Death's Life Debt Keeperoliver Chapter 13
Hermione's parents saw them off at the airport, and left them at the check in counter to avoid any emotional breakdowns. Hermione still cried as she watched her parents leave, even though she knew they would see each other again around Christmas.
The group sat near the exit ramp and in front of a large window that showed the activity of the airport, and the ground personnel. Luna watched as airplanes were moved into position to taxi to the runway for takeoff. She watched several planes start their travel down the runway, then lift off into the air. She ooohed each time one of them did this. She asked Hermione how they were able to do this, being so heavy. Hermione tried to explain lift, and airflow over the planes surface, but, it was a lost cause, as Luna had no idea what she was talking about. Neither did Daphne, Susan or Ginny. Harry was the only one who understood anything of what she was saying. Even Remus and Tonks were lost.
Then it was their turn, and Luna practically ran down the ramp to board the plane. She sat in the first seat she found, and was upset, when the stewardess asked her to please take her assigned seat. Luna looked at her like she was lost. The stewardess took Luna's ticket, and guided Luna to the seat designated on the ticket. She was pleased when she showed Luna he seat next to the window. Luna thanked her, and received a smile from the friendly woman.
She was joined by Susan and Hermione, and across from Ginny in the window seat, then Harry, and then Daphne in the aisle seat.
Luna was once again upset, when the same stewardess had to have Luna use her earphones for the flight, so as not to upset the other passengers. Luna wasn't fond of the uncomfortable head speakers.
Remus and Tonks sat with Draco and Astoria behind the others. Tonks and Astoria got the windows. They were lucky that there were no others sitting in the seats, which made things comfortable. they were able to talk without interruptions.
Soon the plane was taxiing down the lane to get into position for takeoff. Everyone got that feel of excitement people get when they prepare for takeoff. Luna was practically jumping in her seat. Susan had to calm her down, by taking her hand.
Then it was their turn, as the plane started it's takeoff run down the runway, and was soon airborne. Luna and Ginny both let out a gasp as the plane lifted off. They watched as the scene below the plane kept getting smaller and smaller. Then soon, all they saw was water. Luna said her goodbye to Darwin, and settled in to listen to her music.
The flight was long and uneventful, except for pressure felt by the group in their ears. Hermione gave everyone a stick of gum, and that relieved the pressure, as they chewed.
There were two stops between Australia and London. One in Bangkok, and one in Rome. They had to change planes at each stop, so when they were reassigned seats, everyone managed to get a window seat during the trip.
It was 17 hours later that the tired group finally made to London. Although it was an enjoyable trip, none of them wanted to do it again for a very long time. At least not to Australia.
For this one night, they all stayed in Black Manor because of their desperate need for rest. Harry asked Kreacher to keep away any visitors for the next 14 hours, and they all retired for how ever long they needed to recuperate.
DLD-}
Two days after their return, the entire group found themselves waiting in The Minister's lounge for their visit with Kingsley. They had finally got over their Jet Lag.
Kingsley's secretary, Lenore Wynters, received a message, and said, "The Minister will be with you in a moment. He will take you to a staff room, where he believes you will all be more comfortable."
True to his words, Kingsley walked through the door to his office a minute later and greeted the group. "Harry, Remus, Mr. Malfoy, and ladies. I hope you all found your trip enjoyable, and are looking forward to your school year. Your final one I believe, for all of you. Oh, by the way, here are your letters from Hogwarts. Minerva was informed of this meeting, and sent them on ahead for me to give you. The rest of the students will be receiving theirs shortly. Now to what do I owe the honor of this meeting?" Kingsley said as he took a seat at the head of the table in the staff room.
Harry let Remus make the announcement of their project, being the senior member of the group.
"Kingsley, we would like to make a proposition to you on a business venture Harry thought might bring peace of mind to many people. It will be called Marauder Investigations, but we would like it to become a part of the Ministry, with only you being in charge of the firm. We would like Hermione to be the liason between us and you. She would be given a title of Department Head of missing person investigations, or, MoM-MPD. What we are suggesting is we would like to start looking for the people who came up missing during the war. We wish to start this up as soon as possible, and wish to see a list of missing persons, if this is possible.
We have a few of our own people we wish to look for. Ted Tonks being the first. We have a list of known Snatchers, but it is not a complete list, and was hoping you give us more names to research. We believe they were the most active members of Tom's henchmen during the final year. We realize that there were more people that were missing, before they became active, but if there are still some out there living that are missing, we believe this would be a great starting point in our search."
