To who ever is still reading this.
I'm sorry about the way that the story is formatting. I really amsplitting up the dialogue and breaking up the paragraphs so it can be read easier. I'm my biggest critic because I hate to read all the run on's myself. If you'll excuse the cramped look of the story and read it anyway, I'll really appreciate it. One of these day's when it's done, I'll try to have a professional give it a work over and I'll repost start to finish.
I already have several chapters written ahead, ( I'm up to ch25) so, Aurelia, if you still want to, send me your email address and I'll let you give it a go. Thanks for reading everyone.
Oh yeah, before I forget, The first slash fic I read that lead me to discover the fandom was Beren's "Gold Tinted Spectacles". Great slash writer. Just thought you'd like to know. Now, on with the story... enjoy
The Departure and Secret Arrival
Birdy had a prepared very light meal for the Thunderbirds and had given Draco a couple of muggle chocolate protein drinks to suppliment what was going to be a light supper of soup and salad. She explained to them about flying east and the need to eat when they got there to keep their tummy's in good working order and they didn't ask further about it. The big eaters of the group, Vince, Greg and Ron were just a tiny bit sad that they wouldn't see another one of Birdy's great southwest meals for a very, very long time. Birdy promised to send them regular packages full of the things that they had come to love to eat. They were commiserating about steak and kidney pie and everything that they weren't looking forwarding to having as daily fare.
"That was a wonderful meal Birdy. I was still kinda full from earlier, the babies and that seem to fill me up quite quickly."
"You're welcome Draco. You need to eat almost constantly from now on with so many babies inside of you. I think you'll gain a fair bit of weight. You will carry it wonderfully too. You're strong and tall and the babies will only energize you with their magic as they grow bigger. The emotional spells you cast will be very strong and get more powerful as your pregnancy progresses. You'll need to take in lots of good calories. I think that Poppy Pomfrey will be a good resource for you to use when it comes to nutrition while you're pregnant. Or, you can ask Molly Weasley, she ate for three once."
"I wondered what made her stay so..."
"Don't say it mate." Ron said "I will. Fat and it's Fred and George's fault. She was thin after Percy was born but then they came along and look what they did to her. I love her no matter what but I don't think I could take it if you bad mouthed her Draco. I..I think I'm beginning to feel something good for you and Harry, that would have ruined it. So I said my mother is fat for you. Did that make any sense?"
"Very nicely thank you Ron. I think that we'll have to pick up Harry off the floor, he seems to have fainted." Draco said letting go of a mock fainted Harry.
"Oi, come on mate, " Ron was saying as he slapped Harry's face gently trying to rouse him. "There you go Harry, take a breath mate, in, out, in, out."
"Gerroff me and quit hitting me in the face Ron before I shrink your bits and it will be Hermione that get's the short end." Harry said " I can't beleive what you just said to Draco. That was nice of you. Now let me up."
Harry brushed the non existant dirt off his bum and tried to straighten out his clothes when Draco stopped him and started to do it himself. He intended to take charge of Harry's wardrobe from now on with his mothers assistance of course.
"Draco, do you think you could drink one of these choclolate protein drinks every couple of hours?" Birdy asked trying to change the subject subtly.
"They're rather good. Yes I suppose that I could drink one of these every few hours why?"
"No reason. I'll see to it that there is enough for you there for the next few months or so. They're good and they're good for you and the babies. You'll still have to eat your regular six meals a day and drink lots of fluids and take vitamin potions. Severus won't let you down there."
"I can't wait to see the look on his face when he has to call Harry King! Hahaha!"
"Draco, not until..."
"I know, I know, not until Samhain."
"But, I'm telling him about having to call you Prince Harry. I never agreed to that. Gotcha love."
"Slytherin."
"Thunderbird/Slytherin. You're Thunderbird/Gryffindor which makes you not as smart as me."
"I'm not going to win this arguement am I?"
"No. And it was only a clarification not an argueme...mmpphh." Draco was cut off by a pair of sexy lips and it shut him up nicely... note to self 'kiss draco more often'
"I agree dear. Kiss me more often."
"You heard that?" Harry asked and Draco raised his ring and wiggled his finger at Harry.
Harry turned in time for the other Thunderbirds to raise their hands and wiggle them at him showing off their rings as well. Harry turned red and everybody got a laugh at the new Prince.
"Would you all like to come to my hogan and rest and watch muggle television before you have to leave? If you want to take a nap in there it's alright with me. There's plenty of room you know. You're not leaving for a few hours. You're all packed, your uniforms are in your carry along. Do you all have your wands?" Birdy asked. She was shown twelve wands in return.
"Good. I have another gift from an African wizarding government, they're wand holsters for your arms, completely cutproof and unbreakable to even the mightiest blows in battle I'm told. They are quite smart aren't they? They're woven from magically cut dragon scale, completely soft to the touch too. Nice huh?"
Vince and Greg thought that they were awesome and would use theirs at all times keeping their wands with them even while they slept. The other Thunderbirds gave their whole hearted approval of the latest gift and thanked Birdy.
Everyone had coupled up and were snuggling with each other under the large Navajo blankets watching muggle television. Birdy thought that she could serve them light snacks and fluids through the evening because she didn't want them sick from flying on Pipsqueak when she streaked them to Britain from Arizona at battle speed to keep them safe.
An international portkey was out of the question. She wouldn't let Adam arrive in Britain that way. It was alright for the other wizarding governments if they wanted to send their people to only one of two locations in all of Europe that way then so be it. The need for secrecy was still paramount.
