Standard Disclaimer: The potterverse isn't ours! DANG IT!
Harry
Potter and the Spiritus Crystalus
Chapter
8
Camelford, Bodmin Moor England, Beginning of November…
Esther Cinchley was a widow, her husband had been killed a long time ago in a training accident for the 7th Paras. Now in her late seventies, she walked her block and enjoyed talking with her neighbors on a near daily basis. Everyone considered her the block grandmother. Having never had any children of her own, she was always available to baby sit. Children could often be found playing in or around her small house.
In the past forty years that Esther had lived in this quiet neighborhood, she had only had to call the fire or police department three times. And in each of those cases, she was helping a neighbor.
Now Esther had a problem and it was beginning to really eat at her. One of her newer neighbors seemed to have misplaced two of their children. The third child, a very sweet six year old boy by the name of Jason, seemed to have been injured in the past week.
Esther had talked to the mother, who happened to be pregnant, about the two missing children and that conversation was what had triggered her unease. For more than two weeks, Esther pondered the conversation. It wasn't uncommon for affluent parents in England to send children away to boarding school. But these parents seemed to lack the financial wherewithal to afford such a luxury. Usually, parents that did send their children away to a boarding school were vocally proud of that fact, but in this case, Esther received a vague story about a school somewhere in Scotland, very exclusive, and very private.
A few days ago Esther had observed little Jason struggling to take out the trash. He had hurt his arm and it was in a sling. Being a retired nurse, Esther had seen many children with broken bones in her day. But the sling and cast bothered her. They didn't appear to be something any hospital in England would want to call their work.
Something was off and, while she prided herself about minding her own business, she couldn't, not with children involved.
She looked up gratefully as the young policeman handed her a cup of tea before sitting himself at his desk.
"Now then Mrs. Cinchley, why don't you tell us what we can do for you today?" asked the officer.
Hogwarts, School of Witchcraft and Wizardry…
Harry growled in frustration and slammed the book closed which earned him a death glare from Madam Pince. Despite having given the sword back to Dumbledore, the dreams continued to plague him. And to make things worse, even his dreams seemed wrong somehow.
Harry had taken to looking up Godric Gryffindor in the school library, which of course had hundreds of books on the subject. Most of them went out of their way to contradict the other books. In fact, he had found one book, which spent twenty chapters explaining why every other book on the subject was wrong, and only three chapters on the topic of Godric himself.
So far he had worked his way through half of the books on the topic and he still didn't have any clue as to what he was looking for. He sighed in aggravation, put his books away and left the library. It was lunchtime and he might as well get something to eat.
Entering the Great Hall, he walked over to his table. He noted that Erika and Eric had finally moved back to their own table with the other first years. He was glad to see they were making an attempt to recover.
He plopped heavily into the chair next to Ginny and sighed.
Everyone looked at him for a moment before Ginny broke the silence. "No luck yet?"
"None. Did you know our library has over five hundred books on the subject? And most claim the others are wrong! One book claimed the sword was actually a lance, and another claimed it was a metaphor for… " He stopped, looking very embarrassed. "Well…a certain male organ and the Dark Lord he conquered was really a witch! And I'm not going to tell you how he conquered her!" he exclaimed, his ears darkening.
Hermione eyed Harry suspiciously. "Harry, you're not going off on another research project like last year, are you?"
He chuckled weakly. "No, 'Mione. This time it's simple history I'm looking up. I keep dreaming about that blasted sword and it doesn't feel right, so I thought I could look up more information on it."
Mollified that Harry wasn't off producing another research paper, Hermione went back to her lunch while Harry filled his plate.
Serena Snape, who had joined them at the table today watched this byplay with amusement. She's absolutely brilliant, but in a way her confidence is almost as lacking as Harry's, she thought.
"Harry, perhaps if you just go get the sword from the Headmaster's office, the dreams will cease," Serena said.
"I thought about that Professor, but I saw several problems with that idea. First, I really have no way of securing a five foot long sword and carrying it around with me is out of the question. I can see it now. I'm walking down the hall and get annoyed enough by something that the sword bursts into flame? The last time I carried that thing in the halls, people were scattering in every direction," he replied.
"Maybe you should try less scowling? I swear you've been around my husband too long. Between the two of you, I'm not sure who scowls more these days," replied Serena teasingly.
Harry scowled at that comment. Turning to Ginny he asked, "Do I scowl that much?"
Ginny reached up and patted his cheek. "Of course not, Harry." She then turned to Serena and winked.
"OY! But he's scowling right now," said Ron.
"Thanks mate! It's nice to know who's on my side," replied Harry dryly. "Oh, Hermione, I almost forgot. I noticed this morning what looked like twenty or so bowls of lemon drops in the common room. The first years seemed quite happy about them. You wouldn't know anything about that would you?" he asked, trying to change the subject.
Hermione flushed and stammered, "Me? Why no, Harry, I wouldn't know anything about it."
Everyone at the table snickered. The truth was Hermione felt terribly guilty over what had happened in the Headmaster's office. The house elves had informed the Headmaster that his supply of lemon drops had increased from the original forty two, to just a hair over four million. It was a secret of course, which meant that by now the whole school knew the story behind the lemon drops.
"Harry," Serena said, gaining his attention once more. "I know this is remote possibility, but since you're so interested Godric, have you thought about asking some of the portraits about them?"
He paused and grew thoughtful. "You know Professor, that's actually a good idea. There must be thousands of portraits in the castle, maybe one knows more about the sword or can tell me where I can find more information."
Ginny, sitting next to Harry, sighed into her drink. Harry was spending more time with her this year and she was very grateful for that, but somehow the idea of spending her hours running around asking portraits questions wasn't her idea of a romantic date.
Harry, sensing her mood leaned over and whispered in her ear, "Don't worry love, we'll think of something." Then he kissed her forehead and turned his attention back to lunch.
Ministry of Magic, Department of Muggle Relations…
This was once a small department, but that had changed. Under the gentle guidance of Arthur Weasley, the office had been expanded and so had the staff. Muggle Relations was, after all, the department in charge with making sure the Ministry of Magic worked hand in hand with the Muggle British Government.
In a corner office a small bell chimed and a piece of parchment suddenly appeared. The secretary took a look at the parchment and placed it in the appropriate office box for routing. A short while later, an owl entered and latched onto the box by the handle, its destination, Department of Magical Law Enforcement.
Headmaster's Office, Hogwarts
Dumbledore sat in his office contemplating things. Apparently, Miss Granger had been helping herself to his lemon drop supply and the first year students were avidly taking advantage of the sweets scattered around the common room. He had forgotten how the first and second year students were at the mercy of owls from parents or an older friend to bring them back sweets from Honeydukes.
I must make more effort to reach out to our first years. Had I only known this fifty years ago, I could have easily gotten rid of those lemon drops, he thought wryly.
Since the one incident with the sword, it had not left his office. But he felt that would change soon enough. Even he could feel the tension building in the castle. Giving Harry the sword was only one of the things it was doing to prepare for what was coming.
The Common Room, that evening…
Harry sat with Ginny on one of the couches in the common room. Hermione was helping Erika with her homework, while Eric was busy trouncing Ron in Wizard's Chess again. Harry felt uneasy tonight. He couldn't put his finger on it, but something was wrong and it was really starting to bother him.
Harry's locket gave several sharp thumps against his chest. He remembered the last time that had happened. His book slid from his fingers as he stood. He must fight this!
