I don't own JKR's creations. I'm only having fun waiting for HBP, and making up my own story passing the time with the other hundred or so thousand of us that try our hand at the HP universe.
Can't rush the calendar. Lucky Aussies and Guamanians.
This story is brought to you by the hard work of Satyr-oh, a courageous person undaunted by my blatering, he did the beta work on this on folks. R&R if you wanna. Thanks, Scorpionboi.
Please enjoy
September breezed by for the Thunderbirds, and in fact, the whole of Hogwart's. The Slytherin students had become used to their mail being scrutinized by now. The ones that didn't have anything to hide didn't at all care that their mail was being monitored for content and they didn't mind the fact that there were some members of their house were fit to be tied about the whole situation.
Pansy and the clique of junior Death Eaters had scaled back their public display's of character bashing and were for the most part keeping their scheming to themselves. They had wondered why their head of house wasn't taking as many points from the other houses in his classes and they were even more bewildered by the fact that they weren't earning as many house points as they usually did.
Dumbledore was the reason that the houses weren't making points as fast as they normally did. He had put down an edict that house heads couldn't reward their own students as they usually did. Professor McGonagall, even though head of Gryffindor house was still deputy headmistress and she rarely gave points as a reward for other's lack of trying. She didn't however display the reduction of points against Slytherin house because Professor Snape had backed off of the Gryffindors. The houses were all at about the same level point's wise, Slytherin house slightly behind because of Pansy's indiscretions. Overall, the student's were showing an unprecedented face of unity in the dark times.
Ron's idea of dark mark detection wards surrounding Hogsmeade village was accepted with gratitude from the citizens of Hogsmeade. His idea was put to the headmaster who knew in an instant just what to do and he set about the work of putting the plan in action. Narcissa was delighted to have the ministry charms department work on the signaling wards and Dumbledore himself walked the streets of Hogsmeade putting the charms in place. He wasn't ever alone in his work. Professor Flitwick as small as he was, wielded magic as well as any wizard and his skills erecting the wards were impeccable. The two of them worked side by side with the ministry's charmers and the work was finished quickly and quietly. With minimal disturbance. The British Ministry of magic was responsible for the protection of Hogsmeade village and stationed aurors within the village.
The first weeks of October were only a bit cooler and the shortened hours of daylight were becoming apparent. The leaves on the trees fell after their yearly change of color signaling the coming of winter. Although being a weather mages, the Thunderbirds chose to leave the seasons to Mother Nature. If they practiced at all their mage skills, it was small, controlled and private. The wards that detected the dark mark had been silent in Hogsmeade but in other parts of Britain their installation had saved many lives and had caused the capture of many Death Eaters. Ron was awarded the Order of Merlin, Third Class for the idea and inception and the success it showed itself to be. The Death Eaters were captured alive and sent to Azkaban after trial. These fortunate ones had never met the Thunderbirds.
Draco's pregnancy was well into its shortened third trimester and his size was getting visually bigger daily. If not for his innate strength and his charmed clothes and glamour his secret would be out and probably nothing would keep Voldemort from making an attempt at kidnapping his babies. Another month's time and he would be parent to six princes and princesses, he himself would be called HRH Prince Draco and Harry would ascend the throne of wizarding Britain as King of the court of Camelot. Merlin's own family reclaiming what was his birthright.
Harry split his time between teaching flying in the mornings and DADA in the afternoons. Each day there would be a new obstacle to conquer and each day they would surmount the expected level of accomplishment. Life was good at Hogwarts.
The Thunderbirds were in their common room while the rest of Thundercloud house were taking examinations by Ministry examiners. Their confidence was at an all time high. Adam and Charley had found the time to get together finally and by now they were inseparable. Together in public, they kept their distance unless they were doing something. In private and in Thundercloud house they didn't try to avoid showing each other affection. No one ever said a word. There were many adult couples in Thundercloud house of various combinations; so long as no one was harmed, there wasn't a problem. So far, there were no problems.
The Thunderbirds were summoned to the headmaster's office by a grinning house elf. This one wore only a tea cozy and a smile.
"The Headmaster asks that you is to come to meet with him now sirs, ma'am sirs. Now if you please sirs."
"We'll be right along. Go and tell the headmaster we'll be there quickly."
"You is so kind sirs, Gobby will tell him right away. Good bye sirs"
pop
"That pequeno needs a new tea cozy." Adam said after Gobby popped out.
"Hermione has been trying to get them to wear clothes for a few years now. She keeps making them hats for some reason." Harry said to his god brother.
"I suppose we should go see what he wants;" Harry said pulling the now very large Draco from his seat, giving a grunt.
"I'm not that big Harry, just very out of balance on occasion. I suppose I should fly everywhere I go." Draco said.
"You could try love. I don't think the battle broom would behave in the corridor."
"Well let's just find out. I'll race you to the headmasters' office. Bye!" Draco said. He ran to where his broom was stored, leapt out of the window, and as large as he was; he was still graceful on a broom.
Draco was indeed the first one to reach the headmasters office and he gave the window a tap. As he flew closer, he could see in the window and the headmaster was involved with a fire call. He could see his mother's face in the fire and she had a rather stern look on it as if something had gone terribly wrong. The headmaster looked at what was tapping on his window and gave it a wave with his hand to open it. Draco flew in very gently landing softly as he'd ever landed. The battle broom was a great broom it seemed in almost any environment. Dumbledore had finished the fire call with Narcissa and offered Draco a lemon drop.
"No thank you sir, I'm trying to quit. The others should be along directly." No sooner said than the Thunderbirds flew their brooms into the headmaster's office landing next to Draco. In turn, they each were offered lemon drops but each declined.
"I have been informed that since Mr. Weasley's dark mark detectors were such an overwhelming success, the Death Eater's have noticed and are breaching their targets with only one Death Eater so they won't risk losing the numbers that they have been doing up until now. We have another informant close to Voldemort who chooses to remain anonymous for the time being. Suffice it to say, there is to be a massive attack sometime in the near future and I'll need for you to be able to respond to it when the time comes. Is this possible?"
