Chapter 23 Traitor's discovered, girl's love and the Veela accepts
1st January 1998, living room Potter Manor, Wales
Hermione was waiting in the living room after the talk with her parents about Dobby. It was taking longer than expected but she was not worried but more curious why it would take so long.
She was looking at the fireplace that was lit as it wasn't connected to the floo network for security reasons Hermione thought. She hears someone walk into the living room and when she turns around she sees Fleur standing there. Fleur said "Erminny it is good I found you. I need to talk to you and the others."
Hermione immediately knew and asked, "it is about Gabby isn't it?"
Fleur nodded and thought in French 'Erminny isn't called the brightest witch of her age for nothing, but why did she have to have such a difficult name? Lucky Gabby helped me a bit with the pronunciation of her name, I hope it is close enough."
Just when Hermione went to stand up Dobby pops in with 57 goblins. Hermione dropped her wand in her hand. Fleur said, "Erminny don't."
Hermione knew why Fleur said it and Hermione didn't want to attack the goblins but she needed to know why they were here in this force. Hermione asked, "Dobby why are did you bring all the goblins here we already have guards I don't think Harry would want to bother the honourable Goblin Nation anymore."
Dobby wanted to talk when the goblin captain Shieldbreaker said "Lady Potter I am the captain of the third royal guard squad Shieldbreaker. King Ragnok has discovered a traitor and the traitor said that at least one guard posted here wants to hurt Lord Potter and there is also an assassin that wants to hurt Lord Potter although it is unknown if the assassin is already here or not."
Hermione and Fleur look shocked. Shieldbreaker said something in Gobbledegook and the royal guard's close ranks and the goblin specialist start to examine the room before clearly, the captain of the specialist squad nodded.
Shieldbreaker said "Lady Potter could you please tell me where the other guards are stationed?"
Hermione didn't know but Fleur did. Fleur said "Captain, the other guards stay in the house closest to the manor. They have three shifts with five guards each at all times. There are three guards in the main hall and two at the house entrance which they stay in but have a clear view of the entrance from the manor."
Shieldbreaker nodded and ordered something as the guards grab their weapons although around 10 of the 25 guards carry a large shield with a sword that Hermione remind herself of what the Romans used.
The ten guards go into two lines of five while the other 15 join them in five per line behind the first two lines with shields and swords. They enter the entrance hall as the living room is adjacent to the entrance hall. The three guards are surprised and when Shieldbreaker shouted something the three goblins put all their weapons on the ground are three spears and three swords still in their sheaths.
Shieldbreaker pointed to one squad of Goblin specialists and the captain nodded. The squad slowly examined the entrance hall when they nodded Shieldbreaker said "Lady Potter, King Ragnok sends his apologies for the problem. We are here to get the goblin traitor or Gringotts forbid traitors while the specialist squads will examine every room to find any trace of the assassin and set up traps that will capture and expose the assassin or any other invisible threats. After we have secured the other guards the other goblin squad will do the same to the grounds and houses that are under the wards."
Shieldbreaker walks with his guards towards the entrance door but leaves five guards in the entrance hall to look after the three goblins as for now they are prisoners. As soon as Shielbreaker was outside he walks towards the house where he sees two goblins. When he orders them to drop their weapons only one drops his weapons while the other snarls and refuses. Shieldbreaker ordered again when he again refused Shieldbreaker's orders and non-lethal takedown within a minute the goblin was down was minimal injury while he was bound.
Before Shieldbreaker and the guards can enter the room the captain and the nine other squad members rush out with weapons drawn. Shieldbreaker said, "Captain Krugnuk order your squad members to drop their weapons."
Captain Krugnuk knew Captain Shieldbreaker as most Captains even normal and royal captains know each other. Krugnuk immediately ordered his fellow squad members when four refused and lunged forward slightly injuring but not killing three from their own squad and two from the royal guards. As Krugnuk and his members have dropped all their weapons they moved to the side and Shieldbreaker again ordered a non-lethal takedown. After almost 5 minutes only one was taken down and they have injured four more royal guards.
When a few minutes later one of the traitors cut down a royal guard and killed him Shieldbreaker has enough and screamed in Gobbledegook "that is it, lethal takedown is allowed, take them down."
It was less than three minutes later two of the traitors were killed, one very badly injured and would probably not live to see the next day and one traitor was bound without serious injury. Shieldbreaker ordered the slightly injured to carry their fellow death traitors and help the seriously injured while he ordered the other guards who voluntarily drop their weapons to carry the killed royal guard.
The royal guards were better trained and have better weapons and armour together with the sheer number of guards helped with the low number of casualties on both sides with only three deaths at the moment with maybe a fourth if the serious injury was too severe. Shieldbreaker left five guards outside when he sees that all members of the normal guard are accounted for. He sent two inside of the house to search for clues and evidence of any more traitors here or in Gringotts (or Goblin territory).
He orders the goblin specialists to start and if the ground and houses are clear let the royal warders do their job and be the protection detail until Shieldbreaker returns outside. Royal warder captain Wardwall was in charge as Shieldbreaker's second was currently inside while one squad of specialists and the royal warder's squad has followed Shieldbreaker outside.
