Confrontations
Chapter 3
Gathering together his things, Harry explained to Minerva what was going on and that he would be gone for a while. Nodding to him, Minerva gathered her skirts and headed for the door. "Professor?"
Turning at Harry's voice, Minerva reached up and wiped at her eye. Smiling sadly at her old student, now the Headmaster of the school, and sighed. "I never thought I would hear those names again. Be careful Harry."
"I will. Thank you. I'll keep in touch with you through Hedwig," Harry said, smiling at her. "Well, are we ready?"
The others were scattered around the room, Oliver was examining the paintings of the past Headmasters while Percy and Hermione were scanning the shelves, pulling out books here and there. "I need to collect Draco before we go. He's still rather upset and I don't want to be too far from him."
Harry nodded as she headed for the door. "Percy? Any thoughts? Oliver?" Harry walked over to his desk and leaned back against it, crossing his arms over his chest.
"Well, I think the first thing we need to do is get the children to safety. Quietly," Oliver said. Glancing over at Percy, he smiled when he saw Percy nod at him.
"I doubt we'll have much trouble getting Mom and Dad to help. He's been itching for something to do since he retired," Percy said with a laugh. "I just can't help but wonder about the others."
"Who?" Harry was confused by Percy's statement.
"Ron, Fred and George. Charlie, Bill. I honestly don't know how they'll feel about pulling our family back into the thick of things." Percy closed his eyes and shook his head, sighing softly.
He started slightly when Oliver walked up behind him and pulled him back against his chest. "Don't worry Perce-love. They'll understand. Ron's children are on that list as well, remember?"
"Oliver's right, Percy," Harry said. Looking up, Percy watched the younger man walk toward them. His green eyes were sparkling with a fierce determination, almost as if lit by a green fire from within. "We'll get to the bottom of this, Ron'll understand. He has to."
Hearing the door open, Harry turned and watched Hermione and Draco walk in. "Ready to go?" They both nodded and glanced around.
"Um, Harry? How are we going to get to the Burrow? I mean, there isn't a port key there, is there," Hermione asked, looking at Harry and Percy.
Laughing, Percy shook his head. "No, there's no port key at the Burrow. Mum wouldn't let me put on in."
"We're going to Apparate there. I think it'll be better that way," Harry said. He turned and headed up the short flight of stairs behind his desk when Percy spoke up.
"Um, Harry. I can't Apparate. Neither can Oliver."
"What do you mean you can't Apparate Weasley," Draco asked. "You're strong enough for it."
"No, that's not it. I have never been able to do it. I don't know why but I can't."
Hermione smiled and patted his arm. "Don't worry Percy. Harry and I will carry you and Oliver with us. It's not a problem."
"All right, it's solved then. Come on." Harry headed up the stairs, followed closely by the others. Heading into the back of his office, Harry opened a small door, hidden from the eyes until that moment and led the party up a flight of stairs.
Reaching a door, Harry pushed it open and stepped out into the crisp afternoon air, showing the others that they were standing on one of the central spires of the castle. Smiling at the shock on their faces, Harry motioned the to form a loose circle on the roof. He took hold of Percy's hand while Hermione did the same with Oliver's. Then, almost as an afterthought, Hermione grabbed Draco's hand and smiled at Harry.
"Draco's never been to the Burrow."
Nodding, Harry reached over and took Draco's other hand, earning a surprised glance from his old nemesis. "Don't get used to it Malfoy. I don't want people to think we actually like each other," Harry told him with a cheeky grin. Shaking his head, Draco laughed quietly. Across the circle, Percy reached over and took Oliver's hand, noticing that the taller man looked a bit nervous. "What's wrong Ol?"
"I've never Apparated before."
"Don't worry, since we're all holding hands, I'll just guide the spell and use the four you as back-up."
"Oh, that makes me feel all warm and cozy," Draco said, a sarcastic drawl evident in his voice.
"Be quiet Draco," Hermione said. "We need to concentrate."
Draco could tell she was distracted, so he muttered, "Yes dear."
