Harry and Hermione's Unexpected Family Ties
**OO**
A/N: Thanks to my wonderful Beta, LtsHrIt4ThBoyz.
A/N: Someone has noted my Klingon vocabulary slipping in. I think it works with goblins.
RobSt quoted someone saying they saw the goblins as a mix of Ferengi and Klingon. This quote is theirs, not mine, but it's a view we share. In most of my stories, I try to follow that definition and view goblins as honorable allies.
In this story, some goblins have a different definition of honor than others.
**OO**
Chapter 8 Best Laid Plans
After two days of fruitless searches, and mangling the Statute of Secrecy, the old wizard was finally brought in. Not arrested, but detained.
Finding out it was the wizard who defeated Grindelwald had junior aurors worried about their careers if their names were associated with arresting this man.
"You have to be aware of where you are, sir! There are muggle cameras taking your picture everywhere!" The sergeant on duty was explaining in French.
Trying to talk to the old wizard about video monitors was impossible. He refused to address the issue at hand, instead speaking rapidly and ignoring the questions put to him.
"You see my boy, an important person is missing! We are dealing with the kidnap of a young boy, well, not technically a kidnap, but the man didn't have the right…well, he wasn't the best choice…the man was a hermit, and just what was his interest in a handsome young child?"
The old man clearly understood French, but seemed unwilling to bend to try and speak it. Most…patronizing.
"Are you insinuating something? Just what is your relationship with this unnamed boy?" The witch who entered had clearly been listening in. Worse, she didn't like him.
"Mademoiselle Dupont. How are you?" Albus put on his charming face, and still spoke in English, but she wasn't going to let that throw her, so she did as well.
"It is Madam Dupont, as you well know. Or if you 'ave trouble with that title, you can call me 'Ead Auror Dupont. Now answer the question! Who are you trying to track down?" She acted like she didn't know. But she had already received a letter from Alphard Black, with a warning and a gift. The warning was that Albus Dumbledore would one day show up trying to find Harry and would wind up bothering her. Sooner or later. The gift was a very nice donation to the auror retirement fund in honor of Sirius Black.
A decorated and dedicated auror sent to Azkaban without a trial! There was a story there, and she wanted to hear it! Too bad she was going to lose the betting pool. She thought they would be seeing him much earlier in the summer. Alas.
This was an opportunity to law down the law for him, and others like him who visited Paris without a clue.
Dumbledore squirmed a bit. Madam. Right. French women kept their last names. And she was wearing a simple gold band. The woman was talking again. He'd best pretend to listen.
"We are the ones asking questions. Just because you are famous does not give you a free pass. Breaking the Statute of Secrecy is one of the greatest laws. I do not think that you are doing this as a prank!"
"No, of course not."
"Then tell me why?"
"I am trying to track down Harry Potter. I was his magical guardian, and the Dark wizard, Lord Black, somehow claimed his custody. He is like a grandson and therefore, precious to me, as I knew his parents well. I just want to make sure that he is safe, happy. He was taken from his guardians! Muggles, you know, and you should know how the Black family views those without magic."
Alphard had included several nice pictures of the family on holiday. Theme parks, and the boy playing with a happy family dog. All very wholesome. He had invited the witch to interview Harry Potter whenever she wanted, and they had recently met at Gringotts, Paris. A place where surely if the boy was being mistreated, he could have asked for help. The guards there wouldn't put up with a child being hurt!
"Arry Potter is fine, I have talked with him myself. Your concern for him is noted, but that still does not excuse your atrocious behavior!"
" I thought I was in Rue Magique of course. How silly of me. I admit my guilt. Let me apologize, pay a fine, and be on my way. Tell me, so you know Alphard Black Where does he live?"
"M Dumbledore! I am aware that you are well beloved in your country. But this is not England, though many of your countrymen like to think it is. Paris is not blind, nor are its citizens."
Several photos were brought in of the garishly dressed man doing magic in plain view of muggle cameras. Eleven violations? In just one day? Well, he'd been trying to triangulate, and appeared to have left the Rue without noticing.
"'Ere is a brochure of how to dress and act in Muggle France. There are ward boundaries. Use them in future! You are fined a thousand nostros per violation. After you pay this, you will be banished from France for two years. Trying to enter will give you an automatic thirty day sentence in 'olding. Do not doubt it."
"One thousand? Per violation?" That was a lot of nostros, the French coinage.
"It goes for the obliviators, the technicians, to wipe the computers where this information is stored. You caused at least a week's work of a technician or two who bill three 'undred nostros an 'our! Possibly more. This is not counting the actors will go and do street magic, dressed up as you. You aren't even paying the costs of your actions."
That hit Dumbledore hard. He was being fined, but not enough to fix the mistake. The world had changed.
He suddenly felt very old.
"How much would it cost to fix everything I did?"
"We'll 'ave the final bill once they are done. But with this amount? If they are on separate servers? Around twenty thousand nostros, give or take."
Dumbledore called for an elf, and made out a twenty-five thousand nostros draft notice, and left the officer with another one for five thousand.
He lived a simple life, other than garish robes, but this summer between Ginevra's healing and now this, his vaults had been nigh depleted. He still had plenty of resources. Perhaps he could get this banishment rescinded if he played the right notes here.
"Please use this for your healing fund if it is not needed to cover the costs. I was a very old and unwise man today." He was wearing his sincere but contrite face.
And because he had confessed, and hadn't tried to fight anyone, and all of the cameras were on one server, he found a refund of ten thousand nostros back in his vault.
It would have been much worse for him if he had fought the charges. Much worse.
Technically, he could have gone to jail for eleven years and at his age? With the magical suppression that France used? That would have been a death sentence.
But what really hurt him was being banished from France. Appeals to everyone had not yet worked.
He wrote letters stating how he had made a mistake. He wrote to Madam Maxime and begged her to send Harry back to England.
That confused the witch and caused her to ask him where he had gotten the notion of any one particular student being at her school? Didn't he care about security? She hadn't released any information and would never do so. Never. Neither had any of her staff as they were under oath.
She wanted to know where he was getting that idea, and when he wouldn't confess the tattle-tell's name, she made a plan.
Lord Black had been transparent about sponsoring this new first year named after the famous 'Boy-Who-Lived' and had even warned her that Dumbledore would ask. She reassured him that he would find out nothing from her or her staff.
He in turn had said that Dumbledore had many more than ten fingers because he had them in everyone's pies. She had not heard of that English expression before but got the gist of it.
And now, here he was, proving Lord Black right. She wrote a missive and complained to the ICW.
Albus was using a proxy for his seat, and Dadalus Diggle was sent home, and both wound up being banned from the ICW council for two years as well!
The ICW didn't appreciate Albus' stunts with breaking the Statute of Secrecy, his sudden absence without reason, and his failure to address the missives from Saint Martíns.
