Thanks again to Satyr-Oh for the beta work.
I don't own HP or any of JKRowling's creations. I own the story and some of the characters though.
Please enjoy...
From Chapter 29...
"I hope no one gets that close to her Zabini." Ron said extending his hand to his new friend.
"Aye mate me either." Blaise said looking at Luna before turning to shake Ron's hand.
Chapter 30
The Beginning of The End
The Thunderbirds decided not to delay breakfast any longer and they got up to leave the common room. Harry wasn't sick that morning much to his relief and, he had quite an appetite which pleased Draco to no end. It was now up to the blonde prince to take care of Harry and he was going to do a spectacular job of it. Harry seemed to be paying a little better attention to where he was going although he was still holding onto Draco's arm allowing him to be steered. Thundercloud house knew of Harry's condition and vowed to keep this a secret until the King revealed it at leisure.
The morning's dew froze quite completely and the grounds of the castle were white with a deep frost. Winter and Yule would be upon them in no time at all. The air was crisp and invigorating. Draco's environmental spell cast over Harry was working very nicely. Even after the morning shower, there was no chill on his skin. The brisk walking stirred a bit of a breeze as Thundercloud house walked into the Great Hall. The Thunderbirds waited for every one of their house members to enter before they sat showing their respect. They all sat as one showing their unity. Professor McGonagall had been watching the ritual for almost three months now and she had a radical idea.
"Albus, what would you say to this idea?"
"Minerva, you want us to have everyone emulate Thundercloud house after the holidays?" Dumbledore said from over his cup of Earl Grey and half moon glasses.
"I've known you for sixty five years Albus and I'll never figure out how you do that. Yes, exactly that, what do you think of it?"
"I think it will show unity for all the houses but I'm not sure it will unite the houses themselves. Ravenclaw, Gryffindor and Hufflepuff houses seem to be mingling quite well but Slytherin house still has a few issues to overcome before I make a judgment on them." Dumbledore said.
"I believe that today the offenders will be given the opportunity to redeem themselves?" Minerva said.
"Yes indeed today is the day. I hope that the members of their house will support them and no longer fear them." Dumbledore mused from over his Earl Grey.
"I'm sure that they will Albus. You seemed to turn out alright." Minerva said.
"Not all the powerful wizards from Slytherin house go bad Minerva." Dumbledore said of his old house.
Unless the students found the archived class records and pictures in the restricted section of the library, no one would know which house Dumbledore came from. He sure wasn't going to tell anyone and neither was Professor McGonagall. The two old instructors continued with their breakfasts and watched the goings on in the Great Hall.
Adam finished his breakfast only a little ahead of his housemates and he got up from his seat and walked to the Ravenclaw table to where Frankie and Benny were sitting.
"Hey you two, today is the day," looking at his two little friends Adam said.
Frankie asked "The day for what Adam?"
"We're going to begin your training anew. Everything you have learned up until now, forget. We are going to re educate you this morning. Don't worry about anything alright?" Adam whispered to the two wide-eyed youngsters.
"Alright then where?" Frankie said.
"Upstairs at ten. After breakfast, go to the infirmary and see Miss Pomphrey for a check up." Adam said still quietly.
"Check up? I feel alright Adam." Frankie began to protest.
"It's to see if your bodies can handle the magic. If Miss Pomphrey says so, it is a go. If not, we will think of something. Don't worry she will say it's alright. I can be with you in the infirmary if you want." Adam said just as Justin Finch-Fletchley passed.
"Infirmary, is there anything wrong with you Creevey?" Justin asked.
"There's nothing wrong with either of them. I am Adam Thundercloud. You are?" Adam said standing slightly taller than usual.
"Oh, I'm Justin. Justin Finch-Fletchley. Pleased to meet you. Frankie here has spoken of you quite fondly. Adam could I see you over here in my office for a minute?" Justin asked the Navajo prince.
"Sure dude. You guys finish breakfast and hot foot it to see the mediwitch." Adam said to the two younger wizards and he turned to walk a short distance with Justin and a private conversation.
He probably knew what was coming but he waited for Justin to make his speech before he said anything. The two of them stopped out of earshot of anyone and Justin started.
"I don't know what you're on about, but if Frankie or Benny gets hurt because of something you did, I'll do something that we'll both regret." Justin threatened.
"Keep your balls in your thong, dig the floss out of your ass and pay attention slick. I have not done anything to either of them. They have powerful enemies and there is a war on. They are both targets because they're friendly and all we're going to do is enhance them some." Adam said scathingly.
"Enhance? What are you on about?"
"Make them, uh, a little less susceptible to some of the more vicious curses they could be hit with to start with, then teach them how to become invisible, how to throw a curved hex, shielding charms, things like that. You know that Frankie got Pugface's wand held for a while for stopping her from using it on me or one of us, I didn't see what he did, but I heard him and he has a big voice and huge magic. His parents are muggles and he has two wizards for brothers." Adam said trying to relieve Justin's fears.
"Big magic eh? I am muggleborn myself but I did not know that about his parents. Third child of muggles to be a wizard must be some record or something"Justin mused looking over his shoulder at the two boys finishing their breakfasts.
"Yeah, it's huge and they can protect themselves just fine. What you need is a clear open mind Justin and they have something else that is good about them too. They are pure as rain inside and out. That goes a long way with magic. They're unpolluted and they can use some of themore dubious spells with impunity once they know what they're doing. They have a better chance than most to deflect an AK too if both of them use the shield charms at the same time. No single person can shield an AK and live except for Harry." Adam said putting the finishing touches on his argument.
"You'll watch out for them won't you Thundercloud?"
"I'll take real good care of them. The dragons like them for some reason too and that could be to their advantage." Adam said to seal Justin's decision in his favor.
"Alright then if something's wrong you'll tell me won't you? Adam?"
"Of course... Justin" Adam said suddenly remembering the man's name.
"I'll be off then. Potions first thing with Hufflepuff." Justin said and tried to leave with his dignity intact. Adam cast a cheering charm on Justin as he left him and he wondered to himself how far the guy's wand was stuck up his butt.
"That guy is something." Adam said sitting briefly before his house got up to leave the Great Hall.
"Finch-Fletchley? Yeah, the first time I met him I wondered how far his wand was implanted up his arse." Blaise said leaning back so he could be heard.
Severus was handing the offenders of the mail thing their notices to report to the headmaster's office after breakfast. The notices were with an official seal from the Hogwart's government on them and they were opened in silence. The holders of the notices were grateful that they were not howlers embarrassing them in front of the whole student body. Dumbledore let Professor McGonagall give the morning announcements. After she was done, the breakfast dishes disappeared and within five seconds, the food on the platters was gone as well. If you had food in your hands, you could keep it and eat it now or later, but if you set it down, it was gone in a heartbeat.
The Thunderbirds left the Great Hall and went invisible as soon as they were out of line of sight of the Slytherin Table and waited for the Slytherins with the notices to appear. They were going to be followed for as long as they were not in the headmaster's office or they were going to be moved there if they tried to leave the school. The thirteen offenders and the thirteen Thunderbirds did not waste time and all of them headed to the headmaster's office together. Only one of the letters had the headmaster's password and it was read aloud.
