A Harry Situation
By Jill Weber/ Jelsemium
Characters copyrighted by J.K. Rowling and used
without permission or intent to make a profit.
Chapter 14: Tea with Lions
Rupert arrived to find his family and Dumbledore sitting in the library with the tea, finger sandwiches, biscuits, tarts, Mars Bars and several cans of soft drinks.
"Sorry to be late," Rupert said when he was introduced to Dumbledore. He surveyed the table. "I see Emma has broken out the haute cuisine," he said.
"Your daughter is under the impression that I am fond of sweets," Dumbledore said with a smile. "She and your wife thought that I might enjoy tasting some Muggle sweets."
"We did save you a bite or two, dear," Emma said sweetly.
"I appreciate that," Rupert gave her a quick peck on the cheek. "I would have been home sooner, but there was a bit of a tie up in traffic," he added.
"Not to worry," Dumbledore said. "I understand how traffic can hold one up." He grinned. "Once I ran into such a terrible crush in the Floo network that I wound up disembarking into a smoke-house. I smelled like a ham for a week."
The Grangers giggled.
"I was alarmingly popular with the local dogs, too," Dumbledore added, much to the Grangers' amusement.
"Speaking of scents," Rupert said. "I've been wondering what became of your aromatherapy experiments, Hermione."
"I was wondering about that myself," Dumbledore admitted. "How did you deliver the scents to Harry?"
"Well, I sprayed some on one of my letters," Hermione said.
Dumbledore and Rupert exchanged amused looks.
"Hermione, dear, you realize that Harry might… misinterpret your gesture."
"I told him that I spilled perfume on the letter," Hermione said with dignity.
"Did he believe you?"
"Well, he wanted to know when I started wearing perfume," Hermione said. "So I told him that I was experimenting with aroma therapy because of all the stress I'd been under."
"What did Harry have to say to that?" Emma asked.
"Erm, he asked if I had been experimenting on him," Hermione admitted. "That's when I blatantly changed the subject."
The adults laughed. Hermione smiled wryly.
Dumbledore looked at Hermione curiously. "You say that as if you were actually speaking to him."
Hermione nodded. "We managed to reach him by telephone," she said. "It was very nice talking to him, even if he did take the opportunity to tease me about homework."
"Thus adding support to your essay," Rupert added slyly.
"Dad!" Hermione hissed.
Dumbledore grinned. "And what essay would that be? I take it this doesn't have anything to do with school."
"Oh, this is an extra-curricular project," Rupert said. "The 'All Boys are Prats' essay."
"I see," Dumbledore said. His eyes danced merrily. "Would this be especially true of red-headed boys?"
Hermione eyed him narrowly. "Harry told me that you used to have red hair," she said warningly. "Don't tempt me to agree with you."
The adults laughed. "Oh, dear," he said. "It appears that no secret is safe from Mr. Potter. Did he happen to mention how he learned that?"
Hermione gave him a look strongly reminiscent of the ones McGonagall gave him when he brought up THAT chess game.
"You'd have to ask Harry," Hermione said primly.
Emma changed the subject serenely. "Harry sounds like a pleasant young man."
"One we wouldn't mind entertaining in our home," Rupert said.
"You realize that having Harry in your home may be dangerous?" Dumbledore asked.
Rupert and Emma exchanged one of those information laden glances at each other, and then faced Dumbledore.
"We can hardly not know, what with Hermione being turned into stone a few years ago," Rupert said.
"Not to mention all the fuss over Sirius Black, who isn't a homicidal maniac, but who is also a trouble magnet," Emma added.
"I see Hermione has kept you informed," Dumbledore said approvingly.
"I don't like keeping secrets from my parents," Hermione said. She looked at him anxiously, but he didn't look angry.
"And it's not like there's anybody we'd tell about this, anyway," Rupert added. "There's not much chance of someone overhearing us talk about the situation."
"I don't see how having Harry here could increase our danger," added Emma. "Hermione tells us that we are already in danger. Which brings us to the purpose of your visit."
