Chapter 39: A new school for Hogsmeade
**OO**
A/N: Thanks to my wonderful Beta, LtsHrIt4ThBoyz.
**OO**
Saturday, November 7
Sirius and Cedrella's Quarters, Potter Castle
Spending part of the morning helping children select pets was good for Sirius. Very good. It had him thinking of happier times when shopping with Mrs Potter as she had treated Sirius just like her own child.
"James! How could I forget! And Lily!" Padfoot shouted out. How could he have forgotten their portraits?
"Prongslet!" Sirius called into his mirror.
"Hi Padfoot. I thought we were meeting for dinner tonight?" Harry asked, confused.
"We haven't explored Potter Castle! Well, not yet! Let's go on a treasure hunt! Your parents' portraits should be around here somewhere!" Sirius was clearly anxious to start.
Hermione, listening in, started to recommend asking the elves for help, but Luna stopped her with a gentle finger to her lips.
"Alright. I'll be in your place in two minutes. Let me just finish my snack." Harry replied happily.
As skinny as Harry still was, Sirius was not stopping the lad from eating.
"Do you ladies want to come along?" Harry invited.
"No, I have pets to help with. Thank you though." Luna chirped.
"We'll see you at the changeable golf course later?"
Neville had seen a pattern of areas that never changed, and suggested planting raspberry, gooseberries and snozzberry bushes in those areas.
The girls had quickly agreed, and Hermione was now sure that there were more closet wizards, or at least squibs, in the world than were openly known.
A quick sweet peck to both girls, and Harry was jogging to his private portal that took him from the food court to home.
The lad was never going to be overweight, that was for sure. Though, he was trying to catch up to a normal one.
**OO**
Sirius greeted his godson with a hug. Sirius was meeting with his mind healer over the mirror now, and the counseling sessions were going well.
Volunteering to help with the children had been the healer's suggestion, along with making time for Harry each day.
"This is great, Padfoot. I haven't talked to she-who-must-not-be-named yet about the furniture. I kinda wanted to see if we could find something here for the goblin twins." Harry shared.
"You shouldn't be so hard on Blanche, Harry. I know what it's like to be raised to hate." Sirius replied gently.
Harry looked at him quizzically. "I was talking about a certain head elf. I thought that other people could be bossy! This girl-elf takes it to a whole new level!"
He did not mention Molly or Blanche by name, nor Juniper. Harry knew that Juniper would find the portraits if they couldn't. But he wanted this adventure with this godfather.
The Potter lad did not have a lot of good, wholesome memories yet, and was looking for ways to create more.
Padfoot smiled at his explanation.
"Where shall we start?" Sirius asked.
**OO**
Saturday, November 7
Morning Cairo, Egypt
Bill had failed to find a cure for his sister, and now she was dead. How was he going to tell his parents?"
There was a knock on the door, and a goblin was there.
"Curse-breaker. Your sister's remains. Gringotts healers were not responsible…"
"I know, I know. The cure was experimental and likely killed her. It was Dumbledore's fault if you want someone to blame."
"Ah! Good! You won't be challenging them. Well, her remains are here, unless you want me to have them transported to your parents."
"What?"
Bill went to the door and saw a beautiful scrollwork box. "They cremated her?"
"That is the normal procedure here, Curse-breaker. Too many curses, plagues, diseases…"
Bill nodded and waved at him to stop. "I need to check in with my boss. I'm on leave. I need to go home and talk to my parents. Tell them in person. Arrange a funeral."
The helpful goblin gave him a note. Bill read aloud. "Leave for another week? Starting tomorrow. Yeah. I guess it makes sense. That should be long enough. Thank you."
The goblin handed over some potions that were common draughts to help the emotional hu-mons.
But even the goblin at the door had sympathy for losing the only young female of a family.
The Gringotts Facilitator reached out and gripped the young man's arm, and, with an uncommon show of compassion towards a hu-mon, stated, "Curse-breaker. You are not alone." The goblin dipped his head and left to his duties.
"Thank you." Bill called to the swiftly retreating back.
He knew he should be feeling sad at Ginny's death, but, gripping his Eirwen pendant, all he felt was gratitude that the nightmare was over and the hope that Ginny might be in Avalon to greet him like his little sister of old when he got there.
Bill wanted to be with Marius so badly right now. And Tonks. He needed to go home. Absently wiping an unnoticed tear, he called, "Livy, let's pack up what we need for home. These quarters are provided as part of my job, so just take what you think we'll need in Scotland."
"Yes, Master William. Livy being sorry that cure no work. Master tried."
Esme had not obliviated the elf, but told her Luna's prophecy. Livy knew that Master Harry would have been very hurt if she had been killed after Master asked her to come. He'd blame himself. The witch had killed four people without remorse, and now Master Harry was safe from her.
For if the bad witch had ever got close to Master Harry, and he rejected her one more time, she would have killed him. Or tried to, at least. Better this way all around.
**OO**
Saturday, November 7
Highland Crier
The latest Highland Crier had a small public notice that Ollivander did not request nor pay for. It merely stated that he was interested in finding a suitable person to work in his shop.
What was odd about this small advert was that it had been typeset and ready to print before Ollivander had actually moved, and while he was still debating the wisdom of such a move.
Dean Thomas happened to see it and thought about it. While he got along just fine with his step-father and his siblings (he didn't really like calling his sisters half-sisters as they looked completely whole to him).
His sisters loved ice-skating, and their mother was already making outfits for them. But Dean more put up with the activity for the sake of family.
Dean really didn't like being cold. He didn't want to work around ice. He was happy to draw up posters, but even his magic was inadequate at this time for the needs of the rink.
Fortunately, there were plenty of adults willing to trade charms done for skating time.
Seeing this announcement hit Dean hard. Like a bolt of lightning, it quickened his very soul.
This. THIS. Sounded right.
