A/N: Hello everyone again. 2011 is about to close, and what way to bring in the new year with a new chapter?
When Narcissa awoke the next morning she saw the bed across from her empty, the sheets twisted and crumpled. Looking over to the window she could see her sister Bellatrix staring outside, arms wrapped around her all too thin frame. Her features were troubled, and dark circles were under her eyes. Sighing as she got out of bed, Narcissa slipped her dressing gown on before carrying Bella's over to her.
"Bella, you've got to relax." She said softly as she wrapped Bellatrix's gown around her sister's shoulders. "It'll be alright."
Bellatrix's reply was so faint she almost missed it. "No sister, you don't understand. He has as much reason to hate me, as Potter has to hate the Dark Lord. And there's nothing holding him back from taking his vengeance." She wrapped her arms tighter around herself, a chill that had nothing to do with the temperature running down her spine.
"Surely, once he hears about what happened to you…" Narcissa started.
"Cissa, I took his parents from him!" Bella cut her off. "As surely as if I'd cut their throats with a knife! Worse even, as they linger on in St Mongos! Neither truly alive yet not dead! Their condition has not improved since I tortured them both all those years ago." The regret and guilt were plain to hear in her voice. In her mind, the sequence of events from that night nearly fifteen years ago ran through her head once more, like they had been all night. The screams of the Longbottom couple, the cruel laughter of her ex-husband and his brother were as clear now as they were back then... But clearest of all was the feminine cackling, her own, as she applied the crucitus curse again and again…
She turned to look at her sister finally, the tear tracks clear on her pale skin. "Can you honestly expect him to show me any compassion?"
Cissa sighed deeply, her own eyes welling. "No…"
For his part, Neville was almost as nervous as the older sisters were as he stepped out of the Floo into Potter Manor. Harry's invite to meet today had hinted at several topics, including an offensive against the Death Eaters – that had gotten his Grandmother's attention – along with plans for the summer. But there had also a note concerning 'family honour'. That was unusual… and unexpected.
Focusing his attention forwards, Neville's face broke into a small at the sight of Harry stood a few steps away, Hermione as ever by his side. On his other side Susan and Daphne were stood together though slightly apart from him. All four had the grand hall of Potter Manor as a backdrop.
Harry stepped forwards as the Floo flared again, disgorging Hannah Abbot. "Neville, glad you could come."
"Thanks Harry. But what's going on?" Neville asked as his gran made her entrance.
"Well… mostly we're planning to counterattack. The attacks on us and our friends will not go unpunished." Harry's face had turned grim with his statement.
Watching him Augusta Longbottom nodded in approval. This was much more like the Potters of old.
"We've got a few ideas already, but I want everyone affected to be involved." Harry continued. He looked towards Hannah, who had so far not strayed from Neville's arm. "Hannah… I want you to consider this carefully. Getting involved could mean Voldemort's lot targeting you or your family..." His allusion to what had happened clear.
Hannah shivered, but clung to Neville's arm a little tighter. "Harry… where Neville goes, I'll follow." It looked like it was taking every shred of courage she had to say it, but she didn't waver. "Father's already began having the warding upgraded, and I swear I saw him examining a muggle gun thing the other day."
Hermione frowned lightly. "Better tell him to leave it alone, at least until he's been given some basic training in using one." She said. "We don't want him accidentally shooting himself in the face."
"No, we don't." Daphne spoke up. "We're going to need all the allies we can get in the Wizengamot."
Hannah paled. "Yes, let's prevent that." She then flushed, a brighter red than any Weasley. "Our condolences Daphne. It's been all over the press, the attacks and all..."
Daphne smiled sadly as Susan wrapped an arm around her shoulders.
To break the awkward silence Harry looked to the stern woman who stood just beyond Neville's other shoulder. "Madam Longbottom, welcome to Potter Manor."
"Thank you Mister Potter. It's good to be back here."
Harry was surprised for a moment. "I take it you last visited in my grandfather's time?"
A smile almost appeared on the older woman's face. "Indeed it was. A very noble and courageous man." Her eyes moved across to the two slightly taller figures over to the right, by the bottom of the steps leading up to the private wing of the Manor. She nodded briefly at Fleur, but her eyes were on the redhead beside her, widening slightly. "Lily Potter?" Both Neville and Hannah whipped their heads round to look at her, mouths dropping down.
Lily smiled as she stepped forwards. "Hello Augusta. I was happy to hear you've not lost your spirit."
