Hey there everyone. Thanks for getting this far with me and thanks to Satyr-oh for his beta work. I am going to post as fast as he can beta the chapters I'm ahead on. I don't want to conflict with HBP.
JKRowling owns HP et al, I only own this story and anyone you've never heard about before. My spells, curses, hexes and jokes are mine, not hers.
Please enjoy...
Bye Bye Baby
The Thunderbirds rushed to their common room fire awaiting the arrival of the headmaster, Professors McGonagall and Snape and Narcissa Black Malfoy. Luna had gone to her place in front of the magical fire in the center of their common room and instinctively the Thunderbirds made a circle around her placing their hands on her shoulders. Adam used an incantation, and her vision was being projected in the magical fire just like when his mother did it. The three heads of government were instructed to take positions around the room in equal distances and joined the group of powerful wizards.
Voldemort and his minions were terrorizing a muggle neighborhood on the continent in France. The people were speaking French to no avail. Several of the Thunderbirds recognized the words as "Help and please don't kill us, we support no wizard named Dumbledore, we know of no King Harry, please, please don't hurt us."
The Death Eaters were merciless as they began to strip the skin off the victims children first and then their heads were removed from their shoulders when their agonized screams halted. The heads were off and the murdering Death Eaters disapparated with the heads as trophies.
The headmaster, Narcissa and Professor McGonagall were entirely shocked at the barbaric treatment of the people they saw in the magical fire. Luna was blinking and rubbing her eyes trying to shake the vision out of her head. Blaise was there to comfort her as best he could and she was grateful for the big Italian wizard's kind hands. Dumbledore began.
"So, it seems that Voldemort has taken his viciousness to the continent. The foreign ministries were warned and they seemed to think that they could handle the problems that arise. I believe that we will be receiving urgent diplomatic owls shortly. That leaves you Thunderbirds." Dumbledore said looking at the group. They knew in their hearts what was going to need to be done and they were only waiting for the green light.
"That leaves us what headmaster? You're finally going to unleash our talents on the death eaters regularly now? We have the power to directly apparate to anywhere in Europe and that includes Turkey and Northern Africa. We only need you to say go. You know the rules no questions. You'll get your results but no questions is that completely understood?" Draco said for the group. He did have a way with words.
"Unleash you, no, let you go to do your jobs, yes. Moreover, your condition is of no question. I shall inform the Empress that you have indeed committed to complete involvement. I trust that you'll use the special weapons and spells that were gifted to you this past summer by some of our allies?"
"Yes, headmaster, we've become quite used to having and using them. The Cherokee blades are sharper than even the most honed Japanese Samurai sword. The African wand holsters are the best and are very good as defensive weapons as well. Our Seminole students were very good at helping us perfect the battle spell their queen gifted us with and the battle gear the Sioux and Adirondack's are only waiting for the call to arms. Our Nannies have barricaded the nursery and three of them can turn into harpies at a time if the call comes. Draco and I are ready sir." Harry said motioning to the individual items he had on him.
"Fred and George Weasley's invention seemed easier to manufacture as was once thought and the demand on the continent is in the tens of thousandsbecause so many wizarding homes are in muggle neighborhoods. Not often done here in Britain. You young men should be quite proud of yourselves. Between the pinpoint floo powder you invented, and the dark mark detector, there would be many more witches and wizards and their families fall victim to Voldemort and his followers. Your early warning system seems quite beneficial. I think that the Order of Merlin Second Class is in order for that alone." Dumbledore said smiling for two of the biggest hoaxers at Hogwart's since the Marauders.
Molly and Arthur Weasley would have been exceedingly proud of Fred and George if they were there, but three of their siblings were and that was a great moment for the Weasley twins. Draco was the first after Harry to congratulate the two ingenious wizards. Everyone else was equally proud. Adam gave the boys a kiss on the cheek each and he cast a Navajo happiness charm on them. Things were going to get a lot worse off for everyone and it was soon. Happiness charms were almost as good as a massage... almost.
The reason for the assembly was noted and Harry removed the charm that had protected him from Voldemort's thoughts and actions. Draco took up position behind Harry to keep the pain away from him if necessary. Harry was reaching out toNeville on one side and Hermione on the other. The circle was still indeed twelve. From their points in the room, the leaders of government were standing in the shadows as the fire mages re-lit a magical fire for the images to have something to adhere to.
Harry was soon in a trance like state trying to find Voldemort first before he was discovered. Luna's vision came on quickly and clearly. Voldemort was indeed unaware that he was being spied on. Since the fire mages hadn't lit a magical fire in front of Voldemort, they could openly discuss what kind of message they'd like sent and, how powerfully.
Voldemort had managed to reclaim and return Bellatrix to her former vile and wicked self somehow. The two of them weren't alone in the chamber by any means. Death Eaters were lined in many semi circles facing their lord. If it weren't for their masks, their terrorized faces would be quite visible. Dumbledore had talked that afternoon with Narcissa as well as Birdy via space phone. They hadn't let any wizard publication besides the Quibbler to report anything. The idea was a simple one Dumbledore knew the spell that Birdy had used to send curses through magical fire and he was quite prepared to do so if there were to be any wrath, Dumbledore would cause it until Harry was invited to taunt the evil wizard.
The fire in the room narrowed and shrank a bit before Dumbledore sent the same magical fire to the center of the room Voldemort was in. The Death Eaters were all pulling their wands and aiming at the fire. They still hadn't realized that they couldn't send hexes through the fire (unless they knew the Navajo incantation). It wasn't needed to be heard, just the thought of it, and it works. Dumbledore put his smiling face in the cold fire and greeted the biggest threat the wizarding world has known for almost fifty years.
"Hello Tom. I see the early warning systems have thwarted you repeatedly. I'm sure your people become quite tired and prone to make mistakes disapparating and apparating so quickly."
"They do no such thing Dumbledore and you know it. What purpose is it that you wish tospy onme?"
"Oh, to warn you that you're in mortal peril by the one wizard with not justthe skill but the power needed to use it. Your forces stand no chance of mounting an attack on Hogwarts. Your chances of survival are slim to none if you yourself want war."
"Threatening me you old fool! I shall bring down the wards on that relic and then blow it to bits then I will take you apart limb from limb." Voldemort threatened, he really was at a loss for words.
"I'm quite sorry that you think that way. I'm sure that by now there is a King of the wizard's kingdom."
"Rubbish you old fool! You probably found someone that you could manipulate to enact laws and force injustices upon us. No, you have no king that I've heard about. He would have to be as powerful as you or I, the trinity grail is a myth anyway, and I'm wise to your type of lies," Voldemort said to the still grinning old wizard.
"Then Mr. Riddle, I present you, King Harry Potter-Malfoy, Court of Camelot, owner of those so called mythical relics. King Harry, would you like to say hello to our old friend" Dumbledore said sarcastically.
"Delighted sir, pokes head in the fire> Hellooo Tom." Harry began to taunt, "Oh, hello Auntie Bella, teeth giving you any problems?"
"Shut your mouth you weakling. As you can see, I have quite a nice set of teeth thank you very much you little arse. You enjoy buggering my traitorous sisters' ponce of a son don't you? You poof!" Bella taunted back, striking a cord.
"Now Bella, that wasn't very nice.Did you happen to forget that you can't cast a hex through this fire?" Harry vaguely warned, "but I can?".
"You don't have the talent you little bastard. The Dark Lord will have his fun with your little whore and then he will have his fun with you. We shall only be happy to watch as my nephew's heart is cut from his chest and fed to Nagini." Bella said perhaps a little boldly.
"You still can't fight your own fights can you Tom. 'Dentus-non-restore' Harry said pointing his hand at Bellatrix.