Oliver laughed and immediately felt the world drop out from underneath him. For a moment, everything around him was total chaos. Nothing made sense, then as quickly as it had begun, everything stopped and returned to normal. Except now they were standing outside of the Burrow.
******** Molly walked into the kitchen, Arthur trailing behind her as Percy led the group inside. "Percy! Harry! What are you doing here?" Molly smiled at her son and her youngest son's childhood friend. "Oliver, looking handsome as ever," earning a grin and blush from Oliver as she kissed him on the cheek. "Hermione, how are you doing dear? Draco, my you look more like your mother every day." Which earned a soft 'thank you' and a smile from Draco.
Molly always knew what to say in almost any given situation to make anyone feel comfortable and at home. Arthur was smiling and already talking quietly to Percy and Harry. "Oh, I see. Molly dear, you might want to listen to this."
"Oh, well all right then. Sit down, all of you, sit. I'll make some tea and then we can get down to business."
"Mum, we don't have time for that," Percy said, waving his hand, cups and pots of steaming tea appeared on the table.
"Percy, what is wrong?" Molly looked a bit worried. Percy never did frivolous things with his magic; he had always thought it wasteful.
"We have a problem. A big one," Harry said. "Lucius Malfoy didn't perish in the battle as we thought. He was trying to rebuild everything they had lost. And there are new Deatheaters."
Molly and Arthur gasped in shock and a sharp voice broke the silence that had just fallen across the room. "Well, why doesn't that surprise me?"
Everyone turned to see Ron standing in the doorway, glaring at Draco. "Hello Ron," Harry said, breaking the silence.
Ignoring Harry, Ron continued to glare at Draco. "What are you doing here? Haven't you caused enough trouble?" Ron was leaning against the doorframe, looking like he had just eaten something sour. "I don't know what you're up to Malfoy but you aren't going to pull us into it."
"You know Weasley, if it weren't for me, then you probably wouldn't be here today," Draco responded standing up. "I'm going back to Hogwarts to see if I can help Snape find anything else." With this said, Draco walked from the house.
"Ron, that was uncalled for," Percy said, rubbing the bridge of his noise.
"Ronald Weasley, that is enough! I can't believe that after all this time you still hold animosity toward him." Hermione was angry, she almost vibrated with it. Ron stood his ground, almost sneering at her.
"Well, well, well, if it isn't the great Hermione Granger. What, sick of sitting at your desk all day at the Ministry?"
"Granger-Malfoy, Ron, remember it."
"How could I forget it? You dumped me for him. Something like that is rather hard to wipe from the memory Hermione."
"Ron, Hermione, that is enough," Harry said loudly, rising to stand next to Hermione. "We have work to do and the last thing we need right now is the two of you picking up old fights."
"Stay out of this Harry," Hermione said, not taking her eyes off Ron. "This has been coming for a long time. With what we have facing us in the near future it's time to end this here and now."
"Fine by me," Ron said. "So, you going to lose the ponce and come back to your senses?"
"Don't keep wishing for things you'll never have Ron. It's beneath you. But then again, there isn't much beneath you is there?" Hermione was smiling slightly as she spoke, her eyes glinting softly. Harry, knowing that look groaned silently and looked around. The others in the room were watching Ron and Hermione with wide eyes. Percy and Oliver were used to their arguments but Molly and Arthur had never witnessed them before.
"Beneath me? I thought marrying a Malfoy was as low as you could get."
"Well, at least I didn't marry my brother's cast-offs," Hermione said, her voice devoid of emotion. "I'm sorry Harry, I can't stay here. Let me know what you decide? Molly, Arthur, it was wonderful to see you again. Percy, Oliver." Saying nothing more, Hermione turned from the table and Apparated right there in the kitchen, leaving silence behind her.
Percy had his head in his hands as Ron started in. "How dare she talk to me like that?!"
"That's enough Ronald!" Molly rose from the table in a fury. "Never in all my life did I ever imagine that you would treat someone like that in this house! I raised you better!"
"Whatever," Ron said. Turning from his mother, he walked through the house. The last thing any of them heard was the front door slamming shut behind him.