Kingsley was shocked at this statement. He was concerned about how he was going to be able to handle searching for these missing people, and still be able to handle every day Law Enforcement. This was a blessing in disguise for the Minister. It was also a blessing since he was going to ask them about something he wished to happen, Well actually just one of them, and this was the perfect opportunity.
"Remus, Harry, this couldn't have come at a better time. I was worried about how I was going to handle all the missing people, and still run the Auror, and MLE divisions. However, I suggest something else for Miss Granger's title. I agree to let her be the Liason for your Team, but, to be above all other Ministry Divisions, I would like her to take on the title of Vice Minister, answerable only to me. If she were to become a Department Head, she could fall under the MLE. As Vice Minister, That would not happen."
Hermione was shaking her head no to this. "I'm sorry Minister, but I hardly think the Ministry would take kindly to someone still in school to be put in this position. Besides, I thought you already had a Vice Minister?"
"No Hermione. Since the death of Delores Umbridge, the position has not been filled. I tried to get Arthur to take the post, but he refused, and took the position of Head of Muggle Relations instead. Percy was also asked, but, he quit the Ministry, and refused to return. The Ministry is very short handed at the Moment, and understaffed in all departments. I am swamped with work, and to be quite honest, I could use someone of Miss Granger's intelligence to help sort things out. Yes, she would have more than the missing person's to handle, but, if any one can do it, I'm sure she can. Miss Granger. I have complete faith in you to do this job well. You have shown me time and again how dedicated you are to providing the best you have to offer, to every thing you do. Now, Remus, Harry, do you have any idea of where you will set up operations at?" With no answer, Kingsley provided one. "Well then how about right here in the Ministry. You will have access to all record pertaining to the case you are working on, and criminal records of the people you suspect, providing you can justify the need for access. Now let me state why I suggest this, before you get upset. Even though you will hold an office here, you will not be an official part of the Ministry. You will be titled as advisers to the office of the Minister Of Magic, Missing Persons Division, which will fall under the Vice Minister."
Remus and Harry were than excited about this, but, Hermione was still concerned. Then Kingsley made one more statement that got them liking the idea even more. "I think we all need to be making a visit to see Minerva at Hogwarts. I believe she would like to be a part of this venture, as well as other Professors. Other students may also wish to be involved. I take it this is all you have so far in you plans?"
"Do you have any one in particular you wish involved in it Kingsley?" Tonks asked.
Kingsley smiled at his quirky friend, "Oh yes, Tonks. More than just a few. Professors Snape, Flitwick, Sprout, and Hagrid. Also, Neville Longbottom and the rest of the DA. I could ask Minerva to allow you access to the restricted section of the library. Set up an office in school for Hermione so that she could fulfill her Ministry obligations, and to use it as a planning and staging area for your searches. Have access to all the facilities at the school. OH, and Harry, I believe I remember hearing about you in your second year finding a lost chamber of Salizar Slytherin, is that correct?"
"Yeah, but, I don't like to think about it. It was not one of my more pleasurable memories, nor, one of Ginny's."
"Well, I don't like to bring back bad memories, but, have you ever explored the Chamber for secrets other than the one you encountered?"
"No, I haven't. But, it does sound like a good idea. I am wondering what has happened to the remains of the basilisk?"
"Well, since I believe that this may be a relatively quiet year for you, maybe it is time to explore. You never know what you might find. Maybe nothing, and maybe something priceless. Also, I think you will find that the Basilisk is still in excellent shape, and hasn't deteriorated at all. There was a reason they were so hard to kill. It still amazes me that a twelve year old boy was able to accomplish this. But then again when you think of who this twelve year old boy is, you get the understanding it was no accident. Come on, let's go pay a visit to my dear friend Minerva."
They made their way to Hogwarts through the floo in Minerva's office, and Kingsley asked her to summon the professors he wished to speak to.
When they were all gathered Kingsley made his thoughts known to the educators, and not a one of them failed to think the idea anything less than brilliant. Hagrid was the only one who had any concerns, and it was , "Minister, Why have you asked me to be were for this meeting? I'm not smart like the others. I'm not equipped like the others, meaning, I have no wand. And I did not finish school. I can't see what I could do to help?"
"Hagrid old friend. We have no idea what the group will be facing. There could be magical creatures involved in the search. Your strength may also be required. As for your wand, I suggest you pay a visit to Ollivander's. Your ban has been lifted for the use of a wand. As for not finishing school, how could you be made a professor if you were not considered knowledgeable. You see Hagrid, even if you think you are not capable for this, let me assure you that you are more than capable."
Harry had only seen Hagrid cry a few times. He was in tears after Kingsley's kind words.
