Harry and Hermione's Unexpected Family Ties
**OO**
A/N: Thanks to my wonderful Beta, LtsHrIt4ThBoyz.
Another cliffie here - but the update is almost done. To wait or not to wait, that is the question.
**OO**
Chapter 12 New Friends and Old Foes
Hogsmeade
The Abbott sisters were walking to Hogsmeade together. Draco ticked up his chin at the pretty Prefect.
"Someone's gotta cru-ush." Hannah sing-songed once the Malfoy boy had disappeared into a shop nearby.
Abigail rolled her eyes, but this led to what she really wanted to talk to Hannah about.
"You do know that if Neville can figure out a way out of the contract, there are plenty of witches who think he is quite the catch. You should make up with him."
"We never really fought…exactly. Look, I apologized to Potter, and wrote him again and made a better apology. If it wasn't for him, Justin would still be frozen."
"Did you tell Neville that, yet?" Abigail asked.
"Yeah. I was pretty upset after he was nearly Kissed. I realized what it would mean to really lose him. I like him. He's sweet."
"Oh yes. Imagine having to marry Draco." Her sister teased, clearly happy with the news.
Hannah blew a raspberry, but she was meeting Neville at the Three Broomsticks later for lunch.
The teen knew that she had a lot of growing up to do, and her sister was just trying to help. She had done a great job with Draco, and couldn't help want to help her own sister. Hannah waved as she entered Honeydukes.
Abigail sincerely hoped their grandfather never got wind of Draco's crush. She wasn't betrothed to anyone and wanted to stay single through her mastery at least. There was no rush, and there was no one at Hogwarts she was remotely interested in dating.
Unseen by both girls was a half-blood witch with delusions she could get rid of her muggle relatives just by killing them, and not have it infect her blood.
She was here, scoping out the Village, waiting for just the right time to unleash her plan to undo all of the progress made.
She consulted her lunar calendar and smiled wickedly.
**OO**
Defense Club, AMA
Dhareef al-Siddique was not surprised to see Taliba Granger diving into the workbook with a will after her kidnap and capture. And Talab Black was keeping apace with her efforts.
He had clearly faced many trials in his young life.
The defense club at first was dismissive of the younger students until the reigning dueling champion made the mistake of challenging Hermione by sending a stinging hex at her. At her back.
He only spent the day in the infirmary rather than being sent to the morgue, so the instructor was pleased with her self control. Though clearly Black had something to do with the injuries as well; but his wand didn't show evidence of being used and he wasn't armed with a spear, flame-thrower or daggers at the time. All things that appeared to have caused the wounds.
The variety of injuries was most curious. Too bad wandless magic couldn't be traced like priori incantatem could do on a wand.
The others in the club were most respectful of the young couple after that.
Harry and Hermione were there to learn, but in some ways were more advanced than some of the people here as they had faced real dangers. And were motivated to learn as much as they could.
Some of these people had faced a cranky scorpion but nothing deadlier. Well, unless you count dueling with Talab Black. The professor was allowing no one to challenge Taliba Granger for the moment.
When the muealim noted their progress, both shook it off.
"I'm not doing anything special, sir. But I really, really like this workbook." Harry stated.
Hermione nodded agreement, "Do you perchance have next term's book? I'm so close to getting the last of the spells. Just working on techniques."
The professor shook his head. "This workbook was supposed to be for the year, not this term, my student. But I will get you some advanced materials to learn."
"If you could recommend some supplemental books, I would be happy to order them." The bushy-haired witch requested.
Her smile and enthusiasm were quite scary to the O & D teacher. If she kept her hair covered as many of the local witches did, she wouldn't look half as powerful. Good, if he was put off, perhaps her attackers would think twice next time.
**OO**
Penny had switched patrolling in Hogsmeade with one of the Ravenclaw Prefects in order to have this private time with Percy. Percy had kept an eye on the younger ones while Penny patrolled in Hogsmeade. It was a perfect plan, as they now got to spend the evening together in the Head Girl's room in Ravenclaw.
Sitting close enough to share a book, and trying not to give his love an ice-water bath, they shared a transfiguration book. Much of Percy's studying was theory at this point, but he practiced the wand movements as well.
