I'm back! Voldemort's Holiday Scavenger Hunt begins in earnest this chapter, as does Harry's tropical Christmas Vacation. Enjoy!
Chapter 14: The Holidays, pt.1
Many of the students going home for the winter holidays did some last-minute shopping in Hogsmeade before boarding the train. The trip on the Hogwarts Express back to London was uneventful, though Duncan decided to join his cousin and his friends for the ride.
"So you and your parents are going to Paris for a week before joining the rest of us on Potter Island, Hermione?", Duncan asked. "And the Delacours are bringing you?"
"That's right", Hermione beamed. "Fleur's parents have arranged for her to give me a special tour of the French Ministry. She sounds as excited as I am in our letters back and forth."
"I bet", Harry grinned, knowing his always-eager-to-learn friend well.
"She's also excited to see a certain American again, Duncan", she giggled knowingly.
"Really, Duncan? You & Fleur?", Neville asked the smugly grinning blonde. "Good on you, Mate. She's brilliant and gorgeous!"
"No kidding", Duncan smirked confidently. "By the way, Harry, Fleur's little sister Gabrielle is coming too. It seems she's eager to see her 'hero' again."
"Yet another reason I wish I could come, too", Cho grumbled as the others giggled at the blushing Harry. "But my family has relatives coming in from America and Hong Kong. Just make sure that little veela knows you're spoken for, ok, Harry?"
"You worry too much, Cho", Hermione said, rolling her eyes. "Harry, we should visit the Weasleys while we're in London, don't you think?"
"I agree, if we can", he replied, then looked to Duncan.
"I think we can arrange a quick visit", Duncan smiled. "Mom's picking us up at the station, so I don't think she'll mind."
xxXXxx
Arthur was still weak, but was recovering. The entire Weasley family was grateful to Harry; his vision—nightmare that it was—had enabled Arthur to be found in time to save his life.
Harry and Hermione exchanged gifts with the Weasleys, then departed. Margaret and Duncan dropped Hermione off at her home before returning to Potter Manor with Harry, and big hearty dinner prepared by Remi.
"All right, you two", Margaret began in a very 'mom' tone, "I want the video games off and you both in bed by 11. I'll check on Dudley. We finish packing and head to the Island tomorrow."
xXx
Potter Manor was put in lock-down, the house elves 'popped' ahead with all the luggage to prepare the Island residence. Now at noon Harry, Duncan, Margaret, Dudley, Victor, Emily, and Adam all gripped a hula-hoop as Harry activated the port-key….
….and moments later everyone except Duncan and Margaret made a less than graceful landing on the early morning sand! It was warm, sunny, and the sound of the waves and sea birds filled the air.
"Welcome to Potter Island, Pup!", Sirius called out, wearing Bermuda shorts, a Hawaiin shirt, Panama hat, and sandals.
"The most peaceful tropical getaway ever", Remus added with a smile in a similar outfit.
"Sirius!", Harry hugged his godfather. "When did you two get here?"
"Two days ago", Remus replied before Sirius. "Margaret suggested that we come ahead to turn on the power and stock the fridge, freezer, and pantries."
"Are you serious?", Harry asked in surprise.
"No, he's Remus. I'm Sirius", Sirius quipped with a smirk, getting groans from everyone, and an elbow from Remus. "Ok, first of all, OW! Secondly, I've waited years to make that joke again, Moony! Don't spoil it for me!"
"Exactly", Remus retorted dryly. "That pun is as old as you are. Enough already!"
"It's a classic! You don't mess with the classics!"
"When you two have quite finished", Margaret interjected. "I haven't been here in years, but I remember it well, so let's give Harry a tour."
xxXXxx
The island was small but extensive. It had originally been settled by a wealthy French noble as a plantation until one of Harry's ancestors; Capt. Richard Potter, a privateer for England during the Golden Age of Piracy, took it over as his base and secondary home with his wife, Amelia. Anchored and still perfectly preserved in the cove was his ship, the Pegasus. The Potters had magically modernized and added amenities to the island over the years since while keeping much of the original charm.
A pod of merfolk lived among the reefs along the opposite side of the island, and a few sometimes visited the cove to play with the dolphins or interact with the first human visitors in over a decade. One particular mer-MILF seemed to take a shine to Sirius, flirting shamelessly with him, which he returned in-kind. Margaret, Remus, and Victor had a bet going on when—not 'if', when—Sirius would sleep with her, horn-dog that he was. The island was also home to many magical and mundane animals.
