HP Life after Hogwarts
Chapter 28
Ministry Affairs
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You asked for more Dani antics, well, I'm happy to oblige...that and more in this chapter. : )
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Stephen, after spending an hour cuddling his grandbabies, made his presence known to Harry. "You and I need to have a chat."
Harry didn't even bother to open his eyes or break his focus, which at the moment was trying to rid his body of the bloomin rash still faintly visible on his skin. The potion that he had poured into the sunken tub of steaming hot bathwater at least in his opinion wasn't working fast enough. "I've already been called a Malfoy by Ron, so I'm not in the mood to hear it from you as well." He growled.
"Ron called you a what?!"
"You heard me grandfather."
"He called you a Malfoy?" Stephen ventured further into the bathroom suite. "Granted it's true that you've been neglecting your duties as of late, but Malfoy you most certainly are not."
"So, grandfather, go ahead and lecture to your hearts content." Harry opened one eye to look at him. "It's not like I can get out of this bloomin tub for at least another hour or so."
"Nanda is here taking a tour of the castle with Hermione. She's happily agreed to take your place for that shopping excursion to London this evening." Stephen produced a garment bag out of thin air and hung it up on one of the hooks on the wall. "You will be occupied elsewhere."
"Look, Gramps if the geriatric council of elder wizards are calling me out on the carpet, because of my focusing on my family, then they can just take their unwanted ancient archaic opinions and PISS OFF!" Harry's mood darkened even more.
"Actually, it's quite the opposite and you will mind your tongue when it comes to speaking about your elders. They praise your devotion that you have towards your family; however they feel that it is time for you to focus some of that boundless energy towards the goings-on in our world and its infrastructure." Stephen unzipped the garment bag revealing a new set of wizarding robes, tailored suit, and all the accessories to match.
The new set of HBP clothes was the last thing that Harry wished to see. It was yet another dark mark on his day and he was peeved that his grandfather was forcing this on him. "What part of I saved all of your asses now fend for yourselves did all of them not understand!?" Harry reined in the urge to jinx the tar out of his grandfather, because he didn't know if the satisfaction from it was worth a few nights in Azkaban or not.
"Yes, you saved our world from mortal peril, but that does not mean that you can just sit back on your arse while everyone does everything for you! You should be avidly curious to know what has been happening in the council! If not for your sake then think about your girls!" Stephen snarled back at him. "You should give a damn about what the council is deciding on, because it will effect your life in the coming years! You should be there to personally see that our governing council does right by its people! If not then Ronald was right! You are no better than a Malfoy!!"
Harry had never seen his grandfather so put out with him and it stung that he thought so low of him. "All right, Gramps, you've more than made your point. Give me an hour or two at the most to ditch this rash. And then I will willingly sit here or in your office at the MOM in London while you catch me up on everything that you feel I've been slacking on." Harry grumbled in defeat it was clear that his evening was gonna be long and mind numbingly boring.
"You have one hour and embarrassing rash or not you will be dressed in that clothing and be ready to get to work!"
"I've got to tell Mione before you drag me off…I mean at least let me do that." Harry narrowed his eyes at him. "You know damn well that she'll have my head if I don't!"
"That's not necessary she and I have had a talk already and she is more than okay it." Stephen shot down his delay tactic.
"You went to her first!?"
Stephen nodded.
"Oh, well, that's just bloody well perfect! I'll be on the couch for sure tonight!"
"Grandson I wouldn't worry about that if I were you, as it is you will be lucky if I let you come back here by dawn."
"Oh come on Gramps! I mean you can't be serious!" Harry sputtered in protest. "The girls will think that I've gone and deserted them!"
"They will think that you are at Hospital getting treated for the severe rash that they accidentally afflicted on you by your trying to heal Ronald." He was ready for that and had the perfect counter to it.
"Oh, well, then if that's the case it's a sure bet that they'll never jinx another soul again, at least anytime soon anyway." Harry groaned in defeat.
It was clear there was no getting out of spending quality time with his grandfather and the lovely outing he had planned with Hermione and their girls was just a distant memory. "If you tell my girls that their jinxing put me in Hospital then they'll be back to thinking that magic is taboo again! Those three are beyond sensitive about things of this nature."
Stephen didn't get a chance to comment about that because they were being invaded by a tiny diaper clad visitor.
"Dada!" Dani crawled into the bathroom making a beeline for the tub.
Regulus was hot on her heels and scooped her up into his arms. "I don't think so munchkin. The lavatory is no place for little angels to be exploring."
"Dada got's owie." Dani pointed to her daddy then quickly stuck her thumb into her mouth.
"I know pumpkin, but I'm going to take him to Hospital where they'll make him all better." Stephen reassured her.
It killed Harry that Dani was sucking her thumb. She only did so when scared or upset about something. "That's right baby. Great-Grandpa is going to take me to Hospital and I'll be better in no time." Harry then focused on Regulus. "Did she escape you or something?"
"Not exactly. You can now add the stairs to her list of achievements." Regulus grinned. "This one was determined to see her Da."
"Dani sorry Dada," She whimpered. "Dani love Dada."
"I know baby girl, but please try to rein in the urge to jinx anyone with magic." Harry made a mental note to baby proof the staircases here and at home. "Now as for climbing the stairs, unless one of us is right next to you, that is a no-no."
"Ok Dada." Dani sniffled. :No likes stairs that much it hurts Dani's legs.:
"Crawling or climbing up marble stairs does tend to be rough on ones knees." Regulus cuddled her against his shoulder.
"Dada!" Ally and Mia crawled passed Stephen and Regulus.
"And I thought looking after Fred and George as babies was a chore! These two conquered the stairs on their first go!" Bill screeched to a halt in front of the bathroom doorway.
"Now listen carefully you two. Climbing the stairs, unless one of us is right next to you, is a no-no." Harry wasn't the least bit surprised to see the two of them hot on their sister's heels.
"Ok Dada." Mia sat down on her diaper clad bottom and pouted up at him. :We no like squishy tushie.:
"Sorry Dada." Ally pouted. :Dada makes squishy go bye-bye.:
"So that's the problem…" Harry's mood lightened immensely and his eyes lit up with laughter. "You thought Uncle Bill hopeless at changing you and sought out me."
"I've changed many a diaper in my day. After all I have countless younger siblings, so let's say we fix that problem straight away." Bill easily scooped them up into his arms and carried them out of the bathroom.
"I'll, uh, leave you two to carry on your chat." Regulus grinned at Stephen. "I'll give you this Uncle Stephen that's a choice way to corner him while you give him what for. It's a known fact that we gents are vulnerable when caught in our altogether, but then again Moaning Myrtle might have gotten him used to having an audience while trying to take a tub." He chuckled.
Harry had no comment to that statement, instead he sank under the water willing them all too just go away, and let him be.
"You've more than had your fun; Uncle Regulus now let him be. He needs to be in a relaxed state of being for the potion to work properly and this is nowhere near him being relaxed." Hermione was standing in the doorway not pleased with the two of them.
"You must be the beautiful genius behind the boy who lives." Regulus flashed his best winning smile.