That hospital wanted the Headmaster up on child abuse charges for the criminal neglect of his students. Only one of the three petrified students they had treated was returning to Hogwarts, and he was given a full scholarship that could be used at Beauxbatons.
By law, the healers had to report the abuse, and the complaint was being taken seriously. They sent sanction recommendations to the Ministry of Magic in London. But Fudge would not act; not with losing Lucius so recently. He was relying on Albus' judgment, and would protect him.
Albus was not having a nice summer at all. He was dealing with Howlers, Hagrid weeping about being sacked before he even taught one class, Remus Lupin refusing to move into the castle, and all sorts of issues.
And he had yet to discover that Sybill had been removed to quarters in the village as well.
And then he got the letter from Fudge in regards to Sirius Black's escape!
Dun-dun-dun.
**OO**
Black Villa, Cairo
Harry had been reading and savoring bits of his family journals from his trust vault. He was getting copies as they were vetted. Padfoot read them first, making sure that neither one had too many gritty details of past trysts or anything.
And then he found the evidence! Amazing. Right here, and if anyone had bothered to check…well. What could he do with this?
Coming upon this entry? In Prongs' strong hand, elegant as any pureblood mother would insist upon?
Easily identified by Moody or anyone else who knew James Charlus Potter.
Sirius coaxed Harry into writing a generic letter that left off greetings and endings and showed him how to make copies of the journal. He then sent copies to Mr Weasley, a man named Alastor Moody, Dumbledore, and the head of the DMLE.
All had the same basic message but it was to the last of these that he wrote first.
'Dear Madam Bones,
'My name is Harry Potter. I don't know why they were hidden from me, but this summer I managed to find my parents' journals where they were hidden in my trust vault. Look at the date of this entry! I know that Peter Pettigrew only recently died as I am called to Gringotts with my guardian for his Will reading. On top of this, it shows that Sirius Black wasn't the secret keeper. My mum had switched them.
'Please. Please stop the Kiss on Site order for my godfather. If you want to authenticate these journals, I am happy to meet you in a neutral place. I don't want to go to Hogwarts this year. Gringotts Paris is convenient for me if that works for you.
'Thank you.
'Sincerely, Harry Potter.'
It was too bad the letters were sent just a few days too late.
**OO**
Ministry of Magic
"Arthur Weasley?" Madam Bones saw him in the corridor. "You are not in any trouble. But by chance, did you tell Harry Potter, in person or by letter, that Sirius Black had escaped?"
"I had to, Amelia. The boy is so very kind. He's good friends with my children, he saved my daughter's life! Not Snape! Another Death Eater after him? I had to warn him. I don't know how good Alphard's wards are. I haven't seen the man in decades. Very funny. He was a favorite of Gideon and Fabian. I'm sure Harry will be much happier with him than with those terrible muggles of his."
"Thank you. That is good to know. The Wizengomot meeting is about to start. Your voice will be needed today."
"My voice?"
"Fudge is trying to send Dementors from Azkaban to Hogwarts. Albus is supporting him."
"But dementors hunting for Sirius Black will follow blood. Black blood. My children will be in danger! Neville! Oh, I mean the Longbottom boy, my Ron and he share a dorm room. Oh dear."
"And Draco Malfoy. Regent Malfoy has been informed. I'm looking forward to seeing Fudge ripped to pieces." Amelia added under her breath. "I hope."
**OO**
Wizengamot meeting, August 30th
"How Sirius Black escaped from Azkaban is not known. But he was heard saying 'He's at Hogwarts!' I want the school to be protected, even if Harry Potter is no longer a student there." Fudge was in the middle of his argument. He had a plan for success one way or the other, but eyes here meant his undersecretary could get out to Azkaban without being noticed. Win-win for him.
Augusta stood. Narcissa's silvery eyes were promising death, but so far she had kept her peace, letting others fight first. Smart.
"And how are you going to protect Heir Longbottom? Or the Weasley students? Or Heir Malfoy? All have the same lovely Black blood flowing through their veins."
"Not to mention any of the unknown illegitimate students out there. Alphard liked his witches, you know." An elderly woman cackled.
That remark gave the crowd a chuckle.
Augusta didn't deny she was right.
"The students will be inside the castle!" Fudge stated. "The dementors will be looking for him on the outside."
"Where the greenhouses are? The quidditch pitch? What's to stop them from attending a game for a little snack?" Bones snapped. "My niece goes to school there. I will pull her from school just as Lord Black did with his ward and send her elsewhere should you continue this lunacy!"
Narcissa stood as Fudge sputtered.
"I concur. The Board of Governors will meet. If this government decides to send dementors to Hogwarts, we will have to decide how to handle this issue. These are not gentle monsters, Minister. They are but guardians of a prison, and a means of execution. What defense would a child have?"
Albus had stayed silent at first, as he personally wanted the dementors to come to Hogwarts.
"Now my dear girl! You are not the Headmaster, and have been most high-handed with your position so far. The Minister of Magic is not to be talked down to! Sirius Black! Don't you know your own cousin's crimes?"
Narcissa glared at Albus, "Sirius was never a marked Death Eater! He loved our cousin James, was closer to him than his own brother. Sirius would have died rather than betray him. Where is your evidence that he is after Harry Potter? Mumblings in the dark? 'He's at Hogwarts?' He could be talking about YOU Headmaster! You're the one who put him in prison! Despite my protests, or our grandfather Arcturus Black's defense. You knew best, and you made him the secret keeper so he is automatically guilty? What if there was something else that you didn't know about?"
"You think that Sirius might be after me?" Albus paled. The boy would be insane after that long in prison!
"You heard nothing but that? Headmaster!" Narcissa was beyond furious and unable to say anything.
The elderly man's power radiated off of him, and his phoenix burst onto the scene in fiery plumage, landing on his arm, adding to his aura of might. "Regardless of why Sirius Black is coming to Hogwarts, the protection of the dementors is vital. I support Cornelius Fudge in his role as Minister, and his wise counsel that he is giving now."
Augusta stood. "Before we vote on this issue, I want it made plain that we need to have a plan in place so if dementors start feeding on students, we can act."
She said 'if dementors', but clearly meant 'when dementors started feeding on children.'
Dumbledore put on his 'disappointed' face, "As you know, dementors do not go after innocents. Your children will be safer at Hogwarts than anywhere else. Do not pull them from the safest place in Britain."
Griselda Marchbanks stood. She was sad to have missed the last Board of Governors' meeting as it sounded productive. And she had not delegated any tasks. Here was a chance to help, "I promise to find volunteers who could cast the patronus to help at school." She started to question where Dumbledore got that information but was interrupted.
"Perhaps Madam Malfoy can be called upon to cast the patronus now and again, taking the students to the greenhouses." Albus smarmily suggested.
He was insulting her, implying that a dark witch couldn't do the spell. But she needed a faster way to communicate with certain people and had learned it.
