(a/n): Likes reviews! Keep'em coming!

southern-reader! No fair! which story?

I can do a request, Meteoricshipyards. We are a few chapters beyond the Harry - Barty fight, but I can work something in. Anything for a long-term reader. Slug Club scene is for you. And from your chapt#10 review, no I don't feel all that warm to Flitwick. New thing, really. Read a war/post-war story where a cabal of recently graduated peers of Harry's take over the school and clean house. Heads of House not be teachers, no professors as top administrators. And specifically harsh to Flitwick for not stopping abuse of Luna.

Why did Mrs. Granger attack Harry? More of that is in this Chapter. And there's a whole scene that I wrote, but haven't quite placed in the story, where he and Mr. Granger have a man2man. But, Michelle sees a whole world she can never really be part of slowly stealing her daughter away. And Harry as a symbol of that. And I've always thought that Hermione probably never really gave them the whole truth about what happens at Hogwarts, though being parents, they must feel she's 'lying by omission'

Ended the last Chapter just where I wanted. You know a little about Topaz as it ended. But what's his agenda?

As things were happening simultaneously in the Potter booth and the McGonagall booth, this chapter actually starts a few seconds before Chap#23 ended. Largest wordcount to date.

24 – The New Mrs. Weasley

"Quidditch Quality next, Sue?" asked Harry over the drone of uninteresting McGonagall chatter.

She looked disappointed. Her instincts were apparently not up to par. She smiled at Harry and agreed. "I seem to always be thanking you for not gloating."

"Just a part of my boyish charm." He countered, playfully.

Topaz elaborately wiped his mouth and casually tossed the cloth napkin aside "Hardly the best meal I have ever had." He commented, rudely "But, then, perhaps it has to do with the company."

"I beg *cough* your pard *gag* on!" Minerva exclaimed.

The eavesdropping couple sat in stunned silence.

"Invecchi Potion is remarkably effective. I even feel a good thirty years older." He said, enjoying her reaction.

Minerva was furious "What is the meaning of this outrage!"

"Oh put away your stupid wand, woman." He ordered "Permit me to properly introduce myself - Topaz Gaghan is the name I was born with. The eleven year old boy your family ruthlessly tossed out is my father."

Minerva glared at him stonily as the effects fell away leaving a younger looking man "This masquerade offends me, Nephew. If indeed you truly are who you claim to be."

"Offending you really does not concern me, Madam." He countered, coldly "Although, it is important you believe that Father did quite well after you discarded him with the morning refuse. These documents offer the few details I am inclined to share. And pictures from boyhood to five years ago, which should adequately prove his identity."

Minerva buried her emotions as she glanced through the barely inch thick folder. Scant material considering it would cover more than half a century of life. She demanded "I would see your Father face to face. Interference with Owl Post is a criminal offence. I am, however, willing to overlook that."

"Considering Father is terminally ill and has at most a few weeks left, that would not go very far." He told her, bluntly.

That slammed through any façade of calm she had "Then, please." She begged "I must try to heal the past."

"Are you, by any chance, accustomed with the condition Alzheimer's Disease?" asked Topaz. To which she shook her head. He continued, dispassionately "Somewhat common in Muggles, extremely rare in us. It affects the mind. He would not know you. It might actually have been amusing to watch you try to talk to him, but Father deserves his dignity. Looking at you, I now see why he latched onto my daughter calling her Minnie. She is about the same age you were back then."

Desperation dripped from her voice "I was little more than a child. You cannot hold what your Grandfather did against me."

"That person is no relative of mine." He spat, bitterly "And the fact is, I do not. No Madam, it is your own lack of action I hold in utter contempt. Father has known who and where you are for decades. You might guess it was out of hate he never contacted you. No, it was shame. Father had an amazing career. but it would never be good enough for his beloved Minnie. YOU could have sent that Owl decades ago. Now, it is entirely too late."

Displaying the iron her students were more used to, Minerva countered "You do not have the right to keep me from his side. No matter the pain it causes me. NO matter what this condition you refer to is. I will see him."

