Harry Potter's Secret Weapon
**OO**...
A/N: Thanks to my wonderful Beta, LtsHrIt4ThBoyz.
A/N: My best friend MelJ wrote some of the fighting sections on defeating dementors in Japan. I may have made some suggestions along the way, just like she does for my dribbles, drabbles, mumblings, etc.
**OO**
Chapter 15 - Here there be Dragons
**OO**
Monday, July 4th, Ministry of Magic, Morning
A finely dressed young witch was seen walking to the floo from the Ministry Registrar's offices. Clarice hadn't needed to "borrow" her professional wizarding clothing, they had been hanging in her closet. She just loved working for House Black!
Her errand to the Ministry done, she returned to her office, not bothering to change. Remus' eyes nearly popped out of his head! He rose and gave her a formal bow.
"Chatelaine Clarice McMillan, welcome home; you look lovely!" Remus had been in the Pranking Parlor and so hadn't seen her leave earlier. The brief note left on his desk explained she was running an errand for Lady Black to the Ministry. But a part of him had wondered if she had left. Seeing her back had him wanting to hold her in relief.
They usually wore 'wizarding casual' in the office, but seeing her dressed so finely when it wasn't dinner? This was a completely different look for the shewolf and caused the wizard to wonder if she was out of his league.
To which Moony had a few things to say, 'She's perfect. She performs her duties and handles the House necessities flawlessly. She's wonderful with the cubs. She has a playful nature. I want her! Tell her! Look at the way she looks at us.'
Remus told his inner wolf 'down, boy, down' but didn't disagree with him.
Clarice smiled at his formal welcome, and knew it to be gentle teasing rather than mocking. She curtseyed deeply, and countered, "Steward Lupin, Keeper of the Keys for House Black, I have returned and am ready to resume my other duties."
Remus strode to her, trying not to run, to offer his arm for the short distance to her office door, and bowed her in.
"Thank ye, kindly."
As the lady went to her duties, which were being added to daily, Remus tried to concentrate on his.
Clarice was a kind person and hasn't allowed being infected with lycanthropy to bring her down. While disappointed with her family, she never said anything bad about them either.
Remus turned to his work, his inner Moony's tail wagging that Clarice was near and safe and near and tried to concentrate on his own duties.
**OO**
Monday, July 4th, Gringotts, Paris Morning
The results of the scan had the healer giving both parents calming draughts before letting them see the results.
Spurnik called BloodRage on his mirror (the shiny knuts weren't the only gifts given to the attendees at the wedding.) Ɠ"Get to Paris, and bring my lovely daughter. We need to talk. You're going to Japan for a week. And I have a report that you need to see in case certain muggles ever cross the threshold of any Gringotts in the world."Ɠ
Ɠ"My lovely Distel is there already, Spurnik…"Ɠ
The goblin hissed and swore at his son-in-law even as he severed the connection as though stabbing him with a sharp knife. Looking around and seeing no one, BloodRage dropped the privacy charm and ran to talk to the manager. He did not notice the cunning look on Skeelez' face. Or see him writing a note.
Back in Paris, the results handed to the Black guardians showed extensive scarring, but nothing more recent than a year or so ago. But the bones! The malnutrition. Even if Darlene didn't have a job to provide for her and Harry, her parents would have provided a home! Food and more for the child; more than the minimum. If her grandfather heard of this, there would be war!
Sirius was so angry with himself, and with Dumbledore. The Potters were wealthy people! Surely Dumbledore could have provided a stipend or something; a house elf could have delivered the same meal the students ate, something to make sure that Harry was fed. The Potters! What would his Mum and Dad Potter think of him?
Darlene was already planning out the treatment regimen that would take months, but before that long, Harry would be scar free. However, for the rest, the goblin healer had a plan. It would take some time, but Harry would be much healthier at the end of it all.
**OO**
Same day, Gringotts, Paris, afternoon
As a result of Lucius' clear guilt of the assassination attempt, Sirius had to know whether or not anyone else in that family was involved.
Narcissa Malfoy was called into the bank and asked pointed questions directly. Her own aunt had betrayed her and prevented any more children. But then Sirius had to tell her the truth, the stupid Gryffindor! That the reason why was that any daughters born would have been squibs. Walburga was trying to save her from the pain of killing her own children.
Something that Walburga had done herself to Sirius' older sister when SHE didn't get her letter.
Lucius, her beloved husband, tried to kill her head of house and tried to kidnap the heir. Didn't he understand the consequences? Attempting and failing was the problem. If he had succeeded, how upset would she really be?
Sirius was her cousin. She felt it. No, she would have grieved for the prankster child she had once loved in her youth.
"I am giving you a command. This is not a choice! You must return to the House and willingly serve it to see it grow, putting all Death Eater activities aside." Lord Black angrily and directly demanded.
"Or else what? What are my choices?" The marked witch demanded.
"If you don't return to the House in good standing, you will lose everything associated with the House of Black. This means your home, the rest of your dowry, along with the House magic. We have talked about this before, Narcissa. I had no idea that your husband was moving against me directly. Do you think that I will stand still for that? Did you know about this? Remus received an anonymous note to keep Harry away. Was that from you?"
"No, I swear I didn't know. I wouldn't…deliberately go against you. Not unless you were interfering with OUR House business."
"Think. Choose wisely. Research. Aunt Calladora would be willing to tell you the truth if you would listen."
"This is revenge for actions I had nothing to do with!" Narcissa spat.
"Yet you choose to serve the Dark Lord!" Sirius accused.
"Between him or Dumbledore? Are you joking? I want us, the purebloods, to survive the muggle threat!"
Lord Black thundered, "I don't serve Dumbledore. The HOUSE will never treat with Dumbledore again, and muggles are not the threat. Your values are. Think, ask questions. Learn. I swear on my magic that I do not serve Dumbledore and never will. House Black will lead the way."
"You want to replace the Dark Lord yourself? A prankster? Bah!"
"Killing everyone who disagrees with your Dark Lord is not the way to grow our world. And attacking the muggles is a direct path to extermination of us all. Before he became what he was, Tom Riddle was a frightened child that Dumbledore and Dippet wouldn't protect from the very dangerous muggle bombs of the time, dropping on London. His rage, his desire for revenge against the muggles was lit because he wasn't kept safe as a child! And the muggles are far, far more dangerous now. Starting a war with them is not one that we could hope to win. Or even survive. They would use their techno…technosee…to track us down. You haven't seen what I have. Please Narcissa! For the sake of your child! For all of the children that you could still bear if you wanted more."
She might have been wavering. Until he said that. She could have no more children. Well, none that would live past eleven. Not with Lucius. Why would he be so cruel?
Sirius continued, not realizing that he'd just lost. "Think, Narcissa! Do you want to lose your magic? Tick, tock."
Dharma Briokz handed Sirius the prepared parchment at his gesture that he then gave Lady Malfoy: a Notice of Intent to Sever. Legally she needed three months notice before it could be done. Sirius was giving Narcissa until Yule.
