The Founders' Intervention
By: Sheltie
I still don't own Harry Potter at all
A/N: Hey! Sorry for taking so long, but I've had some major writers' block on this story and it has been very slow going to get this chap written. This and I have been working on my other stories and getting one or two ready to post. I apologize for those who have been waiting so long. This will be the rest of third year. I've packed in all I could into it and hope you find it satisfactory. I did, and hope you feel the same after reading it.
Chapter 15: The rest of Third year
Harry and his friends all sat in the Founders' chamber wondering what was going on.
"Glad you all could come" Godric said with a smile.
"Yes, we've decided that we'll be step up your training this year. We feel it is time" Salazar said.
"So that means we'll be training harder than before?" Daphne asked.
"Yes" Rowena said.
"But what about our classes we are taking, we need to keep on top of those?" Hermione asked.
"Hermione dear, you forget what this room can do" Helga said with a gentle smile.
"Oh, right" Hermione said blushing.
So the group of friends began training harder with the founders. Godric pushed Harry and Neville in sword play and combat magic. He placed both boys in simulated battle scenarios that mocked famous battles of the past. Susan got a lot of training in medical healing with tending to Harry and Neville's injuries from those fights with Helga helping her.
Daphne delved deeper into the political realm with Salazar as her guide. Rowena split her time with helping Hermione and the twins. She got Hermione on learning many ancient magicks that aren't practiced any more and with the twins she put their creative and devious minds into making things that would help the coming war. The twins borrowed many things from the muggles that enthralled them so much.
As for Luna, she bounced around from founder to founder who taught her whatever she needed. She was the odd one out really since she didn't fit in anywhere, but was good at many things. Though Rowena and Helga worked the most with the spacey blond.
Unlike the twins' father who also loved muggles the twins knew the real names of the items as well as their true use too. They studied muggle weapons and began thinking of making into a magical version.
/Scene Break/
For Harry and Hermione they were having their first date. Both of them were very nervous since this was a big step for the both of them. They asked all of their older friends and acquaintances for advice and got a boat load, even the twins gave them serious advice on dating since they wanted this to work well.
Walking hand-in-hand they made their way to Hogsmeade both feeling the butterflies in their stomachs.
"So, uh, what do you want to do?" Harry asked.
"I was kind of thinking of going to the bookstore" Hermione said as she bit her bottom lip.
"Okay, but we're not spending the whole time there" Harry said.
Hermione nodded.
They got to the bookstore and Hermione sniffed out where the best books were with Harry just browsing through the shelves mindlessly since he really had nothing he wanted to look for. He soon found Hermione with an armful of books. He sighed and rolled his eyes.
"Have enough?" he asked.
"Oh Harry, you won't believe it. There are so many books here that look very interesting" Hermione said though her face was hidden from the stack of books in her arms.
"We're going to need to limit on what you buy from now on" Harry said.
"But Harry" Hermione whined.
"Hermione, you don't need all of these books and you know it" Harry said.
Hermione pouted, but knew Harry was right. Due to having access to Rowena's vast library there was really no need to get all these books. But she couldn't help herself. When she saw a book the piqued her interested she had to get it and read it.
"Come on, lets put a few of these away" Harry said.
Hermione grumbled, but was led by Harry and soon she had only five books in her arms.
"There, that's enough for this trip" Harry said.
"I guess" Hermione mumbled as she looked longingly at the books she had to put away.
They went to the cashier and paid for the books before Hermione could make a move. Once out of the book shop they headed to Three Broomsticks for something to eat and drink.
In Three Broomsticks they met up with Neville and Daphne who were in a booth having a nice lunch. Susan was out shopping and was going to meet Neville and Daphne later.
"Hey you two" Harry greeted.
The two turned and smiled at their friends.
"Hey, how goes the date so far?" Neville asked.
"Alright, though I had to put a limit on how many books Hermione can get" Harry said.
Daphne snickered at this while Neville chuckled lightly. Hermione just pouted as she sent a slight glare to both of her friends.
"Come on Mione, I see a table with our name on it" Harry said.
Hermione turned and saw what Harry actually said was true. There was a table with their name on it. Well, reservation actually, but you get the point.
"See you two back at the castle. My loving betroth is going to wine and dine me" Hermione said as she tugged Harry by the arm to their table.