"Yes it's possible sir, but Draco here is going to have these babies in little more than a month and we would like for him to stay to be protected, just until the babies are here and with the safe guardian nannies we'll bring from America. Birdy says that she trusts these women completely and that's good enough for us. Really if Draco feels like it, he can still come with us. He wears battle armor under his clothes and we all carry hex absorbers so the babies will be all right. His comfort is the only thing I'll question. Up until the babies are here, I don't have any problems laying a trap for a bunch of Death Eaters." Harry said.
'Good thing you didn't say I was fat scarhead.'
'I would never love. I'm only concerned with your comfort.'
'Things will be different soon. Did anyone ask Dumbledore to see Merlin's things?'
'No, as a matter of fact.' "Sir," Harry began,
"I have to show you something." Harry waved his hand removing the glamour that covered his wedding ring and the signet ring that identified him as a descendent of Merlin and heir to the throne of Camelot.
Dumbledore's eyes got very big and he began to chuckle.
"Say no more Your Royal highness Prince Harry. You should have come to me sooner. Wait here everyone, I have to get something." Dumbledore turned and disappeared in one of the twenty or so doorways hidden in his office.
'I wonder what he's on about.' Harry said to himself mostly but everyone heard.
Dumbledore returned with a very long large ornately jeweled box floating in front of him. He levitated the box to sit on the top edge of his desk and he opened it with a wave of his hand. The box was opened and Harry and the Thunderbirds were treated to a view that few eyes have ever seen in the past thousand or so years save for the headmasters of Hogwarts who were bound by magic to secrecy. Narcissa had been informed of course by Birdy who in turn told Albus that Harry was Prince of Camelot until he took the throne on Samhain when he would become King.
The contents of the bejeweled box contained the sword Excalibur, the scepter of Camelot and the Crowns of Camelot. Together they signified that there was a King and his powers would be absolute. The stone in the end of the scepter was almost identical to the one that was on the end of Adam's staff. Every one of the Thunderbirds recognized at once what the stone was. Harry lifted the scepter with the hand that his ring was on and once again the stones cast a light into Harry's eyes and then faded away. It recognized Harry as the true king of the wizarding world.
"Professor, I...I d...don't fully under...derstand what's ha-happening." Harry said.
"Oh, bugger love. You're the king of the wizarding world and the proof is in your hands." Draco said and knelt on one knee while holding Harry's hand.
"Get up Draco. I don't like being the Boy-who-lived, let alone the king of the whole wizarding world. You know I hate all the attention." Harry said almost whining.
"Yes you do but I love it! It will be wonderful Harry. Besides us already being fabulously wealthy anyway, we might as well have some fun. Come on Harry. Let us get crowned and you can really piss in Voldemort's wheats."
"That's wheaties Draco." Adam said to his cousin.
"Thank you, cousin. What Adam said Harry. That spun doubloon you wear will be your most valuable possession when he find's out."
"Wait; maybe I'm not the one that's supposed to be king. Aren't I supposed to be able to pull the sword from out of a stone?"
"Arthur did that. To anyone else but the king, the sword is as heavy as the stone it was put into. Wielded by the true king, it is light as a feather. Go on and pick it up Harry." Dumbledore urged with a twinkle in his eyes. He was quite amused at the scenario playing before him.
Harry stepped up to the box again and put his hand on the sword and it began to sing almost imperceptibly. His eyes enlarged as the sword called to him. Harry grasped the handle of the sword below the gilded jeweled hilt. The ring on his hand slipped quite nicely into place in a spot under the blade guard and he lifted the sword out of the box holding it high above his head as if in a triumphant stance. The magic in the headmaster's office was obvious and Harry's robes billowed slightly, even with a lack of movement or a breeze. Draco's mouth was open like a fish. None of the Thunderbirds said a word and neither did Dumbledore. The sword was talking to Harry, and Harry was listening.
Harry nodded his head as he listened to the song in the sword. The jewels on the hilt of the sword were sparkling in the enchanted light of the headmaster's office. The headmaster's own Phoenix stopped its tranquil trilling to listen to the beautiful music coming from the sword. Harry's heart was filling with passion and resolve. He indeed at that moment decided that it would be good to be king. He put the sword back in the box and moved his hand to the crown of the realm. His realm. The jewel in the center of the crown sparkled when Harry's hand felt its cold smoothness.
"I don't know what to say." Harry began to speak and everyone listened. Even the portraits of the old headmasters were paying attention and not interrupting. "I guess we're going to have to do away with Voldemort as soon as we can get him in one place to do him in. The sword told me everything. Everything that MaBirdy told me, the sword told me. I have to go talk to my mother and dad." Harry said to everyone. He was referring to the portrait of his parents that Birdy had given him.
"I'll go with you love. I haven't had the chance since Arizona to talk to them. I'd kind of like to hear what they have to say about the whole thing." Draco said to his husband and partially ignoring the others who were still silent.
"Headmaster, of course I can only speak for myself and Draco, but when the time comes to either attack or defend. Voldemort and his slaves will no longer be a problem. The sword has told me that I will lead the wizengamot and head some other organizations unless I delegate the offices. I really need to talk to my folks, if you'll excuse me sir." Harry said.
He took Draco's hand and guided him to the open window they flew through in the first place. Draco handed Harry his broom and together they lifted off and pushed their brooms forward and out of the window heading for their own tower window. The Thunderbirds that remained in the headmaster's office still had a few questions for their 'leader'.
Hermione had through many discussions with the others could remember quite a few of the tid-bits of unanswered questions that weighed heavily on their minds.
"Sir, I think our confidences in our abilities are at an all time high. The students in Thundercloud house are doing extremely well with their studies and demonstrations. We haven't been called away and Luna hasn't had any strange visions in a while now. But we do have some questions that we'd like answered if you don't mind." Hermione said.
"By all means Miss Granger. I'll answer anything that I'm able. Go on." Dumbledore said settling in for a game of twenty questions. He wasn't giving up any answers without the right questions.
"The Death Eaters that we stopped at the bank, were they identified?"
"Yes."
"Do you know who they are?"
"Yes I do, some former students of Hogwarts."
"Do... Do we know any of those that were killed?"