Sirius leaned in, "Cousin, please look at the date. I am being generous with you on account of your minor child. The New Year would see Narcissa Black at its New Year's Eve ball where all of the elite will be invited, or you will only be Mrs Malfoy, without Black family magic. A squib or hedge witch if you are lucky. Without fortune, or home or much in the way of belongings as everything you have came from the Black family. The broken marriage contract would see the Malfoy farming lands taken from you. Toujour pur means being true to Magic. Look at how long lived you could be with the right choices."
"You would leave me homeless? Draco?"
"I'm sure that your husband will provide what is rightfully owned by him. Of course, Sirius Black the First replaced most of that with a wizards tent. A small one. I am giving you a choice. Unlike my mother, I am not forcing it on you. She didn't want you to have to kill your squib daughters like she did."
Narcissa's nostrils flared. In her anger against her aunt she had forgotten that only one male child would be born to her, and no magical female children due to a different Malfoy curse. One that she wanted to see ended! This threat only moved up her personal time table. The Dark Lord wanted his resurrection ritual the day of the World Cup. If that succeeded, all of these threats would be moot.
If that failed, then Potter would then now have until Yule to finish his translation, or her life would be ruined!
And Sirius Black had just set the timer. Or a fuse, depending on your point of view.
"Oh, and when you visit Bellatrix next, be prepared. She's just been served her notice as well. Hers is up in 90 days, though. She made her choice, long ago, and was completely unrepentant, as you seem to be."
Narcissa left, hardening her heart about what she had to do. The Sirius Black of her youth had been replaced with a cold-blooded Lord Black trying to lead the family into what he thought the best future was.
It was too late! Draco was already marked, their fortune lost.
If only, if only, if only…but she never once thought of repenting her past, correcting her course, or accepting the olive branch offered.
Instead, she began plotting and planning.
Seeing that muggleborn witch alive and well had her take two steps towards her in the lobby. The guard behind the mudblood wasn't the problem; it was the axe in front of her.
"Let me escort you to the door madam. Such a shame that you didn't bring your husband. We wanted to invite him to the training grounds. We want him to judge a few games for us."
Chilled beyond the cold breeze from the light rain, Narcissa left. A part of her wanted to visit Calladora badly, but saw her carriage in the waiting area here.
The cold seeped into her soul. No comfort, not one for her, she activated her portkey home, trying to get warm.
**OO**
Monday, July 4th, Ministry of Magic, London
Minister Fudge's staff meeting had several very angry people.
Most wanted Rita Skeeter's head on a pike. Others wanted to interview Harry Potter.
The news was leaking into England from France now that the dementors, placed by Grindlewald in the infamous plot to take over Paris, had been eradicated.
The people of France were writing in, wanting Harry Potter to receive the Jean Lafitte Medal, presumably for bravery.
Crouch was angry at Fudge for sacking his employee without talking to him and demanded Weatherby, um, Weasley back. Crouch's memory was being affected by the spell.
Bones and Umbridge were glaring at each other. Everyone was on their feet, gesticulating wildly. The noise was deafening. All in all, a poisonous atmosphere.
Amelia did the cannon blast charm, and silence reigned for a moment.
"People! We are accomplishing nothing while shouting at one another. The agenda is simple, really. Dementors were destroyed at Hogwarts.
"I personally purchased a new owl for you, Arthur, as the one delivering the report from Hogwarts appears to have been bespelled. Shame that."
Arthur chuckled, knowing full well that Percy used Errol on purpose! But a new owl would be made welcome.
"Good for Harry Potter! We should get him out to Azkaban to destroy the monsters there!" Amos Diggory suggested.
"But then we'd need more guards…" Fudge started to object.
Amelia interrupted, "Why? We have automated feeding stations that are checked on. The boat only drops people off. Getting back on, you have to be authorized, or you get thrown in the drink. Something that is lethal about 90 percent of the time. That water is cold there! It would be a far more humane place without the soul-suckers. I say let the lad take them all out."
Amelia now knew that the wards hadn't been overcome from Sirius Black's escape. He had never been convicted! That was how he 'overcame' them. Something that others should have noticed, and something that she had been asking about, starting the minute his escape was made public. She'd had them checked, carefully, and the wards placed on the island prison were still fine. Even the newer wards added after dementors were placed on the island in the early 1940's were fine.
They would keep dementors in unless a person with the 'key' brought in a special barge to move them. It was reported, but unconfirmed, that they would not willingly travel over large bodies of open water. She didn't want to test that.
Clapping for the suggestion of exterminating the dementors, many started taking their seats but not Umbridge who was most upset at Bones' suggestion.
"You can't! Dementors are government property! They are an important asset! You cannot be condoning their destruction? What about their rights? Are you seriously suggesting just tossing them aside? Like they were unnecessary creatures?" Dolores looked around the room for support. The rumors must be true, and explained a lot. Umbridge was related to these things and was trying to protect family from being destroyed. Poor woman. The looks she received ranged from pity to fear.
Feeling frantic, the toad-like woman tried one last argument, "They're an invaluable asset… to the Ministry. What about their use as personal security to our beloved Minister? He must be protected when he goes out to functions, etc.!" She averred, looking at Fudge like a love-sick sycophant.
Her comments were ignored by everyone except Cornelius who was looking…thoughtful. And a bit sick.
Dementors were never going to have the same image now that the Boy-Who-Lived killed them. Twice! Two separate groups. No, it was all the wrong image now. He'd need something else in future to look impressive.
Fudge took over from there, signaling Dolores to sit. She wasn't going to win her argument in this crowd, no reason to let her continue to try.
"It is clear that the Black trial brought to light many, um, lapses of judgment of the previous administration. As of today, I fully pardon…"
Director Bones wasn't going to be ignored, "Excuse me Minister, as we discussed on Friday, Black was never tried here. A pardon would imply a conviction, something that would strip the Lord Black title he has now been given from the previous Lord Black. You aren't trying to strip a man of his rightful title, are you, Minister?"
Fudge looked nervous. Lucius didn't hold an actual job in the Ministry, and wasn't here to support him. Several honest people's eyes were boring into him. He swallowed, "Uh…Of…Of course not! I just meant that…I misspoke."
"You asked for time to research," Amelia continued, "but the truth was already available to us. There is nothing in the files, and I have the full transcripts from the French trial. Unless you found something, Dolores. You accepted my report and never returned with the one that you promised."
The toad puffed, "Well! Black wasn't as important as what I was working on. Besides, we don't know if he told the truth or not!"
That was Amelia's cue. Fudge had promised to act quickly on Friday. His idea of quickly and her idea were worlds apart.
She'd set up her own projection pensieve, and they watched the veritaserum testimony of a clearly innocent Sirius Black.
'The Weasley boy was right.' Fudge admitted to himself. Aloud, "What I meant was that Black is fully exonerated and welcomed back to Britain. I'll write to him immediately. Perhaps get Harry Potter away from his muggles, and get him here too."