"You are quite wrong, Madam." Topaz fired back "Being Father's legal guardian for the last three years gives me that right alone. However, as I said, I am with the Irish government. This scroll is an order banning you from the country. On pain of death."

Stunned, all she could manage was "I see." She looked at the scroll as if it would attack her.

"Please, try to defy the order Auntie." Topaz sneered as he stood. It was the first emotion he had really displayed. He reached into his pocket and tossed a £50 note on the table "If not, good riddance."

Susan and Harry quickly made to busy themselves with the tall butterbeer and straws.

"Children are always looking to make some fast money." a much younger man than Harry previously saw confronted him "That spell was a good one. Here's a £50 and all you have to do is spread what you heard as far and wide as you like."

Harry turned the bill over in his hands, not recognizing it at all and saying so "This is money?" He would have had little chance of knowing as this was an Irish note. Before Hogwarts, his uncle would not have exposed him to much and since his true wealth is largely galleons.

"I was the one who cast that spell." Susan snapped, glaring at the man "He used an aging potion to impersonate his father. And this is NOT money. It's a rag." She plucked it from Harry's hands and blew her nose in it loudly, then flung it.

Topaz Gaghan (McGonagall) Jr. smirked at her as the soiled bill drifted to the floor in front of him. He laughed unpleasantly and addressed the teens "Arrogant limeys! All alike. But I suppose you are loyal after a fashion. No matter. Gentlemen shall we depart this blighted country?" And his emotionless, black-suited escort formed up, one in front the other behind.

The couple slid out of their booth and were, despite hearing every word, shocked at the sight of the Headmistress' trembling lip and shaking hands.

"Hi Professor." Said Harry, almost casually and recovering first "Think we could talk about the second chapter? I've been reading ahead."

Susan glared at him, sat down beside the Headmistress and covered her hands. "No, Potter, I do not think so." McGonagall said in an offended tone.

"Professor, just now I think I have more in common with you than anyone else." Replied Harry.

Susan felt he was still being quite insensitive.

"Your nephew is a prick." he continued "And so is my uncle...Minerva."

Her eyebrow twitched and then she actually laughed "Correct me if I am wrong, Potter. But students should not generally curse in front of teachers."

"Don't think I would have back in First Year." He retorted. "So…the way I read it, by the end of Chapter 2, we should be able to turn our limbs into different animal limbs. But it doesn't talk about some of the details. Like hair into feathers, or fur."

Susan still couldn't believe how her boyfriend was acting. He did not care the slightest, it seemed, about the emotional turmoil the Headmistress had just been through.

"Very well, then." Said McGonagall "It is about concentration and focus. It only takes three or four large muscles to move an arm or leg. But something like talking is twenty or so. Thus a child will learn to walk before she can talk.-" And after a slow start, she continued lecturing the teens for a solid hour. Only stopping when she saw Harry looking away.

Susan saw the reason why, and was amazed "Harry! A wing!"

It was misshapen and would not remotely support his weight in flight, but it clearly was.

"I thought white feathers would be nice. Hedwig would've been pleased." He commented with a teary grin "Professor, what are the chances I can become an owl?"

She considered, but admitted "It is impossible to tell. The needs of flight make one wing much like another, Potter. I must admit to being astonished. Studying much?"

"During the summer." Harry replied "Giving the Dursleys a hard time got …well… boring after a while. Like the way it would be to take First Year again."

All teacher, she cautioned "Nevertheless, it was risky of you. You could have gotten stuck. It is well done for this stage. Focus more on the skeletal structure for now. I think the feathers will come quite easily. There seem to be some perfectly formed ones already."

"Thank you, Professor." He answered, politely.

She shook her head and said "No … Harry … thank you. I was feeling quite pathetic when you two showed up."

x

"I just don't trust it, Harry." Said Ginny Weasley. She was referring to the remarkable book that was helping him toward the number one spot in Potions.

