Harry and Hermione's Unexpected Family Ties
**OO**
A/N: Thanks to my wonderful Beta, LtsHrIt4ThBoyz.
B/N: I prefer "Unindicted co-conspirator". ;D MelJ
A/N: Fanfiction doesn't do co-authors. So, all of the additions that MelJ adds? Yep, that's hers.
A/N: This story is AU. Full Stop. Starts in Harry's second year. Canon starts being shifted from Harry not getting his bones removed from his arm until the quidditch game on Saturday February 13th, from where the story starts and veers off the canon rails.
I was truly trying for a gentler story in regards to Dumbledore, but if you are a Ginny or Dumbledore fan, you will be disappointed.
The focus will not be on the bashing of any character. Harry Potter is owned by JK Rowling and Associates, and I am grateful for the ability to play in the sandbox.
The list of O/C's is smaller in this story but will be introduced as we go along.
**OO**
Chapter 1 - Valentine's Day Panic
Saturday, February 13th, After dinner, Infirmary
"Dobby so very sorry! Dobby thought that by getting Harry Potter into Saint Mungo's, he would leave Hogwarts! It's much too dangerous for someone as good and kind as Master Harry Potter, sir, to stay here."
"That wasn't nice Dobby! Can't you just leave me be? I have to stay at Hogwarts! There are people that I care about here! I need to be here!" The young man was trying not to panic.
Valentine's Day was tomorrow, and with him stuck in the infirmary, how was he going to get anything ready in time? His few visitors earlier in the day just after the match had teased him about who might be his Valentine, all the while looking at Hermione seated at his side with knowing looks that had the two friends blushing.
It was the second bludger of the day as realization bloomed in his heart and mind. He liked Hermione. He really liked Hermione. As a girl.
And tomorrow was the most important romantic holiday of the year! Oh no!
Madam Pomfrey had chased everyone out of the infirmary just before dinner, leaving Harry mostly alone except for poor Colin. He had been petrified since November, and made Harry feel bad for finding the boy...annoying.
His thoughts turned back to his witch friend.
While he had recognized more and more that he really liked Hermione, he now came to an important decision. And wanted to do something special for her. But how could he do something right now?
He was all alone except for this small visitor that he was trying to mostly ignore as he was the reason Harry was here and hurt. Well, Lockhart mostly, but Dobby had just admitted he charmed the bludger.
House-elves were very empathic and Dobby displayed that quality now.
Feeling guilty, Dobby asked, "Does Master Harry know what he wants to get for his lady?" he asked in a whisper, even though he had cast a silencing charm so no one would know he was there. "I could get her some of her favorites…"
"HOW? How did you know what I was thinking?" Harry demanded.
Dobby knew how angry, how frustrated, how hurt Harry really was. But he was also important to everyone in the wizarding world. And he knew that he himself was safe: Master Harry would never hurt him.
"Dobby knows how to read magicals to do what is needed before they bes exploding. Mostly."
That sounded far too familiar, and Harry's anger bled off. He then contemplated what Dobby had offered.
"Would you? Really? I have money in my trunk. Books. Hey Dobby! You're in a magical household. No, I won't ask the name. But surely, there must be books for young wizards and witches that parents buy that Hermione doesn't have. Some of those would be great! And maybe something from Honeydukes…"
Harry would rather think about that than about the pain in his arm where his bones were being regrown. He wished there was a spell so Lockhart could feel this, and Harry could have a nice peaceful sleep.
Suddenly, after Dobby snapped his fingers, the pain was gone, and with a flash, so was Dobby.
A few minutes later, Gilderoy Lockhart, looking pale and hurt, limped into the infirmary. He was holding his arm and wailing in pain. Harry couldn't hear, but saw his mouth move. The matron came out, hands on hips, and boy did Harry know what she was saying.
Did she really use that word?
Harry was good at lip reading - it was a survival skill at the Dursleys.
Enjoying the silent drama, Harry watched for a time, and then drifted off to sleep.
Maybe Dobby wasn't so bad.
**OO**
The matron scanned the whinging wizard's arm yet again.
"There's nothing really wrong with you! Your bones are fine. There's the floo. Go to Saint Mungo's! I won't hear one more word of complaint from ye! I have real patients to treat. Like a boy whose arm was broken and would have taken two minutes to fix if you hadn't interfered! Don't think I won't complain to the Board about that! The letter is winging its way now! Good day!"
The man paled a bit, and debated what to do. But he had a lot invested in this Valentine's Day, so decided to return to his rooms. Hmm. Maybe he'd go see Severus and get an adult pain potion.
The pain potion she had given him was clearly a child's dose.
**OO**
After he left, Harry was woken again. This time he could hear.
Justin Finch-Fletchley was levitated in and put behind a curtained bed, just like Colin had been last November.
Harry recognized the voices, though he pretended to be asleep. He was good at that.
McGonagall was talking as they came in, "Albus, we should close the school! What if a student dies? That happened before. And ye know that poor Hagrid will be blamed again…"
"I trust Hagrid with my life, Minerva. This is not his work." That was the headmaster. Did he always just answer a different question when asked something?
"Well, you and I know Hagrid didn't do this, but what will the likes of Governor Malfoy do?"
"Lucius was given a second chance. I do not think it is he directly behind this. More, I cannot say."
The woman huffed but after peeking in on Harry and patting his hand in sympathy, she left.
The headmaster also checked on Harry, and left him with a small, unopened bag of sweets to enjoy while he endured this latest trial here.
**OO**
Potions Master Snape did not like being disturbed between curfew and bedtime. His Prefects knew not to disturb him unless it was a dire emergency. He had…creative ways of showing his displeasure.
Lockhart had demanded a pain potion, an adult strength draught for his aching arm. Snape was a medi-wizard and so did actually check his arm with a wave of his wand. He then remembered what this pompous poser did to Potter earlier at the quidditch match.
Wasn't it enough to expose the lad as a parselmouth to the whole school's mocking? A talent that any Slytherin would pay a fortune to have. This man had embarrassed him at the one and only dueling club meet, and Snape had returned the favor.
