A/N:
Scene Continued from chapter 5
A/N2: I want to get this out sooner but life got in the way. I usually have most of the next chapter done before I publish the current chapter. I have been taking some classes in Emergency Management. In the COVID age that has been hard. Everyone stay safe.
Playing at the Place Act 2
The Show Must go on!
Speaking clearly, the Queen proclaimed to all, "We present to you, Our new Lady-in-Waiting, Lady Hermione. We are sure Lady Sarah will be glad to help with your duties. But, especially because she is a Mundane, it is time. Finally, we have a person who is Magical to be close to Us."
Hermione backed away as the Queen indicated and returned to her seat. She smiled at Harry and her father.
The Queen intently scanned the faces, zeroing in on Dan Granger's smiling face. "Captain Granger," spoke the Queen.
Dan Granger stood at attention as the Queen addressed him. "We find you again served Us and our Nation well. We thank you on behalf of Our nation. We recommend that you be returned to reserve status as soon as this crisis is under full control. We are recommending your rank be advanced accordingly. Your next assignment from Us is to work and coordinate with Madam Bones and British Special Forces. This liaison will fit the future needs of full cooperation between the Mundane and Magical parts of My kingdom. "
She nodded and turned to the sidelines, "Chaplin Morse, please continue your counseling of Sir Harry and any of the other children as needed. We would also like to coordinate with Madam Bones, the Head of DMLE, to establish counseling for her staff. We are appreciative of all your efforts on Our behalf. Let Us know if there is anything We can do to assist with your efforts."
She again addressed the rest of the young people. "Young men and ladies, We thank you for your service to the county. Formal recognition of your deeds will take place in a later setting."
The Queen spoke in summation, "We have found that people that have kept secrets which hurt Our country was nothing but reprehensible. Lies of omission to avoid taking responsibility for your failures and covering-up and hiding what We need to know will stop! From this day forward, you must understand this: What needs to be done for the good of Our country and it all of its people will take place, even if you are unwilling to cooperate with Us."
The Queen rose from her throne and spoke. "That concludes today's session. You all may be recalled from time to time to review your progress. Lady Hermione, with Us." As she swept from the room.
Harry stood stunned and turned to Dan and asked, "What just happened?"
"Well, it appears to me that your life suddenly got more complicated." Dan said with a slight grin, "As did mine! I am not sure what sort of duties her Majesty has in mind for Lady Hermione, But from what I hope, it will not greatly affect her schooling. It will be a busy summer for all three of us."
Dan turned to Emma, "It might be best if we can find if Dr. Jameson can sub for you at the practice for an extended period. I do not see this getting done over a week or two."
"Emma said, "We might as well plan on both of them learning to drive and look for cars."
Madam Bones stood listening and interjected, "Both of them can learn to Apparate in a few days and pass their License Test. I can get them both waivers because of their adult status. Magic already sees all of the six as Adult Wizards and Witches. While examining their wands after the fight, I found none of the children had the Trace on their wands. I can arrange for driving lessons as well if you want."
Harry looked a bit embarrassed and sheepishly said, I already have a license for motorcycles. Sirius found my Dad's Motorcycle and spent most of the last winter fixing it up. I had already taken the written test last week when I went to Gringotts. The next day I borrowed Sirius' bike and took the driving test. So I have a temporary license, and the real one will come sometime next week in the post."
Emma Granger asked, "Is it appropriate for a young lady to ride a motorcycle?"
Harry replied, "The motorcycle has a sidecar and already has the special enhancements that a car would need. It is what I have now, and it is ready to go."
Madam Bones said, "I get it registered as a Magical vehicle and let the palace know and get you the necessary passes. I do the same for Hermione's car when she gets one."
One of the pages stepped up and handed a note to Madam Bones. Another note went to the Doctors Grangers. He said, "Mister Potter, the MI working group requests your presence in the conference room. Ms. Granger will meet you there when Her Majesty dismisses her for the day."
