Harry Potter and the Big Black Dog
A/N: Thanks to my wonderful Beta, LtsHrIt4ThBoyz.
**OO**
After being nearly killed a number of times, the last one of which he was rescued from a House-elf of all things, Harry Potter was tired. He'd used a lot of magic, and was having a bad dream that somehow Lockhart had got the drop on them.
"Obliviate!"
But the soft voice giving instruction wasn't the pompous author's oily and self-congratulatory speech. It sounded different. It sounded like…
DUMBLEDORE!
Harry was instantly awake, and silently grabbed his wand from the bed stand.
"…it was just a prank gone wrong from the twins. As for the life debt with Harry Potter, it doesn't exist. Besides, he has to stay with his relatives during the summer." Dumbledore cast.
What was Dumbledore playing at? Mr Weasley had told Harry that he would do anything to pay back the life-debt owed. Harry asked to spend the summer with them. He urgently promised to do chores, help clean and cook, de-gnome the garden – anything! Mr Weasley had taken pity on the desperate boy. Arthur Weasley would have said yes even if his own magic hadn't been prompting him too. Now Dumbledore was ruining everything!
"Harry Potter can't go to your home. He wouldn't be safe there. Your daughter will be fine. She doesn't need mind healing. Besides, your family is far too poor to be able to afford it. There's no need to inform Amelia Bones about any of this."
Harry had done a lot of self-study after being rescued by Ron and the twins. The Potter boy knew several defensive spells, and the headmaster's back was to him.
"Stupify! Expelliarmus! Incarcerous!" Harry whispered, one after the other, disarming the Headmaster, and pocketing his wand. Harry then quickly cast a finite at Arthur, hoping he was in time.
Ron's father looked confused, but shook his head. "Dumbledore tried to obliviate me! He tried to make me forget a life debt! I could have lost my magic for that stunt!"
Arthur took out his own wand, and summoned the Headmaster's pocket contents. He then walked over to the floo and called Amelia Bones at her home.
"Amelia, bring your guard and floo here, please. There's been a basilisk attack at the school. The beast is dead thanks to Harry Potter. But Dumbledore is trying to do a cover-up!" Arthur shouted into the green flames.
"What? Is that what has been happening! No wonder, Lucius was trying to get rid of him. This will be his last day as Headmaster if he knew about a basilisk and did nothing!" Director Bones was beyond angry, but keeping emotions in check.
Her only living relative was just a second-year and far too vulnerable. If Dumbledore wasn't removed from the school, Susan would be.
Aurors flooded the Hospital wing. Thankfully, the woman grabbed a travel pensieve. It could only hold a few memories, but it was a great tool for investigations.
Seeing Dumbledore already trussed up like a goose for Christmas relieved the woman.
"Good job, Weasley. You certainly haven't lost your touch."
Weasley as a DMLE officer, even if he worked in a different department, meant that stunning and tying up a prisoner was perfectly acceptable.
A second-year student attacking his Headmaster?
Not so much.
Arthur kept quiet about the circumstances of Dumbledore's current situation, and merely nodded at the Director.
Her most senior auror was tasked with taking Dumbledore in. The charge of child endangerment meant that none of the aurors would be 'helping' the Headmaster get out of gaol. Not before facing a fair trial in the Wizengamot.
"Keep him stunned! Make sure that he is searched for any contraband. I want him stripped and given conjured clothes. Leave nothing that might be a portkey. Where's his phoenix?"
Harry called for Fawkes, and the great bird glided down on his arm.
"You can't get Dumbledore out of jail, okay? He's got to face some charges, just like anyone else. Do you understand?" Harry asked him.
Fawkes chirped twice and nodded his head.
It was after the phoenix flight and going up to McGonagall's office that had Harry so very mad at the Headmaster.
After all, if he could send his phoenix, why hadn't he come himself to help. Harry had nearly been killed, and if he had been, what was stopping Voldemort from killing Ginny, gaining a new body, and coming back? It would have been very, very bad.
Harry was asked to share his memory of the slaying of the basilisk. The procedure was explained to him, and after the remaining aurors had seen it, along with Mr Weasley, the air turned blue awhile.
How in the world had such a dark object got into Hogwarts seemed to be the main question of the hour.
"I should probably share a memory of the fight with Lucius Malfoy too, ma'am. Oh, and him trying to kill me earlier tonight."
Every time the woman thought that she was shocked to the core, there was another one.
If they were going to get anything to stick to Dumbledore and/or Lucius Malfoy, she was going to need to get the Minister of Magic out here. Now.
Fudge relied on those two, Light and Dark, consulted with them daily. He probably didn't decide what to have to eat for breakfast without their input!
Amelia wanted to weep, but there was no crying in police work.
At least not in public.
**OO**
Severus Snape had several listening posts around the castle. As a spy on Dumbledore for the Dark Lord, it was expected.
As spy for Lucius Malfoy who had access to the darkest books and artifacts, illegal potion ingredients and all sorts of other delightful items, it was essential. Knowledge was valuable. This knowledge had a sell-by date that was measured in minutes.
"Malfoy Manor!"
The luxurious home had a fabulous floo room. A floo room that still contained a frustrated and infuriated master.
"Snape! What do you have for me?"
"Patience. What I have can net us both gold upwards of a million galleons, even after a cut for the Dark Lord. You nearly succeeded. Bones is going to be after you for your arrest. She is going to realize that she has to call Fudge in. She arrested Dumbledore tonight."
Lucius was not stupid.
"It really was a basilisk?"
"So the Bloody Baron tells me. I don't care about where you got that diary. Get Narcissa to obliviate you immediately!"
"That or put me under the imperius curse?" Lucius purred, plans already spinning.
"You want me to help you get the beast out of Hogwarts under my governor status. You have the knowledge to render it?" Malfoy demanded.
"I do, but I do not know where the Chamber of Secrets lies."
"Well, then, my slippery friend, you'll have to ask the Boy-Who-Lived, won't you? Do ask him nicely. It would be a shame if he got hurt at school after all." Lucius suggested.
"Accidents on the stairway used to be common when you went to school here. They seemed to stop afterwards." Snape opined.
Lucius chuckled. "Nothing was ever proven."
Snape smirked into the flames, an eerie visage of dancing green light.
"And nothing will be either."
Snape grabbed up a case in stasis that he had ready for just this ruse, and put tonight's date on them.
He needed to visit a sick student in the Infirmary.
**OO**
Madam Pomfrey was short, from a lesser known pureblood family. Her best friend, Dorea Black, later Dorea Potter was gone, and she had no other close friends of high rank.
That did not stop the woman from reclaiming her domain.
"Out! Out! I have recuperating children in here. I don't care about politics, or arrests or anything else. Out!"
Harry Potter was blinking sleep from his eyes, Arthur standing protectively near all three Gryffindors, while Fudge and Bones stopped their shouting match.
"Of course, Poppy. My apologies. Everyone out! Not you, Arthur. You and Molly stay." Director Bones commanded.
Harry shrunk into his bed. Shouting always made him fearful. As soon as the adults were away, he snuck out of said bed to head back to his dorm.
It was precisely then that Professor Snape, of all people, just had to grab him!
"I want a word, Potter."
The man turned him around, and looked deeply into Harry's eyes, causing the boy an instant headache.
"Where is the entrance to the Chamber of Secrets?" Snape whispered.
Seeing his answer, he grabbed the boy, and they made their way to the girl's loo that held the hidden entrance.
**OO**
Dumbledore woke once he was in the small cell. He had nothing but a prisoner's robe of orange and yellow stripes, quite fetching for a prisoner, in truth. There was a small cot, a toilet and tiny sink, and a tray table next to a tiny slot that delivered food. There was a small cup that was empty, but presumably the water was potable.
He checked himself twice, but already felt it.
The Elder wand was gone. Its allegiance was lost to another. Had Arthur fought off the spell? It was rumored that Lily Potter could fight off the imperius, but Dumbledore had never tried to change her memories. Just Petunia's.
