Death's Life Debt Keeperoliver Chapter 11

Ginny was having a nice dream where she was lying in a field of clover with Harry and the rest of the ladies he shared with her. It wasn't sensual, just peaceful. She was rudely awakened by a scream.

"WHERE ARE MY TAPES?" rang through her ears. She thought, Luna was up way to early for this.

Ginny turned over and faced her friend, "Luna, relax. Take a deep breath. Now let it out. Have you calmed down now?"

Luna appeared to be calm, then, "NO, I want to know where my tapes are?"

Ginny sighed, "Luna. Love. We put them up so that we could take a break from them. You have heard them all about 100 times. We have also. Please just listen to the radio for today, and we will give you back your tapes tomorrow."

Still upset, Luna came back with, "If you all were tired of listening to them, why didn't you say something, rather than take them from me and hiding them. I would have listened to you."

"We did Luna, but the music was so loud, you couldn't hear us. It was either that or you ignored us, and kept playing them. Either way, it was becoming a nuisance."

There was a knock on the door, and the final four walked in to see what the commotion was all about.

Ginny explained what took place, and the rest sat and comforted Luna and explained their feelings. Luna sat and fumed for a minute, then sighed. "Alright, I agree that maybe I am going a little overboard with my music, but I can't help it. I love muggle music. Maybe we should try to find some more tapes so that I won't be repeating them so often?"

Harry took Luna into a hug, "Love, that's a brilliant idea. Why don't we head out for breakfast, and then go shopping for some more tapes for you. We all need some lighter clothes as well, as it is warmer here than I imagined for this time the of year. I thought this was supposed to be winter?"

Hermione just answered, "Harry, Darwin sits on the Equator, or pretty close. Sydney is far to the south, and is affected more by the weather. It is a lot warmer than I expected too. No wonder mum and dad settled here. It seems to be the perfect climate year round."

They all left for their rooms to get dressed, and Ginny and Luna dressed as well. Luna wore a pair of cut offs that hid very little, and a halter top that displayed her attributes nicely. She topped her outfit off with a pair of sandals that had straps to keep them in place.

Ginny decided to go with a flower print sun dress and also a pair of sandals. She put her hair in a pony tail, that was high on her head, and sort of rose up to a peak higher than her head.

They all gathered in the hall and rode the elevator down to the ground floor. Luna humming the song all the way down, eyeing Daphne all the way. Daphne laughed at her lover, and blew her a kiss which Luna caught, and stuck it in her pocket. Luna had her radio riding on her chest, but as yet had not turned it on, giving the group a break for a while.

They went to the hotel restaurant for breakfast, and when they finished, it was Remus who took care of the bill. He was not used to being able to take this luxury, and found it satisfying to be able to do so, and not hurt his finances. He silently blessed Sirius, James and Lily for there thoughtfulness.

When they arrived at the shopping center, they all decided to split up and explore on their own. Remus and Tonks went shopping for clothes for Teddy Bear, and Andy, and Cissa.

Draco and Astoria just walked around, not really interested in shopping. Draco felt he had every thing he needed standing right there beside him. Astoria also enjoyed the company she was with.

Hermione went off on her own, going to her little piece of heaven known as the book store. Ginny, Daphne and Susan went to the clothing store.

Harry took Luna to the music store. He made sure that all his ladies had money before they split up, giving them each 500 dollars, Australian. Harry helped Luna look for music that he thought she might like. Harry asked the attendant if there were any Australian bands that were very popular. He took Harry to a couple of selection. On group was called Men At Work, and another was a group called the Devinyls. He saw two or three tapes of each group, and bought them all, not knowing any of their songs. He also bought tapes of groups he did know, such as Journey, Queen, Styx, Jethro Tull, REO Speedwagon, Foreigner and Van Halen.

Luna saw all the tapes and wondered if the music was that good for Harry to buy all of them. He insisted she would like most of the music that he bought her. It would also give her more of a variety, and her lovers a break from constant playbacks.

Harry and Luna left to go look for the rest, and found them through out the plaza. Hermione was still in the Book store. Remus and Tonks were in the toy store, where Remus was flying a remote control Helicopter and having a blast. He purchased two before they left the store. One for Teddy, and one for him.

Draco and Astoria were still walking the hallway, however they were sporting a milkshake, so they must have stopped somewhere. Luna saw this, and gave Harry her puppy dog eyes. He had to get her one as well, plus he thought they did look pretty good. Tonks thought the same.

They met up with Daphne, Ginny and Susan before they went to the ice cream shoppe, and before long they all were partaking of their favorite flavor shake. Harry thought, not as good as Florean's, but not bad. He hoped that Florean had gone into hiding, and he was not a victim of the war.

They left the shopping mall, and headed back to the hotel to drop off their purchases and to head back out. Harry was stopped by the desk clerk, and told Harry he had a message for Hermione Granger. Harry tipped the clerk, and handed Hermione the message. Hermione decided to wait until they got to their rooms, before she read it.