Augusta Longbottom was stunned as she watched the young woman she had known so long ago stand before her… and not look a day older. "How?" Was all she could say. Inside emotions warred within. Pleasure to see an old friend back, shock at her sudden revival, envy for her hale return while her son still languished in St Mungos…
Lily, seeing the conflict in her eyes, smiled sadly at the older woman. "My survival was the result of a number of coinciding factors that could never be repeated even if we tried." She shrugged lightly before facing the young man with her. "Hello Neville. Nice to finally be able to speak with my godson." Her eyes softened. "You've got your fathers frame, but I can see Alice in your face, your eyes…" A tear escaped her own as her thoughts wandered to the current fate of her friend.
Neville was in a degree of shock. Happiness for Harry warred with a sense of envy. Slowly however her words sunk in and he exhaled the envy, allowing some perspective to enter and show him that maybe at last fate was giving Harry a break. "Mrs Potter." He greeted her formally.
Lily smiled lightly. "No need for formalities here Neville, though your manner is a credit to your character."
Neville flushed lightly. "Thank you Mrs Pot… I mean, Lily." Fighting back the blush, he faced the amused expressions of Harry and Hermione. "What's going on Harry?"
Harry sighed, all cheer fading. "We're fighting back Neville. For the moment with words, laws and others, but we're not going to be ideal ourselves. You still interested in some summer training?"
Neville didn't even have to think about his reply. "Yes."
Harry nodded slowly. "I thought so. Hopefully, we can end Voldemort quickly, before too many are killed. But we're going to have to use every tool and option we have."
"Ambitious, Mister Potter." Augusta stepped in once more, her eyes now narrowed, calculated. "If I may ask, by what did you refer to in your letter to my grandson when you spoke of 'family honour'?"
Harry fidgeted, a clear sign of his nervousness. "That is… complicated."
Neville chuckled. "When is it ever not with you involved?" He asked rhetorically. Harry flashed him a grin before turning serious once more.
"I suppose you know of the will reading of Sirius Black?" When he got three nods in reply, he pressed on. "He named me the heir to the Black Family. If he hadn't Draco would have been the heir." Both Neville and Hannah grimaced at that. "Because of that, my life is now even more complicated than it was. Part of that…" Harry hesitated for a moment. "…He left some, interesting things, to a number of his relatives. His cousins in particular. After the reading, two of them came to me, asking… no, begging me to not only annul their marriages, but provide them protection from Voldemort."
Neville was too shocked to speak, so Hannah asked the important questions. "Did you, Harry? Who are they?"
Harry sighed. "I did do as they asked… after making them swear an oath to me not to betray anyone in my house, or any of my friends. I also added an extra cravat for each one. As for who…" He paused for a long moment. "They are Lady Malfoy and… Bellatrix LeStrange."
Instantly a wave of white-hot fury washed through Neville, making his eyes narrow and his shoulders tense. His body trembled with anger and pain. Hannah gasped, gripping his hand tightly. Behind them, Augusta also felt a flush of rage suffuse her. "She is here?" She asked, her voice quiet but filled with loathing.
Harry nodded slowly before gesturing with one hand. Out of a side room behind him Bellatrix stepped out almost demurely, head bowed. Neville drew his wand without thinking, his eyes fixed on the approaching older woman. Pure hatred filled them.
Harry stepped between the two, forcing Neville to meet his gaze. "Nev… I can only guess as to how you feel. Remember she's the one who took Sirius away from me. Part of her oath to me included this chance, for you, to take your revenge. But I ask that you either take it now, or defer till after we finish Voldemort. If you defer, I don't want to have to worry that you'll strike her down from behind during a critical moment in our fight." Seeing the firmness in Harry's eyes, Neville nodded jerkily, still unable to speak. Nodding in reply, Harry stepped aside, waving his hand to the others to step aside, clearing the space between Neville and Bellatrix.
The moment Harry moved Neville's wand snapped up to point directly at her heart. Bella stopped a few feet from him, making sure to keep her hands down by her sides, fingers spread and palms towards him. Looking up at him she shivered at the pure hatred and loathing in his eyes... emotions that she knew all too well were justified.
"Neville Longbottom…" She said softly and slowly. "…I have wronged you, denied you your family." She lowered herself to her knees, keeping her arms wide open. "You may take your revenge." Tipping her head forward she closed her eyes, awaiting his judgement.
For several long moments no one moved, eyes wide as they watched the tableau. While some of them would say they Neville reasonably well, none knew just how he would act in this situation. His face rolled between several emotional states; anger, hatred and pain the most obvious. His body was shaking…
"Reducto!"
The word exploded from his lips, but was almost instantly drowned out by the explosion of the spell as it struck. A bright flare washed out everyone's view and they flinched away, blinking away spots.
