Sorry for the delay. This took a little longer than I thought to write. The introduction of the new characters and Potter's manor had to be thought out and will play a significant role soon and whatever sequels I write. Also, I don't mean to delay the pizza parlor- we're getting closer though - and I am still not sold on the name yet. The pizza place - if you've been paying attention will have a skating rink, as well as many games to play. Just like in arcades today- you will earn tickets and those tickets will earn you prizes. That will actually be a minor plot somewhere down the line- another device to irritate the headmaster. But enough about that. Suggestions for names are still welcome.
Once again thank you for reading - and Many- many thanks for your reviews.
Also big thank you to Rob4133. He keeps the ideas coming faster than I can use them- and he has a good eye for detail - It makes this easier.
Lastly - I don't own this - I haven't said it in a while - so in case you thought that J K Rowling and I are synonymous. We're not. I'm in the US, she isn't. I'm a he and she isn't, and I'm willing to bet she has more in the bank than I do. At least today.
In case I don't get an update done in time- Merry Christmas, Happy New Year.
b.
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Getting In, Getting Screwed & Getting Out
Harry and Neville stood ready. Each was ready with their first spell. Harry had won the gaellon toss. He was going to cast bombarda maxima while Neville was going to cover with a large shield. Then Neville was going to cast a cutting curse, jelly legs low, to surprise them, then an incarcerous and langlock. All of the spells were going to a be overpowered. Hoping to impact on the professor's shields draining their energy.
Moody's hand twitched, and then his arm fell crying, "Hold!"
"Lord Potter, Lord Longbottom. What's the meaning of this?"
"What's the meaning of what, Headmaster?" He asked acidly.
Moody took over, "This is supposed to be until one team capitulates or cannot continue."
"And...?"
"Why is that sword there behind you?"
The two looked to the sword, then at each other. Still in concert, they shrugged. "Beats me. Neither of us asked for it. Give us a minute."
Neither of them normally had to close their eyes to commune with the castle. Today both were angry and distracted by the crowd, and everything else. First Neville and then Harry closed their eyes to focus. After a protracted minute, they opened their eyes. A hint of a smile on each face.
"It's naught but the Hogwarts way of choosing her champion. She has told us she will not interfere, although she has the power to do so."
"I'm not sure I'm comfortable with that," Percy said.
"I'm not sure I care whether you're comfortable of not Perce. I'm not comfortable surrounded by several hundred enemies with naught but my brother and our ladies. Yet here we are ready to battle." Harry said. Speaking for the first time.
"Is that what you boys think? Enemies?"
"Look at the press! Read what the minister of magic has said. Who here has been on our side? We tire of this. Let's battle and be done with it!"
"Are we done with the histrionics? Can we begin?" He asked sarcastically. He was eager to see blood, and by this time, anyone's blood.
Flitwick and McGonagall looked at other when Longbottom said "battle."
Faux Moody cried, "We start in 3, 2, ..."
"Hold!" Cried Flitwick."
"Merlin's marbles! What now?" Moody was testy.
"Lord Longbottom, Lord Potter may we talk?"
"Certainly professors." The two lads holstered their wands and walked to the center meeting their foes in the middle.
The conversation from the crowd picked up as they became anxious. Wanting to see some action. Someone even started to yell, "Fight, fight, fight!" But Daphne moved to where the voice emanated from and the whole section quieted. The "Ice Princess" persona was in full effect and no one wanted to irritate that witch.
"There are no words that we can say, that could ever excuse our actions." McGonagall began. "While we were under the effects of a potion it should never have gotten to the point where we should have challenged you."
"Our actions were reprehensible and our attitudes unsupportable. We capitulate and without any restrictions cry 'Mercy." Flitwick finished.
"Had it been any other two professors, it wouldn't have cut so deeply. Lord Potter and I are constantly on guard. Anyone who associates with us is ostracized. Even now, listen to the crowd. They want to see blood, preferably ours."
Harry just had to get it off his chest. "Every year it's the same thing. Someone claiming I crave attention, or whatever drivel the Daily Prophet is saying that week. We ae attacked by Voldemort and his cronies and now the headmaster." Harry looked back and forth between the two professors. Both were dressed in dueling robes, their wands out, even now ready to resume the duel. "We're not whining, this is what fate has chosen for us, so we are gifted more than most. I don't want to be Lord Potter all the time. I want to mess around and be a 15-year-old, get in trouble with my best mate and date my girls. We need people we can rely on, not some adults that fall under a potion every other week."
"How did you know.."
"Madam Bones has been in contact with my grandmother. Now the minister is spinning the story for the world press, how 'the boy-who-lived' temper tantrums are disrupting not just one school but three schools and an international wizarding event. More trouble for the minister following the debacle at the world cup quidditch match."
The cries from the crowd continued to mount in fervor and volume.
"We will continue this later. Do you accept our apologies?"
The two didn't have to look at each other. Neither wanted this. "Yes, of course." Each duo shook hands with the other team and Filius put his wand to his neck and said, "Sonorus." "Professor McGonagall and myself, capitulate. We were wrong to interfere with Lords Longbottom and Potter."
As he spoke many "boos" and insults in three languages.
McGonagall did a sonorus on herself. "Lord's Potter and Longbottom graciously accepted our apology. But apparently, there needs to be a lesson in humility. Who here would like to face either Professor Flitwick or myself? Hmmm?"
There were still a few "boos" heard, but the crowd began to thin by two's and three's until there was a mass exodus. The cold and the misty rain did as much to drive the audience away as the lack of any fireworks or bloodshed.