A calm 'Expecto Patronum' and a white dove sailed above Fawkes to whisper in Albus' ear, "Sirius was innocent. You sent an innocent man to prison.'
Out loud and in front of a surprised group, the woman stated, "I plan to be in the castle frequently, Headmaster. In fact, I should talk to your deputy about hiring quarters there if my wand is needed against these monsters."
Narcissa didn't state that she couldn't stay in the Hogsmeade house now that Lupin would be moving there.
But Dumbledore was adamant in his stance, and a lot of people there trusted him.
Fudge and Dumbledore won the right to send dementors to Hogwarts by a slim margin, but in doing so, the Headmaster was now very low on favors – he had used up many.
If any students were harmed, this would not reflect well on the Chief Warlock or the Minister.
And it could mean the Headmaster would lose his job at Hogwarts.
**OO**
When Minerva heard that Lady Malfoy was providing Remus quarters in her own home with meals and an elf, not to mention housing Trelawney, she immediately offered the witch a place at Hogwarts. The quarters prepared were in a wing of the castle that used to be regularly used by many other professors.
Perhaps with Narcissa's improvements, they would be filled again one day.
Minerva approved of each and every suggestion Narcissa had made. She herself was learning how to multiply food on a grand basis.
Why hadn't they tried that in the past?
The closed chatelaine's office was opened for Lady Malfoy's use. The deputy was amazed to watch as the castle laid keys on the desk, clearly intended for Narcissa.
The castle herself was acknowledging that this witch would be a champion for the students with those keys.
Minerva sat in the office, and ordered tea. Sitting here, it felt like scales fell from her eyes. Why had she sided with Albus in regards to Harry Potter's schooling? And the sword? If the school wanted Harry to have it, as a birthright, why did Albus take it away?
Narcissa and she spoke of many things, and the Lady shared with her the minutes of the board meeting.
Instead of running away, the two witches made a plan for how to keep the students safe from the dementors that would be descending on them come the first of September.
**OO**
August 31st, Greenhouses
Abigail sighed. This had been the best summer job ever! She didn't have to babysit Hannah, she didn't have to watch over Susan; something that made her terrified of the repercussions should Hannah's friend be hurt.
She just got to play with plants, listen to music on her enchanted headphones that doubled as ear protection, and oversee Draco.
He was actually turning into a nice guy. Still a bit snarky, but funny when they took breaks to have snacks or a meal together. He was almost as good as his mum, and improving daily.
He even gave her some flying lessons. Her own broom was a gift for the beginning of her second year five years before, and she'd used it for flying class, and that was it.
Draco was teaching her that flying was actually fun!
They'd be on the train tomorrow. Him for second year, her for her last year.
She had been surprised when she got the Prefect badge. Woah. The letter explained that it wasn't being taken away from the other Prefect, but because of her actions this summer, she was being asked to be Prefect over the mandrake greenhouses, and watch the students working on new projects. Working towards her mastery as an assistant to Sprout.
She was happy to say yes, and knew that asking Professor Sprout after her perfect scores on the Herbology OWLs to take her on as an apprentice was the best decision she had ever made.
**OO**
Muggle pens and paper. Muggle notebooks and pencils. An enchanted portfolio with fine papyrus paper for final essays in some of the more traditional classes.
Hermione was ready for school.
Emma could tell that her daughter was nervous.
"You could always be homeschooled if you are scared, my darling one."
"It's not that, Mum. I…I wish….I wish I could warn Ron. I was never as close to him as to Harry, but I have a bad feeling about tomorrow. Or at least say something to the twins."
Both she and Harry had wanted to at least say goodbye, but neither one thought they could lie to their friends. And knew Ron had no interest in even trying to learn occlumency. So whatever he knew, others would soon know.
They both had written letters, letting him and the twins know they were out of the country and still wanted to be friends. Dobby had given them to a cousin who worked at Hogwarts, and they would be popping in at breakfast the morning of the second.
Harry had been keeping in touch with the twins, sharing things from his father's journal.
He was waiting to tell them that his father was Prongs at a time they could meet in person.
Hermione thought he would wait until just after a sip of tea or something that would cause a big mess.
Neither one even thought to write a letter to Ron's sister. Not being mean - they had been aside any animosity to her, but didn't try to cultivate a friendship. She just didn't exist in their world.
Hermione had her books ready in a magical bag, had her organizer and homework planner.
Her mother pulled her away from her worry to watch a sappy romantic comedy that was in Arabic.
At least it had subtitles. Well, they were French subtitles, but still.
**OO**
September 1st, Hogwarts
The students would be arriving later tonight, and unbeknownst to Severus he was sharing Hermione's foreboding. Should he have spoken up at the Wizengamot meeting? The man had not slept well, being on his own as he was.
It wasn't like he had personal experience with Dementors other than seeing them occasionally at the Ministry.
Severus had not known how to vote the other day: Supporting Dumbledore on an issue he had personal qualms about?
Heir Prince looked inside, and decided the issue for himself. Not what Albus wanted, not what Narcissa wanted. No, he looked at the issue of what was best for the students and had voted against sending the dementors to Hogwarts.
Albus noticed of course, and after the session gave him the expected lecture.
"My boy! I thought that you of all people would want to see Sirius Kissed? What if he makes his way to France after this? What if Alphard takes him in? Can't you see how dangerous it would be for Sirius to raise Harry?"
"That was your argument in 1981 when I told you that Black was not a Death Eater. You said he needed to go to prison to pay for trying to kill me. And I approved of that…justice. At the time. But you didn't get him out after Potter was in school. Did you forget? Or did you want Petunia to have another few years to torture the boy?"
"He wasn't tortured! Maybe not cherished as much as I would have liked…"
"Stop! Please! Let us be united in purpose of seeing the Dark Lord put down, and agree to disagree about Potter and Black. Shall we?"
Severus hadn't shared with this wizard that he had made sure that Potter was alright. Had money for clothes, was provided for. It didn't seem…cogent. He had checked on the boy several times, exchanging short notes. His inscrutable handwriting was improving.
Albus blinked in surprise. That was likely the best argument he'd ever heard.
"Yes, let us agree to that. And how is dear Draco doing?"
In as neutral a tone as possible, Severus intoned, "Peachy" before doing an abrupt about face. In a puff of billowing robes, Severus removed himself to his quarters.
**OO**
September 1st, Hogwarts
Sybill Trelawney was actually a very good Seer, but she had been trying to drown out her Sight for decades.
Today was the first day of school, and she had to come. She waved to students in the towers she could clearly see but wouldn't be there yet, not for a few days.
Trelawney swayed drunkenly on the path up to the castle. It was Minerva McGonagall that met her at the front door to lay down the law. She'd been told.
She'd been warned, but magicals had no sympathy for those who self-medicated overmuch with alcohol. It wasn't a pleasant conversation.
