Chapter 8
Harry
Harry awoke to the sounds of Ron trying and failing to finish packing in silence. As soon as Harry had decided to try to go back to sleep, there was a loud thump and Ron began swearing up a storm, barely under his breath. So much for going back to sleep Harry supposed. He sat up and put on his glasses.
" What time is it?" He asked blearily.
" Bloody fuckin hell Harry, thought you were asleep still, sorry mate. Damn chest got my toe good. 'S probably about 4 in the morning. Too bloody early innit?" Ron was clearly not pleased to be leaving quite so early in the morning.
"Cheer up Ron. You should get there in time to try some absolutely quality new Aussie food, then you and Hermione can catch up on sleep before actually starting your search for her parents." Ron's eyes did light up a tad more at the mention of new food.
"Hey, you've got a point Harry! I wonder what dinner options Hermione and I can try tonight...Merlin's nads! I just realized Harry….It'll be Hermione and my first date in a few hours…" Ron's face turned into an image of abject horror in an instant. Harry was glad it was still dark enough Ron likely couldn't make out his smirk.
"Ron, it'll be fine, honestly if you're worried, just let her pick, that strategy has served us well for seven years so far after all. "
"Pretty bloody well, yeah. Though I dunno about on food choices….or quidditch….or…." Harry cut Ron off with a sharp backslap as he fished a shirt and what he thought were his pants from the mess on the floor. Ron nodded as he threw items into his luggage haphazardly.
"You know Ron, maybe when you two get back, we should look into getting a place, your mum's great and all but we are adults now. Got ministry jobs and everything. I'm bloody engaged somehow! Probably time we each have some real privacy and separation of our underthings don't you think?" Ron sniffed a sock and decided it was Harry's and threw it at him.
"Merlin's nads your right though, you might even be married before I get back. I'm not sharing a room with a Slytherin! Maybe we can fix up Grimmauld again, even see about getting it less well, grim. Got enough rooms and closer to the ministry, innit?" several more underthings, shirts, and jumpers later, Ron decided he was packed well enough to get on with.
"After all," he said reasonably, "thanks to Hermione's genius if I'm missing anything, you can just pop it over to me in the luggage. Think we should test the mirrors?"
"All right," Harry responded. Harry spoke Ron's name, and saw the reflection change to reveal Ron's face. They checked the mirror the other way, and descended the stairs. Hermione, Ginny, George, and Mrs. Weasley were already at the door.
"About time Ronald,honestly!" Mrs. Weasley reprimanded. "Hermione's been down for practically ages already. Now you have almost no time at all before the portkey leaves."
"I'm certain we will still make it in time. Plus I've got my bag, so we can always have Harry send us anything we've forgotten. Shall we head to the garden to be ready with the portkey then?" Hermione, as usual, was almost infuriatingly peppy and capable for the too early hour.
Harry's attention was drawn to Ginny, in an entrancingly sheer nighty. Harry was certain her mother would have been positively scandalized if she hadn't been distracted by fussing with Ron as Hermione and him each held onto a finger of the old glove that had been prepared for them. She met his eye with a glint of mischief. Harry was glad for the looseness of his robe he was currently dressed in.
Mrs. Weasley was at the point of no longer being able to deny her sadness at Ron leaving so soon after returning home. Harry dreaded bringing up the issue of his and Ron moving into Grimmauld. Molly Weasley was not a woman who enjoyed letting go of those she loved, and Harry still counted himself truly blessed to be among that number.
Still, Harry was not one to let her distracted condition go without taking advantage of the opportunity it presented. He sidled up to Ginny, wrapping her in an embrace from the side. Harry was feeling bold for some reason, and slipped one hand down Ginny's back, finding her quite bare bum under her nighty and giving it a quick squeeze. He suppressed a laugh as he could tell she was struggling not to react in front of her family. Naturally Harry, knowing she'd get her revenge eventually, couldn't resist pushing it further while he held the advantage, and tickled up and down her rear and thigh, very grateful for how tall and athletic she was at this moment. Feeling her quivering under his hand filled him with more mirth than he could remember having felt in a long while.
