Chapter Thirty-Five
A\N I'm sorry if I didn't make it clear before, but they used Augusta's pensive. Pensives are rare and expensive, but something I think all the old families will have. At least in this fic. I also have a lot of trouble writing accents, so I hope I can be descriptive enough to make up for it.
Two days after the Wizengamot meeting, Augusta did as she had promised and had Minerva over for tea and to meet the two Marauders. They left Harry and Arabella once again baking up a storm, though Harry had promised not to try any more magic yet.
Minerva had listened and watched quietly as they again borrowed Augusta's pensive to show their memories, along with a few of Harry's and even Arabella had given a few of her own. Her face grew steadily whiter, though the telltale red blotches that showed her growing temper were very visible on her cheeks. After seeing Harry's memories, the teacup she was holding practically blew up in her hand, causing several cuts. After seeing Arabella's proof that the headmaster had known about Harry's treatment, she had sworn to walk right back up to the school and "tear the old bastard to pieces small enough for cat litter" and a few other things that made the two men VERY happy they'd never made her quite THAT mad.
"I'm going to kill that man!" she said, her Scottish brogue thickening as the blotches on her cheeks grew redder.
Sirius grinned, "as much as I'd love to watch that, we're doing it this way for a reason."
The fact that Sirius Black of all people was advocating patience made her snap out of her temper-induced rant. She looked at him then Remus and finally Augusta. Her old friend nodded at her and the professor returned her sharp gaze to Sirius, making him feel much as he had when he was a student in her office. The other students didn't call it the lion's den for nothing.
"What is your plan?" she asked.
"Well," said Remus, "at first, we were using the trunk as sort of a bolthole. A way to get around Dumbledore and keep the protection."
"And now?" she questioned.
"It's a way to keep old Dumbles clueless and torture the Dursleys." Sirius said bluntly, "ever since we found out he bound Harry's core-" he didn't get in another syllable, or even a breath, before the lioness roared and the room shook.
"He did WHAT?!" she shrieked, and both Marauders swore the room did actually shake. Sirius was very tempted to turn into Padfoot and hide behind the sofa, though he didn't think it would make much difference.
Remus nodded, looking pretty much how Sirius felt, "we found that out just after his birthday. When we went to Gringotts."
"I…see," Minerva said, her voice was somewhat softer, but her face would most likely have scared anyone nearby into a coma, "and why are you staying there? Just to torture those awful Muggles?"
Remus smiled, "that and it's kind of become home. Potter Manor is great, and Potter Island is better. But honestly? We love it. Harry loves his school, and we've made it a home over the past year."
"Harry loves working in his garden," Sirius said with a smile, "we even made a little forest where we can go running on full moon." He squeezed Remus' hand.
Minerva gave the first smile they'd seen since the meeting started, "it doesn't hurt that you can literally pick up your home and move it anywhere." She said slyly.
Sirius laughed, "no it doesn't. That's currently the only thing keeping the walrus from losing his temper."
"Walrus?" she questioned, raising one eyebrow.
Sirius shrugged and answered, "Eh, it's what we call Harry's uncle. Trust me, there are a lot worse things I could call him.'
Minerva nodded, "when can I meet Harry?" she asked.
Remus smiled, "now if you want. We have Dee at home with Harry and Arabella. We were going to have him over later to play with Neville."
Minerva smiled, "I'd love that," she frowned slightly, "before you call him, I have one question."
"Anything," said Remus.
"How in the hell do I not rip the old bastard's beard off as soon as I see him?" she asked.
Sirius smiled wickedly, "do what I do. Think of two things, how his face will look when all his plans literally blow up in his face," he snickered.
"And the other?" Minerva questioned.
Remus joined Sirius in his wicked smirk, "There are far worse punishments for Albus than simply ripping him apart on sight."
Minerva smiled, "and picturing one of those might help me get past his Legilemency probes."
"True," said Remus.
"Do you want me to call for Harry now?" asked Sirius.
"Of course!" exclaimed Minerva.
"Dee!" called Sirius.
There was a pop and the little elf stood in front of them, "what is Mister Siiriis wishing for?" asked Dee.
Remus chuckled, "please bring Harry and Arabella here." he said kindly.
"Yes, Mister Remoos," said Dee just before she popped away.
A few seconds later, Dee popped back with Harry and Arabella. Harry ran over and hugged his uncles while Arabella shook hands with the two ladies.
"Uncle Moony," said Harry excitedly, "Dee made a Little river for your woods. And a couple of streams and a pond. We planted some more trees too and-"
Remus laughed, "that's great cub, but we brought you here to meet a couple of people."
Harry noticed the two ladies smiling widely, "oh! I'm sorry!" he exclaimed hiding slightly behind Remus.
"That's all right," said Minerva smiling, "my name is Minerva McGonagall, I'm a professor at Hogwarts."
Harry widened his eyes, "did you teach my parents?" he asked.
Minerva smiled, "yes I did, and I'll be happy to tell you lots of stories later."
Harry smiled at her, "Ok!"
Sirius smiled, "and this is Lady Augusta Longbottom."
Augusta smiled, "Oh pooh! You can cal me Aggie or gran." She said, waving her hand, "and this" she held out her hand in the direction of a somewhat pudgy boy who took it shyly, " is my grandson Neville. His mum was your godmother Harry. And Lily was yours, Neville."
"Really?" asked Harry, when Neville nodded shyly Harry hugged him, "then we're brothers!" he smiled happily.
Neville's eyes widened and he smiled, "hi brother. Want to go play with my toys?"
Harry nodded and looked at the adults, "can we?" with his puppy dog eyes on full, soon joined by Neville.
Augusta smiled, "oh go on. Take Harry up to your room. We'll call you in a while for supper."
"Thanks Gran," said Neville, taking Harry's arm.
"Thanks!" echoed Harry, just before both boys bolted out of the room like it was on fire.
The adults all smiled at the two boys, they all knew that no matter what happened, they would all be just fine, at least for now.
And that was all that mattered.