The Thunderbirds had finished watching the eleven o'clock news from Los Angeles and got a weather report for Britain from watching the WWN, Wizarding Weather Network. The thirteen of them rose nervously. The time approaching their journey to Britain was almost upon them and they began to say their goodbyes to Birdy. One by one they each had something to say to her so she listened to them for the twenty minutes they had left. She got to her son last. He was sniffling a bit but he was smiling for his mother showing off his pearly whites.
"Adam honey. Come here to mama." Birdy said and Adam did as he was told.
"What is it Mama?"
"I want you to be strong and brave for me alright? You're a Thundercloud and that means something to a lot of people not just me. You make sure that Harry takes that asshole out and nobody is to get in his way. Do you hear me? No one."
"I hear you ma, I'm right here. I love Harry and I won't let him get hurt. Draco either. Or Neville. None of em mama. None of em."
"I know you won't sweetie. Now you go and learn some things, and if anyone asks for you to help them with schoolwork, I expect you to help. You're smart as you can be but, although you look like a grown up, you're not. Not really. You still have time to be a kid so don't worry. And you be sure to honor the name Thundercloud son. You listen to Narcissa and Albus and Severus and Molly and..."
"I got ya mama. I love you, you know?" Adam said to his mother and that just about opened the floodgates of stinging tears. Adam had grown up so much in the last two months, she just didn't recognize it.
"I love you too Adam Black Thundercloud, my son. I love you too." Birdy said with the tears just starting to cascade down her cheeks.
"Oh there you've gone and done it Adam. Mama's mascara is going to run. I'll be right back."
Birdy left her hogan and an almost sad Adam. "She doesn't wear mascara. She's going off to have a cry alone for a minute or two. Everybody got their stuff? Your dress robes? Does anyone need to go back and check for their things?" He said to his friends.
"Not needed Adam, Ginny and I helped everyone gather their things. Draco had been writing down everything that they had eaten or tried to eat and has reicipes for everything that he won't shrink." Hermione said glaringly sweet at Draco who was inspecting his fingernails and leaning on Harry.
"Well then, when Ma gets back, I suppose we'll go outside and Pipsqueak can come down from her nest and fly us there." Adam said. Birdy wasn't gone but for two minutes and her face was freshly washed and dried. She didn't have any more tears of so long for now. She refused to say good bye.
"Well then my darlings it's time we headed outside. I'll call Pippy down and she can take you home. I'm sending Lulu too. She can come home when you are safely there and at Hogwarts."
"Well, O K ma, what ever you say. You know, we should get one of those telephones. We could call you... less effort, no magic.."
"You are so smart Adam. Why didn't I think of that before? Let me see... I don't need a damn telephone. I have a bird and I can scry if I need so desperately to see what you're up to. I could have Luna send me a signal. I could make any number of different attempts but Lulu will be back here in less than five seconds. She isn't at all afraid to apparate that far." Birdy mock ranted at her son. He was helping her feel better and she knew it.
"Thank's ma. Told ya I knew I was smart. Do you want me to keep Pipsqueak with me or let her come home?"
"Oh, she's staying with you. If you get into a fight with Death Eaters or anyone that is in Voldemort's service, don't hesitate to call her out. She can deflect almost anything, kind of like a dragon, so she stays. You can always do with another magical bird on your side." Birdy admonished.
"Can we use her to transport around Britain?"
"I'd rather you used her for less personal things, but if you only absolutely need to, it would be alright. You'll have battle brooms and those souped up civilian brooms as well, and, you can always fly yourself. Let Pippy rest and if she needs to, then fight. Alright?"
"Ok mama. Piiiiiiiiiiiiiiiipppsqeeeak!" Adam shouted to the sky in Pipsqueaks direction.
The great bird could be seen taking to the night sky from her perch atop one of the monumental sized red hills surrounding them. Pipsqueak landed in a hail of lightening sparks on the great lawn beyond the garden where they were waiting and bowed to her empress, her friend.
"Not very smart if you ask me, now is she?" Birdy said scarcastically to her son making a face at him.
"Ok mama. Now give me a hug for the road?"
"Ok baby, a hug for the road." Birdy had almost broken into tears when she said hug for the road. The time was finally here.
One by one after Adam had climbed on the great big magical bird, the Thunderbirds gave Birdy a good bye hug. Vince and Greg almost smothered her. They hadn't ever had someone mother them like she did and they loved her for it and said so. Blaise and Luna thanked her for everything they could think of an climbed on board behind Vince and Greg. Hermione and Ron were next and for the first time in like forever, Hermione was speechless. Ron said their thank you's and see you later's for them and joined the que up on the bird. Neville and Ginny were next and Birdy gave Ginny a muggle gun with instructions on how to use it. She was going to need one at school. And she gave her a wink.
Alices son had grown into a nice young man. Him and Ginny would make cute babies. Purebloods that wouldn't give a rat's ass what their future mates would be. Fred and George were next to say adios to their surrogate mother and gave her a sandwich squeeze and kissed her cheek at the same time leaning way down to reach her face. That left Harry and Draco.
"MaBirdy, I'm glad that I got to finally meet my godmother. You're an angel to me. I'll never forget you and I'll try to follow your example of generosity towards others. Thanks so much for taking care of Draco. He tried on the magical fit robes and he said they still felt as wonderful as he imagined. Just ask him. See you again soon. I-I love you MaBirdy. Thanks for giving me a family I didn't know I had. I'll watch out for Adam. Draco too. Won't you Draco?"