"Reggie Jackson Bar"
The gargoyle guarding the staircase leapt aside and the Thunderbirds waited for the thirteen Slytherins to mount the staircase before they snapped into the headmaster's office ahead of them. It wasn't long before there was a knock at the door and someone invisible opened it magically and the Slytherins entered. The door closed behind them followed by an audible click that was the unmistakable sound of locks being set. The fire mages invisible as they were raised the ambient temperature around the Slytherins by twenty-five degrees making them sweat. That made them nervous and the headmaster spoke to them after he looked up from the papers in front of him.
"I believe you all know why you are here. I am the prime minister of the government of Hogwarts and none other than me interprets our constitution. It was written a thousandyears ago and ratified in 1816 when the defense treaty was signed giving us special judicial powers without involving the British Ministry for Magic. Had you been anywhere else, you probably would not be standing here now. Yourbeing here gives me hope that not all is lost for your families. Your parents have subjected you to a possible punishment of death and that should signal clearly to you that you have become useful only as pawns of the dark side and no longer their children. I submit to you that with your oath of allegiance, you will become in effect heads of family and secure full and complete control of your families fortunes and properties. Your family names once again will be restored to their proper places along with yourselves of course. You of course know the consequences of taking the oath?" Dumbledore paused to see everyone nod.
"Good then. Who among you is to be first to become free to chose the light?" Dumbledore said.
Pansy had been sitting in a high backed chair in front of the group of Slytherins and could not be seen by any of them except the headmaster. She stood to take the oath and its mark. Every one of the Slytherins gasped audibly when Pansy stood to take the mark and the oath. They also looked on as the witch sat back down in her chair sobbing into a handkerchief.
She felt like such a hypocrite betraying her family like she did but she did manage to preserve the family fortune and restore the family name as well. She hoped her father and mother would forgive her. Her brother and sisters were already lost to Voldemort and they might be a different story. There would be a fight and the one with the best wand would come out on top. Pansy sobbed because of the fear she might have to defend herself from her siblings and possibly kill one or all of them. She was sure her parents would be very, very angry when their Gringott's accounts would no longer be accessible to them. She doubted that they would be much use to Voldemort when they no longer could spend their fortune on him. With her parents gone, it would only be a matter of time before her sibs would try to visit her.
"Who is next?" Dumbledore said repeatedly until the last of them had betrayed their parents and saved their families thus guaranteeing at least one or two survivors on the winning side. A bittersweet consolation but one that now loomed over their heads, from today on, they would have to pay for their crimes as adults. They had vast responsibility now and the respect of the free wizarding world.
Theodore Nott was present for the markings and stood behind them all. As the others after him declared their allegiance, he took them all and hugged them apologizing to each one personally. He would be sure to watch out for all of them since he had got them this far into the world of adulthood even if the idea was not his. His parents ordered him under threat, to go against the headmasters decree and begin a clandestine mail system. He obviously had some organizational skills and those skills would be put to a test in the short future.
Pansy was completely useless in Draco's opinion, the decision to dump her parents probably was not hard for her once she found out she would control the families millions and all the properties, investments and the like. Her accounts would be frozen until the time she graduated from Hogwarts. Her assets could be seized if she committed any further acts of antisocial behavior or other crimes. Her wand was tucked securely now in a holder in her brassier. She had gotten it back after the apology and she was not so quick to show it any longer. Lesson being, there was usually someone faster and stronger than she was. Luck would have it that a third year Ravenclaw caught her off guard. Lucky for her she was not blown on her ass when Frankie got her wand in the first place. Draco shared his thoughts with Harry mentally and then the rest of the Thunderbirds had heard what Draco thought.
The fifteen Slytherins in the headmasters were feeling somewhat at a loss and turned to leave the headmaster's office and go to their common room when the Thunderbirds began to become visible in front of them. The Slytherins were excused for their morning classes since they probably needed some time to sort out the ramifications of what had just occurred. Their shock at seeing their former school mates in their sky blue Thunderbird robes appear in front of them was palpable.
Pansy sat down immediately and looked at the mysterious witches and wizards. To her all along through school, she could do without them all, save maybe Draco, Blaise, Greg or Vince. Those were her former school 'family' and she missed them. Who is better than whom suddenly did not matter to her and shebegan to sob. Right there right then, she was going to make it her station in life to help people instead of making trouble. Less effort, better outcome and her mascara would not run down her face when she cried because she was off her game for the day and forgetting the basic non-smear charms on her make up. No one has ever seen her without make-up but she was in danger of changing that the way she was crying.
Greg and Vince really did like Pansy but they knew she was a total bitch to them when she wanted something and was usually ungrateful when she got it. Pansy only stood up for anything if it made her look good in the process and they were cautious as to how to approach the sniffling witch. Ginny handed them a box of muggle tissues she'd conjured and motioned for them to give them to her. She still didn't like Pansy but the sniffling of her snotty nose was getting to her... it was right after breakfast and the thought of Pansy swallowing all that snot almost made her hurl on the spot.
Greg and Vince approached the witch, box of snot rags between them and her. Pansy took a few tissues and blew her nose. More like emptied her head of all non-resident content. Greg pulled two or twenty extra tissues and thrust them onto Pansy's black skirt just as a big blob of snot dripped from her chin. The tissue caught the disgusting mess and Pansy looked like she could go either way... yell at them for getting lint on her dress or thank them for keeping the snot off her. She went with the latter, dried her face, and finished with a wipe of her nose. She made quite a spectacle of herself and no one made a sound while she composed herself.
Ginny managed to conjure a washcloth and handed it to Pansy who took it without a care of who it was from. She wiped her face free from all the smudged make up and she actually looked a bit softer than her war paint made her look.
Adam was the one to speak first. "Gee Pansy; you look better without make up."
It was foolish to ever comment on a female's wearing of make up no matter who you were and Adam just stepped on one of the sacred rules of conduct between males and females, gay or straight, never tell a woman she looks better than anything unless you want in her pants. In Adam's case, that was not even a thought and you never talked about their weight either.
Pansy was a bit hippy and she really did not wear make-up well to begin withand she was such a bitch, it was no wonder people were scared of her. Adam stood staring at Pansy when she finally managed to say something.
"Thank you for saying so Prince Thundercloud. My father has always told me that I wasbeautiful and that was with the make-up. I suppose it was his way of saying I love you."
"He was probably trying to keep the dudes off of you."
"I think you're right. I always went to event's without escorts every summer no matter how much money my parents had."
"Life isn't living with money Pansy, time you figured that out or you'll be sad very quickly." Adam said.
"Thank you for that. I suppose the lot of us have some serious things to talk about and our common room is much better suited for that. Theodore and I have a few ideas to benefit the school and us. Time we put our home training to some good." Pansy said. Theodore reached out for her hand. She took it and pulled herself up with his help.
Theodore told Pansy, "They're right you know. You do look better without all that stuff on your face. This is the first time I've ever seen the skin on your face."