"It appears that talent eludes you Harry. Hahahahahahahaha"Voldemort gloated.
"We'll see. ...flatulus maximus audious odiferous" Harry said.
He was only trying to piss Voldemort off but he didn't want his wrath to be added to by harming the Death Eaters. Only humiliate them by waving his hand again at the much closer curious D.E.'s
The loud gas started in the back of the lair of Voldemort and soon it was making its rounds getting closer to the center of the room where he and Bellatrix were. Bella could not help but laugh at the ridiculous waste of magic. She began to laugh when the gas started to play a dirge ptth ptth ptth ptth thh pltth pltth pltth and when she opened her mouth her magically repaired teeth began to fall out. She was spitting her teeth on the floor and screaming. Voldemort couldn't be less interested asthis would only make Bella more vicious.
"I could kill you all now Tom but, I'd rather take it out on you in person. Headmaster is there anything else you'd like to say before the connection is off?" Harry said just as an unprotected crucio hex came from out of nowhere through the fire.
"It's alright love, he isn't hurting me.Bit ofa shock really, but I'm fine." Harry had leaned back to give his lover a kiss. He was still holding hands with Hermione and Neville.
The seventeen pairs of eyes were used to this kind of behavior between the two and dismissed it. Dumbledore was quite sure that if Voldemort wanted to, he could put his head in the fire and either one of them could be pulled out in an instant. Draco was holding onto Harry but Dumbledore wasn't. He reached out of the distant fire and pulled the closest Death Eater into and through the fire to him magically. Voldemort was in a rant instantly.
"That is the darkest of magic Dumbledore, very nice.Perhaps we should join powers after alland conquer the wizarding world. First order of business is standing in close proximity to you. Kill him and all will be well."
"You're indeed quite mad Thomas. No, there is a now a king selected by Merlin himself and he showed himself to you, it's your own King, Harry Potter-Malfoy" Dumbledore said.
Minerva had bound and gagged the Death Eater as soon as he was within wands shot. The captured Death Eater was unmasked immediately to see who he was and promptly temporarily blinded for security of the Thunderbirds. Narcissa had been using her quick quill taking down as many notes as she could. She handed a parchment to Harry... "Accio their masks and wands, don't count and be ready for a number of shouted curses Draco will stop them for you pass this to Albus... NBM ".
Harry handed the note to Draco who did not let go of Harry for an instant. He scanned the note and gave it to the headmaster. The Thunderbirds were going to be ready with only a short thought...
'half of you catch masks and wands, you others, Fred, George, you look at their faces.'
"Accio Masks and Wands!" Harry shouted through the still huge fire.
Soon he was under a small pile of masks. The wands were caught quickly, andput into a magic proof container for later priori incantatum.
Fred and George were not the only ones to remember the faces. Gregory, Vince, Blaise and Draco recognized the names to match Fred and George's faces. There was a mad scramble in the room surrounding Voldemort as the witches and wizards were suddenly pulling their hoods over their faces tryingto hide. They were slow in Voldemort's opinion and they would pay.
"Very clever Harry, How is it I can no longer ... talk directly to you Hmmm?" Voldemort said out of character.
"I don't believe I'll share that with you Tom. As a courtesy though, I'm warning you..." Harry began and with a changed tone, "I am going to kill you with your own magic." Harry actually spit through the fire and hit Voldemort on the chest.
Luna pulled back the vision and the magical fires in both locations extinguished themselves leaving no trace. Harry was fuming but Draco managed to calm him down with gentle massaging of his shoulders.
"That was indeed quite a show of magic Your Highness," Dumbledore said.
"Harry sir, just Harry, and that was nothing, Birdy showed us a few more mage tricks that are quite fun if done just right giggle>".
"I'm sure they would be cause for concern if directed at someone. Empress Thundercloud is so much more than just a great wielder of magic. Her heart is thoroughly embedded in the light and it showed one evening when you were all still in Arizona."
Dumbledorethen whispered,"She apparated through the wards directly into my office and she wasn't even winded. Quite a show of resolution don't you think?"
"I suppose she gave you an earful in just under two minute's sir?" Draco said.
"Two ear's full to be exact. Single greatest riot act I've ever witnessed without the use of magic," Dumbledore reflected.
"What are we going to do with that bloke over there sir?" Draco said looking at the captured wizard.
"He's been identified already. I am afraid it was the father of a Ravenclaw. Professor McGonagall has him de-sensitized so he can't see, hear or move. Her restraints are usually quite severe." Dumbledore said.
Everyone had gathered around the former Slytherins and the twins who were describing the exposed faces. The Slytherins were identifying them as soon as they were finished.
Fred and George were describing what they saw to a magic portrait brush to sketch what they described, another Weasley invention meant for young wizards who liked to paint, sketch or draw but really were bad at it.
Draco and Blaise were usually the first to speak up when the magical quills made enough identifying marks to put a name to the drawings. Vincent and Gregory knew after just a few seconds that their fathers were indeed alive, but still fugitives. It was a mixed blessing for the two of them they would hate to fight their fathers, but they would, and they would not lose if they did. Twenty-seven Death Eaters were now identified, and the morning's edition of the Daily Prophet would publish wizarding photographs of them. The heat was on now.
Narcissa had persuaded her sons to let her come for a visit with her grandchildren and the two of them were only more than happy to oblige. It had been only a short time since the two busy fathers got to cuddle their septuplets. Not all of the Thunderbirds wanted to crowd the nursery so they went about their business while a few of them went to see babies and discuss a few things.
The nursery was unwarded by one of the nannies when the password was spoken to the crest on the door it opened. Draco was first inside pulling his mother behind him leaving Harry in the dust (no dust really, the room was practically sterile so it was just a figure of speech) to close the door after everyone entered. Harry let Draco take his mum from crib to crib and Harry went to sit with the nannies.
"Say, sonny, you and your husband are sure cute. Your babies are a very good looking bunch if you let an old lady say so." Auntie Josephine said.
"You're going to embarrass me Auntie Josephine, but thank you for noticing. I really can't help how I look." Harry mused.
"Oh, I've seen you before fly boy. Of course, you've done something to yourself. Draco was fit as a fiddle when we put him back together with Poppy. Between the two of you, I bet you have at least as many more kids. Children are the secret of a happy family Harry my dearie, and you have someone that seems to love you very much."
Auntie Vera spoke up next, "Harry, Has anyone told you just whatMerlin's oldstuff can do for you?"
"No Auntie Vera. Is there something I've not been told as of yet?" Harry asked, cackles rising slightly.
"Nothing too much really, Merlin was a pretty wealthy wizard. He made friends with goblins by doing a huge service for the goblin king. Anyway, Merlin put up all the money old Gringott had started with. I suppose the goblins are searching the oldest and deepest vaults there. The old stuff I'm talking about is gold. Galleons to be exact. You my dear, are quite wealthy. I hope you put your money and your heart to good use." Auntie Vera said to a now perplexed Harry.
"I have to go and talk to Draco and mum Malfoy." Harry said with a slight green look to his face.
"That poor child, He's not got a hint of his sweeping wealth. The king of wizards has such great wealth and power and can bend magic at will. We should teach him if he doesn't know how to already girls," Auntie Nala told her sisters.
The five other Navajo harpy witches looked at each other and agreed with Nala. They would teach Harry and the others if they wanted to learn how to bend magic and how to make it boomerang. The old women had spent some time with a few of their native Australian cousins and learned a lot of tricks
Harry put his arm around Draco as he was holding little Prince Sirius. Narcissa had a small wizarding camera with her and had been taking photo after photo and she had almost exhausted her supply of film when she noticed. She asked one of the other Thunderbirds to take a picture of the three of them behind the seven royal babies, it was Neville and he was very happy to help the large family out.
