Harry Potter and the Delightful Dilemma
By: Sheltie
I don't own Harry Potter
Chapter 10
Malfoy sat in one of the chairs in the Slytherin common room thinking. This wasn't something he very often since his father did all the thinking in the family, but right now he couldn't ask his father since he was ordered to do this and couldn't accept any outside help. He looked once again at the letter from his aunt.
Draco,
You have the honor of doing a mission that your lord has demanded you to do. It is a great opportunity to be given such a grand mission from the Dark Lord. The Dark Lord has tasked you to rid Dumbledore from his sight. You are to do this one your own with outside help. The Dark Lord wants to see if are capable of such a thing. If you are then you'll be award handsomely. If not then you'll be punished severely.
Aunt Bella
Malfoy gulped, but knew he had to do this. He had no other choice since if he didn't then he'd be killed by the dark lord. But if he did succeed then he'd bring prominence back to the Malfoy family.
/Scene Break/
"Harry, I must speak with you this instant," Dumbledore said.
Harry sighed. He was in the middle of eating with his girls and was enjoying a nice conversation with Fleur about plans to visit France in the summer. The girls had all decided that they'd rotate positions so they all had a chance to sit next to Harry. Since there were only two spots on either side of Harry there was an elaborate schedule set by Hermione that boggled everyone's mind when they first saw it. The only thought that went through all of their minds was; only Hermione could come up with this.
"Headmaster, I am very busy" Harry said politely.
Dumbledore wasn't about to be pushed aside.
"I must insist, Harry," he said.
Harry sighed.
"Fine, Mione, when do I have an opening?" Harry asked.
Hermione, who was three spots away from Harry looked in her ever-present planner then looked up.
"You have time if you finished your Transfiguration essay" she said.
"I still have a few more feet to do" Harry said.
"I'll help you Harry, I'm pretty good at Transfiguration" Padma offered.
"Alright, headmaster, I'll see you after I'm done with my essay" Harry said.
Dumbledore didn't look happy with this development.
"I must insist Harry, this is a matter most dire," he said.
"Headmaster, if I don't get this essay done I'll have these lovely ladies on me and also McGonagall too. And I've learned to never be on either these ladies or McGonagall's bad side when it comes to homework" Harry said.
Dumbledore frowned, but nodded.
Once Dumbledore left the group looked at one another.
"What do you suppose he wants?" Susan asked.
"Not sure, but I don't like it" Parvati said.
"He's getting desperate, he's going to be playing a part of his hand in hopes we fall for his trap" Luna said with her eyes having a hazy quality to them.
"What do you mean Luna?" Padma asked.
Luna blinked then did a little hop.
"Don't know, I do hope there will be pudding," she said.
Everyone looked at Luna then each other. They knew Luna had a bit of seer in her, but whenever she got these visions or whatever you call them they'd be so darn cryptic sometimes that it frustrated them to end. It didn't help that Luna didn't remember what she said either. She'd go into a mini trance spout off what needed to be said then return to her Luna normal self.
"Well I am not sure what's he's up to, but we'll have to play it cautiously. He's a manipulator to the extreme," Daphne said.
"Harry, you work on your essay, we'll figure out who'll come with you to the meeting" Hermione said.
Harry nodded and then began chatting with Padma about what he's written so far. He knew that his girls would have a plan to knock the old wizard down.
/Scene Break/
The two Weasleys were on pins and needles. They kept a hawk eye on their targets, but saw no changes at all.
"What if it didn't work?" Ron moaned.
"Of course it worked, I looked over that whole potion. I followed it to the letter" Ginny hissed.
"But it's not working" Ron moaned.
Ginny was getting tired of her brother's whining and she so wanted to hex the prat, but she knew that if anyone were to rat them out it was Ron. He had a big mouth that wasn't used just for eating. He'd blab to anyone who'd listen.
"Just be patient," she said sternly.
Ron just pouted.
/Scene Break/
Amelia looked at all the contents on her desk. She had on her left Snape's confession and on the right was the package she got from Susan with the potioned chocolates. She had to figure out what she had to go after first. She wanted to snag all the Death Eaters before they had a chance to even escape, but this potion thing was holding her back. She thought of Harry as a part of the family since he was with her Susan. So that meant she wanted to get the two people responsible. She sighed. Sometimes she hated her job.
/Scene Break/
Dumbledore sat in his office waiting anxiously for Harry's arrival. In his mind he went over and over how he was going to it out. He knew he'd have to show off a bit to entice Harry, but once done he'd have him eating out of his hand. Yes, this plan couldn't go wrong.
A knock on the door signaled Harry's arrival.
"Enter" Dumbledore said.
Harry entered followed by Hermione, Fleur, Susan, Daphne, and Luna.
Dumbledore frowned at this. He totally forgotten about Harry and his women. He'd need to rework his plan a bit.