1st January 1998, entrance hall Potter Manor, Wales
When Shieldbreaker, the remaining royal guards, the remaining normal guards, and traitors enter the entrance hall he sees Lord Potter on top of the stairs with his wand in one hand and the sword of Godric Gryffindor in the other. From where Shieldbreaker stood he could feel the power that Lord Potter poses and was a little bit in awe from the sight.
Shieldbreaker knew one thing for certain, he hoped he would never anger Lord Potter as he would prefer to fight one of the dragons below Gringotts with his bare hands as he would have a larger chance to survive. He had awe for Lord Potter. There were three he had more awe from that is King Ragnok, Account Manager Bonecrusher and the head of his clan. Bonecrusher was the best fighter beside King Ragnok for the last three generations even though Bonecrusher became an Account Manager after his father died. The head of his clan is always in the top five in the last two generations.
1st January 1998, Heir's bedroom, Potter Manor (earlier the same day)
Harry suddenly woke up with his wand in his hand. Harry has felt something that woke him up that he never felt before. When he tried to find what was happening his mind told him it was one of the wards and what he felt was that a large force had entered the manor or grounds. When he tried to focus he knew it was inside the manor but he doesn't know where. He immediately grabbed his clothes and put the sword loosely on his back.
1st January 1998, Potter Manor
Harry leaves his bedroom not feeling rested. He tries to find what the wards told him. He feels the wards are guiding him downstairs. He slowly descents as the force could have already moved away from where they entered. Harry found it weird he didn't hear spellfire or the goblin guards. It took a few minutes to check the second-floor bedroom and he looked in all except two bedrooms, the Delacour's bedroom minus Fleur and Dan and Emma's bedroom as he didn't find he had the right. He was considering checking the other bedrooms but he needed to know what was happening also most bedrooms were occupied by his wives or future wives and only looked inside nothing more so even if it was one of the other girls. He was trying to keep them safe so he thought the look in was justified. It was almost quiet on the other side so he listed for a second before going to the first floor avoiding the library as he didn't hear screams from there.
On the first floor, he immediately went to the hospital wing and sees that every occupant was asleep or talking and none were hurt. He left before someone could talk and notice him. He continues to look in every bedroom except Remus and Dora's bedroom, Bill and Fleur's bedroom and Lord and Lady Greengrass's room as soon as he didn't hear anything from his side.
It took almost 15 minutes before he reached the top of the stairs looking to the front door and 'large' entrance hall. He immediately grabbed his sword in his left hand when he still had his wand in his right hand. When he looks from on top of the stairs into the entrance hall he sees three goblin guards without weapons the weapons lay on one side of the entrance hall while the goblin guards were on the other side but what drew Harry's attention was the five goblin guards that looked like they were guards for the three goblins that looked like prisoners for now.
He sees Hermione standing while Katie runs into the entrance hall followed by Luna who didn't run. They see him and went towards him, but when Katie run out of the kitchen it alerted the other girls. All Harry's (future) wives rush to Harry. Before they reach him he shouts "WHAT IS HAPPENING?"
The girls fell under his power again and were trying to not get aroused that is a losing battle. The girls stopped hallway the stairs as getting closer would be a bad idea. A goblin guard walked to the base of the stairs and bowed while at that moment the entrance door opened and more goblins walk in.
Hermione, Katie, and Luna thought to each other because of the Lady Potter ring Katie thought 'we need to tell Harry he needs to stop radiating his power.'
Hermione thought 'it is intoxication….. and delicious.'
Hermione was slowly losing the battle against the hormones that she tried to suppress in school and in the tent. She wasn't of stone and found her relief while she was in school and at home, but not in the tent. Now she was married to Harry and she almost lost it last night. Harry was the smart one last night. Hermione thought last night was just a slip-up. She doesn't know every day she was losing the battle with her hormones more and more, it was just a matter of time as she thought she could control it.
Luna thought 'Harry will calm down soon, but isn't this arousing, a protective and powerful Harry. I will guide him to his bed after this so he can have a peaceful rest. I will make sure of it.
Hermione and Katie at the same time shouted 'LUNA' in their mind while looking at Luna that had an 'innocent' smile on her face.
Shieldbreaker explained what has happened and Harry thanked Shieldbreaker while slowly Harry's magic starts to decrease. Harry put his sword in the sheath on his back while he put the wand away.
Harry asked "I don't want to be impolite, but could you ask King Ragnok, Account Manager Bonecrusher or both to sign a parchment with what has happened here. I just want to be sure that my family and friends are safe certainly with the civil war we are in."
If it was anybody else he would have found it disrespectful but as he was Lord Potter with his reasoning Shieldbreaker understood doesn't mind and said "of course Lord Potter. I will ask King Ragnok, Account Manager Bonecrusher or both so they could verify why we are here. The specialists place traps for invisible threats and normal threats inside the manor but also on the grounds. The royal wards are going to check if the other warders did their job well enough and not that the wards are weak, inactive or wrongly erected."
Harry nodded and said "I want to thank you beforehand Captain Shieldbreaker and as soon as you got the parchment with King Ragnok and Account Manager Bonecrusher's signature and if possible one or both of their seals beside the Gringotts seal and show it to me everything would be alright. If you don't manage to find me give it to anyone else or ask for Dobby and they will get it to me."
