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"'The rain in Spain falls' she thought to herself.
"Mainly on the Spaniards." Harry said aloud
"Ok. How are we doing this now? This makes no sense at all"
Well Harry I can only think that this is due to the rite we went thru earlier. That and I remember reading Godric and Rowena were thought to always know the others mind. However, that book didn't go into detail it merely mentions that they seemed to always be of one mind on things.
"Ohh ok then, love not that I mind but will I well be able to umm keep you from knowing everything I am thinking I do want to be able to surprise you know and with this it will be nearly impossible. So how do I keep you from not knowing when I want to surprise you?"
"I don't know yet Harry let me think on it ok?"
"Ok, take as long as you need and we will go from there, ok?"
"Sure, I'll think it over then."
"Ok, are we all ready to go deal with the minister? I want to deal with him as soon as possible and just get it done ?"
"Yes we have received the last of the letters from the other families and the other great families have pledged their support in this and we have a message from the Zambini House."
"Oh? What did they say?"
"I am quoting ' It's about time someone dealt with that pompous windbag, and House Zambini pledges it's support in the war, welcome back to the House Gryffindor' that was from Blaise's father. You think he wants us to know he doesn't like Fudge?"
"Oh Hermione I wouldn't say that. I think they hate him or that they think he is a complete buffoon and Blaise and her family can see they will be worse off with him or old snake face and believe that they are choosing that which is best for their house." Her father said suddenly
"Huh; how would you get that Rob? I am a bit confused now."
"Well I don't know if my daughter told you but I am a member of the SCA.' Seeing Harry's' confused look he explained 'it's a medievalist association and it's seem the magical world is arranged in the same way most of the countries were in the early to mid dark ages
"How so dad? I mean I can't wrap my head around it that way."
"Well it's a society based on noble house and alliances between them; you see in the medieval era the nobility was always forming loose alliances and they could and did change from generation to generation if they weren't reaffirmed. Now that's how I see things I would imagine that your house is most likely the dominant one or was till it decided to allow the ministry to run the show, the thing is how will the minister respond to being essentially deposed?"
"I have no idea Rob. However, it will be rather fun to watch; that and Dumbledore is going to hate that his weapon has grown not only a spine but is capable of independent thought. Love what is your mind on this?" Harry said turning to Hermione
"Hmm .. What? Oh sorry Harry did you say something to me? I was reading this scroll and found something interesting in it."
"Yea I was asking what you thought. What did you find in the scroll though?"
"Well did you know you have control of the board of governors?"
"I do?
"Yes my love you do. Moreover, here is the best part Dumbledore has no power over you or I any longer now that we are married. No wonder he seemed a tad nervous earlier this should be fun hmm?"
"Yep."
"Ok so what's next for this show of force we need to do to get rid of that fool?"
"Which one though I think we may have a problem in his toadies more than Fudge himself. He is relatively weak compared to you or me for that matter. But we need to hear from the other Great Houses and find out if they will support us we know we have the Moody and Longbottom and The Weasleys and now the Zambini's; But we still need two more, I would feel more comfortable with as many as possible but those are the bare minimum we need." As she said this to Harry three more owls flew in thru the open window and landed upon the conference table.
"Hmm ok who sent you guys?" Harry muttered
": Harrywizard they are from the families Lovegood, Bones and Abbott.:" Hedwig's voice sounded in his mind
"Ahh ok. Hedwig says they are from Luna's family as well as the Boneses and the Abbott's interesting." He said
"Hmm." Jane said softly
"What's wrong mum? According to the letters they all support the move." Harry said
"Nothing darling its well I wish you two didn't have to do this, that's all."
"Ohh, Mum its ok we need to do this, ok.' Hermione said looking up from the letters on the desk she was reading over her husbands shoulder 'Harry we need to go and send Albus to Hogwarts and tell him we will meet him there, ok?"