"Come man! This is murdering me! I need it to disappear! Now!" Lockhart demanded.
"You want something to make the pain disappear?" his silky voice confirmed. "Fine."
So Severus did. He summoned a vial, wandlessly and wordlessly. He gave it to him, the man drank it down, shuddering at the bad taste, and handed the empty vial back.
But Lockhart felt nothing change! He had no idea that he had disappeared. He was now invisible.
"Yes, the pain is gone. Thank you, and good night!" Severus slammed the door, nearly scuffing Gilderoy's fancy boots, leaving a hurting professor on his doorstep, and not one student asked for an autograph all the way back to his rooms!
**OO**
Dobby had popped home to Malfoy Manor to review some of the basic books needed for the young witch or wizard. Basic maths and English? No, the young ones were already schooled in that. Mind arts! Yes, he needed to buy a copy of that. Especially around Death Eaters like Lucius and Severus. Dobby was Mistress Narcissa's elf, and did not consider himself bonded all that much to the master of the house…Unless of course 'master' Malfoy dared drop a sock around him. Then he would claim him as Master and interpret the action as per his own fervent wishes!
Narcissa came in, snooping in the Master's office, and Dobby quickly conjured a feather duster to cover his being there.
She didn't see him until the 'secret' drawer was open. Oh. That drawer was the one that Lucius used to keep gifts for his paramour around important holidays. Like Valentine's, All Hallow's Eve, and Yule.
And this Valentine's was a major anniversary for them, and Narcissa knew that Mina had demanded proof of his affection. Proof that would come from Narcissa's good management of the estate. And there it was. A blue velvet box. How dare he? This wouldn't become part of the Malfoy legacy! Or House Black! This was gold spent and gone; a fancy bauble meant for a queen and destined for a strumpet. No!
And Lucius would have spent all of his stipend, and have no more to draw upon if this vanished.
Disgusted, Narcissa ordered, "Get rid of this rubbish, Dobby. I don't want it in the House."
She'd overheard the couple planning a 'muggle-torture' day for the romantic holiday.
Narcissa was not her sister Bellatrix! She didn't enjoy even the thought of torturing or killing anyone and had never done so. Lucius was furious with Narcissa for not joining in his hobbies. So, he did those sorts of things with her. His consort. Mina Edgecombe. How many muggleborns had this woman killed? How many purebloods died due to lack of floo access.
For their supposed crime of being 'blood traitors'. Blood traitors? When they merely opposed the murder of innocents? Blood, innocent blood being shed? That was a crime against magic.
Narcissa had not liked this woman before she had invited Lord Malfoy to her bed.
The trollop was another marked follower, like her husband, and reveled in that sort of crime.
Dobby's eyes widened. Master Harry would be so happy and this would make up to him. Oh yes! Dobby hid his excitement, bowed low, and summoned the box to his hand.
"I will take care of it, Mistress. I will bring your favorite tea to the conservatory."
Never would Dobby tell the great Master Harry Potter sir the source of this fancy jewelry. Never, never, never. Money gained from Black gold originally, and Master Harry was the Black Heir. So this was not stealing. This wasn't even sophistry: His mistress had told him to get rid of the rubbish, and he would.
Dobby used his ties to Harry through Black blood to try and protect him from Mistress Narcissa's deadly husband.
She had been about to go into the conservatory to play the piano for a time and headed there. The instrument was her one source of joy and comfort with Draco at school.
Putting actions to words, Dobby pocketed the lovely necklace. Oh yes, Master Harry was going to love being the recipient of this 'rubbish'.
After making tea and serving it, Dobby continued his quest for ideas before heading to the best secondhand book dealer. One in Knockturn that kept all hours. And he knew where he could get some chocolates this late that were considered 'seconds' but the elves knew how to fix them up.
No proper pureblood ever paid full price for anything!
It went against the Code.
**OO**
Dobby returned to Hogwarts later that night, a nice pile of gifts wrapped and waiting for Harry to give to Hermione.
Along with a note of apology from the adoring green being. The elf might be crazy, but he had a great way of saying sorry.
Harry wondered what was in the blue velvet box. He didn't have that much money in his trunk.
Unwilling to spoil the bow, Harry trusted that Dobby knew people in low places, and presumed it was going to be a good imitation of a real necklace.
He was so very wrong, and when Lucius couldn't find his gift for his mistress, he rightfully complained about his elf stealing it.
Well, disposing of it, as his Mistress had told him to do.
**OO**
Sunday, February 14th, Hogwarts
Valentine's Day, and Harry was so very nervous. It was his first one to even celebrate with a girl. He was just glad that he realized that he wanted to celebrate it with Hermione in time.
He owed Lockhart a thank you note.
He had a place all planned out in the corner of the library. After dinner, they would come up, and he would give her the gifts. But first, was a simple card asking her to be his Valentine and join him after dinner in the library.
How did Dobby know what to get? But he did great!
The day went by with singing dwarves who made the worst rhymes, but finally, finally, it was time. Ginny was so disappointed that Harry never once looked towards her or gave her a card.
It was time. After the last bites of a shared dessert. Harry stood, bowed, and offered his hand. "My lady?" And helped Hermione stand.
Together, holding hands, they made their way to the library.
Hermione loved all the books, but her eyes bulged when she saw the necklace. Harry talked very fast about how little he spent and how it had to be an imitation. Not that she wasn't worth a real one, but…
Then she kissed him on the cheek and all thoughts were lost.
Hermione felt bad that all she could think of for him was some quidditch gloves (his had been lost when he was hurt) and the twins had gotten a variety pack of Honeydukes that they swore were prank-free that she then gave to Harry.
She took the necklace out from the box and admired what appeared to be diamonds and pearls in an elegant, understated design. It certainly looked real. He did as asked and put the necklace on her.
"Did you know that pearls actually do better when worn? Well, real ones do. These look very real."
Harry blushed and wished he had bought her real pearls.