"Yes. Miss Granger, I do not wish to give you bad feelings. I will tell you the names of all the wizards that you encountered if that will ease your minds. Suffice it to say, you only need ask but I ask you not to ask until the war is over. By then it will not matter to any of you."
"Alright sir. We can wait for the names. Will you tell us what was in the vault that was trying to be broken into?"
"I would rather not tell you but if you must know, it was at one time holding the items before you now."
"They were after Merlin's things then?"
"Yes they were."
"Well once they find out that Harry is in possession of them, won't they try to attack here?"
"That is a reasonable supposition Miss Granger. Let me ask a question of you. Would you be willing to kill anyone that tried to gain access to the items?"
"You know we can't answer that sir. Deep in our hearts we don't ever want to do that, but to answer your question..." Hermione looked in the faces of her compatriots and without getting one mental message, " Yes sir. We would. No questions."
"Very good. Your hearts can remain complete knowing that you're doing the absolute right thing. Are there any more concerns that you'd like cleared up?"
"Well, one thing sir. Ronald has asked me to marry him and I consented. I wonder if either you or Mrs. Malfoy will consent to perform the wedding for us before Samhain." Hermione said much to the shock of Ronald and his siblings. The others were doing the happy dance mentally for Hermione and Ron and Adam was jumping up and down on his toes he was so excited.
"Well, that is news Miss Granger. I would be delighted to officiate at your ceremony. I trust you'll have your parents in attendance?"
"If you can bring them here safely Professor, I don't want them to be targets or captured to be used as hostages."
"Voldemort does not take hostages Miss Granger. If he takes someone they're as good as gone and we can only pray for their souls."
"Well then, that gives Ronald and me much more to think about. Since they're squibs, can they use the floo network?"
"With special permission from the minister of magic, they can. You are a citizen of three wizarding countries; they are citizens of just the British government and are subject to their laws. Good thing you're on first name basis with the Minister eh Miss Granger or will it be Granger -Weasley?"
"I suppose it is sir... Oh, I just had an idea... why don't we get the Prophet to run a picture and an article about Harry and all of those things. It might get Voldemort to forgo attacking the wizarding communities and bring him here where there's lots of room to battle?"
"Excellent idea Miss Granger. I think that we can get young Mr. Creevy to take several photographs. If you would care to perhaps you can write the articles to accompany them. I'm sure that we should get some movement from him shortly after that."
"I'd be happy to write anything you want sir. Our only desire is to end this war and begin our lives."
"You realize that you will forever be a Thunderbird don't you? I think that what you've learned and experienced in your short lives, will come in most handy when you begin your lives away from Hogwart's."
"Yes sir, I think we all realize that. Sir, we were wondering if we could use the mirror of Erised for some experiments. Luna and Birdy seem to think we can use it as a weapon or find something once we enter it."
"Enter the mirror of Erised, for the purpose of using it as a weapon?"
"Yes sir. Ron and Blaise were talking while they were playing chess when Birdy said that they should try to play in the mirror. She said that it gave the game a whole different perspective."
"Indeed. You have my permission to investigate those theories if you bring me any information you gain to me once you have it."
"It's a deal sir. We'll let you know when we need access to it. Is there anything else to discuss sir?"
"No, I think we've covered everything that was weighing on my mind for the present. Have a good afternoon Thunderbirds. after your house finishes its examinations. "See you at supper
"Good afternoon sir. We'll just be leaving... through the door?"
"If you please." the headmaster said happily.
"One more thing, Adam would you go to see Professor Snape? He has a potions book that he says he has the time to look over now. I think he need's your assistance in translating it."
"Ok Mr. Dumbledore will do. Come on guys. We got another hour or so before the tests are over."
The Thunderbirds carried their brooms out of Dumbledore's office and down the stairs to the corridor that lead to the Great Hall and everywhere else in the castle. They didn't have any conversations as they were all deep in concentration mulling over what they heard in the headmaster's office. Adam gave his broom to Blaise who happily offered to return it to it's place in the common room while he went to the dungeon to see Professor Snape.
Adam crept silently in the dark towards the dungeons and the potions master's private office. he had only been there a few times for one thing or another because the Thunderbirds and Thundercloud house used a special classroom on the third floor for their potions lessons. Adam went invisible when he heard voices ahead of him.
"There's something going on Theodore, I just know it. Draco's been acting funny at meal times. Have you been watching what he's been eating? Merlin, it's like he was pregnant or something the odd combinations of food he eats and with those big round flat things that look like thick parchment. Those can't be good."
"I've noticed Panz, those are called toratill's I think, a Muggle food. He put crumbled fish on his ice cream last night at dinner. He eat's every meal like it was his last one too. All of those Thunderbirds are eating huge amounts of food. It's a wonder they're not getting as big as houses the way they put it away. Ginny Weasley even is eating like Crabbe and Goyle used to."
"I could care less about the weaselette. Theo, how are the plans to get owls in and out without them going through the screening process?"
"Good. We're going to use cats to get the letters and such to a place in the wall where someone will be waiting to collect them and take them to the owl post in Hogsmeade. We will get our letters the same way. Every other day so it doesn't look suspicious."
"I knew we'd be able to find a way around that blasted old fool's security system. Good work Theo. We had better get back to the common room. Dinner is in half an hour."
"We'll talk later then? I'm kind of curious to see what Draco has for supper."
The two devious Slytherins walked away from where Adam stopped to listen to their conversation and Adam remembered everything they said word for word. No one was supposed to communicate with the outside directly and he was going to do something about it. He walked the rest of the way to Professor Snapes quarters invisibly and quietly in case he came across more clandestine activities. Finally, he reached his destination and he knocked on the door three times softly.
"Enter." Came the voice from behind the door.
Adam opened the door and stepped through. He closed the door and became visible once more and he greeted his mother's friend with a smile and a handshake. "Good afternoon Severus, You want me to translate that book ma gave you?"
"If you possibly can Adam. Would you like a cup of tea?" Severus said kindly as he handed Adam the old potions book.
"Oh, I don't need to see the book Severus; I just need to cast a spell on you that makes you think you can read it. You can read it anytime after that."
