Saturday - 26 October
Harry woke up at six. Dobby popped in a few minutes later, carrying a tray with fruit, bacon, hotcakes, syrup, toast and large mugs of coffee.
"Here is breakfast for Sir and Miss."
Harry smiled at his friend and replied, "Thank you Dobby. Thank you very much."
Harry got Hermione up. After breakfast, they sat and visited for a moment. "Harry, we've thought of everything that we can. This is a good plan, and with some luck, no one will be seriously injured. I promise you that I'll do everything that I can to not get hurt. I know that you'll do the same."
"Hermione, please promise me one thing. If Voldemort comes, get away. Portkey, apparate, whatever you need to do, just get away."
Hermione finished placing her wand in her wrist holster. "I promise. Harry, thank you for being my best friend. I'm not sure if I ever told, you, so I'm telling you now. Thank you for always being there for me. I never had any real friends before you." There were tears in her eyes."
"I would say the same to you. Thank you for being my best friend, Hermione. You've always been there for me. We have a wedding to plan, Christmas gifts to unwrap, and little Potters to raise. Nothing is going to stop that. I love you, Hermione." He kissed her tears away.
"I love you so much, Harry. Let's get going."
At 10:45 a group of about twenty people walked into the Hogs Head Inn and asked where the meeting room was for the Firstborn Society. The adults were obviously muggles, with that look on their faces that most first years have while walking the Hogwarts halls. Everyone in the pub stared at them as the made their way down the hall, each group nervously watching the other as if they were looking at a circus sideshow.
Most of the attendees were mothers of students in the first four years. Hermione explained what she was trying to do with the society, and that currently they were trying to reduce the dangers of the wizarding world. The attendees were disappointed to hear that the meeting was over before it had even started.
Ten minutes later, another group of fifteen people walked in, again asking directions. They were pointed down the hall where they walked into the meeting room. Like the group before them, most of them immediately portkeyed back to Dumbledore's conference room at Hogwarts.
Remaining in the conference room were Aurors Tonks, Hestia, Bob Amos, Mary Campbell, John Thomas, along with Hermione, Fred and George. A minute later, Anna Smith returned to the conference room after a trip to the loo. Hermione was shocked that she hadn't counted correctly, and had missed one of the parents. "Do not leave this room, Mrs. Smith. We believe that the building will soon be under attack from dark creatures and evil wizards. You'll be safe here, but don't leave the room."
"I'm sorry Miss. I didn't realize. My daughter Ericka told me to come today. It was a way for nonmagical parents to get involved with the school. It sounded like a wonderful idea."
"It will be. The regular meetings will start in a month or so."
"The only magic that I have seen was when that older woman, Professor McGonagall came to my home four months ago, inviting Ericka to come here for schooling. Then a few weeks ago, a good looking young man who was one of the teachers came to Ericka's Hospital room, and made some flowers right out of thin air!"
"That would be Professor Potter," said Tonks. "He has a people saving thing. Do you really think he is good looking?" She winked at Hermione who had turned beet red.
… - …
At 11:15 Harry apparated into the back storeroom of the pub from the Auror conference after Remus had taken his place. Hermione's plan was to call Amelia at the first sight of trouble. An hour passed, and nothing had happened. At 12:30, Hagrid walked in, ordered two pints and left as planned. An hour later Victor walked in, took a quick look around and walked out. A minute later, a teenaged muggle with long blond hair walked out of the conference room, and asked at the bar if there was a pay phone that she could use. Most of the patrons at the bar laughed at her. Aberforth had told her no, and turned away. The woman walked back into the conference room.
Tonks closed the door. "Aberforth gave me the first signal. Be ready."
Five minutes later, a Death Eater walked into the pub, and told everyone at the bar to leave or die. Within fifteen seconds, the bar had cleared, with Aberforth leading the way. He had knocked a tray of glasses over on the way out making a loud noise. That was the final signal. Harry waited another minute, apparated to the Three Broomsticks and called Remus.
… - …
At the other side of the village, Dementors and villagers were everywhere. Harry hadn't counted on there being so many villagers out and about. They were clearly frightened to death. Many were screaming. Harry got on his Firebolt, and started on the dementors. Casting with his sword, he created a dozen dazzlingly white stags that made short work of the hellish creatures. Each time a pair of the stags gored a dementor, it sizzled, leaving only a cloak on the ground and the same foul stench in the air. Within three minutes, there were over sixty cloaks lying on the ground. The smell was absolutely sickening.
Harry was chasing after the remaining dementors casting Patronus after Patronus when he saw the Aurors appear. They were battling a dozen Death Eaters, and moving people into buildings. Harry kept casting Patronus stags.
Remus had apparated to the village with the other Aurors, still looking like Harry. He had managed to hit three of the Death Eaters with Reducto curses when he saw a jet of green light pass above his shoulder. The last thing that he saw as he whirled around were Voldemort's red eyes. The second jet of green light from his wand hit him square in the chest. Remus slumped into the street. Voldemort began laughing as he continued his killing spree. He saw a young woman dash out of the Hogs Head. She saw him and for a second stared into his eyes unmoving in shock. A second later she began to run as fast as she could.
