A/N: Harry Potter and his world belongs to J.K. Rowling, Warner Brothers and anyone that has received licensing rights. I am grateful she gives us the privilege of playing in her world.
A/N: To my awesome readers, thank you. I never imagined making 2700 favorites so far for this story. I hope to keep entertaining you as we get to the downfall of the Dark Alliance...
-oOo-
Chapter 28
-oOo-
December 31, 1994
London, England
Harry fussed over the bow tie. He was not looking forward to today. The Minister had changed the time to have the award ceremony at five, and then they had been invited to stay for the New Year's Ball. Harry had to admit he was interested to see how Daphne got ready for it, but he didn't want so much attention towards him.
He let out a huff as he fussed with it again, untying the offending strip of cloth. "Bloody hell, won't this just tie itself!"
"Dobby could do it for you, the Great Harry," the elf said from the closet. He had offered to help Harry get ready and Harry found that he couldn't refuse the elf when his big green eyes were looking so hopefully at Harry.
Harry huffed. "I should be able to do this on my own."
"But Dobby is here to help," the house elf argued back.
Harry laughed. "Hermione is going to kill me for this. Go ahead, Dobby."
Dobby snapped his fingers and the black cloth tied itself into a perfect bow tie. He was more pleased that it wasn't too tight, letting him breathe. "Thanks, Dobby."
The elf beamed.
"How is Tipsy today?"
Dobby gave a shy smile. "Well enough to help the misses."
It had been a surprise the other day when Tipsy had told Amelia she was expecting elflings by the end of summer. Amelia and Sirius weren't surprised at all. "Tipsy knows Amelia said she is not to push herself, right?"
"Tipsy is knowing, the Great Harry. Tipsy is a house elf. She is enjoying helping her mistress and friends," Dobby assured him.
Harry nodded. "Come in," he called to a knock on his door.
"How you making out, pup?" Sirius asked, coming in.
"We is making out very well, sir," Dobby replied.
Sirius chuckled. "I see," Sirius said, moving to the closet. "Are these the robes you are wearing?"
"Yeah," Harry said. He caught Dobby trying to make a silent exit in the mirror as he slipped out of the closet. Sirius took the robes and held them out. His godfather was in immaculate dress robes with the crest of the Black on his left breast.
Harry held is arms out. Sirius put them on. Harry looked at his own crest. It was a gryphon with crossed wands, and the shield of the Peverell and Glamorgon line at the bottom of the Potter shield. Just below that was a House Black crest that was half the size. Being the recognized heir required Harry to display that. He was just glad he wasn't the scion of House Black as well.
Harry buttoned up his robes. "Looking good, pup. You'll have Daphne all over you later."
Harry felt his neck heat up. He should have known, but he was too nervous. "Will you stop, you old mutt."
Sirius laughed. "You still need to loosen up some."
Harry huffed and turned to Sirius. Sirius made sure his shirt collar was adjusted and looked him over. After a moment, the man nodded. "James and Lily would be so proud of you. Though, Lily would still be harping on you for going after that basilisk."
Harry let out a little laugh. He was starting to feel like he knew his parents some with how Remus and Sirius had told him stories or made comments like that. "Would she really?"
"Oh, definitely. She would tell James all the time she was proud of him and that he was doing what was right, just before she would cuff him upside the head for being so reckless," Sirius chuckled.
Harry gave a smile at the way the man remembered his parents. "Thanks, Sirius."
The man put a hand on his shoulder. "Any time, pup." Sirius eyes looked a little watery. "They really would be proud of you, you know."
Harry nodded. Sirius took him into a hug. Harry just let him for a moment, glad that someone cared for him so much and was making an effort so he could know his parents. When they separated, Sirius sniffed before standing tall. "Come on. Let's go meet your girls."
"They aren't my girls," Harry said. "Well, Daphne is."
Sirius chuckled. "An old dog can dream. More than one witch can be fun some nights..."
Harry shoved the man away. "Daphne is more than enough," he retorted.
Sirius wagged his eyebrow. "So, you have spent a night with her?"
Harry didn't even respond, instead heading out the door and to the atrium. Amelia was already waiting in a nice dark red witches robe. "Are the girls right behind you? We should be going in about five minutes," she asked.
"They were still beautifying themselves," Sirius commented.
"Please act the mature adult. At least until after dinner," Amelia requested.
"No promises," Sirius said with a cheeky grin.
Harry tried not to roll his eyes at his godfather. When Amelia looked up, Harry turned to see the three girls. They were all wearing witches robes tonight. Susan was in the dark blue that House Bones preferred. Her red hair was up. She may be his third cousin, or something like that, but Harry thought Ernie was a lucky boy.
Hermione, in the more burgundy robes that Amelia had gotten him, looked just as striking. Her hair was in the same locks she had tamed it into for the Yule Ball. Blaise was going to have to keep an eye on her. Harry already was at Daphne's urging. Harry was actually keeping an eye on both girls already.
Lastly was Daphne. She was in green robes. He felt just as stupidly awestruck as he had the other night. Her hair was up, showing off her long neck. She was wearing lipstick, making her lips redder than normal. He liked how the robes hinted at the curves she had so recently let him start to explore.
"You three all look lovely. Now, if you would come along, we should be there soon. They want Harry and Hermione about a half hour early," Amelia said.