The woman went into a trance just before she got to the door, "The living dead will be fed to the dead living and gain life. Not once, but twice. One for each one fed."
She giggled to herself "The muggles will chop her up into bits and feed her to muggles and make magicals". She then hiccoughed.
Minerva was past done with this woman who spouted nonsense.
"The Board told us to give ye three chances, but hear me Sybill. I'm having the house-elves put all of your 'sipping-medicine' down the drain. If you want to get medication, see a healer!"
"You don't have to shout Minerva. There are several angels waiting; some on the train, some in the hall. And some for me in my tower."
"I suppose you could See that?"
"No, they waved to me on the way here, and I have the roster of students. Minerva. You always mock my gifts!"
The woman's breath was rank!
"Perhaps so, but I'm not letting you in the castle." She cast her patronus and the prepared man was soon jogging up to the door.
"See Miss Trelawney to the gate, would you please Hagrid. Oh, and I read the recent articles. Is it true that Charlie Weasley picked up a dragon that night?"
"Yes, Deputy Headmistress. And I'm sorry. And I won't…I won't…" Hagrid was trying to remember his lines.
"Do it again!' Minerva finished.
But Hagrid misunderstood.
"Crickey! You want me to raise another dragon egg? I'd be happy te! Where…"
Minerva gave him a glare just like when she was a young teacher fresh startin'. Oh.
"I will never do it again." Hagrid finished insincerely.
"Please see tae Miss Trelawney. And Hagrid. I have never thanked ye for all of the extra work ye do. The garden vegetables and the like. I appreciate ye."
Hagrid doffed his cap, "Thank ye kindly ma'am! Here now, Miss Sybill. Oh, you've been at the sherry. Nasty stuff. Let's get ye home and a sober up and maybe you can come back in a bit."
"But the muggles are going to eat her! I didn't want to See that!"
"Well no…"
"Cutting her up into bits…'
"That's terrible…"
"Making them eat her all up, and becoming witches and wizards…" Sybill started to cry.
Hagrid was never good with suffering animals. But he couldn't just put her down. He couldn't do that with his own animals! He'd have to ask Dumbledore about it. Great man, Dumbledore!
It would be several months before Severus, at the pleading of Narcissa, came up with a potion that took away Sybill's physical need for the spirits. But the visit to the Luxor Spa, arranged for by a kindly administrator the next summer, helped her more than anything else.
**OO**
Why had the castle put Narcissa's quarters down here? The headmaster kept eyeing the pair. He'd never hidden his friendship with the woman, and those that knew about Black marriage vows knew that nothing improper was going on.
But her marriage was not an eternal one. And Lucius was no longer alive to torture her mentally or physically.
Close to the common room was just fine, as she did volunteer to help in the castle this year, taking on many tasks that the Deputy was supposed to do and couldn't because of being far too busy.
Well, the castle elves had not one word of complaint about her. There were now emergency shelters in place along the paths to the greenhouses and quidditch pitch that should keep out dementors, and other security measures that Professor Lupin suggested.
Both Severus (at the front where the Slytherins liked to congregate) and Lupin (in the rear with the Gryffindors) were planning on riding on the train.
Amelia was going to provide Aurors Tonks and Boot as well, just as long as they could cast a patronus.
**OO**
Draco had started the summer complaining loudly. The soap bubble spell combined with removing extra help when throwing temper tantrums worked.
He saw very quickly that being cooperative with this effort gained him positive attention from his mother and godfather, flying privileges with a school broom, and even earning a bit of pocket money.
The stuck-up privileged, entitled boy was slowly being replaced with a much happier and more hard-working young man. And seeing the effect of this "carrot and stick" stratagem on the new teen, had Severus rethinking his own classroom persona and behavior.
In fact, instead of having to wait for the plants to mature, Draco's mother had allowed him to have his Nimbus 2001 for the train ride back to school.
The three of them sat down to talk about the dementors heading to Hogwarts, and Narcissa's fear of them attacking Draco on the quidditch pitch.
"If they do come here, and I am hoping for a reprieve, my darling boy, I would rather you not play quidditch until they are gone."
Draco started to argue. At first. "Couldn't you ask the Headmaster to come to the games and make sure they stay away, Godfather?"
Severus smiled, "Clever boy, that is one possible plan. We will not make final decisions until later. There are ways to delay games. Weather, dragon pox. I will refuse to allow our House to play at all; something. I don't want anyone put at risk. But I will talk to him. I promise."
Narcissa and Severus had already discussed trading out a chess tournament inside the Great Hall with Quidditch should dementors descend on Hogwarts.
Both were hoping for a miracle, a reprieve, something.
**OO**
September 1st, Hogwarts Express
Snape had been feeling so off about this situation, he sent Dittany the other day to cancel his meeting at the apothecary, and decided to ride the train to Hogwarts.
Narcissa was proficient with the patronus, but she too was Black blood, and Severus begged her to stay in Hogwarts. And stay inside the wards. Which she willingly did, and went to work with a will.
She nodded. As Governor, she was taking a hands-on approach regarding the budget and would find things to do inside the castle.
Severus wanted to make a bet with someone about her butting heads with Albus when dinner was served, but it wasn't nice stealing like that.
**OO**
Amelia and Alastor scoffed at the note Albus had sent. 'No need to send aurors on the train. The dementors are headed to Hogwarts. Besides, they wouldn't hurt an innocent. I have this on good authority.'
Amelia asked Moody to keep a special eye on Susan. She had tried to find a good school for her, but the girl hadn't liked Salem, across the Pond, nor Beauxbatons. She wanted to stay with her friends. Friends wouldn't keep her safe from monsters. Her age-mates that was.
After a particularly jaundiced look from Amelia, Alastor had saluted and apparated to the train. Only to see an unexpected former trainee.
"Auror Tonks? What are ye doing here lass?" Auror Moody asked.
"Getting ready to ride the train, sir."
"No, yer not. Black family, and the dementors won't care if yer mother was kicked out of the family or not. Yer magical talents scream of that House. Stand down. Go keep the ice cream parlor safe from toddlers or somethin'. But you're not riding the train today."
Boot offered that he didn't have any Black family that he knew of for at least four generations. That should be good enough.
Alastor thought that the Minister was insane, Albus was insane, and he was insane for agreeing to ride on a train filled with teenagers. What was he thinkin'?
**OO**
Severus kept his promise to talk to the Headmaster before heading to London to take Draco to the train. No matter what he said, the headmaster seemed to ignore every potential problem.
Dumbledore, in turn, was only looking at the benefits.
Snape shared his concerns, "Draco might have to sit out as Seeker this year. But if the school is playing host to dementors, I doubt that Narcissa would allow it in any case."
"They won't harm an innocent!" Albus intoned piously.
"I do not know where you got that impression, sir. I would offer to bet with you, Headmaster. But winning when that meant a student had been harmed? No. Whatever you think of me, that is not who I am. I have a train to ride. Good day."