"I'll do better next time."
"Next time?" Hermione was the one blushing. "I'll hold you to that Potter."
They left the library together, Hermione's book bag a little happier and heavier. But Harry complained not at all as he carried it back to the tower.
Happily holding her hand all the way.
The rest of the evening was spent in the common room reading the beginning occlumency book together cuddled up next to each other, on a loveseat. With Hermione turning the pages before he was ready. He hoped that he would be able to borrow it to read by himself sometime.
When it was time for bed, she kissed his cheek, thanked him for the wonderful day and retreated to her room.
In her mind, there couldn't have been a more romantic holiday.
**OO**
Ginny Weasley was pouting. All day! Harry had ignored the dwarves wandering around the castle on this cold and cloudy Sunday. It might be snowing outside by now; it had been threatening it all day.
How romantic it would have been to go for a walk together in the snowfall! Or better yet, a slow broom ride.
But no. He ignored her batting eyes, her sighs and her songs. It was cute too! Even if the dwarf had messed it up by kicking Harry in the shin to get his attention.
What a waste of Yule money hiring a singing Valentine that didn't even work!
She'd been glaring daggers at Granger all evening. First, they disappeared for a long time. Then, they came back and read together. How could Hermione do that to her? Steal her intended boyfriend?
And now, there she was, kissing Harry, the nerve! Likely riding on a cloud of happiness up to her rooms. Wait. Why were her dorm mates squealing?
Ginny had to rush upstairs to see what was going on. And she wasn't the only curious witch.
This was absolutely the worst Valentine's day that she could ever imagine!
She had no idea it was about to get worse.
**OO**
"Cumberbatch Jewelers! He bought you a little velvet box from Cumberbatch Jewelers?" The fifth year prefect had focused on the 'perfect' Valentine's day gift as far as she was concerned.
When Hermione sorted out her bag, the blue velvet box went on her desk next to her bed. It immediately gained the attention of the locally magically raised witches.
Lavender was squealing but Parvati was confused. Sally-Anne ran a finger over the velvet box.
"Not just the box, but the necklace too." Hermione brushed back her hair, a little uncomfortable with the attention. Girls were starting to gather outside the room.
"Very nice Hermione. Oh, what beautiful pearls! And the artistry with the diamonds. Harry must really like you." Sally-Anne admired.
"No, no. They're just a knock-off of the original he told me. But still very nice."
One of the older witches in the doorway raised her voice to be heard over the throng, "People don't just find those boxes to put a fake into. During the holiday home, you should take it to them, and have it be authenticated. The boxes, and jewels are numbered. I know all about it as my grandfather gave my dad the gold to buy something special for my mum when she had my older brother. It's that kind of gift. Heritage jewelry. Very meaningful. I do think Potter is putting his intentions towards you very clearly. And adding to the Potter legacy vault."
Lavender gave Hermione a hug. "I think someone's in love!" she sing-songed.
No one noticed that Ginny, who had been about to come in, heard that and fled to her room in tears. She had seen the way they were reading together, all cozy. But this? In love?
The squeals and chattering that seeing just the lovely blue velvet box had all of the girls gossipping that Harry Potter was in love with Granger. And everyone knew that the Potter men found their soulmates young.
Ginny poured her soul into an evil book that just kept sucking and sucking the life out of her, the more she wrote.
And no one was better at pouring salt on a wound than Tom Marvolo Riddle.
**OO**
Rumors were rife, so when word reached the dungeon that Harry Potter had a Cumberbatch Jewelers box that he had been seen with, Draco knew he had to ask.
Only the elite shopped at the store. Only the elite could afford this.
What was Potter going to do with that box?
Seeing him, holding hands, with the mudblood? Seeing her wear a delicate diamond and pearl necklace that was likely a year's worth of revenue for the Potter's?
Draco was furious! Beyond furious!
How dare Potter! Treating a mudblood like a real witch. And worse! Now all of the other witches in the castle would be sighing and wanting blue velvet boxes from their beaus. It was uncon..unsup…unsomething!
And he wouldn't stand for it! But what to do?
**OO**
Thursday, February 18th, Gryffindor Common Room
'Twas the night before potions, and Harry wasn't the only one scrambling to finish his essay.
The next few days had everyone staring, so Harry and Hermione were spending more and more time after classes, just studying together in Gryffindor House.
While Harry was finishing his essay last minute for potions the next day, something Hermione had done while Harry was being healed, she was reading.
One of the books that Hermione received for Valentines was a primer on magical creatures. Unlike Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, this was a book that listed many, many creatures. Their habitats, haunts, and abodes. But better. It had an index of venoms and attacks.
It also prompted something in her unusually retentive memory. A passage she'd read a while ago.
Rushing towards the door of the common room, Hermione was going to dash to the library, but it was blocked by a pair of kissing Prefects. Harry offered to go with her, but she waved him back to his important essay.
"Where do you think you are going this time of night?" Percy asked in a much less strict way than normal. He and his girl had just been about to start their patrol, and they always started and ended with a kiss.
"Library! I think I know what's been attacking people."
Colin Creevy and Justin Finch-Fletchly had already joined the scraggly cat of Mr Filch in the infirmary. Petrified. And no one seemed to care since they were only muggleborn students and an old moggy.
Penny looked at her watch. "Well, if we're quick, I could take you to the library and back so you don't get into trouble."
Ginny slipped out as they spoke, unnoticed by anyone. Or so she thought. Harry had actually seen her, but was involved with other things and the implications wouldn't connect until it was far too late to help his friends.
Neither Hermione or Penny saw the redheaded firstie glaring at Hermione. Percy had noticed earlier and waggled his finger. Ginny didn't approve of Penny, and let the whole family know about it. In fact, she called her 'Less than a Knut' comparing her to the value of a muggle penny to her face once at the Burrow.
At least his bright girlfriend had shrugged it off as Ginny being protective of her older brother.
Anyone noticing her real target would have known she was glaring at Hermione. Jealousy should have transfigured her eyes from brown to green.