"You must be the infamous little brother of Uncle Sirius; so far I'm not the least bit impressed." Hermione walked over and took her daughter out of his arms. "Out with both of you or you will see the likes that I can do with a jinx. Believe me when I say that I am legendary at it." She pointed her wand at the two of them.
"I'll, uh, go see if Bill needs a hand." Regulus beat a hasty retreat and vanished.
"You have one hour and no excuses." Stephen vanished as well.
"It's about bloomin time!" Harry resurfaced. "I thought they'd never take the hint and bugger off."
"Was I hearing correctly? Have our girls mastered the stairs?"
Harry nodded.
"So that explains why Mum was baby-proofing the staircase…" Her voice trailed off as she took in his latest HBP clothes. "I vote that we turn our working monarchy into a strictly parliamentary form of government again." She frowned.
"We did have a parliamentary form of government for nearly a century and look at the mess that it made. Nothing got done. There was corruption at nearly every level. Everyone chose to stick their heads in the sand and turned a blind eye to everything going on around them. We can't forget that they ignored Uncle Albus and let Fudge lead them around by their noses. Now that Gramps is at the helm running things much needed changes in our ancient bylaws and an overhaul of the Ministry of Magic at all levels are getting done. Reverting back to a working monarchy with Gramps as King and Grams as Queen is the best thing that's happened to our world." Harry sounded off his view on the matter. "No. I happen to sleep better knowing that Gramps is King as well as Minister of Magic of our world."
"Well said lion. Well said indeed." Hermione beamed with pride that he was more than keeping up with his responsibly as HBP. "You've been pulling the wool over everyone's eyes by acting like you don't care; when in truth you've been keeping a close eye over it all."
"Of course I keep tabs over it all. Percy sees to it that I get a daily rundown, often yards long, of the goings-on at the Ministry. Uncle Albus keeps me well apprised of the council's sessions, and Gramps sends me a weekly summary, also yards long, of everything he feels I should be up to snuff about. Usually with the threat of a pop quiz when I least expect it." Harry picked up a bottle of potion and poured it over his skin. "The fact is that yes I actually do give a damn and they're going to find that out tonight in spades. You would think that after all this time that they'd get a clue, but then again old age does addle ones mind."
"Oh honey, maybe they just wish to see you in person, instead of on a full page spread in the papers." Hermione cuddled Dani against her shoulder. "This latest one is going in our scrapbook and I plan to asking Colin for copies of the snaps."
"Oh yeah, 'A day in the life of the lovers royal', I thought I tossed that in the fire this morning." Harry frowned not pleased with the twins for over covering their day.
"Binky gave me a copy of it this morning."
:Dani wants bath like Dada.: She started squirming in her mothers arms.
"Sorry sweetie, but you're still too little for that." Hermione kissed her on the nose. "We can however go and get you ready for our shopping spree tonight with Aunt Nanda and your sisters of course."
:Dani like shopping.: Dani all smiles now. "Bye-bye, Dada."
"Have fun baby." Harry chuckled. "I'll see you when I get back tonight."
Hermione smirked quirking a brow at him. "Aren't we being a bit optimistic?"
"No. I'm positive that I'll be back here before the clock strikes twelve." Harry blew her a kiss. "You just enjoy your evening with Nanda and our girls."
"Go get 'em lion. I'll see you when you get back. We love you." Hermione left the bathroom to go get the girls ready.
"Don't worry my lioness they'll never under estimate me again." Harry closed his eyes and went back to focusing on healing himself.
--
One hour later Pendragon wing- Common room
Harry walked down the stairs dressed very much like the HBP and ready to tackle the council, his grandfather, or anything else that they had in store for him.
"Here as ordered your majesty." He went as far as to walk over to where he was sitting and bowed in front of him.
James, who was enjoying a quiet evening with Lily, choked on the hot coco that he was trying to swallow. "Dad what the hell did you do to my son!?" He croaked out.
"He called me a Malfoy, so I caved." Harry muttered under his breath.
"Now James you're overreacting. I think our son looks smashingly smart in his new princely wear." Lily smiled at her eldest son.
"Thanks Mum, but I feel like a stuffed shirt aristocrat in this get up…" Harry found himself kissed mindless by Hermione when she came out of the library and caught sight of him.
"I think Hermione disagrees." Nanda giggled. "On a scale of one to ten you would easily make the best dressed list in that."
"Dad you're corrupting my kid." James scowled.
"James you are underdressed for tonight's meeting of the council. Now go change, kiss Lily and the twin's good-bye for a few hours, and let us be off. We have a schedule to keep." Stephen ordered his son.
"I was there this morning, so why punish me." James grumbled.
"It's no wonder that with you as his role model the boy behaves the way he does. Now go change and that's the end of it!" Stephen was not in the mood to have James whining at him as well and put his foot down.
"Oh, this beyond blows!" James focused on his Ministry clothes and his casual jeans and sweater were replaced by something that nearly mirrored what his son was wearing. "I'll be back in a few. You should go shopping with the girls make a night out of it." James pulled Lily to him for a kiss.
Rory and Dromi walked into the Pendragon Wing with cats, pups, and Fluffy in tow. "Wills and Henry are spending the evening taking care of official business in London, so the two of us have decided that spending time here at the castle is a smashing idea."
"That and the pups and Fluffy were pining for all of you." Dani frowned. "Why are Daddy and baby brother dressed like Grandpa?"
"Yeah, what's up with that isn't he still on family leave?" Rory crossed her arms and frowned at them.
"They have Ministry business to attend to tonight, so we're going shopping in London." Lily smiled warmly at her girls, laughing when Fluffy greeted her with slobbery kisses. "Yes hello Fluffy I missed you too."
"So that's what the boys refused to tell to us about their business tonight." Rory scowled.
"Grandpa is something wrong? Why did you call another meeting of the council?" Dromi cuddled Mage in her arms.
"Blame it all on your little brother." James scowled.
:Look. I trust you older more experienced lot to be able to deal with running our world. I'm all for building the new Primary school for wizarding children in Godric's Hollow. I also agree that a revamp of our ancient bylaws and the Ministry of Magic on all levels is a longtime coming.: Harry broke off the kiss with Hermione to set things straight.
"It's a proven fact if you provide your employees with a comfortable and pleasing work environment the more work will be done by said workers. In other words a happy employee is a more productive one. I always believed there was much favoritism towards various departments and that needs to change as well. You see to achieve a smoothly run government equality is best." Harry stated in his best HBP manner. "I also think that three primary schools are needed instead of just the one. This way we won't attract unwanted attention by the muggles who are trying to out our world. I believe that three schools in honor of Godric, Rowena, and Helga would more than solve that problem."
"It sounds ta me as if Harry has more than done his homework." Regulus was sprawled out on one of the lounges reading book one.
Ron was lounging by the fire on a LuvSac with Luna cuddled in his arms. "I never once said he wasn't keeping up with stuff. Just that he refused to show his face and make his views known."
"Do you blame me? Since most of the council wrote me off time and time again!" Harry was still not so forgiving about everything that had happened to him over the years. "Yes we weeded out all the dark ones from the Ministry, but I've no doubt that many who remain were only too happy to be paid off by Malfoy, Montague, or others!"