When the babies had all been changed and wrapped up all cozy, the nannies went back to their chatting and art working. They were master jewelers and gem cutters. They enjoyed what they did and could always put away their projects in a flash of a wand and take care of babies if need be. They had told Birdy that it wasn't necessary for her to send a seventh nanny because what they had was perfect. The six of them jotted notes periodically to send with Lulu on her usually daily trips between continents. The Aunts had Birdy's blessing to teach the Thunderbirds how to warp magic in the ancient way. She had indicated she had not thought to incorporate it in their training.
"You lot, come over here, please." Draco said unrolling a large parchment.
The Thunderbirds were always anxious for information and it looked like this was going to be an important piece of it by the size of the unrolled map. The map itself, when tapped with a short incantation, raised itself topographically to include trees, shrubs, rocks, houses, the lake and the forbidden forest. Hogsmeade looked entirely complete.
"What you see here is what is going to be called a guard map. There are dark mark detectors on each of the buildings in Hogsmeade, surrounding the town, up and down the railroad tracks and of course, surrounding the castle and the grounds. Hagrid refuses to come inside the safety of the walls so we put one every twenty feet of his house for a hundred yards in every direction. As you can see, Professor Lupin was very helpful in enchanting the map to show everyone as far as the map is large. You see. We... are right here." Draco said without is usual imperious tone.
"Someone, probably two or three aurors will be privy to the perimeter and Hogsmeade as well as Hagrid's hut. This is tedious work and they will try to skive it off using teaching classes as an excuse. We cannot help them and we all will be needed on call at a moment's notice. Is this agreeable to everyone?" Draco said now yielding the floor to Dumbledore who has been intently paying attention.
"It shows that you've all paid quite a bit of attention to those that have come before you. I am sure that if you were to leave the castle to chase down a few Death Eaters, your efforts would be most futile. I'm quite sure that soon, very soon, Voldemort will be attacking us here when we're going to be most vulnerable."
"Yule holiday" Harry said.
"Harry, I hate saying this but, I'd feel much safer if we could send the children to Birdy in Arizona with the nannies," Draco said referring to what the headmaster had finished saying.
"I'm sure they'll be safe enough here love, but if it's what you want, then, alright. We will have to tell Adam and the nannies soon. Professor Dumbledore, would you solicit an invitation for our children for an indefinite amount of time to the Empress?" Harry said unknowing he had just issued his first command.
"It shall be done right away Harry," Albus said.
"Thank you sir," Harry said pulling Draco to his side.
"It is my supreme privilege to do this for you. I think it would be prudent if we were to send them right away. A few at a time or all at once, it's up to you and Draco."
"I'm sure that Pipsqueak can carry seven babies and a few old ladies. They can leave Longfellow here if they want to." Harry said almost as if he knew that was what was going to happen.
A warning glow came from a new device on Dumbledore's desk and it shot a beam of light to where the problem was. It was a village close to Loch Ness. Draco called out to the Thunderbirds,
'Trouble, five kilometers east of Loch Ness, meet at the Entrance Hall in two minutes.'
' What's up mate?' 'Voldemort couldn't take' 'the stick in the ribs?' Fred and George said because they were already at the Entrance Hall.
'Death Eaters. You got your talons sharpened?' Draco said pulling Harry with him.
Dumbledore knew more secret passages than anyone did and he was next to Fred and George when Harry and Draco got there. They had long ago given up hope as to finding out how he did it.
"The same trouble as was in France?" Neville said as the group assembled in the Entrance Hall.
"I'm afraid so, you can hurry there and perhaps save some lives. Go now; there isn't anyone about wearing an invisibility cloak." Dumbledore said winking at Hermione, Ron and Harry.
"Alright then sir be back as soon as possible; We'll fly to the gates and apparate there invisibly. After that, well, we won't say anything." Draco said for the group as they went outside and one after the other took to the sky sparkling as they made their way to the gates of Hogwarts. They were invisible when they landed in the middle of the impromptu camp of photographers and reporters from around the world. They stayed invisible and held each other's hands. They disapparated and were in the old wizarding/muggle town close to the Loch.
"Alright, Adam, Neville, Draco and me, will stay this way. You lot fly circle and cast the anti-apparition ward then you can do your thing. We will hunt from the ground. They must not have killed anyone because the dark mark isn't up shining yet. All right, you lot get going and we'll start to freeze anyone we see. We'll sort them out later" Harry said with a very King like tone of voice. Draco was proud to see it making its way out.
Nine of the Thunderbirds cast the anti-apparition ward and joined in the hunt for D.E.'s from the air. As usual, Ginny was the first to spot two of them out in the open and she dove for them invisibly and used her talons to separate their heads from their shoulders. The bodies were not to be notice charmed and the heads were deposited in the middle of a large field. Blaise and Neville were the next to spot their own target and the Death Eaters met with the same fate as their comrades. The rest of the flying Thunderbird landed and changed into their human forms but stayed invisible they had spotted groups of wizards entering homes and they needed to be smaller to accommodate them and their surprise attack.
The Thunderbirds had split into groups of three each and one of four, Adam in that one. They had followed many wizards and witches into homes and stopped them before they could hurt, or worse, kill the people that were still in their beds. Several of the intended victims were awakened and were promptly put to sleep, minds modified, The Death Eaters were killed in each case, and their heads were deposited with targeting spells in the now growing pile of carnage. The heads of the Death Eaters were going to be sent to the MLE for examination.
There were only three wizards hurt in the attack, which was a considerable win for the light side. The dark mark detectors were a success. Ginny and Luna healed the injured wizards and Hermione did the mind-altering spells. The Thunderbirds were finished with their work in only twenty minutes and apparated to the gates of Hogwarts. Visible. They were admitted through the gates before any of thepreviously sleeping reporters who were very angry they missed the pictures of the century.
The gates slammed and the Thunderbirds walked 'round a bend in the road making themselves quite out of sight, went invisible and flew once again to the castle and the headmaster's office to give him a report. The MLE had been on the scene just minutes after the Thunderbirds finished their work and they left the sorting of bodies to the trained professionals this time. The Thunderbirds had given the details of what was going on in the village east of Loch Ness but they left out the details of how they accomplished their mission. They did not keep score as to how many neutralized D.E.'s there were but it seemed that Ginny made an appearance at the discharge pile more than any more of them she was even more wicked when she was human and using all five digits on one hand to cast five different spells, at once, at one wizard. She did what she did and no one said a thing.
The Thunderbirds were sure that Bellatrix LeStrange wouldn't be with the raiding party because she was still trying to find the teeth she'd spit out when Harry cursed her. They were positive now that Voldemort knew Harry was King.
Voldemort'sparanoia overcame him with the thought that his followers might decide to leave him for Harry and there were going to be some 'culling of the troops'.As far as Voldemort was concerned, he ordered it, and as simple as that, it was done. He had givena task to his Death Eaters and they failed him. If any of them survived, they would be dead first thing.Lucky for Bellatrix.
He knew that Harry wasn't a killer and he would falter at the last second givinghim the chance opening he needed to finally kill him. (Yeah right, like that will happen...)
Voldemort's single biggest mistake ever He had not counted on the spell workHarry learned in Arizona under the tuition of Little Bird Thundercloud. He also was unaware that there were twelve more like him, strictly speaking.
The Thunderbirds finished dispatching the attacking Death Eaters in the small Scottish town, not sending their bodies to who knew wherethis timeand bagging the heads to send to the MLE for identification. No notes except where they met their ends and when. The need for Obliviation teams was not necessary but they would be welcomed to inspect the carnage for themselves first hand if they wanted to put forth the effort.