Harry also thought that this may be a good time for that exploration of the chamber, and every one, including Ginny thought it was a good idea. They made their way to the lower levels, and Moaning Myrtle's lav. The group surprised Myrtle, as she never had visitor's this time of the year. She didn't say anything, but watched as the one she knew as Harry said those words she remembered so well, and the sink opened up. When the group entered the opening, she decided to follow them to see where the creature that killed her lived.
Once in the chamber, the professors all gathered around the remains of the 60 ft long Basilisk. Both Ginny and Minerva shuddered at the thought of Harry fighting and defeating this thing. Severus was thrilled at the thought of what he could use in regards to his potions. Filius was also thrilled at the thought of the hide, and it's many uses. Kingsley was in the same mind set Filius. The protection it would provide to his Auror corps was infinite. Harry, Draco, and Remus were examining the chamber, looking for any possible hidden entrances. The Basilisk's lair was nothing more than just that, with no hidden chambers. However there were several found in the main chamber, to include a potions lab that was stocked with many a long lost potions that could not be made any more. One of these was a cure for Lycanthropy. Severus was the one to find this, and presented it to Remus. Remus and Tonks both broke down at this, as it made their dreams come true. Remus removed the stopper from the vial, and sniffed it to find out if it was still usable. He asked Severus to test it, before he took it. Severus used his wand and chanted something none of them ever heard before, and the vial never changed. He handed the vial back to Remus saying, "It was as if it were just made yesterday. It is perfectly safe. If it wasn't, the contents of the vial would have turned black."
Remus lifted the vial to his friends, "Cheers!" he said before he downed the contents of the vial. For a minute, nothing happened, then Remus started to change into his werewolf form. Every one raised their wands for protection, but it was not necessary, as Remus felt the curse being lifted from him, and the creature ceased to exist. Remus was once again, just Remus Lupin. He smiled to every one. "He's gone for good." Was all he said. Tonks fell into his arms, literally, as she tripped over Hagrids feet. Remus caught her, and lifter her up for a kiss.
In other chambers, they found books, and several different devices for which no one had the slightest idea what they were used for.
Minerva had a brilliant thought for the use of the chamber. "Hagrid, how would you like to move your class indoors. I believe even your brother could live comfortably in here."
Hagrid grinned at this, but then thought, "That would be great Professor, but How would he get in here? Grawpie is a bit bigger than I am, and I had a problem fitting into the chute."
Minerva did something no one knew was possible. She banished a part of the wall in the Chamber and inserted a set of double doors charmed to open only at her's and Hagrids words. There were all sorts of charms set up, and was protected from any type of damage. It also made it possible to move the remains of the Basilisk from the chamber and to send it to Goblins for the dissecting and distribution of it's different parts. Severus was to get the Venom and the Eyes, and Filius and Kingsley were to get the Skin. The goblins got the rest, and it was more than any one realized. The part of the brain that killed when the victim looked into the Basilisk's eyes was still functional. It could not kill with out the filter in the eye, but it could still petrify it's victim. It became a gift to the Director, from Harry Potter. It was built into his staff, and two giant rubies were set, to focus the power from the brain.
The things taken from the chamber were so many, that the professors would be looking through them for months. It was something they all looked forward to.
Hagrid took his brother to the chamber through the doors and showed him his new home. Grawp was thrilled at the thought that he would be protected from the cold, snow, rain and hot sun. He would be able to be like the students. Go out side during the day, and return during the evening and enjoy the comfort of the chamber. It was cool year round. Never hot, and never cold. A huge pallet made from leaves and pine needles that were gathered and sewn into a huge canvas bag that made his mattress.
Hagrid also made one of the side chambers his room to reside in during the school year, and lived in his cabin during the summer. The other chambers would be used to hide his class projects secret, until the class was ready for them. Both Hagrid and Grawp were delighted with their new home.
DLD-}
Harry was not aware of the plans his family made for his birthday, and Ginny wasn't aware that she was helping set up a joint party for both her and Harry.
On July 31. Harry and Ginny were both taken in on the effort put forth by the rest of the group. Ginny laughed at the thought of her helping set up her own party.
The twins had found a way to turn their portable swamp into a portable pool, and the party became a pool party for all the guests. The weather decided to allow the party goers to enjoy this event, by warming up, and staying sunny all day, and into the evening.
The rest of the summer was going by so fast that soon it was time to go back to Hogwarts for the final year. Neville and the rest of the DA were excited about being included in Harry's venture. The Professor's were excited as well. Narcissa, Andromeda, and even Molly were asked to fill in when the Professor who would be out on assignment, was gone. With everything in place, everyone was looking forward to this final year.