Camelford, Bodmin Moor England…
It was just after dusk and there were a series of popping noises outside of the house. The Death Eaters fanned out, circling it. Within moments, all of the windows and doors had been sealed shut. With a nod from their leader, the house was set ablaze.
To the surprise of the Death Eaters, no sound came from within. The leader ran a quick scan of the house and discovered it was empty. He signaled to the others to leave.
Before following the rest, he cast the Death Mark above the house anyway. Maybe someone would take it as a warning, even if they hadn't hit their targets.
This target was a waste of time. Burning down an empty house would be a bother, but wouldn't instill fear in anyone. On the other hand, thirty nine other Death Eater teams that night would have far more luck.
Headmaster's Office, Hogwarts…
Dumbledore nearly fell out of his seat when Fawkes screamed behind him and launched himself into the air. He circled the room in an agitated manner then flew out the window screaming.
The Common Room…
Ginny looked up curiously as Harry stood, dropping his book to the floor. She could see him shrink into himself as if he was warding off a blow.
The was a flash of flame and suddenly Fawkes appeared. The large bird circled over Harry before landing on his shoulder singing a soothing song. The bird continued to croon to him and nudged him with his head.
"What's wrong?" Ginny asked.
Ignoring her, he started walking slowly to the nearest exit, his movements jerky. Fawkes continued to croon on his shoulder.
Ginny, Ron and Hermione exchanged looks. This wasn't another scar attack. They had taken considerable precautions with Harry's salve, including keeping several pots scattered between Ginny and Hermione's trunks.
"Ron, stay here," said Hermione. "Ginny and I will see what's going on."
Following Harry, Ginny wanted to try to snap him out of this strange behavior of his, but Hermione stopped her. "Don't. We don't know what's happening, Ginny. Fawkes is trying to keep him calm at the moment. Let's just follow and see what he does."
A few moments later, Harry's destination was clear. He was clearly heading for the infirmary, the two girls following closely behind. Along the way, he paused and trembled several times, and each time Fawkes would increase the volume of his song.
When Harry arrived in the infirmary, he walked over to one of the potions cabinets and collapsed the locking charms on it. Madam Pomfrey came out of the office just as he reached into the cabinet and pulled out a dreamless sleep potion and downed it.
She could see something was wrong. Fawkes' song was what originally brought her out of the office in the first place.
His movements became jerkier as he approached a bed, his eyelids were already drooping. Fawkes leapt aloft and glided to the headboard of the bed.
Madam Pomfrey still wasn't sure what was happening, but she pulled a blanket out of a cabinet and placed it over him. After running a few scans and finding nothing physically wrong with him, she turned back to her office to call the Headmaster.
Ginny and Hermione approached the still figure on the bed, not understanding what was taking place. Harry lay quietly. The potion had put him to sleep, but for some reason tears were running down his cheeks.
They were startled when they heard the Headmaster's voice. "I had wondered where Fawkes had gone off to," he said sadly, looking down at the sleeping Harry.
"Sir? What's happening to him?" asked Ginny.
"I daresay he is reacting to another set of Muggle attacks tonight. Judging by both his and Fawkes' reactions, I expect that tonight's activities are worse than the last."
Hermione gasped and sat weakly on a bed. Her parents were safely in Grimmauld Place, but she couldn't help but worry about all the other families out there.
Ginny reached out and took Harry's hand. Even in his sleep, he tried to draw her closer to him.
"Headmaster, he should be out for hours. He came in here and just helped himself to one of my strongest dreamless sleep potions," said Madam Pomfrey.
Dumbledore nodded absently, still watching Harry and Fawkes. "Miss Granger, Miss Weasley, there is nothing more that can be done tonight. I suggest you return to the common room. Undoubtedly, Mr. Potter will rejoin you tomorrow."
Ginny looked like she wanted to argue for a moment, then she put Harry's hand back on the bed and left with Hermione.
Headmaster's Office, the next day…
Dumbledore sat at his desk reading reports detailing some of the attacks that took place last night. Madam Pomfrey had called earlier to let him know Harry Potter had finally awoke and seemed to be suffering no ill effects. She had released him to return to class.
The fire flared as Arthur Weasley's head appeared in the floo.
"Headmaster, would you mind if Molly and I came over? I've run into a bit of a problem here at the Ministry and it involves some of your students. Also, it might help if you ask Madam Pomfrey to join us with a couple doses of calming draughts, just in case."
"Not at all, Arthur. Give me a few minutes to have Madam Pomfrey join us," Dumbledore replied.
Arthur nodded and the fire flared again before returning to normal. Dumbledore summoned Poppy via his office floo.
When Madam Pomfrey arrived with a bag of supplies, Dumbledore motioned her to a chair. "Poppy, have a seat. Arthur Weasley and his wife will be joining us shortly. I do not know why, but it has to do with the attacks last night I believe."
The previous night had been brutal. Over one hundred muggles had been killed. Twelve students woke up to find themselves orphaned. The teachers were coping as best as they could, as were the rest of the students, but it was a very tense school this morning.
The fireplace flared once more and Arthur and Molly Weasley stepped through, as did Auror William Hill, who led a small child no older than six years old.
Dumbledore arched an eyebrow at Arthur, who smiled apologetically before speaking, "I'm sorry for this intrusion Headmaster, but we ran into a problem this morning and, since it directly concerned two of your students, we felt that your advice would be invaluable."
Dumbledore motioned for them to be seated. Poppy, seeing the small boy, went over to check him. He was dirty and his arm was splinted with a filthy sling around his neck.
The floo flared again and Remus and Tonks stepped from the fire. Dumbledore looked at the two enquiringly.
Remus looked at Tonks. She blushed and fumbled around for a bit before looking at Dumbledore defiantly. "I want to be here also," she said.
Dumbledore gave her a penetrating look before consenting.
"Headmaster, perhaps it's best if Auror Hill begin the story. He was the one assigned to this case, prior to the attacks," started Arthur.
All eyes turned to Auror Hill, who cleared his throat before beginning. "Sir, a few days ago we intercepted a request to the Muggle Child Protective Services to investigate a complaint against the Stonesmith family in Camelford. As it turns out, the parents in question have three children. Two here in Hogwarts, and a six year old, Jason," he said pointing to the small boy.
"When we arrived this morning to begin our investigation, we found that the house had been destroyed last night and the parents were picking through the wreckage for anything salvageable. We explained why we were there. Prior to my arrival, some of my colleagues had explained why their house had been destroyed. The boy, Jason, was kept in the car the whole time we talked to his parents.
"What surprised us was the parent's attitude. They were terrified. So much so that they told us to take the children away from them or they would refuse to care for them. I have to admit, in the fifteen years I have been involved in child care cases like these, I have rarely seen a parent so willingly give up his or her rights.
"So there we have it, three magical children. Two are here in school, so their case isn't classed as an emergency. But Jason is." At Dumbledore's questioning look, Hill sighed. "Yes, we tested Jason. He does show a magical aptitude and I expect he will be receiving a letter from Hogwarts in his eleventh year.
"I suspect Mrs. Lupin is here because of her interest in the twins," Hill continued. "I've involved Mr. and Mrs. Weasley because they are the only magical parents I know of with any experience in dealing with muggle raised magical children. Although I will admit, Harry was not really a child when the Weasley's took him in."
Poppy looked up from checking over Jason and led him over to a chair. The boy was a younger image of his older brother. He looked at the strange people, not really understanding what was going on.