Percy shook his head, "No, no. I can't let you ladies go alone. Not with something unknown lurking in the corridors. We'll all go. Together."
The Prefect waved to the twins, reminded Ron about his potions essay, as a good prefect would who was in charge of the second years, and looked around for his sister. She must have scampered off to bed. He was not going to ask either Penny or Hermione to check on her.
The wizard offered his arm to his girl, Hermione waved to Harry and they were gone.
**OO**
Ginny had been glaring at Hermione the whole evening and plotting. She was hoping the girl would dash off alone to the library. Her and Penny planning to go? This was the perfect opportunity to deal with both the girl unworthy of her brother and unworthy of her Harry.
And this time, there wouldn't just be petrifications if she got it right!
**OO**
"Why didn't I ask her? I was distracted. Stupid Snape! Hermione was so excited! She was going to look something up!" Harry moaned. "Penny offered to go with her to keep her out of trouble, not get in it! And Percy too."
Madam Pomfrey was waiting for the Weasley parents. Percy appeared to be just petrified. Unlike Miss Clearwater and Miss Granger though, there were no signs of life that she could detect.
The matron made a mark on her calendar. She knew approximately when Myrtle Warren was killed fifty years before and the exact date her ghost showed up. If Mr Weasley had been killed, a ghost would be proof of it. There was something about Hogwarts magic that seemed to attract spirits to stay. Some, for a time. Others, for centuries.
If he was dead, would he linger?
Harry had been summoned to the infirmary. The matron had seen Harry sending his elf to buy Valentine's gifts. It was against school policy to have private elves serve at school. But this was Harry Potter! And he wasn't even supposed to BE in the infirmary, and wouldn't have been if Lockhart had let her do her job.
Clearly, the boy was a powerful wizard, but still young. Wish magic. Lockhart had suffered his pains. Deservedly so! And now this. So sad.
Such a beautiful necklace! Fortunately, and there seemed little good about the situation, it was part and parcel of the witch and no one could sneak in to steal it.
At least the mandrakes would be ready in a couple of months. The matron sat down to write a few letters to parents to explain about their children. Poor muggles, most of them. Unable to visit. She wasn't looking forward to hosting Molly. But this was a school of magic. There hadn't been that many deaths, but the few had been sad occasions.
She was not so crass as to say anything about Percy not being the only child. It didn't matter if a family had one or fifty - each child was a precious gem.
She was also writing again to Colin and Justin's parents as she still hadn't heard back from them, and informing the dentists, such a noble occupation, about their daughter's condition. Would they understand that she was perfectly fine? Just…petrified?
She had no idea that owls were being interfered with. And the Grangers never got official word. Nor did the others.
At least, unlike others, she had tried.
**OO**
Something in him told him there was something about Percy's still form that was different from the witches.
Harry was sure Percy was dead. And he felt incredibly guilty. If only he had gone! Well, Harry would make sure that Penny was well taken care of.
He knew the pair had talked of marriage. Just like his parents, no worse. They didn't even have a child yet.
But Harry had an idea to revive Hermione. And Penny. It was his responsibility to watch over her now.
Frustratingly, the matron had said no to Harry's reasonable request of buying a mature mandrake plant. Then he asked McGonagall. She said no. Then he asked Headmaster Dumbledore. He was offered a nice visit with a phoenix in his office. Offered a sweet and sour candy even. But after an hour of nothing but waffling, the final answer was no.
Harry didn't accept that. There had to be a way to get mandrakes before May.
And try he would.
Harry debated telling the headmaster that he thought Percy was dead, but he had overheard him tell Ron and the twins that Percy would be revived. In time.
Then the Minister came to arrest Hagrid. Word of a pureblood being attacked had apparently gotten out. Maybe now, people would act!
Oh, they did all right. Just not in any way that Harry thought was a logical manner!
When Dumbledore said nothing about Hagrid being carted off to Azkaban, Harry was furious. The giant was trying to give the Potter lad suggestions that he didn't understand. There was no way Ron was getting near a spider, Harry certainly wasn't interested, and the ones fleeing the castle were heading to the Forbidden Forest.
Nothing there but trouble. He'd had enough adventures there last year. Besides, he had plants to try to buy.
But when Dumbledore was suspended from Hogwarts, Harry became very worried. He needed to get Hermione revived and out of the castle.
It was just too dangerous here.
**OO**
Draco had insulted Potter in potions class, and not only got points for his House for his 'cogent' reasoning, he got Potter a detention. Ha!
Potter then pointed out that Malfoy could mock him all day long, but the only reason that Malfoy made a higher grade in class was due to favoritism. That his own potions were miles ahead of Draco's.
And Potter's potion was nearly a perfect blue color. Malfoy's was orange.
He hadn't meant to make a good potion, he'd been distracted without Hermione there, and focused on brewing. Whenever he turned in a good brew, the professor would dump it out and call it rubbish or take points for 'breathing too loudly'.
Snape took ten points from Potter for cheating, which the Slytherins all mocked, but Potter gritted his teeth and said nothing more. He had years worth of experience with the same at the Dursleys.
All hopes of Hogwarts being better than home were dashed in his first lesson.
But once out of hearing of other students, several housemates noted that Potter was actually good at potions, and teased Draco in the common room. Oh sure, in class and outside the House, it was snakes against the world.
But inside, it was each one for him or herself.
Draco had a way of taking Potter down a peg. Granger wouldn't be revived until the mandrakes were ready. What if something happened to them?
**OO**
Harry asked around, and was able to get help from Angelina to buy a radio for Hermione and Penny. A real wizarding radio. So cool shopping from the catalog and charging it to his vault. The vault number, place the key, a wand tap and poof. Just like magic. Oops. He needed to upgrade his vocabulary. So cool, so much fun.
And there was the shop's elf to deliver it. Awesome!
Harry was glad that he insisted that Molly give back his key. She'd asked to keep it safe for him. Not that she would steal! Never! But Harry was sure that if Ron had a vault key, he would lose it. Neville had trouble keeping track of things too.
