Harry Potter's Secret Weapon
**OO**...
A/N: Thanks to my wonderful Beta, LtsHrIt4ThBoyz.
Chapter 11 …I Do
**OO**
Saturday, June 25th Pranking Parlor
Tears fell down Penny's face. Potions had been a nightmare for so many people, but Professor Snape had always treated her with respect, given her private lessons with a few other favored students, and nurtured her magical gift.
This! This was a betrayal. Of time, energy, magic. To use magic to kill.
She doubted that the Wolfsbane potions, given to Mr Lupin throughout the year, had the same amount of silver or the professor would have already been dead.
But this last dose? If he had taken it then or this week, it would have been fatal. Remus had wanted to show her that he trusted her, and had taken the potion she had brewed instead of the one saved from the night of the near fatal dementor attack. Even Professor Slughorn had offered to brew for him!
Professor Lupin had put his undrunken Wolfsbane draught under stasis to keep for the next month. A potion that she just proved would have been fatal.
Going to the DMLE would be pointless. Snape would be protected by Dumbledore, protected by prejudiced people who thought that werewolves should be put down. Instead of an arrest, they'd likely give Snape an award!
What to do with this information?
Lord Black was meeting with Professor McGonagall later this morning. Perhaps Penny could at least warn her? Them?
What a mess!
**OO**
Hermione decided that she was going to learn parseltongue as well as Winky. But she couldn't get the hang of it. The symbols kept slithering away.
Healer Greengrass asked permission to floo in after he got off his late night shift. The man kept vampire hours for the most part. He was denied entry by Moony. Who then talked to Alastor about it.
Moody agreed that Slughorn's was better, and promised to keep an eye on things.
No need to add a Death Eater to the wards unless absolutely necessary. - there had been enough children and wives of Death Eaters there that week as it was! The work crews had been working for their rent! Didn't Lupin realize that oaths could be broken? It wasn't safe!
Not that Moody was head of security for House Black or anything. But it really wasn't safe!
Kingsley was advised about the situation as well. Poor Healer Greengrass suffered another unexplained headache. What time was it? Was he late?
**OO**
Professor McGonagall showed up for her appointment, and Steward Lupin showed her to the Master's study.
She was brought up with the old ways, and curtseyed at the door.
"Lord Black, this is Transfiguration Mistress Minerva McGonagall, Profes…"
"Ye forget that I taught ye both for seven years. Ye can drop yer glamour Sirius Black. Yer secret is safe with me."
Panicked, Sirius nearly rushed to the floo. The stern professor was having none of it.
"Sit ye down, now, ye daft man! Betsy! Tea tray for us all."
She poured a cuppa for Sirius, one for Remus, fixed both as they preferred and sat herself.
"Now then. Sirius Black, you wish to discuss your godson's schedule? Albus nearly canceled the Estate Planning course when he saw Mr Potter had signed up for it. Daft man. And he complained that the boy wasn't intelligent enough for all of these 'tough classes'. And pointed out that taking them would likely upset his best friend. Well, the youngest Mr Weasley can transfigure a bridge and get over himself! It wouldn't hurt HIM to take Estate Management either.
"If more students did, they might choose a simpler life. Arthur took the class, saw how much work it was to manage an estate like Molly had come from. He's a smart lad and could have had that. But it didn't involve his muggle gadgets and wasn't the kind of work that he wanted to do. It was too much parchment and not enough interacting with the world. He CHOSE the path he followed. Chose a simple life. And his children never. Went. Hungry."
Remus and Sirius shared a look. Arthur was fascinated by all things muggle. There was very little of that in running an estate. And he had always been polite to muggle parents like the Grangers.
"So, Harry has passed the final exams to allow him to progress?" Remus worried. Sirius really didn't care about grades as long as Harry could do the work. And he knew that Harry was very clever.
The professor continued, "I was so proud of him last year. EE's across the board except for his O+ in DADA and an A in Potions. Severus will never grade yer lad fairly, and Remus has been accused, quite unfairly, of favoritism. I shared several saved essays. Fortunately, I had the foresight to make copies as they were destroyed in the meeting over it. I am proud of the O he made in that class."
Lord Black started, "Yet Snape doesn't…"
As though his name had conjured her appearance, Penny was there. She knocked on the door frame of the open study door.
"Begging your pardon Lord Black. I know that you are in conference. But you all need to know this. It's very important." Penny was flushed, and sending nervous looks at Moony. She forgot to curtsey in her haste.
"Come in, and tell us what makes you so upset, my dear." Lord Black pointed to the couch. There was plenty of room in his large office and the couch was now against the far wall rather than next to his desk.
Penny explained the results of testing the last batch of Wolfsbane from Hogwarts. She was trying for a healer's calm diagnosis rather than screaming about a murder attempt. But she talked too fast and was clearly upset about it all.
Remus' face was flushed and thunderous but it was Sirius who looked ready to commit murder and worse.
Lord Black got up in a rage, but a spell from McGonagall that she had used more than once back in the day on the Potter and Black hotheads had him back in his seat.