Shieldbreaker bowed and ordered in Gobbledegook and grabbed the rope Dobby was giving but took it with him when they left the living room. Shieldbreaker said, "Lord Potter is you don't mind we wait until the other squads are done so they can leave with me but afterwards I will return to Potter Manor."
Harry nodded and said "of course. Thank King Ragnok and Account Manager Bonecrusher for his swift and powerful intervention but also, of course, for you, your squad and all your clans. As my eyes don't deceive me I see there are casualties. I hope that these were the only casualties and mourn their passing as they protected me, my family, my friends, the Goblin Nation and their brothers in arms. May the traitors never end their suffering before the last enemy."
Harry said "Dobby."
Dobby pops in and said, "what can Dobby do for Master Harry."
Harry said, "Dobby I hope you slept well."
Dobby hugged Harry's leg and said "Master Harry is so good to Dobby. Yes, Master Harry, Dobby slept well."
Harry smiled and said "that is great. Could you please bring Shieldbreaker with the other squad when they are done back to Gringotts, but just when Shieldbreaker said you can and after that wait until Shieldbreaker can return here."
Dobby nodded, popped next to Shieldbreaker and grabbed the rope already. Harry sees that more people have walked out of the kitchen. He sees Fleur close to the stairs and said "Fleur after Shieldbreaker gets back can you guide them so they can choose a place to stay. They can stay in the house from the other guards but also can stay inside the manor's soldier quarters. There is a place for about 40 to 50 soldiers if I remember correctly."
Harry knew about the size of all the quarters as got that information when the seal gave him information about the manor. The door opens and Bill, Narcissa, and Antione almost ran inside. Bill bows for the Shieldbreaker as he sees that he is the captain of a royal guard squad. There is only one higher captain position and that is the king's personal guard captain besides being of the royal family as Bill is just a year or two away from being a senior curse breaker.
Bill is second in command from his curse breakers in Egypt where Fleur an apprentice is. Bill was returned from Egypt when Voldemort was reborn as King Ragnok trusted Harry as a Potter and knew about the friendship with the Weasley's like Bill (and later Fleur) is. Also, Bill was a trusted curse breaker that believed Harry. He is also good at casting wards that could provide profit as they sell wards and Bill (with Fleur) could cast powerful wards and modify wards to key in goblin wards or direct the owner to take down the ward so Bill can cast the ward so it would work together and not intervene the goblin wards which make one or both inactive if they intervene which each other, the wizard and goblin ward.
Before Shieldbreaker explains to Bill, Narcissa and Antione what happened everybody in the kitchen has walked out into the entrance hall. Everybody knows except Appoline and Gabby but they will learn that soon as Antione and Fleur will tell them.
Harry had used most of his strength and magical core to keep standing and talking with the goblins. When he wants to take a step down the stairs Hermione says in his mind 'stop Harry you are tired.'
Luna continued and said 'Harry let me lead you to your bed. You need to rest.'
Because of the Lady Potter rings, Hermione and Katie heard what Luna said and Katie said 'we will help you to Harry.'
Hermione said to the other girls "Harry is still tired. I, Katie and Luna will guide Harry to his bed and make sure he will rest."
The other girls nodded and walk toward the first floor of the library event though mostly Astoria and Susan were unhappy. Astoria as she is the future Lady Black and Susan's caring Hufflepuff side was fighting as letting others take care of Harry, but she knew she couldn't help Harry as she couldn't reach the family floor…. yet.
Almost 15 minutes later Hermione, Katie, and Luna walk into the library while they were blushing. Hermione said to the other girls but mostly to Harry's girls that Harry was resting right now and that before he went to bed he took a nourishment potion gratefully provided by Ragnok, Bonecrusher and the Goblin Nation and that he needed to take another one when he wakes up hopefully today.
1st January 1998, Order safe house, Northern Wales
Ginny woke up and immediately she smelled Harry's scent while she sees sunlight coming in through the window. She slept through the night for the first time in a long time even though it was barely past sunrise. She feels really rested which was certain for the first time in a long time. Ginny knew it was all for seeing Harry safe and the scent that she had from his Quidditch shirt all night long.
She felt very happy as she put the Lady Potter ring on her desk before she went to her adjacent bathroom to take a refreshing shower to start her day that was the best day after she broke up with Harry. True she was together with Harry again but that didn't matter. She looked in the mirror after the shower and she feels better and also looks better after seeing Harry and her best friends Hermione and Luna especially Luna safe as she was taken by Death Eaters. She walks back into her room and started dressing. She decided to leave the ring on the desk until she could talk to her father. She closed the door and went downstairs for breakfast.
When she comes downstairs she is surprised. Nobody was downstairs not even her mother. Normally her mother was the first one awake and was already preparing breakfast. Ginny went back to her room to grab a book before heading down again.