The girls didn't stop their vigil until the vast majority had left. Leaving only those few who were considered friends, or at least not enemies and the reporters and interested visiting adults.
The kids ignored the headmaster badmouthing the teens and hinting to the news reporters that this was the only solution that "HE" could find to prevent the "children from being seriously hurt."
McGonagall once more drew abreast of the teens, now all gathered together. "We expect to see you back to school Monday. There will be some changes that you will notice, but unfortunately, we have little control over the Headmaster."
As the six left, they noticed Percy begging his brothers for something while Ginny just smirked.
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"What did you think?" Hermione asked everyone as they floo'd to Longbottom Manor.
"You know your mother and I know nothing of magic, but I think you boys got off easy."
"I'd have to agree," Sirius said. He had with permission of Lady Longbottom decided to stay with the kids as much as possible. "It's not widely known, but Minnie was one of Filus' coaches."
"They're both inventive and quick. Power is important, but they had faced powerful opponents before. Speed, accuracy, and imagination will beat power four out of five times." Remus chimed in.
"Why did you let them go to the field then?"
Sirius shrugged, "Couldn't stop them. There was that 20% chance they could win."
"That's the way your training is going to go." Remus was reluctant to take the teens gold for no reason, so they hired him as a personal instructor.
"We're going to work on speed and accuracy. After that is acceptable then we'll refocus on adding power. But for now, you six take the rest of the day off. You've been training too hard and overburdened. Go, go away and do teen things the rest of the day!" He said shooing them away with his hand.
The girls faces were suddenly alight, "Yay!" They grabbed their boyfriends upstairs to change. Somewhen they had planned on getting into Neville's pool.
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Winky had dropped Major Granger at the Leaky Cauldron and he hired a cabby from there. Arriving at the address given to him on the card. A nondescript building with no discernable signage. He entered through the only visible door. He noted that both the door and all windows were tinted darkly. No one would see anything even if their nose was affixed to the glass.
A man nearing middle age dressed in a neat suit sat at a desk devoid of papers. It had a princess phone and several monitors with nothing else. Nothing adorned the walls, no plants to aid in ambiance. One desk with monitors, one phone, one guard, one chair, two doors, and nothing else.
"May I help you sir?" He said rising to his feet. Dan noted the man's suit was of good but not great quality. Well tailored, with the jacket unbuttoned for ease of movement.
"I'm Daniel Granger."
"Ah," the man relaxed a trifle. "Major Granger. May I see some ID please?" And afterward, "Welcome to the team. I'm Sergeant-Major Cole. The colonel told us you'd be by to get your equipment. You'll be meeting with several others today. You can expect several briefings as well as a physical, and you can once you're ready requal with your side arm. Sig-Sauer okay?
"That's what I'm used to. Though more recently a shotgun."
"Yes, we heard bout that. By the way. You have transportation here?"
"I hired a cab."
The Sergeant Major almost sighed. He did give Dan the 'I have to break everything down for an officer look.' "Major we are fully cognizant of the magical world. In particular, we were given a report of your family and its capabilities.
"Good then. Yes, I have transportation. There are a couple of house elves I can call upon."
"Excellent. This is the apparition zone. Anywhere else beyond that door is heavily warded. Although I'm not sure if house elves could penetrate. I'll make a note of that for the Colonel to investigate."
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"So they had me call Dobby and Winky. Just so they could find the place."
"What are you going to do for them daddy?"
"Several things, mostly intel. All of a sudden I know a lot of important wizards and witches. The crown is very interested in preventing another civil war. Also, I am allowed to protect myself and others, hence the sidearm. I'll be firing several hundred rounds over the next week to qualify."
"Is that muggle weapon effective against wizards?"
Augusta had heard of them, but like most purebloods had no idea of the capability of the weapons.
He shrugged. "Should be. The shotgun certainly was. The pistol here," he was breaking it down again and recleaning it as part of his familiarization process. "The maximum range of this weapon is 100 meters. Although the effective range is probably a little less than 50 meters."
"Fifty meters?" She was surprised.
"Augusta, the longest confirmed kill on a rifle is over a mile. The person falls before the sound of the rifle firing reaches them."
She knew he wasn't lying, but it was just amazing the things muggles could do. "The wizard wouldn't have a chance."
"Exactly. There's no honor or personal glory in war. You kill the enemy before he has a chance to kill you. They've already tried to kill my wife. My future son in law, Lord knows how many times, and I'm certain everyone else here. Her majesty will not allow innocents to be slaughtered this time."
Neville piped in, "Nor should she. I'm not losing anyone else if I can help it. You may want to ask if any of us can be trained and carry those as well. I don't want my girls hurt if I can't use magic."
It was a reflective group that ate dinner that night.
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"Penny. I'm home."
Percy came in after still another meeting with the minister. His day was over. A smile graced his lips. He had completely forgotten all of the bad stuff, happy to be near once more to the girl that loved him so.
"Mr. Weasley. Tell me about your day." Her tone was a bit icy, but in his exuberance, he missed it completely.
"It was a good day. I received not one, but two separate letters from Mr. Crouch. Both he and the minister thanked me for my outstanding work. They hinted that I would be receiving a pay increase soon."
"Oh really?"
"Yes!" Still excited. He didn't look to see her furrowed brow or narrowed eyes, or tight lipped visage because he busied himself pouring a glass of lemonade, a favorite of his since Hogwarts. He sat in his comfortable chair and pulled the Daily Prophet to him. He was so busy he hadn't had the chance to read it today.