While most of the family and staff chose to occupy the Manor house overlooking the cove, Duncan fell in love with the tree-house that had once been used as the lookout tower over the entrance to the cove, deciding it would be perfect for him and Fleur when she arrives.
The tranquil setting and genuine compassion of his aunt and cousin began to draw Dudley out of his depression.
The next morning after arriving, Hedwig and Scorch arrived at the breakfast table with mail and a package. Harry took the package from Gringotts and the envelope with the Weasley twins' seal on it. Opening the letter, he found a blank page. He pulled out his wand with a chuckle. Setting the letter on the table, he tapped it and uttered the words that brought a smile to Sirius and Remus' faces as well; "I solemnly swear that I'm up to no good."
Writing faded into view on the page. Leave it to the Twins to use one of the Marauders' gimmicks to ensure secrecy.
Harrykins!
The whole family wants to thank you again for saving Dad's life and hope the holidays are going well for you all! It's thanks to you that we're even having a good holiday. Dad is recovering and is expected to be able to return to work shortly after New Years.
Little Ron is ecstatic over the Nimbus 2001 you gave him, and he's sure it will improve his performance as the Gryffindor Keeper.
Please thank Sirius/Padfoot for his notebook! It's given us so many new ideas! And we know how you feel, but your own generous gift of another 5,000 Galleons to go toward our dream of a shop is too kind, so we're making you our partner in the business! Mum doesn't know we did this, but we've given you 35% of Weasleys' Wizarding Wheezes! It's official and filed at Gringotts!
Thanks again for everything.
Yours in laughter and fun,
Gred and Forge
Still chuckling, Harry shared the letter with everyone while he opened the package from Gringotts. Inside was a small bundle and a note.
Mr. Potter,
Per your instructions and request, the body of the basilisk has been rendered down for sale. Our fee of 500 Galleons was halved in exchange for 2 tonnes of the meat as agreed. We have also set aside an additional 2 tonnes of meat as well as small supplies of all parts usable for potions for your own use and will be waiting for you in your family vault upon your return from holiday. However, your Aunt Margaret made the unusual request that the head—minus the venom sacs and a few fangs—be mounted intact for display over the mantle at Potter Manor, to Honor your accomplishment and for the intimidation factor with "certain types" of guests. I must say that while I agree, the decision is entirely yours and I await your reply.
However, in Honor of your deeds and status as one of our Tier-A1 clients, High King Ragnok personally requisitioned this item to be forged from one of the fangs for you as a gift.
May your enemies fall before you as your fortunes grow.
Account Manager Gold-Reaper
Intrigued, Harry unwrapped the bundle to find a large curved dagger in a sheath. The grip and sheath were covered in basilisk skin. The pommel was carved in the shape of a serpent's head holding a dark gem in its mouth, and the crossguard was curved such that the first finger of the wielder slipped through it like a ring. The blade was goblin steel, but Harry could feel the power of the fang and venom imbued in the blade.
"That will look great on the belt of your armor, Harry", Duncan smiled.
"But for now you should put it away somewhere safe until you really need it", Margaret interjected as she quickly snatched it, Harry's safety foremost in her mind.
Duncan, Sirius, and Remus all couldn't help but laugh a little at the dejected look on Harry's face as his aunt took the dagger to the armory. Duncan then turned to his own letter from Fleur.
Mon cher Duncan,
I miss you so, and cannot wait to join you in paradise! Please assure Harry that my family and I will arrive with Hermione and her parents on the 23rd as planned using the portkey he has generously provided. I cannot wait to go flying with you, Mon Amor! Perhaps we could find a secluded beach on the island where you and I can swim and sunbathe au naturale, no?
With All My Love,
Fleur
"I look forward to it", Duncan muttered with a grin.
"You say something?", Harry asked.
"Nothing!", Duncan blushed, then relayed Fleur's message regarding the 23rd as Margaret returned to the table.
"Dudley."
"Yes, Aunt Margaret?", he replied, looking up from his breakfast. He was still amazed how the food cooked both with and without magick by that "house-elf"? named Remi was so good! Maybe his parents had been wrong about magick all these years?
"Harry and I have discussed your situation quite a bit. Whether you believe it or not, we mourn your loss. As cruel to Harry as they were, your parents were still family. They did not deserve….jail, yes, but not that…. savagery. We are the only family you have left. You and Harry will be raised like brothers, as you should have been since James' and Lily's murder."
