Harry and Hermione's Unexpected Family Ties
**OO**
A/N: Thanks to my wonderful Beta, LtsHrIt4ThBoyz.
A/N: After asking my son who Wrex was (Urgnot? Ugnot?) and he stopped laughing, he explained a bit. I have updated our villain here to be Wrerx. Who is a goblin. No relation whatsoever to good guy Wrex, a Krogan. Though, if he wants to bring Commander Shepperd to the Giant Wyrm races just warn him that the noodles are a bit spicy.
B/N: They ain't no Condê Lumbra! ;D MelJ
**OO**
Chapter 7 Lazy Days of Summer
**OO**
Ragnok waited for the other manager to leave and ordered klah and getrocknete ziege (dried goat jerky) for his friends. Spurnik joined them, and bowed. The Potter account manager was brought up to speed about what happened with Harry Potter and the Granger family being held at goblin dagger point.
"Goldrub, you saved Gringotts this day, and I won't forget. If Potter had been killed, our protection against the dark one would be gone. Now, you two, tell me how Lord Black and his heir are doing. You wouldn't believe the rumors in London. Now with this? They will not keep their gold in Gringotts I fear, and we will lose our percentage of investments." Ragnok shared.
Goldrub spoke up, "The vault contents we spoke of earlier in regards to the Black vaults have already been physically moved, as well as most of the gold from Potter trust vault in London. That has a few knuts and has been prepaid for the next twenty years. Just in case a change in the landscape has him returning to England. Not that we informed Dumbledore or anyone else about it."
Spurnik shared, "We dare not touch the Potter family vault at this time to move anything. But that vault now has additional wards. No one can get in it without a High Auditor being involved."
Ragnok showed pointed teeth with that comment. He'd like to prove Dumbledore's malfeasance, but the p'takh was too clever to steal from the lad. Smart of the family to wait to have the Will read. A crime there.
He motioned to Goldrub to continue his report.
"Lord Black did the same for the Black Heir vault in case the Ministry decides to claim it for Draco Malfoy. I should warn you. It has a fake copy of the Heir ring."
"Wait, it's not cursed, is it? I won't condone a child being hurt. Not even the son of Death Eater scum, may he rot in Gre'thor forever." Gre'thor being the goblin place where the dishonored and thieves dwelt after death.
"Not cursed, Sire. Pranked, I understand. It will only hurt the boy's feelings as it states its disappointment with his life's choices." Goldrub then relayed an abbreviated version of Draco's actions in the greenhouse.
"He stole the school's profit for the year and got a week's detention? My father would have sent me to work in the mines until I had made it up!" Spurnik stated.
Ragnok nodded, "Mine as well. Do keep me updated. I am most curious as to how this is going to play out. There were so many raids in those times. Goblins killed at wizarding sites by that local extremist group. Someone may have found a lost key. This would account for it." Ragnok rubbed his face in sour reflection, "Those terrorists who wanted to remake goblin society in their own image. Bah! We went backwards when that happened. Kinslayers will suffer greatly in Gre'thor."
Ragnok refused to talk in detail about their own version of the latest Dark Lord that had gone around killing half-goblin children and their parents for 'violating sacred traditions' and 'mixing what should be kept pure'. The raids on dig-sites from the late 1920's had led to many of the British Wizards like the Potters fleeing the country. Taking all of their wealth back to England.
That had hurt the local economy, and his father had acted to try and put down further violence. But if he was honest with himself, he knew that Grindelwald had stoked the fires of prejudice, and there were some still alive from that time, harboring ill-will.
It was a shame, because after that, the society that had started to evolve with equal treatment between humans, goblins, and others was destroyed. Afterward, no humon would take a goblin mate in fear of being killed.
"Let us do what we can to keep the Potter and Black wealth within Gringotts. Not today, but perhaps we could invite the young mage and his people to troll wrestling, training, desert wyrm races. Something! Share your plans to avert disaster here! We will not let this idiocy overcome our need for profit!
"I declare myself Miss Granger's Champion! Let that be published in all the caverns. Dismissed."
The goblins bowed, and Ragnok strode to his private cart, reflecting on horcruxes, dark lords, and the destructive force of prejudice.
**OO**
Gringotts, London
Ragnok's order to cooperate with the witch from House of Black came as a surprise to the account manager over the Lestrange vault. He had worried it was his neck on the line when an abomination had been found in the homicidal witch's vault.
He hadn't put it there!
And wasn't it telling that the convicted Death Eaters never had their wealth stolen by the Ministry? There was a story there.
Instead, everyone was working together to remove Bellatrix Lestrange's vault contents quietly, without alerting the Ministry of what was going on.
The notification actually came from the sister of the vault owner, and she was there with items to trade for the right of destroying the thing. A curse-breaker took readings with an odd device. Pictures had been taken for posterity, and prayers said.
The lovely Hufflepuff Cup, supposedly a chalice of healing, was utterly desecrated by having a horcrux imbued in it and would never heal anyone again. For this crime alone of defiling the cup, Riddle deserved the death penalty.
It was goblin policy to destroy such horcruxes when found. Immediately. Which was why the dark one used Hufflepuff's cup like that. Hoping that goblin pride would prevent its destruction.
Goblins were not that sentimental!
**OO**
The animeter confirmed it. Bill Weasley was there with Narcissa Malfoy, and Severus Snape. No one had invited the headmaster to this tea party.
All the goblins involved were warned of the backlash involved in preparing to destroy the abomination.
Someone suggested a killing curse, and after getting permission, the 'avada kedavra' was cast by the potions master. It was only unforgivable cast at people, but alas, the attempt to save the cup did not work. The ancient artifact was disfigured upon the destruction of the horcrux within.
The bank hadn't notified the Lestrange witch that her gold was gone. They had claimed their fee and closed the vault. The owner of said vault was in prison and didn't show up to move the rest of the gold: she didn't need it. The Malfoy witch didn't try and claim it for herself or her son. She could thereby swear they didn't have it. She did claim the ruined cup for the school. And Lord Black didn't want the gold either, so donated it to the school in Cairo. Before applying to their mastery program in Enchanting.
And he claimed he wasn't Slytherin!
**OO**
Narcissa had hoped that the cup might be saved. A priceless founder's relic?
After letting the headmaster check it, as Bill had already taken the animeter score, he sighed loudly. With this being destroyed, there were only three more to find. But what a waste. Tom had much to answer for.