Harry waited at the bottom of the stairs, Sirius sniggering at something that had Amelia slapping his arm. "You all look very nice," Harry said, trying to get his brain going and only stare at Daphne.
"Thank you, Harry," Susan said.
Hermione had an annoying smirk on her face. "I'm surprised you even saw us."
Sirius let out a barking laugh. Daphne cast the man a look. "Harry rarely misses what is going on around him," Daphne said. She came to stand before him, and he went to peck her. She pulled back. "Not yet. You don't need lipstick all over you."
He looked disappointed. "Fine, I'll wait until after the ceremony."
"Good boy," Daphne said with a smirk.
"Who needs the leash now," Sirius snarked as Harry escorted Daphne to the fireplace.
"We will be going to the Ministry of Magic, Auror Office," Amelia informed them.
Amelia went first, followed by Susan, Hermione and just before Daphne went through, she pecked Harry. "Better?"
"Very," he said with a smirk. She smirked before going through.
"Not a word," Harry said to Sirius as soon as she was out of earshot.
"My lips are sealed," Sirius said with a laugh on his voice.
When Harry walked out, he came into a large room with only one fireplace lit and ready to use. "This used to be used for responding to calls or general travel. We don't use it as much with us able to plot coordinates and after a number of ambushes in the last war," Amelia was explaining to Susan and Hermione.
Daphne was waiting for him. She slipped her arm into his as soon as he brushed the ash off.
"We will keep this one on for the night with three Aurors posted outside. If you need to get out of here quickly, for any reason, please only use this connection."
"We will, Auntie," Susan agreed.
Harry didn't miss the three Aurors that followed them. "Susan, are two of them hit wizards," Harry asked his cousin as the four of them were put in the middle of the adults. There was just something about the cut of the robes that looked like they would be easier to move in.
Susan looked. "How did you know?"
"That is something I would like to know as well, but we can discuss that later," Amelia said as they entered a lift.
Daphne squeezed his arm tighter. "Are you expecting something to happen?" Daphne asked.
"I hope not tonight, but I won't take any chances. Daphne, I would like you to go with Susan and Sirius to your parents. Harry and Hermione, you will go to a separate room with me," his auntie ordered.
Harry didn't like to see Daphne going the other way when they got out, especially when he saw the mass of people in the main atrium of the Ministry. There was a large stage in the center of the room where a large statue usually stood. "They improved it," Harry whispered to Hermione.
"Behave tonight," she admonished, looking a little nervous.
He made sure Daphne was with her parents before he followed Amelia. In the backroom, it was a veritable who's who of the Ministry. Minister Fudge was there with an entourage of eight people. Almost every Head of Department was here.
Ron was in a corner with his parents. "Go over and wait with Mr. Weasley," she told them.
He put his arms out for Hermione and Susan. With two hit wizards shadowing them, they were not stopped as they went over to the corner of the room. "Oh, Harry, it is so good to see you," Mrs. Weasley said, moving to take him into a hug.
"It's good to see you too, Mrs. Weasley," he said, trying to take her hand instead. He was hugged anyways.
"You have gotten so big since the last time we saw you. I am glad to see Madam Bones is taking good care of you and making sure you are eating. So handsome. And you, Hermione, don't you look beautiful," the woman said. "I don't know you dear."
"Mrs. Weasley, this is Susan Bones, my cousin," Harry introduced Susan.
"I have heard many good things about your aunt," Mrs. Weasley said, moving to hug her as well.
Harry liked Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, but they were supposed to look presentable tonight. He straightened out his robes. It struck him that Daphne was being a bad influence on him that way. All his friends were, he chuckled to himself.
Mr. Weasley moved in to shake his hand, "I am glad to see you, Mr. Weasley."
"Same to you, Harry. I still find it hard to believe why we are here tonight," the man said.
"It's not for a reason I really care to remember," Harry told him.
"No, probably not, but because of you two of my children are still alive. I can never thank you enough," the man said.
Harry felt his face heat some. "Anyone would do the same," he said back.
Mr. Weasley squeezed his hand before letting go. "If only that were true."
"I do wish my parents could be here tonight," he heard Hermione saying to Mrs. Weasley.
Amelia wanted them to be here too, but Muggles were not allowed into the Ministry. Diagon Alley was fine. Any wizarding house they were invited into was as well. The Ministry, Hogsmeade, Hogwarts and other places like them were wizards only.
Harry turned to Ron. "You doing alright?" Harry asked the boy. They were not friends anymore, not like they had been. It didn't mean that Harry still didn't care for Ron. Ron had been his first friend. They were still friendly, but Dean and Seamus were more his best friends now.
"A little nervous. I thought I would like all this fame, but there are hundreds of people out there," Ron told him, sounding nervous.
"Yeah, fame isn't everything it's cracked up to be," Harry agreed.
"Mr. Potter, it has been a while since we last met," Cornelius Fudge said, his entourage following him with Dolores Umbridge at his side.
Harry straightened, his training over the last eight months kicking in. Quickly scanning the crowd, Harry didn't recognize anyone that was higher in the peerage than him. When he turned to Minister Fudge, Harry did the appropriate quarter bow. "Minister Fudge. Chief Warlock Doge," Harry greeted. No one else here required him to greet them.
Fudge, with a huge smile on his face, extended his hand. "Oh, we don't need such formalities here, Mr. Potter," the man said.