"Thank you", he said in genuine gratitude.
"That being said", Margaret continued, her voice taking a slightly firmer tone, "you were just as cruel and abusive to Harry in your own ways all those years. While we hold most of the blame on Vernon and Petunia encouraging such behavior, you are responsible for your own actions. Harry and I have discussed the best course to help you turn your life around for the better. Since he attends a boarding school most of the year, so will you. When Harry returns to Hogwarts after this holiday, you will begin attending the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (Dudley paled and his jaw dropped in shock). You will still receive trauma counseling to help you deal with your loss, and you will learn discipline, self-control, teamwork, and hopefully to become a contributing member of society."
"B-b-but…!"
"No arguments. All the arrangements are already made. Like Harry, you will come home for holidays."
"Truthfully, Dudley, you've been a bully and spoiled brat all your life", Harry added as kindly as he could. "We really think this will help you become a better, stronger person."
"To say nothing of dealing with your weight", Margaret added. "I for one will not allow you to develop the same health problems that your father had due to obesity. Honestly, between his weight, his temper, and his hatred of Harry I'm surprised he didn't have a coronary or a stroke years ago. I won't let that happen to you."
xxXXxx
(Paris)
Hermione was eagerly taking in all the sights and sounds as Fleur guided her around the French Ministry du Magique. Fleur introduced her to the Minister and various Department Heads, several of whom were veela! Hermione found the near lack of bigotry refreshing, wishing Britain could be the same. They had a late lunch at a bistro within the main atrium.
"That was delicious", Hermione said wiping her mouth with her napkin. "You were right, Fleur; the bouillabaisse here is the best. Especially with a fresh-baked baguette!"
"Oui, I zhink so, too", Fleur agreed as she soaked up the very last bit of her own with a piece of bread to eat it. "Zhough Duncan 'as told me about an American dish called 'gumbo' that 'e claims is better. 'E wants to make zome for me 'imself when we get to zhe island."
"Be careful", Hermione laughed. "Duncan likes his spicy dishes really spicy!"
"Oui! I know!", Fleur giggled. "Would you like to see zhe Museum Wing? Zhere are many, many interesting artifacts and books on display."
"What are we waiting for?", Hermione grinned as she stood.
At that same moment, three hooded figures approached an obscure, old entrance to the Ministe`re de la Magiques. A clinking pouch was passed to the lone guard who then gave them entry with a wave of his wand. Unnoticed among the throngs of witches and wizards there on various business, they made their way toward the Museum Wing. They had a mission accomplish for the Dark Lord. Outside the museum doors, two docents stood waiting. The three exposed their Dark Marks, the docents nodded and showed theirs in return. The older docent spoke briefly in French.
"He says there are only two witches inside, Bella", one of the three said to their leader. "A young British tourist and her veela guide."
"Easy enough to eliminate them if we must", Bellatrix cackled as she lowered her hood. "Come, husband. Your brother and our French friends must secure my prize."
"What do you mean 'your prize', Bella?", Rudolphus huffed. "Is the Witchblade not for the Dark Lord?"
"Again you prove yourself the fool, Rudy!", Bella hissed. "Our Lord in his wisdom knows that only women can wield the Witchblade! So whom would he bestow it upon but his most faithful servant?", she finished with a smug smirk as they entered the museum.
Hermione was thoroughly enjoying all the displays in the museum, her inner scholar was in heaven. Wands, books, documents, and other artifacts of famous French witches and wizards. Plus Fleur was quite knowledgeable on the more obscure displays. Hermione was gaining a growing respect for the beautiful veela's brilliance and abilities. But what Hermione saw next while Fleur was distracted speaking to a portrait of one of her ancestors, captivated her.
Displayed prominently in an ornate glass case was a medieval gauntlet that would have covered the entire right forearm of the wearer, from elbow to (claw-like)fingertips, with a few decorative jewels. It was beautiful, a work of art. She read the display information, and found it to be one of the artifacts that the Order had learned Voldemort was interested in:
(translated from French)
The Witchblade.
Forged in Ancient times by the combined efforts of the greatest goblin and most skilled dwarf craftsmen of the Age. The metal from which it is forged is still unknown, but legends state that it could be a long believed-impossible alloy of mithril and orichalchum. History seems to bear this speculation out as no force, mundane or magical, has ever been able to even scratch its surface.
