CHAPTER NINE: THE YULE BALL, A DEATH AND CALLING TWO MARRAIGES.
ALL CHARECTERS BELONG TO THEIR RESPECTIVE AUTHORS.
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"ANOTHER LANGUAGE": I will be using this to portray another language mainly French...Since I failed French, I'm not going to butcher it here...so enjoy.
Harry stood at a Mirror in the fourth year Gryffindor dorm room shifting his tuxedo to fit and look perfectly. Neville stood at the other mirror making sure his suit looked perfect. The groups decided being in their dorms the night of the Yule ball was the better idea before leaving afterwards with Professor McGonagoll to head to Black Island in the Caribbean.
"Are you sure about this Harry?" Ron asked from the bathroom door wearing Harrys green robes "me wearing these robes"
"Of course" Harry replied at once making Ron shut up quickly
"Since I've decided to make a statement with my clothes alongside Neville I thought I'd give you a hand in at least having new robes"
Ron nodded and took over the mirror from Neville. The green robes actually suited Ron in a weird way, Harry was happy he got Rons clothes size to change the robes for him at Macys Wizarding and mundane dress store. Harry thought back to that Friday at Macy McGonagolls and hoped that Aunt Minnie would forgive them and would be there at the ball in her new dress.
FLASHBACK:
The shop was a lot bigger on the inside than the outside showing many styles for both men and women from both worlds and a fusion of both in many sizes. Elphaba, Daphne and Fleur were amongst the womans mundane section looking at many dresses. Harry had a feeling they would find the right dresses that would suit them and show off their beauty, wealth and power.
"Would you like help with anything?" A young woman asked with a French accent appearing from the back room with an older man at her side.
"We'll ask if we need help" Daphne and Elphaba replied simultaneously before earning giggles around the group and going back to looking through the racks with help from Luna, Susan and Marie.
"Mother?" the man asked staring at Minerva McGonagoll as the students, Karkeroff and Madame Maxime shifted out of the way to give the semblance of space.
"Hello Macy" Minerva said nervously shifting under her only son's gaze "Nice shop you have here"
Macy McGonagoll stood there scrutinizing his mother for a few minuites looking like he was deciding either to throw her out or invite her in and hug her...the need for closure of whatever hurts had happened won out and Macy McGonagoll closed the gap between him and his mother and hugged her. Harry and Elphaba smiled at each other knowingly before going back to what they were looking for.
Over the next three hours both Macy and His wife Cecille found both Harry and Nevilles Tuxedos a dress for Madame Maxine (Surprisingly) and a stunning baby blue backless Prom Dress for Fleur. Macy had also fixed Harrys green dress robes to fit Ron's mesurements with a flick of his wand.
Harry turned to around as he fitted the robes back into his bag as Cecille Daphne and Elphaba re-appeared from the changing rooms their dresses covered by the clothed hangers.
"I hope it goes well Mademoiselles" Cecille said in her accented English as the bills were totted up and paid for.
"I'll send an owl mother" Macy said giving the now happier Minerva another hug before seeing the group leave the shop.
Minerva pulled Harry aside as the group re-appeared in Hogsmede, Daphne and the others pulled themselves aside as Cedric Padma and Pavarti said goodbye and vanished up the stairs. Madame Maxine pulled Fleur and Marie aside for a moment and took them back out to the Beauxbatons coach. Karkeroff did the same with Victor and William and headed back to the Durmstrang ship.
"I want to thank you for today Harry" She said quietly "There were issues between myself and my son for many years that were started to be sorted out today thanks to you"
"Er...You're welcome Aunt Minnie" Harry replied after a moment and got a hug in response.
Minerva smiled as she let harry go and left the students in the entrance hall. Harry became thoughtful as he and his friends slid into a side room, called the house elves and apparated away.
END FLASHBACK
"Ready to go Harry?" Neville asked with a smile placing a hand on his shoulder
"Yeah...sure" Harry replied and they left for the entrance hall collecting Lee Jordan on the way.
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Lee Jordan paced nervously as he waited with Neville and Harry in the Entrance Hall. Fleur stood off to one side with Victor, Cedric, Padma, Susan and Rodger Davis. Rodger looked a bit out of place but at first glance seamed settled within the group.