Harry shook the man's hand. "That is Scion Potter, Minister. I am here as the official scion of my House and ward."
The man's eyes rose a bit. "Ward? I was not aware Ms. Greengrass was given to House Potter yet."
"Heiress Greengrass is my intended, sir. I am talking of Miss Granger. Surely the award committee was made aware that the Grangers are under my protection?" Harry enquired.
He saw Amelia making her way towards them.
"I'm certain that is in the speech I shall give," Fudge said, casting a look to the woman next to him.
She made an annoying, "Hem. Hem," before saying, "I will check."
The woman in pink robes scurried away, as did two others.
"Now, just so you know what will happen, I will go on stage first, give a little introduction and then you three shall come out and sit in the chairs next to the podium. After a short five- or ten-minute speech, I will present Mr. Weasley and Ms. Granger their Order of Merlin, Third Class. Once that is done, there will be another short speech for you, then I will present your Order of Merlin. The Wizengamot voted yesterday to grant you a new title, and voting seat," the man said, not sounding as pleased.
"Is this an unbound seat, Minister," Harry asked. It felt odd to treat the man as inferior to him, but the Minister technically was by law. Any one of peerage was technically above the Minister. Harry agreed with Hermione, these laws needed to go.
The man seemed caught off guard by this question. Amelia had mentioned it last night. If Harry did marry Daphne someday, they were already looking at controlling four votes. He didn't need another. Sirius also thought it a great joke.
"Why would that be important," Minister Fudge enquired.
"If it is an unbound seat, then I wish to pass it to my ward. That would need to be done tonight when you present me the seat." He was never happier that Amelia had coached him in this. Even Sirius had. Now, if Hermione was only in on it... hopefully she wouldn't kill him. Essentially, he was giving up his reward to elevate her house into a Wizengamot House. This was why an Order of Merlin, First Class, were so rare.
Fudges eyes grew wide. Chief Warlock Doge gave a little smile. "I think that is a splendid idea, Scion Potter. I don't know if any House has ever held more than four votes."
"Not to my knowledge, sir," Harry agreed.
Fudge moved his mouth a few times. "Right. It is your decision. Just, when you are called. I should see if my speech is adjusted," he said, turning and walking away.
Doge waited until the Minister left.
"Bloody hell, Harry. You're just going to give a seat away like that," Ron said behind him.
Amelia walked up and the Chief Warlock chuckled. "I must say, Scion Potter, it is never dull around you and your allies. Your grandfather had the same knack of turning things on their head. If your regent will pass on the necessary information on Tuesday, I shall make sure the paperwork is ready to present to Ms. Granger on Wednesday. If you excuse me, I should get ready to take my seat." The man bowed his head.
Hermione came up to his side. "Harry..." she said a little breathy. "You can't be serious?"
"Bloody hell," Ron said again.
Amelia nodded towards Hermione. "Ms. Granger, Harry is very serious about this. An unbound seat may be passed to any minor line Harry may have, or a ward."
"Ronald, none of that language tonight," Mrs. Weasley scolded her son.
Harry wasn't sure if he saw jealousy or not in Ron's eyes. After a moment, he extended a hand to Hermione. "Congratulations. I don't know anyone else that deserves this more."
Hermione looked shocked, before taking Ron's hand. "Thank... thank you."
Ron nodded. "Mum was wondering if you wanted to come over for a brunch tomorrow before we go back to Hogwarts?"
"Hermione, your parents and the Bones are invited as well," Mr. Weasley added looking between him and Hermione.
"I would love to have a full table tomorrow. Three Order of Merlin recipients," Mrs. Weasley said happily.
Harry looked to Amelia. "That is up to you. I am sure Sirius would love to come along as well," Amelia replied.
"Mr. Black is welcome," Mrs. Weasley said.
"We would love to, Mrs. Weasley," Harry told her.
"Perfect. Let's say about one."
"If I can have everyone's attention," someone called out by a door. "I would like the families of the recipient to line up here. All the Heads of Department and other dignitaries over here please."
Amelia gave him a quick hug, something very uncharacteristic for both of them. "Thank you," he said in a small voice.
"You are family. You never have to thank me," she whispered back.
When she pulled back, Harry stood as tall as he could, which was the same height as Amelia. With a nod, she turned to Susan. "Come along, Susan." Harry wasn't sure that Amelia looked like she wanted to shed a tear.
Harry looked surprised as Amelia went towards the family line. "Amelia, why are you going there?"
She gave Harry a small smile. "As much as I am proud of the position I have earned in the Ministry, I am prouder of you. We are family and that is where I will sit tonight. Sirius should be here in just a moment to join us. Susan, come along."
Susan gave him a hug. "Congratulations."
She then did the same to Hermione before smirking, "I look forward to another heiress to hang out with us."
Hermione looked abashed. "Yes. This is still so wrong. All these seats should be voted."
"Well it is yours now," Harry replied. Susan shook Ron's hand.
Harry watched Susan join Amelia and Sirius rushed in, said a quick 'Congrats', and joined the people readying to go on stage. Harry very much thought of Amelia, Susan and Sirius as his family now, but this was different. He had a slew of emotions go through him.
Hermione put a hand on his arm. "You ready," she asked, sounding like she was affected by the show as much as he was.
"Yeah," he said a little thickly.
"Are you ready, Ron," Harry asked.
"Yeah." The redhead stepped up to them.