"Of course I will love. MaBirdy, thank you for everything. You've been a most gracious hostess. A beacon of the light for us to use as an example to emulate. Harry and I were wondering if you would consider being godmother to all of the babies not just one of them."
Birdy choked back more tears and nodded her acceptance and gave the two wizards a very powerful hug before she helped Draco climb on Pippy, she gave them both a kiss on the cheek. Harry was last up and he looked back at a wet faced little Navajo woman waving good bye and blowing kisses at him. He smiled back and sat down out of sight. Just as he sat, Pipsqueak extended her wings and gave a few mighty flaps and she was streaking skywards heading out towards the Window Rock and Britain
'The Thunderbirds are on their way you sick bastard. When they're done with you and your's, I'm getting my son's father back from beyond the veil.' Birdy thought to herself. Pipsqueak was just out of sight when she turned back to her home to lock up and go to bed for a few hours. She missed sleeping last night and needed a rest.
Pipsqueak had reached her magical speed in no time and was streaking towards morning at a very high rate of speed. If you were a muggle flying that fast, you would blow apart... or melt and die. The giant Thunderbird made a bee line for the south west coast of Britain and a turn towards Ottery St. Catchpoole and, the Burrow. She remembered the way from the first time she was there twenty years ago and was making great time.. perhaps two minutes and she would be there to deliver her cargo safe and sound.
The Thunderbirds had sat the bags with their uniforms underneath them as they made great seats for a two minute magical ride. There was a shield over the tops of them and they were safely on the great birds back. There wasn't much to look at since they were flying so fast, everything was a blur except for the sun on the horizon that was rising quickly. The TBirds barely had time to sit and get comfortable when they were Britain inbound. They were flying so fast that the only time that Pipsqueak made a sound was when she broke the sound barrier as she slowed down. Her riders felt an increase in gravity on their bodies as she put on her "air brakes" and slowed for a landing just inside the wards at the Burrow.
Molly Weasley and Narcissa Black Malfoy were waiting excitedly for the giant bird to make a landing. They weren't waiting long because in a sparkle of magical lightening, the great birds claws reached for the ground, wings spread at their fullest for the softest possible landing. The shield over the Thunderbirds faded away and up popped thirteen smiling faces. Pipsqueak sat and the Thunderbirds got off their magical transport petting the giant Thunderbird and thanking their big sister for the gentle ride home. When the twelve Euro wizards had each thanked the bird they rushed to greet Molly and Narcissa. Molly hadn't seen her four teens in a month, and she was busy giving them each great big hugs, her style.
Narcissa was just as happy to see her son and her son in law and was giving Harry a hug first. Bad move if you're a hormonal, pregnant Draco. He mock pouted that Harry got the attention first and everyone knew it.
"Mother please. You're making a spectacle out of my husband. That's my job." Draco said in a fit of inspiration, smirking and wiggling his eyebrows at his mum.
"Well then. Draco dear you look simply radiant. Any problems with morning sickness?" Narcissa said completely throwing Draco off the blood trail of an arguement.
"No, not any to speak of. MaBirdy gave me some potions for different symptoms so I've been feeling fine. Mother, I have something to show you." Draco said and he waved his hand over the glamour charm hiding his rapidly expanding belly.
"Oh, Merlin Draco. Are you alright? Really? You can't be comfortable at all in those clothes. I'll call the tailor and have you some progressive sized robes. No one will notice."
"No one will notice anyway mother. Didn't you how well the glamour worked? It fooled Harry for the longest time but I had to share this with him. They're moving already. Birdy called it the quickening I think."
"Draco, Harry... may I... feel them?" Narcissa said nervously.
"By all means Grandma." Harry said smiling. He got two sets of silver eyes looking at him like he farted on a church pew for his effort at humor. His smile went away immediately. Draco guided his mothers hand to where ever which baby was moving at the time and couldn't quit smiling if Voldemort himself were standing there watching.
"You know that they will all need their grandmother to be around as much as possible. You shouldn't tut when I bring the things that you will need. Simply no need for arguement it's already done." Narcissa said in an absolutely positively as a done thing, don't fight it kind of way.
Harry and Draco just shrugged and agreed to not disagree with Narcissa, it was pointless anyway. Draco held his mothers hands and asked for Harry to show his mother his new ring. What he got was stunned silence from his mum-in-law. Draco waved his hand in front of his mothers face when he got...
"Stop that Draco. Harry, I don't know what to say. That's the crest of Merlin. You won't make me bow before you now, will you?"
"Why would I do that Mum?" Harry said innocently. Draco had to spell it out for him but he would do it later. In the mean time he spoke for his husband.
"Mother, Harry is the Prince of Camelot. Some bloody light erupted from the ring after we talked him into trying on Merlins royal ring back in the hogan at MaBirdy's, and it hit him in the eyes and chest. Luckily Fred and George there copied down the runes on the inside or we'd never know what it meant. Harry is going to be a King come Samhain. I'm going to be King's consort, Prince Draco Potter-Malfoy, house of Camelot. Bloody brilliant isn't it? Mother?"
Narcissa was not an ordinary witch and her status in wizarding society was always very high, but this new development made her member of a wizarding royal court and thus, the social elite of the whole of the wizarding world. Her thought's took a mere second and she replied, "Er, Why Samhain?"