"Stop pacing Lee you're making me nervous" Neville stated shifting himself as Couples from all three schools walked past them into the great hall.
Ron and Hermione walked past with Hermione looking rather phenomenal in her periwinkle robes and sleek hair. Ron looked a lot better in new robes and it seemed to give him the confidence he needed too.
"Wow look at them" Neville breathed staring at the stairs.
Harry and Lee turned to the stairs and watched as Daphne, Luna and Elphaba approached them, each wearing prom dresses each suited to. Whilst Susan wore Yellow with a fitted corset Luna wore an aquamarine dress with a sweetheart neckline corset, Elphaba wore a backless slinked dress with a halter neck with fell to the floor. Daphne in Harrys mind was the most stunning she wore emerald green dress similar to Elphabas but without a halter neck, Daphne had a sweetheart neckline.
Lee Jordan swallowed summoning up his Gryffindor courage and walked to Elphaba. Elphaba smiled took Lees arm waved at Harry and Neville and waltzed into the Great Hall. Neville too shook himself and lead Luna into the great hall after flourishing a white rose and gave it to her.
Harry walked slowly to Daphnes side wide eyed and speechless; he too flourished a white rose and gave a warm smile.
"You look phenomenal Daphne" Harry began after a moment of summoning up his courage. As Daphne leant forwards and kissed his cheek
"Just wait until tomorrow at our wedding" Daphne purred into his ear before drawing back and giggling at Harrys blushing face.
"Mr Potter" Professor McGonagoll called bringing all the Champions together after the last few straggling students entered the Great Hall. Harry felt a small burst of Gryffindor pride at his head of house for she wore the dress bought at Macys.
"If you line up pair by pair I'll give the signal then you may enter" she informed the group before standing by the doors.
It was Decided Fleur and Rodger would go first followed by Cedric and Padma then by Victor and Susan, Harry and Daphne would go last. Within two minuites of lining up Minerva gestured the eight of them forwards to the sound of joyous music starting to play. The students around them cheered as the Champions and their dates walked to the dance floor and took their positions. When the waltz started up Harry and Daphne waltzed perfectly, at the right moment everyone switched partners Harry thanked whoever was listening that Rodger accepted it when they suggested that to him at the last minuites. As Lee, Elphaba, Neville and Luna joined the dancing they changed again until everyone was back with their original partners. Students and teachers fell in time with each other and as the music drew to a close everyone clapped and cheered for each other.
~ Three hour time skip~
It was nearing Eleven o'clock as the ball was beginning to wind down. The Wizarding band the Weird sisters began playing their final three pieces for the night as Harry and Daphne began rounding up the other champions and their friends. As far as they could tell the ball had been a tremendous success with all three schools mixing well...apart from Ron...despite having a date with Hermione, dancing one or two songs as well as eating amazing food. Ron mainly sat off to one side pouting as he watched Harry dance with Daphne and the other girls of the cabal with a jealous look in his eyes. Harry even managed a dance with Hermione after pulling her aside with Elphaba and apologising for the other week. Hermione apologised too before accepting a dance from Victor and Cedric then going back to find Ron. Harry had sighed loudly when he witnessed the Shouting match in the entrance hall not ten minuites previously. He sat with Hermione long enough to stop her crying and sent off to bed.
As Fleur entered the side room where the Tournement mess started with Minerva McGonagoll Harry called Dobby and the other house elves. He looked to the others with a smile before looking to Daphne.
"Ready to change the world?" He asked with a raised eyebrow
"Definitely" Daphne replied grinning as the group were apparated out of Hogwarts and to the Apartment to hopefully pick up four more people
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~12:30pm That Day~
Sirius Black walked though the Ministry of Magic under disguise as Nigel Grim. Whilst his Godson and his young betrothed were busy getting said godson and the other champions through the Tournement with the aid of their friends and occasional help from him. What Sirius was mainly focusing on was getting freed through the legal system getting help from both Susan Bones and Fleur Delacour. Susan's aunt was Amelia bones head of the Auror department and Fleurs father was Jean-Paul Delacour Head lawyer in the French Ministry of Magic. The four of them discussed several legal ways to get Sirius in to the Ministry of Magic unharmed and into Amelia's custody without Fudges blundering interference and Dumbledore sticking his long crooked nose in where it wasn't needed or belonged. The best plan of action they thought up was to bring Sirius in under disguise as another person accompanied by Jean-Paul. They had decided to use the excuse of 'Nigel Grim' having information of Sirius Black and needed to speak with Amelia Bones immediately and since he was French Jean-Paul was here to translate.