They lined up behind the others. The Ministry heads and other dignitaries went out first, followed by the Weasleys and his family. "I'm sorry your parents couldn't be here," Harry said to Hermione.
"I understand why, it just would have been nice."
"Well, once you are a peerage house, you know that the Ministry can't deny any family member?" he said.
Her eyes lit up. "I forgot." She kissed his cheek. "Thank you."
"You have any more of those Houses you can give out?" Ron jokingly asked next to him.
Harry chuckled. "Not unless you can have one of my kids."
Ron's face made them both laugh. "I'm all set."
It was nearly fifteen minutes before they were called out on stage. "The first recipient of the night, Mr. Ronald Bilius Weasley," the Minister called out.
Ron was smiling hugely. Hermione and him watched from the side as Ron went out. There were cheers, flashes of cameras and applause. "You ready," Harry asked his best mate.
"No. Are you?"
"Certainly not, but Daphne might be upset if I don't act the right way," he said jokingly.
Hermione laughed. "You know she will like you either way."
"I know," he said.
"Now, Hermione Jean Granger," Minister Fudge called out.
Hermione walked out. "The Ministry is presenting this award, an Order of Merlin, Third Class, for her efforts in solving the mystery, saving Ms. Penelope Clearwater's life, and giving Mr. Weasley and Scion Potter the information needed to slay the basilisk."
Harry looked out the door. He couldn't really see much through the lights of the stage. That made him nervous. He could make out the half dozen Aurors guarding the stage. After more applause and camera flashes, Minister Fudge motioned to Harry.
"And the real hero of the night, the boy who saved all our children and grandchildren at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry by dispatching Salazar Slytherin's monster, Scion Harry James Potter," the man said.
Harry stood tall and walked out onto the stage like the scion he was. It didn't matter he didn't want to be before all these people. It didn't matter he hated the accolade. It did matter that he represented his House. It was a reflection on Hermione that he ported himself properly. It was also a reflection on his family and Daphne's.
When he walked out, the Minister was still playing up his achievement. When he stopped, the man shook his hand and Harry bent so the man could put the medal around his neck. When Minister Fudge motioned for the podium, Harry let out an internal sigh. He knew this was coming.
"Thank you, Minister Fudge," Harry said as he stepped before the podium. Harry took a moment to find his voice. "I thank you all for giving me this award and for the honour you have given my House. I did not do anything that night for any rewards or recognition though. It was the right thing to do and as such, I would like to do that again."
Harry turned to Hermione, who was sitting in a chair next to him. "Ward Granger, if you would stand."
She did, acting as regally as she could. Hermione wasn't as natural at it as Daphne or Susan, but she was getting there. "The fine wizards and witches of the country have decided that House Potter should be graced with another seat for our dedication to our society. With this seat, I would raise up my ward and propose that House Granger be recognized and granted the same rights as the peerage seat given to me."
There was surprise in the hall. Some clapped, others looked shocked. It had been generations since a Muggleborn had been raised this way.
Hermione curtsied to him, before sitting down.
Harry swallowed. This was so much harder than he thought, but if he was to be Lord Potter in a few years, he had to be used to this. The lessons that the Greengrasses had paid for had to have some return. "Next, the substantial reward that is being offered will not be routed to my vaults. Instead, House Potter is making it a gift to St. Mungo's, with an equal match. House Potter will also make a donation to Hogwarts to ensure its wards and security are up to the task to prevent such an occurrence again."
This got more surprised gaps and more cheering.
"Lastly, the Headmistress of Hogwarts has also graciously accepted the offer to display my Order of Merlin, First class, at Hogwarts. This really belongs there. Thank you," he said, ending his speech. It was a little shorter than they had planned, but his nerves were starting to get to him.
The rest of the ceremony lasted another few minutes. When it was done, they were allowed to get up. Susan hugged them. Sirius shook his hand before taking him into a one-arm hug. Amelia hugged Hermione and him as well. When they made it off the stage, Daphne, her family, and the Tonks were all there.
Anders inclined his head as they joined them. "Heiress Granger, let me be the first Wizengamot member to welcome you to our esteemed ranks. I shall ensure your application is accepted as soon as possible."
"Thank you, Lord Greengrass," Hermione said with a slight blush. She had been talking against such things for a while and now she was part of it.
There were more hugs, more congratulations and other talk as the Atrium was transformed for the annual New Year's Eve Gala.
Daphne found his arm as soon as she could. With a kiss on his cheek, she answered his unasked question, "You did well up there. I could hardly tell how nervous you were."
He smiled. "Thanks."
The rest of the night was mostly fun. Harry and Hermione were led around for a bit. It was expected of them. Ron trailed behind, not really knowing what to do until he was waylaid by a few reporters. After a few minutes, Harry was glad to get away. The more the reporters talked, the more Ron seemed to like it, and the more details he gave.
At dinner there were more speeches. Harry was glad the beef was good, and even more happy when Harry offered Daphne the first dance. He was surprised when Iliana requested the second dance.
As they took up the pose to start the waltz, Iliana said, "You have done very well tonight, Scion Potter."
"It's getting easier," he told her truthfully.
"It shows."
Harry inclined his head.
"I also think that was a very nice touch to offer up Ms. Granger like that," she said.
"Hermione wants to change the world. How can she do that if she doesn't have the power to do so?" Harry replied. That was a realization he had come to while talking with Sirius last night.