"I'm trying very hard not to accuse anyone of a murder attempt. I wanted to share my findings with Professor McGonagall."
Penny repeated herself in her distress, "The last dose of Wolfsbane that Professor Lupin was given at Hogwarts contains a lethal dose of silver nitrate. This is not just an error in brewing. The potion looks visibly different, smells different. The brewer would have known something was wrong."
McGonagall growed, "I thought that I heard Snape complain about others escaping death yet again. I thought he was talkin' about Black here! Goodness. I can try and report him to Amelia Bones; she's an honest witch. But you know how this works."
The cat animagus shook her head, "I completely agree with you in your conclusions, Miss Clearwater. I mean, Miss Black. You couldn't be wearing that ring, and be here if you weren't true family."
Penny looked down in shame, "My birth family didn't take the news well. But what choice did I have? I could have stayed with them, and what? Lose Percy forever? Work in a muggle shop?
"It would take years to catch up to go to uni, and my parents don't have that kind of money. I always wondered who paid for my Hogwarts tuition. My parents contributed some, but it wasn't all of it."
"The Potter trust that Charlus set up after one spectacular find in Egypt pays for muggleborns without means up to their OWLs. I suspect that starting in third year though, Professor Snape took that over."
Penny stood, upset, "That makes this even worse! This was what bothered me earlier! The dichotomy of a man who nurtures muggleborns in a world of hatred yet is ruthless enough to commit murder! This, this? I'm going to save up and pay him back every penny. Knut. Whatever."
"Sit yerself. Calm yerself." Minerva handed her a cup of tea. "There's nothing to be done now. I will have you know that the castle watches him. You'll note that Remus didn't actually drink the potion. I imagine that something would have happened if he had tried to drink it here."
Remus had allowed the women to talk while he tried to process it all. Now he had a thought, "Professor McGonagall, do you feel that he is a threat to me now? Here in our home? Or is he done? This may have been out of protection to the students. He did stand in front of Harry and Hermione when I transformed. I've seen the memories. He could have killed me then, or tried to, but he didn't."
Minerva sipped tea, "I'm impressed, my friend. Severus is a very strange man, twisted in his pettiness. But no, now that you are here, you should be safe. Just don't take anything he might send ye."
Penny spoke up, "I'm going to leave this proof with Professor Lupin. May I stay to discuss Harry's schedule? I did tutor him a bit last year. Such a smart lad!"
Lord Black, stuck to his chair, silenced, was now finally allowed to speak.
"Sorry Sirius, forgot about ye." Minerva stated insincerely.
**OO**
Remus continued, "Harry is suffering for my sins, and others." Remus stated with a sad shake of his head.
They were discussing the amount of detentions that Harry had served. For this last year, Minerva had given them over to the Runes and Arithmancy Professors since it allowed the Potter lad time to interact openly with them.
Moony stated, "What we really need is a carrot; a treat, to get him to do his best."
Harry had tried to get away with turning in less than stellar essays, but Lupin had traded private lessons for his best efforts. It had worked to bring them together, and Remus had a good idea of just how smart Harry really was. How to get the boy comfortable doing his best in all classes would be the next goal.
Darlene had shifted things so that she too could join in this meeting, and politely knocked on the doorframe as Penny had. She curseyed to those in the room, eyeing her beloved in great joy at seeing him.
Their searing look didn't burn anything, but they were happy to see one another.
"Professor McGonagall, you remember Darlene Fenwich?" Sirius asked, still looking older.
She shook her head, but then suddenly fainted.
"Well, that's three of you." Darlene stated, having caught the woman before she could slip to the floor. She floated her to the couch that Penny quickly vacated in alarm.
Betsy, her personal elf, brought clean warm clothes to clean the woman's face of the blood from her nose. She worried her hands and was sent by Penny to refresh the tea tray to give her something to do but worry.
Darlene was careful to record her scans on document parchment for the French version of the DMLE. They would listen to her.
The cat animagus was soon awake. "Darlene Fenwich! I was told ye were dead! Killed by Bellatrix in that Death Eater attack. I haven't thought of ye in ages! Gretna Green!...I was to officiate! Oh, well. Today! In the garden or where ye please. Ye know I don't put up with these shenanigans at school. Invite yer family. Invite who you want. But ye aren't living like this one minute more! Harry deserves better! YOU deserve better."
Then Minerva turned, aware of what had happened. "Dumbledore! It had to be him. But why? I thought that Albus was good? Why would he make me forget about ye? It makes no sense!"
Darlene had a similar conversation earlier that day with Sirius. "It does if you want to keep Harry Potter away from me, and not allow others to hear my words about Sirius' innocence. Not even Dumbledore would raise his wand against me. He would lose his magic, and at his age? That would surely cause his death. You all were made to forget me. I will never forgive him, but as Harry stated, we are not in a position to make war on Dumbledore. He could have killed Harry at any time these last three years…or maybe… he did attempt to… But Hogwarts herself guards him, I'm told by others."