When they could see again they looked back, dreading what they would see…
Neville was still standing, breathing heavily. Bellatrix was still kneeling before him, unmarked. But just before her knees was a tapered hole in the floor, a foot wide and nearly two deep. As they watched she slowly looked up at him, eyes wide.
"Death is more than you deserve." He said haltingly. "You have to earn your redemption." And with that he spun and stalked off. After a moment to look around apologetically Hannah turned and followed him.
Everyone started to relax… but then Augusta Longbottom stepped forwards into the space her son had left. The tension rose once more as she glared at the still kneeling woman before her. Despite the fear that pulsed through her, Bella refused to look away. She would face her judgement unflinching.
At last Madam Longbottom spoke. "I can never forgive what you did. Too old, too set in my ways. I'll let the younger generation forgive you, if they chose to do so. Let them decide your fate." Turning away from the slumping witch, she looked towards Harry. "So... what are your plans to strike back?"
The discussion and planning session on how they could hit back ran on all morning. Dobby, Winky and Emily served lunch platters while the eclectic group tossed ideas back and forth. While everyone agreed that a direct strike by themselves was out of the question, the other options were battered back and forth before any consensus was reached. In addition to the Longbottoms, The Tonks, Madam Bones, Professor McGonagall, Lord Henerick and Eleanor Greengrass, Daniel and Emma Granger joined the group around the main table in the dining hall. Harry was sat at the head once more, at the insistence of his mother, Hermione and Victor. This did have Tonks chuckling for a bit until her mother lightly scolded her for her disrespect. Harry stepped in on the younger Tonks side, saying that he was fine with her attitude; it was how he knew her. Remus and Lily had smiled proudly at that. So had McGonagall, though she was a little more subtle about it. Her visit the previous day had allowed her to find balance in herself, after the total destruction of the previous pillar in her life, Her faith in Albus Dumbledore.
At first the older group, primarily Augusta, Lord Greengrass and McGonagall, were very reluctant to involve the muggles in the fight. This was a Magical World issue, they should solve it themselves. Hermione countered that the Muggles had means to fight back that couldn't be countered by wizards, and then held up the example of her uncle thwarting the attack on her parents. The Aurors had captured five Death Eaters, with one killed, for two fatalities on the Aurors side. Daniel had killed five single-handedly, and wounded the remaining four of that team. None of them had any counter for that.
Professor McGonagall had – with obvious reluctance – passed across a list of student names, past and present, to Amelia. Each one on it was either a muggle-born or a half-blood with a muggle parent. Madam Bones had assured her that she would keep it safe. It was hoped that her brother would be able to run it through the army's systems and see if any were enlisted or retired. Once they had a list, then they would decide how to proceed.
Amelia would also talk to the Prime Minister, and hopefully get access and contact within Scotland Yard and MI5. It was hoped that the Muggle police officers could be alerted to a 'rising terrorist group' with extremely violent 'Neo-Nazi' allies. At the very least they would be able to track the movement of them, and hopefully cut off their supplies. Maybe even take out a few isolated members. It would be stressed to the muggle authorities not to engage the suspects themselves; these were highly dangerous individuals.
More direct action was to be undertaken by Amelia's Auror corps, who would be raiding the homes of many Death Eaters and their supporters across the country. Malfoy Manor however was to be avoided at all costs, as both sisters had confirmed that it was the Dark Lords primary base of operations. There was some speculation about having the Royal Air Force 'accidentally' drop ordinance onto the manor, but actually hitting the building was seen as the problem, as the pilots would not be able to see the target. This provoked a question from Daniel as to why, and when the answer was the muggle targeted notice-me-not and aversion wards that were around it, he pressed on as to 'how' those wards worked, and how in the hell they could tell the difference between 'muggle' and magical. Both Lily and Hermione had almost gone into extensive lectures on the magic of the wards, but Harry had pulled them both back from actually getting started. If his mom shared as many traits with Hermione that he thought she did, they would have gone on all day, likely having a debate between themselves using terms and ideas that would have gone right over everyone's heads. That idea was put onto the back burner for now, until they could get around such issues.
Narcissa had also provided details of all the bribes her husband had paid Fudge during his tenure as Minister, all so that new laws would pass or fail. There had also been bribes and threats sent to several other members of the Wizengamot for the same reason. She was not sure of the exact figures, but there would be records at Gringotts. Bill would chase that lead, hopefully uncovering more threads to pursue.