"And you don't?" she asked with a raised eyebrow.
Harry cast a quick glance at Daphne with her father and Hermione with Sirius. "For my friends and family, I would do anything I could to see them happy."
Iliana gave him a smile before the music started. "I do hope you and Daphne become betrothed. I could not think of a better person to call my son."
Harry balked at her for a moment. It was more automatic that he started when the others did. Apparently, Daphne and Iliana had trained him well to dance. It was not always polite to talk during a formal dance like this, so Harry did as he was taught.
When they finished, Harry had recovered enough to bow to Iliana. "Lady Greengrass, I hope to fulfill your wish someday."
She curtsied to him. "I doubt my daughter will give up her claim on you. My Lord Greengrass," she said, as Anders walked over with Daphne.
"My Lady Greengrass," he replied. "Scion Potter, could I entrust my daughter to you for the night?"
Harry did his quarter bow. "Of course, Lord Greengrass. Heiress Greengrass," he said, offering his arm to her.
"My Scion Potter," she replied, her mask up. Harry liked that she transferred from her father to him. He may only be fourteen and a half, and her fifteen, but he was sure he wouldn't want to be with anyone else as they got older. That opinion was solidified with the kiss she gave him at Midnight. He was sad there wasn't a broom closet nearby, but her tongue was good enough without their hands wandering some.
-oOo-
January 1, 1995
Somewhere in Wiltshire, England
Croaker was standing with the three other men in grey cloaks that were to assist him at this early hour. It was a little before four in the morning and they were the tip of the spear for three raids that would be occurring today.
Scrimgeour had told them they didn't know what to expect. Many of the people associated with the Dark Alliance had not been in attendance at the Ministry last night. It was confirmed that the last of the guests had left by two AM. If others had had their own celebrations, then this was probably the best time to strike.
Looking at his watch, he nodded to the two Unspeakables to his right. They moved towards the edge of the wards of whatever estate they had been asked to help the Aurors with. It was an extremely well warded house. Croaker could think of only a hand full of places with wards like this, and his team had never been asked to bring such a scheme down in less than a minute.
This called for some special development projects that the Muggle Enchantment group had been working on.
The two men took out a long pipe with a handle on it. He touched his pocket again to ensure he had the proper paperwork to allow them to trial this. Kneeling down, the first Unspeakable rose the tube to his shoulder.
"Are you sure we should use this?" the other Unspeakable questioned next to him.
"None of this is Muggle made and will not violate any of our laws," Croaker said.
The second Unspeakable put a small crate on the ground. When he opened it, he took out a long firework-like device. He put it into the back of the tube. "Loaded."
"Target locked on the strongest magical source. Pretty sure it is the main ward stone," the first Unspeakable said.
"You are pretty sure?" Croaker enquired.
"It's about fifteen yards from where we know the main structure is on the estate grounds, and close to the center of the wards," the first Unspeakable said, looking at a chalk tablet that was showing lines of runes.
"If this goes wrong, we are to meet back at the office. If this goes right, we move to location Omega," Croaker told them.
The other three nodded.
Croaker looked at his watch again. At exactly four, they were to bring down the wards. Aurors were stationed to apparate in once they fell.
"Five. Four," he started to count down. "Three. Two. One. Go."
Unspeakable number one pressed a rune on the handle. He almost fell over as the firework - well, muggles called them rockets - shot out of the tube. It stopped for two heartbeats when it hit the wards, then slowly started to push through. Within three seconds, it was gone. "Four. Three. Two. One," the Unspeakable counted down to the time they estimated it would make contact.
All four of them held their breaths for a moment. After twenty-three seconds, Croaker asked, "I thought you said you expected the runes to eat through the primary stone within ten seconds?"
"There was some debate about interaction with certain wards that could elongate that time or even negate our rune schemes," the second Unspeakable said.
Even though they couldn't see it, Croaker raised an eyebrow. "That is not what you told me when I approached you about this two days ago."
"You asked if it would work. I said it would on almost anything," the Unspeakable replied.
"Do we call this trial a failure?" the third Unspeakable asked.
It was now forty-eight seconds. "Is there still a chance it will work?" he asked to two Unspeakables before him.
"It never took longer than twenty-eight seconds in the lab," the second Unspeakable said.
"We will give it ten more seconds and then the Curse Breakers will have their go at it," Croaker said, still looking at his watch.
At nine seconds and two-one hundredths, there was a massive explosion that rent the night. All the Unspeakables had to shield their eyes to the light. When Croaker blinked, he saw the ward field around the estate falling like a billion faerie lights.
He was able to make out a crater close to three yards wide where the primary ward stone had thought to have been. There was screaming coming from the house. Every window on that side had been shattered, probably being flung into the house.
"Note the time, four-oh-two, twelve seconds and two-one hundredths. A ward scheme designed to contain the blast should be added before design is recommended to the Aurors. We leave for site Omega in two minutes," Croaker said.
The pops of apparition, and the shimmering of anti-apparition and portkey wards took up around the house as they waited for their time to leave. During this time, the second Unspeakable closed up the wooden crate while the first put the metal tube back into an extended pocket. They had three more tests to accomplish and it would not do for them to be late. He had just the time to see flashes of spell fire inside the house before they were gone.