"You'll see, my boy. This is best for everyone that Black is caught. And quickly."
**OO**
Black Villa
Sirius Black was caught. Red-handed.
"Dobby making those for Master Harry!"
Fresh biscuits of oatmeal and chocolate bits. It was Harry's favorite.
"But I'm just…taste testing! Wouldn't want to serve less than the best biscuit?"
Harry was at school for his first day, and Sirius was trying to study. His first class was on the morrow.
Munching the stolen treat, Sirius tried not to think about Hogwarts. Harry would be missing his friend. But now? With Dementors being sent to the school?
There was no way that Harry was going back to Hogwarts. The very thought of them made him shudder, and he had to take a calming potion before turning into a dog, and crying in an out of the way corner of the house.
Harry could have been on that train. If Sirius knew that Remus was on the train, there would have been chaos. Dementors were dangerous!
**OO**
Hogwarts Express
The dementors of Azkaban gained entry to the engine room of the train through the old-fashioned open windows. Perseus Black did not know the Patronus charm, but his elderly reflexes were good and he managed to hit the runic alarm. However, he was quickly overwhelmed. The driver's soul was gone. His hand slipped from the controls, and the brake, no longer being kept in the 'off' position, engaged.
The train was brought to a halt, and curious students opened the doors that allowed the demons' entrance.
Shouting for everyone to close and lock their doors, Professor Snape threw down his book and sprang into action exiting his car at the front of the train.
But in the rear, another dementor approached their prey.
**OO**
Dhareef al-Siddique waited until the bell rang to start class. The dark haired man had olive skin, a beaked nose, and a dangerous look to him. Here was a man who had faced death and won.
"Offensive and Defensive Magic is a serious business. The use of wands means that anyone, young or old, has the power to kill, to protect, to escape. There will be no frivolous wand waving here: You carry a weapon and must be aware, at all times, that it is exactly that! Wand holsters are required to be worn at all times and said wand will be in it unless there is a conscious intention to use it! Those not willing to follow these very basic rules shall meet with unpleasant consequences: Up to and including the calling of internal security or even aurors."
The man had a soft Egyptian accent, was dressed in conservative local garb, and had a curved blade at his waist in addition to the wand holster on his arm.
This man's threat meter was pegged at 'maximum' for Harry, and he hadn't even said hello yet!
"Theory in this subject is self-study. Read ahead, and be ready to do magic in this class. I don't want to hear how you stayed up too late, or any other excuse. If you aren't ready for class, do not bother to come. Do not insult me or waste my time. You have been warned."
Hermione sat up straighter. She was always on time and ready to learn, but she would be extra vigilant for this class. Harry gave her a crooked grin and nodded agreement to her unspoken promise. Ah, Hermione!
The man rubbed a ring, and a puff of pink smoke coalesced into a young, blonde girl who appeared to be about ten years of age.
"Please distribute the syllabus to the students, Arule my friend." The muealim asked politely.
The genie nodded, folded her arms and blinked. The muggle-looking paper appeared to be printed, and was in English and later pages in Arabic, again looking printed. Harry couldn't read that yet.
The syllabus listed, week by week, the spells that would be studied, the reading that had to be done before class. Homework wasn't essays, but proving the ability to do a spell. No guessing.
Everything was clear-cut, expectations, and how to do well. No grading high for being Slytherin or low for being a 'mere' 'Puff.
By the end of class, both he and Hermione had learned a new spell for defense, and bowed with respect to the teacher upon exiting.
**OO**
Hogwarts Express
Neville Longbottom, sharing a cabin with Ron, Ginny, Seamus and a sleeping adult, started hearing wild, insane cackling.
"Where is he? Where is the Dark Lord? Crucio! Where is Harry Potter? Crucio! You're his godmother. Tell me! Crucio! Where is the Dark Lord? Crucio!" Repeated again and again.
He was freezing, so cold. So cold.
His mother was screaming in defiance and rage and pain.
Suddenly everything went dark, the screaming stopped.
When the lights came back on, Neville awakened to realize the train had stopped, and woke up flat on the floor.
Ron and Ginny helped Neville back to his seat. Ginny helped brush off his robes, blushing when her hand brushed his bum accidentally. She was used to being around brothers, not cute boys!
Her summer of healing had done wonders, but it wasn't done. Thanks to the wonderful staff at the Luxor Spa, she was ready to attend school, and socialize with her peers. She was no longer a danger to others. She had a pendant that she could rub that acted as a calming draught. She also had her own personal Gringotts box for letters once a week to her healer who would be seeing her again at the Winter break.
The hospital where she was treated was not far from the dig site where Bill was working. She was so mortified about her actions in regards to Penny and Granger. She'd written several letters of apology to both witches, but hadn't posted any yet to the witch who stole her Harry. It was part of her treatment to write them. But Granger was poised and elegant and brilliant and beautiful. And clearly a bit of scarlet woman.
Thank goodness she was now cured!
But unlike Penny had been, Granger wasn't a future family member, at least according to Daddy. So, he didn't make her send the ones to Miss Granger as he did Penny.
He wanted her to do so when she was ready. And while it was wrong to try and kill someone else, she knew, she was still very jealous of the muggleborn witch.
The girl had everything that Ginny wanted: intelligence, magical power, wealth, and most importantly Harry Potter's love and affection.
Being that close to a dementor was not part of Ginny's healing plan and she was grasping her pendant with all of her might.
She had experienced seeing Harry kiss Hermione over, and over and over during that brief time the dementor was near. It was awful!
**OO**
Muealim Flitwick was not amused to be assigned a young human couple in love in his Third Form Charms class.
He leaned over Hermione's desk, a front row seat, and looked deeply into the witch's eyes. "Public displays of affection in Egypt can get you beaten by the muggles, or even stoned. It is best if you start practicing normalcy in this class to prevent harm coming to you."
Harry and Hermione hadn't even been holding hands coming in. What was he on about?
She saw his eyes move to her neck, and suddenly felt like her life was in danger, but the moment passed. She fingered her grandfather's precious prayer beads hoping to find calm.
Harry wanted to pull his wand at the goblin's sneer. This being might have a similar Clan name as their last Charms teacher, but was clearly not the same when it came to disposition.
The goblin hadn't even looked at Harry at all when threatening his girlfriend, and he felt like it was a threat.
The professor then waved his wand and sent Hermione, her chair and her desk to the back of the class, leaving Harry in the front row. He had his contacts now, and could see just fine. How dare he be so disrespectful!
But then the grumpy goblin went on to rearrange others, and threatened other obvious couples; sending all the girls to the back of the class and only addressing his teaching to the boys in the front.
Misogyny, thy name is "Flitwick". No one was smiling in this class!
Unlike Offensive and Defensive Magic (O & D), there would be quizzes and tests, essays and term projects. Group projects, where the groups were by assignment!