The Witchblade eventually became the Holy weapon wielded by Joan of Arc, National Hero of France, who fought to free France from English rule until she was betrayed by Charles VII, the muggle King of France and his Court who feared her growing power and popularity among the peasantry. Why the Witchblade deserted her at this, her greatest time of need, is still unknown.
Many women have wielded the Witchblade over the Ages. How and why it seems to both only choose women then eventually deserts them is not clear. Some of the most ancient lore, dating back to Boodicca of the Isles, one of the earliest known wielders; postulates that the Witchblade is alive in a sense and is seeking it's destined, one true Mistress.
Facinating. Hermione looked back up at the gauntlet, almost….drawn to lean closer. Then what appeared at first to be a decorative bossing on the back of the 'hand' of the gauntlet opened like an eye to reveal a brilliant blood-ruby! It glowed, and seemed to look into Hermione's very soul, then closed again.
"Magnifique, is it not?", Fleur said with awe next to her, startling Hermione from her daze. "Sorry, 'Ermione. I did not mean to startle you so."
"It's all right, Fleur, no harm done. And you're right, the Witchblade is incredible; even more beautiful and impressive than the legends I've read say."
"Ugh! The only thing worse than an uppity mudblood is a bookworm uppity mudblood!", a voice sneered. "Hermione Granger, isn't it? Potter's mudblood whore that foolishly insults her pureblood betters like my nephew in public? I can't begin to tell you what a pleasant surprise it is to find you here. Perhaps I can teach you to learn your place: on your knees before your pureblood masters!"
"Bellatrix LeStrange!", Hermione nearly snarled through clenched teeth as hers and Fleur's wands snapped into their hands.
"And family and friends!", the deranged witch cackled as her husband and brother-in-law lowered their hoods and raised their wands along with the two docents. Seeing the docents with them raised Fleur's ire!
"Traitors!", she accused sharply in French. "You dare aid and abet these Death Eater scum within these hallowed halls?!"
"How dare you and your kind seduce your way into families of prominence and positions of power in OUR ministry!", the senior man barked in French.
"Our ancestors should have exterminated the entire veela race when they had the chance centuries ago!", added the other. "But you-you whores! Just throw about your allure and spread your legs for weak-willed wizards to get what you want!"
"You….I know you!", Fleur accused the older man. "You quit the Aurors years ago when my mother was promoted to Department Head over you! You couldn't stand being passed over for my better qualified Maman! You chose to quit rather than take orders from her! You treacherous pig!"
"VEELA SLUT!"
"If all you frogs are quite finished?", Bella barked impatiently. "Now, you and your beast back away quietly while I claim the weapon that I'll use to slaughter the rest of Potter's pathetic friends with, and we'll make your deaths quick and painless."
"After my brother and I have our fun, that is", Rudolphus grinned, while Rabistan laughed lasciviously.
"*Tsk!* You would lower yourself like that, Rudy", Bella said mockingly.
"DON'T call me that, Bella!", Rudolphus griped a bit more firmly that he should've dared to his insane spouse. "It's not as if you've shared my bed in years, even before you went to Azkaban."
"And why would I?", she cackled. "I never chose you, and you've never been worthy of me. I'd sooner rape the Potter boy to provide the Dark Lord with an heir than let a weak fool like you touch me ever again!"
"PLEASE! As if Harry would even look at a HAG like you!". Hermione taunted, after throwing up a little in her mouth at the thought.
"You filthy little mudblood!", Bella screamed at the insult to her beauty. "I'll reduce you to drooling fool for Draco and his friends to use as a cum-dumpster! CRUCIO!"
"Protego!"
"Reducto!"
"Expelliarmus!"
"Diffindo!"
"Stupify!"
Hexes and curses flashed back and forth across the room between the combatants. Outnumbered and slightly outclassed as they were, Hermione and Fleur were forced to keep moving from cover to cover, dodging this way and that as they cast; remarkably holding their own against their more vicious and experienced opponents.
"ENOUGH OF THIS!", Bellatrix shrieked in deranged fury. "BOMBARDA MAXIMA!"
The explosion curse ripped through the room, demolishing multiple display cases, including the one that contained the Witchblade. The ancient gauntlet tumbled end-over-end through the air as Hermione broke cover to cast a stunner from her wand in her left hand…..to suddenly be surprised to find her right hand and arm wearing the legendary Witchblade! She was caught flat-footed long enough for Rudolphus to cast the Killing Curse at her!
"Avada Kedavra!"
"No! 'Ermione!", Fleur screamed from behind a pillar.