"What else happened Percival?" He even missed that clue, as he glanced at the headlines.
"Umm, nothing much. I was pretty busy with all of the normal things. You know how it is when one is important." Trying to show he cared he added, "How about you? Did you do anything today? Or were you able to sit and relax? By the way, you didn't go through all of that Honeydukes chocolate I got you for our anniversary did you?"
She was ready to explode. It was the third anniversary of their first date. She had saved up money from her last six months worth of salary and gotten him an expensive Acromantula silk robe for work. He had gotten her a sampler box of chocolates. The same thing he had gotten for her on their first anniversary, and on their second.
"As a matter of fact, I did. It took me four hours to clean this apartment. You know I've no talent for those spells, no matter how hard I try. So I wind up doing a lot of the work the muggle way."
"It's just a matter of concentration," he said absently, licking his finger and turning the page. "You just need to try harder. You'll get it. That's why it's called woman's work because it was designed for those who ..."
"Are not men, right?" She finished for him.
"Exactly! I have all the faith in the world that you can do it."
She loved this guy. She always had. But since he was named prefect he had been full of himself. It had only gotten worse when he was named head boy. It was only that love that kept her there, but not for much longer. Unless things changed. "I got an owl today."
"Really?"
"Yeah, when I was lazy and sitting around and eating chocolates. It really irritated me."
"What? Your mother going on about me taking advantage of you?"
Her voice was icy now. "Oh no. She gave up on that. She thought she was beating a dead hippogriff. But I'll write and apologize to her later. No, this was from Ginny."
He looked up from that paper, he was paying attention now. He carefully asked, "What did Ginevra have to say? How are her studies?"
"Her studies are going well. She's the top Gryff in her year, but Molly had already told me that. No, she related everything about the duel to me. She was in the front paying strict attention to the duel, while the twins circulated and took bets. I understand they did very well."
"They normally do." He tried to regain some control, "I'm their big brother after all. They take after me."
"Really?" He could hear the anger in her voice now. His pulse rose, he knew it was going to be a long night. "That's not what she related. She told me," she said finally sitting directly in front of him locking her eyes on to his. "That a certain ministry worker bet his entire monthly salary, hoping that two professors would 'wipe the mat' with those bastard lordlings."
"They would have too," he mumbled.
"Excuse me? Did you say, 'they would have?" She didn't give him a chance to answer as she continued, " You mean to tell me that you bet against Harry - Fricking - Potter, the boy-who-lived? The Harry Potter your family owes at least one life debt to? The Harry Potter that could have with his words, had your entire family killed through blood feud? Are you sane! What is the matter with you?"
"But Dumbledore doesn't like him!"
She shook her head, not believing what the man she loves was spouting. "What does Dumbledore got to do with this? Never mind. I don't want to know," she said putting her hand up as in 'stop' forestalling any answer. "Because it doesn't matter!" Her voice had started out at a regular pitch, but then grew in volume. By the end of the sentence, he was sure half of Diagon Alley had heard what she said. "I implored you to move in with my parents at least for the first year to save money. But you said as an important ministry official, you just had to have your own place. Then you took the most expensive flat on the market. Tell me Mr. Ministry Official, my salary won't pay the rent and feed us. What do you plan on doing about this?"
"Damn that Potter. It's all his fault," he thought. (A/N Hmmm. Ron's not the only one with issues.) To Penny, he answered, "I'll see them tomorrow and work something out. I'll take care of things, just like I always do."
"That's what I'm afraid of. You will NOT take care of things. I have to work 12 hours tomorrow and Sunday and another eight hours on Monday. WE will go then and I will work something out with your brothers. Do you understand?"
"Yes ma'am."
"Don't look at the floor when I'm yelling at you! Look at me. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Penny I understand. We will go Monday."
"Better. Now I've done all the cleaning here, you can cook and clean up afterward."
He got up with some alacrity, anywhere out of the line of fire was better than in here right now.
"And another thing when you're done, you can tell me why I had to wait to hear it from Ginny that you were in the ladies room at the ball."
His face went pale at that. This day was not turning out to be the day he had envisioned. "Umm honey? That was Potter's fault..."
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DCI Tibbs slammed his mug down on the desk in frustration. He had reviewed the grainy images captured from the Granger's house. The "word" had come down from on high, due to the high level of interest in this case, everything else was to be placed on the "back burner" so to speak. There just wasn't all that much to go on. The movies, reduced to stills, did not have enough quality resolution to make an ID. His contacts, developed over a career, had nothing. In some cases, nothing meant just that, nothing. In other cases though, it meant that some dangerous people were involved.
He dialed the number given to him by Colonel Markum.
He was surprised when Markum answered his own phone.
Tibbs was surprised, his dealing with upper echelons of the force did not impress him with their intelligence or patience. When the colonel listened and only asked pertinent questions clarifying points further raised his opinion of him.
The colonel suggested a second interview in case some important information was missed. Hanging up, the inspector only had to wait ten minutes. He was told to meet the house elf behind the Granger's residence at 10:00 the next morning and he would be taken to Lord Potter's estate.
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Things were not going according to Albus' plan. He needed pawns and he needed obedience. "Damn that Potter! And that Longbottom too. Things would be a lot easier with them as willing, weak pawns but I could still do this without them. But if they are self-assured lords, it will lead others from the light to the gray or even worse, the dark." The hat listened to all of this, he pretended to "sleep" all the time. The headmaster was a dangerous wizard. Powerful magically and politically; his word had shaped the generation and now he was trying to shape the next.