"Umm ok love everyone ready we need to stop and pick up some robes and cloaks for your parents though"
"Harry you don't need to spend money on us." Jane said softly
" Mum I want to besides you are members of my family now and I will not have anyone make snide comments, hell if I could I would find a way to give you magic of your own but I can't; So we get you 'decent wizarding clothes' and let them think you do." He said with a smirk 'Draco I hope you say something you annoying little ferret' he thought to himself or so he thought
'Harry that's not nice you know, but it is the ferret so I'll let it slide' came Hermione's voice in his head followed by a small mental giggle
"Well shall we shake the foundations of the wizarding world?" Harry asked with a very Dumbledore style twinkle in his eyes
"Yes Milord we shall."
"Well then Milady would thy noble father and gentle mother consent to allow me to gift them with proper raiment's?" he said smiling
"Oh aye milord I do believe they would if ye would but ask them"
"Master Robert, Madam Jane would you allow me to repay the gift you have given me this night, although I never will truly be able to repay you for the gift of this woman. Please allow me to transfigure your clothing into more fitting attire for my, now your noble house." Harry said raising his wand
"Ok Harry but please be careful. I just bought this blouse." Came the response from his mother-in law with a small chuckle
"I always am mum careful with other just rarely so with myself, although now I do have a reason to be a bit more careful. Just hold still for a sec.' he said raising his wand for the spell. 'Transformara attirea House Gryffindor." As soon as he finished saying the spell Jane's' clothing transformed in to set of flowing white witches robes that were to her surprise off the shoulder. They also had the Gryffindor family crest over her heart encircled in gold similar to the ones on both Harry and her daughter's chests. Harry smiled at this, turned to Rob, and asked "Ready? It's your turn now just hold still ok?" Harry seeing him nod repeated the spell and as soon as it was done they all saw Hermione's father standing before them in red dragon leather armour with an over robe in blue with the same crest they all had.
"Wow Harry you don't do things in half measures do you, well I am ready if the girls are. Ladies ready?" Hermione's father said
"Then lets go and send Dumbledore back to Hogwarts and then to the ministry, ok?" Harry said seeing the women's nod
"Sounds good to us Harry" Rob said. At this Harry stood and walked worth the air of his new position as the Lord of Gryffindor house to the closed doors of the conference room; he gripped the handles of each of the doors and with a look over his shoulder at his wife, the look on his face as he glanced back was one that said 'this is it last chance to back out my love'. Seeing Hermione nodding to him he threw the doors open and they walked out in near perfect unison, Harry and Rob's boots ringing sharply on the marble floor of the goblins bank.
"Albus?' Harry said walking purposely towards the aged wizard 'Please return to Hogwarts we will be there before the end of the day and you and I need to talk."
"Are you sure Harry? I would think I might be of some help at the ministry." The older wizard replied
"Albus, your presence will not be necessary. But we do thank you for the offer; now go." The look he had in his eye showed this wasn't a request but an order. "Griphook?" Harry said turning to the small goblin standing off to his left. "We need transportation of a sort, I think something private and with the House crest on it can you arrange this for me?" he finished
"Yes milord Gryffindor, I can do that for you." The small goblin said turning to leave.
"Oh and Griphook I have one more job for you' at this the goblin stopped and turned around with a curious look in his eye. ' I would like for you to carry my house's standard to the ministry at the head of the procession; can you do this for me?"
"Me, milord? I am just an unimportant goblin of no particular status. Why would you want me for such an important position?" Griphook asked Harry with an incredulous look on his face
"Ah but that is precisely why I want you to do this for me, I want to show that my house has no prejudices what so ever. You see my good goblin I personally could care less if a person is a mugglebourne, a half-blood, a pure blood, a muggle, or anything else it truly doesn't matter to me and the rest of the wizards will see that my house is based in a persons actions and not in their blood. So you see I not only want you to do this but I need you to as well, will you do this for me?" Harry said to Griphook
"Yes milord I would be most honoured to carry your standard, Milord? I was wondering how much leeway am I allowed in the mode of transportation you need?" Griphook said with a small toothy grin.