Noise came outside the cell. Kingsley Shacklebolt and Nymphadora Tonks.
"It's nice to see you both."
"We're here to get you out of here. There's no way you would hurt children!" Kingsley declared.
"No, no, my boy. Of course not. But if I go with you now, I'll be seen as a criminal all the rest of my life. Otherwise, I could have had Fawkes come for me."
Little did he know that Fawkes had no interest in doing so. But Albus hadn't tried.
"Well, we brought you a warm blanket and a nice meal." Tonks pushed the tray through.
It had a pair of warm, cozy socks. She must have known that they had taken his footwear.
"Thank you Nymphadora. Most kind of you."
The auror ground her teeth and held her own counsel. Now was not the time.
A pad of muggle paper and a biro were under the plate.
"Make a list of anything you need. Or you can write letters. Or make notes." Shacklebolt explained.
"We have to get back, or we'll be missed." Tonks warned.
"Thank you, dear friends. I won't forget your kindness."
Shacklebolt's transfiguration on the fork ended, and it turned back into an untraceable wand.
"No, your kindness will not be forgotten in the least." Dumbledore said to a now empty corridor.
**OO**
Snape dragged Harry into the girl's loo and pinned him high on the wall. Casting a silencing charm around them, he cast a cutting curse into the boy's injured arm. Blood spurted onto the clean, wet floor.
"Where is it? Where is it? Tell me or I cut you again."
Harry pointed towards the sinks. "It was open when Ron and I came in. It was Hermione's idea…"
"Stop! I don't want to hear that Mudblood's name again! Now, listen to me carefully. Where, exactly."
"Let me down, and I'll show you." Harry offered.
Snape sent a cutting curse at the boy's leg, missing major arteries on purpose, but Harry was still very hurt.
"Where? Where?" Snape demanded.
Harry pointed at the sink, still from his perch on the wall.
Finally, the man let the boy down. Stumbling, Harry went over to the sink and whispered 'open' in parseltongue.
The sink opened quickly, and before Snape could dance triumphantly, Harry pushed him into the slide, Snape's wand clattering to the floor and Harry shouted 'Shut' over and over in parseltongue.
The sink closed on the potion master's terrified screams, ending all light in the Chamber of Secrets and cutting off all noise from there as well.
Snape's wand resting on the floor lit a weak lumos, clearly cast from its master, but it wasn't going to help him down there.
Nearly bleeding to death, Harry called weakly for Dobby who popped him to the infirmary, causing another stir.
"Who attacked you?" Bones demanded.
"Professor Snape. He wanted to know where the entrance to the Chamber was."
"He tortured you to show him?" Arthur demanded sickly.
"Snape wants the basilisk. I don't care. Why didn't he just ask? Why is he so mean to me? Why does he hate me?" Harry cried. He realized that Snape intended to kill him tonight and leave him in the Chamber of Secrets to rot.
As Poppy gave him blood replenishments after closing his wounds, she could only tut.
"It must have been this Snape fellow that attacked Harry Potter! Not Lucius! He's a governor!" Fudge had followed Director Bones inside the room.
"Where's Professor Snape now?" Director Bones asked gently.
"I opened the sinks and shoved him in. He planned on killing me and leaving me down there. I figured it was my only chance. I can't duel him. Unlike Lockhart, he really knows his stuff. Besides, my wand was here."
Harry was glad that his new special wand was hidden away at Gringotts. After Dobby saved his life, Harry hired him. Being new to the magical world, Harry figured he could use a bodyguard. Dobby was the world's highest paid house-elf at the moment.
If Harry and Hermione could have their way, he would not be the only one so free.
After everyone had left, Dobby came in and asked if Harry Potter, sir, wanted Dobby to be selling great beastie to goblins. Harry thought about it. Anything that kept it away from Snape was fine with him.
"Won't Snape try to hurt you?" Harry asked worriedly.
"Snakey man trying to find his way in dark passage. Falling rocks hitting hims on head. Not Dobby doing! Himself! Hims being asleep."
Harry chuckled. Snape 'rocked' himself to sleep, it seemed.
"But how can the goblins move something so big?" Harry asked, yawning hugely.
"Thems moving dragons around underground, Master Harry, Sir. They's can be doing it."
Harry nodded. "Don't forget to sleep, my friend."
Dobby nodded. "Just as soon as goblins move big beastie, Dobby sleep. Then Snake-man no steal or hurt Harry Potter sir!"
Dobby was clearly feeling guilty for not protecting Harry, but Dobby had run an errand for him.
Now, he was going to run another that would have several people extremely mad at Harry.
And all Harry Potter did was sleep.
**OO**
Arthur Weasley was a very affable man, affectionate to his wife and children. He found himself making friends with Dan Granger easily. When Hermione was petrified, Hedwig couldn't seem to deliver letters to the Granger parents from Harry, even though Hermione had used the faithful owl for her own letters.
Harry had an inspiration to send them to the Weasleys, and they could send their own letters to their children with Hedwig, and Errol could do the shorter flight to the Grangers.
Which worked, and the Grangers profusely thanked both Weasley parents and Harry for keeping them informed.
Now, after the terrible day that they had had the previous day, Arthur had pulled all of his children out of Hogwarts, and was making an in-person visit with the Grangers.
"Arthur! We got your note. Come in, come in." Emma waved the wizard in.
As fascinated as Arthur was with all things muggle, the Grangers were with magical things.
That was one of the reasons that this visit was so hard, so painful.
"It's all registered. I'm officially Hermione's magical guardian. They'll try to revoke it after we all move, but it will be too late as long as we are no longer under the British Ministry of Magic jurisdiction."
"But I thought that Hermione had to attend until her OWLs?" Dan Granger asked, putting a cup of tea in front of the strangely dressed wizard.
"She does if she wants to keep her magic. But any school will do. And honestly, even tutors count. Private tutors are what several of the isolationist families use." Arthur admitted.
"But where are the best schools? McGonagall said Hogwarts was. It's clear from experience that while it once might have been, there is no way it's the premiere school any longer. Death Eater Potions Teacher that just screams at students and does no actually teaching? History? Ha! There's really only a couple of decent classes. And Hermione had to do maths and English on her own time. And we pay for it as well." Dan shared.
Arthur set out the brochures on the table. "They teach mostly in Arabic, but also in French. Hermione's fluent in that, yes? Well, not that you can't afford the language potions. But still. I don't know what to do. And we have to consider Ginny's mental health. There is no way that Dumbledore will pay for her healing. Not after what he tried to do to me."
"I thought that Harry was sharing his basilisk profits with you too? According to this, you could have hundreds of children and afford to go there."
Arthur blushed. Some people seemed to act like one or two was a limit. He fed his family. They might not have the latest fashions or anything, but they had sufficient.
Until he wanted to move to a foreign country, that was. He wasn't going to ask Harry for charity!
"Mr Weasley. Arthur. Friends help each other in times like this. We don't have jobs there either. We'll likely keep and rent this house out, as we love it, and want to keep it. Don't sell the Burrow if you don't want to. Let us help you until you get a job, and get on your feet. Didn't you say we could rent a large home together to share?"
"Yes. You can both pass as squibs. You could learn how to brew potions from Molly. She makes extra money doing so. Oh! Water is a problem there. We'd best be spending time conjuring water in enlarged jars to take with us." Arthur made more notes.
"Arthur. I know a place that sells plastic water drums. Holds fifty-five gallons. I bet that you could expand those, we can fill them, and you can shrink them and put them in a trunk."
Arthur nodded, making more notes.
"We can stay in a wizarding tent or three temporarily until we get settled." Arthur said. "We have one. I dare not borrow another if we don't know when we're coming back."
"I don't think it wise to return until the youngest children have passed their NEWTs." Emma declared. "Letting Dumbledore, Malfoy and Snape go with only some financial penalties! It's criminal! Will we ever be safe with such leaders in place?"
Arthur didn't know. The trickiest part was next, and there was no way he was registering this with the Ministry of Magic.
