Harry and Hermione's Unexpected Family Ties
**OO**
A/N: Thanks to my wonderful Beta, LtsHrIt4ThBoyz.
**OO**
Chapter 3 Departures
Hermione had no doubt that her parents were going to demand that Hermione leave this lovely necklace at home. It was just too nice for school.
Considering the squeals and chattering that seeing just the lovely blue velvet box alone had caused back in February? No, it was best that the necklace and fancy box went away. Though at least she'd had time since Valentine's to wear it.
Hermione felt several sets of jealous eyes on her, as though she was flaunting her connection to Harry Potter. Well, for the others, the Boy-Who-Lived was a prime catch. But to her? He was Harry, her Harry.
And he was the only catch that mattered to her.
She would surrender the gift willingly if asked, or bring it back if somehow it passed inspection by her parents.
But Hermione was ready to go visit her beloved Papa and wasn't looking forward to saying goodbye.
**OO**
Early morning near One-eyed Witch Statue
Harry waved farewell as Fred and George led Hermione down an abandoned passageway. He handed over a bag of coins, far more than they'd asked for, and handed her sickles for the floo powder.
"Have a nice visit. We'll cover for you." Harry kissed his girlfriend.
The blue velvet box was in her pocket, shrunken; she had a grandfather to visit.
Hermione nodded, noting the time. She was nervous. She was more than willing to serve her deserved detention. As long as she got to see her Papa first, it would be worth it.
It was nearly time. Would she finally be able to escape?
**OO**
Mrs Granger wasn't for sharing about their plans with her daughter yet, but Hogwarts was only in Hermione's future until the end of term.
If the Headmaster hadn't threatened to bind Hermione's magic, the Grangers would have removed their daughter today!
**OO**
Sunday, April 12th, Great Hall
There were so many inexplicable things about Hogwarts. Nevermind the tigers and bears of the wizarding world in the form of trolls and three-headed dogs, which were bad enough.
The Daily Prophet again was touting the prowess of Potions Master Severus Snape. There were even calls for him being awarded the Order of Merlin.
Nothing yet appeared in the paper about Percy's death which was odd as many students felt he deserved more than just an award for Special Services. Mr Weasley was speaking to Unspeakables somehow.
Didn't the job title mean that he was attempting the impossible in just talking to them?
No matter. Harry was just very supportive of the Weasley family. He personally would do anything to help get Percy back. At least his body was being preserved.
The rest of the quidditch team looked half-dead on their feet, barely. Everyone was there at breakfast except for the twins. Was that Pepper-up? The team was clearly not looking forward to the strategy meeting in the common room after breakfast.
No one liked being up this early on a Sunday.
So, with the truth available, the gingers in the group were all wondering one thing. Why was Harry not getting credit for killing the monster? When asked by Neville about it; about why Harry was letting Snape take the credit, he just grinned.
"'The man was jealous of my father who apparently was the son of a famous explorer and grandson of a potion maker who invented popular and lucrative potions. I think that it went to his head more than a bit. I get the feeling that my dad was a prat, at least when he was younger.
"Maybe, after a bit of fame, Professor Snape will come to understand the 'goldfish bowl' better. Understand my world better. Let him have the fame. I don't want it."
Ginny, and surprisingly Ron, were unhappy with that response. Good. The fight was primed, and it was time.
Harry beckoned to Colin. This was a chance for them to fly together before practice, and the boys headed for the front doors.
**OO**
This was the moment. The twins had returned from escorting Hermione to the Granger car in London, grinning like loons as they caught Harry just as he was leaving the Great Hall, following breakfast. Hermione would spend the day visiting her great-grandfather.
"Well, if it isn't Harry Potter. Getting ready to storm the skies. We just saw Hermione getting settled…"
"Yeah, it's not like he's got a sword to shine or armor to polish."
That comment sorta hurt Harry. He had wanted to keep the Sword of Gryffindor but no. The Headmaster had claimed it for his office.
They were sort of blocking the hallway, as Harry had been trying to sneak away from Oliver's insane planning meeting to fly with Colin, and now others were coming up, hearing raised voices.
Right on cue, Ron piped up, "Yeah Harry. How come you're allowing Snape to take all the credit? I was there! I could back you up mate! I know who really killed Slytherin's monster."
"And so do I! You should be the hero, not Snape! And Hermione was only petrified. You didn't rescue her." Ginny shouted. Heroes deserved kisses, and she wouldn't kiss Snape. Yuck!
But Harry had never even talked to her, except to accuse her of murder. She was now trying to pretend that she didn't remember, but she did. She remembered everything. And was feeling very guilty over what had happened to her brother now floating up to deal with the fight.
Severus had heard raised voices, and disillusioned, snuck up to see what was going on. The man saw a sea of red trim and knew that this might just turn out to be a bonanza of lost points for the House of lions.
"Hold on, hold on. Potter? Ron has a point. Why are you not being hailed as the person who saved Penny and Hermione? I know that I feel that you did. And even though I wasn't there, several people were there when you came back with a huge sword, covered in basilisk blood, and Ron and Ginny at your side."
Harry answered both the asked and unasked question, "Fact one: Severus Snape is extremely good at defense. He is also the one who brewed the restorative draught. I'm not saying anything against him. Not ever. As far as I am concerned, he is the Hero of Hogwarts as he restored Hermione…And Penelope! That deserves a medal on its own.
"Fact two: if I found the Sword of Gryffindor, wouldn't it be on my wall? It is not, so we all just shared a magical dream or something. At least the attacks have stopped and Voldemort didn't come back. I am so very sorry that you were killed, Percy. If Snape starts showing up with basilisk fangs for sale, well, there's your proof.
"And he helped Colin here and Justin and even the old cat of Filch's." Harry added belatedly. "Speaking of which, Colin? Do you have everything sorted to help you catch up?"
Theory could be read in the summer, but Harry and Hermione both planned on helping the boy catch up on the practicals. It would be good for their own revision. Percy was already helping too, answering questions.
The boy beamed at his new friends, his hero worship transformed. "Yes, Harry. Thank you."
His original camera was a total loss but everyone in Gryffindor, even the twins, had chipped in to buy him a new one.
Just because his pictures were so good.
Ron and Ginny then started shouting at Harry to tell the truth or they would go to the press and force Harry to accept the accolades that he was due.
"You do that. I do not want to be famous for anything. I remember how the Hufflepuffs thought I was some dark lord. Just because I can speak snake. Do you see how they are still treating me?"