Harry shook his head "I know it's charmed, Gin. But it's not like th – not what you're thinking." There were other ears about the Common Room. "And Granger's just jealous. Funny, she could explain it better than I could. There's a Muggle invention called a computer. Look at it like an encyclopedia with everything scattered about. You could never find anything. This does … I just think of a potion, or ingredient and it flips to the right page and tells me where there's other references."

"I STILL don't like it." She grumbled.

Harry packed the book away and said "There, I promise to keep it out of sight while you're nearby. Fair?"

"I'd really rather see it in the fireplace." She persisted.

Natalie McDonald, a friend in Ginny's year, suggested "You know you could go part way, Harry. Let a professor give it the once over."

"Not sure about that." he replied, reluctantly.

Ginny threw up her hands in frustration and headed for the exit.

"But! Hold up Ginny!" he caught up with her in a few running steps as they headed for breakfast "There's one I think you can agree to. And she's more qualified to check for curses."

She figured out who he meant in a moment "Madam Bones! OF course! Alright. You think she'll come at once?"

"Oh sure." He joked "Let's see….umm Dear Regent… How's things with you? Finances going well? Oh, by the way … I found this book … might be cursed … think you could check it out?"

As they entered the Great Hall, Ginny slapped him on the arm and laughed "Yeah, something like that. But seriously, Harry, do it and I'll be satisfied."

"Later." He said, giving her arm a squeeze. Getting to the Hufflepuff Table, he rolled his eyes "Again Finchy?"

The towering boy glared at him. Justin Finch-Fletchley competed wth Harry for height even while seated "IN case you haven't noticed" he growled "This is the HUFFLEPUFF Table."

"Really!" exclaimed Harry "Do tell! Guess that explains my favorite one sitting here! Don't it?"

Justin was her friend, back to First Year. But Susan was tired of the taunting "Shove off Justin!" she ordered.

"No I don't think I will." He replied and took a bite of toast. He didn't look up as he added "I'm sick of you pulling your Parseltongue crap, Potter. And it won't work this time."

Harry repressed a burst of fury and said "Look. A bunch of people sit at different tables. I want to sit next to my girlfriend and it's not like it's crowded."

"I like it here." Justin declared and he slid even closer. To the point where his leg and Susan's couldn't avoid touching.

This brought Hannah into it. She wasn't necessarily best friends with Harry, but his being responsible for saving her Grandfather Moody made a convert of her "Come on Justin. Stop being an idiot."

"You know what? It's fine." Harry said, abruptly as he leaned over. He pecked Susan on the lips and took a piece of toast. Crumbs flicked off as he bit in and tore at it unnecessarily. Most landing on Justin. "Some Corn Flakes would be lovely."

Justin brushed his hair angrily then pushed Harry. This rather backfired as just then, the visitor was simultaneously scooping sugar and pouring milk into his bowl. "YOU BLOODY SODDIN GIT!"

"Every where you go, you cause trouble Potter." Hermione came over.

Harry took the remains of his bowl and carelessly flicked them at her.

"I will handle this, Miss Granger. You are dismissed." Said Professor Sprout. "Mr. Potter, you deliberately made that worse than it needed to be. Ten points from Gryffindor. You, however, Mr. Finch-Fletchley had no reason to act the way you did. Twenty-five points will be taken-"

The Hufflepuff stood and protested "But Professor! He killed Cedri-"

"And I suppose you were in the maze to see this?" she cut him off.

Justin answered "No, but, everyo-"

"Then perhaps you are an Auror?" she asked, annoyed at being forced to look up at her student.

Resentfully he answered "No ma'am."

"Then, Mr. Finch-Fletchley, I think you should take quill and parchment to the end of the table and write Harry Potter was cleared by the Wizengamot until the class bell rings." She ordered "Now! Mr. Finch-Fletchley! And Mr. Potter, it does seem that there is suddenly a free place."

That there was some soggy Corn Flakes on the bench and table mattered not at all to Harry. After the professor departed he whispered to Susan "There's gonna be a cobra in his bed tonight."

"Sorry about him, Harry." She apologized.

He shrugged "Not your fault, but you can make it up to me after dinner." He finished with a smirk. Which only broadened when she squeezed his thigh under the table.

