Part IV – 99 Deaths and Counting
Saturday – 28 – September
Dumbledore was quick to react. "Harry, first go to the train station. Call the Ministry. I will go with Minerva and recheck the town. Please assist us if you would. Filius, please get everyone back into their dormitories."
Harry took the Portkey that Dumbledore had made to Hogsmeade station and called Amelia. She would send all of the Aurors there within ten minutes.
He called for his Firebolt and flew into the center of the deserted village. Dumbledore asked him to check south of town. A few minutes later he found her. Tonks was surrounded by a dozen dementors, and rapidly losing. "Accio Tonks." She flew fifty feet over to him landing hard on his broom in front of him. Remarkably he caught her and was able to get the broom down before landing very hard. "Expecto Patronum." Two stags flew from his fingers. "Expecto Patronum." Two more. Harry got back on his Firebolt and chased down six of the remaining Dementors. Within a minute there were twelve black cloaks on the ground. The stench from the dead dementors was overpowering.
He ran back to Tonks. She was freezing and shaking. He cast a warming charm on her. He was so tired that he didn't feel up to apparating both of them. He put her on the front of his Firebolt, got on behind her and somehow flew the three miles back to town in the freezing rain. By then there had to have been every Auror in the ministry there. Straighthand and some of the others were collecting dementor robes. Fortunately, Amelia had the insight to bring a half dozen healers. Harry brought the broom down and collapsed.
… - …
He woke up early on Tuesday morning in the hospital wing. Over six hundred get-well cards were lining every inch of space next to his reserved spot. Newspapers were on his stand.
Poppy noticed him. "Ah. Harry. It is nice to see you up and about. There are a dozen people outside already waiting to see you. I have a nice set of your robes in the closet for you to wear. Sit up dear." She helped him get up, and into the shower. "You'll feel much better when you get cleaned up." She gave him a motherly hug.
Harry came out of the bathroom, looking and feeling much better. Poppy handed him his glasses, and charmed his hair dry. She gave him another hug. "Harry, I wanted to be the first to thank you and congratulate you. I cannot even imagine how many lives you saved on Saturday. Maybe as few as four, or as many as hundreds, I don't know. I wasn't there. I'm so glad that you are all right. I'll go tell the others that you'll be out in a few minutes."
She continued. "Hermione has been here most of the time. She's such a lovely young woman. Professor Dumbledore has been in to see you a few times, as were most of the members of the wizarding law enforcement group. I'll be right back."
"Wait Poppy. How are Tonks and Remus?"
"Oh, Harry dear. Miss Tonks is fine. She'll be released from St. Mungo's in a few days. She was quite shook up from her encounter with those horrors. Remus survived, thanks to you. He did lose his left arm, the poor dear. He was transferred back to St. Mungo's yesterday. He'll be OK. Miss Chang was transferred to St. Mungo's Saturday evening, as was little Ericka Smith, and a few other students. None of them had serious injuries."
"Harry!" His bushy haired lover came and swept him up. "I love you. I love you. I love you. I was so worried." She hugged him so hard.
Harry grinned at her. "Hermione, if you keep that up, I won't be able to walk out the door. You're so beautiful."
Hermione looked embarrassed, but only for a second. Then she smiled wickedly. "Oh,…Professor Dumbledore would like to see you in his office. Amelia Bones, a few Aurors, Amos Diggory, and some men that I don't know want to speak with you. Let me help you." She straightened his robes, brushed his hair, and grabbed his hand. They walked down the hall until they reached the gargoyle. It stepped aside without being asked!
Dumbledore beamed at them. "Professor Potter, Miss Granger, come in. Come in. It is wonderful to see you up and about. Please take a seat. I know you must still be tired. Can I get you anything?" Dobby appeared in his little wizard robes, holding a tray of cold butterbeers. Harry took one.
"Thank you Dobby. You look very good in your robes."
"Thank you, Harry Potter sir. You is a great wizard."
Dumbledore spoke again. "Professor Potter, this is Robert Winston and Dr. David Michaels both from the Department of Mysteries. They are of course, highly interested in your experience with the dementors. You are under no obligation to tell them anything that you do not want to, but your information could be useful. If it would help, you are welcome to use my solicitor's pensive."
Harry nodded and reached into his sleeve for his wand. Hermione flushed, reached into her robe pocket, and handed it to him. "Sorry," she whispered.
Harry withdrew a long silver thread, and placed it in the solicitor's pensive. Before he started it, he said, "Hermione, I killed a lot of dementors and a man on Saturday. There will be a lot of blood. I would like to spare you from having to see those things."
She shook her head and replied, "Harry, if you were strong enough to have to do those things, I'm strong enough to watch. I love you." He smiled at her, but it was a very sad smile.
Harry started the pensive memory so they could all see and hear. In the first five minutes, he had personally stabbed over thirty dementors. His Patronus stags had gored another fifty. Harry stopped the memory and whispered to Dumbledore who shook his head. Dumbledore got up and said, "Harry pulled a larger memory than he intended. I must ask Mr. Winston and Mr. Michaels to wait outside for a few minutes. I believe that you have seen as much of Harry's encounter with the dementors as is needed. He will be available to answer your specific questions in the near future."
They got up, and muttered something about interdepartmental co-operation. Dobby appeared. Dumbledore asked Dobby to escort the two men into his outer office. When they had left, Dumbledore sealed the door, and spoke to Amos and Amelia. "The matter that I am going to talk about is of the utmost secret. It is imperative that it does not leave this room. Is that agreeable?" They both nodded. Harry resumed the memory. He wandlessly cast two Patronus forms at once as he landed to aid little Ericka.
"Merlin!" said Amelia. "I've never seen anything like that, ever. Harry, how did you do that?"