"Poppy, how is he?" asked Dumbledore softly.
"He's tired and could use a bath Headmaster. He's a little undernourished but not severely so, and the break in his arm was set badly. It will need to be re-broken and set properly," she replied.
Molly moved over to sit next to Jason. She smiled at him and smoothed the hair out of his eyes. He looked up at her shyly.
Dumbledore looked back at Hill. "Tell me, are you wishing to find permanent placement today for all three Stonesmith children, or temporary?"
"Headmaster, I can only issue temporary placements. You know that. My purpose here was to consult with you, and perhaps see if the Weasleys might be willing to take these children in. I knew of Auror Tonks' involvement with the older two children, but I was not aware that her level of interest was this high."
"Our involvement is both professional and personal Auror Hill," Remus replied. "My wife has considerable feelings, as do I, for the twins and is understandably concerned. As executive officer of the Diggory-Black War Relief fund, I also have a professional interest."
Tonks looked to be bursting to say something, but held her tongue when Remus placed a hand on her shoulder.
Dumbledore nodded, then turned to look at the Weasleys. "I understand all three of your children have become quite attached to the twins here in school. But are you willing to accept new children in your home?"
Before either you could reply Tonks blurted out, "If they won't, I will!"
"Tonks you can't," said Remus softly, looking his wife in the eye.
Her lip trembled slightly, but she looked at him defiantly.
"Nymph, I'm not turning these kids away. I'd love to bring into our home, but we can't. You're an Auror, Nymph. These kids just lost their parents. Are you willing to let them run the risk of losing a mother again?" Remus asked softly.
"Damnit Remus! That's not fair," she cried.
"I know it isn't fair sweetie, but it's true and you know it. Jason here needs a full time Mom for the next couple years. One that will be there for him. Are you ready to make that kind of change?" he asked.
Tonks paced the office in frustration, her hair cycling wildly. Molly looked at the younger woman shrewdly for a moment before she spoke. "Headmaster, I believe that the smart thing would be to allow us to take them in temporarily while a more permanent placement is explored."
Dumbledore looked at Molly with a knowing smile.
Remus turned to Arthur. "I'll send over a contractor later today to look into adding an additional bedroom to your home."
Arthur nodded gratefully at that.
"The next issue is, how do we approach this with the twins?" asked Dumbledore.
Poppy shot Dumbledore a warning look, then suggested she take Jason to the infirmary to repair his arm properly.
"Hmm… Yes, perhaps it would be best if Poppy attended to that while we discuss this further," he replied.
Second Year Defense Against the Dark Arts Class…
The noise was stupendous. Severus sat in a corner of the classroom trying to hide a grin, but he even he had to admit that Harry's idea seemed to be working. Harry had conjured balloons and the class was working on aiming accuracy by firing a sparking hex at them.
The kids were blowing up balloons and loving every second of it while Harry walked among them correcting their aiming techniques.
Dobby appeared next to Severus, startling him. The noise of the balloons exploding completely covered the noise of his appearance. Dobby handed Severus a note, which he read before signaling Harry to come over.
Giving the note to Harry, he stood and took the younger man's place, walking around the classroom and supervising the students.
Professor Potter,Please collect Mr. Weasley from Divination class, Miss Weasley from Potion class and the Stonesmith children from Transfiguration class and bring them to my office.
Albus Dumbledore
Headmaster, Hogwarts.
Harry scrawled additional comments to the bottom of the note. One was to Professor Trelawney, the other to Professor Snape, asking that the Weasleys meet him in Professor McGonagall's class.
"Dobby, would you please take this to the Divination and Potions professors please?" he asked.
The little elf nodded, took the note and vanished with a pop.
A short time later, Harry met up with his friends just outside Professor McGonagall's class.
"OY Mate! I'm glad you got me out of divination. Trelawney had just finished predicting that I'd either have fourteen kids, or I'd be trampled to death by fourteen raging sphinxes before I reach twenty," Ron said with a grin.
Harry snorted with amusement. Trelawney had been predicting death and doom for years now, usually his own. Shaking his head, Harry stepped into the classroom and coughed to catch Professor McGonagall's attention. She turned from the blackboard to look at him.
"Excuse me Professor, but the Headmaster has requested that I escort Mr. & Miss. Stonesmith to his office," he said.
"Very well, Professor Potter. Mr. Stonesmith, Miss Stonesmith, gather your belongings and accompany Professor Potter, please."
The twins gathered up their notes and books and followed Harry from the class. Once outside, Erika looked up at Harry fearfully.
"Professor Harry, are we in trouble?" she asked.
"I don't think so. The Headmaster asked to see all of us, not just you and Eric," he replied with a smile. He noted that even though Eric had been holding Erika's hand, he had also grasped Ginny's as well.
Entering the Headmaster's office, Harry was surprised to see so many people there. Dumbledore sat behind his desk with Molly and Arthur standing behind him. Remus and Tonks stood off to one side next to William Hill.
Harry could feel the tension in the room. Tonks looked like she wanted to rush over to the twins, but Remus had an arm wrapped around her. Harry guided Erika and Eric over to two seats in front of the Headmaster's desk, and then he moved to stand next to Erika in her chair.
"What's happened?" he asked bluntly.
Dumbledore looked like he was feeling the weight of his long years. "Last night, there was a fire. Mr. and Miss Stonesmith's home was burned to the ground. Now don't worry, no one was injured. But until the home can be rebuilt, we need to find other accommodations for Miss Stonesmith and her two brothers."
Erika looked up sharply. "Jason is here? Is he ok?" she asked, interrupting the Headmaster.
He smiled gently at her. "Yes, Miss Stonesmith. Madam Pomfrey is looking after him right now. I daresay you will be able to see him in an hour or two."
Eric leaned over and whispered something in Erika's ear. She gasped and turned back to the Headmaster, her eyes suddenly hard.
"They've finally done it, haven't they Sir?" she asked. She was trying to be strong, but Eric was leaning into her, his eyes streaming tears. Her own emotions boiled just below the surface. She wrapped an arm around her brother. Ginny knelt next to the two and tried to comfort them. Erika's lower lip trembled, but she finally blurted out, "They've finally kicked us out for being freaks, haven't they?"
Harry jumped like he had been struck. He looked down at the two kids and then back to the Headmaster. "Tell them the truth, Sir," he said between clenched teeth. He reached down and put a hand on Erika's shoulder.
Dumbledore sighed and lifted his glasses off the bridge of his nose. Of all the things he had to do as Headmaster, this was the most heartbreaking. After rubbing his nose tiredly, he replaced his glasses and looked at the twins. The sadness in his eyes was unmistakable. "I'm sorry to say Erika, you have guessed correctly. Your parents are afraid of the unique abilities you and your brothers share. As of this morning, they have waived their parental rights. The Ministry of Magic has stepped in, to make sure that the three of you are well cared for."
Erika pulled her brother tight to her as he started to cry. She scowled and tried to maintain control. "It'll be ok, Eric," she murmured. "I won't let them separate us. We're better off without them anyway!" she finished fiercely.
Tonks tried to break free from Remus, but he held her back. Seeing it, Molly stepped forward and smiled at the twins. "Eric, Erika, I'm Molly Weasley. I'm Ginny and Ronald's Mum..."
"Mine too," Harry said. When Molly looked up at him, her eyes gleaming, he sent her a soft smile.