Since Weasley too declared it destroyed, Narcissa hoped to get it restored. She took the pictures and the remainder of the cup to Minerva McGonagall who wanted to weep at the waste of it all. She was able to transfigure it to appear as original, but its healing powers were forever lost.
"Who ruined it? Who would do that?" the cat animagus asked.
"He-who-must-not-be-named, Professor. I think that we should give this to the Headmaster to display."
Together, the witches brought it to his office. He was delighted at Minerva's work, and said so.
They were interrupted when Draco asked to see his mother, and Dumbledore put the fine cup on the shelf.
After Narcissa left, Minerva asked, "Where did this come from?"
"I do not know, Minerva. I do know that Madam Malfoy was trading dark objects with the goblins, and brought this ruined cup here. She asked me to authenticate it and check for curses, which I did. She gifted it to the school, hoping you could repair it. Which you did."
"Gryffindor's sword. Ravenclaw's Diadem. Hufflepuff's cup. We just need something from Slytherin, and we'll have a very nice display, Albus."
The Headmaster beamed at his deputy. "Well done, Minerva. A thousand points to Gryffindor!"
The woman smiled and returned to her duties. That man! He'd been a good mentor many years ago. He was up to something, but getting him to spill a secret? Never.
Neither one knew that Dobby was also good at transfiguration and had the original sword to work from. The one in the case, in the Headmaster's office was an old Egyptian sword made to look like the Sword of Gryffindor.
He hoped that it would save his friend Harry from getting called a thief for having the original.
**OO**
Unbeknownst to Heir Malfoy, he and Harry had swapped roles for the summer. While Draco 'slaved' away as a house-elf, Harry was living the life of a wealthy heir; going to sporting events with his godfather, swimming with his girlfriend, enjoying picnics and theme parks; the epitome of a lazy and happy summer.
Draco had come to his mother, complaining about the unending work, and begging to go fly for a time.
"What did Abigail say you had left for today?" Narcissa was increasingly impressed by the journeywoman. And she had the patience of a saint to deal gently every day with her son.
He was getting better, but had started the summer so spoilt that Narcissa despaired of finding her son in him.
"That I needed to do the three o'clock feeding before I am allowed to use the school broom." Draco stated dejectedly.
"And she has my full support. You are learning an important lesson here my son."
Draco nodded. It was stupid and petty, and Potter's money bought an early restorative draught anyway.
Draco suddenly had a small epiphany. The Potter vault had bought that witch a Cumberbatch necklace for Valentine's. Why hadn't he recognized what that buying power meant? Draco had been raised with these lessons being drummed into him from a very early age. Of course Potter would use his resources to get his girlfriend unpetrified and back at his side even earlier than he would have if he hadn't killed the first batch! The conclusion was obvious.
Draco had been an idiot!
Angry at himself, as he'd had more than one nightmare of the slaughter of innocent plants, he got back to work.
His father would never have allowed this kind of punishment to go on, but Uncle Severus, more than once, had come to help him in his woes. They would talk about anything and everything, growing closer. His mother too was a dab hand with plants and would sometimes help.
Draco would never admit it, but this was turning out to be one of his best summers ever. No fancy parties since it was his mourning year, no need to be bored to death at the Greengrasses dancing attendance on Astoria.
With his father's death, that family was trying to get out of the marriage contract. Draco wasn't sure how to feel about that, as he didn't want Pansy to get ideas. She was already too clingy around him as it was.
No, this summer he had spent time with both his mother and his godfather, gotten to brew everyday and was finally gaining an appreciation for this subtle magic.
He returned to the greenhouse with his mother at his side, not to nag, but to offer help and encouragement. He had made a mistake, and was making up for it.
It was only when he was truly petulant that he had to work alone, and that too was teaching him.
**OO**
Severus was waiting for Bill Weasley to be available before tackling the Chamber itself beyond harvesting the basilisk. Both he and Dumbledore thought it likely there was something hidden there.
Dumbledore was collecting memories, and tracked down a retired auror Bob Ogden.
"Severus my boy? Will you join me in watching this?" He thought he might have seen a valuable item in the memory.
The two descended into the pensieve that showed Auror Ogden interviewing Marvolo Gaunt.
Dumbledore gasped, as this time he saw something he had missed before. In addition to the girl's jewelry, Albus noticed the ring. Gaunt was wearing the ring.
"But where would that hovel be, if indeed there is anything hidden there? They were impoverished, clearly." Severus asked.
"I do believe I know where this place is. And Minerva said something that intrigued me. A trinket from Slytherin." Albus shared.
"The locket the girl was wearing… You and I both know that Tom Riddle's mother was a Gaunt. I wonder if the orphanage would have kept something like that for him? It's possible. But where would Riddle have kept it safe later?" Severus was trying to reason this out.
Snape pondered the founder's portrait in the common room. "His 'lost pendant' was clearly not lost. Are the Gaunts Slytherin descendants?"
"According to what I know, the only parseltongues that have survived in the British Isles and have European ancestry are Salazaar's blood. There are some Indian parseltongues that have no blood relations. Alas, the prejudice against the talent has claimed many lives, even of young children caught talking to snakes.
"I have a feeling that if it had ever been in the Chamber, and used to store a horcrux, Tom would have given it to another of his followers like he did the diary and cup with Malfoy and Lestrange respectively." Albus shared.
Severus groaned. "You want me to take the animeter to visit all of my Slytherins this summer?"
"Not necessarily." Albus too was trying to reason this out.
Severus tried to share some of his insights, "Abraxas wasn't in Tom's inner circle. And though she thought she was, neither was Bellatrix. I think it might have been someone else. Maybe someone who disappeared."
Albus nodded, and dismissed the man with a wave.
Later that day, after dinner, when Severus repeated to Narcissa what he and Albus had talked about, she hit her head, and grabbed his hand.
"Draco!" She called, "We are running an errand to London. Do you want to go with us, or stay here?"
This was his free time, and he didn't want to visit anyone. He'd been given ten sickles to spend at Honeydukes and was going to get some treats and relax in the tub.
Draco ran into the room, modifying his gate as he entered, "I'll stay if that's alright Mother. Uncle Severus? Would you be willing to escort her and keep her safe?"
"I will, Draco. With my life. We'll return as soon as we can." Severus promised with equal gravity.
They flooed to Grimmauld Place and shared a sweet look between them at just how adorable Draco was being. The 'man of the house' concerned for the safety of his mother.
Before letting her leave to go about her tasks, Severus held her arm a moment. He so wanted to sweep her up in his arms, hold her, and never let her go. But he resisted temptation, and he followed her lead to the front of the home.