Dumbledore spoke. "It is not relevant to what we are doing today. Please understand the advantage that Harry would have if he was to face Voldemort in the future, and Voldemort knew nothing of this." They both nodded. Harry continued. The image showed him rescuing Cho Chang and finding Remus. It showed him each time double-apparating himself and his rescue victim. Harry stopped, and then restarted the memory. Ten seconds later, the severed head of Peter Pettigrew had fallen to the ground. The image showed him returning to the Three Broomsticks exhausted and returning to the castle with Minerva.
The image showed Dumbledore asking if he had seen Tonks. It showed Harry returning to the village and looking for Tonks on his broom. It showed him wandlessly casting multiple stags, and stabbing several more dementors before casting a spell to summon Tonks to him. It showed him flying back to the village, barely able to stay in the air, finally reaching the village, landing and passing out.
They all sat in silence while Harry walked back to the table. He opened another butterbeer, had some and rubbed his forehead and eyes in fatigue. After nearly a minute, Amelia spoke. "Harry, we found 96 dementor robes on Saturday. It appears that you were responsible for all of them. You have also provided us with undisputable proof of Pettigrews involvement as a Death Eater. As such, I formally request Minister Diggory to issue Sirius Black a full pardon. I know that it won't bring him back, but his memory deserves to be cleared."
She continued. "Miss Granger, I must ask you to step outside for a few minutes. Then, I would ask you both to accompany me for a few hours." Hermione hugged Harry, got up and stepped through the door as Dumbledore unsealed it, and resealed.
Bones continued, grimmer than Harry had seen her. "Last Friday a woman who appeared to be Narcissa Malfoy was seen entering Gringotts. Gringotts records indicate that the woman emptied the family vault. The assets were moved to an undisclosed location. While she was there, it appears that the Malfoy Manor burned down due to an accidental fire that apparently started in the kitchen. When we attempted to reach Mrs. Malfoy and notify her of the fire we were unable to find her. A neighbor found her body a half mile away from the manor. An autopsy revealed that she had been raped, beaten, tortured and kissed by a dementor before being murdered. Additionally her nude body had nine broken ribs. We need to ask you, did you have any contact with Narcissa Malfoy last Friday evening between five and six PM?"
Harry was shocked at the news. "No Director Bones. I was having dinner in the great hall with eleven of my students."
She replied. "I didn't think that you would have, but we were obligated to ask. Minister, do you have any questions for Professor Potter that cannot wait until another day?"
"No Director. Thank you for your thorough diligence in this investigation. I am afraid that we must conclude that Peter Pettigrew and/or Voldemort was responsible for her death." Dumbledore unsealed the door, and invited Hermione back in.
"Harry, before you go, I must give this back to you for good." It was Gryffindor's sword. Dumbledore had cleaned it, and fitted it with a new back holster. Hermione helped Harry put it on.
Bones, Hermione, Dumbledore, and Harry took a portkey to St. Mungo's. "Harry, there are a few people that would really be cheered up by your spending a few minutes with them. Would you mind?"
They went to see Ericka Smith first. Her mother was in the room sitting with her. Harry knocked softly on the door before stepping in. "Hi Ericka. I just came by to see how you were doing?"
"Hello Professor Potter sir." It was Ericka's mother, Anna. She was stammering out a combination of thank you, I am forever in your debt, and we are honored that you came.
"It's Harry, Mrs. Smith. Just Harry. I am pleased to meet you." Harry conjured up a dozen roses and a vase for little Ericka. He told her, "I expect to see you back in class in a few days. Okay?"
She beamed at him. "I'll be there, I promise.!"
Harry squeezed her hand and replied, "I need to go now. Goodbye Ericka. Goodbye Mrs. Smith."
They visited Cho next. She was there with her family and Dr. Chang. Dr. Chang saw them at the door and welcomed them in. "Professor Potter. Please come in. Cho was telling us that you had saved her. We cannot thank you enough."
"Dr. Chang, your lessons with the sword gave me the skill that allowed me to save many lives. The school owes you a great debt. Your grand niece sounded the alarm that helped save the school."
At this point Cho burst into tears. "Harry, I didn't do anything. I lost my firecracker, and fell off of my broom. Professor Hooch must have sounded the alarm. Please forgive me."
Harry patted her arm. "Cho, there's nothing to forgive. All of the students are Okay. Please get some rest, and come back to school as soon as you can. All right?"
She wiped the tears from her face, and nodded.
"I need to go now. Goodbye, Mr. and Mrs. Chang. Goodbye Dr. Chang. Goodbye Cho."
Susan Bones was next. She had been injured in the portkey trip back to Hogwarts. Harry smiled at her. "Hello Susan. It's good to see you up. I wanted to tell you that the first thing that I saw was a beagle Patronus chasing a dementor." Susan smiled at him, her blue eyes welled with tears. "It must have allowed you to get all those kids into the Three Broomsticks. Have you shown it to Director Bones yet?" Susan called the charm. Out came a silvery beagle that looked around for a few seconds before disappearing.
Amelia looked so proud at her. "Susan, your parents will be so proud of you. Get well soon. She hugged her grand niece. "Professor Potter will expect you in class on Thursday." Harry winked at Susan. He had brought her flowers too. She winked back at him.
"See you soon, Susan."
"Bye Harry. Thank you very much for coming to see me."
Next they went to Tonk's room. The healer was going to ask that no one go in there until she recognized their faces. She opened the door without a word.
Her small form was curled on the bed in a fetal position, shaking. Amelia spoke. "Harry, please spend some time with her. Maybe you can get to her. Hermione and I will be with Mr. Lupin. We'll come for you in twenty minutes. Healer, leave them be please." She walked out and closed the door.
Harry walked up to the bed and brushed her blond hair from her eye. "Hi Tonks." She didn't say anything. He reached over to hold her hand. She took his hand and held it to her. They stayed that way for a minute in comfortable silence. Harry asked her if she could get up. She nodded, and he helped her up. He helped her out of her soaked hospital gown, and put on her Auror Robes. They sat on the couch in the room. He held her on his lap as a parent would hold a tearful child, rocking her back and forth.