Arthur was a Black by Blood. Dorea Black was the eldest child of that family group. Arcturus was the youngest, but the only male survivor of that generation. Still. Harry was blood family.
Arthur's magic, whether the life-debt or something else, something more, was pushing him to get Harry Potter out from under Dumbledore's, Snape's and Lucius Malfoy's way.
For the safety of his children and their friends, they had to leave the country.
Fortunately for him, a goblin lawyer with a club hand met with the Weasley pater and handed over the prepared parchment work and a borrowed blood quill.
If the Dursley's signed, of their own free will, Harry Potter would legally be Arthur's ward.
Arthur was going to have to swallow his pride. The Alexandria Wizarding Academy near Cairo, Egypt, was truly the best in the world. It offered far more classes than Hogwarts and allowed day students as well.
They had simple uniforms because many of their students came from normal homes, poorer homes.
His children wouldn't be picked on for being poor.
And Harry Potter wouldn't be any other than a foreign wizard. He wouldn't be stared at or stand out, or even that unusual.
Providing that Arthur found a job in the first couple of months, they actually should be just fine financially.
Arthur looked at the uncashed draft. Twenty-five thousand galleons shared from the profits of the large snake. Some of which was designated for Ginny's medical needs. Some was just because of Ron's help. He knew that Harry had given Hermione and Penny gold too, along with two muggleborn boys.
Filch was given a sweet little kitten with a blue bow around it's perfectly white fur that matched its blue eyes. Just in case Mrs Norris didn't make it.
Arthur squared his shoulders. He didn't notice the thousand pounds in used, unmarked muggle money in the big envelope.
If he had known, it would have made him very angry.
**OO**
Minerva McGonagall was livid. The stories going around didn't match the memories that had somehow wound up in her warded office.
"Severus Snape!" The cat animagus spat. "Unhand my student!"
"I was escorting Mr Potter to detention. He skipped it after dinner."
"Ye know very well that I canceled that detention. You're to have nothing to do with the lad. Now, please return to your office. I need to talk to Harry, if ye don't mind!"
Fingering his wand, Snape clearly wanted to duel.
"Minerva! How fortunate to run into you! Good evening Severus. If you'll excuse us, please?" Flitwick didn't need a wand to be dangerous. Potter had his wand in his hand, as did McGonagall.
"Good evening, Filius. The air is quite fetid this evening." Snape sneered.
No one jumped to the bait. In fact, Snape felt in more danger just from Flitwick than anyone else.
After he left, Filius escorted both Potter and Minerva to her office.
"That man!"
Filius produced several vials of polyjuice, and asked Harry for hair samples.
"One of the junior Curse-breakers, Angus Wood, is going to be Harry from tonight on. You, my boy, are headed to America." Filius stated.
"My relatives signed me away. They never wanted me. It shouldn't hurt. But it still does. Will I see you again?" Harry asked.
Minerva sighed. "I don't know, Mr Potter. I feel that I've done you so many bad turns lately. Seeing Severus torture you, though. I can't leave! I have to let him know he can't get away with it!"
"He knew when I left the infirmary to get away from the yelling somehow." Harry shared.
Filius punched the boy lightly on the shoulder in approval. "Well done, lad. Take fifty points for Gryffindor. Snape's taken so much off you for your theft of the basilisk, it's the least I can do."
"He needs to make up his mind. On one hand, I'm a horrible liar who tried to kill him by trapping him in the Chamber of Secrets. Then I'm a thief for taking the basilisk profits away. Not very consistent." Harry pointed out.
"Not in the least." McGonagall pointed out. "Any way to be cruel."
"You're both staying here? To protect the students?"
"Aye. There's something going on. I've never known Dumbledore to be evil. Full of his own plans, yes. But not evil. Drop us a letter now and then. Please. Let us know you're happy. Safe."
"I will. I can go through Gringotts. And you can owl them as well." Harry shared.
The floo flared, and Oliver's older brother stepped in.
"Oh, this is going to be fun! I get to be Harry Potter, all wee and stuff."
Harry handed him his trunk. He'd taken out the photo album, his best boots (well, his only boots), and his father's invisibility cloak. It hummed in happiness to be held by Harry. Something he had not noticed before.
"We're moving you to separate quarters due to the recent attacks. You just have to come out once in a while." Filius explained, knowing the lad had been properly briefed already.
Minerva leaned down and gave Harry a hug. "Be safe, Little Lion."
Filius shook his hand. "Be well, and prosper, Mr Potter."
Unable to speak with such deep sadness filling his heart at leaving his first ever home, Harry floo'd to Gringotts.
A now revived Hermione met him with a warm hug, and the large group was seen going to the line to leave for America. Hedwig too beat her wings against the cage. She would be staying here for a time, and going on to Egypt later. For now, she would be safer and happier not traveling with the rest.
Of course, they had no intention of staying in America. Just divesting themselves of the tracking charms and devices, which included unpicking some runic embroidery added to the cloak's hem.
After a rest and complete wash, all clothes that had ever been in Hogwarts were carefully sold as pre-arranged to a thrift shop. The group donned good used clothes that were triple checked for tracking charms.
Harry sighed about the wand. It had runic tracking charms added to it before Harry had bonded to it. That and its unique core meant that it too would be left behind. This time, with a trusted person that would return it whenever Harry asked.
At least Dumbledore's old wand was a good match for Harry. The Potter boy liked it, and the wand liked him.
Time to visit schools. First up was Salem, of course. After that, it was MIT&T (Massachusetts Institute of Technomancy and Technology), both in Massachusetts. They would then take the American version of a Knight Bus in train form to the Diné Ritual and Runic Studies in Atlanta, Georgia. Next, after some sightseeing, was the Austin, Texas Thaumaturgy Quorum.
After that, the next stop was Los Angeles, then onto Hawaii for a few days, and then Japan. They were going to be stopping and starting all over the world, while Harry Potter scholarships were given out to several schools, with one small caveat.
That the name Harry Potter be added to their rolls of enlisted students, even though he would not be attending. The top fifty schools in the world would have Harry Potter. As would Hogwarts.
Anyone checking would see the name and think he was enrolled.
Harry did not exit the Hogwarts school officially. It would start the Harry Potter hunt early.
No. Let them wait until early September. The copies of the paperwork showed that the Dursleys signed over guardianship rights to John Smith and wife Mary, and they were US Citizens who had distant blood ties to Harry Potter.
There were eighteen John Smith's listed in the parent's phonebook of Salem alone. Not counting the various Mary, M or J Smiths, there were over a hundred possible combinations to check.
And of course, none of them would admit to knowing Harry Potter in the least.
**OO**
Japan was a beautiful and peaceful country. While the Weasleys felt that they couldn't afford to play tourists after the first week despite Harry begging them to stay, Harry was left with Dan, Emma, and Hermione Granger as escorts. And surprisingly, Percy Weasley.
"Father, it is irresponsible to leave the Granger's without an adult wand! I know that I am going to do well on my NEWTs. We're adopting Harry, right? Well, then. I'm watching out for my new youngest brother."
Percy had turned seventeen back in November, so for most magical communities, he was considered an adult.
Harry smiled up at him. Penny was being very smart about this. She wanted to go to school with Percy. So, they were waiting to see if they should go to a different school, or stay at Hogwarts. Penny wasn't taking Potions, so she didn't have to worry about Snape. And she had never spoken to Dumbledore.
Harry figured it was his scar or something. They should be fine if they decided to stay. But it would be awkward if the rest of the clan didn't return.
New job in Cairo covered a lot, but then Harry figured that Dumbledore would figure it out and make a beeline there to try and find Harry. If. If he didn't just let him go.
"You need to concentrate on just the clay, the water running on your hands. Imagine the shape that you want to make. This magic is in your blood, Harry-san." The beautiful instructor advised.
Harry and Hermione, along with Emma, were taking a magical pottery class. No magic required in terms of wand-waving.
Dan was tearing up a nearby golf course with some of the other parents who were visiting the school's open house.
Squibs were treated a bit like someone who had lost a limb. Sadness for the loss, a bit of pity, but no one had talked down to Dan or Emma or treated them with any threats. Unlike Diagon Alley.