-oOo-
Malfoy Manor
Wiltshire, England
Lucius Malfoy was awoken by the sound of an explosion, then the tinkling of glass as his windows shattered, flying around the room. The heavy night curtains around the bed caught most of the glass. It did not sound like some of his guests fared as well as someone started to scream down the hall.
In his still hung-over state, he stumbled out of bed, grabbing his cane and hissing as glass imbedded itself in his feet. "What is going on," he spat, some of the alcohol burning off. They had partied late into the night after celebrating the New Years and a plan that should see the Potter-Greengrass Alliance shattered.
"Lucius, what is going on?" Cissy asked from inside the bed curtains.
"I do not know. Get the emergency portkey and get to Draco..."
There was another blast from inside the manor this time. "Ministry Aurors. We are here to serve a warrant for Lucius Malfoy," a voice echoed through the house.
"Now, Narcissa! Just go. I will get Draco." Lucius ordered. "Hinny," he called out.
"You will never take me," a voice bellowed from outside his door. Lucius silently cursed the man. Cirrus Flint was not a bright man, especially when drunk. The sound of spell fire started.
"Lucius, the portkey won't work," his wife said in a panic.
A rather downtrodden female house elf appeared before him. "Master, the wards are down and Aurors..."
"I know, you daft thing. Get Narcissa and Draco out of here and then come back for me," he ordered. His guests could fend for themselves. The elf rushed to the other side of the bed. She didn't make it as the door to his bedroom burst open. Without the wards to lessen the impact of most magics, one of the doors splintered and sent debris flying into the room.
Lucius had to erect a quick shield to keep from being impaled. A scream from his wife told him she was not as lucky. Lucius saw red. No one hurt or came after his family. He started to cast spells. Three quick "Avada Kedavra," and then some other nasty spells.
The people outside the door were quick. They dove out of the way of his killing curses. One of them through up a shield and Lucius quickly found himself on the receiving end of three against one. How many times had he used this tactic in the past? Never had it been used against him.
It was a short, and brutal duel. Two of the Aurors were down. One from his killing curses. The other was screaming as he held a bloody stump from a blasting curse. It was through the mist of blood that had once been the woman's hand that a cutting curse made it through.
He had gone to move his wand to shield but was too slow. It sliced his wand and then made a large gash in his chest. Lucius cried out as he fell onto the floor, glass cutting him as he fell.
There was no other sound in the house as a stunner knocked him out.
-oOo-
London, England
Scrimgeour was dying to be out with his people tonight, but he was the Head Auror, the one responsible for this operation. The old Floo room had been reactivated for the night and four fires were going to keep him abreast of the raids.
"Ward Breaker Team 1 has taken down the wards on target three," a woman said from his left through the fire.
"Team one has reported resistance at target one. Two Aurors dead and three wounded. Six people in custody, including the target. Reports that two 'guests' at the target may have been killed," the man before him said.
"Bloody hell. Everyone was to be taken alive. How did two Aurors die? They are working in teams of three," he shot out.
"Unknown, boss. An Obliviator squad has been called. There was some damage to a few muggle houses in the area," the man said.
"Bloody hell! What is going on at target 2?" Scrimgeour asked. He didn't want any names used until everything was sorted.
"Wards are down. Three suspects and the target are in custody. There was no resistance, but two Healers have been called to the scene," the man said.
"Boss, Ward Breaker Team 1 has just arrived. They are modifying what looks like a firework. Is that safe to use something like that," the woman in the last grate asked. Auror Kinkirk was at site four.
"They have been cleared as a research project by the Chief Warlock," Scrimgeour said.
"Boss, a dungeon has been found at target one. It doesn't sound good," the man said.
Scrimgeour's hardened face grew even steelier. "Get in there. I need details."
"Yes, boss."
"Boss, three Aurors were just hurt at target two. Sounds like they stumbled onto a warded vault," the woman at that scene said.
"Target three has been apprehended. A small fire fight broke out, but no injuries to report," the man said from site three.
"Wards on target four are down. Merlin," the woman said.
"What is it, Auror Wentworth?" Scrimgeour demanded.
"It's like a firework show as the wards come down. Both teams just apparated," she said.
Scrimgeour was most worried about this one. He only had two teams of three there. Most the others had four teams each. He had to stretch Amelia's rules on who to trust for this first raid. It was too important to not capture the five targets that were considered to be the top of the conspiracies.
Shacklebolt came into the room. "Boss, the Minister and his Undersecretary have been apprehended. The standard cells?"
"No. I want everyone transported to the Citadel once they are cleared," Scrimgeour told the man. He was not going to take chances.
Shacklebolt nodded. "Understood."
As the reports from the other four sites started to lesson, Scrimgeour sat back in his seat. When word got out about this tomorrow, he would either be the most vilified person in England, or the most celebrated. He wasn't sure which yet, but he understood what Amelia was asking him to do. He just hoped she would back him up the way she always did.
Also, depending on how the interrogations went over the next few days, he doubted these would be the last arrests.
-oOo-
January 2, 1995
Hogwarts, Scotland
Hermione thought she had been used to attention being around Harry. Today was a whole new level. Harry, Ron and her were among the youngest people to ever earn an Order of Merlin. After Harry had announced he was donating the reward the Ministry was giving him, she decided to donate her ten thousand galleons as well. She had almost fifty thousand in her vault from the basilisk. All the parts had sold for more than originally thought.