Harry followed the page down the many halls and knocked on a closed door. The door was opened, and Harry was asked to step in. The door closed behind him.
John Majors, the Prime Minister, sat with four other people. Heads of MI5 and MI6 and two people in military uniforms. "This is a joint briefing started the PM. Things have been moving quickly in the last few days. The Queen has ordered us to take off the gloves and gave us full remit to arrest and hold 73 of the Magical people we have identified. Also, we have a problem. We have names and no pictures and pictures with no names. We managed to pick out 17 people from looking at the crowds of people you've seen. The MI people want more images to look for and assemble a book of Magicals Mugshots. The already captured Death Eaters are a fount of information. Madam Bones had an Auror bring by and supervise the use of Vertiserum. What we are trying to do is to get a computer database up and running. Then we punch in a description from general to specific. For example. Describe to me, Susan Bones."
Harry started, "Female about 16 years old, 175CM and 8 stones, Red hair, long to the middle of the back, no freckles. Large breasts. Small button nose."
In a matter of seconds, one of the MI folks turned the laptop screen so Harry could see it. "It this her?"
Harry nodded, "So you used all the memories and have a few 100 images. You want more images. You will use them for a mug-book of magical people. This will be used to help solve crimes and track down Death eaters and other supporters? Then what? It will be you hunt down the rest of us?"
John Majors said, "No! It would not be used for that. It will be used to make sure some petty thieves like this guy get picked up. Opening a folder and showing it to Harry. On top was a photo of Mundingus Fletcher caught on a Surveillance Camera stealing two bottles of alcohol from a package store.
Harry said, "That's guy's name is a Mundingus Fletcher. He is Dumbledore's man and used to get things off the grid for the Order of the Phoenix. He a petty thief and smuggler of sorts."
John Majors said, "See how it benefits both sides. We eliminate the criminal making the separation of both worlds more secure. To make things safer before this crisis, we had already installed cameras at the major intersections in the London area. Also, most of the road interchanges are already covered. Airports, Tube Stations, and other modes of transportation are also being covered. Our biggest asset is now the camera. They might not stop a crime, but we can backtrack the criminal after the fact and see where they came from and where they are going. For example, we caught a terrorist setting bombs in a railway station last year by watching the camera. We stopped the bombs from going off. The Bomber committed suicide rather than being captured. We used camera footage to find that he got out of a van and traced the van to where they made the bombs. Then we followed the van to another safe house. Over a dozen terrorists were caught, and the entire cell was sent to prison."
"The largest crowd I have ever seen would be at the World Quidditch Cup. You have seen my memory of the fight afterward itself. Maybe close to 15,000 to 25,000 people from all over the world attended. About 70% of all the UK Magicals were. I scanned the crowd several times and still have it recorded on Omnioculars. It would just need to be filmed. I can have them brought here?"
The PM asked, "So we could get them tomorrow? Do we need to be Magical to use them?"
Harry said, "I can have it brought right now, and I think most Squibs can make them work. But, if not, I am free to help."
John Majors looked at one MI people and watched him nod, "Now is good."
Harry called out "Dobby," and with a pop, the House-Elf appeared. "I need my Omnioculars from my trunk. I am going to loan them to these fine gentlemen."
As soon as Dobby disappeared, one of the men in Uniform asked, "What was that?"
Harry explained, "That's Dobby, a House-Elf, His bonded to me, and we have a symbiotic relationship. He receives a bit of my magic for stability from me, and I have a perfect helper. An elf in the wild is a rare thing, Normally unstable and viciously savage. During World War 2, one of the Allied Forces bomber disturbed a small wild colony of elves. They attacked the Bomber while they were in flight. Do you remember stories about the "Brownies?"
One of the military people nodded, "They plagued several different bombing missions. Very few people who ever saw one of them lived to tell about it. I understand they also took out a German tank column and a few German planes as well."
"After the war, the colony was removed. Most of the bonded with wizarding families in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Spain." Harry explained. House-Elves without a bond become mentally unstable. Mine is a little hyperactive still because he lived for about 18 months without a complete bond. I expect as time passes in time, he will be less and less hyper." Harry explained.
