ministry as well." Moody offered. "Trying to get Harry Potter in an exclusive contract! No other spouses would have been allowed if that had gone forth, and Hermione and Harry might one day want to wed."
Albus shook his head. "I'll get Harry's magical guardianship if not the legal guardianship too. Arthur, if you won't sign, Cygnus Greengrass will. Harry needs a pureblood wife. Miss Granger is spoilt for choice among good wizards here at the Burrow."
"NO! You promised! You promised me! Not some daughter of a Death Eater! No!" Ginny wailed.
"If your parents are against it, what choice do I have? Good day, Arthur. Tempers ran high today, I'm sure you'll see that I am right in this in the long run. Shame about your daughter missing out on a good marriage. And your family missing out on the bride price."
Molly pulled her wand but her husband was in the way.
For the second time that week, Arthur threw a punch at a wizard's face. This time, the nose did break, and the blood dyed the white beard in an odd zig-zag Yule candy pattern.
"Get out of my house! I would never sell any of my children for mere gold! Not even if I was Harry Potter's legal guardian, which I offered! Now I know why you refused. You didn't want Ginny and Harry to be siblings. This isn't a matter of temper, Dumbledore, or of control. It's about good and evil. What you are doing, tried to do is wrong. Leave, and never return."
"How dare you! How dare you interfere with something so important!" Molly was ready to send a personal howler of inches, along with spells to emphasize her points.
Albus started to argue, but Moody grabbed his arm.
"Do I need to place you under arrest for trespassin'? I will."
Molly saw the tracking spell that Mad-eye cast. She hoped that Albus didn't.
Dumbledore floo'd away, and Moody followed him out.
Hermione looked at Ginny in anger and disgust. The family looked at her in horror.
"Why didn't you say anything about this? Do you realize the damage you have done to our family? Percy deserves to be Head Boy! He'll never get it now. Fred and George won't be named prefects next year!" Molly shouted. "Harry Potter is a friend to this family, and you tried to enslave him! He might never visit again!"
That last finally hit home, and Ginny started wailing.
Arthur stood and looked into the eyes of his wife and eldest boys in particular.
"I need to get Harry, and make a quick visit to his aunties. Molly, after we leave, shut the floo down. Set the wards. I expect repercussions. Give everyone except Ginny their wands. Percy, floo with Hermione to the Leaky Cauldron, and ask Penny to meet you. She should be safe in Diagon Alley with Penny. Then get back." Arthur scrambled for coins, but Hermione shook her purse, showing she would provide for any money needed.
Arthur didn't want Hermione to go to an empty muggle home right now.
Molly doled out wands quickly, a look of relief on all the wizards' faces.
"Yes, father. Harry's a good lad. Miss Granger, I swear on my magic, I didn't know about it, and I would fight to free Harry. You and he are a good couple. You have a lot in common. Just like Penny and me." Percy pledged.
"Thank you, Percy. Bye Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. Thank you for your hospitality. I don't blame you. I don't. But I don't think I'll be back anytime soon. Please know that you are welcome along with your sons to visit me." Hermione said, and she and Percy disappeared in green flames.
"I have never been more ashamed of any of my children, Ginevra. The depths of treachery shown on Monday were blamed on Dumbledore more than you. Hearing you today changed my mind about that. You have come within a hairbreadth of being expelled from the family. Molly, call your Aunt Muriel. I want Ginny there for at least a week before I have to share a table with her."
"Yes, love. I think that's a wise plan. And Muriel can tell Ginny all of the family horror stories from dark families and contracts between seventy-five-year-old men and fifteen-year-old girls. We'll see what she says about those sorts of things at the end of her visit."
Ron stood there looking stunned. The only person Ginny had told was him. Ron kinda liked Hermione, and together they agreed that Ron would get together with Hermione, and Ginny would be with Harry. Harry did care for the muggleborn girl, but they would make him see it as caring as if she was a sister.
Now, it had all gone wrong, and Harry might wind up with one of the many Greengrass witches.
Arthur stared at his remaining sons at home, and sent reproachful glances at his only daughter. "The ministry was falling fast. Molly lost her twin brothers. Amelia lost her brother and his family, except for baby Susan who she was watching. Then, a miracle happened. Harry Potter. Our family would have been destroyed, you children tortured before being killed just because your mother and I 'consort' with muggles and muggleborn. And refused to join he-who-must-not-be-named.
"I was so proud of you for rescuing that boy earlier this summer. A small payment for all the people he saved.
"I am so grateful that you don't see him as an icon, but see him as a person. A great wizard, to be sure, but a friend.
"Please, continue to be his friend. I am so angry that Dumbledore has spoilt this visit, and likely has prevented further ones. At least here at the Burrow. Let's put on our thinking caps, and make plans for being with Harry in future."
"Oh, please, Daddy! Yes! I want Harry to come back soon!" Ginny clapped.
Molly sighed. Loudly.
Her mother took Ginny to her room to explain in exacting detail why Harry had left, and why he wasn't likely to come back.
She left the girl, punished to be in her room alone, while Molly went to the floo and explained the situation to Auntie Muriel.