… - …
Flying at about thirty feet toward the north side of the village Harry saw his destiny. Voldemort was standing in the street, systematically murdering villagers with the killing curse. Most were simply standing frozen with fear and easy targets for his uncontrolled rage. As Voldemort was taking aim at Anna Smith, who had run out of the Hogs Head pub, Harry silently stopped his broom above and behind Voldemort. Harry quietly unholstered the Colt Government model .45 that Kingsley had given him.
For a moment, the lifetime of injustice that Riddle had subjected Harry to clouded his concentration. For a moment, rage and hatred threatened to take away his concentration. Harry pushed those thoughts aside and focused his attention on his task. The jet of green light hit the woman, and like the others, she fell to the ground, lifeless. From forty feet, Harry carefully took aim, focused on the front sight, and fired three quick rounds like Kingsley had shown him.
Unfortunately, Harry never saw if he hit Voldemort or not. The recoil from the pistol, while quite manageable when they were practicing standing in the gravel pit, was enough to make Harry lose his balance floating on his broom. As gracelessly as he had fallen down the stairs at Privet drive, Harry fell off his Firebolt hitting the ground hard, shoulder first, twenty-five feet below.
… - …
Harry awoke a few hours later. Sitting around his hospital bed, were Tonks, Ginny, Molly, and Hermione. In the beds next to his were several of the villagers, George Weasley, Aberforth Dumbledore, and Susan Bones.
"Hello," said Harry, looking around at the small crowd.
Hermione was first to kiss him, though it seemed like the other women each found an arm or an ear to kiss or hug. Harry winced in pain.
Molly spoke first. "Oh, Harry, we were so worried about you. Are you all right?"
"I have a serious headache and I think a broken wrist, shoulder, and left forearm. Why were you so worried?"
She said, "Harry, we had heard that you had died."
A sinking feeling ran through Harry. "Remus?"
Tonks nodded, tears in her eyes. "Voldemort cast a killing curse at him from the back and started laughing maniacally, thinking that he had murdered you instead. He must have killed thirty others as well."
"I remember firing at him before I fell off of my broom."
She said, "You hit him three times and killed him Harry. Voldemort is dead. Dumbledore burned his body immediately after he fell. Harry, listen, there are about a thousand people out there waiting to congratulate you. Before you go, Remus had this in his pocket. It has Hermione's and your names on it. I think you should read it before you try to get up." She handed them the note.
Harry and Hermione,
If you are reading this, it means that I was killed today. Most likely I left the training session and went to help you at Hogsmeade. If something happened there, let it be known that it was my choice to go there and fight dark wizards with you. Remember when I told you how few people die with any dignity. If I was killed today helping you, I had my dignity.
You and Hermione are my sole beneficiaries. I know that you do not want to live in Grimmauld place. Therefore I ask that you either sell it, or give it away at your choosing. I never wanted to live there either.
Harry and Hermione, I want you both to know that this last year has far and away been the happiest of my life. I owe that all to you both. The two of you took me into your home, and treated me with kindness and respect that I have never known in my life.
Harry, I am sorry that I wasn't there for you when you were growing up. I had lost all of my self-respect, and was not a man that anyone would have wanted to know. I had made friends with Ogden's and every other self-destructive habit known to man. Five years ago, Dumbledore found me and helped me turn my life around. Later I had the honor to get to know you and some of your friends. You took Sirius and me at our word that night, demonstrating the man that you were becoming, and gave us a glimpse of the hero that you would come to be.
Harry, I had accepted death that day before you came and rescued me. I only hope that I was able to assist you in some small way today. I have two requests of you Harry and one of you Hermione. First, please bury my body next to your parents. It is a very nice spot, and I would be honored to be by James and Lily, if you wouldn't mind. Second, please watch over Tonks and Dr. Turnbull for me. I cannot express what their kindness has meant to me.
Last, Hermione, please marry Harry, and start raising brilliant little bushy haired, green-eyed Potters just as soon as you are ready.
I love you both.
Your friend,
Remus Lupin
Hermione and Harry handed the letter to Tonks. She finished it and they gave each other a group hug. Tonks, said, "Harry, you meant the world to him. We lost a lot of good people today, but every one of them would tell you that it was worth it."
Poppy noticed Harry awake and scooted the women over to the other side of the hospital wing. "Hello again, Harry. Now that you are awake, I can work on your arm, shoulder and wrist. Does anything else hurt?" She cast a healing spell on his forearm and another on his wrist. After a few minutes, she led him into the bathroom to shower. "Miss Granger, would you go get a nice set of robes for Harry to wear? He will be out in just a few minutes."
Hermione came back a few minutes later. She gently knocked on the bathroom door and handed Harry his clean clothing. He came out a minute later, looking better. Poppy cast another spell on his shoulder. "Please try not to move it for about ten minutes." Harry sat in a chair until Poppy told him that he could get up.
"As always, Healer Pomfrey, thank you."