"I need Severus free."
"Mopett!"
A small disheveled house elf appeared in front of him. By any standard you used, this was an ugly house elf. Nothing matched, not even eye color and size. It was as if someone had cobbled together a house-elf out of all the leftover parts and Moppet was the result.
"Yes, Mr. Headmaster Beardface."
He ignored that, "Ask Mr. Filch to come and see me before dinner please."
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"Albus? Are you alright?" Minerva was still angry at the old man, but he had been a friend for a long time and despite her anger, she still cared for him.
He whispered, holding his throat. "Not feeling well, but I've missed enough dinners."
"Do you want to see Poppy?"
"I plan on it. First thing in the morning. I'm just going to go to bed after dinner."
"I can send her to you?" She peeked around Albus and caught Poppy's eye.
"He turned and shook his head smiling. "First thing tomorrow. If I get worse tonight, I'll send for her."
"If you're sure."
"Yes, yes, yes. You're worse than a mother hen Minnie."
She and everyone else watched him carefully. But he just smiled and waved to everyone. Once dinner was over, he left somewhat hurriedly, "Thanks Minnie. "I'll see you and Poppy in the morning."
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There was one thing about Saturday and especially Sunday afternoon and evenings. Unless there was an emergency ongoing, only junior personnel and those not in favor were working. The ministry of magic as a whole eschewed anything to do with muggles. Except of course when it was beneficial to them. So weekends were just as important to the employers as any muggle business.
Probationary Auror third class Martin had failed his last concealment and evasion examination. In fact, he had failed all of his final exams. The only thing he passed was being the middle pureblood son of a lord of a noble house.
The house of Martin was not powerful in the sense of having a lot of influence due to money. Or to being a paragon of magical talent or knowledge. No, it's sole redeeming factor is its position. It had the unique position of influence. Its current lord. Lord Thomas Martin, was a well liked Hufflepuff, class of 1950. He was hard working and honest and intelligent enough that when he spoke people listened. His voice carried many others. His position in the gray allowed him to influence houses normally entrenched in both the light and dark spheres of influence.
Felix Martin had been riding his father's coattails his entire life. Now his evaluators were loathed to dismiss him. A pureblood son of an important lord? Not going to happen.
Hoping to have him quit, he pulled the watch for the entire weekend.
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If you knew the duty schedules; if you helped place the wards and the other protections on the holding cells, then breaking into jail is not that hard. Breaking out was a bit harder, but the same conditions applied.
It is easy to disillusion oneself to get past that desk woefully monikered "security desk." Especially if you came in while everyone else was leaving. Especially when the "monitor" was closely studying the crossword of the 'daily prophet.'
Rhetorically he asked, "A ten letter word for out of work. Begins with a 'U".
The disillusioned man chuckled to himself at the potential irony in the answer. As he continued past and down to the holding cells.
He knew he had chosen the right day. He had remembered overhearing Bones complaining about the boy currently "guarding" the security wing.
He was guarding the wing by sitting at the desk reading an issue of 'playwizard' watching the solid steel door. Paying as much attention as his opposite number at the "security" desk.
Behind the steel door were the cells. Each with its own door and key. The keys were currently sitting in the drawer that Probationary Officer Martin kept closed by his growing paunch.
The security wing itself was very special. It had runes inscribed at key points that prevented magic in the wing. It was well designed and kept the criminals on the proper side of the door.
Except of course for the five or six different "holes" intentionally left in the system. Of course, you had to know where these errors were in order to make use of them It wouldn't be a very good jail cell if anyone could leave, right?"
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Per current guidelines, Probationary officer first class Tonks came by at the top of the hour. Ensuring everything was proper. She along with Martin inspected the cells exactly by the book.
He tried to get her to do it but, "C'mon Tonks. Get the stick out. Be a dear and check it for me. I'm right in the middle of a good article."
Her face didn't change, but her hair turned a blazing red. She grabbed the magazine from his hands and through it down the corridor. "Don't give me that tripe. You're too stupid to read. And as long as I am in charge we will be doing things by the book."
He muttered under his breath but complied. Five minutes later they were back from checking each cell.
"Satisfied? They're all there That's why it's called jail. Because they can't leave."
"Don't give me any shit Martin, I'll turn your ass inside out. I don't care who your daddy is. Do you want your ten minutes or not?"
Martin didn't say a word, just picked up his magazine and went to the loo. Tonks watched him leave, "What a wanker."
The man imitating Claude Rains had planned on this. He needed Martin, and he needed him as a member of the Aurors. He knew that Tonks was on duty. This was the only time that he could be seen at Hogwarts, and not have someone accidentally ruin his scheme and still utilize the right tool. Tonks and Martin were the perfect pawns. Too bad another good pawn had to be sacrificed tonight.
"Martin pull your head out of your ass. You can be good at this."
Hope springs eternal, and idiots jump to the first conclusion and it almost always the wrong one. "Do you want me Tonks?"
She thought, "Tried to be nice, I really did." What she said though, "Augh! You're such an ass. I was trying to be nice. Stick one hand in the book and the other in your trousers, 'cause that's the only action you're going to get." She stomped away, her hair seemingly on fire, a new cuss word with every other step.
He waited a full five minutes before making a move. He had to stifle more than one chuckle. "Oh to be young and stupid once again," he thought.