Sighing, Harry stood up and looked around the table. "I'm sorry I brought you into this," he said, looking at Arthur and Molly. "I just didn't know who to trust."
"No, it's all right Harry," Arthur said with a small smile. "Just let us know what you need and we'll be more than happy to help."
"Well," Percy said softly. "We thought we would find out if we could bring the children on the list here. The ones that aren't already at Hogwarts."
Looking over at his parents, he saw Molly smile widely. "Of course you can bring them here. It'll be nice to have children around the house again. It's been too quiet here"
Nodding as Molly spoke, Arthur looked at Harry and Percy. "So, when can we expect the first arrivals?"
"Well, I need to contact Cho," Harry said. He frowned slightly as he thought. "I want her to bring the girls here straight away. Then we can work our way down the list."
"That's a good place to start. I'll try and get a hold of Hermione, that is if you want me to Harry," Percy said. He and Oliver were standing by the door, waiting for Harry to say his good-byes.
"No, I'll talk to her. If I know her, she's back at the school, most likely pouring through the Restricted Section of the Library. Either that or in my office looking through the books there." Harry was smiling as he spoke, remembering the long hours Hermione had spent in study while they had attended Hogwarts together.
Nodding, Percy said farewell to his parents and led the three remaining wizards outside. "You think you can Apparate both of us at once Harry?"
Nodding as he grabbed Oliver's and Percy's hands, Harry smiled. "It's a walk in the park." With this said, he Apparated them back to the tower they had left earlier, landing in a heap as the drain became evident on Harry.
"Harry! Are you all right," Oliver called while he helped Percy to his feet.
The younger wizard was climbing to his feet as he groaned. "I've never done it with three people at once before, at least using my own power that is. Sorry about the rough landing."
"Let's not do that again," Percy said, resting his hand on Harry's shoulder. "Even you have your limits."
"Trust me, I know," Harry said softly as he led them inside. Once down the stairs and into his office, they found it empty. Percy and Oliver headed for the port key to take them back to the Ministry while Harry went to his desk to contact Cho.
*******
Hermione walked through the halls of the old castle remembering her days here as a student. Hearing a quiet meow she glanced down and came face to face with Mrs. Norris. "Well hello there Mrs. Norris, haven't seen you in quite some time."
"Mrs. Norris, find something my sweet?" Filch's voice drifted around the corner as he walked toward the pair. Rounding the corner he saw Hermione petting the cat and smiling softly. "Mrs. Malfoy, didn't know you were about."
"Just here to gather my husband Mr. Filch. Have a good day." Saying nothing more, Hermione headed towards Snape's office to see if her husband was still helping his old mentor pour over the scrolls.
Coming to the door, she knocked softly then pushed it open to find Snape by himself, glaring at the door. "Ms. Granger. Draco just left. I believe he was headed for the great hall to find some dinner."
Smiling her thanks, Hermione bid the wizard farewell and headed for the great hall. She didn't have to walk far when she saw Draco ahead of her in the hall. Smiling she couldn't contain herself, she whistled sharply, the shrill catcall echoing off the walls of the empty hallway.
Draco spun, his eyes flaring and a smile appearing on his face as he saw his wife walking toward him. "Are you trying to flatter me, Hermione?"
Feigning innocence Hermione simpered at her husband, her eyes giving the game up by sparkling with mischief. "Why on earth would I do that Draco?"
Draco's laugh was sharp and devoid of humor. Glancing closely at him, Hermione frowned. "Are you all right? Don't tell me your still angry about Ron?"
Sighing loudly Draco shook his head. "No, I'm not going to waste my energy being angry at him. I'm just frustrated with this whole affair we've found ourselves in the middle of."
Walking over, Hermione pulled him into a hug, kissing him softly. "We'll get through this just like we always do. We need to fetch the twins."
Nodding, Draco held out his arm to her and grinned. "So be it, to arms madam. For now we release the hounds of war."
Laughing aloud at Draco's well-suited remark on their children, both mirror images of their parents, she hooked her arm in his and walked out into the courtyard. Once there, much to the enjoyment and amusement of the students gathered there, they faced one another, joined hands and Apparated home.
