This story is based on characters and developed from some situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.
Chapter 6
Retrieval Mark 2
7th July. Day 10 continued.
Harry was relieved when the feeling of being squeezed through a hose pipe ceased just as suddenly as it had started. Except for flying and the Hogwarts Express, he had yet to find a magical transportation method, which he actually enjoyed. It seemed to him that most of the methods Wizards had come up with were deliberately uncomfortable, even if often conveniently fast, which made it no more than simply a necessary evil to be endured when necessary. Although much slower than apparition, a port key, or even the knight bus, Muggle transport seemed much more comfortable. He thought it was ironic that being the most comfortable, the Hogwarts Express was also the most similar to the transport of Muggles of all of them.
He released Remus arm, feeling a little queasy, and took in his surroundings. Kingsley and Moody were watching the area, ensuring they were not noticed, their wands at the ready. They were all stood, hidden from view, close to some bushes in an otherwise grassy unkempt park like area enclosed by a low wall topped with black painted cast iron railings complete with ornamental spear like spikes. There was a gate halfway along each side of the square, leading out of the park area. The whole was surrounded by a road overlooked by large town houses that had obviously once been opulent residences which had reflected the affluence of their owners. It was a typical, if neglected, Georgian square. The brick built houses were showing obvious signs of neglect, paint beginning to peel on doors and window frames, a few tiles missing, though nothing more obvious as far as he could tell. He did notice that one or two appeared to have been recently restored, with others undergoing the process, if the scaffolding on them was any indication. It looked like the work was progressing steadily round the square, gradually improving the look of it, a board on the scaffolding proclaiming the project to be part of a larger restoration of a number of similar squares in London.
A small pop sounded beside them, Moody, Kingsley, and Remus instantly had their wands pointed at the figure that had appeared.
"Bloody hell you lot, that's the last time you make me tail end Charlie if this is the welcome when I arrive." Exclaimed Tonks, then winked at Harry. "Mind you I always thought they wanted to show me their wands." She giggled.
Mad eye rolled his good eye, his false one was constantly rolling as it watched their surroundings. Ignoring Tonks he produced a slip of parchment and held it out to Harry. "Read this laddie!"
Harry took it, recognising Dumbledores loopy handwriting as he read. "The headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix is at number Twelve Grimmauld Place. London."
The parchment burst into flames as soon as he had read it, he looked up puzzled, just in time to see a house appear to push its way into existence between it's two neighbours, seemingly unnoticed by their occupants. Remus leant over. "Looks good doing that doesn't it?" He grinned. "It's behind a Fidelius Charm, the house is there all the time, but you can't see it, or find it, unless you are told the secret."
Moody growled. "Never mind all that, let's get him off the street and into the house before we are spotted by anyone." The old Auror lead the way, while the others formed the other three sides of a box surrounding Harry, Tonks and Remus on either side and Kingsley bringing up the rear.
They moved out from the shrubbery and across the grassy area to a gate in the railings close to the house that had appeared moments earlier. Harry wasn't quite sure how, but they were not noticed by anyone else, despite making what must have been a very odd sight as they made their way. Although, apart from Moody, who it would be difficult to make incognito with the best will in the world, they did try to make it all look casual. He was not completely sure how they crossed the road and climbed the steps up to the large front door, which opened at Mad Eyes touch, without breaking formation either, but somehow they managed it.
They entered the house, into a dull corridor, wide enough to allow them to keep formation, just as a door further down the dimly lit hallway opened, and a worried looking Arthur Weasley emerged from it. Looking up at them as the front door closed, and Mad Eye moved aside, Arthur spotted who had just arrived, and he let out a breath as relief spread through him. "Hello Harry, glad you are here, it's good to see you son." He tucked the newspaper he was carrying under his arm and held out his hand in greeting.
Harry smiled and shook the man's hand, genuinely pleased to see the Muggle obsessed man. "Good to see you too Mr. Weasley." He replied.
"Better get you settled in, I have no doubt that Molly will want to feed you up as always." Arthur smiled uncertainly. "Besides I understand things might be getting interesting here later, you have arrived at a very interesting time Harry in this house and the Wizarding world in general, very interesting indeed." He tapped the newspaper under his arm.
While Harry simply looked puzzled, Tonks, Remus, Alastor, and Kingsley shared a knowing look as they all set off towards another door, which Arthur stood beside. "Are you ready for Molly to greet you Harry? I have no doubt it will be with its usual enthusiasm, you know Molly, her famous hug is inevitable you know." Arthur asked as they stopped outside another door.
Harry gulped and grinned. "As ready as I shall ever be, Mr. Weasley." He replied.
Arthur nodded and opened the door. "Molly, I need a word with you quite urgently, some news you have to be aware of I am afraid dear. Oh, and by the way, Harry has just arrived." He called.
Molly rushed out, knocking her husband aside in her hurry and enveloped Harry in a hug. "Oh Harry I am so glad you are here, it's so good to see you. With any luck you might be able to talk some sense into that Godfather of yours now you are here, but never mind all that for now, we have so much to do." She released him and stepped back to look at him whilst he caught his breath, she continued. "Of course having spent time with those awful Muggles you are again far too thin, not to worry I'll fix you a snack then start on dinner."
With that she led them back along the corridor to the door opposite the stairs, from which Arthur had emerged, and down the flight of stairs to the kitchen. The room had a window out onto the back garden and several doors from it along one wall, probably leading to storage rooms, the opposite had work surfaces and a large cooker and Hobs. Pans and utensils hung from the ceiling, but the room was dominated by a large, well scrubbed wooden table, surrounded by a dozen wooden chairs. Harry hardly seemed to have sat down, before a plate and glass were placed in front of him, and he was tucking in to a bacon, sausage and fried egg sandwich washed down with Pumpkin Juice, all of which she had somehow whipped up for him in seconds. As soon as he finished, she smiled at him and once again enveloped him in a bone crushing hug. "Oh it is good to see you Harry." She released him again.
His ability to breathe restored and with his first chance to speak to her between hugs, her talking, and being fed, he grinned "It's good to see you too Mrs. Weasley."