**OO**
It felt like the entire Greengrass clan was invited to the house in Hogsmeade to hear Arthur Weasley.
Esme and Blanche had already reported the situation with the Potter boy being the Black heir. Cygnus's father would have been livid that such a position was lied about. Using this lie, Cygnus could break the marriage paperwork. For now, he would leave the contract with Astoria in place for the protection it brought his House from the real danger of Lucius Malfoy.
Something was going on inside the Malfoy home. Rumors and more seeping out. Cygnus would wait, and see what played out, perhaps gaining a penalty before breaking the contract. That was the cunning way to do things after all.
Cygnus and Cordelia Greengrass sat on the elegant couch Harry inherited from Madam Pepperidge that Pepper tracked down and retrieved. Marius sat on one of the wing chairs, fashionable muggle blue jeans peeking from under his work robes. The healer watched the clock. Healer Greengrass had to be at work soon, but clearly had plans for after.
Cedrella Greengrass sat at her cousin's right in the matching chair, and winked at the Potter boy. She had known Harry as a baby, but he clearly wouldn't remember that. She thought him far too wan and pale right now.
Harry tried for a pig snout to make the witch smile. But no luck. His hair changed color a bit though.
The aunties plonked Harry between them on the two-seater. It was a bit of a squeeze, but neither lady was that plump, and the Potter lad was still far too skinny.
It broke Arthur's heart to explain what happened on Monday, and the marriage contract that Dumbledore had tried to force on Harry to his daughter Ginny. And Albus' threats against Hermione.
"Even now, Dumbledore is going to try and get you to sign something, Mr. Greengrass. Only instead of offering a hundred thousand galleons for my little girl, he'll be demanding it from you as dower. And demand an exclusive contract. Albus doesn't approve of marriages like yours. No offense at all meant."
Cygnus looked at his wife, who nodded gently.
"Mr. Weasley, Arthur, I've known you a long time. You know that I am no death eater, and refuse to have anything to do with that crowd. It was my father that negotiated for my as yet unborn daughter, trying to pull me into his circle of Death Eater friends. Here I remain. Neutral. I also know that you fought against the Dark Lord. And you have befriended Harry Potter, consider him extended family.
"This is indeed stressful news. If Albus Dumbledore had been Harry Potter's legal guardian, and requested a contract for Daphne, Astoria already contracted for the Malfoy boy, I would be very tempted. Very. I don't understand why the conflict though. I mean, yes, the boy needs a pureblood bride, but why cut out the muggleborn girl? I hear good things about her from Daphne. She would like to be closer to the girl, actually. Miss Granger is very smart, brilliant, Daphne says. And the children got along well in class again this summer. Why exclude her power and potential from the bloodline? It makes no sense."
Harry looked up at his aunties for this. "We'll explain later, dear."
"Cygnus, you are technically our head of house. We feel that Dumbledore may try to by-pass us. And we never made contracts for our children."
"You never had house-elves either. I was surprised to see a slave here."
"Pepper no slave! Family!" The previously invisible house-elf dumped the tea cup he was removing over the wizard's head.
"Sorry about that, sir. Pepper and Hermione got in a huge argument recently over house-elf rights. Pepper won that round."
Cordelia cleaned up the mess silently, then murmured. "And Pepper won this one as well."
"I agree that what Dumbledore is doing is wrong. Underhanded. These are family matters that are meant to be discussed. And in this modern time, include the agreement of both bride and groom involved. If I am approached, I will not sign anything. I promise."
Harry dared to speak up a bit. "Sir, you say Astoria, I mean Miss Greengrass is contracted to Draco. But Pansy is wearing a ring, and claimed to be Malfoy's betrothed. Did something happen there?"
Cygnus didn't know how to respond to that, and deferred to his wife.
"No, Mr. Potter, they are still betrothed." Cordelia smiled. "Harry. How many wives does my husband have?"
"Wait, what? The law is one. I mean, I know some muggles who have multiple partners, it's all the gossip on Privet Drive, but married? That's illegal."
"No, Harry, it's not. I have three wives. Cordelia is my first wife, and mother to my heir. You've met Tracey Davis. Daphne's younger sister, daughter of my third wife. Whoso happens to be muggleborn, so you see, I have no prejudice there. While technically there is no maximum, legally, you do have to be able to provide for all children from any match, as well as for the wife. The most I've ever heard of was four wives, for a total of five people in the marriage. Most plural relationships are three people. Two witches and a husband, or the reverse, two wizards and one wife. This situation is rarer than the first, but happens with veela, or men who travel, things like that."
Harry shrank back on the couch. Two wives?
"Cygnus, the boy has much to learn, and you're scaring him." Auntie Blanche warned.
"Sorry Harry. The upshot of this discussion is that we were warned ahead of time. If you change your mind, I'm open to talk, but it can wait until you are older. In the meantime, well, I'm glad that we came together. Harry, Blanche, Esmerelda, you of course are family. We'll expect everyone here on Boxing Day. You are invited to Yule, of course. But I don't know if Harry knows about it, being a wizarding holiday. Too bad Dumbledore won't allow the children home for the other real holidays of the year. Who celebrates Easter? Honestly."