Unwilling to discuss impossible tasks at the moment, Sirius tried to change the subject, "I thought that we were talking about Harry's schedule?"
"It's approved. You can't be registered as Harry's guardian, though, but your wife can. I know that many French women keep their maiden names upon marriage unless they want to take their husband's. So, Ms Fenwich will be officially registered as Harry's legal guardian, with Lord Black as his guardian as well." Minerva stated.
"Penelope Black is registered as Harry's guardian in the muggle world. I would prefer to keep her away from Dumbledore, but in an emergency, Percy Weasley could act for the House as well. He is a deputy Steward." Remus stated. "Or I could as Steward…"
Sirius jumped in, "I don't want Remus within a hundred miles of Snape. Please don't let Dumbledore summon him to the castle."
Minerva nodded to him and the former Head girl. "Only in a true emergency will I contact ye. Welcome to the Black family. Finally, there are two of you for the Light. Three counting Harry"
"And whatever children she and Percy give the family, they will carry the Black name as well." Lord Black proudly shared. Penny nodded. She did want children, after she attained her mastery. And Percy had five other brothers to carry on the Weasley family name.
"Now that we have Mr Potter's schedule settled, let's talk wedding!" The cat animagus rubbed her hands, "There's a fine rose garden here. A few tables for some food, I could even get the castle elves to help with that. Get your elves to direct them. Let's go!" She made a shooing motion with both hands, but Darlene wasn't raised with this woman chiding her as an adult, so didn't have the same fear factor that both Remus and Sirius felt.
Darlene looked at Sirius. "Professor McGonagall isn't wrong. We could get my parents here, and my dress. I wanted to cancel all of my appointments before this anyway. Flowers are easily conjured by the elves. Do you truly want this?"
Padfoot sighed, "Of course I do! I just feel that opening this up, letting others know my true identity will get you hurt."
Remus pointed out sagely, "Not necessarily. Lord Black steps down to allow Sirius Black the title back, as was his riht. Darlene becomes Lady Black. If you are going to wed, there is no reason to delay. As for the guests: family, The Weasleys, Longbottoms, Tonkses, Darlene's parents, um. Miss Granger's parents? Calladora, of course. We should invite our goblin representatives from Gringotts. Have them bring the shiny knuts. Any close friends to add?"
"My colleague Marius Greengrass," Darlene suggested, making Moony frown. "And Harry will want Slughorn and Moody."
"Don't forget to invite Professor Flitwick!" Minerva insisted. "I know he recommended Miss MacMillan to ye. And I'm glad that you're inviting Professor Slughorn. I need to talk to him. How I want that man back teachin' at Hogwarts!"
Sirius looked at Remus who accepted Best Man with a nod just as Darlene was asking Penny. They had gained a true friendship in France before this. Penny accepted Maid of Honor with a blushing yes.
"Remus and Penny will be with us at the altar. I'll have invite invite my sister to be a bridesmaid or I won't be able to visit home for a decade.
"Oh! We should invite the Delacours. I doubt they will be able to come, but we should at least tender the offer." Darlene suggested.
The adults broke away to summon elves, conjure invitations, and prepare the rose garden for an early afternoon wedding.
**OO**
",,,Then think very hard about the landing place, on the ground. You don't want to leave your guests in the air after all." Sirius finished.
Harry was finally learning the fine art of portkey making. The secret for many houses' finances, as only they had the license to make them. Harry was exploiting a loophole.
Sirius showed Harry his license. He was legally of age after all. "This right here is enough to prove my innocence. If I had been convicted, I couldn't have the House ring, I couldn't have this portkey license, so many other things. The Ministry would have confiscated everything I personally owned."
"The Ministry is daft. People like Adrian Pucey are Heirs to their Houses. His father was caught, convicted, and apparently released early from Azkaban. So, he can't be the Heir anymore. Pucey's grandfather wasn't sent to prison."
"You know, that doesn't mean he wasn't a Death Eater. Only the gullible, gold-less or fanatics were tossed in there."
Harry patted his godfather's arm.
"Harry, all of this is happening so fast, but I couldn't stay here until I'm free anyways. We'll go on a short honeymoon with just the two of us, then go to a country with no extradition to Britain for a family holiday."
"Like Japan? Penny is studying the customs and mentioned that Magical Japan thinks that Brits are 'barbarians' since we use dementors at Azkaban."
"They aren't wrong. Okay, pup. If you want to go to Japan, we can. As a family. And we can invite Penny and Percy for a weekend as part of it, if you like."
"Thanks! I really like Penny, and she's been acting like, I don't know. Maybe an older sister or something? She's been watching out for me. It's nice."
Padfoot ruffled his hair, and the two went back to work making portkeys.
**OO**
Remus volunteered to test several of Harry's first forays into portkey making, just in case. They were all perfect, and Harry helped the groom make them for all of the guests invited.
The twins accosted him when Lupin was at the Burrow. They were wanting to show him the cases of product already made waiting for the booth at the World Cup. Remus wrote it down on linked notebooks that he had gotten for Clarice to apply for a booth for the Pranking Parlor officially.