Ron quieted down. He forgot that people were still upset about it.
"Why do you do that? Speak parseltongue, I mean? Can't Madam Pomfrey remove it?" Ginny asked. She remembered the hissing language a bit, but didn't want to try to speak parsel in front of Harry.
"Yeah, why don't I go do that right now. Ask the healer to remove a magical language." Under his breath, he called the girl "mental". "Colin? You wanted flying lessons?"
Ginny wanted to sign up for those right then, but couldn't get her mouth to work.
Wood had been upset that a fight had pre-empted his strategy meeting, but was happy to get to the pitch without it.
As the non-quidditch players trooped upstairs, and the flyers went outside, Snape returned to his brewing. This was Sunday, and he would normally spend it with his most promising of NEWTs students in exchange for their help with marking.
But today, he wanted time to think. Pondering what Potter had said, he went to his cauldron alone for the morning.
He had Potter all wrong. If it had been James Potter that managed to kill a basilisk without dying, he would have been trumpeting the feat for months, demanding attention and accolades.
This boy just wanted to be left alone to fly in the early spring sunshine. It was clear, if cold today.
How had he gotten the impression that the child had none of Lily, well, nothing more than her emerald orbs?
The boy was dedicated to learning, stuck up for his friends and wouldn't back down on what was right.
He had even written to Fudge demanding that they release Hagrid since he had nothing to do with the petrifications. Lucius had complained about it as he didn't like the half-giant being near his son.
Severus looked for answers in the simmering cauldron with its shimmering fumes.
**OO**
The whole quidditch team followed the captain to do a bit of practice,
Harry taught Colin the secrets of being a light-weight Seeker against a heavier opponent who was trying to set him off course.
Oh yes, when Harry didn't return next year, Colin would be ready. And Madam Hooch saw the boy's talent on display, and gave him an O for flying class. Not for this makeup lesson, but for the year!
**OO**
Simultaneous to the discussion in the hallway
The twins had done a wonderful job sneaking Hermione out of the castle, and here she was, safely at the Leaky! They bought sausage rolls with Harry's silver, from Tom, the owner, before returning to Hogwarts, as they had skipped breakfast to get here on time. Hermione waved goodbye before going to look for the woman she desperately needed after being paralyzed for so long.
Her mother had parked near the Leaky, and was just getting out to go into the pub.
Hermione rushed into her mother's arms. She'd so wanted her mummy there when she was immobilized! Harry had been wonderful, but there was love and comfort in her mother's arms.
Drying her own tears, she really looked at her mother. Seeing her looking sad had Hermione worried. Where was her father?
"Is it grandfather?" the young witch asked, worried.
Papa, also known as Great-Grandpa Granger, had lived a long time, had fought in the war, and was fighting cancer at the moment. Unless…
"No, he's still hanging in there, waiting to see you." They got into the car and headed out. "Your dad is staying with him. I'm so sorry Hermione. We're going straight to the hospital. He's been asking to see you over and over. The Headmaster wouldn't let you leave school early, no matter how much we begged. It was so kind of Harry and your friends to arrange this meeting. We tried to get you to see him last month."
"Last month? I was petrified until yesterday." Hermione stated bitterly.
"So Harry told us. And kept us informed. He tried to get the plant - Mandrakes? He was told it was unavailable." Emma stated. "As were the restorative potions."
"'The Mandrake forms an essential part of most antidotes.' That's what Professor Sprout stated at the beginning of the year. So if it's so universal, why did all of us that were petrified have to wait?" Hermione asked.
"That is the question. Both Harry and I felt something was interfering with your health and wellbeing." Emma shared. Should she tell her daughter that the boy wasted more than a thousand galleons trying to get plants just to be blocked at every turn? And that was only the ones that she and Dan tried to order. Order, pay for, and poof. Nothing.
Apparently stealing from muggles wasn't much of a crime when they tried to report it.
They parked near the entrance to the hospital, and walked to the entry. It was only then that Emma saw Hermione's necklace.
"This is the 'facsimile' that Harry gave you for Valentine's? He wrote to warn us to not overreact. You have to love mag…you know. That looks real. And I think it was given with true feelings." The mother opined, checking in at the desk.
She'd almost said 'magic' in public!
Harry Potter had tried. He had done far beyond what any child should even think of doing. But he had kept trying. She felt eyes on them, and thought he might be watching over Hermione right now.
Harry wasn't there, but Dobby was, following his master's orders. He had shadowed them.
They would be heading back to Egypt after this current situation was resolved. The doctors felt it was a matter of hours now, not days.
They would have a funeral and get away from Britain. They would only come back to pick up Hermione from the train at the end of the school year. When they returned to Egypt that time, it would be with their daughter in tow.
And just in case someone read Hermione's thoughts, they weren't telling her that she wasn't coming back. She was learning how to shield her thoughts from the likes of Professor Snape, but the Granger parents weren't relying on it.
**OO**
All of the things she'd just learned! He was a squib who was kicked out of his pureblood family! Sent to a school in Cairo that took squibs, and provided for even during his mastery.
Hermione knew that many squibs were kicked out at eleven to fend themselves when they didn't get their letters. The family had treated him well, and had even given him a small nest egg. A nest egg that he added to, but had left behind in Egypt when he was forced to flee. He had converted some to muggle funds, but wanted to keep some as magical money in case any future children were magical.
His mother had given him part of her maiden name, but only the Granger part. She didn't want him targeted for having her full name Dagworth-Granger.
Hermione wondered what family he originally came from but it was like there was a geas that he couldn't say or even talk specifics about the family magic.
He had been sent some family heirlooms and put them in a vault in Cairo along with a few treasures from his days as an archeologist with a specialty in Runes, that he could never bring to England. Apparently, he didn't dare bring anything he'd inherited when he returned home; It could be legally stolen from him here.
A family friend had shown him great kindness when he was the only male descendant still alive after Grindelwald was successful in killing off the main male magical line of the family. There were some great aunties hanging about that would live in the family home, and he happily let them keep the home and gold in the family vault in London without qualm.
Hermione mentally reviewed this final visit with her great-grandfather. He had coughed and coughed. Agitated by what Hermione told him.
"You were petrified? And help from your young friend was being blocked? That's not good. Someone is interfering with you, little one. I'm so sorry.
"I can tell you are intelligent and have great potential. Learn our family magic. My father was a great man, brilliant in his field. You have inherited that brilliance."