1st January 1998, kitchen, order safe house
It took almost two hours before Mrs. Weasley comes down quickly followed by Mr. Weasley, the twins, Angelina, Alicia and Verity. Charlie came in from the outside with a Daily Prophet he got from somewhere. About an hour later Ron hasn't come downstairs. Mrs. Weasley went upstairs to literally drag him down for breakfast. Fortunately, during breakfast, no one was talking about Harry or Hermione as the Death Eaters and Tom were quiet this new year and the Daily Prophet was mostly about things that happened last year as the death of Dumbledore and the 'unfortunate' murder of Scrimgeour, Amelia Bones, and Lady Abbot. The Daily Prophet also talked about 'unfortunate' deaths, but everybody knew they were murdered but were not classified as murdered like Scrimgeour, Amelia Bones and Lady Abbot were. The Daily Prophet said that muggles were dangerous and that the wizarding world should be happy that 'suddenly' muggles started to die again everybody knew muggles were murdered by Death Eaters and supporters from Tom (not marked Death Eaters).
The Daily Prophet also wrote about the party that Umbridge organized in one of the larger rooms in the ministry, large enough for a ball and party. There was one large report about the kidnapping of Frank and Alice Longbottom and Madam Longbottom gave a reward for the location of Frank and Alice while honestly showing tears in her eyes that nobody could fake.
Ginny and Arthur didn't have an opinion except that Harry should let Augusta and Neville know, but didn't say it as nobody else knew that Frank and Alice were alright now and recovering at Potter's manor. Ginny stayed most of her day in her room and only left for dinner. Unfortunately, she couldn't talk to her father as her mother barely left her father alone and if she did Charlie was with him and if none she couldn't reach him before someone was with him. She couldn't ask for a private talk with her father as she didn't want to attract attention, her mother wanted to be present and unlike Bill, she couldn't blame it on anything too important. She wanted her father's opinion on letting others know about her marriage with Harry and everything else.
1st January 1998, Library, Potter Manor
Everybody except the Delacours (including Fleur), Bill, Narcissa, Dora, Jacob, Isabel, Dan, and Emma were in the library. Bill was talking with Fleur just outside the library. Fleur wanted to talk with Bill to not interrupt her will she will talk with Harry's (future) wives as it was important for Gabby. Narcissa was in the hospital wing talking with Andromeda, Dora, Frank, and Alice while Kingsley, Bella, Mr. Ollivander, and Mr. Fortescue were still asleep. Dan and Emma thought Hermione had a good idea and were talking with Jacob and Isabel about the whole multiple wives' laws, but also how they feel about it as both their daughters were part of it even with the same man. Antione wanted to talk to Appoline but he would stay away until she or Fleur said it was okay instead he was in the kitchen talking with Remus.
Antione started to reconsider his opinion about Harry. He was still hesitant but his son-in-law was unrelenting that Harry was a good man and was against almost everything he said. Everything Antione said that was slightly putting Harry in a bad light was everything that he heard from Dumb-le-dore, Fudge, Umbridge, and Scrimgeour. He knew that the Weasley family was close to Harry and that is why he didn't believe Bill even though he partially didn't want to believe him although he still trusted Bill about everything else and liked him being his oldest daughter's mate.
Antione was surprised when Narcissa Black, the ex-mother of Harry's school bully, rival and arch-enemy was telling him about Harry's school life with was extremely biased as Narcissa heard anything from her ex-son but even then it was better than what he heard from Dumb-le-dore, Fudge, Umbridge, and Scrimgeour even if it was only slightly and you don't think about anything bad Draco said about Harry while only using the 'facts'.
Fleur walked into the library and asked "girls can I talk to you somewhere private?"
Hermione nodded and walked out of the library and every girl follows. They walk to the living room as Jacob, Isabel, Dan and Emma walked to the bedroom of Jacob and Isabel while were talking in it after Jacob and Isabel used a silencing charm and locking charm. Harry felt it but he was asleep and it wasn't malicious for him, the (Potter) family, friends, the occupants or the manor itself.
When Fleur walked into the living room and turned around and she was surprised as every girl followed her. Nobody noticed that everyone followed as every girl was thinking about why to follow her or in Hermione's case where her parents were and maybe already talking with Jacob and Isabel, in Katie's case hoping to get some alone time with Harry quickly while Luna thought was about the future she saw small glances from while also thinking to have some alone time with Harry, but not as first even though she wanted as soon as possible.
Fleur said, "sorry girls I only meant Arry's mates and future wives."
Fleur noticed a couple of girls with saddened expressions on their faces as they are neither. Fleur said before she could think about it "let me extend it to the girls that are interested in Harry as a romantic interest."
Fleur was shocked by herself and thought 'sorry 'Arry … and Gabby.'
Fleur's Veela said it as her Veela was a creature of love because of Bill being her mate and they are married (or at least in a romantic relationship). Her Veela saw the opportunity of love to grow with someone close to her, her Veela couldn't resist.
A couple of girls left but a few were doubting. When Padma and Parvati stand up to leave Hermione said: "seriously Padma and Parvati?"
Su said "you don't have to lie Padma. I remember the lovesick eyes. I learned that Harry gave you the presents. Don't try to deny it."
Padma blushed. Hermione said, "isn't that right Parvati?"
Parvati also started to blush while giggling a little as she also had those lovesick eyes according to Lavender.
Susan saw that Megan remained seated and said "I knew it, Megan. You said no but I always thought you were lying. Hannah, you were right."
Hannah stood up and said "I told you, Susan, she had the same look as you had in your eyes when you saw him especially when he flew or smiled mostly both. I like Harry and I am very sorry for our second year and also for our fourth but I am not in love with him like most are. Sorry."
Susan said, "don't worry Hannah."