"I don't know Uncle Stephen the kid still has a lot of pent up rage towards the ministry. Are you sure that you want him to let loose on the council?" Regulus arched a brow at Stephen.
"Now this is more like it." James had a wickedly pleased grin on his face. "This is going to be worth it after all."
"This had better be good." Draco arrived with Ginny. "Gin isn't happy with me and I don't fancy sleeping on the couch."
"Nor is Thea happy with my arse." Logan, having also arrived with Thea and baby Orry, grumbled.
"Why should we be pleased when you've already spent half the day at the Ministry?" Ginny scowled.
"Why the need for a second council meeting and it had better be good?" Thea was feeding Orry his bottle.
"They're teaching Harry a lesson on avoiding his duties and not keeping up with the goings-on in the Ministry." Hermione rolled her eyes at Stephen. "When in truth he just doesn't trust them as far as he can throw most of them. He harbors pent up rage against them for sitting on their hands during the past seven years and doing nothing while we fought their war for them." She was blunt and to the point.
"I told them all that repeatedly this morning when they made such a stink about your not being there today." Draco narrowed his eyes at his grandfather. "Now as for the other, they were more than happy to cling to the excuse that any attempts at interfering might interfere with the prophecy, and they stick with that to this very day."
"So putting me on trial fifth year was what exactly!?" Harry snapped out bitterly.
"Nice goin Draco. Now he's really gonna let them have it when he sees them tonight." Ron groaned.
"Hey, that's no skin off my nose. All I care is that they're the target and not me." Draco shrugged.
"Well, when you put it that way I see your point and agree with it one hundred percent." Ron nodded.
"Most of the lot was under Lucius Malfoy's payroll or too senile to see what was happening before their eyes." Logan muttered darkly. "That and they were all bloody cowards."
"Or pinheads like Percy." Ron added.
"Denial comes to my mind. It's as simple as that. No one wished to even fathom that Voldemort was back." Luna scowled. "They acted like it was all a surprise to them even when he appeared at the Ministry."
"It's okay baby sister. You see it's hard to teach the blind and deaf to see let alone hear again." Harry winked at her.
"When the boy who lives honors them with his presence they feel important and not like the old wizards and witches that they are." Stephen pointed out the councils feelings to them. "They get the attention for a brief time and aren't seen as an afterthought. Very few of them think that you'll do anything more than just sit there and pretend that you're listening to what is being discussed."
"They're in for a rude awakening then, because I intend to bring our government out of the middle ages and into modern times." Harry kissed Hermione then each of his girl's good-bye. "Enjoy your girls evening out. Love you."
"Love you, my lion. Now go set the ministry on its tushie." She kissed him and then Harry and every one of the men in the room took their leave, even Ron and Regulus weren't going to miss this show.
--
Hermione and the others were having a blast shopping in Hamleys.
"Oh no, absolutely not! Put it back this instant!" Hermione wrinkled her nose at the collector Yule Ball Hermione doll. "The dress is all wrong it was a waterfall of beautiful blue colors not varying colors of pink. Ron's dress robes on the other hand are spot on though." She giggled.
"My dress was far more flattering than this frumpy mess." Ginny scowled at the Ginny Yule Ball collector doll. "I don't see why you four lucked out with your movie counterparts the one who plays Ginny doesn't act or look anything like me."
"We'll take the entire collector Doll collection of your Harry Potter line of Dolls depicting these four characters Harry, Hermione, Ron, and just the Yule Ball doll of Ginny." Rory motioned to one of the clerks hovering nearby who eagerly set off to fill their tenth order of the evening.
"Just change the color of the dress." Thea suggested to a fuming Hermione.
"I would like a set of the Four Hearts collection and the ones portraying Harry and I as well." Hermione motioned to the head clerk.
"Now girls we are here to focus on the little ones so be nice." Lily frowned.
"We're sorry Mum."
"Dagon," Dani happily cuddled 'Sneezy The Dragon' by Tiny love in her arms.
"Yes baby he's a lovable dragon." Hermione kissed the top of her head. "I loved Tiny Love's entire toy line and that's why I ordered the whole collection for you girls and other surprises that you'll receive as you get older.
"Excuse me, but would you mind if I spoiled these little darlings with a treat or two?" Emma tapped Hermione on the shoulder.
Hermione whirled around to see if she was hearing things and her face lit up in delight when she saw that she wasn't. "Of course not as Godmother you are duty bound to spoil them rotten."
"Emmy it's good to see you!" Ginny and Luna hugged her.
"And I to see you," She hugged them back laughing when she was kicked hello by the babies. "Danny's, busy onset shooting December boys. He sends his love and the order that I'm to spoil them for the two of us for Christmas. And that he'll see you when he gets back just before shooting starts on Order. Harry messaged me that you were here shopping, so since I'm off from school for the holidays my parents gave me the okay to spend time with you that's if you want me to. It's my gift to me before we start shooting. I plan on reading the script that I just got sent and studying for my GCSE'S. Oh and I think that I can more than make my ice-skating training on schedule, if one of you doesn't mind popping me back and forth. "
"Are you kidding me this is great news! Harry will be happy to make sure that you get where you need to go!" Hermione hugged her squishing Dani between them.
"No squishy Dani, Mama." She growled in protest.
"Sorry about that angel face." Emma plucked her out of the baby sling for a cuddle and kissed her on the nose. "Kudos on the talking too."
:Dani forgives Auntie Emmy and Mama.: She loved her Aunt very much. "Love 'tant Em."
"I love you too munchkin." Emma cuddled her close. "Ally and Mia seem to be taking a time-out for a bit."
Rory and Dromi each were wearing a baby sling where Mia and Ally were contently napping away.
"This one here has boundless energy like her Daddy." Hermione tweaked Dani's nose.
"So is there anything left to buy them?"
"We've yet to browse through the plushy area, let's see what we can find there." Hermione suggested.
"Luna and I need to sit down for a while, so we'll take the babies with us." Ginny carefully took Ally.
"Oh yes my feet are starting to kill me, so we'll see you when your ready to go to Dickens and Jones." Luna did the same with Mia.
"I need to change Orry, so I'll come with as well." Thea smiled.
"Dromi and I are going to tackle these lists and see if we can check everything off in the video game/electronic section." Rory and Dromi set off towards that area of the massive toy store.
"Yes you two go put your feet up for a while. We're nearly ready to go to see Franc." Lily smiled at her two very pregnant girls and Thea.
"We've an area where you won't be disturbed and where the little ones can slumber in peace." The Head clerk led them away.
"Mikey, what about this one?" Lily picked up a cuddly deer with squishy antlers and set it with him in his baby sling.
"Mikey like, mama." He eagerly cuddled it to him.
Izzy was wide-awake in her baby sling and entranced by a squishy soft cuddly unicorn. "Mine please."
"Izzy that's perfect for you." Nanda set it in her arms.
"These plushies are perfect for the little ones." Emma laughed when Dani became entranced by a plush wolf with emerald green eyes and jet-black fur.
"Dada," Dani reached for the wolf.
Hermione looked at what she was entranced by and smiled. "He does remind me of Daddy's favorite shadow that being our Prince. Oh and look here's one that resembles Dragon."
