Chapter 8
Walking through the wreckage of his home was a gut-wrenching experience for Dan Granger. Realizing that it had not been the result of an accident or misfortune both frightened and angered him. His family had never hurt anyone in their lives. He realized that his daughter had been targeted due to her ability and some crazed racial prejudice. Hermione certainly wasn't to blame.
He picked up items that he'd taken for granted yesterday and now thought of as priceless – An undamaged photo album, books, some of Emma's jewelry, some hand tools from the car park, and remarkably, Hermione's school trunk. It had been scorched and soaked, but otherwise appeared intact. Most of his important papers were at his surgery. The house insurance would cover everything.
Hermione was having similar thoughts, but was thinking of Hagrid rummaging through the Potter home fifteen years ago. She wondered what he had found? Harry had never said. He claimed not to have any of his parent's possessions other than his father's invisibility cloak that Dumbledore had given him, no, returned to him for Christmas first year. Yet it was obvious that even after a disaster, there were hundreds of items to be collected. Where had their things gone?
Dan wanted to drive his untouched BMW that he had parked on the street back to Harry's home then realized that he didn't know where Harry lived. Kingsley looked around, saw no one, shrunk the car, and put it in his jacket pocket! "I'll set it right when we get to where you need to be, Sir." Kingsley looked around again, closed and shrunk the trunk, and placed it in his pocket. Hermione held her mother's hand. Emma had been weeping nonstop, seeing the wreckage of her life.
Dan looked over at the two Aurors waiting patiently for them. "We're ready," he said. A minute later they were greeted at the door by the oddly dressed little elf.
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While the Grangers had been sorting through the wreckage of their home, Mundungus had arrived with Harry's new belongings. Harry decided that the first charm that he had ever learned was indeed magic. He floated the bed frames, mattresses, box springs, dressers and nightstands up the stairs and into the proper rooms. Ginny was behind him with towels, mattress covers, sheets, and blankets, bedspreads, pillows and pillowcases. Harry asked her which room she'd like to have. She gave him an innocent look and said, "The one next to yours of course." Harry winked at her. She made up the other beds while Harry was placing the area rugs for the entertainment room. Mundungus had left him extra television cable and extension cords if he needed them.
Harry was about half done when the Grangers returned. Tonks offered to take the Grangers to Harvey Nichols department store to get some things to wear. Hermione and Emma agreed to go. Dan said that he would stay and help Harry if he could. Harry handed Tonks 6,000 Pounds Sterling and asked her to insist that they use it. Tonks squeezed Harry's arm and teased him that he always took exceptional care of his houseguests. Harry responded by growing his hair out an inch. They winked at each other and the three women left.
Dan walked into the entertainment room to ask how he could help. He watched silently as Harry floated rugs and sofas here and there trying to get the best fit. While it had been a part of his life for the last five years, Dan had rarely seen magic performed. It was fascinating to see someone mentally project objects through the air. It was terrifying to him to understand that a witch or wizard like this young man could injure or kill someone with just a thought or a word. Not wanting to startle Harry, Dan waited until everything was on the ground, knocked on the doorframe, and asked, "Harry, how can I help you?"
Harry turned around and replied, "I'm about done here. We can start on the shades and come back to hook everything up later. I need to rest for a moment first. Can I get you a butterbeer?"
"Please."
POP – Winky was holding a tray with biscuits and four butterbeers. "Thank you Winky."
Dan was amazed. "Harry, how did you do that?"
"Magic, sir."
"Dan, Harry. OK?"
"Yes sir. Dan." They grinned at each other and had their butterbeers. The new chairs were very comfortable. Harry asked, "Were you able to collect much stuff from your home?"
Dan shook his head and put down his butter beer. "Not much, but more than I expected. I did find an undamaged photo album. That probably meant the most to me.
"I'd like to see it if you have the chance. Photos are important. Almost anything else can be repurchased."
"Dan nodded. "You sound like a man speaking from experience."
Harry nodded. "All I own from my parents is a cloak and a book of photos. Their home was destroyed too."