She kissed him on the forehead. "Harry, you are and always will be my favorite patient. Now go. I have others to look after."
Harry opened the door leading out of the hospital wing. Director Bones was waiting outside. She hugged Harry, and handed him a small neatly wrapped package. "I meant to give this to you a few days ago. You can look at it later Harry. How are you?"
"Just Okay," Harry tried to smile at her. It was a sad smile on his weary face.
As they walked to the front doors Amelia said, "Harry, there were over two thousand witches and wizards on the front lawn five minutes ago. I expect that the number is growing as we speak. I would ask that you and Hermione step outside with Dumbledore and me for a few minutes. Dumbledore will say a few words. You could wave and we can come back inside. I know you're hurting, and need some time to rest."
"Amelia, who died?"
26 villagers – I don't have the names with me
Mrs. Anna Smith
3 Aurors – Bob Amos, John Thomas, and Mary Campbell
Remus Lupin
On the dark side:
Voldemort
85 dementors
11 Death Eaters
Victor Krum
"What about the other one?"
"Kingsley, Moody, Straighthand and Daily picked him up after Hermione called. He is in the detention cell. No one has been notified yet."
"Call it right. He was there."
They met Dumbledore at the front door. He gently hugged Harry and Hermione, saying that he was very happy to see them both. They opened the great oak doors. The crowd saw them and cheered. Dumbledore magically magnified his voice.
"Good evening." The crowd went absolutely silent.
"We have much news to share with you this evening. Many of you will rejoice at the news that you will hear. Please be aware that the victories that will be announced have come at a cost. Please give your complete attention to the Director of Magical Law Enforcement, Amelia Bones."
There was cheering and a lot of applause. Amelia magically magnified her voice. "Good evening. The village of Hogsmede was attacked at 2PM this afternoon by a force of approximately eighty five dementors, twelve Death Eaters, and the man who called himself Lord Voldemort." The crowd began murmuring.
"Thirty one innocent people were killed in the attack. Included in that total were a Hogwarts Professor, three Ministry Aurors, twenty-six villagers and the mother of one of the Hogwarts students." There was absolute silence.
She continued. "On the dark side, twelve Death Eaters, eighty five of the dementors and the man who called himself Lord Voldemort, Tom Riddle were killed."
The applause was thunderous! Harry began to realize that Dumbledore had been right. Sometime the greater good was worth dying for. Remus had realized that.
Dumbledore finished, adding. "We will have more news for you tomorrow. In the meanwhile, the Hogwarts staff has provided several dozen tables with refreshments."
Harry went beck in his room, closed the door and sat for a few minutes. He opened the little package that Amelia had given him.
Wednesday 23 October
Dear Harry,
Enclosed please find a Senior Auror license, and a Senior Auror badge. I am greatly honored and saddened to present you with these on a reserve basis. In the immediate term, they afford you the authority to do what it takes to stop Voldemort and his remaining supporters. I would be happy to discuss any long-term implications or opportunities at a later date.
Good luck,
Amelia
Harry looked at the certificate. It read:
Professor Harry James Potter is herby granted the status of Senior Auror – Reserve. This gives you all the rights, responsibilities, and privileges of a full time Senior Auror except on an as-needed basis.
It was signed, by Director Bones, Wizengamot Head Dumbledore, and Minister Diggory.
He looked at the gold badge in its leather badge wallet for a moment and set it on the desk. The .45 that he used to kill Voldemort was on the other side of the desk. Harry took the magazine out of the pistol and unchambered the other round. There was a soft knock on the door. Ginny was there, broomstick in hand. "Hi Harry." She gave him a long warm hug. "Hermione sent me to collect you to take you flying for an hour. She told me to tell you to get your cute arse out of your room, now. Actually, I added the cute part, but let's go."
Harry's broom had been put away. Harry realized that Dobby had been at work. Harry put the pistol in his trunk and locked it before leaving.
He picked up his broom. They went out one of the side doors and flew over the lake and back to the Quidditch field unnoticed by the large crowd. Ginny released a snitch. She told Harry, "Close your eyes, count to five and we'll see who can catch it first." When Harry opened his eyes, the snitch was out of sight and Ginny was heading towards the other end of the field. Harry scanned the area near her for a moment, and headed for the other side. A minute later, he turned and saw Ginny flying toward him. Harry looked up and saw the snitch floating about twenty feet behind him. Harry turned around and followed. They chased the snitch for another five minutes, weaving up, down and sideways. Finally it weaved to the right side, in front of Ginny, and she grabbed it at the same time that Harry tried to grab it. "Ha, I got it."
"Good catch, Ginny."
"Thank you. Nice flying, professor. It is time to go back, dinner is ready."
Hermione wasn't at dinner. It turned out that she had spent the time with Minerva. Hermione was extremely upset about the deaths of the villagers and especially Mrs. Smith. Minerva explained to her that each of the villagers has been warned that an attack was possible that day, and they had made choices to be there. "The Ministry and the Order had approved the plan. It is a tragedy that even one innocent person was murdered today, but it is a much greater good that the darkness has finally been lifted. You helped put a stop to it. You have to look at the good that was done today, and accept that there was a terrible cost."