The man then gave in to another coughing fit, handing over a set of prayer beads that had a charm, no, a key! This must be the vault key.
He squeezed her hand. She gently kissed his cheek farewell, and Hermione was escorted out of the room by well-meaning carers before she could ask more questions. They didn't want her to see him like this, but had allowed her time to visit and say goodbye.
Her great-grandfather had figured out she was a witch when her father accidentally mentioned Hogwarts. Something that delighted the man, and gave light and hope to him in his decline. Magic had returned to the family!
Oh, and she knew the Potter boy! She'd mentioned Harry Potter at least three times, during their short visit. That just had to be the famous Curse-breaker's grandson. Her description of his hair. How she laughed when he'd told her the story of Charlus Potter's hair getting cursed for the next several generations.
They weren't close friends, but he did know him.
The girl had fingered her own hair, and thought that any child of hers was already doomed.
"I might have gotten splashed a bit with it as well. Sorry lovie. At least Fleamont invented a potion to deal with it and made even more money for the family."
She was going to miss this delightfully wiley ancestor. And realized that he had never talked about Egypt with them before as it was impossible to mention without talking about magic! How sad that they had kept the statute so well.
Hermione pondered his words. A hidden treasure in Egypt? Well, not great wealth, he'd made that clear enough. Likely some family grimoires if she was lucky. Or personal diaries, that she might get to know her magical roots better.
She had heard him whisper that his first wife was not her grandfather's mother. That he had had a magical child in Egypt. Something very bad had happened to them. His darling wife was killed in a raid at her work - he couldn't go into details as he didn't know much. No one would tell him anything at the time. He'd lost his beloved first wife and their only child, who'd been in some kind of creche or care-center. How sad!
What was her name again? Surely he'd mentioned it, but Hermione couldn't remember.
The loss had devastated him and, feeling targeted, had had to leave the area. It was too painful to stay. So he returned to England. A couple of years later he met and married a British girl, and had his second child, Fillip Granger, Dan's father, just prior to the beginning of World War II. He fought in that war as well, and his son Fillip followed in his footsteps, only to die in a foreign war, in the Falklands when Hermione was just a toddler.
The name was a memento of his first family. A family that Hermione was very curious about now.
She and her parents had wept tears of grief for losing this man. There would be a funeral, but Hermione wouldn't be allowed to attend. She didn't think she could sneak out twice and get away with it. And she didn't want to risk her magic when Papa was so proud of her for being a witch.
Hugging her parents, Dobby popped her to the tunnel that the twins had shown them. It would lead to a secret entrance to the school. Her Papa would have enjoyed this adventure very much!
Hermione brushed tears from her face as she hid the small key attached to the beads that Papa used as prayer beads. It worked as a necklace, so she tucked it into her blouse. The beads were clearly ancient, and the vault key old as well. She'd tried to ask him how he had these things, but he couldn't answer. He shook his head. It was just too difficult for him to talk about, she guessed. He was too sick, but he had held onto the 'prayer beads' as he described them to his carers for some time.
She felt a connection to him through these beads; connected to him, and other family. If only these beautiful glass orbs could speak!
**OO**
Dan had lived a charmed life, so far. He had gone through school with the help of his family paying his tuition through uni, where he met Emma. He had inherited more than a bit from his own father when Hermione was a baby, and they moved into the family home he'd been raised in. He had tried to share the largesse with his grandfather, but he had refused as 'he had sufficient'.
He'd grown up with a paid-for house, living frugally, and learning investments. But one thing his father insisted on, and his grandfather, was buying the ladies "sparklies'' from time to time.
Good quality ones.
Dan knew that his daughter was telling the truth, as she knew it, that this necklace was a good fake. He had no doubt that was what Harry had told her.
But with conversion rates as it was, the lad had thrown away a fortune for her. Well, maybe not as wasted as all that; the plants had eventually got there.
His daughter might be only thirteen, but she was already of age to marry in the wizarding world. And that trinket around her neck came from one of the old families.
Dan wasn't asking her to give it back or keep it in a safe-deposit box. No! That would be a waste.
Wearing it showed the pureblood scum that she was worth more to one of the sons of their great Houses than she would ever be to them.
Maybe they would remember, and seek to include future Hermiones in their culture rather than drive them off.
His daughter was brilliant.
Dan wished he had known all of this growing up, and he hoped that this vault had pictures or diaries or something of the past. He had no jealousy or ill-feelings finding out that his grandfather had been married before, only sadness that his first family had been magical, and perhaps killed due some kind of magical conflict.
He was as eager as his daughter to discover his grandfather's hidden past.
**OO**
Hermione kept the sadness at bay by peppering Dobby with hundreds of questions about magical families, traditions, and house-elf slavery.
By the time they were at the secret door that exited into a dark corridor, Hermione felt she had made a new friend. Dobby in turn, had learned a bit more about this witch that held his master's heart.
And he too, felt he had made a new friend. How…unexpected!
**OO**
Later that night
"Miss Granger? I was told by one of the ghosts that you tried to floo to Diagon Alley yesterday?"
"My roommates helped themselves to my parchment and other supplies while I was petrified. I don't know how I still have my jewelry box, but one of the girls complained about it, so maybe it came with magic to protect itself from being taken from its rightful owner. I don't have a vault where I can store valuables or gold and can't order more supplies magically. I tried to ask permission to go, and was told no. What else was I supposed to do?"
"Use a magical catalog of course…oh, ye just said ye didn't have a vault. Can you not borrow from Potter, use his vault, and just pay him back?"
"Wow, I hadn't thought of that, Professor. I'll ask him right now.! That's brilliant, ma'am. Thank you!" She gushed, beaming.
"I'd take points, but you've just been in a terrible situation and aren't thinking straight." The woman then seemed to have a change of heart. "Five points from Gryffindor. And stay away from the floos."
"Deputy Headmistress, did you get the letter from my mother? Regarding my great-grandfather?"
The woman had been about to return to her office, and frowned at the question. "I did, and wrote to her. And that is all I will say in the matter."
So then, no authorized visits for her. What if she was the daughter of a great house? What about…
"Deputy Headmistress? I heard that Daphne's grandmother contracted dragon pox. Will she be allowed to visit before she passes away? I can empathize with her."
"Oh dear me! I best talk to her and arrange for her to floo to Saint Mungo's. Thank you for your caring, dear girl. Take five points back."