Hannah sighed and said, "I hope Harry doesn't mind and send me away."
Hermione started to turn red. Daphne and Tracey saw it and immediately put their hands over her mouth. She barely managed to keep Hermione seated when Luna and Katie also started to show signs of getting mad.
Susan saw it and said "Hannah you are one of my best friends but you should leave the room immediately as the Ladies Potter aren't happy with you right now. Also, I am sure Harry wouldn't send you away certainly not with the civil war out there and you are the only Abbot left after your mother got killed after …. Auntie Amelia. As you got no family left Harry would do anything to help you I just know it."
Hannah said "sorry" and quickly left the room probably returning to the library. Lisa and the MacDougal twins immediately followed. Sally-Anne avoided looking at anyone and remained seated.
Susan saw that and said "seriously Sally you too? I thought you liked Ernie."
Sally-Anne said "no he is a right git sometimes and is also not very nice to houses lower than him or muggleborns. Not as bad as the Death Eaters but if you don't count the torture or worse from the Death Eaters do it isn't a big difference. Ernie is a bigot as he is a pureblood and while he dislikes muggleborn, he does not dislike half-bloods and never calls muggleborns by the name mudblood, but he does act like Draco inside Hufflepuff as you know."
A couple of other girls (none Slytherin's as they have too many examples) were thinking about other wizards in their year and house who act like Draco.
Susan nodded about what Sally-Anne said about Ernie seeing himself as the prince of Hufflepuff and Merlin's gift to witches.
Susan thought 'if there is a gift for witches from Merlin it is without a doubt Harry with how loving, caring and kind he is not to mention handsome. Neville is an acceptable second gift from Merlin, I remember Hannah swooning at Neville when he got more confident in his fourth and fifth year. Hannah almost went crazy last year when she saw Neville the first few days, if I didn't stop Hannah it would only be a matter of time before Hannah threw herself at Neville or drag him into a broom closet and Neville wouldn't like that or I at least said so well maybe he would but he is like Harry first a girlfriend and boyfriend before snogging in a broom closet or more. Neville is nice and I like him but I am in love with Harry.'
Sally-Anne said, "and I think Hannah likes him weirdly enough."
Susan laughed and said, "please Hannah liking Ernie, I would seriously reconsider her being my best friend and would seriously doubt her taste in men."
Susan was only half-joking.
Susan hasn't stopped talking and said "Hannah barely likes Ernie she kind of tolerates him I guess. Ernie is like Draco in regard to houses. He thinks he is important as his house is an ancient and noble one like Hannah's. He even tried to court me to improve his standing but I already knew I was betrothed to Harry, but even if I didn't I don't like Ernie."
Sally-Anne said, "I knew you didn't like him even before you told us you were betrothed to Harry, but Hannah….."
Susan interrupts Sally-Anne and said "was stupid to listen to him in our second year and fourth year as she doesn't like him and everything he said were rumours or blatant lies. Hannah is in love with Neville, wasn't that obvious. But you love Harry he?"
Sally-Anne said "I wanted to tell you, but I didn't when you said that you had a marriage contract with Harry. I didn't want to intrude. I never knew about the law you told us about when you retold the story of what happened at Gringotts."
Susan said "the law is not common knowledge and rarely used but never revoked. I think most houses even in the wizengamot don't know or don't remember the law especially because only two wizards can use the law. Neville for House Longbottom and Harry for House Potter, Black, and Peverell. Peverell is one of the very, very, very, few exceptions. After the war against Grindelwald and the first war against Tom, many houses including the most ancient and most noble have died or squibbed out. I think Gryffindor and Slytherin could also use it as they got even more significance in our history than the Peverell story and legend."
Flora and Hestia (Carrow) were looking at each other as this was the one thing they never told each other that they both liked Harry, but they were afraid they would be sent away as they were Slytherins and didn't have a marriage contract with Harry. Astoria as their best friend noticed that and went to sit with them showing her support. She is the future Lady Black so having her with you would go a great length in being accepted. Fay and Penelope tried to resist after Harry saved them but it was impossible to resist. They saw the hero Harry but both were old enough to understand that even though they saw the hero Harry they have really fallen for him, not Harry Potter the-boy-who-lived.
When Daphne and Tracey were sure that Hannah was gone and 'safely' in the library they let go of Hermione and removed their hands from her mouth. Hermione's anger has decreased mostly because of Luna although Luna was also mad for a moment. Katie and Hermione were calmed down by Luna in their mind.
Fleur said "okay first of all I 'ope for the girls that aren't bonded to 'Arry or 'ave a marriage contract you need to talk to 'Arry's wives and mates to maybe 'ave a chance with 'Arry, but that is not why I am 'ere. I am 'ere to ask for one thing and that is to allow Gabby to also be with 'Arry. I know we 'ave no right to ask you or 'Arry but as soon as a Veela choose their mate or better said magic from the Veela choose the mate were the Veela is happy with but also that would make powerful children, is magical strong so the mate can also satisfy the Veela's sexual urges so the Veela will become a creature of love not of lust that Veela's without a mate or their 'chosen' mate is. The magic from Veela can only choose one mate even if the mate dies."