Madam Longbottom agreed to support any motion Madam Bones brought before the Wizengamot to help combat the Death Eaters, as did Lord Greengrass. Both would also use their political connections to sound out those who would support them... and those who favoured the Dark Lord's agenda. All three expected a tough battle, as the pureblood block was large and influential. And then there was the Minister, Scrimgour. As Amelia had pointed out, he was highly unlikely to go against that group as that would lose him his position. He'd courted their support, now he had to dance to their tune.
The idea of announcing the impending marriages was mooted, but rejected. Mainly by Harry, who did not want there to another massive media circus that would surround them all. So far the alliance notification had slipped by, but anything to do with Harry The-Boy-Who-Lived getting married would be all over every paper and on the wireless for months. He'd rather spend his time focusing on dealing with Voldemort, and getting to know his future wives, than fending off overeager, nosy reporters.
Daniel was asked to sort out a crash course in combat for Harry and his group, as well as devise a fitness program they could do around their classes. He'd scoffed at first; it would impossible to do either goal justice. His training had been eighteen hours a day, six days a week for three years before he'd even been deployed, let alone entered combat. And it had been harsh and brutal, to the point that anyone watching would decry it as torture and abuse, both verbal and physical. However, in the end he'd relented, and agreed to try and sort something out. He did warn however that they would no time for almost anything else while he was teaching them, so it was best that any particular magical training they felt they needed had to be done before the end of the month, as he was going to take over August. In the mean time, they could start doing morning and evening runs around the manor. McGonagall offered to tutor them for the remaining two weeks of July, tying in neatly with Daniels words. August, for her, would be consumed by preparation for the next school year. Harry had to reassure her that yes, he and the others would be attending come September First, despite some concerns regarding safety. Despite everything, Hogwarts was still head and shoulders above all other schools. Fleur had freely admitted that her old school focused on 'soft' or political skills, neglecting things like Defence. And everyone gathered there considered the 'public' schools a joke.
As part of the training, Tonks, Remus and Bellatrix would assist in magical combat tactics, though Daniel had muttered darkly about the sense in such after his encounter. Lily would also help with that when she could, but her time was going to be dominated by managing the Potter estate, including the families' investments. After nearly fifteen years of no direction, they badly needed sorting and organising. Remus, Lily and surprisingly Narcissa would also work with the group in July around McGonagall, going over the subjects that she was not as strong in. While it was no surprise to Harry to hear that his mum would have been a Charms Mistress had she taken the test, finding out she was at the same level with potions was. Narcissa admitted that she'd been nearly top of her class for Runes and Arthimancy, so she would be able to help Harry catch up with the others.
The one thing that got Harry really excited though was when the subject of Animagi was raised. McGonagall had been lost the instance she looked at his eager, almost desperate face. She'd cautioned them that it was advanced magic, and likely would take for longer than they hoped, but she would go over the basics. However, she wanted to look over what the Potter Library had on the subject first, to be sure they had suitable reading material. Harry had just told her that if there was anything that she felt they needed to get, just say so. They had the money, and it would make Hermione's day.
The list of those who would be trained was initially tentatively set to Harry and his wives, Neville and Hannah, Fred, George and Ginny, the Chasers... and Luna, if she snapped out of the funk that she was in. She was practically dead to the world, barely aware of things happening around her. Her eyes however reflected her inner grief and pain. She only responded to Harry and Lily, and even then it was not much. Ron had been considered, out of their old friendship, but he'd said too much at the end of term, and his actions and manners since then… Both Harry and Hermione were deeply worried about him now. How he had been at the Will reading was not normal for him. Tonks and Remus would also experience the whole training regime with the teens, Amelia having used her role as Director of the DMLE to assign Tonks as bodyguard to Harry's wives until further notice. Once the news of how close they were to Harry got out they would be at the centre of a whirlwind of speculation and controversy… with the possibility of some disgruntled members of their world trying to 'remove' the young witches from Harry's circle. Not wanting to get in the way of the tentative relationship the young Auror had with him, Harry had immediately offered Remus a similar role as bodyguard for himself, along with any other odd jobs needed.
This brought the issue of Dumbledore into the discussion, and the debate was heated at points. It was hoped that the shocks and points raised at the Will reading would get him to actually step down from his high horse, admit to his errors and make amends. But somehow Harry was convinced he wouldn't, at least not completely. Madam Longbottoms words to Bellatrix earlier kept playing through his mind.
Bill promised to give them all the basic training on dealing with Horcruxes, especially on how to destroy them. He explained that the 'safe' methods normally took ages, or the destruction of the object used. Quick methods tended to be very risky. Harry had chuckled before commenting that he could certainly confirm that, what with the basilisk in his second year. Bill had frowned, then paled as he looked at him. Daniel had looked up at the mention of a basilisk, curiosity written over his features. Harry had assured them that they could both view his memory of the event later, though it would be tough for Bill as his sister had been at the heart of the incident. Bill had looked even paler at that.