Chapter 3
Gathering together his things, Harry explained to Minerva what was going on and that he would be gone for a while. Nodding to him, Minerva gathered her skirts and headed for the door. "Professor?"
Turning at Harry's voice, Minerva reached up and wiped at her eye. Smiling sadly at her old student, now the Headmaster of the school, and sighed. "I never thought I would hear those names again. Be careful Harry."
"I will. Thank you. I'll keep in touch with you through Hedwig," Harry said, smiling at her. "Well, are we ready?"
The others were scattered around the room, Oliver was examining the paintings of the past Headmasters while Percy and Hermione were scanning the shelves, pulling out books here and there. "I need to collect Draco before we go. He's still rather upset and I don't want to be too far from him."
Harry nodded as she headed for the door. "Percy? Any thoughts? Oliver?" Harry walked over to his desk and leaned back against it, crossing his arms over his chest.
"Well, I think the first thing we need to do is get the children to safety. Quietly," Oliver said. Glancing over at Percy, he smiled when he saw Percy nod at him.
"I doubt we'll have much trouble getting Mom and Dad to help. He's been itching for something to do since he retired," Percy said with a laugh. "I just can't help but wonder about the others."
"Who?" Harry was confused by Percy's statement.
"Ron, Fred and George. Charlie, Bill. I honestly don't know how they'll feel about pulling our family back into the thick of things." Percy closed his eyes and shook his head, sighing softly.
He started slightly when Oliver walked up behind him and pulled him back against his chest. "Don't worry Perce-love. They'll understand. Ron's children are on that list as well, remember?"
"Oliver's right, Percy," Harry said. Looking up, Percy watched the younger man walk toward them. His green eyes were sparkling with a fierce determination, almost as if lit by a green fire from within. "We'll get to the bottom of this, Ron'll understand. He has to."
Hearing the door open, Harry turned and watched Hermione and Draco walk in. "Ready to go?" They both nodded and glanced around.
"Um, Harry? How are we going to get to the Burrow? I mean, there isn't a port key there, is there," Hermione asked, looking at Harry and Percy.
Laughing, Percy shook his head. "No, there's no port key at the Burrow. Mum wouldn't let me put on in."
"We're going to Apparate there. I think it'll be better that way," Harry said. He turned and headed up the short flight of stairs behind his desk when Percy spoke up.
"Um, Harry. I can't Apparate. Neither can Oliver."
"What do you mean you can't Apparate Weasley," Draco asked. "You're strong enough for it."
"No, that's not it. I have never been able to do it. I don't know why but I can't."
Hermione smiled and patted his arm. "Don't worry Percy. Harry and I will carry you and Oliver with us. It's not a problem."
"All right, it's solved then. Come on." Harry headed up the stairs, followed closely by the others. Heading into the back of his office, Harry opened a small door, hidden from the eyes until that moment and led the party up a flight of stairs.
Reaching a door, Harry pushed it open and stepped out into the crisp afternoon air, showing the others that they were standing on one of the central spires of the castle. Smiling at the shock on their faces, Harry motioned the to form a loose circle on the roof. He took hold of Percy's hand while Hermione did the same with Oliver's. Then, almost as an afterthought, Hermione grabbed Draco's hand and smiled at Harry.
"Draco's never been to the Burrow."
Nodding, Harry reached over and took Draco's other hand, earning a surprised glance from his old nemesis. "Don't get used to it Malfoy. I don't want people to think we actually like each other," Harry told him with a cheeky grin. Shaking his head, Draco laughed quietly. Across the circle, Percy reached over and took Oliver's hand, noticing that the taller man looked a bit nervous. "What's wrong Ol?"
"I've never Apparated before."
"Don't worry, since we're all holding hands, I'll just guide the spell and use the four you as back-up."
"Oh, that makes me feel all warm and cozy," Draco said, a sarcastic drawl evident in his voice.
"Be quiet Draco," Hermione said. "We need to concentrate."
Draco could tell she was distracted, so he muttered, "Yes dear."