Since Mother Weasley would destroy such wonderful pranks, he also invited them to call Karr to pick them up. "Oh, and feel free to test what you like on the elf. He is free and would enjoy the laugh." Moony advised.
The twins were happy that their mother had purchased dress robes for them all already. They were going to a wedding of a Marauder!
**OO**
Clarice looked at the wedding invitation. She could borrow a nice dress from her mother; they wore each other's clothes, and Clarice's entire wardrobe were her mother's castoffs.
Could she really go? And if she did, would Moony ask her to dance?
Worried because she had been so ostracized, and now was invited to Lord Black's wedding, she made her way to her boss.
No muggle here had seen the elf pop in or out.
"Ma'am? May I leave early today? I have friends eloping suddenly, and I have been invited to attend."
The woman sniffed. The day before had been scheduled in advance, and then the chit dared tender her resignation.
"Why don't you just pack up your desk and go! You clearly don't want to be here." The snooty and snubbed woman demanded.
"Thank ye, ma'am. I wish ye all the best." Clarice smiled.
Knowing that Winky would be busy with the wedding, she threw her few personal things in a box and ran to the lift.
When the lift got to the bottom, there was no one in it.
**OO**
Harry knew the Delacours were being clever after Sirius had received their official 'no, so sorry, other commitments' notice, when a squealing Gabrielle ran into his legs.
"Hi! Hey, you look familiar. Do I know you?" Harry asked congenially, giving the young girl a sweet hug.
Gabrielle tilted her head in confusion, but her sister was there to translate. "Bonjour, 'arry. Your friend Neville? 'E is coming, no?"
"Yes, he'll be here. Bonjour Gabrielle. Ça va?"
A very rapid sentence was the response that Harry interpreted to mean that she was happy to be there.
Hermione was already there and her parents showed up early to help. Fleur and Hermione went to help the preparations while Harry showed Gabrielle the library. In particular, the magical primer he was using to help learn French.
Karr was put in charge of the garden with every elf from Hogwarts that could dig in the dirt, while the others helped with the flowers and food.
He was one very happy and busy elf.
**OO**
Neville came over early as well, and he joined Fleur and Hermione with flower arranging. With Hermione eventually returning to Harry's side in the library.
But only after the bride had grabbed her for a healing moment.
The wedding itself came together very quickly. After all, their first wedding had been planned to be small. Minerva sent word to the castle that she would be delayed. She and Flitwick put their wands to work to help elves make the rose garden into a place to witness the vows, share a toast, and have a traditional dance. The tables were already starting to groan with the food in stasis on offer.
Arthur gave the family a good price on the cases of their sparkling cider that came from the family apples and helped support the Weasleys 'little extras'.
Both Darlene and Sirius insisted on traditional vows for the wedding. Simple, pure, a request for the blessing of the Creator of All on their match. Blessing for progeny, blessing for love.
It took all of the elves and their human helpers only a few hours. Winky even baked a beautiful wedding cake. She conjured the cake toppers in the likenesses of the bride and groom!
Alastor Moody came, but insisted on being obliviated afterwards with the Weasleys.
The guests were seated in conjured chairs. Everyone was dressed in their best, but a stranger mix of colors and styles was rarely seen. The goblins were all wearing their finest suits and dresses. The Black House-elves were in tiny formal wear with the Black sigil on their shoulders. Winky was particularly adorable in her outfit and matching hat.
Shacklebolt was in something from his grandparents' homeland in 'traditional' bright wedding colors. Only Augusta seemed to notice that the guest list was a bit 'unusual' but said nothing. Of course, she was the one with the vulture in haute couture on her head. She and Neville were sitting next to Spurnik and his mate on one side and the Delacours on the other.
Clarice had shown up in plenty of time for the ceremony. She was lovely in a dusty rose dress that suited her coloring. Moony, standing at the arbor next to Sirius, ignored James' photo antics pointing to Clarice. Remus simply waved a greeting to her. She replied with a gentle opening of her hand in acknowledgement from her now seated position in the back.
Oh yes, both of their inner wolves knew that the other was there.
Goldrub suddenly bolted to where the bride was coming out a side door from the house. He was taking out a shrunken box from his pocket. In it, the Black wedding tiara was offered, and Winky soon had it in place without mussing her hair. He ran back to his seat with only his mate giving a subvocal chiding.
Darlene's father gave away the bride. Penny was Maid of Honor and looked lovely in the dress that Lily would have worn that day, resized to her by clever elves. Sofia was a bridesmaid in the same dress she wore at the ball, to her dismay.
At least Professor McGonagall was able to overcome the designer's charms to keep it colorfast and was able to change the shape and color for a time.
Pictures of James and Lily Potter, copied by Minerva, were placed on the arched trellis of roses that Appoline had conjured. The pictures were placed where the Best Man and Matron of Honor would have stood.
Harry refused to stand up as a groomsman with Lord Black and insisted that Percy do it instead. Remus looked very handsome in James' wedding suit made for the best man all those years ago.