Dean went to go get his mother's signature on the parchment work that was going around for underage workers. He wanted that to not be a stumbling block to something big.
**OO**
Saturday, November 7
Gringotts, Hogsmeade
Mr Smith finished checking the Master Earthman's credentials.
"Thank you for your patience, sir. I promise not to interfere, but I will be coming along. Mr Potter has sent portkeys for both the Welsh property and Dragon Isle if you choose to go there today. We do need to be gone from there before dark. Mr Lupin will be meeting with us in Wales."
The group arrived in an open field. When the Potters lived here, beef cattle had been raised along with other food stock for the wizarding community. The pottery barn that had been a staple of the family business for many generations had been put into stasis by Charlus Potter.
Neville saw the abandoned greenhouses, the fallow fields, and nearly wept for the potential lost here. But he had an assignment. And the right spells this time.
Remus and Rodica were there to speak to the pack. School was starting soon, and Moony needed to make sure that everyone was set, that everyone was happy. The wards were not yet set on the forest here, so they would be going back to Nottinghamshire for the full moon.
Remus greeted Neville with a warm hug. The boy was already looking better.
The goblin Elemental Master was ready to teach.
"Well, Mr Longbottom? Shall we start? Since you started with looking for water last time, let's do something simpler here. It's not too late to plant some winter squashes. Let us plough some of the topsoils and do the seeding one. Then I'll show you the soil treatment before building an underground room. Then we'll do a watering spell. Let's save the divining for water for another time." Master Earthman outlined.
Planting? And watering? Oh yes, Neville was ready and eager to learn.
The werewolves, anxious so close to a full moon, came out to watch. They would soon have jobs available here for taking care of plants. All were feeling better with good food, shelter, and good used clothing provided. Several of the pack already had jobs.
All would be attending school, at least part-time. And practicing spells with the others as they could.
One woman wanted to ask about the pottery barn, but was afraid to do so. Maybe if she wrote a letter to the boy? No. She should ask the Alpha. But he would laugh at her! Possibly. Better. She'd ask the Alpha's mate. She had been very kind to them all. Rodica would know. The woman asked for a quiet word, and Rodica promised to get her an answer one way or the other soon.
Remus was unsure of the safety of food animals during a full moon. Hmm. Perhaps the barns could be enlarged and warded? Rodica made notes for her boyfriend as they walked around the Welsh property.
An exhausted (and dirty) Neville was clearly beaming at the end of his first lesson. The small room he built underground was square and sound.
"My name is Pamant, young man. I will take you as my official apprentice with your approval." The goblin confided.
"Yes, Master Pamant. I would like that very much." Neville confirmed.
"You listen and follow directions. You'd be surprised how many wizards can't manage that. We'll do a few more lessons, but I want you to come to Dragon Isle to review the land as we did here. The northern edge of the island has a tall wedge shape going into the sea. But it's of a good elevation and has nearly straight sides. It would be the perfect place to build our observation area. The middle of that tall triangle could have meeting rooms, kitchens, and all the other places that don't need windows to view the Sacred Ones. We'll make the quartz rock itself the glass, so the dragons won't know. It will appear as the normal cliff wall to them."
Neville pondered this. "Glass is made from sand, which is finely ground quartz. Sand… Let's see, Funde…
The goblin smiled fondly. "Funde harena in vitrum. Very good, Mr Longbottom!"
"Master, you can call me Neville if you like."
"Thank you, Neville. I will. Send me a note of when we can meet again. Your healer will tell you. You're tired, but you did well today."
Mr Smith did as promised and stayed back. He offered the goblin to share their portkey, but he declined.
Neville was given a clean bill of health after a minor scolding for the dirt. "I said after you did your earth magics! Not to bring all the earth into my infirmary!" Healer Flynn scolded.
But the man gave Neville a couple of sugar quills in addition to another chocolate basket. And sent a small selection of lollies for the younger children in the center. Neville was sworn to secrecy as to the provider.
Healer Flynn didn't want to get a reputation for being nice, after all!
**OO**
Saturday, November 7
TripleC
Andromeda was in her official office of the Cherished Children's Center. She had been assigned a muggle assistant who would be far more than just a file clerk.
June Burke had worked in social services in the past. The fact that her own daughter was magical? Well, she was well in tune now with what others would view as 'possessed' or 'unnatural' behavior.
June had informed her boss that extensive files would have been kept on any child in the social services' system. She offered to see if she could get copies of the file for any of the children that had been rescued so far. She would also then be able to deliver official guardianship documents to the muggles.
A wizard escort from the HRS had gone with her, and she was successful; with only a small compulsion charm necessary, to insure cooperation with June's request.
Andi was reading through those files now. Poor Tommy had been through so much. But she had watched all the children, and there didn't seem to be any hint of evil amongst them.
For the sister who had grown up with Bellatrix, and had been raised in House Black, that was saying something: Andromeda had had a front-row seat to evil.
Seeing that there were still other potential magical children out there, as yet unknown, Andi jotted notes for the Rescue Squad.
They could do nothing about any potentially psychopathic muggle children out there, except to use June's connections to warn the people who would really listen. But they would try to rescue as many magical children as they could.
As a happy consequence of these actions, June was later notified of other magical children looking for placement, as the woman clearly had a knack for finding good fosters for these 'tough' children.
**OO**
Saturday, November 7
Lunch, Food Court, Hedwig's Keep
Harry had sworn Padfoot to secrecy about the library under pain of…pain. Well, or at least some obnoxious prank. He really needed to work on his threats.
"So, did you find them? Your parents?" Hermione asked gently.
"Not yet. We did find the attic, though. Wow! No wonder I had nothing in the vault at Gringotts besides coins. There must be hundreds of years of history up there, all in stasis. Banners of all kinds, barding and even armor for horses, old spears and other weapons from way back. The Potter heraldry on everything from tea cups and tea cozies to shrunken carriages. It's amazing."
