Many apologies for the lateness and the length of this chapter. I'm not going to blame life, or mars being in retrograde, or anything else. I was LAZY. There I said it.
Actually there's more to it than that but can't recoup the time.
Just a few more items before we get to the chapter. First: I want to thank RADASLAB. I used the information contained in Not normal about the peerage. ( s/7144149/1/Not-Normal). I had sent a PM but did not receive a response.
I cut this off at 7K because next chapter will reintroduce Ron to some or perhaps all of the six. I know what will happen but I haven't finished scripting it. It could be short, but I don't think so.
I received a lot of comments (THANK YOU, THANK YOU!) By the time you read this I should have responded to each of yours. (I have no way to respond to guest comments.)
Once more thank you - I hope this is as much fun for you as it is for me.
Thanks again to ROB4133.
b.
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None of the Major's opened their eyes until everything stopped spinning. First, they fell in a heap and at the same time they all vomited. It had been a stressful day already.
All day long the ladies Major had heard about strange creatures, and men and women were dying protecting them from the creatures. The first thing they laid eyes on was a grayish green thing with ears that flopped over and huge tennis ball sized eyes wearing a tuxedo. It was normal then for the two of them to grab their protector tighter and moan, afraid of this new terror.
John hugged them tighter, "Relax this is a house elf." He said with a calming voice that he didn't feel.
"I am Domo, this is my mate Tress. A female version of Domo stepped out of the rear and curtseyed. Lord Potter told us you might come. Come let us get you cleaned up and we'll have some tea. Lord Potter has put aside a suite of rooms for your use."
The elves had helped them stand up, snapped their fingers and cleaned up the vomit. It was then that they got the first real view of Potter manor. They had arrived in the one room set aside just for that purpose. The rest of the property was sealed against any kind of port key or apparition. Unless you were the lord or lady (ladies) of the manor.
They stepped from the room and saw a beautifully appointed room with a high ceiling and a crystal chandelier that prismed the light that played upon the white walls, busts, and paintings in a dazzling display as long as the light shone.
A normal appearing couple rushed to greet them. "We had hoped to greet you when the wards alerted us. It's hard getting anywhere before an elf does. They can "pop" all over the place, while you're just standing up." The man continued, holding his hand out. "Minister I'm not sure you remember me. I'm Major Granger. This is my wife Mrs. Emma Granger."
Introductions were completed and the Grangers and Tress led them to their suite of three bedrooms, a sitting room, and full bathroom.
"We'll have some lunch in an hour. If you need any clothes cleaned, just call to the air for Tress. The elves are wonderful friends and they can perform absolute miracles."
"Before we get into that. Is there a phone I can use Major?"
"I'm sorry sir. I forgot. Unfortunately, the magicals are living in the last century, and Harry hasn't had time to update the manor yet." Before the PM got irritated though he pulled out his SAT phone. This works just fine here. It's on a secure line. Just dial as normal."
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The PM had just disappeared. "How's Harry!" Hermione demanded.
"He's fine Hermione. His leg is broken, and I think he's had his bell rung." He gave all of the girls a quick hug. Each of the six had a thick skin, but there would be tears and shaking tonight. "There's still the antiappartion wards up. He turned to the security man that entered in with him. "Are you in charge?"
"I am. Do you mean we still have targets here?"
He nodded, "It's likely. I've tried apparating out and they tried to call our elf. That means there is at least one Boss around."
He pointed to Tonks whose hair at least for the moment was a bright purple. "Who is this?"
Neville smiled, "That's Tonks. She works for us." He didn't bother telling him that she was a manager of one of his pizza restaurants.
Tonks added, "They may be disillusioned."
"Shit, she's right. We have a spell we can use to look for invisible people. Do you have anything that can do it?"
He thought for a moment. "We have some IR specs that detects heat signatures. It should work" Excellent I would sweep room by room in teams no less than three. There's no telling what we will find. There could be one, or another 50. Once everything is clear, we'll put up some wards that will cover you."
Luna didn't think of choosing her words carefully to avoid hurt feelings. "Still think this is all a scam?"
"Little girl. I am not afraid to admit it when I'm wrong. And I was. If you were older I would take you all out for a pint."
Tell you what," Tracey interjected. "When things are calm we'll take you to one of our places and you can try some of our stuff."
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Harry had been sitting having a nice conversation with the agents near him. If you asked him what he had said the minute before, he wouldn't have been able to tell you. "Are the healers here yet?"
His minders looked at each other. He had just asked them this a minute ago. They had heard them tell his friend that he had broken his leg. They knew that something else was wrong as well. He replied the same that he did before, "No. There is still some kind of block up."