"I think these would make perfect gifts for baby Ryan and baby Tyler." Lily had a silly looking cuddly raccoon and a silly looking orangutan in her hands.
"Ron will get a chuckle out of opening the orangutan up." Hermione smirked.
"Oh really and why is that?" Nanda and Emma asked.
"Let's just say the orangutan represents a side of Ron that we got to see the summer before and during our seventh year. It was before he learned to control that side of him and realized the raccoon was more his nature. That and I called him a primate and he took it too literally." Hermione explained while selecting plush for the babies.
"Dada," Dani pointed to a panther with green eyes. "Mama," She then zeroed in on the lioness that Emma had picked out.
"How many, um, animals are yours and Harry's favorites?" Emma's brows rose when Dani pointed to a lynx, jaguar, and ocelot.
"Harry has two that he loves the wolf and panther. The reason she pointed out three cats is because she doesn't know which one resembles Princess more. My favorites are the lioness and Princess, who I suppose is a mix of lynx, ocelot, and jaguar." Hermione explained.
"Well then we'll just have to get two of them for you and your sisters? The problem is that I don't think this one is going to wish to wait until Christmas." Emma couldn't help but notice the way Dani pouted when the clerks whisk the toys off to wrapping.
"She'll get a treat or two and be satisfied. Isn't that right baby girl? I think the lioness and lynx for Mia and the Panther and jaguar for Ally. I think its best that way they each get an activity toy to cuddle and two plushies as well"
Dani nodded. "Yes Mama."
"Mum I was thinking about the wolf with silver fur and an ocelot for Draco and Ginny's baby DJ. Oh and the fox and the mink for Rory and Dromi." Hermione loved buying presents for others and handed them to the clerk.
"That's a wonderful idea honey." Lily smiled.
"Would it be too much of me to ask for a printout of what is in each wrapped package, to prevent confusion when it all arrives to its destination?" Hermione asked the head clerk.
"Not at all Princess it's already being done." She smiled warmly at her. "We've also provided complimentary rechargeable batteries and the accessories for those toys that need them."
Hermione took out another list and handed it to her. "I wish for this to be carried out to the letter. I want to bring smiles to everyone I can this Christmas. I trust your judgment when it comes to selecting the various toys for the various age groups, so have fun being an elf for me." Hermione winked at her.
The Head clerk saw what it was the Hermione had given her and was happy to comply. "I'll see to this personally. Princess Rory and Princess Dromi also requested something similar as well."
"The more the merrier." Hermione smiled at her then remembered that she had yet to pick up that treat for the boys. "Do you have something out of this world brilliant for four intuitive twelve-year-old boys?"
"I've got just the item. It's perfect for boys that age. Did you wish for it to be wrapped as well?" She asked.
"Yes please. It's for a surprise for my baby brother and his friends tonight, so instead of being sent with the other gifts it's coming with us with the plush the babies can't let go of." Hermione was pleased with her night so far.
Lily's cell rang. "Lily speaking who is…Oh hello Franc… Yes we're nearly set here and will see you in about twenty minutes. You ordered out for food? Perfect we're starving and we need to feed the babies. Smashing we'll see you in a bit." She hung up and grinned at Hermione. "Franc thought we were forgetting about him. Chinese takeout sounds heavenly though and he's got high chairs set up for the little ones."
"I'm starving." Nanda grinned.
"I've got my stuff back in the VIP area, so after I collect that and pay for those plushies for the babies I'm set." Emma smiled.
"Well then let's go round everyone up then we're off to Carstairs." Lily smiled.
--
Ministry of Magic
Harry and the others stepped out of a private lift on what the Muggles would describe as the top floor Penthouse suite of the building. Which like many Muggle buildings was only accessible by entering a private code or in this case by saying the words Superus Consilium ab Iustitia et Mandatum, that being Latin for Higher Council of Justice and Order, three times.
The lobby was like nothing he had ever seen before, but what one might have seen in buildings during the ancient civilizations of Atlantis, in the pyramids of ancient Egypt, Babylon, Greece, and Rome or in the palaces of Avalon.
The marble floor was just as eye boggling as the walls. It had the most intricate design that he had ever seen with the Zodiac and the planets depicted out of gemstones that had been inlayed into the floor. That wasn't even including the fact that the universe was literally mapped out at their feet with even more inlayed gemstones. Everything was outlined as if done by stain glass with gold or was it platinum? The affect was mind-blowing.
He tore his gaze away from the floor. Looking up to take in the rest of the massive lobby that led to even more massive golden doors guarded by two sets of suits of armor. There was one made of gold with a roaring lion emblazoned on the aegis. The other made of the finest silver or was that platinum with the symbol of a dragon on the front of its aegis.
The walls also done like the floor, were just as if not even more impressive. Inlayed gemstone pictorial's depicting scenes from the greatest civilizations that had ever walked the planet were on the walls. Enclosed in glass were artifacts, if he could call them that, from each era that were in excellent condition.
The affect was sobering, it was clear the Wizarding had been around since the dawn of time, and he felt pride that he was a key part of that legacy.
He glanced up and what he saw was just as eye-opening as the lobby itself. The domed ceiling with the universe and night sky done in what could only be described as wizarding stained- glass artistry at its finest.
"Yeah, kid. It's quite the eye popping experience. Now can we at least make it to the doors?" Regulus placed a hand on his nephew's shoulder.
Harry walked up to the doors taking in every detail, so he could tell Hermione when he got back to the castle.
The front doors had an inscription above it in golden letters that read Untied we stand, divided we fall, in Latin. The doors had the words Liberty, Justice, Trust, Freedom, Peace, Honor, Wisdom, Strength, Valor, Unity, also in Latin. Inscribed around the symbol of Camelot, that being the head of a roaring lion also done in gold with blazing jewels for eyes. "Hermione is gonna flay me alive for not getting a chance to check out this secret lair. I was expecting, well, I wasn't expecting anything like this."
"You haven't seen anything yet." Stephen grinned.
"You mean to tell me that there's more?" Harry stared at him in disbelief when his grandfather nodded.
"Dad give the kid a break. His brain is on meltdown as it is and this next one is gonna cause him to go tilt." James smirked.
The doors soundlessly opened which amazed Harry as they were massive and extremely heavy.
"I see that you managed a small miracle." Albus winked at Harry. "I see that we also have some surprise guests as well." He smiled at Ron and Regulus. "No matter all are welcome."
Harry could clearly make out a round table behind his Uncle and his father was right his mind was close to information overload. "Is...is...that what I...I think it is?"
"If you mean the legendary round table then yes my boy that's exactly what you think it is." Albus' eyes danced behind his half-moon spectacles.
"This place is unreal. The girls are gonna be green with envy that they missed this." Ron's eyes looked as if they were going to pop out of their sockets. "Now as for Hermione, well, she's gonna be steamed."
"Ronald Bilius Arthur Weasley, why aren't you at home spoiling Luna?" Arthur wasn't pleased to see his son with the others.
"Dad?" Ron's eyes widened with surprise. "What are you doing here?"
"I happen to be a member of the council, now answer the question."