"To keep it secret really. We're going to do what the students at school will believe is a mock coronation. The name of Merlin makes for good theatre."
"I don't see why you should keep it secret really, but I'll respect your wishes, your highness."
"I told you you don't need to say that Mum."
"I know, but I like saying it, and with you is the only time I'll be able to do so until you say Imayin public. The wizarding world will be gobsmacked for sure when they find out who you really are Harry."
"The thing is, I don't want Voldemort to find out. The TBirds will keep my secret and I will have a notice me not charm on my ring so no one will pay any attention to it unless they know it's there."
"I'm sorry Harry. Of course I'll keep it a secret. I assume that you're going to tell Albus of this new development."
"I suppose I have to. Do you think it will be alright if we apparated to King's Cross from here? I think we should all ride the train to school."
"I heard what happened through the Auror division. Not how they knew it was happening right then, until I heard from Albus after he'd taken care of warding the tracks all the way to Scotland. Pretty spectacular spell if you ask me. I suppose you had something to do with it"
Narcissa said giving that downward sideways glance raising an eyebrow for effect expecting the answer quickly.
"It was Luna and Birdy Mother. Luna had a vision and Birdy joined her magic and she threw the Petrificus hex and the Imperious curse at the Death Eaters through Luna's link."
"I wonder how she did that. That could save lots of time and trouble."
"Luna is a spooky powerful seer Mother" Draco whispered. "And Birdy is the strongest witch I've ever seen. Ask her. She might remember what it felt like and can reproduce the effect."
"When did you get so analytically smart Draco?"
"I think it was the day I said I do to Scarhead here." Draco said and then he kissed his husbands forehead. He was interrupted by Molly Weasley.
"Harry you have all your things? Your books, your clothes?"
"Yes Molly. I'm married and, going to be a father now. I have to be responsible or Draco will kill me."
"You have that right Potter, and don't.you.forget.it." Draco said and kissed his husband again only a chaste one, on the cheek.
"Alright then. Draco you look wonderful. You're feeling well are you? Could you do with a spot of breakfast before you're off to London? Can I get you anything, anything at all dear?" Molly said now completely ignoring Harry.
"Oi, Harry come over here for a tic won't you?" Ron said. He was standing with his brothers and sister.
"Now you know what it feels like when" "Mum and Dad had another baby" "completely forgot about us until meal times" "Ron was the worst"
"Hey you guys! What did I do? I didn't ask to be number six and the best of the lot of you." Ron said grinning at his brothers.
"Anything you say" "Ronniekins" "Even Ginny was better" "than you were." Fred and George said patting their baby sister on the back.
Ginny was eating it all up. Her brothers were saying she was better than Ron and that was a rare thing. She decided to rub it in and gave Ron a kiss on the cheek for being such a good sport and not trying to bloody up the twins. Ron turned an even deeper shade of red but held his temper in check and smiled at his baby sisters retreating back. He turned on his brothers and said.
"You guy's are so going to get it. The only reason I'm glad that Ginny went over to Longbottom is for me to tell you I'll... I'll... do something you won't like. I'm not afraid of you guys. Just Ginny. To tell you the truth, she scares me something fierce sometimes."
"No arguements there" "Ronniekins. You're" "right about that."
"Harry, you and Draco will be in the same dorm won't you?" Ron said changing the subject nicely. Ever the strategist.
"Everyone bloody well hope so. I have a feeling though it won't be a problem come the sorting ceremony tonight. You blokes think your mother made breakfast? That trip and not much dinner makes me kind of hungry." Harry said to his long time friends.
"I don't think she will let us get away without eating. The way her and Mrs. Malfoy are going on about Draco, I think its a safe bet to assume we will mate."
"Good 'cause my stomach thinks my throat has been cut." Harry said as his stomach made a loud growl.
"Oh, I'm so sorry everyone, lets go inside and I'll feed you a spot of breakfast before you go to King's Cross. There is a surprise for you there I think."
"A surprise? I love surprises." Draco said, his eyes lighting up at the revelation. "What is it? Tell me, tell me please?" he continued now almost with a begging tone to his voice.
"Cut it you. We'll find out when we get there. Let's go eat." Harry said commandingly.
"Oh you spoil sport. Alright, I am kind of hungry. I bet Ron, Vince and Greg could eat one of those bison beasts between them. I feel sorry for the house elves that will be serving those tables tonight. Come on then Harry, dont' dally there looking lost, let's eat. Inside."
"Yes dear." Harry said sheepisly, resigned to the fact that he was going to have to do as Draco said for the most part, for the rest of his life.
"Do you think that Mrs. Weasley has flour tortilla's? I simply have to have those for breakfast now."
"Uh, sorry Draco, I don't think that Mrs. Weasley know's what a flour tortilla is. I'm thinking toast, bacon and ham and sausages and eggs. Porridge too probably. We're back in Britain love, time to turn your tongue back to the routine."
"You mean boring don't you? Harry, we are going to import our food from America from now on. I simply will not live without it. That won't be a problem will it Harry dear?"
"You find it and I will buy it. Maybe Hermione can help you out with that. She know's something about muggle computers and maybe you can place an order at the internet kiosk at King's Cross before we even get on the train."
"Internetkey osk? What ever it is, if it can get that food here in a hurry. I'll ask her. We can use those cards that Birdy said we should use from now on to pay for it so I see no problems. Well good that's settled. Harry, where's the loo? One of the babies is awake and kicking me. Good thing my bollocks are on the outside."