Harry wanted to whinge loudly that this wasn't why he had changed schools, but thought of Ron riding to school on the train alone. The Potter lad had Dumbledore's portkey, and could always change his mind. But for just one droppable class?
The class was just under an hour long, but felt longer.
No one bowed, or anything when they were finally able to leave. Not even the other goblin students.
After the class was finally over, they both tried to switch to a different professor, but no others were teaching third form.
Why or why was Charms a required course for his Enchanting mastery? At least it would be only for this year they had to suffer - there were other professors for the higher Charms, and it wasn't a daily class.
**OO**
Hogwarts Express
"Was anyone hurt back here?" Adrian Pucey was asking. The man who had been riding with them, and introduced himself as Professor Lupin, had gone forward to get the train moving again. He had saved them all with his patronus. The new Slytherin Prefect was handing out chocolate, but his supply was running low.
The questions were being thrown at him by all of the near hysterical children in the cabin.
He had been sitting with Cedric Diggory and Roger Davies, also new Prefects for their respective Houses, in an adjacent compartment.
"Why the train stopped, I don't know. Why did the dementors attack, I don't know. What I do know is I have chocolate. Daphne gave me some of her secret stash. I'll have to replenish it though." Adrian gave small amounts to everyone there.
Neville handed the wizard a huge handful of galleons, and accepted the offered chocolate. "Thanks, mate. Here's some money for more. And thank Heiress Greengrass for me as well. I don't think I could reach the cart right now, and Professor Lupin said we had to stay here anyways."
"Thank you, Longbottom! I will get more for everyone with this, but definitely send you some more as well."
Adrian went to find the trolly lady. With this largesse, he was able to buy enough chocolate for most of the younger years. And made sure that Longbottom and his friends had a goodly amount. Their carriage actually played host to the monster if rumors were right.
**OO**
Percy received an urgent call and was pulled back to the Office for a short time where he was given an ethereal version of the Sword of Gryffindor.
Godric himself showed up for a moment,
"Short assignment lad, get yerself back tae the castle, as soon as you're done, otherwise you'll nae be allowed to return tae bein' a ghosty."
Percy thought that like Harry, he was about to get some instructions. And he did. Obviously, the abbreviated version.
"This is the pommel; you hold it here. This is the sharp bit. The pointy end goes in first. Any questions?"
Percy didn't have time to quibble, and flew to his task. Penny was on that train!
Dementor after dementor was being shredded, unseen by human eyes, as glowing globes wafted downwards. Mostly.
Thankfully, the dementors hadn't had a chance to eat many innocents.
There were two glowing souls that formed, one of a child and one of an elderly wizard.
"It's time then? Please say I didn't crash the train and cause this one's death? Please?" Perseus Black asked. A distant relative of Sirius, but from a branch that his family sneeringly called 'Light', Padfoot had never met the elderly man or even known of that branch of the family that had been blasted off the tapestry long before.
"Nay, you are not responsible. Politicians and near-sighted individuals combined to author this disaster. I have the honor of escorting you both Home. Milady?" Percy held out his arm to the unhappy little girl.
"I'm really dead? But what about Mummy and Da? They'll be lost without me. Mummy said that they waited ever so long for me to come." Sally-Anne confided to Percy sadly.
"I'll tell you a little secret. It's going to be okay. There's a little boy who just lost his family that needs a new Mum and Dad, and his family are going to look after you too."
"That sounds nice. Make sure they know that I love them and that I'll see them when they get there." Sally-Ann took Percy's arm, while Mr Black was on the other side.
Arm in arm with both, chatting about who might be waiting for them, they flew to the Office.
No pain, no sorrow, only Joy awaited them.
**OO**
Both Severus and Lupin had messaged the Express office regarding a driver. Many thought the Hogwarts express only ran a few times a year. Nonsense! It ran daily, running supplies and squibs and anyone wanting a ride. There were special cars for creatures and plants that couldn't be moved by magic.
Aurors also apparated in, aiding their coworkers with patronus-wielding help, sweeping the train of the last of the monsters. Boot looked done in, and Moody was somewhere.
Several of the aurors had personal elves that were sent to Honeydukes. Hearing that it was for Hogwarts students, the owner sent cases of chocolates with the elves and didn't worry about the gold: Treating students was more important than worrying about reclaiming the costs immediately.
Aurors directed the elves to give chocolate to the Prefects and help attend to the shocked and scared students.
**OO**
A replacement driver apparated to the coordinates given by the emergency alarm. He was appalled to find one of his coworkers was in such a state. He didn't know the man was dead, well, had his soul removed.
He got the unconscious old wizard to an empty seat, and got the train started.
He tried talking to Perseus a few times, as the man was snoring. It would hurt to find out the man was dead later.
Eighty seven wasn't that old for a wizard, and the entire staff would mourn his loss.
**OO**
No matter how much he tried, Sixth Year Prefect Felix Brunt couldn't get Sally-Anne to wake, and had a very bad feeling about it.
Cedric and Roger moved the other children who had been seated in compartments near Miss Perks' to ones further down, to keep them calm. No one had seen her attacked, but she had been sitting alone.
Along with Neville, Draco had also been targeted. Professor Snape had been patrolling on that part of the train, and had bravely saved him from a dementor's kiss.
Colin, awakened by the stopping of the train, had gotten a magnificent picture of the event that the Daily Prophet would later buy for enough money to pay for some very good equipment for the budding artist.
Felix, feeling like they shouldn't just leave Sally-Anne Perks alone, wrapped her in a cloak, to keep her warm, and sat just outside the cabin.
He wished he knew how to do the patronus charm. If the DADA professor was any good, maybe he could learn it for extra credit on his NEWTs.
An auror came and checked on Sally-Anne, removed the cloak and sent a patronus message. He conjured a blanket in its place.
"I'll stay with her lad," handing the student back his cloak. "Return to yer friends. Here, get yerself a treat." The auror handed him a few silver coins.
"Thanks, sir!"
Master Auror Moody sighed. He took a bit of her blood. He had a feeling about each person who'd been attacked. The driver, Perseus Black, had gone to Hogwarts, but didn't have much magic. Just enough magic to work the train.
He should never have been on duty today.
Longbottom and the Weasley children were targeted as was the Malfoy boy. Just like Augusta had warned.
Well, the mess was one Albus would have to address.
He looked at the vial of blood. Daughter of a squib? Child from a forgotten tryst?
He'd bet his retirement that she had Black blood, but he would donate it all if that would get her soul back.
**OO**
Cairo
Harry came in, cheeks red from riding his bike in the heat, but looking very happy.
"So, how was school?" Sirius asked as Dobby plunked down two plates; one of fruit and yogurt to dip, and one of warm biscuits. Cold lemonade was ready as well.