The plan worked perfectly as the two men walked through security within a blink of an eye and were in the lifts being taken to the Auror Department on Floor 3. The lift was empty
"This is too easy" Sirius said in French "I'm getting Nervous"
"I'm not surprised it's easy" Jean-Paul replied facing Sirius "The English Ministry has been lax for a very long time"
The two men reached floor three without stopping at other floors. They stepped out and for the briefest moment Sirius had a flicker of nostalgia as he looked over the Auror floor. Aurors of the skeletal crew at their respective desks working over reports or sharing news of what was happening in the world and giving opinions like there was no tomorrow. Jean-Paul stopped a dark skinned man Sirius was sure was Kingsley Shacklebolt.
"Excuse me could you point me to Madame Bones' office please?" Jean-Paul asked in near perfectly accent free English
"Of course it's the third office on the left" Kingsley replied pointing to the right door
"Ok thank you sir" Jean-Paul replied gratefully. Kingsley nodded and nodded to Sirius
Sirius had a sinking feeling Kingsley knew who he was as he turned away and went to his station. The two men walked to Amelia's office and knocked on her door.
"Enter" Amelia barked out instead of calling out. Jean-Paul opened the door and let Sirius in before closing it behind himself.
"About time you got here" Amelia said shooting a locking spell and intruder spell at the door as well as sending a revealing spell to check for recording spells. When it revealed nothing Amelia was satisfied "You may sit down gentlemen, and you can drop the disguise Sirius"
Both men sat down as Sirius revealed him-self.
"I have the questions we agreed upon as well as Veritaserum, Its antidote and a dicta quill" Amelia began sliding a copy of the questions over to Sirius and Jean-Paul to double-check.
"Everything is in Order Amy" Sirius replied before holding out his hands "Should we cuff me before the questioning or after?"
"Before" Amelia replied thinking it over "Best option as we can state the way we got you in as the safest option to not cause panic"
Sirius nodded and accepted the magical suppression cuffs. He took the Veritaserum and went wide eyed and slack in his chair
"Are you Sirius Orion Black?" Amelia asked
"Yes" Sirius replied
"When were you born?"
"1961"Sirius replied
Amelia double checked the awncers and nodded to Jean-Paul and activated the Dicta quill.
"This is Jean-Paul Delacour Head lawyer of the French ministry of magic" Jean-Paul began causing the Dicta Quill to come alive. "I have in the room Amelia Bones Head of the English Auror forces and Law department in the English Ministry of Magic, and Supposed Criminal Sirius Black, in custody, Veritaserum has been administered and the test questions awncered truthfully"
Amelia nodded to Jean-Paul when he looked at her revealing the quill was doing its job so Jean-Paul continued
"Sirius Black, Where were you on the night of October 31st 1981?" Jean-Paul asked
"I was in my Apartment for the most of the night until I went looking for a friend Peter Pettigrew" Sirius replied in monotone
"And why did you go looking for him?" came the next question
"Because I had a strange feeling my friends were in danger so I went to check on them"
"Were you aware of the Potters being under a Fidelius Charm?"
"Yes"
"Where you the Secret Keeper as many people assume?" Amelia jumped in
"No" Sirius replied
"Then who was the Secret Keeper?" Amelia asked with a slight frown
"Peter Pettigrew, I was too obvious a person to be so, Peter was a lot less so"
"What happened after Voldemort attacked the potters?" Jean-Paul continued
"I realised Pettigrew was the spy we feared instead of our friend Remus Lupin" Sirius replied "So I went after him instead of looking after my Godson"
"What Happened then?" Amelia asked
"I cornered Pettigrew in a crowded street and he began shouting babble about how I was a traitor to the Potters then shot a spell at the gas lines just behind him...He disappeared into the sewers in is Animagus form"
"What is Mr Pettigrew's Animagus form?" Jean-Paul asked intrigued
"A rat"
"How did Mr Pettigrew become a rat Animagus?"
