Author Note: Warning this chapter has consensual teen sex. Casual nudity and some swearing. It also had some very non-consensual violence and unscheduled termination of life processes. You have been warned.

I am Rahmota not Rowling. This is a fictional work derived from materials I do not own. It is all in fun and games and I disavow any claims that I condone support or wrote or own any of the following.

Arriving at the Weasley household on the day of their departure Dan stopped on the front step. The building being described as dingy and squalid would be too complimentary. It was the sort of place rats didn't give good reviews to.

Emma looked up at the building and placing her hand on Harry's chest said, "Harry I sincerely hope that what Hermione told me about you hiring them applies."
Harry felt a sadness in his chest. He hadn't realized that they had fallen this far. Ron's greed and alliance with Malfoy had hurt his family far more than what anyone had realized. "Yeah I finalized the plans for the cottage yesterday with Rothak. They're starting construction today."

Climbing the stairs Emma put on a fake smile when Molly opened the door. "Hello Mrs Weasley? I'm Emma Granger."

"Oh hello. Come in. Sorry about the mess."

The two groups stood facing each other in the small living room. Ron looking ashamed and disgusted by the place they were living in. Tonks sat at the table with Fred and George and Remus.

"Wotcher Harry. Assuming that's you."

"Sure thing Dora. "

She smiled and turned her hair bright electric blue.
"Hello Remus."
"Hello Harry. Fred and George are ready to go. Having behaved themselves."

"That's good to know."

"Well Mr Potter. Pleasure to finally meet you. Ginny has talked quite a bit about you."

"Yes sir Mr Weasley. I spoke with Rothak the construction of the cottage will begin today. You can move in probably by the end of summer and begin your groundskeeper duties."
"Well, It is an honest job and it will be good to be back on the old place I suppose." He said with an awkward smile.

"Yes well Rothak will go over what you'll be expected to do and such when you get back." He pulled an envelope out of the shoulder bag he had brought. Their shoulder bags all enchanted to be far larger inside, Daniel had started calling them TARDIS bags in excitement. "This is your itinerary, passports, money and such." He said handing it over to Arthur.

"Okay. So how do you want to do this?"

"Well you and Daniel will be swapping, Molly and Emma, Fred and George will be swapping with Neville and I, Hermione and Ron, Ginny and Luna, While Tonks will be Lavender."

"Ahh okay. Well I suppose we should step into the bedroom and exchange clothes."
"Sure. No problem." Daniel said looking sarcastically thrilled.

A few moments later they heard a grunting whining gagging noise come from the bedroom causing Emma and Hermione both to start before Remus and Tonks both stopped them. "He'll be okay. Give him a minute. Trust me on that, when the body does things its not supposed to it can be a bit uncomfortable."

"Just how uncomfortable are we talking childbirth level or root canal level?"

"Well I suppose Giving birth during a root canal while passing a particularly unpleasant kidney stone could be the best example."
"Oh that sounds like fun." Emma said glaring at Harry.

Remus laughed, "You get used to it."

Daniel came staggering out. He looked like a copy of Arthur Weasley except one that was sweaty pale and shaken. "Hey Harry. I think I found a part of magic I hate."

"Sorry sir."

Emma checked on Dan then her and Molly went off to change.

"Here Dan chew this it'll help." Remus said offering Dan some mint gum.

"Thanks. A full body Novocaine shot would help too."

When Emma and Molly came out a few moments later Emma was laughing. "Well that was a funny joke. I thought you said it would hurt. It felt tingly and kinda weird but not all that bad."

Remus and Harry looked at each other. Remus shrugged, "Uh Mrs Granger are you sure you're not a squib or something?"

"Not that I'm aware of."
"Oh okay."

Neville and Harry had no issues. Fred and George coming out as them trying to not be themselves.

=====xxxxx=====

Hermione and Ron went into the room next.

"So how'd I draw being you?"
Stripping off Hermione shrugged, "Well Harry thought you might enjoy it. Consider it a peace offering."
"After what I did?"

"Mercy and Forgiveness is a virtue. Harry took into consideration your help at the end there."
"Oh. I should thank him somehow."
"Just don't be a jerk again and that'll be enough. Oh and keep your underwear." She said tossing him a pair of her undies.

"Uh you guys are being awfully understanding and everything."
"Well not all of us. Neville thinks we should hex you into a small hamster or something. And Lavender wouldn't mind giving you that sex change, only sans magic."

Ron swallowed nervously, "Oh. And uh Luna."
Hermione frowned, "Luna has said that it was required for you to do this so that you and Ginny grow and develop into the people you need to be. We don't understand either so we're just going with it. Now here's your dose of the juice. We're on a time limit here."

"Yeah bottoms up." Ron and Hermione plucked hairs from each other and waited for the fizzing to stop. Drinking their portions of the potions their bodies shifted and blurred, things inflating and shrinking until each looked like the other had.

"Whoa. He-he. So this is what it feels like to be a girl hunh?"
"Yeah well remember you are still internally a boy so no period cramps or other fun stuff and go easy on the merchandise there." She scolded as Ron felt up her breasts.

"Sorry I just didn't realize how nice it would feel."

"Yeah well just don't get too showy. Here's how you put on a bra."
When they came out Ron was laughing and walked up to Harry who looked like Fred and hugged him. Harry tensed up then laughed about it. "Okay don't get lost in the role. I know who's still inside there."
"Yeah sorry. Uh I got a bit carried away."

=====xxxxx=====

Luna took Ginny's hand as they went into the bedroom to change.

"I'm glad its you Luna who will impersonate me."
"I volunteered and Harry agreed. I will do nothing to impugn your virtue."

Ginny hesitantly began to strip off her clothes before Luna drew her wand and suddenly they were wearing each other's clothes. "Hey that's cool. How'd you do that?"

"A simple swapping spell. Now here's the juice."

Once they had changed Ginny looked down at herself. "Okay. I'll be good too. I don't know how to be you."
Luna shrugged, "Neither do I sometimes. I just do what I feel."
"Okay well that'll make it easy I guess."

"You'll be fine." Luna said hugging her friend.

=====xxxxx=====

Tonks merely had to put on one of Lavender's spare outfits since she was not exchanging places with her. Harry tossed the real Lavender his cloak and she vanished under it.