Over the sandwiches and finger food that had been laid out they worked out a press release for the Prophet, to be ferried to the papers office that afternoon. In it they decried the attacks, stated how it showed the hypocrisy of the Death Eaters – four of the families targeted had been 'pureblood' – and that House Potter and their allies considered these acts of war. They also let everyone know of the losses the Death Eaters had sustained. They would combat the fear and legend of Voldemort with the truth.
The most daring plan they had was set to go on the Wednesday, the next regular session of the Wizengamot. While he personally would have preferred to keep her survival hidden to only a few close to him, Harry had accepted that the moral boost to the Light of Lily's return would be a massive blow to Voldemort's side. Thusly, she would appear before the whole Wizengamot and take up the stewardship of the Potter Seat, until such time as Harry was ready to do so himself. The shock would ripple throughout their world.
Harry sighed as he strolled up the third drive, the last spur before the main manor. Daphne and Susan walked either side of him, their arms entwined around his waist while he had one round each of theirs. The meeting had broken just over an hour ago, and the group had fragmented. As Remus had ferried the press release to the Prophet – along with the warnings to the editor if he failed to print the release un-altered – Harry had suggested that those who would be staying on the manor grounds from now on should look over the other buildings.
While the elder Tonks had perused the quintet of unused cottages down by the gatehouse, Harry had shown Hermione and Emma to the manor home that he'd thought would be best for them. Nathan had still been too weak to join them, but he'd told them all that he trusted his wife's judgement. Daniel had not come, as he was involved in viewing Harry's memories of his various encounters with the dangers of the magical world, Bill and Fleur alongside him.
It was clear the moment she saw it that Emma fell in love with the manor house. Hermione had beamed before kissing Harry rather thoroughly before following her mother inside. Dobby had followed the pair of them discreetly, just in case of anything. These buildings had not been used in a long time, after all.
Next up had been Daphne, her mother and grandfather while Lily minded the younger Greengrass children. It helped ease some of the self-assumed guilt concerning not being there for her own son, and she hoped would help bring Luna back to normal.
When they reached the strangely built manor Daphne had looked at it in confusion, but Henerick Greengrass had looked at first surprised, then approving. While one arm was still in a sling he began to move about the building, wand in his free hand as he looked it over. Eleanor was at his elbow all the while, making notes and verbally laying out furniture. There was forced quality to her brightness, which Harry did not quite understand.
Now the three youngsters were heading to inspect the last of the manors, which likely would become the Bones place. The drive that led to it was lined with tall poplar trees, which swayed lightly in the gentle breeze, producing a soothing rustle of leaves. With the peaceful setting and it just being them, Harry felt that he could ask what he had been wondering.
"Is your mum enthusiastic about decorating then, Daphne?"
Daphne frowned lightly. "Not normally, though I would say she has excellent taste. Why?"
"She seemed, I don't know, forcing herself to be very eager..."
From his other side Susan sighed. "I think she's trying to focus on something, to block out or not think about..." she trailed off, glancing across to Daphne guiltily.
"My father." Daphne finished for her quietly.
Silence reigned as they approached the gates that led into the sub manor. Significantly smaller and lighter than the main gates, the one stood ajar, allowing the three to slip inside without hassle before pausing to look over the front of the building. It was a marked contrast to the one the Greengrasses would move into. The central structure had a low-pitched roof, with two long, single story wings either side. The far one had a spur on the end, in which three garage doors could be seen, with faded paint. The area in front of the building was a circle of open grass, with a low wall bordering it.
Silently the three walked to the front door, stepping up the couple of stained marble steps to reach it. A gentle push sent one half of the thick oak doors swinging back slowly, allowing bright sunlight to play across the dusty floor inside. Stepping within, they looked about with interest. The core of the building was a grand hall, no where near as fine as the main manor's hall, but still respectable and large enough. Balconies ran the length of the hall either side, reached by a sweeping grand staircase at the far end. It rose from the centre then split into two arms, with what appeared to be a large mural on the far wall. A wide door was under each arm, and there were other doors visible both on the upper level and under the balcony. The double doors mid-way along the hall on each side had to lead to the side wings.
Susan found herself smiling more as they moved about the building. Yes it was old and dusty, but beneath that dust was a fine looking place, one which she could easily call home.