Luna smiled at his enthusiasm. Hermione gave him a hug.
"So, you found furniture for the young ones? Luna asked.
"A whole nursery's worth and more. I suggested to Padfoot that we make the twin's bedroom a shared space for now, and decorated like a goblin cavern flat. They will likely want to be together, at least for a while. I have expert help with that. Goblin children of different genders normally share sleeping space until they are about ten. After that, they split up along gender lines." Harry explained.
"New siblings Harry. You are so lucky." Luna sighed.
"We, Luna. We are so lucky. We are all family, after all." Harry stated firmly.
Hermione grinned at that. All of them had been only children. Harry was not counting Dudley! And now, they would have young ones to play with.
Harry's eyes grew wide. Play park! They needed to move up the timing of the play park!
Rapidly making notes to his able assistant and her team, Harry was driven to give those two everything he didn't have as an orphan.
And made a note to himself to stop and talk to BloodRage at some point to see what else goblin children were normally given throughout their lives.
And hope he wasn't pranked by said goblin!
**OO**
Saturday, November 7
Afternoon, Gringotts, London Head Healers Office
"Mr and Mrs Weasley, thank you for coming in." The healer was an adult human witch, an attempt by Gringotts to show sympathy for the situation.
Molly had red eyes. They had moved all of their animals to Hogwarts just in time to enter a nightmare world.
"This is about Ginny's treatment, isn't it?" Molly demanded in a firm tone. Ginny was too far away for her clock to work properly. She was shown 'At Home'.
The healer handed over calming draughts and refused to speak more until they had been taken.
"I have the report here from the team in Egypt. Your son William is returning in a few minutes. But I wanted to take this burden from him. I'm so sorry. This was in no way your fault. Our curse-breaking team in Egypt is the best. Your daughter had been subjected to dark magic for months at a minimum, maybe longer. For your own sakes, I would have your home looked at by a team.
"Since your son works for Gringotts, I can offer this at no cost and later bill the ones responsible. You don't want to leave dark magic in a house. It can attract all sorts of pests."
Arthur nodded, wanting to hear the 'whys' more than ever.
"Compulsions, strong ones, dark magic. Being possessed by a dark lord. All of these would be enough to break a strong adult. The compulsion of the love potion, incorrectly brewed, was enough to make her obsessive; homicidally so since she couldn't be with her loved one. I'm so sorry. The experimental treatment was her only chance at a near-normal life. It failed."
"She died, didn't she?" Arthur asked very quietly.
"I'm afraid so. She died late yesterday or early this morning. By our rituals, we burned the body to prevent any curse from permeating. Her cremains are being returned to you. The Dumbledore vault was seized in the early morning, Sunday, November first. The Nation was given proof that the Headmaster of Hogwarts failed his duty to protect the students and left the castle during a basilisk attack. His gold is not enough compensation for your loss, but it is all we have to give. That, and try to answer your questions."
"What about the other students? Don't their parents deserve something?" Molly asked.
"The Nation's leaders will not fund any terrorist activities." The healer started and stopped, saying no more. "Aberforth has refused any claim on the estate and wants nothing from him. This ruling was made in Scotland, as the crimes were mostly committed there."
Molly's thoughts had slowed.
"It might be too soon to ask this minute, Mr and Mrs Weasley, but there are orphaned children that have been taken in at the Children's Centre in Hogsmeade… Once you've had time to grieve for a while? You are such honorable and kind parents; will you think of at least visiting these young wizards and witches? Volunteer there?"
Arthur gave a small smile. "Think of it, Mollywobbles. We have all that space that Harry gave us. He even had the goblins add a floor above for us, since we were used to that."
Molly shook her head. "I'll think about it later. Right now, I just want to be with my sadness. I, I'll never get to make her, her first ball gown or a wed… wedding dress." The distressed mother said, dissolving into tears. Arthur put his arm around her and just held her. Some grief is necessary, and the healer hadn't wanted to give them their strongest calming potion for just that reason.
Bill knocked at the door just then, coming in with an ornate box.
The healer discretely left the family to meet. But Bill was leading the team out to the Burrow today to see if anything of the Headmaster's was there. If it was, he'd be going up to Hogwarts and barbecuing a certain portrait. And coming up with ways of torturing the old man.
They would gather the family tonight to have a quiet family funeral. They decided to leave Harry Potter and his family out due to the hostile quality of the interactions between them and Ginny. Though, Molly and Arthur would be sending notes of love and gratitude for all the young mage had done to help their daughter, even in the face of Ginny's obsession and antagonism towards his ladies.
Bill's team had gone to the Burrow and found quite a few things that had been snuck through the wards somehow. Bill was thinking it might have been Fawkes. They burnt the books, letters, small statues in Ron's and Ginny's rooms. The bonfire reached higher and higher as they added conjured wood and emotions to the cleansing fire.
When it was burnt out, most of the anger was now hot coals. Someone they trusted had tried to ruin the lives of their two youngest children. No doubt it would flare from time to time, but Dumbledore was dead. There was nothing to be done at this point other than making sure the Burrow was clean.
Bill handed a special type of grieving draught that the goblins had made for them in relation to Ginny's death. It was taken after all the ceremonies, and while heading back to new quarters.
It made them all feel that Ginny's death was a long, long time ago. It hurt, of course, as it was a true loss. But it was also in the past. And it was time to move to their new quarters in Hogsmeade.
Bill's thoughts kept slipping to Marius and Tonks. Harry had a Parisian townhouse he said that they could borrow anytime for a day trip. Or longer if they went on holiday there. Perhaps tomorrow would be a good time to eat some special chocolates and play as tourists together. For now, he'd concentrate on his work helping his family relocate to Hogsmeade.