Harry finished his butterbeer. Dan asked how he could help. Harry showed him the diagram with the window measurements that he had made. They numbered the boxes containing the new shades based on the diagram. Harry waved his wand and each of the boxes floated into the appropriate room. They started in the first bedroom. Dan opened the box and showed Harry how it should go. Harry realized that he didn't have a screwdriver. Dan went to get one out of his house item trunk. He came back with two. Dan held up the honeycomb draw shades while Harry willed the screwdrivers to do their thing. Two hours later they had all twenty-four shades installed.
Feeling rather proud of themselves, they found Ginny who was finishing with the linens. Dan went to collect the empty boxes and asked Harry where the trash bin was. Harry looked at the pile that Dan had created, muttered something and the empty boxes vanished! Dan stood there watching in utter amazement.
Dan was able to get the DVD, CD player, and television wired and connected properly within a few minutes. Harry was secretly glad that it was Dr. Granger rather than Mr. Weasley helping him. At least he didn't have to worry that everything would be taken apart when he wasn't looking. Fifteen minutes later the shoppers returned to see Ginny watching football on the television while Dan and Harry were snoring on their respective sofas. "Some things never change," quipped Emma.
Tonks had to leave to attend a meeting at the ministry. A fifth of the Aurors and all but one of the Hit Wizards had been lost last night, and there were sure to be lots of schedule changes.
Having learned the hard way of the risks of startling a powerful, sleeping wizard, Hermione gently nudged Harry. He woke and asked that they take any of the rooms that they like. Hermione took the room next to Ginny's and her parents took the room next to the other bathroom.
While they were putting their things away, Ginny found Harry and asked if she could cuddle up with him that night. Harry didn't want to offend anyone and asked that she be discreet. She reached up to give him a quick kiss and went to help Hermione. At dinner, Emma thanked Harry for his exceptional generosity, and promised to repay him for the clothing that they had purchased as soon as they get their affairs straightened.
Harry looked at her and said, "Dr. Granger, the last thing on my mind is worrying about the money that you needed this afternoon. Please don't give it a second thought. Please? My only concern is everyone's safety." Tears welled up in her eyes. She nodded thanks to the young man who had saved her life.
Hermione asked if Buckbeak was still in the house. Harry told her that Remus had taken him back to the forest. Seeing Dan's questioning look, Harry explained that Buckbeak was a magical creature – Half horse, half eagle that Sirius had been keeping. Hermione asked how they got the portrait of Mrs. Black down, and if anyone bought it.
Harry replied, "I gave her the choice of being blasted off along with the wall, or unsticking herself. She came down without a word." Harry didn't like where the conversation was going, but knew that Hermione would persist. He thought, 'Gryffindors charge forward.' He told her, "Ginny and I were carefully moving her to the pile of stuff to be given away when her evil house elf Kreacher tried to kill Ginny. I helped Ginny, but the portrait got impaled on the umbrellas that were in the troll leg umbrella stand."
Ginny said, "Harry killed that wicked thing before it could bite my neck off!!!"
"Yuck," said Mrs. Granger.
Harry said, "I'm sorry for bringing it up Ma'am."
"Sorry?" said Emma. "How many people in Britain can say that they have saved four people in a week?" Harry could feel his face getting red. "That's just Harry," said Ginny. "He's got that, people saving thing," said both witches at the same time smiling at each other. As if on cue, they both got up, and each kissed one of Harry's cheeks. Harry's face went tomato red. Dan and Emma looked at each other, snickered, and then broke into full laughter at his embarrassment.
As it got darker outside, Hermione noticed the difference in the home. Clean white walls, light colored wood and bright lights had really turned it into a home that someone would want to live in. At Harrods Hermione had purchased a selection of CDs, DVDs, a chess set and several decks of cards. They had a very enjoyable evening popping popcorn, playing Hearts, and watching television.
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Meanwhile the Order was meeting at Hogwarts. Remus related Harry's capture of Pettigrew. Dumbledore related a summary of the battle at the Granger house. Kingsley, Hestia and Tonks were each silently glad that they had not been called in that night. No one could find fault with the original plan. Both sides expected that they would have had the element of surprise and numerical superiority.
