Hey everyone,
So, I took a COMPLETELY wrong approach when it came to this chapter. It's one of the worst of GoF, but when it comes to the unity of House Weasley, it also has SO MUCH potential. And it was stupid of me to not realize this right from the get-go. So now, I am going to focus on that and on the tales of the Gang and the Squad.
Let's enjoy this, shall we,
Venquine1990
Chapter 33
We Need To Fix This
3rd of November 1993
Great Hall, Hogwarts
Arthur's POV
Sirius had been super excited when he heard that the coming chapter was about the jokeshop my sons have been dreaming about for years, yet I noticed Molly tensing up and a look of disapproval flashing across her face. Yet I know this was only temporarily because our daughter had promised tales of why the Muggle boy deserved what happened.
And while Harry is indeed right and that it's hard for her and me to believe that any family would treat people we consider family anything other than how we want them to be treated, but the reading of the last few chapters and the behavior of Harry, the Gang and the Squad kids does make that easier, even if I don't like it.
I then sigh and think: "Molly needs to stay with Iris and the twins, but this is a Weasley chapter, so it should be read by a Weasley." And so I motion for the Muggle man that is quite in his elder years – at least for a Muggle – and the man nods before he lies the book down. And while I feel excited over knowing a Muggle, do I pass him.
When the Granger elders came to Hogwarts I felt amazed and excited as it would allow me to finally learn everything I wanted about Muggles, yet while I should feel the same with this Muggle, is there something about his looks, that just scream war-experience, that makes me respect him more than feel excited about learning of his world.
"He did fight in some crazy war between the Muggles. Though I wonder what those things are that Emily was talking about are. Concentration camps? Are those things really bad? What happened in those? Who made them anyway? The enemy Frank was fighting in the war?" And while I wonder this, do I start to read.
Weasley's Wizard Wheezes
And while this makes Molly tense with concern and disapproval again, does she then get shocked as a good three-quarter of the school starts to talk with each other excitedly, all of them gushing over what other joke products I could read about. I laugh at this and say: "We won't know if I can't read." And I instantly get instant silence.
This startles some of the teachers as well as Molly, but I just laugh at it and think: "She may not approve of their dream, but I have a feeling that is soon about to change." Yet just when I want to start reading, do I notice that Iris is looking at her mother with an eyebrow raised in confusion and this confuses me in turn as I start reading.
Harry spun … kitchen fire.
"If you just tuck in one knee when you feel yourself slowing down, it will be easier for you to step out of the Floo instead of falling. Though that does take some practice." Sirius then tells his son and Harry mumbles: "That does make sense. Thanks dad." And I smile at the boy that is an orphan no more before I go back to reading.
"Did he … all summer…"
This makes Molly glare at them, but then Iris asks: "Would you have used Dudley for a test subject if he wasn't such a bully?" And the twins shake their heads as they say: "If he wasn't.""We would have tested them on our family.""To see if they work the same on different people." And Iris nods in pride at them as I read on.
The tiny … Weasley brothers.
This shocks Molly and myself, but then I say: "Of course. The World Cup is next summer. Of course those two would come home to watch that with the rest of us." And Iris cheers: "Yay! I get to learn about my older brothers!" And everyone in my family as well as her friends smile at the excited older girl as I read on.
"How're you … on it.
This really excites Edena, but Iris looks curious and mutters: "I wonder if, because it is a fire-based injury, if I could lessen the damage of the burns? Or even completely heal the skin." At which Molly hugs her close and says: "That would be so amazing. Please try that when you get the chance, dear." And I read on, feeling proud.
Bill got … everyone around.
This makes my third eldest smirk and he says: "Bill's achievements are definitely my inspiration for doing my best in my own work, but you're right. He and I are nothing alike when it comes to our looks." And his brothers and youngest sister all nod, the twins chorusing: "That would just be weird." At which I read on.
However, Bill … dragon hide.
"Why would anyone want to hear someone clashing rocks together at a concert? Surely Muggles don't consider that music?" Draco Malfoy asks, sounding like he is sneering in disbelief and Hermione shakes her head as she says: "It's called rock music, because the base is the main component in the music being played."
This seems to confuse the boy and Jeffrey says: "Here, it's like this. Rosaline, Jeremy, care to help me?" And the two others nod as Rosaline makes a gorgeous pair of small trees grow out of the table in front of her. Jeffrey then causes for a rustling wind to blow through the wind and this actually causes a very pleasant memory.