Penny so missed his hugs and kisses. She couldn't help but hope. Percy had told her little, but what he did share was all true. He would never lie to this girl who held his heart.
She wanted to do well on her NEWTs as did Percy. A knock interrupted their private study.
"Penny? May I come in and ask you a question about accio."
"We don't cover that until fourth year Luna." Percy stated gently. "Are people taking your things, again?"
"No, not at all. Not since Hedwig brings me letters now and then from Harry. For some reason, some people are scared of him being mad at them. No, I want to know so I can summon dirigible plums more easily. We have a lot of those at home, and it would be nice to be able to just pick them with magic."
Luna smiled, and said that Percy should do that at home this summer. The apples were going to do so well, and he would be spending the holiday at home.
"Do you really think so? I mean I should just snap my fingers and say the spell accio?" Snapping ghostly fingers at an orange in a bowl, sitting on Penny's study table. Just one of the fruits the house-elves kept stocked for the friendly Head-Girl.
He was absolutely shocked that it worked, and the orange landed next to him after flying through his translucent hand.
"Did you see that? It worked?" Percy was gaping.
"What about other spells?" Luna cast her own accio on one of the purple plums in the dish. "You're welcome. Have a lovely evening. Oh, I do look forward to seeing Harry Potter again."
The girl left, leaving a stunned Penny and Percy, looking at each other in shock. Neither one knew what to say.
**OO**
Beauxbatons
Elphias Doge had not been banned from France, as Albus had been (and no one else was aware), and was sitting sipping fine French roast coffee at an outdoor cafe not far from Beauxbatons after a disastrous meeting with the headmistress.
Using his membership on the Board of Governors, and with a note purportedly from Narcissa Malfoy asking permission to visit to see how they ran their school and looking for ways to improve Hogwarts, the wizard learned a very hard lesson:
Albus was not his friend.
Asking about Harry's progress as Albus was concerned for Harry starting over again as a first year, had the Headmistress first guffaw as her Harry Potter was a very artistically inclined boy who was raised in the South of France. He had never attended Hogwarts before, not that she was sharing that with anyone.
Elphias didn't know the note from Narcissa was forged; he was acting in good faith. Albus asking him to check on Harry while he was there made him think that Narcissa had mentioned his little jaunt to the headmaster. No one said it was a secret. He should have checked in with her first.
Madam Maxime had written to Lady Malfoy who expressed concern. Yes, they were making improvements, and she had no doubt that Mr Doge wanted to help.
But Narcissa smelled a rat, and had suggested that he not be allowed to know anything about Harry Potter.
That had snapped the wand!
"Non, Monsieur Doge, we no longer offer Egyptian Runes. I think that class lasted for a few months before it was discovered the man was a fraud, looking to make money on a false dig site. You may not know anything regarding our students. Or classes. If you wish to know more about Ancient Runes, go ask a curse-breaker! Good day!
"And by the way, did you know that the former Lady Malfoy took back 'er maiden name after her 'usband's death? She is now Narcissa Black. Remember that next time you use a forged note!"
"What? No! I didn't…" 'Forged?' He finished, feeling sickly. But Albus had…oh dear.
A wizard showed up to escort him to the gate. Unlike Hogwarts, Beauxbatons had its own security force. The uniformed wizard was polite about it all, but there was no hanging about for Doge. Not today.
Elphias had obviously made her angry, but he'd had no inkling that the note was anything but authentic. He in turn tried to report to Narcissa who listened to all and reassured the man that she held no ill-will against him, but she did report the incident to an anxious Severus.
Finding out the note he had taken was forged had Elphias questioning why someone would send him to Beauxbatons. The epiphany of who had done so, broke a friendship of longstanding.
Albus had made a mistake and an enemy that day, when, if he had just asked in a straightforward way, the man might have helped.
**OO**
Albus had plans for the moment when he learned just where his wayward student went.
He had tried everything to find Harry. He was sure that the Puckle lead would pan out, but alas. Here he was, unsure of what to do.
Then he overheard Remus talking about Sirius' plans to bring the boy to visit his parents' graves on the anniversary of their death. Lupin thought he was talking to Narcissa under a privacy spell.