Everyone moving into the Keep from Hogwarts had to run the gauntlet of various portals to make sure that nothing like Riddle's Diary or something similar was brought in. Considering they hadn't noticed some of the things brought into the Burrow, there was no argument from anyone about complying with that reasonable request.
The boys moving into the Keep were supposed to have done the same. Fred and George had met Harry at Auror Command and given him a trunk that might not survive said passage. Harry called for Earnest who popped the twin's trunk in the warded basement of Second Chances. Percy and Penny had run their things through the gauntlet with quiet grace. Penny was pale and wan from the experimental treatments she was going through, but didn't care about her belongings being checked again. Just in case.
Ron was very angry at this demand and more. Ron was upset by having to leave Hogwarts and blamed Harry for it. His parents were worried about their youngest son. And they were right to be.
His parents didn't know that Ron had refused to comply with the cleansing protocols.
In all the hubble-bubble, no one noticed.
**OO**
Another thing that was missed out was that no one told Tonks, Bill or Marius, that the potion had been brewed imperfectly. It worked a bit too well.
**OO**
Saturday, November 7
Sirius' Suite, Potter Castle
"Come in, Harry. I have a surprise for you."
After checking all the rooms twice, Sirius broke down and asked Juniper for help. A few minutes later, James and Lily were there on his wall.
Padfood would not be sharing with Harry that they had been ensorcelled by Dumbledore. They were fixed, and no good would come from making the boy angry. Especially right now.
Lily gasped. As much as she had been shown pictures and been told, she was not expecting a young man. She had missed so much!
For Harry, looking at James, an older copy of himself, only with hazel eyes instead of his mother's vivid emerald green. Seeing him was breathtaking.
"Mum? Dad?" Harry barely whispered.
Sirius hugged his godson for his brother of the heart. "Harry, meet your parents, Prongs and Lily-flower. James, Lily, this is Harry James Potter, heir of the House of Potter."
"Hi?" Harry managed.
Lily laughed softly at that, while James ran his hands through obviously cursed hair.
The four of them just looked at each other a moment, and then the questions started. Some of them were hard, like Harry's life before moving to Hogsmeade. But mostly, it was just spending time as a family.
Harry made a note to Katrina to buy several empty portrait frames. Family dinners from now on were going to include his mum and dad. And he would figure out a way!
**OO**
Sunday, November 8
Harry's room in Sirius' suite
Remus was still on Romania time, so was up early. Harry had no problem agreeing to meet with him and Rodica.
The couple had been having all of their meals with just each other so far. Harry made a note to invite them to the big Sunday dinner when they got done with their meeting.
"Hello, Harry. It's nice to see you again." Rodica stated. "James, Lily."
Rodica had met Harry over borrowed mirrors. Harry didn't offer a hug yet, but recognized that this person too was going to be a part of his future. Thanking her for killing someone wasn't the right opening, though.
"We watched Neville practice his earth magics yesterday. Most impressive. The pack is very happy with the staff housing. Having a place to bathe after transformation will be a huge benefit. So, thank you." Remus sincerely offered. "You'd have been proud of your godson, Lily."
Harry beamed. "You are very welcome. I'm happy to help."
"You'll have to show us memories later, Moony." Prongs commanded.
"One of the ladies used to do pottery before her son was bitten. She's not actually a werewolf. She was scratched, and her little boy bitten, five years ago. He would have been starting Hogwarts next year. Her husband kicked them out when their son proved to be a werewolf." Rodica informed everyone.
"I'm sorry to hear that. How awful for them to be treated that way." Lily stated.
"She would like permission from Remus and you, Harry, as the owner, to use the pottery barn," Rodica asked.
"I have a pottery barn?" Harry didn't remember it from the other day.
"Yes, it is one way that our ancestors used to make their wealth. And later, the potions we invented were sold in special Potter jars. The facility had been put into stasis even before we moved to Godric's Hollow." James shared.
"I would recommend doing the same runes on it to keep out transformed werewolves. Can you imagine how wonderful it would be to have Potter Pottery sold again?" Remus asked.
"I wonder if she would be willing to teach me?" Harry wondered aloud. The thought of playing with clay brought up some of his happiest memories of elementary school. He made a coiled clay pot of little snails going all the way around. He gave it to his teacher, knowing that if he brought it home it would have been destroyed.
"I can ask for you, Harry. But she has a son close to your age. I imagine she would likely teach you both." Rodica offered wisely.
Harry nodded. "Is Penny still doing okay?"
"Yes, but the muggle blood that they are using isn't good for her long term. Her magic is working overtime. She could wind up squibbed, and that would be a death sentence if she does have full lycanthropy." Remus shared. Only because Harry was paying for the treatments. It was really no one else's business.
Harry made a note for Katrina.
"I'll let you guide me in this situation, Alpha Lupin." Harry bowed, very seriously. "Do you need anything else? If not, I welcome you to join us for breakfast. I'm making waffles for Sirius. And for…"
Harry stared intently at Rodica. "This is not for outside this room. Okay?"
The witch nodded.
"I'm making breakfast for Sirius and Cedrella. Please? You'd be very welcome now, and for the big Sunday family dinner, we're having to celebrate Penny and Percy's wedding. Please?" Harry begged.
Rodica wondered what waffles were, but Remus couldn't say no.
James and Lily looked on in wonder, as their 'baby' moved about the kitchen like a professional chef.
Harry was actually a pretty good cook, but he hadn't taken the time to hone his craft since he was so very, very busy doing so much magic.
The group had a marvelous breakfast, and with Lily, Cedrella and Rodica teasing the marauders, Harry learned so much more about his parents.
They weren't perfect. James had one time used toothpaste instead of the proper cream after changing Harry in the middle of the night, and couldn't find it in the semi-dark. Lily had more than once been ready to challenge all four of the marauders for something that it turned out she herself had done. No, his parents weren't perfect, but between the portraits, and the stories shared, Harry felt wanted, included. Loved.