Yet then everyone gets shocked as Jeremy starts to slam a small pebble onto the table in tune with the rhythm of the wind blowing through the trees and Jeffrey says: "See, that's how the base is the one thing you hear more than the music. It's something that the Muggles think easier to dance on, though not all Muggles like it."
"In fact, some Muggles hate it, especially the elder ones as it gives them a headache." At this Draco nods, his confusion seeming to have lessened a little and he asks: "Yeah, I can see why. And Muggles do the same thing with instruments?" At which Harry's older brother nods and I too feel quite intrigued as I read on.
Before any … own sons."
Yet here I get stopped, not by the gasps of shock and disbelief of my twin boys, but by a glare that makes me feel cold with dread and Harry growls: "Your sons did nothing of the sort. Dudley and his blasted family are a prime example why some Muggles deserve magical mistreatment and deserve what they got."
Then Jeremy stands up and puts a hand on the boy's shoulder, apparently silently telling him to let him handle things and while I can tell that I really screwed things up with my youngest son's best friend, does Harry turn his back on me and cuddle closer with Sirius, who is obviously deeply concerned for his son as Jeremy turns to me.
"Mr. Weasley, the fact that you picked the side of these Muggles over your son's without hearing your son out or knowing all the facts? That is just wrong and it's something that hits very, very close to home for all of us, Harry especially. The twins took Harry under their wing and while I doubt they know everything, they took action.
As we told you before, to us, nothing is ever too much to show that you care for those who matter. And in this case, those Muggles don't matter. Allow me to start painting the picture of what went on in our pasts. Reporting cases of abuse in Little Whinging – only gets to happen if the head of the family believes they are happening.
And only the Head of the family will be taken into account when it comes to witness reports. So considering what you have read so far and what you and the other parents know about the lives of myself and my friends, who do you think we could rely on – other than Aunt Rosie, that is?" This makes me grimace.
The elder lad sighs and says: "Mr. Weasley, I get that you want your sons raised with good morals and to know right from wrong and to make sure they don't break the law, but none of that was happening here. They weren't Muggle baiting, they were getting even with a Muggle they knew had been hurting their friend for years.
And said Muggle has known for three years that Magic is real, so that doesn't break the Statute of Secrecy either. Had this happened to Aunt Rosie, we would have been 100% behind you. But it didn't. It happened to a Muggle who deserved much, much, much worse. A Muggle who, even if the twins don't do it, will ruin his own life soon."
This makes me look at the lad shocked and he shrugs as he says: "What can I say? There's a reason people living in Little Whinging stay in Little Whinging their whole lives. Their social skills, ego and way of treating others just doesn't fit anywhere else in modern day society. We may be outcasts, but at least we have better chances. Dudley?"
Here the lad shrugs, his entire stance careless and says: "He and his family left with wizards just before Harry did – future Harry – and when he came back, he was an emotional wreck. Apparently, his dad had tried using their escape from their old house to build a new life in their safe house and – it backfired spectacularly.
I don't really know how it backfired, only that Dudley actually started undergoing therapy visits shortly after he got back and that he was admitted shortly after. After that, we didn't see him anymore and quite frankly, we didn't care. To us, it felt as if Muggle society had finally given him back what he gave to us for years."
By now everyone is looking at the elder lad with various levels of awe, amazement and respect and while he has his arms folded and his face passive of care or emotion, he says: "Wanting to improve the relations between Muggles and Magicals is fine. Just make sure you know which Muggles deserve the treatment that can help with that.
Dudley, the Dursleys, my adopted mother, the twins' adopted father, Rosaline's parents? Heck, bar Mrs. Figg and Aunt Rosie, you can practically consider all of Little Whinging as the capital of proving that such relations – are impossible as the Muggles there don't deserve the amazing brilliance that is the Magical World.
They don't deserve your kindness or your wife's loving heart, they don't deserve to know that people can change into actual animals or that there are spells that can probably stop an Atomic bomb, they don't deserve to know that magic exists. Why? Because they will either hate it and abuse its user or desire it for all the wrong reasons.
Long story short, there are Muggles that deserve respect, trust and protection – like the stuff you do for a living – and there are Muggles that deserve Azkaban. And if you still don't believe me, just ask Frank about the man named Adolf Hitler." Yet I really don't feel like doing that as I do believe the elder lad about everything.
The lad in question then sighs and says: "I think – I think we should break at the end of the chapter. And then, Harry, the others and I will tell you exactly why we grew up believing all of this. You, our own parents and any of our friends who we think can handle hearing the entire tale." At this I nod, the lad sits down and I read on.