Harry felt something, and remembered about the desperate need for clean water where they were going. All of them had been conjuring water to near magical exhaustion over and over.
Arthur seemed to think that it was needed. Maybe he had a line on a business or something. But thinking of the need for water had the clay finding a pitcher shape in his hands. And he knew it would be able to hold more than it looked like. Keeping the water perfectly cool, ready to drink.
The instructor clapped her hands as the pot formed. She instructed them how to move them to the kiln to bake. A final glaze would be added and baked again.
"There are many runes, and ways to improve the pieces, but you have now all felt the magic. Felt the potential of what can be done with this art form. Thank you for coming."
Harry didn't want to leave without his pot, and was happy to find out that it would be ready in just a few hours.
Emma looked at her slightly misshapen sugar bowl, beaming. Hermione had a sturdy mug for holding tea.
Harry complimented Hermione on her very nice mug and said congratulations to Emma too.
"I really like this artwork. Wherever we decide to live, I want to pursue this again." Hermione stated.
Harry nodded. Something about this touched his heart. He could almost hear singing in an ancient tongue that was not English when he was making it.
Writing out a few words of the tune, Harry determined to find out if that was something real or imagined.
But his research would not start here. There was nothing Japanese in the song, that much he was sure. English, no. Irish? Hmm. Scottish? He didn't think so.
Harry had no idea that his ancestors came from Wales, and what he was hearing was Welsh.
**OO**
The first punch caught Arthur by surprise, but he wasn't alone. His taller and younger eldest son pulled his wand.
"My father was sharing a business proposition! Why in the world would you hit him?" An angry Bill Weasley demanded.
"It's ridiculous! You have no idea the tariffs and restrictions on water. The licenses required to sell it. Do you think that we are idiots? Conjured water removes moisture from the air. That kind of spell is illegal here!" The angry Caliph stated. "Be gone, and trouble me no more!"
Bill started to argue, but Arthur waved him off. "If he is too stubborn, too set in his ways to find out the truth, then we want nothing to do with him."
The goblins had already contracted for water with Arthur, and that amount alone told him that his business hunch was right. It was just a matter of finding the right contacts now. Something that would take time.
"Part of the problem, Dad, is the language barrier. Arabic is the first language among a lot of the people here."
The small town near the magical school was like Hogsmeade. All magical, all open about it. People flying on carpets, Gringotts Cairo was actually here, not in Cairo proper.
"Excusé moi. Je voudrais de l'eau, s'il vous plait. 'Ma. Vasser?"
Arthur pulled out a small portable cup and poured water. It was a universal sign of friendship here.
"Here you go. Water. From England." Arthur enunciated carefully.
It was too complicated to say 'not conjured here'.
The man drank deeply of the cool water, and offered a few sickles for it. Arthur shook his head.
"I need a partner. To sell. Water. Legal water from England." Arthur said slowly. "Arthur Weasley, this is my son, Bill".
Bill translated it to French, Arabic, and Egyptian.
The man smiled wide and responded in rapid Arabic. "Daud Mohamed ibn Auda. Pleased to meet you."
They shared bows.
"We can get licenses, but will have enemies. The safest way to sell water is in the Women's Market. Perhaps one of your wives can sell? I can see if my wives will help." Daud stated.
Bill started laughing at his father's face after he translated.
"I'll have to ask, but it's a possibility. If she'll be safe." Arthur added dubiously.
"Oh yes. Hire some guards." Daud recommended.
The words passed by Arthur too fast, but Bill said he would have to hire a guard.
"Nonsense. I will help Molly myself." The Weasley Patriarch rebutted.
This time, Bill really did laugh at his father.
"Dad, they have to be eunuchs to go in there. It's women or them only. You know."
Arthur sputtered, and the man they were bargaining with also laughed.
It didn't take long to get set up. As collecting water was women's work, setting up the shop in the Women's Market was especially appropriate. Molly was happy to do it, and could brew right there as well. She had two of Daud's wives as helpers, both families sharing in the profits.
And a very welcome new business as the stall happily took goods in trade as well as gold and silver coins.
**OO**
Fortunately for the family, renting a place to set up a magical tent was not only a common thing with people coming in from caravans and such, it was very inexpensive.
By the time that Harry and the Grangers showed up, they had a little compound all set up.
Ginny, Ron, and the twins rushed out to greet the weary travelers as they arrived.
Molly, Bill, and Arthur were all working. Molly walked over at the noise – the women's market turned out to be only a half block away. There was a small group of witches working with Molly.
"Nice to see you. Emma, Hermione. Why don't you come and see the shop?"
"May I please come, Mother?" Ginny asked.
"If you agree to keep your hair covered and wear proper clothes. Look at the way that Mrs Granger and Hermione are dressed, lovey."
Hermione had been raised to be an intrepid traveler and that meant following the customs of the people where she was.
They were both dressed in the local robes, with bright colored chadors over their robes. Muggles wore black over robes, but the magical community wore bright colors.
Hermione wondered if this is where the tradition of bright robes came from.
Ginny was wearing harem pants and a short shirt that left her midriff bare. Now, their 'compound' had a fabric fence that kept the neighbors from seeing. But it was not an acceptable outfit to wear in public.
"But I look cute!" Ginny stamped her foot.
Ron rolled his eyes, but Percy agreed. She did look adorable. But…
Molly gave her a look. "I won't have you beaten in public by those fashion police they have here. I saw one thwack a woman for showing an ankle when she left to go catch her ride home."
The 1 inch diameter poles were the biggest they could legally use, but it was enough to really hurt. And the woman had her ankle broken by the thugs.
Ginny showing that much skin in public? No, no, no.
Ginny relented and put on the colorful clothes and headed out. It was boring just sitting in the tents with nothing really to do.
Ron greeted Harry like a long lost cousin. "It's great to see you. So, how many schools are you now registered in?"
Harry smirked. "Seventy three. All the public schools in America are free, and were happy to help with my request even without any money being given. Thanks for helping with all the water before we left. You're really great at Aguamenti. The air is so dry here. I don't think it would work."
Percy shook his head. "They have a way of monitoring magic. It's one of the spells specifically banned, as it pulls water vapor from the air. They don't want the little bit in the air to be pulled."
Harry tilted his head. He loved reading about magic, and knew that Percy was just the person to ask, as he was fabulous at transfiguration.
"Why not take ocean water and remove the salt and gold and stuff?" Harry asked.
Ron goggled. "There's gold in seawater? Wow! Just think, we could be rich!"
Harry didn't mean to laugh at his friend, but couldn't hide the smile quick enough. "Probably not enough to do that, but I remember from primary school."
Harry wouldn't mention that, at eight years old, he too wanted to find such gold. Of course, Harry was trying to escape the Dursleys. A fear that he would be found and returned there overcame him, like a shadow on a cloudy day.
"It'll be alright, Harry. You're an Egyptian citizen now. We all are. Which is why we are going to obey all the laws, right, Ronald?" Percy peered, but was looking at the twins more than said teen.
"Aye, aye Sir!" All four of the youngest said, with their best silly salutes that Dan had shared with them.
The salute back had them all guffawing, as this was not the stuffy Percy of Hogwarts!
**OO**
None of the students, not even Percy, were looking forward to the exams coming up.
"Am I late?"
Penny Clearwater had just walked in. With the latest news that Hogwarts was going to be hosting Dementors this year, had convinced her parents that Penny wasn't wrong to switch schools. Even if it did mean giving up a Head Girl badge.
What was that in comparison to losing their child to a demon!
The doors opened, and the students were led into a blissfully cool room that had desks in scattered patterns all around. Labeled with the testing students' names, they made their way to their seats.
Ron was a bit opened mouth at the parkay wood floor, and the lovely bits of artwork on the walls. It was so very Egyptian and so very beautiful.
Wrung out, there was a break for lunch, and several older students from the school joined their meal.
Introductions were made, but Harry couldn't follow the strange names.
