Harry Potter's Secret Weapon
**OO**
A/N: Thanks to my wonderful Beta, LtsHrIt4ThBoyz.
New Pureblood Graftees - NPGs - formerly muggleborn or half-blood magical people that are getting a new lease on life after being drafted into a new family. A cleansing and renewal of the gene pool.
**OO**
Chapter 27 - Pranks and Plots
**OO**
Thursday, August 4th, Werewolf Registration after hours
Dolores had waited until everyone was gone, then snuck back into the backroom of the office.
Very few people knew the secret passages of the Ministry of Magic, but just in case, she was returning her friend.
She had panicked with the boy so close! Good thing that the wonderful, magnificent being had been contained, or she would have lost that one too.
Making her way back to the secret corridor behind the cells, she placed her friend and told him to be careful and not get caught. "I'm sorry the MacMillan boy lied to me. I really couldn't care less if she was a werewolf or not. I planned to feed her to you one way or the other. She's dangerous. I'm sure she's been helping Weasley. I'll get you a few drunks to eat later."
How she wanted to stun that stuck up, little Heir of Black and feed him to her friends. But she would bide her time. Right now, the being was having fun torturing Dumbledore.
Soon, very soon, it would dine on Potter and all of his minions if she had anything to say about it!
**OO**
Thursday, August 4th, Blackmoor Hall, late
Harry was in the library past when he usually retired, but he clearly wasn't working with Winky. He had never gone over time by more than a half-hour or so.
Sirius didn't know what he'd do if Darlene put a time limit on him, but he knew he wouldn't like it.
He entered the library in slippered feet, comfortable crimson quilted satin house-coat over ebony silken pyjamas.
Harry was struggling with a letter - well, he had a quill, parchment and ink.
"Whatcha up to Mr Vincent?" Mr Padfoot asked with a smile.
"Lady Greengrass refused to meet me at the bank; she doesn't want the gold back. I didn't want to just show up at her house with three hundred thousand galleons. Moody refused his ten percent already, but I forced him to take a thousand by buying him the new equipment he needs for his homemade brandy."
Harry put down the quill, "Da, I mean, think about it! He's got this old kettle, old masher, bent coils, more holes than tubing, and he's surprised with the result? Slughorn would chastise him with 'quality takes quality' or some such."
"Very wise, Harry. I know that's why Darlene insists on the cleanliness and protocols for brewing out in the Pranking Parlor for anything that goes inside people." Sirius nodded.
"Do you think that Daphne's mum is worried about safety? She doesn't like goblins much."
"Let me ask you a question. You're wealthy, let's say. Millions of galleons type wealthy, and someone offers you a book that might cure your child who is guaranteed to die young. How much is that book worth to you?"
"That's what Moody and I don't get! If Mrs Malfoy cared about Astoria at all, her future daughter-in-law, wouldn't she give the book to Lady Greengrass? Or spend a fortune to get it herself?"
"And that's why Lady Greengrass doesn't want the money back. She's scared for her child. It's her sacrifice to magic. I talked to Lord Greengrass about this issue. He doesn't want the money back either. He wants his little girl to be saved."
Harry thought about it, eyes closed.
"Your NPG plan is working, Sirius, it is. And everyone is helping. As we hear of elves for sale, we're buying them. I need to use this money for something really Light, something very good."
Sirius looked down, "The goblins complain that too many people expect free treatment from them in their clinic."
"A hospital?! One like Saint Mungo's that takes donations, but instead of just magicals, takes goblins, and squibs, and house-elves. Do house-elves get sick?"
"Oh yes. But they are pretty hardy souls. Not sickly. And you could start with one building, and add on later. The hospital in London took over an old multi-story muggle building. I hate to say it, Harry, but I think they just kinda stole it, and made muggles forget about it.."
Harry nodded. "That makes sense." He squirmed uncomfortably, then shared, "I had the dream again."
"The one where we decide that we just want to be a family with our baby and take you back to the Dursleys?"
Harry nodded again. Looking down; unable to speak for the knot in his throat. He didn't want to look like a baby in front of his…da.
Sirius walked over, hugged Harry then dragged him over to the two seat couch, completely ignoring the eating rules, and calling for hot chocolate. Harry knew that it couldn't be served there, so animated the couch to walk over to the snack area where it was allowed.
Harry's first sip of the hot beverage helped him to swallow that knot and also gave him an excuse for wiping his 'watering' eyes.
Sirius began, "You do know that James and I… Well. We weren't little angels. And I came to the Potters at a very bad point in my life. Narcissa, who's older than me, warned me to run to them and not come home." Or at least that's the memory he recalled. "I didn't want to serve Voldy, and Bella and my mother didn't like it. So they were going to force me."
"That's why you gave her extra chances? Since she saved you?"
"Yeah, I guess. But it doesn't make it alright. Think about all the people that others claim to have seen her kill. And I know for a fact that she was responsible for Hermione's contract…sorry. Off track. Do you think that Bill was worried that he would be given away after Charlie or Percy, or worse, the twins came along?"
"What? No! But it's different! He's their real son."
"Charlus and Dorea adopted me, Harry. I am your uncle, by blood. Wait, uncle is a bad word for us. Me too, for the same reason. Liked to practice their torture spells on the little Gryffindor."
"At least Vernon couldn't do magic!" Harry shared supportively.
"There's that. Where was I? Oh, right. Blood kin. So. You are number one. Cassiopeia Calladora is our second child. I don't know how many we'll have. I mean. We have seventeen bedrooms!"
"And Neville and I could always share."
"Most kind. Better than offering to share with Hermione."
"No, I have certain bad habits that I could give up, but that breathing thing? I want to keep doing that. And Dan might object."
Sirius smiled.
Harry walked over to the planning table and asked Sirius to join him.
"The big house on the hill, Moonsgate Keep, with a new circular drive and portico to unload in the rain. Carriage house. And down here, a hospital. A children's, squibs, magicals of all sorts, hospital. How much would it cost to build? Cost to run?"
"You have good friends in France. Ask about Saint Martins and how it works. I bet Hermione would be willing to help research."