"We didn't … wife nervously.
This makes Molly turn to me and I say: "I can only assume that I believed that, because this concerned a Muggle problem, I should handle this one. And going by what Jeremy just said, neither of us should have had the right to tell the boys off for this." And while she seems doubtful of this, does my wife nod at me before I read on.
Then two … the Burrow.
And then something happens that I haven't seen since we finished the last book as Oliver Wood goes to sit with Harry and says: "Sorry, little redhead, but this beautiful little Hummingbird is taken." And while Harry turns red, can I easily see that there is no real heat behind the glare Ginny sends the Keeper as I laugh and read on.
"Tell me … Wizard Wheezes -"
And this instantly makes the twins look up in excitement, but then Percy laughs and asks: "You don't really expect to hear more about your dream when we got this conflict between mum, dad and your supposedly bad course of action, do you boys?" And the two deflate and chorus: "Shut up, Perce." Before I read on.
"Why don't … all that …"
"How much of that is already in production anyway?" Jeffrey asks and Fred shocks me as he asks: "Promise to use your Elemental Powers to hide what we already made?" And the Wind Elemental lad nods before Harry says: "I will personally have your future merch hidden within the shadows if I find it to become necessary."
At this the twins nod, their sheer relief making me share a concerned look with my wife and then George says: "We just finished the final notes on how to make the Fake wands, collected the right ingredients to make three new kinds of potions we want to create for five kinds of special candy and have started notes on special wigs."
This doesn't just shock me or my wife, it shocks Hermione and several others who have obviously never realized how much work and effort the two boys put in all this production of their dream, yet I also notice that there are quite a few who aren't surprised at all and I think: "Did the twins actually confide in them before?"
But then I notice that the Squad is looking at each other with dark looks of pain and a need to heal and then Jeremy asks: "Would either of you be opposed to – helping us with something?" And the twins look concerned and confused as Fred says: "Of course not." And George asks: "Yeah, how can we help you guys?"
And I notice Jeremy looking at those in the Squad again before he sighs and says: "We'd – like to come work for you." And everyone looks shocked before Percy asks: "You – do know they're only in their OWL years, right?" And Jeremy nods as he says: "I didn't mean paid work, I meant work that can help us heal.
You have to understand, for practically 80% of our lives we have used our Elemental abilities either under the pressure of our adopted parents, to protect ourselves when Dudley and his gang went too far or to keep ourselves hidden on Harry's recommendation. But – we never got to use our powers – to make others feel better."
At this the twins look at each other, while the parents of all of the Squad members – even Molly, to my great pride – look at the Squad members in concern and care and then Fred makes me smile in pride as he turns back from having a silent conversation with his twin and carefully asks: "What do you have to offer?"
And while, to me, the smiles on the faces of the Squad members is enough, does Jeremy say: "I can make sure your work benches never wear off. Isaac can keep your tools just right at all times. Elena can keep certain ingredients fresh. Rosaline can get you all kinds of herbs that you might need. Jack and Eddy can add to your humor.
Irma can keep you hydrated while at work. Edena can make sure your potions stay on the right temperatures at all times. Harry can hide your work from potential enemies. And Jeffrey can create a safety wall if you want to test out products that are meant to explode." Yet then Sirius smirks at them all and says:
"And that's without mentioning the financial and commercial help the rest of us can offer you. That is, if you lot are into the idea of, in time, making this one big family company. Once you two feel ready for that step, of course." And just that last bit makes me feel both exhilarated as well as relieved as I continue reading.
Yet as I turn back to the book, do I let one last look pass over everyone sitting together, Severus and Lucius actually sitting close to Sirius and James, my twin boys sitting opposite of Draco and Narcissa and Harry sitting near them all as he sits between Oliver and Sirius. And as I read on, do I smile at seeing my family unite and grow.
"We've been … joke shop."
"Molly, take it from someone who has worked there before – well, you know. Those two working there? Bad idea. Either they will burn whatever department they will work for down or they'll get arrested for the disruptions they will cause. They are just way too wild for the jobs that the Ministry can offer."
Alice says, but then Molly says: "But James and Sirius went to work there and they're just as wild." But then James says: "We only went to work there, Molly, because the Ministry was changing up the work schedule for Aurors and because we wanted to help in the war effort. Else, we would have caused the same as your sons."