The orphaned child of two heroes had finally found all he wanted and needed. He felt something he had never felt before.
Cherished.
**OO**
Sunday, November 8
Black Townhouse, Paris, France
Tonks was surprised to receive an invitation to spend the day in Paris with Bill and Marius. What fun! She brought the chocolates along at his request, just in case they decided to take those today. It would be a group decision.
Only Bill knew about Ginny and he wasn't going to spoil today with that news. He had wanted to be with Marius so badly. And Tonks too.
Marius arrived just after the curse-breaker, and he and Bill shared a short but sincere greeting kiss. It promised more to come.
Tonks arrived wearing a stylish short robe that swished nicely over stretchy long tights. She greeted both men with brief kisses as well.
"Bill, Tonks found the potion-laced chocolates and has one for each of us. I want to suggest taking them together, and then going and doing some sightseeing. Paris is a beautiful place." Marius stated.
Bill looked at them both. "I have this whole week coming up off; I want to do some work at the Burrow and some things in the Keep, but that sounds like a great plan to me. Maybe do some dancing tonight? Can we make plans to do some other things later in the week as well?"
Marius beamed at that idea.
Tonks showed her approval by opening the pack she brought. The chocolates were indeed the same, and the spell to check them showed the right potion.
They each took one and stood as close together as they could to eat them.
No one was in mortal peril this time; no injuries to fix, no one needed to have a Dark Lord's spirit removed from them.
The house-elf picking up noticed how well-matched all the colors of the clothes scattered on the floor were. Clearly, people who were in love and in tune with one another.
Whistling happily, the elf went to make a late light lunch, a healthy dinner, and snacks before the guests departed at midnight.
All served in the guest suite.
The pamphlets for local magical places of interest were left scattered on the coffee table, completely ignored.
**OO**
Monday, November 9
Nambia Health Centre
"Mr Moody, how are you feeling now?" The healer came in again. What was her name? Mhutma?
"Still don't remember much. Bad dreams."
"An incident that nearly took your life? I'm sorry, but not surprised by that. You are physically better, and we will continue to work on the scars. Alas, the attack on your caravan included many dark curses. We can try to fix all of them."
The blue-eyed man looked in the mirror. Sandy hair, scars on his face that made it look as though his eye should be ruined, but it was clearly there.
"We found someone who gave us some memories to help you remember who you are, Calvin Moody. It's not a guaranteed cure, but it should help you to get back to selling antiquities."
"My father. He was killed recently, wasn't he? I didn't grow up with him. I don't remember my siblings."
"I'm so sorry for your loss. And no, no siblings. You worked alone for many years."
"My mum died a long time ago, I remember that. All I have is letters. And memories, you say?"
"Yes. And a small vault of antiquities in addition to your Gringotts vault. We don't know if you have had those items vetted by a curse-breaker yet. Perhaps you have those skills as well?"
He remembered having those skills. The healer left him with another potion to gag down. He had another letter from Harry Potter, addressed to his father.
'Dear Harry Potter, I'm sorry for your loss. I understand he was your guardian, but I am Calvin Moody. A simple merchant. I'm no assassin, as I have heard tell of him. I dabble in antiquities and sell the latest in ladies fashions from time to time. I'm happy to meet you if I am ever in Scotland. CM.'
Healer Mhutma made a note in the file. 'The subject lost the last forty-some years completely it seemed, but now remembers doing curse-breaking in Egypt with Charlus Potter. Something that had been obliviated. Dumbledore's signature again. We are working to blend those memories to bring them forward in time. Using enhancement potions for French, Arabic, and later might add Ancient Egyptian. The knowledge of high-end art pieces was absorbed well. I will make arrangements to meet with Harry Potter myself when we return the last of the basilisk bones and bits that were requested once they are done being rendered. I want to give him my sincere condolences on the loss of his mentor.'
Dumbledore obliviating Moody during the Grindelwald conflict had him forgetting a vault of treasures that he had left in Africa. Gringotts would follow the 'Will' though, and it would now be in Calvin Moody's hands.
Alastor Moody's 'secret stash' of memories was sent to Scotland's DMLE in such a way that they would just appear in Auror Command. Moody's Will would be found soon, and Harry and Neville could start the healing process.
Healer Mhutma cared very much for Harry, and hoped that these memories helped both he and Neville come to grips with the loss of Alastor Moody in their lives.
Such a brave young man. She truly wanted to interview him. Now there was a lad with stories to tell!
**OO**
Monday, November 9
Breakfast, Food Court
Last night, the clan had a brief ceremony held in 'night' mode of one of the pastures. A big bonfire was created. They had an official 'Welcome to the Clan' ceremony for Sabrina. Several guests were invited, including the head of the Hogsmeade Rescue Squad. He himself had been so welcomed years ago into a different clan and was there to support the Seer.
At the end of the night, Ian had given her a warm hug and asked permission of his great-grandfather and Head of the clan if he could court Sabrina.
In grand Scottish style, he asked Sabrina if she desired this, and she had shyly agreed.
Then, the two got to see the elderly man quiz Ian on his prospects. And his intentions towards the lass, warnings against impropriety before marriage, and limited the courtship to a year and a day. Just like she was one of the Clan born and bred!
It had made her feel loved and welcome, straight down to her toes! But she did have a question. "Why a year and a day?"
"Well, if you haven't figured out if you want to wed by then, it's only fair to allow you to be courted by another." The elder explained.
"No dating for years and years and nothing comes of it. How thoughtful! To both." Sabrina nodded acceptance of that as well.
After it was over, and the Clan Head agreed to it, she asked Ian on a breakfast date the next day. She also made sure to tell the Clan Chief that she intended to take Pottery classes when offered and would be happy to accept an assignment in helping the clan.