She smiled back. "Now we had better get you settled, you will have to share a room with Ron at the moment." Her tone turn cold. "At least until your God father allows us the use of more rooms in this house, I'm afraid. Until then there simply isn't one for you to use by yourself, but I don't suppose you will mind being in with Ron. Tonks will you take him up to where he will be sleeping for me please, I expect his things will be there already, at least that is where they should be. Arthur needs a quick word with me, it seems, and I really must get started on Dinner, or we shall be eating at midnight." Not waiting for a reply, she turned and entered the pantry.
"Er Molly, remember I need that chat with you." Arthur called after her.
"Can't it wait Arthur, I really don't have time, it can't be that important." Came the exasperated reply.
"No Molly, as I told you it is urgent I'm afraid." Arthur said. "Now come out here, so I can talk with you." Arthur coaxed.
"I shall be there in a minute, Arthur." Came the annoyed response, Arthur sighed and sat at the table to wait for her.
Not wanting to get involved in what could end up being a domestic argument, Tonks nudged Harry. "Come on then Harry, let's go find Ronniekins, let his parents talk." She grinned winking to him.
"I'll come along as well Tonks." Remus laughed. "Keep you out of mischief."
"Good thinking Remus, then both of us can make sure he is set up properly, come on Harry." Smiling, she grabbed his arm, then did the same to Remus and took them back up to the entrance hall. "It's not often I get to have two good-looking men escort me." She flirted.
Harry turned to Mad eye and Kingsley before he left. "Thanks!" He said to them, as he left.
The two men nodded. "No problem Lad!" Alastor replied.
Remus, Tonks and Harry crossed the corridor and climbed a wide, elegant flight of stairs up to a first landing, part way between the floors, where a curtained wall faced them. They turned to ascend the second flight, up to the first floor, a row of glass domes containing house elf heads were mounted on the wall that was covered in a dark wallpaper that was peeling in places. Harry wondered at the worn and obviously dark décor of the house chosen as the headquarters of an organisation dedicated to the light.
They reached the top of that flight of stairs, there were more heading to other floors above this one. Harry smiled as he looked along the corridor in each direction, it was clear this was a magical house, there was far more space inside than the outside would make it seem. The décor on this level was just as dated and in need of renewal as it had been on the stairs. There were portraits of people on the walls between the doors, all of which seemed to be watching them suspiciously, though silently, from their frames.
"The Weasleys have the rooms to the right, the others to the left are for any members of the Order who might need to spend the night, though they have barely been used so far. The bathroom on this floor is in that door there." Tonks told him, pointing as appropriate as she spoke. "Right lets go find the room Molly said you were staying in, see if your things are there."
They had only taken a step or two towards the Weasleys rooms, when Ron emerged from one of them and walked towards them. He had almost reached them, when he looked up and saw who was there.
"Harry, you're here already." He greeted.
"No Ron, I'm just a figment of your imagination, I'll get here later on." He grinned to his friend.
"Sod off Harry, I'm just surprised to see you here that's all, no one told us you were coming today." Ron grinned then walked back to the door he had come from and opened it. "You're in here with me mate."
Harry disentangled his arm from Tonks and headed for the room, he didn't notice her whisper something to Remus, who nodded briefly, then she headed quickly up to the next floor. Ron noticed though and called after her. "Oi Tonks, we're not allowed up there, Sirius will go mad."
Remus put an arm round the youngest Weasley male, distracting him before he drew too much attention. "She's his cousin." He said, guiding Ron into the room ahead of Harry. "At least it's something like that, anyway she is family, so I'm sure she will be alright. Lets, get Harry settled before we worry about that, in any case."
Following them into the room Harry looked about to see where he would be staying for the rest of the summer. It was a pleasant enough room, larger than either the one he had left at Privet Drive, or the one he would have shared with Ron at the Burrow. In contrast to the halls and stairways, the walls were freshly painted, though unimaginatively cream in colour, it had a high ceiling, that had an ornate plaster rose at its centre from which an ornate lamp hung. There was a plain fireplace, that looked like it had not been used for quite a while on one wall, a mirror above it. A solid looking, ornate, large wooden wardrobe stood against another wall, a dressing table next to it and the window looked out over an overgrown back garden which was surrounded by a high brick wall. There were two four-poster beds in the room, one unmade and obviously in use. They were similar to the ones in the Gryffindor dormitory at Hogwarts, a small table and lamp next to each. He saw the three trunks from Privet Drive, placed in a row, next to the bed that was obviously unused, the two older ones showing their age and the effects of their years in the Dursleys loft even more clearly in the bright room. The varnish faded as was the lettering, the lids grimy from their years of storage. Remus smiled as he saw Harry walk over to them and put his hand on the two which had belonged to his parents in turn.
"I wouldn't unpack any of them just yet Harry, just relax for a little while. Get what you need for the night out of yours after dinner, and save those two until you can look at what's in them when you are on your own the first time." Remus said kindly. "You can then choose what you want to share, and who with after you have seen it all."
"Good idea Moony." Harry smiled wistfully, catching the underlying message from the old marauder.
Ron looked like he was about to argue, but was interrupted by the sudden arrival of Ginny and Hermione, who spotted Harry. No sooner had they seen him than he found himself enveloped in another hug, this time accompanied by a mop of bushy brown hair.
"Uh, hi Hermione." He spluttered through the froth of hair in his face, she released him, smiling.
"Hi Harry!" She grinned. "We heard Ron shout a moment ago, so came to see what was up, didn't expect to see you yet. Glad you are here at last, though."
"Me too!" Harry replied, his eyes falling on Ginny, his smile grew as his eye met hers. "Hi Ginny." He said softly.
She blushed delicately and greeted him a little more confidently than she normally did, though only he noticed that it seemed. "I am glad you are here Harry, I missed you." She smiled back and moved to hug him, a move interrupted when Hermione distracted them both.
She had noticed the trunks, and began a string of questions. "So, Harry, how has your summer been? I hope your relatives have treated you better than they usually do. Are you okay after the Triwizard? Getting over it all a little I hope? Why are you so tanned? Did you get your homework done? I have, but Ron has barely started, of course. Have you any idea what is going on Harry? Yesterday we were told you might be here for your birthday, then today you are here? How come you now have three trunks?"
"Hermione, stop." Remus interrupted her before she got into full flow. "Let him sit down at least."
"Oh, yes of course, sorry Harry." Hermione blushed then sat next to Ron on his bed.