She was glad she did, Her mum and dad wished to talk to the entire group, to include the adult chaperones. Hermione did not like the way that sounded.

Since it was Saturday, Hermione knew they would be home, so she asked everyone if they could go now, and get it over with. What ever it was, it did not sound like it would be a pleasant discussion.

So, as group, they all left for the address Hermione's parents had given her. It was on the other side of town, so three taxi's were needed to get them all there.

When they arrived, and Hermione knocked on the door, it was not a happy face her father was wearing when he asked them in. Her mum was wearing the same face. She didn't know what she had done, but, what ever it was, mum and dad did not like it.

Richard started out, "Hermione, your mum and I want to know what kind of a relationship you are in with this group. Are you with Harry, or is someone else?"

Hermione dreaded this part of the trip. Explaining to her parents about sharing Harry with four other girls. Would they understand a bond? "Mum, dad. I am with Harry, but so are Ginny, Luna, Daphne, and Susan. Now before you go and say something you may regret, I want you to know, that it has to be this way with three of us."

Before she could say another word her mum cut in, "What do you mean it has to be this way. Are you all pregnant?"

Hermione turned the color of a plum. "NO MOTHER! Mum we are not pregnant, and I can promise you Harry has not even done the deed to get me in that condition. No one has. What I mean by it has to be this way is, we all share a bond with Harry. To go against this bond will make us very sick. Ginny and I have already been there, and do not wish to return. Luna is the third member of the bonded, and she accepted it right from the start. Susan lost her mother and father to the war, and then she lost her Aunt who raised her when her parents died. She also died because of the war. She is the last of her family. Daphne joined us to be a part of this loving and caring group. Does that mean we don't love her as much as we do Luna, or Ginny, or Susan. No. Our love is shared equally by all."

Hermione's dad didn't like where this was going, "I'm sorry, but your mum and I can't accept that. We have provided you with the love and understanding that you would grow up, find your place in the world, marry and settle down. Not become a member of some ones harem. I think it is time for your friends to return home, and for you to stay here with us."

Hermione was devastated by this statement. So much so, she couldn't reply. So Luna did.

"Mr. and Mrs. Granger, if I could be allowed to speak please?"

The parents of her friend granted her permission.

"If you were to do this, and Hermione accepted, she would die. Now I say accept this, because she is of age and can do with as she pleases. However, Hermione would never go against your wishes. Do either of you know what a bond is, or a life debt?" There was no answer, so she continued. "A bond is a linking of souls to one who has performed the greatest act of caring. One who was willing to give up his or her life to protect the other. In Hermione's first year, Harry was willing to give up his life, when Hermione was threatened by a Troll. He jumped on the back of this troll to get it to ignore Hermione and to pay it's attention on Harry. Harry saved Hermione's life by doing this. But, it doesn't stop there. He saved her life again in their third year, when he drove off over 100 Dementors from stealing three people's soles. His godfather, Hermione, and his own. I'm still not done yet. Harry saved Hermione once again, this year, when she was being tortured by the most evil woman in the magical world. She would have died if Harry hadn't called on a friend to help her. This friend died giving his life to save Harmione, Harry, and Ron Weasley, Ginny's brother. I was also in this group, that is the reason I am bonded to Harry. Ginny is the next one of the bonded. During her first year, Harry almost died saving her from one of the most feared creatures in existence. A Basilisk is a very big snake that is able to kill in several different ways. Two of these ways are very quick. First is by poison. A Basilisk bite can kill in seconds. Next is if a person looks directly into a Basilisk's eyes it will kill you faster than it's venom. Sort of like Medusa. I believe there is one more bond, that even Harry is not aware of. Susan almost gave up on life when her Aunt died. She was the last of her family and could see no reason to continue to live."

Luna took a deep breath before she continued. "For all of these acts, a life debt is given. All this means is that a person owes their life to another, and must find a way to pay him or her back. Very seldom is this accomplished. Another way to complete this is to accept the bond that was created by the act. If you accept the bond, and break it, then the person who broke it will die, and quite possibly his or her mate. In Harry's case, I believe he would survive because of his other bonds. Hermione however, would die, even if she were to find someone else to love. I am sure you do not wish to be the cause of your own daughter's death. Besides, you saw how happy she was when we had dinner with you the other night. Even if death was not an alternative, would you really want to end her happiness?"

Both Richard and Jean had tears in their eyes from the story they had just been told. They looked to Hermione for confirmation of this. They were ashamed of themselves at what they saw. Hermione was openly crying in Ginny's arms, while being comforted by both Daphne, and Susan, who were also crying. They looked to Harry, and he had his head in his hands, leaning on his knees. They could not see his face, but felt sure he also was crying. When they looked to Remus and Tonks they saw two stone cold faces staring back at them. The final two were holding each other to comfort them selves. The scene took every bit of control Jean had, and she broke out openly crying. Richard tried to comfort her, but she was too far gone to accept his comfort. What he didn't expect was for Luna to come to Jean, and pull her into a hug. After a minute, Jean began to gain control once again. Richard thanked Luna with a nod.