While Muslim law was followed in the marketplace, both witches and wizards were schooled here together. Harry noted that there were far more witches present than wizards.
"You will find Mr Potter that our country has four times as many witches as wizards. No doubt where our marriage customs come from. It wouldn't be fair to leave out so many from having a family after all, would it?"
Harry shook his head. He was soon going to be a teenager. Of course, he thought harems were a brilliant idea! Not that he was going to say that outloud to anyone. Today or ever.
He did not want to wind up 'uniqueed' and qualified for serving guard duty!
Hermione looked quizzically at that pronouncement and wrote notes. For a society that seemed skewed towards preferring men, why didn't they have potions or spells to get the birth rate back into balance. But she was learning to keep her own counsel more and more in this new strange land.
She was just happy that one of the classes offered during the summer was pottery.
Their placement in the standard classes was all over the board, and Hermione nearly wept to be put into the lowest potions and defense class.
They were promised that it would not look bad for them at all. The school had high standards. Harry was just glad that he was with people who seemed to truly care for him. Bill, Percy, Arthur or Molly all seemed to be making a good effort to spend time with him each day.
Harry mentioned it wasn't necessary. That's when Percy confessed Penny's news and shared a newspaper article about Sirius Black's escape and how he would be after Harry.
"'He's at Hogwarts' the man was heard to repeat? But I won't be there. Other people, our roommates, other Gryffindors, they are the ones in danger!" Harry shouted.
"Harry, we know. And we've let McGonagall know unofficially that you won't be returning. The official letter of withdrawal will likely be published in the September first evening newspaper as the leading news. I'm sorry." Arthur shared sadly.
Harry thought about it.
"That was always when Dumbledore found out anyway, sir. No worries."
"Harry! Our field trip is about to start!" Hermione warned. They were meeting their pottery class in front of Gringotts. A museum that held ancient pottery was going to allow students to sketch and even handle a few of the more common receptacles.
Ron had refused to join the class, but Penny and Ginny both did, as did George. It was unusual for the twins to split like this, but they refused to answer questions about it.
Harry thought it was because Jasmine was taking the class, and the prefect has certainly made an impression on the young wizard.
**OO**
Harry was fascinated. Learning that some of the pictographs were really magical runes that performed magic made it all so interesting.
Harry had figured out the runic sequence for preserving wine in the first amphora. The second one seemed to be something about grain or corn. This one though was beyond him, even with the runes book that he had purchased for school.
"Ah! Careful with that one, Mr Potter. It's a container for a Horcrux. I don't know how it came to be amongst the ones that students can handle." The teacher stated.
Hermione was first with the obvious question. "What's a Horcrux?"
"An ineffective attempt at immortality. The soul is immortal. Splitting it into pieces causes one to become insane. Some of the pharaohs were silly enough to try it three or even seven times. Those people became monsters."
"Sounds like Voldemort." Harry muttered. Ginny lightly slapped his arm for saying the unforgivable name.
" We'll have to check everyone for possession. Come here, class please!" Mrs Hussan called.
Ginny paled, her eyes haunted. This class was supposed to be part of her therapy, not a cause for nightmares!
Penny hugged her, and George put his arm around Ginny in support. This she did not need!
One by one, Mrs Hassan checked them all with a spell. Harry let the others go first, nervous that this was some kind of health check. He didn't want others to know how badly he'd been treated at the Dursleys.
The test on the Potter boy was indeed positive.
Seeing his nervousness, she waved for one of the people working here towards Harry.
"I think that Mr Potter might have a Horcrux. I have the recommended clay back in the classroom. Do you want me to fetch it?"
The curator of the museum shook his head. "We have some here. Let me prepare the ritual while you send for his guardians. I need to inform Gringotts. They might have some trainees that haven't seen this before. I hope you don't mind, Mr Potter, but this is a rare teaching moment."
Penny stepped up just then. "You aren't going to hurt him, are you?"
The curator gave her a brief smile. "I will not lie to you, Miss. The procedure is not without pain. However, it will not be fatal. Well, not to Mr Potter. The same cannot be said for whatever bits of soul we can attract here. If you are of age, and wish to support your friend, you can stay."
Penny looked at a frightened Ginny, a concerned Hermione, and knew that Percy would be very upset to be left out.
"I'll return with the others to tell Mr and Mrs Weasley. And get Bill. He's a curse-breaker."
"Good. Please return here by 2:45. The best time for this ritual today is at 3:00." The wizard informed her.
Penny nodded, and took a portkey back to Gringotts. What would the Weasleys say? She felt horrible for her ignorance, and stood by and allowed Harry to handle that amphora without checking it! This was all her fault!
Bill and Arthur were going, leaving Molly at the souk which was their only source of income right now. Penny and Percy debated going, or watching over the younger ones.
George stepped up. "I should have studied more, been watching over Harry and Ginny more. I didn't notice, because I was watching Jasmine. I'm so sorry. Can you two please go? I'll watch over everyone else while you're gone."
Hermione had got written permission from her parents to go be with Harry once Penny assured them that it was safe for everyone but Harry. And even he wouldn't die.
It was a very good thing that the two muggleborns who both had their CPR certifications went, as the ritual was not safe for Harry.
**OO**
A group of young curse-breakers sat in the balcony seats not ten feet above the action. They had a clear view. Many had taken potions to help aid their memories of this event. This historic event.
Before Harry was a small bowl of purified water, a pail of specialized clay, and a slate table.
Penny was both relieved and horrified that it was Harry's scar that was the Horcrux. It wasn't something new, but something more than a decade old.
Something that Dumbledore should have noticed and found, she thought to herself.
"Take up the clay, Harry Potter. Mold it in your hands. Concentrate. Summon the other parts.
Harry took up a bit, and felt like molding a cup, a crown, a necklace, a ring. After that, he felt nothing, so the Curse-breaker leading the ritual had him put down a few rows of just blobs of clay. Just in case.
"Time to lay down, Harry." Bill advised.
Hermione held his right hand, Arthur was at his feet, Penny was on his other side with Percy, while Bill was at his head.
"Death is a normal part of the cycle. We were created in the eternities, and we live, breathe, learn. Grow. Are tested and tried. And then we return Home. That is the pattern! This is the Way! The Path of Life!"
"The Path of Life!" The curse-breakers intoned.
"Death is a normal part of the cycle. To defy it is to defy the Path of Life!"
"The Path of Life!" Now everyone repeated it except Harry, who was starting to squirm in pain.
"Death is a normal part of the cycle. Return to us, pieces of soul. And continue the Path of Life!"
Now all the curse-breakers leveled the wands at the blobs, a summoning spell on their lips.
"Iter vitae" The curse-breakers chanted together.
And magic swirled around them. First was the scar on Harry's forehead that broke out, a mist directed to one of the blobs where it struggled to get free, and was then quiescent.
Harry himself lapsed unconscious while black ichor and worse dripped down his face. Oh no! The lad was not breathing! His heart had stopped!
Penny and Hermione sorted themselves out quickly, with Hermione breathing for Harry for a time. One of the curse-breakers tried to stop them, but a nearby healer interfered.
"I had nothing, but have heard of this technique. Muggle. Wait. Wait!"
Harry's chest rose, and Penny stopped. Harry turned to his side and started coughing. The liquid from his forehead turned to blood, just blood, and the healer hurried over to her patient.
The ritual had not stopped, though. The next Horcrux summoned was from closer by, all the Gringotts of the world magically connected. From a vault, came a loud scream, alarms blaring, sections of vaults locked off.
On the slate in front of them, in the most intricate of switching spells, came a small chalice. The pottery cup enlarged, turned gold and wobbled, but was soon in full form. Bill gasped, as did a few other English curse-breakers.
"Hufflepuff's cup!" was being whispered around.
The healer finished with Harry, but stood by to monitor the situation.
Next was a ring that appeared, calling to all those around. Nearest was Mrs Hassan, but she was stopped from reaching it by a new curse-breaker, who slapped her hands away to claim the prize.