"Yes I'm Harry's mum too," Molly said. "We'd really like it if you would come to stay with us for a while."
Erika turned to look at Harry, her eyes finally filling with tears. "We'd get to stay with you, Professor Harry? And Ginny and Ron too? You'd be our family? Jason too?"
Harry smiled through his own tears. "You'd be family no matter where you stayed Erika, but yes. Molly's a great Mum. She took me in when my family turned their back on me. You'd be able to come home with us at Christmas. We'll have a big Christmas celebration, would you like that?"
Eric watched this carefully while holding his sister. He held his breath and waited for Erika to make up their mind. After searching Harry and Molly's eyes for a long moment, she nodded.
Molly opened her arms to the girl. Erika looked at her shyly, and then leaned forward to give her a hug. Then Molly, pulled Eric in with them.
Tonks smiled a little, but it was a strained. Molly glanced down at the twins and asked them if they'd like to visit their brother in the infirmary.
Arthur waited until Molly, the twins and the other students filed out of the office before turning at Remus and Tonks. "Nymph, we'll take good care of them. And this is temporary. It should give you time to consider your options," he said softly.
Tonks looked at him and nodded gratefully.
Hogwarts infirmary…
Molly led her now expanded family through the doors of the infirmary. Poppy looked up as the troop of people entered the room. Erika and Eric both squealed upon seeing Jason and rushed forward, but Poppy stopped them.
"Now, now! Give him a moment. He'll be fine. You can even take him to lunch in a little while. Right now however, he needs to relax."
Upon seeing his brother and sister, Jason broke into a huge grin. Erika walked over to sit next to him.
Poppy smiled at the plump redheaded witch. "He'll be fine, Molly," she said, seeing the woman's concerned look. "The arm is healing nicely. I am concerned about him however. He has not spoken the entire time I've been with him."
There was a tugging at her skirt and she looked down to see Eric. "He doesn't talk, Madam Pomfrey," he said quietly. "He hasn't for a long time."
Poppy and Molly exchanged a look, then Poppy leaned over and thanked Eric for the information.
Harry was sitting next to Erika, looking at Jason. He smiled at the little boy while listening to Erika talk about all the magic she was learning. She tried to demonstrate by transfiguring a box of tissues on his night table into a box of chocolate frogs. Unfortunately it didn't quite work as well as she wanted, and she ended up with a box of chocolate tissues. Jason didn't mind. Chocolate, being chocolate, is important in any shape.
Harry leaned over and conjured a small teddy bear dressed in an "I love Hogwarts" t-shirt. Holding the bear out to the small boy, he watched as Jason's eyes grew large. Taking the bear, he hugged it tight and looked up at the emerald-eyed man.
"Jason, I'm Harry, this is Ginny and that's Ron. We're going to be part of your family now. Just like Erika and Eric." Then he pointed at Mrs. Weasley and said, "That's Molly. You're going to be living with her and Arthur for a while."
Jason looked up at Erika for confirmation. The young girl nodded at him and explained what she'd learned about the Weasley's and how'd they'd all be together now.
Molly joined them and smiled at the boy. "Jason dear, we're going to go have lunch with your brothers and sisters, then we'll take you to your new home. I think you'll really like it there, and Erika and Eric will be able to send you letters from school. I know you've missed them."
He smiled shyly at her, and then he clutched his bear and box of chocolate tissues as he reached for her hand. Seeing the trust in the child's eyes, knowing at least a small part of his family history, it nearly broke her heart.
Taking Jason's hand, she looked up as Harry placed an arm over her shoulders. Meeting his eyes, seeing the understanding in them, she smiled softly.
Harry leaned in and kissed her cheek, murmuring, "I love you, Molly."
Harry and the Paintings…
Harry had spent the next week wandering the castle in his free time, talking to the portraits. He was especially interested in the older ones, the ones that might have existed around the time of the founders. Unfortunately there were very few of those paintings left, and most of those that did exist were not enchanted paintings.
Harry limped into the common room one evening, an hour before curfew. His robe was torn and he had several scratches on his face, making him look like he'd tangled with several angry cats.
Ginny and Hermione were helping Erika with her charms homework. Eric was again playing Ron at Wizard's Chess. Everyone was surprised to find that, even though Erika was bright and outgoing, Eric was the more capable of the two in magic. He also finished his homework before his sister every night.
Harry sat heavily on the couch next to Ginny and Erika. He leaned back and closed his eyes to relax for a moment.
"What happened to you?" asked Ginny, looking up in surprise at Harry.
He cracked one eye open and looked at her. "I went exploring for more portraits to talk to. One of them told me that a bunch of older, faded portraits had been moved to a sub level of dungeons years ago. I think I found the entrance to the sub level, but it's protected. I found a trap door in a small closet and when I lifted the door, hundreds of bats flew out. I managed to slam the door shut and banish the bats. Well, most of them anyway.
"I guess I should have expected it, really. Basilisks, bats, birds, spiders and trolls in the girl's bathrooms. This castle has more creepy crawly critters than it does people," he replied with a heavy sigh. "The funny thing is, that trap door doesn't appear on the Marauder's map. For all I know, it could be an entrance to the castle sewers."
Hermione frowned at him. "Harry, you should be more careful. Bats can carry all sorts of nasty diseases and such. Besides, I've heard that the lower levels were condemned for being unsafe. You don't want to get trapped down there alone," she said with some degree of asperity.
Harry eyed Hermione for a moment, "Are you volunteering to help search with me?" he asked teasingly.
Hermione put a hand to her thick bushy hair and frowned. "Um… No, I don't think so Harry," she replied.
Harry looked at her for a moment and muttered, "I didn't think so."
He pulled out his sketchpad and enlarged it so he could use it. Erika, who'd finally finished her homework, decided it was time to play 'annoy her new big brother'. She moved over to sit next to Harry. She looked at the pictures he had drawn as he flipped pages looking for a blank sheet to draw on. She was pleased to find that, interspersed in the images of Ginny, the sword and other images, were pictures of her and Eric. There was even one of Jason with his teddy bear. Then something caught her eye.
"Professor Harry?" she asked.
"Hmm?"
"How come you changed the sword picture?" she asked curiously.
Ginny curled up against Harry's shoulder and looked at the picture of the sword Harry had drawn.
"Changed the picture, Erika? What do you mean?" he asked, looking at her.
"Well flip back a page or two. This picture isn't the same as the sword only a few pages back," she replied with certainty.
Harry flipped back and forth between the two images. There was a subtle difference to the drawings he had made. They were slight. In the latest drawings there were shadows on the handle, not well defined, but definitely there.
Handing the sketchpad to Ginny he stood and said, "I'll be right back."
Leaving the common room, he ran up to his dorm. He returned a few moments later, Pensieve in hand. Squeezing back into his place between Ginny and Erika, he placed the Pensieve on the table and extracted the memory of the sword from the time it had appeared in his bed.
He activated the Pensieve in presentation mode so everyone could see the sword.
"NEAT!" cried Eric, tearing his eyes away from the game. Ron, seizing the chance while Eric was distracted, tried to remove one of his castles from the board, only to have Hermione smack him in the back of his head.
"RONALD BELIUS WEASLEY! I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU'D DO THAT!" she said with a glare.
Eric immediately turned back to the board and shot Ron a suspicious look. He then moved his rook and looked up with glee. "Check mate, mate!" the young boy cried happily.