"I don't care as long as it has the privacy charms I need, ones I want placed by your curse breakers, or by the goblins themselves. I want it so that no-one can hear what is spoken inside it, why do you ask?" Harry said to Griphook his eyebrow raised questioningly
"Milord I would like to fit out the carriage with nightmares and your seal. The charms will be placed by myself and no other milord, your trust in me will show the Platinum Lord you truly mean to have a real alliance with us." He responded his smile showing more teeth than Harry had ever seen before
"Good, but I asked you more because I consider you a friend Griphook. That is the main reason but I and my family truly appreciate your hard work. How long do we have to wait for the carriage?"
"Milord, Milady I require but ten minutes to prepare it and the other houses have sent word they will meet you at the ministry in one half of an hour. We do have adequate time I believe." The goblin replied
"Very well Griphook you may take your time. You have fifteen minutes then I would like to be on our way' Harry said turning towards his wife and her parents. 'Love I need to tell you and your parents something I should have told you last year but I was much too worried you and they would be hurt by this and the insane half blood Riddle; Could you all come here I need to cast a privacy bubble and I can't make it that big if I want it as strong as I need to." He finished motioning to his family
"Sure Harry. What is on your mind I knew you hadn't been saying something all of last year so cast and then..." Hermione began
"..Spill." her mother finished
"Please Harry tell us what is weighing on your mind, I saw something in your eyes when I met you last night. But I thought it was just your past adventures that Mia had told us of."
"Ok, 'Mione, Mum and Dad there is something I need to tell you.' he said as he cast the strongest of the privacy charms he knew of. 'Now before I tell you I want you to understand that you may well be in more danger if I tell this to you?" He looked at them all with a sad and rather faraway look in his eyes. Harry seeing them all nod and looking at him rather intently sighed as if he was about to lay down a burden heavier than a man of nearly seventeen should have to bear on his shoulders.
"Ok, here it is. I ask that you let me get it all out mo chrea ok .Remember back at the end of fifth year when we stopped Riddle in the Dept. of Mysteries ?' at Hermione's nod he went on. 'Well the prophecy wasn't lost as you thought I just let everyone you included believe that. I didn't think I would be able to share it with anyone and well, I know the contents of it and I am going to tell you and your parents so you all know exactly what you are getting into ok, here it is:
The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches ... Born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies ... And the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal, but he will have power the Dark Lord knows not ... And either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives ... The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord will be born as the seventh month dies... , Now you understand why I acted like I did all last year love? I didn't want to burden you with this. But damn it, I won't allow that bastard to ruin my life any longer and I won't allow you or Mum and Dad to be harmed." As Harry had been saying all of this his eyes had that same ethereal light they had earlier.
"Oh Harry!" Hermione choked out a small sob as she crushed him in a hug her tears making his shirt wet.
"Harry, Mia knew it had to be something like this. You see she figured that since this Voldemort was trying to kill you at least once a year that it most likely come down to you and he in the end and well Jane and I discussed it and well, We support you in this fight this is a war right and whether we like it or not both of you are going to play a rather significant part in it; we support you son you are the side of the light, of all that is good and noble we support that." Rob said his hand on Harry's shoulder. Harry's head had been down buried in Hermione's hair as if the scent alone could keep the tears that threatened to spill at any moment. But at hearing Rob Grangers words he looked up
"What? I don't understand you should be wanting me to break the marriage after hearing that, She shouldn't be in any danger; Rob." He said
"Harry what did I say to you when asked me for my blessing on this?"