"Immortality is mine!" The boy called, just before his hand started to blacken. He was stunned, the ring removed, and the young man treated for the mummifying curse. His organs would have slowly liquified. Terrible death.
Mrs Hassan had to leave the room to be sick for a bit, seeing how close death had come to her.
"Occlumency shields people! This isn't pumpkin juice we're dealing with." The lead called.
There was a laugh, as only people working in a dangerous field can do, and the locket took form.
"No! No ones be stealing Master Regulus' locket! Failed him, Kreacher has. Won't fail. Won't fail agains."
Dobby appeared, and pulled Kreacher away from the locket. "Master Harry's!"
"Master Regulus'!" Kreacher claimed.
The elves got into a bit of a slapping match there, which some of the goblins in the crowd tried to offer wagers for.
"Stop! We are going to destroy this, and I have no desire to destroy a house-elf with it." The curse-breaker called.
Kreacher looked around, and saw Harry being tended to by Penny and Hermione. While the elf wanted to go attack him, and tried to do so, he couldn't.
"Half-blood son of a mudblood can't be Kreacher's master! Kreacher rather have clothes!"
Hermione opened her bag, and took out a white glove for handling precious manuscripts. She offered it to her best friend, who smiled in thanks.
"Well then, today is your lucky day, Kreacher. I dismiss you. You are free!"
Unlike Dobby, Kreacher threw a temper tantrum of the worst sort.
"I'll kill nasty half-blood for this! I'll kill you!"
Bill, at the end of his patience, stunned the older elf. "I know he said he wanted clothes, but I don't think he thought you would do it."
The ring, now free of the terrible curse, was put back on the table.
After a few more moments, Dobby put the ruined diary on the slate with the other items. "We need to be making sure they's all be dead, dead Master Harry Potter, sir."
Harry couldn't agree more. So that's how the diary worked. "I killed that with a basilisk fang. I suspect Dobby has that as a souvenir as well."
Dobby looked a bit sheepish, but didn't deny anything.
A large statue of a dog was wheeled in. A big black dog. Harry's memories were pricked, but he couldn't think of where he'd seen a big black dog before.
A few more minutes to prepare, and the ritual to banish the pieces of soul to Anubis, guardian of the dead, was finished. The statue's mouth had actually opened for a moment, but Harry didn't think that they had been transferred to the statute. He felt it. They had left the building. Left this plane of existence.
Harry looked at the various items on the slate and nodded his head. He was tired, and wanted a nap.
"Mr Potter. Traditionally, it is the person who was possessed who gets to keep the cleansed vessels." The curse-breaker stated, knowing that in being honest, he was giving away a fortune.
Harry turned to Bill. "I don't know what the typical fee is, but multiply it by ten. Everyone who helped gets a share. I have a feeling that Dumbledore knew about my 'friend' in my scar. No wonder he had Voldemort at school last year! The Headmaster wanted us to kill each other!"
Bill wasn't sure about that. "What about the remaining fragment?"
"Without his anchors? It will likely try to possess a living creature, and then die when that animal does. Then Anubis will have all of him." The lead curse-breaker stated. A fee of any kind was welcome, and Harry Potter was being generous. Copies of the memory of this ritual alone would be enough to pay for a good exploring tent.
Bill swept up the treasure into a pouch, and handed it along with Harry's wand back to him.
Harry had been sad to leave his first wand in Salem, and hoped to get it back one day. But with Fawkes' tail as a core? The Headmaster would be able to track it anywhere.
Of course, the phoenix could track him anywhere if he were to betray Harry. For some reason, Harry didn't think Fawkes would do that.
Upon their return to their new home, Harry discovered a very upset Ron. Harry was worried it was because the goblins had given him the Lestrange vault in penalty for them holding an illegal item, i.e., a Horcrux in it.
No, Ron's rat was missing. With the number of owls that weren't Hedwig, cats, and other animals that would view a fat rat as a tasty snack, Harry wasn't surprised.
Sad for his friend, but not surprised.
**OO**
Peter Pettigrew had a sense of self-preservation taller than any mountain. He knew it was past time to run, and run far.
His only hope was to find the Dark Lord, and lead him back to destroy the Boy Who Lived before Remus and Sirius found him.
There was no forgiveness, no mercy to be found there.
With stolen money from Harry's trunk, Peter had enough to start where Quirrell had likely found their master.
In the darkest forests of Albania.
Driven by a force greater than hunger or thirst, the animagus had to find the Dark Lord. Had to find safety.
Had to find a place of Sanctuary.
Using the Dark Mark, even in its shadowed form, was enough. Peter had found him. Found the Dark Lord.
"Pettigrew, my friend. You can help me. Invite me in, and I will share my knowledge, power and wisdom with you. Save me, help me regain my own body, and I will reward you beyond measure."
Peter didn't think, didn't stop. Like a compulsion or imperius curse, he had to do this.
But by taking in the Dark Lord while in rat form, Peter became locked into that form. And with no access to a magical home, would have lived as long as a normal rat.
If it hadn't been for the viper that the Dark Lord had been thinking about inhabiting, that was. The viper got a fine meal of fat rat, and the Dark Lord's remaining soul, along with his follower, was greeted by the Guardian of Death.
**OO**
Harry offered to get him a new pet, but Ron didn't want the charity. Harry knew that the family was voting on whether or not to adopt Harry. He hoped that everyone agreed, and was not above a bit of bribery to help their decision.
Harry asked Mrs Weasley and Mrs Granger to select a huge house for all of them near the school. One that had lots of bedrooms and bathrooms. A big kitchen for Harry and Dobby to cook in. Maybe a swimming pool. Harry would like to learn how to swim.
Oh, and one that had a nice back garden for pets. A big black dog, a stray, had shown up on his doorstep the morning after the ritual. Harry felt a special connection to this dog, and he didn't know why.
George had taken one look at him. "Um, Harry. Did you get a new familiar?"
Harry was petting the happy guy, whose tail was going wildly. "I don't know. I do feel connected to him. What do you think we should call him?"
Ginny and Penny came in, both stopping to give Harry a good morning hug.
The dog sniffed at both girls, and licked them. He then trotted back over and sat at Harry's feet.
Molly came in and saw the large thing. "Goodness! Is that? Is that?"
Harry bent down. "Meet Anubis. He's my new dog. Anubis, this is Mrs Weasley. She is the head of the house, don't listen to what anyone else might say."
Molly scoffed at that, and gave her gentle husband a sweet kiss.
They all sat down to breakfast that Dobby insisted on doing on his own due to Harry's ritual the day before. Dobby then got bowls of food and water for the new dog.
Discussion about schooling, when to advise Hogwarts about the rest of the Weasleys and all that was discussed.
Hermione was just happy holding Harry's hand while they walked the short distance to look at a home for sale. When did that happen? This was nice. He felt especially close to her lately. It was nice holding Hermione's hand.
Ginny saw it too, and looked unhappy but not unsurprised. Her mind healer had been to the house, and talking about her crush on Harry Potter had to happen.
"Be his friend, child. You are all so young. And here, there is nothing wrong with you both winning? Yes?"
"NO! I won't ever accept that!" Ginny had stated loudly.
Then again, she didn't think that Hermione would share either.
**OO**
Anubis was a good dog. He liked to sniff at Harry's pocket, where he kept his wand.
"Maybe we should have called him 'Snuffles'? Hermione asked.
Harry shook his head. The dog wanted a stick, but he wasn't going to let him chase his wand!
He went to the kitchen and got a bamboo skewer. Concentrating, he elongated it until it was longer and heavier than his wand.
"Who's a good boy? Do you want the stick? Huh? Go fetch!"
Again and again they played. Anubis was a very good boy.
**OO**
"Dementors swarm Hogwarts Express! Students kissed! Hero Defense Teacher saves hundreds!" Arthur sadly read.
While he was glad that Harry's removal from Hogwarts wasn't the front page news, he was very sad to see what was. Good for Remus Lupin, though. Arthur remembered him from the Order. A quiet, scholarly man with a wicked sense of humor.