Amelia ignored the toad's glares.
After the meeting, Fudge took Arthur aside. "Look, I was distraught last Friday; a busy week. I made a mistake. Crouch wants your son back. Can you please floo him? Let him know? Oh, with a promotion and pay raise, of course. Barty never puts anyone in the Deputy spot. It's his. He earned it."
Arthur nodded, but instead of flooing, went to an empty room nearby and called Percy on his own new mirror. Lord Black had given them out to the goblins and himself at the wedding, that he now only had vague memories of. Getting older hurt.
"Fudge has reconsidered. He wants you to return. As Crouch's Deputy."
Percy's smile lit the empty room, "Thank you, Father, I will be right in."
To no one's surprise, Aunt Calladora won the betting pool.
Also no surprise, Percy left for the day with a satchel full of work that hadn't been touched in his absence. He normally worked Saturdays and hadn't done anything Friday as he had attended the trial.
Much to Winky's silenced but happy squeals of delight.
**OO**
Same day, Chateau Lumiere
A sore and tired Harry Potter spent the afternoon and evening with Hermione and her parents visiting Aunt Calladora while Sirius and Darlene finished up some House Business.
Harry was looking much healthier, and ate twice as much as he normally did at dinner. He'd been warned his appetite would increase.
And maybe Moody's new training regimen would start working!
As the time approached to leave, Harry held Hermione in a hug. It was only a few days as the Grangers would be joining them on Friday. But he knew that he was going to miss his best friend until they were reunited.
Emma pulled Harry into a hug, and asked for a fan for her small collection. She knew that would get him to let her daughter go.
Sirius, Darlene and Harry, along with two disguised goblin guards, shortly left for Tokyo.
**OO**
Tuesday, July 5th, MoM London
Mr Crouch was done. The amount of letters coming in requesting help with dementors was ridiculous! How many of the demonic creatures could there possibly be?
"Weasley! I don't want to see another request like this. YOU handle this! NOW. And Potter better share whatever profits he gets with the Ministry! I want our department to get our cut. Twenty percent."
Such a demand from a private citizen helping a foreign country? Crouch had no authority to demand such! But as unreasonable as he had been lately, Percy did not want to challenge him on it. What to say? Oh, he knew.
Percy looked down at the pile, "Sir, Harry didn't charge a single knut in Paris. Though I am happy to tell him about your percentage demand. Honestly? I don't expect him to accept any gold, sir."
Crouch harrumphed, and waved Weasley away. "Fine! The little goody-goody will discover too late that people won't respect things that are given away for free!"
Percy called Harry on the mirror, forgetting the time difference as the family was in Japan on holiday. Harry though had a brilliant idea for payment, and went back to bed after giving the Deputy permission to coordinate with others.
Percy waited until he was back at his desk, cast a privacy spell, and then called his fiancėe.
"Penny? You remember the family meeting when we talked about grafting in new branches? Well, what if we had people who moved here from other countries? Harry's only fee demand in France was for a trial for Sirius. Now, he's going to be asking for solid backgrounds. He doesn't have it in him to demand something for himself."
Penny nodded, "I agree! Remember when he saved Ginny? He asked if he could stay for awhile during the summer again. And when the family spent most of the summer in Egypt, he never complained."
Percy reddened. He had gone and had a wonderful trip. His family made much of the opportunity for a family holiday together before he left school for the final time; before he started on his adult path.
Percy hadn't spared one thought to the lad who had risked his life to save his only sister. He just never thought about it. The Gryffindor prefect was trying to make up for it now.
"You want to ask the countries to provide a foreign background to come from while we provide the family to graft into? Well, the matrons of the family, and that long list of extinct Houses that Heir Black inherited." Penny queried.
"Well, Harry does. But…you see...Clarice thinks…Yes."
"Let me talk to Aunt Calladora. Only a few from Britain could be safely added to 'expired' families here. But lots of people immigrate. I think that is a wonderful idea, future husband of mine. I will talk to people, and coordinate from here. Let Clarice help with the workload, love. I'll send Winky."
"Please don't. Mr Crouch has complained about her. And Dobby. Send Jam, love. And thank you for making me ask for help."
Jam came to him then, taking everything off of his desk, much to his astonishment.
When Jam returned with several international reports finished, Percy sent a note and a small gift basket of Honeydukes to the helpful secretary.
Clarice had no idea why Percy was thanking her. She was waiting to make appointments for the requests for help with dementors until Harry and the family were back from their holiday in Japan. She had done nothing to help Percy all day, but had helped Remus! She thought in confusion.
Winky was so happy to be back doing the work she should have been doing and was behind on!
**OO**
Wednesday, July 6th, Tokyo, Japan
Harry had never been invited to any of the Dursleys' holidays before. Not once. Looking at pictures of cats past and present wasn't exactly the most thrilling of adventures as a substitute.
But Padfoot was making up for it now. Too bad that Tonks and Shacklebolt didn't have more notice, or they would be coming to Japan with them. As it was, a heavily glamoured BloodRage and his mate were acting as their security for the trip.
They had a plan to do a mix of days. One day something historic, sedate, the next, something exciting. The evenings were being spent talking of Enchanting ideas: Hogwarts hosted a few international students each year. A few of the NPGs could actually be locals, with a bracelet to protect their secrets and their minds from attack.
Harry couldn't help but notice the difference in Sirius; he was happier. He had always known he was innocent, but having it declared, clearly took boulders off his shoulders. And he was just as hard-working as his new wife. These people cared about others.
Using profits from businesses to invest in other businesses to help others was supported by both of them. And Darlene was suggesting a plan that once the family had influence at Hogwarts, that they open the curriculum to include more subjects for squibs.
Harry hugged her, warmed that she was so very open-minded.
**OO**
Darlene had never been glared at as she was when she talked of staying back at the hotel for the dragon races that Sirius and Harry wanted to go to. If she had stayed, then Sage would not have been able to attend, er, watch over Lady Black while Harry Potter was attending.
The whole family went. Darlene watched mostly between her fingers, but Harry thought the whole thing just brilliant. He bought one of each of the books on dragons in the stalls in both Japanese and English as gifts for back home; and one of each of the more 'scientific' books for Charlie for Ron to give him.
Darlene had her service that handled her floo calls cancel everything for the rest of the summer with only a few exceptions. She had filled in enough for others over the years. She was a visiting healer after all; people in great need could always go to the hospital.
Percy had mirrored them to ask if they would do a favor for the magical Emperor of Japan while they were there.
He let them know about the royal request from Kyoto asking for help with three dementors that apparently were desecrating a temple on the slopes of their iconic mountain.
Percy had called Aunt Calladora first to coordinate, and then along with Lord Black, had checked with Harry first, then approved the suggested payment for services for dementor removal.
"Per the agreement, they will allow seven people new past histories from their country in exchange for this service."
"Seven! They agreed?! But, but, Percy, that number was only a negotiating tactic! Did they even try to bargain?" Harry spluttered.
"Nope."
