The Founders' Intervention
By: Sheltie
I still don't own Harry Potter at all
Chapter 7
Amelia Bones sat back waiting for Harry Potter to arrive. She wasn't surprised that he answered her letter, but was surprised at the location he chose for the meeting. It was in a private room of a muggle restaurant. She looked around to survey the room. It was nicely done and very posh. The door opened and in came Harry Potter along with three others. She knew two of them. One was Augusta's grandson and the other was Adrian's eldest daughter. The other she had no idea who she was.
"Madam Bones" Harry greeted.
"Lord Potter" Amelia said getting up.
They shook hands.
"These are my friends Neville Longbottom, Daphne Greengrass, and my betrothed Hermione Granger" Harry said gesturing to each of his friends.
Amelia shook each of their hands though she was curious why Lord Potter was friends with a Greengrass.
When they were all seated and ordered their drinks they then got down to business.
"Lord Potter, do you know why I asked to see you?" Amelia asked.
"I do madam Bones and please call me Harry" Harry said.
Amelia nodded.
Thus began a long talk as to what happened during Harry's first year. His friends chipped in with their point of view when needed and Amelia had a huge stack of notes when she was finished. They took a break and had their meal and chatted about lighter topics.
"Harry, I was wondering if you'd be willing to letting my niece Susan into your group?" Amelia asked.
Harry wasn't sure of this move and looked for his friends for help. He got shrugs in reply. He needed to talk to the founders.
"We aren't opposed to it madam Bones" he said.
Amelia took that as a good sign and nodded. She had a feeling that in front of her was the future of the wizarding world and she wanted her niece Susan to be a part of it. Plus she wanted her niece to have some protection too.
"I'll let you think about it since I sprung it on you" she said.
"Thank you" Harry said.
Soon the talk went to how Daphne joined the group and how the Potters and Greengrasses became allies. Amelia thought that it was an odd move, but she could see the benefits of it. Harry now had a line into the darker families and that meant he had some sway over them. Most light families stayed away from the dark families and thus most political battles ended in a stall mate. But with the this new wrinkle the session in the Wizengamot should be interesting.
Their talk then turned to what has been going this summer with lessons with Nicholas Flamel, which Amelia marveled at since it wasn't everyday that the renown alchemist would provide lessons to anyone. The talk then veered to the discussion Harry had with Dumbledore a few days ago.
In this one Harry told Amelia that he and the Weasley family had come to an accommodation of some kind. This relieved Amelia since she wanted to concentrate most of her resources on nailing Dumbledore and Snape. Harry told her about the conversation and that Snape was the Death Eater that point the dark lord at his parents. He also speculated that the greasy potion master pointed the dark lord at the Longbottoms too. Also Harry revealed that there was a prophecy about him and that he needed to get it. Amelia assured him that she would assist in any way possible.
Their talk went about how Dumbledore didn't pounce on certain information that he might've gotten from Snape because he didn't want to endanger his spy. Amelia was enraged since they lost a lot of good people in the war and it was most likely that old coot's fault. She then promised Harry that she would do all she could to bring Dumbledore to justice. Daphne offered that if you couldn't charge him then ruining his reputation would be just as damaging. Amelia liked how the girl thought and agreed.
After the meal they got back to business and ended up with Amelia allying herself with Harry.
/Scene Break/
Amelia went back to the Ministry feeling like she helped shift magical Britain forward. She could tell by just her first meeting with Harry and his friends that they were the bright future she had hoped for. Once in her office she began working on the case against Dumbledore and Snape. She knew these two would be very slippery. Dumbledore could weasel out of practically anything and he'd always drag his precious potion master with him. The problem was that the Ministry had ears everywhere and she had to be careful not to let certain information leak out. She wanted to be the one to control the leak at just the right time. This was going to take some planning and that meant she'd have to sound out her aurors to find out which ones she could trust.
/Scene Break/
At the Weasley home the meeting they had a few days ago was still fresh in their minds.
Bill and Charlie were by the creek near the Burrow. Both were in deep thought. Both were glad that their jobs were safe since that was their livelihood. Bill was more happy since he was a curse-breaker for Gringotts and if he was found to be part of a conspiracy then he'd be booted out faster than you could say goblin. Bill also knew that meant Harry had the ear of the head goblin to make sure he wasn't canned. Charlie didn't really have that problem since his job as a dragon handler was out of Britain, but he knew news travels fast and when it hit Romania then his fellow handlers would look at him different and make life hard for him.
"Charlie, what do you think of this Harry Potter?" Bill asked breaking the silence.
