Beta: AriArlene [real life friend who loves fanfiction and not through the beta'ing service]
Original Release Date: 11/08/15 Author Time
Disclaimer: I do not own anything in the canon Harry Potter universe or any other universe.
Chapter 36 – The Preparations Begin
"Minister, frankly I don't believe that having Dementors at Hogwarts will do any good for the students. The current security will prevent any intruders from entering the grounds" objects Amelia as she stands in Fudge's office.
"Now Amelia, you know as well as I do that an extra level of security against Pettigrew and Death Eaters at Hogwarts will be welcomed by all" states Fudge firmly.
"Minister, please be reasonable. If the Dementors decide for some unknown reason to attack a student, what will we do?" states Amelia, worry laced throughout her tone.
"The Dementors will not attack any students" states Fudge firmly.
Knowing she had lost this argument, Amelia nods her head and answers, "I'll make the preparations."
Walking back to her office, Amelia thinks to herself, 'This shouldn't be happening, especially with the measures that are at Hogwarts. But the minister just doesn't need to know what we have done exactly.'
Stopping suddenly midwalk, Amelia almost causes a person following her to collide, barely managing to avoid her.
'I think that I'm beginning to follow in Dumbledore's footsteps by not being more transparent in what the DMLE is doing for the overall security for students at Hogwarts. He doesn't need to know the exact locations of all entrances to the castle and grounds, but knowledge that wards and some cameras are in place to capture all incoming and outgoing persons should be at least somewhat relieving to him.'
Knocking on the door, a voice calls out, "Come in."
"Minister, the security details that the DMLE has in place at Hogwarts are anti-animagus wards, house-elf prevention wards, which prevent unauthorized house-elves from entering the grounds, in addition to cameras at every entrance and exit to and from the castle. That's just part of what we've added in addition to what was already in place" states Amelia.
Looking up from a roll of parchment on his desk, Fudge states calmly, "I appreciate your honesty with me and I appreciate your protections, but this does not change my mind about the Dementors."
"I wasn't attempting to change your mind minister, simply being forthcoming with details on security, such as you have, so we can create a more seamless and stronger level of security for the students" states Amelia before exiting the office again.
Hours later Amelia activates her PRT, arriving home seconds later. Walking into the dining room, Amelia takes a seat across from Sirius, who bounces up and down uncontrollably as Jack, Dobby, and Kreacher bring the food in, setting the table in a snap of their fingers.
"What are you so giddy about dear?" inquiries Amelia tiredly.
"Just a week until Harry and Susan come back home" states Sirius, still bouncing a little.
"Yes, it is. But why are you still so excited?"
"We can go on vacation as one large family! And the twins will run the store on reduced hours of course" answers Sirius.
"Did you finally decide where we are going?" asks a bemused Amelia.
"I think a nice trip to France might be in order. A change in scenery, and who knows what else! What do you think?"
"I think it sounds very enjoyable. But what about your warding program?" inquiries Amelia.
"No one seems interested, but I think we can give a test run with Harry, Susan, the twins, Neville, and maybe a few others. I figure Miss Lovegood and Miss Weasley might enjoy some interactions with some kids their own age, and not have to worry about studying" answers Sirius.
"You mean teach them first? As in before they graduate from Hogwarts?" asks Amelia confused.
"Yes and no. Get a sense of how to teach, and work out some of the kinks of actually teaching. But obviously they don't have to pay, and it gives them a chance to spread the word about how interesting it is, or isn't, depending on how we do" replies Sirius shrugging his shoulders.
"Hmm. I'd say ask their parents first, and then see how it goes. But you may want to interrupt that a bit based on my piece of news. Fudge has written up an order to send Dementors to the perimeter of Hogwarts just in case Pettigrew decides to return" states Amelia.
"Didn't you all find fresh ashes in the Shrieking Shack earlier this year and that he hasn't been back in yet? If that's true, then he wouldn't dare try to enter the Hogwart's grounds any other way, even the way under Honeydukes."
A pause in conversation causes Sirius to look up and notice the look in his wife's eyes, causing him to stop his eating and quickly add, "Don't worry, Moony has put up a lot of wards and cameras. It might be a long walk underground, but it's covered quite nicely with sound sensing cameras, regular cameras, and is warded at both entrances and exits. Don't worry, Pettigrew would be insane to even try to enter that way, and even if he got to the entrance, he wouldn't be able to enter and arrive at Hogwarts without setting off at least half a dozen alarms, if he even manages to enter."
"Let's change the topic. Dementors. Do you know if this will be publicized or just kept quiet until Hogwarts resumes in the fall?" inquiries Sirius.
Shaking her head, Amelia replies, "I'm not certain. But based on that Remus wouldn't have enough time to instruct his classes on how to produce a Patronus Charm before the break begins."
"He might not be able to do before the break, but I figure he can teach a handful before getting on the train, and then teach the others when classes resume" suggests Sirius.
"I suppose that would work. It would definitely be better than not teaching them at all."