Harry barked a laugh. "If Hermione knew about it, she'd do all the work. I'd just have to write the bank drafts."
"Are you worried about money? Because I know a quick income source. I know you don't want to hear this, but governments will pay to heal their werewolves."
Harry scowled and paced. "This is like the Lady Greengrass thing."
"Harry? I'm not saying be greedy about it, like Narcissa. But look. Let's say you're a muggle, and you apprentice to be a healer. That involves costs."
"Well, you go to uni, then uni, and a bit more uni, and it costs a lot, but yes, then you graduate and go to work as a doctor."
"Right, right. Well, the healthcare for the patients is free, but do they work for nothing?"
"No. And the Americans I talked to say that doctors make a lot. Muggle and magical. They want me to move to California and bring Tonks. I think it was the ski suit."
Both wizards laughed at that. Tonks was popular with the team, and while still clearly dating Kingsley, would not lack for beaus if she broke up with him.
"If anything were to happen to Darlene and I, let's face it, Dumbledore is insane. We've been targeted before. You have Penny and Percy, Aunt Calladora, the Delacours, the Grangers, Minerva McGonagall and her…Uh…Flitwick, Bathilda Bagshot, and a host of others willing to take you in."
"And you're going to take care of yourself?" Harry asked in a small voice. "Not going out without at least one guard?"
"Did you know that James' dad, my dad Potter, was sixty four when your dad was born?"
"What? No! Really?"
"And he didn't die of old age." Sirius looked sad, and Harry walked over and hugged him.
"We are each other's second chance at happiness, aren't we? Or third chance, with Darlene and Hermione in there somewhere."
"I am not interested in Hermione that way!" Sirius teased.
"Ha, ha."
"Harry, I'm having trouble accepting that Dumbledore is against us, we fought for him. When powerful people want to interfere, it is just best to plan strategies to thwart them."
Sirius sat down, and fingered his wand, and shared his own secret thoughts. "I want to kill him. But I've talked to Amelia Bones about the situation. No matter what, even if it was in self defense, if I do so, I'm going to Azkaban because of how I am perceived by others.
"If I try to take you away from Hogwarts, despite the education laws in place, I would be arrested and likely thrown into Azkaban again…"
"Without a trial." Harry interrupted.
"Without a trial," Sirius affirmed, "And even if Darlene and you escaped, you'd never be really safe. He'd track you down. He's ruined my reputation, which is why everything we do needs to be publicly above board. You see how careful I am to not be in the same room alone with one of your friends. We had professional chaperones at the party, and will have them again. We shouldn't need this sort of thing, but we do. Dumbledore is trying to paint me worse than Grindelwald."
"And he's trying to do the same to me. Make people think I'm dark. The whole 'Heir of Slytherin' thing comes to mind. He did nothing to help." Harry shared.
Harry thought about it. "How old do you have to be to take healer's oaths?" the lad asked.
"Ohh! I don't know. Wow! That's, that's…. Brilliant. Brilliant! Let's look into that."
"Then get Fairfax Flint putting it in Teen Witch Weekly! Willing to give them an interview again?" Sirius asked.
"What? After the last disaster of an interview after the last dementor run? The one that had fan girls waiting for me? I was worried about what Hermione was going to say. It was a nightmare. Where were we? Germany? Liechtenstein? Something? We took out a dozen dementors, and they were treating me like I was a superhero." Harry shook his head. "I'm so thankful for Clarice. She needs a combat bonus for putting up with that mess. But once I do take healer's oaths, I want that spread everywhere!"
Sirius had Harry finish his drink. The boy abandoned his unfinished letter to the Greengrass matron after cleaning the quill and capping the ink. Padfoot showed him it was pointless to try to return the money. The best thing to do was honor the sacrifice and start a clinic or hospital or healing cart if that's all they could afford. But something. A portable tent? Like Doctors without Borders? Hmm.
"You, Harry, are my superhero. And my heir. I want Cassiopeia to marry for love when she's ready. You being the Heir? You protect her from all sorts of monsters."
Harry's eyes glowed killing-curse green in the dimmed lights of the corridor. "I've seen Adrian and Daphne with their little sisters. Don't worry, Sirius. I'll be protective."
Sirius walked the boy to his room. Later, he lit a remembrance candle. "James, you'd be so proud. The boy was given a king's ransom, and he's going to start a hospital. At fourteen? You and I would have taken a few hundred of that to waste on fire whiskey and who knows what else."
**OO**
August 5th, MacMillan Hall, Early Morning
Lord MacMillan had a nice talk with his daughter-in-law. Siobhan was mother to Clarice and Ernie. The children had lost their father young. Robert, Lord MacMillan, had buried himself in work to overcome the loss. Grace spoiled the previous heir, their grandson.
The commander of the Black Watch was there to administer the Veritaserum should it become necessary.
Grace had been briefed, and wanted to warn the boy. She insisted it was just a prank, and wanted Ernie to claim it. To her that sounded much better than that he had tried to get his sister killed.
Robert rarely put his foot down but if that was what this took.
Ernie slouched in, no bows, just a wave to his Gran.
The kilted warrior shook his head.
"Do ye know how many of our clan, of our family we lost to the dark ones already?" Lord MacMillan asked the boy, who was looking around for treats. They never had a family meeting without treats.
Ernie shrugged, "It was just a party. I didn't do anything!"
"What was just a party?" The head of the family asked, deceptively quiet.
"You know. A few of the guys from school."
Siobhan's eyes went wide, "Not the one over at the Nott house? I tol' ye that ye couldn't go!"
"Yeah, but you were at work, so was Gran, and I was bored. It was just a lark. Draco being all, 'I'm so evil, and you can do anything you want.' It was stupid! You should see the ways that the guys were treating him. Like he was a complete and total loser. Which he is."
The bracelet loaned to him by Lord Black seemed to be workin' just great, sadly.
"So was it your idea or someone else's tae contact the Werewolf registration."
"That was Draco's! You see, he had this cunning plan of getting the Steward to register and become pack leader so that this new pack could serve um, you-know-who. Apparently Fenris isn't returning his letters. Who'd write to Malfoy? Any of them? So, well, they didn't know about Clarice, and I heard from the guys that there was a reward for turning them in. Five hundred galleons!"