Dumbledore's expression went grave. "I am afraid that your daughter is correct. These are dark times, I'm afraid. Voldemort is fanatically anti-Muggle. He despises the idea of Muggle-born students attending Hogwarts and your daughter is one of the most prominent Muggle -born students in Hogwarts at the moment."
Hermione bit her lip and stared down at her hands.
"It's not her fault that she's a good student," Rupert said, rather hotly. Then he blushed. "I'm sorry, it's not your fault this Voldemort character is a bigot."
Hermione forced herself not to flinch. She wasn't even sure if it was the name or the casual way her father said it.
"No, it's not a fault to strive for excellence," Dumbledore said gently. "Nor is it a fault to help a friend."
"But when that friend is Harry, helping him means making enemies," Hermione said grimly, still staring at her hands. She toyed with her glass of root beer.
"Yes, helping Harry has made you enemies," Dumbledore replied.
"I'd do it all again," Hermione said.
"Even getting petrified?" Dumbledore teased.
Hermione gave him a stern look.
Dumbledore managed a look of mock contrition and Hermione relented a little.
"Well, maybe not the getting petrified part… No, I can't even take that back. If I hadn't been there with my mirror, I might have avoided being petrified, but Penelope Clearwater might have been killed."
This time Dumbledore really looked abashed. "An excellent point, Miss Granger, one can never be certain how one's actions will affect others. Any change to the past could have unforeseen and catastrophic consequences on the present."
The atmosphere was rather sober for a few minutes, and then Hermione decided that it wouldn't help anybody to sit around and brood, so she said. "Please, call me Hermione."
Dumbledore, getting a dose of his own teasing, grinned at her. "Thank you, Hermione." He cleared his throat. "Now, as to protecting your parents… Miss Granger," he said, looking at her over his half-moon spectacles.
Hermione resisted the urge to stick her tongue out at him. There was a big difference between lightening the mood and being ridiculous.
"You realize that there is no such thing as perfect protection," Dumbledore warned. "A determined Witch, Wizard or even a Muggle can circumvent just about any protection we can conjure up. We also have to take into account mistakes on our part, Acts of God and sheer dumb luck."
Rupert nodded. "We understand. However, we don't expect to be wrapped in cotton batting. We'd just prefer not to be strolling around with targets on our backs."
"Quite understandable," Dumbledore said, nodding sagely. "There are several charms that can be placed on your home and your place of business," Dumbledore said. "I will place those charms myself, if you so chose. There is also the option of providing you with a bodyguard."
He paused as if seeking a way to phrase his next suggestion. "Forgive me if this next suggestion sounds rude," he said. "There is always the extreme tactic."
"You mean, run away?" Rupert asked with one eyebrow raised.
"Exactly," Dumbledore said. "I can transfer Hermione to any number of excellent Wizarding schools… on the continent, elsewhere in the British Commonwealth or somewhere in the Americas. There are also several excellent sorcerers that I know of who will take on apprentices. Any of them would be grateful to acquire a student of your daughter's caliber."
"Or we could leave the Wizarding world altogether," Emma said. "Immigrate to a different country and send Hermione to a Muggle school. She'd be a bit off track, but I know my daughter can catch up and excel at any course of studies she undertakes." She gave her daughter a proud look.
Hermione was too busy digging her fingernails into the arms of her chair to notice. "In other words, you want me to abandon Harry," she said through gritted teeth.
"Your father and I did not say that we wanted you to abandon Harry," Emma said quietly. "We were just mentioning a possible course of action."
"We went through this year before last," Hermione said.
"When you wanted to stay in school, even though Harry was being stalked by a mad axe murderer… sorry, mad wand murderer," Rupert said.
Hermione glowered at her parents. "I told you that I wanted to stay because I was sure I could prevent him from doing something stupid."
Rupert held up his hands. "Whoa, we know you are extremely capable, my dear, but not even you can prevent stupid things from happening to your friend."
"In any case, your father and I have decided that running isn't a viable option," Emma turned to Dumbledore. "No offence, Headmaster, but we only know of one instance of a Wizarding family going into hiding, and frankly, it's not very reassuring."
"The Potters," Dumbledore said.