"Okay now remember Ron, Fred, Hermione and I don't exactly hold hands or do a lot of PDA. So its not going to be a big deal. Neville and Lavender are a bit more open about it so I'll let her figure it out and I recommend you just go with it."

Tonks leaned into George and cooed in Lavender's voice "Oh don't worry Nevie baby I'll keep you safe."

Lavender flipped the hood off exclaiming "I do not simper like that!"

Neville laughing shook his head, "Alright lets get going we don't want to be out when we shift back."
"Really."
Harry thought he heard Ron mutter under his breath "I don't wanna shift back." but ignored it.

=====xxxxx=====

The two groups moved off in their separate directions. 'Neville' and 'Lavender' holding hands and talking about the things they were going to see in America. The 'Weasleys' shuffling off towards the Leaky Cauldron.

Coming into the Alley though was Draco Malfoy and his two goons. They stood blocking the archway, "So where are you lot going?"

"To get some food at the Cauldron you git." Harry said stepping up.

"Oh you mean you actually managed to find two knuts to rub together?"

"I'll show you knuts rubbing together." Neville said stepping up beside Harry.

Draco just laughed , which meant his goons did too. "Oh that's rich your brother is the one who knows about rubbing knuts."

"Hey now!" Hermione spoke up. "You promised you'd keep our affair a secret."
"IN what dream did you ever think I had a relationship with you. I'm not some cock-knocker."

"Look here young man. You need to just move along on or I'll tell your mother."
"Oh that'll be a laugh. Howler Weasley sending a note to me mum. ha. Look what're you going to do if I don't move. You already are about as low on the social ladder as you can get."
"Well they won't need to do anything. However Jim and I will arrest you and your buddies for loitering and blocking public access."

Everyone turned to see two aurors standing there quietly staring at Draco and his buddies. Patiently waiting with their hands on their wands in a relaxed but wary pose.

"Fine I'll probably have to burn these clothes just from being this close to them anyhow." He said as he swaggered off.

"Uh thank you Auror." Emma said.

"Malloy. I arrested your husband last year."
"Oh yes. Sorry I've tried to forget that."
"No doubt. Is he okay?"

"I'm okay officer, just feeling a bit ill."

"Okay well try not to get into any more trouble ok?"

"No problem officers." They said moving on.

As they walked past the two aurors they heard the dark haired one quip, "Hunh that's a first getting sick before eating at the Cauldron."

=====xxxxx=====

They had no more problems getting through the floo and to the safe house in Dover. Except Harry then had everyone grab a portkey which took them to another location which was a warehouse in Portsmouth.

"Harry did you change the plan.?" Daniel groaned while being sick on the floor

" Yeah but I think we'd better get ready as the poly-juice is starting to wear off."

Daniel went through the shift back to himself spasming and twitching on the floor. The others except Emma having some slight discomfort but nothing severe. Emma simply deflated mostly. Except for her breasts which remained at Molly's larger size.

"Whoa hello girls. Uh How long are they going to stay this big?"

"probably a few more minutes or hours." Luna stated off hand shrugging.

"Well they better."

Daniel chuckled from the floor. "Well next time you check Billy Archer's braces he'll hit puberty if they don't"

Emma just glared at him then checked him over. "I suppose you'll live."
"Yeah but I'm not entirely sure my spleen is the right color."

"Suck it up."
"Oh see what years of marriage does Harry. It doth harden the heart of thine wife."

Moody came out with his wand pointed at them all, "Alright Potter if that's you what's the message."
"Remus Lupin shaves his privates."
He laughed then put his wand away. "Alright you're you at least. You vouch for everyone else?"

"yeah. I do."
"Hello you must be the muggles."

"Yeah. I'm Emma." She made a strange whooping noise as her breasts suddenly deflated back to her normal size. "well that was a strange feeling I'd like to not repeat."

"Anyhow like I was saying I'm Emma and the borderline corpse on the floor is my husband Daniel." She said in a half joke but she was casting worried looks at him.
Alastair helped him into a standing position offering him a flask of something, "Here take a swig of this it'll help you."

Daniel did and then started gagging and coughing, "What the blazes is that?"
Taking a swig from the flask Moody chuckled, "Good Scotch Whisky my friend. Ogden's finest."
"Yeah. No wonder those guys fought naked. Enough of that stuff and you'll never notice."
Moody laughed offering him another swig which Daniel refused. "No thanks I'm good. I'm more of a Brandy man myself."
"Suit yerself. Potter. Phase 2 is ready. Get changed and ready to roll in 20."

"Okay thanks. I hope madam Bones won't be too mad at me."
"Bwah she'll get over it boy. Besides I'll tell her I gave full approval. I like your style. Bold and to the point. You ever think about joining the corp you'll go far."
"One thing at a time. I just need to finish school, defeat the dark lord and get married before I do anything else."

"Alright. At least you got your priorities straight." Hermione said with a chuckle.

"Okay folks I'll step out and let you get settled." Moody said chuckling.

=====xxxxx=====

Everyone changed their clothes from the Weasleys into their own. Lavender having given Harry his cloak back piled the clothes in a box to send back to the Weasley's flat.

"You know most of these clothes are rather threadbare or old? Except some of Ron's"

"Yeah probably the stuff Draco bought him to get him to help do his bidding."
"So what was that about their jobs?"
"I hired the Weasleys to take care of the estate I'm building. Arthur and the twins will work on the grounds and Molly will cook. Since Ron keeps going on about how good her cooking is."
"What about Ginny?"
"I guess she'll help Arthur or Molly or something as will Ron. I kinda let them figure it out."

"well that's very good of you son." Daniel said clasping Harry on the shoulder. Harry felt a surge of pride from that.

"So what's this phase 2?" Emma asked.

"Yeah I hope it doesn't involved any more of that Poly Juice stuff. I still feel strange. Are you sure my eyes are the right color. And my tongue feels weird. I don't think my kidneys are the right color yet."

Hermione and her mother rolled their eyes at him and walked on.

"No it doesn't involve any more Poly Juice. But it does involve a rather large catapult launching us across the channel." Harry said with a smile. Everyone froze for a second before Hermione scoffed, "Okay seriously Harry. That's just wrong."
"C'mon it'll be even better."

=====xxxxx=====

When they came out of the warehouse they found Moody standing talking to a tall slender man in a black coverall.

"The Weasley's clothes are in the box in the warehouse. Is everything ready?"