The house was hers now, and she had already added him to the wards, though they had not yet visited the library here. The place had been a disaster when she had first gotten it. Daisy and Kreacher had done a wonderful job on the front parlor, but Daisy and Dobby were now out of the country, so the work would be slowing down. She needed to rotate some of the other elves here to help.
"Kreacher! Can you please show me something important? Did Regulus hide anything of the Dark Lord's here?"
Kreacher pulled his ears. He didn't want to disobey this lady, but it was his master's wish that this be destroyed!
"Yes, but Master Regulus…you can't give it back to the dark one! Not the dark one. Master Regulus stole it and died for it. Kreacher trying and trying to destroy it, but canst!" Kreacher wailed. He felt it was his greatest failure.
"Give it back? Kreacher, we want to destroy it, and I have the means with me to do so." Severus reassured him.
"Master Severus speak truly?" Kreacher looked at him a long moment before popping away.
And there was the founder's pendant. But basilisk drops didn't kill the horcrux.
"It needs be open first." Kreacher wailed.
"Why not ask the founder's portrait?" Narcissa suggested. "I know it speaks true parseltongue as Bella bragged about the Dark Lord talking to it as a child. The founder claimed him as Heir when he was young. That's how everyone came to admire him."
Severus couldn't help himself. He had promised that he would give her a year to mourn before acting, but he bent down and kissed her cheek gently.
"Beautiful, bright, blonde, and brilliant. Shall we get Albus to join us as well?"
"Bonny idea." she quipped. "But we should take photos first so it can be fully restored later. Kreacher, you may come with us to see your master's last order fulfilled."
Bowing low, the house-elf followed their flight to the castle in Scotland, as the group gathered.
There, in the Slytherin common room, the portrait opened his own locket and watched in horror as a wraith was dispelled from it. Percy shivered at the parseltongue, but the Bloody Baron just rolled his eyes.
Minerva again would be called upon to transfigure it back into shape.
The Headmaster beamed at their little team. He personally thought he might know where one of the last ones was. Severus also thought he knew where one of the last ones was. Narcissa thought she might know what one of the last ones was, but not where.
Narcissa worried that a horcrux was inside his familiar, and had no idea where she had fled when the Dark Lord disappeared in '81.
While the Headmaster planned a trip to Little Hangleton, and Severus plotted a path to victory in the Chamber, Narcissa tried to figure a way to visit her sister in Azkaban.
Would Andi be willing to take her? She was a barrister. It was past time to mend fences with her anyways.
**OO**
Harry cheered loudly for the most beautiful dragon he had ever seen. Not that he'd seen that many. Just a few pictures that Ron had shared. This was a giant sand wyrm. Reminiscent of a Chinese dragon, she was long and lean, with vestigial wings. Her scales were opalescent and quite eye-catching. Other dragons were there of the same type, but the local Gringotts had the opalescent dragon; other clans had different colors of vibrant crimson or metallic green.
This one stood out for her beauty.
They looked terribly fierce, and breathed fire. Then, one of them took off for a few minutes of warm-up, and Harry saw that in addition to spouting fire from the front, they had the ability to use it to propel themselves. Wicked!
You did not want to be directly behind one of them when they took off!
The stands they sat in were high in the air. Shaded and cool; goblins really didn't like the sun much at all. The refreshments on offer were different from what Harry had seen offered on the tele for football. There were items from the local cuisine on offer; kabobs, some kind of flatbread, and tasty sauces to dip them in. There were also what appeared to be some Asian dishes; noodles with meats and veg, some kind of dumpling. Goblin food was also available that included spicy squirmy worms. Worms?! So gross! Harry had to try it.
Sirius ordered one of everything to try. The oriental cuisine wasn't surprising seeing how one of the dragons had supporters from Szechaun, China there according to their program.
Sirius showed Harry how to use the omnioculars that he bought for them. Clever of the goblins to provide them this seat, and then proceed to sell them food, drink, choice of flag of what dragon to support, souvenir programs, and these fine viewing devices. Harry and Sirius even placed small bets on the beautiful local dragon they were rooting for. Win or lose, being here together to enjoy it made it a perfect day in each of their minds.
Harry had asked both house-elves to come, but neither one enjoyed heights. Daisy would endure carpet and cart rides, but Dobby in particular really didn't want to go. At least they were welcome.
The crowd was a mix of several nationalities of humans and goblins. It was a shame, as they seemed to be sitting peacefully near one another, but not really mixing in the crowd.
The racing track was a giant steeplechase out in the desert; the dragons had obstacles to go over, rings to slalom through, and water traps to avoid. Dig too deep, and it wasted time; too shallow, and make mud.
The dragons themselves loved diving into water, but it was a time penalty for draining the small lake obstacles.
The winner of the race had more than once looked towards Harry in the stands. She had heard him; he had unknowingly switched to parseltongue when shouting encouragement.
ƺ "You would make an excellent rider, speaker. You should come and play sometime."ƺ
Harry heard and wistfully saluted her. He took his last bit of kabob off the stick and tossed it to her.
She snapped it up, and asked for another, this time with the stick!
Harry bought her several, and tossed them to her one at a time. This time with Sirius casting engorio once they were in flight. The wyrm deftly caught them all in her mouth. The audience around him cheered the boy's antics. Sirius squeezed his shoulders in delight.
ƺ "Come back again, Speaker!"ƺ
Harry beamed at Sirius. Turned back and saluted her again. He was afraid to call out to her in parsel; he'd learned his lesson a little too well to hide that talent when he knew he was doing it.
Sirius and Harry both knew that this invite was Gringotts trying to be nice, not to them personally, but to their money after the scare with Hermione. And they were both okay with that.
The Grangers had declined to come as they didn't have any defenses against the goblins. Or their dragons. And this was a goblin sponsored event.
But they shouldn't have been afraid as this was a way for the Nation to make money in all sorts of legal ways, including betting. Gambling seemed to be a national pastime for the magical beings.
Harry knew that the next time Hermione went to Gringotts, there would be at least one guard with her. Probably Aufrer or one of his friends.
Harry would hire a hundred if it made her feel better. But after their personal talk with the king of the goblins, stating that he had made himself Hermione's champion at the bank, he doubted that Hermione was in any real danger there.
**OO**
Hogwarts
Percy was trying to research in the library with bored elves happy to help. At least they could get books down and turn the pages.
They couldn't wait for the students to return! There just wasn't enough work, even with helping in the greenhouses and gardens to keep them all busy.