Ron leaned back in his chair like he had been slapped. "Oh bloody hell!"
Hermione smacked him again. "Language, Ronald!"
Harry and Ginny laughed for a moment before turning back to the image in the Pensieve. He flipped a few pages back in his sketchbook. Comparing the two, he found that the sword in the Pensieve was identical to the one he'd drawn. Harry's drawings were unusually accurate. Ginny had once claimed that he'd drawn her portrait with the correct number of freckles.
"I wonder if I should go look at the sword again? I don't know why the drawing has changed. What do you think, Gin?" he asked.
Before she could reply there was a popping sound and the sword appeared right in front of him. Before it could drop to the floor, his hand snatched it from the air.
Ron watched and moaned, "Oh, what a waste! Those wonderful seeker reflexes sitting on the sidelines."
Harry grinned at Ron for a moment, then turned his attention back to the sword.
"I don't think you need to go get the sword, Harry," Ginny murmured, grinning at him.
Harry chuckled and went back to examining the hilt of the sword. There was a difference this time. The sword wasn't very ornate, but the hilt had the crest of Gryffindor on two sides. Now, between the two crest engravings, there were two indentations. Subtler still were several indentations carefully built into the crests.
"Are you sure that's the same sword?" asked Hermione.
"It's the same sword alright 'Mione. I can hear it singing to me," he replied, "But somehow it's changed itself."
"Singing to you?" asked Ginny.
He placed the sketchpad down on the table in front of him and, still holding the sword in one hand, he took Ginny's hand in the other. "Listen with your mind Ginny. Close your eyes and hear what I'm hearing," he said softly.
A moment later Ginny gasped. "Harry, it's like bells, hundreds of bells ringing, but very soft. Soothing almost."
"That's the sword's song. It's what I hear every time I hold it," he replied looking at her.
He carefully put the sword on the table and stared at it for a while. "I guess there's no sense returning it. The Headmaster told me to hold onto it if it ever appeared again." He checked a nearby wall clock. "Well everyone, we have some 'business' to attend to tomorrow, so I think I'll shower and go to bed early."
Ron, Hermione and Ginny looked at him knowingly before packing up their things. Harry grabbed Ginny for a good night kiss. He wrapped his arms around her and she slowly ran her fingers through his hair, returning the kiss with as much passion.
Harry broke the kiss, feeling like he was being watched. Turning, he saw Erika watching them closely.
"Don't mind me," the little girl said with a grin. "I'm just watching so I know how I want to be kissed by my boyfriend."
Hogsmeade Weekend, 2nd weekend in November…
Wan was hiding behind a bush, waiting. She had left very early to avoid most of the students. The timing on this was tricky, but Danny should be waiting for her to arrive. He had specifically told her he would be. There! Her target approached and she was alone.
Michele McGlover, a pretty, petite blond third year was heading into town. She was muggleborn and one of the few not to ask the Brigade for protection. Wan lifted her wand and fired off her curse. Then she stepped out from behind the bush and joined Michele as she walked down the road.
Michele turned to Wan. "Oh Wan, I'm so happy you decided to join me. Where shall we go first? This is only my second trip to Hogsmeade."
"The Three Broomsticks of course, silly! Didn't I tell you my friend wanted to meet you, Michele?" asked Wan.
Michele nodded happily.
Hogwarts, 7th year boy's dorm…
A hand shook Harry awake roughly. He blinked and reached for his glasses.
"Blaise? What's the matter?" he asked sleepily.
"Harry, Wan is gone. She left early, before breakfast!"
Harry came instantly awake. "Get your squad out to the Three Broomsticks. I'll probably get there before you, but I'll wait for you. In the meantime, I'll wake Ron, Hermione and Ginny. If you get there early, don't move in unless this Danny person is going to leave."
Blaise nodded and left the dorm room at a run.
Harry dressed hurriedly, then went to shake Ron awake. "OY RON! Get up. Wan's left early."
Ron rolled out of bed and looked around wildly. "She's left already? What a bloody muck up!" Ron growled.
"There's no time. I want you to wait with Ginny and Hermione in the Shrieking Shack. I'm going to go wake up them up now."
Ron nodded and started throwing his clothes on.
Harry watched for a moment to make sure Ron was really awake, then he transformed into Wings and vanished in a flash of flame.
Hermione was just climbing out of bed when there was a burst of flame in front of her. She squeaked in surprise and fell back into the bed as Harry transformed back into his normal self.
"'Mione, Wan's gone already. Wake up Ginny and get to the Shrieking Shack. With a little luck, you'll have 15 minutes to set up," Harry hissed at her, trying to keep his voice low.
Hermione was concentrating so hard on what Harry was saying that it barely registered that she was half naked in front of her best friend. "We're on our way, Harry."
The Three Broomsticks…
Harry transformed back into Wings again and vanished, only to reappear, high above the Three Broomsticks. In the distance, he could see Blaise's security squad running down the road. They didn't want the sound of an apparation to warn off their targets.
Wings glided by the window of room number three. His keen eyes spotted three figures in the room instead of two. Landing behind the Three Broomsticks he transformed and walked around to the front of the building just as Blaise and his squad arrived.
Harry motioned them to be silent. "There are three people in the room. If we all enter the building at one time, we'll attract too much attention. I want everyone to come up, one minute apart."
After seeing them all accept his command, Harry entered the building and went straight up to room number three. Through the door he could hear two voices and another person sobbing. Harry wasn't sure what was going on, but he was beginning to regret the need to avoid suspicion downstairs.
Ten long minutes later, they were all gathered in front of the door. Harry looked around. Everyone was ready and wands were out. Harry muttered a spell under his breath, banishing the hinges on the door and then he collapsed the locking charm. He nodded to Blaise who gave the door a swift kick. The door fell inwards and they charged into the room.
Blaise stunned Wan with a well-placed Stupefy as Harry turned to Danny and muttered "Ossium Populatio".
Danny collapsed to the ground and writhed in pain. Harry walked over and removed his wand. "It's not as bad as Crucio, Danny, but the bone growing spell cast on the entire body is quite painful," he said clinically. Then he released him from the spell.
Harry looked over at the sobbing girl in the corner. While Wan was fully dressed, Michele had her blouse and bra torn from her body. What remained hung in tatters and provided absolutely no cover whatsoever. Harry transfigured the pillow into an oversized sweat shirt and took it over to her.
Handing the girl the shirt, she immediately pulled it to her chest.
"Michele, look at me. You know me, right?" Harry asked gently.
She nodded, tears still streaming down her cheeks.
"In a few minutes we're all going to go somewhere. You'll be safe, but I need you to be strong for me, Michele. If you want to make sure these two will never hurt another person again, but you need to be strong. Alright?"
She nodded again.
"I'm going to turn around now and hide you from the others so you can put that shirt on. Then we're all going to go somewhere nearby. I'll make sure your safe, Michele. Do you trust me?"
"Y-Yes I trust you Harry. I'm sorry, I c-c-couldn't stop myself," she stammered.
"Shhh… it will be alright, Michele. I promise you. Your safe now."
Harry turned around to let the girl put on the sweat shirt.
"Blaise? Are you ready to transport?" Harry asked.
"Yes, Harry. Both prisoners are bound."
"Good. Now we'll see if Hermione managed to figure out the portkey spell after all," he said pulling a length of rope from his pocket. "Here, take one end Blaise and thread it through their binds. Everyone grab on."