In came the morning Owls. One with the purple and gold official sash of The Ministry landed in front of Harry and pompously held out a leg.

"Looks important, Harry." Commented Susan.

Harry offered the bird some bacon and countered "Wonder if his name is Percy."

The owl squawked looking affronted. He shook his leg violently.

"From Dumbledore, let's see-"

Dear Harry

I know we are not on the best of terms these days. But there is something that you can do that would be mutually beneficial. It will not cost you anything except a little time. Your new Potions Professor likes to gather popular students. You are certainly in that category. He has been sitting on information about Tom that I suspect is quite useful.

You will find that he cannot be blackmailed. Nor can Horace be bought in the usual sense of the word. If you are to gain this vital datum, it mush be finessed out of him.

I wish you luck in this endeavor. And hope this leads to you learning that you can trust me.

Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore

Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot

Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards

Minister of Magic for the United Kingdom

Headmaster Emeritus Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

Susan was less impressed with Dumbledore than ever, commenting "Hmm... one or two titles too many there."

"Nothing like a little spying." Harry commented as he handed her the letter. "Well, more about that later. Quick letter to our mutual Family Head."

x

Harry joined the 'Slug Club' and actually found it enjoyable, well minus the presence of his ex-best friend. The presence of Draco Malfoy was a minor annoyance by comparison. For one his shots at Harry were greatly reduced, and they were laced with curiously useful information which he passed along to Amelia Bones.

Conversations were mostly about trivia. Professor Slughorn would regale his Club with stories of each member's parents, older siblings, or even grandparents as the case may be. On one occasion James Potter had been the topic. "The lad was an amazing flyer. Gryffindor team was full his first year, or maybe it was two. I can easily imagine he could have been on the team the day he arrived. Just like yourself Harry."

"Really, Professor?" Harry did not have to fake interest in this particular subject. Nor was there a hint of the usual embarrassment that came with the usual praising he endured because of his fame. "Everybody talks about knowing my parents, but then I never really hear anything more. Can you tell me...err, us... something."

Horace chuckled in a parental way and floated some candy around the table for students to take. "Well, let's see. I remember they tried him around. Beater, Chaser, Keeper. Ohh-ho-ho-hooo! that was a memorable one! Boy didn't care one whit about injury. One generally does not use one's head to block the Quaffle!"

"Merlin Harry!" exclaimed Ron "Even I know that!" The teasing was good natured, and he took the glare from his friend in good stride.

The Professor laughed with the group, then said "All right, come, come my young witches and wizards. No picking allowed. Young James did fairly well in all those positions, but did not excel. He seemed fated to be a second-stringer. Not, that is, until the regular Seeker was forced to leave the school. Her parents relocated to ... Canada I believe it was. Well, shed all the extra padding a Keeper wears and that boy! He flew better than an owl! Can't recall exactly when, but he set the school record for a catch."

"I'll look it up." replied Harry. Despite the presence in his life of his parents' painting he still enjoyed hearing stories from people who knew them.

Luna, Harry's guest for the evening chimed in "Harry is of the belief that he has done nothing heroic, nothing of merit. And that his only fame comes from his parents. This is simply untrue. Were it not for him... at the very least, and most recent... we would still have a Death Eater for a Defense teacher." She then resumed, very slowly, cutting a bread square in half.

"A unique young witch you chose, Harry." Slughorn commented "And, before we get into that, how is Miss Bones?"

Giving a forlorn sigh, he replied "Still in isolation. But Madam Pomfrey says she's recovering. Grindylowitis is only contagious at the end and Sue should be back in class Tuesday. Been kind of a lonely two weeks."

"Back to exploring broom closets in no time, my boy." the Professor chortled "But, and please forgive an old man's curiosity, how did you get the best of Barty? He was among You-Know-Who's most powerful supporters."