The woman looks shocked and then Fudge speaks up as he says: "I'm afraid I must agree, Molly. Every job that gets offered to newly graduated Hogwarts students is 87% desk and paper work and that for at least half to a full year, sometimes even two years. Do you really think your sons can handle such a thing?"
Yet Molly doesn't seem to get what is being said here as she says: "Of course they can. They've been doing so for four years right here at Hogwarts." But to this Minerva says: "Molly, that is in no way true. Hogwarts offers only three classes that actually require a majority of paper work. Everything else is more practice than theory work."
My wife looks shocked at hearing this and Minerva says: "Yes, homework increases in its amount the more the years progress, but the further down the years, the more homework for classes like Charms and Transfigurations becomes practicing the spellwork studied in class. Practice work will always trump theory work here."
"And even without that fact, the only reason the twins can really do their schoolwork is because they have Quidditch to distract themselves from the increasing amount of schoolwork and to cool down if they feel the schoolwork is about to overwhelm them. Do you really think the Ministry will give them that same chance?"
At this my wife frowns as she shakes her head, even though I can tell that she doesn't like having to admit this and Lily gently asks: "So, do you still think it a good idea to inspire those boys to wreak havoc at the capital of our country?" And Molly shakes her head while our kids chortle at Lily's wording and I happily read on.
Just then … of Magic."
This startles Percy and he says: "That's right. This is the summer after my graduation. I get to find out what kind of work I will do once I leave Hogwarts. I get to find out what I need to improve on, so I can do even better than what I do in the books." Yet then I notice Irma actually pulling out a note and she darkly reads:
"Whatever you do, never lose your heart." And Percy looks at her shocked as she says: "Harry wrote this. He actually pressed it onto me that I had to read this to you if you start thinking better of your work than you actually do. And right now, you don't know if you will do well or not." At this my son nods and Molly asks:
"But – but what – what did Harry mean?" But Irma shakes her head and says: "I asked him the same thing and the only thing Harry did was send a hurt and betrayed look at one of the books and scrunch up the file that he had in his hand. I don't know anything more." This really worries me and I glance at Harry before I continue reading.
"What are … a year –"
"Jeez, that sounds hella boring!" Fred groans and George says: "Yeah Perce, sounds like you got the short end of the stick with that job." At which Amelia says: "I don't like admitting it, but some Department Heads really give the most menial jobs to new interns and rookie employees. This sounds like one of them."
At this Percy turns red and he asks: "Which Heads do stuff like that? Not that I don't want to do jobs like that and prove myself, I just – I'd like to know so I can avoid embarrassing myself." At this Amelia nods and says: "I'll let you know when you come back from listening to the Squad tales." Percy nods and I read on.
"That'll change … seriously endanger –"
And this actually makes Amelia and Cornelius share a shocked look and Amelia says: "You know, he's right. If we don't put up very specific laws like that, other countries could get away with sending us improper or unusable products." And this makes Percy absolutely shine with pride and while his brothers cheer for him, do I read on.
"Yeah, yeah … twittering madly.
And while some of the students had tried to keep their snorts at hearing the description as quiet as possible, does Ron turn really dark with anger when that filthy bastard was mentioned, yet then Amelia sighs and says: "I don't like having to report this, but – Pettigrew is back to his old schemes and status once again."
This makes all of us look at her and she says: "Unfortunately, Auror Johnson got up to his usual arrogant self and taunted Pettigrew so much he didn't notice the bastard heading for a sewage pipe hidden within a set of harbor rocks. Instead, he reported to me that Pettigrew, thanks to his words, had killed himself.
Needless to say, I was seriously peeved with him for not properly investigating the point where he believed Pettigrew lost his life and so was the Hit-Wizard training him. He's lost all chance of getting a promotion and now, my entire team is using one of each of their free-hours and several work hours to search for that monster."
At this everyone turns to each other, most of the students concerned, but then Albus asks: "Minerva, would either you or the Marauders be opposed to it if I were to power up the Anti-Animagus ward?" And instantly James snarls: "Get it done next break, Albus." And the man nods, while the students start to look relieved.
Then I notice Irma turn to Amelia and say: "With your permission, Madam Bones, would I like to take a look at the scene where Pettigrew vanished. Not to hunt him down, but to see if I can use the water within the pipe to draw up a map of where he went. Though, that can only work for as long as the bastard stays within the sewage system."
At this Amelia nods and says: "As long as you promise to remain under Hit-Wizard direction, only approach the pipe and leave once you have mapped out his route, I will give you my permission. But shouldn't you ask your father as well?" And Irma shakes her head as she says: "Not until he's healed and moved on."
