Title: Angelus Fortuna
Author: Crimson Rosary
Summary: After watching the near-death experience of his godfather, Harry finally decides that Dumbledore doesn't really have the power he claims to have. In order to protect himself, his family and his friends, Harry chooses to side with Voldemort. But what does the Dark Lord have to say to that?
Pairing: LVHP
Rating: M
Manipulative!Dumbledore, Ron/Hermione/Ginny/Certain Weasley Bashing! Alive!Sirius, Good!Voldemort, OC, Characters will be a bit OOC.
Disclaimer: I do not own any characters from Harry Potter; all those belong to J.K. Rowling.
'Thoughts'
{Parseltongue}
[Telepathy]
Chapter 13
~ Adjustments ~
"The morning sickness came early then," Hermione surmised, hearing Harry's retching from a room away. "For pregnant women, it can start as early as four weeks of pregnancy. It could last up to a month before it goes away. We should have you carry around some saltine crackers to ease your stomach."
Harry walked in, nodding his head. A house elf quickly appeared with said saltine crackers and handed them over to him before disappearing from the room.
"Harry's a bloody male, Granger." Fred snapped. "Of course it would be different for him."
Harry placed a hand on Fred's arm, calming the redhead down. He was quite thankful for his protectiveness, but it was starting to get overprotective.
"I'm not saying that Harry is a female. There haven't been many books about male pregnancy, but there should be a few considering only the most powerful can beget a child through a sexual union. Don't worry, Harry. I'll look up some. You shouldn't be stressed as well, but it's the year before N.E.W.T.S so that'll be difficult. Plus, you shouldn't be near potions."
As Hermione listed all the concerns, Neville interrupted. "If he doesn't take potions or DADA, then Dumbledore will suspect something is wrong. I'll search for an herbal remedy or even a charm to cast around Harry so he won't take in any potion fumes."
"There are spells to contain the fumes within the cauldron's space," Luna informed them in a dreamy voice."
Neville nodded his head, "Many even some protective spells so he doesn't get hurt during DADA."
"Excellent decision, Mr. Longbottom," Tom entered the room and sat besides his pregnant lover. The rest of his entourage, bar Lucius, filed in after him and took their place in various parts of the room. "Lucius is already looking through his texts for a protection ward." Turning to Harry, Tom petted his lover's hand, "Not to worry, we'll have you protected from Dumbledore's manipulations."
"You mean you're to wrap me up and bundle me up in a bunch of bubble wrap?" Harry glared.
"If it protects both you and our child, yes." Tom replied in a firm tone.
Everyone waited with bated breath, hoping to Merlin that Harry would not erupt in anger. The teenager was quite powerful, and now that he was with child, he would be even more emotional and quick to set off.
Harry's anger quickly deflated at that statement, shocking those around him when he took a deep breath. "I … I'm not going to be doing anything fun this year, am I?"
"Of course not," Tom frowned, "You'll take leave of Quidditch as well."
"What?!" Harry squawked. "Quidditch is the only great thing in Hogwarts that I can do!"
"For the safety of our baby," Tom reminded him. "When the baby is born, you can jump onto your broom and continue your death defying stunts whenever you want."
"Promise?"
Tom frowned, "Although I would like you to refrain from such actions, I suppose a little leeway would allow you to breathe."
"But if Harry quits Quidditch, won't Dumbledore find it suspicious?" Neville pointed out.
Harry shrugged, "I'll just say something about wanting to focus on my education more – considering next year will be our NEWTs year." He turned pleading eyes at Tom, "Don't make me stay there for too long. Our baby is my top most priority."
Tom's eyes softened and he nodded his head, "Of course. I don't expect you'll wish to continue with the Auror path, so I'm sure just a general handful of NEWTs courses will guarantee you entering any career."
"Does anyone know who the DADA professor will be?" Fred asked.
"We're working on that," Tom smirked. "It is going to be someone you all know."
Harry turned questioning eyes at Remus. The rest of the Gryffindors did the same. Luna was still the only person looking out the window.
Remus smiled and mimed pulling a zipper across his lips, "I have nothing to say about it as I have no idea what is planned for this coming school year."