They were all quiet for a few moments in respect for a brave couple. Once again, Hermione wondered what Harry felt when he thought about his parents. She hated the thought of being an orphan.
"There have been more successful attempts," Dumbledore said mildly. "You must also take into account the fact that the Potters were betrayed."
"By Peter Pettigrew, not Sirius Black," Rupert said.
Dumbledore nodded.
"Still, there's no guarantee that running will help us," Rupert went on. "Even if You-Know-Who's forces don't track us down, there's no telling what other sorts we might run into. There are probably anti-Muggle Wizarding folks all over the globe, and they will probably be better at spotting us than we are at spotting them."
"Unfortunately, that does follow, as any Anti-Muggle types that you might meet are likely to be fully trained Wizards."
"There's also the matter of abandoning Harry," Hermione said, more calmly. "My running away would hurt his feelings tremendously. On top of that, Harry being abandoned by one of his most vocal supports would give both You-Know-Who and Fudge's factions a tremendous boost. I'm sure they could both manufacture some cutting propaganda from it."
"And there's our feelings about the matter," Emma interposed. "We don't like the idea of Hermione being in danger."
"Frankly, we don't like being in danger ourselves," Rupert added.
"But we can't bring ourselves to abandon that poor boy," Emma added firmly. "Even if there isn't much we can do for him besides support Hermione's decision to stand and fight."
Dumbledore smiled at them. "My friend Hypatia once asked me an interesting riddle, 'Where do Lions come from?' Do you know?"
Rupert studied him with his head cocked. "My first instinct is to say 'Africa,' but somehow I don't think that's what you're getting at."
Emma blinked. "I think this is leading up to a compliment, Rupert," she said.
"It is," Dumbledore said. "Lions come from other lions, of course. It's obvious how your daughter came by her Gryffindor courage."
Both Hermione's parents blushed, but before they could come up with a response, Dumbledore got to his feet.
"To business, then," He reached into an inner pocket and brought out two wooden cases. He laid one on the table and opened the other.
All three Grangers were on their feet in an instant, craning to get a better look. For a few minutes, Hermione thought that the golden object was a Snitch, which just went to prove that she'd been hanging around Harry and Ron far too long.
"These watched are specialized Portkeys. If somebody throws a curse or a strong spell at you or even around you, these specialized Portkeys will transport you to my study at Hogwarts."
Instantly, Hermione moved closer, examining the devices. They looked like old fashioned pocket watches. "Can't you give one of these to Harry?" she asked.
Dumbledore shook his head as he handed the first box to Rupert. "These were designed specifically for Muggles and Squibs who might get in the line of fire. Wizards cannot use them, or to be specific, Wizards and Witches cannot wear them as watches. They are triggered by strong spells, which are quite common at Hogwarts. Some wizards have so strong an aura that they'd trigger these Portkeys even without using a spell."
"Oh," Hermione sighed. "I suppose Harry is one of those extra-powerful wizards."
"Full marks, Miss Granger," Dumbledore said.
Rupert accepted the box from Dumbledore, and squinted at the watch. "So, if somebody throws a spell at me while I'm wearing this, I'll wind up in your office?" he said for confirmation.
"Exactly," Dumbledore said.
"That won't help me much if someone throws the Killing Curse at me," Rupert said thoughtfully.
"No, it won't," Dumbledore concurred, handing the second box to Emma. "As I said, there is no such thing as a perfect protection. However, these watches have been modified so that if one of them is activated, the other will also be activated."
"Saving the survivor, if there is one," Emma said, nodding. "You're assuming that we will both be in danger at the same time, then?" She opened her box and oohhed over the enameled case.
Hermione moved over to look. "Those look like runes," she said of the stylized design on the case.
"Yes, they are specialized Runes, Miss Granger." To Emma he said: "I've had quite some time to analyze Voldemort's method of operation. He prefers to kill the entire family in one attack, if he can. That's how he killed the Bones and the Prewitts. It is also how he tried to kill the Potters."
"What about the people around us?" Rupert asked. "These Portkeys won't offer them any protection, will they?"