And this makes both Amelia and me cringe as I always believed that Lorena's death was part of why Xeno started believing in even more incredible and sometimes even non-existent beings. Yet it also makes the woman nod and I know she will consider Irma Lady Lovegood until things have changed. And with that, do I read on.
"Shut up … is Pigwidgeon."
Yet this makes Edena and Iris glare at the younger girl and Iris asks: "And who exactly gave you permission to name my twin brother's new pet?" And Ginny looks shocked before Edena asks: "Does that mean Ron can give your future pet a name you don't like or agree with?" And my youngest turns red as I sigh and read on.
"Yeah, and … eaten him.
"For the record, I really don't want to cause any discomfort or pain to come to Crookshanks, but GOOD MERLIN, do I wish that that actually happened." Ron moans and Irma says: "Don't worry, I'll make sure the Hit-wizards can capture him and do worse." And my youngest son smiles gratefully at the Water Elemental as I read on.
"Where's Crookshanks … day now."
This last bit makes Percy turn red, but then Amelia sighs and says: "I don't know how you did it, Mr. Weasley, but you actually got yourself hired by the #2 worst boss for new employees.""Who's in #1?" Harry asks and Cornelius cringes as he says: "My secretary, Dolores." At which I cringe myself and I quickly read on.
"Have you … his innocence.
"Hey, that's not fair!" Ginny whines, but Harry says: "You barely even so much as talked to us. How could we know for sure you would keep your mouth shut, if you only managed that with me around? Wouldn't that make us worry you'd be the opposite of that if I wasn't around?" And Ginny huffs, but I agree with the boy as I read on.
"I think … and George.
Yet at this Rosie stands up and says: "I'm sorry, but you will have to excuse us, Arthur. I've had to hide the kids too many times, because I saw them wanting to go home when I had already heard their adopted parents mutter more or less those exact words and it never ended well. I'm sorry, but I won't let it go wrong here."
And while I really worry for my two eldest girls does Rosie actually gather both the Gang, the Squad and Harry, all of the kids receiving concerned and caring hugs from their respective parents – and in Irma and Irina's case from Luna – before the whole group of nine elder teens, ten younger teens and one woman leave the hall.
"She doesn't really think me as bad as those monsters, does she?" Molly asks, horrified with the very idea and Lily says: "I don't believe so. I think she just doesn't want to have those kids remember the more horrid times of their youth. At least, not more than necessary." And I remember what will happen later as I read on.
"I don't … Magic Office."
"Mr. Weasley, could you wait just one minute there?" I suddenly hear a familiar voice ask and look up to see Lee Jordan, who I know is close friends with my boys, but who never visits for reasons I just don't understand and I nod at him as he turns his angry glare at my wife and asks: "Do you have any idea how wrong you are?"
Shocking the woman before he says: "Fred and George are way more than you're making them out to be. Wasting their brains? They experiment with every new thing they learn. Professor McGonagall may take a lot of points from them for their pranks, but they earn those points back twice as quickly after with their improved spellwork.
Pull themselves together? They've got a five-year plan on how to prepare for, buy, decorate, open and advertise the joke shop they have been dying to buy since they first saw Zonko's. And then I'm not even talking about how they always include me in their ideas on how to market this or that product or their new inventions.
More owls from them than the rest put together? I know that's not true, because I remember all of the owls McGonagall send home about Charlie in his final year alone, so that's utter bull crap. And next to that, why would you even want to compare your kids to each other? They're individuals and their individuality deserves respect.
And that crap about the Improper Use of Magic office? If you had actually invited me a few times, like I have been waiting for since the summer after my first, I could have introduced you to my father, who works for that office and who sat your sons down when they first started experimenting and desiring to create new products."
By now utter silence rings through the Great Hall as I can barely believe how incredibly vehement Lee was just now in his defense of my sons and the boy ends it all as he says: "I know this is the future talking, but I sincerely hope you don't really believe what this Molly just said. Else, you don't know your own sons one bit."
And with that does he sit down, everyone looking at him shocked before Hermione asks Ron: "Did you know any of that?" And Ron shakes his head as Oliver Wood says: "The best and worst thing about the twins – is how easy it is to just see them for the surface front they show to the world." At which I read on.
Mrs. Weasley … the dustpan.
Yet as I want to continue reading, do I spot what I am about to read and I whiten, hoping against hope and praying to whoever is willing to listen that Molly doesn't truly believe this. I then look up and say: "Go. Be with Harry." And the twins look shocked, before they nod in gentle fright and leave the Hall. At this I sigh and read on.