It took a while for every one to settle, but once they were, Jean was able to ask Harry if he was able to support five wives, and for the first time since they sat down, laughter was heard, as all of Richard and Jean's guests broke out laughing. Remus reached into his pocket, and pulled out a bank statement. Remus carried this around in case they needed to find a wizard bank here for any reason. "This is what Harry has in his bank back in England. What you need to know is that a Galleon is worth now 7.5 British pounds each. Even at one pound each, Harry would be very wealthy."

Richard looked at the statement, and almost passed out. He handed it to Jean, and she did pass out. At 7.5 pounds each, Harry was a billionaire. However, Richard was not content with this. "OK, you are able to support them, but, how much could you love them if you were to marry each of them, Harry? There is more to love than money. There is also attention. Can you share your attention with 5 wives, and still keep them happy?"

Harry raised up from his hands and looked into Richards eyes. "Sir, no one will be starved from lack of attention. I love each and every one of these girls equally and totally. They are also independent for what they wish to do in their lives. For instance, Hermione wishes to work for the Ministry of Magic to fight for the rights of magical creatures. Luna wishes to help her father in the publishing of their newspaper. Susan also wishes to be a part of the Ministry of Magic, as was her Aunt. Ginny wishes to be a part of the British Quidditch league, and play for one of the teams. She has her preference for which team she would like to play for. Daphne wishes to become a Professor in Hogwarts. Like Ginny she has her preference. As for me. At first I wished to be an Auror, but after seven years of fighting, I wish to find a more relaxing job. I was hoping Remus would join me in a venture once I have finished school."

This was the first time Remus had heard of this, and wondered what it might be.

Draco also wondered what it might be, and asked, "Harry, could you use a third member of this venture? I was hoping to work for the Ministry as an Auror, but to be honest, it sort of lost it's flavor."

"I think we could use a third member, and maybe even a fourth. We will talk on it later. Mr. and Mrs. Granger, I know you are concerned for your daughter, and I appreciate it, but, Hermione will be loved for all that she is worth. She will never want for attention, and will always be able to chose her way in life. Do I love her more than the others, no. Do I love her less than the others, heaven forbid, no. I'll tell you what, I think Hermione needs to sit down with you both and talk. I think she should stay here with you for a few days, or for ever long she thinks she needs. You have to get to know her all over again, to find out how special she really is. Is that OK with you Hermione?"

Hermione smiled at Harry. She didn't know how he was able to come up with the same ideas she had on a continuing basis. She was going to suggest this same thing. "I think you and I are on the same wave length, Harry. That was my thought as well.."

Harry and the rest Left Hermione with her Parents, to get to know each other once again, and to find out how much she really loved this group of young adults.

DLD-}

Once they returned to the Hotel, Harry was hit with questions about his venture.

"Remus, Draco, what do you think of opening up an Investigation business. I kind of like the name {The Marauder's Investigation Service}."

More than the two sets of eyes raised at this. Luna was the first to make a statement. "The Quibbler has been doing just fine with out me Harry. Could you use a female investigator?"

This got them all started, and even Ginny wanted in. Especially when Harry said, "There have been statements made of missing people since the war started, and I believe it is time for someone to begin to look for these people. I believe I can even get the Ministry to pay for our service, since a lot of it happened when it was being run by Death Eaters and Tom."

Tonks pulled Harry into a hug, "You best not keep me out of this business Potter. My first assignment will be one Ted Tonks. I want to find piece of mind for my mum, Harry, and this is the first any one has even taken the initiative to do something like this. I'll be damned if I don't become a part of it."

Remus and Draco both thought it was a brilliant idea. Susan, Daphne and Ginny would not be left out either.

Then Luna had another Idea. "Harry, you said Hermione wanted to work in the MoM, right? What if we went to Kingsley, and had Hermione become a branch under Kingsley, that answered only to him. She could be responsible for all the reports of the missing people, and send them to us, with all the information they have available."

Harry looked to Luna like he was seeing her for the first time, "Luna love, you never cease to amaze me. That is the most brilliant plan I could think of. Not only will it take away from the Auror corps unnecessary investigations, but it will free them to actually continue to look for the bad guys. If Kingsley agrees to it, it could be called MoM-MPD or the Missing Persons Division. Remus, we could actually start it, with you and Tonks, unless you would rather just start the business, and worry about the Ministry until Hermione finishes school?"

"I like that plan best Harry. That way the firm would have some work under it's belt, when we bring the plan to Kingsley. You know Harry with the knowledge that is available at Hogwarts, it might be wise to tap it while you and the rest are there. Tom used many different means to bring about his power. Creatures, people, potions, and money. We could use the same to correct his evil deeds."

And so begins a new phase for Harry and his family, as they make their plans for {The Marauder Investigation Service}.