Albus had spelled the table with imbued listening charms. He hoped that someone would let slip about the boy's school.
This was better. He'd invite Harry to go after the ring on that day. Yes. yes.
Halloween! How appropriate.
Harry would be welcomed home on Halloween. In more ways than one.
**OO**
Harry and Sirius closed the deal. The estate sale was exactly the sort of thing that their agent had been looking into. Unfortunately, it cost a lot more than what they had hoped to pay.
The son of the witch who had passed away was the legal holder of the object. He was an elderly wizard who claimed he wanted to help after hearing of the need from the Goblin agent. Right.
Wanting to help, but not minding making a fortune. Well, it would be worth it. After getting oaths and assurances that included keeping the sale private, Harry and Sirius made their way home first to change for the games. Then to the Grangers.
They had a little surprise for Hermione.
**OO**
Dan saw the small box in Harry's hand, and pulled him aside.
"I realize that my daughter is sweet on you, but I am not giving permission for her to become officially betrothed. Despite what our Bedouin friends think."
Harry nervously pulled his hand through his hair, but Sirius, despite barking laughter at his godson's current dilemma, bailed him out.
"While some will look at this…gift…as more than a token of affection, this is not that kind of ring."
Sirius had used his contacts to track this down. He wouldn't let Harry know how much it cost, but knew that Goldrub had been grumpier than usual at their last meeting over it.
Dan looked dubious, but Emma and Hermione returned just then.
"Harry!" Hermione gave her boyfriend a sweet hug. "I thought we were meeting at school."
Daisy and Dobby had prepared a nice lunch. The family was going to the carpet races at school later that afternoon, and dinner was included. But both elves were curious as to what was in the box.
"Hermione? Remember when Daisy and Dobby couldn't hear you? And it took hours to get to you? Well, just in case. I bought you a personal guard. Now please, don't be afraid. He might look a bit scary, but we got magical oaths that he would never hurt you or any of the family." Harry put the box into her hands.
Gingerly lifting the lid, Hermione peaked in. There, inside, was a little gold ring with an emerald cut in a cabochon style.
"Oh! I've read about these." Hermione quickly put it on her right hand and rubbed it with her left. "Genie, come forth and name yourself!"
Smoke poured from the ring, and a large being appeared. Blue skinned, his upper body was muscular, and he bore no shirt. A vest stopped short of white silk pants that were still part of the smoke. His hair was all black, and he had the most villainous looking mustache.
He wouldn't fully form unless commanded to; he was connected to the ring.
"Who dares summon Sulub from his home? Who dares?" A deep voice boomed.
Hermione squeaked and fell to the floor, but Harry stood in front of her, the sword of Gyrffindor appearing in his hands.
"Hey! My House bought you to protect Hermione! Not scare her! Now get out of the ring and apologize!" Harry commanded.
Several things happened at once. The genie started blubbering, and the second the last wisp of smoke exited the ring, he transformed. Oh, he still was blue, with black hair. But now, he appeared to be balding, his mustache and beard disappeared, as did all of his muscles.
Everything moved south, and turned into a soft marshmallow-like appearance. A blue cloud with black hair.
"I'm sorry Mistress! My former master commanded me to act like that to sell me. I didn't want to!" Sulub blubbered, "I didn't mean to scare you."
Sirius was looking angry, "Wait, you're a protector? Of what?"
"Well, I'm a good companion. I protect people from being lonely the best. Oh, my mistress, before she passed away and her evil son got ahold of me, she was so lovely! We spent hours together. And before you accuse me, you can ask him. She was well over a hundred, likely nearly two hundred, but I never asked the lady. I miss her so much!" The genie sobbed.
Sirius knew he'd been taken. He'd be having words with people. This was not the warrior genie he'd been looking for to take care of Hermione!
Harry was disappointed too. How was Sulub supposed to help?
But Hermione could tell that both Harry and Sirius were angry, and her nature couldn't stand for a slave to be mistreated.
"Stop! Both of you! Sulub, do you wish to be free?"
"Me? NO!" The genie clearly was distressed at the thought.
"What about your promise to protect her from danger?" Harry asked in as gentle a tone as he could.