Robert moved over to Commander Montgomery, and threw up a privacy charm, "Do you think he means Fenrir Greyback?"
"We nay publicized his death, sir. It would have led to Sassinachs putting their noses in unwanted. Besides, it let us capture and export several criminals. And I don't mean that their only crimes were their affliction. Auror McNealy was happy to take 'em for us. The Irish were happy to close a few open cases, and nae kill a minor criminal."
They let this go, but it was a new bit of information that the dark ones didn't know that Fenrir was dead. The privacy charm was dispelled and the interrogation continued.
"So you hoped to benefit, and what? Hoped that Clarice would lead this new pack?"
"Naw! She's boring, and mousey. She's not a leader. She'd just have to register and have to be safe around people."
The Black Watch waved to the Lord. Robert closed his eyes, and nodded, they needed to know the full truth no matter how painful.
"Did you know that people have gone into that office that ere ne'er seen agin?"
"What? No! She'll just have to register."
"If they killed her instead? Would that solve the problem?" The commander asked.
"What? No! That's sick! She's sick, and needs to be kept away from the rest of us, but she shouldn't be really hurt."
"Where did you get the idea that she was sick? That werewolf back in '88 scratched her, you know." The commander shared.
It was a 'Dumbledore truth'(™) - it was true that she was scratched. She was also bitten, but he didn't know that.
"What?" Ernie asked intelligently
"She's an animagus. A wolf animagus. Gorgeous. Here's a picture she sent me." Ernie's mother Siobhan handed it over.
"No fair! Now I'm never going to get a broom good enough to join the team! Draco said that if I turned Lupin in, I would. But I figured he's so famous, someone already did. But no one knew, knows. Oh man! I burned down her cart for nothin'! I can't earn enough workin' for the broom I want."
The boy was crying now, upset. But none of the tears were for what he nearly did to his sister. This was supposed to be a Hufflepuff?
Grace had her head in her hands. Her grandson went to a Death Eater recruiting party? On his own, without anyone from the clan?
Robert got up, and went to the roaring fire that was there for comfort, not warmth. An illusion created for him by Clarice for a project when she was still in school, as he loved to watch the dancing flames.
He took off the truth bracelet. He'd had his fill of it. At least the boy didn't need to be sanctioned by the aurors, or any of that. He wasn't trying to get Clarice killed.
Just setting up his sister to be registered in order to get a new broom. Well. It could have been far worse.
"Grace? Siobhan? My inclination is to say no new broom for the school year. Period. Ernie? Yer Gran had already bought ye one but you'll no' be gettin' it."
To prove that, he called one of the elves to bring the broom and show it. "Yer too young to know the danger ye put yer sister in, but there should be consequences of disloyalty to the House. The adults will talk about this. Don't expect permission to try out for quidditch, and yer private lessons are canceled."
Ernie walked towards the new Blockade 9000, supposedly the best Keeper broom available, but the elf understood his master well.
"It will lose value if I keep it in the vault, so I will return it." the Laird of the House stated firmly.
Ernie objected strenuously to that, mouth going, but not a sound was heard as his mother wisely silenced the immature boy. Otherwise, his consequences might be far worse than not receiving a present!
"I heard that Daphne Greengrass, Michael Corner, Hannah Abbot, Susan Bones, and several other heirs and heiresses were at Neville Longbottom's birthday party. And not a one invited you to anything all week. That is a very bad sign."
Ernie's silencing spell was removed to let him apologize. But no, he instead wasted the opportunity, "Why do you think that I went to Nott's party? Longbottom made it clear I wasn't welcome back at Blackmoor, or his own mausoleum of a place."
"Ernest Robert MacMillian!" his mother chided, embarrassed. "I'm so sorry, my lord. I will do anything I can do to fix this, but I don't know where this is coming from."
"Well, I know one problem. Grace! You've made it clear that you felt that Harry Potter was all of the terrible things from the paper, from uprising dark lord, to the Heir of Slytherin. Now that he finally has a proper family, Ernie doesn't want to be around him. I wonder why?" Robert demanded.
"Me? You think that this is my fault?" The harridan screeched.
"How many times have you said, 'We must have been wrong about the Malfoys – look at the money for the hospital, or this or that. Their pictures in the paper, their wealth."
Grace crossed her arms but said nothing.
"Ernie, you are not my heir anymore because your sister has the right; I ne'er should have taken it away after she was hurt. That is on me. There are seats comin' up all the time in the Wizengamot. If you want one of your own, then prove to me that you are intelligent enough, wise enough to be a part of that body and can discern between good and evil. For I think that you have been misled by others on which is which."
Ernie started to protest, but Clarice had never been interested in politics. There was no way she was going to accept being the heir.
Ernie took off the ring willingly though, at the Lord's gesture. Better than having it magic'd off – that would hurt.
"I'm sorry, my lord. I was unwise and embarrassed the House." Ernie finally bowed.
Siobhan, knowing that it would cause an issue, whispered in her father-in-law's ear.
"Siobhan and Ernie are moving to the flat above the bakery. Grace, you are not to be alone with the boy for the rest of summer. No. Ernie, you are not allowed in the bakery. Come out to the farm and learn how to do some of the chores there. You'll earn your money there. Any questions?"
Grace wanted to complain, harangue, and moan, but the Lord was invoking House magic. She was silenced! Oh, that man! She'd let him know later that he was never to do that to her again!
Ernie looked at his mother, "Was Clarice really in danger, 'cause of me?"
The woman nodded, "There are no werewolves in prison in Britain. In Ireland? France? Sure. But not here. The Black Watch suspects that werewolves accused of not registering are killed when they show up to register. I think that they meant to kill her. Lord Black went with her to the Ministry with several men-at-arms. And let your Grandda know."
"And the Black Watch came as well." The commander stated. He'd been there. And the woman's face was not of an innocent just trying to do her job. They'd be keeping an eye on her.
The paper would make it sound like thousands were there with the family Black, but it wasn't that many.