About a minute later, Dobby returned, "Here, Master Harry Sir. You be needing me for anything else?"
Harry said, "No, nothing else right now, Dobby. Thank you!"
Dobby disappeared with a pop as Harry set the Magical device onto the desk. Harry said, under our laws, I can't share the recording with others or duplicate it. I understand that the rights were licensed to someone, and they are charging about the total price of the ticket seat for a copy. That recording was made from one of the best seats, the top box. I can look around and see if I can locate a recording from other parts of the Stadium. Not sure how many faces it will show. It will cost about 500 Pounds for each recording. The device cost is about 100 Pounds. Remember, the Magical Community still used Shakespearean theater standards. The cheapest seats on the floor and the best seats are high up. I was looking down or across at the game most of the time. It was a really fantastic game. I was thinking of trying out for the National Team this year, but that has changed."
"We will return this to you when we are done." The Prime Minister stated.
Harry nodded and asked, "Anything else?"
John Majors said, "There might be times when Her Majesty might need a special type of security. That falls under your remit as Crown's Wizard. Additionally, there has been some talk of forming another sub-department specializing in Magical Intelligence both internationally and internally. They would be counterparts to MI-5 and MI-6. Both would be your oversight, and you would be working with these two men as well as Captain Granger."
Harry blanched, "I have at least two years of school to complete. So there should be better-qualified people than me."
The Prime Minister said, "You are the one selected by the Queen. The job will be more of an explainer to these two officers to start with, and you will be assisting Captain Granger mostly. For you, our current plans are to complete your Magical schooling and a few specialty standard education classes. We also will have a few military classes over the summers for you. Ms. Granger and Ms. Lovegood will find her time likewise occupied, as so everyone speaks the same lingo. Mister Longbottom and the Weasleys will have interviews and placement evaluations. I believe the Queen wants to reward the other with appointments or positions."
Harry answered, "I see, maybe."
"We need you to be around here for a few more days to answer questions and maybe to supply ideas. Much as the Queen will be utilizing Lady Hermione, so we will be employing you. There will be a stipend for both of you. You need to have transportation and training set for you, as we discussed. Any questions?"
"Time off, Sir? I still have my school's summer essays to finish and shopping before September to do," asked Harry.
The PM explained, "Your stipend is not a wage. At this point, we won't be working you five days a week at eight hours a day. Other than the training, you will be on call as needed. You have been more than helpful so far, and I don't want to abuse you by overworking you."
"We will start by getting orientation over in MI5 and MI6 office building. I guess you will need passes too for the palace and other buildings and office spaces." Stated one of the MI people Harry didn't know which one, They never designated which person was which,"
One of the people in uniform explained to Harry, "We are career people, not appointed. That means our positions are earned by merit. The difference is their appointment is through the PM and his government. The next PM can and will most likely appoint other people to the supervisor position. Their job is the carryout policy set by the elected government. We foresee your position will be pretty much the same but overseeing policy set by Her Majesty for the magical side of thing. She usually doesn't get so directly involved. Still, I expect her to eventually shuffle the Magical side over to me and a sub-department after things get sorted out. Right now, the policy is being set by her Majesty directly. It may take years to get sorted out. So you'll spend a few hours a week, even when you are in school, playing the appointed head of what will be MI-5Magical and MI-6Magical. The earned by merit position currently is Captain Granger. As both of those areas grow, his job might be split."
Harry finally understood. "I am a go-between; I report to the Queen and take guidance from her. I pass on what she wants to Captain Granger. I insulate him and the Military from overt or direct politics. Then, when things settle down, The Queen will pass me off to you, and I do the same work. Right?"
"Yes," Spoke the Prime Minister, "that's correct. So, I'll pass you off to Major, here to get you started tomorrow. Paperwork and passes, with some basic job orientation. He will get you a pool secretary to help with paperwork and filing. I think a Palace office assignment will be needed as well. This is all new ground, and we will feel our way through it. "Nodding to himself as he checked his notes. That covers my portion of this briefing. I will leave you to these four to finish it up. Good Day, Gentlemen." As he stood and left the room.