Silence from Harry, Sirius, and Darlene in the mirror.
Percy continued, "But Jean-Claude's people have somehow found out about the request and want to help. How can we allow them in and keep the payment quiet?"
"Why not just ask Jean-Claude what his people's salary requirements are, and we have the Japanese team send them a portkey?" Darlene suggested. "We pay their fees. Crouch can't then complain about Harry receiving gold and by-passing the payment demand he made."
Harry pointed out something that his guardians might not know, "The ICW confiscated Grindelwald's ill-gotten gains and placed them in trust to give as grants to people who could banish the monsters. The team can lay claim to the bounties, with my blessing. That should satisfy them and the Japanese are not out anything more."
"I don't know, my lady, my lord." Percy said, "I don't speak Japanese, and Penny is still learning. I'm having to use translation spells, and you know how unreliable they can be."
"Well, Percy; Winky speaks Japanese! We could ask for her help." Harry suggested.
"Great idea, but let me do that at Blackmoor Hall. Not here. Harry, I really do think that the Japanese want something more from you than what was said. This is too much on offer for too little. Not that your ability isn't great! You have an amazing gift."
"No, it's just me being yet more freakish," Harry confessed. "Sorry? I guess this is a good thing?"
Darlene gave him a side hug and whispered, "I would appreciate it if we could forget that word. Drop it from your vocabulary when talking about yourself. It makes me feel sad. And I would never allow anyone to call you that. Ever." She pulled him close, and kissed his forehead. Wanting to erase the abuse of his tender years with her tears.
Harry smiled, and they focused on the meeting.
"Well then, if they want something more than what is in the contract, they will be disappointed and sad to have offered what we asked for, won't they?" Harry stated.
They were to be hosted in a lovely resort, all amenities included, all in exchange for eliminating only three dementors. Darlene didn't like the situation; it felt like a setup. She was very protective of the boy, and the security guards they had with them were very good but couldn't face dementors.
At some point, several had tried the charm as taught by Professor Flitwick. He was able to produce it because his hu-mon side was more in touch with the lighter side of happier feelings.
Thoughts of bloody death, mayhem, battle and glorious deeds that made a goblin happy weren't sufficient to power a patronus. Well, at least not yet. They might need a focus; something that Flitwick was allowed for choosing his hu-mon path.
BloodRage disliked these missions as he and his mate were to be left behind for the action - the fighting - the actual confrontation with the creatures. Bill Weasley couldn't be pulled from his job for every mission. Remus Lupin planned to come when Curse-Breaker Weasley wasn't available, but there weren't many humons that BloodRage and his mate trusted.
Not with the Child of Prophecy's life.
The team would go, eliminate the threats, and return. It was Potter's Path.
But BloodRage didn't like it. The soul-suckers were an abomination, and he had no defense against them. And Sirius couldn't cast his patronus. Not yet.
So BloodRage and his precious Distel (you did not hear that) would be relying on the French aurors who had helped Harry at Notre Dame and the British aurors who also came.
At least all of them were trusted by Gringotts.
**OO**
Wednesday, July 6th, Grimmauld Place
Winky walked in on Dobby finishing the paint on the updated formal living room in Grimmauld Place.
He had completely ignored the color schemes that had been chosen and was determined to make this place light, bright, and the opposite of the family House name.
Winky was so very grateful that Master Moody had been sent a portkey to Japan a bit ago and was not here to have his magical eye ruined. And the other one hurting.
She quickly conjured a wooden spoon that hit Dobby's bum with a satisfying thwack. More noise than pain, but it got the insane elf's attention.
"What are you be doing, mad bad elf?" Winky demanded.
"Obeying Mistress Penelope, Master Moody, Master Harry, Master Remus, Master Percy, and Master Sirius. Yous be choosing wrongly."
Winky took that moment to threaten Dobby with the spoon and said sternly, "Bes speaking proper! I trying, you trying too!"
Dobby, cowed, declared softly "Look. Beige. Blah! Sedateful boring borders? Bleh! Dobby choosing much smarter. And Master Harry be liking."
"Master Harry likes these as small towels! Orange and pinky stripes made him laugh. He no want… he doesn't want this for walls! Silly elf! And purple ceiling? Mad Dobby!"
"Dobby only getting mad if Winky yelling at hims for making Master Harry happy!"
"Mistress Penelope, Master Harry, and Master Moody chose living room from Paris pictures! Winky boss lady! And Dobby needs to stop!"
Dobby's ears drooped as Winky showed him the picture of the living room that had been chosen. Dobby had not been to Chateau Lumiere, so Winky sent him to go look. It was so very elegant and delightful compared to the space Harry had had to clean many, many times as a child. That house had been the epitome of blah to Dobby!
"Master Harry choosing this? Not Dobby's orange and pink bright stripes?" Dobby stated, downcast.
Winky's heart went out to the elf who was clearly devoted to the same young man that she served.
"You trying to help, and I think you trying to show your freedom. Winky sorry."
In that moment, she saw that Dobby and Master Harry had much in common. They had been hurt by evil people and instead of choosing anger and evil, chose to help others, and focus on good. Dobby was a good elf.
Winky leaned over, and kissed his cheek in apology, and then offered him a clean cleaning rag.
"If you want, you can help Winky later in the kitchen." This was elven for showing an interest in someone. "Winky has a fresh cucumber that I can share."
Dobby greened, and accepted the clean cloth. "I'd be happy to clean, paint or help in any way that Winky wishes. Just call for Dobby."
The two shared a smile, and Dobby started removing all of the recent paint that he had used earlier. Because of magic, he had a way of putting the fresh paint back into the can. Dobby had had an idea of where these colors would be appreciated, and would paint that room later.
The twins would love it!
What Master Harry and the rest of the family wanted might be boring to the elf, but Dobby was willing to earn an honest galleon, and never be beaten again. Well, except for the sound and no pain of the Head Elf's kitchen spoon.
**OO**
Thursday, July 7th, 日本魔法省; Nihon mahō-shō (Japanese Ministry of Magic), Kyoto, Japan
The portkey landed their rather large party at the Japanese Ministry of Magic in Kyoto, the capital of Magical Japan. They were met by the Prime Minister, and the Royal Magician, Mr Yoshi Yamamoto, who escorted them to the PM's office to brief them and the local team on the situation.
Percy, Penny, Harry, Sirius, and Darlene flanked by Shacklebolt and Tonks, recruited for this adventure. BloodRage and Sage (the goblins glamoured) sat on one side of the briefing table while the Japanese team sat on the other.
Moody came stomping in, his wooden leg a drum on the wooden floor. The Prime Minister stood and bowed, and Moody took his seat after returning the same. Clearly, the older Japanese man and he shared history. Comrades in arms? Or combatants? Maybe they could get him talking later.
Percy had taken the Japanese potion made for him by Winky. It would last for several days, certainly long enough for any further negotiations needed. It wouldn't help him with the customs, but would help with negotiation. Crouch wanted a report as soon as Percy was back, as he was also here on Ministry business.