"We Learned it together Myself, Pettigrew and Lord James Potter"
"When did this happen?" Amelia jumped in
"Through years 3-5 at Hogwarts"
"For what Reason?"
"To support our friend Remus Lupin as he changed during the full moon"
"What happened after Pettigrew blew up half the street?"
"I was caught by Aurors and charged on the street with assisted murder of the Potters and murder of Pettigrew"
"Were you given a trial under the old regime?" Amelia asked curiously
"Never"
"What do you remember after the aurors 'catching you?" Jean-Paul jumped in taking control again
"Waking up in Azkerban two months later"
"How did you escape Azkerban July 18th 1993?" Jean-Paul asked with a tilt of his head
"By changing into my Animagus form a grim"
"Why did you escape?"
"To go after Pettigrew since I saw him on the newspaper given to me By the Minister, I wanted to do what I was actually imprisoned for"
"What happened on the night of May 14th 1993 at Hogwarts?"
"I attempted to kill Peter Pettigrew in the shrieking shack on the Hogwarts grounds both Professor Severus Snape and Remus Lupin witnessed parts of the conversation but was knocked out when he pushed the wrong buttons of my godson Harry Potter. Harry stopped me Killing Pettigrew stating it was better to hand the traitor over to the authorities...Unfortunately Remus changed due to the full moon which caused the traitor Pettigrew to escape"
"How did you escape from Hogwarts?"
"On the back of a Hippogriff called Buckbeak due to the help of Harry Potter and Hermione Granger on the orders of Headmaster Albus Dumbledore"
Amelia had a sudden thought
"Who Cast the Fidelius charm?" She blurted out before she could stop herself
"Albus Dumbledore"
"Did you ever work for or ever support Lord Voldemort?"
"Never" Sirius spat even being under Veritaserum they could tell the anger in Sirius' voice at the mere thought of it.
"Madame Bones will administer the Veritaserum antidote; this is the end of the initial Questioning of suspected Criminal Sirius Black on December 24th 1994"
Sirius raised his hands to rub his face as Amelia cast a drying and copying spells over the parchment with all the questions and awncers.
"What Happens now?" Sirius asked gaining his mental faculty back almost instantly
"We call the Jury tonight and get you free" Amelia awncered writing down a note for Kingsley Shacklebolt and another for every member she needed for the Jury
"Now" she continued sending the notes off to be owled out quickly "Tell me about this Lord Black nonsense and this modified marriage contract you have with Heiress Hardbroom"
"Of course Amy" Sirius replied with a grin and launched into his tale.
It took an hour to get the Trial Jury together since it was Christmas Eve, and the majority of the jury they needed hated being disturbed at this time.
"Why have you called this Jury together Madame Bones?" Albus Dumbledore asked sounding slightly annoyed to be called away from Hogwarts and the Tournement.
"I wish to address a mistake that happened Thirteen years ago" Amelia replied loudly and clearly "A Mistake that was made by this court and the previous administration"
"And what is this Mistake?" Fudge asked jumping in to seam important
"The supposed trial and wrongful incarceration of Lord Sirius Black" Amelia announced in reply "Mr Black was brought in by Monsieur Jean-Paul Delacour of the French Ministry earlier today to settle this farce, I have placed before you the questions agreed upon and were asked by myself and Mr Delacour, If you wish I will bring the prisoner forwards for a second round of Veritaserum to confirm the questions and awncers"
"Of course Madame Bones" Albus replied looking shaken "Bring him forwards"
"Bring the Prisoner" Amelia called out to the door as Kinglsey Shacklebolt and Nymphadora Tonks pulled Sirius forwards and set him in the chair. Albus half expected the chair to bind him to it, but it didn't
"Let us start then" Albus announced giving into the inevitable "Guards Administer the Veritaserum"
Amelia and Jean-Paul looked at each other and began the questions again.