"You keep on doing yer job, and you'll be fine, lass. Don't be surprised to see an escort or two when yer aboot. It's just our way."
Sabrina had raised herself to kiss him on the cheek, and he had squeezed her hand. It was a wonderful ceremony last night. But that meant she had to tell Ian things that weren't comfortable.
She wasn't looking forward to this, but it had to be done if they were going to be a couple. Better blow up the relationship now if he couldn't handle it.
Ian saw her, and charmed a single red rose to her blouse with her permission.
"Thank you. That's very nice, but you might want to take it back after you hear my news." Sabrina said, and waved to the server.
They were in one of the many side rooms, and a delicious breakfast was laid out. It had several of Ian's favorites. With a likely busy day ahead, Ian was happy for the food.
After the meal was mostly gone, Sabrina spoke.
"My parents were English and had escaped to Salem to evade Death Eaters. I don't know the whole story, I was very young.
"A pair snuck into America somehow. I had been cursed with something that was burning my body from my feet up. My father was the one that sent the severing charm to save my life just before he died. I will never forget the pain on his face for hurting his little girl to save her."
"My parents were killed. The attackers left me for dead. As far as I know, the Death Eaters got away clean. I did get a good look at the masks. The Americans were furious that Death Eaters had made it past security! I know that they later made changes. Too late for my family.
"I gave a description to the aurors, but the murderers were never caught."
Ian took her hand in his, in support while she spoke. These monsters had to be stopped! He'd be asking for those memories later, as the masks were as individual as fingerprints, but concentrated on what she was saying.
"I was taken to Gringotts for two reasons. One, they had the best wards, and could hide my survival better than anything the wizards had. The second was that my father worked for them, and had a goblin co-worker who made sure I was taken care of until I was an adult. They kept my first name, but I was given a new identity in case the English came looking for me. They weren't as friendly and welcoming as your family, but they provided food and shelter until I turned seventeen.
"By then, I was considered an adult, and turned out on my own. I don't know if it was part of the curse or not, but somehow my magic went wonky, and I became a Seer. The goblins couldn't fix my legs, so they made me a series of floating chairs. When I'm around muggles, they see a wheelchair.
"I keep in touch with my goblin sponsors. They are very shy about sharing names with outsiders. But I will introduce you if we ever marry. A trip to Salem will be a must, and they will expect an invitation to the blessing ceremony." Sabrina finished.
"So ye do have kin in a way, just not human. Were ye worried I'd be upset by that? Ach! There're goblins everywhere in the Keep. And with the discovery of the Sacred Dragons, I expect that number to go up, not down." Ian asked.
"They would love to see the Eirwen when they visit, no doubt." Sabrina smiled at the thought of seeing her family again.
"I'm not wealthy, Ian. I used up my small inheritance going to school, but have been putting some money aside. Now here? With this job, I'll be doing better. I just didn't want to have any surprises later on."
Ian scrunched up his face. "It wouldn't be easy being raised by them when you couldn't fight, couldn't do wandless magic. Couldn't easily defend yourself. I'm sorry."
"But I am a wiz at mathematics, and that did help some." Sabrina shared.
"Good! Wonderful! Now that is a grand skill!" Ian beamed.
"And the adults in the caverns weren't unkind about my condition."
No, but like the world around, it would have been her classmates and the young goblins mocking.
"Well, I don't know about your goals now, but mine is to help people. I've been asked to help out in the children's center now and then, reading to the young ones. I'd love to have you come with me." Ian invited.
"I'd pay all my wages to hear your accent all day. That sounds wonderful." Sabrina shared sincerely.
"Ach! You're surrounded by brogues all around us here, love. Nothing special aboot me."
They both stopped at his term of endearment. Ian leaned over and kissed her lips lightly.
"I beg to differ. But we are needed in the Rescue Squad. If I'm not mistaken, my gift does seem to be enhanced here." Sabrina shared. All the aurors were taking shifts with the HRS.
She readjusted her wand that controlled her chair, and Ian saw that it had a pure white crystal or stone on the tip of it, like a fairy wand.
Crystals that could hold magical power. Crystals that were still embedded in the hillside all around them, picking up and storing the magical energy all around. Humming along unseen.
And helping several people like Sabrina. People whose magic had 'gone wonky'.
**OO**
Monday, November 9
Rose Amphitheater, Main Level, Hedwig's Keep
The students were gathered in the smallest of the three amphitheater rooms. Enough seats for all the students, young and old, in residence and the ones coming from the pack. And the comfy chairs had little built-in desks that swung over.
The Hogwarts students congregated in clumps. The adults tended to sit by themselves or in pairs. Hagrid had a large custom chair all his own.
There were even cup holders for drinks and a small pouch on the side that Hermione suspected was supposed to hold popcorn or other snacks.
"Good morning, students. My name is Mary Cattermole, and I will be overseeing your education for the time being. I prefer to be called Headmistress or Miss Cattermole as opposed to Professor. I do not have my doctorate, only my Master's Degree in Education. That's very different from a magical Mastery in a field.
"Professor McGonagall, who has her Mastery in Transfiguration, was kind enough to send me these ICW Approved OWL and NEWT guidelines per subject. They show year by year a summary of what spells, potions, or plants should be covered by topic. Each of you will get only one for free, so put your name in it, and don't lose it! Those of you who are under seventeen, please share with you your parents to allow them to review them.
"The Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts was most distraught to hear such items were available previously and had not been provided to you. She paid for these herself! So please thank her when you see her. She has promised to stop by from time to time as she can, so don't be surprised if you see her in the Keep."
Enthusiastic applause greeted the announcement: Professor McG was very popular!
Harry smiled at that. The crafty lady had helped keep him safe from Dumbledore the past two months. Harry made sure that Katrina set aside a suite of rooms for her in the Keep. And what did the professor do? Fill it with former muggleborn students in danger. Harry had Katrina set aside a few more. Let the Keep be filled with students, former students, or Uncle Bob who had been threatened.