"We survived, Tonks. We survived. That's all that matters."
Her blue eyes met his green eyes. They looked at each other for a while. Finally, Tonks spoke. "Harry, I was so scared. I haven't been able to do most of my magics since the attack at Diagon Alley. I shouldn't have even been there Saturday. I couldn't help anybody. I couldn't even help myself. I could have gotten a lot of people killed. Oh Harry, I'm such a mess! I should have told somebody. There were so many of those monsters, I just froze. After a moment, I ran as fast as I could. Harry, please hold me tighter." He held her for a few minutes in silence rocking back and forth to calm her.
Finally Harry spoke. "You held off a dozen dementors for I don't know how long Tonks. Most people would have crumbled in a blink. I have so much respect for you, I can't even begin to express it."
"Harry, I can't apparate, I can't even change my hair. The qualities that made me unique as a witch are gone. Cor, I'm worthless."
Harry shook his head. He stood her up and held her. "You are not worthless. Blood replenishing potion isn'tt the same as your regular witch's blood. You know that. It will keep you alive, until your body grows back its own blood. It's barely been a month. So what if it takes three months? You can be on leave for the rest of the year, Tonks. This isn't about rent money."
She pressed her face to his neck, tears soaking his collar.
He kissed her forehead, looked at her again, meeting her eyes. "Do you need to be here, or can you come and stay with us?" She nodded. "I'll wait outside. You get dressed properly. Okay?" She nodded again. "Do you need help? I'll get Hermione."
"Wait Harry. One thing first." She leaned up and gave him a very passionate kiss. "Thanks Harry. You saved me again." She hugged him, hard.
Harry smiled at her, his emerald eyes twinkling. "Thanks. I just have this people saving thing. I guess it's what I do. I'll get Hermione to help you."
He opened the door. Hermione and Amelia were waiting outside. "Hermione, could you help her get dressed properly? Tonks is ready to leave with us."
Amelia walked him up the stairs and over to Lupin's room. "Thank you, Harry. Did she say anything?"
"She talked about being scared when she was surrounded by those twelve dementors, and having temporarily lost some of her magics. It probably was the blood replenishing potion. Healer Pomfrey told me that it takes at least a month or two to be replaced by a witch's regular blood. She must have had four or five pints of it."
"Six actually! I'm still amazed that she is alive."
They walked to Remus' room. "He's waiting to see you. Go in."
Remus was sitting up, looking out the window. "Hi Harry. You're a sight for sore eyes. I never thought I'd see you again. The last person in the world I was expecting to see Saturday was that little rat taking a shot at me."
"Don't worry about him. I was the last person that he ever saw."
Remus looked at his friend. "I'm sorry for that too, Harry."
Harry said firmly, "I'm not. We'll talk about it another day over a dozen pints. Right now, I just so glad to see you. I was so worried for you."
Remus nodded in genuine appreciation. "How did you get me back?"
"I apparated the both of us."
Remus shook his head in amazement. "Merlin Harry! I can't double apparate. Where did you learn to do that?"
"I don't know. I did it a few times that day. It seemed easy enough."
Remus smiled at his friend in wonder. "Are the students OK?"
"Everyone lived. Cho got a bump on her head. I think she fell off her broom."
Remus smiled. "That's been done before. She should have thought of something original." They both grinned, and started laughing. Remus got serious again. "Harry, I'll be here a while. Can you find a sub for me for the next few weeks?"
"No worries, Remus. I'll come see you again on Saturday, OK?"
"Thanks Harry. Thank you very much."
Harry went to find Amelia. She was talking with one of the Aurors who had been guarding Tonks. She finished and walked back to Harry. "Thank you, Harry. They all wanted to see you. You have developed quite a following."
"Hermione says that I have a people saving thing."
Amelia smiled at him and gave a soft laugh. "Well, Harry she does have a point." She started laughing some more.
"Who has a point?" said Hermione, walking up to them.
"You do. You said that I have a people saving thing."
"Yes, and your point is…?"
"That I love you, Hermione Granger. That is my point."
"Oh."
After a minute Hermione spoke. "How are we all going to get back to Hogwarts?"
"I'll get a ministry person to make a portkey," said Amelia.
"I'll do it," said Harry.
"Harry, portkeys are regulated devices," said Tonks.
"Actually, they are tariffed. I hold the patent on them."
Tonks looked at him in surprise. "How?"
"Sir Nicolas Flamel invented the portkey. He gave me the patent for them this week. I'm supposed to get eleven sickles for every one that's made. Miss Tonks, you can owe me the eleven sickles, Okay?" He grinned at her and they started laughing. It was good to see her eyes light up.
… - …
Meanwhile at the Crawley Connections Organisation, Dumbledore had gone to see Dr. Turnbull "Dr. Turnbull, it is good to see you again."
"How can I help you professor Dumbledore?"
"There has been an attack at the school. A significant number of children were affected. I believe that they could use your unique talents for a few weeks. I don't know if you could possibly rearrange your schedule?"
Diane was worried about the students, but delighted to have the opportunity to return for another visit. "I can be ready in two hours."
Dumbledore picked up a pencil. He checked the time and softly spoke a spell. For a moment, the pencil glowed blue. "Hold this at 1:00. It will take you to the front lawn of Hogwarts. Will you need anything special?"
"No. I'll be there."
"Thank you, Doctor."
"Professor."
Diane made the arrangements to have the other therapists watch her schedule. She called her husband, and explained that she would be gone for a few weeks. She would call him on Saturday, when she had more details. She drove home, and packed her things. Holding the pencil in one hand and her bag in the other, she had yet another wild ride to Hogwarts.
Dobby greeted her. "Good afternoon, Doctor Diane. I is Dobby. We has met before. I will take your bag to your room. Please wait in the front hall, and Professor Dumbledore will see you."