"I don't … NOT AGAIN!"
And while I had read this bit, had I ignored how a chair had been thrown against the ground, how a pair of feet had stomped away from where I am seated and how the Great Hall doors had slammed closed. Yet I had looked at Molly from over the book and send her a look that says: "We need to fix this." Before reading on.
She had … the yard.
Yet at this point I stop myself, lying the book face down in my lap and feeling too emotionally conflicted to continue. "I do believe this a good spot to take a break." Albus wants to say, but I shake my head and say: "There's still a bit of the chapter left. I just –." And the man nods, looking greatly concerned for my family.
I lie the book down and give a firm gaze at my family, my sons, my daughter, my wife and my newly returned brothers-in-law. All of them nod at me and while my kids all receive reassuring hugs from their friends and Molly gets a bit of a hug from Lily, do we then all leave the Great Hall, me closing the doors behind us.
Albus' POV
I had my suspicions the minute this story started in Harry's summer that things could get real personal real fast and looking around the hall makes me see that a lot of students are feeling quite uncomfortable with the fact that they just heard about a spat that could potentially take place sometime in the not so distant future.
Yet while I am glad that Arthur decided to face this challenge head on with his family, while I am proud of how he and his family stayed with all these people – of which most are more or less strangers to them – and while I wonder if the MMB plays any role in Molly's future behavior, do I focus on what they left behind.
I move over to where Arthur dropped the book and pick it up before I say: "This matter is one of the future. We have read about it and those involved are now working to ensure it doesn't happen again. If you are not close with those involved, you are not to get involved. Those close can only ask if things went alright, nothing more.
Do not press the Weasleys, for this was a very personal and very trying experience for them. And while I don't like it, there is a chance that this will be only the first of many. So please, honor them for the strength to personally share this event with you all and keep to these rules." At this everyone nods and I continue reading.
They had … reach it.
And this simple little event being read seems to do the trick as the tenseness, coming from those students who still felt uncomfortable with having been part of something so personal as Molly's rant either sigh out in relief or start to giggle, some of them at the Gnome's antics, others at its description and I pleasantly read on.
Meanwhile, a … and anxiety.
Yet while some of my more strict and firm teachers seem to share the girl's sentiment, are most of the students cheering and muttering excitedly for themselves. And to see this happening so soon after that tense and personal bit of reading makes me feel very, very much relieved for the rest of this reading, which I happily commence on.
Bill's table … and salad.
At this I hear several stomachs growling and while one of them gets responded to by a young girl sitting next to the person with the words: "Are you serious? We ate just little over an hour ago." Do I smile as I had already expected something like this. And to my delight, do the growling stomachs all get answered.
Gasps of shock come from the young girl, those that had growling stomachs as well as a few others who had made various comments as the plates, bowls and platters across the tables fill themselves up with small snacks and bites to eat. "We'll be here a while, so I asked the House Elves to provide us whenever possible."
I happily tell the students gazing at the filled up plates and those who had their stomachs remind them of their sudden emptiness happily start reaching for the food in front of them, the rest of the students a little more composed. Yet to my consternation do I see that the former prisoners as well as Sirius fall under the former group.
This makes me look at Poppy, who had examined both the prisoners as well as the Longbottoms and the woman says: "They were quite healthy for their state of location, Albus, but they definitely didn't eat anything similar to what Hogwarts provides over the last decade. I expected this." At which I nod before I continue reading.
At the … Ludo Bagman –"
At this I see Amelia roll her eyes and she says: "If the lad were here, I would have given him the same treatment I did when he last mentioned the Ministry." Making me chuckle, even if I do worry over how the Weasleys are currently faring. "One way or another, they'll get through, I know they will." I think to myself and read on.
"I like … thing over."
At this I look up, fearing that this will cause Arthur problems or that it could cost him the World Cup tickets, but Amelia seems to only need to share a glance with Cornelius before she says: "His Department, his responsibility." And Cornelius, to my sheer relief, nods in agreement, friends of Arthur smiling as I read on.
"Oh Bagman's … came back?"
Here the woman in question, who had been making some very obvious faces at certain points in the story and who had actually been quelled from commenting two times now, looks up startled and I send her a sad look as the entire Hall seems to realize that – in the case of the book – she is more than missing. I sigh at this and read on.
