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 11
Disorder or that Order.
9th July. Day 12.
The Death Eaters appeared one by one like smoke under cover of the darkness of the early hours of the morning, in the extremely Muggle street, at last they knew where there target was, they had found it and were now closing in on it. Their Master had detected the wards that had prevented them finding this house, falling that morning and had traced the location, deducing what they had protected, but had only ordered the attack when he was certain of the vulnerability of the target location. They had not set off until long after midnight, having been briefed on what was expected of them.
Each one of them had known there were powerful wards in this area for a number of years, it was common knowledge that such places existed, the same could be said for many places around the country. Usually it was simply some home of a Wizard and his family, in the midst of a Muggle are who didn't want to be bothered by the neighbours. That said few were this powerful, and since they had fallen, they had revealed that they were somewhat different. Only full blood wards were more powerful than these had been, these were only partial blood wards, not linked to two related individuals, but merely to one and an object hidden somewhere near the house. They did not know what had caused the wards on the property to fall, it was something one of their number had been charged with discovering in case it could be utilised in the future. The main task though was to find Potter, it was time for the boy's legend to end, the Dark Lord himself was coming to this pitiful Muggle neighbourhood to finish the boy once he had been found. They had been told to capture the boy unharmed, they were to simply hold him and get a message to their Master once they had secured him. Naturally they were to kill any who got in their way, the only captive was to be Potter himself.
Severus had left the Order meeting before Dumbledore had launched his attack to take the house, he regretted not having the opportunity to shred the portrait, but he was relieved not to participate in the Headmasters foolhardy, poorly planned move. He had responded to the Dark Lord's summons, not knowing what his mission would be. Once he and the others had been given their orders, he had to be careful not to show he knew the mission would fail to get Potter. Once they had arrived, he walked with the group, swiftly and silently, like shadows, towards the house where the boy had grown up, their movements unseen by any who looked out into the street.
The curse breaker began working to decipher the remains of the wards, destroy any that might cause them problems and record any information that might help them get through them in other places more easily. While they started work, the others gathering round the house. Severus unlocked the door with his wand, knowing that Dumbledore had sent word, after the wards had fallen, warning the Dursley's that they were now in danger thanks to the actions of their nephew, hoping they would agree to help him get the boy back under his control in order to restore their own protection. Severus wandered the house, thankful it was deserted, he smirked behind his mask. This was the response to Albus, they had fled.
His second realisation, as he looked round the property, did not sit quite so comfortably with him. Downstairs he had found a makeshift bed in the cupboard under the stairs, the thin mattress stained with old bodily fluids, including blood, as was the thin, ragged blanket that was on top of it. His cursory test, with wand rather than potion, told him the blood and fluids were from Potter, and no other. Upstairs he found there were three luxurious rooms, a well appointed bathroom and a further room. This one had locks on the outside of the door and a cat flap at the bottom, inside was a sparse bed, desk and wardrobe squeezed amongst discarded toy's and books, most still labelled to the Dursleys son, for his birthday or Christmas. A magical residue, told him this had been Potter's room, but surely this was not how Lily's son had been raised he asked himself. Back in the living room, he noted the Muggle photographs, none were of Harry, not a single one. He knew that, unlike the Wizarding counterparts, he could not have simply left the frame, these images could not move. Severus realised that his assumptions about the boy, may not be right, perhaps.
He left the deserted building with much to consider, but he knew that would have to wait, he had a task to complete here, one that he had to ensure happened without the others here, or Dumbledore, suspecting. He checked what progress the curse breakers had made, he needed to influence their decisions in order to succeed. They had discovered a blood stone, which had been used to anchor the wards, He tested it to identify whose had been used, and was dismayed to find it was soaked in Lily's blood. Beyond that the wards were of a standard type, though super charge by the Blood Stone pulling magic from Potter's core for all those years. His return each summer since starting Hogwarts, recharging the stone without his knowledge. These wards had been created by Dumbledore, he knew the effect the stone would have on the boy, it seemed the headmaster had no qualms about making the boy suffer all the time he was in its proximity. Besides why was the stone necessary, if there was the blood of family in the house, in Petunia's veins as the Headmaster had always claimed to be the case? If that were so then the stone was unnecessary, and its power faded long ago, it was still charged, so Petunia and Harry did not share a blood connection of any kind, nor did he with anyone else who lived there.
The Dark Lord had wanted a powerful message sending, the one he wanted was impossible now, the only one left was to destroy the house in as spectacular way as possible. The most effective way to do that magically and leave evidence of what had happened here would be to supercharge the stone with Magic. Severus knew doing so would leave evidence of what had happened that could not be missed and could only be left by the illegal Bloodstone. Supercharging it would leave a permanent residue, that would tell all who detected it the full nature of its creation and presence. The biggest problem with his plan would be convincing the team's leader, Lucius Malfoy, that destroying the stone was the best way to send the appropriate message. Looking at the arrogant blonde, Severus wondered if the man knew where his wife and son were that evening. He was deciding the best way to convince him, when the curse breaker unwittingly provided the answer.
The man's wand tip had glowed, and he looked surprised. "Damn, despite the ones that fell and the protections I have removed, some of the minor wards for this place are still effective. Aggressive spells, like fiend fire, will be ineffective against the house." He pronounced.
"What?" Malfoy spat. "Can't you get round them? We must achieve something, our Master is going to be furious Potter is not here for him. We must raise this place to the ground, send a message to the fools who want to protect him, it sheltered Potter, the dark Lord expects it."
"The only way is to destroy the blood stone, it is the source and whilst it's charged those wards will remain. They could last for years, without the chief wards to take power from it. The only way I know of to do that would be to overpower it, all of us must cast at it simultaneously, feed magical energy into it until it destroys itself, it is our only chance." The man told him.
Snape couldn't have been happier with the Curse Breaker's suggestion, but for appearance's sake, he asked. "Are you certain that is the only way?"
"It is!" Came the definite reply. "I can see no other way, but to ensure success it needs every wand we have, it may be more efficient if we all cast the same spell. Perhaps not an aggressive one, in case that triggers the wards, but one we can hold for the time it takes to destroy it."