"Not sure Bill, but the twins think Harry Potter is the greatest ever" Charlie said.
"Yeah, but it doesn't seem our other brothers care for him as much" Bill pointed out.
"Well according to the twins, Harry had a bit of a hand in Percy losing his girlfriend. So I can see where that would make him not a fan of Harry's. As for Ron, I have no idea what his problem is?" Charlie said.
Bill nodded.
"Yeah, I haven't a clue about Ron either" he said.
"Say Bill, you think we should send a letter to Harry thanking for what he's done?" Charlie asked.
"Not a bad idea bro, I didn't have any idea you were this smart" Bill said smirking.
"Oy, shut it" Charlie said punching his brother in the shoulder.
Bill shoved Charlie into the creek. This then ended up with the two play wrestling in the water.
/Scene Break/
Meanwhile back inside the Burrow Arthur was sitting at the table drinking his tea and looking over the job proposal that Adrian had given him. The pay was better than at the Ministry and he'd be given a chance to actually learn more about what he was interested in. Muggles. His job would be investigate muggle items and see if they could turned and used in the magical world.
The plan was to expand the product line in the magical world by converting muggle items into magical ones. Arthur was very interested in this, but was still leery of it since the Greengrass family wasn't a light family. But he knew he could push that aside since Harry seemed to trust them and just from one talk with the lad he could tell that Harry was a boy had good senses.
"Arthur, what are you reading?"
Arthur looked up and saw it was his wife.
"Just looking over the job proposal Adrian Greengrass gave me" he said.
"You're not seriously thinking of taking the job are you? They are a dark family and can't be trusted" Molly said firmly.
"Molly that's the kind of bias thinking that has the magical world divided" Arthur said.
"But it is true!" Molly shouted.
"How do you know Molly, have you even met a Greengrass?" Arthur asked.
"Yes, Daphne Greengrass" Molly said.
"And did she set off alarms in your head warning you to be alert?" Arthur asked.
"Well no, but she still can't be trusted. I can't believe poor Harry is friends with her. He should be friends with our Ron. He is a better example than that Greengrass girl" Molly said.
Arthur sighed. His wife, as much as he loved her was very opinionated and quite bossy.
"Molly, Harry has made his choices of friends and there isn't way of changing it" he said.
"But if he spend time here with Ron then he'd see that Ron is a much better friend" Molly argued.
"I think our son blew it by calling Harry a dark lord" Arthur said.
"He was just venting Arthur. He doesn't mean it" Molly said.
Arthur sighed again. Molly was just making excuse for their son's behavior. He had listen to what the twins had told them and he wasn't very happy with his youngest son. Attacking a head of an Ancient and Noble family was very serious. Thank Merlin, Harry didn't press any charges or they'd be in worse trouble.
/Scene Break/
Hermione was enjoying her summer now that she was with her betrothed, Harry. Her parents had accepted that she was going to marry Harry and nothing they could do could stop her. In return they got protected by not only goblin made wards, but by the house Potter. Harry had put them under the protection of house Potter, which meant they were practically untouchable.
"What's got you smiling so brightly today?" Harry asked.
Hermione turned to Harry. They were in the Flamel library working on a Runes project that Nick had set for them to do.
"Oh, I was just thinking that getting that letter was the best thing to ever happened to me" she said.
"Really?" Harry asked.
"Yes, it led me to you" Hermione said and she pecked Harry on the cheek.
The two agreed on to keep their relationship as just friends for now until they were older than they'd become boyfriend and girlfriend. They wanted to go through the normal progression and not have to think about the marriage contract for a while.
/Scene Break/
Dumbledore was totally flummoxed on what to do. He had nothing to play. His mind was trying to come up with a plan, but he couldn't think of one. He needed something to move attention off him. That's when he got a brilliant idea. The DADA position needed filling and there was only one name that could divert attention off him. Gilderoy Lockhart. The man craved attention, which was good for Dumbledore since he needed time plan and he couldn't do it while he was hounded.
/Scene Break/
Snape plotted, He was going to kill the Potter brat, and if not kill then maim was a second best. But when to do it was the key. He needed to be subtle about it since the boy seemed to have a bit of power. But the greasy professor scoffed at that. A Potter is a Potter. Arrogant and cocky. It will be easy to dispatch the boy.
/Scene Break/
Meanwhile a letter came to a man and he flashed an overly big grin.
"My time to shine has come" he said.
/Scene Break/
Harry and Neville's birthdays were decided to celebrated together since they were only a day apart. This meant a huge party. Hermione seemed to have taken over all the planning and was running the twins and Daphne ragged with demands.