Soon, Lucius came walking in, a Witch Weekly magazine held open in his hand. " I have an idea. Narcissa has used one of these before during Draco's pregnancy."
Harry noticed the tension at Draco's mentioned name, but quickly diffused it with an eagerly asked, "What is it?"
"It is a pregnancy belt." Lucius explained, handing the magazine over to Harry.
On the page before him was a picture of a pregnant woman modeling the use of the pregnancy belt. At the top right corner of the page was a description of what the belt did, but Lucius explained it for those who weren't given a look at the item.
"The pregnant woman, or male in this case, wears it as a belt. It protects the babe from all magical transportation. It will safely transport the passenger and fetus to any location; there will be no falling or harm towards either person."
"That is good and all, especially for me considering the times I've nearly fallen on my face, but what about its protection from magical spells?" Harry asked.
"Lucius means to say that if we were able to acquire one of these belts, we can tweak it and add more protection spells, wards and charms on it so you and the baby will not be harmed from any magic. I will never allow anyone to harm either one of you." Tom promised.
"The person wearing the belt will also have their pregnant bellies hidden from view. It is like a powerful Notice-Me-Not; however, people can feel it. So you should be careful around others." Lucius added.
"Oh, now I remember. I've seen Lily wear one of those while she was pregnant with you," Remus replied. "She wasn't quite as clumsy as James was when it came to portkey, floo or apparition, but she liked wearing it so no one would know that she was pregnant." The werewolf spared a look at Tom, before looking at Harry. "It was dark times; no one was safe. Lily was especially unsafe when it she wanted to help out the Order even while pregnant."
Tom turned to Lucius, and ordered the blond to fetch one of these accessories. The blond aristocrat bowed and hurried out of the room. If it disguised Harry's pregnant belly, then Dumbledore would not know and try to interfere.
"Don't worry, we'll have this done soon before your return to Hogwarts." Tom said, petting Harry's hand.
"What about other magical backlash?" George asked.
"I have the Lordship rings. Those will guarantee that I will not have a single scratch on me." Harry smiled, fingers waving in the air. He placed that same hand on his flat belly and stroked circles, smiling as he imagined the little girl or boy he would have in a couple of months.
The blissful picture of maternity, though Harry had yet to show, really emphasized Harry's dreams of having a big, loving family. He was nearly there, and Tom knew that he had completed his lover's hope; all that was needed was their little heir or heiress to be born.
The elder wizard felt the air rushing out of his chest. Tom smiled, "This will guarantee that that blasted man will have nothing over you. If he tries to get at you through the Ministry, you have the financial and political power behind you, with your names and your allies you've found here. If he tries to get at you through Hogwarts, you have your friends and the professors there. If he tries to get at you through your age, you will officially be married to me; plus, you've already inherited the Lordships to your name, through birth and through blood. There's nothing he can do about it."
Harry nodded his head. "I love you, Tom."
Tom's eyes widened as he felt a ball of warmth at the pit of his stomach, spark into a blazing fire. His smile that belied how truly happy he felt about those words, and the memories he'd shared with Harry through their time together that summer would always remind him of that.
However, despite the rush accompanied by Harry's words, Tom merely nodded, and gently patted Harry's head.
…..
Attack at Riddle Manor!
by: Chelsea Hartsworth
Our Ministry's Aurors were alerted to Death Eater activity between the hours of 6pm and 8pm yesterday evening. An anonymous source has led us to believe that perhaps followers of You-Know-Who are still at large. Though there have not been any captures as of late, there have been some casualties to our Auror forces.
When interviewed, the Ministry of Magic, Cornelius O. Fudge, was quick to calm the hysterics of the citizens in Wizarding Britain.
"There are no Death Eaters," He answered for one question – quick to reply that, "You-Know-Who did not revived last year at the Tri-Wizard Tournament. The tipoff we've received was meant to create chaos and disorder within the ministry and within our community."