"Yes, I … be worried…"
This makes many of those sitting with Ludo glare at him and the man starts to sweat before he asks: "I'll do better?" To which Narcissa snaps: "You better. Isn't she your assistant?" Making the man wince as I think: "She really shouldn't find out how often Ludo switches assistants." And I quickly go back to the book.
"Oh Bertha's … Albania. However –"
"Am I the only one who feels we're going to get another additional reader soon?" Someone suddenly asks and yet it's Bertha that I'm concerned about as she looks confused and asks: "I – worked for the Department of International Magical Cooperation? I – I don't remember that." At which I instantly turn to Poppy.
The woman stands up and moves over to the female Ministerial employee, showing Bertha her wand before starting a mental scan. And while I can already guess what could be the cause behind this problem, does Poppy still gasp and say: "Albus, she has a huge memory charm cast on her. And it's not connected to the MMB."
And this actually shocks me as I had really been expecting it to be Pettigrew's work all over again. "But – why would anyone want to obliviate me?" Bertha asks, shock and fear now sounding through her voice and Poppy seems to cast more spells as she says: "I don't know. The spell stops at some point in the summer of 1991."
Yet at this the Gryffindor Chasers all share looks and Mss. Johnson says: "There is no way it could have been Pettigrew then. That was the year Percy got made Prefect and gave that bastard to Ron. Ron would have been too busy getting to know his new pet for Pettigrew to get a chance to get away." And Mss. Spinnet nods.
"Then it must have been someone actually working at the Ministry. And Bertha, I assure you, once I find out who, I will arrest them for tampering with an employee's mind." Amelia says before giving one of the Hit-Wizards the order to write that down for the next break. And while Bertha seems reassured, do I read on.
Percy heaved … top-secret one."
And this makes me chortle and makes some of the others groan or slap a hand over their eyes as Amelia says: "I think I'm going to ask Arthur if I can't hire that kid myself. Sounds like he needs a valiant couple of lessons. Such as learning when not to let pride come at the cost of secrecy." And while I chortle at this, do I read on.
Ron rolled … thick-bottomed cauldrons."
"It has to do with that Goblet of Fire thing, doesn't it?" A young Ravenclaw boy asks and while I can see Bertha wanting to reprimand him, do I just laugh and say: "Just wait a few more chapters, Mr. Grosom. I'm sure it will be revealed somewhere down the book." And Alex Grosom nods in excitement as I read on.
In the … Professor Dumbledore's…"
This again makes me chortle, but then out of shock as I really had not expected to be coming up this chapter, especially not as an example in an argument like that and Minerva makes it worse as she says: "It's only magically possible to grow hair or a beard as long as Albus'. Believe me, I know." And I hurriedly read on as others laugh.
Next to … Privet Drive.
And my grandson isn't the only one excited as I hear tables creaking, chairs moving and even bags opening and parchment getting ruffled. This makes me look up and Oliver Wood says: "We can make notes to send to the teams." But then Bertha snaps: "YOU CAN'T DO THAT! THAT'S CHEATING! YOU'LL BE ARRESTED!"
And while the students look shocked, do I hum in thought as I think: "We are already changing the future quite a bit. Would changing the outcome of the World Cup Final Teams really be that bad?" But then Amelia seems to have the answer as she says: "Let's just wait for the book to describe the Final match, shall we?"
At this everyone looks at her and she says: "If it's thrilling and exciting enough, we'll leave it as it is. If it becomes something that could be better if played by a different team, we'll send a notice to the teams we believe can give us a better game. To have them step up their game." At this everyone nods and I read on, feeling proud.
"Harry was … by Luxembourg."
Yet this instantly makes me wince and think: "Quick note, send notice to the National teams regardless of the final outcome. They won't have to win per say, but a better performance wouldn't hurt either." And while I have no doubt that I share this thought with many of those around me, do I quickly continue reading.
Mr. Weasley … by Crookshanks.
"That's good to hear." A new voice suddenly says and I look up, shocked yet relieved to see the Gang, Squad, Harry, Rosie and the Weasley family coming back into the Great Hall and all of them retaking their old seats. "Did we miss anything of importance?" Arthur then asks and Amelia smirks at him as she says:
"Only that your son will be working for me instead of Barty once he graduates, Arthur. Nothing more." Yet while I see Bertha want to open her mouth, do I hear Irma hiss: "They have their own issues, Bertha. You deal with yours, they with theirs." And the slightly plump woman nods grudgingly as I continue reading.
Ron looked … and peaceful.