The note that Draco and Hermione penned to the MLE was very witty and charming, with just a hint of smart-ass thrown in subtly for effect. The two of them were very proud of delivering the bag of heads, shrunken to the size of a small parcel and owled to the MLE headquarters immediately. Narcissa Black Malfoy would know before the law enforcers did.The closeness with herwould serve to be useful repeatedly.
The Thunderbirds apparated to the Hogwart's gates and walked the rest of the way up to the castle. The early morning light was just beginning to break over the horizon. There were few clouds promising a very nice autumn day. They had time to get a few hours of sleep after they ate their fill of roast beef and ham, potatoes and peas, and any assortment of drinks. The flying and fighting gave them a huge appetite and it was never sated until they were sure there were no more morsels left on the table.
Hermione, Ginny and Luna were eating as much as the wizards were. The girls finished their meals and drinks and gave their boy's kisses until they got out of bed in a minimum of six hours and that would be eleven o'clock and not a minute before. There would be hell to pay to anyone that disturbed them. The witches were very sweet about their threat but it wasn't taken lightly.
"Good night boyyys..." Ginny said yawning.
"Good night Ginny we'll be up soon" Ron said for his brothers.
"We're right behind you Gin, wait up and we'll walk with you." Draco said standing and pulling Harry with him.
The wizards joined the witches because they were anxious to see their babies and get some much-needed rest. The five of them said their good nights and went their separate ways. Harry entered the bedchamber and let the nannies know that they had returned if they would care to lower their ward so they could check on their babies.
'Auntie anybody! It's Harry. Draco and I have returned. It's safe. " Harry said through the warded door.
"What's the password sonny?" Came the reply from behind the door.
"Kick ass first and ask questions later" came Harry's reply. The door opened It wasn't his password to choose, It was Auntie Nala's.
Harry and Draco entered at what happened to be feeding and nappy changing time. The two wizards were led by the hand but swore it was at wand point, to the babies changing tables. Harry was handed little Sirius and a fresh nappy with a cleaning rag, ointment and powder. He had to smear the ointment all over the little boy's bits and sprinkle him with powder after he had wiped up the mess he had made. If he was lucky, Sirius wouldn't pee in his face.
Harry had secured the pin holding the whole mess together, put his little pants on him, and bundled him up. He washed his hands, picked his son up, and took the bottle that Auntie Aloe had given him to feed the baby. Seemed there was still only one way to raise a child and that was by hand, no magic. Draco was a different story, he scourgified his daughters bottom with a warmed modified spell and the little girl giggled at the sensation. He wasn't in danger of getting a face full of pee like Harry had been, but with three sons that were so very young, there was plenty of time to experience that. He knew in his heart that the nannies would insure those intimate events.
The two wizards had held each of the babies and fed them bottles laid them down and sang them lullabies. The effect was mutual for the nine royal Potter-Malfoys and the nannies rushed the two dead on their feet wizards to their beds. As a good measure, Auntie Vera hit them with a sleeping charm and cast a magical glowing Navajo dream catcher over the two wizards as they hit their pillows with their heads.
"I love you Draaco" Harry yawned.
"I know you do Harry I love you too now go to sleep. I'll ravage you later. All that work makes me sleepy..." Draco said as he drifted off to sleep.
Auntie Vera's sleeping charm was working, well, like a charm. The old woman closed the door and put up a silencing charm on it so they wouldn't be disturbed. The old Navajo women rememberedher owndays fighting wizarding wars. Their family was legendary when it came to battles and winning them without trouble. They never afforded themselves the luxury of deciding who should live or die. It was kill every one that opposes you no matter how attached you were publicly. Sort everything out later... at least someone would sort things out later it was never them. To the old Navajo women, the more vicious you were and the more nonchalant about the deed afterward was worthy of being called a Thundercloud. The Thunderbirds had already shown this trait and they were quickly becoming more like mother hens to both the babies and the Thunderbirds.
Ron was playing one of the European princes of a wizarding country in Malta a friendly game of chess the next morning... well, afternoon really but it was just the start of their day. Thundercloud house had the weekend off from lessons from their testing and they were happy for a day of rest and relaxation, then perhaps a little recreation. The chess game was just a warm up. Adam's Auntie Josephine was watching the two wizards playing the wizard's game of chess and making 'tsking' sounds whenever one of them made a bad move. She never gave them an idea they were making a right move because there were usually more than one. That was the secret of Ron's success. He thought out every possible move his pieces could make and the possible counter moves.
Auntie Josephine finally said to the Maltese wizard, "Sonny, you lost this game the minute you started playing. He has you beat in two moves maximum. I'd say finish and I'll slam him into a wall for you when I get the winner. What's say?"
Prince Rafaelo conceded the match and Ron graciously accepted the wizards acknowledgement of defeat. Auntie Josephine waved her hand over the board and the pieces were put back together and on the board. "Your move sonny" she taunted.
"Right. Knight to D4." Ron began and soon the match was underway six moves apiece.
Ron was unaware he'd been set up from the third move and his eyes bugged out when Auntie Josephene said
"Checkmate sonny. Watch where you leave your bishops." Auntie Josephene said patting Prince Rafaelo on the shoulder vindicating him as she walked away.
"Madame is good, no, Senior Weasley?" The Prince said.
"My name is Ron, just... Ron All right? I'll just call you Ralph if that's alright with you. If we're ever in Malta I'll be sure to call you Prince yada yada in front of your mates. And yes she's bloody damn good." Ron said.
"What is this, yada yada?"
"Oh, it's American slang. Adam uses it sometimes. It seemed to fit. Funny that isn't it?" Ron said.
"You English, you are so funny sometimes." Prince "Ralph" said. Ron was happy that not many people had seen him thoroughly trounced in eight moves on the chessboard and he had-had his fill. He charmed the pieces back into their case and folded the board up and put it on top of the pieces. The box top was next and he tucked the lot under his arm and left the Maltese prince alone in the common room. He started to anyway.
"I'll be right back. Are you allowed to use the battle brooms or the other special brooms? I think I'd like to go flying and I'm going to ask the others if they want to come along, how about it Ralphie" Ron asked.
"I think that I shall like this. Yes, I'm allowed to use the brooms. My father is personal friends with the manufacturer and we fly all the latest models." The prince said.
Ron was unsure that the Prince was telling him the truth but he was sure that he hadn't been on the battle brooms and hadn't mastered flying upside down throwing curses and blocking spells. Ron was sure going to find out. He wouldn't let the prince get hurt. He actually liked the bloke. There were ten Thunderbird takers, Hermione and Draco deciding against the activity just 'that time' they were assuring them, they would fly later "Ralph" was with Ron in the common room and was introduced finally informally to the TBirds and was questioned subtly about his experience on a broom. He was known to have a licence to kill as a secret agent for their government and various grants and titles. His job at Hogwart's was to put that skill to order and get his shit in one bag so he wouldn't have to think so hard. That, was the idea of school, and the Thunderbirds had great ideas about recreation.
The group made their way to the broom repository deep in the castle and retrieved their battle brooms. "Prince Ralph" was emblazoned on the side of one of the brooms. Draco handed it to him and he looked at it like it was the holy grail itself. He was definitely gobsmacked. The group of wizards flying that day were especially ready to take to the sky. They loved to fly as Thunderbirds but flying on the battle brooms was an experience that was very close to it. The brooms were tuned to their butts and they were charmed to stay put. Ralph was almost peeing he was so excited to be flying with the infamous group.
"We have these kinds of brooms at home but these have weapons on them and some other things that I do not recognize." Ralph said to Ron.
'At least he's not lying' Ron thought. "I'll explain those if you need to ever use them but for now, it's only got one good shot on it. It's like that to show you what it feels like. If you're a good shot, then maybe we'll load it up and we'll take practice but, first, you have to fly unhanded." Ron explained.