Harry shrugged and answered "VOLDEMORT doesn't have supporters. He has slaves. And I didn't really beat him. Fought enough fights to know when the other guy is better. Madam Bones showed me the report and all the magical readings were identical to those in the records of my parents' murders. He hit me with an Avada and it rebounded. I'd say the real hero there, once again, is LILY not Harry Potter."

x

It was now December 21 and all things considered it had been a quiet semester at Hogwarts. You wouldn't necessarily know by her demeanor, but Luna Lovegood was particularly delighted with life. There was never any evidence, but everyone knew that if something cruel was done to her that person was ambushed within 24 hours. And Ravenclaw was solidly in last place in the House Point race as a side effect.

"Interesting year, hasn't it Potter?" commented Neville with an amused tone.

Harry's eyebrow twitched and he bowed pompously at his friend "Indeed Master Longbottom. It appears your lady friend is doing quite well."

"And yours as well, Sire." Luna offered airily, curtseying as a formal occasion would require given her much lesser social standing would have required. She was not even heir to a Great Family, while the other three would all have full status in just over a year.

Susan pulled on a door, finding it open. Then all four recoiled at the shouting that emanated from within.

"IT IS MY WEDDING RONALD!" yelled Hermione.

Not to be out-bellowed, Ron countered "IT'S MINE TOO!"

"I WILL NOT HAVE MY BROTHER'S MURDERER THERE!" she fired back referencing Harry.

Ron screamed himself hoarse "NOBODY COULD TELL SHE WAS PREGGERS! LET ALONE HARRY! HE WAS BLIND!"

"What if I said he goes or no wedding?" Hermione asked. The voice was toneless and none of the four accidental spies could see her face.

There was a dull thump that was clearly Ron falling into a seat. And a silence that dragged, before finally "If he'd said yes he'd've been my Best Man."

"Oops!" Neville nudged Susan away from the door "Hi Ron, Hermione… see you're talking. C'mon Luna - let's look for the candy lady." He even subltly flipped the latch on the knob as he closed the door.

Speaking to Neville, but to diffuse Harry, Susan said "Nicely done, Neville. You probably broke up that argument before it went too far. And, saved us and them a load of embarrassment."

"Yea, thanks." Harry muttered, sullenly.

x

Way back in September 1990 Hermione Granger had found the whole situation of her being a witch, and the daughter of two completely devout Roman Catholics. There were many in the Wizarding World that took The Inquisition quite lightly, but there definitely were casualties during those Dark Times. So, now, for a Pureblood wizard from an Ancient and Noble Family … well, it was some tale.

"Can't believe my baby brother is getting married before me!" the best man exclaimed. He grabbed the groom in a headlock and ground his knuckles into the vulnerable scalp.

Ron twisted and pushed against the attack, screaming curses.

"William! What have I told you about bullying your brothers!" Arthur Weasley snapped out, forcefully.

Bill sheepishly released Ron, scratched at his ear and muttered "Sorry Dad."

"Right, then, boys! Shove him this'a way!" ordered their Father, as his expression changed. Fred and George pushed him back and forth, laughing. Then into his grip. The torment resumed, only this time Ron wasn't cursing "Fabian and Gideon were much worse, believe me, Son."

Hearing Ron in distress, Harry had his wand half out and almost kicked the door open. He hesitated when he heard Mr. Weasley and instead, cracked it and peered inside. Where Harry's fame made Ron jealous before, it was scenes like this that aroused similar feelings in him. However, smiling for his friend, he entered "That tux looks a lot better than the robes you wore to the Ball, but your hair! Watta mess!"

"Very funny, Harry." Grumbled Ron, glaring at everyone in the room.

Mr. Weasley patted him affectionately on the cheek and hugged him "No more recriminations, Son. We've beat that horse stiff. Your Mother and I are happy for you and proud. You are an honorable… noble… man. We have always been fond of Hermione… minus a point or two. Let's go, boys." He gave a significant look in Harry's direction, shook his son briefly. He slapped Harry on the back as he departed.

One by one they followed him, friendly grins across the board. They all seemed in line with their Father's unspoken sentiment. The exception was the last to leave, Charlie. The number two Weasley gave Harry a death glare.

"Problem?" Harry demanded, completely unimpressed.

Charlie did not answer in words. He did move closer, intruding on Harry's personal space.