They discovered that the wings held drawing rooms and the like, while the few rooms on the ground floor off the central hall included things like the kitchen and a small dining room. Well, small when compared to the one that was behind the far wall of the central hall. The rear half of that room was roofed in glass, with a magnificent view of the rolling forest beyond… or would, if the windows were cleaner. Moving upstairs, they discovered that the rooms off the balconies were decent sized bedrooms, while at the top of the stairs there was another door that led out the back. Stepping through these, they found a corridor that wrapped around a central area, likely the private family area. The outer wall and half the ceiling were glass, just as mucky as the roof of the dining hall beneath them. A couple of broken panes allowed them to look out over the roof in question, revealing the view of not only the forest in the background, but also the extensive back garden, clearly overgrown.
Susan was beaming as they looked about the area. This would certainly be more than fine for her and auntie Amelia. While it was close in style to their old home, there was enough difference to ensure they would not get homesick. She found herself imaging what the place would look like with a cleanup and some fresh furniture as she pushed the slightly open door to what had to be the master bedroom open. It took her a moment to realise there was movement in the room, and she came back to reality to see a pair of yellow eyes narrowing at her and hear a little hissing sound…
Hearing the hiss Harry looked up, saw an open mouth filling with rapidly brightening yellow light… and pushed Susan out of the doorway before spinning back himself just as a long tongue of fire shot out of the room, the narrow jet brushing over the window. He could feel the heat of the yellow flames even as they flickered and died… to reveal the sheet of glass that had been at the end had melted and was pooling on the floor, setting small flames in the old carpet alight. Looking across the open doorway, Harry saw Susan stood with her back flat to the wall, eyes wide as she looked from the molten window to him.
"Harry?" Daphne's voice made him turn to look at her. "While I know you like me…"
It was then that Harry realised their position. He'd spun out of the stream of fire… and into Daphne, pushing her flat against the wall herself, with his body half shielding her, pressing lightly into her right shoulder. The thing was his right knee was between hers, and his hand had come to rest squarely on her left breast. "Oh! Sorry." He said as he withdrew his hand. He was confused at Daphne's smile as he did though.
"It's okay Harry. No harm done." While it had been a but of a shock, Daphne had found that she hadn't really minded his hand being there. If fact, she was sure that she would grow to love having his hands touch her like that… likely even without clothes in the way. But what really pleased her was the fact he didn't jump away like a scalded cat, but withdrew steadily and calmly. Now, however, was not the time or place to explore such things. "What was that?"
Harry frowned as he edged towards the door. "Not sure…" He leaned over slowly, peeking around the doorframe into the room. As they had expected it was the master bedroom, dominated by the king-sized bed across from them. A dirty skylight allowed a little light in, but the room was mostly too dark to see clearly. Except the eyes that looked back at him from the bed. Golden yellow with a vertical slit for a pupil, they narrowed as he leaned further in. A mouth opened beneath them and the hiss came again. The creature beyond those eyes was mostly in shadow, but it was clearly not a snake. He could see a leg outlined, ending in three claws, and there was motion behind the head…
Harry jerked back as the mouth filled with yellow again, just before another spear of fire burst forth. He looked between the two young women with him. "I think it's some kind of baby dragon. Would explain the fire." He nodded towards a second window that was now a puddle of molten glass on the floor.
"But how did it get here?" Susan asked.
Harry shrugged. "No idea. Dobby!"
Almost instantly the elf appeared, looking up at him with wide, excited eyes. "Master Harry calls Dobby! Does he need something?" It was then that the elf noticed the small fires and the melted glass. "If Dobby may ask Master, what is happening here?"
"I think we've got a dragon problem." Harry said quickly. "Tell Victor to get over here quickly."
Dobby seemed to gasp before he vanished.
While they waited, Daphne tried to get a look at the assumed dragon within the room. For a few seconds there was nothing, then the hiss came again. She jerked back right away, but no flames came. "You're right Harry. I think it is a dragon." She said softly. "I saw the outline of wings. Wonder why it didn't flame me right off?"
"Maybe it likes blonds?" Susan commented cheekily. Daphne glared half-heartedly back.
Rushing foot steps sounded, and Harry turned to see Victor and Lily come around the corner. As the two approached Lily called out "Harry, are you alright?"
"I'm fine mum, but we've got a squatter." He waved towards the open door. "We think it's a dragon, only we've not got a good look at it since it's dark in there and it's not been that friendly…" He trailed off as a third person stepped up besides Lily, holding a plate of sandwiches of all things: Luna.
Seeing his gaze, Lily glanced to her left before speaking. "Oh, I'd just fixed Luna a sandwich when Dobby found us. Luna, why did you follow us?"
The young blond took no notice of her however, just stared towards the open door.