Ralph thought the matter through. "I shall learn to fly without hands. What is the charm for sticking my beautiful ass to the broom?" Ralph said mock winking at Ron.
"It's simple enough. 'Stickum', it's a Navajo spell. Pretty handy when you're hanging pictures too." Ron said.
"Ah good enough. Thank you Ron." Ralph said.
"No problem at all mate. I think you can do the maneuvers with us. We'll pick out a target for us to blow up with the wiz cannon on the broom. Those things inside the bristles are backwards flying hex cannons. Your magic directs them. As you get better, you get to carry more ammo. That's the best I can tell you. Your mates will all be doing this just before next term anyway. I figured that you'd like to get a heads up. You seem to have it on the ball." Ron said to the Maltese wizard.
"Thank you Ron. I shall do my best. Oh, do you know those two little boys?" Ralph said spying Frankie and Benny coming into the common room.
"Hi Ron is Adam here? I have something to tell him," Frankie said walking up to Ron and Ralph.
"He's out with my brother right now but, you can tell me anything little friend. You know that. Do you want something to eat or drink? We 'ave plenty you know." Ron said to the two small wizards.
"No, we just wanted to tell him that we want to start as soon as possible He's gonna teach us defense." Frankie said
"Bloody hell! That's great mate Don't forget, it's your magic that's used well, not how big you are. Hey, there's Adam and Charley. Hang on a minute and I'll get them to see you." Ron said.
"Hello. My name is Ralph, I'm from Malta, and you are?" Ralph began.
"Oh. Sorry, I'm Frankie Creevey and this here is my mate Benny Hill. Pleased to meet you. Aren't you one of the princes around here?" Frankie said.
"Yes little one, I am a Prince. But here I can just be me, so, I'm Ralph to my friends." Ralph said.
"Are-are you saying you want to be friends?" Frankie said to the handsome prince.
"Yes, that is if you could use another." Ralph said and he reached his hand out to shake the hands of the two smiling young Ravenclaws.
Adam, Charley and Ron were just there to hear the last thing that the two wizards said and they knew that they were going to be completely loyal to the light and their training wouldn't be wasted. All of the Thunderbirds were assembling in their common room and Adam was walking with Charley and the two boys. He was telling them what each one's specialties were and their abilities as mages. Neville and Adam entertained everyone for a few minutes with some small tornados and fireballs. Ginny added a tiny micro rainstorm to put out the fires and end Neville's tornado. She finished with a flick of her red hair over her shoulder signaling the time to leave for their practice. Frankie and Benny were invited to come watch the fireworks not bad for a Saturday afternoon's entertainment.
The Thunderbirds took to the sky as soon as they were out of doors and flew circles around the castle until everyone was aloft. Benny and Frankie made a beeline for the quidditch pitch as fast as their feet would carry them. Adam and Charley had been in the pitch conjuring targets and obstacles to fly around and they added a few surprises too.
Benny and Frankie had climbed the first tower in the middle of the stands to watch the Thunderbirds fly the battle brooms. They were in time to watch them fly in and out of the towers faster than the two boy's had ever seen anyone fly... a broom. Prince Ralph was flying side by side with Ron as they flew the patterns. Harry was flying without hands leaning forward to make his profile smaller and more maneuverable. He was incredible on a broom.
Fred and George also flew side by side. The two of them somehow locked their legs together and flew hands free too. The two of them flew flawlessly because they could literally read each other's minds. Vince and Greg were awesome handless flyers. Their motivation was that they could carry weapons in both hands and use them if necessary. Knocking one of the two of them off a broom was highly unlikely.
Luna and Ginny were in their flying togs and were grateful for the magical 'female' seats on the brooms. The two witches were naturals at flying without hands on the brooms and their hex targeting while moving was like watching steeplechase horse riding. The two witches slowed from the quick flying and went to the center of the pitch. The two of them hit each other with grooming charms and waited for the fellows to fly down. Blaise was along side Luna and Neville flew silently to Ginny's side. She knew he was there because she could smell him. Something of a sense she had developed since she was first transformed into a Thunderbird. She reached out and squeezed Neville's butt and he gave a whoop and blushed for his intended.
Prince Ralph had never flown such a powerful broom but he was very good at not showing his novice to anyone. Charley was on one of the brooms but wasn't flying at the speeds the Thunderbirds did. He was flying low around the pitch making sure the booby traps were ready to spring themselves they were. Frankie and Benny were watching the racing wizards fly the pitch, then come to the middle of the pitch, and hover. They couldn't hear what was going on but they knew it was about what was going to happen soon. The two boys thought they spotted some other heads poking up around the pitch and they were right. The fast flying above the towers in plain view from the castle was kind of obvious.
The Thunderbirds and guest had a secret weapon to try out, it was a spell catcher that could be used to catch a spell, hold it, and then release it when you need a two spell, spell to blow something up. A very devastating bombardier spell could blow a hole in the castle wall but had no affect what so ever on a dragon but to make it angry. Their presence at Hogwarts was indeed known. The Thunderbirds were given two spell catchers, one forward and one rear going. Prince Ralph was given instructions to use his best blasting charm in the spell catcher and his best attack spell to use simultaneously. The instructions were simple. Blow up the target indicated flying at speed and fly off avoiding the debris sure to fly up in the ensuing explosion.
"Alright Ralphie, now you load your best blasting spell in the catcher there." Ron said indicating the spell receiver on the broom.
"LaBombardia" Ralph uttered and tapped his wand on the spell catcher. He now held a flying spell thrower.
"Right there mate, now from here, fly back to the end of the pitch and fly as fast as you can at the target. Make it go away got it?" Ron asked the excited Thundercloud.
"Si, it shall be done" Ralph said and he flew off to the end of the pitch to make his run. The Thunderbirds backed to the sides and hovered well out of the way. Ralph's target was one of the spelled targets and Adam let the cat out of the bag.
'I hope he doesn't care about getting wet' Adam thought.
'What did you do to the target mate?' Ron inquired.
Ralph had just begun his run on the battle broom. The TC2 battle broom was faster than the Firebolt racing broom and Ralph was a good flyer once he was spelled to stay on the broom. He wasn't trained to be ready for the unexpected... yet his first lesson was coming up straight away.
'It's a wet target. It's set to send water a hundred feet in the air when it's blown up.' Adam said to his friend.
'I hope he doesn't fly into the pitch wall' Ron mused.
The others were sniggering waiting for the booby trap to deploy. Ralph had decided to fly out of the pitch to be at speed when he got to the walls that held his target within. Passing over the walls of the pitch, Ralph dipped down low to the ground avoiding the obstacles in his way. His target was approaching quickly, he let off the spell in his thrower, and he used his favorite reducio spell to mix with it. Once the spells were off, he was supposed to fly straight up... supposed to. He waited a second too long to make his ascent and he flew straight into the now gushing blast of water heading skyward. It was like diving into a lake because it caught Ralph and sent him straight up with the water, sputtering Maltese curses at his mistake. Ron was ready to go and catch him if it looked like he was going to crack up. Fortunately, for the Maltese prince, the sticking charm was as good as the broom he was flying.
Ralph flew down to the applauding Thunderbirds. If you could tell he was embarrassed, it didn't quite show. His dark complexion was dripping wet along with the clothes he was wearing. He didn't think to use a drying charm yet and as he hovered, the dripping from his robes was like a rain shower below him.
"That was much fun, I would like to do that again. I hit the target dead center did I not?" Ralph said.
"You sure did Ralphie. If there are any targets left, we'll let you have a go. Deal?" Ron asked the wet prince.
"Si, deal, I shall watch the rest do their best then. I shall sit with the two little ones." Ralph said indicating the stands where Frankie and Benny were sitting.
