Chapter 26:
The holiday train back to London was fuller than ever. Harry and Hermione grab a large compartment. When Draco and Daphne Greengrass walk by, the young Potters motion for them to join them. Nico and Thalia come in also. The compartments around them fill with their friends. The Voltori, aside from the twins, headed over to the Mars Estate via house elf. Jane and Alec patrol the train, just in case of trouble. Dobby and Winky have bonded to Harry and Hermione. Kreacher wanted to help out too as Sirius and the Malfoys will be staying there also for the entire season.
Ron and Ginny get on the train and try to find Harry's compartment. In the second to last one, they find both of their prey, but the compartment is full. There was no place to sit, and that was with the girls sitting on the guy's laps. Harry and Hermione didn't notice that someone had walked in, but Percy and Annabeth did, so did Nico and Thalia. Their battle reflexes are so honed that the minute that someone stopped outside to door, they noticed. Nico sends Percy a look, saying "I got this, he's my brother."
Nico stands and gently sets his mate down in their seat. "How can I help you, Mr. and Miss Weasley?" He asks formally because he has never actually been introduced to them, so he didn't assume to use their given names.
Fred and George turn their heads at the names. Once they see their siblings, they look at each other and shake their heads, knowing what is about to happen. Even Katie Bell and Angelina Johnson did from their perches on the twins laps.
"We thought we might speak to Harry and Hermione." Ginny says diplomatically. As much as she didn't like talking to this guy, he is Harry's brother and Harry looks to him for guidance. 'but he and the rest of these people are gone the minute I get that ring on my finger!'
Ron, on the other hand, was struck silent the minute the door opened. You could see the temper rising as the color rose up his neck and face. There sat Hermione on Harry's lap talking to Annabeth about some boring thing. Harry was laughing at something Draco said. The world was not right.
When Harry's arms tighten around Hermione's waist, it is Ginny's turn to turn red, but she doesn't keep quiet.
"WHAT THE HELL! GET OFF OF HIM YOU SKANK!" Ginny yells, as she storms over to stand in front of the pair. Harry arranges Hermione so he could see Ginny. His eyes harden, "You have no say over what I do or who I do it with, Ginerva Molly Weasley. There is a short list of women whose thoughts and opinions I will listen to. That list includes my mothers, aunts, cousins , sisters whether they are by blood or law, Professors, and at the very top of that list, even above my mothers is Hermione and my future wife is up there to. Neither you nor your mother are on that list. Both of you gave up that right when you decided to give me a love potion."
"What about your title, Mr. Potter? You need to marry a pureblood to keep the Potter title." Ginny smirks, thinking that she finally had him.
Draco and Daphne bust out laughing. They knew the inheritance laws better than anyone. In addition, Harry and Hermione already told them what went on at the bank. Ginny looks over at them annoyed. She still could not believe that the two boys were brothers.
Draco finally composes himself enough to speak and looks at the Potters for permission to put the "She Weasel" in her place. At Hermione's nod, he arranges his features into his old arrogant smirk.
"You are right on one account and wrong on another. He doesn't need to marry a pureblood to keep his title. Lady Lily Potter is a muggle born and Lord James still has the title. So in that aspect, Harry can marry whomever he chooses.
What you are right about is that he needs to marry to keep the title. That being said, what on the god's green earth makes you think that a scion of two of the Most Ancient and Noble Houses and heir to three of the Founders of Hogwarts would want to marry you? Yes, admittedly you are pureblood, but your house is neither ancient nor noble. If he was to go that route, there is eligible girls in the Abbot, Bones, Chang, Parkinson, Bullstrode, and Greengrass families. I don't just mean Daph, but also her sister Tori. She's in your year I believe. Of course, he could also go the other way and marry from our side of the family. Either way Weasel, Harry's not marrying you.
That is all moot anyway. Harry now has a marriage contract, signed and sealed by all involved. Harry is marrying a pureblood, she's from three Noble Houses, but it is only Ancient on one side. Seeing as though it is signed by both Lords Potter and Black, not to mention Lord Mars, there is nothing your parents or the Headmaster can do.
Our parents have given me some more time, given that I haven't found someone yet. Get that greedy look out of your eye, I am getting tested every week also. " Draco deduced that Dumbledore was the one supplying the Weasley potion machine. Ginny was pissed, every avenue was now closed.
Ron woke up in time to hear Draco's speech about Harry. With the marriage contract in place and the random testing for unnatural influences, the Weasley's meal ticket was lost to them. Well, at least he could still have Hermione.
"Hermione, our parents were wondering if you were coming to our house as usual." He asked in a pleading tone. The fact that she hadn't moved off of Harry's lap was worry some but it was a crowed compartment.