Ginny crossed the room and sat opposite her on the other bed, the red-headed witch looked at Harry and grinned, patting the spot beside her. "Come sit next to me Harry! This is your bed, if you hadn't guessed, at least, according to Mum and Ron it is."
Remus grinned. "Now there's an invitation no one should refuse, it's not every day a young lady will invite you to join her on a bed, I wouldn't hesitate to accept, if I were you Cub."
Harry blushed, Hermione looked surprised and Ron spluttered, but Ginny just grinned. "If only you were our age Remus." She replied cheekily.
Remus laughed. "Always my trouble Ginny, just born to early, that's my problem." He said ruefully.
Hermione had quickly moved from surprised to shocked. "Professor Lupin, Ginny, that is so inappropriate on so many levels."
Remus rolled his eyes, unrepentant, and Ginny glared at her. "Oh loosen up Hermione, we are only teasing each other. A bit of banter, it is nothing more than harmless fun. It is perfectly possible for two people to tease each other, innocently, without it meaning more. Remus and I are friends, we have got to know each other this last week, nothing more, nothing less. If you think otherwise, then honestly you're the one with a dirty mind, not us."
Remus and Ginny laughed heartily with each other, whilst Ron and Hermione fumed. Harry looked at his friends and decided sitting next to Ginny might be safest, besides he found the idea very agreeable, so did.
Remus calmed and smiled when he saw Harry take a seat exactly where Ginny had indicated. "Right I'll leave you all to it, I'll see you later on Harry." He grinned and left the room.
Hermione exploded with indignation as soon as the door closed. "Ginny that was extremely inappropriate, flirting with a teacher so brazenly, you'll get into so much trouble."
Ginny turned her own temper on Hermione. "For crying out loud, belt up Hermione, Remus, Sirius and I have got to know each other, since you two couldn't be bothered to keep me company. Remus is no longer a teacher, and we have got to know each other a little as people. He knows where my heart lies, and I know where his does as well. For your information it is not with each other, but then you might know that if you two started talking to them instead of snooping around Sirius parts of the house. We enjoy our banter, and pranks between us, Tonks is part of it too, it's all harmless. Now either get to know what is actually going on and stop being so judgemental, or keep your nose out of my business."
During her tirade she had grabbed Harry's hand, which had been resting on the bed between them, and held it firmly, her thumb gently rubbing the back of it. Ron and Hermione didn't seem to have noticed this, yet, but Harry had and found the sensation very pleasant, he grasped her hand in return, hoping she would not let go, she didn't.
"Ginny, I am only trying to look out for you." Hermione replied her tone in full, I know what is best for you, and I am going to let you know that, mode. "After all if you lay yourself out like that for older men you will get a reputation."
Ron chipped in trying to calm his sister down. "She has a point Gin, Gin."
Still holding Harry's hand, Ginny blasted back. "She has a point? She has no idea and you, dear brother, are just as blinkered, unbelievable. Open your eyes, the pair of you, you might see more than you realise and see just how ridiculous you are being."
A popping noise interrupted the growing argument, and a small, very elderly house elf began shuffling round the room. "Poor Kreacher, having to clean up after mud bloods and blood traitors." The Elf was muttering. "The harridan in the kitchen preventing me from providing proper food to celebrate my lady's return in style, stopping me cooking proper food for my masters meals. Master's Godson due to arrive today too, I placed his trunks here as she told me, just as Master told me to. Then she tells me I may not cook a banquet for my family, they and their Godson must join her and her filthy spawn. Well she isn't going to stop me, she is talking with her husband, so I have done it before she can stop me. She doesn't know what Kreacher knows, not all is as it seems. I have told master, but not let her know that I have. She already knows after all, she and the idiot headmaster have hidden it, even from her husband and the rest of them."
"Kreacher, sod off will you." Ron ordered.
The house elf looked up. "Filthy spawn of the Harridan tries to order me, sat as it is next to its Mudblood. He should know he cannot tell the Elf of this honourable house what to do. Besides Kreacher can see that the spawn of the Harridan wants more from the Mudblood. Turns Kreacher's stomach that such a traitorous thing and the one it wants as its mate is in the honourable house of Black."
Hermione knelt and spoke kindly to the elf. "Poor Kreacher, you really are unwell aren't you. It is so wrong that any salient creature should be held in slavery, it really is no wonder that you are as disturbed as you are."
Kreacher backed away from her. "Filthy Mudblood knows nothing of how the world works, she should do as she desires and spread her legs for her filthy red haired traitor, and leave this house and its loyal Elf alone."
Ron and Hermione were horrified at the elf's words, but Ginny smirked. She knew that the Elf was taking part in a long term prank, arranged between Sirius, his late mother and the Elf a long time ago. He only behaved like this as part of it, so decided to play her part. "Well said Kreacher, it is time Ron admitted his desires for Hermione, I've heard him in the bathroom calling her name, and she ought to loosen up a bit." Ginny almost laughed out loud as her brother looked puzzled and Hermione wore an expression of mixed disgust and incredulity at what she had said.
The elf looked at her, winked, then he noticed Harry, sat holding her hand, his eyes widened, he bowed deeply to them both. "Master, my apologies I did not see you there. You have returned at last, and you have found her. I must tell Master." His voice filled with awe and the elf popped away.
"What on Earth?" Harry whispered in disbelief.
"That's the house elf, been here years with only a portrait to talk to, he's completely off his rocker." Ron told him dismissively.
"He's always nice to me." Ginny observed. "Perhaps it's because I don't try to free him against his will, or insult him. He's quite sweet really, just getting old."
It was at this moment that Ron noticed that Harry and Ginny were holding hands. "Oi Potter let go of my sister, she doesn't like you that way, doesn't want your hands on her."
Ginny leaned closer to Harry. " I do, so don't you dare let go, Harry." She said to him.
"I wasn't going to." Harry grinned as their eyes met again. "Unless you asked me to of course."
Ginny grinned widely. "Not going to happen, I like it too much, and have waited too long to do it up to now. Besides, it was me who grabbed your hand, not the other way round, so that should tell you what I want, in that regard at least."
Ron watched them talking to each other, unable to believe what was being said between them, it was against what he wanted to happen, he had to put a stop to it. His anger growing with every word they spoke.