And then Ginny got one of her hands around him and harry swore her fingers were actually in between his ribs and he found himself now barely able to keep from buckling under her ferocious assault.
"Don't start a tickle fight with a girl with 6 older brothers Harry." Ginny whispered with a righteous fury barely concealing her good humor. Harry pulled his hands up, keeping his arm around her waist though.
" Mercy! Truce, truce, I'm sorry Gin!" he stammered out as quietly as he could manage.
" Good to see you can learn your lesson Mister Potter. But who told you to remove that hand? Just don't tickle me if you aren't prepared for my wrath." she whispered his name in a disturbing impression of Snape that was nearly good enough to bring down the erection he was now sporting. No sooner had Harry placed his hand on her gloriously firm bum than George had to once again revel in his strange new role of kill joy.
"Hem hem," Harry was seriously getting annoyed at Weasley's impersonating the worst teachers to annoy him, George sounded far too much like Umbridge just now, and it was far too early for that joke.
George waggled his eyebrows at Harry and Ginny, while Ginny released Harry long enough to give George the finger. George continued, "Mum, unless you wanna join them in Australia, better let the birdies fly the nest already."
Ron looked immensely grateful towards his elder brother in that moment. Their mother did finally release him, and Harry checked his pocket watch. It should be just under a minute now until they left.
"I understand that George, of course I do! But I challenge any mother to raise such amazing boys and not love each of you with every fiber of her being." Harry heard Ginny scoff next to him at her mother.
"What am I, chopped liver?" her mother just glared at her in response. As the seconds ticked down to the designated departure time, Harry really had to think about how much he would miss his two best friends. They had been by his side, not just this last year, but for so many of the important and momentous events of his life for the last seven years. He felt shame that he was not helping Hermione when she had helped him so much. He felt fear that they would not be around while he navigated the chaos of the Greengrass situation. Harry clung tighter to Ginny. He knew she was now his rock, his job would be his reason. He would keep going forwards.
"Goodbye everyone, we'll send owls, I promise, and Harry can contact us with the you so much for seeing us off!" Hermione met Harry's eyes and he honestly had to look away to catch Ron's to keep from tearing up.
"Yeah, uh, thanks mum, Harry, George, Ginny. Don't worry, we'll be back before you know it. Pass love to Bill Charlie, dad and I suppose Per-" Ron's begrudging farewell to Percy was cut off as the portkey activated and whisked them to the other side of the world.
A few minutes later they were back in the kitchen, George had gone right back to bed, and Harry and Ginny were about to follow after a quick cup of tea when Mrs. Weasley stopped them.
"I know everyone's tired, but don't think your father and I didn't notice those pops of Apparition young missy. Harry dear, you know we love you, but I'll ask you to keep out of Ginny's room. And you out of his Ginny dear. I know you all have been through so much, but don't think I've forgotten being that age. We've charmed the doors, please just go to your separate beds tonight darlings." Ginny looked as though she was trying to manifest lasers from her eyes at her mother, while Harry imagined his blush must be turning even his hair red by now. The matriarch cut off the brewing retort from Ginny though.
"I don't care that Harry's of age, I don't care that you love each other, or anything else young lady. This is still our house, and you are still underage. For Merlin's sake, he's engaged to another woman! Harry, dear, you have work in a few hours I believe, so why don't we all head to our separate rooms for a bit more rest, hmm?" With that she turned on her heel and headed to her own room.
Harry had to admit, as much as Ginny set him on fire in all the best ways, he had been feeling very uncomfortable with how far she had started pushing them with her parents around.
"If she thinks she can tell me what to do-" Harry cut her off with a quick kiss.
"Gin, I love you, you know I do. But I think on this your mum's right. George himself keeps catching us, and I think I'd actually die if your mum or dad did. I'm planning on cleaning up Grimmauld again, maybe we can sneak some time over there, but tonight, I'm going to listen to your mum's wishes."
"Argh! Fine, I hate it, but fine. You'd just best get Kreacher to clean that place quickly mister,because if I have to wait too long, I'll jump you in front of the whole family, damn the consequences. We've been through too bloody much to be kept apart by my mother's sensibilities or that Greengrass cow now."