With nowhere to hide, Hermione instinctively closed her eyes and brought up her arm as if to block the unblockable curse…for it to deflect off the Witchblade gauntlet and strike the elder of the two traitorous docents dead where he stood!
"WHAT?! NNNNOOOOOO! YOU FILTHY LITTLE BITCH! TAKE IT OFF! THE WITCHBLADE IS MINE!", Bellatrix screamed, sending a barrage of curses at Hermione, only to have them dodged or blocked by the very relic they had come to steal! She also heard banging on the doors they'd sealed behind them. Aurors! Those doors won't hold long!
In the ensuing chaos, Fleur partially transformed and began to rapidly hurl fireballs at the remaining Death Eaters, forcing them back and giving Hermione room to cast and run toward them. She saw Rabistan lining up on Fleur….
"Crucio! When I'm done, you'll beg to spread your pretty little legs for me, you veela whore!", he laughed as Fleur convulsed in agony on the floor. Rage consumed Hermione as never before. If the bastard likes pain, she'll be happy to oblige him thanks to a Potter Family spell Harry discovered and taught her and the rest of his inner-circle….
"Skeletus Fracti!" The purple spell struck the Death Eater dead center, and there was an audible cascade of cracking sounds from throughout his body.
"AAAAAIIIIIIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEEEEE!AAAAAHHHHH-HAAAAAH-HAAAAAH-AAAAAAEEEEIIIIIIOOOOOWWWW!", Rabistan screamed in absolute agony as he fell like a puppet with its strings cut!
"What did you do to my brother, you mudblood bitch?!", Rudolphus snarled as Hermione strode toward him with a determined look on her face.
"A little curse one of Harry's ancestors created to deal with scum that like to use the torture curse; it causes every single bone in your body—from the biggest leg bones to the tiniest bones in your inner-ears—to break or fracture in at least one place. He rightly believed that anyone who enjoyed inflicting pain so much should enjoy feeling it as well!"
"Why you little…! Avada Keda..!"*SHHHING!-SHUCK!* "*coughs and gurgles blood*" Rudolphus' eyes registered shock as a long blade sprang from the gauntlet on the mudblood's right arm during her backhanded swing, cutting his wand in half just before swinging back around to run him through the chest as if she'd been trained for years to fight with a blade!
Just then, the aurors broke through the door! Cursing, Bellatrix ordered a retreat. Rabistan barely managed in his pain to activate his portkey moments after she did.
"Oh no you don't! Incarcerus", Fleur growled, capturing the surviving traitor docent. "You have much to answer for, monsieur!"
The rush of battle and adrenalin fading, Hermione pulled the blade from the chest of Rudolphus LeStrange, who then fell bonelessly to the floor as nausea began to creep up on the British teen over what she had done seemingly all on instinct! She then watched in amazement as the Witchblade seemed to collapse and fold into itself to form a jeweled bracelet on her wrist! She tried to remove it….but it would not budge!
"What is going on, Little Flower?", Appoline asked when she arrived with Fleur's father right behind her.
"The Witchblade has chosen a new wielder, Maman, Papa", Fleur replied. "Just in time to prevent Death Eaters from stealing it."
"What?!", Hermione squeaked, having understood their conversation in French. "Is that why I can't get this thing off my wrist?!"
"Oui, 'Ermione", Appoline sighed. "It seems zhat zhe Witchblade 'as chosen you."
xxXXxx
Author's notes: My version of the Witchblade is based mostly on the 2001 TV series starring Yancy Butler as NYPD Det. Sara Pezzini.
Capt. Richard Potter and his ship the Pegasus are from Dragonraptor's "Harry Potter and the Curse's Cure, while I based Potter Island on the island that Edward Kenway made his base in "Assassin's Creed: Black Flag".
"Skeletus Fracti" is a curse I made up for this story. It always seemed to me that in the HP franchise Moldy-shorts and his minions had way too many advantages while the heroes too often held back too much. The Battle in the Dept. of Mysteries being a prime example of this. It occurred to me that a Potter ancestor in the Aurors may have felt the same way and created this curse that would not only incapacitate the villain, but also make them suffer the pain they enjoyed inflicting on others while still being "forgiveable". Having suffered a few broken bones in my youth, lemme tell ya, the pain is undeniable as any among you who have also felt it would know. Now, imagine that pain in EVERY bone in your body at the same time!
As always, suggestions and long reviews are welcome! Flames will be used to make Spring come sooner here in the frozen wasteland that is New England!
xxXXxx