Harry nodded, "That means the bad guys are still here." he tried to look them in the eyes, "They could be invisible you know. I have a spell for that, but I can't seem to remember it."
"That's okay. You've done enough. We have something that will see anyone invisible too."
Already teams were sweeping room by room. They found more acromantulas, that were quickly overcome by a combination of spell and gunfire. Hermione and Luna helped with the room search, but they were becoming less helpful as they progressed. They were effective, but couldn't lead and only were able to follow orders. Even the mundane agents noticed it.
"Their mate is injured. What happens to one happens to the three of them," Tracey explained.
"Neville, Something needs to be done. If they're getting worse, that means Harry is too!"
Eventually, Hermione was able to rally. She turned to one of the agents. "I need to make a call!"
"Hermione honey," Tracey said kindly. "No one that can help us has a phone."
"That's almost true. There is one."
They stopped in a room that had very little damage. They let the two girls sit down while Hermione dialed a long series of numbers. Neville and the girls looked back and forth obviously concerned. Luna just rested her head on Hermione's shoulders and closed her eyes.
"Hello? ... Who is this? ... "Is my daddy there?... Daddy?... We're not quite done. Are the elves trying to come to us? ... Have one of them go to Hogwarts and see Madam Pomfrey... No Luna and I are fine. We're just tired. Harry's hurt again... No, it would be easier for the elf to take her straight to Harry. An elf can always find their master... How are the Majors?...Okay Daddy. We love you and will be there as soon as possible. Love to Mum."
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As it seems to happen more often than not, the search continued until they got to the one place that no one had tried to look into yet. Besides the two vehicle exits, there were three ways to access the underground garage. One lift and two stairwells. People were stationed at both of the stairwells, and the lift was locked in place by security. Mr. Security had already detailed a four-man team to go over every inch of the shaft after the garage was cleared.
It only took the door opening to determine that there was at least one troll waiting.
Neville wanted to leave Hermione and Luna upstairs, but he didn't know how many trolls and DE's waited here. As long as they could follow orders, they could be used. "Remember they can be disillusioned. If we could capture the leader, that would be icing on the cake."
"Neville, are you going to call for the sword?"
He thought about it for a moment and then shook his head. "I don't think so. If I channel magic through the sword it could bring the whole ceiling down."
Once more admonishing the agents to target the DE's, the kids waited for the security agents word to go. With his command, his people shot smoke grenades into the garage. The kids covered their heads with the Bubble-Head charm.
The trolls were easy to spot in the smoke, and the wizards were surprised at the ferocity of the muggle attack. Even the few wizards that had disillusioned themselves and managed to fire off a spell only lasted a minute. The IR headgear proved too much for them and they were eliminated in a hail of gunfire.
The trolls, confused by the smoke were ineffectual as well. Neville had changed his mind right before engaging and called for the sword. Rather than channel magic through it, he used it as it was originally designed. The larger, smoke confused trolls both found themselves a head shorter after two quick strokes.
The smoke clearing, Neville saw two figures disappearing from the back of one of the luxury vehicles.
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The security agents were surprised and almost fired upon another person magically appearing into the back. She held the hand of a little grey-green man with huge eyes. They relaxed when they heard the young man greet her.
"There she is! The purveyor of pain relief. The angel of assistance. 'Od's blood. Thou art fair milady. My eyes are dazzled by the appearance of a second sun. The pleasure is mine all mine my lady. But beware my mates draw nigh. Their rage is a most fearsome thing. Mighty kingdoms tremble before the fearsome roar and might of my ladies."
She loved this scamp. It was just fifteen minutes earlier that an elf appeared in front of her and told her that their lord was injured and asked for her. Being unfamiliar with the elf, she was going to refer them to St Mungos until the elf mentioned that he was a Potter elf. It took the elf another five minutes to explain why they couldn't leave right away, and she pressed him for details that he couldn't really provide.
She was already waving her wand over the still smiling Harry. His eyes were completely unfocused. Still, she loved his attempts to amuse her. "Oh my lord. My heart dost beat rapidly in my maiden chest for the sight of thee." In a normal tone, she asked, "Why aren't I able to get a complete reading on you Harry?"
He shrugged, "Beats me. Isn't that your job?" He snorted amused by his own attempts at humor. He spied his loves coming towards him. "Hist! The goddesses of wisdom and life draweth nigh. Fly my love ere you are imprisoned by their beauty and grace!"
She turned and saw both Luna and Hermione assisted by more security agents. She didn't like the way they looked either. There was only the one bench there and she daren't move Harry until she knew what was happening. She spoke to the girls. Maybe you can tell me why I can't get a complete reading on him. She repeated her spell on the two girls and got the same partial reading. Waving her wand again she created another bench and sat the girls down.