The projection Pensieve showed the temple while the Royal Magician led the briefing. His English was perfect, and wore a Ravenclaw alumnus pin. He explained, "The demons showed up one day at the gates of the Emperor's palace, back in 1941. The palace guards were able to prevent them gaining entry and they fled. Later it was discovered that they'd taken up residence inside this temple located on the slopes of Mount Fuji.
"The temple is visited by non-magicals, what the English would call muggles and it has gained a reputation as being 'haunted' and several odd deaths have occured over the years have been reported to their governments.
"We most fear these demons deciding to begin roaming instead of staying at the temple which could cause great grief to the local populations as many never learned to cast a patronus.
"Do you have any questions for us or do you have any special requirements or preparations?"
At Harry's bewildered head shake, the Royal Magician (RM) continued, "Well, you will be escorted to your hotel, all has been made in readiness for your party, no expense has been spared."
Harry had been looking at Sirius and Darlene; Sirius gave him a supportive nod. 'You can do this' and Harry nodded back.
Harry cleared his throat and asked, "Mr Yamamoto, I most respectfully ask you, why are we waiting? I mean, we're ready to go. Or we will be after a quick trip to the loo to change robes, if you please?"
The shocked wizard replied, "Right now?! Do you not need to meditate or mentally prepare?" These people were eating, not fasting! What kind of outsider ritual was this that didn't involve fasting, meditation, special clothing? Where were the fans? At least they had asked for a place to change!
"No, sir." Harry replied.
The perplexed magician shooed the local team out and gave the room over to the visitors. Percy and Penny had not had time to explain that while beginners, they could partially understand the language. Percy shared with Lord Black a concern that had come up, but there was nothing to do about it now.
Harry and the rest who'd be participating quickly unshrank their luggage and pulled on their battle robes; re-shrank their luggage and went out to meet the others.
Lord Black had commissioned the same dueling robes that Harry wore for the team. All proudly bore a symbol of Harry's patronus - the Grim.
Penny wasn't going out with them, but Sage was happy to be Miss Black's personal guard along with the godmother. Harry gave Darlene a sweet hug, then his godfather.
To the group's pleasure, the French team had arrived and were already dressed and ready to go. The French aurors greeted Harry's group like old friends.
Introductions were quickly made and portkeys handed out. With goodbyes to those staying behind, the battle team was gone.
**OO**
Thursday, July 7th, Mount Fuji
They landed just outside the temple itself, inside a courtyard dotted with the iconic decorative cherry trees. Due to the elevation, and no doubt aided by magic, some of the trees still had a few lingering blooms, though most had been gathered up long before.
The plan was similar to what had worked at Notre Dame, though Harry wasn't impressed to discover that, unlike the French, the Kyoto wizards hadn't even attempted to place protective runes around the creatures, beyond the usual warding. So, in one way, there was less to do here, but several of Harry's protectors would be surrounding him while the others would be casting to corral the dementors and prevent their escape.
In the end the whole operation was somewhat anticlimactic to both parties. Much to the great disappointment of the Royal Magician and the Prime Minister, there was no magical ritual done, no dance, no fans, no incense. There was nothing that could be copied!
And much to the disappointment of the team, there really were only three dementors. Due to the lavish amenities offered, everyone felt that there would be a surprise of 'oh, we didn't know that a hundred dementors really lived there.'
It was evident, from the looks on those two gentlemen's faces, that they'd hoped to learn Harry's "secrets" and probably make a profit offering "Dementor removal". They now realized that Harry Potter's "fee" wasn't them getting the better end of the 'bargain'.
As for the RM, he offered his life to his Emperor in embarrassment over the mistake, as that was not the only place in Japan that had dementors, and this was the smallest grouping.
The elderly wise ruler was not angry with the wizard though. No, instead he was amused at their presumption. He completely understood the mistake that they had all made.
Instead, they made a new bargain that requested the Dementor Team remove a far more serious threat.
This time the Emperor insisted on a gold 'bounty' for each dementor removed. Harry realized that most of the French aurors were regular people that this money could really help, not to mention Percy, who was saving up for his wedding.
Harry insisted that it be put in writing that the bounty was not going to him personally, but was for the 'cost of maintaining the soldiers in their task force.' There! Let Crouch go to Jean-Claude for his twenty percent of nothing.
**OO**
Yokohama was home to many wonderful and beautiful places and people. Since the summoning of the demons during Grindlewald's quest for global rule, it was also home to several dozen dementors.
This time, they were contained by Perenelle's runic circle, leading others to wonder if there had been one on Mount Fuji that had been removed for their ease of access.
But they hadn't been: Madam Flamel had set up the runic protections at the Sojiji Shrine, taught the local mages the sequence, and left it to them to disperse the knowledge. It had not been implemented.
The same plan as in Notre Dame was made; Harry patted his gifted necklace that he was wearing. He had copies of it commissioned for the team, but their beads were of wood.
Harry looked out on the water. This place was so lovely. A small part of Harry's mind could understand the desire to rule over this land. But there was nothing in him to act on that feeling.
Understanding and lacking a moral compass was two different things after all.
The minute that the team entered the runic circle, the water started to churn. The first three dementors were gone, globes of light issuing forth and headed towards the heavens, when a nearly white dragon emerged from the water to attack the team.
"Mizuchi!" The members of the Japanese team called out in warning.
This at least was the sort of thing that goblins would and could face. Both BloodRage and Sage were asked by Remus to portkey in to help.
Moody moved to Harry's back and stayed there; his bulldog patronus ready to heel. While Harry concentrated on destroying dementors, half of the team split off to concentrate their efforts in dealing with this water demon.
"It's trying to protect the dementors! And look! It's trying to snap up the orbs released from the destroyed demons!"
Indeed, the icy demon dragon was trying to snap up floating orbs, and slithered its way forward, sending icy breath to the defenders below.
BloodRage showed up with a battalion of Gringotts warriors just as the heavens opened to a glowing red and gold dragon descending from on high.
The dragon from above seemed to be concentrating on gathering up the loosed orbs while the goblins dealt death with their specially treated spears and crossbow bolts to the icy dragon below.
Not one goblin would aim a weapon at the red and gold celestial dragon. The goblins were devoting their warlike attention to the demonic form of the icy blue dragon. Sage shouted what she was going to do with its skin when it was dead!
BloodRage took out one of the beast's eyes as it screamed in pain and panic.
Harry on the other hand was getting tired. When he tried to back away from the runic circle, he found himself trapped. One of the Japanese healers floated a potent energy drink to the lad's mouth.
Harry gagged. It tasted of seaweed and fish sauce. A pleasant taste if one was raised with it. But the boy raised in a boot cupboard could feel the magic in it and choked it all down with a nod of thanks.
He pressed on, his Grim dealing death to the demons, just as Sage, BloodRage and their friends were doing to the dragon demon.