They kissed goodnight, and Ginny nearly had him convinced to test the alleged wards on her door after all. But a few moments later, he gently pried himself away from her and separated them. With his eyes lingering only a moment longer, he did head up the stairs to his bed in Ron's now eerily empty room. After almost furiously dealing with his insistent throbbing member, Harry returned to sleep for a few more hours.
Two hours later, Harry had finished his breakfast, and was preparing to head to the ministry when a thought struck him.
"Kreacher!" he called out.
CRACK
"Master Called Kreacher?" The elf was looking well since the battle, still bearing the locket on his chest.
"Yeah, I wanted to say I'm sorry I haven't checked on you for a few days, it's been crazy. No excuse though. I want to do better. And I want to thank you for what you did at the battle. It meant a lot, and I'm certain Regulus would have been proud." At that the elf almost started tearing up.
"So seriously, I owe you big time, and I want to do right by you. So if you want or need anything, including clothes if it's your wish, or a salary, anything else of Reg's you want to claim, tell me. I'll be wanting to come back to Grimmauld soon, so I was also wondering if you've been back there yet to see how long making it habitable might take."
"Master Harry orders Kreacher to say what he wants. Kreacher wants his old mistress , wants Master Reg to be alive again. But Kreacher understands now. Kreacher is not Master's favorite house elf. Kreacher is not Dobby. Master is not Regulus. But Kreacher has Master Harry and Master Harry has Kreacher. So Kreacher wants master Harry to make an agreement with Kreacher. Kreacher will serve master Harry as only the bestest of house elves. Kreacher will not let his poor old mistress harass Master Harry or his guests. In return, Kreacher wants no salary. Kreacher will not dishonor himself so. Kreacher only asks that Master Harry allow Kreacher to have one day off a month to seek stolen Black family heirlooms for retrieval, and maybe keep one or two more if Kreacher can find them. And for Master Harry to uphold the honor of house black, which he so far has. The noble house of Black was trashed by bad wizards, but Kreacher can have master Harry's room and two more ready by tonight if Master Harry wishes."
The ancient house elf's speech actually touched Harry. Great, now he was going to have to face his second day with Robards trying not to look as though he had been crying.
"Thank you Kreacher. That means a lot to me. And please, take 2 days a month off, and spend one day relaxing. I'll move my stuff to number 12 tonight, probably after dinner." Harry gave a small smile to the house elf. Kreacher disappeared with another *crack*
Just a moment later Harry too was gone, and walking through the halls of the ministry for his second day as an Auror. It still didn't feel real o him, especially when Mr. Weasley had said he'd be traveling by Floo Powder, and so Harry was walking unescorted into the Auror office. Robards was already there, Harry wondered if the man slept. His hair certainly gave the impression that he didn't.
"Potter! I hear Weasley and Granger have left and arrived in Australia. Word arrived from the Aussie Ministry, so that's one recruit who seems to be off to a start. I expect you to show for work early and leave late though. I want you and Weasley to both understand me. If the department weren't so stretched thin, this would not be happening, no matter your accomplishments. As soon as we have a properly trained class or two filling our ranks, I expect both of you to take your N.E.W.T.S, and attend the Auror academy for re-certification. Aurors are the elite, we are responsible, you need to learn so much more than even defeating a Dark Lord can teach you." Harry was surprised by this dressing down, but supposed it made some sense. Harry knew he'd be upset and worried if a couple of 2nd years had tried to fight in the Battle of Hogwarts. He imagined the feeling must be similar.
"But no one wants to come out of the gates lagging this time around, and our numbers are more depleted than they've ever been before. It's so bad Kingsley is going to step in with an assignment with you today. So settle yourself at your desk, there is a file on your desk, and paperwork I expect completed before the Minister gets here in an hour. I have to go chase down a lead our Aussie friends just passed me. Kingsley will tell you what to do after you return, I don't expect to be back until late tonight. If you don't hear from me tomorrow, I'm dead and Tasmania should be viewed as hostile." Robards turned sharply on his heel, and Harry saw him pull out an invisibility cloak and heard him disapparate away.