Oliver laughed and immediately felt the world drop out from underneath him. For a moment, everything around him was total chaos. Nothing made sense, then as quickly as it had begun, everything stopped and returned to normal. Except now they were standing outside of the Burrow.
******** Molly walked into the kitchen, Arthur trailing behind her as Percy led the group inside. "Percy! Harry! What are you doing here?" Molly smiled at her son and her youngest son's childhood friend. "Oliver, looking handsome as ever," earning a grin and blush from Oliver as she kissed him on the cheek. "Hermione, how are you doing dear? Draco, my you look more like your mother every day." Which earned a soft 'thank you' and a smile from Draco.
Molly always knew what to say in almost any given situation to make anyone feel comfortable and at home. Arthur was smiling and already talking quietly to Percy and Harry. "Oh, I see. Molly dear, you might want to listen to this."
"Oh, well all right then. Sit down, all of you, sit. I'll make some tea and then we can get down to business."
"Mum, we don't have time for that," Percy said, waving his hand, cups and pots of steaming tea appeared on the table.
"Percy, what is wrong?" Molly looked a bit worried. Percy never did frivolous things with his magic; he had always thought it wasteful.
"We have a problem. A big one," Harry said. "Lucius Malfoy didn't perish in the battle as we thought. He was trying to rebuild everything they had lost. And there are new Deatheaters."
Molly and Arthur gasped in shock and a sharp voice broke the silence that had just fallen across the room. "Well, why doesn't that surprise me?"
Everyone turned to see Ron standing in the doorway, glaring at Draco. "Hello Ron," Harry said, breaking the silence.
Ignoring Harry, Ron continued to glare at Draco. "What are you doing here? Haven't you caused enough trouble?" Ron was leaning against the doorframe, looking like he had just eaten something sour. "I don't know what you're up to Malfoy but you aren't going to pull us into it."
"You know Weasley, if it weren't for me, then you probably wouldn't be here today," Draco responded standing up. "I'm going back to Hogwarts to see if I can help Snape find anything else." With this said, Draco walked from the house.
"Ron, that was uncalled for," Percy said, rubbing the bridge of his noise.
"Ronald Weasley, that is enough! I can't believe that after all this time you still hold animosity toward him." Hermione was angry, she almost vibrated with it. Ron stood his ground, almost sneering at her.
"Well, well, well, if it isn't the great Hermione Granger. What, sick of sitting at your desk all day at the Ministry?"
"Granger-Malfoy, Ron, remember it."
"How could I forget it? You dumped me for him. Something like that is rather hard to wipe from the memory Hermione."
"Ron, Hermione, that is enough," Harry said loudly, rising to stand next to Hermione. "We have work to do and the last thing we need right now is the two of you picking up old fights."
"Stay out of this Harry," Hermione said, not taking her eyes off Ron. "This has been coming for a long time. With what we have facing us in the near future it's time to end this here and now."
"Fine by me," Ron said. "So, you going to lose the ponce and come back to your senses?"
"Don't keep wishing for things you'll never have Ron. It's beneath you. But then again, there isn't much beneath you is there?" Hermione was smiling slightly as she spoke, her eyes glinting softly. Harry, knowing that look groaned silently and looked around. The others in the room were watching Ron and Hermione with wide eyes. Percy and Oliver were used to their arguments but Molly and Arthur had never witnessed them before.
"Beneath me? I thought marrying a Malfoy was as low as you could get."
"Well, at least I didn't marry my brother's cast-offs," Hermione said, her voice devoid of emotion. "I'm sorry Harry, I can't stay here. Let me know what you decide? Molly, Arthur, it was wonderful to see you again. Percy, Oliver." Saying nothing more, Hermione turned from the table and Apparated right there in the kitchen, leaving silence behind her.
Percy had his head in his hands as Ron started in. "How dare she talk to me like that?!"
"That's enough Ronald!" Molly rose from the table in a fury. "Never in all my life did I ever imagine that you would treat someone like that in this house! I raised you better!"
"Whatever," Ron said. Turning from his mother, he walked through the house. The last thing any of them heard was the front door slamming shut behind him.