If that wasn't enough, Harry had surprised her that night by making her a peerage member of the Wizengamot. Yes, the House of Granger would be in the lowest ranks, but she now had the voting legislative and court powers granted to less than three hundred Houses in all of Britain, with only one-hundred and eighty-seven being peerage seats. That was down six since the summer solstice.
The new attention had started last night. They had been brought back for dinner after an enjoyable afternoon with her parents as Harry went to the Burrow. Sirius had been kind enough to take her and she had been able to tell them all about it and give them a copy of the Daily Prophet. The Daily Prophet had had pages on the event, putting out a double edition. It also included news released from the Bones, Potter and Greengrasses. Hermione had never seen such a spectacle lauding someone, but again, it had been nearly a decade since an Order of Merlin had been awarded, and decades since a first class had been given.
Her parents had been very proud of her, but still unhappy with the reason why. Hermione had left her Order medal at their house.
Now, it was breakfast, and they were still the talk of the hall. She was just pleased she had a core group that supported her and were all the same status. She had never felt left out, but now it was different. Once the Wizengamot approved the transfer and her application, which was a sure thing, she would be Heiress Hermione Granger, the first of the House of Granger. Like Susan, the House line would be bound to the female line.
To tune out the stares and talk, she pondered what had happened New Year's Eve. It was starting to really hit her what Harry had really done. She wanted to make changes in their world. She wanted to be a driver of that change. To that, she had resigned herself to eventually getting an elected seat, or possibly marrying someone with a seat. She squeezed Blaise's hand without noticing as she thought that. Most importantly now, until they could change the structure of their government, she had the power to stand with the other Lords and Ladies when she turned twenty-one.
She was lost in her thoughts about the possibilities when Blaise leaned over. "You here today?"
"Is it time for classes," she asked, trying to come out of her deep thoughts.
Blaise chuckled at her. "Not unless you want to get to Runes two hours early."
"Is it really eight-thirty?" she enquired, lifting her sleeve to look at the new wind up watch her parents had gotten her at Christmas.
"It's getting close. Do you want to go to the library or go for a walk?"
She turned to look at her new boyfriend. That thought brought a smile to her face. Hermione Granger had a boyfriend. "We should go to the library," Hermione told him.
Blaise looked directly into her eyes, and she felt lost in them for a second. Blaise chuckled. "I think you can take another morning off."
"But we need to review our work from the Christmas Holidays," she said, reaching for her bag.
"The same work we all finished and reviewed after Boxing Day?"
She had forgotten that. "Then we need to review the Runes project."
"It's due in two hours. Are you honestly going to redo the whole thing in that time?"
Hermione reluctantly admitted, "No. But Daphne is just behind me on the point scale this year."
"Is it that important, Hermione?"
It was to her.
Seeing the answer in her eyes, he shook his head. "Take a walk with me. Just for a little while?"
"But..."
"Can you honestly tell me that you will be able to concentrate?"
After a moment she huffed. "No."
He gave a smug little smile and she playfully hit his arm. As he stood, he extended a hand for her. "Heiress Granger, would you do me the honour?"
Her heart fluttered like it had at the Yule Ball. She put her hand in his and he helped her up. "You know I am not some weak little princess?"
He laughed as she hooked her arm into his. "I admit that is part of your appeal. You and Heiress Greengrass are very ambitious and bright. Where she has been brought up to work more in the shadows, you are more a force of nature when you get going. Both are tactics that have their strengths and weaknesses, more strength than weakness when the two work together."
Hermione chuckled at him as he led her on a long circuit around the castle what would most likely end at the library. "If I didn't know better, I would say you are suggesting Daphne and I work together?"
"There could be worse relationships," he commented.
"Daphne is my friend. Of course I am going to work with her," Hermione told him.
"I am not sure if you have thought of it yet, but you are now the start of line of the House of Granger. You will need to declare a regent until you can take up your seat. I also think you will be courted for alliances and courtships. You are protected by Harry for now, but you lose your ward status as soon as the Wizengamot agrees to elevate you. It may be good to be allied with the Potters and Greengrasses as soon after that as you can," he said.
She blinked. Again, she had thought about what she could do. How she could influence the laws. She had forgotten about the links that would be needed to ensure she could lead those changes. Harry and Daphne would be the best and probably the most powerful alliance she could seek out. She also hadn't thought about a regent. As she thought about that, Blaise looked at her out of the corner of his eye, patiently waiting for her.
"Blaise, does your mother support us being boyfriend and girlfriend?" she asked, not sure yet where this line of thought was going.
Blaise shook his head. "I love my mother, but I would never recommend her being your regent. She does not follow your ideals as much."
Hermione shook her head. "You still didn't answer my question."
"Mother has been very impressed with you. She likes that you seem to push me to get better grades and how bright you are. The only negative remark I have heard is that you are not as refined a young woman as she would like," Blaise told her. That was one thing she really liked about the dark skin boy. He was always honest with her. Almost brutally at times. Hermione could be much the same.
"Does it matter to you that I am not refined?" As much as her confidence had risen the last year about her image, she was still very conscious about when it was brought up.
"I find it refreshing."
She rolled her eyes. "Can you cut the political talk."
He chuckled at her. "I was being serious. Out of all the girls my mother had originally wanted me to start talking with this year, I find you the most intriguing and find I like your visions of the future. To tell you the truth, I really don't want to be Scion Thatcher, or even a Zabini," he admitted.