Harry saw that Ron was about to be in hot oil with his father and quickly jumped in to defend him. "He's here for moral support…"
He lost his train of thought, as he got a good look at the legendary round table. It wasn't made entirely of wood, as some scholars have believed. No it was made of marble with gemstone inlayed crests of various houses etched into it. The same words that were on the door were also etched into the marble, and only the frame of the tabletop was made of the most highly polished oak.
"By the gods it really did exist…Get a grip of course its real King Arthur was one of your many-great grandfathers. Not to mention that I've held Excalibur in my hands." The sword in question appeared around his waist. "I meant it figuratively not literally. What's next the crown?" As if on cue the crown appeared on his head.
"I'd shut up if I were you mate. Next it'll be the royal robes." Ron hissed.
"Yeah, I suppose you may have a point there Ron. That bloomin thing is like wearing an oven…Aah cripes!" To his chagrin the robes in question appeared around his shoulders. "This beyond blows…" He fumed.
"Luna is off shopping with the others and no one wished to miss Harry's reaction to his first session with the council." James was the one who explained what was what to Arthur.
"Oh, well, that's fine then. Now you two will have to sit here behind Stephen and Harry. You see Merlin sits here on this side of Harry…" Arthur started to explain the seating arrangements.
"Uh, Uncle Arthur not to be rude interrupting or anything, but did you just say Merlin?" Harry stopped brooding and focused on his Uncle.
:Are we having problems? I sense that you lad are about to bolt from your first go at the round table.: King Arthur's amused growl echoed in his mind.
"Oh, now this is bloody marvelous! Second-Grandfather Arthur is heckling me!" Harry's face flushed in aggravation. :No I am not going to bolt! It's not every eve that one gets to sit at your table, wear your bloomin sword, robe, crown, and to top that off find out that First-Gramps is to be joining in as well!! I'm bloody well smashing... You complete moron… of course I want to bolt! I thought that bit about the Wizarding World being decedents of the legendary knights was a metaphor in Hermione's book! Not a bloomin fact!:
"Now son it's not surprising. This is his baby in front of us and you do look ready to bolt." James was highly amused over the play on words that both his son and King Arthur were having between each other.
:I'll have you know young pup that this table before you and all it stands for is your birthright and my legacy to you! Now buck up and show some spine! You are a Pendragon now act like one!: King Arthur snarled back at him.
"That's quite enough James now leave the boy be. This is all very serious for him which is as it should be. Arthur was just as nervous before his first round table meeting." Merlin came as usual from out of nowhere. "The other members of the council are enjoying a meal in the adjoining Great Room, before the session begins. Might I suggest that you take the others to join them while we have a chat with Harry?"
Arthur smiled at the others. "This way boys… Regulus you may come as well." Arthur led them to a section of wall with a portrait of Lancelot and Arthur taking up most of the wall.
The two in the portrait were in the middle of a mean fencing match and were not pleased with being disturbed. "Hurry up and say the bloomin password." Lancelot growled then noticed Draco. "My Draco is so much more the knight than your Harry is." He smirked at Arthur.
Arthur narrowed his eyes at Lancelot. "Harry is ten times the man that Draco is and has proven it time and time again in battle after battle which makes him a great future King!"
Arthur Weasley stated the password three times. "Do you mind?" He scowled at them.
"Oh very well you may pass!" Lancelot snarled at him and the portrait slid to the side. "I disagree my friend! Draco is ten times more level headed than Harry is!"
"Harry, my big brother, defeated Voldemort single-handedly time and time again and happens to be the next Merlin of our world, so please stop comparing me to him! He is and always will be superior to me and I have nothing against that!" Draco snarled at the two men in the portrait before following the others into the Great Room.
The two in the portrait went back to their sparing match.
Shouts of, he's actually shown up, could be heard coming from Wills, Henry, Remus, Max, and Sirius as the Portrait once apian slid back into place.
Harry's face reddened even more. "I can't do this! I feel like I'm the butt of everyone's jokes again! All of this is just too much!"
"Relax lad. After all, it's all in good fun." King Arthur appeared beside him. "You've weeded out the rubbish, so it's all good; no one is going to be anything but welcoming towards you. This is where the true work gets done. It is here in this chamber where the good of the people is priority. I could go on, but by the looks of it I'd be putting James to sleep." King Arthur rolled his eyes at James, who looked as if all of this grandstanding was going to put him to sleep. "The point is that with you here at the table great strides can be achieved for our World. You are brilliant when you set your mind to something, so use that brilliance to do great things in these chambers for your people."
Harry didn't get a chance to respond to him, because they had a visitor.
"Dada good!" Dani appeared in her father's arms and glared at the men in the room. "You be nice!"
"By thunder this little one has spirit! She reminds me very much of my Gwen." King Arthur stared down into her fierce emerald eyes.
"Uncle Oberon bites at making magical dampening devices…You do know that don't you!" James hissed at Merlin, as he began to scratch at his arms.
"It's her link with Harry." Merlin wasn't the least bit surprised to see her. "By the looks of it nothing can override it."
"Here Dada," She held up her stuffed wolf then scowled at her Great-Grandpa. "Dada no hospital! Gate-Grandada fib!"
Stephen instantly broke out in colorful spots.
"She's right Dad you did fib." James was trying hard not to laugh.
"Would you button it, James Harry! The boy has gone catatonic on us!" Stephen snarled.
"The lad has gotten one shock after another and now this one as well. It's not surprising that he's mentally shut down." King Arthur waved a semi-transparent hand in front of Harry's shell-shocked face. "Roll with the punches, my lad. It's the only way that you'll ever manage to stay sane."
"Oh thank Mab! She's here with you!" Hermione raced into the chambers. It was then that she saw the state that Harry was in and that both Stephen and James were sporting colorful spots. "What happened!?" She planted her hands on her hips and glared murderously at them. "Start talking or hospital bound you will be!"
"Not to worry my dear, it's just a small case of overload." Albus finally spoke up. "It happens to the best of us. I assure you that he will be fine in a minute or two."
"Well, it's no wonder! You sprang this on him as a way of getting back at him for focusing on the Muggles before focusing on our world! It was very juvenile of all of you and look at what it caused! He's gone catatonic on you!" Hermione was beyond furious over this entire situation and ready to send the lot of them to hospital for it.
"I'm fine lioness there's no need to jinx the lot of them." Harry had forced passed the sheer panic of what Dani had done and as King Arthur had advised decided to roll with the punches.
"Dani scared the life out of me is all, but I'm fine now. That's a fine wolf that you've got there Miss Dani." He kissed Dani's cap of downy auburn curls before continuing. "I was in, to coin a phrase from a popular cult sci-fi series, fire bad tree pretty mode and she must have thought I was in danger or something."
He held Dani up, so she was looking directly into his eyes, and got deadly serious. "Daddy is a big boy and thanks Miss Dani for her rush to protect him. However, Miss Dani knows that it's frowned on to vanish in the Muggle World or under most any conditions unless you are threatened by a bad person. It is only to be used as a way of protecting yourself. Do we have an understanding Danielle Stephanie Anastasia?" He once again had her cradled in his arms.