Harry slumped in his chair and understood what Mister Granger had meant: "Life being more complicated for both of them."
The Major in question introduced himself. "I am Major Tribbetts of MI-5. That is internal security. The PM wants us to work together with MI-6. If and when we find out about magical problems outside of Britain, we let him know, and then you'll work with him. Right now, this is all domestic issues so are your mine." He handed him a card after he wrote instructions on the back of it. Be at that address tomorrow morning at 8:30. "Show that card to the guard, and he will get you an escort for inside the building. I will get you started tomorrow. Paperwork 1st. You're a bright lad and will catch on quickly. The plan is for you and Lady Hermione to spend the night here with Captain Granger. Tomorrow you along with Captain Granger will report", pointing at the card, "And we will get things in shape rather quickly."
He reached over and pushed a button on the phone. "Major Tribbetts, conference room 2-11 West. I need an escort for Sir Harry to his assigned suite. Very good, good, I will tell him." and he hung up the phone.
"Life just keeps going for you, lad. The Queen has requested the honor of your presence for supper this evening with her consort, Prince William, and Princess Zara. They are close to your age. The dress is casual. This is a family supper, and you and Hermione are meeting the family. Prince Philip and Prince Charles observed you and Hermione at work the other day. He was impressed you were so hard at work you never looked up when everyone else was standing at attention. Anyway, a page will be here soon to take you to your room. I was told that the Dinner is at six-thirty. Your escort will pick you and Lady Hermione up about 15 after the hour."
Harry nodded, "Got it. Dan said 'Interesting' indeed!" Followed by a laugh.
Harry was again led through the maze of hallways until he found himself at the same set of rooms he had stayed in before. Mrs. Granger sat at the desk talking on the phone. Harry went to his bedroom and called for Dobby.
"Dobby, I need from the Granger's house my light green shirt. Pale gold-colored tie and gray dockers, fresh gray socks, and the light gray jacket. Please bring my trunk and school books here as well. I can get started on that work for the next few hours while I am waiting for Hermione." Spoke Harry.
Harry looked at the assignment for the summer essay for Potions class. He shook his head. Sometimes he didn't understand the why of some of the school assignments. The point was there was never an honest discussion over the different terms. Or why something is done. The useless instruction on the blackboard and never any explanations from the instructor when asked a question. Harry figured new Defense and Potions instructors next year. Maybe a new Transfiguration professor as well if Professor McGonagal took the Head position. Three feet on another mysterious potion to treat boils? Hmmm, Harry thought. The first potion they made did the same thing.
Seven ingredients, none of them rare. This one had 17 ingredients, and three of them were rare or hard to find. Three critical steps took about three hours to prepare and had to be set for three days before use, and it had to be applied even an hour for days. The 1st year made a paste in 9 steps. The only critical step was to take the cauldron off the fire when adding the Porcupine Needles and wait five minutes before returning it to the fire. Harry carefully examined the new potions instructions. Hidden inside the instructions was a new preparation technique and an explanation of crush versus crush to a powder, Not grind to a powder. Thinking about it, more grinding would be faster but would add heat to the process. Picking up one of the potions books that covered common ingredients. He found what he was looking for. The beetle wings, when they were ground with a mortar and pestle, would heat the wings. That would scorch them. Crushing the wings didn't scorch wings. That excess heating would make the mixture acidic and burn the skin. This whole essay was so the student would learn that one part of brewing potions?
Harry asked himself what other potions used the same beetle wings? Were there other potion ingredients that the difference between crush to powder and grind to powder might be affected?. Harry took his regular notepad and started going through his books and potions instructions, looking for the words crush and grind as well as slice, cut, and chop. This is something which should have been the first lesson in Potions. Harry quickly outlined the essay and the points he wanted to cover based on his reading of the essay subject. Then, he added the references he had already used to his work and started writing the 1st draft.