"Not directly," Dumbledore replied. "They will, however, attract the attention of the Ministry's Aurors, not to mention other interested parties. Help will arrive quickly, I assure you. However, it's not likely that Voldemort will attack a large group. He is convinced that only disaster will come of letting Muggles know of our existence, so he tends to be even more cautious about letting his work be seen by outsiders. The larger the group of victims, the greater the danger of witnesses surviving with their memories intact."
"What about a small group, such as when my brother comes to dinner?" asked Emma.
"That is a stronger possibility," Dumbledore admitted. "Is your brother aware of Hermione's talents?"
"Oh, yes," Emma said. "Daniel is quite interested in magic. In fact, he is an amateur stage magician."
"When he's not blowing up things," Rupert added. At Dumbledore's inquiring look, he added. "My brother-in-law is in demolitions. His specialty is destroying buildings in such a way as to not damage any of the surrounding buildings… imploding, they call it."
"Fascinating," Dumbledore murmured. "I can give him one of these Portkeys, if you like. In fact, I'll insist on it. I would very much like to meet Daniel…?"
"Harris," Emma supplied.
"Are there any other family members who are aware of Hermione's gifts?"
"My parents, who live in Australia, are aware that Hermione has 'special powers,' Rupert said. "It would have been rather difficult to conceal them, as they had some interesting experiences when they babysat for her when she was a tot."
"Fortunately, my mother-in-law decided she rather liked the blue and green hair," Emma said. "She thought it was more interesting than the salt and pepper it had been naturally. She tells us she's always getting inquiries as to the process."
"I see," Dumbledore was not successful at hiding his smile.
"We've told them that Hermione's going to a school for 'specially gifted' children. They are not aware that there's a whole Wizarding culture lurking about," Rupert said. "They think it's something like you read about in comic books." He looked at Hermione. "Wizards have comic books, don't they?"
"Indeed, we do," Dumbledore said. "I've always been fond of The Adventures of Orlando and the Hippogriff, myself." He went back to the more serious topic. "I expect that the elder Grangers wouldn't be in much danger, but I can send them a means of contacting help, and some of the special watches, if you like."
"I think that would be a good idea," Emma said.
"There is one more defense that's being worked on now," Dumbledore said. "Percy Weasley has suggested a way of creating some ephemeral guardians. If his suggestion works out, I'll add them to your defense system."
"Ephemeral guardians?" Emma asked.
"Ephemerals are magical creatures that only live for a few hours, or a few days," Hermione explained. "Ginny Weasley was telling me about Wizarding dust bunnies in her last letter. She thought that I might be interested in them."
"They're actually bunnies?" Rupert asked, with a glint of mischief in his eyes.
"Yes, and you can't have any," Hermione said firmly.
"You're no fun anymore," Rupert sulked.
"Thank you," Hermione said.
"I'll keep you informed about our progress in creating these guardians. Percy believes they'll be useful in guarding dwellings."
"He seems to be quite a clever young man," Rupert said.
Dumbledore raised an eyebrow. "You've heard of him, then?"
"Of course," Hermione said. "He was head boy in my third year. I've spoken about him many times." She cocked her head. "Would his sudden interest in creating protective guardians have anything to do with inviting Harry to stay at the Weasleys?"
"It would. The entire family is quite eager to have Harry living at the Burrow full time, at least until he's of age."
"I like them," Rupert murmured as he studied his new watch. "They were nice when we met in Diagon Alley and I like how they treat children… even if they do have a deplorable attitude towards sugar." He gave Dumbledore a sideways look.
Dumbledore just grinned at him.
"I'll get to work on the warding charms right away," Dumbledore said. "Do any of you have any further questions?"
"Yes," Hermione said. "Do these Portkeys have a name?"
The Grangers had the distinct impression that Dumbledore had to stifle a laugh. "Why yes, Miss Granger. They're called 'Watch Outs.'"
###
Author's Notes:
Thanks to all my reviewers and readers!
Freak: I could have sworn that Rowling's describes Wizarding photographs as being black and white. I could be wrong about this. ** Harry's comment about the dandelions meant that he was going to have to pull them out of the lawn. He hates weeding.