And a good friend of Sirius Black's. It was a good thing that he was there to protect the children. The Ministry could be facing a disaster of epic proportions if all of the children had been kissed.
Harry Potter was looking around for his new dog, who seemed to have disappeared.
"Can you do the Patronus charm, Bill?" Arthur asked. It wasn't a common skill.
"Yes, I needed to learn it when we were dealing with those lethifolds. I assume you can; you've had to interview people in Azkaban."
"Yes. I think that we should all learn it. Just in case we ever have to return home. Those things are dangerous!"
Four Hufflepuff students, only one of which Harry knew from this last year, had been kissed. Poor Justin. While Harry didn't appreciate that Justin thought that Harry would attack him, it was understandable.
"At least it was just four duffers. What if it had been Gryffindors?" Ron stated.
Molly pulled him up by his ear and marched him over to a corner in the kitchen. "Did you just hear yourself! You are cleaning up this kitchen, without magic, mind you, and think about what you said!" Molly shouted.
"But my breakfast…"
"Will be right there when you can tell me what you said wrong!" Molly shouted a bit louder.
Harry and Hermione looked away in embarrassment. Hermione's parents would never discipline her that way. Not that she ever did anything to deserve it! But still.
Harry was a little embarrassed because neither Arthur or Molly had disciplined Harry yet!
Bill, as though reading his mind, spoke out. "Don't worry, Harry. One day, you'll get caught in pulling a prank, or you'll mess up in school, and you too will get a Molly Weasley howler by owl or in person. Just give it time."
Remembering about the car caused Harry to cringe. But Arthur smiled at Harry.
Hedwig flew in just then with a seal from the Egyptian Ministry of Magic and brought it to Arthur.
"Molly, we'll need Ronald for a moment. He can go back to chores in a short while."
Seeing that her husband was not interfering with the discipline laid out, she complied.
"I have news, everyone. As of yesterday, Harry Potter is now officially a member of House Weasley. A son of the House. We'll have the actual ceremony later with my mother and Aunt Muriel."
Ginny paled and dropped her fork. "What? WHAT? NO! NO! YOU CAN'T DO THIS TO ME!"
Ginny burst into tears and fled the room.
"Mr Weasley, if my presence hurts Ginny, causing her to remember…" Harry started to leave as well.
"We met together and voted on this action. Maybe she didn't understand what we were talking about, son." Arthur looked embarrassed.
Percy and Penny looked happy, Bill was quick to smile at Harry. The twins were also happy, but Ron looked upset. Had Harry done something wrong?
Ron stood up. "Ginny's upset 'cause unlike some pureblood families, she'd never marry her brother. I don't think that she got it when we voted on this. Sorry Harry. Look, I'm glad to have you as a brother. Does this mean I get to borrow your broom?"
Harry beamed. Ron was upset because Ginny was hurt. Understandable.
Harry asked Dobby to give Arthur the papers from Gringotts. It included a vault key and ownership papers of the house. "Harry! You can't! It's too much!"
"I don't know why Bellatrix did it, but the Lestrange vault was confiscated by the goblins because she put Hufflepuff's Cup in there. We talked about that already. Once Dumbledore is dead and gone, we return it to the school. The contents were mostly Black gold to begin with. You don't want me to give it to Sirius Black, do you? You're related, too! Let's do good things with this. We can build that desalination plant, only with a bunch of unseen technology that is really technomancy."
Hermione beamed at Harry. "Any technology, sufficiently advanced, appears to be magic. Wasn't that MIT&T's motto?"
"What's a motto?" George asked.
"Nothing. What's a motto with you?" Fred replied, to the groans of all.
Harry ignored them, and continued his thought. "The other things from the ritual, well. The locket could go to the school, but I'm the only parseltongue I know, and it used to belong to one of my ancestors. Kreacher was mad that I had it, so I'm keeping it for a while. For now."
Fred looked up, a bit scared. "You're related to a Dark Wizard?"
"More than one. Sirius Black, the one hunting me? Yeah, he's my godfather. The ring is from another ancestor. Nothing to do with Hogwarts."
Anubis just then came through the door of the kitchen, slurped up water from the dish, and snarfed down his own breakfast. Loudly.
"What choo been doing, boy?" Harry asked. "Ginny could use some cheering up."
Hearing that, the dog bolted upstairs towards Ginny's room.
"One more thing. The Potters are a very respectable family. Considering the family magic that you have clearly shown with your pottery efforts, I hesitate to offer this. But still. You can take the Weasley name if you wish."
Harry pondered a moment. "If you had no sons to carry on the name, I would consider it. But I am the last Potter, and feel that I should at least try to father children of that name. Not soon! But some day."
**OO**
School settled quickly into a nice routine. The group of students walked together to school, along with others on their street.
Arthur had spent some of the gold from the Lestrange vault on Arabic and French lessons for them all. He himself had failed to read the instructions, and took the Arabic one too soon after the French one.
It made for interesting dinner conversations, needless to say.
Dan and Emma finished their dental qualification paperwork, and were accepted into a partnership in Cairo proper that had an opening. By taking them both, neither had to work full-time, which worked better for their schedule right now. They were exploring other activities, and finding out there were wizarding jobs for squibs available. Too bad these opportunities didn't seem to exist in Britain.
By the middle of September, they got a letter from McGonagall. "Well, Albus is most upset. It turns out that Sirius Black never had a trial. Something that Amelia Bones used to send the dementors back to Azkaban. After all, if he never had a trial, then he was never a legal prisoner, so can't have escaped. Thank goodness those things are gone!
"I do invite you, even under disguise, to Remus Lupin's Order of Merlin ceremony. Harry, he was a great friend of your father's. Several of the pictures in your album are copies from him. Don't be too harsh on him for not contacting you. Albus has a way of telling people it would put you in danger. I know for a fact he tried to contact you before Hogwarts. But no owl could find ye."
Harry crinkled the letter in his hand. The Headmaster had kept him from people who liked Harry? Were friends with his parents?
'The school is not the same without the menace twins. I do hope your new school can stand it.'
Fred and George exchange hand slaps at that comment.
"Albus has sent letters to all of his contacts. The Headmistress of Salem is a particular sore point. She excelled in Alchemy, and Albus tried to block her mastery in the subject. Why, I don't know, but to say their relationship is acrimonious is like saying an acromantula is a mite big for a spider."
Ron shuddered at that one.
"It will be months before Albus looks at any other school. If ye are there, stay safe. If ye aren't. Stay safe. I personally could never believe that someone as close to James Potter would betray him. Though Sirius Black was a pompous a… man (the previous word being scratched out), he would have died to save his cousin James.
'It was wonderful to receive your letters. I'm glad that you're taking ancient runes, Harry. James was such a talented wizard in transfiguration, but your mother was brilliant in runes.
'Give my regards to all there. Hermione, it sounds like your plate is more full than you would have had with a time turner. I pray that you be careful, and don't overdo it.'
'My sincerest wishes, one and all, for a better year. And dear Ginevra, I do hope that you feel better soon.'
'Minerva McGonagall.'
"Well, now that you don't have a weekly letter to me anymore, what about writing to her once a week? At least one of you, and the others, can add a small note."
"I think that's a lovely idea." Hermione stated. "Harry! Your godfather might not be hunting you after all. 'He's at Hogwarts.' He could just have been missing you. People do that."
Harry stuck out his tongue. "I'm sure."
Fred looked sad. "And here's me, thinking you were related to a seriously dark wizard. I'm so disappointed."
"Remember that you too have Black blood, old chap. It's you who's related to a seriously dark wizard." George shared.
Fred wiped a pretend tear from his eye.
"You're right. Just don't go killing all of us when you go off. Okay, Georgie?"
Fred ran from the pinching hex coming from his twin's wand.
"Seriously, Dark Wizard coming through!" Fred yelled, running down the hall, the cool tiles echoing his shout.
The rest just laughed at their antics, and hurried to finish breakfast. They were going on a field trip to a magical menagerie as part of Magical Creatures.