Harry turned to look at Michele. She smiled shakily at him and grabbed a piece of the rope. He winked back at her, and then made a quick check to see everyone had a grip on the rope. Nodding, he activated the portkey with his wand.
The Shrieking Shack…
Everyone appeared in what used to be the living room of the Shrieking Shack. Harry fell flat on his face with his landing. Groaning he looked around to see everyone else standing.
"Hermione, can't you fix that?" he asked.
"Sorry Harry, but there's nothing wrong with the spell. It's your landings," she said with a smirk, and then she noticed Michele and her face fell.
"Michele? What are you doing here?" Hermione asked walking over to the girl. Michele started to cry again. Hermione wrapped an arm around her and led her into another room where they could talk. Ginny followed to help.
"Ron, Blaise, get our guests set up for our little dog and pony show. I'll go get our friends."
Ron and Blaise nodded at Harry while he transformed into Wings and vanished.
Grimmauld Place…
Harry appeared in the living room of Grimmauld Place and looked around.
"TONKS!" he yelled.
Remus came bursting into the room from the kitchen, a fork with some bacon skewered to it still in his hand.
"Harry! What's wrong? Why are you here? What's happened?" he asked.
"I need Tonks, Remus. Is she here?"
"Yes. She's upstairs getting dressed," he replied, clearly bewildered.
"Will you get her for me Remus? I need AUROR Tonks and to bring two anti-apparation manacles with her," he replied grimly.
With a nod, the man dropped his fork and dashed up the stairs.
Tonks and Remus came downstairs a few moments later. Manacles clipped to her belt, Tonks approached Harry, concerned. "What in the name of Merlin is going on? I haven't even had my morning tea yet!"
"You'll find out soon enough, but first we need to pick up the Headmaster and Madam Pomfrey. Remus, if you want to be in on this, then I suggest you apparate to the Shrieking Shack. Do NOT enter until I send someone out to get you. Understand?"
Tonks and Remus exchanged looks. Whatever was going on, Harry was deadly serious about it.
Harry transformed into Wings and flew to Tonks. She grabbed a feather and in a flash they were off, back to Hogwarts to pick up Madam Pomfrey and the Headmaster.
The Shrieking Shack…
Danny and Wan were securely bound to two straight back chairs. Nearby were a small table with a vial of veritaserum, two wands and Harry's Pensieve. In front of the two prisoners were multiple chairs. Behind each prisoner stood a member of Blaise's security squad. Each prisoner had been silenced with a charm.
Ron and Blaise were talking near the entrance of the Shrieking Shack. Hermione and Ginny were still in the other room with Michele. Wings reappeared in a flash, the Headmaster, Madam Pomfrey and Tonks in tow. Harry changed back into human form and stopped Madam Pomfrey from going to check on Wan.
"Madam Pomfrey, your charge is in the other room," he said coldly, pointing to another door. "She needs a calming draught and should probably be checked for possible rape. Ginny and Hermione are with her now."
Madam Pomfrey stared at Harry for a moment and then rushed into the other room.
"Harry, what is going on here?" asked the Headmaster.
"One moment please, Sir. Blaise, Remus Lupin should be here shortly. As soon as he arrives, please let him enter."
Three minutes later, Remus entered the shack. Blaise walked over to the table and placed a memory into the Pensieve. Harry gestured for everyone to take a seat.
"Headmaster, Auror Tonks, what you are about to witness occurred during the last Hogsmeade Weekend. It's the reason why we're here now," Harry said before nodding to Blaise to start the playback. The scene above the Pensieve wavered for a moment before solidifying into an interior view of the Three Broomsticks.
A tall young man entered. Wan waved and he returned her wave. He went over to the inn keeper and spoke softly with him for a moment. Then, behind his back, he showed a hand with three fingers outstretched.
Wan saw the movement, picked up her things, and headed upstairs. Finding room number three was easy enough. She opened the door and looked in. There was a momentary draft of air but, ignoring it, she stepped inside.
Another minute went by and Danny entered the room, closing the door softly behind him. As he turned, he put on his best smile for her.
Wan flung her arms around him and kissed him deeply. She was already fumbling for his zipper when he stopped her.
"Later, my pretty. First I want to know, were you caught? I was so worried you might be caught!"
"No darling, no one saw a thing. I waited for the Quidditch match when his room would be empty and snuck in then," she replied, her hands still working on his zipper. "It's been so long! I want you, and I know you must be ready to burst, you poor dear! Let me give you some relief."
"In a moment, my pet. I want to know, how long did it last? Did he suffer, has he fully recovered?" asked Danny.
"He screamed for nearly an hour. It was so funny! I don't know much about how he recovered because he's very secretive about what he can do. Those that know don't talk about it, except to say he's very powerful. Some say even more powerful than that fool Dumbledore," she replied.
"And are you still relaying my messages to your friends?" he asked, his breath deepening as she started to fondle him though his pants.
"Oh yes, Danny. They love hearing from you."
"Good, very good Wan. I'll try to get you more powder. If you have the chance to get to his salve again, take it and owl me. Understand?"
"Yes, yes. I understand," she said through her own gasps as she rubbed herself against his leg.
He sat on the edge of the bed and reached to fondle her breasts through her blouse. She moaned and knelt before him. She quickly opened his zipper and released him from his pants.
He stopped her. "I want you to prove your love to me Wan," he said fiercely.
"I'll do anything for you Danny, anything!" she moaned piteously.
He smiled at her. "Good my pet. I will owl you asking you to bring me a toy for our next meeting here. I think you will enjoy it. Do this for me and I'll have your ring with me next Hogsmeade weekend."
She nodded in acceptance of his demand, then she moaned in delight as he grabbed her head and guided her downwards.
Harry nodded to the guard behind Danny. He reached down and ripped the right arm from his shirt, revealing the Dark Mark of one in the service Lord Voldemort.
"This morning, Auror Tonks, we captured these two, with another student that I suspect was not there under her own free will. She was disheveled and very upset. Her clothing had been torn from her body before we arrived to capture these two."
Danny was shaking his head in denial. Wan was staring at Danny and his mark, her expression one of horror.
"Auror, the third student, Michele McGlover, is in the next room being attended to by Madam Pomfrey, Hermione Granger and Ginny Weasley. I have reason to believe she was intercepted on the way to town, and an Imperio curse was cast on her. Their wands are on the table. Check them if you wish."
Tonks walked over to the table and muttered a spell over each wand before picking one up.
"Whose wand is the Spruce, ten inches?" asked Tonks.
Dumbledore replied in a grave voice, "That would belong to Miss Wan Chang."
Tonks turned to Wan. "Wan Chang, I arrest you on the charge of casting an Unforgiveable curse," she said coldly. Tonks walked around to the back of the prisoners and placed them both in anti-apparation manacles.
"They're secured, Harry. Will you drop your anti-apparation ward please? We need additional Auror support," she said.
Harry nodded and dispelled the ward he had placed on the Shrieking Shack.
"Remus, would you kindly go to the Ministry MLE office and ask that two Aurors accompany you back here," asked Tonks.
Remus stood and apparated away.
Harry released the silencing charm from Wan.
"I expect you want to talk to her, Headmaster," he said quietly.
Wan's eyes darted in every direction, looking in vain for some friendly face, or a chance of escape. Ginny and Hermione came back into the room. The looks they gave Wan were as hard as stone and just as cold.