When the angry deputy confronted her later about the lady, now causing a panic in Slytherin, Hermione smiled sweetly.
"I'm sorry, ma'am. I must have misheard."
Scowling, the angry Scotswoman left, but Hermione got away with the prank. She had confided in the quidditch team what she had done as they seemed to be the only ones on Harry's side in the whole parseltongue drama that at least was dying down.
This led the twins, who wanted more of Harry's gold for investing, to share the map with them in a deserted classroom. Away from prying eyes.
**OO**
"Messrs Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot and Prongs are proud to present the Marauder's Map." Harry read. "Brilliant! And this is how you found the passageways?"
George started to explain "And how we sneak out to get more supplies. Alas. If we only had an investor who believed in our genius…
"Our pranking genius…
While Hermione was unusually quiet casting the few detection charms she knew and getting funny quotes from some of the characters, her boyfriend was happy and laughing. She was fascinated by the charmwork involved.
Harry laughed, "I am told that James Potter loved a good prank. I'm in. How much?"
"How.."
"Much?"
The twins asked together.
Harry looked down, "Look. I do feel responsible for your brother. How about a hundred each, and if you need more, you just write to me?"
"Two hundred? What? Knuts, cause that's not much…"
"Two hundred sickles…"
Harry interrupted, "Galleons! Guys! My great-grandfather invented Sleekeazy. Did you know that? I didn't."
Hermione had informed him of that little fact when she got back. And showed him an advert for it in the catalog of school supplies.
"If that's not enough gold, let's talk about it." Harry thought they should write it down, like he did with Snape, and they wrote a general plan.
For a thousand galleons, Harry would be one-third owner in their owl-order business. This might just become quite profitable.
"You should ask Hagrid to build you a separate owl-post spot and buy a small parliament of your own. They'll feed themselves, and you could rent them out to others who want private mail, as it wouldn't be fair to use the school owls." Hermione suggested.
The wizards all signed, and George left to go speak to Hagrid about that very idea of an owl house.
"Mischief Managed," Fred stated, after making sure where the youngest Weasley was. He turned to Harry.
"Mum and Dad are looking for a mind-healer, but I trust you about what our sister did. You wouldn't believe some of the terrible things Ginny said about Penny last summer. Really awful. But it was after she got that book, I do remember that. I can't believe that you're being so nice to us."
"You are not your sister. Look at my mum and her sister. Very different people."
"Bars on the window, catflap to feed you? You really do understand, mate. Thank you for giving George and I our dream. We're taking turns watching Gin-gin." He tapped the closed parchment. "So far she's stayed away from both Hermione and Penny.
"She hasn't tried getting into Hermione's room since…" Harry stopped.
"Don't tell me it was a lethal ward?" Hermione gasped.
"No, just one on your jewelry box. Zapped her a bit. And any other girl who might have tried to 'just pet it.'" Harry stated.
The twin nodded.
Harry was glad that her parents hadn't made a fuss about the jewelry, though they did request to visit the jewelers at some point this summer.
For the rest of term, they stayed faithful friends, and used Harry's cloak to prank where no one had pranked before. Earning both gold and a golden reputation for not getting caught.
They not only sold pranks. They also offered, for a reasonable fee, pranking contracts. Since the burden of being caught was on the twins, this proved very profitable for them.
**OO**
Justin Finch-Fletchley was raised with manners that rivaled any of the pureblood ponces in the school. He of course had written Harry a thank you note for getting the plants for their restoration potion, and had sent a nice letter of appreciation to the potions master as well.
Gift certificates to a nice restaurant in London might not be the man's preferred gift, but with bottles of wine starting at four figures and going up, it was a very nice tribute.
Harry was a tougher choice, as what Justin wanted to buy was a better broomstick, but the goblins had conversion limits of muggle money to gold, so couldn't get him a better broom.
The boy's mother did buy shares of a computer company for Harry, and offered to help him by giving him financial advice for investing. Harry didn't know how much muggle money he had, and didn't know who to ask, but he had written a thank you note and expressed appreciation for the offer if nothing else.
Finch-Fletchley approached him personally to shake his hand and thank him for reading to them and teaching him occlumency.
"Without that, I really do think I would be raving. And everyone thinking it was alright to just leave us like that? I mean it Potter, I owe you. I don't think I would have made it another month, much less a year."
The headmaster happened to stroll by just then, and started to say something to Justin about it was good to hear that he was catching up quickly in his studies.
"Because of Potter! He read the assignments, went over what we needed to know. Oh, sure. He was doing it for his girlfriend, but he fought for us to get the potion, he read to us, and kept us company. You came in and talked to us everyday too, but didn't think of a radio, or having Prefects come by? You're the adult!
"My parents are looking into legal action due to your lack of care, sir. Best hire a good lawyer, if they exist in the wizarding world." Justin sneered.
Snape had been listening in on the conversation. The lad's sneer was nearly as good as his own, making him unexpectedly proud of the boy.
"Anger is the path to darkness, my boy. I did not put you in the hospital, as you well know. As for suing me? Wherever for? You were cured. And no offense meant, but your parents are muggles. They wouldn't have the right to. Off you go, my boy. And do work on your anger issues."
The boys shared a look, and both shook their heads. There was nothing to be done, at least right now, but they had both seen the wizard behind the curtain, and it wasn't a very nice view.
**OO**
Hermione didn't know what to do about the coldness between Ron and Harry. Ron and Ginny had followed through with their threat, and written a letter to Rita Skeeter telling her how Harry Potter was the real hero and had defeated Slytherin's monster with a sword.
Her four-part story series did indeed showcase Harry Potter. Just not in the way they wanted. The first part covered the history of dark lords through the ages, emphasizing the number who spoke parseltongue. The second showcased the potions master who not only brewed for the good of the Wizarding world, but had purchased mature mandrakes and brewed the restorative draught after the school refused to do so!
No mention was made of Harry's gold being used to purchase those plants. Snape spent not one knut.
Lucius Malfoy received a bit of roasting there as the person in charge of that decision. Rightly so for a change.
And showed how Snape's genius was giving new hope to people like the Longbottom aurors who had been considered incurable at Saint Mungo's.
The third was a survey of half-blood dark lords who spoke parseltongue raised in the muggle world. By abusive muggles. That had been particularly cringy to have Malfoy spout at Harry. Rita had done her homework, and had quotes from both Petunia and Vernon saying what a Freak the boy was. They claimed he was incarcerated in a youth facility for criminally and incurably insane boys.