Harry blinked. Even the Dursleys celebrated Easter. The holiday always gave Harry peace.
Harry stood and gave Cygnus and Cordelia a short bow.
"It was nice meeting you, Mr. Potter." Cordelia touched the boy's cheek gently.
"Harry ma'am. It was nice meeting you. I'll make sure to say hello to Daphne at school. She's wicked smart, and Hermione likes her. Maybe we can study together sometimes."
"I'll let her know what you said. Thank you. Daphne could use some good friends."
Marius ran a quick scan of Harry before popping to work.
All of the magical restraints had been removed, and Harry was doing fine. His power levels were approaching record-making levels, but the child mage was learning how to control it.
"Take care, sport. Cygnus is good people. He wouldn't sell you out, especially now." Marius said
"Dumbledore can't make a legal marriage contract to anyone. And if he tried again to do so, we'd sue. Right, Prongslet?" Cedrella asked.
"Prongslet? I haven't heard of that one. Is it like Pumpkin?" Harry asked.
"No love, it's because of your father's nickname. Prongs. Your godfather's nickname was Padfoot."
"I think I've heard mention of those names, but I can't remember where." Harry said.
"Ask the twins. They are the Marauders Mock II, no doubt." Marius advised. "Send Hermione a note for now, tell her how this meeting went, and ask her what happened at the Burrow after you left. This is all super creepy."
"Marius, keep the muggle-talk down! And get to work, you're late." Auntie Blanche commanded.
The healer dove for the floo without another word, and Cedrella gave Harry two hugs. One for Marius and one for herself.
"I'm so glad you joined our family, Harry. Truly. We just need to get your godfather free, and then everything will be set right. Sirius has loved you since before you were born. Thank you for all of the encouraging notes you've sent him. They have helped." Cedrella left with a fond farewell, and a wave to Harry.
Auntie Blanche sat down to try and explain the reasons for plural marriage. She explained that mixing bloodlines was very important in the magical world, so there were less squibs.
"There are some people who want the appearance of marrying purebloods only though." Auntie Esme added.
"I think I see. A wizard like Marius could marry a pureblood witch, but also have a muggleborn witch. Not on the side, but not in the limelight."
"Exactly! Never a muggle though. People would complain about that. And it does break their laws."
Harry nodded. That actually made a certain amount of sense.
"More recently, with the number of men killed in the last conflicts, it allows a witch the right to have legitimate children, as well. Even if they don't all live together."
That thought made Harry sad. If he ever had more than one wife, he'd want to live in a big house, and have lots and lots of children all living together.
Pepper popped in, seeming to read Harry's thoughts. "You be needing lots of nanny elves, and animal elfs, and cleaning elves if you be having lots of babies, Master Harry."
"Wait, that can't happen, can it? I mean, witches have babies in the magical world, like muggle women?"
Esme's nose twitched. The pranking opportunity just begged to be used.
Her older and more sensible sister quashed that plan.
"What do you think you know?" Auntie Blanche's eyes narrowed at her sister.
Harry gulped. "Isn't this a question that I could talk to Marius about? You know, later?"
Harry looked ready to bolt, but then suddenly Cedrella was back, and she wasn't alone.
Saved! By Hermione, in person. Here!
After a half-dozen reassuring hugs and kisses that yes, they were still a couple, and Dumbledore hadn't changed that, the two settled down.
Hermione explained that Penny wanted to go to the bookstore, and Percy felt that the two of them were safe in Diagon Alley, and checked back home. He was sent back, and the trio had shopped and enjoyed ice cream.
"Then I saw Miss Greengrass who is named after Grandmum Weasley…" Hermione added, but Cedrella wanted to get them thinking of anything but the Weasleys right now.
"I almost literally bumped into her at the Leaky heading back to my office. I promised to bring her here until the end of the workday, and then we'll make arrangements to meet her parents." Cedrella offered. "I missed the concert at Hogwarts. How about some music?"
Cedrella was trying to stay out of sight where it concerned the Headmaster. She didn't want him making correct connections and assumptions.
The Leader of the Light had a very high body count for someone who didn't approve of killing in battle. Dumbledore would have Sirius killed if they weren't very careful.
Harry quickly set out the harps while Hermione set out the stands and got out the music.
The Greengrass ladies ordered more tea, and sat back, and relaxed. Cedrella snuck to head out to work after the first song, but the ploy to get everyone focused on something happy was helping.
As the gentle strains of beginning harp melodies of the serenade sweetened the air, both preteens also began to relax. It was going to be okay.
**OO**
A/N Regarding Daphne: I haven't decided yet whether Daphne will be a villain, a good-guy, well girl, or just someone lurking in the background. Regardless of Dumbledore's plans (and he thinks he has leverage with Cygnus Greengrass), there will be nothing between Daphne and Harry in terms of anything more than family feelings. After all, Harry is being cared for by relatives. Consider them cousins.
Whether friendly or not remains to be written. Thank you teachergirl for pointing this out.
A/N Another fic I just have to recommend is Dan Granger by Old-Crow. Wonderful non-Harry centric story. Wonderfully done OC's. One of my favorites to reread on a cold, drizzly day, mug of cocoa at hand.