When asked about Harry Potter's claims, Minister Fudge was quick to back up the then-fourth year, now fifth year's words, saying, "Dumbledore insisted on encouraging Lord Potter to come to public with the believed scene, and for that, Lord Potter is not to blame. I have already given my sincerest apologies to young Lord Potter at the Summer Ball, and he has graciously accepted my heartfelt words. Nevertheless, this shows that Dumbledore had no care about the trauma that befell young Lord Potter and when it was required of the Headmaster of Hogwarts to protect his students – he had failed in his task. Not only did he fail Lord Potter, Dumbledore also used Lord Potter's confusion to further his own agenda!"
Who is this anonymous source? And why have they contacted the Ministry during these hours? What about the importance of the location – Riddle Manor? This reporter looked up the history of the manor to find that it belonged to a muggle named Thomas M. Riddle, born in the early 1900's. There did not seem to be any significance, so one has to wonder as to why the anonymous source believed the property to be housing Death Eaters, and where said source had received the information.
What were Death Eaters doing at this muggle location? Perhaps to torture some unwilling muggles that crossed their path? Perhaps they were there to further their plans in an empty and abandoned estate. Were these Death Eaters the same as the ones who attacked at the Quidditch World Cup nearly two years prior? Keep reading for more news.
…..
Dumbledore threw the newspaper down in a fit of anger. Lies, lies, lies – all of them! Yet, there was always a hint of truth hidden amongst the lies and Dumbledore couldn't say anything against that. After all, he'd spent many years covering up his tracks, though rumors were always floating about.
Death Eater activity in Riddle Manor? Perhaps that was where Tom had sequestered himself away for the last year. Did it have anything to do with the brat though?
The wizard cursed his inability to think that Tom would actually return to the home of his muggle father. Then he cursed his spy's lack of attendance. Penman was supposed to arrive immediately after delivering the news. Where in the world was he? And Severus – that potions master had been unavailable for the majority of the summer, brewing potions for Saint Mungo's and the Hogwarts' infirmary.
Dumbledore tapped his finger on his desk in a rhythmic pattern. The articles concerning the brat and his new guest at the Ministry Ball this summer was undoubtedly true. After all, what better way to hide something than in plain sight?
Though the article was short, there was much speculation about Voldemort and his forces. While it was true that Voldemort had been quiet these last few weeks, Dumbledore knew it was only a matter of time before he played his cards. And Dumbledore would be one step ahead of dear old Tom. This article brought to light some evidence that Death Eaters could still be around. Therefore, Tom must be alive. Dumbledore truly believed that this article would give awareness to its citizens.
And yet, the article had turned the situation around to lay blame on him, him! His blue eyes fell upon the trinket in his cabinet – a small statue of the Deathly Hallows. He fiddled with the wand in his hand, knowing that though he was able to wield such a legendary weapon, it truly wasn't bonded to him.
He squared his shoulders as he looked at the growing pile of hate mail in the corner of the Headmaster's office. The rate it was going, the Hogwarts house elves refused to clear it out for him, due to their undying loyalty towards the bratty child that Dobby had proclaimed his fondness over.
Besides that, upon his desk was the key to the 'Hogwarts Vault'. There were no more galleons within the vault after that blasted article a while back. Gringotts had sent a letter telling him that they had "graciously" taken it upon themselves to return all galleons the past and present students have "spent" on paying off Hogwarts tuition. And when Dumbledore himself had stormed to Gringotts demanding their reasoning for such self-righteous and thieving behavior, the tellers had the audacity to throw all the letters that included pictures of the letters he'd sent himself to the past and present students of Hogwarts, proclaiming that out of the goodness of his heart, he would allow them to study at such a prestigious school if only they had to pay a measly 50,000 pounds or around 10,040 galleons – give or take a sickle or two.
Not only was he thrown out of the bank, Dumbledore also landed on his arse at the bottom of the steps – hilariously skipping down those three steps. He had turned his head to glare at the goblins, but because they were at the very top, Dumbledore could finally check off one thing in his, what the muggles call, a "bucket list" – have a goblin look down at him from their sharp, pointy noses. He was also warned that should he step foot into Gringotts, he'd sooner end up on his arse outside the bank faster than he could repeat his own name!