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Four hours later the Wizgenmort July pronounced Sirius Black free and to be known as Lord Sirius Black, He was to be compensated G1500 for every year he was jailed wrongfully minus the G800, 000 for being an illegal Animagus. Sirius didn't care He was free; he was to marry a girl twenty years his junior to continue his house and hers. He would be able to be there for his Godson when he was needed. Now was the time to plan the next two weeks and get out of here. Sirius groaned as Albus approached him after the trial
"Sirius may I have a word?" He asked a grim yet determined look on his face.
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~11pm the apartment~
In the six hours since his four hour trial at the wizgenmort and Albus too many names Dumbledore attempt to interfere and his grateful rescue in the form of Amelia, Jean-Paul and Lady Augusta Longbottom. Sirius had sent Dobby with Kreacher to the manor on Black island in the Caribbean to set up for Harry and Daphne's wedding the next day and invited Amelia, the Delacours and Lady Longbottom out for dinner. He ended up extended the wedding invites to Jean-Paul and Madame Delacour as well as their second daughter Gabrielle knowing Fleur would be there anyway. Amelia held an invite sent by Harry as did Lady Augusta. The luggage had been packed and sent to the island along with Winky, Olive and Maeve as well as Lady Augusta, Madame Delacour and Gabrielle.
Amelia and Jean-Paul sat talking amongst themselves with cups of herbal tea in their hands, Dobby and Kreacher popped back in stating everything was ready for the wedding tomorrow and the wedding on New Year's Day as well as the six days in between for everyone to have a nice holiday. Sirius was tapping his foot nervously his patience beginning to wear thin as he noticed a small barn owl flying through the sky to the apartment. He jumped to his feat and opened the window to the living room. The owl landed on the table and stuck its foot out to Sirius; he removed the small roll of parchment before letting it fly off again.
"Who's the note form Sirius?" Amelia asked hearing the noise of Harry and his friends in the hallway outside the apartment, Sirius opened the letter and his eyes widened as the front door opened
'Sirius,
Bring my daughter to St Thomas' Her Grandfather, My Father Ebenezer is dying and close to Death.
Come quickly,
Constance'
Sirius looked up from the note he held in his hands to the arriving kids coming through the front door and sought out Elphaba.
"Elphie...It's from your mother" He choked out as she looked from him to the note and back "It's about your Grandfather...he's dying"
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Elphaba ran through the hallways of St Thomas' with Harry, Sirius and Luna at her heals. They were still in their Ball clothes, several of the nurses and doctors who passed them smiled at the well dressed kids. Elphaba ran up the last set of stairs two at a time. It had been agreed the four of them would go to St Thomas' as the others went to Black Island; it would give Daphne time to relax for her big day as a bride plus not swamp the hospital with unnecessary people.
"Elphie slow down" Harry called out catching up to her at the doors to the corridor of the ward her grandfather was in
"Slow down...YOU WANT ME TO SLOW DOWN MY GRANDFATHER IS DYING IN THERE" she shrieked tears threatening to fall
"Elphie...Sweetie" Sirius began slightly out of breath as he caught up to them and gently touching her face with both hands "Be calm, take a deep breath"
It took Elphaba a few deep breaths to calm down enough to speak quietly for the hospital environment since several people in the ward were already sleeping. The four of them walked down the corridor to a small private room at the back, Elphaba stopped at the door when she saw her mother sitting at her grandfathers bedside looking like she always did. Long black hair scraped in a tight bun and dressed all in black, Constance Hardbroom was never known for frivolous dress. Gaby stood behind Constance as support, Ebenezer lay in the bed wheezing loudly as the doctor tending to him looked grave as he did so.
"We will do this Elphaba Celeste Hardbroom" Harry said as he grasped one hand and Luna grasped her shoulder.
"Together" Sirius said grasping her other hand and the three of them squeezed in support. Elphaba took a deep breath and opened the door as they let go.
Constance, Gaby and the doctor looked up as they entered the room
"Elphaba" Ebenezer wheezed weakly recognising his only grandchild and trying to raise his hand out to her.