Harry sat in a conjured chair, sandwiched between Aunt Calladora on one side, and Hermione holding his hand on the other. Sofia dared to glare at her, and was clearly disappointed. She wanted to be paired with Harry at the wedding as she was a bridesmaid. No doubt that would not have turned out well!
Sirius and Darlene were married beneath the rose arbor. Minerva McGonagall, in sacred robes, led the couple through traditional magical vows that bound them together in love, dedicating them to being a family.
The bride's dress, a gorgeous champagne confection of gold and cream and pearls, was just as lovely as it had been when put into stasis. Darlene was grateful that her mother had stopped her from destroying it after Sirius stood her up. She was shocked to find out that Lily's and James' clothes had been saved as well. Her mother had been in charge of bringing them to the wedding as it was hard for James and Lily to really get out. They thought, with it being Halloween, it would be safe. Darlene felt very guilty, thinking all this time that her friends were killed while leaving the cottage for Gretna Green. Not knowing the details of the attack until recently, had the witch sobbing at times for her lost friends. The lost time with their son.
But now was not the time for tears but for joy.
The couple was presented as husband and wife to the cheering of all. As the couple filed down the aisle, they were followed by the wedding party and stopped for a few pictures.
The elves quickly deployed to change the seating from staged to casual eating. Chairs were moved to be around small circular tables that appeared around the lovely open spot in the garden. The stasis charms were removed from the food.
It was time to eat! And later, there would be dancing.
**OO**
Sofia took another chance to glare at her nemesis.
And wasn't that a shock to both Harry and Hermione to discover that the brazen, ill-mannered child from the Solstice Ball was none other than Sofia Fenwich, and she really was related to Darlene.
Well, there wasn't a rule that said one had to like all of one's new relatives. Dudley came to mind, but unlike him, she wouldn't be allowed to hurt anyone.
Hermione smiled widely and brightly at the girl who could no longer truthfully compare her to a beaver, making Sofia even madder. Hermione had a new dress, matching flowers from the garden in her hair, and was holding Harry Potter's hand like he belonged to her! How dare she!
Sofia had no idea that Ginny Weasley, seated near her, was having similar thoughts.
Sofia had started to say something cutting about the Brit witch holding Harry's hand, but received a sharp reprimand from her maman.
Darlene's mother had spoken to the girl about expected behavior in public. And warned her that she really wasn't too old to spank!
The Fenwiches were used to using English as a 'secret code'. Something they might want to think about for their next trip to Britain. Rather a lot of people spoke it here, as Ginny's giggles showed.
**OO**
"I don't know what YOU are laughing at, English! YOU aren't going to get to dance with 'arry either!" Sofia shouted. "Why would 'e dance with a country clod like YOU?"
"Well, Frenchie, first off it's Harry not 'airy'. Not that YOU can say his name properly. And second off, why would he want to dance with…a toad."
Percy stalked over to stand between the fighting teens. "Ginevra! That is a very bigotted thing to say especially around our other friends here! Apologize! Now!"
Percy had been acting as a prefect for too long for him to not react to the girls fighting.
Across the garden where Molly was seated, Penny was having her first argument with her future mother-in-law. Molly had just found out that any children that she and Percy had would be named members of the House of Black. With that surname. "But I thought that Percy told you that. My family isn't happy with me either. But you have Bill, Charlie, Ron, and the twins for Weasley named grandchildren! There are plenty of Weasley boys! Ginny's children won't be Weasleys either. And Sirius isn't sure whether he can father children or not!"
Ginny on the other side of the garden just sent a death glare both to her brother and 'the French pest'. Sofia returned it with interest.
Percy was calm and offered softly spoken advice to them both, "You two are the same age, and will have to be in the same place together not just for today. You should shake hands and try to make friends."
Molly started to shriek, "Black! Black! That is a very dark, evil name." Seeming to forget whose garden she was in.
Harry walked over to the angry red-headed woman, "What's wrong? I thought that you liked me?" Harry asked.
"As if I want to be friends with an English rodent like 'er!" Sofia stomped off, clearly upset, Ginny went in the other direction.
"My grandchildren should NOT be named BLACK!" Molly shouted, as if attaining the higher volume won the argument.
"You do remember that your mother-in-law was born a Black, yes?" Harry asked. "And my grandmother?"
Harry and Percy exchanged a look across the way from one another. Well, at least the wedding had fireworks as was traditional.
**OO**
Harry and Hermione made a pact to attempt to at least be civil to Sofia after finally being introduced to Darlene's parents. But Harry wouldn't put up with her denigrating Hermione one jot, Darlene's family or not!
Darlene now figured that Dumbledore obliviated the surviving Marauders and Minerva that very night, or something similar to obliviation. It was odd that they weren't more angry about all of it, but it was something that she was starting to recognize as truly odd.
The Weasleys had all come thankfully, well, except Charlie, bringing homemade food to add to the lovely buffet the elves put together for a late lunch. And a couple of apple saplings as a wedding gift.
The couple planned on a two week honeymoon. Part one in Paris, just the two of them, then another holiday with the family. Together.