"It's that simple Adam?"
"Oh, not really simple, but it's easier than sitting down and copying it word for word."
"I suppose you're right. What do we do?"
"Well, you hold the book and I'll charm you and you can read away. That's a real old potions book."
"Indeed. Your mother seems to think I'll find it most enjoyable."
"Oh, I'm sure she does. Just sit tight and I'll do the incantation."
"Thank you Adam. Whenever you're ready."
Adam's staff was miniaturized and dangling in his hair. He pulled out the small staff and it enlarged. Adam made some rune symbols with the tip of the staff in the air and the runes shimmered in the air in front of Severus. After Adam completed the set of runes, he spoke a few Navajo words and the runes sailed straight into Severus' forehead and imbedded into his brain. When he was finished, Adam shrunk his staff and replaced it in his hair. Severus had a blank look on his face while the spell took effect. He opened the book in front of him, gingerly leafing through the pages of the table of contents.
His eyes got very wide and he said, "Thank you Prince Adam" in the Navajo language.
Adam told him that while he held the book in his hands, he would only be able to speak in the Navajo tongue and he could read the tome without difficulty. As soon as Severus put the book down, the spell cut off and he was back to using English as his first language.
"Curious. It did not sound to me like I was using Navajo when it came from my mouth."
"Well, I think the incantations you need to say over the potions are in Navajo so that's a good thing right?"
"Indeed. Thank you Adam. I'll see you at supper won't I?"
"I guess so. Say Severus, on my way down here, I overheard pugface and pig boy talking about smuggling mail out of here using cats."
"And who are...oh, nevermind. I do not think it wise to say that to anyone that might be offended by hearing it. Miss Parkinson and Mr. Nott are sure to join the dark lord very soon. I would hate to have to do them harm. They are really misguided."
"Well, if anyone in your house has a cat, I'd keep an eye on them."
"Thank you for informing me. I'll keep an eye out and I'll bring it to the headmaster's attention Adam." Severus said as he ushered Adam to the door.
"I think since you came in here invisible, you should perhaps go the same way you came."
"Ok Severus. I'll see you later. Enjoy the book. Let me know if there's anything fun in it."
"I'll be sure to do that Mr. Thundercloud."
"Adam, please Severus."
"As you wish, Adam."
"TTFN Severus"
'TTFN?' Severus said to himself trying to figure out what Adam meant and he closed the door. He made a beeline for the ancient Navajo potions book and began to read.
Adam Thundercloud made his way up the stairs to the third floor corridor and the unnoticed stairway leading to the Thundercloud house common room. The testing was over for the house and the house members were sitting in the common room with their feet up commiserating with each other as to how well they scored on their examinations.
No one had to duel yet but that was coming soon before the Yule holiday. The Thundercloud house was going to remain at Hogwarts until the end of the school year, attack or no attack, they were to stay and learn. A port key would be the best thing for them if they were going to travel home but, they were to remain in Scotland as part of the mutual defense treaties that their governments signed. They were going to defend Hogwarts if needs be up until the time their tuition was over and could go home to teach the lessons that they learned to many more of their citizens. Adam listened too many of his housemates for a while and made his way up to his room to change for supper.
Draco and Harry were in their room just sitting quietly holding each other. Neither of them had spoken or tried to have a mental conversation. The two of them were quite content to just be with each other giving strength to their relationship. Draco had removed his belly armor and the glamour hiding and protecting the quickly growing children inside of him. He put Harry's hand on his tummy and let his husband feel his growing children moving inside him. Harry came out of his reverie when Draco took his hand in his and kissed it.
"Love, you really want this don't you?"
"You mean the crown the sword and the scepter?"
"I mean all of it. The babies, the bloody throne... me?"
"I really do Draco. The sword was singing to me and it spoke to me as well."
"What did it say? We could only hear music. It was subtle but it was quite beautiful."
"It was singing to me. It said that I could do great things as the king and that it had been much too long since... well since the last monarch of the wizarding world sat in judgment. I think that it means that I will be a ruler, not just something like a minister or something. People are going to depend on me for critical decisions. I just don't know if I'm ready. I'll do it of course but still... it's all so very confusing. I'm glad that you're with me Draco. Happy that we are going to be parents. Glad to know that when we get him, we'll finally be free from the terror that he brings."
"I guess that says about everything then Harry. I told you that I would not mind wearing the crown. It would look stunning on my head don't you think?"
"Draco love, you look stunning in or out of clothes. It doesn't matter to me what you look like. I love you and don't let anyone try to persuade you differently."
"That's my boy. I needed to hear that just now love. Thank you."
"That's what I'm here for love. I would like to reward many folks when this is over. I think that with my new position, I can do as I please with little or no complaining from anyone."
"And just you wait until mother sees us. She is a huge social butterfly. She'll wet herself when she get's to come to court."
"That's another thing Draco; I don't have any idea of how to conduct myself as a king."
"That's what you'll have me for. I know exactly what to do. You can ask Adam what his mother does when she holds court."
"I know I could ask him, but I think I should ask Ma Birdy. She's been a ruler for a long time and she's the only queen that I know."
"She's an Empress Harry but that's the same thing. Do you remember when we were in Arizona and she had to hold that court?"
"Yes I remember. How could I forget? She made us knights of her Empire and all those people bowed to us. It kind of felt funny."
"It did didn't it? Think of all the good we can do for our people Harry. There are some ancient laws that could be reevaluated and you can change the laws and decrees that are unjust. Think of the possibilities. Hehehe Voldemort will crap his pants for sure."
"You're right you know. Now that I've thought about it, I am kind of excited."
"Oh, and just how excited are you?" Draco said getting close to give Harry's neck a lick.
"Keep that up and I'll show you straight away."
Draco did keep up his ministrations and he and Harry spent the next hour before supper showing each other their excitement as best they could with Draco's belly between them. The Thunderbirds could always tell when Harry and Draco were having sex because all of the Thunderbirds shared in afterglow when Harry and Draco finished playing. This afternoon before supper was no exception. Adam chuckled to himself when he thought to Harry and Draco, 'Hey you guys! We don't have cigarettes out here. Are you going to eat with us?'