Lil Lupin: What else could Sirius be but BARKING mad? ;-)
coolone007: I love mythology. One thing (of many) that I love about Rowling is how she throws in the occasional mythology reference.
Hpforever: I'm blushing! Thank you for the praise!
Bob: Yes, I understand Harry's reasons for going alone. Partly because he's been alone for so long and partly, now, because he doesn't want anybody else to get hurt because of him. ** According to Voldemort, the wards that Dumbledore put around the Durlseys were too strong for his followers to get through. I think the reason Harry lived to age 11 was because of that ward, and I think it would only work with Harry's blood relatives. ** Potty training Harry? I suspect that Mrs. Figg did most of that. But, now I have this image in my mind of Vernon, all alone with two babies in diapers…
Ozma: Thanks for the lovely long review! ** Glad the mood swings work for you! I think Sirius is a little embarrassed to show his affection, so he resorts to teasing. ** I had the thought about how few heroes survive to old age and it made me feel depressed until I remembered Perseus. Then I started thinking of WHY all those heroes met sticky ends. ** I'm still not sure if that was actually a picture of the Dream Team or if it was just a picture of the common room. ** Don't worry, you're plenty coherent.
Punkin: I've been thinking about this chapter for months (it was originally slated to be chapter seven, by the way). I love mythology and did a lot of research to get this as accurate as I could. ** Give your roommate my regards!
DaBear: Catnip in the dogfood? *chortle* Poor Sirius.
Lan: Yeah, it's hard to believe this was supposed to be a one chapter wonder, isn't it?
Yemming: No worries, I plan to keep writing as long as I can string coherent sentences together. Heck, I may not even stop then.
MoNmOn: I'd been thinking about how depressing it was that all these great heroes died nasty deaths, but I couldn't remember how Perseus or Gilgamesh died. I still haven't found anything out about that.
MoNmOn: I love Hermione and Dumbledore. I wish I'd had a friend like her and a principal like him when I was in school.
Female Fred: Ron has a few surprises up his sleeve.
Coventina: Glad you dropped by! I find all the characters interesting and I hope that comes across in my story.
A. Lee: Yeah, I started thinking about heroes who had died untimely deaths and the list kept growing. I could have kept it up for another few pages, but I decided I'd better get on with it. ** Well, Book Five is finished, so I expect Harry has lived past his fifteenth birthday. On the other hand, if Rowling decides she doesn't want to write seven books, there's an easy out for that.
Little House Girl: Thanks, with readers like you to encourage me, I'm getting a lot written!
Alina: I thought Rowling said they were black and white. I could be wrong about this. Anyway, I like the idea that the Wizard photos are black and white. Gives Colin Creevy something to do after Hogwarts. (Speaking of Colin, has anybody wondered why he hero worships Harry so much? He's Muggleborn, he shouldn't have grown up with the legend of The Boy Who Lived. I understand this issue is actually going to be addressed in the next book.) ** I hadn't thought about doing a McGonagall vs Weasley chess game, maybe I can insert one into A Sirius Situation (which is going to be about Harry's Fifth year, if I can get this story done in time!) ** The trunk is coming.
Chary? Thanks for the lovely long review! I think this will be around twenty chapters. (Speaking of chapters -- I'm still waiting for the next chapter of "Beloved on This Earth." HINT!) I can totally see Dumbledore being a flirt. I'd love to see more of him interacting with the other students, too. ** I thought I took the idea of Wizarding photos being in black and white from the books, but now I'm not so sure. ** Thanks for the compliments on my handling of Hermione! ** I had heard of Guy Fawkes before. I just hadn't really thought about where Dumbledore's phoenix got his name. ** I am not superstitious! I am triskaidekaphobic! ** Chest? What chest? ;-) (Kidding! It will be soon.)
wHIte-cHOcoLaTE: I'll miss Mr. Rogers. It won't be as beautiful in the neighborhood without him. ** Thanks! I try to take the road less traveled in my writing.
Doom Song: I see you out there!
Lourdes: Thanks for the emails!