"Uh, thanks Theo, I think. Let's get out of here and go talk." Pansy said as they walked to the door to the headmaster's office.
Draco said "Pansy" from Harry's side as she passed.
"Draco, I'm sorry. I've really made myself quite a bed to lie in now haven't I?"
"No, Panzer, I'm sorry. If I'd been half way decent to you at King's Cross, maybe we might be in different position."
"I suppose being married to the King will have its advantages. Of course, you'll want more children?"
"Ah, yes, I think we do." Draco said sensing Harry's evident uneasiness from his squashed hand in Harry's.
"That's good. I have not seen them properly. Maybe I can visit sometime?" Pansy said almost completely back in Pansy the slut mode.
"I don't think that's a possibility Parkinson." Harry said.
"I'm sorry Potter; I was talking to Draco and totally missed you. I apologize for all the stuff over the years by the way. I understand not letting the people see your family."
"You of all people should understand the justification as to why. You may call me Your Majesty by the way Parkinson. Even my friends do not call me Potter. The new name is Potter-Malfoy."
"Excuse me your majesty for my lack of judgment."
"You're excused this time Pansy. We may see you around school but unless you have direct business with either of us, perhaps we should leave our friendship right here." Draco said.
"After all we've been through Draco? You can just throw it all away?" Pansy asked now looking down at her feet.
"After all we've been through Pansy, yes, that life I believe that I can indeed throw away and look back on as only a memory of a bad time. I will not forget though Pansy, and that might just be what is going to keep you in the land of the living. Word of warning Pansy, do not cross us ever again, or it will be the very last thing you do. Understood?" Draco said quietly before he shut the door behind her.
"She was your friend. You don't feel too bad do you love. " Harry said.
"No love, she was never my friend. An acquaintance of convenience is more like it. Pansy only likes one person and that's Pansy. Rich as she is, she is going to die alone with fifty cats to leave her money to or she will have given it to charlatans and die a pauper. If it weren't for the fact that she was a witch, she would really be... up a creek without a paddle?" Draco said to Harry quietly.
There was a meeting to pay attention to and Harry and Draco joined the others quietly. Dumbledore was giving a report of the sweeping reforms that the British Ministry and the Wizengamot adopted just that morning, concerning the rights of magical creatures.
"Since the first brewing of the Xanadu potion, a small portion was used with wolfsbane potion and there is a free cure now available for creatures that align themselves with the light side. The price is allegiance to the light, and is available no other way, until after the war with Voldemort is over. Amnesty will be granted for the volunteers for the cure. Captured werewolves unless they could prove their situation otherwise would be given the Xanadu/Wolfsbane and put in Azkaban for the rest of their lives if they're following Voldemort.
The ones that cannot regain their human form are not of their right minds and if captured, given the wolfsbane/Xanadu to see if it eases their minds from the madness. That is if they were wizards to begin with.
Harry, the order you gave on the night of your coronation was taken to heart and the Ministry acted as quickly as these things can be done. Narcissa and I hope that the conditions are to your liking?" Dumbledore finished his short explanation and looked to Harry for his approval.
"How long shall we give them to come to us voluntarily before we... we'll have to fight them?" Harry asked.
"I rather think that depends on Voldemort. As long as he's not attacking somewhere, or here for that matter, I think until 'the time comes', will be just about right." Dumbledore said cryptically.
"That sounds fair. I would sign any law like that. Now we need to get the word out as fast as possible. Where is Remus?" Harry asked the old wizard.
"He's been out with several of those he's managed to save and they are going in pack to find others like the very first untransformed cure. He should be here in the afternoon late Friday. He wants to be around here when the full moon comes just in case. We still have to find out if he needs to take the potion every month. Severus, you have not said anything yet. What do you think of the situation with the wolfsbane/Xanadu potion? Will there be enough potions to make that many doses?"
"Yes Prime Minister, the Xanadu potion perpetuates itself. I only need add certain ingredients to replenish the stores. We have already managed a thousand vial doses its quite uncomplicated really so there is not a problem. Another thousand is being prepared now. To insure that there are no thefts, we are giving a dose to each of the brewers to do with as they choose. As long as they choose wisely, it does not matter. Moreover, before you ask, the wolfsbane completely changes Xanadu to something else completely and it cannot be separated from the wolfsbane.
Further more, we only used the original batch to make the new potion and it has yet to be named properly; Xanadu and Wolfsbane potions are two different things. This is why only certain ingredients need be used to perpetuate it. The value to anyone would only be to cure a lycanthrope. I do not know of any wealthy families that take care of a werewolf in the family itself. They are the ones that are cast out into the forbidden forest left to wander for an eternity of madness. The new potion makes wolfsbane, obsolete." Severus finished finally.
Adam had listened to Harry, Severus and Mr. Dumbledore and he kept a low profile sitting in the back where he thought he belonged. If the werewolf potion was not named, then why not call it something meaningful. Mr. Lupin was the first one to take it, maybe it should be called the "Remus Cure", but Severus was the one that combined the two potions to make the new one.
He mulled over the words Harry said too. He did something good, not an hour after he was King. That showed a true loyalty to friends that society was won't to shun and here now he was endorsing laws that would cure all werewolves found but the ones that remained fighting as pawns for the dark would be in jail after they were cured.
Adam was proud of all of his new friends. It was the Thundercloud house members that had made the Xanadu potion but he did not think that they would want the attention. The honor and recognition of their participation was recorded forever and that was good enough for them. Adam remained puzzled for another second when he thought of a great name for the werewolf cure and he stood from his seat in the back until he was recognized.
Dumbledore looked at the tall Navajo Prince and asked, "Do you have something you'd like to say Prince Adam?"
"Yes sir. Mr. Snape said that the new potion wasn't named yet."
"Yes, go on."
"Well, it is a derivative of Sampson's Hair, so why not call it... Delilah's Knife?" Adam finished waiting for them to think it over.
"Severus, it seems to be an appropriate name don't you think?" Dumbledore said looking over his half moons with raised eyebrows.
"Indeed sir. We were trying not to name it after one of the brewers or takers or the disease. Delilah's Knife it shall be. Thank you Prince Adam. The vials we have needed to be labeled yesterday. Problem solved. Headmaster, I need to return to my classroom for a lesson. I shall see you at dinner. I am sure we will have more to discuss then;Good afternoon everyone." Severus said standing up and walking without his robe billowing towards the door.
"Oh my word we've been talking for three hours. No wonder the time passes so quickly. I have much to do myself. Papers to file with the Ministry, bank vault ownerships to transfer, rot like that seems to take time as well. If it were not so important, I would put it off. I'll see you at supper Severus." Dumbledore said as the door to his office was pulled shut by the potions master.
The Thunderbirds were deep in discussion in their common room, the morning's events in the headmaster's office the topic. They had a unsee silencing bubble over them to keep out otherwise honest ears. If anyone happened to actually see them, they would only see the gesticulation of their arms at best. Harry, Draco and Adam were listening to Ron and Hermione go over a few things. Actually, all of the Thunderbirds were listening, Ron was there for Hermione as a sounding board and he was doing a fantastic job. He had already given Hermione everything he could think of and she was doing a great job of relaying his information as well as her own.