Lucius ordered the whole team to assemble around the stone, on the count of three they cast the cheering charm, the least offensive spell they could think of, at the stone placed on the lawn between them. It took less than a minute before the stone, blew itself into dust, that spread over the area, a deep crater driven into the soil where the stone had been. They felt the remaining wards fall, within minutes the house was ablaze with Fiend fire. Task complete the death eaters left Privet Drive, as the fire began to awake neighbours. Severus knew their action had amplified the evidence of the blood stone, and embedded it in the very bedrock beneath the lawn, forever telling Wizard Kind what had happened here. He and Lucius were the last to leave, knowing the magical discharge that had erupted here would eventually attract the attention of the Aurors, they would not be staying long. The sound of Sirens breaking the silence of the early hours of the morning, he knew that within minutes the Muggle Fire Service would arrive, and the occupants of the surrounding houses would see the coming dawn, but they would not. A brief nod to each other that all was satisfactory, they both left in a cloud of black smoke, which dissipated quickly, just as the blue flashing lights reflected at the end of the street.
Harry and Ginny were late waking that morning, long after the sunlight had begun to shine behind the curtains at their windows. Bella went to wake them, knowing they had a busy day in front of them, though they had not yet finalised the order they would do what they needed to. Dobby had opened the door to their suite, and let her in, happily telling her the couple were still asleep, and changing. That told her that what Ragnar had warned them of was still taking place, the fact that Dobby was so happy about it, assured her that they were not in any danger from it. Reassured, and feeling the Magic almost tingling in the air, she knocked and opened the door to their bedroom, the couple were still asleep in each others arms, beneath a glowing, translucent, golden dome of light which prevented her disturbing them.
She bit her lip in worry, despite herself. She had not known Harry long, but knew he was not keen on a lot of attention, and from what little she could see, the changes in both would definitely draw some attention. Even more than was bound to come as a result of everything else, adding to the pressure on them. There was no doubt that the last day or two had seen so much change for all of them, she thought back for a moment. Was it really only a couple of days, since she had been released from the prison that had been her mind for so long. Really such a short time since the key had been turned that gave her back her life, her Husband, her freedom. Had it really only been one full day since gaining custody of Harry, not even that long since they became guardians of Ginny. It stunned Bella how quickly she had gone from having no one at all, except the healers on her ward, to having a proper family of her own, which was something that she had always wanted as she grew up. She had been more than pleased when they discovered that her family blood ran in Harry's veins, his and Ginny's bonding was the icing on the cake as far as she was concerned. These were the children she could never have, even if the Dementors had not caused Sirius to be infertile, the Lestranges torture of her had ensured there was no way she could become pregnant and have any of her own.
Although she knew they were not hers, Harry and Ginny filled that gap for both herself and Sirius. She had already found, in the last twenty-four hours, that she could not conceive of a life without them in it. From what she knew the two youngsters had already been through more than any child should, especially Harry, and she doubted she had discovered everything that had happened to either of them yet. Even so they were incredible young people, who had triumphed over much adversity, she was sure they would do so again. She left them, unable to do more, they were safe. Still thinking and concerned about them, she entered the corridor and heard a noise from the landing below. The Order members were starting to recover, and beginning to complain.
Sirius approached, he nodded towards Harry and Ginny's rooms, a puzzled look on his face.
She grinned. "The process Ragnar warned us about is ongoing."
Sirius nodded his understanding. "It seems our downstairs guests are becoming restless."
Bella's smile became predatory. "Shall we?"
"Why not." Her husband replied and offered his arm, which she took, and they sedately walked towards the stairs.
They stopped seven stairs from the bottom of the flight and took in the view. The members of the Order were shouting at Dumbledore, who still could not move or respond, even Ron and Molly were demanding action.
Lord and Lady Black watched the scene with growing amusement as an immobile Headmaster was berated by members of the Order. Some, those with cooler heads, turned and walked away and out of the house, leaving the loud ones to vent their pointless rage. Fred and George stood to the side, smiling at the ludicrous behaviour on display, Hermione was watching in dismay, shaking her head in disbelief, while Arthur simply watched on sadly.
Sirius conjured two comfortable chairs, shaped to fit on the stairs to provide a level seat for them, he and Bella sat and Kreacher appeared with two cups of tea, which the couple sipped while they watched, waiting to be noticed. Arthur was the first to notice them, he nodded to them in greeting. Next to see them was Hermione, who smiled, then put her hand to her mouth to hide a giggle. Then the twins noticed, and happily waved to them, then stood grinning, clearly waiting for the show. Sirius and Bella acknowledged them happily, Sirius grinning widely at the twins. Suddenly the spell on Dumbledore wore off, and he quickly silenced those around him with a wave of his wand. Waiting until they realised they could not speak, and they settled, he then spoke to them.
"Whilst I understand your frustration, we must not fight amongst ourselves, we still have a chance to achieve our goal." His eyes were twinkling madly as he attempted to placate them. "This must become a safe house and Harry retrieved for the greater good, so we can guide him back to the path that will ensure he works towards his destiny."
"Oh really Albus, you really don't know when to give up do you." Sirius snorted. "You cannot take this house, nor will my nephew be your puppet any longer. Perhaps it would be best for you to accept that, for everyone's sake."
Albus and the others finally noticed they were not alone, they stared in shock at Sirius and Bella, sat on comfort, sipping tea as if this were an everyday occurrence. The headmaster was the first of them to recover, he drew himself up to his full height, determined to enforce his authority.
"Sirius you must see reason, we do not wish to use force." He tried to placate, those behind him were beginning to look at him dubiously, except for the determined look on Molly's face or the bitterness etched on Ron's. "This house must be safe for us to use as we see fit, it cannot be whilst the wife and son of a Death Eater are allowed free access. They are a threat to young Harry, you must see that."
Bella snorted. "Now Albus, why would he be safer with you than with his own family, and why on earth should he trust you, when it was you who kept him in the dark about his true identity, simply to try to control him. You need him, far more than he needs you and last I heard, he told you he wished to remain here, not go with you."