That did not make a lot of points for his guardianship with the wizarding world. Dumbledore's name was dragged through the mud yet again.
But the piece de resistance was the fourth. How could an eleven-year-old child raised by muggles possibly hope to slay a basilisk?
It was clear that Gilderoy Lockhart had tried, and was now in Saint Mungo's, poor man.
Snape, whose name had been linked to the Prince family in the papers, had not one mention of his abusive muggle father, and was clearly the hero who was prepared and able to defeat the beast. The proof was in the basilisk parts he was sharing with Healers at Saint Mungo's! Sharing, not selling.
Hufflepuffs were glaring all the more at the 'incipient dark lord with delusions'.
With the one exception of Justin Finch-Fletchley, but after two attempts of correcting the record by shouting at Ernie, he was given detention by a Prefect and told to 'settle down'.
"Gee, thanks Ron. I'm so glad that you and Gin-gin there got all this sorted out. At least she spelled your names right." Harry just had to mention.
Rita gave credit to Rooneld Weasel and his sister Gringy for their help.
Ginny tried to come up to him and explain that she just wanted her hero to get the acclaim he deserved but stopped after he gave her his death glare.
"Any closer to us, and I will hex you. I know what you did and why. And before you start to say it wasn't you, you haven't apologized. You don't feel sorry, you just want to be my girlfriend, and have me, the hero, at your side. I have a girlfriend. And she is perfect for me."
Harry pulled his wand when she took a step closer. Tears in her eyes, she fled the hall, and everyone around them thought Harry was being a bully.
But they hadn't seen what he had in her mind.
With great tenderness, he helped Hermione to her feet, and kissed her cheek.
They were both keeping well away from the girl. Harry didn't trust that she wouldn't find a different weapon to hurt Hermione even if she now claimed that it was all Tom Riddle, not her, that targeted his best friend.
Before the end of the school year, the other three houses were spending a good deal of time taunting him worse than ever before. Percy even started to escort him and Hermione to class to cut down on the hexes, and would float through people to disrupt spells.
Harry had appreciated Percy's efforts on his behalf. He'd gone to his other Prefects, his head of house, and even Dumbledore himself.
The headmaster had listened to his complaints while Harry petted the phoenix, keeping his eyes fixed on the bird. He asked for help with the student body, asked for the sword back, and asked for help with his living arrangements now that the end of the term was coming up, and Harry's abuse was exposed.
Harry put aside his embarrassment, and talked about last summer, and how he truly, deeply didn't want to get locked up and not fed again. He offered to let Dumbledore watch a memory of it, now that Harry knew about pensieves. Or swear an oath.
After an hour of waffling, and many offers of lemon sweets, the boy left his office with 'no, no, no' ringing in his ears. Even the Sorting Hat spoke up and told the Headmaster the truth about the sword. Still no.
He did relent on one thing. The man put on his 'sad' face, made excuses for the Dursleys' behavior, and insisted that Harry had to go back until the beginning of August to power the wards. He could then visit the Burrow again.
"What about my birthday? Couldn't I leave that evening to celebrate with friends."
"I'm sorry dear boy, but no. That wouldn't be wise. Besides, you should celebrate with your family. It will bring them joy."
Harry debated showing the man the scars from last year's "joy" but decided not to bother.
The school year couldn't end quickly enough for Harry.
**OO**
Harry wrote out two letters. One was to Mrs Weasley, thanking him for inviting him to the Burrow for his birthday, but he wasn't allowed to come. And he truthfully wrote why.
That should earn Albie, my dear old man, a howler.
A second letter was addressed to Vernon letting him know that Harry didn't need a ride from King's Cross this year. His letter advised the Dursleys that he would leave after charging the wards, but would not be returning to live inside their home ever again, and that they could wash their own socks from now on.
Dobby had suggested adding that last line. If his mate knew he had suggested it, she would have told him to go pull his ears. That was not nice!
But Harry thought it was hysterical.
Petunia's and Vernon's letter would be delivered by elf post but in the mail slot.
And not on Sunday.
**OO**
Penny gave Percy a tearful goodbye as she was getting ready to leave the castle.
"I'll miss you, so much." Penny said.
"I'll visit you in your dreams. I have work to continue here."
Percy was looking for something, and was constantly asking the other ghosts questions, but Penny wasn't allowed to help as he considered it too dangerous.
"I'll see you on September first." Penny promised.
Percy wanted to hug her, but all previous attempts had chilled his love to the bone. Instead, he bowed, and floated with her to the main doors.
**OO**
Finally! Harry had sent Dobby to Gringotts to find out approximately how much a Charms Mastery cost. He had a rough idea of how much tuition and books were from Mrs Granger.
Learning that he could fund a hundred students all the way through school on his annual income had Harry confused as to why he had been starved for so long. Well, never again.
And Dobby had said complimentary things to him about 'starting young with investing' thinking that funding the twins was a brilliant idea. He even asked Dobby to find the best invisibility cloaks available. Expensive, but so worth it.
The last two months had shown great success. The twins had made a lot of gold just selling their services in setting off pranks. The catch phrase that Hermione suggested was now being whispered about "Pranking where no one else had pranked before". Well, not since the original Marauders. The twins felt they were just adding to the Marauders legacy.
Harry had several meetings planned for the train ride home, and his first was with Penny.
**OO**
"So, you are already set for the summer? And I can't convince you to switch schools?" Harry asked again.
"Professor Flitwick is preparing me for my complete Charms education. He classifies me as a journeywoman already. He wants me to finish my mastery after NEWTs and do student teaching of the younger years. He wants to retire after you finish your NEWTs, and have me ready to take his place. Part of it is making a statement. There are no muggleborn professors at Hogwarts."
"Wait, not even for Muggle Studies?" It was a class that Harry never considered taking, though Hermione thought it might be interesting. To see it from the pureblood point of view.
"No. Professor Quirrell, who died last year, had taught for a decade. He was a pureblood, as is the current professor."
"Odd that. Well. I have a Gringotts post box waiting for me so I can get my mail. I mean it Penny. I feel so responsible for Percy, and will do anything to help you."
He handed over a key to her new vault.
"There's money for a small flat in Hogsmeade after you graduate next year, your education, and support. I know there's something going on with Percy that we aren't supposed to talk to others about. And I won't. But please. Accept this. If my mother had lived to finish her Charms Mastery with Professor Flitwick, you know that she would have chosen you to give a scholarship to. You have a lot in common, so I hear."