"Do we have enough balloons?"
"Are there enough streamers in that spot?"
"Do we have enough drinks for everyone?"
"Is the table for the presents set up properly?"
Yes, she was driving them all crazy. But the end result would be spectacular. It was decided that the party would be held at Potter manor, Harry's home. It took sometime to get it cleaned up, but the house elves took care of that with Hermione directing them.
Susan Bones was invited to the party for the group to get to know the Hufflepuff girl. Neville knew her a bit, but not enough to give the group a good description. Harry had a long chat with the founders about adding Susan to the ranks and they agreed that she'd be a great asset. But they wouldn't introduce her to the founders til school starts. Right now they'd get her adjusted to the group dynamic.
/Scene Break/
Susan Bones was very surprised when she got an invitation to Harry Potter and Neville Longbottom's joint birthday party. She knew her aunt had told her about the meet she had with Harry, but she didn't expect anything to come of it, especially this. She was trembling with excitement at reading the invite. Now she had to figure out what to wear.
/Scene Break/
When the Hufflepuff arrived at Potter manor she was greeted by Harry himself.
"Hi Susan, welcome to Potter manor" Harry greeted.
"Thank you for inviting me Lord Potter" Susan said curtseying.
"Please Susan, call me Harry" Harry said smiling.
Susan nodded. She was escorted by one of the Weasley twins. She had no idea which one since they both looked alike. The party was in the ballroom and she was amazed at how grand it was. Bones manor was pretty opulent, but it paled in comparison to Potter's.
"Hello Susan, how are you?" Hermione asked in greeting.
"I'm good, thank you for inviting me" Susan said.
She knew from her aunt that Hermione was betrothed to Harry and that meant Harry was off the market. Not that she really stood a chance against Hermione really. She and Harry were practically joined at the hip. She was introduced to Neville and Daphne and she found both of them very nice. She didn't buy into the whole Slytherin is evil hole that most Hogwarts students fall into. That didn't mean she'd trust them with her life, but she knew not all Slytherins are evil.
The party was going well with the guest list including most of the Ravenclaw house that Harry got along with. There were a few other Hufflepuffs and a couple Gryffindors in the mix as well. The twins talked Hermione into inviting the three Gryffindor Chasers to the party. The Hufflepuffs were made of Cedric Diggory and a couple others along with Susan. Ravenclaw was also represented with Cho Chang, Marietta Edgecombe, Su Li, Penelope Clearwater, and a few others. Neville's grandmother was also there.
"The party is going great" Daphne said.
"Yeah, Hermione can do a great party" Neville said.
"Fred, George, what are you doing?" Hermione asked as she ran over to the twins making sure they weren't causing mischief.
"Ah come on, Hermione. Lighten up" Fred said.
"Yeah, Fred and I were just giving out a few party favors" George said with an innocent smile.
Hermione eyed the twins sternly.
"Merlin, she has McGonagall's stare down pat already" Fred said.
"She isn't even in Gryffindor, how can she be able to do that?" Katie Bell asked.
"Don't know, but I am scared" Fred said.
George agreed with his twin.
Harry mingled with all the guests and had fun chatting with everyone. In his mind he was thinking about the connection he could get with them. He had been spending too much time with Salazar and Daphne. He chatted with Penny who was going to be a sixth year this coming year and was hoping to be Head Girl in her final year. Harry talked about maybe getting her a job when she was out of school. Penny looked intrigued and wished Harry were her age and not betrothed.
Augusta was so very happy that Neville had so many friends and was happy too that her grandson was turning into one fine wizard. She feared the boy wouldn't live up to his father. But now she could see that she was wrong and was very proud of him.
Everyone was really having a good time and when it was time for the cake to be had. A huge cake came out that had both Harry and Neville's names on it.
"Make a wish" everyone said.
Harry and Neville looked at one another. Neither had ever seen a cake so big in their entire lives.
"So Nev, what should we wish for?" Harry asked in a whispered tone.
"No idea Harry" Neville whispered back.
"How about a normal year?" Harry suggested.
"I'll go with that" Neville said.
"On the count of three" Harry said.
Neville nodded.
At three the two boys blew out all of the candles and everyone cheered. Soon the cake was cut and everyone had a piece. Presents followed after and Harry and Neville got a lot of great things. Once the party was over Harry and Neville said goodbye to all of their guests. Once the last guest left the two boys collapsed onto the sofa utterly tired.
"Merlin, I never thought a birthday party was so tiresome" Harry said.