Hermione knocked on the door as Harry finished the draft. Harry opened the door, and Hermione flopped onto the bed. "I have been so busy today. First, I sat with Lady Sarah and studied protocol and procedures. Do you know I get a stipend to defray expenses and a small expense account? I have a cellphone now, and it seems I will be a private aide to the Queen for most magical things. I spent an hour getting photographed and signing security and non-disclosure agreements. I now have a set of passes and a charge card. Sarah is taking me shopping tomorrow for clothing. What are you wearing to dinner tonight?"
Harry pointed to the gray dockers and light green shirt. He said, "The gray jacket should match the pants. Am I going to color charm the shoes to match? And you?"
"I don't know. I have to ask Dobby to get it." Hermione said, pausing, "Dobby?"
Dobby popped in and "What can Dobby be doing for Master Potter's Missy Granger?"
"Dobby, can you get me out of my closet my black skirt and the blouse which matches Harry's shirt. Also, my black low heels shoes and the matching hair ribbon that matches Harry's tie," she asked.
Harry added, "Please bring her school trunk and books too. We will have downtime and still need to finish the essays and reading. I have got a good start on potions already." pointing to his desk.
Hermione nodded, "That's a good start? It looks almost finished!"
Harry said, "I start, what you spent today taking care of, tomorrow morning. So the Major said that 'I will be getting most of that work done in the early morning. Then I will get a basic job orientation and some training. So between my summer essays, some military training classes, and the magical stuff they want to be done, I have a full day. I was told it wouldn't be 24/7 or even 40 hours. So I think some of our duties will overlap, like this dinner."
"Me too, Harry." Hermione, "From what Lady Sarah said early in her reign when she was younger, she was on call more, and now unless it is when the Queen is traveling for state visits. She is only on duty about once a week now."
Harry observed, "There is a big difference in yours and Lady Sarah's ages, right?"
Hermione said, "There is more than that going on. There is a degree of security right now. She is more aware of how easy it would have been for a Death Eater to just pop in and kidnap her of a member of the royal family."
.
Harry said, "The Prime Minister and the MI folks were shocked when I called Dobby. Then, when I explained the Elf bond to them and explained what a Brownie is in relationship to a House Elf, it shocked them a bit. They realized the havoc wizards could foment by turning a bunch of house-elves loose on the utility companies. I don't think the wizards actually knew what house-elves are capable of doing."
Hermione said, "It was after Dobby explained why all the other house-elves considered him a 'bad elf' was because he wasn't bonded. It was the lack of a bond that would cause his instability to continue to grow over time. Eventually, he would go rogue, and they would have to put him down. But, of course, no house-elf wanted to do that."
"I am so glad I bonded to Dobby," Harry said. "When Winky needed to find a family, I was happy you suggested the Lovegood. Xeno needed someone to cook and clean for him."
Hermione looked at her watch, "I better start getting ready for dinner," as she stood and left the room.
Harry followed the Royal Page through the halls. He stopped at a closed door and waved a card at a sensor on the wall, followed by the buzz of an electric lock opening.
He motioned the couple inside.
Harry and Hermione stepped inside and were met by a man dressed as a butler.
"Sir Harry, Lady Hermione," Spoke the butler, "My name is Graves. You may address me as Mister Graves." He explained. On this side of the door is the Royal Families Quarters. Things are less formal here. We still maintain a sense of decorum. We do not become overly familiar with the Royals. Tonight you are dining with Her Majesty the proper form when speaking to her is Your Majesty. The others you are to address as Prince Philip, Prince William, or Princess Zara. I am sure Lady Sarah managed to speak about this with Lady Hermione. Still, I would like to know Sir Harry would not be making a faux pas tonight for decorum's sake."
Harry spoke, "Thank you, Mister Graves. I wouldn't want to make a mess of things right at the start." While Hermione nodded in agreement.
Mister Graves smiled, "Thank you for dressing appropriately. I don't know how many people I've had fixed their dress. We have a small supply, but the family all know when the stand-in clothing is being used. it tells them a great deal about the guests."