"Alright, it looks like there are other spectators out here too. Don't let that broom out of your sight. If you have to fly off, then do it." Ron warned.
"Si, Have fun, I know I did." Ralph said turning and flying to where the two Ravenclaws were sitting.
Ginny was anxious to use her new favorite Navajo blasting spells on her targets and she spelled the two receivers and doing as Ralph did, she flew out of the pitch to make the fastest possible run she could in and out in the wink of an eye. Ginny's flying skills were as good as any witch in the world and it showed. She flew at her targets as if they were real threats and they were obliterated in an instant. She hit two targets at one time setting off her spell throwers wandlessly. She flew straight up as she was taught and she made a gravity fall backwards, rotating and flying smoothly to a halt in the middle of the pitch. There were about two hundred interested people in the stands besides the invited three and they were all applauding the excellent flying. The Thunderbirds were applauding her targeting and spell selection her targets didn't even leave dust. She used a banishing charm and a reducio spell with a Navajo twist. Her brothers were her biggest supporters besides Neville and they led the cheering.
One after another the Thunderbirds hit their targets. Fred was the other unlucky one to get hit with a wall of water from behind when he flew fast over his target. He dried himself in an instant with a wave of his hand and flew to the others to see what they could do with the remaining six targets. Ralph was waved to join the group after they had finished the speed practice. He was given the opportunity to try different spell combinations to limit collateral damage. He used one of his family spells that melted a target in the thrower and instead of flying, he let loose with a very powerful blasting curse to go with the melting curse and his target was gone. He was a very powerful wizard and it showed.
Harry had learned the most terrifying spells imaginable and all were much too much powerful to use in the pitch. His choice for one of the targets was implosion instead of explosion and his topper was to vaporize the target a much more efficient use of magic. Birdy's lessons in destroying things were now a part of what Harry was. He was truly an all-powerful wizard. His experience in the war was going to enrich him as a ruler.
Charley got to have a go at targeting his two favorite damaging spells at one of the solid obstacles still standing in the pitch. The effect he got was a combination of a crushing spell and a whirling spell; together they turned the block target into sand and sent it all over the pitch. The Thunderbirds were impressed with their head of house, friend and in Adam's case, boot knocking partner.
Hermione and Draco had entered the pitch to watch the last of the blasting charm combinations and climbed the steps to sit with Frankie and Benny.
"Been having a good show mates?" Draco said as he sat next to Frankie.
"Good show! No way, it's a great show. When the battles come, those brooms will be a plus for our side" Frankie gushed. Draco raised an eyebrow at him but didn't scowl.
"They're to combat the magical battle cannons that the dark uses. Not just anyone can fly one of those brooms. I'm sure that one day you'll be able to. You need to grow a few inches to fit one properly." Draco said.
"I can't wait. I can fly on the school brooms easy enough. I don't even know if I would want to fly as fast as those guys are. I'm sure I couldn't ever shoot one of those thingies on their brooms." Frankie admitted. Draco laughed. Hermione was amused.
'I think we could get them into the dueling class this evening don't you Draco' Hermione thought to the blond wizard.
'I'm sure that could be arranged. I'll ask if they're busy.'
"Are you busy tonight?" Draco asked the two boys.
"Not really. Maybe reading a book but, why do you want to know?" Frankie asked.
"Miss Granger here would like to invite the two of you to a dueling class we hold on Saturday evenings." Draco said. Frankie looked at Hermione.
"You want us to duel? Holy cricket! Sure, Benny?" Frankie said enthusiastically.
"I can always read a book but I don't get the opportunity to duel with Thunderclouds." Benny said.
"You two will be dueling each other. You don't have the imagination required to try one of us." Hermione said looking at the two boys.
Just then an amulet that Hermione wore on her wrist began to make with a blinking glow. It was a Death Eater detector. All of the Thunderbirds were on their way to the castle in an instant. Frankie and Benny ran behind Hermione and Draco who didn't say a thing before they ran out of the stands. One thing they did hear was Hermione using a sonorus charm.
"sonorus Attention everyone. Flee to the safety of the castle walls now. You will be locked out in five minutes. There is a battle coming everyone, now move!"
Hermione's thunderous voice almost shook the stadium. She was only steps behind Draco when she made her voice so loud and it almost hurt his pointed ears.
'Easy there Granger, I think they heard you in Hogsmeade.' Draco thought
'I had to make sure they heard me didn't I?' Hermione thought. Speaking aloud would interfere with running.
'Right you are. But, really. Let's hope there's no battle here.' Draco said, seven babies on his mind.
'They'll be fine Draco. Adam's aunties probably have the common room door barricaded too.'
'I hope to Merlin they do.' Draco said as the two of them waited at the castle Entrance Hall for the students to come to safety.
Dumbledore was in the middle of the hall directing everyone that was running inside. The younger students were to go deep inside, the older students were given assignments and told exactly which spells they were to use and when. Dumbledore's sonorous was much more smooth than Hermione's and he told her so.
'Thunderbirds to their stations quickly' Harry thought to everyone. The battle brooms were put in an easily accessible location close to where the Thunderbirds were going to launch themselves into the sky.
Hermione and Draco waited with the headmaster as the castle doors were closed and locked. Charley had flown his broom to the dragon's paddock and roused the wranglers to get their beasts ready to defend the castle if necessary. Andromeda His dragon was readied for him while he was aloft on his broom flying back and forth scouting the sky for flying objects. The dragons were ready to do their duty. Charley charmed his broom small enough to fit in his pocket after he'd landed and flooed whomever was at the other end of Dumbledore's fireplace monitoring floo calls it was Professor McGonagall.
"Dragon's are ready to be sky bound Professor!" Charley's head said to the worried witch.
"We'll send up blue sparks if you're needed Charley. Do be careful won't you?" The Professor said.
"Keep us informed won't you?" Charley said.
"I'll try Charley, that's all I can promise. Severus has the Thunderclouds assembled in their common room and the Thunderbirds are gathered at the top of the dark tower. Albus and Professor Flitwick are reinforcing the wards on the walls. You'll be outside the wards you realize don't you?" The Professor explained.
"Yes ma'am I'll be careful," Charley said and he pulled his head out of the fire and went to his dragons.
Professor McGonagall used the muggle satellite telephone to inform Birdy of the situation. The two witches went over whatever needed going over and the conversation was at a minimum.
"You make sure that Adam stays alright won't you Minnie?" Birdy said over the telephone.
"I'm sure he'll be just fine Birdy. I have to go now. We'll keep you informed as best we can. Goodbye Birdy." Minerva said to her former student.
"So long Minnie. I'll keep an eye out." Birdy said and terminated the connection.
The Death Eaters had become bold in the way they attacked and killed their victims. The cared not who it was they were killing or what they were blowing up. Tonight was an exercise to gage the reaction of Dumbledore by Voldemort and perhaps a little payback for the magical intrusions. The Death Eaters were apparating all around, but not in, the village of Hogsmeade. The citizens of the wizarding town were sealing up their shops and homes and entering their 'panic rooms' to wait out what was sure to come.
"Blow up only every other one and we'll leave before they retaliate" The Death Eater that was leading the incursion said.
The Thunderbirds jumped from their positions on the tower when the first explosion sounded. They changed into their Thunderbird forms and were streaking towards the tiny wizarding town outside the wards of Hogwart's castle. Charley watched as the thirteen of them flew in a 'V' pattern towards the wizarding town. He had heard the explosion as well. When the Thunderbirds flew from over the treetops, they went invisible and headed for the chaos. They found thirty wizards and witches with their masks on and they were all laughing at how the home they blew up went to pieces before it went skywards. They didn't see the Thunderbirds fly around the tiny town and begin to cast blast-repelling charms over the homes and businesses.