"It's just upstairs and to your left. Kind of like the room of requirement at school. What you need is always there. Gift from their son Bill."
"We'll see. I'll be right back." Draco kissed his husband and was off to the upstairs of the Burrow and the porcelain goddess he so desparately needed.
Harry turned his attentions to finding a seat for himself and Draco and he sat next to Adam. Adam hadn't said much since before they left. His attention was focused several hundereds of miles north on one of the missing red headed Weasley children.
"Adam, we'll be there by seven o'clock. No worries brother. Charley will be there I'm sure."
"Thanks Harry. I know he will be, but I haven't seen him since the birthday party and you guys were all with someone when we were home. I don't resent any of you for it, but I would like someone to give me a hug." Harry reached to give his brother a hug and he was stopped by an amused Navajo prince.
"Not that kind of hug Harry. You know what I mean. I want Charley to do that. You don't think that he's forgot about me do you?"
"Adam, you're bloody gorgeous and lot's of other stuff too. Charley definitely has not forgot about you." Harry said to his godbrother now patting his back soothingly.
"You think so Harry?"
"I know so Adam. If he's not, I'll personally skin him alive. You know I can do it too, so if you want..."
"I don't want you to do that Harry. Let's not talk about it. Look, I snuck into the kitchen before I left and swiped six dozen flour tortillas. I can't go cold turkey again. That first month here sucked for food. Don't tell Narcissa that though. I kinda thought some of those things we ate were sissyfied to the max. Who cares if lamb chops have socks? There ain't any feet on em."
"I know what you mean Adam. I'm just getting used to eating around Draco. Just keep your pinky finger out. That's what I do when I'm eating with him. He say's it show's class what ever that'ssupposed tomean."
"I think it means you gotta show off. I ain't showing off like that. It's not very cool."
"I think you're right. Adam. Now behave 'cause here comes Draco and he's been acting kinda wierd the last couple of weeks." Harry said quietly to Adam. He didn't want Draco to know he noticed.
"You're back. Good thing. Adam here was just about to dig into a few flour tortillas..."
"Where are they? Oh thank Merlin someone had the forsight to bring these gems of cullinary perfection."
"Jeesh Draco, they're only tortillas."
"And the pope is only Polish."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"It means that great things can come from odd places. Now are you going to share or do you really want me to beg for them?"
"NO, uh, no need to beg Drake. Here ya go." Adam said, avoiding making Draco even more emotional. He didn't need the tortilla's that bad.
"Hermione will use the wizcards your mother gave us and buy as many as Draco requires for the next month or so. We'll have to figure out how they're made and we'll make them here."
"Now you see what having money does Harry? Saves you a whole lot of trouble when you need it to cut out the bullshit and get on with life."
"Aye that, brother mine. I suppose I should get used to using it. Doesn't seem to me that it does much good if it sits in a bank."
"That's what mama always says Harry."
"Then it's probably good advice. Draco will be able to teach me."
"Looks to me like he's already started." Adam said watching Draco fill a plate for Harry.
"Adam, I find more things everyday that are right about Draco." Harry said looking at his godbrother taking his plate from Draco who was now currently dishing up eggs and sausage and potatoes into one of the large flour tortilla's.
The hands on the magical grandfather clock in the living room of the Burrow began to spin. Arthur Weasley's hand switched to 'traveling' and then landed on home when a pop could be heard from outside the back door.
"Hello Weasley's!" Arthur shouted as he came in the door.
"Oh, pardon me, Hello Narcissa. When did you get here?" He said looking at the nine teens that weren't his. He walked to his daughter first and gave her a hug and a kiss. He shook his son's hands and gave them a hug as well.
"They landed just after eight o'clock Arthur. When it's time, they will apparate to the safe zone in King's Cross station if that's still what they've decided. Do any of you need anything at all?"
"We didn't seem to get our school lists from Hogwarts" Hermione said finally realizing that she was unprepared for school. She began to panic a little bit when Narcissa raised her hand in a calming gesture to get her attention.
"Hermione, your school things have already been purchased and they're on the train as we speak. The only thing you will all need to do is change into your new robes before you get on the train. We want you to be seen. You don't exactly look like you did when you last were at the station. You've grown considerably and you might not be recognized. Your robes will make an impact statement that could get back to Voldemort."
"Thank you Mrs. Malfoy. I guess we won't be needing to go to Diagon Alley then if everything's been taken care of."
"Please call me Narcissa when we're alone alright dear? Just so you know, I took the liberty of getting you a few extra things as well for all of you. I didn't think that you had much time to shop considering where you were. Minerva and Severus helped out in that department.
Severus has come up with some clever ideas in potions in between what little time he has what with being the President of Hogwarts and Dean of the war college and shopping for thirteen teenagers."
"Thank you, Narcissa. That was very kind of you."
"Think nothing of it dear. The lot of you, I think will be busy this next year." Narcissa said indicating the Thunderbirds.
"I'm looking forward to post graduate work. I wonder what kind of things we'll be taking this year. We haven't even seen the book lists."
"You will all find out when you get there this evening. There are more than a few surprises waiting for you."
"Oh we've got a few surprises too. Don't we Thunderbirds?" Hermione said just a little loud.
"What ever you say 'FB'" Adam said to Hermione grinning at her.
'Cut it Thundercloud. Don't even go there.'
'Ok, Ok 'Mione. I won't.' Adam cleared his throat audibly and covered his mouth looking at Hermione like a kid with his hand in a cookie jar.