"You didn't tell me my cargo would be a bunch of kids Moody!"

"Well now these are not just a bunch of kids. Take a closer look."
The tall man looked again then recognition dawned on him. "Cor that's Arry Potter."

"Yes sir. Alastair said you were the best at crossing the channel undetected."
"Well for the right coins I am."
Harry reached into his bag and pulled out a small purse that jingled. "50 Galleons"

"Deal is 100"

"50 now, 50 at arrival."

"Alright well come on then." Harry tossed him the purse which he caught and made vanish.

"Have fun Potter. Try not to lose yourself." Moody grunted as they left.
=====xxxxx=====

Walking to the dock there was a rather beat up powerboat of medium length. It was painted a strange blue pattern and had no real chrome or shiny parts. The name 'Naughty Maria' was painted on the bow in a darker shade of blue. There was a tall athletic dark skinned woman standing by the ramp watching them approach. She was wearing a coverall similar to the Captain's only she had a knife on her left hip and a beret on her head.

"If he says he made the Kessel Run in lets than 12 parsecs I'm walking home." Daniel muttered.
"I don know bout any Kessel Run but I can get ya to Calais in about 4 hours."
"Four hours in this thing?"
"Lol. She's not pretty but she's got it where it matters." He said the last with a wink, "Cleo we ready to make the run?"

"Fully fueled and loaded. Orin is down in the engine bay waiting on your signal. This the new crew or are they passengers?"

"These are passengers my dear. Say ello to Arry Potter and friends. Arry this is my first mate Cleopatra Jones."

"Hello ma'am."
=====xxxxx=====

Once the boat was underway and moving away from land they felt it start picking up speed. A low rumble coming from under the deck building up until the boat was riding high on the runners that had become exposed.

"What kind of fun ride are we on now?" Daniel exclaimed.

"Its a hydrofoil. Used to belong to one of the ferry companies in the seventies before they went under. The captain bought her and with a bit of a refit we now make special runs." The first mate said coming into the lounge area.

"Well that's nice. I could enjoy this."

=====xxxxx====

The girls changed into swimsuits and laid out on the back deck for a few hours to work on their tans they said. Leaving Dan and the boys in the lounge.

"Okay guys. I suppose its too late to give the scary dad hurt my daughter speech right?"
"Uh yeah sir. Especially given the circumstances."
Sighing deeply Dan nodded, "Yeah I know. Even if she broke up with you that wouldn't stop the bad guys from chasing her or attacking her, or us, from everything she's said. Her mere existence is an affront to them."
"Pretty much sir."
"Well Harry, Neville lets just skip ahead to the Welcome to the family speech ok? Even if I'm still not really sure I understand half the things going on as long as Hermione is happy I'm happy."
"Okay thank you sir."

=====xxxxx=====

They managed the trip in just over three and a half hours. The captain and engineer showing off the first mate said as Harry paid them the other half of their fee. They then took the train and a bus and were at the hotel by that night.

Walking into the Chateau Delacour Harry was impressed with the opulence and splendor on display. There was a rich blue and cream color scheme with gold highlights in the lobby. Roman statues of nude men and women scattered about with paintings of landscapes on the walls.

Reaching the desk they were greeted by a short plump swarthy man with a pointed Vandyke beard and mustache. The mustache curling up at the ends. "Ahh MR Granger welcome back. I see your daughter has grown up quite lovely. He said taking Mrs Granger's hand."
"Oh Henri you scoundrel this is Emma and you know it."
"Oh yes pardon moi madam. You are still just as lusciously young as ever."

"Et tu es encore plein de vin. Henri." Emma said with a gentle teasing smile.

"Bien sur le vin c'est la vie." He replied kissing the back of her hand.

"And this is our daughter and her friends." Daniel said chuckling as he swept his arm to indicate the teens.

"Ahh yes the fruit does not fall far from the tree indeed. Welcome back young miss. And welcome to your friends as well. Your rooms are prepared and ready. Traveling light I see?"

"Of course."
"Very well. Fleur assiste au bureau sil te plait."
A tall athletic built female with honey golden blonde hair down to her waist , sapphire blue eyes set in a pale yet healthy tanned face with a set of curves that seemed almost artistically perfect came walking out.

Harry felt a stirring in the loins as she walked up to the desk, moving like a dancer with each step. Neville and Lavender stepped closer together while Hermione gave out a small groan and edged closer to Harry. Luna immediately began to breath shallowly though Harry noticed. Dan got a very strange goofy grin and held his wife's hand tighter.

"Oui Pere. De quoi astu besoin?"

"Surveillez le bureau sil vous plait."
"Oui pere."

"Come along this way please everyone."

=====xxxxx====

"Was that your daughter? She's certainly grown up nicely."
"Oh yes. That is my eldest. Fleur." Looking at Neville he nodded, "I'm sorry about that. She can be a bit distracting."

"yeah so it would seem." Neville choked out.
"Well here are your rooms. Enjoy your stay." He said handing Dan and Emma a key before turning and walking off.

"Okay guys here's the key to your room. Don't make us regret this. Although you okay there Neville?"

"I think so. She smelled very very nice."

"Okay. Yeah kinda. What's going on?" Dan asked in confusion.

"She's part Veela." Luna said like that would explain everything.

"Okay maybe we shouldn't discus this out in the hall. Come on in here guys."
=====xxxxx====

"Okay wanna explain that Veela comment Luna?"

"She's part Veela. It was obvious from your reactions. Father wrote an article about making love potions from Veela secretions."
Hermione seemed to recover her senses going, "She's part Veela? I wonder how much."
"No more than half at most. Otherwise the boys would have been on their knees begging her to allow them to love her. Have you met her mother?"

"Yeah she's a very lovely woman. Fleur looks a lot like her." Dan said with a smile.

"Have you ever had an overwhelming urge to have sexual relations with her?"
"Well uh no more than usual for being a healthy male around a rather sexy mature woman."
"And you mom?" Luna asked Emma.

"UH not really much. She is really nice and if I swung that way would definitely consider her."

"That means her grandmother must be the Veela. She must not have full control over her pheromones."

"Okay. Explain to the muggles in the room, What is a Veela? Are they dangerous and what does that mean for this holiday?"