**OO**
Gringotts, Cairo
Frex bowed deeply. This was not a being that should be disrespected in any way. His name was known in many caverns.
"I'm very busy all academic year, and you interrupt me during my brief summer holiday?"
"Yes sir, sorry sir. Something unusual happened. Are you in contact with your…father?"
"Barely. Because of him, I only recently met my great-grandfather, Wrerx. I wasn't raised knowing him. I would call my so-called father un-clanned if I wasn't so…polite. A vault? And it bears our clan symbol?"
"Family symbol. Yes. Would a weekend day during the school year work for you to open this vault with all concerned parties? The humons have been most respectful to us and did not demand full ownership, despite having the key." Frex finished.
"How…typical. Yes. hmm. Well, this short summer term is far too busy for me. And school starts back up soon. Winter holiday. I can make plans anytime during the Winter break."
Frex' eyes narrowed. Hadn't he just complained about meetings during his holiday rather than the school year?
"I will inform my father. He is busy right now, and would not be able to come until then himself," the muealim (professor) stated.
Frex bowed. This family was known and this goblin's great-grandfather was feared. This was going to be…interesting.
**OO**
More than a curse-breaker, Albus wanted Harry to go with him to the Gaunt shack. He'd done a bit of scouting, and there were parsel traps everywhere!
It would be good for the boy to participate in this adventure.
That's when Albus' summer went sideways.
Mrs Figg finally got a hold of him. She'd been sending letters and flooing for days. Bothersome woman! He'd been dodging her for days.
When he found out that Harry was not only missing from Privet Drive but the Dursleys were under arrest, the man panicked. Drat the woman! Why hadn't she gotten a hold of him earlier?! This was her entire purpose in being here for things like this.
All thoughts of responsibilities fled his mind. He had to find Harry and get him back, he just had to!
Forgetting Board of Governors meetings, forgetting budgeting and staff meetings, Albus left with a very short note that he was fetching Harry Potter and bringing him to Hogwarts.
Draco had practically lived here the whole of summer. Why couldn't Harry as well?
Yes, that was the ticket. The upset administrator didn't even think of asking his familiar who was snoozing in the sun to help him find the boy.
**OO**
Harry couldn't believe how quickly he, Dobby, Daisy and Padfoot got into a routine in their new home. The Boy-who-Lived finally felt up to his name for once. He was enjoying life for the first time ever.
Living near Hermione was a blast! Both eager students wanted to attend the muggle classes like maths and science with their age mates. Emma tracked down homeschooling materials to help them study. It wasn't going to be that hard to catch up as long as they applied themselves.
Padfoot had splurged and bought them all the language potion for Arabic. Whether or not it worked on muggles was yet to be seen, but it took time for it to work, and they needed to try and listen and interact with natives.
Unlike the French potion, which Harry found very tasty for some reason, which worked quickly. The English language had enough Latin words, and school work helped there.
The language potions were a must for some of their later classes, and part of the summer was spent on reading the preliminary chapters of all of their books.
Sirius was studying too. He'd been accepted into the Mastery program, but had to pass several skills tests before he could attend. Skills that he was diligently working on.
The lovely great room in their home sported marble floors and silk curtains and the latest in wizarding furniture on one side.
On the other was a new training dummy (already looking the worse for wear) and several painted targets. One had looked rather like Snape, but he took it down after Harry complained. Harry pointed out that the man had saved Hermione and gave him money for new clothes. Sirius made due with copies of old newspaper pictures.
Crouch, Bagnold, Fudge and Dumbledore's photographs tried to dodge Sirius' attacks. Crouch would scowl, Bagnold scold, Fudge shout, and Dumbledore…would look disappointed at him. That would start the curses again.
Sirius taught Hermione and Harry how to cast the cannon blast charm, stunning and shield spells. They were still young, but those would help them if they were ever in trouble here.
Harry and Hermione swam every day, Harry slowly getting better. They were careful about using the retractable sunscreen over the pool to not get sunburned. They also biked around the neighborhood. They would see Aufrer on patrol from time to time, and say hello.
"September 1st is a Wednesday this year, Harry. Don't forget your water bottle. Staying hydrated is essential." the guard advised.
Harry pulled his wand (they were well within the magical zone as denoted by the bright yellow road) and offered to 'hydrate' Aufrer right then and there.
The water battle wound up dousing several innocent bystanders, but other students from the school helped Harry. Hermione went over to Aufrer's side to not be outnumbered, and fun was had by all.
**OO**
Harry hadn't been shouted at, starved or beaten once this summer. And even if he were just living in a tent in the back garden, he wouldn't have been.
Dobby and Daisy were blissfully happy, and the home showed it.
Harry and Hermione had finished their placement exams, feeling like they had done alright, but would have been better if they had stayed at their 'mundane' schools.
They did miss Ron, and wished that he would be coming to school with them. But, with this school's expectation of work ethic? The muggle maths? English?
No, Ron wouldn't be a good fit at all. Hogwarts was better for him.
**OO**
The summer was slipping by too fast. As much as Harry wanted to visit Ron in Egypt, he just couldn't. He knew himself, he'd slip, say something about his new school, something, if they met in person.
Besides, other than countries that did have extradition with Britain, the family was busy touring the world. Families. The Grangers were taking the rest of the summer off just to enjoy.
And while the families went on holiday all around the world to visit schools in Australia, the United States, and other places, they realized that they had made the best decision for themselves right there in Cairo.
The school was one of the world's best for magical education, but it was its safety record that had the Granger parents move their dental practice here to begin with. By living here, they could legally remove Hermione from Hogwarts. It was just too bad for Dumbledore that Harry would have followed her to Mars if she had gone to school there.
Not that the muggleborn Evans, Blacks, Potters and even one confused Puckle didn't benefit from the scholarships that Sirius was sprinkling around. Puckle was Emma's maiden name. Just in case Albus did his research.
Theme parks were visited, all on the list of the 'best roller coasters'. Hermione brought her muggle books with her sometimes as she really, really didn't like roller coasters. And they included a few 'family friendly' theme parks with fun but milder rides for her.
The two were hand in hand nearly all the rest of the summer.
Sirius and Harry knew that Dumbledore was hunting horcruxes this summer, and wanted Harry to go along. They spoke to Bill about how safe that would be, and the cheerful man had scoffed.
"A rising third year? I saw how little Ron had gained from DADA, and he wants to take you on that kind of adventure? I think he means well, wanting to include you, but I will go in your place. I hope that you had a wonderful summer. Did you know that your picture ran in the magical paper in Paris? You were seen in EuroDisney."