"What would you know." Ron snapped. "I'm his best mate, you probably only want him for his money."
"Enough Ron." His father ordered, glaring at his youngest son in disgust.
"Arthur!" Molly snapped back. "Ron is only telling the truth, that is all they want, only we really care about him."
Sirius looked at Ron and his mother with disgust. "Don't judge others by your own actions Molly, or you Ronald. Harry knows more than you realise, he is very well aware of which of you is trustworthy and which of you are not what you have portrayed. It has hit him hard, but he is comforted by having a family of his own now, one that accepts him for his own sake."
"Dumbledore, do something." Molly Screeched.
"Molly don't fret." The headmaster confidently assured her. "Sirius, you are placing my ward in danger, you seem to have filled his head with some nonsense about his family, which of course he would want to believe. He has a family in Surrey who love him dearly, they have brought him up from the kindness of their hearts. As his magical guardian, I demand that he is returned to my custody immediately." Dumbledore folded his arms in triumph, a smug expression, confident he had played the final trump in this battle of wills, one that could not be beaten.
Sirius snorted. "Just because you believe it, does not make your delusion true headmaster, you have no ward in this house, as you well know."
"You know perfectly well I mean Harry, now stop playing games and return him to me, it is time this charade you have created came to the end we both know it must." Dumbledore fumed.
Sirius simply sighed. "I am afraid that is not possible, not least because there is no charade on our part, but also because it would be against his and his lawful guardians wishes. Every authority you had taken when you let it be believed that you had that position, was removed two nights ago. It was easily done, once it was established beyond doubt that you never legally held that position, or had any right to claim it. My wife and I, as his God parents, are his legal and magical guardians, a fact he is more than happy about after your neglect of him and that of the Dursley's on your behalf, Albus."
"How dare you." Molly screamed.
"Molly!" Bellowed Arthur. "You will be silent and not interfere, is that clear."
She stared at her husband in disbelief. "Arthur I am just..."
"Enough!" He ordered. "You have interfered enough, you will remain silent now. This is between Lord Black and Albus, it is not our business, as such you may not intervene again."
Molly fumed. "I stand with Albus, he is the hero of the Wizarding world, yet it appears that Ron and I are alone within house Weasley in this natural support of him. Only we two in this family have the courage to speak out for him, good job when you won't Arthur." She bellowed.
"If that is how you wish to play it Molly, then we shall." Arthur said grimly.
Molly smirked missing the danger in his tone, her face fell when Arthur drew his wand. "As head of house Weasley, I require and request that Molly Weasley and Ronald Weasley shall not interfere further in any way with any discussion between Lord Black, his house members and Albus Dumbledore, so mote it be."
A flash shot from his wand to Molly and Ron, binding them to his command.
Molly was about to explode with rage, when Albus raised his hand. "Arthur." He said in a disappointed tone. "Was that really necessary?"
"Dumbledore, do not interfere in a family matter, you have done so too often already." Arthur said firmly, not answering his question.
The watchers from the Order gasped, they understood what had happened and what Albus had tried to do, but they had never heard Arthur speak in such a way to Dumbledore before. That and his accusation were both shocking to them, a few more turned and made their way down the stairs, wanting no more to do with Dumbledores plan to bring Harry into his control.
Dumbledore swallowed and tried to defuse the situation for now. "We shall discuss this later Arthur, when you have calmed enough to be more rational. In the meantime we still have the safety of Mr. Potter and Miss Weasley to settle."
"You mean The Earl Potter Black and the Lady Ashmole as they really are, don't you Albus, thanks to your interference in my house." Arthur growled. "We shall not be discussing anything to do with my house, beyond what is necessary for the education those children I have remaining at Hogwarts."
Dumbledores' shoulders sank, he could feel he was losing support and control of this situation, he had to try to re assert his authority, rally those who remained. "This house must be under Order and my control in its entirety, to ensure the safety of all who use it. Members of the Order, forward, it seems we have no alternative, we shall take it by force." He ordered.
"I really wouldn't do that if I were you." Sirius warned cheerily, Fred and George perked up at this comment, and took gleeful attention again.
"You leave us no choice." Dumbledore yelled and ran to the stairs with amazing agility, not realising he was alone, not one member of the order followed him, though both Molly and Ron seemed to be struggling against some force that was preventing them from joining in.
He smiled as his foot hit the first step, then his other carried up to the second.
Those watching saw Sirius shake his head. "I warned you." He said, just as the Headmaster reached the third step, then with a flash, was gone. "I do wish he had listened." Sirius shrugged, smirking.
Fred and George looked at each other open-mouthed, then fell to their knees in front of Sirius, bowing repeatedly and crying. "We're not worthy, we're not worthy."
While Sirius and Bella were on the stairs, dealing with Dumbledore, Harry and Ginny woke, feeling better than either had ever felt before, finding themselves well and truly wrapped in each other they smiled to each other.
"I could wake up to that every day." Harry sighed.
"Good!" Giggled Ginny. "I'm not going anywhere without you any time soon."
Ignoring the morning breath from each other, they kissed deeply, feeling something between them, they parted gently, Harry blushed, causing Ginny to giggle.
"Don't worry my love." She whispered. "I am glad I can cause that reaction from you. Besides, you aren't the only one to be affected, it's just more obvious with you." She kissed him again, rubbing herself against him.
Harry groaned with pleasure, returning her kiss and pulling her tightly against him. They didn't hear the knock on the door, or notice it open and a head look round it, nor did they hear the three coughs as the person entered the room. It was only the sound of a metal tray hitting the floor that drew their attention. They parted, grabbed their wands and had them pointed at the figure before the tray had stilled on the carpet, the intruder reacting in amazement, began to lift her hands to show they were empty.
"I'm sorry, but it was the only way to get your attention." Narcissa said.
The couple relaxed and lowered their wands, Narcissa let out a sigh of relief. "It's time to get up, now you are awake and no longer glowing, I'm afraid, Sirius and Bella are dealing with the Order, Draco is having breakfast and you two have a very full day ahead." She paused then smiled. "Sirius and Bella warned me about what the Goblins said might happen, it looks like they were correct, you will both need new wardrobes, Draco is not going to know what to say when he sees you both. I shan't warn him, or Sirius and Bella, their faces will be a picture when they see you." She grinned mischievously then left the room.