"Well, we can't just leave the young thing in there." Harry pressed on. "We're not sure just what species it is, but it's got to be a young one, given it's so small. Victor, was there any dragon breeding in the area?"
Victor shook his head. "Only the small colony the Potter's ran, until the law prohibiting dragon keeping was put in place. Rumour was a Dumbledore rammed the law through, as the Potters were business rivals with them at the time."
"Well, once we've contained this one, we'll have to contact Charlie Weasley to collect… Luna no!"
As Harry had been speaking Luna had stepped forwards to stand fully before the door, looking in. Harry started to reach for her but paused when he saw her face move. Her head tipped to one side, her eyes shifting. A look of wonder began to form on her features. Suddenly her free hand came up and picked up one of the sandwiches on the plate before her. Lightly she tossed it into the room. The sounds of something gobbling it down came out, before a croon emerged. Everyone was struck when a smile formed on the young blonds face… right before she stepped inside.
"Luna!" Harry called, coming up to the doorframe. He was reluctant to look around in case he provoked the dragon to attack again. With Luna in there…
More gobbling sounds came out, and then a new sound, one none of them had heard… ever.
Light, musical laughter, the laughter of a young woman.
"Don't wolf it down like that you silly little snorknak. You'll choke on it if you rush."
Harry shared astonished looks with the others at the sounds of Luna's voice, before he eased his way into the room. "Lumos." He said softly as he lifted his wand, allowing the light to fill the room so they could all see.
Luna was sat on the end of the bed, the plate on her lap as the little dragon was at her side. In the light it was clear to see that it was a dragon, though one unlike any of the ones Harry had seen. The head appeared a bit wide for the body, with the eyes protruding towards the top. Two curled, twisted horns emerged from the back of the dragon's head, while a small, hooked horn emerged from the tip of the snout. The neck led to a narrow body, from which four legs and a pair of wings sprouted. Each leg was thinner in the upper section than the lower, and ended in three blunt looking claws. A long tail trailed off from the hips, and from the back of the head all the way down the spine and tail were was a saw like fin, which they could see was soft as Luna was stroking the little dragon as it wolfed down one of the sandwiches. As they got closer they could see that its ribs were clear in the side, and one leg and a wing were clearly not right. As it's mouth opened once more Harry was surprised to see it had no teeth.
Luna giggled as she held the last one out, even as the dragon's head snapped forwards to bite down on it. She kept hold though, playing a little game of tug-of-war with the little thing, which Harry had to admit, now that he could see it, actually was kind of cute. The game didn't last long though, the sandwich tearing in two leaving a slice of meat hanging out. Once it's mouth was clear, by virtue of swallowing what it already had, the dragon snapped out again onto the loose meat, almost violently tugging the rest of it out from the remaining bread between Luna's fingers before gupling that down rapidly. Giggling as she tossed the remains of the sandwich into its opening mouth, Luna looked up to meet the others stunned gazes.
"He likes the tuna." She said happily, a smile playing over her features.
"Just what is it?"
"A dragon." Hermione swatted Harry's arm lightly for his answer to her question as they continued to watch as Lily examined the little thing. Luna had carried it out in her arms, the small dragon crooning, almost purring in fact. Once they were back in the main manor Luna had asked for more fish, which Dobby had provided, albeit cautiously. The little dragon however only had eyes for the fish meat brought out, almost diving into the plate to get it. A plate of sprats vanished one by one into the little thing, before a whole two-pound trout finally seemed to fill it. The dragon had actually burped, before curling on Luna's lap and falling asleep, still making that odd purring sound. With it sleeping, Lily had asked Luna to bring her new friend with her to the infirmary, so she could have a look at the obviously broken wing and leg. The dragon had raised it's eyelids sleepily as it was lifted and carried, but clearly was too contented to care about the handling. Luna remained with it, gently stroking the sail like back with a wondrous look on her face. It was so endearing to see her like this, so happy and content.
"He's malnourished, for one." Lily said gently. "On the verge of starvation. With this wing and a leg broken, he couldn't hunt." A wave of her wand and the leg bones moved back to match the leg on the other side.
"But just what is he? I mean, I don't recall ever reading about a dragon like him." Hermione persisted. She, her mum and the elder Greengrasses had returned to the main manor while the others had been bringing the little dragon back with them. Carla and Cynthia had both cooed and giggled over the little thing, and Astoria had 'awweed' as she'd helped Luna feed him. Lily had been smiling at the animation that Luna now had, while both Eleanor and Emma had been staring open mouthed at the little dragon.