Luna tilted her head, "Veela are related to fairies or the Edhel, the ancient true elves. They are predators that eat humans though. They are very seductive, charming shape-shifters that have a human form and their native form. Their native form is a very hideous bird woman similar to a harpy."

"Great and you think Fleur is one of these Veela?" Dan seemed to not be as attracted to her.

"No I think she is part Veela. If she was a full blooded Veela we would probably be involved in an orgy on the lobby floor right now or not having this conversation as she would have much greater control over her scent."

"Oh that's great. Cool." Neville said hollowly.

"But Luna what set her off?"
"I don't know Hermione. She may have not had sexual relations recently and was stimulated by our presence. They have to engage at least once a week once they achieve puberty according to father's research."
"Even better. So no dark wizards trying to kill us a predator that eats people after seducing them to it."
"I doubt she would eat you Harry. At least much."
Harry just raised his eyebrow at Luna. "Okay so why did everyone react like they did?"

"They emit a pheromone. When they are sexually stimulated or hungry they emit a pheromone that draws anyone attracted to their gender to them."

"Great. Even better."

"So is she dangerous?" Daniel reiterated.

"I doubt it. Full blooded Veela are the most dangerous. With each generation they loose many of their abilities."
"Okay well. Let's get cleaned up for dinner and hope she got herself taken care of."

=====xxxxx====

Going into their room Neville stopped and pointed out, "Hermione there are only two beds."
"Uh yeah. I know. Ones for you and one's for Harry."
"So where are you going to sleep?"
"With Harry usually but I may swap out with Lavender for you."

"Oh yeah right."
"Look mom and dad, mom more than dad, have accepted that since we're betrothed and all we're as good as married. At least in the wizarding world. So as long as we're careful and not giving them grand-kids we can have at it. At least not where it would be improper."
"Oh. Okay. I can agree to that."

=====xxxxx=====

Dinner that night was excellent and enjoyable. They didn't encounter Fleur again which was good. Retiring to their room they partnered up in the usual manner.

The next morning Hermione gave Harry a hand in waking up then chuckling got ready for the day. Coming out wearing a thin wrap and nothing else Harry was smiling but confused, "Okay so I thought you said we was going down to breakfast?"
"We are. Don't forget your towel."
"Hunh?"
"We're at a naturalist retreat. That means no clothes Harry."
"No clothes at all?"
"Well you'll notice if you look for it there are signs as to what areas are clothing required, clothing optional and clothing prohibited."

"Oh. And everyone is going to be naked? Even your parents?" Neville groaned in concern.

"Yes. That's what a naturalist enclave is."
"Oh. So uh what do we do with our wands?"
"Well that's what the towels are for."
"No not that. Wands. Magic sticks." Neville said picking his up off the night stand.

"Oh yeah. That's why we've been practicing wandless magic right?"
"Right yeah. Now about the towel?"

"You cover up if you get an erection. Just kinda follow dad's example."

"Yeah I'm going to be wearing the towel all day." Neville groaned.
=====xxxxx=====

Walking out they found Emma in a wrap similar to Hermione's. Neville looked everywhere but at her while Harry did at least look. Seamus had said if you want to see what the daughter looks like eventually look at the mother. If what he was seeing was any indication he would not be dissapointed.

Daniel elbowed Harry, "Hey don't you have enough of your own without poaching on my territory there buddy?"

"Uh sorry. Seamus said something in the dorm and I was thinking about it."

"Ahh the old look to the mother if you wanna see what the daughter will grow into?"
"Yeah I guess its not a new idea."
Daniel shook his head, "No not really and it doesn't always work. It might give you a bit of an idea but not a firm pattern."

Harry snickered as he held his head, "Ah okay."

"Hey I'm not trying to say Hermione won't grow up to be good looking. I mean after all half her DNA comes from me you know." He said with a exaggerated smirk.

"Okay what's with that face. I'm not sure I like it when you smirk like that."
"Oh not much Emms. Just caught Harry here checking you out."
"Oh thanks Harry but I'm already taken you know. Besides I think Hermione might be a bit jealous."

"Maybe not jealous mom but I'm not trading or sharing, with you. Ewww."

Harry was blushing red enough to land an aircraft in fog as the Grangers laughed.

=====xxxxx=====

The Quintet had gone out onto the beach. There were quite a few other people of all ages and body styles out enjoying the sunshine. One of them Harry noticed was Fleur. Sans clothing she was even more stunning and caused his breath to hitch. She saw them and approached.

"Hello. I'm sorry for last night. I was a bit distracted."

"Yeah that's okay." Harry managed to stammer out.

"So how much Veela blood do you have?" Luna asked.

"Ahh you can tell?"
"Yes. Sorry for our friend she has few filters." Hermione explained.

"Oh no. I prefer being upfront with people. It reduces the number of misunderstandings. My mother is half Veela so I am one quarter Veela."

"Ahh so no shape-shifting or desires for human flesh."

Fleur looked askance at Luna then shook her head. "No That was my grandmother. She though was a kind and loving woman who fell in love with my grandfather when his ship was wrecked on an island. She saved his life and they sailed the Mediterranean sea. Eventually they retired here with my mother who married my father. So you are magicals then?"
"Uh yeah. Except Hermione's parents."

"I thought you smelled like it. There is a subtle aromatic difference between muggles and magicals."

"Oh really? So what sort of sensory abilities do you have?" Hermione began as she settled into data acquisition mood. Harry and the others sitting with them in the sand knowing that until she had plumbed the depths of the information available they were not going to get her involved in anything else.

Fleur spent a couple of hours chatting with them before she excused herself to go about her duties helping her parents run the hotel.

=====xxxxx=====

The night of Harry's birthday Neville and Lavender spent on the balcony in a nest of bedding. Hermione joined with Harry fully in sweet harmony. A blessed union that was devoutly enjoyed by the both of them. Once Harry had recovered enough Luna took her turn with him in a night of passion that lasted well into the sunrise.

Once they were recovered and rested they joined their family for a dressed day exploring the region. Hermione recovered from her night well enough but Luna was practically floating for the entire day. In such a happy mood that every Dementor in Azkaban would have exploded from her mere presence.

The rest of the week went spectacularly. Between exploring the region during the day, talking to Fleur about her views of Beauxbatons and being part Veela, and exploring the carnal delights being young and healthy brought they were so occupied they barely realized that time marched on. The last day there they said their goodbyes to the Delacours and hoped they would write. The group made their way to Marseilles and were on a plane to Gatwick that afternoon.