McGonagall took her back to Harry's room. He had been putting things away. "Professor Potter, Miss Granger needs looking after. Can I leave her in your care? Thank you both, and good night." She closed the door as she left.
"Hi."
"Hi."
"How was your day?"
"The worst. Yours?"
"The same. Harry, I feel so bad." She put her arms around him and began sobbing uncontrollably. Harry didn't have any clever words to say. His tutors had prepared him for this eventuality for days. In hindsight, it would have been better to include Hermione in some of the discussions with Dumbledore and Bones. The reality was different. She hadn't been prepared for the deaths. Tomorrow would be a better day. Harry picked her up, carried her to his bed, covered her up and held her in his arms for the night. Hermione didn't sleep much, sobbing every few minutes. Harry rocked her on the bed, and held her tight.
Outside there were fireworks and celebrations from Kent to Inverness. News was rapidly spreading of Voldemort's demise. The two people who felt worst that night were the ones that had made the celebration possible.
… - …
That Sunday morning in Crawley was shaping up to be one of the last warm sunny days of the year. The trees still had some of their autumn colors, but many of the leaves had already fallen. Dan and Emma had just returned from going on a walk around the neighborhood. As they returned to their home, they noticed an old couple sitting in their back garden. Getting a little closer, they saw that it was Professors Dumbledore and McGonagall, who had been waiting for them. Fearing the worst, they hurried up to the old wizards. Emma asked, "What's wrong? Have the kids been hurt?"
Professor Dumbledore reached out to shake their hands. "Please do not worry yourselves, Doctor and Doctor Granger. Hermione is fine, and I am certain that Harry has been mended by now."
Emma rushed, "Come in, please. Can we get you some tea or coffee?"
Minerva said, "Thank you for your kindness."
Emma asked, "How can we help you?"
Dumbledore smiled. "It seems that Harry faced his destiny yesterday, and with Hermione's assistance prevailed. Harry succeeded in destroying Voldemort!"
Dan proclaimed, "That's brilliant!"
Dumbledore looked at him and nodded. "Yes, from most perspectives, it is. However, there were losses. One in particular is most troubling. Perhaps Minerva could best explain the situation."
Minerva carefully put down her teacup. "Voldemort's last victim was a younger single mother. Her eleven-year-old daughter is very similar to Hermione in many ways. She exhibits above average intelligence, a brave personality, a lot of spunk, and has a very kind heart. We were wondering if the two of you might possibly consider inviting her into your home."
Emma asked, "Was her mother a witch?"
"No. Both of her parents were typical non-magical people. Her mother was a nurse at a surgery in Kent. Her father died in an auto accident when she was quite young. As far as our records show, she has no other living relatives. You don't need to give an answer now. We also came to invite you to have lunch with Harry and Hermione. They'll be having lunch today at eleven at the Black Dog pub. You would of course have the opportunity to meet the girl in question, if you have any interest. Hermione and Harry know nothing about this offer. If you don't have an interest, or believe that having another child in your home would be a problem, please do not feel pressured in any way. Please let us know if you have any interest after lunch."
Dan asked, "In general terms what happened?"
Minerva replied, "The village by the school was attacked by a force of a dozen Death Eaters, Voldemort, and about eighty five of the dementors. The Ministry Aurors were called. They killed or captured the Death Eaters. Harry had cast charms to destroy the remaining dementors. In the mean time Voldemort appeared, and was systematically murdering every resident of the village. His last victim was Mrs. Anna Smith. Harry saw him, and somehow killed him. Harry suffered several broken bones in the process. Neither Albus nor I were there. I don't know the specifics. Your daughter and Harry are being proclaimed heroes of the wizarding world. They doubtless saved hundreds of lives yesterday." They got up to leave. There was a tear in Minerva's eye. She was so proud of her young friends.
Dan said, "Thank you for coming to see us, Professors."
Minerva, said, "I shall stop by at one. If you're interested, you may want to come to school and visit this afternoon or tomorrow."
… - …
At 10:30, Minerva found Harry and Hermione sitting alone by the lake. Hermione had been sobbing for at least the last hour. "Good morning,g Miss Granger, and Professor Potter. May I join you two?"
Harry conjured a third chair, identical to the two that they were sitting on. Minerva hugged Hermione, then Harry. "I have something to say, that I have never told anyone. Harry, the day after your parents were killed and we thought that Voldemort was gone, most of the wizarding world was rejoicing. There were fireworks from Kent to Inverness, and thousands of owls were being sent here and there. I even remember it being mentioned on the muggle news. I remember spending the day sitting across the street from your Aunt's house sobbing. Your mother Lily was a very good friend of mine. While everyone else was rejoicing over what we had gained, I was mourning the loss of my friend."
"She continued, It isn't wrong to mourn the losses, and remember that there've been hundreds and hundreds of losses due to Voldemort over the years. Yet at the same time, please remember that there would have been thousands and thousands of losses if you two hadn't put a stop to him."