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Severus looked up. The sound of the door opening, but no footfall. A faint smell of lemon in the air. "You took your time."
"I had to wait for the right set of circumstances."
Eight of the dozen cells were occupied by a criminal of one sort or another. All eight were peering down the hall. They had heard Snape's comments but no answer.
"If you use the key, it will trip a ward at their command center. It will bring every available Auror in under a minute."
"Then we'll not use a key. Tell them the guard is not to be harmed. I suggest they make their way to the ladies loo on the fourth level and to wait for the alarm to sound. If they are quick enough they should be able to make it to the public floo before it is shut down."
Severus passed the message to the others. Suddenly excited, a chance to escape before a Monday trip to Azkaban.
"Now how are you going to open the doors?"
No one could see him, but he shrugged anyways. "It's already half open. The runes prevent active magic. However passive magic, the same that keeps the runes activated functions normally. I've temporarily changed the runes. Look at the cluster across from you on the floor. Do you see I placed some blanks on the runes? That will change the intent of the magic in just another minute." In a self-congratulatory tone he continued, "No one could understand why I pushed for these runes clusters. Prior proper planning and all of that."
Snape was getting back to normal. He looked to where his "friend" indicated. There was a small piece of wood covering most of the others. Severus wasn't a rune expert but he knew the right sequence would reroute the magic through the temporary rune. In his voice that somehow carried a sneer with every word he answered, "So you've told me. Piss poor performance."
Just as he predicted, the doors all opened at the same time. A cheer started to rise from the cells. "Tell them to be silent!" He demanded.
Snape passed the message on and added the caveat, "Grab a handful of floo powder from the desk in front of you and put it in your pocket." He added as if remonstrating first-year Gryffindor's, "Remember, do not harm or interact with the guard."
The other six prisoners followed directions unquestioningly. They grabbed the floo powder and quietly made their way up the stairs. Snape and the former auror Clarke-Smythe began to follow the others.
While Martin sat there staring at the same page as he had been for the tenth minute. Dumbledore grabbed Snape by the shoulder. "Where are you going? Better stop your friend as well, we can use him."
"We are not going to the ladies loo on the fourth floor?"
"Tonks is on duty. Can you imagine one or both groups being caught with their pants down?" He smiled at his own euphemism.
"Where shall we go then?"
"Severus my boy. I'll show you another way out. Another of the benefits of being here so long."
Canceling the charm on himself, he led them down the corridor after taking the small bag of powder he had provided and turned the corner. He stopped and went back and canceled the spell on Martin. who suddenly realized he had been day dreaming and licked his fingers and turned the page.
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Astoria wanted to go back to school Saturday. Her parent's and sister admonished her to call for Misty if needed. Harry reminded her the snakes in the pit would protect her. Everyone else wanted to be there when Harry reopened Potter manor.
Everyone grabbed the rope the goblins had made as the port key. Harry hated magic travel. The knight bus was dangerous, you risk a concussion every minute you're on it. He had heard the Goblin's port keys "were user friendly." Everybody was wrong. The invisible tether grabbed him by the navel, it felt like the invisible tether was trying to pull him along by his colon. When it was done pulling, it slammed him down in a heap.
Neville laughed, while the others smiled. "Rough flight?"
"I hate magic travel. Maybe apparating is better?"
Lady Greengrass laughed. It was a musically delightful sound. "I wouldn't make book on it Lord Potter. Most don't like apparating."
He stood up and brushed himself off. They stood outside a rusty gate. Beyond the gate, the manor, or what was left of it appeared a 100 yards or so back. No lawns were visible, scrub trees and even a small mud hole that most likely doubled as a swamp in the spring was visible. A must inhospitable view.
"Oh my," Emma said softly.
"It's ummm... nothing like I expected Harry."
"We've come this far. We might as well see the rest of it."
Lord and Lady Greengrass chuckled along with Lady Augusta. "Have no concern for your eyes Lord Potter. Place your ring in the indent on the gate."
The gate was supposed to be black with a gold inlay. Harry looked and saw the faded black, more rust than anything, the indent had no hint of gold.
Harry followed directions, and the gate "clicked" and opened an inch. He had been coached, right now he was the only one authorized to cross the boundary. He took each one's hand and escorted them over the ward line. He had been told of the access book and him having to add both his blood and magic to the heartstone. The keystone of the Potter wards.
He had been too busy escorting people across the ward, not that it was taxing, but he didn't want anyone to trip and fall in the underbrush. He turned and wondered why no had spoken. The ramshackle, fire damaged home was immaculate. The grounds as manicured as Neville's.
"Harry it's gorgeous."
"It is that, mum."
"Very powerful wards," Cademus explained. "Not only will they have the standard muggle repelling, but also will encourage witches and wizards to go elsewhere."
Harry reached for the door handle, but it was opened for him.
An elf older than Dobby or Winky. A little heavier but still had the tennis ball sized eyes and the expressive ears. He was dressed in a formal suit. "Who youse bees?"
"I be... I am Lord Harry James Potter."
"Master Harry? You bees Master Harry?" He called to the air, "Master Harry has returned. Everyone come quick. Lord Potter has returned!"
Three other elves "popped in" obviously excited.
"Who do we have here?" Harry bent down to greet the elves at eye level.
"I be Domo. And this is my mate Tress. The short one bees Charley he's the gardener and Troy be the cook."
"Domo. Do I have to do anything for all of you? My other elves needed me to bind them to me."
"No we bees bound to Lord Potter."