"Normally, the family is already in the lounge waiting for the guests. When they are inside, I bring you to the door and announce you. You will remain standing until the Queen seats herself. Normally, she will indicate where she wishes you to sit. This is a bit of chatting before dinner is how she expects the discussion to go for the rest of the evening. I think this dinner serves two functions. First, it allows her to get to know the two of you personally. Secondly, it will help the family to understand how your insular society operates."
Hermione nodded, "Lady Sarah said close to the same thing. She also told me to depend on you to keep us out of the swamp. Thank you for explaining to Harry so distinctly."
Mister Graves tilted his head and pointed to a small earpiece. "They ready for you." He stepped to the door and knocked twice. When he heard "Enter." He twisted the knob and pulled the door open. Stepping forward, "Your Majesty, Your guests have arrived" he waited until the Queen nodded in assent. Your Highness, I present your invited guests Sir Harold Potter, Baron of Hogsmeade and the Lady Hermione." and he motioned the two forward. Mr. Graves introduced, "Lord Potter and Lady Hermione, I present you to Queen Elizabeth the Second. With her are Royal Consort, Prince Philip, and Grandchildren Prince William and Princess Zara."
Graves looked at the Queen and saw her nodded in dismissal. He stepped back and closed the door behind himself.
Harry and Hermione stepped forward a little hesitantly. The room was arranged, so there were three settees. The Prince and Princess stood, and Prince William motioned for Harry to sit and the end closer to the Queen. Princess Zara did the same for Hermione. The four of them sat down.
The Queen smiled, "Now, in this setting for tonight, we are less formal. Use the address for me and Ma'am and Miss for Zara. Sir, when addressing Princes.
Both of the non-Royals replied with a soft, "Yes, Ma'am."
Philip started the conversation, "What sort of subjects do you study in school?"
Hermione replied, "The core classes which are required for the first 5 years. Those subjects are Astronomy, Transfiguration, Charms, History of Magic, Defense Against Dark Magic, Herbology, and Potions. Then, after our 3rd form, we can add elective classes. Those are Divination, Ancient Runes, Arithmancy, Care Of Magical Muggle Studies. After the NEWTs, Those are like A levels, we can study Advanced Arithmancy, Alchemy. Finally, we have additions courses like Flying, Magical Theory, and few others that are only a few days or weeks long."
Zara asked, "So you do not have classes in subjects like sociology, physics, or Calculus?"
Harry said, "The closest we have to those subjects is Arithmancy or Muggle Studies. I think changing the Muggle Studies class to Mundane and Magical Sociology is a significant move. I would also like to see a Comparative History of Mundane and Magical Britain and World. Going over every Goblin war in the last 2000 years isn't helpful. The magical world in Britain is stuck in the early 1800s. It is just a step away from serfdom. It really is a caste system. Those with generations of magical parents are on top. They are called Pure-Bloods. The next step down this ladder is called Half-Bloods. They are a sub-unit and classed as a percentage of purity of magical Blood up to the 5th generation when they become Pure Bloods but ranked as a lessor sub-unit. The New-Bloods or Muggle-Born. Those are vulgarly called Mud Bloods. Next to last are those born of Magical Heritage but cannot do magic. Last on the list is completely mundane, with no heritage of magic and unable to do any magic. The Magical world here calls the Muggles, and that is really an insult."
William asked, "So this Dark lord you killed wasn't a Pure-Blood, right?"
Hermione answered for Harry. "He was a Half-Blood. He lied to the Pure-Bloods, and because he vocalized and agree with their hidden agenda, they followed him. Early in his campaign, history tells of him being very powerful magically and charismatic. He was willing to do what the Pure-bloods were too timid to do. He struck in the night using minor targets and hit-and-run tactics of a terrorist organization. Tom Marvelo Riddle slowly built up a reputation as Lord Voldemort, and people began to fear him."