"I think that the next time there shouldn't be a next time. I don't think it's a good idea for the students to communicate with them any longer." Hermione said.
"Don't you think it's a good idea for us to let them know that they've been found out and their fortunes are gone from them?" Draco said.
"If there was an official notification from the Ministry that they forward to their parents along with their fond farewells then I'm all for it." Hermione said.
"That seems a little cold doesn't it 'Mione?" Harry said.
"You saw that little French girl being ripped in two and you think that I'm being cold?"
"I see your point. I never had parents to lose for as long as I remember and I do not care how bad the Death Eaters will feel. I feel bad for the ones that are being forced to sever their relationships. Their fortunes and names can't be much consolation." Harry said.
"They'll all need a good mind washing to get the evil they've been exposed to out of their systems and it'll take a good long time to do it." Hermione said throwing up her hands in exasperation.
"I know how you feel about this 'Mione, but it's me that not only will need to make, but live with the decision. They will have this last chance to redeem themselves and this is the last one until they are grown and out of school. They have to realize, they can never, and will never win. I suppose that a mild mind cleansing couldn't hurt any of them. A soul cleansing would help the lot of them more;How about that? Adam, we could do that couldn't we. I mean, it's Navajo magic and all..." Harry said, turning looking at his godbrother.
"It's doable, easy enough, won't take much time and it doesn't matter if it's Navajo magic or not, you all do it so, now it's British magic too." Adam said grinning at his godbrother.
Harry said "Oh enough you,"gently slugging Adam in the arm.
"It sounded like you were about to flip your wig there for a minute Harry. You and Hermione don't exactly see eye to eye on the Death Eater kids."
"Well, they've mostly given Hermione a hard time over the years but I don't see her holding that against them now, it's just, well, it's hard thinking about tearing apart families."
"We're saving families Harry. Those kids will be their families' survival. Their folks aren't gone."
"Yet, we haven't faced them on the battle field and they're sure to be there in at the end." Hermione said.
"When the time comes for that the final battle and they somehow manage to survive then they can go spend the rest of their lives with Draco's dad. No offence Draco." Adam said.
"None taken cousin." Draco said from the other side of Harry.
"Can we talk about something else? Draco and his mum have been looking over the things I need to have a court." Harry said.
"You're not in trouble again are you mate?" Ron said from behind Hermione.
"No not court like the wizengamot, a royal court. I think it will be a good holiday this year despite the lack of nappies and bottles. Draco and I want you to be in our court." Harry said to his friends.
"Which of us Harry? Adam is a member of his own court in America." Hermione said finally taking a seat.
"All of you and your folks too Ron, George, Fred, Ginny" Harry said looking at the Weasleys.
"They'll be so pleased Harry." Ginny said.
"Well, we've discussed it before, but now we know what we have to do. I understand that the title holders all be land owners or close friends of the court. As it looks like all of you will end up landowners, you will advance to Duke or Duchess. In the mean time, it will be Lord or Lady until you marry and are homeowners. Mum Malfoy gave me some formula's to work out and the map of my kingdom. It looks like that there are several Kingdom's within the borders of my own which you can see by this map..." Harry paused to unroll a very large parchment with a drawing of Harry's kingdom. "That it extends well into Asia and Africa. The small kingdoms will be offered an alliance with ours and they will be sending magical reinforcements to train with the new royal auror battalions. I didn't realize the scope of what I've got myself into and I'm going to need you all to help me out with the running of it all." Harry finished.
"Harry, what could we do?" Neville said looking gob smacked... he was going to be a Duke.
"Advise me. Give me your honest opinions always. I know you will because we can't lie to each other." Harry said to his long time friend.
"Harry, Draco, you know we will do our best don't you?" Neville said.
"You bet Nev. I also have some land holdings in southern England it seems, and tons of it all over Europe and even some in America. The goblins at Gringott's were all over themselves when we had the meeting the other day. First of all, they were very grateful that there were bodies to burn or bury from the bank robbery. Some goblin tradition that they were able to uphold concerning their dead made them very easy to be around.
Anyway, besides the billion or so galleons that Draco and I have already, there is another fifty billion in a secret wing of the dungeon vaults along with a ton of ancient holdings. I am told that there is a vast amount of artwork in there too. The money I have in there has been paid to for a thousand years by the goblins. If I ever took it out, it would ruin the bank and they know it, so for the very first time in my life, a goblin was nice. To me and to Draco of course, but still. Kind of cool isn't it?" Harry finished.
"I'd like to try that headache on for a while mate." Ron said happy with his modest cash stash.
"You had better watch what you wish for Ron. You might get it." Harry teased his friend.
"Oi, if you want" "to throw around galleons" "throw them our way"Fred and George said quite seriously.
"You two are going to be rich whether you know it or not." Draco said.
"And how would" "you know something" "like that mate?"
"What were the two last things you invented for pranks that are not being used for pranks?"
"The destifloo powder" "and the dark mark detectors"
"Uh huh and do you think they're being paid for or given away?"
"You mean," "They're not giving" "them away for free?"
"Right in one, or in your case, two. How many did you figure to make?"
"We've overseen" "twenty thousand" "so far" "not many with" "upgrades"
"And that comes to quite a bit of royalty money for the two of you as long as they're in use. Now, there is the destifloo powder. Quite advancement from ordinary floo powder and it gets used up. Over and over and over..."
"I think they get you Draco. Then there is the Xanadu residual you will all get for the rest of your lives. Severus seems to think that for every five galleons they bring in for the sales of Xanadu potion once the war is over, 4.999 galleons is pure profit and will be shared amongst the governments and the brewers themselves. There is littleyou're all ever going to have to do for the rest of your lives on that alone." Harry revealed slowly to his friends.
"So what you're saying Harry is, we'd better get this over with or we won't be enjoying ourselves any time soon." Blaise said for the now more alert wizards finding out they were set for life despite their personal fortunes if they had one.
"What I mean is, we've just started a family and it looks like it's getting bigger sooner than expected. If I am to be pregnant and have to fight Voldemort, I would like to have it over with much sooner than later when I could be more vulnerable, like say, while giving birth. I want it over with by the first of the year." Harry said dropping his bombshell.
"That sounds a little ambitious Harry. How are you going to force the battle?" Luna said from her spot beside Blaise.
"Bait. The things that were Merlin's are now mine. They all are just objects, their magic is in me. The ring, the scepter, the pendant and Excalibur are all inside me now magically. Voldemort does not know that though. I thought that I would put them on display here at Hogwart's while the students are away for the Yule holiday. Hogsmeade village can play host to tourists instead of boarding up for the holidays. I know that it sounds like bringing that many people here to view the artifacts that guaranteed my kingdom will be like a lure with the bait as the prize."
"That only shows that you can get people here, not Voldemort in a battle." Luna said.
"I bet he would be here if he thought we weren't here but the artifacts were out from under our direct protection."
"And what will cause us to be elsewhere?" Luna continued to prod.