"Thank you, Harry. On behalf of Lily Potter, I accept. And I will keep in touch."
"And Penny? Stay alert. Hogwarts isn't safe."
"No, it isn't. But at least Percy and I will be together until we can be reunited finally. I would rather plan on a career there with his ghost. Percy is my soulmate, and I will marry no other."
Harry sighed. He had a good feeling that Hermione was his and completely understood her loyalty.
"Good luck, Penny."
Penny kissed him on the cheek and gave him a warm hug in farewell and the boy was gone.
Harry had places to be, and the Creevy boy was his next stop.
**OO**
Penny went to sit with her friends. She no longer felt alone in the wizarding world. She had felt something hugging Harry, a sense of peace, of family. Harry's safety net really helped her to feel more secure.
With a bounce in her step that had been missing since Percy appeared as a ghost, she settled down to hear the latest gossip from her friends, and talk about new hair charms that she needed to invent.
**OO**
The train was still chugging along to London when Harry gave Colin his Nimbus.
"There are faster brooms available, but this is still a broom that beat the Nimbus 2001 each time. Use it to get on the team." He told the boy, conspiratorily.
"As your reserve?" Colin asked. "You're getting the new Firebolt I bet!"
Everyone involved in quidditch was talking about the new brooms coming out.
Harry shook his head, "I'm taking Enchanting, along with two other advanced electives. I love to fly, but won't have time for Wood's insane practice schedule."
And that was true. What he didn't dare say was that he and Dobby had already talked. The Granger parents were sending Hermione elsewhere. And wherever 'elsewhere' was, was where Harry would be.
He was not losing his girlfriend! Not to a basilisk, troll, or dark lord. Not now, not ever.
In the past, he would have fought to stay at Hogwarts, but after the taunting and abuse? The yearly dangers and death defying adventures? And no help from authorities with the student body or his relatives? Hogwarts was only better than the Dursleys by a smidge.
Harry was still nursing his grudge against a Dumbledore who sent his phoenix, without him as a passenger, without chickens, or anything other than a sword. The only way to kill a basilisk with said pointy object was through the mouth.
Godric Gyffindor himself had told him eyes or mouth, and if his only option was the mouth, mind the teeth.
Gee, that sounded so safe to him. Not. Harry rubbed his arm in phantom pain.
Ginny's homicidal plans to get rid of the girlfriend competition for her brother's affections and her own crush? Would she then proceed to kill every other female in the castle who showed any interest to himself, Fred, George or Ron?
He really didn't want to stick around to find out. Besides, any other magical school had to be better than this.
He put his cloak back on to go find Hermione. On the train, the vitriol was dampened but still, he was trying to avoid conflicts.
**OO**
Ron had finally gotten around to apologizing, likely due to his sister's nagging, and the trio, along with most of the quidditch team, had a nice trip back to London. Colin and Justin had both joined them unexpectedly after Harry's visits to them.
Ginny had tried to join them, but there were no seats so Hermione got up to make room and sat on Harry's lap!
The ploy worked, and the redhead left, but when Hermione tried to get up, deceptively strong arms pulled her back.
"What's the rush, beautiful?" Harry asked, and they snuggled a bit.
The bullying and hatred had never really died down, not that the entire school was against him. The Headmaster's last minute award for Special Services to both Harry and Ron, and two hundred points each didn't help. Months after the basilisk. And the mandrake drama. Harry started to claim the sword again, but was silenced by someone for a moment. Snape maybe?
This was not helping his social standing! Hufflepuffs had been about to win since Malfoy had dropped Slytherin into negative digits single-handedly. Or was that single-mouthedly?
Extra points? Really?
Harry tried to make it up by storming over to Malfoy and slapping him for killing the mandrakes. And Snape came through! He took all two hundred points off! Bless him.
To Severus' great surprise, Harry turned, faced him, bowed his head slightly and gave him a wink! Cheeky little beggar!
It didn't help though, because now Harry lost the support of most of the Gyffindors, but Hufflepuff won the House Cup.
Gryffindor had to settle for the Quidditch Cup, which was far more important to their Head of House.
Harry waved good-bye to the twins. They had rescued him last summer, and for that alone, he would have just given them money. Now? They were really the only people Harry regretted leaving behind. Well, besides Penny, but would a rising third year be able to protect another student living in a different House?
Ron, his sister, and the other Weasleys went home with their parents. There was a Percy-shaped gap in their group that was palpable. They were finally arranging care for Ginny after her ordeal which Harry thought should have been started months ago.
Mr Weasley waved. He wasn't holding grudges at least. Molly's eyes looked far too red as she squeezed each child, beginning and ending with her only daughter.
He didn't feel safe with her in their dorm, and stated as much to McGonagall. She took points, and had him do detention in the infirmary, helping the matron in order for the boy to gain some compassion.
Percy was still at Hogwarts. Harry wasn't sure how far he could travel, but wouldn't be surprised if they spoke again in dreamland. Not that Harry was sharing anything Percy said. No, no, no.
Ron had seemed to accept that Hermione was Harry's girlfriend, and that Harry was never going to live up to the Boy-Who-Lived reputation that Ron wanted him to. It was a mistake to try and force the truth into the public eye, so his mother had stated. The family owed Harry a lot, and told both children to be nice to the Potter boy. His mum had even written Rita a howler, and was no longer reading her!
**OO**
Hermione liked the studious boy that Harry had become while she was petrified. He realized that without Ron holding him back, he was really good at a lot of things. He wanted to be friends with Ron. Just not 'stupid-fied'.
Not that Ron could put the brakes on Harry's scholastic ambitions after this.
It had been a terrible year. Monsters and dark lords and death. A repeat of their first year in a way, only instead of Quirrell, it was Percy who died.
Harry would not give up hope though.
Hermione didn't want to think about Ginny's ordeal too much. She should have seen…should have known…but, possession?
No, this was not something that the average muggle-raised witch would think about.
The train was there, and the couple would be parted for an unknown time. Would they be able to escape unscathed?
Hermione and Harry hugged for a long farewell moment at the train station, with Harry disappearing into the crowd before she could offer to walk out with him.
Hermione made her way to the car quickly as she had shrank her trunk. She had runes that would expand it when she got to her new home that wouldn't break the Statute of Secrecy.