"Mistress, if you are ever in danger, you call me. I will get us away! Oooo. Are those fresh dates? I haven't been allowed to eat in days. May I please have any leftovers when you are done eating?"
Harry and Sirius shared dubious looks. This genie might have missed out on elevenses now and then, but, but…
Emma took over. "We were just about to sit down to lunch. You're welcome to join us. We're going to the carpet races later. You will watch over Hermione while we are there, yes?"
The genie nodded his head, but she wasn't sure the being had really heard her. Daisy and Dobby were setting the meal on the table, and all Sulub really heard was 'food, food, food.'
**OO**
Carpet races, AMA
Hermione was there for this event, supporting their school team, but she was clearly unhappy being in the tall stands. Harry could feel her unease, and put his arm around her. That made the young couple both happier. Dan had missed out by a few seconds, so he wound up resignedly patting Harry's back and putting his arm around his wife.
Sirius saw all and winked at Emma.
At least, unlike Hogwarts, there were magical lifts for these stands.
Being a Saturday, the Granger parents along with Sirius had come. Sulub was summoned, saw the heights, eeped, and shared that he would be there if Hermione was kidnapped, but it was naptime for him, and disappeared back into his ring.
Hermione would not let Harry try and get him back, not right now, and he let it go.
Daisy was holding Harry's hand and asking questions about this race they were about to watch.
It seemed to her that it was a lot of work to set up and take down for a minute of actual racing but Harry just laughed. A lot of sports competitions were like that.
There were several events. Individual racing, team racing (like Harry's carpet was created for), and a steeplechase that was clearly an obstacle course. That race included a part that had quidditch hoops!
The most fun was the water pot race. A team event, the first flyer had to race to retrieve a pot. They then gave it to the second flyer, who took it to a well and filled it. Then they raced to give it to the next person who flew with it to the judge and used the jug to fill a fancy crystal water goblet.
The ultimate judge was the maharajah, himself; who sponsored their magical creatures for class. One poor team was first there, but the last flyer was so nervous, he spilt more water than was poured into the goblet!
The team that delivered the most water, without cheating and making more on the way, was the winner.
A good time was had by all, and the family joined the participants in a wonderful meal served inside one of the gymnasiums that was set up for a feast. The minute they were close to the food, Sulub appeared, trying for a Mameluke appearance, but looking more like the Friar from Hogwarts.
People from all around the globe studying there met together in peace to break bread and celebrate the competitors. The moderately priced tickets included this meal, shared with all.
All of the Mamelukes had been invited. Harry was headed back to his seat when Zahur started to stand, and Harry spilled water all over him.
"Mushkila! Have I been cursed with you? By you?" the commander demanded.
Harry apologized and started to cast a drying charm but desisted at his look.
"Um, can I get you a towel, sir?"
"Yes, as long as you use it to tie yourself to your chair. That will be suitable."
Sirius started to intervene, but saw the man wasn't truly angry, just embarrassed. As was Harry. He waved him back, and filled up his glass himself.
"This time, if you feel a need to share, choose Dan." Emma suggested.
That made them all laugh and the tense moment was gone. One thing persisted. All of the Mamelukes started calling him Mushi even more after that.
After several requests from Hermione, Sulub put down the flat bread in his hand and went to dry off the Mameluke who just glared at the being. He wound up popping back to his seat, conjuring a plate, and sweeping everything from the school's plate onto his, before disappearing in smoke.
That Mameluke had nearly upset his appetite, he scared him that much.
**OO**
Daisy and Dobby might have been nervous sitting at table with their family, but Harry insisted, and saw not a few genies in the crowd as well.
They walked home stuffed and happy, with Harry saying that he wanted to be on the racing team next year when he was old enough.
Emma beamed at Harry, and said that she would definitely be cheering for that. She thought carpet-racing far more enjoyable to watch than any football game that didn't include either of 'her' teens.
**OO**
Crouch arrest fallout
Moody had successfully kept the source of what information he had secret, but the fallout from his and the former Lady Malfoy's visit to Azkaban was still being felt.
Amelia Bones hadn't liked doing it, but every single auror was guaranteed to be Dark Mark free. The ones with Dark Marks got fair trials, and were now in Azkaban for murder.