"Enough!" Ron snapped "Charlie! It's my wedding! And Harry is MY guest!"

Ignoring his friend, Harry said "Go on, get it out of your system. Talk... or fight, whichever you like." He gave the #2 Weasley a contemptuous glare. He met Charlie twice before, briefly as a First Year when he was barely taller than 10 year old Ginny and again during the Tournement. And been almost awed by him.

"Another time, maybe, Potter." said Charlie, nodding at his brother. He bumped shoulders with Harry as he walked out.

After his departure, Harry queried "What's up his arse?"

"Not really sure." Admitted Ron as he rubbed at the back of his neck "Your name comes up and he goes all silent. Hermione, I guess."

Harry grunted "Better not start with me."

"I'll talk to him." Ron promised "But, please, Harry."

Nodding, Harry replied "He lets me alone I can do the same. Last chance to change your mind, ya know."

"Harrrrr-rrrrrrrry." Ron drawled out impatiently.

To which Harry shrugged, and offered sheepishly "Last chance to toss me out?"

"Not happening either." Said Ron, still not really pleased "Although thanks for changing the eye-patch."

Harry's thought was a cold one about nothing really changing, but he said "Sue designed it and Dobby made it. Emerald green, she said, matches my eyes. And the white makes it stand out."

"Little sappy, that one." Ron scoffed and they both laughed.

Ninety minutes later, after a full Latin Mass, there was a second Mrs. Weasley in the red-haired clan.

Seating themselves unobtrusively near the rear of the church, the Potter party found themselves among the first to congratulate the new couple. Madam Bones was senior and so went first. It was the easiest. "You look dashing, Ronald." She complimented the groom, and to Hermione "Your dress is exquisite. My hopes for a happy marriage."

"Now you're as famous as Harry." Susan joked to the groom. She hugged him, warmly and added "First in our year to marry."

Hermione set the tone, withdrawing the politeness she'd offered Madam Bones "As long as you're with that murderer, don't even touch me." She sneered.

"Your problem is with me, Granger." Harry whispered "You treat Susan with the respect she deserves or you'll regret it."

Hermione crossed her arms over her just-growing belly and countered "It's Weasley, now, idiot. And you try anything, you will be back in Azkaban where you belong."

Harry hid a cringe by looking down. When his eyes returned to hers, he flipped up his eye-patch under the guise of a sloppy salute and walked away.

"Why look Daddy, Neville" Luna Lovegood said in her airy way "it's the famous Stubby Boardman. May I have your autograph sir?"

The former lead singer of The Hobgoblins resembled the criminal Sirius Black and a few Wizarding guests had been commenting on it.

"Apparently so, Moonbeam, apparently so." The towering father replied "I believe this proves our old article was incorrect. How unfortunate. Obviously, Mr. Black would not show up at such a public occasion. Mr. Boardman, my daughter is quite a fan of your music. Although she has a disturbing habit of referring it to as 'oldies' "

Harry, who had noticed his Godfather's alarm at the attention, sighed in relief and improvised lightly "Umm… yeah… he's been telling me some things about my parents." It was the truth. What he still worried about was that, of all people, Madam Bones had taken a shine to 'Stubby Boardman.'

"Oh… cluck cluck cluck… stop being a mother hen, Harry." Whispered Sirius as he signed a parchment Luna produced "What's life without a little risk?"

If you did not know how much Luna might have figured out, Neville was definitely out of the loop "Must be nice to finally learn something about your parents, Harry. It really sucks that all you got as sources are Snape, Lupin and Black."

"Actually, Nev," replied Harry "Stubby here has been telling me some things about Sirius—Black. He's…at least maybe… not as guilty as it seems. At least nothing was proven since he never got a trial."

Madam Bones looked back and forth between Harry and 'Stubby' contemplatively "That is not something widely known." She said "It is, in fact, classified."

"It's something Black told me." Harry offered, hastily "Remember when I told you about Third Year?"

A respite came from Ian Granger as the father of the bride announced "Speaking for myself…my wife… the Weasleys and of course, the happy couple … Please join us at the reception."