"Hermione! Try to focus. What's wrong with Harry?"
But Hermione was conscious as was Luna and Harry, but each having more and more difficulty answering direct questions.
"Ma'am. Harry had told his friend that he had broken his leg. At that time he was lucid. We had a nice chat. But then he started to forget things that he had just said a minute ago."
"What happened to him?"
They turned and pointed to the bodies. She hadn't even turned to look in that direction, so focused had she been on Harry.
"Giants! He fought giants. Only Harry Potter would consider fighting a giant one on one."
The other man tried to fill her in, "Well he had help. His friend killed the other one, and they kinda teamed up to get the third."
"Thank you. But that doesn't tell me why my spell is only partially working." Still leery on moving Harry too much. She went to the girls and unbuttoned one of their shirts. "Basilisk armor! No wonder my spells were only partially effective." She was both talking to herself and anyone nearby. Even if she was alone with an unconscious patient she would still talk aloud. In this case, it helped the three teens to focus on her voice. She felt a little better now, having some idea of what to look for. Obviously the armor is a blessing, but in this case, it added a degree of difficulty. She didn't want to guess on the dosage of Skelgro. A lot of factors went into the dosage.
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"Aurors! Put down your wands!"
A team of three red-robed wizards "popped" into the PM's residence. They were immediately covered with a variety of weapons. It had been a stressful day and it looked like the bad day was continuing. Many friends and colleagues lost their life today. Others would never walk, or others see again. There was not a lot of goodwill at that moment.
With each side yelling for the other to put their weapons down, Tonks stepped into the middle followed by Neville; of course, his girls were near and had his back. "Everyone stop! Enough blood has been shed today. Wilkes, Barnes, and Ross you three took your time getting here today."
"Alarms were going off like crazy at the ministry," the one she designated Barnes answered. "But we couldn't get here until now. What are you doing here Tonks? I warn you, you are a civilian, and have no special privileges. If you were doing magic to impress theses muggles you are going to be in trouble."
"Are you daft? I am here with Lords Longbottom and Potter. They were here fighting a Death Eater attack while you guys are sitting on your arses."
"So you say," Ross answered. He was six foot tall and solidly built. Everyone said his head was a thick as his muscles and the only reason he made it through the academy is the deep pockets of his grandfather. "The manual says the will have to be obliviated," he said.
"You can't even spell manual Ross. These are all the PM's security force. They battled DE's, acromantulas, trolls and giants for over an hour. And all the ministry does is send out their number one obliviator team."
"I don't like the sound of that. What's an obliviator?"
Neville answered for a very pissed off Tonks. "It's where they make people forget all about magic. It's not going to happen here though."
"And why is that your lordship," Barnes was very much mocking the second youngest lord.
"Because, you arse, everything is on cameras," he answered pointing it out in the corner before continuing. "Because of the three or four dead trolls, the three dead giants, the 30 odd acromatualas, and the 20 or 25 DE's they've got."
"Ain't nothing but a few muggles and a couple of kids. Can't beat thems monsters."
Neville was fed up. "My house elf has better diction. Let me get this straight. You are calling me a liar?"
All of a sudden the Auror saw a very angry Neville with sword of Gryffindor resting on his shoulder. Even he knew to back off from his statement.
"You realize the man who lives in this house is the Minister for Magics boss?"
"Ain't no muggle the minister's boss. Dat's why you got kicked off the force."
Tonks' hair turned fire red when Daphne stopped her. "Tonks, stop. Arguing with an oval rock is pointless."
She took a moment to breathe deep and her hair now turned to an electric blue. "Fine. But so you can tell Bones you investigated, we'll show you the crime scene."
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Poppy had carefully felt every extremity. Many years of treating injuries had given her a feeling for the body, even without any spells. "Harry, whatever am I going to do with you?"
The agents were naturally concerned. "What's wrong with him, and them?"
"I'll tell you, but first I need several very sharp knives or a pair of sharp shears. I have to expose the skin and I can't get to it because his armor is magical. It's the rarest of the natural armors. It's going to be very difficult to cut."
The agent lifted his pant leg and pulled out a boot knife. Five inches long, it glinted in the afternoon light.
"I'm afraid the armor will ruin this fine knife of yours."
The man shrugged. "It's needed. It's just a knife. These kids saved all of our lives today. It's the least we can do."
They had already relayed that more knives and pinking shears or scissors were needed. Utilizing their help she cut off his boot after turning the bench into an impromptu exam bed. While she cut she told them the kid's story. One of the agent's, this one dressed in an army uniform, had his mic locked on, recording the entire conversation.
"Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Luna Lovegood have the rarest of all relationships. By the way, the other three are in the same situation. They each have their own soul obviously, but magic has united their souls. As you can see, when one is in pain, the other two are as well. They share emotions, feelings and in the final stages, they'll even share their thoughts. As you can imagine they're completely devoted to one another. And being bonded doesn't hurt his power either. They'll be able to draw on the others power soon."
"The guys seemed plenty powerful right now."
The other soldier chipped in, And the girls as well. They blasted through those monsters in nothing flat."
"You can understand then why so many people are afraid of them."
She had completely ruined the first knife going through the boot and starting to cut at the outside edge of the pants. If there had been a seam... well there will be one now.
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"We've got enough for our report. We'll tell the minister about this and he can decide if we need to come back and obliviate everyone."
Everyone snorted. Tonks constant criticisms of the Aurors parentage, intelligence, and cross species mating habits had quickly endeared her to the weary security men.
"If you could bring us the prisoners, we'll be on our way."
Mr. Security man, whose name they found out was Phil, answered, "That will be a no. They attacked the PM and killed our men and women. They're not going anywhere."
"We can just take them."
Even Aurors could learn what the sound of the bolt sliding home and a round being inserted into the chamber sounds like.
"Fine. We'll just report this to the minister. It's on you then, if they apparate away."
"Yeah, yeah, yeah. Go away. Tell Bones or Shack to call me. Go away before they decide to shoot you."
The three looked very nervous as their eyes grew large with the idea of it, as first one and then the other two apparated out.
Phil asked, "Can the prisoners do that?"
She shook her head. "That's one of the first things I took care of. I knocked them all out. They'll be out of it for the next four hours at least. By then I'm sure we'll have something worked out."
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After an hours rest the three Major's had an elf knock on their door and then led them to the dining room. The Granger's played the hosts for their reluctant visitors. Information was exchanged about the situation and then naturally gravitated to children and schooling.
Emma and Dan told them everything they could about the world of magic and their place in it; warts and all. Hermione's call came in and Major Granger updated everyone.
"I'm so sorry. I meant to ask. How are the queen and her family?"
John waved her concern away. She's fine. The moment the attack started she was taken to a secure location. They can't get to her if they don't know where she is."
About that time Domo "popped" in. "We can get to the residence now. Master Nevy has called for every available elf from, both families to go. Master Harry is hurt. Nurse Poppy does not want him traveling by floo or port key. Plus they requested some of your people to come for security."
Emma and Dan exchanged a look, which did not go unnoticed.
A minute later there were multiple "pops" and the elves came in and out and many people were brought in a short time. The first wave of returning elves brought Harry in sitting upon the transfigured bench. His lower extremity was covered by a blanket to protect his modesty.
The security agents, a team of five men and one woman were given a quick tour. When they asked where they were, their questions were deflected for the same reason as before. 'You can't reveal what you don't know.'
The security agents recommended that their charges stay in Potter Manor at least overnight in order to sweep the area again and make the place a little more livable.
Harry stayed in the same room as everyone else. Poppy had given him a calming draught to take the edge off the skelgro. The treatment she gave Harry helped Hermione and Luna focus a bit better and add to the discourse.
When it was disclosed how much damage was actually done, Hermione asked the elves if they didn't mind helping fix up 10 Downing St. The elves were thrilled. They liked nothing better than having too much to do. The lady of the manor loaning them out was a bonus. After the dinner had been served, all of the elves except one had left with one of the security agents.
Poppy returned to Hogwarts after leaving detailed instructions with Emma for Harry's convalescence. She had wanted him to sleep for the next 12 hours, but Hermione countermanded her, reminding everyone that they had to host the Major's.
John Major had worked the conversation to the subject of titles. He had been right. Even if it was a separate issue, he knew she would want to know if these young ones were peers.
Harry hadn't moved from his position. He sat up and the girls sat on a nearby couch, like him half dozing and listening to the conversation. "I'm afraid I don't know. We talked of this before. The goblins normally keep track of the magical titles, but there's no gold to be made keeping track of any mundane titles."
Daphne put her tea cup down, "Harry, why don't you ask your grandfather? He's in the next room."
John looked around in confusion. Everyone had told him that Harry was an orphan raised mundane with hateful relatives.
Emma patted the PM's hand. "It's not what you think. Another surprise for you."
"Good idea Daph. Domo bring grandfather and grandmother out please."
The elf bowed, happy for the first time in years, finally a lot of work to do. He disappeared only to reappear 30 seconds later with the large portrait and easel. Neville stood to make the introductions.