The Queen said, "Many dictators gain power the same way. First, they start small with a minority as the target of choice and gather power and followers. Then, the more they gain, they expand their operations to other small targets by utilizing a divide and conquer tactic. That's why MI5 and MI6 exist. New groups spring up. It is either a small group that wishes to maintain the status quo and power or a group of discontents who rise up in revolt. The Empire was terrible, and the revolt could have been prevented. Sadly, Great Britain has not learned from history, and we are still doing it wrong."
"Some of us are watching the world. The eddies of power and currents of unrest are ever-changing. Often populations groups are like crabs in the bucket. As one crab climbs out to escape, the other crabs pull him back down. Prince William observed. That can cause as much strife as the people on top, pushing people down." William remarked.
Mister Graves knocked and announced, "Dinner is ready."
Philip stood and offered the Queen his arm. Harry was standing and saw William follow suit to lead Hermione to supper. Harry followed the lead and offered Zara his arm.
Zara whispered to him, "You are a fast learner."
"Sometimes, when I find myself out of my league, I watch others for clues. That's enough to keep me out of trouble, most of the time." Harry replied.
"Grandmother doesn't expect perfection. Watch William for clues." Zara said. "This is a simple light supper, not a state dinner. Those will come later. Tonight is soup, fresh bread, beef over rice and afters. The wine is tasty and used to clean your pallet. Grandfather isn't supposed to drink, but he takes a sip between courses."
They were lead through an open set of double doors into a room with a table for 6. Philip led the Queen to the head of the table and pulled out her chair, and helped seat her. Harry noticed William doing the same thing for Hermione, and he followed William's lead. Both Hermione remained standing until Prince Philip took his own seat. Both the young ladies then took their seats, and William and Harry followed suit.
The Queen looked at William, "Please, offer a blessing?"
Harry bowed his head as William started. "Our Father in Heaven, bless this food we are about to partake to feed our bodies. So may it also provide our spiritual selves. Help us always to remember the noblesse oblige, and guide our hands and lives as you will. May you guide us that our decisions are fair and just. Amen."
Mister Graves brought in a trolley and started with the Queen placed a bowl in front of her. Then he served Prince Philip and the grandchildren, followed by Hermione and Harry last.
Harry looked and saw it was a vegetable and pasta soup in broth and smelled good. He offered the bread to The Queen, who was to his left, as he saw William do for his Grandfather. William then did make the same offering to his own dining partner before serving himself. Harry followed the clues and took his spoon, which was at the same place as Zara took.
Eating supper with the Royals was different. It was closer to sitting in with an ordinary family except for a subtle layer of formality. Food like bread was passed, and the usual niceties were observed. There was light talk between table partners. A little gentle probing and feeling out each other by the Royal teens. Grandparents were busy watching the exchanges.
After the soup, the main course of roast beef with a side of rice was served. The rest of the meal was beef was lightly seasoned and medium-rare. The potatoes had a bit of garlic and rosemary seasoning. The light chatter and questioning by the younger royals continued and was watched by the older couple.
Afters was a light lemon ice. While not the Magical teen's favorite, Hermione remarked about the lack of excess sugar most deserts had.
That led to a significant discussion about the eating habits of many of the magicals. " Learning and using magic required lots of energy." Harry and Hermione stated, "The two of us exercise daily. Although we tend to eat a little more than our non-magicals counterparts. We are not suffering from the excessive weight gain that many magicals our ages were already fighting."
Prince Philip asked, "Harry, tell me more of this game you play. I really want to know, do you actually use broomsticks.?"
Zara snorted, "Philip is gaga over any sport. The only true sport is polo."
Hermione rolled her eyes and said. "I would rather keep both feet on the ground, thank you. But, fortunately, no one else is brave enough to try to out-fly a dragon."
Philip asked, "Dragons are real."
Harry said, "I didn't include that memory for recordings. I need to add it. Also, The one involving the Merpeople and the second task. I am sorry I didn't include them in the original memories. Lady Hermione's memories are probably better. I was busy flying away from the dragon to watch it. Turning around would have slowed me down."