When the last thwack of BloodRage's sword severed the icy blue horned head from its serpentine body, he let out a shout of triumph echoed by the rest of the goblin warriors.
Harry took strength from that, and his team all returned to help with the dementors until every last one of them was finally dealt with.
The red and gold heavenly dragon gathered up the last of the orbs, then came and breathed a mist that surrounded the entire team of humans and goblins. They felt refreshed; Cleansed.
The being left and a golden ray of sunshine lit the Boy-Who-Lived for a moment. A picture that Remus would have printed for Sirius and Darlene as he smiled in tired but jubilant delight at the end of a difficult task.
Unbeknownst to Harry, his gifted necklace glowed, though only for a moment, with the additional blessing bestowed by the heavenly being.
The French team handed out their local chocolates to all of the others. The Japanese team made faces at the strange taste, but all partook despite the dragon's uplifting mist.
Tonks again took responsibility for the cloaks, and wrote the number on the box.
Seventy-nine and counting. There were a few more small groups, but the team had wanted to deal with the major threat first.
The Japanese magicals were coming up to Harry to bow and thank him for the honor of fighting with him that day. Many of the warriors were cleaning bladed weapons as were the goblins.
"How do we split the carcass?" BloodRage asked the Royal Magician.
After a brief consult with the local team, the RM replied, "You are welcome to all of it. The Head would make a fine trophy. We know of no one who would eat of the meat. If you plan to, feed it to a prisoner doomed to death first. Just in case."
Even BloodRage was a bit put off by that advice, but the skin and head would definitely be culled. He would allow those with the skill to earn their portion of the kill.
"I will invite you all to the celebration feast in Gringotts. We will boast of our triumphs together! But we will be eating of the meats from a known and safe source." 'Hmm, maybe some of those basilisk steaks…' He considered, thinking of the menu.
The Japanese team demurred, unfamiliar with Goblin ways.
But the rest of the team knew the goblins and happily accepted, sitting and sipping the refreshments now being served.
The RM took out a map and showed the team where some of the other dementors were lurking. As they all felt just fine, powerful even, the team got ready for the next task.
BloodRage requested permission to come. Just in case something interesting came along to the fight.
Harry beamed, but demanded payment. "You have to show me that axe trick."
BloodRage countered, "You are a child much too young to be playing with axes. You should be playing with little dolls instead. Perhaps ones that look like you."
Harry stuck out his tongue as the rope portkey was activated.
Fukuoka awaited.
**OO**
This fight wasn't nearly as much fun for the goblins as the last one was. One brave local goblin youth, borrowed upon the insistence of his father to 'gain experience', tried rushing one of the black-cloak clad beings.
His hand froze to his blade. The sucking maw bent over and nearly took him. If not for the quick thinking of Shacklebolt next to him, his soul would have been on the way to Sto-vo-kor.
His axe was now in two pieces to free him from the being, but the dementor he attacked was in shreds thanks to Harry Potter's quick action as well.
Later, Tonks handed him a piece of the cloak. "That was a brave thing you tried. And I am sure that you weakened it, making it easier to take out."
The lad nodded. That would indeed be the tale that he told his parents. He didn't want his father to know that he had been saved by a hu-mon.
His personal family dagger had been lost in the battle, he later claimed. He'd commission a new one.
Shacklebolt now had a nice boot dagger as a gift for saving the lad's life.
The portkey was activated. Away they went to Sapporo.
**OO**
After two days of fighting, and filling an empty box with a hundred and three cloaks, the team was invited to the Imperial palace in Kyoto.
Penny was with them this time. She had been studying not just the language but the customs and culture, and whispering advice to the team on 'proper etiquette' for visiting a Japanese royal. And rather than be annoyed, the French team in particular was appreciative that someone in her societal position like Miss Black would watch out for them.
The team was brought into the throne room at first. Harry was beckoned forward where he bowed to the ruler of magical Japan. The emperor waved towards a waiting servant who had two blades on a pillow. One longer than the other.
"You are a great warrior, Harry Potter san. We gift this katana and wakizashi to you in gratitude for your service to Japan."
The servant arrayed the swords on Harry in a special obi (a wide sash), and he bowed, with Harry just a beat behind him.
The emperor stood to take his leave and all bowed.
Servants approached the rest of the team. They were all given a pair of daggers called tantō. The group was then waved to another room.
They were brought into a small formal dining area, where the Emperor was now seated on pillows on the ground. The group bowed, and was offered places to stand to watch. Only Harry was invited to the table. Assistants had the rest of the team remain standing, against the back wall.
A beautiful teenage girl, dressed in a lovely flowered kimono, flowers in her very black hair sat there as well. She appeared to be near Harry's age and was at the Emperor's left hand at the small tea table. Harry was invited to sit at the Emperor's right.
Penny rushed over to Harry's side, and whispered in his ear, "Um, Harry. This is an engagement tea. If you drink the tea that this girl pours for you, you are saying that you are willing to wed this girl. It is clearly something that is an honor, as she is his granddaughter."
Harry walked to the low table, stopped and bowed. He looked directly at the girl. "You are so very beautiful and I feel greatly honored, but I do not know you. I have a girl at home who fights beside me. She could not be here today, but wanted to battle the 'demons' with me. She and I are a team, and she holds my heart. We are already betrothed. Please do not be offended that I do not sit here and drink the tea that you would pour for me. If I did not have my Hermione, I would have gladly tried to get to know you, and see if we were a match."
The Emperor wasn't mad, thankfully. "I had wanted to honor you, Harry Potter. I did not know of your previous arrangement. Thank you for your defense of Japan and our people, and your kind words. You honor us.
"Go in Peace, you and your team."
The team, after a non-engagement farewell tea, left to return to the resort while Penny and Percy went to the Ministry with BloodRage and Sage openly as goblin guards rather than under their glamours.
BloodRage was clearly happy with his gifted daggers and looked forward to blooding them. Where were the Malfoys when you needed them?
**OO**
As the family was leaving, the Prime Minister took a moment to speak privately to Moody.
"You saved my life; And you and Charlus Potter saved our country. I see that you are still fighting. I see your ways in Magus Potter's fighting stance."
Moody stated, "I owe it to Chaz to teach his grandson how to survive. You're looking well."
"Your country still does not know. Does not honor you." The Japanese man looked sad but resigned. "And won't until Dumbledore breathes his last."
Moody shared, "It seemed prudent at the time to let him remain alive. Now, I'm not sure that was the best plan. But my morals are to be a policeman not a soldier. To stun and capture, not kill. There is a difference in how they react. And Britain has no army of its own. Unlike your team. Don't think I didn't notice your trainees out there. Able to be soldiers when needed. Wonderful job. They are good. Very good."
"There are people here who tried to take advantage of your lad. I am so sorry. I tried to warn you, but it was too late. But he turned the joke on them. It could have cost them their life. The boy has much of his grandfather in him, doesn't he?" The PM asked.
Moody chuckled, "And added his mother's wicked sense of justice to the strong family magic. We're going to win this upcoming war with him at the lead. If I survive, maybe we can return here for holiday. Relax."