The family had just gotten back from the states, where they had gone hiking, biking and playing tourists in a theme park. A Florida theme park.
Harry, unthinkingly, shouted, "EuroDisney? But that's in Paris! Lord Black is keeping me out of that area…"
"You're welcome." Bill bowed, and winked.
One of the rides they went on in America was repeated in that park. A bit of magic, and presto.
"Thank you, Mr Weasley. Well done!" Sirius stated, handing over a small bag in thanks.
Bill tried to shrug it off, but Lord Black insisted.
They hadn't gone to France as they didn't want to accidentally bump into the great wizard there,
It was then that the letter box Harry had gotten at Gringotts to be able to communicate with Ron and others really started to fill up.
**OO**
Ron was back in England, and wanted to meet up for a shopping trip. Harry didn't know exactly what to say. He didn't want to hurt Ron's feelings. But he couldn't tell him the truth. Not yet.
But his were not the only letters in the box. Part of the magic, and hefty fees for the rental of the post box, was the detection of port-keys and removing all tracking charms.
It did not immediately disable all portkeys as those were sent through the mail all the time. But letters from villains wanting to kidnap and expected portkeys unfortunately scanned the same.
Once a portkey was detected though, for a fee, if they wished, a curse-breaker could tell the client where it would land. Clever magic, and both Harry and Hermione wanted to learn it. Not even Sirius, who was turning out to be a very talented wizard, knew how to do that!
He wanted to learn too!
One of the portkeys was to Hogwarts, and was sent with a letter. The portkey came with a password and a nicely worded missive.
'My dearest Harry,
'You cannot know my concern at finding out that you had left Privet Drive. When Mrs Figg, yes, someone that I hired to look after you, told me of the Dursleys' arrest, she contacted me and several friends immediately.'
Harry stopped and got his godfather's attention, and Dobby's as well.
"Arrested, hey Padfoot, Dobby? Did you do something that got the Dursleys arrested?"
"No Master Harry, but I'm not sorry." Dobby popped away to ask Daisy, and, if she did, give her two kisses. She was getting one just for being beautiful.
"Not me, Pup. You don't think…"
Severus Snape had been by to check up on Harry. Had he?
While Sirius went to go out to the pool to ponder life's twists and turns, Harry continued reading his letter.
'I then found out that Alphard Black had taken you out of the country without even talking to me! The man is a recluse, and likely more than a bit insane, living alone like that. Though he was never a follower of Voldemort. I am worried about his mental condition, especially when I have heard through others that you are restarting school as a first year at Beauxbatons.
'I know that you don't think much of your potions or DADA classes here, and have objected to not being allowed to pursue more difficult electives, but I am thinking of your happiness, dear boy!
'There is more to school than just learning. You need time to develop friendships and alliances. Ronald will be so alone without you. And Ginevra! When she heard that you had been taken out of the country, she fell down weeping!
'She doesn't feel safe at Hogwarts without you. She said those exact words to me.
'Please use this portkey on September 1st to come to Hogsmeade directly. Don't worry about books or robes. I will ask Molly to take care of all of that for you. I believe she still has your vault key.
'I treasure you, my dear, dear, boy, as if you were my own grandson. If you would please drop me a line, and let me know of your situation, I would be most appreciative.
'Your friend and mentor,
'Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore'
Harry walked out to the pool, but Padfoot had left. He was in their training area now. The boy showed the missive to Sirius who scoffed and sent another spell at photo Albus.
'Lord Alphard Black', using a dictaquill, had sent a letter to Moony earlier in the summer offering him a job as a tutor. The answer had been negative - he was getting ready to teach at Hogwarts, and was much too busy. Of course, that was before anyone knew that Alphard had 'stolen Harry Potter in an underhanded way', according to certain sources.
Harry wrote back, and made a copy of both the original letter and the answer to send to Professor Snape.
"Headmaster,
'You dropped one of the few classes I wanted and refused to let me take the electives I selected. I love Hagrid, I do. But his birthday gift to me this year tried to take my ear off! I gather he's the new Magical Creatures teacher. Good for him.
'I've had a lot of monsters the last two years. You know. Trolls, killer plants, three-headed dogs, trying to find a monster killing unicorns, a dragon, basilisks, and people who take my stuff. And bully me. You know, like the entire school?
'I'm happy with my new school. They don't allow monsters. Or bullies. Do say hi to Penny when she comes back. I hope she is doing alright. Tell Ron that I hope he survives this year, again.
'Farewell,
'Your former student.
'Harry Potter.
'P.S. I never felt you were my "mentor". Saying no to someone a lot is not the same as teaching them something.'
And he sealed it with his sig-net ring. So brilliant!
Harry included a thank you note to Professor Snape with the copies. He had tried to rescue Harry several times, and that deserved at least one thank you. Harry didn't know how he did it, but both he and Padfoot were convinced that Snape had something to do with the Dursleys.
Harry included several rare potions ingredients he found while hiking in the Appalachians with a local guide. That should muddy the search a bit.
**OO**
Once Harry had received that letter from Hogwarts, they started getting the Daily Prophet to see what Fudge was up to. Long floo calls to France were apparently made from various offices in the Ministry trying to track Harry down.
No one ever bothered to check in with Andromeda Tonks.
Andi and Narcissa had met for tea once, and the barrister was again trying to get permission to go out to Azkaban with Narcissa so they could talk with Bella. Narcissa shared with Andi the letter Gringotts had given her about Bella's vault being confiscated for cause. That should be a good enough excuse.
Narcissa could always lean on Dumbledore if needed, but she was unwilling to do that unless absolutely necessary. The copy of the Daily Prophet had her attention at the moment. Rubeus Hagrid! He was one of the items on her agenda.
Andromeda was still working on getting a trial for Hagrid, so it could be proven once and for all that he was worthy of a wand. Articles in the paper decried her as a mad woman for defending a half-giant who should just be put down for the safety of the students. Rita had listed this little 'gem' as being quoted by a 'Madam Underbadge'.
Harry wasn't the only one upset at that article. Far away in Hogsmeade, Lady Malfoy was reading the same article.
**OO**
Friday, August 27th, First Board Meeting of the Year
Rubeus Hagrid! Why would Andi, her own sister, be trying to help that person!
This was the oaf who dared take her son into the Forbidden Forest for detention! And Lucius had seen nothing wrong with it. In fact he had refused to censure the man as he thought it a growth opportunity for the boy.
Lucius felt the Dark Lord would never hurt their son. Narcissa knew differently, but she also held Hagrid partially responsible.