/Scene Break/
Back at Hogwarts things were going smoothly for the entire group with the founders stepping up their training the group was getting more fighting ready. The simulations Godric had Harry and Neville go through were brutal, but gave Susan plenty of practice putting her healing skills to good use with Helga making sure Susan is doing it properly.
That's not to say the other didn't get training like Harry and Neville. It just they got more than the others. Susan only got enough training to defend herself since she wasn't much of the fighting type.
The twins were hard at work with their new knowledge of the muggle world and creating plans and experimenting in many things. They took a muggle item and used its concept to make a magical equivalent. It was a lot of trial and error, but that was what the twins excelled at. Rowena made sure they didn't go over board and possibly blow themselves and everyone else up. It seemed the twins like explosives a bit too much.
Hermione's handle on the ancient magicks was strong and she was already doing some ritual spells and was deep into study the more difficult ones. Rowena had to rein Hermione in when she wanted to try a new ritual she had just read about. She kept saying, 'you must do thorough research on each ritual you perform no matter how big or small because even the smallest mistake can cost you your life'.
Daphne now knew more about the ancient laws than anyone really. Though she still had a ways to go. She had rousing arguments with both Salazar and Rowena about certain laws that are on the books as well as creating new laws to negate some old ones. Though she could put them in place she had them at the ready to push their agenda when it came time. Salazar was so proud of his Slytherin that Helga had to pull the touchy feely Salazar off Daphne practically every time she created a new law.
Luna was now learning from Godric and Salazar. They taught the blond the art of combat both on the field of battle and in the political arena. Godric saw Luna as a secret weapon since she had a way of planning attacks that looked outrageous and unpredictable, but worked once set in motion. While Salazar knew Luna could provide Daphne with a sounding board for ideas they'd introduce to the Wizengamot. Mainly because Luna looked at things at different angles and would give Daphne new insight.
/Scene Break/
Meanwhile the fight for the seat of Minister was getting brutal.
Amelia had dozens upon dozens of death threats and/or assassination attempts. But her aurors were on guard and made it their duty to protect their boss and in their minds future Minister. They knew that with Amelia as Minister they could possibly get the budget they sorely need.
Amelia's message to the masses was clear and simple. She was going to be a just and right Minister who could and would stand firm when any trouble came there way. She did allude to any rising dark lord without making it specific. She knew that Voldemort wasn't dead, but waiting for his comeback. But she didn't want to scare the masses with this info so thus the commented about possible rising dark lords or any other threats.
What helped Amelia's campaign was Harry's support. The weight of the Potters showed and the Longbottoms, who always sided with the Potters, adding their support just gave Amelia more of a boost. The shocking thing was when Adrian Greengrass threw his hat in support of Amelia. This was a shock to the magical populace. A 'dark' family throwing themselves in with a light sided person. The same with Sirius threw his name behind Amelia also.
There was speculation that Amelia was taking bribes, but those were squashed as quickly as they came.
Meanwhile Dumbledore puppet, I mean candidate was not faring very well anywhere. Oscar Welltrip was an unknown really. He was head of magical transportation, but not many knew him. What they did know was he was docile and meek. He never spoke up for anything and just went with the flow. Just the man Dumbledore needed in office. With Oscar, Dumbledore could actually be Minister without taking up the seat himself. Oscar would be at Dumbledore's beck and call whatever Dumbledore suggested Oscar would do since he was so weak willed and easy to manipulate.
As for the Dark families candidate, well, he was a member of the Parkinson family. Bernard Parkinson was a loyal dark follower and though he wasn't a marked DE he was all for the Dark lord's agenda of purebloods ruling all and eliminating those less desirable. But the problem with him was he showed his feelings to everyone and had no guile whatsoever. He was blunt and crude. This didn't endear him to the masses like he needed to be. No matter how much money the dark families threw out to endorse him.
/Scene Break/
Dumbledore was so exhausted coaching his puppet and trying to run things at the Minister since he was the temporary Minister until the elections. He hated it since he was out of the castle so much and that meant not being able to keep an eye on his top project. Harry Potter. The boy was still a mystery to him and it didn't help that no matter what he tried it was always blocked. So Dumbledore couldn't wait til his puppet was in office then he could focus back on Potter again.