Dumbledore had little to say when asked about Snape. "Severus had not mentioned being called when I talked with him earlier that evening. As such, I cannot say for certain. Severus was killed by Hit Wizard Wood moments before Wood was mortally wounded by Bellatrix. This is twice in less than a month that Voldemort personally took part in a battle." Several people shuddered. There wasn't a person in the room who individually felt that they would have stood a chance against Voldemort.
All six of the Weasleys came up to Dumbledore after the meeting and asked what had happened with Harry at the Grangers. Remus said that they had been shopping and had been invited over to the Grangers at the last minute.
Arthur asked, "So you feel certain that the Grangers had been the target, not Harry or our Ginny?"
"Absolutely," said Dumbledore. Remus nodded in agreement. Dumbledore continued, "Arthur there is virtually no way that Voldemort could have known that Remus, Harry, and Miss Weasley were there about to have dinner at the Grangers. Besides, the attack took place far later in the evening than they would have stayed."
The Weasleys seemed satisfied with his answer and went back to their conversation about their new financial good tidings. They asked more about Ginny. Dumbledore assured them that she was safe, happy, and in good hands.
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"Harry, are you awake?" asked Ginny opening the door to his room and closing it behind her.
"Kind of. Come over here."
"Thanks. I've wanted to be with you all day."
"Me too."
Harry was laying on the leather sofa in front of the fireplace in his room staring at the fire. Ginny slid in front of Harry, who was on his side. She melted into him. Harry still half asleep kissed her thinking he was having the most wonderful dream.
"Please hold me Harry. whispered Ginny" Harry tentatively put his arm around her over the blanket. Ginny found his hand, took it under the blanket and placed it on her warm stomach.
She whispered, "That's better, don't you think?"
Harry nuzzled her neck. "You don't mind? I might accidentally…"
"Harry I like being by you. You'll be fine. Don't worry. Get some rest."
Harry rested very well that night, even if he didn't get much sleep.
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Harry opened his eyes thinking about vanilla. Ginny looked like an angle next to him. Waking up a bit more, he ascertained that his hands were being held by hers. 'Neither can live while the other survives.' 'So long Tom,' thought Harry. 'I've found someone to live for and your days are numbered.' Harry kissed Ginny on the neck and carefully got up. He tucked Ginny in and looked at his watch. 4:45. He went to the kitchen and found a Coke then went to the library. He started reading his texts with a passion that he had never had before. 'I will beat him and raise a clan of little Potters, Sirius. You will look down at us someday and be so proud.'
At 7:00 Dobby popped in. "Here is your paper Harry Potter sir. Breakfast is ready" Harry thanked his friend and looked at the headline as he walked into the kitchen.
Fierce Battle in Crawley – 18 Killed
(London – Rita Skeeter)
Twelve Ministry Aurors and Hit Wizards were killed early Sunday 15 July in an ambush-gone-bad at a witch's residence in Crawley. By far the largest battle since the return of Voldemort, it was also the deadliest. Minister of Magic Diggory announced that six Death Eaters had been killed in the battle. There were no witnesses to the battle. Muggle fire fighters initially reported finding the bodies. Law Enforcement Director Bones was quoted as saying the British Isles are a lesser place without the men and women who gave their lives defending what is right. See page 14 for a complete list of names. See page 15 for additional photos.
There was no mention of Pettigrew or the specifics of the information that Hit Wizard Wood had been able to provide. The Grangers were not specifically mentioned, and the address was not given out. Harry handed the extra newspaper to the Grangers. He asked Ginny if he could borrow her owl for the morning, and went to write a quick note.
Albus and Remus arrived just as everyone was finishing breakfast. Remus had arranged to pick up the Grangers post every morning and had found several home design books for them as well. They had a lot of arrangements to take care of getting their home rebuilt. He explained that the wreckage had been magically removed over the evening to expedite the process. If their property had not been situated squarely in the middle of a muggle neighborhood, Flitwick could have assembled a set of delivered construction materials for them in a day.
Harry turned over his study to Dan and Emma to work in. Hearing of their needs, he carefully transfigured a scrap of wood into a nice worktable that they could use for looking at blue prints and to hold the needed papers that they would acquire in rebuilding their home. Harry gave them his cellular telephone so they could make the calls that they needed. They would stay very busy for the next few weeks.