"I said let go of her Potter." He spat, relieved that Ginny was holding Harry's wand hand, he would not be able to respond quickly.
Harry ignored the threat. "No Ron, I don't think I will." He calmly replied.
Confident he had the upper hand, Ron stood furiously. "So help me I'll..."
He was interrupted as Ginny's wand pointed directly at him. "Do absolutely nothing, or risk becoming closely acquainted with more of my bat bogey's Ronald Bilius Weasley."
Ron blanched and backed off towards the door. "We'll see what Fred and George have to say about this." He declared, flung the door open and left the room, leaving it open.
Hermione looked at them both. "This is silly, Harry you two hardly know each other and Ginny since when have you been able to even speak with him?"
"If you feel like that, go with Ron." Came the blunt reply, Hermione was stunned to realise, it had not come from Ginny.
For a moment she impersonated a goldfish, before she huffed, stood and left.
"Harry!" Ginny whispered.
"Yes, Ginny." He answered.
"I so want to kiss you, but if I do, it could be for a long time and I need to tell you something before we go down for dinner, and before they come back." She said softly, their eyes locked together. "If we kiss now, I know we couldn't stop for long enough for me to say what I need to, can we kiss afterwards."
"Oh I do hope so Ginny." He replied grinning goofily.
"Good!" She grinned, then continued. "When we first came here, about a week or so ago, Sirius discovered a compulsion charm on me, and I have been fed a potion to bolster it, or rather Kreacher discovered it and told Sirius who then told me. It forced me to be incredibly shy with you, much against my desire and character. Sirius removed it, since when I have noticed a number of things which I shall tell you about later. Just know, I do not believe Mum and Ron are entirely trustworthy. I have yet to reach a conclusion on Hermione, but she is overly trusting of authority figures and is actively discouraging my getting close to you, following instructions from Mum and probably Dumbledore as well. She has actively tried to put me off you when I try talking about you, and has even suggested I date others instead of you, going so far as to suggest people. Sirius and I planned to talk to you after dinner, but after this, I suspect they may take action to separate us before then, I don't intend to let that happen. I have an antidote for the potions, which I take now and there is some for you as well, but I need to teach you the detection spell, so you can check your food and drink for tampering as well. It's quite simple, Sirius taught it me in a couple of minutes, with luck we shall have time for you to learn it before they fetch anyone else."
"Are you sure about all this Gin?" He asked clearly puzzled.
"I am sorry Harry, but yes we are as certain as we can be. I have found potions in my food a couple of times, luckily it takes time to work, so we have time to take the antidote if need be, which acts to prevent the effects more quickly. Only one person has prepared my food since we got here, Mum, she has not once asked me to help, which is unusual, but it does mean I can be certain about where the potion is from."
He nodded in agreement and a couple of minutes later he had learned the spell and how to interpret its readings. Once he had perfected it, Ginny leapt onto his lap facing him, legs either side of him she leant in to hold him as close as she could and to kiss him. A cough at the door interrupted them, ruining the moment.
"Sorry you two, but Mum is on her way up, we refused to help Ron, so he went bleating to her."
"Damn, thanks Fred." Ginny declared. "Come on Harry, best if we meet her part way, I guess Ron may have been telling her stories of how you are forcing yourself on me, or something like that."
Disappointed to be interrupted, but hopeful that they would get another chance soon, Harry allowed her to lead the way, trusting that she knew better than he did how to deal with her Mother best.
"By the way, glad you two have finally got together, about time if you ask me and George." Fred grinned.
Sure enough, when they reached the top of the stairs, Mrs. Weasley was halfway up the second flight and heading towards them.
Seeing them appear hand in hand above her, Molly stopped. "Ginny dear, is everything alright? Ron says that you were upset at something Harry was doing." She said appearing concerned.
"I'm more than happy with Harry, Mum, he has been the perfect gentleman, it's Ron I am angry with. He needs to learn to mind his own business." Ginny replied.
"Are you sure dear, Ron seemed to think Harry was forcing you into something you didn't want to do, I see he is holding your hand."
Ginny laughed. "Far from it mum, in fact I would suggest the youngest of my brothers needs to learn that I have my own mind and am very capable of making my own decisions without his permission. I took Harry's hand, hoping we could get closer than we have been, we are both happy with that. It may surprise Ronald to learn I know my own mind better than he thinks, and he cannot force me to do what he wants." She grinned at the confused expression on her mothers face.
"Your brother is only looking out for you dear." Molly tried.
Ginny laughed dismissively. "No mother he isn't, Ron is trying to interfere where he isn't wanted." She started down the stairs, Harry with her, Molly retreating to the lower landing, in front of the curtains. "That brother of mine, is neither wanted nor needed in this if he can't accept that, then that is his problem. He needs to realise he will not dictate my life for me, especially when he is simply jealous. I fail to see why he has gone running to you, in any case."
The couple had made it to the same landing as Molly, but didn't go any further. Seeing she was getting nowhere with her daughter, Molly turned to Harry, who slid his arm round Ginny, calming her and offering silent comfort, which Ginny accepted happily, laying her head on his shoulder. "I hope you can get my daughter to see sense Harry, she shouldn't come between you and your best friend."
"I'm sorry Mrs Weasley, but that is up to him, he's the one with a problem about Ginny and I being friends or more. On the other hand, as far as I can tell Ginny has no problem with me being friends with Ron, if he wants that, but he must accept Ginny and me too."
Mrs. Weasley looked very disappointed. "Remember Harry, you and Ron need to share a room peacefully while you are here, there is nowhere else you can sleep in this house."
"Oh really? Who says my Godson has to do that?" A voice sounded from above.
Harry turned with Ginny to look up the stairs, a grin on his face. "Sirius!" He called to the man descending the stairs.
"Hello kiddo, welcome to my house." Sirius grinned to him and winked to Ginny, who nodded slightly in response.
Sirius grin widened as he came to his Godsons side, then looked at Molly. "My Godson will not be sharing with your son, he will be in his own suite on the family levels, my elf has already moved his belongings there, on my orders."
Molly's anger grew and she shouted. "I have had enough of your interference Sirius, Harry is under the care of the Order, not yours, he sleeps where I say, not you. Dumbledore…." She shrieked, but was interrupted as the curtains next to them swept aside revealing a life-size portrait of a woman, a woman who quickly made her displeasure known.