"Tell him where we'll be for the holidays. I don't know if he's aware of Pipsqueak or Longfellow or how bloody fast they are."
"Are you suggesting that we go somewhere and leave the castle unprotected?" Ginny sat up and said.
"No, not at all... you guys, you're way off the track. We still have Longfellow here with us. If Voldemort's spies see us get aboard Longfellow and leave for America after the fall term ends..." Harry said seeing the wheels turn in his friends heads waiting for them to see the trap being set.
"How are we going to make this all believable?" Blaise said.
"Well, we lug up a bunch of baby stuff with us as we get on the bird and get settled out of sight. Then we go invisible, slide down his tail, and get back into the castle while he takes off covering our tracks. It is an illusion we are going to begin with in a newspaper article. Voldemort doesn't know that the babies aren't here and we want him to think we're evacuating them." Harry said.
"But, Harry, they're already in America." Neville said.
"Just part of the illusion, Sirius is a bigger target as far as I'm concerned. If I weren't absolutely sure that he was safe there, he'd still be here. They all would. I have complete faith in MaBirdy and her Aunties." Draco said.
"Thanks for that you guys. Ma and my aunts would like to hear that I bet." Adam said.
"Well, it's true Adam. MaBirdy is going to light a beacon in celebration of Yule this year in one of the far reaches of the MNN and she expects it to attract the wrong kind of wizard if you know what I mean. We want them to know where the MNN is. Just not the part where you live Adam. We are setting another trap. We want Voldemort to think that we're hiding there and he'll come for this while his forces are after Sirius and us."
"Only, we'll be here laying in wait?" Vincent said.
"Something like that Vince. Birdy is a good lure herself. Voldemort expects possession of these things will give him the power he seeks. His aim is to take power others earned or were entitled to and well I don't have to tell any of you what he would do if he stood unopposed. What we're going to do, is the thing with the fires. If Voldemort actually believes that we are in America with Birdy then he will attack for the artifacts alone. The fact that Hogwart's that will suffer it is, so much the better,we are going to phase through the fire and it will appear we are with Birdy herself and we will throw a few barbs at him as an early Yule gift. Luna will be probably the most important one of all because we are going to help her split her pyrogaze into two places at once. Birdy will actually see Voldemort through our fire and Voldemort will think he sees us holding the children even though we will be here at the fireplace in this room. We will have to disguise it to look like Birdy's Hogan for when the time comes. Adam that is where you will be a big help,Think you can remember the way it looks?"
"Oh hell yeah. Down to the Christmas tree."
"Good then. We are going to try to trick him into sending people to the beacon to find their way to Thundercloud Palace while he comes after the prize. We'll be waiting for them. When they make their way past the wards, we will spring the trap; wipe out all magic after he is inside. That is when we take him and the Death Eaters out. Any means necessary to end this soon. I can already feel the magic the babies I have inside of me binding everything together for a giant release somehow. I do not think my magic will ever be as focused. We have pinpointed the most logical time for Voldemort to attack and it is the night of the full moon. Christmas Eve is the full moon and Voldemort will want to attack with the werewolves in there too.
I understand from some of the Noble houses in the Vampire realm that a number of their underlings are joining forces with Riddle through promises of power and unlimited human feedings. Those Noble houses will not know about the Xanadu and Vampir-estor combination that works better than actually feeding. It seems Severus has completed and tested another breakthrough potion. It must not be as difficult as Xanadu was alone. I think that he will get special recognition for that one too. I'm glad that we got to be a part of the process." Harry said, his monologue stopping briefly.
"Harry and I have much at stake here and we're putting it all up against one madman and his minions. At the World Cup a few years ago, there were over a thousand Death Eaters there from Britain alone and he hadn't been restored. Voldemort's influence is far reaching and his followers are all over Europe. The ones out of the country will follow a leader of sorts that is in inner circle or the secondary circle. The secondary circle has three hundred or so members and the inner circle has fifty. Vince and Greg's fathers were inner circle members only because of my father. How they maintained their positions, I will never know.
The students that are about to claim their families estates and fortunes all have parents in the inner circle. The loss of funding will greatly affect Voldemort by the end of the month and he will have to go after the relics himself if he wants to continue on his quest. Those things give us confidence that it is then that we'll make him go away once and for all." Draco said.
"As soon as he's in the gates, we got him, he can't get out. The reporters will be gone because they think we'll be in America in hiding with the babies and they'll be safe because they won't be here." Harry further tried to press his case.
"Well goodie for them. Maybe we could keep a few around to document the final battle." Blaise said.
"That's not a bad idea really Blaise. I'm sure that we could get photographers from the ministry to do the job and not involve the public." Harry said.
"It's a thought." Blaise said. He gave Luna a squeeze and a fond rub on the back. He was indeed in love.
"Have anyone's stones began to flash or glow besides mine?" Harry inquired.
"Well, to be honest Harry, they look like they want to glow but, nothing like yours did. Ma sent the replacements with Lulu didn't she?" Adam said.
"Yeah, got them right here; I couldn't risk the children without them. Draco was about to make me carry his when these arrived." Harry said.
"About bloody time they did when they did. I was going starkers with worry." Draco said.
"Well, Adam showed me what he did with the stones I gave him. He imbedded them onto the shaft of his staff. There is room for everyone's stones if you look at his staff close enough. Well, what'll happen is, me, Adam, Draco, Neville here will isolate Voldemort, Adam, Draco, Neville will keep everyone away with the fortress shield, and I'll annihilate the bastard with the staff and drain his magic first. Then I will take the muggle gun with the special bullets that Birdy gave me and blow his fucking brains out with it. That is the plan anyway. If all this doesn't work, we'll go to Riddle manor and get the bastard there." Harry said.
"Oh, Plan B." Adam said.
"The one and the same"Harry said to his godbrother. Adam got up and crossed the room to give his godbrother and Draco a big old hug.
"Thanks you guys. That old bastard called my mom some bad things and he has threatened you and the babies. I feel like I have a great big family now and I'm going to do my best to make sure it stays safe." Adam said.
"You're welcome cousin. You know this fight is really Harry's and mine. You could be safe in America but you're not. You're here with us and that makes you one very special man Adam Thundercloud. We should be thanking you. You seem to bring the paths of fate together for the people that know you. You enrich everyone you meet. You give of yourself like no other foreign wizard we have ever met. You Adam Thundercloud are a Prince among men. If you weren't already, you would be in our book." Draco said.
"Stop you guys will embarrass me and then I'll have to cry somewhere." Adam blushed.
"It's the truth. You didn't know us six hours and you taught us more magic in ten minutes than we learn in a year if we're lucky." Harry said.
"But, I love you guys. Why wouldn't I teach you? We couldn't get into as much trouble if I didn't, hahahahaha"
"Point taken cousin. We didn't seem to waste any time did we?"
"No and I don't think we should waste any more time up here gabbing. I'm getting kind of hungry." Adam said trying successfully to change the subject.
"I am too come to think of it. Draco's protein drinks are pretty tasty but not very filling." Harry said.