Harry was getting a real family, one bound by love, oaths, and acts of kindness.
Darlene apologized for not being able to keep her promise of playing a game that night, but Harry just asked her for a raincheck instead.
The witch looked up at the sky, "I don't think it's going to rain. I checked for you. What next?"
Harry was about to explain the expression, when, with a sly grin, she gently poked his arm, instead of the belly button that she had been going to poke. "Gotcha!"
Harry gave her a loving hug that Remus captured with a camera. He had put Clarice to work with another quickly purchased one.
Remus had helped Harry put names to the few pictures he had, and now he and Clarice were going to provide many more pictures.
Along with the instant ones that the Grangers were taking. Muggle, non-moving. Arthur was fascinated, and wanted to take a few himself!
He had to get one of these!
**OO**
Ron came up to Harry, with a very full plate topped by a huge piece of wedding cake. A bit of frosting decorated his nose.
"So, when are you moving back home? Mum was going spare with that prank of the gift basket. Good one mate. But really. When are you comin' back?"
Harry blinked, "I'm happy to visit Ron, but really, um. It wasn't a prank. Darlene is my godmother, it's a long story, we've been kept apart. We're going to live here. Penny's going to watch over me when Sirius and Darlene can't be here. You know he's innocent! You listened to Peter Pettigrew yourself!"
Ron just stared, mouth open, half-chewed cake spilling from his gob. "But, but you can't! Dumbledore says it isn't safe! He came over to talk to Mum."
"Do you see the headmaster here? He would never be welcome." Harry stated emphatically.
"What? Dumbledore is a great man! If you don't return, I won't be your friend anymore!" Ron sprayed cake over the front of Harry's robes with the threat, pulling out the final weapon of this argument in his mind.
Harry forgot about the comportment rule of not 'looking like a prole' and shrugged; looking angry now. Penny had overheard the boys and intervened. Percy wasn't the only one in the family with Prefect genes.
"Well then, Ronald, you will miss out. Harry is taking lessons, and there is a place to brew and build pranks, and this will be a very nice home with just a wonderful library."
"Lie-berry? So what? Sure it's a great house, you know. For the Blacks! Harry is a Potter! And that home was burned down by Death Eaters. Harry has to stay with us or his muggles! Dumbledore said so."
Kingsley Shacklebolt now entered the fray as the Head of Security. "Heir Black? I need to see you for a moment."
His wand in his hand had Harry nervous for a half second, but only to banish the mess from his supposed friend.
Ron was left standing there, dribbling cake and looking confused. Penny wiped his nose, then guided Ron to a chair at a table near his mum. This was done in order to save the elves even more work with cleaning up behind the glutton than they already had been.
Karr was trying to eliminate the pests in the garden after all. Not attract them. In Penny's mind, sending Ron home would get rid of a big one!
Harry thanked the tall auror for the rescue, and went to sit next to Aunt Calladora while Kingsley went to report to Lord Black.
**OO**
Dancing was a must at a wedding, and thankfully, Harry was looking much better, therefore, he was now allowed two dances. Of course, his first dance was with Hermione as Sirius led his new bride in the traditional first dance.
Technically, Remus was supposed to squire Penny, but had waved Percy up, and had been going to sit this one out. Moony wouldn't stand for that. Not with Clarice here!
The werewolf pair danced, a little awkwardly at first. Likely the wagging tails getting in the way.
The elves of Hogwarts and of the Black family had outdone themselves conjuring a dance floor out in the garden. It wasn't permanent, but would last long enough for the party after the vows.
Harry then accompanied his godmother onto the dance floor while Sirius squired Hermione.
Neville had danced the first dance with his gran; but the next dance was with Fleur. And the third. And the fourth. The fifth was with Gabrielle, and then he took a short break…to dance with Fleur.
Marius Greengrass was a surprise guest to many in the know. Darlene was delighted that someone she knew and respected was allowed in with his unusual tattoo. But they danced and talked. He looked tired, but then, he was usually sleeping this time of day.
He was only allowed in the rose garden. In fact, his stay unknowingly to the bride who invited him, was timed. Moody snuck a timed portkey into his very elegant waistcoat that all of the ladies there admired.
Even some of the goblins.
Darlene felt hostile eyes on her, but it was only Moody and Kingsley. Goodness, those two! They needed to relax a bit.
But that wasn't the only hostility at an event based on love.
**OO**
Much to the Fenwich teen's consternation and much pouting, Sofia did not get a dance with Harry. Healers orders after all.
Of course, to her secret delight, neither did the Brit redhead! They later noticed each other not dancing with their hero, and immediately stuck out their tongues at one another. Earning them both a tongue lashing from their mothers.
Harry heard Hermione sigh as Flitwick took Professor McGonagall for a spin on the dance floor. There was no height difference issue as the half-goblin floated around, guiding the lady with slight pressure on hands and her back just as though they were of similar heights. Her face beamed with happiness.
Later on, the pair were seen holding hands, circulating amongst the guests, both of them being held in high regard by the company.