Harry and Draco laughed and laughed before one of them could respond. 'Be with you in ten minutes cousin.'
'Make it five and I won't come into the room to haul your asses out of there.'
'It takes that long for Draco to put his feet in his shoes Adam. It'll take us ten.'
'Eight minutes and that's my final'
'Final what?'
'Just hurry up. Charley is going to meet us in the Great Hall.'
'Oh, that's what your on about is it? Well then we best hurry.'
"That gives us seven minutes to play love." Draco said beginning to start playing all over again.
"To get ready you mean. I have an idea. Let me transfigure your shoes so you only have to slip them on. No laces."
"They make shoes with no laces?"
"Uh huh. They're called loafers or slip-on's"
"Then why prey tell didn't you tell me about these loafer's before?"
"Uh, I didn't think about it?"
"Well then get on with it. Show me."
Harry waved his hand over the shoes that Draco squeezed his feet out of before their playtime on the bed and Draco's shoes changed into a highly polished pair of elegant loafers.
"There you go. I saw them once in a shoe catalogue at the Dursley's."
"Very stylish Harry, I'm proud of you. Don't suppose you could dress me?"
"Alright love, swish there you go. Ready for supper, let's get out of here."
"Aren't you forgetting something Harry? I know most of the Thunderbirds have seen you like that, but, the rest of Thundercloud house haven't." Draco said indicating Harry's lack of clothing.
"Oops. I better hurry along then." Harry said and he rushed to dress while Draco watched him hop around pulling on his pants and slipping a shirt over his head.
'Oi, Thunderbirds, ready or not, here we come.' Harry said as he slipped his shoes on without first untying them.
"Harry, you'll ruin those shoes if you keep on doing that."
"I'll buy more. I'm not used to being rich you know."
"Well you should have be. Honestly, with all the money you have in Gringott's."
"I suppose Dumbledore kept it a secret to keep it safe from Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon."
"I don't think that the Dursley's would have ever stepped foot into Diagon Alley let alone Gringott's even if they knew. Can you imagine the look on his gob if he met up with Griphook?"
"Yeah, He'd probably run before he got a chance to ask for the money."
"It's a good thing he didn't know you had it or he'd have had it all spent, and you, you'd probably be in that place you told me he said he sent you to. Lying bugger, he wouldn't have spent your money to send you to school."
"You're probably right love. When I become king, I'll let Dudley be our jester."
"That's an important position in court. Are you sure about that?"
"Love, I don't know if I'm sure about anything except my love for you."
"That's sweet Harry, Me too. Giggle"
Harry and Draco weren't the last to arrive in the common room for supper. Running Bear and Little White Dove were the last to come down to join their house for supper. They were the last to be tested and they both took their full time insuring their successful outcomes. The two shy Americans waved to everyone in their house and they all went to supper together chatting happily.
As their custom at the evening meal, Thundercloud house entered the great hall as one group. Pansy Parkinson and the Slytherins had kept to themselves biding their time for a chance to discredit the wizarding house that was in no direct competition for house points but were able to relieve houses of points if the need arise. Adam remembered the conversation he overheard when he spotted Pansy giving him the evil eye.
'Thunderbirds, I think that Pansy and that Pig guy are going to try to break the rules by communicating directly with the outside. Isn't her daddy a Death Eater?' Adam asked silently looking down the table at his housemates for an answer.
'Parkinson is a Death Eater yes, but even Pansy isn't stupid enough to risk being expelled or a broken wand. She'll never be able to do magic legally again anywhere if it's true.' Draco said. 'Well, I heard her and pig boy in the corridor to the dungeon talking. They are going to use cats and not owls to get their messages in and out. . I told Mr. Snape.'
'How did you do that Adam? Pansy's usually very careful of what she says and in front of.'
'I was kind of invisible.'
'Kind of invisible, cousin?'
'Alright, I was invisible.'
'We'll have to keep an eye out then won't we?'
'I suppose so. I really don't like that puta. She called me a red skinned freak the other day.'
'She has no class Adam. Don't listen to her or what ever comes spouting from her mouth'
'I'll try. I wonder if Mr. Snape is going to come to dinner. I put a spell on him so he could read the potions book that mama gave him.'
'Oh, he'll be in his quarters until he finishes it'
'Well, Professor Dumbledore did say he had time.'
'Then don't look for him any time soon.' Draco said mentally.
"There he is now. I thought you said he'd be hiding away reading the book." Adam said when he spotted the billowing robes of Severus heading for his seat at the head table.
"Psst, Greg, Blaise, Vince. Look at Sev. I think he's smiling." Draco said out of the side of his mouth.
"He is Draco, check it out. Either he got laid or he found something in that book Adam's mother gave him before he left. Didn't Adam just say he spelled him to be able to read it?" Blaise said.
"He said he did something to him. I don't think there are any cheering charms that powerful so it must be something in the book." Draco said taking a bite of his tuna and banana salad.
"Uggh, Draco dude, how can you eat that crap?" Adam said looking at what Draco was eating.
"Delicious. Don't knock it until you've given it a go." Draco said taking an even bigger bite of the ugly concoction.
"Harry, doesn't that bother you?" Adam said. Blaise and Greg were wondering the same thing.
"Not really. He has to eat because of you know... and if that's what he wants and he's healthy, I don't see why or how it should bother me." Harry said leaning over to kiss Draco's cheek.
"Well, I don't have to sleep with him." Blaise said with a smirk that would make any Malfoy proud.
"I doubt that you would anyway Blaise. I thought you were into the fairer sex anyway." Draco said that after he swallowed the last of the sickening concoction he called an appetizer.
"I am and you know it Draco. Just because we bonded in Arizona doesn't mean I'm into blokes." Blaise said to a grinning Draco.
Adam had switched sides of the table and was now facing the Slytherin table so he could keep an eye on the pig and pugface. He put a notice me not charm on himself and watched the two Slytherins eating their dinner and shooting Harry and Draco dirty looks. It seemed that they were interested in what and how much Draco was eating.