"Seeing how ?lord Potter and his ladies are indisposed, allow me to make the introductions. "Lord Fleamont and Lady Euphema Potter may I introduce you to the current Prime Minister the Right Honorable John Major, his wife Norma, and daughter Elizabeth."
He continued, "Prime Minister, Mrs. and Ms. Major, This is Lord Fleamont and Euphema Potter, Harry's Grandparents."
Each group exchanged courtesies, It was easy for the Major's. Being politicians and dignitaries they had to meet and greet many strange things in their lives. This didn't come close to the weirdest, although it was the first time they ever had a portrait talk back.
Everyone resumed their seats, even the painting Potter's had seats and a tea service near them.
"Harry and the girls had briefed us that you may visit. We had hoped it would be under better circumstances, but we are glad that you are safe."
The major's once again thanked the Potter's and the Longbottom's, (the girls had referred to themselves as Harry's and Neville's wives). Norma handled all of the surprises with aplomb, but Elizabeth was nonplussed.
Tracey had forgone the tea. She was a Pepsi addict. Anytime there was a choice, Pepsi would be hers. "Astounding isn't it?"
Elizabeth sat quietly, she wasn't afraid, but the excitement and danger had passed and no the world of magic was disconcerting, to say the least.
"Monsters, elves, giants, huge spiders. It's a different world isn't it?"
She nodded commiserating. "Your introduction wasn't the best one. It's also a world of beauty and fun. Just like the mundane world, there is good and bad and the struggle between the two forces."
Elizabeth was a pretty brunette, just beginning uni, the daughter of one of the most influential men in the world. She was also upset, and a little weary. Her retort bore witness to that. "And your side is the good right? I find that both sides of an argument have a fundamental belief in their cause."
Tracey shrugged, she could "read" people with the best of them. The girl was on edge and didn't need to hear a long summation of their positions and blessings. "Hey, they attacked you. We went to help." She patted her hand, "Just rest and listen. Try to remember that no one here wants to hurt you or use you in any fashion."
Fleammont asked about the current political situation, and which parties held sway.
"So Lord Potter you are conversant with mundane politics?"
"Please. Call me Charlus." (A/N: His middle name.) "Lord Potter is my grandson over there dozing with his ladies. They've been incredibly patient with all of the shit they've put up with."
"Charlus! Language." Euphema slapped her husband's arm.
"Don't worry about it," Norma chimed in. "I've tried to moderate John's more colorful language for years without success."
"If you only knew the idiots I've had to put up with."
"That's what he says too!"
That broke the ice and while Charlus and Celeste couldn't move away, they each took their time holding a conversation. It was sometimes confusing, but relaxing and informative at the same time.
"You are not the first PM I've spoken to you know."
"Oh really? Which of my predecessors did you meet?"
"Chamberlain. It was actually one of our Neville's relatives, that introduced me to him. He was most insistent about the Potter's resuming our role in muggle, excuse me, Lord Potter has changed that, in the mundane world."
From the side, a sleepy Harry exclaimed, "Grandfather, you're exempt from that!"
He nodded his head, "Thank you Lord Potter." Then continued, "The lad is right. The term muggle does sound offensive. Anyway, we had met because his wife was the daughter of a witch, and we met through some mutual acquaintances. He was luring me into politics and before I made a decision we fell into that mess. That debacle of the Munich Agreement ended his career and then too there was that war. Following that there was too much rebuilding of both worlds."
"The great conciliator." John wouldn't speak ill of another prime minister. Especially one of the conservative party. But out of all of the possible choices, giving hungry Germany a pass on acquiring more territory in the name of a temporary peace was the worst.
"He was," Charlus answered as they each took a minute for their thoughts. "Potters aren't too good with standing around doing nothing when others need help."
Major chuckled softly, "I'm beginning to see that. So tell me. Do you know what titles you have in the mundane world?"
"I have no idea if they're attainted or not, but I was told by my grandsire that Earls of both Finchley and Hereford." He turned to look at Neville. "By the way Lord Longbottom, your great-grandsire was a mentor to me and I counted him friend. In the mundane world, you are the Earl of Pendle."
"Thank you, Lord Potter. My grandmother told me that as well."
"Gussie! I always liked that girl."
Neville smiled and the girls giggled, "I don't think she's been a girl for a long time."
"That young man is purely a matter of perspective."
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The Major's returned to Downing street the next day. The vast majority of the damage had been repaired by the elves saving millions of pounds. The press, never trusting the word of the government was told that there had been an accidental explosion in the underground garage that had affected communication relay equipment. Since select reporters were given an unscheduled tour of the residence, it was believed by the majority of the public. Of course, there were no photos of the damaged garage, no one was allowed there because of strict safety protocols. The few reports of monsters and terrorists were scoffed at by the public information types. Of course, the scoffing was done oh so politely.