… - …
At three, Harry, and Tonks took the portkey back to Hogwarts. Hermione and Amelia had left a few minutes earlier. Greeting them on the front lawn were six hundred students, their parents, and most of the ministry staff. The applause grew as they walked up the lawn. Harry met Hermione, Poppy and Minerva who walked them up the front lawn. Each of the students held a small sign that read 'Thanks Harry.'
Dumbledore spoke. "We have much to be thankful for this week. Professor Potter saved us…again. He just finished visiting the few students who remain in the hospital. I expect that everyone will be back for class on Thursday. Auror Tonks will be at school for the next month. She will be filling in for the classes normally taught by Professor Lupin, who is still recovering. After you are done greeting everyone, and having refreshments on the lawn, we will be having a lovely dinner and music out in the east garden. Please take the time to enjoy yourselves. Classes will resume tomorrow." McGonagall and Flitwick had conjured the tables and chairs. The elves brought cases of butterbeer, pumpkin juice, and trays of snacks.
Harry greeted people for an hour, then went back to his room to get some rest. Hermione said that she would collect him at 5:30. She greeted him wearing one of the sets of dress robes that he had bought her. Tonks was with wearing a set that she had borrowed from Hermione. Tonks was a little shorter, so Hermione had asked Winky to hem up the bottom a few inches. Both women looked fantastic! Harry invited them in, realized that he was underdressed and excused himself for a few minutes. Five minutes later he came out in one of his sets of dark green dress robes, and his dragon hide boots. He did look handsome. Hermione shook her head at the irony. "We worked for an hour and a half to get ready, and it took you five minutes."
Harry looked at them standing together and smiled. "I must say, I do appreciate both of your efforts. You both look beautiful. May I take your picture? Dobby." The little house elf appeared in his miniature robes outfit. "Would you please take our photo?" Dobby was ecstatic. He stood on a chair, took a photo of Hermione, one of Tonks, Harry and Hermione, the three of them and one of Harry and Tonks. Hermione also took one of Harry and Dobby. "Thank you Dobby," said Harry.
"You is most welcome Harry Potter sir. If I may say, your Miss friends look very beautiful today sir."
"Thank you Dobby," the women said, blushing slightly. "You are very handsome in your outfit too."
They walked out the hall and found Diane. Harry conjured a table for four with chairs and they sat down for dinner. Harry made the introductions and they did enjoy one of the best meals that Harry could remember having at Hogwarts. Harry was quiet during the meal, instead, listening to the others.
After a few minutes Diane touched Harry on the shoulder. "Harry, after we have finished this truly lovely meal, and you have danced with each of us at least once, can we all talk for a while about what happened?" Harry nodded. True to his word, Harry danced with the three of them twice each, and they excused themselves from the lovely party.
They went back to his room. Harry left the door open, but they would not be disturbed this evening. He conjured four comfortable chairs, and floated out a case of ice cold butterbeers for them. Diane was reading the headlines from the last few Daily Prophets. Massive Attack at Hogsmeade. The next one read Harry Potter Saved Hogsmeade the next one read Final tally for Hogsmeade Attack: 96 Dementors, One Death Eater vs. Several Injured Witches and Wizards. Today's headline read Sirius Black Given Full Pardon – It was Peter Pettigrew, Death Eater!.
Diane asked him what happened. Harry brought out his pensive, withdrew a memory, and passed the pensive to Hermione. She did the same, and passed the pensive to Tonks. She did the same and passed it back to Harry. Hermione asked to go first. She was talking about a transfiguration topic with Minerva when the firecracker sounded. Minerva magically stacked all of the tables and chairs up in back, and lined the students up. Hermione had opened the door and called students to come in. She had cast her otter once, and it kept the dementors away for a minute as students ran into the building. She cast a second otter when the first one faded and closed the door. Minerva had counted 155 students and had portkeyed about half of them when Harry appeared with Ericka Smith. He left a few seconds later and came back two minutes later with Cho. The third time he came back with Remus, who was badly hurt. Harry used wandless magics to heal the severed arteries, and stop the bleeding. Hermione portkeyed him to Hogwarts. Madam Pomfrey was waiting outside for anyone that might have been seriously injured. She administered the first of the blood replenishing potions and levitated him onto a stretcher. Dumbledore waited outside for other injured students. Hermione had helped Pomfrey tend to Remus. Her memory ended.
"Hermione I've known you all of your life. I never pictured you acting so calmly in a crises and helping save that man's life. Congratulations." Hermione hugged Diane.
After a minute Tonks started her memory. The firecracker sounded. She looked around. There was no one coming from the south. She ran around, making sure that everyone was indoors, and got the townspeople to stay inside and lock their doors. A few minutes later, the group of dementors appeared. Tonks cast her Patronus. Nothing happened. She tried again and again. Nothing happened. They were getting closer, and obviously having an effect on her. She ran down the street as fast as she could. The dementors were gliding towards her and had circled her. She was on the ground with her arms over her head when Harry arrived. He had wandlessly cast several sets of stags that had stopped the attack. He summoned Tonks who flew fifty feet into the air and landed hard on his broom. He stabbed the remaining dementors and they flew over to the Three Broomsticks and landed before Harry collapsed. Her memory ended.
"So that's why my arse is black and blue. The next time you rescue a lady from certain death Harry, could you please be a bit more gentle with her bum?"
Harry's face blushed tomato red.
Tonks continued. "Honestly Harry, when I tell everyone at work that Harry Potter seriously bruised my bum with his broom handle, who knows what people will think?"
Diane and Hermione were laughing so hard they could hardly sit! Tonks was keeping a stern look on her face until realization finally hit Harry. She went over and hugged him. "I'm sorry for having so much fun at your expense, Harry. I couldn't help it. Seriously, thank you. I owe you my life twice now." She gently kissed his forehead, caressing his hair.
"No worries Tonks. You'll get your magics back any day now. You're a very brave witch." Harry was embarrassed at the attention.