"Dani sorry," She quickly stuck her thumb into her mouth. :Dada was loud in Dani's head. I got worried, cuz Dada never scared.:
"I know and I'm sorry about that. Oh and yes Dani even Daddy gets scared." Harry cuddled her against his shoulder and she snuggled into the thick soft velvet of his royal robes. "Sorry about this hon."
"We were in Franc's office, so no harm was done. She had just finished her juice, wrinkled her nose at me, saying Dada needed her, and then in a flash of teal and gold light she was gone from my arms." Hermione smiled weakly. "It's just something that we can't control, because the link between the two of you is that strong. I suppose the only thing we can do is roll with the punches as it were."
"She sure loves the wolf that you got her." Harry was relieved that Hermione was taking this all in stride.
"She has a panther as well and calls them both Dada." Hermione winked at Harry as she tried to take Dani from him and be back on her way.
"NO!!" Dani clung to Harry.
"Yes young lady. Your Daddy has work to do, so it's back to your sisters." Hermione tried to take her again, but she screeched even louder.
"I'd say that's a no to going back to her sisters." James winced as her howling increased to even higher decibels.
"WANT DADA!" She howled.
"There's no harm in her staying. Arthur himself held meetings with his baby girl sleeping against his chest in her sling." Merlin reassured her.
"Aye, that I did. My Rory was my constant shadow." King Arthur smiled it was a happy memory. "She took her best slumbers snoozing in her sling while I held many a round table discussion."
"Oh very well, but I want you both home after the discussion is over or those spots on Gramps and Dad's face will turn into itchy angry pustules." Hermione narrowed her eyes at Stephen and James.
"Not to worry about that Kitten. He's already well aware of the goings-on at the Ministry, so the other isn't necessary. I promise that he'll be home at a decent hour, as will Dani be snoozing away in her crib." Stephen eyed Hermione warily.
"Good." Hermione then focused on Dani. "Your daddy has some important matters to discuss and work through with everyone here. You are to be on your utmost behavior. Is that understood?" Hermione locked eyes with her baby girl.
"Yes Mama." Dani nodded.
"Good." She then focused on Harry. "Now as for you, I want you to focus on the matters at hand and not on your fears. You defeated Voldemort five times, which is more than I can say for them. This is your time to do great things for our world, so don't blow it by letting your feelings and ego get in the way." She ignored that she was squishing Dani and kissed him.
Dani wisely let them squish her and said nothing.
"I'll make you proud that's a promise my lioness." Harry conjured a baby sling and settled her in it.
"You'd better." Hermione blew him a kiss and then she was gone.
--
"Uncle Albus, Gramps, about that Primary school we're proposing. I think it might be best if we make that a Nursery/Primary school." Harry suggested.
"Oh, I second that. Now let's go join the others." Stephen desperately needed a drink.
"Oh, yeah, sure Gramps let's. I can just imagine how gobsmacked everyone will be when they see Dani." Harry rolled his eyes.
"Dani is a part of whom and what you are now, so they'll just have to deal with it." James grinned.
"It's not as if they have a choice now is it." Merlin grinned.
"I'll be around if you need me. I've got to go tell Gwen about Dani's latest feat." King Arthur vanished.
"It's one of many to come." Albus winked at Dani, who winked back then settled back to sleep.
"Stop your brooding and let us pass!" Merlin growled at the two men in the portrait.
"So Lance it looks like the next generation is very promising." Arthur grinned down at Dani.
"That it is my friend." Lance grinned as the portrait slid aside allowing them to walk through into a lavishly decorated Great Room of monumental proportions.
He could see various council members enjoying a whisky or brandy before the meeting began. This room also had a domed ceiling only it, just like the Great Hall in Hogwarts, mirrored the weather outside so heavy snow was falling from the ceiling.
"There you are…" Harrison walked over to them. "Why isn't Dani with Hermione?" He couldn't help but notice the babe cradled in a sling across Harry's chest.
"Dani wanted her father." Albus chuckled.
"The boy lost his cool for a time and our Dani is protective of her Da." Merlin's eyes danced with humor.
"Be nice." Dani growled and Merlin was also sporting spots.
"Whoa, I see that she's in a mood tonight." Wills eyed Harry and then glanced down at the snoozing babe.
"Like father like daughter by the looks of it." Henry could tell that Harry was or had been in a mood just by reading the signs. Harry's cheeks were flushed and his darkened emerald green eyes sparked with temper. "Don't sweat it little bro. It's really not that bad. This morning they were hashing out where next year's World Cup was going to be held. It's leaning towards Europe which has Hassan Mostafa pleased as punch. Dunbar Oglethorpe, Ludo Bagman, and Devlin Whitehorn are all for it being held here in the UK and are pushing for it to be held in South Wales."
"Never mind that Henry, what's important is that Harry is okay with all of this. He was obviously upset enough to trigger Dani's natural instinct to come check on her Daddy." Wills growled.
"I'm fine now." Harry managed a weak smile. "Second-Grandfather Arthur gave me a pep talk right before this little munchkin scared me out of my mind by appearing in my arms. But then my Mione came rushing into the room and after seeing that Dani was all right calmly gave me her version of a pep talk. So I'm better than fine now."
Harry could hear the heated discussion going on about the Quidditch World Cup coming from a group of council members, gathered near the back of the room.
He cleared his throat and decided to have his say in the matter. "We've got far more serious issues to discuss than if Bulgaria or South Wales get to hold the Cup next year or not. The Nursery/Primary school for our kids, revamping our ancient bylaws, and discussing the complete overhaul of the Ministry of Magic should be at the top of the order of business not Quidditch." Harry scowled.
"Well said my boy, well said indeed." Albus, who was standing beside Harry, had used Sonorus so Harry's voice was amplified throughout the room.
"You can't be serious about not caring! Your team happens to be a shoe in to be playing in the match! You should care if we hold it here in England or not!" Ludo, Dunbar, and Devlin scowled at him.
"I'm dead serious and no you'll not be holding it in my backyard, so don't even ask." Harry narrowed his eyes at the three men.
"Why the bloody hell not!?" Ludo bellowed incredulously. "You've a stadium already! Where's the harm…"
"I've got an unwanted eyesore forced on me by Oglethorpe and you!" Harry cut him off with a sharp reply. "Sanctuary is just that and will remain as is! Gramps has enough room by his castle, so ask him. My domain is out of the running!"
"Stephen, talk some sense into your grandson! He's taking utter lunacy!" Ludo sputtered his face purple with pent-up rage.
"Be nice to Dada!" Dani opened her eyes to glare at them.
The three men instantly broke out in both colorful pustules and itchy hives as well.
"By Merlin's Beard, at four months no less!" Various members of the council unaware of her talents gaped openmouthed at her astounded by what she had just done.
"No actually she's been doing this since she was five-days-old and we're beyond proud of our tiny wonder." Wills was one proud uncle.
"Her sisters can also do similar magic, but choose to keep it under the radar." Henry smirked.
"Albus, about that school that Molly and Arthur proposed. When and where would you like it to be built?" Griselda Marchbanks smiled serenely. "I may just retire from my post at the Wizarding Examinations Authority, so I can turn my focus on molding our little ones during their post Hogwarts years."
"I think that it's a smashing idea and a longtime coming." Amelia Bones was in complete agreement about creating the school.