And wasn't that a lovely thing to learn. A murder was Riddle's normal 'sacrifice' to earn the ugly tattoo. Not all marked followers had been required to do so. So far, from the people questioned, there had been only one exemption. And that was Severus Snape who volunteered to take a magical oath that he hadn't slain an innocent for his mark.
Severus also swore that he was Dumbledore's spy in the Death Eaters and had never participated in any raids or killing. Only brewing potions; mostly healing ones. He had created a few assassination brews. That one, he might have been tempted to make for his own father, but that man had killed himself slowly over the years through alcohol.
Any targets of the 'poisonous' brews had received antidotes and portkeys, allowing them to disappear from the country to maintain their good health while giving the appearance of death.
More than once, he had dosed a chosen target with Draught of Living Death and rescued the victims, smuggling them out of the country as well.
The convictions in these modern trials were only possible because Dumbledore was currently distracted.
A period, not of amnesty but of defined consequences, was being offered to all marked followers. If they had murdered an innocent to get said Dark Marks, they had a month to turn themselves in. They would serve ten years. After that, as long as they committed no further crimes –and they would be monitored– they were free. No matter what they had done under their dark master.
The alternative was daunting, and had the Carrow twins, Thorfinn Rowle, and several other uncaught Death Eaters taking this amnesty plan.
After that month, committing any crime, even minor ones, while being a part of Tommy's Bad Boy Club, would earn them a free Kiss. It was that simple.
Several 'imperius' victims had suddenly left the country after that. Director Bones had enough evidence that she was able to move to lay legal claim to their homes and lands.
Rumors were rife. Barty Crouch Junior was in the news. He had recently passed away in prison. Wasn't he already dead? Was this like Pettigrew?
Barty Crouch, Sr was now serving time in Azkaban for illegal imprisonment. He and others had denied an Heir of a noble house his right to a trial before imprisonment. If Bagnold was alive, she would have that sentence as well. In the past, Arcturus, Lord Black, had shouted at Crouch who had turned deaf ears to the man on the subject.
Dumbledore's trial was in the wings, but there was less evidence for his. Amelia didn't want to go forward with it until she had solid proof. All she had were whispers and innuendos. That old wizard was more slippery than a viper and just as poisonous.
Bones was hunting the Slytherin in red and gold who wore many faces. She was just as smart as any Ravenclaw, but the former 'Puff was loyal to what was Right.
**OO**
It wasn't until the next Wizengamot meeting when Albus learned that his minion was no longer his.
There, waiting was Narcissa. She was already sworn in as Regent for House of Malfoy, and voting Proxy for the same. What was going on? And why was she talking so openly and in a friendly way to Elphias?
Albus started the meeting, intending to put forth some new educational laws that would see Harry brought home. Yes, he planned to take the boy with him at Halloween to look for the ring. But Sirius was putting enough measures into place to insure the boy's continued health that Albus needed to make a backup plan that made sure the Potter boy stayed in Great Britain.
He also had plans to return some missing wealthy muggleborns to the school. The financial impact of losing people like Granger and Finch-Fletchley were not to be underestimated.
Albus opened the meeting, and after the normal protocols, referred to the agenda.
"Narcissa? Did you need something?" Albus asked as though talking to a particularly dense student who was disturbing him. He was wearing his concerned face.
"I'm here for my oaths." The woman stood when addressing the man, showing her respect for his office, if not his person.
"And would it hurt for you to use a title and show a bit of respect to Lady Malfoy?" Augusta called out. "Just because we are witches doesn't mean you should be rude."
"Quite so, my apologies my dear. Oaths? What oaths?" Dumbledore asked.
Elphias stood from the Potter seat and marched down.
"I have recently been informed that House Potter didn't know of my appointment. Since it was an emergency at the time, well. I just never thought of it. I want to be sworn in as well. To uphold House Potter."
"And you, dear girl are here for…?
"House Black. I stand as Regent for the Heir of House Black in all his business dealings, and will support Mr Doge in his dealings as voting proxy for House Potter." Narcissa was done with this pompous popinjay; biting off each word.
The man's face turned puce for a moment, but quickly donned the face of the benign, benevolent ruler that all recognized.
"I see." Dumbledore flared his magic a bit, but it affected neither of them; used to such dramatics.