Harry was just a bit…more careful than his peers. Likely due to Dudley taking anything not nailed down or something.
The plan was to read to the petrified people a bit everyday to keep their minds off being immobilized. And when he couldn't be there, at least they'd have entertainment.
Madam Pomfrey had pooh-poohed the notion of needing it for any of the immobilized students, but didn't mind the radio. In fact, she found it enjoyable as well.
The matron told them that none of the petrified students would notice the passage of time one bit, but all Harry could think of was how would she know? He kept being told that no one had faced anything like this before!
All he could think was how awful to be frozen, unable to move, for this wonderful girl with the amazing intellect!
He feared she might be going to awaken positively raving, with the inactivity and lack of intellectual stimulation.
Both Hermione and the Ravenclaw Prefect had very bright minds, so he started over, and read them Occlumency for Beginners from the beginning. He found a wobbly three legged stool that wasn't being used, and placed it between their beds.
His reparo helped it a lot in terms of stability, but it wasn't very comfortable.
He read from the animal books, and other books that Dobby had gotten great bargains on.
For Hermione's sake, he read her poetry and short stories, spending hours each day with his friend. He even worked on his homework projects right there, talking them out with Hermione like she was beside him, working with him.
The only classes he skived off on were DADA and History. Lockhart's favorite color wasn't going to defeat a niffler, much less a troll. And if the man had ever seen a werewolf, Harry would gladly bet that Gilderoy wouldn't be wearing the latest in fashions to face him. In fact, he was going to need a change of clothes after being close to one!
**OO**
Saturday, February 27th, Second Greenhouse late night
Draco snuck into the warm greenhouses. Sprout was doing everything she could to speed up the cycle of maturation.
Draco was about to bring it to an end.
He'd demanded the berserker potion from Dobby before starting, as he'd been a bit intimidated at what he was about to do, and almost backed out.
Then he remembered the fancy jewelry on the mudblood girl.
Wearing the best hearing protection available to magicals, the slaughter began. He even wrote a message like the Heir had done. The boy, covered in greenish blood, slipped to the Quidditch washrooms to shower and change, demanding that Dobby bring him fresh clothes and launder the others.
Dobby shivered in fright at the maniacal gleam from the potion in the eyes of his mistress' son. His sire looked just like that after killing a muggle family, and he wasn't magicked to do so. Master Draco was gloating, ranting.
"This serves Potter and Granger right! And when the Dark Lord returns, you'll both be dead! And I hope I get to help."
Dobby dropped clean clothes and popped away with the foul ones. How he wished the boy was more careless.
Dobby prayed for a miracle.
**OO**
Sunday, February, 28th, Early morning, Greenhouses
Professor Sprout was horrified; It looked like a charnel house, only with green 'blood', not red. (Thank heavens!) She was also livid: Not only was the revenue lost, but the specialized dirt and pots had all been ruined!
Her babies! Her poor babies!
There was no doubt as to the perpetrator. The note written in the fluid on the walls? The threats?
'Die mudbloods! The Heir of Slytherin will kill you all and all of us purebloods will be cheering him on!'
Pictures were taken and floo calls made to the aurors. There were traces everywhere and the culprit was soon caught.
**OO**
With Dumbledore away from the castle, Minerva was finding that her workload really hadn't changed all that much. Interesting.
She had given Draco Malfoy detention each night until the end of the school year, and sent a letter to the parents demanding action.
Elves had been bypassing the owl wards that someone had put up, and tried to get them down. She had put an advert in the Daily Prophet letting parents know that their children were busy, and well.
She didn't want to lie but she had to say something!
She had also implied that there was a problem with the weather and owl service would resume by spring.
Perhaps by then, Gilderoy could discover what was blocking his fan mail. He was getting most distraught and had promised to come up with a solution!
Minerva had offered him a bonus if he did.
**OO**
Narcissa was furious when she received the letter from Professor Sprout delivered via personal elf and given to her friend's elf who was helping.
"Thank you Dittany." The elf went about her duties, happy to be busy, but careful to avoid the master of the house. Dobby was recovering from his mistress' husband taking out his ire on him for the lost necklace. Professor Snape had seen to him, given him potions, and told Narcissa no work for at least three days. She was unhappy that her husband was so vicious to him.
She'd started to confess, but Dobby had used his magic to stop her from sharing his fate.
Dittany however had wept tears of happiness in gaining Narcissa as a mistress and was a very dedicated and hard-working servant. She was happy to have more work to do, but was leery of the master. Master Severus had told her that he wanted her to come home if she ever felt threatened.
Narcissa became upset reading the letter, and went rushing to find her husband. Detention each night wasn't nearly enough punishment!
"Lucius! You have the contacts needed. Please. You must replace the plants at the level they were at or just buy Severus mature plants. There are four, maybe five students petrified, and I know that this has something to do with you! You have to stop whatever it is you are doing!"
"Stop? Never! And the petrified mudbloods are safer than the ones walking around, my dear. Our Lord will be back soon, and our son is proving to be a worthy Heir!"
Narcissa had been informed it was a potion that had made her son act that way. Sprout tended to think it was some prank gone horribly wrong. Narcissa knew better. This was all Draco. Clearly trying to impress his father, and it worked.
But it broke her heart that her son could even think of this sort of thing!
"You needn't be so vulgar, Lucius. You know I don't like the 'M' word. It doesn't become you, and Draco speaks that way in public now. That is not a clever thing to do in front of Dumbledore. He sees and knows far more than you think." Narcissa pleaded.
Lucius sneered, "And has done nothing to stop these attacks, and is out of Hogwarts, in disgrace. His minion is in Azkaban, and I'm told that it takes a dozen elves to fill his shoes for the work he does. Ha ha. I made a little joke there. A dozen elves to fill his shoes."
"Yes. Groundskeeper Hagrid is in Azkaban. Bully for you. No trial? Just like Sirius. Speaking of which, when are you going to get justice for my cousin? You promised me you would. Need I remind you that he is also a pureblood?"