"I could design some beginner wands." Olivander was also for the idea. "It's been decades since I've had a good challenge."
"They'll need new textbooks for their level." Miranda Goshawk proposed. "Just to get the little ones used to using basic and harmless spells and charms."
"Introduce the little ones to the creatures and beasts of the world around them." Newton Scamander added.
"History is just as vital." Florean Fortescue chimed in.
"It's never too early to teach them Defense Against the Dark Arts." Quentin Trimble growled softly.
"Or how we report our news…" Glenda Chittock piped up.
"How to deal with Muggles is a must." Blenheim Stalk frowned.
"Muggles are to be embraced not feared!" Carlotta Pinkstone glared at Blenheim.
"On the contrary my dear quite the opposite…they need to be kept out of our world and our children need to be taught to protect the secrecy of our world!" Professor Phoebus Penrose scoffed in outrage.
"Ladies and Gent's. Most of the muggles worship everything about this world. They buy up the books, watch the movies, buy the DVD's, and can't get enough. You are way paranoid about this entire situation. Besides, everything went aces during the whole Royal Wedding and Charity events, so do us all a favor and chill!" Henry didn't some of their attitudes.
"Aces? Chill? What in Merlin's name are you getting at!?" Phoebus glared at him.
"That is enough out of all of you! I am going to be King and Katherine Aurora is going to be my Queen. Whether you like it or not that's a merging of our two worlds, so learn to deal with it! Henry is with Dromi! Harry is with Hermione and that's just naming a few! Now I don't say that we should disclose this world to the muggles, but I do propose that both our worlds try to live in harmony together! Excalibur is real as is the Pendragon Legacy. Now either you learn to embrace the fact that the Muggle World is aware of the possibility that all of it isn't a fairytale or you live in paranoia for the rest of your life! That to me is a very dark road to follow and knowing my little brother not one that any should take or else they might just face his wrath." Wills addressed the issue with his own take on the matter.
"Why I've never been so…" Phoebus found himself jinxed as did Blenheim.
"Be nice!" Dani was getting miffed their bickering was hindering her attempts to sleep.
"Is there anyone else who wishes to brave waking my baby girl again? As it is eight of you are destined for a ward in St. Mungo's." Harry conjured baby earmuffs for Dani and placed them on her head. "All of this anti-muggle talk is making me itch to test some of you for darkness. I meant what I've stated countless times. Pureblood supporters are just a hairsbreadth away from Deatheaters and were most likely on Lucius Malfoy's payroll."
"Albus! Stephen! This is an outrage!"
"Save it! All of you!" Harry was seconds from losing his temper. "Squibs have two wizarding parents, but are not magically inclined so they have to venture out and embrace all that is muggle! Muggle-borns have muggle parents and half-bloods have one of each! There is no bloody way in hell that our worlds are ever going to be kept apart! While like Wills. I don't propose disclosing our world! I do expect our world to live in peace with theirs! Do I make myself clear!? The Muggles have a term for that kind of negative thinking it's called racism when one race thinks that they are superior to the other! I will not have our children forced to choose sides! That was Voldemort and his minion's way of thinking and that will never happen again!" Harry glared into the eyes of the two men. "The Nursery/Primary school will embrace both worlds equally! Squibs that have gone on to become teachers in the Muggle world will be teaching all that is muggle and Wizards/Witches will handle the wizarding side of things! "
"He's on a roll and the meeting's not even started yet." Ron grinned.
"Call it an impromptu session, but it's happening right now." Draco growled.
"Yeah, this is getting good. The little darlin will be jinxing the lot of them before the night is done." Regulus chuckled.
"Well, they asked for it." Sirius poured himself a goblet of ale.
"And by Merlin are they getting it…" Remus was using the time to grade some essays.
"He's putting that temper and brain of his to use and it's about time that he did so." Severus was reading sixth year, but keeping tabs on what was going on around him.
"Ten galleons says he slices his hand open and starts testing the questionable ones." Logan was highly amused.
"That's not going to happen." Max growled.
"With Harry in a temper anything is possible." Arthur nursed his own ale.
"All of you minus a select few in this room turned your heads and shut out your ears for six years to the situation around you, while children fought your war for you! I have no doubt in my mind that the majority accepted bribes! After all, you blindly followed Cornelius Fudge like lapdogs eager for a good scratch! You passed laws that allowed Toad Bitch…" Harry took a deep calming breath.
"Sorry that was crass of me. Dolores Umbridge to act like a fascist dictator during my fifth year! You allowed those two traitors, to our world and everything that it stands for, to put me on trial at fifteen for defending me and my cousin from Dementors the bitch herself sicced on me! You allowed Fudge to hunt down an innocent man! I know the great and just Wizengamot council must have had a pensive with which you could have used to get the truth about who killed my parents and those muggles. But no you chose to just throw an innocent man into prison while you granted special favors and immunity to those who were guilty!!" He ignored the way every council member was staring at him with palefaces, slack jaws, and widened eyes and continued.
"I defeated Voldemort by myself! You sure as hell had nothing to do with it! I'm here to tell you that another Voldemort or the Deatheaters are never going to come to be again! We're going to root out those who slipped through the cracks in the Ministry and in this council! I will have peace even if I have to use brute force and my mark to achieve it!" Harry focused on each member of the council with fierce glowing darkened emerald green eyes. Sheer power radiated around him, the torches that lit up the room flared up making the room blindingly bright, and just to make his point come across glasses shattered on various tables.
"REPARO!!" He focused his fury on repairing what had been damaged and righted everything again.
"By the gods and not even with a wand…" Various members were floored by what he had just done.
"Spoken like a true future King. Arthur would be proud of you." Merlin was beaming with pride.
"Damn right I'm proud." King Arthur appeared in the room. "We will have Camelot again and by damn those who oppose peace and equality among all do not belong at my table!"
"I've done my bit fighting with my friends and the Order. Now it's about time this council did some good as well." Harry said his peace so the Quaffle was in their hands now.
"Let's us all adjourn to the other room and get on with it then." Stephen decided it was time that this meeting was moved to the council chambers.
It took several minutes, but the council was finally ready to commence with the meeting.
"First order of business is the proposed Nursery and Primary schools for our world…"Albus called up the first order of business.
--
Hogwarts- Dumbledore's study
"Well Uncle Albus. How did I do?" Harry was feeding Dani her nightly bottle before bedtime while relaxing in one of the comfortable chintz chairs in his Aunt and Uncle's Study.
"My boy you performed above and beyond expectations, but then I never had a doubt in my mind that you wouldn't." Albus sipped his hot coco pleased with the work that they had gotten done in such a short span of three hours.
"Are most them always that hardheaded and opinionated during every session?" Harry grimaced. "No wonder nothing gets done, they can barely agree on anything."
"Most of them are old and set in their ways, but you brought life back to the council again, as did our Dani." Albus noticed that Dani had her eyes on the Sorting hat, resting on a shelf next to some volumes of his personal journals. "Are you not curious?" He arched a silver brow at Harry.
"About what exactly?"
"Dani is curious about the Sorting Hat."
Harry glanced up at the ancient wizarding hat of his many-great-grandfather Godric Gryffindor and chuckled. "Well, he does look ancient and ragged up there next to those volumes of leather bound books."