**OO**
Birthday Party re-do with the Goblins
Friday, August 5th, Goblin Games
Dan Granger had had all week to work on this and his surprise was ready.
One of the barns, at least a hundred years old, had been saved out from the previous work for this moment - for 'renovation' during this event.
Now, the place was surrounded with very bright lighting like muggles used for night-time tennis courts and other venues. If they went past dark, they could still compete.
BloodRage was ready, as were several of the other guards. Sage and her cousin were not the only female competitors.
The prizes were minor; this was about being with friends and throwing dangerous weapons. And boasting, of course.
Harry surprised them all with a deadly display of accuracy involving shuriken from Japan.
Moody stunned several people with his skill using a wicked short javelin. It started in his pocket, about six inches long. He pulled it while expanding it, threw and hit the target center at twenty, fifty and a hundred feet. BloodRage had heard of this Egyptian weapon before and demanded lessons on the spot, Several goblins were now the proud owners of the expandable weapon. He had brought enough for them all, and called them 'party favors'. Every single warrior gave him a blade of some sort in return so he fared well on the trade.
Luna. Sweet, innocent looking Luna. Wow. She was deadly accurate, and surprised all of the goblins there with her magical bow. Archery was still practiced in many parts of the world for hunting as spells did not have the range that a bow did. From then on, wizardkind would stare in wonder as goblins bowed to this girl.
Hermione was just as good! With both bow and throwing daggers. Oddly enough, the young witch's throwing knives looked…well worn. A warrior never asks, but they did wonder if they were antiques.
They had managed that practice in secret. Moody wanted them to carry some poisoned tipped versions of those, but Harry was reluctant to do anything remotely illegal.
Nightmares of being thrown into Azkaban, with or without an unfair trial, was certainly a problem in their home for several members. Including the no-longer-werewolves.
**OO**
Neville and Karr were given unspicy worms to rescue while Harry made the rest of the starters.
They weren't going to get away with it this time!
His guests were suitably impressed by the conde lumbra until one of them complained about the sweet-sour taste. Harry was confused by that, as he had checked the recipe twice.
He pulled a couple of worms on his plate. One was bright blue and red, the other bright pink and blue. Not squirming very much any more. The magic clearly losing strength.
"Neville! Karr!" Harry shouted.
Neville looked up from down the way, eating salad. "Wasn't me, Har. I must say, that American candy company sells a lot of interesting things. Sour gummy worms. Didn't know they were an ingredient in Conde Lumbra. Nice of you to support foreign imports."
Harry banged his head on the table. "The goblins are going to think that I'm an idiot!"
BloodRage spoke up, "No, the goblins already know this. The truth is evident. It is your attempts to prove the opposite we find amusing."
That started the Conde Lumbra food fight. The spicy sour worms got into everything!
Darlene picked one out of her more casually coiffed hair, and looked at it. "Hmm, it doesn't look spicy enough for me." And threw it at Harry.
**OO**
Harry tried to do the boasting thing at the end of dinner, and it turned out to be hilarious. "Well, there was this really big snake. I couldn't let it get free, as it might hurt Hermione." No, that wasn't right.
"There was this really big snake, and I had to kill it because it tried to hurt Hermione." That was better.
Clearly, the crowd was dubious.
"There's this Dark Lord who wants to take MY Hermione? Yeah, that is not happening."
Remus ruined the boasts by bringing out the display pensieve; the warriors in the crowd who had only been on the larger teams got to see a new side of their most famous client. They got to see him face down a dark lord, got to see him battle and win against a basilisk while still a child; drawing a very famous sword in the process.
One of the 'players' that Harry didn't know very well, asked, "You look overly young to be besting a basilisk; how long ago was this?"
Harry nonchalantly replied, "Oh! That was last year, at the end of 2nd year." His reply shut down the ribbing he'd been getting for his sad attempts at "boasting".
"Where is that sword? The one labeled Gryffindor?" Another of the goblins asked. He clearly wanted it back for the bank.
"In Dumbledore's office. The last password I knew was Bertie Bott's, but it might have changed. If you take off Dumbledore's head, can you please take it with you? No need to upset the house-elves."
Now that he was being serious, they all laughed as though jesting. No! He wanted them to reclaim the sword! It was late back to Gringotts by about nine hundred years! Did they have fines like the library did? If so, Dumbledore owed a bunch! Harry couldn't win.
The prizes were given out - there were even some for obscure wins, such as 'most dangerous breath' and 'nicest smile'.
Really? Goblins had a contest for nicest smile? It was frightening for Harry!
But by the end of the day, everyone had won something, and Harry had promises of lessons in many skills, including wandless money counting. Was Spurnik pulling his leg on that?
**OO**
Saturday, August 6th, 2:09 AM, Blackmoor Hall
"Healer Fenwich?" Marius Greengrass called on his mirror, quite panicked. It was early, but Darlene was wide awake.
"I need to consult with you on an urgent matter." He made a sign with his hands: 6:00 AM. Then the sign for today.
"Can you tell me the patient's names?" Darlene asked, but the healer shook his head. He was pale, clearly straining oaths.
"Oh, I see. Well, what floor should I avoid then?"
Oh dear! Darlene knew instantly, and Marius' nose started to bleed, though she had given no indication that she understood the cryptic message.
"Go, see to yourself healer. I need to visit a sick friend. Friends."
**OO**
Fred and George woke instantly and were popped by elf to the Pranking Parlor.
Darlene explained what she thought she knew. They had the Neville prototypes ready, but no female dummies. Darlene had visited Alice recently and had that memory. Sirius was also testing the individual pensieves. Here was a chance, and she made two copies of the memories.
Within an hour, and with the help of a few modified Pepper-ups (they needed to be modified, but for some reason couldn't use the Doctor Spice that Hermione recommended to much laughter. Or was it Healer Pepper? Something.
Darlene called for Clive, and explained the situation. He was frantic for a moment, but calmed when hearing Darlene's cunning plan. She refused to allow Fred or George or anyone else to go with her either.
She was a healer, and if she were killed, her family, her godson, at least would be safe.
She flooed to Saint Mungo's, her hair neat, her healer's robe the appropriate ugly green.