Hermione looks around and saw in most of the girl's compassion for Gabby and when they noticed Hermione looking at them almost everybody nodded especially Astoria, Daphne, Tracey, Susan, and Su while Katie and Luna agreed in her mind that they would give Gabby a chance as she also deserves a chance to be happy even if it is with Harry.
Hermione said, "okay Fleur, I guess we can at least talk with Gabby."
When everybody nodded again Fleur said "c'est formidable d'entrendre ça. Come on let's go to Gabby."
Hermione understood the French. Fleur said 'that is great to hear.' They all followed Fleur to the second floor.
1st January 1998, second floor, Potter Manor
Fleur said, "I will go in first so when you go in Gabby won't attack you."
Almost a minute later Fleur said, "come on in."
1st January 1998, the Delacour's bedroom, second floor, Potter Manor
The girls were shocked when they walked in. Gabby had tousled hair and around Gabby were scorch marks. When the girls walk in Gabby managed to say "Hello Hermione, Luna and everyone else."
Gabby was happy that she managed to speak Hermione's name correctly even if as barely sounded like her name as even with her accent she could speak English rather well better than Fleur and about the same as her mother while Antione as France's ambassador spoke English almost without an accent.
Hermione asked, "what happened here?"
Gabby was a bit ashamed and when she didn't say anything Appoline said "Gabby felt Harry's magic when she was focussing on her Veela and that made her lose herself a bit. She released some of her magic that Veela has including fire and claws."
The girls nodded and most of them thought something along the line from 'that explain the little barely noticeable claw marks on the ground, her tousled hair and the scorched mark in a ring around Gabby but why was it in a ring around her.'
Hermione said, "Gabby we know that Harry is your mate but you can't scare us away as we all love Harry as do you or at least your human side does but according to all the marks in the room your Veela side wants Harry more sexually but doesn't love him any less."
Gabby looked very disappointed and avoid looking at anyone by looking at the ground. Hermione continued "Gabby we are okay if you love Harry and want to be with him but you need to understand you will not be the only one. Everybody in this room except Fleur and your mother, of course, loves Harry as you do."
Gabby looked at Hermione with tears in her eyes, but Hermione didn't know if it was happiness or disappointment. Gabby almost whispered "really?"
Hermione nodded before saying "we will accept you if you accept us to be also the mates for Harry and are your sister-wives. You must also know that when Harry accepts you he will never love you any less than one of us, he may need to get to know you more before he loves you the same as us but he will love you."
Gabby was deliriously happy but her smile disappeared and said "I want to but I don't know if I can control the Veela inside me. My Veela is trying to break free and take Harry for me and only me. I can control it but every day I am close to Harry my resolve weakens. I don't know how long I can last maybe it is better …"
Gabby started sobbing before she continued "go go b-back toooo Fran-France and t-try to to forget … about H-Harry as I am no-not s-s-sure if my-my Ve-Veela can ac-accept you a-a-all as Harry's ma-mate."
Gabby is suddenly crushed as she gets hugged by Luna immediately followed by Susan while Luna dragged Hermione and Katie with her to hug Gaby with her. Gabby feels her Veela reaching out but her Veela doesn't lash out. Appoline and Fleur want to push them away as does Gabby as all three were afraid the Veela in Gabby would lash out but when they see Gabby's Veela does not. They were all surprised as normally the Veela would lash out as the girls especially those that hug her are the rivals for her mate's heart and love.
When Gabby feels that her Veela doesn't lash out she stopped pushing and even starts hugging back. Gabby suddenly start feeling a connection to all the girls that hug her. She feels her Veela feeling their honesty but also the real love for Harry. She feels Hermione the most, but also an overwhelming feeling to trust her. In Gabby's mind, she feels that Hermione, Ginny, Luna, Kattie, and Astoria are the most important and are like Harry's most important wives at this moment.
After a few minutes, Hermione said "girls come here. I think if you all hug Gabby and accept her, her Veela will try to accept you."
Gabby said, "that is only because you Hermione, Luna, Katie, Astoria, and Ginny accept them and my Veela feels she must accept them like you, Luna, Katie, Ginny, and Astoria do."
Hermione wanted to ask but Luna and Katie in her mind said she could do that later. Hermione stepped away as did Luna, Katie, and Astoria step away. Ten minutes later all the girls have hugged Gabby and Gabby's Veela only tries to lash out twice. One was against Daphne and the other was against Penelope. Daphne used her ice-persona against Gabby as she was afraid for Veela to steal Harry away from her.
Harry was melting Daphne's ice heart and she started to remember Harry as Harry the-boy-she-loves. She tries to drop her persona but barely succeeded. She knew if Harry accepted Gabby so would she but until Harry did she would not. Daphne knew the second Harry does so would she. She hated that Harry had such kind of power over her she already saw he has with Luna and partially Ginny.
Gabby's Veela tries to lash out against Penelope as she never met her while all the others were at Hogwarts when she stayed there after Christmas until the end of the year. She also felt Penelope also be against her not her Veela side but her human side, her Veela tried to protect her, but before the Veela could attack Penelope said "Gabrielle please don't dominate Harry's free time. We all love him."
Gabby understands that Penelope was also afraid but more of her human side than Veela. Gabby thinks 'is Penelope afraid because we look almost the same but I may be a bit better while I am 5 years younger. She is really a muggleborn as she is more afraid of my human side while Daphne, pureblood and magically raised that is why she is more afraid of my Veela side.'