"He means, Harry, that once bound to a Lord Potter, he is automatically bound to the next Lord Potter."
The elves looked at each other, Harry could tell something wasn't right. All of a sudden they weren't happy. "Okay. What's wrong?"
Domo looked embarrassed to say anything, but since he was asked, he had to. "Lord Potter. There not be enough work for us. More elves mean less work."
"The three of us are still in school. They won't impact your lives too much. As the summer comes, we'll deal with that then."
"Dobby, Winky. Come here please."
Dobby and Winky "popped in." Master Harry," Winky said. "Wolfman was just about to calls youse."
"Did Remus say what he needed?"
Winky shook her head.
"Ask him to be patient please. After we get further along her I'll call for you and you can bring him and Paddy here. By that time I'll have them added to the permission wards."
"A-Okay Master Harry!" With a curtsey, she was gone.
Harry asked Domo to give them a tour. During the tour Hermione reminded him that he had a meeting with the inspector.
"We'll have to get a tour of the grounds later. I have a meeting soon, and I'm told I have to work with the wards."
Domo bowed and smiled. He was hoping the young master would have some ideas. Snapping his fingers his mate and Tress appeared. Telling her the master had business, he asked her to continue the tour and then have everyone else shown to the sitting room for tea.
Hermione and Luna followed Harry and the elf stopped in front of a heavy walnut door. "I bees sorry, this bees for the master only."
"Domo. These are my mates. We are soul bound. This is Hermione Granger, the presumptive Lady Potter." Hermione smiled kindly.
"And this is Luna Lovegood. The presumptive Lady Black."
"You be Lord of two ancient and Noble houses?" The elf looked surprised.
"Right now I am the Scion of House Black. Lord Black will be over later. But we are told that most likely I will be Lord Black - Potter soon."
"You three be soul tied all threes?"
Luna nodded.
"Lord Potter has to enter the names for people okays for manor but all threes can use magic and blood for the wards."
Once more Harry had to use his head of house ring on the door to allow him admittance. As he did the gas lights came on. A richly appointed room. All walnut several paintings along the walls, but only one portrait.
"About time! James What took you so long and where is Lily? Who are these ladies?"
The portrait Was of a man and woman, Harry could see the resemblance from pictures of his father in both people.
"James!" The lady protested. "You will not step out on Lily! We taught you better than that? Where have you been?"
Harry walked fully in front of the portrait with Hermione on his left and Luna on his right. "I'm not James. James and Lily are dead. I'm Harry."
"Harry?" The lady said. As tears for her son and daughter in law began to fall. "We have no sense of the passage of time. Only that it has been awhile. How old are you Harry?"
"I'm 15."
"And the girls with you?" The man asked.
"These are my bond mates. This is Luna Lovegood." Luna dipped in a quick curtsey, "and this is Hermione Granger." Hermione dipped also, her lessons and copying Luna coming into play; but she felt a bit silly curtseying to a painting, even if it was moving and talking.
Once more Harry explained the two ladies are his soul mates, and asked, "And may I ask who you are?"
"Forgive us grandson. We were surprised. I am Fleamont Charlus Potter and this is my bride Euphemia Celeste Potter; your grandparents."
"So tell me about my son and your mum. And all about these two lovely ladies next to you."
Harry and the girls gave a quick run down on the situation and explained they had guests and would speak in more detail later. The portrait directed him to go to the fireplace. hidden in the decorative stonework was another indent for Harry's ring.
"Since you are soul mates the three of you can each add your blood and your magic to the ward stone."
"The bond has not been finalized," Luna interjected.
"it doesn't matter dear," Grandmum Euphemia answered. "You are part of him. He is part of you. Even if you never finalize the bond, or never take the Potter name you are still part of little Harry. Your blood and magic can only benefit House Potter."
Once he found the spot for his ring, the fireplace swung forward on hinges. The three had to dance out of the way. Behind the fireplace was another room the size of a large cupboard. Sitting in the center of the room, with runes inscribed on the walls, ceiling, floor and on the heart stone itself. It was nearly as big as the one Harry had seen at Hogwarts. The stone sat muted only a faint glow showing from it occasionally.
"Even though the manor sits on a ley line, active magic from a Potter is needed to engage it. The manor sat too long without a Potter in it and the wards are barely viable."
The grandparents had moved to an empty frame in the room to direct the children. "On the table is a knife, each of you cut your right palm and let the blood pool in your hand. Once all three of you have a pool of blood in your hand, place that hand on the stone and push your magic through the blood into the stone."
Harry looked at the girls, and they at him. At a nod from him, they each took a breath and held it as they cut into their palms. After a good amount of blood pooled in their cupped hand, once again Harry nodded and they spilled the blood and placed their hands flat on the heartstone. Time was lost as the stone pulled the magic from the three, even as they pushed.
"That's enough!" Fleamont and Euphemia called together.
"My goodness!" Euphemia continued. "You three are powerful. The wards, now that active magic has pushed it, will once more grow. You children do know the more magic is used in a place the stronger the wards are. Our friends, the house elves weren't using enough magic to keep the wards. Will you be moving in?"
"Not yet," Harry answered shaking his head 'no'. "We're still in school."
"But having a lot of magic done inside the wards, won't be a problem soon," Luna said interrupting. "Things are coming together quickly now. If you can pay attention to everything happening in the manor today, it will answer many of your questions. And we have to add and remove names from the Permissive logs."
"Damn straight you do," Fleamont grumbled.
"But later, we have guests now."
"Luna? What's going on?"