'Draco, Harry, don't look up. Pansy and pig boy seem interested in what you're eating. Harry you better eat some of that stuff too. I think they know you're duffed up. You want me to tiptoe around in their heads?'
'I think that she thinks she knows. We will have to throw her off track then. I can eat regular food at the table but I think I will still need certain... epicurean mixtures to satisfy myself up in our common room. Perhaps Dobby can help with that.'
'I don't think that Pansy would sit still for a legilimens spell. You'd have to hit her with a real smooth impirio and tell her to forget all about it. That is a safer way. Then you can obliviate her memory for a couple of minutes and no one knows the difference. Hermione, Ron, I have a favor to ask of you...'
Harry laid out his plan to the two Thunderbirds and they were only happy to oblige. This was a war and they had the exclusive right to use unforgivable curses without question. Hermione and Ron were a good couple to pull off the clandestine operation to use an unforgivable curse to relieve both Theodore Nott and Pansy Parkinson of their desire to know if Draco was pregnant and use the imperious curse to make them avoid Draco and Harry. Ron had secretly always wanted to use one of the unforgivables and using Nott as his first testee was the icing on the cake.
Hermione wanted to get a little revenge of her own on Pansy anyway so the newly engaged couple quickly agreed and told Harry and Draco that they didn't have a thing to worry about. The Thunderbirds as a whole thought the whole plan was brilliant. Ron would follow Nott into a bathroom and hex him and Hermione would do the same to Pansy. Ginny offered to be back up if Hermione missed her chance. She did a great spell that made the victim need to use the loo in the worst way, the same one that she used on the guy in the ballpark last August.
Supper was finished and a few students had brought their school bags with parchment, quill's, ink and books so they could do their homework. Pansy and Theodore were without their book bags and they got up with about ten other wizards and witches from their house and headed for the doors to the Great Hall. Ginny cast a bathroom hex wandlessly at Pansy and Theodore who were trailing their housemates. Instantly, the two victims of Ginny's hex had very urgent looks on their faces. They began to pass their housemates heading for the exit as quickly as possible. Ron and Hermione had already made their way to the doors and were laying in wait, Ron on one side and Hermione on the other, each on their side to the closest loo for boy's and for girls.
Theodore Nott rushed past Ron not seeing him standing in the hallway as he entered the closest boy's bathroom. He ran towards the first stall, hands on his zipper and undoing his belt. He really had to go and he would have killed someone if they were all busy. Fortunately for him there wasn't anyone there... but Ron was. Nott had his pants down before he hit the stall door and he rushed to sit down before he had an accident. Ron entered the next stall and instantly hit him with the imperious curse and told him exactly how he expected him to act and as an added bonus, Ron decided to tell Theodore he would NOT take the dark mark. He finished with a short acting memory charm and left 'pig boy' on the commode drooling.
'Oi, 'Mione' Ron whispered in his head.
'What is it Ronald? I'm just about to curse Pansy. Can't it wait?'
'This is good. Tell her she cannot take the dark mark after you tell her to lay off Harry and Draco.'
'Hey that is good. Remind me to reward you later. Talk to you in a few tics.'
'Ok love.'
Pansy was peeing very slowly and she had been farting on the toilet for a good minute. Hermione held her nose as she cursed the Slytherin witch where she sat. After doing much the same that Ron did to Theodore, she used her favorite memory charm on Pansy and quietly left the girl's loo heading towards the Great Hall and beyond. Pansy would come out of the loo maybe a little less bitchy and completely ignorant of anything that had to do with her best friend and his husband.
Ron and Hermione met just a few yards beyond the Great Hall and walked together to the moving staircase and their home away from home on the third floor. The two of were comparing notes on what they had each done.
Before the two of them could make the turn towards their staircase, they heard a voice call them from behind, "Miss Granger, Mr. Weasley please remain." It was Professor Snape. Severus took only seconds and he was next to them.
"I need to speak to you both, in private. Let's go upstairs to your common room. Professor Weasley is up there right now and the headmaster will be along shortly."
Both Ron and Hermione had looks of doom on their faces. The two Thunderbirds knew that they were going to Azkaban for using an Unforgivable Curse on Pansy and Theodore. Hermione began to shake and her eyebrow twitched. Ron's ears turned chili pepper red and all of his freckles seemed to connect. He gulped and Hermione hyperventilated. Severus noted their conditions and let them off the hook.
"Since we're alone, now, I think it's fair for me to say that you've nothing to worry about for using an unforgivable curse on Parkinson and Nott. You have license to do that, as you deem necessary for the greater good. The headmaster knows instantly when a curse of that level is used on the grounds and inside the School. Do you need a potion Miss Granger? You look quite ill."
Hermione let out the breath that she had been holding back while she hyperventilated and relaxed. Ron's knees had almost turned to jelly but he was quite relieved that he was justified in using the curse on Nott. What was on their minds now was just why Professor Snape wanted to see them in the common room with Charley and the headmaster.
"What did you need to see us about then, sir?" Hermione finally said.
"I was skimming through the book that Empress Thundercloud gifted to me just before I left Arizona. You know the one I speak of correct?"
"Yes sir, five hundred years old, war potions and the like?"
"Correct Miss Granger"
"Call me Hermione if you wish sir. Soon, I'll be Mrs. Weasley."
"Congratulations then to the both of you. nod The book in question holds some very interesting, and powerful potions and... the main ingredient in making them a thousand times more powerful is something that hasn't been available in Britain, Ireland or anywhere in Europe, Africa or Asia. It is, Sampson's Hair. The remarkable thing about the book is I think we've found a cure for forced induction lycanthropy." It kind of unnerved Hermione and Ron Severus was smiling that smile again.
"You mean you found a cure for werewolves?" Hermione said astonished at the wonderful news.
"It appears so Miss Granger. That is why I need for you and your housemates to help with the making of the potion. I'm sure that Professor Lupin will be most pleased at the prospect, but I need help and the headmasters blessings before I attempt it. I'd hate to get Lupins hopes up for nothing. Another ingredient in some of the shield potions is dragon scale and that's where Professor Weasley comes in. They have to taken with the dragon's concent and Prince Thundercloud is rumored to be able to speak to them."