"Miss Chang, you are aware of what you've done this day?" asked Dumbledore, his voice filled with sorrow.
"H-H-Headmaster, I didn't know he was a D-D-Death Eater. I thought he loved me. He told me I was special!" She started to weep.
Madam Pomfrey walked into the room, her arm about a very pale Michele. Michele took one look at Wan and spat at her. "I hope you get the veil for this, you stupid blooder!" she screamed then collapsed against Madam Pomfrey crying.
Holding the weeping girl, Poppy looked at Dumbledore and Tonks. "She's still upset. I'd like to get her up to the infirmary Headmaster. Harry… Harry and his companions arrived before they could do anything more serious than frighten her," she said.
Dumbledore glanced at Tonks who nodded to him. "Very well Poppy, take her back to the castle. I'm sure someone will come by later to take a statement from her. Miss Granger, Miss Weasley, if you would be so kind as to help Madam Pomfrey with Miss McGlover?"
As the four of them passed Harry and Blaise, Michele reached out to both of them, touching their arms. "Thank you," she whispered.
Later that evening…
If Harry had known how much time today's little episode was going to take, he might have considered just dumping the information in the laps of the Aurors and forgetting about it.
It wasn't until nearly dinner time that all of the statements had been taken, wands checked, and the prisoners questioned. Harry and friends slowly trudged up the road from Hogsmeade to the castle. It hadn't helped when it was discovered that Danny was a Ministry employee who had been passing information to Voldemort for more than a year.
Harry now walked the silent halls of the castle. He knew he should have gone back to the common room and spent time with his friends, but he really couldn't. Not tonight. With the final battle less than six months away, he felt the sands of time pressing on him most keenly.
Danny's revelations had revealed plans within plans, some going back years. And he had only been preparing for a year and a half. The Ministry defense force was really shaping up under Moody, as was the Phoenix Brigade, but time was against them.
News of Wan's arrest had spread throughout the castle like wildfire. Many of the muggle born and half blood students breathed a sigh of relief, then asked that the brigade stop guarding them. Harry felt that it was a mistake to do so, but he couldn't get many of them to change their minds.
In a week or two, there would be a trial for Wan and her Death Eater boyfriend. More time wasted!
Slowly and not even knowing why, he made his way to the astronomy tower. Standing on the high, open platform, he looked out from the moonlit castle to the lake in the distance. The vista was peaceful and serene, but held little comfort for him tonight. In his mind's eye he could see the approaching army looming just over the horizon.
"Harry?" said a soft voice from behind him.
A faint smile flickered on his lips. How does she do that? "Hey Gin. Pretty night, isn't it?" he asked quietly.
She came up from behind him and wrapped her arms around him, holding him close. "What is bothering you Harry? Wan?"
He placed his own arms over hers. "Not just her or the war. I can feel him coming Gin. He's out there right now, massing his forces and I feel like I'm not doing enough about it." He pointed to the lights of Hogsmeade in the distance. "Look there. They have no clue that, in less than six months, war will rage through their community and come here. And it's up to me to stop it. Sometimes… sometimes I wish…" He trailed off.
"What do you wish? Tell me, please?" she asked him.
He sighed heavily. "Sometimes I wish I was just Harry, a normal person with normal problems. Even if I do manage to beat him, I'll never be able to show my face in public Gin. I'll be the Bloody-Boy-Who-Beat-Voldemort."
She turned him around and sat him down on one of the benches. Even in the darkness he could see her soft features framed by her hair.
"Harry," she started softly, placing her hands on his shoulders. "Is there anyone else you would trust to do this?"
He thought about that for a moment. "No, not really. Dumbledore can't do it, nor Remus, or even you or Ron. It's my job, I guess."
"You do this because you know there is no one else that can. You'll do it for all of the good people out there who've never heard your name and don't know anything about you, but will fall to Voldemort just the same if he wins. We both know Voldemort won't stop with Britain. And once it's over, you and I can start our life together, safe and happy. You won't hide Harry, because that's not who you are.
"I know you must feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders, but you're concentrating on the wrong thing. Don't try to save the whole world. That's too much for one person to do. Save Erika, Eric and Jason. Save your family, friends and our future."
He smiled in the darkness and reached up to caress her cheek. "How did you ever get so smart, Miss Weasley?"
"Didn't you know, Mr. Potter? All of us Weasley's are smart. You told me that once," she replied.
Harry stood and kissed her gently, then wrapped an arm around her. Turning, they walked back to the common room together.
At the top of the tower, Albus Dumbledore stepped from the shadows. Very well done Ginevra, very well done indeed, he thought.
The next morning…
Harry got up early, wanting to explore the lower dungeons again. He planned to meet Ginny, Ron and Hermione for a trip into Hogsmeade later, but for now, he had some free time to burn, and that trap door was really bothering him.
Once in the closet, he stood over the trap door. He decided to cast a shield spell so the bats could exit, but couldn't reach him. He then opened the door with a levitation spell. Like before, the bats boiled out of the hole, but this time they couldn't get through the shield.
Bats! There were thousands of them. When most of them had exited the hole, he cast a containment spell and pinned most of the bats in a small area of the closet, away from the hole.
Dropping his shield, he was able to finally get a closer look at the hole. "Lumos Flotima," he uttered, causing a bright orb of light to appear.
Yes! There was a ladder built into the wall. He climbed down the ladder carefully, the light orb following him. At each rung, he carefully tested it with his weight. Most of Hogwarts was incredibly old and seemingly untouched by age, but this wasn't a time to be careless.
When he reached the bottom of the ladder, he stepped off into a long corridor that receded into the distance. Heavy iron doors were spaced on both sides of the passage at regular intervals.
He walked over to one of the doors and tried to open it, but it wouldn't budge. "Alohomora," he said, pointing at the door. There was a bright flash of light and he was thrown against the opposite wall.
"Well, that didn't work too well," he said groggily while leaning against the wall. He hesitated and decided not to try again. Returning to the ladder, he pulled out his sketchpad and made a quick sketch of the area. He'd show it to Dumbledore and see what he had to say about it.
Climbing up the ladder, he moved the bats from their containment back to the hole entrance. Closing the field slowly, they were squeezed back down the hole. Once done, he slammed the door shut.
Ministry of Magic, Courtroom Number 10, near the end of November…
"The prisoners will stand!" barked a bailiff.
Wan Chang and Danny Wong stood slowly. The manacles made it difficult for any fast movement.
Harry and a number of his Brigade sat in the gallery, having given their testimony two days earlier. They watched silently as the judges returned to the bench after having reached a verdict. This is what they had worked and waited for. None of them would have missed it.
"The prisoners will sit!" said the bailiff.
Amelia Bones stood off to one side. Daniel Wong's sabotage and leaks had done considerable harm to the Ministry. He was the one leaking information to Voldemort that gave the locations of muggle born families. He had been implicated in using his job to release many damaging cursed objects into the muggle world. He was also charged with attempting to murder Harry Potter twice, along with a long list of other charges. Amelia was angry. This was one of their own, a trusted member of the Government and she wanted to see justice done.
"The defendants, having been questioned under Veritaserum, and their stories corroborated by witness, have been granted every right and privilege our judicial system allows for. It is now time to read the verdicts," said the Head Judge.
"Daniel Wong, stand and hear our judgment."
One of the bailiffs poked Daniel. Sullenly he stood to face the judges.
"Daniel Wong," read the Head Judge. "You are charged with the following.