She shook her head. "Not now 'Mione. Something unforeseen, that I am only understanding now. Fate had her way with you. And it may save us all."
Harry and Hermione looked at each other and shrugged the universal, "DamnedifIknow". They knew they weren't going to get anything else out of her.
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Tibbs was waiting behind the house looking at his watch. Three minutes past the hour when he looked up there was that same strange house elf. "You're late." He tried growling at the elf.
"Youse watch wrong. Elf time never wrong. Takes my hand Mister man. I'se takes youse to the Great Lord Harry Potter and his mates."
Where before he growled at the elf, just to establish dominance, the old 'stay on the porch if you can't run with the big dogs' mentality. The elf disabused him of that notion in one sentence and one simple elf translocation.
His feet found themselves back on terra firma, and he was totally disoriented. "Okay," He said to himself. "I'll just stay on the porch."
Dobby misunderstanding, "No. The great Harry Potter bees inside and is waiting for you there. Follows pleasey."
The introductions were made while more coffee and tea were served. DCI Tibbs saw more of the creatures, called elves. His trained eye also saw a couple of the house elves look on in horror as the one called Dobby sat and drank a cup of coffee with them.
Everyone was waiting for him, but curiosity got the better of him. "They don't look happy that this one is sitting with you."
Harry looked at Domo and his mate. "You're right. Thank you. I need to fix this before it becomes an issue."
He turned to the older elf. "Domo call the elves for me."
The others "popped" in. They too look shocked.
"It's not done," Domo groused. Almost but not quite under his breath.
Harry stood and faced the elves, but he turned his head to one of the walls. "Grandmother, Grandfather. Are you listening?"
Inspector Tibbs heard from one of the walls, "We are grandson." He wanted to ask them to come over as well, but it wasn't his place.
"Then I want everyone here within the sound of my voice to understand. I am Lord Potter now. I don't know what was done before, but from this day forward, we are a family. That includes elves, some goblin friends, and others. Unless you have other responsibilities, we take meals together. Your voice is as loud as my voice. In all matters, my ladies and I have final authority but you will be respected, listened to and cherished. If any has issue with that say it now and I will give you clothing."
Tibbs didn't understand the clothing part, and he saw the elves blanch at the thought. But he could see that the kid was the final authority.
Continuing to "read" people. He saw some that had issue with the kid's wishes, especially the older lady. However, no one reined Harry in.
After a moment's thought Harry continued, " Great. Welcome to the family. I know you have duties, but if you have the time, you may want to listen in. I'm told Luna has some surprises for us." He didn't wait, "Inspector? You had some questions?"
"This morning I had found this on my desk waiting for me. Colonel Markum had some computer magic of his own and was able to "clean up" a few of these photos." He started to pass the photos around.
"Some of these we know. These are members of a crime family mostly involved with narcotics. We never could figure out how they were getting their drugs into the country. It's one of the larger crime syndicates in Europe."
Augusta had heard of the illegal drugs that ruined so many lives. But she was unable to see how it impacted their lives. She didn't wish them ill, but they were muggles after all. Let them deal with their own issues. She was thinking this as she saw faces she had never seen before. Rough looking fellows to be sure, until Tibbs continued.
"We've identified most of them, but this one man had his face hidden for most of the Granger's attack, except for one spot where someone jerked back from a blast from the shotgun and knocked the man's mask off."
The stills clearly showed a surprised face, very familiar to her. "Lucius Malfoy." She said. Everyone heard the venom in her tone.
"You know him?"
"Yes. Unfortunately. Everyone here knows him. Would you say Inspector there is a lot of money to be made in the drug trade?"
He looked at her surprise evident on his face. Everyone knew about how much money could be made from the drug trade. Didn't they?
"I guess there is. He always maintained that it was old money. His family recently came from France. Since then he has tried to buy his way onto the Wizengamot and wants to be an ancient and noble house."
"Recently? How long ago?"
"Inspector. Recently to Lady Longbottom and many others here, is not the same as the recently you are thinking of." Mrs. Granger volunteered.
Going into lecture mode Augusta continued. "Yes they fled from their revolution, from Robespierre and his bunch. We should have sent him back, or to the colonies. They have been like a locust plague since then devouring our culture." She was prevented from continuing by Lady Greengrass's hand.
"The Robespierre from the 18th century right?"
Hermione jumped in, this was what she liked. "Yes he was born 1758 or 59, and died in 1794. He was very influential and his reforms were a tyranny of themselves. He tried to use the guillotine to create a 'republic of virtue.' He wanted..." Harry's hand on her arm and a quick kiss on her cheek stopped her before she could really get rolling.
"Inspector," Lord Cademus interrupted. My Family, Harry's family, and Neville's family have been ennobled since 1056. Along with a few others we helped form both the muggle and magical ruling bodies and we are ennobled in both worlds. So for us, 1790 is a rather recent event."
"Thank you, sir. But we need to get back on track. We had thought at first the disappearance from the cameras was a 'glitch'. Thanks to you and the colonel we know they disappeared with magic."
"You mean apparated."
"Huh?"
"Disappearing is something else. They apparated away."
"Okay, if you say so."
"Or theys had house elfies take them," Dobby added in.
"There were no elves in the pictures," Tibbs replied.
"House elves knows how to hides from pictures pictures. Only babies elfies not knowing to hides."
"That be true," Domo piped in. Harry gave him a smile.
Trying to focus on his part of this, the drug syndicate was something he could track, especially now that he knew the name of another player, perhaps a big name if he understood these magicals. "Anything else about this Malfoy?"