"That your daughter had known since before she even knew she was a witch that the man she would give her heart to was one with…" He trailed off "Oh"
"That's right one with a heart of a lion and eyes like emeralds, do I need to get you a mirror or will the pride in your wife's eyes be enough" he said pointing to Hermione
"Huh... Oh" Harry said looking down at his now wife who was looking at him with a look of fierce pride and determination in her eyes
"Yes my love you, you are MY strength my heart my everything, and you aren't getting rid of my that easily we just have a small problem to deal with and we get on with our lives." She said looking up at him. Seeing his confusion she explained further. "Well we need to get rid of Fudge and then find a way to get rid of Voldemort; that's all. But you know now all of the comments you made earlier make sense now.' Seeing he was still confused she went on. 'The ones about how the headmaster wouldn't be pleased his "weapon" had grown a spine and was capable of independent thoughts." She said this last bit with a cheeky grin and a small twinkle in her own eyes.
"Oh those comments. Well shall we eliminate one headache? I think Griphook should be done with the carriage by now' Harry said looking up at the lobby clock. 'Shall we go?" he finished looking at the Grangers and his wife
"Yes Harry I think we should; besides you remember the scrolls we brought up with us?" She said softly
"Yes I do why? What was in the second one?"
"Well it as the actual treaty of Hogwarts. So if he even tries to get away with something sneaky he is in for a bit of a shock." This she said with a small and much suppressed giggle
"Oh you wicked little witch, I knew there was a reason I loved you.' He said to her as the all walked out of the Goblin run bank; turning to his now father in law he said ' You know Rob she really should have been in the Ravenclaw house they are the intellectuals but instead she wound up in Gryffindor the house for the brave; scary if you think about it eh?"
" Harry my boy, I have a bit of news for you a Williams woman and my princess is one are known for two things really one is intelligence the second is their loyalty to their spouse and the last is never get between them and their loved ones they will kill you if nessacery. I guess that falls under the bravery huh?"
I would agree Rob and well to be blunt gods help any who even think of harming her or you two; because I will willingly go thru hell and back with ashes to prove it to protect my family. I never had one and now I do and no one is harming that." Harry's eyes were glowing slightly as his said this and Hermione noticed that whenever he professed how much he cared or showed thru words what might happen to those that would try and harm those he cared for his eyes would get that glow in them like there was an emerald flame burning there.
Harry why are your eyes glowing like that?" she asked as they saw the carriage pulling up the nightmares hooves sending small jets of flame and sparks with each step the crest of House Gryffindor emblazoned on the doors in its crimson and gold glory the lion with the snake torn and under one foot and the Ravenclaw Eagle in the left upper quadrant a snakes head hanging from the beak. All of this was rendered on a shield backed by a huge phoenix.
"Oh my god Harry do you realize this crest is amazing." Rob said dumbfounded
"No, why's that? Looks like the school house crest just a bit different is all." Harry replied
"Ok Harry quick lesson on heraldry the bird in the back of everything is called the Phoenix Ascendant and was thought to be the personal crest of one of two people." He said wistfully
" Umm not to be rude Rob but who were they I have this odd feeling its going to be more fame I don't want." Harry said shaking his head
"Are you sure you want me to tell you in that case?' seeing Harry's nod he continued 'That can only belong to either Merlin or Arthur Harry they are the only ones ever to use it in the history of England." He finished
"Great. Just great all I ever wanted to be was average. Guess that isn't happening, right love? He said with a small chuckle looking at his wife as Griphook came up beside them carrying the battle standard of House Gryffindor
"Milord, Milady? Master and Mistress Granger we are ready to depart if you are." Griphook said
"We? Who are we exactly?" Harry said turning around to see an assembly of armed goblins standing behind him. "Huh why do you have guards Griphook?" he asked
"The Platinum Lord thought you might like an honour guard Milord. It was meant as a gesture of friendship."
"Ohh, very well I guess they can't hurt right? They can only scare Fudge some more." He said with a smile
"Oh yes Milord that was part of the reason the other shows the wizarding world that the goblin confederation is behind you as well, by the way Milord the accounting division is currently going over Mr. Fudge's accounts to look for irregularities. Soupac thought you would like to know Milord." The small goblin said with the toothiest grin Harry had ever seen.