"Then let's be off to join the others. Someone want to take down this shield?" Adam said looking at Ginny to do the honors.
"Finite!" Ginny said and the shield was gone.
Thundercloud house didn't notice the Thunderbirds in their end of the common room until the shield was down and were mildly surprised that they were there all along and not noticed. They were happy they didn't have to wait for them to appear for the trip to the Great Hall and supper. Harry was talking to Draco quietly but still using Draco for guidance. Today had got him all wound up and it seemed to take its toll even if it was only slightly. The royal pair was glad that they had a ton of things off their chests. It helped to have everyone think on a subject and come on sound plans based on everyone's input. Draco asked Harry if he wanted to see if the two of them couldn't get Hermione and Ron, Blaise and Luna married before hostilities began in earnest.
They knew where Voldemort was hiding, and that alone for a secret, was a huge one. The plans to get Voldemort to come to them were more elaborate than Harry described. Birdy, Albus, and Narcissa all approved the plan. If Hogwart's were to become a battlefield, then it would be on their terms. The whole of the wizarding world was on the line and it was the Thunderbirds that would be fighting against overwhelming odds. It was up to Harry to end it all finally. Fate had indeed smiled on Harry, he survived to become an acute wielder of magic, the likes that had never been seen before. He was the most powerful wizard on earth ever and his husband had to guide him into the Great Hall because he would become lost on his way or forget he was supposed to be eating.
Suppertime in the Great Hall this evening was not full of the cacophonous noises that usually accompanied the evening meals. Hundreds of hushed conversations were the norm for this particular evening's meal. Thundercloud house entered and sat as one and mostly remained quiet as they ate. Harry and Draco sat at the supper table with Adam, Charley, Ron, and Hermione. Harry's appetite was average for a Thunderbird and Draco remembered how he felt when he ate knowing that he was going to give birth. He filled Harry's plate with a little of everything and placed Harry's napkin on his lap. With a look from his husbands silver gray eyes, Harry picked up his fork and began to eat... slowly.
After about fifteen minutes, Harry seemed to have a burst of energy. His mind cleared a bit and his appetite seemed to be catching up with the amount of food that Draco and Hermione were trying to encourage him to eat. Harry managed to finish two plates and was on to his pudding when he finally managed to hear the conversations going on around him. Draco and Adam had been talking about dragons with Charley. Hermione and Ron were mostly quiet and Harry supposed they were talking mentally. If the blush and stupid grin on Ron's face was any indication to the conversation, it had to have been about sex. Harry sat up a bit in his seat and decided to be an active participant in the suppertime banter. Remembering the conversation, he had had with Draco he said,
"I think the two of you have put your nuptials off long enough. Blaise, when did you plan on getting married?" Harry said, looking at his friends down and across the table from him.
"Who are you talking to Harry? I, am ready anytime. It is Ronald that has to say when. Blaise and Luna I can't speak for." Hermione said.
"Oh, we're ready anytime too." Luna said for herself and Blaise.
"Then it's settled. Saturday night sound good to everybody?" Harry said.
"Saturday night is good for me too love"Draco whispered to Harry.
"Any night is good for you Draco. Hermy and Ron didn't get married because we had that coronation and I think it's time we did something about it. It was your idea in the first place. Blaise and Luna seem to have it together too. I think we can get some family here to attend the ceremonies in time." Harry said.
"Why all of a sudden do you think we should get married Harry?" Hermione said.
"It's not all of a sudden really;I guess I'm feeling a bit blue missing the babies like I do. Draco here has been my rock and I'm going to give to him what he's given me and I'd love for you and Ron and Blaise and Luna to all know the happiness we share is all I guess." Harry waxed philosophically.
"Harry love, it will be difficult to get everyone here on such short notice." Draco said leaning towards Harry.
"I think we can do it Saturday night. I'm sure that Dumbledore will be happy to officiate for both of them." Harry said.
"If you can get him to say yes, then I'll help you all I can love." Draco said.
"Good because I'm sure I'm going to need it." Harry said.
Ron's appetite came to a screeching halt when Harry brought up the wedding talk and his usual bubbly self sat still in his seat listening to those around him discuss his future... without him. Hermione noticed Ron's still fork and reached out to reassure him that everything would be just fine.
"Ron, we might as well get this over with. We have put it off and haven't discussed a new date. Saturday night is as good as any other don't you think?" Hermione said.
"Oh, yeah, sure, Saturday is fine 'Mione." Ron said
"You don't sound as if it's fine Ronald. Is something wrong?" Hermione said.
"Oh, no nothing at all; I just thought that we'd wait until this war was over with first the way things have been going. I wanted to give you a wedding night you won't ever forget." Ron said.
"Oh, Ronald, I won't forget. You can be sure about that." Hermione said leaning over to Ron for a quick kiss.
"Thanks 'Mione. Hey Blaise! We get to have a bachelor party." Ron said sing songy, suddenly feeling better.
"When?"Blaise asked not looking away from Luna.
"Friday night sound" "good to the" "two of you?" Fred and George said. The two of them were always up for a night of fun.
"He's not going to any party that the two of you are going to be at. He might end up... not able to, you know, don't make me say it please..."
"Oi Hermione," "TMI" "We won't let" "him get into" "any trouble"
"You two better not let him get into anything!" Hermione warned.
"We won't." the twins answered together.
There wasn't much to do when it came to getting the officiating taken care of, Dumbledore was happy to do the honors and wed Blaise and Luna and Ron and Hermione on Saturday evening. Harry and Draco only needed to ask and it was as good as done. The busy week was over with quite fast for every one of the Thunderbirds. They each had special duties to perform except for the ones to wed and all were happy to participate.
Molly and Arthur Weasley were going to be at Hogwart's on Saturday afternoon after they went to the secret location to get Hermione's parents, which was one of the surprises Draco thought of. It was a forgone conclusion that you could not keep Molly Weasley away from one of her children's weddings. She was like a bull in a china shop in that regard since there hasn't been one. Arthur Weasley was almost as excited as his wife about the wedding. Hermione didn"t know that Arthur had been keeping her parents informed about "the state of things" and had taken to visiting the pair frequently. He was very pleased to tell them of this development and bring them to Hogsmeade and guide them to Hogwart's castle.
Luna's father had become somewhat of a celebrity, as he was the exclusive "press" liaison between the wizarding world and the government's of Hogwart's, Magical Britain and The kingdom of Camelot and one King Harry Potter-Malfoy. His status as an eccentric magazine owner was upped a few notches when it was disclosed that he was the only wizard publisher that had "access at will" to the Thunderbirds, King Harry, Dumbledore and Narcissa Black Malfoy.
The wizarding press from around the world was constantly asking him for interviews. He complied as time permitted to the requests, but he held the good stuff for himself and the Quibbler. He was delighted that someone had asked for his daughter's hand in marriage. Blaise had journeyed to London during the week to ask for his blessings the old-fashioned way, and was happy to have a conversation with his future father-in-law about all things sports. Luna had not been wrong on this point. Luna's father was going to "give the bride away" on Saturday night to a wizard that he whole-heartedly supported, despite his background as a child of Death Eaters. He was a Thunderbird, and that was good enough for him.