Minerva McGonagall was something else.
The new ICW representative was quite clever. Minerva had used her time in Switzerland wisely. She had no idea such guides were published, much less readily available. When Dumbledore's portrait finally woke, it was going to get a piece of her mind. Just for this!
"Apprentice Molly Weasley will be teaching some of the OWL Potions, and we'll have a guest lecturer in Potions, by way of Potions Mistress Harper, teaching NEWT level Potions. Professor Burbage will be teaching Runes and Arithmancy. Please welcome them."
Another round of applause. The ladies waved. Molly was happy to be here and waved at Harry and her children. Charity had her mastery in Runes. But she had been stuck teaching Muggle Studies due to her 'background' as a muggleborn.
And Headmistress Cattermole continued on.
**OO**
Neville wasn't really paying attention very well. He was still a little ashamed that he had hit Harry. It wasn't Harry's fault that a clerk snuck through the wards and "killed" his gran after all! And then he found out she'd actually been rescued before she could be murdered. Not that it mattered. He'd acted worse than Ron!
Ron was in the very back row of seats, pretending to take notes and scowling at Harry behind his back.
Dean had sat next to Ron for a time, but shouted something and moved off. Neville should have waved him over then, but he really wasn't up to company.
Susan and Hannah were on either side of Neville and were supportive.
Hannah was trying to suppress feelings of relief that the tyrannical lady was dead! It wasn't nice! Augusta had been very kind to Susan and welcomed her as a daughter of the House. Shared stories and recipes for the elves. But not Hannah. Hannah's mother was muggleborn and the prejudice showed. Hannah looked at Neville. He was still grieving. She squeezed his hand.
Neville's parents were being treated due to Harry's generosity! He sat, ruminating on that hope and his shame, when the muggleborn adult said the magic word.
Plants.
**OO**
"We'll be working in the pastures, greenhouses, and even golf courses of this amazing facility. And growing plants for this amphitheater and the others. Plants are an essential part of restoring oxygen and have mental health benefits too. The natural beauty of flowers not only brightens up rooms, they can brighten up a person's life.
"All of you represent the families that have been attacked. We will not let evil stop us from learning, right? I was working as a secondary maths teacher when my home was attacked. My mum and I were rescued. We can't let them win."
She continued for a time, and then called for questions or comments.
Hermione gently raised her hand. "Some of us have been doing muggle maths and English essays, and a few other classes, so we can go to Uni later."
"Thank you. That's good to know, and I can get those materials as well if anyone wants. We are going to do this like schoolrooms of old. Multiple levels in one place. Teachers coming in to share their specialities. Some of you might see parents here. I ask that you be respectful to all.
"There was a dark lord that put leach bindings on children that made them into artificial squibs. As they are found and have bindings released, we will have people new to magic of all ages needing to start from scratch. I ask for the students of Hogwarts to step up and mentor others. And for you adults new to magic, please don't hesitate to ask for help when you need it. We all need each other.
"Welcome, one and all."
Harry stood up and clapped towards Hagrid, seated in a special chair near the instructor, and then turned to the other adults in the room. His gesture was copied by the rest of the Hogwarts students, showing their support.
"Sometime when we will have herbology all of you will be partnered with children from the Cherished Children's Center or TripleC, as we like to say.
"In addition, we could use help with plants and Potions preparation. In addition, I will need helpers to tutor others in the wanded subjects. Anyone here who has at least some schooling at Hogwarts can help in that effort."
One of the Ravenclaw seventh years stood up. "I'll be happy to help tutor. But I know Penny Weasley is a genius and would love to help teach. Her husband Percy too. And Hermione Granger knows way more than any other second-year except Potter. And Luna is past fourth at a minimum."
She sat back down, and the instructor beamed at the people mentioned.
Penny and Percy quickly informed everyone that they were indeed hired on as official instructors here. A red-eyed Molly beamed at them. Of course, no one had told her yet about Penny's affliction. She thought they eloped because Penny was going to have a baby. Penny would be missing school at least tomorrow, if not longer.
"We are not going to hold ourselves back. In addition to the normal curriculum, I have a few specialists who have volunteered to come and teach special seminars."
With that, the instructor pulled out a stack of OWL and NEWT lists. The books were organized by subject and in neat stacks already on a long table.
There was enough so that they could all have one of everything. Just in case they wanted a book for review. All years.
"Can we borrow books from years above us as well?" Hermione asked, stars in her eyes.
"Indeed. No restrictions." Some subjects even had workbooks. Hermione was in heaven!
And Harry had provided weightless book bags. Like an all-you-can-eat knowledge buffet, the students came up by rows to pick up the books they wanted.
The teacher walked up and down the table, ready to give aid if needed.
Hermione's eyes glowed as she saw the muggle astronomy books. The instructor came over just then.
"Oh yes. Astronomy lessons can be held whenever we want, as one of the golf courses has a realistic night sky. You put in the date and time, which hemisphere, and it will show it."
"Harry! That's amazing!" Hermione beamed.
"The map is from the Planetarium in London. Wasn't even that expensive." Harry shrugged it off as no big deal.
Hermione leaned into Harry to kiss him, but the instructor cleared her throat.
Luna's eyes were sparkling too.
Both girls took one of each book and workbook offered, as well as the OWL and NEWT study guides. Harry wished he had had someone to bet with on that. Well, they were both very happy with their book haul. The star map was just a bonus.
Nice to make both girls happy with one small gift. He had no idea how all of this was going to work, but Hedwig's Academy for Magic (HAM) was opening for business.
**OO**
Monday, November 9
Dragon Isle
The goblins had done a good job of preparing the triangle of cliff jutting into the sea. It was ready to become a resort. Well, the beginning of one.