Being in league with the criminal known as Voldemort, GUILTY." A lot of people in the court room flinched as the name was mentioned. The judge ignored them and continued to read the verdicts.
"On the charge of committing espionage during a formal proclamation of Emergency, this court finds you GUILTY," the judge said. "On the charge of conspiracy to commit murder, this court finds you GUILTY. On the charge of kidnapping a minor, this court finds you GUILTY. On the charge of attempted rape of a minor, this court finds you GUILTY. Any one of these acts is sufficient to warrant death. Do you wish to make a statement before I pronounce sentence?"
"You may kill me, but Lord Voldemort will triumph!" he shouted.
One of the bailiffs cast a silencing charm on him.
"Is there anyone in the court wishing to make a statement of appeal for this individual before I pass sentence?" asked the Judge.
After a brief pause in which no one spoke, the Judge continued. "Very well. Daniel Wong, it is the judgment of this court that you be taken from this place and sent immediately to the Death Chamber where your execution will be carried out. Bailiffs, please remove the defendant, and may the Light have mercy on your soul, Daniel Wong."
Four bailiffs entered the court. One removed the shackle attached to the floor ring. They then dragged Daniel Wong, his eye's bulging in panic, from the room.
The judges waited until he had been removed before turning to Wan Chang. She stood without being prompted. Her eyes were fixed firmly on the floor in front of her, tears streaming down her face.
The Head Judge looked down at Wan sternly. "Wan Chang, you are charged with the following. On the charge of being in league with the criminal known as Voldemort, you are found NOT GUILTY. On the charge of conspiracy to commit Assault, you are found GUILTY. On the charge of kidnapping a minor, you are found GUILTY. On the charge of casting of an Unforgiveable curse, you are found GUILTY. Any one of these acts is sufficient to require jail time. Do you wish to make a statement before I pronounce sentence?"
She lifted a tear stained face to the judges. "I-I-I'm sorry. I was just doing what Danny told me to do. I thought he loved me, h-h-he lied to me," she said then broke down sobbing.
From the back of the court there came a disturbance. "WAN CHANG, SHAME! You've brought shame on yourself and our family!" screamed Cho Chang. Her family was holding her back as Wan collapsed to her knees.
The judge banged the gavel. "Silence! I will have silence in the court!"
After a moment, Cho's parents got her under control and she sat back down sobbing softly.
"Is there anyone in the court wishing to make a statement of appeal for this individual before I pass sentence?" asked the Judge.
A soft voice broke the silence in the room. "I do," said Albus Dumbledore from his seat up front. Gasps were heard throughout the court.
"The bench recognizes Albus Dumbledore. You may step forward and make your appeal," said the surprised Head Judge.
Dumbledore stepped before the bench, standing next to Wan. "My lords, before you is a child. She is but fifteen years old. She has been influenced by dark elements and swayed from the light, as surely as if she had been a victim of an Imperio curse herself. I would ask for leniency for this child, in the hopes that she may be turned from her path. I realize that you cannot allow her to go unpunished. I ask that her rights to magic be severely limited and she not be allowed full use of her wand until she turns twenty-one years of age. In the interim, Hogwarts School of Witch and Wizardry would continue to instruct her, and work with her family, to insure she does not stray again."
When he was finished, he placed a gentle hand on Wan's shoulder. A murmur rose among the spectators. The judges conferred among themselves for a moment before turning to face the defendant again.
"Wan Chang, having conferred with the panel, and in light of your young age, we sentence you to fifteen years in Azkaban prison. However, in response to the appeal of the Headmaster of Hogwarts, we will suspend the sentence and remand you into the joint custody of your parents and Albus Dumbledore. Additionally, you are fined fifteen thousand galleons. Your wand will be turned over to your school and subject to periodic examination to make sure you are only casting spells appropriate for your school work. Any infraction from this point on and you will be sent to Azkaban, to serve the sentence imposed by this court on this day.
"Bailiff's, release the prisoner. This court stands adjourned." the judge finished.
Wan slumped to her seat, her face ashen. She couldn't bear to look at her family. Fifteen thousand galleons! That was so much money!
Dumbledore waited until the bailiffs had removed the manacles from Wan, then, still holding her by the shoulder, he scanned the courtroom looking to meet with her parents. He was very startled to see Harry and members of his brigade staring at him with open hostility. The magic pouring off Harry was noticeable, even from fifty feet away.
As a group they filed out from the courtroom to return to Hogwarts.
The common room, later that evening…
The common room was fairly busy when the door opened and Professor Sprout led an ashen faced Wan Chang into the room. A hush fell across the room as people turned to stare. She flinched under those stony looks. Professor Sprout led the girl up to her dorm room and left her there.
Disgusted with herself, and wandless, she sat down on her bed to contemplate the misery that had become her life. Next to her pillow was a parchment. Picking it up, she read, "We will be watching you…" It was unsigned.
Harry watched as Professor Sprout came back down and left the common room. Turning to Blaise, who sat nearby talking with Susan, he said, "I want you to pass the word. There will be no reprisals against Wan. I think the Headmaster is wrong in bringing her back here, but let's leave her be for now. Either she'll prove she's changed for the better, or she'll find a new way of hanging herself. I just don't want anyone to say we pushed her into it."
"Understood. I'll take care of it, Harry," Blaise replied.
Authors Notes:
Our apologies for the delay in releasing this chapter. Believe it or not, I think I sprained one of my fingers after chapter 7, and I couldn't type very well for a day or two. It's still a little sore, but much better than it was.
To the reviewer that disliked the length of our chapters, we're sorry, but there are plenty of stories out there with 200 word chapters. We try to make each chapter roughly thirty pages long in our word processor. Some people like tiny chapters. Sure Dumbledore's Army and Spiritus Crystalus could have been reformatted into 6000 chapters, but we're lazy. Live with it. Grin
As for Harry being the Headmaster who finally gets rid of the lemon drops, doubtful for a number of reasons. 1) We have no intention of writing this story that far into the future and 2) We have other plans for Harry.
Harry super powered? Sure he is, compared with his peers. But against Voldemort? Now that's a different story, as you will come to learn.
Here's our take on Occulumency and why Harry and Ginny are capable of exchanging thoughts. Occulumency is designed to prevent attacks from an outside source. But Harry and Ginny share a unique bond that will continue to grow and continue to become more visible as time goes on. It's this bond of theirs that enables them to bypass the shields.
As for the PB's robes, they're dress robes and every member, new or old, has a set. When the school combined the houses, the standard Hogwart's robes were transformed as well. They look similar to their old robes, the only difference being the Hogwart's battle insignia has replaced the house insignias. Every student at Hogwarts has a set of the new school robes, regardless of whether or not they're members of the PB. There are no 'special combat robes' for the PB. They simply look different than the new school robes (silver, rather than black).
We actually inspired someone? Wow, what a compliment. Thanks!
We don't think JKR will combine the houses either. In cannon, we don't think it would work. But in our story, it was necessary. Besides, we are quite proud of that particular scene.
Our romantic dialog makes you cringe? Then we're glad there isn't more romance in this story. But then again, love can make a person do some pretty corny things, don't you think?
We enjoyed the wand virus too. You may see more of it…but then again, you may not. We're not telling.
Well folks, that's about it. Baring any more injuries, we should be back to our regular posting schedule of 1-2 days. If we slow up, you'll know why.
Enjoy!Bob and Alyx