She felt Harry's and Dobby's eyes on her, seeing her safely to her parents' automobile. They were headed to the Chunnel after this, a long-awaited holiday in France, and then on to Egypt.
She knew that she would be seeing Harry soon. Harry hadn't brought his plans up again, since she'd been restored, but she'd heard every word he'd said. He was only going to stay long enough to recharge the wards at the Dursleys, and then, like she had done, make his escape.
The young couple couldn't wait to be reunited.
**OO**
Now that the students were safely gone, the headmaster removed an object from a lead chest.
He pondered the spoiled evil book he had in stasis. Ink was splashed all over it, still tacky. Black blood-like, not quite dried.
So this was how he did it. How Tom survived. Albus knew he had, and now he knew how he had.
Poor Harry. There was only one way that Albus knew of to deal with a horcrux. Why waste time consulting curse-breakers or scholars? After all, if he didn't know how, no one did.
Not that Albus was going to kill the boy. No, the prophecy was clear. Either Tom would kill Harry, or he would kill Tom.
There was a slight chance of Harry's survival. If. If Tom used Harry's blood to gain a body. But there was still time yet. No need to disturb the child's dreams and turn them to nightmare's about having a dark lord living in his brow.
His attention was drawn to the ward monitor over the boy's home. They had been so dangerously low.
This was why he had to return to the Dursleys. Look. Even now, the wards were powering up. Dear, dear. Did the boy just add his essence, likely urine, near the ward stone? That would strengthen it alright. Any of the boy's excretions would, blood being the strongest, spittle being the weakest.
Mrs Figg complained about the boy getting locked out whether it was hot or cold. The only time he was forced inside was for a punishment or when the Dursleys left him locked in alone on holiday. Even from an early age!
The batty woman had offered, multiple times, to provide a secure home for the boy where he could be well-fed and taken care of. A squib? She was likely a relative, but no. It just wasn't done. He remembered her burning up his floo with concern for the boy starting with his first visit to her when he was not yet two years old.
The woman did not understand his methods, but when the world was safe yet again due to his management, she would thank him. He scanned the instruments.
Didn't the neighbors complain about the boy using a bush like that?
Who was he to complain if the child was accidentally increasing the protections. Time was moving on, and the wraith would likely try again.
Why did Lucius make this attempt now? This year? Was it because Ginevra was the seventh child? Or was it because she was the only witch born to House Weasley in seven generations since they were cursed by the Malfoys? Was she targeted or merely a convenient long-time rival family's innocent, to take advantage of?
Even if she knew not to write in the diary, was she strong enough to overcome Tom's magic? Albus could still feel the lingering compulsions encouraging him to pick up a quill and write, even with the horcrux clearly defeated.
Killing one of their children? And this attempt on her life to restore Voldemort could backfire on House Malfoy dreadfully. Albus wouldn't be surprised if good fortune suddenly became the norm for the Weasleys. Not at all.
Such a crime to target the girl. And Lucius had best be careful for he had gained the opposite; bad luck was coming his way if not already in action.
The Weasley family should soon benefit from this calamity.
Albus smiled at that. He liked the family. As Light as Light could be. He'd donated quite a bit to the fund for Ginevra's healing from his own pocket.
Once healed, and when older, she would make an excellent consort for Harry. He would be happy to help the young family, especially if the girl was left with a child to raise on her own and her young hero husband moldering in Godric's Hollow where he would finally be hailed as a hero of the wizarding world.
Not that there was any rush. She wouldn't reach the minimum age for being a bride for a couple more years, and Molly would likely not give permission to the girl to marry before she was sixteen. Ah, young love. So sweet. And Harry would make a handsome groom; their pictures would no doubt make the society pages. Yes, he'd have to have Colin take many pictures of the event so that the entire world could see, afterwards, how Albus had guided the boy to his destiny.
The students would finally come to realize how beneficent Harry really was that he would risk his life to save theirs after all of the torment they had put him through.
He should have been more watchful of Lucius. Minerva had tried to tell him.
The Malfoy letter complaining about Harry, using a trick to free his elf, made Albus sad. He'd tried and tried to call for the being to offer him a place of safety here. Oh dear. If he went back to Malfoy Manor for any reason, even just to say goodbye to his mate, Lucius likely killed him.
Dumbledore collected free elves for the castle. They got the work and magic they wanted, were fed, housed and clothed. What more could they want?
Tom wanted all house-elves, like goblins, exterminated. Vermin, he had labeled both magical creatures. Beings. Whatever.
How to get that bright, blond, handsome young wizard back on the path of the Light? He'd tried to show him! Gave Lucius a second chance when he had a young child to raise and was up on charges of being one of Tom's marked minions. And now this! To repay that kindness with trying to revive a dark lord, and releasing his monster in the school?
Albus sat down to write a letter.
'Dear Narcissa Malfoy, please don't blame your husband for the basilisk. He likely didn't know about Slytherin's beast being so…dangerous.'
Yes. That should do to keep a better check on Lucius in future.
After all, what protected young Draco? Yes, perhaps hinting that a life debt was owed to Harry Potter would be a good thing to add as well.
The former Gyffindor had been offered to wear the green and silver. But like Harry, Albus made his choice. For good. Albus had chosen the House of the Lions.
And it was the lion's job to watch out for the snakes in the grass.
**OO**
Harry was amazed. Dobby had popped him right inside the tent after getting back. And he could stand outside and not be seen, but Dobby had marked the edges. The muggle-repelling fields only went so far.
Petunia came out once when Harry was tending some flowers, and she clearly saw him. He tried to ask if she had his ring. His sig-net ring.
But she had sniffed, talked about 'dog dirt' in the back garden, and went inside again.
"Love you too, Petunia." Harry said in a low voice after she was gone. Wasn't it tiring to be so mean?
Dobby had done a great job. The tent was a modest four bedroom model. Harry goggled and wondered how big a 'deluxe' one would be. It had a kitchen, and Dobby was turning one of the bedrooms into a library/study for Harry, using borrowed furniture from the Malfoy attic.
He planned to return it after they were done camping here, so it wasn't technically theft. Since Lucius lied to Mistress Narcissa and told her that Dobby was dead, she hadn't changed the wards. Dobby didn't know that she knew he was alive, and had purposely not altered the wards so he could visit his mate if he wanted!
As 'Malfoy Manor' had started life as a Black property, Narcissa and not Lucius was in charge of the wards. The Edgecombe tramp was only allowed on the property as far as one of the Dowager houses.