He administered the oaths for House Black and Potter respectively. Lord Black had somehow found the Heir ring. No! He was sure that Bella had destroyed it.
After the oaths were administered, the lady climbed the steps, and instead of sitting in the Malfoy seat, she paused. No. She was heading to the Black seat.
Poor Diggle!
She waited there, but the man could only pretend that everyone wasn't staring at him for a minute or so. But when first Elphias and Severus stood, simultaneously and turned to face the recalcitrant seat holder, followed swiftly by Regent Longbottom and, (oh, no!) Regent Bones! They were all glaring at him.
Daedelus had no choice.
No!
He was ousted. No longer voting for House Black. Why Lucius hadn't told her was obvious. Diggle was Dumbledore's minion, and had kept the blond out of prison; he voted for Albus' pureblood policies.
The balance of power had just shifted, and no one seemed to care, or even notice! Albus was furious, and only by powerful magics was able to keep his face under control.
The rest of the boring session was trying to see who understood what had just happened and who didn't.
House Prince, Black, Potter were now controlled by one couple. House Malfoy? Lucius' coalition was based on bigoted self-interest.
And when Lady Longbottom introduced a bill in regards to school tuition, they had done such a good job preparing everyone with the articles in the newspaper, and discussions on the radio that no one complained. No new studies were demanded. No committees formed.
The vote would be after forty days. He had at least that amount of time to try and drum up some support against it.
But allowing muggles to pay for pureblood children's education which was the current model? It was insupportable, and had apparently been going on for years. It was a smart platform as it gained support from the bigots and those who wanted fair treatment for all.
Too clever by half.
Albus had lost too much influence to make his own proposals for bringing Harry back. Narcissa was thrilled that the Boy-Who-Lived was gone as it made way for others to step up to be the Prefects and Head Boy. She would never support anything that brought Potter back; not when it negatively affected her precious Draco's potential.
Albus sighed, and looked wisely sad rather than the furious he felt, and ended the session.
**OO**
Longbottom Greenhouse
Ginny Weasley slipped into the greenhouse. She knew that Neville was working there this morning, having heard him turn down a game with her brother.
This was her chance. She completely forgot about the meeting she was supposed to be at, instead using that time to prepare her hair and makeup and get help with just the right clothes.
"Oh, hello Neville. Are you working here too? I'm earning some money. Fred and George will buy me some things in Hogsmeade. I just love working with plants, you know."
Neville looked up just in time.
"Stop! Miss Weasley? I appreciate you trying to help, but you just 'weeded' that plant, right? Well, you took out the Zingiber magus officinale. I need that. Let's put it here." Neville got the ugly root with angry green stems calmed down and into a new pot. "Who trained you? Someone needs to show you what to do before you can just 'work' in here."
Professor Sprout showed up then with the new recruits, "Miss Weasley? You missed the orientation meeting. You'll have to leave. We'll have another in a few weeks you can make up."
The girl blushed bright red, "I'm sorry. I thought we were meeting here. I'm sorry."
Neville didn't rush to Professor Sprout to say she should be included or comfort her in any way! And there was Abbot, the younger. Again.
"Hi Nev! Surprised to see me?" Hannah stated, coming to stand next to him, pushing Ginny aside gently with a hip bump.
"A very pleasant surprise." Neville smiled shyly at her. They were betrothed, something neither could get out of, and had made up over the last month. He really was pleased to see her here.
"Oh! Magic ginger! Did you know that this has healing properties that even muggles know about?" Hannah asked.
"Some people consider it a weed. Don't they Miss Weasley?" Neville was clearly unhappy with her being there, while happy to see her.
The professor cleared her throat. She had been distributing pots and plants, and was clearly surprised to see the red-head still hanging about.
"You're dismissed, Miss Weasley. We have work to do."
After the training session that Professor Sprout ran with Mr Longbottom's help, Neville talked with both Hannah and Professor Sprout.
Augusta had made it clear with this 'gift' that Neville's participation was expected. He needed to be nurtured in his gift. He's a prodigy, the dowager had claimed. Something that Pomona had known all along.
She knew that Neville was a serious boy, and wouldn't make a frivolous complaint. She listened to him intently.