"Really good for the most part. Except Charms. Don't ask. Hermione is very embarrassed to only make the second form for Science, but we both made third for Mathematics, so that's a plus. Our football coach wants to talk to you. He wouldn't let me start practice until he did. So, here's his note and here I am. He's probably worried about some of the scars on my arms. I told him that you were my new guardian. The wizards here are very protective of their students. Or most of them are."
Harry continued after a gulp of the ice-cold beverage, "Hermione's still at school, but didn't want me to wait for her as she didn't know how long she'd take."
Sirius was feeling a little out of his depth, "I'm glad that you had a good day, for the most part.
"The Grangers came by earlier and talked about getting a letter from the bank. The goblin apologized for the delay. The other relatives were out of pocket but wanted to meet at Gringotts at Yule. That goblin Frex? He told Dan not to bring his wife or come himself. There are some people, even goblins, who are prejudiced against those without magic."
Sirius was reminded of a song about fighting over a stone that said 'Peace on Earth'. Well, at least they hadn't been killed for whatever this treasure was. Dan had been looking angry about being excluded, and knew he'd be hiring a guard like Aufrer to go with them if he wasn't allowed to attend.
Harry got out his homework to start before his friend arrived. This was awesome! Coming home to a guardian happy to see him? Being encouraged to eat a snack before being allowed to do homework? Not having to sneak around? This was heaven!
Sirius sat next to him, and pulled out his own book to read.
Hermione came there first after school since her parents were working and she'd stayed late for footie practice, and was served yogurt and fruit per her request. They were supposed to have cooking lessons later that she was looking forward to.
"How did you like the charms teacher?" she asked, making a face.
"Muealim Flitwick? I didn't like the way he treated you or the other witches in the least. I asked about transferring out. At least it's not one of the daily classes. What a berk!"
Hedwig flew down and started preening Harry's hair. Her boy was distraught, but the witch-chick needed love too. Sitting side-by-side, she wove some of their hair together to comfort them with head-rubs and soft preks.
The two children laughed softly at Hedwig's antics and Harry continued, "I think the name's a coincidence. There's no way he's related to our kind and cheerful Flitwick in Scotland. He's at least twenty years younger than our old charms teacher, and looks way more goblin than him. Maybe a relative?" Harry guessed.
Hermione really didn't want to talk about it; it made her tummy upset to be confronted with such animosity from a teacher.
"Maybe. You could do that weird thing that some witches do. You know, just ask?" Sirius teased.
"Oh you! No, you weren't there. There was no way I was asking him any questions after the way he treated me. And he kept staring at my neck, like he wanted to chop my head off or something.
"Besides, you sir suggested that we not mention Hogwarts." Hermione reminded the dogman.
"Indeed." Sirius stated, channeling Snape.
"Well, I went and blew that during the tour, talking to Aufrer. But he hasn't said anything to anyone." Harry replied.
"Yep, or Headmaster twinkly eyes would be here, taking you to Hoggywarts." Daisy stated.
Sirius laughed at her wording but didn't disagree. He sent a message to the Grangers via HEE, inviting them to stay for dinner when they came to get Hermione.
Dobby was now back from that errand and had bought supplies for their cooking lessons.
Harry, Hermione, Daisy and Dobby were learning about the local cuisine from a local witch. The woman saw that Harry was just as proficient as the house-elves, but said nothing about it. Sometimes boys, especially from magical homes, could have feelings of insecurity about having such skills. But Bedouin men on caravan cooked all the time, as did curse-breakers. She was impressed that the older wizard approved of these lessons, and even joined in. Sirius helped with the side work.
They all enjoyed a wonderful 'first day of school' meal together once Dan and Emma arrived.
Harry and Hermione shared stories of their first day, their impressions of the staff, and how safe they felt within the walls of the school. But, seemingly by mutual agreement, neither spoke of the misgivings they both felt about their new Charms professor. Yet. They both felt they wanted to give the class a chance. Maybe it would get better.
The families sat together at table, and held hands for a simple blessing on the food. Sirius was accepted here. Harry was accepted here. Emma and Dan felt welcome as well, and they broke homemade flatbread and hummus as starters together.
There were feelings of love and peace and happiness in the home. And Harry was so very grateful he had escaped his former life; he had never known such peace and joy.
**OO**
Hogwarts
"Can't we discuss this later? The opening feast is a time for harmony and coming together."
Albus had his 'I am All-wise' face on.
"One of the students was Kissed! As was the driver." Severus hissed under his signature privacy charm. There were students, some still shivering, headed to the Great Hall; he needed to be circumspect. At least his message had gotten through. Narcissa had organized vats of hot chocolate being served, as well as a chocolate mousse for a starter.
"Kissed? Why would a dementor kiss a third-year student? No, the child is likely ill. Frightening things, and most unfortunate…"
"Unfortunate? Are you next going to say unpredictable Headmaster?" Narcissa stated, seething, as she stepped inside the privacy bubble. Severus welcomed her strong presence, his magic wrapping around her.
"My dear! I did not ask the train to stop! If it had not, we would not be in this unfortunate situation."
"Truly?" Severus started, then stopped. "Lady Malfoy, thank you for stepping in when Professor McGonagall was so very busy."
"I am here to offer my support to the school." Narcissa stated solemnly. "Not to you personally, Albus. You will need to answer for this disaster." The witch was visibly seething.
"Oh, that reminds me, the Hogwarts Express is going to need a new driver. Or is it possible that he wasn't Kissed, Headmaster, and was just come over suddenly ill as well?" Severus' tone was just shy of mocking.
The headmaster let them go, thinking that her ire would turn on his potions master just as soon as Draco's little adventure was known.
**OO**
Augusta Longbottom showing up was unexpected, as was Molly Weasley.
Other parents started showing up as dinner was served. The nourishing stew was multiplied again and again by a Master in Transfiguration.
"Yous be stopping now, or you fall down." The head elf advised.
Minerva was in heaven. She had never been asked to do this before and it was exhilarating. Narcissa didn't need to explain Gamp's laws to her. Why had she not done this 'afore?
But she was tiring, and had enough stew for a week! Any extra would go into stasis and be served in their new rotating menu.
At least she had done the mousse and hot chocolate first.
The first years were led in by Filius this year and being sorted while she took her seat.
**OO**
Cairo
After dinner, Dan was asked to go on to their home alone as their daughter wanted some time with her mother. Hermione and Emma walked slowly, unconsciously heading for the marketplace, though they had made no plans.
Hermione asked her mother how she had dealt with people who didn't seem to like women; her mother had gone to school and was one of just a few female students in her med school classes when most were men.
"Something happened today. You haven't stopped rubbing those beads." Emma asked, concerned.
Hermione had taken to wearing both necklaces, but for the most part, tried to keep the one from her great-grandfather hidden.
"I know it's stupid, Mum, but I felt like my life was in danger from a teacher!" Hermione explained about Charms, and how the professor's actions made her feel.
One of the shops was selling brightly colored beads, and the lady admired Hermione's set.