Gabby nodded at Penelope's request and she felt her Veela remain calm and somehow content. Hermione smiled and said "Gabby could you wait a bit before going to Harry. We need to talk to him but he is sleeping right now as yesterday cost him a lot of magic. As Harry is still coming in his new power he is under a lot of pressure as is his body and magical core."
Gabby nodded. Luna said, "Gabby what is needed for your bond to start?"
All the girls look shocked at Luna before looking at Gabby. Gabby blushed while avoiding looking at the others. Hermione managed to say "what bond Luna?"
Luna said "her soul bond with Harry as she is a Veela she would have another way to start the bond at least that is what the Nargles tell me. It is also why she accepts us, she already feels a pull to Harry at least the Nargles think so."
None of the girls wanted to think about the way a Veela would start a bond, especially a soul bond. Hermione said, "Gabby we have accepted you but let us talk to Harry first about you."
Gabby didn't like it but deep down she knew Hermione was right to request that and Gabby said: "okay Hermione, I understand."
Hermione smiled and said "we got a few hours left before dinner. I am going to the library."
Luna said, "I am going to the hospital wing looking at how Mr. Ollivander and Mr. Fortescue are doing and hope the Wrackspurts doesn't have infested the hospital wing and the Nargles haven't stolen anything.."
Susan said "I am going to join you, Luna. Harry left me to look after Lord and Lady Longbottom after all. Parvati, Padma, and Fay why don't you join me, maybe you can tell them more things about Neville? Maybe ask Hannah to as she looked at Neville since our third year. I am certain she sees things we missed, but we will go first. Luna, maybe you could tell me about the battle in the Ministry of Magic, Department of Mysteries"
Parvati, Padma, and Fay nodded and Penelope wanted to tag along but before she could suggest it, Daphne, Astoria, and Tracey looked at her. Astoria nodded at Daphne and Daphne asked if she could speak with Penelope in Daphne's (Astoria's, Tracey's and the Carrow twins) bedroom. It was the only bedroom with an extra bed thanks to Kreacher the night before as the Carrow twins are Astoria's best friends not counting Daphne and Tracey that was almost also another older sister of Astoria.
Penelope nodded. Katie said "I am going to take a nap. I feel tired."
Sally-Anne and Megan join Hermione in the library as Sally-Anne and Megan wanted to find the law Susan mentioned and they knew both would look for it with one look at each other and nodded. Gabby said, "I agree with Katie I will also take a nap."
Apolline said, "I will go talk to Antione."
Fleur said, "I will go find Beel and 'elp the goblins find a place to stay if they haven't already."
Everybody went their own way.
1st January 1998, King Ragnok's office, Gringotts
Ragnok was waiting for the return of Shieldbreaker hopefully with the traitors all alive. Shieldbreaker walked in with Dobby, both specialist squads and the royal warders. It took almost two hours after Harry was guided back to bed before Dobby could take the goblins back to Gringotts.
Ragnok saw three dead bodies floating in after Shilebreaker including one severely injured. It seems someone sends for a healer as Healer Bronzefist was examining him here in his office. Ragnok decided to first ask the specialist squads.
The captain from the first squad answered Ragnok's question if they found someone or something. The captain bowed and said "King Ragnok we have searched the grounds, the houses on the grounds and the Potter Manor unless the top floor as we couldn't enter. We are sure that a threat couldn't enter the top floor."
The captain grabbed a crystal and put it on the desk from Ragnok. The captain stepped back and said "we have three crystals. King Ragnok you got the first one. We still have the other two that we give to Captain Shieldbreaker for one to keep and the other to Lord Potter. The crystal will light up if the trap has captured someone or detected a threat invisible or not. It only works if the threat wants to severely wound or kill someone inside the manor."
Ragnok nodded and said, "I hope that I won't work against pranks or similar spells or charms but also it doesn't hurt anyone else at Potter Manor, but also that it would be almost impossible to come close to the manor without detection or captured by traps."
The captains from the specialist squads nodded. Ragnok saw that and said "that is great news. Place the other two crystals on my desk and then I want to thank you as I am sure Lord Potter would also. You are dismissed."
The captain placed the two crystals on Ragnok's desk. He stepped back and both squads bowed before leaving. Ragnok asked "royal warders report, Captain Wardwall."
Captain Wardwall bows and said "King Ragnok, as you have ordered we examined the wards placed by the warders you have sent before. We found sufficient wards that would take time to take them down and Lord Potter would feel the wards losing power and eventually breaking. We don't know for sure but we think Lord Potter can feel when they are about to break down. They have tied our wards, wardstones and main wardstone with the wardstone that the manor has so they can strengthen each other to add protection. We tried to add wards but we could only add one ward. The ward is to stop all portkeys even Goblin portkeys like the wizard will say. Only authorized Portkeys can enter or leave the grounds and Potter Manor."