"About time the fucker did something for me." Harry muttered to himself.

Susan did not catch every word, but she got the gist. She slid an arm around his waist and nestled his arm between her breasts "I don't know about you, but I'm starved!" she declared "Just remember who's paying. And order seconds."

"Very funny." He grumbled, but with humor in his tone. He also kissed her temple.

Augusta Longbottom, who had just been speaking with the senior Weasleys and Grangers approached with a wizard who looked quite a bit like a middle aged Neville would and grunted her grandson's name imperiously.

"Dame Longbottom, I believe you are acquainted with Madam Bones." Neville said, formally "Her …ahh…escort, Mr. Stubby Boardman."

She scowled and remarked coldly "Yes, We recall. The Noisemaker."

"Quite right m'Lady!" exclaimed Sirius. He grabbed her hand and pumped it furiously up and down.

Neville snickered at his Grandmother's look of outrage, then coughed and continued "Ahhhh Accompanying her, are my classmates Susan Bones. Her niece."

"Ma'am" Susan curtseyed. Technically the teen actually ranked higher, but that would only really be true when she came of age.

Augusta brightened visibly "Ah… a fine example of young ladyhood."

"Grandmother." Neville said in a cold tone, and shot an apologetic look toward both Lovegoods. "And the gentleman on her left is Harry Potter."

Harry's opinion of the Longbottom dowager wasn't particularly high. But for his friend's sake, he gave a 'bow of equals' that Madam Bones taught him.

x

"Excuse me, for a bit." Said Amelia Bones. Which was 'polite' for 'Gotta take a dump'

Meal conversation with the Lovegoods and a few colleagues of the Grangers had been polite. For reception purposes, Harry was a close friend of Ron's and he'd lost his eye in an accident.

"I would speak with you." Said Michelle Granger in a tone that barred argument.

Amelia finished her bio-necessities and opened the stall door "What is it you want?" she demanded.

"You were polite, even kind, to my daughter." The mother of the bride observed "Why?"

Amelia sighed "I should have thought that obvious, Dr. Granger. While I have a particular loathing for your actions, Hermione has never done me any wrong. I have even told her she has the potential to be quite a force for change in our world. She is magically powerful and, I'm sure you're aware, has a formidable intellect."

"What did you just do to my cousin?" Michelle asked sharply. She was reacting to Madam Bones waving her wand, muttering a few words, and the new arrival walking out of the loo in a slight daze.

The witch replied "Nothing permanent, or even damaging. I only quashed her sudden need to powder her nose. I did rather more to us. Anyone else entering will ignore us and go about their business. We can talk for some time without interruption."

"Useful." The dentist acknowledged "And how do I address you?"

With a shrug, Amelia replied "The Wizarding World is what you call feudal in nature. I have a number of titles. Madam Bones would be simplest under the circumstances."

"And your relationship to the boy?" asked Michelle.

Amelia responded with a sour look "Harry is a hereditary Earl. He would have the right, in fact the duty, to go before the Queen armed. He controls seven votes in the Wizengamot. Our Parliament. Even the wealth he gained from the Basilisk hide is dwarfed by what the Potters control."

"A Basilisk? Is a kind of snake?" Hermione's mother asked.

Though she wasn't acting as an interrogator, her Auror training kicked in "Apparently, you have not been told everything about the happenings at Hogwarts. I recommend asking about the events of October 31, 1991 and, with regard to the Basilisk most of their Second Year. You might find it educational."

"Not very informative, Madam Bones." Was Michelle's displeased response.

Smirking, Amelia added "You might also ask if your daughter is aware that she could easily finance her education … and several centuries of comfortable life quite independently. Why am I not surprised you didn't seem to know that? Doctor?"

"What?" Michelle waved a dismissive hand "My daughter tells me everything!"

Amelia ignored the obvious lie and went back to her first topic "You know the true reason I offered kindness to Hermione? Because for the rest of his life, Harry will never be able to look at the woman who was like a sister he never had without remembering the pain you caused."