Finally it was time for Harry to show his memory. Tonks had never seen anyone do wandless magics before. She had never heard of anyone doing three double apparitions in a day let alone fifteen minutes. "Merlin Harry! Where did you learn to do that? How could you be around all of those dementors without turning into jello? Hell, as long as I'm asking, do you always carry a sword with you to finish off dementors and mass murderers? Was that really Peter Pettigrew?"
Harry knew that he would have to say something. "I have been studying Occlumency techniques. I used them to shield myself from the dementors. I received training in swordsmanship. I also have been receiving training in wandless magics and casting multiple spells. I was able to help Remus with the training that Healer Pomfrey has been giving me at night. Yes, that really was Peter Pettigrew. Director Bones informed me that I killed 96 dementors and Peter on Saturday. Peter had been wanted dead or alive for many crimes, dating back to conspiracy to murder my parents. He was involved in the attacks at Hermione's parent's home and at Diagon Alley. I'm not proud of having killed him, but am glad that he will never harm anyone else. Everything that you saw tonight concerning the deaths of the dementors, wandless magics, double apparitions, the death of Peter Pettigrew, or double spell casting is confidential Order business. I'm sorry, but you can't tell anyone about what you just saw." No one said a word, waiting for Harry to finish.
Harry put down his butterbeer and continued. "Doctor, there were a lot of people that day that were scared witless, or feel really guilty about what they did or didn't do. If you haven't already made other plans for your stay, I would invite you to spend afternoons for the rest of the week in my defense class. All of the students who were in Hogsmeade will be there."
"That is a wonderful idea Harry." It was Dumbledore. "I was walking by to talk with Minerva for a moment. I couldn't help overhearing your wonderful suggestion. I really must be on my way. Good night all."
Diane spoke. "The three of you magically showed me your memories of the same fifteen-minute timeframe. Each of your experiences is unique. Each of you demonstrated remarkable bravery in a battle situation. None of you wished for this to happen; yet you individually prepared for the eventuality. Tonks, I think I understand the role of a police officer or Auror as you are called. Your task is to protect people. It appears to me that you did everything within your power to do that. You saved people's lives that day. Hermione, I couldn't be prouder of you. It appeared that you were prepared, and shepherded the other students to safety. You got those kids away from danger and helped save that man. Your parents will be so proud of you.
She turned to Harry and the smile fell from her face. "Harry, I wake up every morning, and wish a normal quiet day for you. As a profession, I understand that you are developing into an outstanding teacher. If you feel the need for an additional part time job, I would recommend gardening. It is much safer than being some sort of super hero, and may be easier on your family. As such, I hope that you have plans to retire your cape in the near future. I think I speak for the other women in this room when I say that we love you too much to want to lose you. Everyone here wants you to get married, raise lots of little Potter children, and bring them over so we can watch them, while you and Hermione dance the night away."
She continued. "That said, it's time for me to retire for the evening. Tonks, it was very nice to meet you. Hermione, it was good to see you again. Harry, you are always a wonderful host. I will see you both at breakfast." Diane left, and Tonks followed.
After a minute, Hermione looked into Harry's eyes. "Harry, can I stay with you tonight?"
"We agreed to wait until Christmas."
"Not that. Can I just stay with you tonight?" There were tears in her eyes.
"Okay. I'll ask Dobby to get a set of your school robes. I'll be in the room in five minutes."
Harry got a set of school robes from Dobby and sealed his outer door. He walked into his bedroom. Hermione was in his bed under the sheets. He climbed into the bed behind her and held her through the sheets. She found his hand and placed it on her. At five o'clock Harry got up and took a shower. Fifteen minutes later, he woke her. She got up, showered and got dressed. Harry had made coffee, and handed her a cup.
Hermione took it, drank a sip. "Harry look at me. Harry, nothing happened that I didn't want to happen. You didn't violate me in any way and we didn't break our promise about waiting. We spent a few hours comforting each other. I would say the same thing to Dumbledore or my father. Don't be mad at me, and don't feel embarrassed. No one is going to say anything, but we don't need to flaunt this in anyone's face either."
"I would never be mad at you. I was trying to think of the words to say about the same thing to you. You're just a lot better at those things than I am. I love you so much." Harry may be the hero of the wizarding world, but sometimes he was just an awkward teenager.
"Thanks Harry. I love you too." She smiled at his discomfort. "Can I borrow your map? I really don't want to run into Filch this morning."
"I'll go with you, or take my invisibility cloak."
"No. Some people can see through them. I'll go by myself. You have a busy day too. I'll see you tonight." A few seconds later, she said, "Harry, you need to unseal your door."
"Sorry." He waved his finger. "Bye."
"Bye."
… - …
Harry's morning flew by. The Gringotts representatives discussed real estate and the indirect management of it as an investment. Harry met Diane at eleven. They skipped lunch and went flying for an hour, slowly circling the lake, and soaking in the sunshine and talking. His defense classes started with the fourth year. Without getting into her specifics, Harry introduced Diane as a friend of his that was visiting. He said that he liked to talk with her. Within the context of defense, he asked each of the students to write one to three feet about what their Hogsmeade experience was, and what they had done to either stay safe, or help someone else stay safe. Most of the students had read the articles that had been written in the Prophet. Harry answered some of the questions, and deferred others until later in the year. There was no mention of Peter Pettigrew. Diane suggested that each of the students make a copy of their assignment and send it to their parents along with a note telling them that they are fine. Harry asked that they please make an exception for him, and to hand it in the next day rather than the next week. No one argued with him. Things got a bit more specific in the fifth year class. Luna mentioned casting her owl Patronus. She said that it had only chased the dementors for a few seconds before fading. Harry replied that stronger spells would last longer. They would continue their unit on casting Patronus for another session, then work on strengthening spells and first aid.