She now had an invisibility cloak. Her bracelet made her into a female version of Marius, just not so tall, or handsome, rather pretty.
"Healer Greengrass?
"Healer Greengrass." Marius bowed.
"You need to go take a very public break. Have tea with someone, spill on a fussy matron. Something."
Confused, the man nodded. Did she not understand his message? She seemed…here to heal.
Disappearing into the long-term spell damage ward, Neville's prototype was now in Frank's place. It wasn't a perfect match, but the snores were similar. Alice the dummy moved realistically in her sleep, but would not wake.
Looking in disgust at Gilderoy Lockhart, she debated trying to save him too. Was he in danger? She had no more dummies. No. Hospital security was not in her purview. She acted on her godson's, Neville's, behalf, and it was likely Alice and Frank that were in danger.
Four stands with omnioculars were put around the beds and disillusioned. Unless one was scanning for them, they would be invisible.
Hoping that she misunderstood the message, she left the hospital. What was she going to do about Augusta? Clive had popped them to the basement of Blackmoor Hall until they could make arrangements at Saint Patrick's or somewhere else.
Someplace that didn't have Death Eaters on the Board of Directors.
What was she going to do? Poor Marius! If this…exchange…was discovered on his watch, would he be killed?
He was a healer! He should be fine. She hoped.
**OO**
Saturday, August 6th, Blackmoor Hall, 3:30 AMM
Augusta Longbottom was awakened by Clive, earlier than was her wont, "Sorry, Mistress, but Healer Fenwich bes floo calling. She bes saying it being important, quick, quick."
Augusta's first thought was why Darlene didn't mirror call her and her second was wondering if she needed to dress or if her formal sleeping robe would suffice.
She split the difference by throwing her House Longbottom formal robes over her sleeping attire.
She took one look at Darlene's face and motioned her to come on through.
"Clive, please fetch us some tea in the floo room?" Turning back to the arriving healer, "What's wrong? Is it Neville? Do I need to come back with you?"
"Neville's here, at Cherry Hill, Augusta, but I felt it would better for you to be awake and coherent before I spoke to you about an urgent matter that I was made aware of just hours ago."
"I'm listening."
"I think it might be better to show you…"
The ladies returned to Blackmoor Hall and Darlene led the Longbottom Regent down to the infirmary.
"Frank! Alice! What are they doing here?"
"I cannot say why exactly. I am not a Seer, but someone was concerned that they would be attacked. I have left recording devices and non-human replacements."
"Ah. So if they are attacked, no one will truly be hurt."
"Precisely." Darlene agreed.
"We must inform Neville immediately. If anyone had killed Frank…Well. I guess at his age, it wouldn't make any real difference in what he could do. If he was older, he could claim the title. He's grown so much this summer, and no little part of that is your influence. Yours and your family."
Darlene smiled, "You are not to blame for how you acted before."
"Clive, please bring the tea here, and ask Master Neville to join us?"
"Yes, Mistress," Clive bowed.
"He talks differently here than at home." Augusta noted.
"Oh? Is that a problem?"
"No, I wish he spoke that well all the time. I need to ask him to try."
**OO**
Neville was very upset about the situation, but saw that his parents were asleep and being monitored. They were in the makeshift infirmary used just the other day for Remus.
"But if the warning is right, we will have to let it be known in public that they were not really killed, don't we?" Augusta stated, looking concerned.
Darlene's thoughtful nod was not without worry.
"Mistaken identity in the dark? That sort of thing?" Neville caught on quickly.
"Something like that." Darlene mused.
Neville would prefer whoever it was to go to jail for any attacks, but let it go. He watched his father's steady breathing and occasional snoring.
"He snores like my dummy does."
"Good. That's what we used for him." Darlene smiled. "I hope this is for nothing."
"Clearly the childbirth, or Green Dragon or any of the other potions would not help them. Do you think that we will find something?"
She needed to remind herself to ask about the dragon potion - sounded like a prank to her, but forgot in the busy-ness of the time.
"I hope so, Neville. For your sake, and yours, Augusta. I truly do. If there is an attack, do you want to be at Cherry Hill?"
"I think we best return home. Neville, please come with me. You'll likely return during the day one way or another." Augusta shared cheek kisses with Darlene. "You're a good friend of the family. You acted; and don't think I don't know that you risked yourself in this. If these dummies come to light, you can't use them as decoys again. In a time of war, that is when we find our true allies; our truest friends."
Augusta walked over to her sleeping son and kissed his forehead. She moved around the bed and repeated her action on her beloved daughter-in-law. She then swept up to the floo, Neville hesitated a moment behind her to hug Darlene.
"I have an idea of who gave you the warning, but I won't say anything. Especially if it's true." Neville whispered. He called for Karr, and gave him important instructions on the care of his parents that Darlene didn't know; before heading up the stairs himself.
"After Master Harry is no longer at Blackmoor, Karr going to apply to work with Master Neville." Karr informed them.
"Master Harry predicted that awhile ago. He really did. Thank you for staying long enough to design the landscaping for the village."
"What? Mistress Clarice not asking Karr that?"
"Oh? My mistake. She must not have asked. Yet."
Karr greened and popped away.
Leaving a note for Sirius, Darlene took one of the beds downstairs. It was just a few hours until six. Maybe she could at least rest until then.
**OO**
Darlene started awake and cast tempus. Half eight. What? Oh, good. Maybe there was no attack.
It was her mirror that woke her. The Longbottom couple still snoozed. That was odd.
"Darlene? Your note, it was a bit incoherent. Where are you?" Sirius asked, looking worried.
"I'll be upstairs in a moment, love. I was just attending to our unexpected guests."
"What? Where?"
"In the dungeon. They've been over crucio'd. I wish I knew…"
Apparition within the wards was very possible. Sirius was not laughing.
"Frank? Is that Frank Longbottom? I should have visited him. Oh, poor Alice! She used to be so beautiful, full of life. What's wrong with them? I know you didn't crucio them."
Darlene didn't know, and decided that Augusta had given her permission. They had left very abruptly and didn't take any potions with them. Hmm. What would happen to the dummies if they were given potions?