If she tried to walk into the main house, she'd be removed. With extreme prejudice.
No, the window was open, and since Harry was Heir Black, and the house came from the Blacks, Dobby didn't consider it theft to borrow furniture.
Besides his mate, Daisy, lived there now; which made him very concerned about her, but gave him an excuse to visit.
Harry loved the freedom of walking to the refrigerator, getting a snack of healthy things, or being able to make himself a sandwich without feeling like he was having to sneak food.
It was a wonderful feeling, and he set about making both him and Dobby dinner. The elf tried to complain, but Harry wouldn't hear of it.
"You can wash the dishes if you want. Or here. Can you wash and slice these veggies up for the salad? Do you know how to make a good salad dressing? And if so, can you teach me? I love to cook, but Petunia gets bottled dressings."
Dobby nodded, and immediately set about. This was like teaching younglings, something that gave Dobby joy. And Harry was just as happy and just as cooperative.
Later that night, as the boy sat on the comfy couch, he actually read a story aloud to Dobby as he worked cleaning up the kitchen and table.
Dobby was ecstatically happy, and so was Harry. For the first time ever at the Dursleys.
**OO**
Arthur Weasley sent Harry a care package with Molly's help, to presumably say thank you for the replacement auto. It was a classic Aston Martin, Slytherin green, and other than the motor not working, seemed in top condition.
It didn't take long to enchant, and he didn't even have to empty the petrol tank. Someone, likely Harry, had done that already. Clever boy!
Arthur had spent the last couple of months tinkering with it as part of his grieving process. It was a good project after what had happened to Percy and nearly happened to Ginny when there was nothing to do about it but worry. At least until school was out.
And then the family got some incredibly timely news. They had won the Daily Prophet's drawing. Combined with the lack of adequate care for his daughter here in England, it was an easy plan. Dressing up in costume, they posed for a picture for the paper.
Those funds, combined with what had been anonymously donated for Ginny's care meant that the family could search out the best help available.
The Weasley family was heading to Egypt! The family had a nice photo taken in front of a prop Egyptian pyramid since they would be going to visit Bill. Even Scabbers seemed to enjoy it.
**OO**
Percy Weasley floated in right on time for the appointment he'd made.
"Percival! How are you my boy? Lemon drop? Here, let me put this here, and you can fly through it and the tea."
Percy tried, and it was an odd experience. "Thank you, Headmaster. I need your magical oath that what I am about to share will be kept in the strictest confidence within a certain group."
"Of course, my boy!" And he willingly did.
Percy began, "Voldemort made Horcruxes. That spoiled diary on your desk in that box? That was his first, and so one half of his soul is found. The next is in England. But there is another piece in the Castle; possibly two. Professor Snape will have basilisk venom that can be used to destroy the item. All but the last bit have to be destroyed first before he can finally be defeated."
"Alas, my boy, you have found out about Harry's sad circumstances…"
Percy shook his head, "Sad? No! There is no reason for Harry to die. At least not in removing that dark lord bit. And that fraction in him is small. I am sure that we can find a way forward."
Dumbledore chose not to disabuse the young specter, to concentrate on Percy's other news, "I came to the same conclusion; that Tom had made horcruxes. I was going to spend this summer gathering clues that I could then share with Harry on what other things Tom might have used for his evil designs."
"That sounds like a wonderful beginning to a plan, sir. Would you like to destroy another one? Today?"
The headmaster turned to an entering potions master. He was right on time.
"Severus? Dear boy, may I have a very small amount of basilisk venom?"
"Of course, sir." Severus pulled a tiny vial from his kit. "If you need more, just give the word."
Percy was shocked when the Bloody Baron came in, "You should ask Professor Snape to join this quest." Came the gravelly voice of the enigmatic ancient warrior.
Dumbledore looked to Percy then back to Severus.
Percy asked, "Very well. Severus Snape, will you swear an oath to do all you can to end Voldemort for good and keep what you learn of this quest within this group?"
"There is one other who could aid us greatly." Severus stated. "If we include this powerful witch, I will give the oath. I assure you, that the Dark Lord killed many of her family and she is motivated to help. Otherwise, I walk away now, and promise to keep it a secret, whatever it is you might have planned."
The Bloody Baron was nodding, as Percy mulled it over, "Very well. We'll need to get her oath as well."
Severus sent a patronus, knowing that was the fastest way to get her here. Refreshments were served to the waiting wizards. That it was Lady Malfoy who Percy was being asked to trust was a surprise.
Both she and Snape made their oaths, and then everyone was told the basics. Horcruxes existed for one Tom Riddle, and in order to defeat him, they needed to be destroyed first.
Narcissa was appalled, looking at a familiar dark book, "Lucius gave this to Ginevra Weasley? Oh dear! She'll need a mind healer at the minimum!" Narcissa worried. "I promise you, Mr Weasley. I will ask Gringotts to set up a vault for her care. Though distantly related, we are blood family."
Percy bowed, and called for an elf to bring more tea. "Thank you, my lady." He then continued sharing what he could.
Learning that Harry Potter had a bit in his head had Severus panic at first, as he had sworn an oath to protect the boy. Not that he had done a great job of keeping that promise to Lily.
"We need to find a way to remove it from a living being without killing him." Percy suggested. "We should include at least one other in our quest. My brother Bill is a curse-breaker. Maybe after we get more information on what these might be, we should also include him. Oh, and a healer will be a must later on."
"Especially when we start going after these artifacts. You said one is here in the castle?" Severus asked. "Getting rid of that while students are away does seem prudent."
Narcissa called for dueling robes. She had enough for all who needed them. Albus' eyes lingered on Severus; His set were surprisingly well fitted for the man. And well used. As though they were his own…
"Shall we?" Percy led the way.
**OO**
A/N: Story recommended: Your story recommendation here -
A/N: From our friend csheila: Story recommended: Who let the Dad out? woof! woof! by slytherinsal s/14184915/1/Who-let-the-Dad-out-woof-woof
Summary: 'diverges from canon: start OOTP, Harry objects to Sirius being treated like an idiot child, & himself being disrespected. Weasley bashing, but some redemption, Manipulative! Dumbledore, Harmony after rocky start. Harry learns politics Marauder fashion, discovers family magic, breaks curses, has fun and oh, yeah, deals with that prophecy. Some twists from my warped imagination.'
Edited 26 Jan 2023