Harry sat at his desk and opened the file Robards had directed him towards. Harry was surprised to see it was actually 3 files, all on the Malfoy family. Harry looked at the paperwork on his desk, and saw it was intended to be some form of supplemental documentation of Harry's knowledge and opinions on the information in the folder. Only an hour to read all that and write his opinion? No wonder Robards wanted him to show up to work earlier. Harry made a mental note to stock up heavily on pepper-up potion.
Miraculously, 45 minutes later Harry had read the files as thoroughly as he could, and actually had filled in a fair deal of missing information he had recovered from discussions with Dumbledore, Snape's memories, and his own experiences. No sooner had he completed that task however then a new form flew in and deposited itself on his desk. The header said the form was for recording an official witness statement from an Auror. Then several more zipped through the office and at Harry. The door opened at the same time, and Kingsley entered with his deep laugh.
"Less dueling and more paperwork than you expected Harry?"
"You got me there Minister. What's with this folder and these new forms?"
"It's why I'm here Harry. Robards is chasing down a lead, but since we are so short on Aurors, and there are still dozens, hundreds possibly, of Death eaters and sympathizers at large. I don't know how aware you even were at the time, but immediately after the battle, you asked me not to arrest the Malfoy family. If we are going to let them stay out of Azkaban though, especially Lucius, they are going to need to give us some real information and assistance to prove their contrition. So you and I are popping over to Malfoy Manor in about five minutes, with an escort of 5 other ministry officials. Don't tell anyone but this is almost half of our current offensive capabilities. I'm hoping to emergency recruit a few more after we are done, so let's get going."
Kingsley gathered up the folder and forms from Harry's desk and began a brisk walk to the Floo Network of the Ministry Atrium. They were quickly flanked by ministry wizards. By the time they reached the massive fireplaces, Kingsley seemed to have somehow read the whole folder already. Harry eyed him with unconcealed shock.
Kingsley laughed, "I got to where I am more because of my mastery of paperwork than spellwork to tell you the truth Harry. It's more helpful than you'd think. I highly recommend trying to master these systems quickly. I can honestly say I have done more good work with administration and a quill than I ever did with a quick stunner from my wand." With that they all walked through the green flames into the parlor of Malfoy Manor.
As Harry pulled himself up from his typical graceless exit from a fireplace, he looked up to see all three Malfoys staring disdainfully down at him. Narcissa was seated regally on a nearby sofa, while the two Malfoy men stood flanking her, rigid, sneers plastered across their faces
"So kind of the new Minister of Magic to invite himself into our home. You even gave us the honor of an entire hour notice ahead of time. To what do we owe the pleasure of such distinguished company." Lucius Malfoy remained possibly the greasiest, most pompous sleazeball Harry hoped he would ever have the displeasure of meeting. He was already regretting wanting to offer the man mercy, no matter what Narcissa had done for him, no matter his genuine belief Draco was capable of more than his git of a father.
Evidently Kingsley was feeling similarly. "Lucius, we are here only because Harry claims your family saw the light and wish to make recompense for your crimes under He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. I'd really think you'd at least pretend some humility and remorse towards that end. Nothing is signed, we can just as easily take you back to your cell in Azkaban this morning as your testimony. It really is up to you now."
"We may as well use his dirty, true name. Tom Riddle? My family was brought near to ruin by a half-blood, nearly mud- Ahem- muggleborn. Oh yes Shacklebolt, I promise you I am full of remorse and regret. He made a fool of me on a daily basis for over two years now, he threatened my son! I was taken in certainly I admit, more fool I. but I promise you, whatever personal animosity all of us in this room may hold, we are quite united in wanting to see every member of Riddle's organisation captured and punished."
Draco interrupted his father's tirade. "Is it enough yet father? Vincent died! His father and brother didn't even show at his memorial yesterday. We were wrong, you were wrong. You make me ashamed to bear the name Malfoy father. May we please just answer Shacklebolt and Potter's questions and get this chapter of our lives over with already?"
Harry actually stopped the brewing retort from Lucius towards his son." Yeah, let's get this over with. Look," Harry addressed this part to Narcissa, "If not for some in this room, I and many others likely would have died at Riddle's hands. You didn't have to lie to him to protect me, but you did. Out of love for your family, you did the right thing. I am officially testifying on your behalf in exchange for this debt, but you really do need to all please help us find those who still may do harm."