Puzzled, the couple looked at each other properly for the first time, their eyes widened at the changes they could see above the blankets, Ginny threw the bed covers back. "Oh my!" She breathed as she gazed at Harry's naked form.
"Wow!" Was all Harry could muster, as he admired her similarly nude figure.
A loud bang on the door made them jump, they heard Narcissa's voice calling. "Now you have had chance to admire each other, it really is time you got up. You can ravish him later Ginny dear." She laughed. "See you in the dining room down the corridor."
They both blushed, but got up and went to their bathroom. Narcissa was right they would have to adjust their clothing magically to fit, but only after taking the time to view the changes in themselves in the full length mirrors in the dressing room. Thankful that they were within wards that stopped the detection of their wand use, though they guessed that Dobby might have made the alterations already.
Having washed they both moved to the dressing room, where the mirrors were larger to look at themselves and each other. Harry had gone from scrawny, short teen to a well-built six-foot plus, his usually unruly hair had grown, it was now hanging right down his back, longer than Dumbledores, but jet black rather than white.
"Your bum is glorious too." Ginny grinned from behind him, she walked over to him and stroked it, he shivered in response, she giggled. "I'm sorry love I couldn't resist, but we had better hurry before Narcissa comes back, to see where we have got to, we had better get dressed quickly."
He nodded and walked to the door to the wardrobe, without taking his eyes off her until he was through the door. She stood gazing at herself in the mirror, pleased with what she saw. Her hair had also grown almost to her bum, framing her upper body with an auburn halo, she had always wanted to grow her hair like this, but had never been allowed to. She had grown in build and height too, she was now only an inch or two shorter than Harry. Her muscles were well-defined, though still feminine, her breasts were fuller, in proportion with her new figure and now very long, shapely legs.
"Oi Ginny, I thought you said we have to hurry, besides I like that view too." Harry stuck his head back out of the door to see what she was doing a wide grin on his face.
She, smiled, than turned and walked into the wardrobe to find him, still naked, waiting for her. As she walked in his smile grew, he stood and wrapped her in his arms and kissed her. Parting their lips, he whispered. "Merlin Ginny, I love you." to her.
She smiled, cheekily. "I love you as well Harry, but we had better get dressed before she really does come looking for us. I want to save this view of you just for me, not to mention all this just for you as well." She indicated herself with her hands.
Chuckling he unhesitatingly agreed with her, as they both collected their clothes and returned to the dressing room. They both dressed, Dobby appeared to assist them once they had their underwear on, he had adjusted their clothes to fit while they had been in the bathroom. They checked themselves in the mirrors in the dressing room, both fixed their hair in pony tails, both fixed magically, at the Elf's suggestion before they went back into their Bedroom, then, arm in arm went through their lounge and left the suite.
As they started along the passageway to the Dining room, they could hear voices from below, but ignored it, heading for breakfast instead. They passed one of the window overlooking the square, Harry glanced through it to note the weather. "What the hell?" He exclaimed stopping at it.
Ginny looked out onto the grass in the square and started laughing. "Oh that just serves him right."
Out on the grass was Dumbledore, picking himself up from where Harry had, a moment before seen the Headmaster land on his back, arms and legs outspread.
Dumbledore was shocked to suddenly find himself deposited unceremoniously on his back on the dew laden grass in the square outside. After a moment looking up at the candy floss clouds against the blue sky, he quickly picked himself up and looked round. Thankfully it was still fairly early, so no one else was in the square, and most of the curtains in the surrounding houses were drawn, his ignominious arrival in the square had not been noticed.
Bloody Sirius, he thought, how dare he, he would have to be taught not to treat him like this. I'll teach him proper manners and how to treat me with the appropriate respect the moment I am back inside, he fumed.
He looked round at the houses and swore profusely, he could not see nor remember the precise location of the house he wanted, how had Sirius achieved that? Albus knew the headquarters were here, in this square, but where? He was the Order's secret keeper, how had the house and knowledge been hidden from him, it was impossible. Another quick glance round assured him he would not be seen, he brought an image of the Kitchen in the house to mind and Apparated. He had hoped to arrive in the kitchen, but he seemed to hit something hard, with force, he saw stars from the impact and found himself landing on the grass once more, fuming he stood and Apparated to Hogsmeade.
He arrived in the village, at the apparition point in the square and instantly strode off towards his school, ignoring the early rising villagers he passed, missing his brothers smirk and ignoring the call of. "Someone got one over on you have they Albus." From him.
Storming along the road then up to the castle, hair and beard streaming out behind him, Albus Dumbledore ignored his surroundings, single mindedly charging to his target. Later he would not remember his passage along that road, through the gates and up the drive, he could not recall climbing the steps and opening the doors, or his transition along the corridors and up to the entrance of his office. The Gargoyle at the entrance to his office, must have leapt out of the way, for he could not recall giving the password, or his journey up the stairs, to burst into his office.
Albus could recall lighting a fire in the grate, adding Floo powder, and then realised he could not recall the address, so the Floo network was useless. His last hope was his familiar, Fawkes, he turned to speak with the Phoenix just in time to see the bird burst into flames, beginning its rebirth. It would be over a week before the Phoenix would be able to transport him anywhere. His fists hit the top of his desk, sending objects and papers briefly dancing across it from vibrations of the impact. He was frustrated, stuck, a Portkey was useless, he had warded the property against their use himself, he had no way of gaining entry to the house, making his task for the greater good so much harder to achieve. How could he control the Order, gain the house or regain Potter. Damn Black and his interference, Albus would need to work fast to regain all that had been lost and not loose more, but first he had to work out how he would manage it. He knew that if he lost today, then it would make things so much more difficult, especially where his plans for Potter, and his own elevation were concerned.
On the first floor landing at Grimmauld Place, Arthur had surprised everyone by taking control within moments of Dumbledores departure. Even Molly was taken aback enough to follow his lead without question, or perhaps it had been his earlier order, but whatever the reason she did not argue with any of his actions or instructions.