"And that compares to my loss of a baby how?" Mrs. Granger demanded, trembling with barely contained rage.

Madam Bones glared at her, unafraid "We are not now in a court. And if you were honest with yourself you would admit that was entirely your fault." She said coldly "And, to be blunt Madam, my sole concern is Harry's pain. He has suffered far more in his short life than you can possibly imagine!"

The exclamation point on her comment barely arrived at Mrs. Granger's furious ears when the Master of Ceremonies could be heard announcing "Can we please have the Bride, Groom and their parents front and center please!"

"This discussion is not over!" the mother of the Bride snarled and stormed out.

Amelia addressed her reflection, demanding "Well! Did you enjoy that?" to which she answered "As a matter of fact…"

x

Harry's Dusley upbringing meant staying with the 'Cat Lady' whenever they went to a wedding. "Wouldn't want you embarrassing us by eating too much!" Uncle Vernon had said on more than one occasion. Whatever he might think of Hermione he laughed until he had to wipe tears from his cheek as she shoved a piece of cake in Ron's face. And his friend's look that was equal parts of shock, amusement and imminent mischievous revenge. He cheered the triumphant look on the groom's face.

Ron and Hermione danced their first time as husband and wife. Then, he danced with Mrs. Weasley while she danced with Mr. Granger. Followed by her with Mr. Weasley and him with Mrs. Granger. The final ceremonial dance was the wedding party.

"You know, Sue…" Harry offered as he wrapped an arm around her waist "I think I owe Parvati Patil an apology."

Susan considered, then laughed "If I was feeling generous, I'd say you owe her dances for the rest of the evening."

"Oh?" asked Harry.

She shrugged and put her head on his shoulder "I said …If I was feeling generous… One or two more reasonably."

"Alrightieeeee!" called out the MC, as the music was cut off in mid-song "Let's have a little funnnn! Why not everyone on the floor just turn about and dance with whoever you happen to see."

Susan accepted Seamus Finnegan's hand, and Harry turned to find himself looking at Hermione. His expression immediately turned hostile and he said "Piss off, Granger!"

"Come along Harry." Molly encircled him in her arms. She had been dancing with the bride's father. "It is not good luck to decline a dance with the bride, but I hope I'll do."

He smiled at her "With pleasure, Mrs. Weasley. I'd sooner choke her than dance with her."

"I know you have a right to be angry with her parents, Harry." She said "But, as a friend to both, let me say that you and Hermione were such great friends."

He sighed "I guess she told you all about her pain and blahblahblah. Well, here's how I feel. Her Mother hurt me as much as Diggory or Voldemort did. And, as long as she sides with the woman that cost me an eye … well, then, Hermione is as much my enemy as them. If I had it to do over again, I'd let the troll from First Year have her."

"Really Harry." She scolded him "Are you honestly comparing a teenage girl to He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named?"

He countered with something she couldn't dispute "She's now older than Voldemort was when he created - that book."

Mrs. Weasley flinched, both from the feared name and from the coded, but obvious, reference to the time she almost lost her daughter. "Harry, we will never be able to thank you enough for saving Ginny."

"I didn't say that to look for that, Mrs. Weasley – Molly—" said Harry, feeling choked up "Look I can understand you wanting to make peace. You're just that way. But some things can't be fixed."

She countered "I believe … no, I know… Harry, that you're a good person. I'm convinced that what happened at King's Cross was unintentional on the part of Mrs. Granger. And, I hope you realize, from their perspective, she lost as much as you did."

"I've heard enough." He declared, pulling out of the dancing embrace "I won't even think about accepting Granger's apology until at least I get my eye back."

She was visibly disappointed, but stepped back into dancing with him "You know…I remember when you had to look up at me." She said, patting his cheek fondly "And, honestly, I find myself more on your side than on Michelle's. You have never been one to start a fight. Arthur and I love you as one of our own. Just remember that."

"Thanks." He half choked. The song ended and he pulled away. Bumped from behind, he turned on reflex. Surprised, but not scared by a look of barely restrained fury on the face of Charlie Weasley. He crossed his arms and demanded "Problem?"