Harry's morning sickness had abated somewhat, the severity of his nausea was soothed by special potions crafted by Severus Snape with the Xanadu potion as a base. Harry was actually feeling quite well after Severus had presented him that morning with his new discovery. Draco was grateful that Harry's appetite had returned to normal because that meant that Harry was up for "playtime" in the early morning again. Harry and Draco were both happy for that and on the Friday morning before everyone was out of bed, the two wizards shared their "bliss" with the rest of Hogwart's castle, a fete that the Thunderbirds didn't let go by without comment at breakfast.
Late in the afternoon after classes were over with and before supper, invitations to the bachelor party to a select few were sent out. Hogsmeade as usual on a Friday night was busy with the presence wizarding media crowding the pubs and inns. Madame Rosmerta's pub was going to close early for a 'private party'. The wizard reporters were quite put out when Rosmerta herself told everyone that they had to leave for the evening because the time was close to the party that was scheduled to begin. The reporters whined some but in the end, they were just as happy to drink and get drunk at the Hog's Head.
Hermione, Luna and Ginny left the Great Hall together leaving the "boys" to have their way for the evening without their opinions weighing them down. The wizards were glad that the "girls" opted to sit the evening out together so that they could do as they pleased at Rosmerta's pub. They gave a last warning to everyone involved. "Bring them back, and bring them back sober."
Ron's brother Bill used the international Keyport in London from his place in Egypt. He was not going to miss his 'ickle baby brother's bachelor party. He was grateful that Ron was going to get married and then perhaps his mum would get off his back for a little while. Bill port keyed to the keypad in Hogsmeade village and opted to wait for his brothers in Rosmerta's pub with her blessings. His presence would be a surprise to everyone and Rosmerta was very happy to oblige him by letting him stay "after hours".
In their chambers, Harry and Draco were dressing for the evening out; rather, Draco was dressing the both of them. Harry was secretly glad that he married a clotheshorse and forever more, he did not have to worry about 'what to wear'. The two new royals were as ready as they were going to get and then they mentalled the rest of their friends together,
'We are ready to go you lot, How about you all?'
'Be in the common room in a tic' was what they heard in return and the two left their chamber to join the others.
Ginny was giving Neville last minute instructions on what he could and could not do and what he should do if something of interest did happen. Mainly, do nothing, and come home with the others. Neville gave Ginny a kiss on the lips and a swat on the bottom as she left the men to themselves. She just turned to Neville and gave himthat 'you're-so-going-to... get-laid-when-you-get-home look. Neville blushed and smiled at the thought. He was damn lucky to have a girl like Ginny. Neville and Ginny had become engaged, but their plans to wed were kept to themselves. Ginny did not want to go through a Molly Weasley planned wedding and wanted to elope when the time was right. Neville remembered her saying she liked the idea of sneaking out in the middle of the night to avoid all the commotion.
The guys left the common room the normal way, by using the door but as soon as they were in the third floor corridor, they snapped to just out of sight of the gates and the auror guards, and to avoid being seen by the reporters that were bound to be waiting in ambush for photographs and perhaps a story.
Charley Weasley was waiting at the guardhouse for the Thunderbirds and had told the guards that they would be back in a few hours and not to worry if they saw something... strange. The guards knew the Thunderbirds on sight now and were less likely to worry when they managed to avoid the aurors at the castle. The guard that was on duty the last time they used the gates had been properly informed as to the identity of the King and the others and let them know it.
The Thunderbird men walked out from behind the huge tree they snapped behind and walked the last hundred yards to the gate holding hands if they were couples. Ron, Neville and Blaise were not holding hands with anybody but Blaise did have his arm around Ron's shoulder while they had a short mental conversation. Ron was amused at what Blaise had told him and his mood was as good as it was ever going to get. The group made their approaching presence known to the guards and Charley in the guardhouse by knocking on the window of the guardhouse.
"Oi, hey Charley! You ready to go?" Ron asked his big brother from behind the window glass.
"Ready as ever Ronniekins!" Charley said and he left the guard alone to join the others.
The gate was opened just enough for the guys to walk through one at a time. The reporters were there, had their cameras out, and had begun snapping pictures. Harry and Draco were not wearing their royal robes but they were quite distinctly standing out. Between Harry's scar and Draco's platinum hair, they were unmistakable and were approached quickly. Harry held on to Draco's arm and the Thunderbirds not being assaulted by the barrage of questions gave the reporters the bums rush. Harry and Draco were grateful for the assistance and when the reporters were clear from them, they disapparated. They apparated in front of Rosmerta's pub and knocked on the door for entry. Bill opened the door to let them in. The Weasley men were surprised to see their big brother the only other guest besides Charley.
Rosmerta and Bill had moved tables aside and decorated the pub a bit after the patrons were asked to leave. Bill had tuned the wizarding radio to a music station and charmed the sound so it wouldn't blare over their conversations. Neville had seen a group of reporters witness their sudden appearance and entry into the pub and he was the last one to step through the door. With a wave of his hand, he smoked all of the windows to keep prying eyes from seeing inside and he charmed the room for privacy. As a second thought, he threw a ward over the building to confuse anyone that came within twenty feet of it. He wanted to have some fun and he didn't want to be interrupted. When the building was secure, Neville joined the others for their little shindig.
The Thunderbirds, Charley and Bill, spent the evening drinking and joking and talking about anything and everything but the war. They entertained themselves playing games, the mages used their powers to make the little tornados, and fireballs dance for them to the tunes coming from the radio. The Weird Sisters had been singing when the radio suddenly stopped the music for a news announcement.
"Attention please, this is a special report from WWN...The new Dark mark detectors all over Europe are sounding alarms. The dark forces of you-know-who seem to be advancing and massing in huge groups. It is advised that everyone stay indoors and lock yourselves inside. The Death Eaters do not seem to be attacking anywhere but be warned, if they see you, it may be the last thing you see. Stay inside please. Any attacks should be reported if possible. Magical creatures are said to be joining the dark force. Werewolves in packs have been spotted as well. Be warned, the forces of the dark are on the move. Merlin help you all. We now return you to the Weird Sisters..."
"Why haven't we heard the detectors going off?" Neville asked.
"Those detectors are on the continent Nev. The detectors on this island have been silent but I bet that they will not be for long. We should get back to the castle." Blaise said.
"That's a good idea. We should pop over to Honeydukes, and take the passage into the castle and avoid being seen in public. Rosmerta, keep inside and do not open the door. There is a ward over your place that will confuse anyone that gets close. That's the best protection you can have right now." Bill said.
"Alright you lot. Be careful. I will be just fine. I can apparate somewhere else if anything happens." Rosmerta said to her old friends.
"You be sure to do that. I think maybe we're going to have a lot of company in a short while." Bill said.
"I will. Now you lot pop out of here and I will secure the building. I'll be alright." Rosmerta said.