"Let's just make it one day at a time and we'll get through this, as will they" answers Sirius.
/*the last evening at Hogwarts*/
"By my calculations I must award the House Cup. Alas, despite Ravenclaw winning the Quidditch Cup, Ravenclaw does not win the House Cup. Gryffindor wins the House Cup due for being in the lead at seven hundred and twenty six points" announces Dumbledore, with mostly cheers from the Gryffindor table being heard.
Digging into the food, the students eat, savoring the taste, especially as the graduating seventh years had received their certificates and were enjoying their last major meal at Hogwarts, a somber occasion for them.
"We've prepared a little something special for tonight" whispers George to Harry.
"Better not be too flashy" mutters Harry as he continues to eat.
As the remnants of the desserts disappear, seconds later the sound of explosives activating echo around the hall as letters appear in an arc across the four tables.
Smiling, Dumbledore claps loudly and is joined by many others as the word, "CONGRATULATIONS!" sparkles above the tables. As the clapping dies down quickly, Dumbledore, with a twinkle in his eye announces, "Thank you Messrs Weasley and Weasley for such a wonderful send off for our seventh years."
The twins stand up and bow in a few different directions before taking their seats.
The next morning as the students eat their last meal at Hogwarts, whether it be for the last time ever, or just until the fall, the atmosphere of leaving their wonderful home for so long hangs over all student's heads. Clearing his throat, Remus stands up and walks to the front of the staff table, quieting the few students who are chatting quietly.
"The Marauders Emporium has decided that all seventh years will receive a copy of each recorded Quidditch match free of charge. Despite only having caught two matches, we think that this will remind them of the good times, and will offer them the next year's matches of their respective houses for free as well. It will not matter if you actually played in the game or not in order to receive a copy. We wish all students a wonderful break and for those entering the world around us as Hogwarts graduates, we welcome you" announces Remus before taking his seat.
Standing up with the applause, Dumbledore smiles and announces, "While I can not top the announcement that Professor Lupin has made, I do congratulate you all on making it through one more year at Hogwarts."
Loading onto the train, the students break into groups, taking compartments over for the multiple hour train trip back to Kings Cross Station. Entering their own compartment at the end of one train car, Harry, Hermione, Neville, and Ron sit down, Hermione next to Neville with Harry and Ron across from them.
"Have any plans for the summer?" inquiries Harry curiously.
"My mum and dad are taking Neville and I to Italy for two weeks" replies Hermione happily as she laces her fingers through Neville's.
"That sounds exciting. Sirius said something about taking he, Amelia, Remus, Susan, and myself on some form of vacation, but he didn't specify where."
"Sounds like an adventure" remarks Neville.
"What about you Ron, do you have any plans or goals for this summer?" asks Hermione.
Opening his mouth to reply, Ron is interrupted by a familiar voice, "He's coming with us to Egypt it looks like."
"But do we have to bring him along, or will mum kill us if we made him just magically disappear" remarks another familiar voice, much like the first one.
Turning to the newcomers, the two of the four stop, surprised as Harry chortles and comments, "Fred, George, it's nice to see you here. "
"What do you mean we're going to Egypt?" asks Ron, finally able to speak.
"Dad won the grand prize of going to Egypt for two weeks" answers George.
"But how do you know and I don't?" accuses Ron.
"Oh, mum apparently got an Omni Play and figured out how to contact us" answers Fred nonchalantly, pulling out his Omni Play from a pocket.
"Oh look, she's still connected. I wonder why we can't hear her, she seems a tad red in the face" remarks Fred looking down at the surface.
"Probably because we muted the sound. Hope we muted our end as well" comments George before unmuting Mrs. Weasley.
"How DARE you two mute your own mother! Your father will have something to say about this when he gets home" announces a clearly upset Mrs. Weasley.
"We're still getting used to the controls of video calls" states Fred.
"Hmph. Ron dear, we're going to Egypt for two weeks in three weeks time" states Mrs. Weasley smiling.
"Ok" answers Ron before Mrs. Weasley's face disappears from the mirror.
"That sounds like great fun" Hermione remarks, smiling.
"I just hope-" begins George as the sound of explosions comes from his pocket, prompting him to pull out his Omni Play and answer the video call.
"George! And there you are Fred, glad to see you in wonderful health. Now, there will be a single week, next week, in which you two will be learning how to run the shop for when Remus and I are on vacation for two weeks. Do you think you two can handle that?" states Sirius.
"Really? Run the store by ourselves?" chorus the twins.
Chuckling, Sirius replies, "Of course. If you two think you are up to the task of doing so."
"We certainly are" answers George giddy with excitement
"See you two in three days time then" states Sirius before disappearing.
Bubbling with excitement, the twins stride down the hallway towards some unknown destination. As the four occupants turn back to their conversation, before a female voice interrupts, "Do you mind if we join you all?"
Looking at the speaker, Harry speaks up, "Sure, why not?"
"Because most of the students treat us like we're diseased or something" answers Luna from behind Ginny.