Neville and his girls returned to Hogwarts on Sunday and briefed Professor McGonagall. Hermione, Luna, and Harry used the rest of the time to relax. Poppy had come back and given them all a clean bill of health, and the standard caution lecture. Her many years of being a good healer conditioned her to lecture, she also knew she was wasting her breath.
"You're almost late."
"The elves insisted we eat there."
"It's a good thing. We may be lynched today. If dinner last night is any indication."
"They're starting to feel the pinch?"
Daphne led today. "Just be ready. It's not a pinch any longer but a full squeeze."
"By an angry giant," Tracy added.
"Good. Screw 'em."
They had discussed this possibility Ad nauseam. When the two young men called in all loans, everyone thought that was bad enough. What most didn't realize is that when they banned all processes, use of family magics, and house goods that included any business or commodity. Basically, any property owned by any of the allied houses, any process to preserve goods and foodstuffs, any outstanding contract was now held in abeyance. Since there hadn't been a Lord Potter in a while, a Lord Black and even some of Lord Longbottom's interests had foregone renewing any contract waiting to deal with a young lord rather than a crafty matron. For the good of all, those contracts and those leases had run under the conditions of the old contract.
After the announcement, many people had gone to work only to find it locked against them. And these were locks provided by Gringott's, no one was getting past those. Others were evicted. Some couldn't make any gold, others had no place to live, and finding food was becoming harder unless one was conversant with the mundane world.
"Are you ready for this? Everyone is quite angry."
"You heard what Harry said, 'Screw 'em!" Hermione had been the lone voice for sometime urging patience and understanding. Even placid Luna had been fed up. But when Hermione had been accosted, that was bad enough. But her Luna? "They had plenty of time to request to meet with us. You reap what you sew."
Daphne was insistent, "Just don't lose your temper BOYS! They've forgotten what kind of power the ancient and noble houses have. This is their reminder."
All of the mutterings ceased as the six entered. There was more than one person there with searing looks. Even the twins and Ginny wouldn't meet their eyes.
"It's your fault we're hungry Potter."
"Jones your ignorance is only matched by your rudeness." Harry was pleased with himself for that one. "I have nothing to do with the kitchen, nor do I have anything to do with the procurement of food. That is the headmaster's responsibility."
Someone yelled out, "There's no bog rolls!"
"Same answer. See the headmaster."
The dam had burst. Suddenly several hundred voices in multiple languages were yelling. "St. Mungos is out of potions! There's no ink to be found! There's no parchment! The only news is the Quibbler! The Daily Prophet can't print."
The headmaster's eyes had lost their twinkle. His face was a thundercloud. Despite the arrival of the kids, both Maxime and Karkaroff would take turns telling him the number of items in the contracts that the ministry was defaulting on.
Dumbledore stood up and fired a cannon blast from his wand. "You know very well that most of those items are controlled by your families. You may not control those items directly but they are under your purview."
Hermione answered but spoke to everyone else. "Do you not remember Lord Longbottom's lecture last week? Many of you," she pointed at the entire student body owe fealty to these lords. You are the cause of your own problems. So far no one has begged an audience with them."
"Forget it Hermione," Luna interrupted. "By this time they either have got it or they don't."
Tracey turned to the deputy, "Are there classes today?"
She looked to Dumbledore, but he gave no indication either way. After a moment she stood, "Report to your classes as scheduled. The individual professors will have you performing practical's while we await new sources of ink."
About this time the owls arrived. There were very few that had personal mail. Unsurprisingly the ones that did have mail were from half-bloods and mundane background. The largest portion of the morning delivery was The Quibbler. It alternated between two headlines:
"WHAT THE MINISTRY ISN'T TELLING YOU ABOUT THE SHORTAGES!"
The other headline had even more interest for everyone.
"CARING ABOUT YOUR NEEDS. TOUCH YOUR WAND AND USE THIS IN NECESSITIES ROOM! (THE OTHER PAPER STILL ONLY FIT FOR THE BOTTOM OF BIRDCAGES- EVEN THOUGH THAT'S A BIT REDUNDANT.)
SMARTARSE SMARTARSE SMARTARSE SMARTARSE SMARTARSE
The six went through their schedules. sitting at the back of each classroom. They weren't leaving their backs exposed to anyone. Whenever possible Luna was escorted to her classes by one of the guys. Harry's demeanor made it plain to everyone, it wasn't a good idea to accost any of them. When it wasn't possible, Winky had orders to transport her to her next destination.