Cho Chang, Susan Bones, and Ericka Smith were back at Hogwarts in time for dinner. Harry made a point of visiting each of the students and welcoming them back. Tonks had been helping Alastor with the theory part of the class. She hadn't mentioned her experience with the dementors to any of the students.
The three women were back after dinner. It seemed that Professor Potter was the only teacher that had decided to assign any homework that week. Harry returned from his tutoring time with Dr. Chang. Chang had heard several accounts of the event and had been mightily impressed with Harry's swordsmanship. They would resume their potions work next week. Chang had made the Wolfsbane potion for Remus per the request of Dumbledore.
Harry's Friday morning class with Kingsley, Alastor, Tonks, and Hestia was a recap of Harry's experience on Saturday. They asked him about the dementors. Harry initially focused on the Patronus. Alastor stopped him. "Harry, none of us here has a strong enough Patronus form to gore a dementor like yours did, and we can't do wandless magics. At least I can't." The others shook their head in agreement. "Tell us how you stabbed them." Harry showed them his memory of the event. Shacklebolt was the first to speak at the end. "Merlin Harry, I had no idea you had taken all of them out yourself! No one at the ministry has said a word about the specifics. Was it a special sword that you used, or will any good piece of steel work?"
"I used the sword that Godric Gryffindor made. I can cast through it, so I believe that it is magical. The trick is to be able to get close to one without their thought magic getting the best of you. I think they use a form of Legilimency on their victims. My concern is that Voldemort had gotten about two hundred dementors to side with him. Roughly half were killed last week. Voldemort would be more effective sending them out in small groups than another mass attack."
Moody disagreed. "Harry, if you hadn't been there and stopped the attack, it would have been a massacre. There easily would have been a hundred students kissed, and at least that many residents. You had planned escape routes and lookouts. If Hogsmeade had fallen and a load of students had been killed, the ministry would have had to start some sort of negotiations with Voldemort. Diggory would have been given a vote of no confidence, as would have Dumbledore. I'll talk with Dumbledore, but I believe that the best plan would be to find a way to have a repeat of last Saturday. I have not forgotten that Remus was badly hurt, but most ordinary witches and wizards won't have a chance against a handful of those horrors."
Harry nodded. "Alastor, I've been absolutely honest with you. Will you answer me a question in return?"
The gnarled warrior looked Harry in the eye and said, "Yes. I'll tell you unless I've previously made a promise to someone regarding the particular situation that you are asking about. If I can't tell you I will at least tell you that much."
"Agreed. What happened to Narcissa Black Malfoy?"
"I don't know. If you're asking about who it was at Gringotts, I can tell you that it wasn't her, and it wasn't Tonks. If you are asking for an opinion, I wouldn't feel guilty that Voldemort got mad at her and had some sick fun with her before finally killing her. She killed enough in her life to deserve it. If you're asking if that was Narcissa that was found, the answer is yes. If you're willing to accept one more piece of advice, I would say put it behind you Harry. Lucius Malfoy probably embezzled most of that money from the Ministry. They were an old wizarding family, financially a lot more along the lines of the Weasleys than the Blacks or your parents. Lucius married into as much of the Black estate as he could grab, and sucked the rest of the money out of the ministry by lining Fudge's pockets with a sack of galleons now and then. What happened last Friday was a Robin Hood operation. You saw it yourself. That money was going to fund murder and mayhem."
He continued. "Voldemort has been steadily losing his tools and options this year. Most of that progress is due to you and Dumbledore. You haven't done anything wrong or anything that you should be embarrassed to admit to anyone. That spunky little Smith girl owes you her life twice. Do you think her mother is going to complain to Bones because you didn't have a double apparition license yet?"
Shacklebolt interrupted Moody. "That reminds me, Harry. I need to fine you three hundred galleons for three counts of double apparition without a license. That's the minimum fine. Here's your signed double apparition license effective today. If you want a license for anything else that you might be thinking of doing, please call Director Bones." Harry handed him a Gringotts draft. They smiled at each other.
… - …
Friday at dinner, Harry sat down at the largest table. Susan Bones, Cho Chang, Ericka Smith, Tonks, and three third years sat with Harry and Diane. Harry made the introductions. Ericka sat beside Diane. The subject of the attack came up. Ericka told everyone how Harry had rescued her. Tonks told a similar story. Susan talked about casting her Patronus, then running into the Three Broomsticks. Finally Cho admitted falling off of her broomstick. Harry tried to help her saying, "I did the same thing in my third year in the Gryffindor / Hufflepuff game, remember? My Nimbus flew into the Whomping Willow. That stupid tree smashed it to bits. There weren't nearly as many dementors that day as what you ran into on Saturday, Cho."
Cho wouldn't let it go. "Harry, It was an honor that Professor Dumbledore asked me to help guard the students. I completely failed."
Harry shook his head. "Cho, that's crap! Remus Lupin lost an arm that day. Do you think anyone will think less of him? You lived. Tonks lived. Ericka lived. Susan lived. What more needs to be said? If you're worried that it might happen again, either work on your defenses, or try to stay out of those situations."
Diane spoke. "In his somewhat blunt was of saying it, Harry does have a point. Susan, suppose that that your Great Aunt were to have been asked two weeks ago, what the most likely outcome would be if the village were to be attacked by a hoard of those creatures?" There was silence as everyone considered how bad it could have been.
Diane continued. "What was your tally? One serious injury, several minor injuries, and a lot of scared survivors. How could you have asked for anything better? To top it off, some of those monsters were sent to hell where they belong."
Diane paused for a moment having made eye contact with each person at the table. "I'm certain that there are a lot of people in this castle who are hurting. I'll help anyone that I can but I think if we had 350 kids who had tried to be heros that day, we'd be spending all week burying them."
"I ran away, like Professor Potter told me to," said little Ericka, beaming at Harry.
"And it worked!" said Harry smiling back at her. "All I was trying to say is that I'm very glad that you are all here having dinner with me tonight. I'm glad that we are all Okay."