"Just one more thing."
"What's that Lord Potter?" He didn't see the young man as a boy anymore.
"The next time I see Lucius Malfoy, he will die. I told him New Year's eve that if anything should happen to the Granger's he would pay for it. His wife I was told has left him, his son detests him."
"He has the ear of the Minister of Magic," added Neville.
"We still need to tell Draco," Hermione placed a restraining hand on his arm.
Harry nodded reluctantly, "If Draco asks, then I will refrain from executing him."
"You know the Queen would take a dim view on this, don't you?"
"You're confusing law and order and war, Inspector. Dad, will you ask the colonel the crown's view of this?"
The conversation continued. Identifying the suspects helped Tibbs determine the proper direction his investigation should follow, but it led to new questions. Were his suspects going to go to jail or were they going to disappear? He decided to speak with Markum also. and try to get a partner or just someone he could use as a sounding board.
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"Who are you?"
"I am Aria. I am Magorian's eldest. You are Ronnie the Roan."
It wasn't a question, even Ron knew that. After all how many humans were there around here. He had come to find out there were two villages. The first was populated by mostly the adult males and a few of the older females. It had ten or twelve crude huts around a central common area. It was used, but then again it wasn't. After Magorian's decision to house him, they led him along other hidden trails. Despite the depth of the winter everywhere else, here the Centaurs controlled the area. You could see a patch of snow here and there. But mostly the grass was green and the temperatures mild enough to not need his outerwear.
The girl was as tall as he. Pretty features with long black hair. She had a pretty gold necklace on and he noticed that her fingernails were polished a pinkish color. He was immediately smitten with her because she greeted him with a smile and a soft voice. It wasn't her fault that her back half was a horse.
"You are very brave. You are young to be a bridge between our peoples are you not?"
"I'm 15 years old."
She nodded, "You are right. That is the time one starts to prepare for adult life. But I stand by my statement, you are very brave."
Her smile and soft spoken words warmed him, and calling him brave, when he thought so very little of himself, had him smiling brightly at her. "You are very nice to a stranger."
Her answering smile welcomed him. "Nonsense Ronnie. You are one of us now. Come let me introduce you to the others and we have to get you a vest like ours. We'll also braid your mane and by the time you're done you'll look like one of us." Then she giggled sweetly, "except you just have two legs."
She got serious then and looked him dead in the eyes, "Now the others may say some mean things to you. Just because you're not like us, but you're just the same as we, either a daughter of Magorian or one of his mare's"
He was lost in her eyes, and whatever herbs she had eaten had sweetened her breath. He was smitten, so only half heard what she said and understood less. "Sure, I understand. I haven't always been the nicest bloke around. I promise to be the best mayor I can be."
Once more lost in her lyrical tones he heard, "With that attitude, you will win many to your cause. More than one wants to end you and our alliance with humans. But If I am reading the heavens right, we will need everyone to stand together against the coming dark storm."
He didn't think there was another storm in the air, but he agreed with her anyway, and let her lead him to all of the others.
After a couple of hours of introductions, innuendo, and veiled slurs; most of which he missed being too dim to understand; he had won grudging acceptance of the females he was near. They thought him noble to suffer the aspersions in silence with naught but a smile.
They had finished painting his nails, he started to protest, as to being too girly but he stopped when Aria looked at him disapprovingly. Her only remonstrance was, "You are to look like one of us, remember?"
He nodded and then smiled. Who was there to look and who cared anyways. He was a mayor!
"Come on," Aria called to everyone. "We need to go wash Ronnie's hair."
Apparently, this was a fun event because more than a couple "squee'd" in delight. They walked the well-worn path to the heated pond. She confided, "Your mane is too short for a proper braid. But we have potions for that. We have some that will also help you with other parts that need to be fuller." Her face turned a bit pink as she finished. A couple of the girls near also giggled.
Trying not to be left out, Ron giggled also, at least a little.
The Female Centaurs walked into the pond waist deep. Almost as one they took off their vests and threw them on to the bushes surrounding the pond. Ron emulated them and tried his best not to stare goggle-eyed at the girls especially the beautiful Aria.
"Come Ronnie. You help wash me and I'll help you. It's our way after all."
Ron did as he was bid and his bright red face faded after a short time. No one made fun of him and he was the proper gentleman with them, helping as needed, and never more than they asked. Aria had even mentioned his pants. Once more he colored, but since he was waist deep in the water it was easy to remove his trousers as well. It joined his vest, somewhat in the direction of the shrubs. He didn't give a thought to leaving the water until it was time to do so.
"Your hair is just too short for anything except some ponytails. Tomorrow when your hair is longer we will braid it properly." She whispered, "You'll need a bigger vest too!" And then giggled again, as did the others nearest to them.
"Come on," she called to everyone. "We need to prepare for tonight and to feed the stallions!"
The other girls squealed in excitement, not so much the feeding the guys part, but seeing the studs.
Dawn, no matter how long delayed, finally broke for Ronnie. He said out loud, "Ohhhh mares!" Then thought, "Well shit. I may very well be screwed." He didn't see the irony.
SMARTARSE SMARTARSE SMARTARSE SMARTARSE
B/N : Another excellent chapter I had the pleasure of looking over. I gave him a great idea for an Omake. I won't give it away but I think it fits in perfectly with the characters personalities. Please hound robert350 until he writes it for us. Thanks for all the love you're showing and we'll see you next chappie.