=====xxxxx====

The flight back was calm and uneventful. The train ride back to Crawley had no trouble either. However the moment they arrived at the Granger's home there was a knock on the door.

"Great I haven't even had time to kick the dirt off my shoes and we've got visitors." Daniel said trudging to the door. Looking out he saw Madam Bones, Remus Lupin and a young woman in her early twenties.

"Hello Madam Bones. We just got back."
"I know we had an observation ward on your house. May we come in."
"Uh yes please. IS there a problem?"

"Sirius Black has escaped." She said looking straight at Harry.

"What! He escaped. How did that happen?"

"We are not entirely certain. The guards and Dementors were taken by surprise. Apparently he had managed to cast a spell that made him appear dead and even register as such to a minor detection spell."

"I thought you said Dementors managed to prevent wizards from concentrating enough to be able to cast spells."
"That is the commonly accepted belief Hermione. Sirius though has managed to break the rules yet again." Remus said shaking his head.

"So what does this mean?"

"The guards reported that he kept repeating He's at Hogwarts, I'll get him this time and He's going to die. Among other irrational comments."
"Great okay. So I have another homicidal maniac coming after me. Think we could figure out how to get the two of them to fight it out for the right to kill me?"

"Not funny Harry."

Remus shrugged, "Well a little bit. However I sincerely doubt we could arrange that. However what we are looking at is what sort of security arrangements we will need to make."
"Well I hope they aren't going to do something as phenomenally stupid as place Dementors around Hogwarts."
"No. The Ministry is not that desperate. However they have notified the muggle authorities and placed the entire Auror division on full alert."

"You know. We've made a couple friends at Beauxbatons and it doesn't sound like a bad place." Neville pointed out.

"Yeah but what about the friends we have here? I don't want to start over in a whole new school where I don't even know the language. Hermione can go if she wants, you'd at least be able to talk to the people there."
"Where you go I go. You jump. I jump. You fall. I fall." She declared crossing her arms over her chest with a glare.

Luna shook her head, "No No nonononono. We have to go back. We have to go back. Coming back. Like apple bits." Luna fell to the floor grasping her legs and rocking back and forth.

Everyone stared at her for a brief moment before both Harry and Hermione dove to hold and comfort her.

"What just happened?" Daniel had jumped up heading for her before being stopped by Neville.

"I think she had a vision." Neville explained watching her carefully.

Remus made a sound of acknowledgment. "True seers react differently when they have a vision. Has she ever done this before?"

"Not really. But then we haven't really done anything to trigger one I think."
"Does she know what happened does she understand what she saw?"

"She understands. She doesn't comprehend." Luna softly said.

Helping her over to the couch Emma checked her vitals while Harry and Hermione sat worriedly beside her. "I think she's okay. She had a major shock though."

"A seer? So like a psychic?"
"Something like that." Remus nodded.

"Wow. Is she Alright? Are you alright Luna?"

"I think so. I'm sorry. Harry we cannot abandon Hogwarts. If we do that the darkness shall fall and people will die. The hand shall come and the clouds shall release the thunder. Cities will burn as the two halves are torn further asunder. We can't abandon them We can't it isn't safe. It isn't safe! The darkness will spread until all the land is burnt and the seas boil."
Harry pulled her close and rubbed her back. Giving a questioning look to Hermione who shrugged Harry sighed, "Okay Luna. We'll stay. We'll stay. Alright?"

Luna nodded against his chest breathing hard in heaving sobs she tried to calm down. "Okay Harry. Thank you. I'm sorry."
"Don't be. Its okay." He murmured words of encouragement and love in her ear.

"Very well since you will be returning to Hogwarts we will work with Headmaster Dumbledore to establish appropriate safety protocols at the school. You will of course not be taking the Hogwarts express as that will be too large of a risk. As for the rest of your summer. You and and your companions should return to the Longbottom Estate and remain there." Madam Bones stated.

"What about the Weasleys have they made it back from the States yet?"

"They will be here the day after tomorrow. Apparently Mr Weasley was talking to the Salem Academy about taking a position there and they agreed to fund his and his families stay for another few days."
"Oh that would be good for them. I hope he has good luck."
"Yeah that would be nice for them."

"So is this Sirius going to be a threat to us?" Emma asked.

"We don't think so. Mr Lupin is the one remaining friend of his and believes he is focused on Harry to the exclusion of everything and everyone else."
"He could get in his manic moods and just narrow his vision down on a single topic, when he got like that nothing you could do would distract him."
"Just in case however Auror Tonks has been assigned to your protective detail. She will be impersonating your daughter until she returns to Hogwarts."

"I hope you don't mind?"

Hermione shrugged, "If it keeps mom and dad safe of course not. Feel free to have run of my closets and stuff."

"Thanks. I'll try to keep a light footprint here. Now we better go off and talk about a basic day you have."
Tonks and the Grangers stepped out to the dining room to discus the details that she needed to know.

"So is he really not a threat to them." Harry coldly asked,

"I don't think he will be. Not to them at least. Although twelve years in the ban can change a man." Remus confessed with a worried expression.

======xxxxx=====

(Three days ago. Azkaban. Cell AA23-2187 Prisoner: BDR529)

The prisoner inside the cell was ranting in a near continuous monologue. "Okay. Okay. You can do this. You can do this. It'll work. You'll be going home. Home is where you wear your hat. I'm so broke up I want to go home. Yeah. He was there. I'll get him this time. Focus. Don't loose your focus now. So close."

His head twitched around as he cocked it listening. Over the moans of the other prisoners he head the loud voice of the guard taunting and laughing at them.

"Okay better make the ganglia twitch." He laid down and closed his eyes. Summoning his focus he suddenly collapsed over.

The guard on his daily check for suicides or other deaths came to the cell. It was the one major duty the human guards had as the Dementors did not see a dead body as anything more than an empty husk. No different than the slop bucket in the corner. So they would ignore the body and not tell the administration there was an empty cell available. The guards were tasked with moving dead bodies out as quickly as possible since Azkaban served not just the UK but a lot of Northern Europe.