Victor stepped in now, a book in his hands that he was flicking through. He'd peeled off as they returned to the main manor heading into the library, a frown on his face. At the sounds of turning pages several people looked at him. Then Eleanor Greengrass gasped.
"Is that a 'Book of Dragons' Book?" She asked excitedly.
"Yes ma'm." Victor answered, not looking up from the pages he was turning. "One of the last still in this country I reckon."
"What do you mean? Surely there are thousands of books about dragons…" Hermione began.
"Not like this one." Eleanor said reverently. "'The Book Of Dragons' is more than just a description; it's the title. Most books printed in the last several hundred years only list the mainstream, 'common' dragons, those which are well known. But the 'Book Of Dragons' has every single known dragon race listed. Habits, strengths, weaknesses, everything." Her expression turned wistful. "My family used to have one at one point. A family heirloom that had been passed down several dozen generations before it was confiscated. The Book has its origins in the Vikings, the true dragon slayers. And the first tamers and trainers."
Victor now stopped, looking between the book and the small dragon on the table. Smiling, he laid the book down before turning it so that the others could read the page. Clear across the one page was a drawing of a dragon that almost exactly matched the little fellow they had found. At the top the name was written in bold. Terrible Terror.
"Terrible Terror? How?" Astoria asked almost indignantly.
"Remember the first version of this book was written when Vikings fought and killed dragons. They named them as such." Victor explained softly.
Hermione was reading intensely. "Adults reach the length of a mans arm…" She glanced at the sleeping fellow, measuring him with her eyes. "I'd say he's nearly fully matured. 'Pack creatures, social habits. Very affectionate to those who feed them. Often had more guts then sense.' Ideal Gryffindor then. 'Playful and mischievous.' Guess the name does fit…"
At that moment there was a thump from near the dragon, and all eyes turned to see an orange ball of fur standing before the dragon. Crookshanks. He growled at the sleeping lizard. The Terror half opened both eyes to look the half-kneazle in the eye. After a minute, in which Hermione feared she would have to rescue her familiar from being roasted alive, the Terror's eyes closed again and Crookshanks relaxed, sitting his butt down and started to wash himself.
"Well, that was unexpected." Harry said quietly. "Wonder how Hedwig will take to him?"
"While that is an interesting idea Harry…" Amelia said from where she'd been stood near the rear of the group. "…We may not be able to find out." She looked at Luna as she stepped forwards. "Miss Lovegood, you know the law about dragons…"
"No…" Luna's reply was one of denial, and her arms curled protectively around the sleeping dragon.
Amelia hesitated. The law was the law. But she could see that Luna had already formed a deep emotional attachment to the little dragon. To separate them… It would be cruel and inhumane. "I suppose we might be able to work out an exception, given that he's not expected to grow any more…" She said with a small smile.
Luna beamed happily.
McGonagall sighed. "And yes, I'll sort out an exception for Hogwarts." Then her strict professor mask fell into place. "But you have to keep him under control and train this one not to scorch anyone he doesn't like. I will not have other students burnt because of your new pet."
Luna just smiled. "Oh you don't have to worry Professor. He's really friendly. He was just startled and hungry earlier." She stroked the sleeping dragon with a blissful expression.
Neville shook Harry's hand while his grandmother spoke with Lily. "Thanks for inviting me in Harry. And telling me about…" He paused.
Harry smiled slightly. "I know Neville. It's not easy. I still see Sirius falling through the veil every time I see her." Shaking himself Harry glanced around. "You sure your home is safe? If ever you need a refuge…"
"We'll be okay Harry. Gran's hired the goblins to rework the wards and defences of the Manor." Both young men winced at the thought. "But thanks for the offer. See you tomorrow?"
"Not tomorrow." Harry quickly replied, looking pained, his eyes haunted.
"Why not?" Hannah asked from her place by Neville.
"We're busy tomorrow." Harry said quietly.
Hermione nodded. "It's D Day." There was an undefinable dark note in her tone.
The young coupled looked at her in confusion. "What do you mean Hermione?"
It fell to Harry to answer. "We're paying a visit tomorrow, to people that Hermione, my mum, and the others don't like at all."
"You've got that right Harry." Daphne said icily.
Neville looked at the scowls on the others witches faces, very glad he was not the one who caused them to feel this way. "Who Harry?"
Harry heaved a deep, resigned sigh. "My relatives. The Dursleys."
"Yes. Them." Hermione hissed.
Yes, Neville was very glad he was not one of them.
A/N: Why yes, that is the sound of doom approaching Dudley... And now Luna has her pet/familiar, a dragon with 'crumpled' horns... *wink* Start picturing Draco's or Snape's reactions to meeting him...