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Dumbledore, Remus, and Harry went into the library to discuss training options. Like Dumbledore, Remus had his own opinions. He had been waiting his entire life to find his personal destiny, and realized that this could be his chance. Yet Remus couldn't say that he possessed world-class dueling skills, or outstanding skills in any area, except perhaps stealth. Being a werewolf had to be good for something.
After they had all sat down, Harry began. "Professor, the prophecy implies that I have to kill Voldemort in order to live my life. I fully accept that responsibility. I don't believe that I currently possess anywhere near enough skill to be successful. According to the Daily Prophet, twelve Aurors and Hit Wizards were killed last week by a force of approximately equal size. Dr. Granger told me the other day that their home had quite a good security system with motion detectors outside, and yard lights. Based on that, I would guess that the Ministry wizards were able to fire the first volley. As such, they apparently killed Crabbe, Goyle, Bulstrode, and Flint early in the battle. Assuming that took place, a dozen of the ministry's finest got beat by a force that probably wasn't as large in size. My guess is that the Death Eaters who were there included Malfoy, Bellatrix, Voldemort, and a few others. My question is if things had turned against the Aurors, why didn't they portkey away? A wooden house isn't worth dying over. What went wrong?"
Remus was astounded at Harry's analysis. Harry had cut to the critical issues in seconds. Remus doubted that the ministry officials could have reached the same conclusion even after a dozen meetings.
Dumbledore responded. "Harry, your analysis is indeed accurate. Voldemort had apparently warded the house and the grounds with an anti-apparation spell before launching his attack. We know their approximate number based on the memories recovered from one of the dying Hit Wizards. Just out of curiosity, why did you name Malfoy and Bellatrix as possible attackers?"
Harry put down his butter beer. "That's easy Professor, Malfoy was the common link to the Death Eaters that had been students, much more so than Snape." Dumbledore was about to correct Harry regarding Severus' title, when he realized that it didn't matter any more. Harry continued. "Bellatrix seems to just like killing people. Why would she want to miss out on the chance? My guess is this was some sort of training mission. Did the witches and wizards get killed, or were they trapped in the burning house?"
Dumbledore replied, "Based on what we know and found, most had been inside the house. Some of the Death Eaters had set multiple fires to the home then magically sealed the doors and windows. Harry did you have a vision regarding this attack?"
"No Professor. Their best Death Eaters were captured last month except for Bellatrix. I couldn't imagine them losing so badly unless they had somehow been trapped. Has Pettigrew been interrogated?"
"No. Director Bones' group is still reeling over their losses. I'm certain that they will get that handled this week. Information about him will be kept out of the papers for another week. What would you ask him and what would you do with the information?"
Harry rubbed the stress from his face. "Professor I saw about thirty Death Eaters the night Riddle was returned to his body. You may have a more accurate count than that, but that said, he lost eleven last month. He has obviously been recruiting since then to get back to that number. Most of those killed also were members of a group that Umbridge had started when she was at school - the inquisitorial squad. Anyway, I would try and get some names and would attempt to capture or defeat them one at a time. Voldemort wouldn't be there and they probably could be ambushed one or two at a time unless he has some sort of clubhouse where they are all living at."
Dumbledore was impressed with what he had heard. "These are exceptional ideas that you have expressed Harry. I shall pass them onto Director Bones from you this afternoon. Back to the subject at hand, Sirius had left you a letter expressing advice regarding your schooling and training for the next few years. It was good of him to consider these options for you. Before we go much further, I suggest that we conduct some type of skills assessment. I am not talking about theory or OWL results, rather your practical ability. You obviously excel at tactics and quick thinking. Your survival against multiple encounters with Riddle has proven that. Remus tells me that you have cleared out the third floor for use as a training room. Let's go up and try it out for a bit."