"There are two ways for Lord Potter-Black-Peverell-Gryffindor-Slytherin to authorize a portkey. He needs to let the Portkey have 3 drops of his blood including using one of his Lord rings to pour magic in the Portkey will he can set a password, phrase or time. He can also put 7 seven blood drops to make the Portkey stronger and can program the Portkey to a safe place in the programmed location if it has a safe location, but blood is not needed to allow Portkey's but is an extra safety measure. He needs to add his other family names to his property otherwise only Lord Potter and Ladies Potter can authorize Portkeys from and to the manor. His ladies can use their rings to authorize Portkey. I have here the instructions as we wanted to let you know first King Ragnok."
"There is one last thing I want to let you know King Ragnok. The wards will take longer to get adequate power. They probably haven't noticed that there was almost no magical power in and around the manor. There was almost no magical power left as if it was empty besides the house-elves for more than 16 years. The house magic as all magical households have the longer they stay in a house or manor will slowly become stronger with will strengthen the ward. We have placed extra runes so the wards will get stronger faster but we cannot improve the magic from regaining in the manor. We guess that it would take at least 10 days to two weeks to have the wards have gained adequate power to withstand a 'small' attack but will not be near full power. However, we don't know when the wards will have full power, but we think with the magical power or the occupants it will become stronger than we think possible right now but of course, it is not unlimited."
We think they will become just a bit below the royal chambers and maybe even as strong as Gringotts wards even though they don't have all wards. Lord Potter has rebounded the elves according to Dobby the house-elf. We don't know if Lord Potter knew but take will make the wards stronger earlier so it will take only 10 days to two weeks I said if Lord Potter didn't it would take one month or two months for the wards to have adequate power but the elves will feed on Lord Potter's magic but Lord Potter would hardly feel it."
King Ragnok wrote the important things while he had the royal scribe write everything. After the meeting, he would look over what the royal scribe has written and the unimportant things would be removed so only the important things would be sent to Bonecrusher so Bonecrusher knows about the manor if Lord Potter allows it.
Ragnok thanked the warders and dismissed them. Ragnok looks at Shieldbreaker and said, "I see you have killed the traitors."
Ragnok has clearly stated to take them alive as they could give more information about traitors and needed to pay for their betrayal.
Shieldbreaker bows before saying "you ordered them alive, King Ragnok. We managed to get two traitors without severe injury. As you can see one is being examined and tried to be saved by Healer Bronzefist but honestly I don't think he will see tomorrow according to all three of my medics as they tried to stabilize him before healing the small injuries that the others have sustained. The death traitors are death because I ordered a lethal takedown was authorized as just a few moments before they killed a guard from my squad as they refused to drop their weapons as Captain Krugnuk ordered."
Shieldbreaker said "Lord Potter was appreciative of the gesture but Lord Potter did want a letter of you King Ragnok that you ordered this. I understand because of the war. I request a letter with your signature, seal and Gringotts seal so we can show Lord Potter as proof that we are there on your orders, King Ragnok."
Ragnok nodded and grabbed another parchment to write the letter for Harry before Shieldbreaker would return to Harry. He gestured to go on to Shieldbreaker.
Shielbreaker told what happened at Potter Manor and who drops his weapons and who did not, including the attacks of the traitors on his men and other things especially the power Lord Potter radiated. Ragnok understands one of maybe two other bounds were broken. When he was done he ordered his guard to take the traitors to the dungeon to wait for their sentencing he would do in the following days as he and his advisers will start tomorrow with Silverclaw's clan if they supported him or know his actions. If not they wouldn't be sentenced if they or a few know they would be sentenced after them the traitors would be and after the traitors' their clans would be.
The other guards including Captain Krugnuk are allowed to return to their family but need to be available for questioning and will be suspended (with pay) until the question with the traitorous guards, their clans have been completed and the squad have gotten the required reinforcement so the squad is not understaffed (unless they go on an assignment that could require fewer guards).
1st January 1998, Potter Manor, Wales
Half an hour later Shielbreaker returns with two crystals, one letter from Ragnok and one document with information also from Ragnok. Shieldbreaker gave it to Dobby. Dobby gave it to Hermione who put it in her bag except for the crystal as she would keep it in her pocket for now. Shieldbreaker and the guards decided to take the quarters inside the Manor. It was very comfortable and it was easier to defend and rotate with the guards. They were left to 24 guards and there would be 3 shifts of 8 guards every shift. Five in the entrance hall, two by the door that leads to the servant and guards quarters and one guard by the door for the sleeping quarters for the squad.
Harry woke up for dinner. He ate dinner and took his nourishment potion before leading to bed again this time Hedwig and Crookshanks went with Harry. Crookshanks went to sleep on the bed next to Harry and Hedwig on the head of the bed. Harry thought before he went to sleep 'need a perch for Hedwig and maybe fireplace here in my room not connected to the floo for Crookshanks and I like it.'
Let's end here. I had a bit of writer's block which is why it took a bit longer than expected. I hope you will like the chapter as I am not certain. In the next chapter, Harry will learn more about the Potter family and what his vaults contain.
How was the talking between Hermione's parents and Daphne and Astoria's parents going?
Who will be awake in the hospital wing?
Will there be people able to leave?
Will Kingsley wake up and tell why he was in Daigon Alley?
Will Bella wake up and how would she react seeing Andromeda and Narcissa being older than here while Bella was the older sister?
Will Harry start to look through Bella's memories and will he do it alone?
All this and more if words count allows it. Please let me know what you think of this chapter.
Please read and review (PMs is also appreciated).