"We're here headmaster, what is it you wanted it?" Harry asked.
"Harry, what must be discussed can go beyond this room. I must ask that your ladies leave" Dumbledore said.
"Not going to happen sir. They are my advisers and you know it" Harry said.
Dumbledore frowned, but sighed. It was worth a shot. Harry and his advisers sat down in a sofa Fleur conjured. Harry sat first with Daphne having a bit of contest on who sat with Harry. Daphne won. Hermione sat on Harry's other side with Fleur taking residence on Hermione's other side. Susan sat on the other side of Daphne and Luna took up roost of the armrest.
"Very well, I have most grievous news to tell you Harry" he said.
There a pause for dramatic effect, but Harry and his girls weren't in the mood for it.
"Just tell us sir" Harry said firmly.
Dumbledore lightly scolded Harry for his tone.
"As you are aware of the prophecy that predicted your fight with Voldemort" Dumbledore said.
There were nods all-around though Dumbledore wasn't pleased that so many knew the prophecy.
"The reason why Voldemort didn't die when you were a baby was because he had made a Horcrux" Dumbledore said.
Daphne and Luna gasped upon hearing this though the others were confused as to what a Horcrux was. The only thing they knew was that it must be bad for Daphne and Luna to gasp.
"Sir, are you meaning to say that Voldemort split his soul in an attempt to remain immortal?" Daphne asked.
"That is what I am say, but I fear he made more than one. Several in fact" Dumbledore said in a grievous tone.
"That can't be. The most Horcruxes you can make is three. Any more and you'd render yourself insane or worse" Luna said piping up.
"Miss Lovegood, I know that Voldemort has made more than three. He's probably made at the most six, maybe seven" Dumbledore said as he shot a quick look at Harry's scar.
"He can't sir. The soul can only take so much damage to it before it is no more" Luna argued.
"I have studied this in-depth Miss Lovegood. I know what I am talking about" Dumbledore said in a superior tone.
"You've only done reading sir. My family has done real research on it" Luna shot back.
"Luna, are saying that your family actually made those foul objects?" Daphne asked shocked that one her of sister's family dabbled in such magic.
"No, but we've done much research on the soul and all soul magic. The Lovegood family has always been the experts in magical creatures and soul magic" Luna said.
The others just nodded not questioning Luna's statement.
Dumbledore however wasn't going to let this fly. He knew he had to throw out his entire hand in hopes to make some kind of headway.
"Your scar is not a normal scar Harry. It is a Horcrux and you must die before Voldemort can be defeated" he blurted out.
"You've really lost it old man. Harry can't be a Horcrux. A body can't contain two souls within itself. There is no more room and even if the second soul was dormant then it would have either been devoured or eradicated by the main soul since the second soul is just an insignificant parasite" Luna said now looking a bit angry.
Dumbledore didn't like being told about something that he knew about. He had half a mind to Obliviate the young blond.
"Don't even think about it sir" Harry said as he stood in front of Luna.
The rest of the girls moved so they'd protect Luna.
"Harry, what she speak is nonsense. I have many years of experience and I am the only one that can guide to your destiny" Dumbledore said.
"I don't think so sir, you may have experience, but you've lost track of the common people. The ones who actually put their lives on the line when it comes to the fighting. You have grown arrogant in thinking only you who knows what is best for the people. Well, it's not up to you to decide. It's up to the people and they will make the right decision." Harry said.
Dumbledore frowned as the girls around Harry smiled at him. They liked what they were seeing. Harry was growing into the leader the wizarding world needed. Not one that moves people around like pawns not caring who they are or what they'd sacrificing. Or one that would as he was told if offered enough good or other bribes. No, Harry would a caring leader and would listen to the people when they talked. And if ever he would stray the girls would be there to put him back in place.
"This is for the greater good Harry. What must be done is for the greater good," Dumbledore said.
"Not this again" Daphne groaned.
"Headmaster, there's nothing you can say that will make any of us think differently then we do now. Unlike you, I trust people and will listen to what they have to say and take it to heart. You on the other hand it's in one ear and out the other. You'll only hear them if it coincides with your plans. I have no such qualms. Luna has my utmost trust and I trust her when it comes to these Horcruts thingies" Harry said.
"Horcruxes Harry" Luna said.
"Thanks" Harry said with a smile to Luna. He then turned back to Dumbledore. "I'll not come back to your office unless it is a matter of my schooling since as headmaster that is supposed to be your number one priority. If you want to play politics or war then do it on your own time, not the school's" Harry said firmly then got up and left with his girls following him.
Dumbledore sat in his chair wondering what he was to do next. He had little to no power left to push.
/Scene Break/
Neville and Lavender had gotten to know one another and Neville was really starting to like this Lavender Brown he was seeing. He was much for the giggly, gossiping fashion fanatic that was on the surface. But the Lavender that she was showing him had all his adoration and affection.