They opened the doors to the library. If Hermione and Ginny had been listening, they at least got away cleanly. Dumbledore, Remus and Harry went up the stairs and into the large open area. Dumbledore conjured a set of safety goggles for Harry to wear that had his corrective prescription, and asked him to put them on. Harry was instructed that Dumbledore and Remus would fire red and green sparks at him, nothing more. Harry was to evade the sparks and not get hit. Before they started, Dumbledore had cast an impervious charm on the walls, ceiling and floor so the room would not be damaged or marked. Remus stood at one end and Harry the other. The room was about 70 by 40 feet. As Remus fired the sparks, Harry had just fractions of a second to move. Harry practiced avoiding them by running to the right or left, not moving if the shot was wide to begin with, moving his upper body as needed, ducking or rolling. After an exhausting half hour, they took a break. Ginny and Hermione were at the door watching and wanted to join in. "Be careful what you wish for," advised Dumbledore. Dumbledore conjured two other sets of safety goggles. Ginny tried first. She was nearly as quick as Harry and every bit as nimble. In a hundred shots, she was only hit ten times. Hermione did not fair as well. Neither as quick, nor as nimble as either, she was hit about seventy times. Harry had left to change into workout clothing while the girls were being sparked at. He returned, and said, "OK Remus, now that you are warmed up, I'll try against you." Harry did this primarily to make the girls feel better. He was relatively certain that Hermione had been hit a few times and was probably feeling bad about it. Remus was neither fast nor especially quick. However he was quite nimble. It took Harry about twenty tries before he hit Remus the first time. By the last twenty-five tries, he hit his old professor nearly every time. Harry thought of Winky, who popped into the room carrying a tray of refreshments and biscuits.
Harry told Ginny and Hermione that they would meet them down for lunch in a few minutes. Dumbledore suggested that they continue their discussions after lunch. His inclination was to include the two young women, reasoning that if they were going to be spending time with Harry anyway, it would be better for all concerned if they could capably defend themselves. He would talk with Molly in the next day or so, and the Doctors immediately after lunch. Dumbledore wanted the best for Harry, and wanted to remain personally involved in the training.
Winky had prepared a wonderful lunch for them that included homemade soup, fresh baked bread, salad, tea, and butterbeer. The little elf seemed very happy in her new role. She beamed at Harry when he told her that he liked everything that she had prepared and thanked her. Dumbledore told the Grangers that Harry would be receiving supplemental lessons over the summer. He mentioned that Hermione had expressed an interest in attending them as well. Emma asked a few questions regarding the content. Dumbledore told her they would include defense, physical conditioning, mental conditioning, apparation, and advanced transfiguration. After conversing together for a moment, they came back and said that they thought they sounded like a fine idea. Heading off any protest from Ginny, Dumbledore said that he would go talk with Molly that afternoon or the next day.
That settled, Remus said that he would take the three of them back to Harrods that afternoon. He wanted to get a good set of workout equipment for their use. They took the portkey that Dumbledore had made them. Remus selected a professional level model that had seven different stations so each of them could work out at once if they wanted to. Hermione and Ginny went to get some workout clothing and some additional CDs and DVDs that they could listen to and watch. Harry also bought some gymnastic mats that they could put down and avoid bruising as easily. Fifty-six hundred pounds later, they left the store.
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While the four of them were out spending Harry's money, Dumbledore was visiting Amelia. She was amazed as he related Harry's comments and suggestions. Her remaining Aurors hadn't come up with anything as insightful when she had held the department wide meeting that morning. Just as he was getting ready to leave Dumbledore requested a conditional use of magic permit for Hermione, saying that several of the Hogwarts staff had volunteered to provide NEWT level training to the three over the summer. As she signed the permit and handed it to Dumbledore, Bones asked Dumbledore if it would be possible to have her grand-niece Susan attend the training as well. Dumbledore said that he had no objections, but he would ask Harry, since it was his house and money that was being spent. Amelia said that she would ask Susan if she had an interest, and contact Dumbledore later that evening.
After leaving the Ministry Dumbledore went back to Grimmauld place. Dobby let them in. He told the little elf, "You certainly made wonderful improvements to Mr. Potter's home Dobby. I doubt that the third floor looked as good on the day that the home was built." Dobby beamed at Dumbledore. Dumbledore reminded Dobby that Harry's location was a secret and that he should not mention him in the event that he was out shopping or anything.
Dumbledore found the three listening to a CD in the entertainment room and reading. "Ah, the Goldberg Variations. They are a wonderful choice. Miss Granger, Director Bones asked me to deliver this to you." He handed her the Use of Magic license. Hermione's eyes grew wide as she read the terms and conditions.