"Fudge is adamant on the subject, my dear. My hands are tied. Now, I know that our marriage contract has you in charge of the estate, not publicly where I would be shamed in front of our peers. But it did give our family this lovely home and your generous dowry added to the Malfoy coffers."
And gave up nearly all their farming lands to Black control. Did the Malfoys suffer some curse that made their wizards criminally stupid? She had managed those for Grandfather for years as well, and rightfully earned a nice salary that was deposited and invested from her personal vault.
Her efforts, her investment strategies that he wanted nothing of, so her earnings. He refused to help. So be it. She had offered him paying positions more than once.
She showed him the letter from Sprout. "We'll have to pay for this mistake. I don't want you to ask for a single knut for yourself. Beserker potion! That was your idea, I am quite sure. What a mess! You need to write to your son and tell him to write a proper apology letter to Professor Sprout."
"Yes, yes. I will. Of course." Lucius reread the letter. Detention for this? For all year? It was far too much, and he would take steps to change it.
But in no way would he use his less than legal contacts to get plants for the school where someone might ask questions.
That would be neither cunning or clever on his part.
**OO**
A donation was made to the school to cover the loss twice over by House Malfoy. That should help public opinion when Draco's actions became public.
New immature plants were ordered that weren't available until June. Not mature ones, no. Ones that would take nearly another ten months or so to be of use to the petrified students. This was a yearly project for the school; the second years would tend them to a certain point, and then once too dangerous, the NEWT students would take over their care.
It was lucrative work for the school, and paid for many projects.
But the only punishments received by the one responsible for all of the loss and mess was that Draco had to help cleanup the greenhouse, had to write a letter of apology to the head duffer (his father's words), and had to serve a week's worth of detentions. Nothing more.
The current Head Governor was livid that any professor would try to do more to his son. He had demanded the rest of the detentions be canceled.
And everyone else seemed to be content to let the 'muggleborn' students wait, regardless of their condition.
**OO**
When Harry heard about that, he was livid!
**OO**
Monday, March 1st, Antechamber off Main Doors, after afternoon classes
Dowager Lady Longbottom was called to the school via her elf Clive. She got to the antechamber where Professor McGonagall met her with tea in the cozy fireplace warmed room. Neville had gained his feet from the comfortable chair as his grandmother came in. She saw the couch and armchairs waiting, a quiet place to meet.
The boy was looking coldly furious, even though he might be able to mask his emotions well enough for others. She could tell. His hands were a bit dirty, not something she expected inside the school. His cheek was grazed. Had her grandson been physically hit?
"Neville, dear boy." The woman was so very happy to see him, but had not one clue why she had been called.
"Grandmother." Neville bowed and kissed her hand as was proper, even if he did swipe it a bit on his robes before doing so. He gave it an extra squeeze before letting go.
What was that bit of green goo now on her hand?
"Thank ye for coming, Augusta. Mr Longbottom attacked another student while helping in the greenhouses. Attacked with magic, and it turned into a bit of a tussle with several students. I'm going to have to ask ye to buy him a new wand as his old one was broken. I'll give ye a minute to talk. The boy lost no points for his house, but has a detention with Professor Sprout after yer back. Before I leave, do ye have any questions?"
"No, thank you Minerva. I'm sure that Neville can tell me what's going on before we floo to Ollivanders. Thank you."
"If ye want to exchange letters, I recommend using the elves, ma'am. Good day."
They both waited for the Deputy to leave.
"Muggle fisticuffs did this? Who hit you? What happened?"
"Draco Malfoy. I tried to curse him, but the wand just fizzled out. It's not broken in twain, it just doesn't work. I'm so sorry about Dad's wand. I just got so angry. How could he? I mean, how could Draco kill all those plants?"
"Draco Malfoy killed plants?"
"All of the mandrakes. Slaughtered them the other day. Today, we were all working on restoring order in the greenhouse. There was Mafloy, taunting Harry about how he's going to have to wait forever to get his girlfriend back. That's when I hexed him. Hermione is so smart and kind. She's a very good person. None of us were surprised when Harry started dating her. She's the friend I wrote you about who keeps helping me find Trevor."
"I remember. Winter's Tale, yes. Her parents must love the classics."
"They're healers of a sort. Specialize in dentitical work or something? Not sure exactly. But she is always willing to help with homework."
"And you help her with Herbology. So you said."
"Yes ma'am."
"And why does she need mandrakes?"
"She's been petrified! So sad, and scary. Her and a bunch of others. Can we please talk on the way? I have so much to tell you." Neville begged.
As they made their way from the floo at the Leaky to the wand shop, Neville explained the efforts to reclaim the greenhouse. He spoke of Harry's powerful reparo fixing the specialized pots, making sure there were no shard bits left in the dirt. Of Seamus and Dean using the floating sifters that others arranged to sort any other debris from the special loam. How solicitous that Sally-Anne and Parvati had been with him over the mandrake slaughter.
And the one responsible for the whole thing mocking everyone, calling them 'honorary duffers' for their efforts to clean up his mess! Draco's being generally useless except for being good at getting into trouble and saying how worse than this was coming to all of the 'muddy ones.' Neville was not repeating the actual word. Not to his gran!
Neville relayed that Professor Sprout had not liked Malfoy's insults to her, her students, the greenhouses, or anything else. She only docked points three or five at a time normally, but Draco had earned each deduction and garnered enough deductions that Snape visited.
She gave him a memory to watch and said if anything she had been generous!
Then they were at the wand shop. Neville felt it the minute he came in and went over to one particular box that seemed to call him. Ollivander tried to get him to try a few others, almost as though doubting Neville's choice, but he was just making sure. Heir Longbottom did get a well-fitted wand that day.
Ollivander made a nice stand for his father's wand, and reassured both he and Gran that the wand had been mostly dead before this day. How Neville coaxed any magic out of it at all spoke to affinity with plants.