Well, hopefully the nappies were working.
As the recording quills were set up, Darlene hummed off-key. The goblins that visited were far more melodious.
"What? What?"
It was her that wanted to call in a specialist, but didn't trust a single person outside Marius at Saint Mungos. Oh dear!
Augusta promised to call her once awake, so Darlene called Clarice.
"Please make a reservation at Saint Martins for two patients. Don't use any names, not over the floo. No wait. Maybe we should just send someone."
"My lady? I could mirror call Gringotts and make a reservation through them if you like."
Darlene dithered. "Let's wait."
What had happened to these poor people?
**OO**
Saturday, August 6th, Gringotts
Both Angelina and Eva were estranged from their parents. Eva hadn't even gotten her letter yet, when Angelina was born. When they did get the visit from McGonagall, the parents were horrified. Minerva reluctantly informed them about the other magical schools and when Eva found out that Beauxbatons had a year-round program available that included a comprehensive arts program, the parents were ecstatic. They were hoping to save their baby Angelina from this 'taint'. Eva wanted to get away from parents who called her a 'Freak' for things beyond her control that she now knew was magic.
No one knew her in Hogwarts, and she spoke English with a Brighton accent.
The only members of her family that had anything to do with the girl were her grandmother and through her, Eva's little sister. They got together whenever Eva had a break in classes and the sisters became especially close after Angel (as her sister called her) got her letter.
Angelina was sent to Hogwarts, but when she returned at the end of her first year, her parents had moved. Her grandmother had taken in the terrified little girl and raised her from then on, not upset or disappointed that she was a witch. Apparently there had been rumors that Angelina's great-great gran had "powers".
Angelina and Eva had felt their bond strengthen that summer after Angelina's first year.
Eva had wanted to paint magical portraits but being a muggleborn had prevented her from being apprenticed in Britain.
After helping to put Angelina through school, Eva was now hoping to put some money aside to try for an Apprenticeship in Italy.
She wasn't well known, and would make a great NPG, but the Prewitt family tree was just too well known. The logical choice was to blood adopt her, something that George was very willing to do.
George and Angelina had been dating for some time, and had an 'agreement' in place. But she wanted to wait until after school to settle down. Too bad Eva wasn't their daughter. She was old enough to vote, and would do a better job than the Selwyn fossil that had been voting for Werewolf Registration and other pureblood agenda legislation, especially against muggleborn rights to own shops and such.
Fred's face bloomed, and George sensed his prank magic working.
"Are you thinking what I'm thinking, oh less handsome twin of mine?" Fred asked.
"I do believe so. We need some legal advice."
And that is why they were all at the bank.
Fred and George had just finished meeting with Dharma Briokz. Angelina and her older sister Eva were there; other than being a decade older, they could have been twins.
"Are you sure about this? I mean, sure, I worked my way up to manager at the grocery, but that's not the same as an estate? Is it?" Eva asked softly.
"If you are willing, I would love to have you join House Prewitt." George stated, the most serious that anyone had ever seen him.
She was then blood-adopted by both George and Angelina; anyone looking at her blood would know that she was George and Angelina's daughter.
Eva had been having fun working with Fairfax Flint and working on the artwork for the Pranking Parlor. She also had several designs that had already been made into dresses, and several more in the works. She loved designing clothes for Queen Vicky's goth shop. Some of which had been seen on the large screen at the World Cup. And Miss Black had showcased her dress in the Wizengamot!
The plan was to make Angelina's sister a new NPG in a prank. A massive prank.
It involved a fully briefed Molly, and planned to use several notorious gossips including Lavender Brown, Parvati Patil and several other girls working at Queen Vicky's while keeping them in the dark as to the truth. Rita Skeeter would be told to stay away!
"We'll be there to help at the estate." George promised. "After all, you are our daughter."
Angelina kissed him. "I still don't understand about the 'marriage license'. But I want a real wedding when we're done with Hogwarts!"
"Yes ma'am!" George promised.
Fred was eyeing Eva speculatively, she was a beautiful girl after all, but Angelina hit him lightly, "Don't ogle your niece like that. It makes me uncomfortable."
"Yes ma'am!" Fred stated, in exactly the same way his twin had. Besides, while not as serious as George, he was dating Katie and shouldn't be ogling anyone.
**OO**
The morning crew had left notes that the Longbottoms didn't eat breakfast. Unusual. It wasn't until lunch that a different healer came in and started casting diagnostic spells and called for aurors.
"Now, now! Such things happen!"
A magical energy orb was on its way to Riddle manner, and this 'volunteer's' job was to keep aurors away.
"The Longbottoms have been in decline. Sad, sad. I will have to reach out to Madam Longbottom. She is going to be so sad."
"Are you trying to tell me what my job is? These people aren't breathing! Someone should have noticed that earlier, as it clearly happened a while ago! Look at the body temperature - it's the same as the room temperature. They didn't 'just die'. They've been dead for hours, and no one noticed?"
"You need to go back to your station and get a calming draught. I don't know why you are overreacting."
Auror Shacklebolt, Auror Tonks, Auror Moody and Director Amelia Bones showed up.
"Hello, everyone. I'm Seraphina Avery, a volunteer here at the hospital. We've had a sad loss today, and we should grieve. But this is not unexpected or criminal."
Moody stomped up to the actual healer who had called him, "Healer Celandine, you flooed about a death. Deaths. We are here, not to accuse, or rush to judgment. But to investigate."
"But how can you be fair when these were your friends!" Madam Avery shouted.
"Who are we supposed to call in, the dentists? Not that they wouldn't do a great job. And leave the place minty fresh." Tonks demanded.
Kingsley tried to hide his smile, "We'll need to move everyone out temporarily while we do our scans."
"This is a hospital! We have critical people that need to be seen." The Avery witch stated firmly.
Madam Bones had lost patience, "Madam Avery, you are dressed as a 'volunteer' NOT a healer! If you have nothing to contribute, of use to our investigation, I suggest you leave and allow us to get on with it. Healer Celandine outranks you! Please stop impeding us NOW!