The PM nodded, "You would be welcome in my home, anytime my friend. Be well."
**OO**
The Royal Magician took Percy aside after his ministry business was finished. The young man was gifted a talisman that would allow him to understand spoken Japanese, and be able to read Japanese letters.
"Unfortunately the Enchanter passed away before he finished the other part. Such a shame, but you are very welcome to keep this partially finished token. I mean no offense to you in this gift. If he had finished the other part, you'd be able to speak and write the language as well."
Percy smiled, replying in the magician's native tongue, "Thank you greatly, Yamamoto san. This will aid me in my work."
Thinking to himself, 'I wonder if Lord Black wants a new project?'
**OO**
Friday, July 8th, Japan
After the gifting ceremony, most of the aurors headed back home after a tour of the Imperial palace grounds. Some elected to stay at the resort that the RM had quickly arranged the first day for the triumphant warriors.
No known dementor in Japan was left alive. And the aurors participating made a secret agreement that Harry's share of the bounty would be deposited in his Gringotts account in Paris –anonymously– closer to his birthday as was only fair.
Remus called Harry to congratulate his victory and ask if Clarice could start making appointments for his team to do more 'pest control'.
"The PR person has suggested a name for your group. Are you ready?" Remus asked.
Harry had seen that face before. If he was there, he was sure he was about to see spots, or break out in them.
"What?" Harry asked cautiously.
"The Grim Reapers!" Remus imitated a showman introducing a quidditch team to the field.
"Well, that's better than the Blackmoor Basilisks that he wants for the quidditch team." Harry stated.
"What's wrong with the Basilisks? I like it."
"Yeah, but you didn't pull a fang out of your arm to stab Moldy…no it's fine. Sure. We took care of a lot here. If there were really only a thousand summoned, we could be done with this task this summer. I think that we'd all feel safer with them gone. See you soon! And tell Clarice thanks for me. And tell 'Flint' good job."
Marcus Flint was the only Flint able to inherit his seat. But everyone was sure that he would be convicted of something after the way the boy acted at school. And convicted criminals couldn't hold a seat.
Remus was poised to claim the seat. And the NPGs legal last name was already Flint. Harry didn't know how Remus got it changed so quickly.
"Fairfax Flint? I like it. Maybe he can help me when this latest news hits the press." Harry stated.
"Already prepped. A small personal announcement along with a paid ad. The ad is for dementor removal. The personal ad is condolences for Madam Umbridge losing over a hundred relatives in Japan. Not counting the demon dragon. If that was a relative too, please avoid the new shop in Hogsmeade selling ice-blue scaled purses. They were hers."
**OO**
Shacklebolt took advantage of the goblin guards watching over the family, and spent a relaxing afternoon swimming with his new girlfriend, Dora Tonks. She was allowing him to call her that nickname, and had threatened the manhood of any who dared but him.
Lord Black's group had a lovely time during their stay. Their accommodations were at a five-star hotel and the service was impeccable. They had used it as a base of operations; portkeying to the various sites of dementor infestations. Oddly enough, they all seemed to center around the palaces and other revered sites. It appeared that Grindlewald had been planning on taking over magical Japan in the same manner that he had tried in Paris.
Harry shared with the RM both runes of protection and runes of containment that Perenelle Flamel had created to protect Notre Dame. This way, if more dementors were spotted, they had some tools to deal with them.
Apparently, those in charge at Sojiji had forgotten to share or lost the plans.
Lord Black reassured the aurors that he would take care of the gratuities, and tipped generously. Something for which the proprietor and his staff were greatly appreciative and sincerely requested they return as often as they could.
The Grangers showing up to share the weekend before returning home had Harry over the moon in happiness. He had his godfather and godmother, his betrothed, and was surrounded by people who actually liked him.
They got to visit new places of wonder, in Harry's eyes, but the best part was being with family.
**OO**
July 9th, Blackmoor Hall
Clarice also had the twins' first commercial sale for Puddlemere in a box of specialty fireworks that they had bought after seeing one demonstration. Remus was right in his analysis of the problem, and the mixture was now perfected.
And the sweet werewolf was also now acting as Harry's scheduling secretary for the dementors. Lady Black had put her foot down. No more than two trips per week as long as it was a two hour or less mission. People had lived with these monsters forever. So what if it took years to destroy them all. The boy had a right to a summer holiday too.
Every continent, every major country was clamoring for the boy's help. The French team and the British team were going to be very wealthy even with secretly sharing a portion with Harry who had refused any gold for himself.
Speaking of gold, one of the recent purchases had a fine stash of gold hidden in it. The honest elves had turned it over to Clarice, and she in turn, went to Remus who recommended she write to the supplier. She was told to deposit it in Harry Potter's account for his works. It was a gift from grateful friends and had hoped that it would not be discovered so quickly.
She took it to mean the NPG project and put it in a separate coffer for that, and recorded it in the ledger.
Clarice was working with Percy who was carefully dealing with the discreet feelers from the Ministry of Magic in London. There were several high ranking people who seemed to be protecting the dementors for some reason. Of all places, Harry wanted to deal with those first, but ironically, was facing opposition rather than offers of riches.
He had a goal, several of them, and one was to make magical Britain a place where he wanted to live. And stay.
Harry wondered if Clarice had any luck tracking down a potential headmaster who was not named Remus Lupin? When the family did start the move against Headmaster Albus Dumbledore, Harry wanted to have a replacement for the ICW (Andromeda Tonks would be suggested), the Chief Wizard (would now be a witch, Griselda Marchbanks with Augusta Longbottom stepping up as her deputy) and whoever they found to be a new Headmaster. Or Headmistress.
As much as the family honored Minerva, Harry couldn't let go of the thought that she had left him on the Dursleys doorstep, over her logical objections and therefore had been influenced by the wizard for years. She would likely run Hogwarts in the same mode. Something that he could never condone.
Harry wanted someone new for the job, someone bold, someone strong who would be willing to stand up for better classes (Binns? Trelawney? Snape?).
And maybe implement things that he was now starting to become interested in. Advanced mathematics, physics, engineering, scrying, healing – there was a world beyond what Hogwarts offered.
And it was in the magicals interest to become better at blending in, better at making magical versions of what muggles had.
He consulted with Winky who made good notes. She was a treasure.
**OO**
Monday, July 11, Blackmoor Hall
Harry was feeling very guilty. The entire week he had been on holiday in Japan with his family, he had not jotted one word of translation.
He completely ignored the fact that another hundred plus dementors were now never going to bother anyone ever again. It was interesting seeing all those islands. He wanted to go back just to have a nice relaxing holiday.
As soon as the portkey touched down back at Blackmoor Hall, after a quick hug for Remus who had stayed to work, and several pets to an upset and not easily placated snowy owl, he was dashing to the library, carrying said owl on his arm and calling for Winky.
He conjured a quick perch before getting to work. Hedwig needed to be closer to her boy, so eschewed that for the perch of the arm of his chair. She cuddled in, sneaking under his arm as he opened the book.