With Lucius dead, she was now able to safely reconnect with her sister without bringing death to her and her family. She hoped they could become good friends again.
It was nearly time for her to leave for the first Board meeting of the new school year. Narcissa was taking Lucius' place, and was ready. Grabbing up her portfolio that included several copies of the agenda, the lady walked to the castle. She poked her head in to check on Draco. Abigail waved a cheery hello and Draco, with a smudge on his face, ticked up his chin at her. At least he was smiling.
With Lucius Malfoy's death, Narcissa had taken over the seat as regent for Draco in both the Wizengamot and the Hogwarts Board of Governors.
At first, the witches and wizards didn't think that they were going to like the blonde witch sitting in the Head Governor's seat. But she was a very organized lady. She was gathering the governors to meet with a plan and purpose.
When she arrived, Albus was not there in the meeting room. The wizards assembled stood as she entered. A long table with armed chairs were lined up on either side. She went to the Head's place and gracefully sat.
The hired small parliament of owls assembled on the balcony of the conference room where they met. It was curious to the others, but Narcissa would later thank the twins for their timely arrival.
She looked at the people seated there. Lord Abbott rarely spoke, she was told, and neither did Serena Hooch. Her sister taught flying for Hogwarts. Elphias Doge was here, who was supposedly an Albus minion, but she was unsure of which House he sat as Proxy for. Madam Longbottom greeted her with a regal nod. Three chairs were empty, but it was the summer holiday, and they had enough for a quorum. She began the meeting on time.
Severus Snape had received a letter from Harry Potter, and she was sharing parts of it with the people here. Not that she named Severus as the source.
Like her friend, she was appalled that Enchanting had been suddenly dropped. She informed everyone on the council that Harry Potter was pursuing classes elsewhere, partially because they no longer offered the ones he wanted.
That got not only their attention, but she wanted them working together on a solution.
Narcissa's first act as head of the Board was to propose to restore that class and bring back the dismissed instructor before he got another job. Professor Adrian Lynch was not very social, and had a habit of disappearing on them, but he was on time to class and taught well. He was Irish, and his brother played Seeker professionally for the Wimbourne Wasps, and was a likely starter for the Irish national team.
No one objected to bringing back Enchanting, and her prepared owl was winging its way to Professor Lynch before the next subject was broached.
Binns was discussed, but since it was a required course that was being taught for free, no one wanted to dismiss him.
Narcissa made a logical suggestion to have other ghosts come in and guest lecture, or even use portraits, so the class wasn't a 'snooze fest' as Draco called it.
And it didn't cost the school anything more.
She also talked about the violent attack on the mandrakes. These important plants were used as major income for Hogwarts. That they had not been sabotaged before was a testament to sheer good luck more than planning.
"I am embarrassed and ashamed of my son's actions. But he knows what he did was wrong and has worked hard all summer to make up for it.
"If the common room door had been monitored after hours with the toddler charm, he would have been detected earlier. If the greenhouse had some kind of ward that detected a student after hours, he would have been caught before destroying those plants. What if it was a couple sneaking out?"
That also got their attention!
"Were any of you aware that a full grown mountain troll got into the school at Halloween almost two years ago?"
As she knew it would, her pronouncement brought about a momentary uproar. She waited for the shocked participants to collect themselves before calmly stating, "I'll take that as a 'no'. Or that unicorns were being murdered and drained of all blood by an unseen force and no extra help was called in? Well except for a small group of first years taken out by the groundskeeper. I have that as a separate issue.
"There was a basilisk loose in the castle this last spring. A basilisk! And yes, it was dealt with, by sheer dumb luck again. But how many times do we get away with luck?
"We need to have a better system. No one thought to ask the portraits! They are not people! No one thought to ask the ghosts, though Sir Nicholas is now roaming the halls again. The brave Gryffindor giving of his magical 'essence' to block an attack apparently. Hopefully, none the worse for wear.
"I'm not trying to blame anyone for the situation. I just want to talk about measures that can improve our security without hiring a Centurion and his cohort from Gringotts!
"We need to add better wards, and I am not suggesting curse-breakers. Well, not Master level ones. Allow the seventh year students learning runes to help! Ask for assistance from Gringotts, and give their junior people a real project to practice with. Will there be mistakes? Yes! But the students will be learning."
They all clapped at her suggestions, and added their own.
"We should have a competition with Gringotts with a prize. The curse-breaker who finds and removes the DADA curse will get something. Recognition? An award for special services to the school? Mention in the next edition of Hogwarts a History? It doesn't matter what! It does not have to be expensive!"
They all were making notes, when she stood and glided around the room, taking their measure as she spoke. The next item was a touchy subject.
"The incoming DADA professor is a werewolf.
Seeming to casually fix herself a cup of tea from the sideboard, she watched their faces closely for their reactions.
Only Doge seemed to turn puce, but everyone else was waiting to hear what she had to say.
Resuming her seat, she shared, "After finding this out, I myself provided a flat for him in Hogsmeade to stay in every night. And for during the nights of the full moon, there are adequate containment facilities. Professor Snape has agreed to brew his Wolfsbane potion that I will pay for so as not overburden the school finances with this expense.
"The new instructor has a Mastery in DADA and was initially offered a quarter of the normal salary. No! The man is very good at teaching. I have recommendations from House Greengrass, Nott, Burke, and Black. He is a quality professor. Just one with a malady. If this is going to cause an issue, let us talk about it now. I will not condone him sneaking around the school, or having him be outed at a bad time. His contract states that he will be back in his lodging between sunset and sunrise during the nights of the full moon."
Her cogent arguments had set the board members finally thinking logically. Werewolves are only dangerous for a few hours once a month. And if he was contained? Clearly, the lady didn't want to use the word 'dungeon' with all of its negative connotations. But the citizens of Hogsmeade were far safer from a caged beast than the free ones that the Forbidden Forest was home for.
She put his position up for a vote after passing out the recommendations and his CV. Doge was the only objection, as he was sure that Albus would never knowingly hire someone like that to be around the children.
After it passed, she let them know that the man was going to be hosting OWL and NEWT study sessions for anyone who wanted them.
"But who will pay for that?" Doge spat, unhappy at being outvoted.
Madam Longbottom raised her eyebrow. "House Black? I do believe that Lady Malfoy is using her trust vault, and was trying to be circumspect, Elphias. Well done, my lady, and bless you."
Narcissa neither denied nor confirmed that and continued, "Thank you all! I'm expecting great things from our students this year in DADA. Now, for the next item on the agenda.