"Dumbledore?" The woman asked authoritatively, making Molly jump out of the way and go a few steps back towards the stairs. "What has that posturing, prancing pansy, got to do with what goes on in my families house?" The portrait continued to shout.
"Alright mum, I'll deal with this." Sirius rolled his eyes, then nodded for Harry to follow him towards the portrait.
"Well see that you do Sirius, that daughter of Prewitt has no right to parade around our noble house as if she owns it. Who does she think she is, she forgets herself and her position?. She is even worse than her mother, and that woman made fish wives look like they belonged in high society, by any measure." The Portrait demanded, then her eyes fell on Harry, they widened, and her voice became soft. "Merlin, it can't be. Sirius is that….?"
"Yes Mother." Interrupted Sirius. "That's my Godson, Harry." He drew the curtains closed.
"No Sirius, he's…." Waldeburga Black began, but the rest was muffled and rendered inaudible behind the thick material.
Sirius turned back to Molly, Harry, and Ginny by his side. "Let me make myself perfectly clear once again, Molly. This is my house, not yours or the Orders. You and Dumbledore have no say over how it is run, where my guests sleep, or who may stay in the areas of the house I have not rented to the Order. Those decisions lie with me, not Dumbledore, and most certainly not you."
Molly remained defiant. "Dumbledore is Harry's magical guardian."
"No he isn't, my wife and I are." Sirius rebuffed.
"Wife? You aren't married Sirius." Molly gloated as if that proved her point, only for the bubble to burst as a figure appeared on the stairs that led from the floors above and started to make her way towards them.
"Oh yes he is, Molly Weasley, or didn't you bother reading this evening's prophet or listening to the radio?" The woman asked as she slowly walked down each step, confidently, exuding elegance as she moved.
Molly vaguely recalled Arthur placing the paper before her during the conversation he had, had with her before Ron had found her to tell her about Harry and Ginny. She also recalled her husband saying something about Sirius, but had taken little notice, besides fuming at his behaviour. Now as she recognised who it was calmly walking towards her, she began to panic. "You, but you are a Death eater. Harry, Ginny, get behind me now, this is a trap." She drew her wand.
Harry glanced at Sirius, who shook his head, so did not move and Ginny stayed beside him, watching inquisitively as Sirius and Bellatrix greeted each other with a kiss. "That's Bellatrix Lestrange." Ginny whispered to Harry amazed and somewhat puzzled, her trust in Sirius the only thing stopping her joining her mother.
Bella turned a smiled warmly to her. "Actually Ginny, if I may call you that. I was never married to that idiot, I am Bellatrix Black, wife of Lord Black and Lady of this house." She glared at Molly as she said the last.
Arthur appeared at the bottom of the stairs, behind his wife, but came no closer and did not draw his wand.
Bella continued. "I was a prisoner of the Lestranges for years, they used Polyjuice with hair, and other parts, ripped from me to convince all that I had become dark, I suspect to ruin the name of Black among other things. They stole my identity and used it until they were caught, by which time I was even more of a gibbering wreck, than I had been when given to them. All thanks to some botched memory charms applied on us, by Dumbledore." She rolled up her sleeve, there was no tattoo, no mark of any kind. "I was never a Death eater, and am now back to the person I really am, with my memory completely restored. This is thanks to the removal of the memory block and the work of the Aurors and Amelia to ensure my name is clear."
"Liar!" Molly screamed.
"Molly stop!" Arthur shouted.
Molly spun round to him, shocked that he was there. Having got her attention, Arthur spoke calmly but firmly to his wife. "The Lady Black is telling the truth, it was all there in the Prophet as I showed you, and just as I explained to you." Arthur told her firmly.
"She is a Death eater!" Molly screamed. "She's probably plotting to kill us already, and Sirius brought her here. We must protect Harry, she will hurt him, take him to her Master if we don't stop her, Sirius will help her. I told you he wasn't to be trusted, this is why he wouldn't rejoin the Order, this is why he would not let us have the whole of this house." She struggled to try to get in front of Harry, but he and Ginny moved away from her.
Arthur had heard enough he stepped in front of her, he grabbed her by the elbows and held her firmly, looking at her straight in the eyes. "That is enough Molly." He bellowed as Tonks, Fred and George appeared above, wands at the ready. "The poor woman has suffered enough without you adding to it on her and her husbands first full day of Freedom. It is not your place to ruin it or to question what has already been proven to the Wizangamot and the Ministry beyond any doubt."
Ron and Hermione appeared, both with their wands out at the bottom of the stairs, behind them were Remus, Alastor and Kingsley, all of whom held their wands. Seeing what was going on Remus and Kingsley lowered theirs, Ron kept his up, pointing at Harry and Ginny, while Hermione looked torn about what she should do for the best, her wand not pointing at anyone in particular. It was only when she noticed Moody had his wand pointing at Ron that she decided it was best to keep out of this fight and put hers away. Fred, George and Tonks descended the stairs, sheathing their wands as they came.
"Put your wand away Ron." Arthur told him.
"But, Dad…." He whined.
"If I were you Laddie, I would do what your father says." Mad Eye growled.
"Why the hell should I?" Ron retorted.
Arthur sighed. "Because Ron, Alastor has orders to protect Harry, and you are threatening him, and you are not as quick with a wand as he is, now put that wand away."
Ron glanced to the side and saw Alastors' wand aimed at him, he gulped, and slowly put his wand away.
Sirius nodded to Arthur, then as the sound of a gong rang through the house, said. "I think it is dinner time." He put his arm around Bella, and they started to calmly walk over the landing to pass Molly who was still being restrained by Arthur, they paused and turned to Harry and Ginny.
"Come Harry, Ginny, you two should walk to dinner immediately behind us as befits your position as our Godson and his partner, Ginny on Harry's right arm." Bella smiled to the younger couple. "I am looking forward to getting to know you both, we shall start over dinner."
Sirius agreed and announced. "We shall eat in the dining room, Kreacher has it ready for any of you who may wish to join us celebrating our freedom and the arrival of Harry with us as well. Please follow if you wish to join us, I promise the food will be worth it."