"Thank him for me Griphook and yes I did. Ok let's get this over with then, ladies if you would please?' Harry said to the two women holding out his hand to assist them in entering the carriage. 'Thy carriage awaits milady." Harry said with a small twinkle in his eye
"Oh aye I see that milord. Wouldst thou help me to enter?" Hermione said smiling
"Oh aye that I will, that I will."
"I thank thee Milord Gryffindor." She said using Harry's title for the first time
"Tis my honour and duty Milady Gryffindor." Harry replied
"Ok you two enough of that lets go if we want to do this. We're burning daylight and that toad is getting more fat by the minute you know" Hermione's mother said laughing
"Ok Ok I know lets go. To the Ministry of Magic!" Harry called to the driver, falling nearly into his seat as the carriage pulled away.
Ten Minutes later,
The four people that now made up the reborn House of Gryffindor were marching flanked by several goblins and preceded by Griphook who was holding the House battle standard high in the atrium of the ministry, along with the representatives of the families that had pledged their loyalty to the House of the Lion; But the most intriguing thing of the assemblage was the simple fact that there were hundreds of house elves falling into ranks behind a proud Dobby wearing his clothes that matched and also had the crest of house Gryffindor on them. The sound of so many booted feet rang loudly on the polished floor of the atrium and then there was nothing but silence.
"CORNILIUS FUDGE! SHOW YOUR SELF NOW THE LORD AND LADY OF HOUSE GRFFINDOR COMMANDS YOU!" Harry called out his voice echoing
"FUDGE… HOUSE ZAMBINI COMMANDS YOU TO APPEAR AS WELL" yelled Carlos Zambini
"THE HOUSE OF BONES CALLS YOU FORTH AS WELL" cried Amelia Bones
"HOUSE LOVEGOOD CALLS YOU OUT AS WELL" Called Oliver Lovegood
"THE NOBLE HOUSE OF BLACK CALLS YOU OUT" cried Tonks
"THE FAMILY LONGBOTTEM DEMANDS YOU APPEAR" called out Neville in a surprisingly clear voice
"THE HOUSE OF MOODY CALLS YOU AS WELL" came from the old Auror
"What's the meaning of this nonsense? The great houses have no business with the ministry today you haven't been summoned by me, and who is the Lord of a house that is dead in all but name." Demanded the puce faced minister
"That would be ME FUDGE! I have brought my house back into the public eye once more; I wasn't given the choice my ancestors had thanks to you and your incompetence. I am Lord Harry James Potter heir to the first Lord Godric Potter; this is my wife Lady Hermione Granger-Potter. Fudge you have broken the treaty of Hogwarts and as such we;' at he said this he indicated the other family heads surrounding him 'are deposing you and declaring that the ministry is no longer viable and is henceforth disbanded. You may leave quietly if you like." He said his voice showing steel.
"WHAT! Preposterous you are a deluded boy nothing more. The House of Gryffindor died out centuries ago and everyone knows his name was Godric Gryffindor, not Potter. I am not leaving; But you boy are under arrest for treason against the ministry, Aurors seize him!" Fudge cried in one breathe
"Dobby do you have my family's tapestry?" Harry asked the elf
"Yes Milord we elves has it here." Dobby said
"Good would you unroll it please?"