Now Dumbledore had to return to the stupid alumni event to beg for pity donations, after declining the invitations for several decades. How else was he to sustain his professors' teaching materials, research and others now that his source of income was revoked? Was it his fault that Hogwarts never accepted him as the Headmaster? Where did those insipid fools think the institution's supplies came from?! A permanent conjuration?! Surely not when there were multiple irregularities within the students' practices, specifically that Finnegan boy – always blowing up his supplies…
After the article written about his interview with the Daily Prophet, the Wizengamot and the ICW had decided to strip him of his positions as the Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot and the Supreme Mugwump, respectively. He hadn't wasted all his favors on those positions, preferring to cash them all in for his role as the Headmaster of Hogwarts. It was one thing to lose international power, but it was another to lose domestic power; and Dumbledore quite liked having power over several generations' worth of children.
Frowning, Dumbledore supposed he needed to move his plans forward. He couldn't send for Horace when the DADA position had opened. He'd thought that Severus could fill that position, which would allow Horace to take over Potions. The man wouldn't give up the opportunity to teach bloody Potter. Yet, the Board of Governors had filled the DADA position for him. They'd also mentioned a change in staff, but he wasn't privy to such information. Dumbledore sent a careless wave of his wand towards the pile in the corner, incinerating the letters and putting up wards to prevent any howlers from coming through. While the boy was not yet in his grasp, there was no reason as to why Dumbledore had to put his plans on hold.
A moment later, Dumbledore disappeared from Hogwarts with a small 'Pop'. He had a little house in a small village to inspect. Yet, in his haste to leave, the old man failed to notice that Fawkes had awoken from his slumber. One look at the mail that had been delivered just mere moments after the old wizard had left his room, and the letter had been burned to ashes. Fawkes flapped his majestic wings and the ashes from the letter were transferred to the burning fireplace.
…..
Four Dead in Fire
By: Alexia Drew
Aurors arrived at Westburg, Devon to find a small cottage, housing a family of four, alight in flames. A family of four, two daughters, were found dead on site. The source of the fire is believed to be coming from a leak in the kitchens, and a cigarette lighter. Aurors have also claimed that an intruder had attempted to break into the home, succeeded, and left in a hurry – burning the place down with the cigarette lighter in order to cover up their tracks.
Evidence from the investigation implies that the family, bar the father, was not aware of the intruder and was dead before there was any sign of an impeding fire. The victims of this tragic incident were Lewis Penman, age 30, Natalie Penman, age 27, and their two daughters, Alicia Penman, age 7, and Valerie Penman, age 5.
Lewis Penman was found injured in the kitchen, which suggests he was the one that came upon the intruder and fought until he was beaten to the ground. There was a struggle as indicated by the broken dining table and dining chairs. Sad to say that this lovely four-member family did not make it through the burning flames.
…..
They had received their list of supplies at the very last minute. No owls delivered their post, and for once, no one actually realized due to the shocking summer they'd spent at Riddle Manor. Everyone's letters had been delivered by the house elves employed at Riddle Manor.
"Shouldn't we have gotten our letters a few weeks ago?" Harry asked.
"It could be due to Dumbledore's lack of support from his staff after all the articles. Plus, I've heard from our goblin friends that the Hogwarts vault he claimed to have opened for the school's benefit, was emptied and all the monies returned to their rightful owner." Lucius explained. There was a little tension around his eyes, but the blond seemed to be fine.
"But did they have to send our letter on the day before we return to school?" Hermione hissed. "Now I'm missing out on all my readings."
Her friends, using the term loosely, shook their head in exasperation. Hermione was still the same old bookworm they all knew.
Upending the envelope, Harry was surprised to note that a golden edged pin had a gold 'P' emblazoned on a red background.
"Oh, Harry! You're a Prefect!"
"What?"
"A Prefect! Oh Harry! We're going to be Gryffindor Prefects together!" Hermione squealed, waving her own unopened envelope in the air. She quickly ripped through the seal flap and overturned her envelope. She frowned when nothing fell into the palm of her hand.