A prodigy. Herboligists, true ones, were rare and to be treasured. His new wand spoke of such abilities.
"Not an auror?" Augusta asked softly, clearly a bit disappointed.
"Could he fight in a time of war? Of course, we all can. But who grows the plants for the warrior's wands? Who coaxes the seeds from the ground for the sick and injured? Who grows our food, and the food of our beast stock? Without specialists like our Neville here, many would not be able to do magic, or overcome disease. You are so blessed to have such a one in your House."
She bowed her head, a tear of shame leaking. She had put him down for his dirt digging, and made him use a burnt out want trying to force him into a mold that wasn't his.
Prophecies! Stuff and nonsense, and best kept away from decent folk!
After they left the shop, she bought him a warm cinnamon cider, and some new dragonhide gloves.
They stopped at the Apothecary, but Neville didn't have a license to buy a mandrake older than five months. He ordered what he could, and asked that it be sent to Professor Sprout at Hogwarts.
The pair had a lovely visit, but by the time they were done in the Alley, Neville couldn't remember exactly why Hermione needed mandrakes. It was important, though. He remembered that.
The plant never arrived, they were never billed for it, and within a few days, he'd even forgotten about it.
The only thing that either one would remember from their day is that Neville's wand needed replacing and Neville had gotten in a fight with Malfoy. A fight that earned him a box of treats from home.
Someone or some people, didn't want the knowledge of students being petrified getting out. Not until the Heir's work was done.
**OO**
Friday, March 5th, Malfoy Manor
Dobby was on the mend, but Dittany was still helping, ever wary of the wizard of the house.
Who was currently begging. "Cissy, please…"
"I have repeatedly informed you that I prefer to be called Narcissa. My family doesn't abide the use of pet names, and neither do I." The Lady Malfoy was calm and cool, trying to get him to lose his temper while keeping her own. Fine, he was the beggar here.
"Darling! Please be reasonable!" Lucius cajoled.
"Me? Am I being unreasonable? I don't think so. How much profit did you bring to the House last month?"
Lucius ignored that. She was always trying to get him to work. "But Mina is insistent on a show of devotion since you won't allow us to wed."
What a disaster! They'd enjoyed a wonderful day together, taking lots of pictures, then he'd left her to clean up and found nothing in the secret hiding place.
Mina had been expecting something nice, and now wasn't seeing him until he apologized appropriately.
He needed to find that blue box!
Dobby should not have been able to break in. He knew that Narcissa wouldn't just throw something that valuable away, and he'd checked with all of the secondhand stores. No one had recently purchased the necklace.
And it wasn't in the Malfoy vaults or her personal vault. There were only her jewels. She'd sworn a magical oath that she didn't know where the box was, but that she did not have it.
"I was clearly careless with the first gift, and it was stolen before I got it home. I am sorry that I blamed you."
"You nearly killed my elf!"
"So Severus said. And told me not to do it again, or he'd report me to Diggory's department. Magical Creatures. I was furious, and I still think Dobby knows something. But I apologize. May I please have an advance before next quarter?"
"Where would that come from? Gold is not like flowers to be conjured. Your son used up any cushion we had. I have explained this before. Taking out gold now incurs penalties, and we would not only lose that gold forever, but also the interest it would earn before the next cycle ends."
"But we are wealthy!"
Narcissa seethed. "Only as long as we don't spend each knut, which you seem determined to do, my lord! Excuse me, I have a fundraising meeting. Unless you would like to attend Saint Mungo's with me? This is a planning meeting for the annual auction coming up in June after school is out. It would be beneficial to your image to be seen doing good more often."
"You worry too much about what others think. Soon, we will be rulers of the world with our Master, and everyone will bow."
Dittany came over to clean up and she deftly dodged a blow when she tried to pick up his nearly empty tea cup he was using to try to hide his whisky!
"Dittany! Please return to your master. If Lucius can't remember you are a borrowed servant, he can go without one." Narcissa commanded, and the elf popped away. "That was Severus' personal elf! If he challenges you to an honor duel over this issue, I do hope that you die well."
"As if that half-blood could take me." Lucius sneered.
She thought to herself, 'Well, if I wasn't married, he could certainly take me anytime he wanted to' but turned her thoughts to her next tasks.
She knew how deadly Severus really was, as they met in her Hogsmeade house to duel on a regular basis. They were just friends. Just friends. But she was ready if her husband ever attacked her, and Severus was ready if the DADA curse was ever lifted and he was allowed to teach what he really wanted to.
It kept them both in top form, and they would sometimes fight the dueling dummies as a team. But enough musing on that subject. She needed to grab her notes and get going. Oh, and remind Lucius her jewelry was hers. Not that she hadn't sent her better pieces to her own personal vault, away from his sticky fingers.
"And do stay out of my bedroom while I am away." Narcissa warned.
Lucius rubbed his hand. Her jewelry box had bit him! He was just going to get something she didn't normally wear out of there! She still wouldn't give him any money!
Narcissa left, remembering the horrible times of her early marriage. The fear, the dreadful people in her home. The cackling of her sister when she tortured a follower for the Dark Lord.
That Lucius thought him coming back was a good idea was a testament to his blindness of what that…person had truly wrought. Death, mayhem, destruction.
How did that help anyone? How did killing off the Potters, Longbottoms, Bones or Prewett boys help pureblood society? Her cousin James didn't want to join the Dark Lord, and died for it. What a waste of magical talent, what a waste of potential! And her cousin Sirius! Bella chose her path, but Sirius had been an auror. He hadn't killed anyone - and gently taken in people who got second, third, and thirty-third chances. And his reward? More than a decade in Azkaban!
She mourned both James and Sirius, and wished she'd gone against her arranged marriage as Andi had done against Rabastan.
Narcissa would later ask about mature mandrakes at Saint Mungo's, but everyone was acting so strangely about it all.
It was as though no one wanted to assist the ones frozen!
**OO**
Saturday, March 6th, Far side of the Quidditch Pitch after practice
Hedwig flew to Harry on the edges of the wards of Hogwarts. This was where all owls seemed to stop lately.