**OO**
Sirius was the one who noticed the improvements to the manor and grounds the most. Darlene hadn't really been to the house much, and the more public areas had been pretty much done.
Now, the work crews, both human and elf, had clearly been doing a wonderful job, inside and out. The grounds were lovely; Karr's accomplishments clearly on display in the perfect garden, the now occupied pasture, and the new-looking outbuildings.
Sirius goggled, "Are those…Abraxans in the pasture? With thestrals? And are those non-magical horses out there, as well?"
Karr bowed to the Master of the House, "The thestrals have returned home unexpectedly. The Abraxans, and yes, that is what they are, are a gift from the Delacour family to Mistress Hermione and Master Harry. In gratitude for saving Miss Gabrielle, who is adorable, and for the dementor removal. He truly was very, very happy about that.
"Master Harry would not take gold, and the Master had informed me of both Mistress Hermione's fear of flying and the promised payment for her bride price. Master Harry's money was used, as fetched by Winky, and paid to the Delacour family for the land equines. So there are also several riding horses. Gentle ones, according to their groom. Not that they have tried anything with me, personally."
Sirius goggled, "Bride price?! What are you talking about?!"
Karr pulled his ears, "Didn't Mistress Calladora and others tell you, Master Sirius. Oh dear."
The elf popped away.
"Get back here now, you little…"
Sirius ran to find Darlene. She would know what Karr was talking about. What in the world was going on?
**OO**
After a brief talk, and many apologies, Sirius was completely fine with Harry and Hermione being betrothed. His biggest concern was who had been betrothed to who. He also realized that he hadn't offered Percy a dowry for Penny (which wasn't exactly true, as Goldrub had set aside the standard amount), but was ready to go back and have a tour of their own burgeoning farm now that he was settled a bit.
Darlene's calming draught had helped. Minty. At least she hadn't seen him sneak a bit of fire-whiskey first.
Darlene summoned the frightened elf, and the tour resumed.
Karr waved to the Master and Mistress, "Now, if you would please accompany me to the barn. There is one more surprise for you." he added, but keeping plenty of escape room between himself and the formerly angry master.
Sirius noted the elf's fear, and went down on one knee, in front of the wary elf, "I'm sorry how I reacted to your words. Everyone thought I had been told. It was just one of those things. I promise you that I would never hurt a house-elf, bonded or free, and I am very sorry that I made you afraid. Friends?"
Sirius offered his hand for shaking, which Karr took. "I accept your apology. Thank you. Now, if you will rise, and come with me? I have something to show you in the barn." Karr motioned eagerly.
A gleaming carriage, with a convertible top, much in the line of those used by the elite in France, was now parked in the correct place. Two sets of harnesses were hung on the wall. One for flying, one for the ground, along with several very fine saddles and tack.
The card was from Aunt Calladora who was clearly in cahoots with the Delacour equine purchase. "You bought me a new coach after the attack. The least I could do was buy you one for your wedding gift. Please enjoy."
Darlene clapped her hands. "How magnificent! Lord Black, I do believe that you and I are going to start a new tradition in Magical Britain. But what we need is a new venue. A palace, a place where society meets to eat, and drink and dance and socialize."
Sirius' eyes gleamed a bit manically, looking at the large manor rising on the hill not far from them. "A new venue, my dear? Or a repurposed one? Your wish is my command, my lady. Karr, don't you have other things to do?"
Karr greened and discreetly popped away after closing the barn door and putting up a 'Do Not Disturb' elf ward.
Smiling widely, and looking around, Darlene kissed her husband passionately, and the couple were 'indisposed' for a time.
**OO**
Harry called Hermione during an imposed snack break from Winky.
"Did the potion work on your parents?" Harry asked.
"Oh, yes! They want me to learn how to brew it so we can use it for travel anytime we go on holiday to help get over the time zone difference. How are you doing?"
One of the more common potions that were now very expensive and exclusive but the formula from the book made it inexpensive, and all of the ingredients were safe. Dan had volunteered to test it. As did them all.
"Fine. I wished we had more time this last weekend. We never got to take you to the dragon races. Or the flying exhibit. Or the…"
"Harry! I got to spend time with you, and we get to go to the World Cup in a week. I love you, and I will see you tonight at dinner. Moody says no lessons today to allow you to recuperate magically."
Harry disagreed, "I think that he just wants to work on more strategy again."
Hermione, "I'll see you there, love."
"See ya. Is there anything you need, besides my manly arms around you?" Harry teased.
"Just you. Bye."
**OO**
Monday, July 11, Blackmoor Hall
Jam popped into the entryway when Sirius and Darlene later returned to the main house.
His snap removed a stray bit of hay from Darlene's hair, but the elf panicked.
"Oh! Was mistress trying a new hair ornament? Jam can fetch more?"
Sirius chuckled at Darlene's blush.
"No thank you. How is dinner progressing? It smells wonderful and I'm famished."
"Jam not as good as Master Harry, but meal be ready on time."
"What do you mean Master Harry? Harry cooks?" Darlene demanded. Her sister didn't know how to peel an onion much less cook a meal.
"No, Master Harry likes to chef. Master Harry be teaching Jam, and elves be helping him when you is on honeymooning time."
Karr popped in and shook a finger. "Just because the Master is home doesn't mean that you should slide back into talking like a slave. We are people! Master Harry says so, and so does Master Sirius."
"And Mistress Darlene!" the healer added. "Well, I am thrilled that my godson will not go hungry if he was on his own, or for camping trips, but I am a bit distressed about it as well."
"Speaking of Harry, where is he?" Sirius asked.
Karr bowed, "Master Harry and Head Elf Winky are in the library sir, working hard. They did not come to lunch, either. Jam did send a tray of snacks to the library's warded eating area."
The library proper was strictly no food and no drinks, as placed by ancient wards. But there was one area attached to the library that had a table where one could eat, but not bring any of the bookplated books in.
The eating area had bay windows that looked out over the garden. A restful, peaceful place to nibble before returning to studying. Harry's book was an exception, but he was careful about it all the same, and used a copy of the original anyways as he was worried about hurting the ancient text with too much handling.
Darlene's eyes narrowed. "He's been in there this entire time? Oh no!"
But the amount of work to be done soon had her focus elsewhere, and she forgot to talk to him about pacing himself.
Her name really should be 'Lady Kettle' rather than what it was.
**OO**
A/N: Recommended Story: your story recommendation here!
A/N: dunuelos has written many great fics. One of the ones I love to re-read is Dumbledore's Next Great Adventure, Part I. This is complete, and so satisfying for those of us who truly feel that Tom Riddle wasn't the only Dark Lord running around.
Thanks to all leaving a note of thanks or a word of encouragement. Bless you. We appreciate it.
ƺ parseltongue
₲ galleons
₰ sickles
ķ knuts
Ɠ Goblin language
Italics denotes native tongue unless otherwise specified.