"No Ron, I'm not. Please tell your parents that I appreciate the offer. Mum and Dad want to take me on a trip. They found this place that is the exact replica of Pemberly. The owners invited us to spend the Holidays there with their family." Seeing the confusion on many faces, other than Harry and the Olympic girls, she explained that Pemberly was Mr. Darcy's estate in Derbyshire in Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice".
"Sounds like a book I should read." Draco joked.
Hermione laughed. "You know what's funny, if it were not for the many things in the way Draco, I'd say you and I would make a good Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy."
"That bad huh?" Hermione nodded. She decided to get a copy for Draco for Christmas. She knew he devoured books just as much as her and Harry did.
Seeing her converse with Malfoy so easily, made Ron's stomach turn. He decided to find someone else. Lavender Brown seemed to show some interest in him, maybe he would ask her out. He walked out of the compartment and went in search of Lavender, leaving Ginny standing there in her misery. Her whole life, she was told that she would be Mrs. Harry Potter now that would not happen, what would she do? What would her mother do to her?
The train arrives at King's Cross Station. The kids file off and go to their parents. Molly watches her four children get off. Two of them are smiling and laughing, one has a calculating look and her little girl is near bawling.
"Oh Ginny, darling what's wrong? Why are you crying?" She gathers her into her arms. "Ha…Har…Harry's.. Harry's betrothed! The contract was sealed by the Potter's, Mars, Sirius and the other side, both Harry and the girl signed it as well. It's filed at Gringotts."
Arthur, Bill, Charlie, and the twins overhear the outburst. All five men already know who the girl is. "Good for him, I'm glad that Harry found a girl that both sets of parents and Sirius approves of." Arthur exclaims. Molly and Ginny turn to him agog.
"Arthur, what do you mean "Good for him."? He should be with a good pureblood girl like our Ginny."
"Mum, I was there when Draco told Ginny. He said that the girl was a pureblood. All three of her houses are Noble and one of them is Ancient. I'm sorry but little Ginny has been outclassed." Ron quietly tells his mother.
"I will not put up with this. We will find a way around this Ginny. You will be Mrs. Harry Potter, or my name is not Molly Weasley." The rotund redhead yells. She turns to Ron now. "What of Hermione? Is she coming over?"
"No Mum, She is not. Her parents are taking her to some place in Derbyshire. Yeah, I know it's near us, but they are going to some place called Pemberoke or something. Anyway I am going to ask Lavender Brown out after the Holidays." He explains, his mother is getting madder and madder.
"Ronald Billuis Weasley, you will do no such thing. That Brown girl can't get you good grades. You need Hermione." She explodes.
"Molly that is enough! I have heard enough of you meddling with Harry and Hermione. I need to talk to Bill, Charlie and the twins for a second. Boys, come with me." He orders, his voice carrying the strength of the Head of House.
The five men walk a distance away, and discuss the situation. "I want to hear your opinions on this. I think Ron should be given a reprieve but for the girls, no. She is your mother, so I want to hear your thoughts." Arthur pleads for their input.
"To tell you the truth, even though you were married to her for so many years and had us all, I want you to be happy. She has tarnished our name, they both have. As for Ron, I think he needs more time with you and us. That way he might have a chance in the long run." Bill reasons out loud.
"I agree Dad, Amelia is a great woman. I would support the union once you got rid of Molly Prewett. " Charlie nods and turns towards the twins.
"We have guessed who the woman is that Harry's betrothed to. Ron needs a strong hand, whether it is yours or Bill's. We know that we can't do it, we'd end up killing him. As for the women in this family, toss'em. Madam Bones is a nice lady and you should be happy after dealing with Her for so many years." Fred told their father, George nodded with the thoughts.
"That settles it." Arthur and the boys walk back, Molly, Ginny and Ron are watching them carefully. Arthur decides to do this in public. That way, neither could deny the expulsion.
"For crimes committed against the Head of House Weasley and the Scion of Houses Potter and Black, I cast out both Molly Anne Prewett Weasley and Ginerva Molly Weasley." Arthur announces to the whole platform. "House Weasley is an ally of Houses Potter and Black, we do not nor will not be party to harming them." Adds Bill.
"Please expect divorce papers in the mail by week's end, Molly. Yes, I can do it. You were publicly outed as to cheating on a Head of House and I know about the love potion too. Come on home Ronald." Arthur waves to the two awestruck females as the six red-headed male's apperate away. Molly and Ginny are now destitute, the Prewett line was poorer than the Weasleys, the only one with even a house was Aunt Muriel. Gideon was the scion and both he and Fabian died unmarried and leaving no children. The line died out with them, as only a male can inherit. The title will be Bill's once he claims it.