"Grandfather" Elphaba said taking the space where the doctor once was and grasping his hand
"How is he?" Sirius asked quietly taking the doctor to one side
"Not good I'm afraid sir" The doctor replied recognising Sirius from many previous visits. "He no longer responding to any treatment, He's been holding on for a good few hours though but it's like his body just gave up, He's close to death, there's nothing we can do for him now"
Sirius felt his heart drop to the pit of his stomach for his betrothal and her mother. Despite never getting fully along with Constance Hardbroom He fully respected her as a well known potions mistress and loyal woman to her daughter.
"Elphie" Ebenezer wheezed grasping her hand as tight as he could "Your mother and I have agreed that you are to be given the Baronship title in my will"
"Really?" Elphaba asked in surprise looking between her mother and grandfather
"I have no use for the title" Constance admitted croakily "I'm of much more use teaching students at cackles"
"I know the moment you hit Seventeen you will be an excellent Woman of the world and a good Baroness" Ebenezer
Harry and Luna stood quietly by Elphaba as the doctor checked her grandfathers' vitals one more time. At 01:00am on the 25th of December 1994. Baron Ebenezer Hardbroom died holding the hands of his Daughter and Grand-daughter.
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Everyone was sat down in the Living room of Sirius' Beach house as Harry and the others arrived by House Elf. Gaby weaved slightly before slumping into an armchair
"Warn me next time" She murmured grumpily as Lady Longbottom passed her a calming potion.
Constance found the nearest window and looked out of it fighting to keep her already cracked composure from cracking further. Elphaba slumped into another armchair as her friends stood there unsure of what to do. Victor sat on the white poof opposite her and just watched calmly offering silent support as he was prone to do with everyone. Harry sat next to Victor and held his pseudo sisters hands willing love and support over the Psychic bond they'd had since children.
"I thought he was going to make it" Elphaba said quietly after a few minuites of Sirius filling everyone else in on what happened
"So did I" Constance said from the window, her resolve to stay strong for a little bit longer returning she turned back to face the room. "I had hoped he would be there on New Year's Day to at least witness the marriage bond"
Elphaba nodded and began crying tears falling down her cheeks quickly.
"Oh Elphie" Susan said taking out a tissue and handing it to her as she sat on the arm of the armchair to give support.
"Where's Daph?" Harry asked Fleur quietly as Susan gave Elphaba a much needed Hug
"In her room with my mother and sister" Fleur replied just as quietly "you can't see her until tomorrow"
Harry nodded and turned his attention back to Elphaba.
Sirius came over and knelt beside Elphabas chair
"We don't have to do the wedding on New Years, Elphie" He informed her "We can wait until after his funeral if you wish"
Elphaba couldn't speak Harry felt a rush of many emotions flash over the psychic bond she had with him which finally settled on fear. An Idea suddenly came to Harry one he thought would make Elphaba a little bit happier.
"What if we do both Marriages today?" Harry asked Elphaba with Honest conviction as the others looked at him as if he ate a baby.
Elphaba despite being teary began smiling and wiped away her tears as she looked at Sirius and Constance.
"That's the best Idea I've heard all day" Sirius added grinning at the now smiling Elphaba. Constance sat next to her daughter and brushed a strand of hair out of the way before giving her a hug, every one instantly recognised a mental communication had happened between Mother and Daughter and knew at once they would be celebrating two marriages as well as a funeral within a week of each other.
AUTHORS NOTE:
OMG THANK YOU FOR ALL OF THOSE WHO HAVE FAVOURATED (not a real word I know) THIS STORY...YOU SERIOUSLY DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH IT ACTUALLY MEANS TO ME.
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THANK YOU ALL FOR READING CHAPTER NINE OF THE HOGWARTS CABAL.
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CHAPTER TEN UP SOON.
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CONSTRUCTIVE REVIEWS WELOME ALL FLAMERS WILL BE SENT TO FRANK IN HELL.
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ALL READERS AND REVIEWERS KEEP DOING WHAT YOU DOING.
I LOVE YOU.
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Since this story HAS NO BETA it will have spelling mistakes and Grammar errors the spell-check or I will miss so bare with me.
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THANK YOU ALL I'M OFF TO RULE A KINGDOM.