Ginny happily took Harry's arm as he offered it, and he guided her into place behind Sirius and Bella, they set off down the stairs and along the corridor. Remus and Tonks led the others, similarly arm in arm. Fred and George, proudly linked arms and swaggered theatrically down the stairs. Molly moved to stop them, but Arthur stopped her.
"We shall be accepting the Blacks invitation with good grace Molly, and you will be courteous throughout." He told her sternly as Kingsley and Alastor joined the line moving towards the dining room.
Arthur guided his wife towards the room, he gestured Ron and Hermione to walk ahead of them. Ron looked torn at this turn of events, the thought of food winning in his internal battle. Hermione nudged Ron, several times to get him moving, she did not take his arm, he did not offer it. His battle of desires still simmering Ron barely noticed Hermione nudging him, then he realised, his mother would have put the full dose of potion in the food and drink for both Harry and Ginny, then matters would return to normal by morning. With that thought brightening his mood, he responded to the prodding he was receiving.
Molly began to protest again, but Arthur silenced her. "Enough Molly, I told you all about it, once Harry had gone upstairs, and you had emerged from the pantry. I sat you down and showed you the reports in the paper, I know we didn't have the radio on, but even so, you have been made fully aware of it all. If you didn't listen that's your own fault, but I meant what I said, Lady Black has been through enough and doesn't need people in her own home making false accusations as you did. Now you will accept dinner with good grace, and you will behave accordingly." He warned and he steered her through the door.
Most at the dinner table had a relaxed enjoyable meal, with light conversation and laughter for the most part. Molly and Ron reluctantly with the others, not speaking a word to any around them, though typically the youngest male Weasley enjoyed the food served over all six courses. Every time his eyes rested on Harry or Ginny he briefly smirked, but not enough that it was noticed, the others leaving both of them to it, having been rebuffed each time they attempted conversation with them.
Kreacher had arranged the table in traditional formal style, although they were not dressed for dinner on this occasion. Sirius and Bella were sat opposite each other at the centre of the sides of the table, Ginny on Sirius right and Tonks to his left, while Harry was to Bella's right and Remus to her left. Arthur sat at one end of the table with Ron and Hermione on either side of him, Molly was at the other end with Fred and George either side of her. Kingsley and Alastor had the final seats on Bella's side of the formally arranged table. All apart from Ron and Molly seemed to enjoy the company, even Mad eye was heard to admit that he was charmed by Bella.
Despite herself Molly had to admit to herself, even if to no one else, that the food was magnificent. She had no idea how Kreacher had managed it, she had not seen him in the kitchen when she had been there, but it had been a wonderful meal, it was just a shame about the hosts. She could not reconcile what little she could recall from what Arthur had said with what she knew about Bellatrix, it simply could not be true. Accepting it would mean that she would have to accept that Dumbledore had caused the evil that had been done by Bellatrix Lestrange. He was the leader of the light, he could not have done such a thing, it was inconceivable to her that Dumbledore could possibly do such a thing. There was no reason for him to do so, he had always acted for good, of that she had no doubt. She looked at her daughter, neither her husband, nor the girl knew she would not have been here at all if it had not been for Albus. The girl owed the life she knew to the Headmaster, who had also come up with a solution to her crush on the Potter boy. Molly was so grateful for that, there was time enough for Ginny to fall for the boy, something must have happened to pull them together this evening. Both of them clearly needed to be dosed with the potion Albus had taught her to make, perhaps the spells replied too. She could not adulterate their food tonight, though she had given Harry a small dose in the pumpkin juice he had taken with his snack, clearly it was not enough. She would put a full dose in their breakfast in the morning, reapply the spell on Ginny at first opportunity, have Ron cast it on Harry while he was in bed tonight. That would sort this mess out and return things to how Albus wanted them, it had to be done, of that she was sure, the headmaster had said it was for the greater good, so it must be. He deserved the Weasleys unquestioning loyalty, he had done so much for them, they owed him much, none of them, but she, knew how much.
Only she, within her family, knew just how grateful the Weasleys should be to the Headmaster, especially after the Alliance had abandoned them when Arthurs father had saved the Prewitts. Not only had he ensured they got the daughter they had craved, ensured they did not have to live in penury, but they could not have afforded to send their children to Hogwarts without his help. All he had asked in return was that they watch over poor Harry, ensuring he avoided the influence of the dark families and those who would distract him from the path to the greater good. Of all her family, only Ron had some idea of what Dumbledore had done for them and had happily accepted the task of befriending the Potter Heir. He had been especially pleased that it would mean he would be compensated, as would the family for its trouble. After all Harry could afford it, even if he did not know, and it was all what the Alliance could have given to save the Prewitts if they had chosen to. Regardless of what her family had done, to the others in it.
She could not betray the family of her birth, she should not have been forced to live in the relative poverty that she had, had to with her children, she would not betray the only man who had helped her when she had needed it the most. No matter what anyone said, Sirius had followed his family to the dark, or he would not be refusing the Order what it required, and Bellatrix was evil personified. Somehow they had convinced the authorities that they were innocent, but she knew better, both needed to be removed, especially from young Harry's life, before they led him from the path Dumbledore had dictated for the boy. The meal may have been delicious, but she would not be fooled, she had to protect them all from Sirius and Bellatrix. Albus needed to know what was going on here as soon as possible, she knew her duty, she would find a way to tell him.
In contrast to Molly, Bella was thoroughly enjoying being in company once again and getting to know people, as well as catching up with those she had known years before. She enjoyed Tonks company, recognising her Black upbringing as well as her fathers influence blending with it seamlessly. Her friendships with Remus, Kingsley, and Moody picked up as if there had not been a break, while she recognised Fred and George as very clever pranksters who enjoyed life and loved their sister enough to support her. She could quite see why Harry was attracted to Ginny, though she was a bit of an enigma in light of what Kreacher had said about her. There was no doubt the young girl did not take after her parents. She tried to engage Hermione in conversation, but with only limited real success. The girl was clearly intelligent, but also obviously her loyalties were torn. Oddly Bella found she could respect that, the girl was clearly weighing up what she knew and observed, against what she had been told, reserving judgement for now. She guessed that the girl would have questions and would seek answers before reaching a conclusion.