"I don't know what's going on girl. You're my only hope. I need to get a mature mandrake plant. Anyone can brew the restorative! But it's restricted for some reason. I think the Grangers can help. It's their daughter in the infirmary, but they likely don't know what's going on!
"We need to open up communications again. Please. They are really nice. For muggles, I mean."
Harry hadn't had much luck with muggles himself. Maybe these people would prove to be the exception. Mr Weasley seemed to like them!
**OO**
Hedwig nodded, flying with two letters, and knowing she was going to have to be sneaky. She could feel the wards begging her to stay, asking her to go up to the Owlery. If her boy wasn't right there cheering her on, she would have gladly flown up to the tall tower above. Instead, she fought. She walked. And she fought some more. She then flew up, escaping the ground ward. Clever. Clever. But not enough to trick her! Not with her wizard close by to aid her with his own magic!
Hunting was a good cover if anyone should be watching.
She flew to the ground, and then up to a low branch. Hunting for mice wasn't nearly as much fun as hunting for her boy's friend's rat would be.
There was something wrong with him! She'd be glad to find out what.
After she disemboweled the rat that was.
Being careful to appear to be hunting further and further into the forest, she finally winged her way south.
The Grangers was a familiar trek. Her Harry knew how much she loved magical flight, and this Hermione chick loved her Harry too.
That was a good thing. Hedwig was just watching over them both this way.
Seeing Hermione frozen broke her avian heart a bit. Hedwig was learning that if she wanted pets, she had to come to the infirmary. Harry had even put up a perch next to the radio.
It wasn't her preferred music, but Harry didn't know what she liked. But when it did play things she liked, she would croon to Hermione along with the music, just like she would to a sick chick.
Hedwig was just another name for Caring.
**OO**
The Grangers let Harry know they appreciated his letter letting them know what was going on. They had been trying to get in touch with anyone at the school as Hermione was desperately needed.
The family was actually in Britain due to Dan's grandfather.
Hermione's beloved great-grandfather wanted to talk to her before he passed away. He was in the hospital, and only expected to live for another few short months.
Harry was determined to try and help, but other than attempt to get the restorative potion or the mature plants, what else could he do?
**OO**
Harry was spending more and more time in the infirmary as days passed with no hope of a cure in sight.
After several days, he felt comfortable enough to try and hold Hermione's cold hand. And that is when he discovered the clue to what the school was facing.
He had no idea that spending all of that time with Hermione had a certain redheaded witch writing more and more and more in a cursed diary.
And of course, when Ginny went missing Ron chose the ponce to come with them. Why?
But Dumbledore was booted out of the castle. Hagrid was in Azkaban. McGonagall? She'd go tell him to wash his socks, and stay out of trouble.
Honestly? Harry just wanted a cage of roosters now, and kept calling for Dobby, but Dobby was busy cleaning under the glowering eyes of his unhappy Master.
A Master who was about to be disappointed that all of his plans were in ashes.
**OO**
Tuesday, April 6th, McGonagall's office
They survived, Lockhart was the worse for wear, Ron and Ginny would need care, but they survived.
Dumbledore being back wasn't a surprise, with Fawkes bringing Harry the hat and rescuing them from the Chamber and all, but Harry was not putting up with a debrief without Ron getting healing first. His friend, and his sister, were allowed to go to the infirmary, a place that Harry dearly wanted to be in as well.
But Harry was kept back to answer question after question after question.
This had been going on for some time.
"Headmaster, enough! I need to see the matron!" Harry complained again.
"Potter! Mind your tone, or you'll lose points and get detention." McGonagall growled. The boy was normally so polite!
Did she forget that he had just been bitten by a basilisk? He'd told them, twice, and yet she was threatening him?
Harry might not be dead, but his arm hurt, and he just wanted to lie down, but had to stay here and endure.
**OO**
Only petrifications so far as Lucius had been told. Soon, soon there would be death and mayhem. His Master would return. He could be free from his current humdrum life, back to torturing muggles whenever he wanted.
Lord Malfoy was tired of his banal existence, and wanted to live again. When the call came to return to Hogwarts, he took the time to dress well. No need to offend his Lord by looking like a ruffian.
Seeing Potter there, covered in blood and worse, Lucius knew. He knew the gambit had failed. He missed the interchange with the hovering Dobby who he had commanded to shine his boots and left before the little blighter could finish. The whole way up to Hogwarts, he was tripping him up!
Lucius Malfoy joined them at a bad time. Harry still held the sword and wanted to run it through the wizard who had caused all this.
Dumbledore clearly felt the magic building. He waved his wand at the sword and sent it to his office. Harry wanted to protest, but would wait. He then had Harry put the ruined diary on McGonagall's desk.
"I warn you, Lucius, not to try anything like that again. No more of Tom's things need be brought into the school."
Dumbledore dismissed the blond wizard, and told him not to return to the castle, but to send a proxy to vote his seat. Harry quickly picked up the book, and followed him out, seeing a chance to do a good turn for the house-elf that had finally stopped trying to kill him.
"I'll talk to you later, Headmaster, about getting my sword back. I was told it was a gift. I am tired of people taking my things away from me. I want it back."
The level of menace in the boy had him worried for a moment about what his plans were.
But then the elderly wizard just smiled a little smile, and waited for the boy to return.
**OO**
A/N: Recommended Story: Your story recommendation here: leave a review or pm us, and see your name in lights! Not really, but see your name here recommending your favorite fic. Good but not-so-popular are our target rec's.
A/N: Recommended Story: Always Read the Fine Print
By: questionablequotation
ONE-SHOT. After being entered into the Tri-Wizard Tournament against his will, Harry does some independent research on what precisely "magically binding" means...and comes up with a very different approach to the competition. As they say, the pen is mightier than the sword...but is the quill mightier than the wand? Rated: Fiction K+ - Fantasy - Harry P /s/11118965/1/Always-Read-the-Fine-Print