First Arthur received assurance from Sirius that Dumbledore was unharmed and had merely been expelled from the house by the wards. He even learned that the wards would allow the headmaster back in a day or so, unless Lord Black forbade it. He then instructed Molly to go and make breakfast for the remaining members of the Order, she called Ron, Hermione and the twins to help, then led them down to the kitchen. After they had gone, he gathered the others around, he suggested that they discuss what to do next about the Order over breakfast, they all agreed it was a good idea. They began to descend the stairs, leaving Arthur, who turned to Sirius and Bella. "I shall try to calm things down with them Sirius, though I suspect as they discover more about what has gone on, the more fed up with what Albus has done than they are they will become." He assured them.
"Thanks Arthur, we shall be going out today, we shall leave by the front door to reassure them all that Harry and Ginny are fine." Sirius told him.
Arthur nodded cautiously. "Good idea, I shall tell them all what has happened for those two, at least in outline. That should help reassure them that they are not being held from us against there will, too. The only reservation I have is how Molly and Ron might behave, otherwise I expect the others will just be pleased to see them."
"That is if they are recognisable, I understand what the Goblins warned may happen may well have done, though I have yet to see the results. No matter what, I doubt that Harry will be as handsome as me though." Sirius grinned.
Bella laughed at him. "Let's see, he has Potter and Black blood, with that combination he's going to be far better looking than you, I should think dear. Sorry, but you don't stand a chance."
The two men joined her laughter. "Well I'd better go down and start the work." Arthur grinned ruefully, he turned and went down the stairs, while Sirius banished the chairs and escorted Bella back up to the family levels.
Harry and Ginny were still laughing as they reached the door of the family level dining room for breakfast. Opening the door, Ginny entered first, causing Draco to glance up from where he was sitting. "Morning you two." He started, then looked again. "Bloody hell you two!" He exclaimed taking in their new appearances, which even fully clothed was impressive.
"Morning Draco, problem?" Harry teased.
"Oh, no nothing, except that overnight Ginny has gone from cute young teen, to a statuesque goddess and you Harry, well to be blunt you were a scrawny runt. One sleep and you get up looking like you could kill a Basilisk, of course rumour has it you already have, but that's one of the dafter rumours about you, in case you hadn't heard that one. I mean where would you find a Basilisk to kill anyway?" Draco replied.
"Chamber of secrets, second year." Harry said, taking his seat and starting to eat the bacon and eggs Kreacher had brought him.
Draco looked at them both in disbelief. "It was true? Shit, no way, you have to be kidding me. Why would Dumbles allow a student to do that?"
Ginny was getting a little uncomfortable about the conversation, but it had been two years ago after all, things had changed. "I doubt the Headmaster could do anything to prevent it to be fair, it was your father giving me Riddles diary that started it off after all."
Draco was angry for a moment. "Don't call Lucius that, he has in no way earned that title." He spat, then calmed. "Look, I'm sorry, but after all that man has done to mother and I, I have never really regarded him as that, but because of his friends, I had to play the role he expected. That said, what do you mean he gave you a diary that started it? And who on earth is Riddle?"
Harry stopped the line of questioning. "Look Draco, for four years we have not exactly seen eye to eye, I can see somewhat why you were upset with me and to a certain extent why you behaved like you did. However, as a result of how you have been and my up bringing, I don't yet fully trust you or know how much I can do so. This new you, we have only known a few hours, we just need time to build that trust, give it time."
"Fair enough." Draco nodded. "But, could you just tell me who this Riddle is?"
Harry held his wand and wrote "Tom Marvollo Riddle" In the air in flaming letters, then rearranged them, allowing Draco and Narcissa to read the name they became, before cancelling the spell.
Harry grinned at Draco's stunned expression, he couldn't resist teasing the blond a little. "If that surprises you, it's going to be one hell of a shock when you learn his Father was a Muggle."
"What?" Draco spluttered, as his mother dropped her fork, open-mouthed then laughed.
"As soon as you showed me the name thing, I should have known, pseudonyms are so not a pure blood thing he has to be hiding something." She observed.
Sirius and Bella walked in "Morning you lot." Sirius grinned, then looked at Harry and Ginny. "Bloody hell, that lot downstairs is in for a shock when they see you two. Ginny if I was younger and not a married man, blimey you are hot." He glanced at Bella expecting retaliation, he was surprised when none came.
"I have to agree with my husband, you have both really benefited from this stage of the changes." She grinned. "Really sexy, the pair of you." She teased.
Blushing deeply, while Draco fell about laughing, Harry quickly changed the subject. "So Padfoot, Mrs. Padfoot, what's the plan for today?"
Bella spluttered, affronted. "Mrs. Padfoot? How could you Harry, I'm Talon, not Mrs. Padfoot."
Sirius Laughed at the mortified expression on Harry's face. "Not to worry Harry, Bella had a Marauders name of her own, it was Talon, but it might get changed to Mrs. Padfoot from now on."
"Not if you want to share my bed it won't, you old Dog." Bella replied, elbowing Sirius in the gut, making him cry out. "To answer your question though Harry, the plan for the day includes, going to the Ministry to hear this prophesy you are in. Then Gringotts for a progress report, followed by shopping with Narcissa, plus anything else we need to do as a result of what Ragnar tells you both."
Draco groaned. "Shopping with mum can't take too long, we have to let everyone know Harry isn't Dumbledores Puppet any more, they have all been worried about it, they will be happy to have you free of his influence."
"I wasn't his Puppet." Harry exclaimed.
Draco shrugged. "His golden boy then, frankly Harry, we were wondering what his hold on you was. He was the only one you seemed to trust, apart from the slug spitter and brain box. The rest of us were trying to figure out how we could get to you, to be honest. They always seemed to be clinging on to you, like limpets, you never seemed to be on your own, even in the hospital wing."
Harry pondered what Draco said and saw what he meant, it had also stopped him noticing Ginny much as well, he realised. Even so, there was one puzzle for Harry. "You keep saying we Draco, who is this we that you need to let know?"