"Why would they do that? Do you think it's because you were in the Chamber of Secrets?" inquiries Neville concern in his voice.
"I think so" answers Ginny before sitting beside Harry, with Luna sitting across from her, the compartment now full.
"That's terrible. It wasn't your fault that you were taken into the Chamber of Secrets" remarks Harry, frowning.
"I agree, but whatever" comments Ginny.
"Let's wait and see what happens in the fall. If they continue to do so, I'll make certain it stops" declares Harry looking at Luna and Ginny in turn.
"Would anyone like to play a board game?" asks Hermione.
Many hours later of games, food, and more conversation, the sextet gather their things, leaving the train to their respective families. Making his way to where Sirius stands beside Remus, Harry arrives just a minute or two before Susan does, an unreadable expression on her face.
"Sirius, I have a question. What is stopping me from leaving Hogwarts nightly and staying at home and then using my PRT to get back into my dormitory?" inquiries Harry curiously.
Slapping Harry gently on the back, Sirius laughs heartily and answers, "Now you're thinking like your father. I don't see why you couldn't, other than if you get caught you'd be spending every night in detention with McGonagall."
"And just why would you want to stay at home and go to Hogwarts just for the day?" inquiries Remus.
"To sleep in my own bed, not have to pack and unpack a trunk each year, the travel time to get to and from Hogwarts-" begins Harry.
"The packing and unpacking and the traveling to and from only happens twice a year. I'd consider it part of the Hogwarts experience. Besides which Hogwarts has an impressive set of security protocols in place, which most families do not" states Remus firmly.
"Don't we have similar defenses in place?" asks Susan curiously.
"Many of the active defenses at Hogwarts are at our house, yes, but some of the defenses that Hogwarts has date back decades and even centuries" replies Remus.
"Oh" responds Susan, mulling over what Remus mentioned.
Arriving home and eating dinner, Sirius speaks up, "Moony, I think you should teach how cast a Patronus Charm."
Pausing while lifting a spoon of stew, Remus states, "I suppose it wouldn't hurt, especially if there will be Dementors in the fall at Hogwarts."
"What do you think about waiting until the Weasleys, Neville Longbottom, Hermione Granger, and Luna Lovegood if she desires, gets back from vacation?" suggests Sirius.
"Having everyone on the same page would be helpful. But let's leave the discussion of this after dinner" answers Remus, effectively ending the discussion.
"Fine. Then we get to talk about our trip to France" chuckles Sirius.
"What about it?" asks Harry curiously.
"I'll only be able to attend a week of it due to work" answers Amelia.
"Which leads me to ask, do we want to spend two weeks in France, or do we just want to do one week so everyone gets to experience essentially the same thing?" asks Sirius.
"You don't have to cut your vacation short for me" states Amelia furrowing her brows.
"We didn't really have any solid plans past seeing Paris, so it was whatever we thought of doing that we'd go do" states Sirius giving Amelia a look.
"I'm fine with whatever" answers Harry shrugging his shoulders.
"Susan, you've been quiet about this, what would you like to do?" inquiries Remus.
"Um, I think just a week will be fine" answers Susan quietly.
"Susan, is there something on your mind?" asks Amelia kindly.
"I was just wondering if I could spend some time with Hannah this summer" answers Susan, hesitantly.
"I don't see why not" replies Amelia
"Do you need a way to get there?" asks Sirius.
"Yes."
"Then I, Remus, or Amelia will take you there as you want, and if the Abott's agree, we can set it up so your PRT will allow you to transport directly there and then back here when you're done" states Sirius smiling.
"Back to the vacation plan, we train the twins this coming week, we go on our vacation for a week, and then we come back, correct?" inquiries Remus.
"Sounds good to me" answers Sirius.
"That works with my scheduled week off" responds Amelia, smiling.
"That settles it then. We'll go and have a ball in France" states Sirius, giddy with excitement.
/*elsewhere in the wizarding world*/
"Are you telling me that I spent thousands on new brooms to assist you in getting onto the Quidditch team all for the entire bloody school to get them as a donation?!" asks an ever rising in volume male voice.
"Y-yes father" answers a higher pitched voice that still belongs to a boy.
A sigh before a pause before the older male states firmly, "You must be wary of Potter and Longbottom. Keep your nose clean and try to make friends with them, even if you dislike the company they keep."
"Yes father" answers the other voice, before the sounds of steps fading down a hallway are heard.
Author note: Did you all like my little prank? If not, my apologies. Just thought it might be an enjoyable way to go about pranking the students. Anyways, I had my fun, now to continue with the series. Thank you all who read, review, favorite, follow, and a shout-out to Katiek121 for so many reviews and long time reading the series. As a few reviewers have mentioned, I'm attempting to make dialogue more age appropriate, such Harry, Susan, etc, having more simplistic sentences versus more adult-like sentences that have a more complex structure. I've since recovered from my pneumonia, which afflicted me two weeks ago.