The junior guard with the bucket of gruel for breakfast followed his senior guard very closely. The Dementors a chilling presence just beyond the amulets they wore. Filled with the positive energy of their creators, they supposedly protected the guards from attack. The senior guard on this watch though was considered by the Dementors to be a kindred spirit. He wasn't really evil he just had stopped caring about the prisoners many years ago. Cynical bitter and joyless emotions were all that he had left. This guard was a cunning man, one who enjoyed the perks of his job and wanted to live a very long time to enjoy them though. That was all he cared about, himself and what he could get out of this. He banged on the door to get the attention of the being within. When there wasn't even a moan in reply he frowned and yelled, "Black if yer trying some kinda game wi me I'm not gonna be happy."

No response came so he opened the observation door. He saw the body sprawled across the floor. Still and unmoving. He did not take chances with the ones on the AA block as they were the worst of the worst, which made them dangerous and desperate. He took his wand and stuck the tip of it through the observation port. Just enough to let him target the contents. He cast a crucio on the body.

The pale light reached out and danced over the body. No movement, no moans or screams escaped the lips. The eyes did not even blink, they remained open and staring. Muscles did not respond. Once twice three times the spell reached out. Each time getting cast stronger and stronger as the anger of the guard at having to deal with this on his shift grew.

"Great frippin googlymoogly. Why couldn't you have died on B shift Black. Now I gotta deal with this crap."

"Should we get the shift captain?" The younger guard who had been here all of two weeks stammered out.

"Do you really wanna be late to lunch? That blonde cutie with the big rack in the canteen is gonna be serving today. I ain't wanting to miss that."
"So what are we going to do?"

"You're going to draw your wand and cover me if he does any tricks. I'm going to go in and levitate the bastard out and toss him in the casualty shoot for the morgue to deal with."

"Oh that simple eh? I wondered how it worked."

The senior guard pulled out his keys and working the lock opened the door slowly and carefully. He entered the cell and approached the body like he was expecting it to animate at any moment. When it didn't even after being kicked a couple of times he frowned and with a shrug levitated the the body. Walking it out in front of him he headed down the corridor coming to a large steel door set into the wall he had the younger guard take the keys and open the door. Sliding the body into the chute that was revealed he waited until he heard the hissing sound of the body going down the chute before he grunted. "Well that's the end of that one. Lets get down to breakfast. The rest of these lots can afford to miss a meal."

"But uh shouldn't we feed them."
"Look ere Billy these are the worst of the worst of the lot. Bellatrix Lestrange, her bastard husband Rodolphus and his brother Rabastan, Rookwood, Mulciber, Snyde, Lorentz, Schient, Laval, and Givens. Among a bunch of others. Everyone on this floor are the most absolute vile and evil trash that ever walked the earth. If I had my druthers I'd seal the doors and not bother coming back. But they pay us to walk around and check to make sure they're still alive and suffering. Yeah maybe missing a meal might kill them but you know what that would be a mercy eh? Better an what they gave their victims. So c'mon. Ya got a lot ta learn about here Billy me boyho. Let me tell you about Black and the things he done."
The junior guard Billy did not want to make waves with the senior more experienced guard so he meekly followed along. Looking over his shoulder though as he abandoned his duty.

xxxxx=====xxxxx

At the bottom of the chute was a bin. This early in the morning it only had a couple other bodies in it. The workers moving in the gloomy gray colored walls of the rooms took the bodies and laid them out on the slabs in the next room. Each of the bodies were stripped and identified by the serial number tattooed on their right neck just below the jawline.

When the attendant reached prisoner BDR529, real name Sirius Black he smirked and looked into the eyes. Seeing if they were still good enough to be harvested for organ transplants. Rich muggles paying a great deal for anything that could extend their life and asking no questions he felt quite pleased to help these dead souls help others. Especially if it put some extra gold in his retirement package. Unfortunately while he was busy looking at the eyes he did not see the chest begin to rise and fall or the hand clench into a claw. The last things though he saw was the smile form on the face of the dead body and the right eye wink at him. Suddenly there was a crushing blow to his windpipe as it collapsed. The body flipped over and grabbed a surgical knife off the tray throwing it into the forehead of the other attendant. The third one tried to run from the room, never having had a dead body wake up they panicked. Sirius shifted forms into a large black hound and caught the third one. This one fell when the hound dragged his legs out from under him. Screaming loudly he passed out as he wet himself.

Dragging the unconscious man into the morgue the dog shifted back into the man. He smiled at the one with the crushed windpipe who was trying to cast something but wheezing.

Plucking the wand out of the man's weak fingers Sirius chuckled maniacally, "This is all the power you ever had, or ever will have. Now its mine. Don't worry though. This is a good death. You have no shame in this. Okay bye. Now its time to die."

He took the man's head in his arms in a gentle hug. Tightening his grip he twisted as a popping gurgle indicated that the man's neck had snapped. He gently rubbed the man's hair as he laid his head down.

Sizing up the wand he felt a surge go through him as his magic began to respond again. He checked the bodies to see which one was closet in size. Taking those clothes he cast a grooming spell on himself to clean up and trim off several years of hair growth and dirt. He also got rid of the vermin that had infested him.

"Ahh that's much better." Stretching and shaking himself he plucked the identification amulet off the one he had snapped the neck of. "Well thank you Adrian McDindle. A bit cold and pointless to shake your hand. So uh have a nice day."

He left the morgue heading up the stairs towards the outside world. The guard at the front desk looked up. "Hey who're you?"

"Excuse me? Who am I. That's a rather existential question don't ya think there brudder?"

"Hey look I don't know you and that means no funny games."
"You guard the morgue right?"

"Yeah."

"Why do you guard the morgue? I mean its not like anyone is really gonna want to break in and its not like the dead bodies suddenly animate and wanna get out." he said with a odd smile on his face approaching the guard.

"Look buddy. I'm tired. I wanna get off shift and go grab breakfast and hope Candy is still there."

"Candy? I like Candy." He said smiling in his friendliest way possible.

"Yeah well who don't with knockers like hers."

"Yeah. Really man." Sirius was an arm's length away. This guard was too fat, too slow and too lax.

"Wait a sec. I know you. I remember when you came in here. You're Sirius Black." He said his eyes growing large as he started to back away. Sirius was far too fast for him though. Jamming his stolen wand through the man's left eye and saying the word confringo there was a brief hissing pop sound as smoke curled from the corpse's ears. The eyes melting as the fire inside the skull burst out of the sockets.