"Use it well, Miss Granger. If the three of you would like to discuss schedules, we can begin. Would 8:00 AM be too early to begin during the weekdays? Seeing no look of dissention on their faces, he conjured a chalkboard and chalk. "I would like you up, dressed and fed by 8:00. At that time you would have practical Charms until 10:00. From 10:30 – 12:30 you would have practical Transfiguration. From 2:00 – 4:00 you would have defense, including dueling, fighting, attack, and physical exercise. Very little of what you will be learning would overlap with your schoolwork." They agreed and Dumbledore pulled Harry aside for a minute sitting the down on one of the rust leather sofas. "Harry I would ask that we try this for two weeks and then decide on the other options. I am not trying to dissuade you from either of the suggestions that Sirius gave you, rather to realistically assess your skill levels, and provide some additional foundation knowledge that can be applied when dueling or fighting. Please accept this offer."
Harry could see the logic in Dumbledore's suggestion, and quickly agreed.
Dumbledore was getting ready to leave, when he remembered Amelia's request about Susan. "Harry, was Susan Bones in your defense group?"
"Yes Professor. She attended every meeting, and did well. Why do you ask?"
"Director Bones inquired if you would consider letting Susan attend the classes for the next two weeks. It could be advantageous, as I had considered having Kingsley teach part of the defense lessons next week, and she would ensure his availability, in terms of schedule. She would provide her own apparel," he said, his silver mustache quivering with a smile. Harry's face grew slightly red as Dumbledore glanced over at Ginny and Hermione in their new exercise outfits.
'Sure beats a baggy sweatshirt,' thought Harry
Dumbledore smiled, guessing what Harry was thinking. "Harry, there is one other thing. If we are on good enough terms again, I would like you to consider taking Occlumency and Legilimency lessons with me. I was wondering if doing these from 4:00 – 5:30 would be too much. I apologize for intruding on your request to Minerva, but your knowledge of the prophecy would preclude you from using an instructor that isn't absolutely trustworthy." Harry nodded in understanding. "How many people have you told all or part of it to?
"Two. Ginny and Tonks."
Dumbledore nodded. "You should consider telling Miss Granger in the next few days as well. Is there anything else that you believe that you will need to begin?"
"I would like a book list if we need to get anything, some healing potions, and wrist wand holders for Ginny, Hermione, and Susan. I will have someone get more towels and linens. Will we need any other equipment for defense class or any of the other classes? Will we need tables or anything?"
"I will provide all of the other equipment that you need Harry. Can you tell me please, what is currently down in the cellar?"
"I have no idea. Remus packed the entire potion-making laboratory up and sent it to the castle. I haven't been down there since. Are you looking for something or somewhere?"
"Somewhere. Let me think about it. I have two other questions for you right now. What did you do with the weapons that were in the house? Also did anything happen regarding Miss Tonks that I should know about?"
Harry choked for a moment. "I have them in the closet in my room, and she showed me how to change my hair."
This was not the answer that Dumbledore had expected regarding the young Auror. "Really? Could you possibly show me?" Dumbledore's face grew into a wide smile as Harry's hair went from slightly shaggy to shoulder length in less than a minute. "Harry, that's fantastic! Could you possibly picture it being the same auburn color as Miss Weasley's?" Dumbledore was amazed. Harry's normally raven black hair had indeed changed to match Ginny's. "Harry, how much effort is it to hold that color?"
"Quite a bit actually, but I've never changed the color before."
Dumbledore encouraged Harry to hold it for a few minutes before finally changing his hair back to black. After he had changed it back both in length and color. Dumbledore patted Harry on the shoulder. "That was brilliant Harry! I have only met a handful of Metamorphmagus witches in my life. You are the first wizard that I have met with this ability."
"Professor, there aren't any books on that sort of thing in my Library. Could I work with Tonks again sometime?"
"Of course Harry. I'll arrange it for later in the week. Please don't mention this ability to anyone else."
"Ginny knows about it, but I won't mention it to anyone else."
"Very good Harry. I will have Susan arrive tomorrow morning at 8:00. Thank you for allowing her to be a guest in your home. You will begin tomorrow at 10:30 with Professor McGonagall. I must leave now. Enjoy your evening."
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