Neville shook his head, "That must mean that Weasley was kicked out of Hogwarts – I would like to have been there to see his reaction."
Sirius frowned, "If there's one thing I know, Dumbledore always has some pull in certain places. I wouldn't be surprised if he somehow was able to allow the two youngest Weasleys to continue with their education."
Remus growled, baring his teeth, "If they do end up staying, they better stay away from my cub."
Hermione had turned the envelope over and pulled out the letter, looking into the envelope, but nothing was there for her. She scanned the contents of the parchment paper and her bottom lip wobbled. She slowly placed her letter down, "I… I didn't get Gryffindor Prefect this year."
Tom, Lucius and Severus shared a look. Sirius and Remus had blank expressions on their faces.
"Oh Hermione," Harry began.
The brunette shook her head, "No, no. It's okay." She couldn't ruin this momentous occasion for her fellow Gryffindor. Hermione put on a brave smile and looked at Harry. "But I'm glad that you got the badge."
Harry just shrugged, turning the small pin back and forth, watching as the light bounced off the gold edges.
"Congratulations, Harry." Tom smiled. "I too, was a Prefect – straight up until I became the Head Boy in my seventh year."
"Your mother, Lily, was a Prefect for Gryffindor. Remus was the other Prefect in our House," Sirius said, watching the werewolf smile gently at his godson. "Although, James snatched Head Boy from under his nose."
"Why?" Harry blinked. "I thought the Head Boy and Head Girl were chosen because of their grades. If that's true, then shouldn't Remus have been chosen?"
"The Head Boy and Head Girl are chosen because of their academic achievement, outstanding reputation as a student, and an honest, good, and hard-working personality." Hermione recited. "Just because you're a prefect, doesn't mean you're guaranteed for the position."
"How was I chosen?" Harry asked bemused. "I thought Dumbledore hated me."
Severus smirked, "Prefects are chosen by their Head of Houses. The Head Boy and Head Girl are chosen by the Headmaster, though I'm sure the old coot will not live that long to make that decision."
"What do you mean by that?"
"Honestly, the standards have really fallen." Lucius interrupted. "While everyone is congratulating the two of you," He set his teacup down and picked up his knife. "Shall we finish our meal and gather your supplies before the rush comes?"
The meal was eaten quickly and while Tom escorted Harry to the floo, he had silently picked out bodyguards for his lover's shopping excursion.
"Make sure you get decent clothes befitting of your status as Lord Potter," Tom reminded Harry. "While I find it sexy that you wear my robes, I'm certain that you wish for your own."
Harry flushed to the tips of his roots and nodded his head, slipping into the floo and out into the Leaky Cauldron.
…..
Lucius followed behind his lord quietly as the three of them, him, Tom and Severus, walked down to the dungeons. They passed by Bella's cell, ignoring her beseeching calls of, "My Lord! My Lord! Have you come to visit me, My Lord?"
"Draco," Severus called out and the three of them watched as the younger blond scrambled to his feet and walked towards the cell door.
"Severus, Father, My Lord."
"Do you understand why you're here?"
Draco grimaced and answered, "I… have stepped across the boundaries set for me and my illusions of grandeur have affected my loyalty to the cause. I have questioned your actions, my Lord."
"So a few days with little to no food and few amenities have cleared your addled brain, has it, young heir Malfoy?"
Draco bowed, "…Yes, my Lord." He'd spent all his time hearing his Aunt Bella muttering under her breath, proclaiming her love and dying loyalty to their Lord. And when he'd thought about his actions, he realized that he wasn't truly in love with his Lord; it was just another fact that Harry bloody Potter had gotten something that wasn't truly his to have, that had set Draco into a jealous fit. Though he'd stayed in the cell for nearly a week, he didn't want to stay anymore because he'd seen how insane his Aunt had gotten – and that was when she had acted out against Harry Potter during the meeting.
Draco was nothing if not a Slytherin. To protect his own hide was something he was very good at, thank you very much. And if his actions led to him being in a cell was something he'd had to think about – he truly spent all this time rethinking his actions and beliefs.