At this Sirius pulls his son close and whispers: "I really hope these books can help you feel like that more often." To which Harry hugs him back and whispers: "I do now." Making many of those around them smile at the father and son. I myself also smile, feeling glad that just being with his dad can do that to the boy and then read on.
"Look at … last time."
Yet at this James looks at Molly strangely and asks: "Molly, did the MMB affect both you and the Gringotts Goblins or something? Cause otherwise I can't see anyway they would let someone of your rank visit a vault of someone much higher in their ranks. So why do you think future you would even suggest that?"
And the woman turns red as she mumbles: "I can only assume that future me was in the belief that, because my William works for Gringotts and because it's well known that Harry is friends with my kids, that the Goblins would take that into account." Yet at this James crosses his arms in concern and he says:
"I'm sorry, Molly. But if that is indeed the case, then it confirms my suspicions. Pettigrew didn't just cast a – who am I kidding? His spell worked on a bloody werewolf! Of course it's going to work on Goblins. Their natural mental shields aren't even half as strong as those of a werewolf. Founders, curse you Pettigrew."
"Wait mum, you're being unfair. Why is Mrs. Weasley in a rank below mine? She's much older than me and everything." Harry says and James sighs and says: "She's in a lower rank because the Weasleys aren't as old as the Potters or the Blacks and therefore haven't had the chance to make as big a fortune as either family.
The Potters have been gathering wealth since the Founders first started on their quest to find and Found Hogwarts and were one of the first to take an account when Gringotts was founded. Because of this, on a financial level, Potters outrank Weasleys and, before the MMB, that was of incredible importance to Goblins."
Yet this actually makes Harry grimace and he looks at his friends as he asks: "Does that – does that count for anyone else here as well?" And James pulls him close as he says: "I'm afraid so, kiddo. It counts for the Grangers, the Weasleys, the Lupins and the Lovegoods. And it would have counted for Severus if not for his bond with Reggie."
And then finally I see why Harry has trouble with this as he sends Isaac, Joshua, Jack, Eddy, Joh, Edward, Irma, Irina, Edena and Iris, but then Edena shrugs and asks: "Heh, what is social ranking in regards to bonds of friendship, am I right?" And the Gang and Squad nod, while Harry and I smile at the girl before I read on.
"Wow – hope … sent it."
And while I have no doubt that Molly wants to glare at the boys over this, does it seem as if the last bit Arthur read of before they left is still affecting her. I then lie the book down and ask: "Would now be a wrong time to ask for your experiences with young Mr. Dursley?" And the Gang and Squad all share looks before Jeremy asks:
"That depends. Do any of the next – five chapters – have a calm, filler-kind of title?" At which I mumble out the chapter titles: "The Portkey, Bagman and Crouch, the Quidditch World Cup, the –." But then I gasp in shock as I read the two words of chapter nine and instantly frightened concern for my grandson overcomes me.
"Albus?" Minerva calls on me and Harry worriedly calls out: "Grandpa?" And I look at the boy, showing him the worry that is in my heart over this title before I turn to Amelia and sternly say: "Every Auror and Hit-Wizard you have available will be at the World Cup." And the woman looks shocked as Cornelius asks:
"Why would you say that, Albus? Surely –." But then I say: "The chapter is called The Dark Mark, Cornelius. The Dark Mark. I don't believe I need to tell you who's Mark the book is referencing to, do I?" And the man shakes his head while every parent in the room reach for the kids they have that sit closest to them.
"You – you – you don't – you don't think it was – Pettigrew, do you?" Someone at Hufflepuff table asks and Isaac answers: "No, I don't think so. I think it's that servant Power was talking about. I think we're going to get our first glimpse of who that is." And this really doesn't do anything to ease my concerns over all this.
Oooooooh boy,
Okay, so this chapter DIDN'T go as I had expected, but I am still happy with it. However, I am going to say this. Molly and Arthur WON'T always be the ones pointing out that they're wrong. Don't get me wrong, Arthur really has dominance issues and Molly really is overbearing, but to me, the twins aren't perfect either.
Also, I will admit, getting rid of such a large part of the main group actually made it easier for me to bring attention back to others, such as Angelina and the OC named Alex Grosom that I mentioned in Chapter 26. And considering that this reading takes place in the Great Hall, that is pretty important to me.
Next chapter: What happened outside the Great Hall? What did the Gang and the Squad do before the Weasleys joined them? Did the stories of the Dursleys get shared? Or did the Weasleys believe that their current issue was more important? To be honest, I'm not entirely sure. I am just going to let my muse overtake me.
Hope you enjoy,
Venquine1990