He shoved the body into the closet after stealing his uniform. A few alteration spells and it fit like it was tailored for him. Pulling on the cap he stepped out to the desk just as another guard came walking up. This one carrying a magazine and a tray of biscuits.

"Hey where's Bob?"

"Oh he had to go see the doctor. He had a bit of a fever."

"Oh well I'm your relief."
"Oh thank you I'm very relieved." He then marched. Off.

This guard settled behind the desk shaking his head, "I have got to get a transfer out of here before I go as stir crazy as him."

xxxxx=====xxxxx

Sirius took several corridors and had to backtrack a few times before he finally made it outside. A few times other aurors walked by him. Seeing the uniform and nothing else. Finally though he was standing there breathing the air when he saw the transfer boat coming in. He made his way to the docks standing with the other guards receiving the new prisoners. Several surly looking ruffians and a half-goblin were offloaded and handed over to the captain.

"Whats with the half-pint?"

"Oh the crazy little blighter is an arsonist. Really loves to watch things burn."
"Nice. That must be a real hot catch."

The captain of the guard rolled his eyes at the bad joke. He gathered the prisoners and had the guards march them into the fortress.

As the prisoners moved off Sirius hoped into the boat. The guard and the pilot both turned to look at him. " Orders?"

"Well some chips and a milkshake would be great."
"Very funny dumbass. I meant your papers that authorize you to get on this boat."

"Oh those. Yeah those. Those things. The papers. The papers I got em." He said looking through his pockets and acting like he was searching for them. He half turned like he was looking in his back pocket only he dropped into a crouch and drew his wand. Blasting a hole through the other guards chest. The stunned expression on the face as the now dead guard slid to the floor showing he had not expected that.

Pointing his wand at the boat pilot Sirius said "Take us out old man. Nice and steady like its no big deal."
The old man shrugged and lifted anchor. Moving the boat with the precision and grace borne from years of experience he started whistling a sea shanty.

After several silent minutes the pilot said, "Mike Halliwell. Pilot and captain of this boat."
"Sirius Black escaped convict. Pleased to meet you."

"Well I thought they said that the place was escape proof."

"The claims of that are grossly exaggerated."

"So you going to kill me?"

"No not really. I hadn't planned on it. Why? Do you want me to?"

"Uh no. Not really. I kinda do still like living. My grandson's birthday is next week. He turns three."
"Really? Is he a magical?"
"Well we don't rightly know. His mom is but his dad was a muggle. His mum's my daughter."
"Oh well good luck then. Let's hope he grows up to be a fine wonderful wizard. A wonderful wizard who does wonderful things indeed." He began giggling before pulling himself together.

"Well we seem to be outside the anti apparate wards" Sirius observed as the weather cleared and the skies turned a brilliant blue.

"Uh yeah. Means about another hour and half to the docks."

"Well enjoy the rest of the trip. Make sure to take your time. No need to rush eh?" Sirius said as he stepped back, twisted sideways in place and was gone with a loud pop of apparation.

Captain Halliwell shivered inside as he throttled back to minimal headway. He remembered the first war and what Black had done. He watched him burn a hole clear through the guard not three feet away. With that man loose it was time to consider retiring to the Bahamas.

xxxxx=====xxxxx

(August 6th 1993 The Longbottom Estate Dowager House. Moments before dinner.)

"So Remus tell me honestly. How much a threat is Sirius?"

"I honestly don't know Harry. He wasn't the most mentally stable or mature of people before he went to the ban. He was smart though. Smart and skilled. He was a fast draw with the wand and very creative. When he was focused on doing something he would die rather than be turned from that. The thing that kept him from going completely dark was the desire not to be like his family and his friendship with James. I swear he loved that man like a brother." Remus fell silent in thought and memories.

"How'd he escape?" Neville wanted to know after a few moments.

"He somehow developed the ability to put his soul outside his body temporarily. That's the best guess. He then attacked the morgue workers and some guards. Hijacking the boat off the island. He killed four people on the way out."
"Wow."
"One more thing. And I told Madam Bones this too. Sirius is an animagus. He can shift into a large black boar hound."

Harry and Neville both looked grimly upset about this.

"I'm going to teach you and your family some spells. The Animagus reversal spell, the Patronus charm. That one will protect you against Dementors. It won't kill them but it will drive them off."
"Well how do you kill them?"

"That is a matter of debate. Since they don't really register as alive in the first place."

"So they're undead?"

"Not quite. They are unlife. A form of spirit that straddles the boundaries of life and death. They feed off of your positive memories, emotions, life force. They can kill someone by sucking the entire life energy out of you all at once. There is some debate as to if its your soul or just the energy animating your body they actually absorb. But that's a theological debate for others."

=====xxxxx=====

The next couple of days Remus Lupin tried to teach Harry and the others the Patronus charm.

"You have to have a happy thought. The happiest, purest warmest thought you can muster up. Let it fill you, let the warmth and light fill you. Then you cast the charm and it will either create a shield. A full corporeal patronus is rather difficult so don't get frustrated or disappointed if you don't get it on the first time or even the second."

By the end of the first day Luna had managed a glowing shield surrounding her as had Lavender and Hermione. Neville had some flickering lights form and swirl but not much else. Harry though had a large stag shimmer into existence, appearing to be made of molten silver it flowed and swirled as it pranced around the room.

"Excellent. Excellent Harry!"
"How'd you do that?" Hermione exclaimed.

Harry smiled, "I just remembered how I felt when I was told I wouldn't be going back to the Dursley's, how you make me feel when you smile at me. I just focus on how it feels to have a family that loves me."

Hermione frowned a bit but then started smiling as she thought about it. Taking the other girls into a huddle they started talking softly yet rapidly.

Neville though was glumly leaning against the wall. Looking at the floor.

"What's wrong Neville?"
"I just don't get it Mr Lupin. I focused on the happy thoughts. Harry's friendship, Lavender's love. I just don't know."

"Do you feel you deserve these things? Do you truly accept that?"
Neville looked up at him in a confused scowl. "Of course I do. I think its just impossible for me to get it."

"Neville today's impossible is tomorrow's reality. You can get this. You have been told for so long you are not special, you're not worthy. Harry though chose to be your friend. The girls choose to be with you. Why?"

Neville shrugged, he started to say something several times but in the end just shrugged again.