Spurnik and his mate enjoyed the Scottish country dance that Minerva and Flitwick taught the group. Soon, even Goldrub and his mate had joined in. In turn, the goblins taught the hu-mons a traditional reel, though they lacked the largest drums that usually kept time. The small bodhrans conjured by McGonagall were fine for the moment though.
BloodRage, in dress robes of his clan, did not wear his armor. It was the first time that Harry had seen him 'unshelled' and said so.
"So, did your mate have to use an oversized can opener to get you out?"
"You do know that in three summers, I can legally challenge you." The goblin growled.
"You do know that in three summers, I will still beat you at knife throwing?"
"The Warrior Dan Granger has taught you well, and I do not have the same type of knives. But he cannot throw axes."
"You two should do a trade." Harry suggested.
"YES! Major Granger! There is a wooden fence here without scar or dent. We must fix this before the day is done!"
Sage grabbed her mate, "No. No. This is a formal event for the hu-mons. They do not throw weapons here. They never throw weapons here." Turning her voice to a whisper, ₲"That is why it is so very plain and ugly. No character."₲
Karr popped in, "We have many places that need to be removed. If you want to play throwing dagger or axe competitions there, we can. But this is a busy day. Perhaps another time?"₲
Karr did not want the new fence 'improved' by goblin games.
Dan and BloodRage agreed to a future 'exchange of information'. After one more circle dance, the goblins made their way back to the bank.
But not before giving the bride a priceless gemstone necklace, and the groom a set of a dozen plain platinum bracelets to enchant. The clan of goblins that had attended the wedding, had combined resources to purchase this gift together. And that made it special for them all; goblins and wizarding kind did not make true friends often. Or mingle socially with humons.
**OO**
Dan and Emma were enjoying the festivities, capturing snaps with a much smaller camera than Remus had. Harry was informed that he would be spending the weekend with the Grangers before heading to France on Monday.
With outsiders coming to finish up the house the next day, Steward Lupin and his deputy were happier with Harry not being there.
As the festivities were wrapping up, Molly approached Harry. "Please get your bag, love. It's time to go home."
"Mrs Weasley? This is my home. I have a home of my own. Finally. With my real family. I live here now…
"Don't be silly! Dumbledore explained the whole thing. Not a funny prank for me, you know. I'm not getting any younger! You'll stay with us for the rest of the summer and come back to the Burrow next year after you stay with the Durselys for the first month. Something about the wards."
"I'm sorry but he is mistaken. I have a job to do in France, and the Grangers are fluent in the language that I am learning. They are coming with me." Harry was trying to keep a hold of his temper and his tone, but both were rising.
The rest of the family was in the floo room waiting on Molly. At a prearranged signal, Shacklebolt stepped in. "Molly, Harry lives here now. Let me show you the documents."
He quickly obliviated the matron, making her remember a lovely summer wedding of Lord Black to some foreigner and the gorgeous flowers and cake. The shiny knut in the traditional bag had been provided by the goblins, and Kingsley made sure that hers was in her pocket.
The Head of Security then escorted the lady to the floo and shut it down the minute the last Weasley was through. Lord Black quickly modified the ward book, keeping only the older Weasley brothers as having access to the House.
"I'm sorry about that Heir Black. The Weasley parents were oblivated, Bill, Percy, Fred and George are already under oath. Ginny and Ron each received a 'stirrup-cup' of forgetfulness draught. They will only have vague memories of the day." Kingley shared.
"Why is Dumbledore still trying to rule where I live?" Harry demanded in front of Dan and Emma.
Mr Granger stated through clenched teeth, "If I knew the answer to that, I think I would have the answer to a lot of things. Come on, you two. It's time to head home."
Harry shared hugs with his godparents who promised to meet with him in Paris to share a family dinner on Monday when he was finished with his pest control task. The reservations were already made.
**OO**
After carrying Darlene across the threshold of the luxury underground resort, they took a moment to look around. The honeymoon suite where Sirius and Darlene wound up was everything the noblewitch expected. Soft lighting, silk everywhere, and a lovely variety of food that could be ordered in. The gift basket, provided by the management, was especially fine. – Though Darlene was slightly put off by the pickled boar's head on a silver tray, compliments of Goldrub, Spurnik and their families.
The magical window showed a spectacular view of Paris.
The best part was the security. No one even knew that Gringotts Paris HAD lodging much less fine lodging, or that it came with very discreet security whenever they wanted to explore outside the caverns.
Their guards were highly disappointed with the lack of strolls, walks, or outings. These people were supposed to be trouble magnets, and all they did was stay in!
How could they justify killing evil wizards if they were never attacked!
That evening, the couple shared a simple meal. But Sirius' mind wasn't on the food.
"My beloved wife. I can't believe that this really happened for me. A part of me thought I would be living on the run, hardly seeing Harry, and likely dying in a Death Eater fight. How many times has Bellatrix tried to kill us already?"
Darlene leaned over and gave him a sweet lingering kiss. Bella had indeed, along with other family members. And the threat was not gone. It was a good thing the Bellatrix had missed. Now, if she tried to kill either one of them, she would lose her magic!