"I am not saying anything against Rubeus Hagrid in his position as groundskeeper. As far as I know, he has been doing that job well for years. His pay is minimal, he occasionally eats at the hall, but also hunts on the grounds. And he maintains a vegetable garden for the kitchen. He does quite a lot of work for little pay."
There was applause for the man, as many there actually liked the gentle giant.
"However, he did make a mistake last year that I bring up now. Did Neville tell you anything about the detention he stood?" Narcissa asked Augusta.
"Something about ridiculous points taken for being out after curfew. The whole house hated him and he and the others caught, were bullied and ostracized for a time."
Narcissa took a deep breath, "Mr Hagrid took Neville, Miss Granger, my son Draco, and Harry Potter out to see what was killing unicorns. A man without wand rights! Oh, and did I forget to say that it was in the middle of the night? My son saw Hagrid with a dragon. Mr Potter and his friends had it smuggled out to a dragon reserve. That should have been investigated at the time and was not. For reporting it, my son lost points and nearly his life!"
The woman was furious and having a hard time keeping her temper.
"I don't wish the man to be sacked. He was expelled for raising dangerous creatures. I want him interviewed from time to time to see what animals he is raising. Make sure he is not raising dangerous ones, again, and keep an eye on him.
"I also feel that if he monitors detentions, it should be during daylight hours working in the kitchen's garden or feeding the food stock animals. There are plenty of grimy chores that can be given to the students like my son, to teach him what not to do without endangering his life."
Again, people made notes, and Augusta raised her lit wand.
"Thank you for notifying me. I will talk to my brother-in-law. He used to be in the Department for Control of Magical Creatures. I'm sure he'll be more than happy to stop by, drink Hagrid's tea, and check on him. The headmaster has Rubeus Hagrid scheduled to teach Magical Creatures, you know. The book for the class is atrocious."
Augusta had this for new business, but took the opportunity to present it now. Strapped with many strong bindings, she put the Monster Book of Monsters on the table.
Several people jumped as it tried to snarl and snap despite its being muzzled.
"He…he assigned that book?" Doge gulped.
"All in favor of getting a new instructor?" He proposed hurriedly. Seconded by Augusta and voted ayes all around.
"Do you think that Algie would be willing to teach as a substitute until we can get someone qualified?" Doge asked politely.
"I'll ask him. If not, maybe one of Diggory's people could step in. Kettleburn was a bit like Hagrid in terms of liking the dangerous. This is a school! They should be learning how to care for magical creatures that people want to buy, own, and breed!" Augusta stated firmly.
People made more notes, happy that a disaster in the making was derailed. A man who would take first years into the Forbidden Forest, who raised dragons and giant spiders, was not one they wanted as a professor.
Narcissa smoothed her skirts, "The last item that I wanted to bring up involves the budget. A portion of our income comes from Professor Snape's and Professor Sprout's efforts with their advanced students. As things stand, the majority comes from muggles. The only ones paying tuition are the parents of muggleborn students. Other magical schools charge. It should be one fee for all. These poor muggles! They are charged a varying scale depending on wealth and yet they have the fewest rights…"
Doge broke in. "Surely you're not suggesting that we allow muggles in the castle?" he sneered.
Serena Hooch, who had been silent other than to vote, spoke up. "Are you saying that parents shouldn't be allowed to visit a sick or injured child? Most of our muggleborns actually have squib parents. Mr Filch gets around fine. Why not?"
Narcissa echoed her, "That is a good point. Why not? No parents were informed of the attacks happening at the school. And as for the parents of the students who were petrified, they never even received the notifications sent by the matron. There was interference with the owls, thus preventing any word of the calamity occuring in the castle, from reaching the outside world!
"That bespeaks an interference that should not be tolerated. Does anyone disagree with me?"
Narcissa looked around and saw that all were actually looking appalled.
Though Doge did say, "Well, it couldn't have been Albus as he was suspended during that time!"
Narcissa knew very well the timing of this past school year due to Lucius' gloating and knew that parents were not being informed of the attacks. Had he put up the wards? She didn't know how to find out, and no one had any suggestions for it.
Ignoring the ward issue, Narcissa continued, "If we are going to educate those from the muggle world, then those students and their parents should be treated with respect. I think it should be punishable to say the 'M' word at school."
"Muggleborn?" Doge sneered.
Augusta shouted, "Mudblood, you twit! And I have no doubt that Narcissa uses the soap bubble spell just fine at home when needed."
Doge's look said that he knew this witch wouldn't be averse to using it on him!
The witches' eyes met, and Narcissa nodded.
Several people agreed with the suggestion of putting a taboo on the hateful word, with punishments escalating for continued usage. The measure was passed without complaint. Doge was tired of going against everyone else. Especially when he agreed with them!
Returning to the discussion of tuition, "I am suggesting that we take what the muggles are paying now, and base tuition on what that would be for all students and charge evenly across the board. Perhaps give families with more than two students at a time a discount. We aren't trying to beggar anyone. I myself would be happy to sponsor a scholarship or two, and that can be something we can do as part of my other plans.
"I want to improve fundraising, and have several ideas for that. I want to decrease costs, as the management of the current funds has been…lax. But I would like to put this measure to a vote, and start to implement it voluntarily this year, but set it as part of the Charter, by next year."
They all looked at the figures she had brought with her, and agreed. No one there wanted to be beholden to muggles paying for everything. It was an outrage.
Narcissa had another unanimous vote, with several members speaking up for the first time in ages.
"I will sponsor three of these scholarships and tell Professor Sprout to look for budding herbologists to give them to." Lord Abbott stated.
Augusta smiled, "I'll do the same for Slytherin House."
Doge spoke up, "I'll check with the Headmaster, and see if I can't do something for Gryffindor."
Hooch smiled, "Everyone knows my sister was Slytherin, but I was Ravenclaw. I don't have enough resources for three, so I will reach out to others. I am sure that I can rally some support for this, but I will sponsor one for myself."
They all applauded one another. The feeling of community was nearly palpable, and Matthias Abbott participating for the first time ever made this a memorable meeting already, and they weren't done yet.
"We could grow more of our own food in the greenhouses as part of the Herbology lessons. It was something done in my day, and muggleborns often earned pin money by helping out on the weekends or after class." Lord Abbott shyly offered.
"I do not know why changes were made as they were, but I personally blame Lucius. Yes, I know I shouldn't speak ill of the dead, but he was a spendthrift, and for every galleon I earned, he wanted to spend two. It was a nightmare that I worry he brought to us here as well." Narcissa added.