"I heard that! You young upstart!" The Sorting Hat grumbled.
Dani's eyes widened as big as saucers when she saw him move and speak. "Want." She raised her tiny hand towards the hat and he flew from the shelf and onto her lap.
"Easy now little miss. I'm too old to be flyin' around." Black as midnight fathomless eyes stared up into curious emerald green ones.
"I Dani," She poked at the place where his nose should be. "Who be?"
"Takes after her mother I see." The hat's expression was that of amusement, but he was impressed by the little one. "I'm the Sorting Hat with a spark of Godric Gryffindor himself in me that gives me life." He explained to her as if he were talking to a much older student and not a nearly four-month-old baby.
"And you were going to strand me in Slytherin!" Harry scowled down at the hat.
"Severus, Regulus, and Draco all turned out all right." The Sorting Hat shot back. "You had all the qualities and drive of all four houses. Hufflepuff would have bored you to tears. Ravenclaw, well, you weren't confident in your skills or knowledge yet. I still think that Slytherin would have challenged you, but Gryffindor was in your bloodline. In the end I watched how you interacted with Weasley and let you decided whether it be Gryffindor or Slytherin."
"Uh, thanks for letting me choose and for the save during that whole Chamber of Secrets ordeal." Harry after years of putting it off finally thanked him.
"Well, it's about bloomin time I got thanked for my part in all of this! I had to be scourgified three times to get the blood off! The sword tore some of me seams too and let me tell you it took you bloomin forever to finally dispatch that…that…creature and his master! The cold damp puddle that I was thrown in wasn't a picnic either!" The Sorting Hat became completely alive this delighted Dani to bits.
"Uh…okay. I'm sorry about that, but in my defense I was only twelve-years-old, Ginny lie there near death, Tom Riddle turned out to be Voldemort, the Basilisk scared the life out of me, and Fawkes brought me you! So sorry if I was trying to stay in one bloomin piece!" Harry, after being raked over the coals by an ancient Hat with a sucky attitude, snarled down at him in his defense. "You didn't cough up the sword until I'd played ring-around-the-sewer-pipes with fangs the destroyer!"
"You ran like a bloomin coward before I even got a chance!"
"Yes I ran! It was nearly one hundred feet long, very deadly, and wanted me for a snack! I think the only reason that you coughed up the sword was because Riddle went and insulted you!"
"That was low and below the belt." The hat scowled. "Granted I was put-out by his insults, but it was you who called the sword from me hat and you alone."
"Dada be nice." Dani frowned up at him then down at the hat. "Hat be nice."
"Sorry angel face. I'll behave." Harry kissed the top of her head.
"Such power like her father…" The hat remarked. "Intelligence, Strength, and courage…this one is a true Gryffindor."
"I be like Dada!" She clapped her hands happily.
"That you are my little shadow." Harry chuckled.
Hermione, Emma, and Minerva walked into the Study.
"Dada!" Ally who was cuddled in Emma's arms squealed in delight.
"Dani!" Mia who was being held by Minerva was happy to see her sister and her father. "Dada!"
"I see that you've returned earlier than expected." Minerva having heard loud voices coming from the study arched a brow at Albus. "Did it go poorly?"
"Actually quite the opposite my beloved," Albus smiled warmly. "Thanks to Harry stirring things up…We now have three Nursery/Primary schools to be built in the spring and the Ministry is being overhauled from every level except the Minster of Magic. Although, even Stephen will have to discuss decisions with the council…the World Cup location is still a bit of a quandary, but all in all it was a productive three hours."
"Then why in Mab's name did I hear all of that growling coming from this room?" Minerva pursed her lips.
"That was Harry and the Sorting Hat hashing things out between the two of them." Albus pointed a finger at the object in question.
"Well now this is a challenge…three identical girls a first since the schools beginnings with Godric's three daughters." The hat seemed intrigued by the idea that all three could very well end up in different houses. Mia was quietly observing her surroundings. Ally was avidly taking in everything around her and it was clear that she like her mother had an endless thirst for knowledge."
"What do you mean by challenge?" Harry didn't like the sound of this.
"Dani is clearly a Gryffindor, but her sisters are very much like the other two houses. When the time comes sorting Ally and Mia will be a challenge. One might I say that I am looking forward to." The hat quirked an eye at him.
"You'll have his baby brother and sister, Uncle Sirius' and Aunt Jenna's twins, and Uncle Remus and Aunt Gene's son as well as our three. They may even wave the rule for Charlie and Tonk's son and Logan and Thea's son as well. They were born on September fifteenth of this year." Hermione told the Sorting Hat.
"I haven't had a good challenge since sorting the two of you." The hat seemed pleased. "Allysia would make a fine Ravenclaw and Amelia a lovely Hufflepuff."
"NO!!" Dani was no longer amused. :We be like Dada and Mama! We be Griffs too!:
"Well, now it appears as if the three of them will have to be in Gryffindor or we'll have a revolt on our hands." Minerva smirked.
"Do hats like him succumb to jinxes?" Harry arched a brow at Albus.
"He's protected from magical tampering so no." Albus smirked.
"You lucked out on that bit. Dani tends to jinx those who irritate her." Harry told the hat. "There are twelve members of the council who know firsthand."
"Oh dear," Minerva sighed.
"They probably had it coming to them." Emma frowned.
"Oh they did, but First-Gramps, Gramps, Uncle Max, Uncle Sirius, Uncle Regulus, and Dad aren't to keen about it." Harry chuckled.
"Then they most definitely had it coming to them. Now it's late and these three are passed their bedtimes." Hermione walked over to Harry and picked up the Sorting Hat. "Now as for you... My girls will choose just like their father and I did and that will be the end of it." She set him back on his shelf.
"This old hat has taken its fill for one eve and wishes you pleasant dreams." He went back to his winter sleep.
:I no be sleepy.: Dani yawned sleepily and went back to finishing her bottle.
"Oh no of course you aren't." Harry kissed her tiny hand. "We'll see you both in the morning...Pleasant dreams." Harry stood up and followed Emmy and Hermione, who now had Mia snoozing against her shoulder, out of the study.
"Sleep well. Oh and Hermione..." Albus called after her.
"Yes?"
"Severus is beyond pleased with your first day of teaching potions."
"I'm happy he approves." Hermione glowed with pride.
"He's not at all sure if he's for not giving out homework, but your gentle hand did wonders with the younger students. Oh and he says he gives you top marks on theFelix Felicis potion that you have brewing in his office. He's curious about why you challenged yourself on your first day."
"I just wished to have a go at it." Hermione beamed.
"Well, he's highly impressed with you and he rarely raves about anyone." Albus smiled.
"Thank you for telling me Uncle Albus…Pleasant dreams." Hermione let Harry lead her out of the quarters. She was so happy that she was almost floating on air.
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Chapter 29
One of those days
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I do not claim any of JKR's characters only that I love being able to create my own kind of mischief with her beloved characters. I do not claim any other things that are owned by other companies that I may mention once and a while in the stories...Although the original characters and ideas are mine and I loved creating them. So please review if you wish but try not to flame me too badly.
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Cindra 2004-2008