But that was hard since Amelia was top in the polls for the next Minister. She had all of the DMLE on her side as well as much of the other departments in the Ministry since they liked her hard working, take no crap attitude. It was refreshing from their previous Minister. So this made Dumbledore's job harder and wished he'd picked a better person, but his first choice of Arthur wasn't available since Arthur was enjoying his job with Greengrass company to even make a run of any kind. He tried to entice others he thought would make a good puppet, but none wanted to go against Amelia. Heck, a lot were pulling for her. So he had to go to Oscar, since he was the only one he could manipulate enough to run.
/Scene Break/
Harry's group was working very hard and with that the founders decided for them to take a break. Hermione didn't want to, but she was ordered by Rowena to do so. And when Rowena ordered you to do something you listened. So that had the group down by the lake on an unusually warm day. They had a picnic going and they were all relaxing. Harry patted down Hermione magically and physically to make sure she had no book on her. Once she passed inspection they headed out to the lake.
"This is nice, we haven't relaxed really since the start of the year" Daphne commented.
"Yeah, with the whole Dementor thing and then getting trained by the founders. We've been busy" Neville said.
"That and our class work too. Our new classes have kept us busy along with our regular ones also" Hermione said.
"You have to worry about your classes. We have O.W.L's to worry about too" Fred said.
"Yeah, you've got it lucky" George said.
"I wonder how hard the O.W.L's are?" Luna wondered.
Fred and George grinned. They had so many 'stories' they could tell the little blond about the horrors of the fifth year exams.
"They are torturous" Fred said.
"Yeah, I've heard a few fifth years have collapsed during them" George said.
"Dreadfully painful" Fred said.
"Indeed so" George said.
"Quit exaggerating you two" Susan chided.
"Yes mum" the twins said.
Susan sighed and rolled her eyes. Yes, she had taken on the role of the group's mother, but being called 'mum' wasn't something she'd ever get used even with the twins calling her that every now and then.
Hermione was twirling a strand of her hair. Her mind was now on O.W.L's. Yes, it was still years away, but it could never hurt to be prepared for them.
"Hermione, stop it" Harry said.
"Huh, stop what Harry?" Hermione asked blinking.
"You're over thinking again. Just relax. O.W.L's is still some time away and right now we have probably enough knowledge to do them right now" Harry said.
"But Harry, I've heard O.W.L's will help determine where you go in life after you graduate Hogwarts" Hermione said.
"Yes, but who knows what the future holds. We know that we can easily change things. So don't worry about it" Harry said.
"Fine" Hermione said pouting.
Harry sighed and wrapped an arm around his betrothed's waist pulling her close to his side.
"You know you don't need to worry about what you are going to do. The only thing you need to know is that you'll become Lady Hermione Jane Potter when we are of age" Harry said in Hermione's ear.
Hermione beamed and kissed Harry on the cheek.
"How'd you do that mate?" Fred asked.
"Yeah, Hermione was a bundle of nervous then you whispered in her ear and she is giddy" George said.
"Sorry guys, but that's between myself and Hermione" Harry said.
"Will you look at that Fred. Our little Harry has become a smooth ladies man in front of us. It's kind of brings a tear to my eye" George said as he wiped an imaginary tear from the corner of his eye.
"Yeah, and to think we knew him since his first year. They grow up so fast" Fred said with a mock sniffle.
"Knock it off you two" Daphne said.
"Yeah, leave them alone" Neville said.
"Oi, nothing from you two til you're both hitched to one another" Fred said.
"Yeah, until we see you two snogging there will be no comment" George said.
Neville and Daphne blushed bright red at this. They liked one another that was for sure, but they weren't ready for anything like what Harry and Hermione had. No, they preferred to just be friends for now and work from there slowly. It was a silent agreement they had with each other it seemed.
/Scene break/
Things weren't going well for second year Ginny Weasley. She didn't have her hero after he saved her in her first year. No, he was with another girl and they were betrothed. It wasn't fair. Harry Potter was hers. He had been hers since she was a little girl. It didn't help that this year on the train she showed how weak she was. She couldn't stand up to those Dementors when the others could. She knew she had to get stronger for Harry to notice her.