"What is FB? Is that a nick name?" Narcissa asked the blushing witch.
"Uh, yes it is Narcissa. Adam gave it to me in Arizona one morning over coffee."
"Oh, how nice of him. Very considerate isn't he?" Narcissa said.
"Oh yes more than generous that one is." Hermione said working very hard to keep a smile on her face.
Narcissa and Molly and Arthur sat with the Thunderbirds and had a nice chat over breakfast. Draco was very content to eat what was in front of him except the toast now that he had his tortillas. He had quite a lot to say but he was keeping it to himself while he ate and listened to the many conversations going on at one time.
Arthur Weasley had the attention of his son's at one end of the table and the Slytherin boys and Adam as well. Seems that the non redheads had never got to just sit around with a father, any father and just shoot the breeze with guy talk. It was magical guy talk but it was still concerning them and they liked it. Alot. This served to reinforce the bond that they've had for the last two months.
Arthur got out of his seat and walked around the table to where Narcissa was seated and bent to ask her a question quietly and gesturing with his hands. Narcissa nodded to Arthur and he came back to his spot at the head of the table.
"I wanted to say this earlier but, I had to ask Narcissa's permission first. You lot be careful this year. Just being who you are and what you are is danger enough. Charley's got himself a squadron of dragon's up at Hogwarts for more than just studying them in Care of Magical Creatures class. After Malfoy manor was attacked with that magical cannon the Death Eaters used on the wards, Dumbledore called them up from Romania to act as shields for Hogwarts if it's attacked by more of those cannons." Arthur said with seriousness in his voice.
"We figured something like that was going to be the case Mr. Weasley. After we heard them on Harry and Neville and Draco and Adam's birthday, we thought that dragons were a bit beyond seventh year care of magical creatures class. Even with the advanced NEWT, we're probably the only ones that will be able to direct them..."
"Yes Hermoine, quite." Arthur said, not really saying what he was trying to say in the first place.
"What I'm trying to say is, those dragons are assigned one to a wizarding battallion. The lot of you will be directing forces up until the time for the final battle between Harry here and V-V... You know who I mean. Then it will be up to you to eradicate him permanently. You have no idea of just how important you all are going to be very soon."
"Mr. Weasley, we have a lot to fight for now. Some more than others. I have a good idea of how important the world in general thinks I am. I'd give my eye teeth to be Harry. Just Harry."
"Mate, you 'aven't even been just 'arry since before you came to Hogwarts in the first place"
Ron said to his friend of many years.
"You're right Ron, I guess I'll never, ever be just Harry. Blimey mate, when did we grow up? I must have blinked. It seems like it was only just yesterday your mum showed me how to get on the bloody platform at King's Cross."
"Yeah, I remember that. I am so mad at that Peter Pettigrew. You know how many times Scabbers was in the room when I .. uh, well, you know...was trying to be... alone.." Ron tried to get them to understand what he was saying.
Adam always the blunt one, started in completely straight faced. "You mean while you wuz pounding your pud Ron?"
"Well, not if you say it like that."
"Ok then, Tossing off? Spankin' the Pony? Jac-king o f f?" Adam whispered into Rons ear.
Everyone could guess what Adam said to Ron because his red factor went up five shades at least at what he said. Ron giggled a bit and said, "Yeah. That."
"Anyway, the point is I thought I was alone and that bloody snooping finking rat just sat there in his cage and watched me. What a wierdo."
"I think wierdo is a kind word referring to Pettigrew Ron." Arthur said to his son. He knew the truth long before Sirius was cleared in the wizengamot, posthumously.
Ron whispered to his little group, "I am personally going to rip off his head and shit down his neck. Was that right Adam?"
"That about covers it Ron." Adam said in return, "You're completely capable of that now if you want. I wouldn't eat any of him for fear of getting ptomaine or something. Maybe you should just rip it off with your claw and then shit down his neck."
"Right. I'll remember that. Thanks mate." Ron said to Adam and he rolled his eyes for his brothers and his dad. Everyone chuckled at the inferrence. That would be a nice way to die truth be told. It was quick.
The Thunderbirds knew fifty ways each, how to kill someone or something without a second thought. That was courtesy of Little Bird Thundercloud, and some ancient Navajo spirit magic. They were going to do what they had to do and without mercy. They were going to share their knowledge with the approval of those in power, they knew that much. The conversations were just about talked out and Harry made to help clean up the kitchen table when Molly shooed him away from the table.
The tired travelers were anxious to get to King's Cross and on the train for some much desired sleep. They had that diluted jackalope pepper up potion just before they left the house in Arizona. It was working well but a nap on the train would do very nicely. The fellow's went upstairs and split up between Ron's room and Fred and George's room and the girls went to Ginny's room to change.
Draco still had a glamour charm on and hadn't told many people, the girl Thunderbirds included. When he unpacked the clothes in which he was going to change into he turned and watched Harry undress and fold his clothes and pack them after he finished dressing into the new clothes he was expected to wear.
In Ginny's room the three witches had a pretty good idea of what item of clothing had to go on first from bottom to top they were finished putting on their new robes when Luna had another vision.
"Hey you guys, help me clear this one up will you?" Luna said to Ginny and Hermione with that vapid look on her face, the one she gets when it's a specially good vision.
"The boys undressed again?" Ginny said reaching for Luna's head, only to meet Hermione's. Hermoine grinned at her.