The D.E.'s tried to blow up Rosmerta's pub since it was a favorite gathering place and were shocked to find that their spells were being absorbed by something. They did not witness the Thunderbirds land, change and surround them. Ginny and Neville were the first two Thunderbirds to make their presence known when they stepped in front of the doors to the pub and became visible to the Death Eaters.
"Leave now or die" Ginny warned.
"Who's going to make us little girl" A masked D.E. said.
"I am for one.You have until I count to three before you're goneand you'll be dead where you stand." Ginny said very nicely.
"I'd like to see you try. Crucio" The Death Eater said pointing his wand at Ginny throwing a very powerful hex at the witch.
Ginny stood her ground. The stones she carried with her always absorbed the cruelly painful curse like it was nothing.
"What magic is this? No one can repel a cruciatus." The D.E. shouted in amazement.
Ginny and Neville drew their wands and separated the heads from the shoulders of the Death Eaters before them. They had passed their count of three. The couple went invisible and went to where other Death Eater's were, making themselves known to the intruders. Harry and Draco held hands when they approached the vexed wizards trying to blow up a home on the other end of Hogsmeade.
"Well look here, King Ponce and his whore" The Death Eater sneered at the approaching royal pair. The two Death Eaters aimed their wands at the duo and began to shout out hexes as fast as they could. The stones that protected them were absorbing a huge amount of magic. Harry and Draco continued their stares at the two masked wizards and let them continue to throw curses at them. Draco soon became tired of the poor display of magic that he decapitated the two of them with a flick of his wrist. Harry smiled down at his husband and gave him a kiss as a reward for job well done and they went to look for their friends.
The Thunderbirds had the heads of their enemies bagged and piled in the center of the wizarding town in less than ten minutes. The fate of this group would be known to the wizarding world only as thirty criminal wizards meeting their ends. The MLE was always amused when a pile of heads would show up for identification with the same look on their faces. When the head realized it wasn't attached to the body, it froze in a look of panic.
The Dark Mark detectors in Hogsmeade silenced themselves when the decapitated bodies were banished.
"Hey you guy's! I got hit with at least three crucio's and didn't feel a thing.The rocks work pretty good." Adam said.
"Bloody hell mate, they're brilliant. Everyone should have some." Ron said to his friend.
"Did anyone get hurt even a tiny bit?" Blaise said realizing something startling.
"It seems not Blaise. We should get back to the castle." Harry said as he sent the thirty heads to the nearest MLE office with a flick of his wand. He still liked to use it on occasion for strong spells.
The Thunderbirds changed forms and flew back in the same formation they left in. Adam dropped down to the dragon's paddock and changed to his human form walking between the massive beasts. He headed for Charley and Andromeda.
'The need is over sister' Adam thought to the dragon.
'Our wait shall continue little brother' Andromeda thought to the human.
"Charley, it's over!" Adam shouted up to his lover.
"It is? Good thing. We have to take them out for a fly since we've got them ready. Want to come along?" Charley shouted down to his boyfriend.
"I better get back into the castle. We've got to tell Mr. Dumbledore what happened."
"Alright then, I'll join you all in an hour or so." Charley yelled down to the ground.
"See you later Charley" 'Fly well sister' Adam said to the two at once and he transformed into his Thunderbird form and flew to the spot in the tower where the Thunderbirds usually entered.
Adam made his way down the tower to excited conversations. Dumbledore and Severus were in the middle of the group of Thunderbirds asking questions and getting answers. Their methods were not discussed. Fred and George had been puzzling something that they wanted to do to the dark mark detectors and they brought up their idea.
"We think that" "The detectors could" "track a D.E. to" "You know who." They said together.
"Brilliant idea if I do say so myself. Do you think you could figure out how to get them close enough to put the tracking charm on them without them knowing?" Dumbledore asked.
"We think so." "Problem is," "we're going to have casualties." "Perhaps an entire small community" The twins said.
"Yes, most unfortunate if that was to happen. The detectors are a good enough warning for most families to flee their homes before they're destroyed."
"We were" "counting on that"
"How many detectors have been distributed that you have to modify?"
"Over six thousand" "have been sent out" "over Britain and Europe" "We should modify" "the top twenty targets" "when we figure" "what to do." "twenty thousand" "more to go."
"Make that a priority then. Use what you need with my permission" The headmaster finished the conversation for them and turned to listen to what Severus and Adam were discussing.
"You should have seen her" Adam was overheard saying.
"Indeed I'm sure that defending herself from six brothers has given her an edge somewhat" Severus replied.
"I'm assuming that you're discussing Miss Weasley." Dumbledore interjected into the conversation.
"Yes Headmaster." Severus said
"Severus, you made quite an understatement when you say she has an edge." Dumbledore said making a small grin noted on his face.
"Miss Weasley's magic is not an issue in this case, merely her execution of it." Severus said to the old wizard.
"You're not suggesting she'd be a good defense instructor one day are you Severus?" Dumbledore said.
"A year ago Professor, I would have insisted on having your head examined by a psycho wizard for suggesting that, but this day, I'd say she's as good or better than most." Severus mused. Adam was proud of Ginny.
The witches and wizards finished their discussion and adjourned their meeting. The school was normalized as quickly as possible. The evening meal was going to be served on time as usual in the Great Hall. The houses were unlocked and the occupants were allowed to leave their common rooms. The fifth years and above were already in the Great Hall. Excited chatter could be heard everywhere when everyone came streaming in for their suppers.
Harry and Draco had just finished helping with the feeding, changing of their babies, and joined everyone in the Great Hall for their suppers. When they entered the Great Hall, everyone stopped eating then stood and looked at the two regal men walk up the middle of the room. When they stopped and were in their seats, conversations and eating resumed.
"I suppose we should get used to that," Draco said.
"I thought you'd love it," Harry said back to his husband.
"its different now; don't ask me how, it just is" Draco said.
"Well, I've always been gawked at; I guess I'm the one that's going to have to get used to it" Harry said.
"Used to what mate?" Ron said with a mouthful of roast beef.
"Being gawked at Ron" Harry softly said to his friend.
"You're always being gawked at Harry. Even though I don't go that way, you're a handsome bloke. You always turn heads."
"I meant because I'm King, Ron." Harry said quietly.
"Oh, that. Right I didn't think about that. I almost forgot." Ron said.
"You did forget Ron. Thank you" Harry said.
"Any time that's what mates are for." Ron said taking another bite of roast.
"Not my mate" Draco said wiggling his eyes at Ron. Ron almost spit his food out when he got the mental picture of what Draco suggested.
"Eeewwwe, not at the bloody dinner table mate." Ron said with a disgusted tone.
"I seem to remember a bonding ceremony in America..." Draco said.
Ron turned deep Weasley red. He remembered the whole thing very well. A knife in his nether regions wasn't something he was ever going to forget, nor was his mixing of seed in front of the other bondee's. He swallowed his roast beef and took a long swig of pumpkin juice before he replied.
"I remember it too. Just so you know, I didn't look at you when you uh, well, you know." Ron said.
"Well I bloody well checked you out Ron. You should have given Harry here a look. It's bloody marvelous. You still can't have any of me so don't ask." Draco whispered, trying and succeeding at completely confusing and embarrassing Ron.
Harry had been listening to and enjoying to the banter going on between his husband and his best mate. Even he was embarrassed a bit when the bonding was brought up. He was glad that Hermione and Luna were occupied otherwise so they didn't hear Draco teasing Ron. He wasn't about to scold his husband for what he said to his best friend ever again. The two of them had bonded on a completely more meaningful level. Harry was glad that the stones the lot of them carried absorbed the curses cast by the D.E.'s and he let his mind wander. The conversations went on around him but he heard nothing at all. His supper disappeared from in front of him and he was wiping his mouth when Draco brought him back to the present with a wave in front of his face.