"All of the Thunderbirds can communicate with dragons. Doesn't mean we especially like them but we can talk to them." Ron said with an aire of authority.
"I'm impressed Mr. Weasley, maybe we can find some time to play a game of chess. I watched you play and I remember that we haven't played." Severus said to a shocked Ronald Weasley.
"I think that would be great sir. Anytime. I know we can arrange something. When that bloody staircase quits moving we can get up to the third floor" Ron said changing the subject briefly.
"Mr. Weasley I cannot believe that you received twenty-two Newts. How long have you gone to this school?"
"Counting this year, six." Ron said with a now puzzled look on his face.
"I should need only show you how to stop a moving object how many times?" Severus said watching the wheels in Ron's head come to a screeching halt.
"Bloody hell. After all we went through you would at least expect someone would have told us to use Immobilus on the bloody thing. Bugger." Ron said. Severus patted him on the back and told him,
"Perhaps that was a bit unfair of me Mr. Weasley. You after all were forbidden from using magic in the halls, but rule breaking such as you've done time and again got off Scot free and rewarded for it, I would have expected you to have figured it out when you sat underneath the whomping willow in your third year with Pettigrew in tow."
"I can't believe that Hermione didn't figure it out. Ha!" Ron said grinning at his fiancée.
Hermione was silently hitting herself upside the head. It should have come to her years ago and she had to find out like this. Ron was going to have a field day rubbing this one in. The three wizards climbed the now still staircase that stopped in front of the door to the third floor hallway. Stepping in, they were greeted by the headmaster's curious looks as he took up the pace of the walk to the Thunderbird common room. Thundercloud house was present one hundred percent when Hermione and Ron entered with the Dean of the War College and the Headmaster of Hogwart's.
"May I have everyone's attention?" Severus said looking at the crowded room. "I have a request. We have been gifted with several Sampson's Hair plants from the MNN in America. I have also been privileged to receive an ancient potions book written in an old language. The potion I'm talking about I translated back into English and the ingredients have been identified from their original names. There are no doubts. We now have the capability for however long, I don't know, to make Xanadu potion."
The headmaster sat up straight from the fluffy chintz high backed chair that he eternally conjures when he want's to sit when he heard Severus name the legendary potion that would cure, induced lycanthropy. He paid very close attention to what Severus was saying. After all in this house, the defenders of the wizarding world were being educated. It was quite unlike Severus to announce something this monumental in front of such a large number of people unless he needed something. The headmaster continued to listen to Severus lecture briefly laying out his needs. It seemed that the Xanadu potion took two weeks to prepare and constant uninterrupted attendance to ensure its manufacture. After the initial batch was prepared the subsequent batches would be easy to make and at a much lower cost. Xanadu potion was potent and it was said to cure many wizarding ailments including returning the minds to those that were tortured into insanity by the Death Eaters. Alice and Frank Longbottom came to Severus' mind after he had read the possible uses of the legendary potion.
"...So you see, this first mixing of the potion is going to need all of your help for it to be successful the first and perhaps the only time. It could possibly be ready on Samhain morning, the day of the full moon." Severus finished stating the requirements of the potion.
"Are there any of you that know that this is the single most important potions discovery in the modern day?"
"I believe you stated your case very well Severus. I don't see any of Thundercloud house saying no to your request. I believe that we can divert the resources necessary to proceed. I shall inform Narcissa as soon as I get into my office. Birdy sent us muggle satellite telephones eliminating the need for the floo. Fred and George Weasley's modified floo powder formula is being manufactured in a secret location and the latest shipment hasn't arrived so we're not using it for communication's any longer thanks to these telephones. I shall inform the Empress tomorrow. I'm sure she knows what she's given to you Severus."
"Us, Headmaster, Us,The world. Think of the people in St. Mungo's that can be helped. Longbottom's parents would benefit of this potion. Neville, come closer would you."
Neville would have in all probability if he weren't a Thunderbird been quaking in his boots, but the summer he spent with Severus and the rest were the best he'd ever spent. He had come to admire the tall spooky man and he was no longer afraid of him. "Yes sir professor?"
"Longb.. Neville, I think your expertise will be needed in this particular endeavor. Your herbology skills are on a par with none of your peers. You by far outclass them. I think that your grandmother would be most proud if it were you that harvested the ingredients from Madame Sprout's greenhouses when and as they're needed. Several of them need to be picked at a certain time of day and handled as I know only you can do without fail. Are you up to the task?"
"Yes sir, I'll do my part. I'd like to see my folks be able to have a conversation with each other and me one time. And I think that Professor Lupin would like to look at a full moon with human eyes with his friends, don't you?"
"I believe that myself. Now, I propose that we start tomorrow morning. Neville, we need two cups of chopped Sampson's Hair kept in a Silver container. Tomorrow is the new moon before Samhain."
"I'll need my wand for that. I think that one of the stones in my medicine bag will be helpful too. Alright, I'm all set. Where are we going to brew the potion?"
"In the last battle laboratory downstairs next to the potion's lab. It would be most convenient there."
"Yes sir. I'll have it before moonset. Seven twenty seven sharp."
"Thank you Neville. I'll have the base ingredients we have brought up from the battle stores in the dungeon."
"We have battle stores?" Harry asked.
"Yes Harry, they have been in magical storage for a long time. Many of the items you need are quite rare and if the time that they are needed is now, then now it will be. It will not exhaust our supplies but severely diminish their size. If the potion is a success, and I'm sure it will, it will be more than well worth it." Dumbledore said.
"Draco and I would like to make a donation to the potions stores. You name the ingredients and we will pay for them. Sky's the limit up to five million galleons... Draco? Do you want to make a donation too?"
Draco's eyes were very mirthful when Harry motioned for him to speak about his donation.
"I'm matching Harry's. He knows why." Draco said and went back to the mental conversation he was having with Hermione.
"That is indeed most generous Harry. I'm sure that Severus will make it do as much good as possible."
"Draco was telling me that some potions were so hard to make that their costs were prohibitive from that alone. The prices of some of the ingredients startled me. I had no idea. This is the very least that we can do to begin with."