After a few more tense comments and moments of posturing mixed in with thinly veiled insults, the interview proper got underway. In the end it took the Malfoys just under 4 hours to answer all their questions, and they did give several real hideouts, including confirmation of the one in Tasmania. Kingsley mentioned the possibility Ron would end up having to assist Robards with arresting the suspected 5 hiding death eaters in the country. Harry hoped Hermione and Ron would be alright.
"Well, I think we won't presume to impose on your hospitality for lunch, but after an hour break, we will be back. I am pleased so far, but just keep in mind, the Wizengamot has not yet voted on your case. We will see you in one hour." Kingsley sounded like he was as ready to be out of Malfoy Manor as the family was ready for the 7 of them to leave. The 5 ministry workers remained at the property, to keep an eye on the family. Harry hoped they would still get their lunches, even if they were losing out on the break.
"You'll show me how to actually file all this, won't you Kingsley? Robards didn't actually get around to much of an orientation yesterday." Harry was trying to balance the immense tower of forms, signed statements, and evidence the Malfoys had provided. They were taking a quick meal in the Auror office, the Minister actually multitasking with finishing clearing out his old desk.
Kingsley laughed good naturedly. "Just do as I did all those years Harry. Friday is filing day. Anything not an emergency, just stack it high on your desk, then drop it off after lunch Friday afternoon. Then you get the whole weekend before any potential blow-back. Plus it gives you the rest of the week for Gawain to remember to actually teach you ministry protocols."
"Is that some of how you got away with failing to catch Sirius for 2 years?" Harry asked cheekily.
"Got it in one Harry. But as useful as my mastery of paperwork was for obfuscation, it really did help me immensely with doing real good for years. It's not the glorious part of the job, and I'll confide to you that I fear it'll not be for Ron long term, but I beg you to learn and embrace it Harry." Kingsley's jovial smile faded slightly as one of the flying memo's zipped right into his lap.
"Bloody hell, I was hoping they wouldn't find me here." he read the memo and swore again. " Bugger. Sorry Harry, but I need to pop off for a moment. Make sure you get back to the Malfoys', I should be able to get back in time, but I have a meeting I don't want to reschedule." He glanced at his pocket watch, "See you in 20 minutes Harry, if I'm late, stall for me would you?" he ran off, stuffing the rest of his corned beef sandwich practically down his throat as he ran off. Harry could tell why they had bent the rules for him and Ron to join, the ministry really did seem stretched far too thin. Hopefully things could calm down soon. Though Harry wasn't sure when that would be for himself, after all, he had a wedding to plan on top of everything else.
Merlin's saggiest, Harry thought to himself, he actually found himself preferring an entire day spent with the Malfoys than contemplating his betrothal. His eye spotted one of the enchanted parchment pages used for the memos, and decided to write a quick one to Percy. He knew Percy was as busy as everyone, but maybe by the time Harry returned from the Malfoys Percy might have something Harry could cling his hopes to. Grabbing a quill and some ink, he wrote the memo, and hoped it would figure itself out and Percy would receive it. Luckily for Harry, as soon as he set his quill down, off the memo flew.
18 minutes later Harry was back in the parlor, glowering at Lucius Malfoy, who was surprisingly glowering not at Harry, but at his son. Fortunately Kingsley was not late, and even seemed in a good mood. Harry supposed the mysterious meeting must have gone well.
After another hour following up on details of the family's testimony, Kingsley pulled Harry aside and briefly conferred with him.
"Technically nothing is official until the Wizengamot meets and makes a judgement, and you are the official Auror making recommendations for the Malfoy case. You'll have to present your evidence in person, and I plan to set the trial for tomorrow. I want this over with. I don't want them returning to their old ways in ten years. More than half their crimes were because of their wealth. I intend to suggest a substantial requirement that they make financial restitution, based on suggestion by Gringotts of just how much gold Lucius Malfoy has. I won't leave them destitute, but I want them to have nothing they can use to ill purpose after scrutiny dies down. I want Lucius on lifelong house arrest as well, decidedly not pardoned. But I agree with you that Narcissa and Draco deserve the pardons, with a warning. Your thoughts Harry?"