The whole platform was quiet. Everyone stood there watching the spectacle, which was happening before their eyes.
Harry didn't know whether to laugh or feel bad for the two women. Mars and Bella shook their heads at the scene. They knew the reasons behind the shunning but still felt a little sorry for the two females.
After a few moments the stunned audience went about their business like nothing happened, until Molly laid eyes on Bella. "This is your fault, if you hadn't come, none of this would have happened."
"I am truly sorry you think that you getting punished for taking people's wills away from them is my fault. All I did was discover that you were interfering with my son's will and took the means away. If you were not so greedy, I am sure he might have helped your family out some, but no you had to drug him and tried to force him to marry that succubus you call a daughter. I take that back, I know some nice succubae. Calling Ginerva here one is giving them a bad name." Bella turns to walk away.
Molly takes out her wand and throws an AK at the woman. It hits Bella right in the chest. Molly's face goes from victory to disbelief in seconds flat. Bella arches an eyebrow at her and shakes her head. "Are you really that stupid, or did you have to take classes for it?" Bella is pissed off; she steps away from the group and transforms into the Reaper. The air in the train terminal grows cold. "You can't kill an immortal, especially a symbol of death. Did you not listen the other night Molly? I am the Grim Reaper. Thus, I deal in death. I will see you again." Bella points her bone finger at Molly, before she and Mars take Harry through the barrier, seconds before cuffs get slapped on Molly's wrists.
"Molly Prewett, you are under arrest for the use of the killing curse, and the administration of love potions to Arthur Weasley, Harry Potter and Hermione Granger. Ginerva will become a ward of the Ministry. A good home will be found for her." The deep voice of Kingsley Shacklebolt tells her.
Ginny starts to cry, as the auror takes her mother away. Another takes her by side-along apparition to the Ministry Orphanage, to wait for adoption, which seems unlikely as she is almost of age.
When Harry gets to the other side of the barrier, he sees his uncles and aunts. The Cullen troop are standing a little off to the side as not to draw attention to themselves. Harry also sees his Uncle Vernon, who he did not expect, but it seems that his parents did. He sees his mother start to grin. She whispers to him, "Watch this Harry." She walks up to Vernon. The fat man starts to grin slyly.
"Hello, I couldn't help but notice that you were staring at that boy, why?"
"He's my nephew and his Headmaster sent a letter saying I needed to pick him up at the station. He apparently got on the train, when he was told to stay at school. He is the biggest troublemaker they have."
"Oh, well that doesn't seem to make sense. You see he did get on the train, but it was to go home for the Holidays. His parents told him that is what they wanted."
"His parents died over a decade ago in a car crash." Vernon blustered.
"No, Harry was stolen at birth along with his brother and cousin and adopted by the Potter's. The woman you have been checking out on the sly, is his mother. My husband is the man over there with Harry." She points to Mars. Vernon visibly swallows. "And over there are his aunts and uncles. Not to mention his brothers. Oh, yeah I forgot , those people over there are the supposed victims of that car crash." She points to the Cullens and then to James and Lily.
James walks over, "Long time no see Vernon. I hear that you told Harry that we died in a car crash. We didn't. We were killed by an evil man who now Harry must kill to keep the world safe. Lils and I were brought back to help him and to set a few things straight. One thing, I would like to point out to you is that I was not then nor am I now a wastrel. My full name is Lord Gryffindor, James Harold Potter, The Earl of Richmond.
Now that Harry and I are in control of my fortune again, your little payments have been stopped, especially since it seems that you get a paycheck from Grunnings also.
"What does that have to do with anything?" The obese man bellows, turning puce at the thought of losing the weekly 600£ payment out of the freak's bank account. "Can you tell me the owner's name?" James asks patiently.
"They are never seen, it's owned by Marauder Inc. It is said that there are four men that own M.I. An R.J. Lupin, S.O. Black, J.H. and H.J." It then dawns on Vernon, the last names of the other partners, "Potter."
As Dursley listed off their initials, the men walked over. "Uncle, may I introduce my uncle Lord Sirius Orion Black, Earl of Blackmoor, my brother Lord Remus John Lupin, my father Lord James Potter. We four are the owners. These are my other brothers; Nico and Alec Mars, Draco Malfoy and Frank Zhang. My sisters; Clarisse and Jane Mars. Our parents; Lord and Lady Mars, otherwise known as the God and Goddess of War." Harry turns to Hermione and pulls her to him. "And this lovely lady is my wife, Hermione Potter." Vernon passes out right there in the train station.
"Well done Harry." Bella Cullen claps the boy on the back. "That jerk needed to be put in his place. Let's get everyone home now."
"Thank you Aunt Bells."