Hagrid had fed the dragons three times so far that day: They ate everything the first time, most of it the second time, and had completely ignored all the meat the third time. They were sated. Neville and the Master Earthman should be safe, even doing powerful magic.
Harry was on a broom, and keeping his eyes open in case Neville's magic attracted negative attention from the residents. Right now, they were asleep in their cove on the beach.
Neville was given the go-ahead, knowing that if he made a mistake, the Master could fix it. But he was going to try his best to get it right.
The first part was the chamber corridors. The goblins would easily install the dividers between sections. Neville created long tunnels with narrow walls to the sea in the inverted V shape. And repeated that four times on the Northeast side. Neville repeated the process on the Northwest side.
Goblins were shorter than humans, and did not need tall rooms. Still, making one full level able to accommodate humans, centaurs, and even half-giants was good business.
The top section would have expansion charms applied so that even Hagrid would have no trouble walking in that space.
Neville then used the spell to create an inner chamber in the middle of the triangle on each level that goblin researchers could use as a conference room or be made into staff quarters or anything else they desired.
The last step was to make the outside dirt wall into a view wall that kept the appearance of dirt for the sake of the dragons, but the people inside could see out.
"Funde harena in vitrum" Neville cast, over and over, until he was nearly done in.
The triangular shape now was roughed out to be a hotel to come and watch the Sacred Dragons.
The Master Earthman had only to correct a few minor errors and started on shaping some of the interior corridors.
Others, mostly goblins, would take over the work now, and turn what they had started into a complete building for this wonderful purpose.
Harry descended at Neville's wave, and installed the portal into a freestanding arch that the Master Earthman created. Now the workers would have a safe way to come to the Island without attracting unwanted attention from the large blue residents. The Master Earthman insisted he be the one to test it, going in and out several times, and then bid farewell to his apprentice, giving a nod to Harry as well.
The boys bowed their heads and smiled at one another.
Neville and Harry stood at the cliff's edge, and one of the baby dragons woke for a moment at their staring. They both waved at the little one.
She looked at them intently for a moment before lowering her head back onto her curled up tail. She yawned deeply, eyes closed, and she was back to sleep. Small curls of vapor puffed from her nose.
"She is so beautiful, isn't she?" Hagrid breathed softly, putting his arms gently around Harry and Neville, giving them a little side hug.
"Indeed. Indeed, she is." Harry breathed.
They went to Hagrid's quarters for a bit of tea and chat before returning to the Keep via the portal. Harry foresaw lessons on the top open viewing area in his future. Hermione would be teaching Hagrid, Luna watching dragons, and Harry being content to be with them all.
Unseen by them, two adult dragons stood watch over the current nest of six eggs. Two from each of the female dragons that lived there.
The watchers coming to Dragon Isle would eventually notice, but there were three pairs of dragons that rotated in and out from the region. Not four dragons, but two adults raising two babies each to the brink of adulthood.
To Hagrid's untrained eye, they looked all the same. But soon, sharp eyed goblins would be arriving. Dragonologists who had spent their lives studying these magnificent creatures.
And railing against some of the abuses in some Gringotts; London was already on notice that they needed to make improvements to the lower vault caverns.
Or the Sacred Dragons might leave again in disgust!
**OO**
Monday, November 9
Gringotts Hogsmeade
The goblins were working overtime on getting everything done, but the basilisk model was ready. A message had been sent to the Nambians via special courier.
Instead of making this private, the Nambians agreed to harvest some of the basilisk in front of a paying audience of Potions Masters, and their apprentices, interested magizoologists and fascinated amateurs.
The Nambians did not care who watched, as long as they were authorized by the goblins. The goblins were very egalitarian. They allowed anyone with gold enough to pay for the privilege. Or, in the case of some beings, they bartered. They traded with Centaurs, who were interested in seeing the Sacred Dragons and in seeing the basilisk rendered.
There was no time to process everything, of course, but the bit of bone and skin that were leftover of their process was carefully prepared and put into a bin for Esme.
She was going to be turning such into souvenirs. Orders were already being taken, sight unseen, just to sign up for a sliver of basilisk hide from bits that couldn't be used for sturdy goblin armor.
It had been a very, very profitable day. The Hogwarts Headmaster sighed, seeing all of that potential go to a foreign country. But he was relieved as well.
Far too many dark magic potions existed which called for basilisk venom or other parts. Best let such go far away and be used for good rather than evil.
Healer Mhutma had planned on talking to Harry, and explaining about the treatments. How Alastor Moody was gone, but Harry was nowhere to be found in the Village or the address on record as his home. The shop had a lone witch who scowled at hearing that Harry couldn't be found, as he was supposed to be grounded.
That wasn't good. Mhutma hoped that the boy wasn't in trouble. Or in danger.
The time for her return came, and she promised herself that next time she would plan in advance and make sure that Harry knew that she was coming and wanted to talk to him.
Blanche was an honest witch, and called for Pepper to take the bone, sinew, and skin fragments to Harry's abode in the Keep.
Blanche wanted nothing to do with any of that!
**OO**
B/N: Latin Translation:
"Funde harena in vitrum" = Make sand into glass
A/N: Story Recommendations: Story recommendations from Kind Reader Veronica McClure: She notes: Harry Potter and the Rule of Three by Ncp18. It becomes a triad of Harry/Hermione/Susan, but its focus is Amelia rescuing Harry. Very well done. It involves the Grangers.
Kind Reader Linda recommends Luna's Hubby By: Meteoricshipyards
I read the seeds of this on Rorschach's Blot, and it was a hoot and a half. Highly recommended. I need to read the Rule of 3.
Old-Crow has a new story out - The Debate. I was honored to be asked to write with him. So very different from my usual process. It would take me hours to write three words. But I hope that if you read it, you will enjoy it.