Dumbledore walked by. "Excuse me, Professor Potter. Could I speak with you for a moment before your evening class?"
"Of course." They walked into one of the unused classrooms on the way to the hospital wing. Dumbledore sealed the door.
"Harry, we never had a chance to talk together about Saturday. You may have been thinking it unfortunate that you hadn't been able to dispose of a few more of the dementors while you had the chance. Would you have done it at the loss of Miss Smith, or Miss Tonks? Of course not. Would you have done it at the loss of our friend Remus? Of course not." The old wizard put his hand on the young man's shoulder. "Harry, you did exactly the right thing. Some of Voldemort's forces were destroyed with no loss of life on our side. That was the best outcome that could have happened."
He continued. "Peter Pettigrew will not harm anyone again. Sirius' reputation was cleared. Please do not second-guess yourself on that matter."
Harry nodded.
"What I really wanted to talk with you about concerns Miss Granger. Harry without prying into your personal life, let it be said that no one would say anything if Miss Granger were to discretely spend Friday and Saturday evenings with you. As any loving grandparent would tell you, use prevention when needed, and be careful with each other's hearts."
Harry didn't make a sound, but nodded.
Albus concluded, trying to avoid further embarrassment for the young man. "I must be going. You obviously learned a very useful lesson the last few weeks from Poppy. I only hope your future lessons will be as beneficial. Enjoy your evening, Professor Potter."
"Thank you Professor."
… - …
Poppy was very happy to see Harry when he arrived. "Harry, I had the chance to examine Remus when he came in last week. You did a remarkable job closing the severed arteries! His blood loss was quite severe. We would have run out of his type of blood replenishing potion if you hadn't done such a good job."
She continued. "I have a short lesson tonight that I hope you will find useful. She showed him how to conjure various sized dressings, and apply them properly. I have a book to give you on family healing. It has several sections that you might find useful at one time or another. Our next lesson will deal with restoring a heartbeat."
Harry thanked her and found Hermione. He related the two conversations that he had just had, and the book that Pomfrey had given him.
Hermione smiled at his naivety. She loved him so much. "Harry they were simply trying to give you "the talk" without overly embarrassing you or themselves."
"Oh."
"Would it be OK if we had Susan and Seamus over tonight?"
Harry nodded. "Sure. What about Ron, Neville, Ginny and…"
"Quidditch. The first game is tomorrow. They're still practicing."
"Right. I'd forgot about it."
"Harry, don't tell Ron that. It's a huge event for him. He really wants you to come and cheer for the team. Diane and Tonks will be there too."
"Okay."
"Harry, if you put on the WWW, maybe we could just dance together for a while unless you really want to spend the evening with Susan and Seamus?"
"I'd rather be with you."
"Thank you." She ran her fingers through his hair and looked over at his desk. Finally she asked, "Harry, you have never told me, when do you get a chance to study?"
"I stay up pretty late most evenings usually until twelve. It doesn't give me a lot of time, but most of what I'm working on is practical, except for the Gringotts stuff. Alastor grades almost all of the defense papers. I think the other Professors don't give me a lot of homework by design. Most of my reading is on my own. I hope to be done with most of the seventh year stuff in a few weeks."
She looked at him, quite surprised by what he had just said. "You're kidding?"
"No. I'm already done with charms and defense. I have a bit more work on transfiguration of liquids, and a few potions left to brew. I hope to start the advanced topics after Christmas break. I also have some more manuscripts that Sir Nicolas has given me."
"Hermione, remember, I'm not taking anywhere near the number of classes that you are. I don't know the first thing about Arithmancy, or Runes. I passed my OWL in Herbology and astronomy, but never really mastered either. I'm sure that Binns doesn't miss me anymore than Sybil."
He continued. "I had a lot of practice with Remus over the summer. It helped a lot that I got my license in July. I could practice everything that I was studying. I really appreciate the time that I spend with Sir Nicolas. He taught me Legilimency this last week. I just want to find a way to get Voldemort and those dementors to be gone, so I can spend my days with you."
She gave him a sly smile. "Speaking of practice, I was reading a new book this week. I was hoping to get some practice."
"Oh?"
Hermione seemed to have mastered the subject that she had been researching.
… - …
While Harry and Hermione were studying together, Dumbledore went to see Director Bones at the Ministry.
"Hello Amelia. Thank you for staying to see me. He sealed the door. "I wanted to get your opinion regarding the Hogsmeade attack and your expectations of what might happen next."
She replied, "Voldemort tried the big play last week. He got his arse handed to him. What would possibly make him want to do it again?"
"Harry and Hermione believe the answer is to play on his wounded ego. Hermione has proposed putting out a number of news articles that Tom might see." He handed Amelia a parchment with four potential press releases on it.
Hermione Granger announces the formation of the Firstborn Society – a group of firstborn witches (children of muggles) that have achieved excellence in their fields, demonstrating that hard work and ability, not heritage ultimately will determine success in the wizarding world. The group is chartered to help firstborn witches and their muggle parents assimilate into the wizarding world culture. Miss Granger, currently the top student at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, is quoted as saying, "I am very proud of my parents. They happen to be dentists. They're excellent parents. I'm equally proud to be a witch. I look forward to starting what I hope is a large family with my fiancé, Harry Potter." The first meeting will be held at the Hogs Head conference center in Hogsmeade on 26 October at 1 PM.
She considered the probable impact that the first piece would have and read the next one.
Ministry of Magic official Arthur Weasley announced that the Riddle Mansion estate sold at liquidation auction yesterday. The proceeds from the sale were split between St. Mungo's and the recently formed Firstborn Society. Weasley was quoted as saying that while it was unfortunate that the building burned down, he was certain that the new owner would put the property to good use.
Looking at the article from Riddle's perspective, it felt like someone was pouring fuel on a burning fire – certain to enrage him. She looked at the next one.