The immense group walks out to a tour bus. "Sorry but this is the biggest thing to get us all there." Carlisle Cullen calls as he hangs out the door of the bus. Nico didn't even think, he just ran to the blonde and practically jumped in the man's arms. If the vampire was still able, tears would be coursing down his face. "My dear boy how are you?" He asks the youth.
"I am fine Uncle, I have finished my transformation and we were successful in finding my brothers and cousin." He responds.
Carlisle turns and looks at the group. "Well, Esme is already trying to spoil the lot of you, we missed out on just about everything."
He turns his gaze to Harry, "I am assuming that you are the Potter Scion," When Harry nods, he continues, "Edward and I would like to take a look at you when we get the house. We are both doctors, what the muggles call their Healers. I know that Apollo has been looking after you at school but we also want to lend our help if you want." Harry nods.
Carlisle then turns to James, Lily, Lucius and Narcissa. "Carlisle Cullen, I assume that you are the Potters and Malfoys. Welcome to the family. Esme and I look forward to calling you friends if not family. As the head of the Cullen Clan I welcome you as allies." He holds out his hand to shake with the two men, and then nods to the ladies. "Honey, even after 600 years, you still slip into your accent every time we come back." A sweet voice calls out to him. Esme walks up the aisle to them.
As they were driving to the house, Bella started to sing a song softly to herself. Ares and Jasper look up at her. She hasn't sang that song in fifteen years. They then realize the reason, the boys.
"Hey Edward get out the keyboard would ya?" Ares calls to the lanky man talking to the Malfoys. He turns to his silently crying wife. "Enyo, how about we start for the beginning. Let the guys do the intro." She nods.
Edward grabs his keyboard, as Jasper and Thantos take their guitars out. They tune up and start the bluesy number. Bella sits up straight and takes a deep breath before starting to sing louder.
"I've heard there was a secret chord
That David played, and it pleased the Lord
But you don't really care for music, do you?
It goes like this
The fourth, the fifth
The minor fall, the major lift
The baffled king composing Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Your faith was strong but you needed proof
You saw her bathing on the roof
Her beauty in the moonlight overthrew you
She tied you to a kitchen chair
She broke your throne, and she cut your hair
And from your lips she drew the Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Baby I have been here before
I know this room, I've walked this floor
I used to live alone before I knew you.
I've seen your flag on the marble arch
Love is not a victory march
It's a cold and it's a broken Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
There was a time when you let me know
What's really going on below
But now you never show it to me, do you?
And remember when I moved in you
The holy dove was moving too
And every breath we drew was Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Maybe there's a God above
But all I've ever learned from love
Was how to shoot at someone who outdrew you
It's not a cry you can hear at night
It's not somebody who has seen the light
It's a cold and it's a broken Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
You say I took the name in vain
I don't even know the name
But if I did, well, really, what's it to you?
There's a blaze of light in every word
It doesn't matter which you heard
The holy or the broken Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
I did my best, it wasn't much
I couldn't feel, so I tried to touch
I've told the truth, I didn't come to fool you
And even though it all went wrong
I'll stand before the Lord of Song
With nothing on my tongue but Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah"
Bella collapses against Ares as she gets done, sobbing her heart out; for the boys who are now just coming to terms with this whole mess, for the helplessness of not knowing where they were for so long, and for the burden that these children now carry on their shoulders. Mars holds her as tight as he can. He knows the years of searching have finally caught up with her.
"That song was gorgeous, but so sad." Lily leans over and with Narcissa starts to rub Bella's back.
"Enyo hasn't sang that song in fifteen years. It's one of her favorites and she would sing it all the time that she was pregnant."
"Her voice is so clear, does she sing professionally, if not she should." Luna asks Mars.
"Yes, I do. I'm sorry everyone to be a downer, but it just started to hit. Guys, would you mind if we added it back in?" Bella looks around the group.
"Mom, do you think you could teach me that song for the show?" Draco asks.
"Yes, I can Draco." He smiles at his mother.
"Baby, I think we should give the whole lot tickets for the show. That way the first whole row is our friends and family." Mars whispers in Bella's ear. She chuckles and nods. "We should send some to the Weasleys also. It might cheer them up a little."
Apollo pops into the seat next to her, scaring her, "Hey Sis, thank you for the shout out." He grins at her. Bella smirks at him.
"Oh I live to prostrate myself at the altar of the conceited Lord of Music, like I don't have enough to do." She mimed bowing to the walking ego. "Hey don't you have a fiery ball of gas to be driving across the sky?" She turns back into her husband's arms.
(A/N: Hallelujah was written by Leonard Cohen and performed by him and many others over time. I happen to love the song. I do not claim rights to it at all.)