"Hermione, and Harry, I couldn't be prouder of the two of you under any circumstances." She hugged Hermione again. Hermione was silent, but the tears had stopped. "I invited your parents to meet the two of you at the Black Dog today at eleven. Albus and I thought that the two of you could use some time away from school. We won't expect you back until tomorrow at dinner. No one else knows that you'll be there, so you won't be hounded. Albus is back at Crawley begging Dr. Turnbull to come for another week."
Hermione, replied, "Thank you Professor. We really wanted to see Mum and Dad. Do they know what happened?"
"Yes, though only in the most general of terms. Before you to get ready to leave, I need to say something." Minerva put her hands on the young woman's shoulders and said, "Hermione, you didn't murder any of the villagers. You didn't cast a killing curse on Mrs. Smith or any of the Aurors. Harry if you hadn't stopped those horrors, they would have kissed almost every villager there, and Voldemort would have murdered the rest. Last night, it would have been another village destroyed, and today yet another. There is not a living soul that within fifty miles of here that believes differently. Attend their memorials next week, and be grateful with the rest of us that the entire village wasn't sacked and burned, for that was certainly his plan. Your parents are very anxious to see you both. Please enjoy your day together. Bless you both."
The three of them walked back to the castle together. Minerva held one of Hermione's hands, while Harry held the other. Harry said, "Thank you Professor. We will see you later."
… - …
They dressed in jeans and jumpers, picked up some cash and left for the Black Dog. They said hello to Tim and took a booth in the corner. A few minutes later, Dan and Emma walked in. Emma hugged Harry, while Dan hugged Hermione. No one wanted to be the first to let go. After several minutes, they collectively let go and sat down. Rather than discuss the details, they just had a beer in silence. Dan ordered another round then Harry invited them up. Harry paid Tim, unlocked the door and relocked it after they had entered.
Dan and Emma had discussed what they would or wouldn't say or ask the kids after McGonagall had left. They agreed to let Emma do most of their talking. She started. "We understand that Voldemort has been destroyed along with some of those creatures. We understand that some good people were murdered in the process. We understand that you two helped put a stop to it. We love you both, and we're extremely thankful that you weren't seriously hurt. If you want to talk about what happened, we'd be happy to listen. If you just want to sit, we understand."
Her Mum's words of acceptance were like the finest potion to Hermione's broken heart. The distraught teen began speaking softly. "I invited some women to attend a meeting, knowing that by attending, their lives would be in danger. One woman insisted on staying for the day. I watched her get murdered. I set up a meeting at a location, knowing that it would likely draw those creatures. Three Aurors were killed, along with twenty-seven of the villagers. Remus was murdered too. We had asked him to get involved. Mum, the entire British wizarding world is celebrating. All I can think about is losing Remus and getting Ericka's mother killed." Remarkably, as she spoke, it was as if poison was beginning to leave her system.
They sat in silence for a minute. As planned, Dan asked Harry if he had anything to eat, breaking the awkward silence. Harry conjured two pizzas, found utensils and plates, and floated a dozen butterbeers over to the table in front of the futons. Dan and Emma each took a piece. A moment later Harry cut a slice for Hermione, and took another for himself.
After a few minutes Dan said he read about the days following the end of the Second World War. "The cities were in ruins, and there had been a lot of loss and suffering, but suddenly there was reason to have hope again. Is that where your world is right now?"
Harry replied, "I think so. Most of the remaining Death Eaters had been killed, captured or arrested yesterday. According to the numbers that we knew of, all or most of the remaining dementors were destroyed. I took Tom Riddle's life yesterday. There's every reason to believe that the wizarding world can enjoy a generation of peace."
Dan nodded. "We're very sorry to hear of the death of your friend, Remus. We both liked him very much. Did he have family?"
"Just us." Harry handed Dan the letter that Remus had written them.
After showing it to Emma, Dan handed it back to Harry saying, "You two obviously meant the world to him."
Harry replied, "He lived quite a lonely life. I don't think he had a lot of close friends."
Dan observed, "He had you two. Before that he had your parents and your Godfather. Maybe that was enough."
Harry nodded. "Thanks. You're right."
Dan spoke. "Professor Dumbledore and McGonagall came to see us today. They asked us if we would be willing to take the orphaned witch into our home."
Hermione came out of her introspective haze. "That would be Ericka Smith. Harry knows her best. What's she like?"
Harry smiled. "She's a great kid. She reminds me a bit of an eleven-year-old Hermione in all the nicest ways. Are you really thinking of taking her in? She would be very lucky to be a part of your family."
Emma said at him, meeting his eyes. "Our family, Harry. It's all of our family. Professor McGonagall invited us to go and meet her this afternoon. We need to meet her in a few minutes. Thank you both for coming to see us this afternoon. We love you both."
Hermione and Harry said in unison, "Thanks Mum, thanks Dad."
The Grangers both smiled to themselves as they left to go back to their home and wait for McGonagall.