At least she got a response from Hermione, any attempt at conversation with either Molly or Ron was steadfastly ignored, much to Arthurs annoyance, it seemed. The Weasley Patriarch was friendly enough, but his confidence was not the best, and she suspected he was overwhelmed by his wife's behaviour for much of the time. There was no doubt that Molly was a typical Prewitt, self-important and domineering, it was why the Prewitt twins had never dated anyone for long, they were too self entitled. From all she had seen of Molly, she seemed to be similar, perhaps years of it had knocked the stuffing out of Arthur Weasley somewhat. Certainly seemed so from the way that whenever he spoke in a friendly manner to her, which seemed to be his nature he glanced nervously towards his wife, as if making sure she didn't notice.
It was Harry who both intrigued and worried her the most though, he was clearly intelligent, witty, and friendly, but his lack of confidence concerned her. Sirius had told her where he was raised and by whom, and she could guess what that had been like, she had remembered the Dursleys at the wedding of Lily and James. The thought did not please her, but even so, she was worried that his confidence was so low that when he discovered his inheritance, it could destroy him. As Kreacher served the main course she whispered to the Elf to check Harry for spells that might affect his confidence, just to see if there were any. He confirmed there were, as well as a fresh loyalty charm applied by Molly aimed to Dumbledore. She surreptitiously cast the counter curses to them and noticed a positive change in him afterwards, his confidence was better, but not what it should be. He mentioned the snack and drink Molly had made him on arrival, in passing, so suggested he use a drop of the antidote Ginny had given him. He slipped some in his drink, without being noticed by any, but herself and drank it. Again his manner became more natural, a little more confident, as the effects of the potion he had been slipped were counteracted, though she wondered what else might have been done to him. Bella surprised at how quickly she felt protective of her Godson and of Ginny, it was clear that the two shared some sort of bond, one she wanted to see encouraged, she would have to see what could be done. Even with all that, it was the house Elf that had drawn their attention. Kreacher had been intrigued by Harry, just as much as he had apparently been with Ginny when she had arrived, according to Sirius, but would not say why. Both young people were enigmas, which she looked forward to finding out more about.
After the meal Bella and Ginny, now acting like old friends, much to Molly's obvious disgust, led the ladies, who wished to retire, to the drawing room for after dinner drinks. Hermione declined and went up the stairs to her bedroom with a copy of the Prophet, Ginny promised to try not to disturb her when she went up. Molly was warned to behave by Arthur, he was clearly concerned she might cause problems. The men remained at the dinner table where Brandy was served, and those who wished could smoke one of the expensive Cuban cigars from a box brought in by Kreacher, One word from Arthur meant the twins returned them to the box as quickly as they had removed them.
"Did Ginny teach you the spell Harry?" Sirius asked, blowing out a stream of smoke.
Harry nodded "Yes, but everything was clear this evening, though I took some of the antidote after we realised the snack I had earlier could have been tainted. From how I felt afterwards, I would say a potion had been added to it, or the pumpkin juice."
"That just confirms our thoughts then, though naturally dinner was clear, Kreacher was serving, he would have nullified any potions on the food or drink for the family in any case."
Arthur looked up, surprised. "Potions?"
"Yes Arthur, I am afraid so. Sadly I discovered compulsion spells and some potions had been used on Ginny for quite some time, rendering her quite incapable of acting as she wished near Harry amongst other things. I lifted them for her and after the third time detecting the potion I taught her a spell to check her meals, and provided an antidote just in case. Until tonight, every meal has been tainted with small amounts, though as you heard Harry discovered that the snack he had on arrival was effected similarly." Sirius told him gravely.
"I see, and quite rightly you had Ginny let Harry know as well, so he was warned." Arthur observed thoughtfully, then his eyes widened in realisation. "But, Molly has prepared all the meals, as well as Harry's snack earlier. But, that means…." His voice faded, the growing anger that he felt clearly visible on his face.
"Yes old chap, I'm afraid it does, though I suspect she is being guided in this by another. Ginny has noticed that Molly along with Ron have often met with Dumbledore. We have discovered that the headmaster may not be as pure as he would have us all believe, I'm sad to say." Sirius sighed.
Harry raised his eyebrows.
Arthur looked at Harry. "It certainly does seem that way with what has happened to Sirius and Bella at least. Tonight's Prophet is full of the story of what happened to both Sirius and Bella, from it, I would say Albus has acted in ways that are surprising to say the least."
Suddenly the door burst open and the headmaster burst in, looking round he saw Harry and walked over towards him, eyes twinkling, a genial smile on his face. "Ah Harry, glad you are here safe and sound, Miss Granger tells me there are some problems that have arisen, I shall therefore be moving you to a safe location."
Harry frowned. "I have no idea what Hermione has told you, nor when, or how for that matter, but I know of no problems here before your arrival. Seeing that I have just got here I think I shall stay here with my Godparents."
"I'm afraid that in light of recent changes here, until the Order can secure this entire house, then that will not be possible, especially whilst a Death Eater is resident here." Dumbledore spoke firmly.
"Sorry headmaster, there is no one in this house with the dark mark, unless you have brought Snape with you. In addition, you have no jurisdiction over me outside school, so again I must decline." Harry replied.
"Potter you are a fool, always have been. For Merlins' sake get the message, you are not wanted here." Ron blasted.
Arthur turned to his son. "Go to bed Ron, this is nothing to do with you."
Ron opened his mouth to argue.
"Now Ron!" His father bellowed.
Ron almost ran from the room.
Dumbledore frowned at Arthurs actions, but he could deal with that later. He looked back to Harry again, the twinkle and benevolent smile gone, replaced by his stern headmaster expression. "I am your magical guardian Harry and you will do as you are told."
Sirius then stood and moved next to Harry. "Wrong Albus. My wife and I are his guardians, we always have been since James and Lily died it would appear, so you have no say on what he does outside school and even then it is limited. I believe I speak for my wife as well as myself when I say that if Harry wants to stay here, he is more than welcome to."
"I'm staying." Harry said. "I see no reason not to."
"We shall see about that." Dumbledores' voice was now laced with steel, he turned to Alastor. "Alastor, See to it that the Order has access to the whole house please, it is imperative that all threats to Mr. Potter are removed, including Sirius and his wife."
Kingsley, Remus, and Alastor stood "You don't have that authority Albus." Kingsley said. "You are attempting theft. As an active duty Auror, I cannot allow that to happen, I suggest you back down Headmaster."