As for Lavender, she was happy that someone liking her for who she was really was. She didn't have to put on any kind of mask with Neville. She felt comfortable with him. She saw the great wizard he could and is becoming and wanted to a part of that.
The two spent their time in the greenhouses with Lavender helping and learning more and more about Herbology. She did have a knack for it like Neville, but once she got an understanding she was very good at it.
"I like spending time with you Neville" Lavender said as the walked back up to the castle one day.
"I like spending time with you too Lav" Neville said smiling.
Lavender decided to make a move and she shifted closer to Neville. In response Neville wrapped an arm around her waist to keep her closer. Lavender smiled at this action. Sue, she was said to be an easy girl, but she nothing of the sort. She wasn't going to put out for just anyone. The rumors of her promiscuous nature was just that rumors. But with Neville she felt like she could possibly go all the way with him and not have her heart broken.
/Scene Break/
Remus walked down the street of Hogsmeade with a big black dog on a leash. He had a smirk on his face since the dog's collar was pink and had the name 'Princess' on it with fake diamonds. Poor Sirius, he had no clue at all about this since the collar was charmed to look like a regular brown collar, but when put on it was all its pink self. Soon Remus got to Three Broomsticks and headed in. He greeted Rosmerta then was led to the back where a private room was already set. He entered the room with Sirius still as a dog and there was Harry and his girls along with Amelia Bones.
"Is the coast clear?" Remus asked as soon as Rosmerta left.
"It is Moony. You can change back Snuffles" Harry said.
The black dog morphed back into Sirius Black. He had some nicer robes as well as a nice haircut go along with it. He smiled and greeted his godson.
"Hey pup," he said.
"Sirius, I'd like you to meet my ladies" Harry said then introduced each one.
Sirius kissed the hand each one as he put on his most dashing smile. None of the girls bit, but they were polite to the old dog. When he got to Amelia she moved and grabbed Sirius' hand to shake it. She wasn't in the mood for Sirius' antics.
"Okay Sirius, we called Amelia here since she's going to help you get a trial. Sorry, we couldn't get before, but we've been busy" Harry said.
"I'll bet" Sirius smirked.
Harry's cheeks went red.
"Now Sirius, it's not nice to be envious of your godson just because he sleeps with all of all" Daphne said.
Sirius' mouth gapped open.
"You didn't say you sleep with all of them," he croaked.
"Why yes he does, how else does he avoid such terrible nightmares? We uses our dream-catchers to help him," Luna said with a mischievous smile.
Harry's face went redder and the girls decided more fun should be had at their Harry's expense.
"Oh Luna, I thought we were keeping that a secret" Penny said with a smirk.
"We were, my mistake" Luna said unapologetically.
"Now girls, as much as I like seeing Lord Potter's face so red and Black gapping like a fish. We have business to attend to," Amelia said breaking the fun.
The girls groaned, but they knew it was time to get serious (no pun intended).
Remus chuckled at the entire thing. This was so much fun.
Soon they got down to business and Amelia filled them in with what was going on in the Ministry. She told them about Snape's confession and all the entailed to and how she had the chocolates that the Weasley tried to use on Harry and Hermione. She wanted to get Harry's input in how to proceed since Harry is head of an Ancient and Noble house and as such he can suggest a suitable punishment.
"Well, I do know that Ginny has a life debt to me since I saved her in her first year. Can I do something about that?" Harry asked.
"You can. You can call that debt in and make her your personal slave so she can't move against you or your ladies anymore" Amelia said.
"That'd be fun, I have just the right choker that would fit Ginny" Luna said in a chipper tone.
Amelia cocked an eyebrow while Sirius' jaw had dropped to the floor. Remus looked curious or amused by this. As for Harry and his girls, they were used to Luna and they just ignored it. They smiled at the lithe blond and that was it.
"What else is there I can do. I want to get Ron also since he planned on dousing Hermione too. I don't want him try again somehow," Harry said.
"Talk with Arthur, I am sure you can come to some arrangement with him" Remus suggested.
"Not sure about that one. Dumbledore is thick with the Weasleys and he'd want the old goat there to help him," Daphne said.
"Maybe if have it that it is between two heads of house. That might make it so Dumbledore can't stick his big, fat crooked nose in it?" Susan suggested.
"That might work" Sirius said nodding.
"Alright, that's all good, but I want Sirius' trial first. I want him to be free," Harry said firmly.
"Harry that's going to take some time since there are some powerful figures that will do anything to stop it" Amelia said.
"There has to be a way," Harry said.
Everyone thought of a way to Sirius a trial when the door burst open.
"Death Eaters are attacking!"
End of Chapter
A/N: sorry to stop it there, but I thought it was best. The next chap will have the fight in Hogsmeade as well as the aftermath. Also, I know that some of you will be confused with the letter Malfoy got from Bellatrix. It will be explained in the next chap. Thanks for reading and please review.