She stopped in the hall they were in, feeling shocked. He had never told her that before. "You really don't?"
He slipped her arm out of his and leaned against the wall next to a window. "Not really. I have seen what it has done to my mother and what my family does in Italy. I like your ideals of a more democratic society."
She blinked. "I like that as well."
"So, now that you will be Heiress Granger, some day to be Lady Granger, is that still your goal?" He was being serious.
She thought about it for a bit. "Yes. I want to end all this pureblood, ingrained oligarchy. It has hurt the wizarding world more than it has helped over the last few hundred years."
He took a hand in his and pulled her closer. She bit her lip, hoping he would kiss her again. They had shared a few kisses since that night, but she still felt a little uncertain about this. "Will you have me by your side to help overthrow our world?"
She laughed, knowing he didn't mean it the way he said it. "I won't say no to having a co-conspirator," she told him. As she looked at his lips she had the thought, Am I a Gryffindor or what!
With that thought, she closed the little distance left between them and got up on her toes to kiss him. This was quickly becoming a beloved past time. When she stepped back, she liked the smirk on his face.
"Can you concentrate now?" Blaise put to her.
She laughed. "I may need another planning session later."
Blaise's dark eyes looked very happy at that. "We can, after Runes."
Something just clicked in her head. "Oh my god! It's Monday!" she said in a panic, looking at her watch.
"It is," he said with a laugh.
"We have Muggle and Wizarding studies, and we are now ten minutes late," she yelled at him, grabbing his hand and looking around.
"The door is just over there, and Mr. Bouvier said we would be starting at nine today," he reminded her.
She looked at him for a moment. "You did this on purpose!" She had an incredulous look on her face.
"You needed to focus." He said with a laugh as she lightly hit his arm again. "Come here."
His hand took hers again and pulled her in. She didn't protest to meet his lips again. She lost herself in his smell and the feel of his lips. She just about jumped halfway across the hall when Mr. Bouvier commented, "As nice as it is to see my students getting along, I think you two can wait until later. There is a rule about PDA during class time."
Her face flamed red. Especially when she caught a few others walking down the hall. Mostly their friends. Mr. Bouvier looked to have a small smile he was trying to hide as he walked by. "You did that on purpose," she accused in a harsh whisper.
Blaise responded with a cheeky grin. "It worked."
She huffed, but still moved next to him to wait for the others. As the others came closer, Neville held out a hand. Blaise reached into a pocket and handed Neville a few galleons.
"You bet on us?" Hermione accused.
"No. I bet on the Hornets winning yesterday," Blaise told her.
She gave him a discerning look, not sure she believed him on this. A look to Tracey had her nodding. "Fine. I don't like you betting though."
"I know. I only did one bet yesterday," he said, as they started to walk with their group.
By the way he said it, she had a feeling that was low. "How many do you usually bet on?"
"There were three matches," he told her.
She got what he meant. "Please stop."
Blaise nodded. "I will do less."
She figured that was the best she would get out of him for now. Hermione knew she could be quite determined and persistent.
-oOo-
The same day...
Chief Warlock Doge and Head Auror Scrimgeour had managed to keep the raids and the arrest of the Minister quiet for the past thirty-hours. Scrimgeour knew that would not last and was not surprised when the first reporter sought him out about ten that morning. The notice came in from Bones secretary as three heads stuck out from the fireplace. "Tell them there will be a press conference tomorrow morning," he growled at the woman.
For right now, only three people involved with the operations were allowed outside of this office. Forty-four Aurors and twelve Hit Wizards were currently cycling out of the nine raids that had been done in the last thirty-hours. Number ten, eleven and twelve were underway right now. So far, it seemed to surprise those they were after, but if the media was starting to ask, it was a sure bet that it wouldn't be as easy for now on.
"Shacklebolt, I want you to back the raid at target eleven with two squads," he said, looking at the tired man.
"Sure, boss," the big man said.
"Wards are down at target twelve," Auror Remington said from his left.
Scrimgeour nodded. Whatever the Unspeakables were using had proven to be very effective. The only downside was that three innocents had died or been hurt by the primary ward stones destruction. What he didn't like was the total body count, but operations like this were not always bloodless. Two Aurors and three others killed. Eight total injuries requiring overnight stays with Healers in an undisclosed location. In total, though, they had brought in twenty-seven people, including eleven Wizengamot members. The one that upset Croaker was when they had captured Avery. Scrimgeour got a feeling that the man was a high up in the Unspeakables. It had always sat wrong with Scrimgeour to disguise most of the Unspeakables, but Scrimgeour didn't really know what they did on the whole, so there must be a reason.
"Four people captured at target ten. No injuries," Auror Tran said from his right.
"Get the site scoured and transport everyone to the processing center as soon as you can," Scrimgeour told the man.
"Yes, boss."
"Boss, there is a major fire fight happening at target eleven. Two more squads, an Obliviation and magical reversal squad is being requested," Auror Erickson called out.
"Get them there now," Scrimgeour barked. "Send four Healers as well. They are to remain at command until it is declared safe."
"Yes, boss," three others replied without waiting.
"Damn. I had hoped we had a little more time," he muttered. The interrogators were still working over the first few and he had hoped to do a few more raids without much resistance.
-oOo-