"Kingsley, I am Chief Warlock, for the greater good of us all, you will follow my instructions and secure this house."
"Exceeding your authority again Chief Warlock?" A female voice came from the doorway. "I should have thought you would have learnt your lesson yesterday morning, but I see that you have not."
Dumbledore quickly changed his expression back to his genial smile as he turned to face the new arrival. "Ah, Amelia I didn't see you there." He charmed. "I am not sure your presence is needed, I rent this house, and I am merely trying to ensure the safety of my charge, young Harry here."
"Let me see, to my knowledge there are a few problems with what you say. As I understand it, Lord Black has allowed your little group use of a few parts of his home, so if it's secure for that it should be secure for the Lord Potter." She replied coolly.
Harry's mouth fell open at hearing the title applied to his name, at the same time as Dumbledores' shoulders slumped. He did not need Harry knowing that yet, if at all, but it was too late now, the Kneazle was out of the bag.
"Amelia, there is no need for that, he needs his childhood." The headmaster pleaded.
But, the head of DMLE had not finished. "That is not your concern, Dumbledore. Now I note that there are several of my Aurors here, if we include Alastor, not to mention that both Lord and Lady Black are fully trained too, are you suggesting they are incapable of protecting Lord Potter. That all, of course, is beside the point. The fact is that as Lord Black said, outside the usual over all responsibilities within Hogwarts, you are not registered as the legal guardian of anyone at all. So it is quite impossible for you to be that of Lord Potter."
Harry looked to Sirius puzzled, his godfather smiled and winked, mouthing "Later." To him.
Amelia continued "I was called by Auror Tonks who was concerned that you simply burst in to this house, unexpected and unannounced. I was concerned that Molly Weasley was attempting to prevent a legitimate emergency call to my department being made, to the extent of having to be restrained by Lady Black. Mrs. Weasley's words, however, were most concerning of all, suggesting you might kidnap Lord Potter for some concept of the greater good, her daughter screaming at her to open her eyes and leave Harry alone."
Dumbledore interjected. "I cannot kidnap my own charge Amelia, I have a right to dictate where he stays."
Amelia smirked "Once again you appear to be under some delusion, simply because you keep repeating a thing, does not make it any truer than the first time you make the claim. Please allow me to once again disabuse you of that notion once again. The Lord Potter is not, nor has he ever been, your charge. There is not a single document that indicates that you ever have been, in fact there are plenty of records to the contrary. You have no authority over him, not in this house or anywhere outside Hogwarts and then only during term-time. As published in the Prophet this evening and announced in a number of other publications as well as on the radio, my department is still investigating all the circumstances. Not to mention discovering who is responsible for so many crimes against Lord and Lady Black, however that much is already proven. So with that clear, it is up to the Lord Potter to decide where he wishes to be. Now, Lord Potter, do you wish to go with the headmaster?"
Harry replied with a firm "No, not at this time."
"That is not up to you Potter. You are coming with me no matter what these people say." Dumbledore ordered.
"In that case, Aurors please remove Mr. Dumbledore to a holding cell to prevent him from committing the crime he has admitted that he was attempting." Amelia ordered.
Kingsley and Alastor stood, Tonks entered the room, wand drawn. "Don't worry Arthur, Molly will be fine, but I had to stun her, or she would have made matters worse for herself." She looked sympathetically towards the head of the Weasley family.
"I understand Tonks." He nodded sadly. "I am beginning to wonder what is going on in my family and how much interference from outside there has been. My apologies to you for the behaviour of some of my family, Sirius and to you Harry."
"Don't worry Mr. Weasley, it's not your fault." Harry assured him.
Sirius nodded to Arthur. "Go see to your wife, then come and see me Arthur." He said reassuringly.
Arthur left the room, followed by Dumbledore at the wand points of three Aurors.
A moment later Bella and Ginny came in, Ginny ran to Harry and enveloped him in a hug.
"It's alright Ginny, I am fine, I think." Harry reassured her.
"No thanks, to my Mother." Ginny said.
"He said Hermione contacted him."
"No, it was Mum." Ginny said. "She went to the Floo in the Kitchen, we didn't know until he arrived, and she bragged about it. Tonks then overrode the block on the Floo in the Drawing room and called Mrs. Bones, apparently Aurors can do that in an emergency. Anyway, Bella and I stopped mum from interfering, until Tonks stunned her to stop her hurting anyone or herself. Hermione went up to bed when we left after dinner, just as she said she would. She took a copy of the Prophet with her, she will probably still be reading it, trying to get enough information to make a decision, but she wasn't involved in all this at all."
"That makes sense, Dumbledore trying to hide who had actually told him, and trying to create a split between her and us, especially Harry." Sirius said. "What I know of Hermione, I would think that she will be trying to get to the bottom of it, getting informed, it seems to be her way."
Ginny looked over and smiled."It certainly is Padfoot. By the way, Dad says he'll be here once he has put mum to bed." She told Sirius.
"Thanks Ginny." Sirius acknowledged. "Now I think we all need to talk, and maybe a drink, let's sit down."
Bella sat next to Sirius, Ginny with Harry while the twins and Remus sat where they were and Kreacher provided more drinks for them all.
Sirius began. "From the look on your face Harry, no one has told you anything of your heritage, come to think of it, it was only when my memory was restored I remembered the Potter title and that it should be yours. As the last member of your family you are, like me, Lord of an ancient and noble house, in fact one of the three oldest houses in the country. We shall need to go to Gringotts in the morning to get your family ring and do a heritage verification, from what Kreacher says, that might be interesting. Ginny, he suggests you should take one too, though he won't say why. So I was going to ask your father if it was acceptable that we took you with us tomorrow, though I expect you would want to accompany Harry for his anyway." He grinned.
"That's for sure." Ginny grinned back. "I hope dad lets me, there is no way mum would."
Authors Notes:
As usual, firstly, many thanks for the reads, follows Favourites and reviews so far, your feedback is most appreciated. I appreciate that my writing style is not for everyone, and may seem hard work for some, but as I say in my profile I write what I would enjoy in the hope that others do to. If you do fantastic, if not then fine, life would be dull if we were all the same. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this chapter, next one will be posted soon.
Best wishes to you all.
Tgfoy