"That girl made me very uncomfortable. I don't want her in my greenhouse, ma'am. And, I don't want Hannah coming in here alone. Not ever."
Hannah beamed at him for his concern, but she had never heard Harry rant about Ginny trying to kill Penny or Hermione. And Neville had; exchanging correspondence with the Potter Heir, quite happily, since the Will reading.
Percy was later seen escorting his sister between classes, and keeping an eye on her more for a time. And later, comforting her when Professor Sprout casually mentioned that the future Lady Longbottom, Hannah Abbot, had such a natural ability with plants, and wasn't she going to be a perfect match for Neville.
Ginny hadn't known about the betrothal, (and didn't much care, if truth be told) and didn't mind when she was banned from working in the greenhouse. She had only signed up to try and get closer to Neville to begin with.
**OO**
Saturday, October 30th
Narcissa and Severus were enjoying a private dinner at Grimmauld Place.
Extra elves, bored at Hogwarts, had been sneaking over to help Kreacher 'just a bit' here and there with the townhouse, and it looked wonderful.
They were eating in what used to be Walburga's bedroom, but it was now a place of intimate fine dining for them. The view of London was spectacular.
They were debating skipping dessert when Narcissa felt it. The wards in Hogsmeade. Oh no! It was a full moon! Remus!
"Darling, I want you to take a calming draught. We need to call the Black Watch and some aurors. The Hogsmeade wards have indicated an attack. And yes, it's a full moon. But you have been making sure that Professor Lupin actually drinks his potion, right?"
"Indeed. And I went with Poppy to double-check the locks. He was secure, and sleeping when we left. Trelawney was spending the night in her rooms, and the door to that apartment is not accessible from the basement in the least."
Narcissa paled, a sudden horror grasped her heart, "Fenrir! What if he…"
They raced to the floo to make some calls.
**OO**
The Black Watch were professional soldiers that dealt with the dangerous and difficult. Aurors were the policemen of the magical world. The Black Watch were the warriors. Local aurors dealt with petty theft and drunken louts for the most part.
Commander Montgomery was head of the Black Watch; and Auror Sean O'Neal was the local sergeant over the aurors but he was gone this weekend for the holiday. Auror John Dawlish was supposed to be here, but he hadn't reported for duty. Likely held up in inspection or something. A few of the new recruits were here in his place.
Together, kilted armed men and red-robed magicals descended on the Black home in Hogsmeade, unsure of what they would find.
They had asked for the civilians to return to their homes and stay behind their locked doors –had they forgotten it was still the full moon?-; , they promised they would be kept informed. Narcissa asked for and got permission for them to floo from Gimmauld to the auror's hut in the Village.
"You don't know the Black wards. I have to allow you inside. They are most…disagreeable if you try to gain access to the house without me." the former Lady Malfoy shared.
She had informed them about Professor Lupin in the basement. The locals had come to know and like the truly gentle man. In the mornings, it was not uncommon to see a gaggle of local students walking with this favorite professor, on the way to the school, peppering him with questions of all sorts.
They allowed her and Professor Snape to come as far as the substation, but that was it.
A pair of flyers went over the house, and immediately saw the issue on the outside of an upper basement window. One at foot level to the village, but high up for the cellar. At least they were above the smell.
They flew back to report to the assembly, not excluding the homeowner in the report.
"It seems someone had the idea of trying to release a werewolf on the town. We saw a body snagged on the wards. We don't think whoever it was survived. But Commander, if they were trying to let him out, tonight? That's attempted murder!"
All of the town knew to keep inside on nights of the full moon. Even the taverns that were open were accessed only by floo. With all doors and windows securely locked and warded.
There were wild werewolves that made their home in the forbidden forest. Which was why Lupin added not one jot to the danger the town faced each month. In fact, it was an example of how things could be if these people could be 'tamed'.
Something that Fenrir Greyback was trying to prevent.
Just as the Black Watch was getting ready to move, a small group of Weres moved towards the house.
Wait. They weren't acting like wild beasts. The warriors looked grim, understanding what they were seeing. One witch pulled out a rosary.
Someone had given them wolfsbane! Powerfully dangerous dark creatures and now they had human intelligence.