Several people nodded at her wisdom. There were no friends of his standing up and shouting. As if Lucius had any true friends. Only people like Fudge, who liked the color of his gold.
"These are the items that I am working on. Would anyone like to make additions? Agreement? Disagreement?"
Augusta spoke up, "I think that growing our own food sounds like a wonderful idea. I would personally provide a greenhouse or two for Hogwarts. Especially if my Neville was allowed to oversee one. He is a prodigy according to others, including Professor Sprout. And working in the gardens, as you said, would be a much better, more educational detention for others. Or allow students to earn a few sickles."
Narcissa made a note and bowed her head to the grand matron. "Thank you, my lady. I was hoping that we could work together for the benefit of all."
"You and Andromeda are not your other sister." Augusta stated, earning gasps, and an uncomfortable silence.
Many had seen the article stating that House Malfoy was funding Potion Master Snape's cure for the Longbottoms.
Dowager Lady Longbottom had just told everyone there that Narcissa was no Death Eater.
Doge spoke up, trying to dispel the uncomfortable subject, "Where is Dumbledore? He usually attends these meetings."
"Sit down, Elphias, and get your head out of his…Albus is trying to chase down Harry Potter. He didn't like hearing that his letter was ill-received. Telling a child he couldn't take Enchanting and had to take Divination? And refusing his choices of Runes and Arithmancy! Who does he think he is, thwarting a child's path towards their life's goals! Appalling!" Augusta shared with everyone. "At least the boy is no longer Albus' ward. Alphard may be a bit of a prankster, but he is powerfully magical. He'll do much better by Harry Potter than muggle guardians or missing magical ones."
Narcissa made a face. She dared say nothing against Dumbledore. But for divination? That should be fair game. And saw her opening, "Speaking of, I would rather relocate our resident Seer and have a certain check before she is allowed back in to teach. If she tests positive for…well, I am just going to say it. If she is drunk, she is not allowed in the castle. I don't think that sets a good example to young people!"
Narcissa shocked everyone. Oh, they all knew about her sherry-laden ways, but she was Dumbledore's pet Seer. And Narcissa was talking about booting her from the castle! Not firing her. No, there were places, likely the same flat that Mr Lupin would use. If there were four bedrooms, she'd fill up five, as the saying went.
"Here, here!" Dowager Lady Longbottom seconded, and the vote was unanimous. Professors were no longer allowed to teach while inebriated.
And if the headmaster wanted to later object? What was he going to say? That his Seer needed to be drunk? That wouldn't go over well.
New business from others included a plea from Madam Serena Hooch, the flying instructor's sister for more brooms. That was seconded by Dowager Lady Longbottom to no one's surprise.
"Would you be willing to look into new learning brooms? Lucius was saying that in the past when new brooms were discussed, everyone wanted the latest racing brooms. There is no need for that! Or maybe contacting the Appleby Arrows or even the Wimbourne Wasps, and see about getting some retired brooms? Quidditch players are always being gifted new brooms to try. Your sister could vet some quality used ones for us, I imagine." Narcissa suggested.
"I'll take that task on, and get bids from several broom makers. Someone out there might want the prestige of 'supplying Hogwarts'." Serena Hooch promised.
Other ideas were shared for cost cutting or ways to make money for the school. It was easily the most productive meeting the board had had in many years, and even Doge warmed up to Narcissa and her practicality. She was nothing like what Lucius had often complained about - cold, unfeeling and a lover of gold alone.
She was concerned for the well-being of all students, not just her own son. She cared about making improvements to Hogwarts, and wasn't there to moan or whinge or blame anyone for the problems. Well, except her husband, and she wasn't wrong for most of it.
She clearly put her personal feelings aside about Hagrid. Normally, any mother would want to rend him after putting her child in danger. No, instead, she recommended safety procedures that allowed him to keep a job he was good at.
She had several assignments of tasks for the next meeting that she asked for help with. Every single person left with at least one thing to do before the next meeting. It ended on time, and refreshments were only tea and biscuits that the lady brought from home. Simple. Not the lavish buffets with alcoholic beverages that Lucius demanded.
Dumbledore would indeed be sorry that he missed it, as he would have done everything possible to keep a dark witch from gaining a foothold into the Board of Governors. Charging everyone equally to come to Hogwarts? But…but…the humanity!
Severus showed up as the Malfoy witch prepared to leave the castle.
"I hoped to catch you, my lady. You wanted to see the potion test results?"
"Heir Prince. If you weren't so busy, I would nominate you to this Board. Yes, I am interested."
He offered her his arm, but only Augusta saw the secret smile shared between them. She looked at her watch that also had a magical calendar. Who could she lay a private bet with that would take it and not gossip?
Lord Prince was in ill-health, everyone knew, but she thought he just might hang on in the hope of attending this wedding. She knew there was talk already about him abdicating to his Heir while he was alive to help him adjust to his new responsibilities.
If Lady Malfoy wasn't Lady Prince before a year had passed, she would change hats!
The look on her vulture's face was appalled.
**OO**
Paris
While the Board meeting went on without him, Albus had a task. An important task, much more than arguing over new brooms or fighting about Hagrid's appointment.
The Monster Book of Monsters? He'd been dodging howlers since the lists went out. Didn't anyone have a sense of humor? He had more important things to deal with.
Harry was missing from Privet Drive and was now in the custody of Alphard Black! There was no known address for the man, but Paris wasn't that large. Was it?
He'd tried to get into EuroDisney the day after Harry's picture appeared there, but had the police called as he tried to get in without a ticket, and they didn't want people peddling religion inside the parks.
He was given a warning, bus fare to a shelter, and asked to leave. After that, he just returned home to refine his plans before trying again.
The powerful wizard, using a device from his office, was trying to triangulate just where his wayward ward went. Wearing his best, most cheerful robes, Albus set out on his mission, forgetting to watch street signs, or wards, or warnings.
Albus had left Rue Magique, and he was about to be caught on camera for it.
**OO**
**OO**
A/N: Story recommend: Your story recommendation here -
A/N: Story recommendation: Kind reader Articdranzer recommends Wizards of the Caribbean.
s/13983713/1/Wizards-of-the-Caribbean
**OO**
Alexandria Magical Académie (AMA)
ƺ parseltongue
₲ galleons
₰ sickles
ķ knuts
Ɠ Goblin language
﷼Arabic language
Dhareef al-Siddique - O&D professor
Taliba, female Student. Talab, the male form.
Mushkila, trouble