… - …
After lunch, Minerva returned to the Grangers' home. Dan and Emma told her that they would be willing and happy to take Ericka into their home. Minerva portkeyed them to Hogwarts so they could meet her. Ericka was sitting on the mats in Harry's classroom, reading a book. Yesterday had been a horrible day for her, losing her mother, and not knowing what would happen to her or to herself. She'd obviously spent the morning crying.
Emma walked over and sat down by the young witch. Harry had been right. There did seem to be a lot of similarities to a younger Hermione. "Hello. My name is Emma." Emma waited patiently. Ericka didn't say anything for a while. Instead she reread her transfiguration book for a minute.
Finally she replied, "Hi. I'm Ericka. Why are you here?"
"My daughter and her friend Harry said that you're a young witch worth knowing."
Ericka looked up, suddenly a lot more interested. "Are you Hermione's Mum?"
Emma smiled warmly at the young girl. "Yes. I'm Emma Granger. I'm happy to meet you."
"Hello. I'm Ericka Smith," she said offering her hand.
Emma took her hand in her own and held it. "Ericka, I'm very sorry to hear about your Mum."
"She should have been in Professor Potter's class. He told me it was Okay to run away from the bad people. He saved me two times. I wish he had saved my Mum. The bad man killed her. I wish she had run away."
Emma nodded and smiled. "Professor Potter saved me once too. I'm sure that your Mum tried to run away. Professor Potter made certain that the bad man will never hurt you."
"I know. I just wish that he had saved my Mum, like he saved me."
"I'm certain that he would have if he'd seen her in time."
"I know. The bad man killed Professor Lupin too."
"Professor Potter told us that. We were friends of Professor Lupin's too. Ericka, Hermione and my husband would like you to come and stay with us over the holidays, if that would be all right with you. We have plenty of room and you'd be doing us a favor if you could."
Surprised by the offer, Ericka replied, "Okay. Where do you live?"
Emma smiled and said, "We live in West Sussex, not too far from Professor Potter. Professor Potter and Hermione will ride with you on the train and we will meet you by platform 9 ¾, if that would be Okay with you?"
"Okay."
"Ericka, I left my husband, Dan down the hall. Can I go get him? I know that he would like to meet you too."
"OK."
Emma returned a minute later. "Ericka, this is Dan. Ericka will be staying with us over the holidays."
A look of recognition flashed across Ericka's face. "I've seen you here before. Are you a wizard?"
"No. Emma and I are children's dentists."
"Oh. My Mum was a nurse. Did you know her?"
"I don't think so. I wish that we had."
Professor Dumbledore knocked gently and walked in. "Good afternoon, Miss Smith. I see that you have met Miss Granger's parents. Professor McGonagall sent me to find you. Could you possibly help her for a while? She's in her classroom."
"Yes Professor. It was nice meeting you Mr. and Mrs. Granger. Thank you for asking me to stay with you. I'd like that very much. I won't be a bother. I promise."
Emma smiled at the girl. "You could never be a bother, Ericka. We hope to see you again very soon."
Ericka walked out the door and went to the Transfiguration room. Emma looked at Dan, who nodded.
"Please join me in my office." They walked the short way to the Gargoyle, and rode the stairs to Dumbledore's office. He said, "Please excuse me for a moment. I'll be right back."
He returned a minute later and sat down. Emma asked, "How can we help?"
Dumbledore replied, "Miss Smith is a very kind, very talented young witch, much like your daughter. In the immediate term, she needs assurance, placement, and her mother's affairs sorted through. She needs a legal guardian, and a wizarding guardian. Since school is in session for another six weeks, the placement issue is not as urgent. Would the two of you consider becoming her legal guardians?"
Dan said, "Yes. If she'd have us, yes we would. We'd be delighted to offer her a good home and be loving parents."
"Are you certain? I know this was not the topic of your conversation, this morning when you two were out for your walk together."
"It wasn't. We were talking about weddings."
"Ah yes, you have a most happy event to look forward to, but back to topic. I plan on asking Harry if he would consider acting as Ericka's wizarding guardian."
For a moment Dan looked surprised. "Can he do that? He's still sixteen."
"You future son-in-law just won a wizarding war. He quite literally can do anything that he wants to. Every door in the wizarding world is open to him."
Emma said, "We didn't mean it that way."
Dumbledore smiled indulgently. "Of course not. Harry was declared an adult wizard several months ago, and has been granted all of the rights, privileges and responsibilities of any adult in our world. I believe that he would act in Miss Smith's best interest with her business affairs. As Miss Smith is a Firstborn witch, she currently has very little outstanding business in the wizarding world."
"We understand. Does Hermione have a wizarding guardian?"
"I was her wizarding guardian until she turned seventeen. I have been wizarding guardian to thousands of young witches and wizards over the years. I was Harry's wizarding guardian."
He added, "If you would excuse me for a moment, I will collect Miss Smith, and we can get her decision."
Emma looked at her husband and said, "Her mother isn't even buried yet. What a nightmare for that little girl. Are we ready to be parents to another preteen witch?"
Dan grinned at the woman he loved. "I wouldn't miss it for the world. This time, we'll at least have a clue about the things that she'll tell us."