Poor Anubis! He didn't like being told he had to stay home while the teens were at school. But he was a good boy, and kept himself out of trouble. Mostly.
**OO**
Severus Snape showing up for Remus Lupin's award ceremony had the man on edge. This was no friend or fellow classmate that had shared a good rapport with. What was he doing here?
Remus' sharp eyes say the Grim hanging about in the corner of the ballroom behind some potted plants. A nod and hand signal to stay in hiding, was all that was needed to tell Padfoot that Remus had indeed noticed him.
The good boy stayed, just as told.
The Minister loved the sound of his own voice, but this was a Saturday, and there were children to watch over.
Just as Fudge was going to call the man up to the podium, Snape stepped up.
"Minister, if I may? There's something you should know before you flush your career down the commode."
Albus Dumbledore stepped forward, putting a gentle hand on Snape's arm. "Now, Severus, now is not the time for petty jealousies. You'll get one of these too someday. You'll see. You will."
Snape pulled away. Fudge looked first at Lucius and then Dumbledore. Lucius had said that Lupin and Snape were not good friends, that Lupin had pranked Severus horribly, and couldn't believe the man was getting an award like this.
"He's a werewolf!" Snape shouted, the podium's amplification charm was still on, and the shout blasted throughout the ballroom.
If that was all he had done, Snape would have been returned to Hogwarts and counted a hero himself.
No, that's when he pulled a silver dagger and tried to murder the man in cold blood. In front of a crowd. Assembled to see heroes and heroines rewarded. Not good.
Sirius Black had on his person a portkey that he had prepared in case he was caught. It was to a Black villa in the South of France. He thought. He'd picked up the portkey from Gringotts, asking for the one to the newest property, since he couldn't remember the name of it.
Padfoot ran through the crowd, causing mayhem and panic.
"A Grim! A Grim! Oh, no!"
The giant black dog leapt to the stage in one bound, knocking Snape down before he got another swipe in.
Remus was already bleeding from a couple of cuts, but his werewolf reflexes had saved his life. There were too many people to cast safely.
Padfoot ran up to him, and in a pulse of magic, well-practiced, activated the portkey away.
Leaving behind a panicked and very confused crowd as to what had just happened.
**OO**
After Harry Potter bought the property near the school, he learned how to make portkeys for it. This was a skill that everyone needed to know, so of course, the instructions were copied and shared.
Only Fred and George's contribution had portkeys that had the traveler(s) land in the middle of the swimming pool. The deep end, of course. Said portkeys were stored at Gringotts. Or were supposed to be.
The children, returned from their trip, were enjoying the sun. Hermione was teaching Harry how to swim. Ginny was working on making her freckles into one large freckle that would then look like a tan.
Fred and George were sipping tropical drinks with little conjured umbrellas.
Anubis was under Ginny's lounge chair. He seemed to be napping, but was on guard duty, eyes on his Master in the pool.
The sudden appearance of not one but two wizards falling on top of Fred and George's floating devices had predictable results. Everyone was in the pool, the drink glasses quickly summoned by an aware Penny, who was studying for NEWTs at the table under the big umbrella.
Percy was on his feet, wand in hand.
"Easy honey. They got through the wards. You know that Bill wasn't lax about that, nor his friends."
Decision made, Percy levitated first Fred then George out of the deep end.
"Wait! That's Professor Lupin! I recognize him from the newspaper!" Hermione shouted, also levitating him out. "I thought you'd be at the Ministry today, sir."
Remus, not having enough practice in dealing with teenagers yet, rolled his eyes.
There was a dark hair wizard floundering in the deep end. He had virtually no body fat left, so had only his lungs for floatation.
"Moony! Help!" The man shouted.
"Hold on Padfoot. I've lost my wand in this mess. Miss, if you would be so kind?"
"Moony? Padfoot?" Fred and George asked together.
"You know these two?" Percy demanded.
The boys came over and shook hands, introducing Gred and Forge to their visitors.
Anubis came over and sniffed at the men, especially Remus. The low growl had Harry on his feet, wand in hand.
"Professor Lupin? I'm Harry Potter. Why doesn't my dog like you? You were a friend of my father's according to Professor McGonagall."
Remus held still, but Sirius looked at Harry in wonder. "You look so much like him, doesn't he, Remus? Just like James when we met on the train. Back then, dark families like mine, or even the neutrals, kept any children out of sight. Only after they got their Hogwarts letters were they recognized. Oh, Harry! You should have grown up with siblings, and cousins. This is such a mess."
Harry called Anubis back, and the large black dog with the head of a jackal went to sit by Harry.
Hermione had her wand out, and was ready to use it. "Sirius Black, I presume?"
Sirius stood stock still. "I swear, I didn't kill them. The rat did. Peter Pettigrew."
"Wait, wasn't that the name of one of the firsties two years ago? We were watching Harry Potter on the map. Hard to believe we got Potter for Gryffindor. Friend of yours, Ron, always hanging round your bed."
"What are you on about? There's no Peter in our group. Dean, Neville, Seamus, me and Harry. That's it." Ron retorted.
"No, there's been six of you for two years." George argued.
"The map. Remus, they must have the map!" Sirius shared.
"You got it back from Filch?" Remus queried. "Good show there! Peter Pettigrew is an animagus, a rat in this case. Should have known. Your father Harry was one as well. Prongs."
Hermione looked up at that. "Was he a big hart? A large deer?"
"How did you know?" Remus asked gently.
"Because that's my Patronus. Hermione! It's my dad! Just like he was protecting me as a child." Harry beamed, a bit of moisture in his eyes.
Arthur came in, and walked over to the unexpected visitors. "Remus! Sirius! We were so glad to know that you were innocent. Why are you wet? Did the twins push you in the pool? No matter, come in, come in. Dobby can find you some dry robes, and we can sit and eat and catch up. I need to introduce you to Harry and the rest of my children."
"You're the one who's been raising Harry? Thank goodness! I stopped by Petunia's where Dumbledore was taking him for a short time until the mess from Halloween blew over, but then I was imprisoned."
"No sir. I was raised there, and only escaped this summer. It sounds like we have a lot of catching up to do. Hey, where did Anubis go? That dog is always busy."
**OO**
Many years later, after a long and happy life with Hermione and their children, Harry was surprised to be greeted by his old dog. The Granger family with Harry left Egypt years before in order for Harry and Hermione to attend MIT&T. However, the dog had disappeared on moving day, and so Harry had made arrangements for the pup to be sent on if it was ever found.
"Anubis! I've missed you!' Harry said, enfolding the large dog in his now strong arms.
'It is time, Master. Time to come with me."
"You can talk? Why didn't I ever hear you in Egypt? I've missed you so much. Back in Egypt, Ginny was heartbroken for a time, I can tell you. She kept hoping you'd come back."
"Yes. I missed her as well, but saw her recently. She was glad to see me."
"That's not possible. No. That can't be. Ginny died just a few years ago."
"I know. I escorted her Home."
"I'm dead? Oh."
Harry looked down. His eldest daughter was holding his hand, his family still living gathered around.
"No wonder it doesn't hurt anymore." Harry looked down and saw young hands, one with a certain ring on it, and wished for a mirror. One popped up. It was his twenty-year-old face in the glass, only with no scar.
Anubis was sniffing Harry's pocket, and pulled out a wand. Just like all the other times they had played fetch, the dog's haughty face broke into a smile, his tale thumping wildly.
"Does someone want a stick? Hmm? Does someone want a stick?"
"It is I Anubis! I desire the stick!"
Harry threw it, and the dog fetched it back. A few times, they played together, before the dog turned serious again.
"Your godfather, and both sets of your parents, are waiting. Your wife too. Oh, and the scruffy one I thought was dangerous."
"Hermione? Sirius? Remus? Mum and Dad? Mum and Dad Weasley?
"Come, let us go Home. I will visit you often."
"That's because you are a very good boy. I look forward to that."
And the Master of Death was taken to learn about his new role and be reunited with his family.
And Anubis was indeed a good boy, who came and visited often.
The End.