"You have changed my path. You and Harry. I never want to be alone. The thing is, I always wanted to have more than one child. We talked about this years ago, would you? I mean, do you want…?"
"To give you a daughter or son? Yes, beloved. I still want children. I see no reason to wait. You don't need to cast any charms right now."
"So I'm charming enough without them?" Sirius teased.
Darlene kissed his nose, "Definitely."
**OO**
Servants Hall
Clarice looked around her new room. It was easily twice the size of the closet she'd been renting in Edinburgh, and had a nice clothes press for the folded things.
The only problem was the hanging wardrobe was half-full of formal wear. She called for Jam.
"Hello, I'm Clarice, oh, that's right. Ye met me…was that just yesterday? Well, I asked ye here to help me. There's someone else's clothes hangin' in here, and I was wondering if ye could put them away for me, please."
Jam shook his head. "They are a gift. From Lord Black. The House dines formal. Head Elf Winky choosing them for you."
Jam was trying to speak carefully, too.
"These? All these are mine?" Clarice teared up. Ever since she was bitten, only her mam talked to her, and the family would not allow her to spend money on the 'creature'. Though she had here and there anyways. And gave her daughter perfectly good clothes that 'she didn't like anymore'.
"I will write a thank you note right away."
"Please let Jam put it on his desk for when he returns from honeymooning time. Lord Black no want, um, does not want post at this time."
Clarice knelt and gave the elf a hug. "You are doing well. You speak English better than I do."
"Jam can speak several languages." And proved it by switching to Scots Gaelic.
'Now this is more like it.' The shewolf thought to herself as she unpacked, asking Jam all sorts of questions about her new home in her native tongue.
As soon as she was done, Jam asked permission to go help with the cleanup of the wedding.
Blushing for keeping him, she offered to help as well.
**OO**
After the wedding, Harry went home with the Grangers for the weekend.
Lessons were going well here for the most part, in both hand to hand and dancing. But Harry couldn't do either, so Dan and Emma had invited Harry over to watch movies and order take out.
Auror Tonks joined the group, knowing that Shack would take over around midnight, and she could sleep on the couch or wherever. It turned out there was plenty of room in the basement. Auror Tonks had never seen such a nice training room before.
She accidentally tripped on something, and wound up putting pressure on a bit of the padded wall. A seam appeared before opening up to display an inner room. In the center of the floor surrounded by a wall display of various weapons of all sorts was a three foot tall glass case that held an umbrella, a bowler hat, and a wicked pair of high-heeled boots. Clearly a fashion from earlier era.
Tonks hadn't meant to snoop, and figured out how to close the doors carefully. Emma met her on the stairs with a small business card. "You really do need to be read in at some point. Kingsley as well. I'll make an appointment. Maybe this weekend? Or after we get back from France? You do speak the language, don't you?"
The two ladies got Tonks settled in the basement in a lovely guest room. Emma showed her the well appointed ladies side of the shower and changing rooms. They rejoined the family upstairs in plenty of time to chime in with their suggestions for take-out.
Harry had no idea what many of the menu choices on offer even were, and trusted the Grangers to choose. Perhaps that would have been a bad choice if Emma wasn't there to knock the smirk off Dan's face and prevent him from ordering Chicken Feet or something similar at the local Chinese restaurant.
After a wonderful dinner that had them laughing as Harry and Tonks struggled with chopsticks, they watched video after video. Harry fell asleep on the couch.
After taking an adorable picture of Hermione and Harry snuggled up against each other. Emma went to send a copy to Remus with a note carried by Hermione's owl.
'Can you please let everyone know that Harry is doing well. He can go to Church with us in the morning if someone can send over a suit.'
The muggle suit was delivered with a warning from home. A note from Remus said, '...the next time Harry slept with Hermione BEFORE MARRIAGE would be his last. That Dan would likely kill him. Did the greatest Mage of the Age, the Boy-who-Lived, really want to be defeated by a muggle. A mere muggle dad? AGAIN?'
Harry wrote back a note, and called Dobby.
"Do you know what a wet raspberry is?"
The elf nodded, popped away, and returned with a freshly washed fruit.
Harry whispered, "I'm going to teach you the fine art of a raspberry. It is a delicate one. Never to be used on the ladies though. Only Moony and Padfoot."
Dobby listened carefully and returned the message with the wet fruit only. He wasn't presenting his pale green tongue to be turned pink or whatever.
'Dobby no wanting to start or be in the middle of a prank war.' he thought to himself.
Of course, Moony, being who he was, thought that Harry was sending a symbol of a raspberry - the one made by sticking out a tongue, and so it worked even better.
**OO**
A/N: Recommended Story: your story recommendation here!
A/N: Recommended Story Anything by Robst, but a favorite of both of us is Harry Crow. Harry is raised by goblins after Vernon deposits the boy at Gringotts as a baby. Greatest investment ever!
**OO**
ƺ parseltongue
₲ galleons
₰ sickles
ķ knuts
Ɠ Goblin language