Tom paused, and in that small moment, Draco looked up. Instantly the blond felt his mind being entered by an external source, and he allowed his Lord to search his memories. There was no way he would be able to block a master Legilimens.
"So you have been offered an…option should the attack have overwhelmed our forces?"
Draco acquiesced, "Yes, my Lord. Penman promised that it was because Potter had be-spelled you with an ancient curse. I knew there was no way you would've fallen to him unless it had come to that, yet I had no power to stop ancient magic unless the caster was taken out."
Lucius and Severus stayed silent. They couldn't do anything after all. They were only there as witnesses should anything befall Draco.
"And you thought your Lord Consort, someone who have never heard of magic until his entry into the Wizarding World, had found some Ancient Magic against me?"
"My Lord, the mud- muggleborn Granger has been inside the Restricted Section of the Hogwarts Library many times. It is not impossible that she has found something against you and your power."
That bit of information had peaked their interest, but Tom being Tom, had explored the Restricted Section throughout his years at Hogwarts. If there were anything about Ancient Magic in there, he would've found them – but alas, there were none. None of the Founder's texts had been in there anyway.
"Even if there were the least bit of enchantment on my person, did you think Lucius and Severus would not have noticed? Or did you think the same enchantment had befallen unto them as well?"
Draco bit his lip but faced his Lord, shoulders squared. "No, my Lord. I apologize."
Tom gave thought, allowing silence to fall on them. Bella's chanting for her Lord echoed through the corridors, but no one took heed.
"Because you are Lucius's son and I respect your father and his abilities, I feel I have allowed you too many allowances. However, you have used up your last chance at my and your Lord Consort's wedding." Tom watched for any animosity in Draco's eyes, but saw none. "I will set you free from the cell, Draco, on one condition."
"Whatever it is, my Lord, I will do my best to achieve it." Draco said imploringly.
Tom smiled, "Perfect." He pulled out a collar and handed it through the cell doors, feeling the wards ripple around his hand, recognizing its creator. "Wear this and never take it off until I say so – not that you can anyway."
"What is it, My Lord?"
"A little incentive so you can keep your mouth shut and wand down." Lucius finally spoke up. The three of them knew what it was – after all, they'd watched Tom etch the runes into it and cast the spells on it to make it unmovable except for Tom himself. This way wasn't what Lucius or Narcissa had wanted for their heir, but if it was the only way for Draco to learn to hold his tongue, then they would welcome it with open arms.
Draco jolted, feeling a spark against his neck, looking down at the collar around his neck. "What does it do?"
"You're to hold your tongue around Harry and his friends. You are not to harm a single hair on your Lord Consort's head. You may not think or act on treasonous thoughts and feelings. If you were to overhear or see anything that would go against Harry's health and wellbeing, then you will report it to your father, Severus or myself as soon as possible. You will protect Harry to the best of your abilities. Do you understand?" Tom ordered. The magic quickly wrapped his words as a binder and the runes on the collar glowed a dull brown.
When Draco made to comment, an burning itch ran across his neck. Every time he tried to refute his Lord's words, the pain grew until he was writhing on the floor. "Y-Yes, my Lord," He finally choked out and the pain left in an instant.
…..
"What do we need to get?"
Hermione recited off her own list, "The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 6, Advanced Potion-Making, Confronting the Faceless, A Guide to Advanced Transfiguration, Quintessence: A Quest, Advanced Rune Translation for Hermione and Flesh-Eating Trees of the World."
"I don't think we'll need Advanced Rune Translation," Neville murmured.
"The both of you are only taking five subjects?" Hermione asked, a hint of disapproval in her tone.
"Well, we all can't be like the great and brilliant, Hermione Granger," Fred snapped. George ushered his twin away, heading towards Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes even as he murmured goodbyes to Harry, Neville and Luna. The both of them had left the store for Lee to manage. Now that they finally had the opportunity to leave while the young Gryffindors and Ravenclaw were returning to school, it was best to retake their positions.
Harry waved goodbye to them and turned to Hermione, shrugging his shoulders. "There's no point in me taking more classes now that I'm – well – you know."
"But you won't be forever," Hermione insisted. "You'll have to work you know. It's better to get as many credentials as possible!"