﷼"Oh, so lovely!"﷼ the shopkeeper gushed, ﷼"And they look so real. Good quality reproductions. I too sell some."﷼
The woman hadn't seen the beads closeup, and with the key on them, Hermione kept them on. To her eye, they looked like the reproduction beads she sold.
Unbeknownst to them all, they were just as much as facsimile as Hermione's necklace from Harry.
Emma found a set that had similar beads, and the lady offered to restring them to match color-wise with Hermione's set. Hermione overpaid, grateful for the kindness on offer.
﷼"We. Be. Back."﷼ Hermione shared carefully, not wishing to offend if she said something wrong.
When they got home, Hermione made a copy of the key, and asked her mother to trade necklaces with her.
From now on, Hermione would wear a necklace with beads that were patterned after old Egyptian ones with a copy of the key.
Emma called for Daisy, and asked her to store the originals in Lord Black's home. Someplace secret, secure. Safe. And not say anything. They wouldn't need that key until Yule, anyways.
Emma hugged Dan that night extra hard. This was supposed to be safer than Britain. So why was she feeling spooked?
**OO**
Hogwarts
The feast was nearing the end when Molly came up to Albus to deliver a Howler in person.
"If it weren't for Remus, I mean Professor Lupin, my Ronny and Ginny might have been killed! First, you drive off Harry. We never got to see him this summer! Then you try to have more of my babies killed! My husband voted against your stupid idea. Harry wrote to us and told us that he found his parent's journals in his vault. That Peter Pettigrew was the secret keeper when they died. Well, if Sirius Black killed Pettigrew for betraying the Potters in his line of duty as an auror, why was he sent to prison? It doesn't make any sense!
"Headmaster, why are there dementors here to catch an innocent man?" The redheaded woman demanded.
All of the students looked up. Snape put his wand back up his sleeve before anyone could notice that he'd cast the Sonorus charm, as he welcomed others to enjoy the personal howler. Everyone was waiting for the man's answer.
"What do you mean a dementor nearly ate you?!" Narcissa demanded, the spell causing her words to be heard to the end of the hall. Severus grimaced: Sometimes he didn't know his own strength.
"If Uncle Severus, I mean Professor Snape, hadn't rescued me, I would be dead, Mother. I owe him a life-debt."
Several things happened at once. Molly picked up a pitcher, and poured juice all over Albus. Moony hit a soaking wet Albus with a powerful blow that broke his nose. Again.
And Narcissa Malfoy née Black kissed Severus Snape, Heir Prince, right on the mouth. In front of her gaping son, and the rest of the student body. When she pulled back from her buss, he embraced her, and pulled her into a deeper kiss. The Slytherins, forgetting their pureblood masks, started cheering as though at quidditch.
They continued for a long moment before they felt eyes on them.
"What? You brats do it wrong all the time. I wanted to show you how it was done." Snape sniffed, and captured Narcissa's hand. Flitwick started collecting up bets with a merry clink of coin.
The promises in their eyes meant it took a long time for dinner to end, and there was only dessert left. But it finally did, with Minerva skipping the school song.
Only Albus had complained about the whole grain rolls, the vegetable trays, the hearty stew, and sliced fruits with little pots of chocolate sauce for afters. Causing Madam Pomfrey to take Albus away, early.
With the chocolate mousse served as starters, Narcissa and Minerva didn't want the children having too many other sweets.
Everyone else thought the feast was one of the best they'd ever had!
**OO**
Later that night, Percy and the Friar were called back to the Office where they were surprised to meet a beaming Sally-Anne. She now appeared to be a young adult, perhaps twenty or so. She was standing next to a young man who was kissing a young lady. Was that…it was! Perseus Black! Reunited with his wife who had gone on ahead of him.
"I didn't want to stay and become a ghost, but could you please tell my mum and dad that I'm with gran and am so happy! I'll see them again. One day. And ask them to please take care of my little brothers. One is going to be a bit of a…surprise." The girl shared conspiratorially.
They all shared hugs, and the ghosts returned, doing as she requested.
Percy turned to ask the Friar about the de-aging for Black, and the young girl's growth.
"Their work was done, and they were given new bodies, my son. Around a score of years, give or take a year."
Percy remembered that meant twenty years old, as it wasn't a common term of measure. But the Head Boy and the Friar had work to do, and returned.
**OO**
The Perks had the unfortunate honor of being the first muggle parents allowed inside Hogwarts, but it was to take their dying daughter's body home. Her soul was gone, and there was nothing they could do for her.
Percy and the Friar's comforting words helped, but it was still a difficult time.
Sally-Anne's body was taken to a hospital. Her vibrant living organs were donated; even her long blonde luxurious hair was used to help a cancer patient.
One of the recipients had been in a terrible car accident that killed the rest of his family and had destroyed his liver. With no living family, the Perks wound up adopting the little lad named Oscar whose life had been saved by their daughter's gift.
The amazing thing? In each child who had been given life saving measures? They started expressing accidental magic.
And in each one, when they reached age eleven due to her gift of life, they received an invitation to a magical school in their area.
**OO**
September 2nd, Hogwarts early morning
Albus Dumbledore was having a very odd dream, about the time he'd met Alphard Black, after he'd graduated. Alphard was saying, in the dream, how glad he was that he'd never have to deal with the headache of becoming Lord Black. He'd leave that future morass to his dear nephew, Sirius, Arcturus' grandson and chosen heir.
Suddenly, at 3:00 in the morning, Albus Dumbledore sat straight up in bed, saying out loud, "ALPHARD BLACK IS NOT LORD BLACK!"
**OO**
A/N: Story recommend: Your story recommendation here -
A/N: Story recommendation: Kind reader nintschibintschi recommends Saving Connor by Lightning on the Wave. His words: amazing epic here on fan fiction.
s/2580283/1/Saving-Connor
Just a quick author's note: the pairing and M rating are not my cup of hot cocoa, but I try to pass along people's recommendations from the reviews. If you sent one you didn't see, my apologies for missing it. Send it again.
I've seen some very odd pairings in fanfiction, but I read/write T or milder fics and Harry/Hermione or Harry/Hermione/Luna.
**OO**
A/N: Story recommendation: Kind reader csheila recommends The Boy Who Lived by hodorhodorhodor is incomplete but interesting. Harry is the sole survivor of a plane crash and Muggle PM adopts to counter magicals (he is a squib)
s/10601404/1/The-Boy-Who-Lived
After March 13th, 1988, Harry Potter was no longer just the wizarding world's 'Boy-Who-Lived.' As the sole survivor of Flight 1326, he became the 'Boy-Who-Lived' to muggles as well. Despite Dumbledore's protests, Harry is now being raised in the home of Britain's Muggle Prime Minister, Gordon Rollins. Rollins is determined to unleash a prepared Harry onto the wizarding world. AU.
**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 was the male form.
Mushkila, trouble