"Yeah," Harry agreed, "I don't think Lucius actually regrets anything but losing. But more of his crimes were based in wealth than in violence. And I feel this will hurt just as much, if not worse. Maybe with his father finally not the wealthy Lord he identified with, there may be hope for Draco in the long run. As long as the trial is nice and public, that should ensure they aren't ever welcome again in Tom's former comrades' ranks."
They announced their official recommendations. Draco and Narcissa accepted, and, after a tense moment where Harry was certain the elder Malfoy would have cursed his son if they had not surrendered their wands earlier, Lucius reluctantly agreed as well. With that Harry bid the family of his old rival farewell, and returned to the ministry with only 2 hours left in his day. He bid Kingsley his goodbyes, and settled in his desk. It took him all of that time to organize, collate, and condense the paperwork from his first official case as an Auror. With the one page summary of his findings and recommendation finalized and placed at the very top of the mountain of papers, he finally saw the memo that had been patiently waiting on his desk.
His excited hope faded as soon as it came though. All Percy had sent was that there was no way out of the contract Percy had found yet, and an admonition not to use official ministry memos for personal matters in the future. Seems mercy was back to his old self already Harry thought, ruefully.
Harry was just about to exhaustedly heading for the apparition point when he ran into Mr. Weasley. The man nodded at Harry in acknowledgment.
"Hullo Harry, getting used to long days as an important ministry employee?" he asked, slightly cheekily.
" Merlin I think I finally get why you keep turning down promotions Mr.-"
"Arthur, Harry, really after all this time, I think first names are warranted."
"Alright Arthur," Harry did feel strange still about using his name like that, "I start to be able to imagine your reasons. You really are an incredible father, and great man."
Arthur Weasley looked at Harry with watery eyes for a moment, before grabbing his hand in a firm shake. "Obviously I cannot speak to your talents as a father yet Harry, and I should hope not for some time still, I fully repeat that greatness right back at you ten fold. I have known few better men in the whole of my lifetime."
They arrived at the Burrow moments later, Arthur explaining Percy had likely chosen to sleep in his office again. Harry enjoyed a pleasant supper, and then endured the tirades of Mrs. Weasley when he broke the news of his intended move. Several times he caught Ginny's eye and struggled not to break into a smile. Harry owned so little that packing his supplies took almost no time at all.
"Don't worry, I'm certain to visit, and all of you are welcome anytime, but I really want to start to understand myself as an Adult, and sleeping over in Ron's room just isn't going to do that."
"Harry, I understand completely. I assure you, after the way each of my boys before Ron moved out, I'd call this a grand improvement. You're neither abroad nor being stubbornly wrong. I;m proud of the man you are becoming, and I am so glad you made friends with my family."Arthur said, calming his wife, only for her to burst into tears as she realized how few of her children still lived at home. The Burrow was rapidly going from overcrowded to borderline empty.
Harry was quite surprised when he arrived in London to see Bill waiting for him.
"Heya Harry, thought you'd be coming around, your elf actually tipped me off. Good thing too, I just took care of some nasty curse's left by the death eaters. Now that you are here, I can finish redoing the wards and recasting the Fidelius charm. No one is as good as Dumbledore at this one mind you, but it should be enough to keep you sleeping soundly. You'll be the sole secret keeper now."
"Bill, I don't know what to say, thanks, I expected it to be weeks before the place was livable. No wonder Kreacher said it'd be ready by now."
"Yeah, he's still a right grumpy toad of an elf, but he actually has the place looking better than ever, you really pulled a number on him. Also, with your permission, I'd like to try something before I head home tonight. I can't unstick the portrait of Sirius' mum, but I think I found a spell and rune combo that should freeze her and silence her unless she is being addressed directly. Should make entertaining guests less of a hassle finally"
Harry enthusiastically shook Bill's hand at that, and a few moments later, after being coached by Bill, and walked through all the new protections, Harry walked into number 12, Grimmauld Place, and found it feeling like a home that was truly his for the first time since Hogwarts.