"Oh, Merlin would you look at that. Ron has muscles even I didn't know about." Hermione said and then she let out a low whistle.
"Easy girlfriend. That's my brother there. I don't need the imagery. But, totally unbiased on my account, he is bloody 'ot 'inne?" Ginny said. Hermione agreed with her. Luna's vision shifted to George and Fred's room where Greg and Vincent and Blaise were changing. Luna's comment was pure Lovegood. "Oi Vey, all that man and only Blaise is available... uh, you know what I mean. "
Sighs from the three witches could be heard. Ginny and Hermione did get to comment on how ripped looking Blaise had become in the past month from all the flying they were doing as Thunderbirds. Ginny managed to get it right for both her an Hermione when she said, he looks like a tall dark bloody brick outhouse. Blaise did have quite a nice butt for a guy his size and his dark Italian looks only added to the package ( Which was ample by the way, and there was proof of that in front of them, well in their heads anyway. ) that was Luna's Blaise Zabini. Luna ended the vision and started to brush her hair. She only once mentioned that she was going miss being a Ravenclaw a little bit.
Neville and Ron changed with Harry and Draco and Adam. Neville said he got a kind of creepy feeling all of a sudden and everyone realized at the same time they were being scry'd from just the other room. Ron said he'd have a talk with Hermoine and Neville agreed that he'd have a talk with Ginny. That left Luna and the boys would talk about the potential problem. Harry didn't care as much as Draco did and Draco could care less if it were only Harry's bum they were looking at but he was getting kind of chunky and he couldn't lie to any of the Thunderbirds especially if he were caught without charmed clothes or undergarments.
The men in two of the rooms and the ladies in the other middle story room of the Burrow had changed into their full battle dress robes, their insignias prominently displayed on their chests. They wore their weapons with notice me not charms on them for obvious reasons. The pouches that contained the spell containment gems were strung and put around their necks. Draco wore a special vest extra as armor to further protect his precious cargo. It would always magically adjust to fit him no matter how big he got, the glamour would be protected as well. Adam had his staff with him only shrunk down into a charm in his hair. He charmed it after Pipsqueak was magically transformed and became part of Adam's staff to be called upon to fight and not for a ride.
Adam was the first out of the rooms and he waited in the hallway for the others. He knocked on the girl's door when Ginny answered through it, "What is it Adam?"
"How did you know it was me."
"Long story, tell ya later." Ginny said giggling and she opened the door to reveal the ladies in their group dressed to their battle best.
They had all charmed their hair to always look good, a spell taught to them by Birdy the night the fellows we're playing with blood magic on the playa. They had charmed battle helmets that they would keep near but not wear on a daily basis. They all thought they were going to be wearing them soon or Birdy would have let them shrink them down to begin with. Her exact words were, 'Never leave home without them or I'll kick your collective arses. Girls included.' So the hair charms were going to be very handy indeed.
"Let's go down as a group for your folks what say Ginny?" Adam asked the fiery witch.
"Cool Adam. They deserve to see us like this before anyone else does I guess. I'll ask the others. I'm sure they won't mind." Ginny said and knocked on George and Fred's door.
"George, Fred, open up. It's your incredibly powerful sister let me in. I want to ask you something." Ginny's veiled threat got a quick reaction from the occupants. Blaise opened the door. Ginny gave him the eagle eyed once over and grinned as she walked in the room.
"Adam want's us to go downstairs as a group just once for Mum and Dad and Narcissa and stand as a group. I bet Mum's got a fresh roll of film in that fancy new camera you bought her. I noticed three new photo albums downstairs. I think you got 'er interested in a new hobby. Look out Colin! ha! What do you say fellas?" Ginny said as she looked the lot of them over. Stunning was her private thought. At least Neville was hers was another.
"Oi, little sister," "for mum and dad" "anything. Blaise, Vinnie, Greg?"
"No problems with that I guess. Hope your mum keeps the pictures down to a minimum."
"No chance of that it seems, that's three full albums since we've been gone."
"Well, then let them take pictures. It's not like it's that creepy Creevy bloke."
"Thanks fellows. You 'bout ready are you?" Ginny asked to be polite, she knew they were. "Come on then. Be kind of quiet won't you? The floor out there makes a ton of noise. Ask them." Ginny said to the Slytherins pointing to her brothers who were looking at the ceiling and seeing imaginary nothings to avoid their sisters gaze.
"We don't" "know what you're" "on about little sister."
"Uh, huh. Come on you lot. We've a train to catch."
Ginny brought her brothers and the Slytherins besides Draco out into the hallway. Harry peeked out when he heard footsteps and saw the assembling group. There wasn't enough room in the hallway to hold all thirteen of them. Ron took the lead down the stairs followed by his brothers and sister, then Harry and Draco, Adam and the rest followed and took places on either side of the Weasleys once they got to the bottom of the staircase and into the living room of the Burrow to get several wizarding pictures taken.
Molly was satisfied only after she had ran through a full roll of film. She made to replace it when Arthur reminded her that they had to go outside the wards to apparate to King's Cross with the Thunderbirds. They were the first escort. Narcissa was going to the Ministry of Magic for her morning appointments. The leader of government had to set a good example for others and she was no exception. She expected the Ministry employees to do as she did as Minister for Magic.