"He is correct in that Harry. Now, I'll leave you with Severus and your companions and bid you good night. I'll inform your mother Draco. I can see through your glamour. Is there anything that I can do to make you more comfortable?" The headmaster said to the blushing blond.
"No thank you sir. I'm actually still feeling quite fit. No skin stretching, I'm not developing a female chest and I can run and fly as I please. If anything the children give me more energy." Draco whispered the last to the headmaster who gave him a knowing nod.
Severus was in discussion with Adam and Blaise and Neville and there were a dozen Native Americans listening very closely to what was going to be expected of them. They were the first ones to begin the project. Every one of them knew down to the hour what they would be doing from day to day for the first three and a half days. Their schedules were flexible enough and everyone shared their classes with each other it was common among them to already know things when they got to class thus turning class time into practice time getting techniques right was something to be proud of in the wizarding world.
"Dean Snape sir, what other potions could be possible using this Sampson's Hair?" Running Bear said to the Professor.
"There are several that can be enabling by reconstitution and an incantation if Sampson's Hair is used in the primary brewing. I think that since we're in a war situation and there is an abundant supply, we will be brewing restorative potions with Sampson's Hair and stocking the infirmary and St. Mungo's with them and storing as much of it as we can because, I'm afraid in this war, there will be great need of it."
"Sounds good to me. Little White Dove's uncle is loony tunes. He half fell into and got yanked out of some veil of the damned about a hundred years ago and he's been goofy ever since." Running Bear said to his Dean.
"Ah, there's a topic hardly ever discussed in History of Magic. I recall reading about someone who put his head in the veil voluntarily about a hundred years ago. He became insane because of his soul leaving his body briefly. Not his life force mind but he didn't go all the way in and he really didn't come all the way out was the way they described it in the books. I'm sure Miss Dove's uncle could be helped in some way but, I'm afraid I know of no magic that can breach the veil to retrieve a body and a soul."
"Oh, my ma knows Adam's ma pretty good. They went to camp when they were girls and have been friends ever since. I'm from Montana and my mother is Queen of the magical Sioux Nation. There is ancient magic in all the native nations in America and each one are different among them. The Navajo's are elementally powerful and they command the magic of the stars. They are probably the most powerful. Then there are the Sioux. Our magic is more physical but not near as powerful. The Adirondacks do some very cool spiritual magic. They talk to the trees and rocks and stuff like that, souls of the earth and they're dream dancers. Miss Lovegood is their favorite instructor here so far. They don't mean to disrespect but they asked me to see if Professor Trelawney would stay out of our class. She smell's of smoke and she really only is like a book without a brain. They think her next job would be a fortuneteller in a carnival sideshow. Sorry sir but they don't dislike her, but Miss Lovegood is very impressive. She has some of the girls already doing that clear mind seeing through doors and such. It's kind of cool but we think fortune telling is mumbo jumbo. We believe what we believe. Damn, I talk too much."
"Nonsense Prince Running Bear, It's refreshing to hear an unbiased opinion of ones colleagues. What do they tell you about me?"
"Well sir, some of it is kind of funny. We're betting you painted on your suntan."
"Don't take the bet your highness."
"Call me Buddy will you sir? It's what they call me at home. Little White Dove is Dovey to her friends. Her pa is King of the Adirondacks. King Green Tree. He's a pretty cool dude I think but my ma has been mad at him for as long as I've been alive anyway. I met Dovey at camp and we've been an item ever since. She thinks your potions experiments that we had to do were fun. She loves to brew the earthy stuff most of all."
"She does eh?" Severus said and looked at the shy American witch who had not said a word and holding on to Running Bear's arm.
"Yes sir, I do. Potions classes are my favorite. I think I'll be teaching Healing for Battlefield Medi-Wizards and Medi-Witches when I get home and potions is a big part of that. I'm going to get my Pa to make up with Buddy's Ma for what ever they are fighting over because between the twelve of us here between two nations, If we do good here, we can bring the education back and pass it along to the others at home.
They can fight now but, I don't think they know what they're really fighting for or against. Many are frightened stiff. Some of the potion's I've learned here are just the thing for restoring confidence and level headed thinking and they can fight without a handicap. We can start a basic wizard's training to many who cannot afford tuition to a regular school. The need this information so they can perhaps live if this war goes abroad. It will require both our nations to cooperate."
"I see, Princess Dove, Your perspective is also most refreshing. It's getting late and I'll leave you to get ready to go to bed. I shall see you all in the morning alright?" Severus said rising and bowing. His robes were already billowing and he hadn't taken a step.
"Good evening everyone. Thank you for your attention this evening. See you bright and early. Good night Draco, nod Harry."
"Good night Professor. See you in the morning." Harry said to his husband's godfather.
"Draco, I can't wait to tell Remus. He will be so pleased." Harry gushed.
"I don't think it's a good idea to get his hopes up until it's finished. Xanadu potion is legendary. It is supposed to be like one of this or that ingredient and you have the elixir of life. You could live forever."
"And that ingredient would be... a philosopher's stone perhaps?"
"Yes Harry. Good guess or how in Merlin's name did you know that?"
Harry raised his eyebrows only not thinking or saying the obvious. He waited for Draco to realize what he said and what was on the end of one Adam Black Thundercloud's staff.
"Oh, Merlin, Harry, Are you thinking what I'm thinking?"
"If you're thinking of making the elixir of life out of the Xanadu potion I am."
"Bloody hell! That would bring Voldemort to you; even if your ascendance to the throne of Camelot doesn't bring Voldemort to you."
"Exactly, let's go to bed love. There is a lot to think about and Tomorrow is going to be a long day. Right now though, I'm thinking of a merry go round."
"A merry goes what?"
"Oh, nevermind, love, let's go spend some quality time before we go to sleep. I'm horny." Harry whispered and licked Draco's ear.
Draco didn't have to be invited twice, he grabbed Harry's hand, and the two of them sped towards their room. Draco was going to do the undressing spells and Harry was going to lock and silence the room.
"Nox;" Harry whispered and climbed into his bed and Draco's waiting arms.