Draco took a breath and explained. "From our year, mostly those I mentioned last night, Longbottom, Bones, Greengrass, Lovegood and a few others, there are a number of other families in years above and below us, as well as some whose children aren't at Hogwarts yet or are educated elsewhere, like the Delacours. All scions of the top houses in the Wizarding world, mostly thank to either the Potters, Ashmoles or Blacks. Essentially, it is those of our generation, whose family aren't kneeling at Riddles feet. We do have the advantage that thanks to my position, we do know which of the families are as well." Draco replied. "We didn't realise you hadn't a clue about all this, those of us in our year, all happen to be cousins of yours, no more than three times removed, on either the Potter or the Black lines, or are similarly related to Ginny on the Ashmole line. All have been raised to be loyal to the alliance that the three families headed, more than any dark or light Lords who just want to manipulate us."
Sirius nodded. "Only Dumbledore and Riddle with their followers subscribe to the extremes, though not all there followers, especially Dumbledores, are as radical as they are. Both are trying to gain power for themselves, in the name of good or evil, in fact neither has a monopoly on the philosophy they claim to represent. They try to gain power by gaining allies amongst the noble families or controlling others, trying to ensure that their view is the only one that is acceptable, there have been atrocities on both sides, admittedly those who follow Voldemort seem more ready to commit them. Each of them will accuse the other and not listen to the reasonable arguments they make, claiming any to be indefensible, or accusing the other to be a monster for their opinions and views. Both are petrified the other will gain your support and those of the families allied to you, or worse that the same families reject them and unite behind you, removing their power base."
"Why would they unite behind me?" Harry asked. "I know there is all that boy who lived rubbish, but surely they wouldn't follow me because of that."
Draco shook his head. "No Harry, you are much more than that. The Potters are one of the ancient families, they built alliances over just over a Millennium, that we know of, if we had royalty in the Wizarding world separate to the actual monarchy, the Potters, Blacks and Ashmoles would be it, for no other reason than the cross family alliances they built. Although they are pure blood, the Dumbledores are quite a young family, only recently buying a seat on the Wizangamot, they were never part of the Alliance. The Alliance represented the much more reasoned approach the majority could agree with, one that threatened the power base of both sides, simply because it could see the good and bad on both sides and worked to a more balanced resolution, even if that took generations to achieve."
Sirius agreed. "That is essentially correct, both Albus and Riddle wanted to forge an alliance with one of the two great families, the Potters or the Ashmole's. The Blacks were influential, though they had fewer alliances than the others and both believed they knew what my family stood for, they were wrong of course. When you two marry, you will unite the three most powerful families in our world and have alliances of varying types, with two thirds of the lines in magical Europe."
"This is the real reason your parents were targeted, Harry, they refused to join Riddle, and he assumed that meant they had joined Dumbledore, not to mention he didn't like anyone to say no to him." Bella added. "The Prophesy that we shall hear today, was simply the catalyst for the timing, although both Riddle and Dumbledore take it seriously so it adds to the reasons for targeting you. Voldemort had wanted the influence an alliance with the Potters would have given him, certainly, but he knew better than to threaten them. At least until the Prophesy was made, until we hear it only the one who gave it and Albus know the entirety of it, Riddle was told part by Snape, who was a spy for Dumbledore, or so it was later claimed."
Harry's fore head hit the table. "Oh great, why is my life never simple, just what I need leaders of both sides after me and more people in awe of me too." He groaned.
Draco grinned. "Don't worry Harry, one of the reasons the alliance has lasted for so long is there is none of that between the families. They each bring their own skills and talents in to benefit all, we are all of equal status within the members, you will simply be the rallying point, the glue that binds us together, they won't be fawning over you, too much."
"So if you are part of this alliance, what's been with the attitude then Draco?" Harry asked pointedly. "
I had to keep up appearances among those at school whose parents were Death Eaters like Lucius, he is too deep in with Riddle. Although, I have to say, that it was mainly aimed at Weasley and Granger if you recall, yes you occasionally I know, but it looked to us like you were rejecting us, perhaps even breaking the alliance, so I had to keep up the pretence that I was not rebelling from what was expected of me by those who believed it to be dead. Do you remember my offer on the train, at the start of the first year? " Draco responded.
Harry nodded.
"I'll tell you more about that later, but I was sent to remove you from the clutches of a family who had broken their alliance with you in favour of one with Dumbledore. Crabbe and Goyle tagged along with me, not knowing what my actual aim was, they were among those watching me, so I had to keep up appearances." He told them. "Anyway, the Weasley's were once a wealthy family thanks to the Alliance and their part in it, but they betrayed us all to Dumbledore, thanks to the Prewitts. We knew you had been hidden beyond our reach, thanks to some of our heads of house who had Riddle including my idiot father, although the only link they had was through the Blacks and his Marriage to Mother. That almost cause our exclusion from the alliance, but for the family ensuring that the Marriage contract specified that it would not draw the Malfoys in, but not exclude Mum. Apparently that was thanks to your Grandmother, she also ensured that so long as any children they had were properly educated in the Alliance and did not follow the Malfoy attributes, they would be welcomed in. I am so glad Lucius took little interest in actually raising me, or I might have actually been the arrogant little git I had to pretend to be. Anyway it seemed clear that Dumbledore had got to you, even if it was through others, so most of us backed off and had to keep up appearances that you could have betrayed us. Neville, as closest to you, kept an eye and tried to help you, even though he wasn't one of your closest friends, as your dorm mate he did what he could. It was him who quite quickly realised you had no clue about anything in the Magical world, least of all your position. We all met in secret to try to maintain it all for when you discovered the truth."
"Why not just tell me?" Harry asked.
Surprisingly Ginny answered. "Would you have listened to them before now my love?"
"Fair point." He grinned. "I know I can be stubborn and looking back, I can certainly see I just took everything at face value, didn't bother questioning things enough and finding out for myself. Time to put things right, can we get the others here this evening, while our headmaster cannot get in?"