The group of sixteen walked in a column, Molly and Arthur in the lead through the wards, followed by the rest with Ron and Hermione bring up the rear. Adam walked with Narcissa who was asking him all kinds of little non significant questions to pass the time to the edge of the wards and the apparition point. The floo was blocked because of the Death Eater terror threat. Arthur could apparate in and out because it was him that set up the wards in the first place. He and Molly had in and out priveledges but no one else. They all got through the wards surrounding the Burrow and as couples, they held hands and began to disappear on their way to King's Cross and thier ride to Hogwart's. They could have just as simply apparated to Hogsmeade, but, they were to ride the Hogwart's Express for a reason. They just didn't know what yet.
Narcissa disapparated with Adam because she knew where they were going. The others did as well but this was Adam's first time there so it was proper for her to take on the task of getting him there... in one piece. The Thunderbirds were quite used to apparition for travel and popped in next to Adam and Narcissa in an area of King's Cross platform 9 3/4 that was safe for that task. They took their belongings and unshrunk them and rallied some trollies to take them to the train. They were greeted by the great red steam engine and a platform full of wizarding families saying good bye for the first term of school. Some of the passengers were first year students. They could see other Native American wizards collecting together on the platform waiting to board the train. They had walked almost half the length of the long train when they spotted at once what the surprise was. They were to ride in a brand new, private rail car at the end of the train.
Since the Thunderbirds had grown some and were either slimmed or bulked up, grown hair and in Harry's case managed to tame it as well. Their features were those of young adults. As the Thunderbirds walked the distance to the rear of the train, they were the subjects of many different discussions and everyone noticed them. Everyone including the sixth and seventh year Slytherins. Draco's long white hair was a dead give away to his identity and he was dressed like the dozen wizards that were practically surrounding him and he was walking with...Potter.
Pansy Parkinson couldn't help herself when she shrieked very loudly when Draco and the Thunderbirds passed where she was standing to board the train. This caused Draco to cringe at the mere sound of the angry Slytherin, Death Eater witch. She made to stand in front of the group, wand drawn.
"Draco Malfoy, what do you think you're doing with ... Potter and Weasley's and Mudbloods. Vince, Greg I demand you come here this instant. What is the meaning of all this?" Pansy screamed at Draco as the Thunderbirds watched on. Adam had never seen poor manners like Pansy's.
"Parkinson, you're making a spectacle of yourself. Be quiet won't you? I don't think that my friends here have much tolerance for you right now. We've just travelled many thousands of miles and we're quite tired."
"You've just traveled thousands of miles? With... with them? Preposterous. Why would you be with that riff raff." Pansy said glaring at Harry and the Weasleys and shaking her head at Blaise, Greg and Vince.
"Yes Parkinson, with them. Now if you'll excuse us, we have our own car to get to. Perhaps I'll see you later. I doubt it will be before. This conversation is over. Good day Pansy." Draco said and as a group the Thunderbirds continued their way down the platform.
Pansy Parkinson was completely beside herself as she watched the Thunderbirds pass by her making their way to their private rail car. 'Private rail car?' Pansy thought to herself before she turned to find a compartment to ride in.
"Jeez, that witch was a real piece of work." Adam said to his friends.
Blaise, Vince and Greg joined the Gryffindors in laughing at Adam's slight understatement. Before anyone could say anything, Adam just said, "What? Did I say something funny?"
"Not really," Draco started, "Pansy is one of the most evil witches of our age. She'd follow Voldemort at the drop of a hat without question. Her family is completely on the dark side. Piece of work would sum it up if we were to be nice about it."
"Do I gotta worry about her? Or you guys?" Adam inquired. He was worried he was going to have to be worried.
"Well, You don't have anything to be worried about... yet that is. Give it time. You haven't even spoken to her yet."
"She looked at me though like I was a mustard stain on a white shirt."
"Oi, Draco, she did say mudbloods. Plural."
"What's a mudblood?" Adam asked innocently looking at his closest friends.
"Well, let's just say it's not a nice name and leave it alone." Draco said.
"No, let's not. You guy's tell me. Now. Please." Adam said very very sweetly like his mom did when she found out about Harry facing Voldemort and staying at the Dursleys.
"A mudblood," Hermione decided to step in and say,"is someone with "dirty" blood. Someone that has muggles for parents. Someone like me." she finished without tears in her eyes.. but almost.
"You don't have dirty blood Hermione, and neither do I. That chick is blowing smoke up her own ass if she thinks that. Whata cuntessa!" Adam finished.
The Thunderbirds all realized just what Adam said and laughed genuinely as they boarded their rail car. They waved at the aurors that had been following them as they got on board.
The lead auror slapped his hand over his eyes in frustration and he shook his head back and forth in amazement. He was going to have to ask them how they spotted them. He remembered following Adam and Arthur Weasley all over London with a crew of the best tracking aurors the ministry has seen in years. Following the Thunderbirds without being seen would be quite an achievement, one the auror would like to do just one.bloody.time. The auror never did stand a chance considering who he was following.
The TBirds were looking about their private rail car familiarizing themselves with the ammenities that were supposed to make their trip north more pleasant. There were eight large couches up one side of the coach looking out the eastern side windows. Chairs were lined up in pairs opposite the couches and there were two compartments in the end that were both loo's. A small galley was opposite the loo's. Completely stocked with beverages, luncheon food and snacks. They included Draco's chocolate protein drinks.
The clock struck eleven and the Hogwart's Express made it's first puff's of steam pulling the extra long train forward with a lurch. The Thunderbirds found seats quickly and got comfortable for their eight hour ride to Hogsmeade Station and Hogwart's.