/Scene break/
The holiday break was coming upon them and this year the group decided to head home for the holidays. Mainly because Sirius kind of begged them to. He was lonely though Narcissa was around. So with that the group boarded the train home. They sat around talking about plans they had for the break. It was agreed they wouldn't do any training during the break since after their little picnic they got back to work.
"So you think you can make it for Christmas?" Harry asked.
"Yeah, mom and dad will allow me too" Daphne said.
"I have an appointment, but I'll be over after that" Neville said.
"Count me in" Susan said.
"Mom and dad will be at Potter manor for the holiday break. They were so excited not having to do any of the decorating and my mom was glad she didn't have to cook at all" Hermione said.
Harry nodded.
Luna was kind of sad since this would be her first Christmas without her dad. She then felt an arm around her and saw it was Harry, who was smiling at her.
"We can visit him if you want" he said.
Luna just nodded and put on a small smile. She was so happy to have friends like these.
Soon the train arrived and the friends said their goodbyes.
/Scene Break/
Harry, Hermione and Luna appeared at Potter manor. They were greeted by Hermione's parents who were already settled in. Remus was also there too since he hadn't celebrated Christmas with friends in so long.
"Luna, this is my mom and dad. Mom, dad this is Luna Lovegood. You remember her right?" Hermione said.
The Grangers did and greeted the blond.
"So Sirius, how goes everything?" Harry asked.
"Great, Narcissa is set up in a Black property though is visits often since she doesn't like being alone. She and I have caught up with one another and we've got Andromeda, Narcissa's older sister included and it feels like we were kids without that psycho Bellatrix around" Sirius said.
"Speaking of her, any news on her whereabouts?" Harry asked.
Sirius sighed and shook his head.
"No, nothing. They have no idea how she escaped and she's yet to do anything to give away where she is. My money is on her being with her precious master" the head of the Black family said.
Harry nodded. Just what he needed. That crazy psycho with her master. Who knows what they are planning.
/Scene Break/
The holiday was a great one that was full of laughter. Hermione nitpicked over the perfect tree and Harry let her since he knew there was no stopping her. Once the tree was selected then they decorated it. Luna was humming Christmas music that Emma had brought over. They found a way to shield small electronics from magic so they won't fry. The problem was trying to expand it and use it on larger electronics like a TV. This was a project Hermione wanted to work on, but it would be after New Years til she could start. Harry wasn't going to let Hermione do any work during the break.
Susan, Daphne, the twins and Neville were regular visitors to the Potter manor leading up to Christmas. They helped decorate the tree and the twins hovered a piece of mistletoe over Daphne and Neville and made them kiss many times. Though the two only kissed one another on the cheek. The twins were a bit disappointed in that.
When they did it to Harry and Hermione the couple blushed bright red, but kissed one another. The twins had to stop this because Dan's blood pressure was slowing raising with each kiss. He still couldn't get over his little girl was practically married.
Harry kept his promise to Luna and they visited where her father was laid to rest. Luna laid flowers down and cried a little. Narcissa was there to comfort the little blond.
On Christmas Neville visited his folks in St. Mungo's. Daphne went with him for support and the word spread and the other went with thought the twins couldn't go because their mom wanted them home. They did give their sympathies to Neville though beforehand.
Neville sat with his parents holding his mom's hand. He knew they weren't even in their right minds due to the Cruciatus curse, but just holding his mom's hand helped him. Daphne was beside Neville waiting to comfort the lad when he needed it.
Susan was analyzing everything though she couldn't use her wand, but she learned a lot from Helga about the healing arts. She could even due scans wandlessly. So that's what Susan did and found some odd things she needed to ask Helga about.
Harry was sad for his friend. Here was Neville's parents alive, but no even there. It was just as bad as not even having parents at all. He was glad he had Rowena as his mother figure.
Sirius was with the group since he was good friends of the Longbottoms and this was the first time he had seen them. He looked sorrow for. He remembered them before this, so full of life. Frank could tell the bawdiest jokes when it was just the guys. But he was a darn fine auror and teammate that you knew would have your back. Then Alice, sweet dear Alice. She was a strong woman as much as he was caring. Between her and Lily they came him in line and then some. He just wished he could do something for them.
Finally they left the ward the Longbottoms reside in and back to Potter manor very somber.
"There's something not right" Susan said being the first to speak as soon as they were settled in the living room of Potter manor.
"What do you mean Sue?" Daphne asked.