The day was long for everyone. Once again the students and staff had a repast consisting of soup and bread.
There was quite the black market on toilet tissue, chocolate frogs were now an expensive delicacy, and The Quibble the only periodical with access to ink and paper.
Even though few spoke to them, they still received word via the grapevine that all of the above items could be had from the twins for the right price. With Ginny as their front, they were making a killing.
Dumbledore had tried all day to find the twins cache. Hogwarts wouldn't tell him. The elves claimed not to know. Even the paintings and suits of armor didn't help. With Fudge floo calling every other hour, his headache was severe enough for Poppy to give him a dreamless sleep potion.
Breakfast the next morning was porridge, toast, and water or tea. The students grumbled but made no comments to the Potters or the Longbottoms, at least that they heard. It was interrupted by the Minister of Magic throwing open the doors making a grand entrance. He was backed by twenty Aurors.
"Dumbledore! I'm tired of waiting. I want those two lordlings in irons! People are starving!"
Hermione started it. She couldn't help it. When the minister declared that people were starving, she snorted in a most undignified manner. Then Daphne snorted and then all of them laughed openly at the posturing politician.
"This is serious! This is exactly why you don't deserve emancipation. You'll come with me now and we'll see about avoiding prison time for you."
"First off minister, your claim is specious. If anyone is starving, it's not due to us, The mundanes have plenty of food. All one has to do is to get some mundane money and go purchase it. Secondly, in order to arrest Two Lords of Ancient and Noble Houses, you would need a 2/3rds majority vote of the Wizengamot." Daphne wasn't giving him a chance to rebut, she was just as irritated as everyone else and it showed. "And finally, a cogent argument could be made that you have no jurisdiction over Lord Potter or Lord Longbottom. Hogwarts existed prior to the ministry and since one of them is Lord Gryffindor your authority ends the moment Lord Gryffindor objects."
Fudge was steaming and nearly ordered the Aurors to fire at the six anyways. But he mastered himself at least for the moment.
"You girls are in almost as much trouble as the boys are. You keep your mouth shut unless spoken to!"
A few voices said, "Uh-oh." And anyone in the line of fire stood and moved out of the way.
Daphne was beside herself, furious being dismissed like that.
"She's just a silly girl, you two lords," he made the word "lords" sound like a paltry thing; "had best get a second opinion."
"Fine." Harry's voice was clipped. His anger was bleeding through the bond. "Hermione, your opinion?"
"Daphne, as always is spot on. They are clearly the aggressor here without legal standing."
"Luna, your take on this."
"Us four little girls can take out the Aurors, leaving you two to watch our backs. I don't expect them to last more than three minutes."
More than one Auror involuntarily swallowed at the casual dismissal of a compliment of Aurors by a child. The stories were spreading already about the two lords and the four witches of power.
"Tracey?" Neville's eyes were locked on to the head table. It was his responsibility to watch the Death Eater, the old Auror, and the powerful headmaster. None of the six thought the others would be a factor, but that didn't mean they wouldn't duel with them if needed.
"The students are mostly out of the line of fire. Most are undecided as to which argument is valid and most have a natural inclination to listen to authority. They could go either way but will probably cower. That's what they're being trained to do."
Cornelius was upset with himself for his poor judgment. He knew the young Greengrass girl was right. Dumbledore had warned him that these kids aren't cowed easily. He didn't believe him. He did now. He was a little surprised at the little girl's tactical evaluation but allowed that it may be true. A successful politician learns how to read people. The six youngsters certainly believed it. A quick glance at the head table lent credence to it. As they sat unmoving to aid either side. And the eyes of the students surrounding them certainly was testimony to it as well. He just needed a way out of this mess. Hopefully, a way that would help him save face. He couldn't go to the public and let them know their children were hit by stray spell fire from his Aurors, not could he leave with his tail between his legs.
"You're in a little bit of a fix Minister." For once Harry had won the coin toss. Except that it wasn't a coin, and nothing was tossed. Basically, it came down to a hissed, "Your turn! Don't screw it up Potter."
He didn't even get the chance to rejoin, "I hate you."
"Tell you what," he continued when he was close enough to whisper so only the two of them could hear. Several of the Aurors wands oriented on him, but Fudge's upraised hand stopped anything. "You can take a couple of you Aurors, go with us to our flat, and we'll work with you to resolve this amicably."
"What about Dumbledore?"
Fudge saw a wave of distaste cross Potter's face. "I would prefer not, but I agree he should be there. He is the Chief Warlock."
Fudge's nod eased a lot of the tensions in the room.