Dumbledore came back a moment later with Minerva and Ericka. "Miss Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Granger were asking if you might allow them to become your guardians. They have a wonderful home, and have promised to take very good care of you when you are not at school. They know that they could never replace your mother, but they will give you a very loving home if you let them. Would that be Okay?"
"Yes. Thank you." She took a hesitating step toward Emma, who reached out to hug her. Ericka ran over to her and put her arms around Emma. They stayed that way for a few minutes."
"Miss Smith, perhaps you might wish to show the Grangers the Quidditch field for a little while. Doctor and Doctor Granger, I will find you before dinner and we can discuss any details, or other questions that we might have."
… - …
Harry stayed with Hermione at Harry's Place. She sat on the Futon beside him and listened to CDs with him. The loss of Remus and Anna was slowly ripping their hearts apart. At 7:00 PM there was a gentle knock on the door. Harry wandlessly opened the door. Tonks came in the door. "I didn't want to stay by myself tonight. Can I stay here with you two tonight?" Harry brought a large comforter out of the closet and they covered themselves up, sitting watching the fireplace and holding each other.
… - …
Minerva looked at the Monday edition of the Daily Prophet. Amid reports of speeches, and eyewitness accounts from the weekend were several articles that she read.
Sirius Black fund makes donations to families killed in Hogsmede battle
Gringotts spokesgoblin Wheelcart announced today that the Sirius Black Victims Relief fund had issued donations of 10,000 Galleons to each of the Hogsmede families. An additional 50,000 Galleons was donated to repair buildings damaged in the 26 October battle. Wheelcart said that the Relief fund had also made donations of 20,000 Galleons each to the families of slain Aurors Bob Amos, John Thomas, and Mary Campbell. The donations totaled 380,000 Galleons. This reporter stands amazed at the generosity demonstrated by the trust.
Voldemort's Wand snapped.
As part of a ceremony honoring the victims of the second dark war, the wand that Voldemort used in his 53-year reign of terror was snapped. Nation Ollivander examined the wand and confirmed that it was the wand that he had sold Hogwarts student Thomas Marvalo Riddle 56 years ago. Minister Amos Diggory who's son Cedric was a victim of that wand was quoted as saying, "On behalf of the families of all of the victims of this wand, I am happy to help destroy it." The daughter of its final victim and Minister Diggory each threw pieces of the snapped wand on the fire burning Voldemort's other things and the dementors' cloaks.
She put the paper down. The information in it was important, but not urgent. Today would be a day that most of the dead would be buried.
… - …
The marble stones read:
Professor R J Lupin
Hogwarts Professor
Faithful friend
1960 – 1996
Sirius Black
Faithful friend
Godfather
1960 - 1996
It wasn't a large group that met at the gravesite of Remus Lupin, but one that he would have enjoyed having dinner or drinks with. Alastor, Tonks, Flitwick, Albus, Minerva, Sprout, Poppy, the Grangers, Dr. Turnbull, Arthur and Molly, most of the Order, and of course Hermione and Harry were there. They were seated in wooden chairs facing the two new graves.
Harry stood and spoke. "I received a letter from Remus the day that he was killed. If you don't mind, I like to share part of it with you. I think it speaks volumes to the man.
Harry and Hermione,
If you are reading this, it means that I was killed today. Harry continued reading the letter describing the words and actions of a true friend.
Harry continued. "Hermione and I had the opportunity to spend a lot of time with Remus this last summer. We each made jokes that we were watching over each other. It was never clear who was watching whom. He often spoke of being grateful to Professor Dumbledore. First for giving hi the opportunity to attend school, but mostly for helping a broken man regain his self-respect. Remus was a man that we are proud to call our good friend." Harry sat down.
Tonks got up. "We're also here today to remember another good man, Sirius Black. Sirius was my older cousin. Like many of you, I didn't get to know him well as a person until the last years of his life. Sirius was as focused a man as I have ever met. The cause that he focused on was of course protecting his Godson, Harry. He broke out of Azkaban when he learned of a threat against Harry. During the Triwizard tournament, he lived outside of Hogsmeade so that he could keep an eye on Harry. Like Remus, Sirius was not dealt the greatest hand in life. Yet those who knew him would say that never once complained about his situation." She sat down, tears in her blue eyes.
Finally Dumbledore spoke. "Yes, we are saying goodbye to two of our friends today. They were two men who did their best to make the world a safer place. Each of us is a better person for having known them. Miss Tonks and Mr. Potter made excellent points. These were not men who complained about the hand that life had dealt them or were afraid to take risks. These were men dedicated to helping right the world's wrongs, men that I too am proud to call friend. Thank you for coming". He took two roses from a large pile and laid one in front of each marker. The others walked up and did the same.
… - …
Harry had arranged a private lunch at the Black Dog. They each toasted Sirius and Remus. Later, Harry thanked each person there for coming. As people were beginning to leave, Molly came up to Harry and asked if she and Arthur could talk with him.
Molly and Arthur were led upstairs to Harry's home. Hermione and Dumbledore both noticed the three of them walking up, but individually elected not to interfere.