"Yeah, I feel like I can sleep right here" Neville said sleepily.
"Come on you two, the founders have a small party set up for you two" Daphne said.
The two boys groaned since that meant they had to get up. They took a portkey to the founders' chamber and had a nice intimate party with the founders.
Neville got some amazing Herbology books from Helga and plants from the other founders. Harry got books about magical combat. After the party ended Harry was quite tired.
"Have a nice birthday Harry?" Rowena asked.
"I sure did Rowena" Harry said with a tired smile.
/Scene Break/
Soon Harry, Hermione, Neville, Daphne, and the twins got their supplies lists for the new school year. They were all in the founders' chamber looking over what they needed.
"Who's Gilderoy Lockhart?" Harry asked.
"Oh, that fraud" Rowena said.
"Fraud?" Hermione questioned.
"Yes, a fraud. The man cares more about his image then taking down a werewolf or mummy. He's just wants the publicity" Rowena said.
"Yes, not to mention that his stories are more fiction than fact" Godric said.
Hermione was shocked, but knew if the founders thought Lockhart was a fraud then it must be true.
"Well we have to get all of his books" Harry said handing over his book list to Rowena.
Rowena looked over the list and was outraged.
"That old man, what does he think he's doing?" the founder of Ravenclaw house hissed.
"What is it?" Helga asked.
Neville handed over his list to Helga and she was upset too.
"These books are too expansive for schoolchildren. There's no way that every student can afford all of these books" Helga said.
"So why did he do it?" Hermione asked.
"The old man doesn't care" Rowena said.
The twins were glad they had money to buy their books thanks to Harry. They also found out that their older brothers sent a letter to Harry thanking him for what he had done and they were in his debt.
/Scene Break/
Harry and his friends made their way to Diagon Alley to buy their books and supplies. They decided to get their supplies first leaving their books last since they knew Hermione would want to spend the whole day there and the rest didn't want that. Hermione pouted about this.
"Oh great" Harry groaned.
On the window of Flourish & Blotts was a sign.
Today
Gilderoy Lockhart signs copies of his newest book 'Magical Me'
"Do we have to see the ponce?" Harry asked.
"Yes we do Harry" Hermione said.
Harry grumbled.
"Come on, lets get our things first then we can come back" Daphne said.
Harry grumbled a bit more then followed his friends.
Their first stop was Gringotts to get some money. The twins visited their new vault and Harry got money for his and Hermione's supplies. Hermione balked at this, but in the end accepted it. Soon they went out shopping. They not only had their school list, but what the founders thought they should have for the upcoming school year. So the list was a bit long. It took them awhile for them to get all they needed and a few things that caught their eye. Soon it was time to go to Flourish and Blotts. Harry groaned and grumbled all the way there.
"Oh Harry, quit griping" Hermione said.
"But Hermione, you heard what Rowena said. The man is a fraud" Harry said.
"I know Harry, but all we have to do is get our books and then leave, that's all" Hermione said.
"That sounds simple" Neville said.
"That's because it is" Hermione said.
Harry had a feeling that nothing will be simple when he was involved.
The bookstore was jammed packed with many witches and wizards hanging around outside waiting to be let in. Harry and his friends pushed in and they grabbed their books. Harry kept his head low hoping no one, but his friends would notice him. But sadly that didn't happen. A photographer shoved Hermione out of the way to get a picture of the grinning fraud. Harry was quite angry at the man ho pushed his betrothed.
"What do you think you were doing?" Harry hissed as he yanked the photographer's arm.
"Back off kid" the photographer sneered.
"This kid so happens to be Lord Potter and you just pushed my betrothed" Harry growled.
This made the photographer pale slightly.
"Apologize, now" Harry said.
The photographer apologized profusely then scurried away.
Harry sighed, but then was soon yanked away from his spot by the grinning fraud.
"Ladies and gentleman, what a glorious day it is. Today Harry Potter came in and bought my entire collection including my newest book Magical Me. But the students at Hogwarts will be getting the real magical me. I'll be taking on the position of Defense against the Dark Arts" the grinning fraud said smiling wide.
"Smile Harry, we're going to be on the front page" Lockhart whispered to Harry.
Harry pushed himself away before the flash came.
"I don't want to be on the front page and even if I did why would I want to be on the front page with you" Harry said.
Lockhart kept his smile though he was sweating bullets.
Harry didn't say another word and left with his friends in tow, but he stopped before he left the shop.
"Oh, and Lockhart this is a warning. Never grab me. Next time I'll take action" Harry said coolly.