"The sooner you let us get to work, the sooner we'll be done. Besides, we're in the long term care ward. And no, I'm not here for Lockhart's autograph. Let's go, people." Bones motioned to the wizard to go ahead of her.
Ignoring the volunteer, the healer led the way to the room.
The few remaining patients, or were those 'inmates', were moved to other rooms. As much as Moody didn't mind Lockhart being here, it would be good to do a follow up on what Harry said about him.
Once the room was secured, the four settled down behind one of the omnioculars. The recording was very good. One of them had been enhanced for low lights, in case someone snuck in.
"Well, hello Lucius. Casting the AK after that smoke trick from Narcissa and Seraphina? Not very nice stealing magic like that. This is enough to send you to prison. Too bad you didn't have enough power to finish the job." Moody breathed.
"Will the charges stick this time?"
Tonks started adding up NPGs, with the ones still in the wings. "Not sure. Was there an open chair, yet for Harry to buy for Arthur?"
Politics was something else. The four watched suspicious faces. This place needed to be gutted and restaffed. Death Eaters everywhere.
**OO**
Narcissa felt powerful - for several hours, until dark, "You let them take the bodies! Did you remember to wipe the magical signatures! Madam Bones is not an idiot! Crucio!"
The Dark Lord enjoyed Narcissa being powerful again. It was nice that the Longbottoms couldn't be revived if this 'Potter device' was found - always a concern.
Then Seraphina's screaming stopped, and she started laughing. Narcissa's power was gone! It was suddenly gone.
"I would have helped you get more, but you have revealed your true face to me!" Madam Avery snapped, and activated her portkey before she could be stopped.
Her husband wasn't there, and when she explained what happened, he was furious with Narcissa Malfoy for torturing his wife. Wasn't that his job? Only without spells, just his never-ending schemes and plots.
"Darling, we can't go back there! He'll kill you. I have an idea. Several Death Eaters fled to South America. I have a bit of juice left in that old time turner…"
"Yes! You send a letter, an hour or so ago, telling that you are tracking down leads."
The time turner was faulty, and they ended up fifty years in the past in South America. It took time to figure out the time change, but at least they had taken some of their vault with them. It was enough for a new start.
The rest was taken over by an NPG named Greyson, as they lived a quiet life, raising alpacas and llamas and never murdering anyone else again.
**OO**
Sunday, August 7th, Queen Vicky's - The Prank!
"Fred! How are you after the accident? Your mother was here a bit ago looking for you." Madam Pucey was ready. "You don't look older."
George came in just then with Angelina. Both looked sixty. "Not Fred. Me. Time magic. Very dangerous. Where's Eva?"
Eva stumbled into the shop, wide eyed and looking confused. Silvia pretended not to know the woman who had designed several of the 'new' gowns and robes.
Evelyn, Silvia's daughter, played her part, curtseying and offering to seat her if she was there for an appointment.
George called out to his twin, "Fred! Fred! How I've missed you! You remember Angelina. This is our daughter Eva. We should have been looking where we were going and then we wouldn't have stepped into that fairy circle. How long have we been gone?"
"I just saw you yesterday? Daughter?!" Fred queried.
"Must have been a mirror dimension. We got married and lived in the Prewitt house. Turned it into a lovely place. Eva paints there. She's a comfort to us."
Lavender came out bearing tea, "Angelina?"
"Do I know you?" 'Mrs Prewitt' asked. "We were told that Fred's shop was here. Clearly they were mistaken."
"No, my cart is right out front." Fred stated.
Eva sniffed, "A cart? Shouldn't you have premises?"
"You sound just like your great-aunt Muriel. You need to be kind dear, just because you're the Prewitt heiress…" George chided.
Angelina suggested, "Come, let us go to the hospital. But if they sort us out, what will happen to my daughter? I can't bear to lose Eva!"
Madam Pucey stepped forward. "Miss Prewitt? Why don't you let Fred take his brother and your mother to the hospital. Oh dear! How are we going to keep this quiet? You must promise me, Lavender and Parvati, only tell your families! We are a respectable shop! We are not one to spread wild tales!"
Molly came in just then, wildly happy to greet her first granddaughter. In her flurry, she knocked a bright beetle off of one of the nearby hats, and then worried that she'd disturbed an ornament. But the insect flew off, seemingly none the worse for wear.
Mrs Weasley started fussing over everyone, welcoming Eva to the family, and getting everyone to promise that they would be having family dinners on Sunday.
**OO**
While Eva Prewitt had no problem getting registered as a citizen, though she might be required to retake her OWLs. She would be taking her seat in the 'Mot at the next session though.
George and Angelina were successfully 'de-aged' thanks to the good healthcare of Saint Mungos. And Healer Greengrass didn't even charge them that much!
They sadly lost most of their memories of the future, and other than reassuring certain people that the 2002 season had the Cannons win, they couldn't remember much.
**OO**
Back in the Pranking Parlor, Fred and George took bows when Miss Eva Prewitt (daughter of Fred and Angelia Prewitt-Weasley) took the Prewitt seat in the Wizengamot, kicking out the younger brother of the ancient Lord Selwyn with tact and aplomb.
Fred and George had tried to make it look like George and Angelina had been caught in a magical time loop to create Eva (who really did look just like Angelina). Eva now Prewitt, previously a muggleborn witch, was now the Prewitt heiress, and had Molly to mentor her in the Prewitt House magic.
Because their 'marriage license' was not considered 'valid' due to its having a 'future date', if they wanted to be husband and wife, they would have to remarry once they were old enough. For now, their plans were to continue their education at Hogwarts as if the whole incident had never happened.
Minerva McGonagall was very egalitarian in the sternly worded letters to the both of them that there would be no practicing of marriage without a license at Hogwarts!
**OO**
Monday, August 8th, Paris Gringotts
After stopping in to see Sofia and ask questions of the healers in long term care, Darlene had her answers.
No one would actually treat Frank and Alice. They would keep them 'comfortable' (read docile and drugged to the gills, at least at Saint Mungos).
The goblins would be expensive; the two week cleanse and flush would at least undo long-term toxicity issues. But the cost was equivalent to an around-the-world cruise.