"What I mean is that I've read everything Helga had on the Cruciatus curse and nothing in it says that the Longbottoms would be in that state after being under that vile curse for so long" Susan said.
"What do you think it is?" Harry asked.
Susan thought back then she remembered something.
"Sirius, Bellatrix is your cousin and she's was one of the ones caught attacking the Longbottoms, right?" Susan asked.
Sirius nodded.
"Yeah, what are you getting?" he asked.
"Well, all old families have their own brand of magic that's exclusive to the family. The Blacks wouldn't be any different. What if Bellatrix used a Black family spell?" Susan said.
There complete silence as this hit everyone.
"Susan, are you telling me that there might be a chance that you could revive my parents?" Neville asked hopefully.
"I don't know. It's a theory. I just don't know. I need to know if there's a spell in the Black library that could leave the Longbottoms in that condition" Susan said.
"There might be. I can ask Cissy to look it up, but it will take some time" Sirius said.
Susan nodded.
Neville looked energized and hopeful that he might get his parents back. Daphne was sitting beside Neville and smiled at him as she took his hand. Neville turned to Daphne.
"I hope it's true" Daphne said.
"Yeah, me too" Neville said.
New Years was a fun affair with the Bones, Greengrasses, Potters, Grangers, Blacks, and Longbottoms getting together to ring in the new year. There was plenty of laughter and fun to be had. It got better when the Flamels joined in later on. There was merry times all around and the news of Susan's theory had the room buzzing. Augusta Longbottom, Neville's Gran, hugged Susan tightly thanking her for giving them hope.
Perenelle after hearing the theory agreed that might be the case and had volunteered her services since she had credentials as a certified healer. She could reverse the spell if that was the case and Augusta leapt at that.
Sadly the twins couldn't make it due to their mother being her overbearing self. They did come over the next day and they had a fun day out chucking snowballs at one another with Harry and Hermione pairing up and Neville and Daphne doing the same. That left the twins and Luna and Susan. So it was four team snowball war. There was no victor, but they all had fun.
/Scene Break/
Back on the train to Hogwarts the group felt good. They were re-energized and ready to finish the year. Susan still wanted to talk to Helga about her theory just to be sure of it.
"Neville, I really don't want to get your hopes up. I want to verify with Helga to be sure" Susan said.
"I know Sue, but this is the best news I've heard about my parents and I can't help, but be excited" Neville said.
Daphne sat next to Neville holding his hand, which no one commented on. Not even the twins.
"All the pieces of the puzzle shall fall into place and soon the next move shall be made" Luna said mysteriously.
Everyone in the compartment looked at the blond and wondered what she meant. Soon Luna blinked and gave a little hop.
"I do hope there's pudding" she said happily.
/Scene Break/
With classes resuming so did the training with the founders. Susan told Helga of her theory and Helga saw merit in it. That gave a already green light to the project and Neville was now really excited after Helga's positive thoughts on it all.
With school resuming that also meant the close of the campaigning. Amelia was leading the pack with Bernard in second though nowhere close to Amelia and in dead last was Oscar. The three candidates made their last speeches and soon voting commenced. Amelia won by a landslide and with that Harry and friends left Hogwarts that night to celebrate Amelia's new position.
/Scene Break/
Dumbledore wasn't happy with the results, but he was glad it was over. Now he could focus on Harry once again. He could sense Voldemort would rise again soon and he had to have Harry under his control, I mean, by his side. So he manipulate, I mean, guide Harry to his destiny.
/Scene Break/
The end of the year soon was on them and they all took their exams with the twins taking the O.W.L's. Though the twins thought about not doing very well on them and doing well on certain thing they changed after meeting the founders and their grades will show that new drive they now have. Hermione was again the top of her year with Harry and Daphne following her. Luna was top of her year.
They all packed up their things ready for the summer and what it would bring. Word was the Quidditch World Cup was coming and there were plans of getting tickets and seeing it. Though none were big Quidditch fans they thought seeing a big game like this was a once in a lifetime event they couldn't miss.
End of Chapter
A/N: okay I finished third year. Sorry if I rushed it, but there wasn't really anything I could really do. I added the Longbottom thing just to add a bit of flavor into what would be a dull chapter. The summer will be more exciting I promise you. Thanks for reading and please review.