Sighing, Harry stood up and looked around the table. "I'm sorry I brought you into this," he said, looking at Arthur and Molly. "I just didn't know who to trust."
"No, it's all right Harry," Arthur said with a small smile. "Just let us know what you need and we'll be more than happy to help."
"Well," Percy said softly. "We thought we would find out if we could bring the children on the list here. The ones that aren't already at Hogwarts."
Looking over at his parents, he saw Molly smile widely. "Of course you can bring them here. It'll be nice to have children around the house again. It's been too quiet here"
Nodding as Molly spoke, Arthur looked at Harry and Percy. "So, when can we expect the first arrivals?"
"Well, I need to contact Cho," Harry said. He frowned slightly as he thought. "I want her to bring the girls here straight away. Then we can work our way down the list."
"That's a good place to start. I'll try and get a hold of Hermione, that is if you want me to Harry," Percy said. He and Oliver were standing by the door, waiting for Harry to say his good-byes.
"No, I'll talk to her. If I know her, she's back at the school, most likely pouring through the Restricted Section of the Library. Either that or in my office looking through the books there." Harry was smiling as he spoke, remembering the long hours Hermione had spent in study while they had attended Hogwarts together.
Nodding, Percy said farewell to his parents and led the three remaining wizards outside. "You think you can Apparate both of us at once Harry?"
Nodding as he grabbed Oliver's and Percy's hands, Harry smiled. "It's a walk in the park." With this said, he Apparated them back to the tower they had left earlier, landing in a heap as the drain became evident on Harry.
"Harry! Are you all right," Oliver called while he helped Percy to his feet.
The younger wizard was climbing to his feet as he groaned. "I've never done it with three people at once before, at least using my own power that is. Sorry about the rough landing."
"Let's not do that again," Percy said, resting his hand on Harry's shoulder. "Even you have your limits."
"Trust me, I know," Harry said softly as he led them inside. Once down the stairs and into his office, they found it empty. Percy and Oliver headed for the port key to take them back to the Ministry while Harry went to his desk to contact Cho.
*******
Hermione walked through the halls of the old castle remembering her days here as a student. Hearing a quiet meow she glanced down and came face to face with Mrs. Norris. "Well hello there Mrs. Norris, haven't seen you in quite some time."
"Mrs. Norris, find something my sweet?" Filch's voice drifted around the corner as he walked toward the pair. Rounding the corner he saw Hermione petting the cat and smiling softly. "Mrs. Malfoy, didn't know you were about."
"Just here to gather my husband Mr. Filch. Have a good day." Saying nothing more, Hermione headed towards Snape's office to see if her husband was still helping his old mentor pour over the scrolls.
Coming to the door, she knocked softly then pushed it open to find Snape by himself, glaring at the door. "Ms. Granger. Draco just left. I believe he was headed for the great hall to find some dinner."
Smiling her thanks, Hermione bid the wizard farewell and headed for the great hall. She didn't have to walk far when she saw Draco ahead of her in the hall. Smiling she couldn't contain herself, she whistled sharply, the shrill catcall echoing off the walls of the empty hallway.
Draco spun, his eyes flaring and a smile appearing on his face as he saw his wife walking toward him. "Are you trying to flatter me, Hermione?"
Feigning innocence Hermione simpered at her husband, her eyes giving the game up by sparkling with mischief. "Why on earth would I do that Draco?"
Draco's laugh was sharp and devoid of humor. Glancing closely at him, Hermione frowned. "Are you all right? Don't tell me your still angry about Ron?"
Sighing loudly Draco shook his head. "No, I'm not going to waste my energy being angry at him. I'm just frustrated with this whole affair we've found ourselves in the middle of."
Walking over, Hermione pulled him into a hug, kissing him softly. "We'll get through this just like we always do. We need to fetch the twins."
Nodding, Draco held out his arm to her and grinned. "So be it, to arms madam. For now we release the hounds of war."
Laughing aloud at Draco's well-suited remark on their children, both mirror images of their parents, she hooked her arm in his and walked out into the courtyard. Once there, much to the enjoyment and amusement of the students gathered there, they faced one another, joined hands and Apparated home.