"Just because you get O's in all classes doesn't mean you'll get into whatever you want. Everyone starts off small." Harry lectured. Then his mind wandered to Tom whom had exceeded expectations in both his OWLs and NEWTs, enabling him to enter the Ministry at a higher position – but that was before he turned to Lord Voldemort.
"Might we get our things then," Luna suggested. "We're blocking the road."
Indeed there were many witches and wizards starting to pause and stare in their shopping, eyeing the Boy-Who-Lived and the supposed girl who had dared to steal from their savior. There were nasty looks in their eyes directed towards Hermione; then there were understanding and compassionate stares towards Harry.
The Gryffindor rolled his eyes. Honestly; one day he was their hero and the next, their enemy.
Neville led the way, and Luna made sure to keep Harry between the two of them. Hermione followed behind, distancing herself but not too far in case anyone in the crowd decided to take action against her.
Hermione understood the mind of the masses. And currently, their anger and disgust were directed towards her.
Brown eyes looked longingly in the trio's direction. As of now, they were getting their robes fitted. Neville had bulked up and shot up during that summer. His skin was nice and tan from his days out in the Longbottom greenhouses, and his confidence was blooming. He'd faced Bellatrix last year, and it wasn't a surprise when his grandmother had gotten him a wand that suited him. Even though Sirius had taken over the fight, the Longbottom heir had grown into himself, worthy of his name and legacy.
Luna was small and dainty; however, Hermione could see through her illusion. After all, the blond was sorted in Ravenclaw for a reason. Though her eyes seemed to be cloudy at times; Hermione learned that summer that Luna was bestowed with the gift of sight. Not to mention, her year in the D.A. had provided the Ravenclaw with the ability to duel on par with the Death Eaters. Her flowing movements and her agility, mixed with the combination of spells she'd learned before her years had allowed the girl the capability to do scary things. Hermione was especially wary whenever Luna's gaze turned sharp with intelligence.
And Harry… her brilliantly humble, whole-heartedly forgiving friend. He was glowing from his pregnancy, his love and abrupt bonding to Tom – which she'd just found out about that morning – and his steadfast companionship with his friends. His skin was no longer pale; he was no longer skin and bones. There didn't seem to be any bruise on him as far as she could tell, and yes, she'd discounted the hickeys seen decorating his neck. He had grown from his short height - about three inches if she'd had to measure accurately. Nevertheless, she'd never seen him like this before. It was such a startling difference.
And what did she have?
Hermione turned to look at the mirror beside her. Frizzy, untamable brown hair, know-it-all attitude - her overbite was fixed, but she couldn't see how she could shine beside those dazzling beings. She was only a muggleborn. She had lost her Prefect position this year, but she was still top of the class – yet, Harry wouldn't need her after being under Vold-Tom's tutelage this past summer. What did she have to offer to Harry when he practically gave her this whole magical experience?
"You could use a nice hair cut, Deary," The mirror spoke up. "A trim will do, to bring some bangs to the front."
Hermione responded blandly, "Thanks."
The mirror gave a huff and went silent.
"Hello, dear, it's your turn." Madam Malkin's voice jarred her from her self-deprecating thoughts.
"Oh, no thank you." Hermione declined. "My old robes still fit me."
Madam Malkin nodded her head and walked away, assisting several new clients as they walked through her doors.
Neville, Harry and Luna were already having several assistants tending to them. It was a first for Harry, as he hadn't had time to shop when he'd first come to Diagon Alley at the beginning of the summer. Yet, he was excited with the prospect of having his own clothes to wear.
There was much fussing, but he didn't seem to mind one bit. All Hermione could hear was his decision for colors and the laughter that erupted from him.
"Make sure there are extension charms included," Neville had ordered. "Please include the non-wrinkle charm as well."
"Everything included really," Luna chimed in.
Hermione thought back to her own robes. She had read on the brochure about all the charms that could be applied to her uniform. She recalled having them all, insisting to her parents that it would be one less thing to worry about when all she could focus on was how exciting her new experience was, and how much she could learn about the new world she was joining.