Draco nodded, took out his necklace and squeezed the talisman. "Done!" He said. "Now you have your ring you can contact us all too, touch the ring and think your message to us, we will know what is. I told them all to come here about seven thirty this evening, Sirius can we arrange for them to get past the Fidelius?"
Sirius nodded, before Narcissa added. "The heads of the families will want to meet with you also, I am sure they will agree that for the survival of our world, we need to bring the old influences back and remove both Riddle and Dumbledores power bases. Return to the state we were in before the Grindelwald attacks in Europe, which lead to one person having too much power. Not one of the three families would dream of exercising the power that Dumbledore has taken, we need to return it to the Wizangamot and reform the lower house of the minor and new houses. It certainly seems that will be the only way to stop our society polarising and becoming fragmented enough to collapse as a result. That would play into both their arms, though neither can see it, that's their problem, too fixed on their own plans to really see the results of what they are doing."
"No more now!" Bella said sharply, though she was smiling. " I don't like political talk at breakfast, I've allowed it so far today as it has been matters that Harry needs to know about, but please lets finish our meal with lighter conversation, such as which shops we are taking our men to today ladies."
Suddenly Sirius and Draco looked horrified whilst Narcissa, Bella and Ginny began talking animatedly. Harry looked at Draco and his God Father. " What's up?" he asked.
"Shopping!" Groaned Sirius.
Harry shrugged, "Oh? Is that all? I've never been really."
"You can't mean they never took you for clothes or anything?" Sirius asked.
"Clothes shopping for me? You must be joking, I had Dudley's hand-me-downs, and when they took him for new ones, I was made to wait outside the shop, if they had to take me with them." He replied.
"Lucky sod." Draco growled, before he realised all that had been said. "You mean you never had new clothes? I take it back, you may have been lucky not to have to go shopping, but no wonder you never had anything that looked good to wear, I never realised that was why."
Downstairs, the members of the Order gathered in the kitchen, most in a mild state of shock or surprise. They had witnessed the seemingly effortless expulsion of Dumbledore from the headquarters. The supposedly, most powerful wizard of the age, had been effortlessly evicted from the house, in the blink of an eye. They had thought he had warded the house, had control of it with Sirius blessing, but apparently not. They were beginning to realise that they may have been misled into trying to take the house, as a result each of them had much to consider. The kitchen was full, Molly placed plates full of bacon, eggs, sausages, mushrooms, tomatoes, fried bread and black pudding on the table for all to help themselves. She was determined that breakfast would be plentiful for those down here, at least. Unaware that those upstairs had their own breakfast up there, she hoped the smell of cooking wafting through the house would bring them down to where she was confident that all those here could bring them back to their senses. She was not encouraged as time went past, with only her twins talking to each other while they ate, though she convinced herself that they were all waiting the arrival of the others in the house, just as she was. However, each of them simply remained silently in their own thoughts as they loaded their plates, then sat round the large table, eating. Hermione passed out mugs of tea and coffee, whilst Ron distributed pumpkin juice to those who preferred it.
As the meal was completed all looked to Arthur, who sighed, then spoke. "Well I suppose we need to decide where we go from here. Personally, Albus obsession with Harry is beginning to disturb me. I have always wondered if it was healthy for the boy in any case, but the events of the last day or two have done nothing to reassure me. Apart from my boys, Hermione and us you will not know that the relatives Albus placed him with were abusive to him, physically. Until he was eleven his room was the cupboard under the stairs, he did all the chores, and they barely fed him, they certainly did not clothe him appropriately, giving him the old clothes from their son. We sent him the first Christmas presents he could remember receiving, not to mention birthday greetings. Ron and my twins once had to tear bars from his window to rescue him from the bedroom he was locked in, that is the so-called protection the boy suffered."
"I thought Albus said something about blood wards that he set up to protect the boy?" One of the men asked.
One of the others spluttered. "What? Firstly blood wards are highly illegal, secondly if they were set up to be keyed to blood relatives, how come Arthur's sons could find the place? It sounds to me that Albus used a blood stone, probably keyed to Harry, but if so the people he was with cannot have been blood relatives, and he supplemented it with standard wards, probably to mask it from anyone with the dark mark, or something. Certainly not the level of protection, that we were led to believe was in place."
"No protection at all going by what happened last night." A deep voice came from the doorway.
Everyone turned towards the new arrival.
Arthur grinned. "Morning Kingsley, go on then what else happened last night."
Kingsley sat down and Hermione brought him a mug of tea. "Thank you, Miss. Granger." He smiled. "Could you tell everyone who lives at Number Four Privet drive. Little Whinging in Surrey, please."
Hermione scowled. "The Dursley's live there, Harry's Aunt, Uncle and cousin, the ones who he lived with."
Nodding Kingsley continued. "That house was destroyed by Death Eaters, in the early hours of this morning. They simply strolled up to it, some simple wards had fallen, allowing them to find it, but most were still in place, anchored to a blood stone. Knowing it would preserve the evidence, Severus convinced them to destroy the stone, leaving ample evidence of what had been placed there, then they set the house alight with Fiend fire, luckily no one was home at the time. The wards we found the signatures of were all showy, but not very effective, the only strong one, was one to keep marked death eaters out, that had fallen before they got there, at some point yesterday. Even that could have easily been counteracted, had it been detected."
"Why would Albus allow the boy to stay where he was abused, and so poorly protected?" A witch asked angrily.
"Make the boy grateful to him is my guess." Arthur said sadly. "Arranging for Harry to be rescued each summer would make him look like a saviour or something. We all know about the Potters, with everything that has transpired in the last couple of days, it has led me to believe that Albus thinks, that if Harry were grateful to him, then he could control that power through the lad."
This statement caused uproar, those who could see it was a possible explanation of what they had seen, were dismayed at the apparent actions of the headmaster and voiced their disappointment, while those few like Molly who saw it as a betrayal of a great man loudly objected.
A loud bang brought their attention back to Arthur. "Perhaps we should all consider what has been said this morning, as well as what we have seen for ourselves. Let's adjourn for now to contemplate, then return this evening to discuss where we go from here as a group."