Harry sat across from them on the futons. "Harry," Molly said sounding uncharacteristically formal, "we have come to you to plea for our son's life. We both know that we have no right or claim to do so, but as parents, we are trying anyway."
Harry asked, "What is it that you believe he did?"
Arthur answered, "We are fairly certain that he was blinded by ambition in his dealings with Fudge. He was trying to collect information regarding the Azkaban prisoners. I think it is a possibility that he was asked to pass along information regarding your whereabouts last Saturday."
In an even voice, Harry asked, "What would you like me to do?"
Molly said, "Harry, He didn't hurt anyone." There were tears running down her face. She realized that pleading for her son's life to a man that he had wronged for years was a losing cause.
"Mrs. Weasley, I didn't say that he did. Another spy among us was found out that day, and he's dead." Molly covered her mouth with her hands.
Arthur persisted. "Harry, we recognize Percy for his faults. We simply don't want to lose him."
Harry replied, "There has been enough loss. I may have some influence, but I have no authority in this. What are you hoping to have happen?"
Arthur replied, "What do you suggest Harry?"
Harry thought for a moment before saying, "His career at the ministry is certainly finished. It's possible that Director Bones could be talked into dismissing him for inadvertently releasing information. If that happened, he'd do best to leave Britain and spend the next five years doing volunteer work someplace. Severus Snape was sentenced to ten years in a muggle prison with a work release program. He currently is doing potions research that may help Frank and Alice Longbottom someday. Perhaps a position could be found for him at one of the wizarding universities in China. There's a man that I could speak with on that. I'm not certain what if anything Percy has been charged with. If he has already been charged as an accessory in thirty-one murders, there is nothing that I, or anyone could do for him."
Molly looked at Harry, praying that he would offer her additional hope. The little boy who she'd helped onto the train so many years ago, now held her son's life in his hand.
Harry was quiet for a moment. "I'll do two things. There are two people who had direct knowledge of what Percy may have been doing on Saturday. We just buried one of them. I will talk with the other. If they didn't personally witness Percy passing information to a known Death Eater, I'll talk with Director Bones this afternoon. If she hasn't formally charged Percy, I'll ask her to delay action until I could talk with the person from China about finding him a position there. Percy would have to accept the offer sight unseen. There would be no renegotiation. Is that fair?"
Arthur spoke. "Thank you Harry. We could never begin to re…"
Harry cut him off. "Please stop, sir. There's nothing to be said. Sending your son to prison for the rest of his life will not give Remus' life back to him. It won't give a mother back to Ericka Smith. It's your judgment that Percy will never commit another crime during his life. I hope that you're right. I'll come to see you later tomorrow evening."
"Thank you. Harry." The three of them walked down the stairs and back into the pub. Alastor, Hermione and Dumbledore were still there. Harry looked at Dumbledore for a minute and nodded.
Hermione and Alastor went upstairs while Dumbledore stayed in the pub and finished his cocoa. Alastor hadn't directly seen Percy with a Death Eater. Percy had made two calls when he was there using Remus' cell phone. Moody left, telling Harry to be careful, and that he would see him the next day.
Hermione asked Harry what he was up to.
"Percy is being held at the cells in the ministry. It is possible that he will be charged soon for passing information along."
She looked Harry in the eye and asked, "Did he?"
Harry admitted, "I don't know for certain. You saw the note that he sent to Ron last year. He was blinded by his job at the ministry, and was so impressed by being around the Ministry authority figures – first Mr. Crouch, then Minister Fudge. I am all but certain that he was caught up in Fudges' dirty politics and I believe that Fudge or someone else asked him to transfer to law enforcement to get information about the captured Death Eaters."
"What's going to happen to him?"
Harry thought for a moment. "Without any intervention, I expect that he would be sent to prison for a very long time. What do you think should happen?"
"Maybe he has some useful information that he could give about other Death Eaters. I didn't mean it that way. I meant information about different Death Eaters, contacts, or finance – that sort of thing. I don't think that Percy is inherently a bad person. Perhaps the people that he was talking with are all dead, and he can just start over?"
"Hermione, let's be clear between ourselves what we're trying to do here. Are we trying to find a reason to protect Percy, or protect our relationship with the rest of the Weasleys?"
"Hermione thought for a moment and asked, "Harry would you do anything to help me if I really needed it?"
"Of course. You know I would."
She kissed him on the forehead. "Yes, I do, silly. That's all Molly and Mr. Weasley are trying to do. I think you're asking what can we do to help them that we can live with?"
Harry nodded. "I'll talk with Director Bones about the possibility of getting him dismissed from his position and sent to China to help English speaking witches and wizards with their studies."
"That's a good idea. They locked up Harry's flat and explained their idea to Professor Dumbledore. He had no improvements to it, and they parted."
ooo CCC ooo
As he was revising his report, long after it had first been written, the old scribe realized that it was this, his first story, that solidified his vision of the dentists and Director Bones. Also he realized that with Hermione standing with Harry, every step of the way for years, that it would be impossible for the two of them not to develop feeling for each other.
Epilogue indeed!