"Yes Milord Gryffindor. We be doing that now" Dobby said as the elves unfurled the Potter family tapestry for all to see
"Fudge look at the founder of my family and house and read it out loud if you would?" Harry said in a tone that an intelligent man might have recognized as one that promised pain if not obeyed
"Why should I? I know for a fact you aren't the heir to Gryffindor his family is dead long dead I tell you." The overweight man's fat shaking as he jumped into the air with each word spoken
"Because you fat fool if you did you might take a gander at the young lord's hand and the fact the tapestry shows the truth!" Moody growled out his wand in his hand
"Alastor please put that away he will read it and understand this is a moot point anyway. It doesn't matter what he says I am the Lord of House Gryffindor and as such according to the treaty I can and am disbanding the Ministry. Minister Fudge per the Treaty of Hogwarts this Ministry is hereby disbanded till further notice. House Gryffindor shall resume control of the wizarding world government till further notice and until we can weed out the Death Eaters in residence, if you don't want charges brought against you by my family or the other great houses I would suggest you leave quietly and retire to your home for the rest you so obviously need and deserve. Thank you that will be all." Harry said in disgust. Harry turned to Madam Bones and said "Madam Bones you are the head of the MLE correct?' seeing her nod he continued 'I need two things from your people one is an escort for MR. Fudge to his home, the second is I wish to swear out charges against one Delores Umbridge for the use of a blood quill as well as attempted you of the Crucio Curse on myself as well as on others during her time as the High Inquisitor of Hogwarts. I do have a question though; can the charges include her sending Dementors into a muggle area for the purpose of attacking my cousin and me?"
"Of course Lord Gryffindor the former minister will be taken home, and the charges will be filed for all of the offences you just named. But I would like to see something first if I may?" The head of the Magical Law Enforcement Division said
"Anything you wish ma'am." Harry said inclining his own head in a nod
"Good I have wanted to check this for over two years now Fudge, Auror Shakelbolt please remove Fudges left sleeve if you would." She said icily. Kingsley walked over and with a ripping sound the mans sleeve hit the floor exposing the mark of the one man that he had denied had returned, "I knew it Kingsley arrest Cornelius Fudge for the crime of being a Death Eater!" she spat
"Oh and Kingsley it would be a shame if the papers heard of this, wouldn't it?" she said walking towards Harry and Hermione "Milord, Milady I pledge unto thy House all of the resources of House and family Bones." She said as she knelt in front of them
"Please Madam Bones do not kneel to me I am still just Harry Potter and this is just Hermione Gra- I mean Potter now." Harry said catching the look from Hermione
"Yes please rise we are equals here why did you think we came her as we did?"
"Get your hands off me; my master will win Potter you are nothing compared to him he is all powerful! I will not be in Azkaban for long, you'll see he will kill you and the mudblood too!" came the cry from the rear of the atrium as Fudge was finally lead away to the holding cells in the lower levels. There was a sudden scuffle as Fudge struggled and fought with the two Aurors assigned to escort to the cells when he came rushing at Hermione "DIE MUDBLOOD AVAD.." was all he got out; he stopped dead in his tracks and gave a queer look to the assembled people and then they noticed that Harry was crouched a few feet behind Fudge his sword in hand blood running down the blade. The disgraced former minister took one shaky step forward and then to the amazement of everyone his head fell to the floor followed by his body a second later. The head of the MLE was shocked but impressed that Fudge was able to try it and that Harry would defend Hermione that fast and that she hadn't seen him even move
"I have defended my wife against a mortal attack, an attack on her life; I believe I committed self defence correct?" Harry asked her
"Yes Harry you did, you know I warned that windbag a few months ago that attacking you would be his down fall looks like I was right." The older witch said with a wry smile and a low chuckle,
"Ok I am going to be sick now." Harry said moments before vomiting what little he had eaten the night before "Never killed anyone before. Don't want to ever again but I know I may have to.' He said wiping off his chin 'Ok everyone I have a question for you I say we make Madam Bones here the new interim ministry for the duration of the war and let her do whatever is necessary to beat those bastards. What do you say?" Harry asked the older wizards and witches
"AYE!" came the chorus back to him "Madam Bones will you please take the post we need your fairness and strength in this I ask nothing else of you." Harry said to the woman
"Ok on one condition. You and your wife become Aurors upon graduation and act as Special Task Aurors while at Hogwarts; your assignment is to defend that place against You-know-who." She said to Harry
"Tom Riddle Madam Minister that's his name please use it"
"What?" said the shocked woman