"Harry, Harry!" Draco said.
"Hm? Who? What did I miss?" Harry said.
"You missed the telling of a very dirty joke. I actually was amused by it. Who would have thought that Longbottom of all people had a sense of humor?" Draco said.
"Oh, I've known that for a while now" Harry said innocently back to his husband.
"He's very witty. I will make it a point to have him around more. I even approve of Ginny and him reproducing." Draco said. Ron at that point did spit out his food, the idea!
Harry did the honors and cleaned up the sprayed food all over the place and Draco tried patting Ron's back because he had gone into a coughing fit. Ginny could hear as well as a bat and she heard everything that Ron said to embarrass her big brother. She made a mental note to share more things with Draco to that end.
Supper in the Great Hall was almost over, people were rising, and about to leave when the huge doors opened and three people arrived with flair and robes billowing. Narcissa Black Malfoy, Arthur, and Molly Weasley entered the Great Hall making quick time to the head table. Narcissa reached out to touch Draco and Harry as she passed, as did Molly when she passed five of her own children on her way to speak with Dumbledore, Severus and Minerva. The six made for the small room to the left of the head table. Harry had twice before been in there. He figured it to be an impromptu meeting room. The door to the small room closed with an audible slam and the students began to leave.
Adam waved to Frankie and Benny to come join them at their table for dessert while they waited while the heads of government had their meeting. Adam treated the boy's to a magiced Baked Alaska. The two of them had new favorite pudding. Adam conjured a portion for Charley, himself, and anyone that wanted one. That was just about everyone still seated at the Thundercloud table. The small door opened and Narcissa was the first one to emerge. She approached the Thunderbirds, Harry and Draco specifically and asked them to join the gathering in the small room they of course obliged.
Harry and Draco followed Narcissa into the small room and closed the door behind them. The six looked at the two. Narcissa began.
"Harry, Draco, we have to send the babies to America for their safety. I do not know how Voldemort knows, but he has found out about them and he sent a message to the ministry it was written on skin, not parchment. He has made it quite clear that he intends to use them for some horrible ceremony totake theirpower. He even knows their names. He specifically threatened Sirius as the seventh child." Narcissa said as best she could without becoming hysterical.
Draco's reaction was instantaneous.
"I'll kill him myself. The babies will be gone tonight. I presume that we're to use that bloody great bird to evacuate them. They are not a month old and shouldn't be flying but I'm sure that Harry and I would rather they were safe with Birdy and the Aunties in America. We can see them when we need to." Draco said in controlled hysteria.
"You don't have that responsibility love I do. The babies go. I'll ask Adam to call forth his bird. When should we send them?" Harry asked.
"Birdy has already been notified of the threat and has already prepared for their arrival. Thundercloud Palace is ten times safer than Hogwarts is. I will lock the castle and forbid anyone from being on the grounds or out of their common rooms for any reason the Prefects, Head Boy and Head Girl as well. This should take about twenty minutes. Go to your children and get them ready. The house elves have mobilized to guard the hallways. Odd reaction when they were told to inform your nannies."
"I have a feeling about that sir." Draco said putting his hair behind his pointed ear.
"Indeed. There is so much to remember. I haven't seen them this excited in a while. I'll let you know when it's safe to remove the children from their nursery." Dumbledore said to the two wizards as they rushed to their table and Adam.
Dumbledore followed the two wizards out of the room and with a sonorous charm informed everyone in the castle they were to go to their common rooms for the rest of the evening. No exceptions until the all clear was given. Thundercloud house was included in this order but they already knew the secret and they did not mind. The safety of the children was paramount to them anyway and they would do what ever it was to make it happen.
Harry and Draco explained in more detail to the nannies what was going on and why they were leaving. The old harpies were letting some of their magic show through their indignity and it was kind of scary. Draco knew in his heart that the babies would be safe in the arms of the old women as they flew to Arizona and safety. Harry was glad that if something were to happen to him or Draco or both of them, they would be raised as witches and wizards and would receive no better care than with Little Bird Thundercloud, his god mum, his family.
Harry and Draco went from crib to crib to their babies and gave them small hugs and tiny kisses petting them for the last time in a while. Tears were flooding down Draco's face and old Auntie Josephine just would not have her Draco shed those kinds of tears so she hit him with a half dozen cheering charms and one for good measure. He felt better he thought but his love was just as strong as ever to the babes he had carried to life.
Auntie Josephine took Draco to a private room and showed him exactly why he should not fear for the safety of Narcissa, Molly, Lily, Birdy, James, Harry and Sirius she turned into a very scary magical creature, a harpy. She floated and her eyes glowed, her fingers were long and sharp, her teeth became like stilettos her clothing seemed to float like a dementors cloak did. Draco sharply took in a breath. He was in awe of the display of magic Auntie Josephine changed back into her old wisecracking self and gave the stunned wizard a hug and a kiss.
The two of them returned to the nursery and the babies were in papooses. Sirius and Narcissa were with Auntie Nala. The old harpies lined up to let the daddies give the babies one last kiss before they were rushed out of the common room and up the tower to where Adam was waiting to call forth Pipsqueak. The Thunderbirds were separated evenly round the tower looking in all directions. There were no dark mark detectors going off within fifty kilometers. Charley had alerted the dragons for a second time that day and between the three groups leaving the grounds of Hogwart's in different directions the babies had a better chance of making the trip unscathed.
Pipsqueak was released from Adam's staff, flew around the turret, and landed on top and in the center of the now crowded tower. Harry and Draco helped each of the nannies with the most precious cargo on the planet at that moment climb on the magical bird. Now the babies were to go aloft, Lulu Birdy's eagle streaked to the tower where every one was. She carried a note that was a relief to everyone. Birdy was sending a squadron of test flight wizards she trained herself on experimental brooms. The transcontinental transport with full armament would arrive in seconds.
Indeed, there were a dozen wizards arriving out of a portal that opened above the wards over Hogwart's as fast as Dumbledore read the message. The wizards on the wicked looking brooms saluted their Prince and waited for the Duchesses and the Princes and Princesses to board the magical flying bird. Their daddies had kissed the last baby and Auntie Vera was the last to sit.
Auntie Arie cast the protection charm on the charmed space on the great Thunderbird and with a flap of her wings; Pipsqueak was rocketing to the portal over the wards and disappeared with a display of thunder and lightening. The broom flyers were off just as fast as the huge bird and its precious cargo. Charley and the dragon riders split up and went on a hunt in two directions. The Thunderbirds were aloft guarding the flight of the west bounders to the portal and they were off in different directions searching the area for things of suspicion. The groups of flyers returned to the castle shortly after they were sure that the babies were unapproachable.
Charley was proud of his dragons who were more in tune to the Thunderbirds than he imagined. The dragon's landed and were treated to a second meal of roast beef's for the day. Like the Thunderbirds, they were always hungry after flying. The roast cattle was served to the dragons and they soon settled down to sleep after a good day of exercising. Charley headed for the Thundercloud common room and his house.
Harry had been consoling a sobbing Draco and giving him his handkerchief as necessary. Harry cleaned it each time naturally but he did not mind because his husband was in distress and he needed comfort. Harry could take snot now. He'd had baby poop on his cheek. Not much like that bothered him now, short a time as it was.
He promised Draco that they would all be together for Yule and that seemed to make him happier. That was over a month away and it would be an eternity. Suddenly as sad as he was, Draco was now a very angry, very powerful, very capable wizard with a reason worth being all that. Voldemort had indirectly ripped his children from him and he was going to make sure he was there at the very end.
TBC... R&R.