Across the room, at the Slytherin table, the same feminine voice whispered in Tory's ear, "See. Nothing but show. They eat fine while everyone else grows hungry." The message stopped. She turned to look, but there was nobody there.
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"Can we get you gentlemen some tea?"
The six, the headmaster, and of course Fudge with his two security guards sat on the comfortable couches and sipped their tea and made small talk for ten minutes before anyone addressed the 600 lb. gorilla in the room.
"It is the ministry's position that it is unreasonable to demand repayment of the debts all at once and to place a stranglehold on the economy like your allied houses have done," Dumbledore started.
Everyone had agreed while walking to the room to allow Neville and Daphne take the lead for this situation.
"It is also unreasonable to expect this debt to remain delinquent without any action. It has existed for greater than 15 years. The first payments were to be made after ten years."
"That may be true Lady Greengrass, but the current situation does not allow for even partial payments. And with the shortages of all of the basic goods occurring, there may be riots soon if the situation isn't ameliorated."
"Make no mistake gentlemen," Neville took over. "The shortages have nothing to do with the payment of the bonds. The noble houses and ancient houses owing fealty to our aligned houses is a separate issue altogether." Neville looked at the other teens, who all nodded. "We'll be honest here, the houses of Potter and Longbottom actually have more sympathy for the ministry than the other houses right now. We do not wish to be your enemy and are willing to make some concessions to the betterment of the magical community."
Fudge was stunned. He had thought that begging and pleading was in his immediate future. Dumbledore played the pragmatist, "What do you want?"
"We want a trial for Sirius Black."
"You mean you want a pardon?"
"No," Daphne repeated. "We want a trial for him. He never had a trial. The scion of an Ancient and Noble house was thrown into Azkaban without any representation.
"But he betrayed your parents!" He turned and looked at Harry.
"No he didn't," Harry growled. "Peter Pettigrew did. He was the secret keeper. And several people know this for a fact. If you remember, Hermione and I told you this last year."
"Snape said you were confounded."
Snape is a liar and a death eater. Anything he says is suspect."
"We can arrange something for the fall session," Dumbledore said quickly.
"Not good enough," Neville answered. "Justice has been delayed too long for Lord Black. We want a trial within the next two weeks, we want wizards oaths on your magic for a fair trail from the both of you. Hermione has the wording written out for you. It guarantees a fair trial, including the use of veritaserum, and safe conduct to and from the courtroom."
"The use of vertiserum has never been authorized for purebloods."
"That's not true," several voices rebutted. Before Tracey finished the thought, "It has been authorized, but only since 1969 did it become illegal for use on purebloods."
"And too," Luna chimed in, "It was never proscribed, it just couldn't be forced."
Dumbledore didn't like this. Potter and Longbottom were difficult enough to deal with. Adding an adult Lord Black in the mix just further scuppered his plans. "I don't like this Cornelius. I don't see what the ministry gets out of this."
"The ministry," Daphne once more took the lead, "Gets a further five years without any penalizing interest before making any kind of payments to Lords Longbottom and Potter."
"It also gets the chance to correct any deficiencies made in the past, by prior administrations."
Dumbledore put his cup on the table. "The current issues we have could still be around in five years. We will need twenty years before any payments are made."
"There will always be troubles of one sort or another. Ten years and the Lord Black trial."
Fudge had another issue he wanted resolved. "There is one more thing. The ministry would like it if Lord Potter would recant his blood feud on Lord Malfoy."
Harry's demeanor changed from calm to furious in the space of a second. "That won't happen," he snarled. "I heard him threaten the Granger's and then saw his picture on their security camera. He's already dead and just doesn't know it."
"The muggle security pictures are not sufficient evidence in our courts."
He shook his head, "This isn't going to court. I've already declared blood feud." His tone softened, "I know he is a ... contributor of yours, for your own career minister, you may want to keep a jaundiced eye on him and his ilk."
Fudge was trying to process this, "I'll tell you what minister, you get him to swear an oath on his life and magic that he is not a death eater and doesn't support Voldemort and I will leave everything up to the lawful courts."
Dumbledore waved his wand and the area around the couch they sat on became opaque and prevented any sound from escaping. After a few minutes he canceled the spell. "Very well. Ten years and a trial for Sirius Black in two weeks time."
"Excellent. We have an agreement. And this will give Sirius enough time to see the third task."
"Great! Hermione where is that oath? These fine gentlemen can make that right this minute. They are busy men, we wouldn't want them to forget something so important."
The two wizards looked at the oath and swallowed involuntarily. Dumbledore blanched while Fudge broke out into a sweat. The brilliant witch left nothing to chance, there was no wiggle room whatsoever. The six youths smiled, it wasn't such a bad day after all.