The Thunderbirds, Charley and Bill apparated to Honeydukes cellar and opened the secret passage to Hogwart's castle and slipped in quickly. They all ran the distance to the one eyed witch's statue entrance,sealed the tunnel behind them and snapped to the headmaster's office pulling Charley and Bill with them. Charley had traveled this way before and was prepared for the experience of snapping. This was a first for Bill who still thought it not possible to do that under the wards of Hogwart's and he was gobsmacked... literally, when he found himself in front of Dumbledore and Severus.
"Bill! What a pleasure to see you. When did you arrive in Britain?" Dumbledore asked.
"A few hours ago Albus, I thought I'd surprise my little brothers. Looks like I'm the one that's surprised though."
"Indeed. I have called the Order already and you are the first to show up. The dark mark detectors are raising the alarm all over the continent. Boys it looks like that we are going to have company in a few hours. The reports over the radio have not been quite accurate. There are several thousands of Voldemort's followers massing in France. The French ministry of magic and their aurors has been keeping an eye on them and report that they look to be massing weaponry in an area close to Nice. It sounds to me like the spell cannons are arriving from their hiding places with the necessary wizard support to use them. There are so many of them the French are not going to do anything because they are so severely out numbered." Dumbledore said.
"Just like the bloody French to be there when they need our bloody help." Bill said.
"Yes, quite." Severus said from his chair.
"The Ministry in London has scrambled the whole of the auror forces and they are assembling them all over Britain. They have portkeys set to arrive here when the detectors activate. Waiting is all we can do now." Dumbledore said.
"That's not all we can do headmaster. We can take the battle to them." Harry said.
"Harry, I believe that is exactly what they would like for you to do. It would leave the castle and the Ministry without your presence." Dumbledore said.
"What if they think that we're there?" Draco said.
"Well, if they thought that, perhaps then they might make their move and begin the attack. What do you have in mind?"
"We can use polyjuice potion to disguise some volunteers to be seen and give them the battle brooms to ride over their forces. They can also begin hostilities with the battle hexes and then they can get out of there and back here before anyone knows what happened." Draco said from Harry's side.
"That is a good idea Prince Draco." Dumbledore said to Harry's consort.
"Just call me Draco please headmaster. Titles are not going to give us a leg up when we're fighting."
"Quite right, they won't consider that when they throw an AK at you will they? Very well Draco." Dumbledore said from over his glasses.
"Where is the Order going to assemble?" Neville said.
"Grimmauld place, We have a secret floo that can get them here in a hurry. Well, until the detectors begin to alarm here, I suggest we try to get some rest. Tomorrow is quite uncertain but tonight, we should try to get some sleep and worry about tomorrow, tomorrow." Dumbledore said.
"I don't think that I can sleep headmaster." Harry said.
"Nor I sir"Draco said.
"Mr. Snape? Do you think that Xanadu in pepper up might help us?" Adam said.
"I haven't thought about that Mr. Thundercloud,I think that it might make it a little overbearing for most to tolerate. What do you have in mind?" Severus said.
"Well, if this battle is going to take a while, it might help if we weren't fatigued to the point of exhaustion. Would you like for me to help you figure it out?" Adam said.
"That won't be necessary. I believe that I can come up with the proper proportions to make it a viable potion. I do need some help in brewing pepper up so that there will be enough of it to go around if necessary. We only have a hundred or so doses right now." Severus mused.
"Pepper up only takes an hour to brew but the quantity we need, will require that all the cauldrons in the laboratory be working at the same time. I think that we can accomplish that in the morning if things are still quiet. We have an enormous supply of Xanadu still after brewing the Delilah's Knife."
"We should get Thundercloud house to do the brewing and as many seventh years that you think are up to the task." Adam said to the potions master.
"There are several sixth years as well that are capable. I'll see to it that they are all in the dungeons bright and early, perhaps before breakfast." Severus pondered.
"You better have the house elves bring a shitload of coffee and tea and maybe donuts too."
Severus asked, "What is a donut Adam?"
"I think you call them bangers maybe? You know circles of deep fried raised bread covered in sugar glaze, a Donut."
"Ah, yes, I am familiar with them. I was unaware of the muggle term. I think it is time we should try for some sleep Adam. If they come in the night, we will deal with it. I don't think Voldemort will attack before Yule and his massing of forces out in the open are just for show. For one, I think thatyou'll be in France again before they are here." Severus said.
"I guess I can get to sleep after a hot shower and some hot chocolate. You wanna join me Mr. Snape?"
"You were speaking of the hot chocolate were you not?"
"Yeah, what did you think I meant? Oh... oops sorry. I guess it did sound like I wanted to get you naked didn't it?" Adam said grinning at the obsidian eyed, unpleased potions master.
"Something like that. I'd be delighted to join you in your common room in thirty minutes for a cup." Severus said to the innocent eyed Navajo.
"Cool. I'll just be getting out of here and I'll see you in thirty." Adam said before he snapped out of sight.
'That boy is amazing' Severus thought to himself as he tried to calculate ingredient quantities for the Xanadu/Pepper-up. He made his way to his private chambers to change into some more comfortable robes for the night. After he had stayed in Arizona for three weeks just that summer, he had taken to wearing silk sleepwear. Black, but it was silk.
Adam snapped straight into his bathroom and with a wave of his hand, he was naked and turning on the chamomile scented hot water for his shower. He was almost finished with his shower when suddenly, his willie got stiff as a board and he got a freebie off one of the Thunderbirds. Knowing them, it was probably Harry and Draco saying good night. The house elves were probably going to be busy in the morning changing another thousand sets of sheets. Adam finished his soaping and sudsing and rinsed his face, hair and body very well before he turned off the taps. He grabbed a towel to wrap around him and he dried himself magically. He braided his hair on the side of his head to keep it out from under his head when he slept. Adam accio'd his jammies, robe, and slipped them on... commando before he left his room for the common room dinette, the hot chocolate and Mr. Snape.
Severus entered the Thundercloud house common room without billowing his robes and walked towards the other side of the common room to the dinette area and Adam. The aroma of chocolate was wonderfully intoxicating and got better the closer Severus got. Adam was stirring a pot on the small one burner gas stove. Adam had melted chocolate from his secret stash and added milk slowly and it was now steaming. Adam muttered something in Navajo and the steaming milk began to froth a bit.
Adding marshmallows to two cups, Adam poured the chocolate elixir over them until they floated, melting in the steaming liquid. Severus was amused at the elaborate effort displayed for simple hot chocolate and his face cracked a smile... with teeth, when he accepted his cup from Adam. The two wizards did not say a word while they drank their hot chocolate sitting in front of the fire. Thoughts were fleeing their minds quickly and relaxation was upon the two of them just as the hot chocolate was gone. Adam managed to scourgify the mugs and he put them away after they were finished.
Severus got up, smiled... again and shook the young wizards hand before he turned to head back to the dungeons and his bed. Early brewing of potions was one of his favourite things to do besides sleep and right now, he was going to indulge himself with a few hours of total rest. He did not need nor want a dreamless sleep potion that night. Hogwart's castle would find out tomorrow what had happened this day on the continent. Today the end began, but tonight, Hogwart's sleeps one of its last precious nights in peace for a while.