New business in Hogsmeade – Grand Opening
Hogsmeade mayor Scott Rattray announced that a new business was opening in the near future. Bloodworks a shop specializing on blood restorative potions will open for business on 26 October. Co-owner Terry Tahpor was quoted as saying, "You never know when you might need a supply of blood restorative drafts. We helped a patient a few weeks ago and were able to save her life because we were able to apparate a large supply to the patient at the moment of need."
Amelia hoped that there was no such business, as she was certain that Riddle would burn it and any occupants into the ground. Finally, she looked at the last one.
Ministry Aurors to receive additional training. Director Bones announced today that a group of the Ministry Aurors will receive advanced training in casting Patronus charms. The Patronus charm has been found to be successful in driving the dementors away from an area. The class will be held in co-operation with Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry at the ministry training center in Kent. Director Bones was quoted saying, "This is training that we have not needed in the past, but are now happy to receive due to the defection of the dementors. Class instructor Potter said that he was happy to help in any way that he could. Potter was attacked by dementors several years ago and plans to share the latest techniques."
Dumbledore continued. "They believe that Tom will see the articles, and become sufficiently enraged by them to incite him to attack. In short they're suggesting that a repeat of the last attack be engineered. The difference that would be built into this plan is the elimination of the 350 students from the battleground."
He added, "It is Harry's belief that without a large support base, or an army of dementors, Voldemort would either try a direct attack on Harry, or go away for a few years. It is of course Harry's hope to draw Voldemort out in a situation where he (Harry) would also not be forced to fight an army of Death Eaters and dark creatures at the same time. Thus, if we are able to rid Britain of the dementors, we have afforded Harry the opportunity for an unimpeded shot at Tom."
Dumbledore concluded. "It is everyone's concern that Voldemort disburses the dementors into squad-size teams and launches multiple attacks that most wizarding families could not defend against. Thus, the basis for their reasoning of baiting the traps for a big play in a few weeks."
Bones thought about the idea for a few minutes. Harry had certainly thought this through. She could envision Hermione and Harry plotting and re-plotting the plan, engineering out as many of the risks as they could. Voldemort must know that some new weapon or technique had been launched against the dementors. If he believed that the Aurors were all to receive the ability to destroy them, it would entirely diminish their long-term usefulness. Why not make use of them a time or two? The reality was that hit and run attacks from a dozen dementors would be extremely deadly. She also knew the loss of life in an attack on Hogsmeade that was improperly defended could easily be three to five hundred people.
She asked, "What alternatives did they consider?"
"They could plant an announcement that the former Azkaban prisoners were being moved. We could internally announce a movement to a muggle prison, or a return to a dementor-less guard system."
"Why internally?"
"First to lend credibility to the rumor. Second, to draw out a suspected spy within your organization. Third to avoid a public announcement of an action that may not be decided for months."
Amelia thought about what he said for a moment. "I see several problems here. First to my knowledge, there has only been one wizard who has been able to destroy a dementor. I saw the same image that you did, but I don't know how he did it. Susan's beagle didn't do anything more than chase a single dementor away for a few seconds before it vanished. I'm happy that Harry was able to cast a dementor powerful enough to kill one. It is his actions with that sword of his that concern me. They were up close and personal, and beheading Pettigrew with that light-brigade saber charge of his was brutal. How ethical is it to keep placing him in these situations? Of the sixty-four Aurors currently on staff, only nine have ever had to take a life. Five of them had been working with Moody at the time."
Dumbledore nodded an acknowledgement and spoke. "It is likely that Harry will face Voldemort again in the next year. If he is able to defeat him, would you have a concern if he uses a muggle shotgun, or any other means at his disposal? How many of the Ministry Aurors will be willing to stand beside him on that day? The only person who I know will be there is Miss Granger."
They sat in silence for a moment reflecting, and he continued. "I myself have taken more than three hundred lives, mostly in service to Britain. Perhaps you may recall that Tom had chosen his path by the age of fifteen. You were a few years younger if I recall. I have no concerns about Harry turning to the dark side or misusing his abilities, none what so ever. His set of values has been cast. I do not find them lacking in the least."
Amelia admitted, "I was a year older, but I see your point. What do you recommend?"
"You may wish to make him a part-time Auror, providing him a legal basis for his actions. I don't think you need to offer him more than you can afford. I'm not certain what the going rate is for disposing of killers and dark creatures. Was there a reward for Bellatrix? Arguably the same reward offered for Sirius should have been offered for Peter. I'm not certain what a motivated solicitor could obtain in a settlement for twelve years false imprisonment without a trial. My point is I think at this time we should do everything within our power to aid his efforts. I am having qualified people keep a very close eye on him to ensue that the burden that is being placed on him does not overly darken his aspect."
He concluded. "With respect to the dementors, I have no better plan than theirs."
She thought about it for a few moments. The only risk that she saw was Voldemort himself showing up with a large band of qualified Death Eaters at the same time Harry was battling the dementors. Dumbledore obviously believed that it was Harry that would face and ultimately defeat him, but no one could duel Voldemort while fighting off a swarm of those dementors! What if Voldemort came and started systematically killing the entire village? He could easily kill off Hogsmeade or any other location this afternoon before someone could stop him. The reality was once he started taking direct action, hundreds, perhaps thousands of wizards and witches would die. How could she help Harry? Dumbledore had a point. Would any of her Aurors stand with him, in the face of almost certain death?
Amelia thought for another minute, reviewing options. "Tell me what you need, and we'll be there. Getting Voldemort to stay in the poker game and betting big again will take a bold move. I'll check with Winston and Michaels to see if they have any ideas."
Dumbledore replied, "Thank you, Amelia. Please do not mention anything strategic to anyone other than your licensed Aurors. Enjoy your evening." He unsealed the door and left.
ooo CCC ooo
The old scribe is wondering if anyone can recommend a good – Harry as a student teacher story.