After that, Augusta could keep them in Blackmoor Hall's private infirmary, and they could hire a small staff –vetted by the goblin healers and under strong oaths– at much cheaper than continuing care at the goblin facility.
Today was about getting them settled into their new rooms. Darlene also talked to Dharma Briokz about the death notices, as rumors were rife that the Longbottoms had died in Saint Mungos.
"My darling? I have an idea. I want to prank Lucius. Please? Please may I?" Sirius put on his 'puppy dog eyes' that Darlene could barely resist.
"What are you going to do?"
**OO**
Monday, August 8th, ICW Special Hearing
Arthur Weasley stood in silent support next to his son. Charlie looked uncomfortable in the dress robes his mother had bought him. Named after the famous Charlus Potter, hero to many still serving there, the young man was being heard.
"There are less than seventeen individual dragons left of this species. To endanger eggs and their mother for a sporting event? Where not only the students could be killed, but the dragons would be in danger! The Welsh Greens aren't as endangered as the Chinese Fireball, but the loss of dragons, young enough to bear children, would be a devastating tragedy for our world. Please, I petition you humbly, please protect these wondrous creatures. Our reserves should not be a playground for the rich and politically powerful. Thank you."
Charlie hit the rune on the borrowed Potter projection penseive, and a show of the magnificent mother Fireball. First was the last batch born twelve years previously. The tender care of the mother when the hatchlings were first born. Showing them learning to fly.
Showing one of them, "loaned" to a wealthy patron 'for a special party' later to be seen wearing gorgeous bright red dragonhide boots.
The next memory: A mother dragon trying to roast someone who came too close to her eggs was displayed. The mother had a long memory, and would be doubly protective of her young, as Charlie explained.
The members of the panel were enchanted by the loving mother dragon, and appalled at the poaching of this magnificent dragon's youngling.
Charlie returned to the podium, following the end of the display. "These wondrous creatures are now under our control and our protection. Not for the public's protection, but theirs. We must be better guardians of their future."
A silent poll was taken; all there were in accord.
"We will make sure that Dragons will not ever be used for any sport or sporting event. I have the authority to contact the reserves around the world. No more 'dragon rentals'. No more of this! Thank you for bringing this situation to light."
Charlie looked to his father, while still on the sonoroused podium, "I can't help but wonder what happened to all of the owls my boss sent Mr Dumbledore regarding this matter. My boss was most concerned. And distraught."
The African leader stood, "Dumbledore knew of this?"
To the horror of all, Charlie snorted and informed them, "Dumbledore requested them!"
"I think that we need to have a discussion with Headmaster Dumbledore's deputy." He suggested to the Supreme Mugwump. The council filed out murmuring.
**OO**
Clarice had a very serious talk with both her mother and her grandfather.
Ernie had accepted an invitation from Draco Malfoy after feeling ostracized? What?
She approached Tonks and Penny, who both had attended Hogwarts, and knew how divided the school was.
"Look. Lord Black wants to have a public game room in Moonsgate. Not here on Black family wards, but one where people who take the oath of visitin' can go. Here is my suggestion and I want to hear your feelings.
"We build this game room; muggle and magical. Sirius got that Pachinko game fixed that Dan found at a rubbish sale. Oh, Tonks! I've been wanting to ask. Do muggles really sell all of their rubbish? I mean, who'd buy coffee grounds?"
Neville walked in just then, "Coffee grounds? Herbologists, I guess gardeners in the muggle world. Darlene said you wanted to talk to me?"
"I didn't expect ye so quickly. But here's the thing, and what I want to ask of ye. If ye are willing."
Neville grew a bit stubborn, "He said that ye should have died!"
Neville had been taking lessons in Scots Gaelic so he could talk to his mum, and was picking up the accent and such quickly. It was in his blood.
"He did. He was embarrassed, he claims, and scared to see me near him. I'm not asking ye to be friends. Just merely rescind the ban from him coming over. And let him make friends or at least play games with some of the other students from school."
Neville looked out the window. Sirius wanted the game room done first, before the local version of the Three Broomsticks only with goblin ale.
"Getting him away from our grandmother, and seeing the truth about who Harry Potter really is, will help. You'll get an ally for yer godbrother, and make money for whoever is getting it for the game room."
"Greyson Avery. With help from Kevin Rosier. Merchem Rosier, I mean."
"Fine, fine. I don't want your brother going dark. Not 'cause of me. And if he takes the vow, then he can't go killing his dormmates in the middle of the night either."
"Neville!" Clarice started to scold, but he had heard more than she thought.
Ears like a bat, that one.
**OO**
Monday, August 8th, Daily Prophet
'This is a Special Edition:
'There are rumors that Frank and Alice Longbottom succumbed to the torture curse after thirteen years in the Janus Thickey Ward at Saint Mungo's. This is not true!
'Friends of House Black, Frank and Alice Longbottom were attacked. A vicious attack that stole their magic, and then attempted to end their lives as they were hit with the Avada Kedavra curse.
'Some say it is due to Neville learning so much with Harry Potter this summer that the parents survived this curse. Others say it was because the wizard, whose signature was recorded and given to the DMLE for prosecution, was so weak that it tickled the somnolent aurors. Magic is multi-faceted and we may never find the truth of the cause, just the results.
'Were they attacked? Yes. Do they live? Yes. Pictures of Neville, their son, visiting them in an undisclosed, secret facility showing last night's Daily Prophet. That would be impossible to fake!
'House Longbottom is calling for an investigation into Saint Mungo's and how this egregious attack and near tragedy happened. Magic herself seemed to have thwarted the attackers.
'Oh, and House Black has a message for a certain blond with a snake-headed cane. You missed. Stop embarrassing yourself! How many knuts do you have left now?'
'Clark Kent, Roving Reporter'
**OO**
A/N: Recommended Story: your recommended story here!
A/N Recommended Story: Problem With Potions, by fairwym is pretty good. s/14151540/1/The-Problem-with-Potions
Thank you for the person who recommended this!
ƺ parseltongue
₲ galleons
₰ sickles
ķ knuts
Ɠ Goblin language
Minor edit 16 Nov 2022