"Neville a man can only do one of two things. He can look in the mirror and accept who and what he is. Live with it and be as proud of himself as he can be, or he can deny it. Deny who he is and die a little bit more each day until he finally just runs out. Whichever way you go realize that you're not alone. You have four people that love you. Harry loves you like a brother and the girls. Well let's just say they are not the kind of girls who would give you their body if their hearts weren't involved in it too."

Neville looked at him considering his words. He nodded sadly. Looking across their training room to see the girls lining up and practicing. A ghost of a form starting to try and materialize with all of them in varying degrees of solidity.

Remus put his hand on Neville's shoulder in a fatherly way, "You don't have to be alone Neville. You deserve love and happiness just as much as anyone else."

=====xxxxx=====

That night in their lounge Luna was sitting in Neville's lap for a change while everyone relaxed. Harry on the couch with Hermione's head laying in his lap and Lavender tucked up against him on the side.

"I wonder why he escaped now?" Hermione pondered after a bit.

"What does it matter he wants to finish the job he started."
"Why? He knew you were alive that night. Professor Dumbledore told us that Sirius met Hagrid and gave him his motorcycle to help get you to safety. If he wanted you dead why not kill you and Hagrid then. I mean if Sirius is as dangerous as Remus says Hagrid wouldn't have put up much resistance."

Harry stared down at her with a frown as he considered that.

"She makes a good point Harry. You were weak and vulnerable. Hagrid, while physically strong, is not very capable magically. If Sirius had wanted to kidnap you, kill you, eat you, whatever he could have done so with minimal difficulties." Luna stated in her soft voice.

"Yeah but. So what are you trying to claim Mione?"

"I'm not trying to claim anything other than nothing about your life has been what one could call normal. That things have not always been what they seemed at first glance." She said sitting up.

Harry sighed in consideration of that. "Ok. I'll give you that. Dumbledore meddled since that night."

"Before then too maybe Harry. We don't know how far back this goes." Neville pointed out.

"We're getting off track here. There isn't much we can do about what happened. Black escaped for some reason. He chose to do so now. Why? What set him off?"

"Let's ask Remus in the morning ok. He should know.

=====xxx-xxx======

The next morning after breakfast Hermione broached the subject.

"Sir do you know why Sirius Black chose now to break out?"

"Well yes and Amelia about had a coronary about it. Apparently a guard decided it would be funny to toss Sirius a copy of the issue of Teen Witch with all the pictures of you and your girlfriends in it."

"That issue came out two months ago. So That's what triggered him?"

"Apparently. After he got hold of the issue he started repeating the things he said. Before that he was pretty much catatonic."
"So something in that article set him off."
"Well yes. It seems like it. He saw that Harry was still alive and doing well at Hogwarts."

"That doesn't make sense though."

"What do you mean Hermione? It makes perfect sense."

"No not really. Have you seen the article or the pictures?"

"No sorry but Teen Witch is not exactly on my reading list."
"Lavender can you show Remus your copy?"

"I'll have to go up to my room but yeah. Be right back."

"Alright Hermione why would it not make sense that this article about Harry is what triggered Sirius."

"Because Hagrid and Professor Dumbledore both told us about how Sirius showed up to the Potter's house just after Hagrid did. Hagrid was holding Harry in his arms when Sirius showed up. If he had wanted to murder Harry that would have been the perfect time. Hagrid would not have been able to defend Harry. Not from a magical attack. But Sirius gave Hagrid his motorcycle and helped him get Harry away. He didn't attack. He didn't even try."
"I suppose that makes sense but then it brings up the question of why he went after Peter. Why chase him down and kill him."
"That is something that has to have an explanation but is based on facts we are unaware of right now."

"You seem very sure of this hypothesis Hermione."
"Its the only one that makes logical sense."

Lavender returned and handed the issue over to Remus. He took it and started flipping through the articles until he stopped at one page. He stared at that page for a long time then closed his eyes and looked at it again. He took the magazine and walked very rapidly from the room. The Quintet looked at each other then followed him.

He reached the floo and was calling for madam Bones. The face that appeared though was a gaunt wild haired man. "What do you want?"

"I need to speak with Amelia Bones. I have some information for her."

"If it concerns an active case you can tell me."
"No I'm sorry but it is a code blue level security."
"I am her chief assistant. I have never heard of Code blue level security. Who are you?"

Remus canceled the connection. "Boring conversation."

"Remus what's going on?"
"Harry this rat that your friend is holding. Where is it?"

"Uh I think she said it ran off."
"Yeah it ran off. She figures it went off to die."

"When was this?"
"Uh this spring. Right after the game where McCormick died." Neville quietly explained.

"When the wards were upgraded to be anti-animagus?"
"Yeah right about."
"That fits. Its not you Harry that Sirius is talking about its Peter. Peter Pettigrew was a Rat animagus."

"Harry isn't the target?"
"No. It must have been Peter he saw." Remus turned the magazine around showing the one of Ginny holding Scabbers waving his four fingered paw.

"Wait maybe you ought to explain some stuff. I think you left out a few things."
"Well Minerva asked that I not mention it to you five in fear that you might desire to follow in the Marauder's footsteps. But your father, Sirius and Peter decided in their second year to begin to work on becoming animagi so that they could spend the nights I changed with me for moral support. Animals being safe from the attention of werewolves. By their sixth year they managed to achieve it. Your father was a magnificent Stag, we called him Prongs. Sirius was Padfoot a large black Boar hound. Peter was Wormtail. A common brown rat."

"Those names. They were on the magic map Fred and George had." Lavender recalled.

"Yeah the one that Ron's rat Scabbers ate and tore up."
"He probably recognized it. It would have shown where anyone was in the castle. Even if they were in their animagus form, poly-juiced, or otherwise under an invisibility cloak."
"How did you managed to do that?" Hermione gasped.

"We tied into the wards of the castle. There is a similar map in the headmaster and assistant headmaster's office. They are supposed to show where every student is so that they can determine if anyone is being naughty or otherwise out of bounds."

"Good to know."
"Yes well we need to visit your friends the Weasleys. They should be back by now."

Harry nodded and tried to raise them on the floo. All he got was a disembodied voice saying "That floo is no longer connected to the network."

"Okay maybe we could go to the Leaky Cauldron and walk. They only live a few blocks over."

Remus considered, "We need to find out more information. What they knew about the rat. The risk should be minimal."

"Okay. Be ready."