/Scene Break/
When they got back Harry told the founders what happened in the bookstore. Salazar was proud that Harry didn't go all Gryffindor. Godric took this as an insult and was about to fire back at Salazar, but was stopped by Rowena.
"This does give us some new problems. Harry, you're betrothal of Hermione will now be in the papers" Rowena said.
"I don't care, I can protect her and those who try and harm her will know what will happen to them" Harry said.
Rowena sighed.
"You still must be wary Harry. Many purebloods will not like this turn of events" Helga said.
"I know Helga, but I am not ashamed of Hermione being my betrothed" Harry said.
Hermione smiled brightly and hugged Harry tightly for this.
"I'll too Harry" Neville said.
"Me too" Daphne said.
"Count us in" Fred and George said.
"Thanks guys" Harry said smiling at his friends.
/Scene Break/
The news of Harry's betrothal to Hermione was front-page news. Lockhart was shoved to the back. There was a scathing article about Hermione using potions or some kind of magic to bewitch Harry. Harry fired back and threaten to pull his companies that advertise in the Prophet if they didn't stop. This of course made the paper change its tune for now.
/Scene Break/
September First soon came round and Harry and his friends boarded the Hogwarts Express for another year.
"So what do you think will happen this year?" Daphne asked.
"Not sure Daph, but I just hope this year will be normal" Harry said.
"Harry, you know the future and-" Hermione said.
"I do Hermione, but I rather not worry about it. Who knows what changes we've made to it so far" Harry said.
"I'm with you Harry, let things come and we'll deal with it when it does" Neville said.
Hermione sighed.
Susan soon join them in the compartment and they all greeted one another.
"How was your summer Susan?" Hermione asked.
"It was great, oh by the way congratulations on your betrothal" Susan said.
"Thank you Susan" Hermione said.
The Hufflepuff sat down they chatted about the upcoming school year.
"Well, well, if it isn't Potty and his bunch of rejects" Malfoy sneered.
"What do you want Malfoy, we're not in the mood" Harry said.
"I just want to congratulate you Potty, you must've gotten the Mudblood pregnant for you to have to marry her" Malfoy said smirking at his own brilliance.
Immediately Malfoy had six wands pointed at him.
"You apologize to Hermione right now Malfoy or I'll punish you as is my right for slandering my betrothal's name" Harry growled.
Malfoy pissed himself as he ran off shouting an apology.
Hermione cleaned up the mess with her wand.
"Thank you all for what you did" she said.
"No problem Hermione, we knew he'd say something sometime" Daphne said.
"Yeah, besides watching Malfoy piss himself in fear was great to see" Fred said.
"I concur dear brother, though the smell wasn't as pleasant" George said.
Harry just wrapped an arm around Hermione and kissed her on the cheek. This made the girl smile and snuggle into him.
"They are so cute" Susan commented.
A knock on their compartment door made them all look up. After being asked to enter a small blond girl came in. She had silver-like eyes and a dreamy expression.
"Hello, I was wondering if you had any room here?" she asked.
"Of course, come on in" Harry said.
"Thank you Harry. Hello Hermione, Daphne, Neville, Fred, George, and Susan" she said.
"Um, how do you know all of our names?" Neville asked.
"Yeah, I know how you'd know Harry and Hermione's, but how do you know ours?" Daphne asked.
"The nargles told me" the girl said.
"Luna" Fred said.
"It's great to see you" George said.
"Do you guys know her?" Hermione asked.
"Of course soon to be Mrs. Potter" Fred said.
Hermione blushed at this.
"This is our neighbor" George said.
"The lovely" Fred said.
"Luna Lovegood" George said.
"Enough guys, if you're going to speak one at a time" Hermione said sternly.
"You're no fun Hermione" Fred said frowning.
"Yeah, ruin our fun" George said pouting.
Hermione rolled her eyes.
"So Luna, it's a pleasure" Harry said smiling at the girl.
"Yes, yes it is" Luna said.
This confused the others.
"Um okay, so Luna, what house do you think you'll be in?" Susan asked.
"I don't know, but I hope it will not be infest with garglenauts" Luna said.
"What are those?" Daphne asked.
Soon a discussion was held and Luna showed them her issue if the Quibbler. Hermione was skeptical of the whole thing, but one look from Harry she knew that he liked the girl and was going to give her a chance. So she decided to do the same. I mean what's one more strange thing for the group?
End of Chapter
A/N: that's it for this chap. Anyway the next chap will be the beginning of second year. Thanks for reading and please review.