Zara asked, "Is it like playing polo in three dimensions?"
"Well, sort of, only if polo was played with four balls," Harry said. "There are 7 players. Three chasers, two beaters, a goalkeeper, and a seeker. There are 4 balls in play. A Quaffle is used by the Chasers to score goals. Those goals are worth 10 points each. The 2 bludgers are heavy iron balls used by the Beaters to disrupt the play by hitting the players. The Snitch, which is a small golden ball the size of a walnut with wings. The goal of the seeker is to find the Snitch and catch it for 150 points. That also ends the game."
"The game is fast-paced. Some games last just a few minutes, most are a few hours, and rarely do they last for days." Harry finished his explanation."
Prince Philip said, "I like to see a game sometime, but I don't think that will be possible. I am not a magical person, and those restrictions about us mundane people knowing about the Magical World."
Hermione looked and said, "There are talismans which would allow you past Hogwarts' wards. Mister Weasley told me, 'About twice a year, his department would get called in during the summer because some Muggles would hike into the area between Hogwarts and the mountains.' Each time they would be wearing a piece of jewelry that had a charm that nullified the notice me not and repelling wards. So all we need to do is legally get those charms on some jewelry for the royal family."
The Queen asked, "It would be that easy?"
Hermione nodded, "I think so. It would allow you or your representative to visit Hogwarts." Hermione hesitated, then said, "I think it would cement your connection to the younger generation of magicals. We need to erase the cult of Dumbledore, and the place to start is with the younger generation. He has been an educator at Hogwarts since the early 1900s. It will take a lot of work to change people's minds about him."
Zara spoke, "Grandmother, this is an opportunity which needs to be explored." She looked at Philip, who nodded his head, " We need to take it as a chance for the Crown to get in a position of influence with an isolated segment of our society."
The Queen asked, "Zara and Philip, do you think you are up to the task?"
Both nodded, but Zara spoke for them, "As long as sir Harold and Lady Hermione work with us, I think it can be done."
The Queen said to the four youths, "Do your best. It is time for the youth to start to take an active role. We expect you four will work well together. Coordinate things so sometime before the end of the year, We can make a royal inspection of the school. We understand that We can not use Mundane standards to judge the magical world. Still, the expectation of not being considered inferior should work back and forth in both societies. In the next few days, We expect the four of you to set meeting dates and a timetable for goals that We want. Lady Hermione and Sir Harry have other immediate obligations to meet. The inspection is secondary. Both Lady Hermione and Sir Harry's first focus is the security of the state and its people."
Everyone nodded in understanding. The Queen stood, "The hour is late. Let Us take our leave. "The four of you enjoy the evening, remember Sir Harry has a full day tomorrow with the MI-5 people." and left the room.
Zara let out a sigh, "Well, this went well. I knew she had something up her sleeve. Giving us a significant assignment like this means she trusts William and me to carry this through." While she looked at Harry and Hermione.
William shook his head, "Grandfather played her foil perfectly." So looking at the two magicals. "We need to get these talismans located or made so all this could happen. What sort of date are we looking at for this Quidditch match. How do we travel from the nearest public access point to your school?"
Harry frowned, "I am not sure the Express is the best method. That's the train from London to Hogsmeade Station. There is a motorway about 30 KM from the school. There may be a place closer where a helicopter could land, and we could use the carriages. I'll have to ask Hagrid and the Headmistress." Looking at Hermione, "Give us a week to ask questions."
Zara said, "The helicopter might be the best route to explore. Even if it is a landing spot near the motorway. As long as there is a road between the two points. The worst case is the 7-hour train trip, staying the night, a day for inspections, and returning the next day."
Hermione said, "Let me start by exploring the options, and we can meet in 5 or 6 days? I drop you a note as soon as anything progresses."
All three of them nodded in agreement.
Harry said, "Hermione will be my point of contact with the two of you until I can get a cell phone. Remember, cell coverage in magical areas is difficult at the best of times."