There was general agreement to that idea among all, except Molly who looked annoyed.
Arthur nodded. "Right, we'll see you all here tonight then, about seven thirty."
"What if Albus still can't get in though?" Molly asked.
"Then we meet without him." Kingsley replied. "That might be a good idea in any case considering what has been said so far, means we can meet and all have their say, without being influenced. I'll get a message to the others about it, so they can attend if they wish."
Arthur nodded and the Order members slowly dispersed, in small groups to exit the house, leaving Hermione and the Weasley's alone in the spacious hallway that led to the door.
The twins were the first to see the Blacks and party descending the stairs.
"Bloody hell..." Exclaimed Fred.
"... Is that you Ginny?" George completed.
"And you Harry?" Hermione added as she turned at Fred's exclamation, her mouth now open in astonishment.
Arthur turned and smiled as he saw how the young couple had changed, they walked arm in arm down the stairs. "My, don't you two look grand." He grinned happily. "Looking like that, you are certainly going to turn heads when you go out."
Ron simply stood and gaped, until Hermione closed his mouth with a finger under his chin. "There is a train coming Ron, close it." She said.
Harry and Ginny laughed. "It was never a good look Ron." They said in unison.
Ron went Beet red. "Sod off Potter and take your hands off my sister." He snapped petulantly.
The couple simply rolled their eyes then moved to join Sirius and Bella, revealing Draco and Narcissa behind them.
This was too much for Molly. "Where do yo think you are taking my daughter, with them." She demanded, pointing at the two Malfoys.
Sirius opened his mouth to reply, but Ginny was quicker. "How dare you call me that, you knew I had been taken from my real parents and given to you, you knew I had been kidnapped. Your Husband didn't know that until yesterday, but you did. I was not and never will be your daughter, I and my companions have no reason or desire to provide you with an explanation of my activities or company. Suffice to say, I, no we, are going out."
Molly's temper snapped. "Ginevra Molly Weasley, how dare you..." She began but was interrupted.
"As you were told last night, my name is Lady Ashmole, you would do well to remember that." Ginny said firmly.
Ron glared at her angrily. "How dare you speak to our mother like that Ginny, apologise immediately to her."
"For crying out loud Weaselbee." Draco sighed, clearly fed up. " Why don't you keep quiet, the lady Ashmole is not your sister, or your mothers daughter and even if she were, does not have to do as you demand."
Hermione observed the Slytherin carefully, yes that nick name was used, but she could detect no malice in his tone, just resignation, not even his usual sneering tone, a simple certainty of what he had said, he puzzled her.
Being so full of charm, Ron turned to the blonde and snarled. "This is between my sister and me, butt out Malfoy."
Turning to leave Ginny sighed sadly. "Come on, lets just go."
She and Harry moved towards the front door, Sirius, Bella Narcissa and Draco taking position and following on.
"Arthur, Stop them." Molly demanded, desperate to try to regain control of the two teens. "It's not safe for poor Harry to go out without protection."
Arthur stood in front of her. "Settle down Molly, he is with his family, he's perfectly safe. Now go and tidy up the kitchen, whilst I sort things out here."
Molly looked horrified. "How can you say that, Arthur, he is..."
"Perfectly safe, now go and take Ron to help you." Arthur interrupted firmly.
"But...!"
"Now Molly!" He ordered firmly in a tone that told everyone he would argue no more.
Frustrated Molly turned, grabbed Ron and returned to the kitchen. Once they had gone the remaining Weasley's and Hermione approached the Blacks again.
"Sirius." Arthur called and waited for the group to stop and Lord Black to turn. "Just so you know, the Order will be meeting tonight, about seven thirty, to discuss Albus actions, from what you said he probably won't be able to get in by then, so we wanted to take to opportunity while we could."
Sirius nodded. "Yes, you should get a clear twenty-four hours from when he was expelled until he can return, so you should be fine to do that without interruption. We have a group of youngsters coming, from the families this evening."
Arthur nodded his understanding, his father-in-law may have been foolish about the alliance, but he understood the significance of what he had been told. "I shall do my best to ensure you are not interrupted."
"Thank you, Arthur, it would be appreciated."
"I'm sorry about Ron and Molly, she listens to the head master too much, it wouldn't surprise me if she was getting an owl off to him right now."
Sirius grinned. "It won't get far, the wards won't let anything bearing his name or titles leave the house at the moment, mind you, for each she sends, the effects on him will be quite interesting."
"You mean the marauders ride again?" Arthur smiled.
"I couldn't possibly comment." Sirius winked.
While Arthur was talking to Sirius, Hermione approached Harry and Ginny. "I am sure Arthur will tell Sirius, and I expect you will be told officially, but the Death Eaters attacked Privet Drive last night, or at least the Dursleys house."
Harry gasped in surprise, Hermione ploughed on.
"They weren't there, but apparently the wards were not what we were led to believe. I just wanted you to know, so you knew not to worry Harry."
"Thanks Hermione, I appreciate it." He replied. "Look I know you want to know more than we could tell you last night, we are expecting a few people here this evening, why don't you join us, then you can hear everything. We are expecting them all about Seven Thirty, you know a lot of them anyway, so it would be good if you would."
She nodded her agreement. "Okay Harry."
He noticed the twins watching, hopefully. "Yes, you two may come as well." He grinned. "We'll see you all later, oh by the way, the upper floors wards are still active, try to stop anyone venturing up there would you."
Nodding, they parted, just as Arthur and Sirius finished their conversation, the family left the house to head for Diagon Alley.
Authors notes:
Many thanks to you all for your responses to the last chapter, especially those who left a review, as usual I look forward to seeing what you thought of this one. I am sorry but it is possible, maybe even likely, that updates will be slower this month than the last couple (planning on 2 chapters rather than 3), I am afraid this weird thing my wife assures me is real life means I am going have less time to work on writing in the next few weeks, and three decades being married has taught me better to disagree, she is after all a good Yorkshire Lass, (See the series Last of the Summer Wine to see what Powerful ladies they are). Anyway, I shall do as much as I can to minimise the delay without risking raising her wrath.
Until next time.
Tgfoy