"How much is it?" inquired Neville.
"For you, Mr. Longbottom, it'll be ten galleons. Ms. Lovegood, ten galleons and for Lord Potter, that'll be a hundred galleons, sixteen sickles and seven knuts."
Harry smiled, writing out a check. "Keep the change. A house elf will arrive to pick up my purchases."
Hermione nearly fainted, teeter tottering in her spot.
She'd never actually understood how much she'd been spending. Her supposed "scholarship" had a set amount and whatever she'd have left was left in her vault. She never had to pay for the uniforms and such – only required being measured for her uniform to come in. The Gryffindor never really asked about the process, and assumed that it was just how the Wizarding World worked for muggleborns like herself. She had been so sure that the scholarship had covered everything for her.
'So…' Hermione mentally calculated the cost in her head. 'Uniforms for first year… new ones for third and onward… the materials used and the charms placed, clothes for the Wizarding World… books and a wand – supplies…not to mention the trunk I've got with all the upgrades for extra compartments to hold my books…' She paled when she realized how much she'd used.
She'd never believed it. Five pounds to a galleon wasn't that outrageous a conversion, but to convert galleons back to pounds was about fifty pounds! Now, to know that she'd spent a little over 200 galleons each year was crazy; not to mention the little extra on the side for things she'd required to fit in to the lifestyle was insane. And to think, Harry was paying for her for the past five years…
"All right there, Hermione?" Harry asked, bouncing over to the brunette.
With a faux smile, Hermione nodded her head. "Never better."
"Well come on then," Harry said, beckoning her to follow. "We're headed over to the Eeylops Owl Emporium next. I need more snacks for Hedwig."
"Coming."
…..
The quartet returned looking quite harassed. It wasn't that Diagon Alley was never crowded. Diagon Alley was the hot spot for all witches and wizards in Wizarding Britain. It was just the fact that Molly Weasley in all her plump, redheaded glory had accosted the group as they walked around the alley. Her sidekicks, Weasel and Weaselette, stood on either side of Molly's body, faces contorted into ugly expressions.
Their faces were as red as their hair, and the fact that Molly was wearing red did not help. Overall, she looked like a grown overripe tomato with two smaller tomatoes attached her side. She was screeching so loud, there was a wide berth around the group. Weasel didn't help when he started advancing at Harry; only a towering Neville made the Weasel rethink his actions. Weaselette was at Molly's side dry sobbing and airing her woes out in public. She kept insisting that Harry had betrayed her and had left her high and dry.
The scene started to escalate and Harry was near the end of his last nerve, fingers twitching and letting off small sparks. As if feeling how wound up their Savior was getting, someone had thrown a tomato at the Weasley Matriarch.
Harry thought it must've been a muggleborn because soon, there was a whole tomato-throwing spree as the redheads were decorated with tomato puree. Their group had quickly thrown up a shield to block out any juices that splattered in their direction. However, Aurors soon arrived at the scene and the three redheads were arrested and dragged away, kicking and screaming, for disturbing the peace. No one could fault the crowd for defending their Savior after all.
"Honestly, they're full of bullocks." Harry groused. "Where do they have the gall to confront us in the middle of the public?" Yet, there was a small grin playing on his face.
Tom wasn't incensed, though he was peeved. Justice had been served, but he knew that fireball would do it all over again if it meant she could get Harry all riled up. He smirked to himself; it was a blessing that all his plans were falling perfectly together.
Neville shook his head, "I don't believe Molly cares that she's made a spectacle of herself and continues to drag the Weasley name through the mud. Plus, Ron was never that smart. Ginny was a crazed fan through and through." He turned to look at Harry with sympathy, "It'll be all over the Daily Prophet tomorrow."
"Bloody hell," Harry groaned, wiping a hand over his face. "But at least Skeeter's on our side. She'll actually write the truth."
"Good thing you've got some blackmail on her, eh Harry?" Neville snickered.
"Thanks to Hermione," And the conversation moved on.
…..
A/N: Another one down! I've updated the categories with OC, in case no one saw it at the top of the page!
On another note, MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO EVERYONE!