The commander immediately started tapping the wards in the command hut to summon more help, but they knew what to do here.
In a maneuver more practiced than ever used, the soldiers readied their weapons. Silver bullets flew while they were still at a distance away. Two started to retreat, but one, a tall and strong werewolf with silvery fur attacked.
The team of flyers went chasing after the ones that had entered the village while the officers squared up. The English aurors were standing there, petrified, having no weapons to face these creatures.
Severus acted to save their lives by pulling them inside the substation and shutting the door.
He handed them a potion. "If you have any bladed weapons, this will give them a coating to make them act as silver.
They shook their heads.
"Can you conjure silver spears?" Narcissa suggested.
Again, they shook their heads, and looked chagrined.
By the time the couple had conjured a few wooden spears and gotten them coated with the silver nitrate, it was over.
The Black Watch came in to check on the aurors.
"Where do you want us, sir?" One brave lad asked. He was at least holding the spear the right way.
"Back to the ministry." Severus muttered under his breath, but Narcissa lightly elbowed him.
"We have some surviving attackers that we can question come morning. On the surface, it appears that Fenrir plotted an attack tonight." Commander Montgomery shared. He turned to the former Lady Malfoy and Heir Prince, "I would ask that you floo someplace safe to stay the night. The Three Broomsticks would put you up."
Severus nodded, and pulled Narcissa to the floo. It was back to Grimmauld for them. Lupin was safe, the village was safer with Fenrir and several of his pack dead and the Black Watch had captured those who fled. There was nothing more to do here.
The aurors returned from whence they came, and the Black Watch went back to their normal full moon patrol. One of the people had dared a peek inside the house with omnioculars.
"Lupin is still snoozing, though I can't help but wonder what he's dreaming 'bout. His legs are going a mile a minute." One of the lads shared.
**OO**
Severus' mind was already working on a true cure rather than just palliative. Murmuring to himself, "If you added wormwood instead of…"
Narcissa's gentle kiss distracted him.
"I hired a minder for the lower years for the whole weekend, my love, for a reason. Then this happened. And I was so scared."
"Well then, I need to comfort you, don't I?" Severus kissed her neck, something guaranteed to get their minds off of werewolves this night.
He had managed to lock his fear in a box during the emergency, but she had had several clever ideas during the attack. Had she been offered Gryffindor, secretly? He certainly would revel in her embrace.
They retreated to their love nest, but neither one was in a hurry for sleep.
**OO**
Auror Command Hut, Hogsmeade
After the moon had set, and their werewolf captives regained their ability to talk, both weres knew they were in trouble, and tried to cooperate with authorities. They could feel it before they were told. Their oppressive pack leader was dead. Truly, finally dead.
A tired Commander asked for Heir Prince and his lady to come to his office for a quick visit. He thought they deserved to know the truth, and there was no one to punish for the major crimes.
When they arrived, he got right to the point, "You are not going to believe this. We questioned the survivors of last night's little escapade. It appears that Fenrir plotted an attack on Hogsmeade." Montgomery shared.
"Not with Lupin!" Narcissa gasped. She trusted him. He would never betray them like that.
"With? Not exactly, though his participation was expected. Our dear undertoad, Undersecretary Umbridge plotted with Fenrir in order to undermine some of the recent werewolf legislation."
"But they are getting more rights." Heir Prince pointed out.
"And yet, here we are," the commander shared. "Thank you for letting us know about the hits on your wards. These werewolves with their minds intact could have done a lot of damage without a warning. Thank ye, m'lady."
Narcissa bowed her head, "Expect a little donation for your group. To celebrate this victory, Commander."
"Can ye go with us now? We'd like to extract the attacker from yer wards now that it's safe to be out and aboot."
Narcissa was most distraught seeing the blackened skin of the Minister's Undersecretary. Oh dear. She was ever so grateful for the high bushes and that she hadn't eaten yet this morning. Severus was quick with a potion to help.
The aurors took the body away, and Narcissa asked if the Commander wanted to check inside the house. She sent Dittany to collect the ward book, and added a few of his team, but no intruders had made it inside the wards. In fact, none of the brouhaha had woken the resident Seer and she was still abed in her rooms above.
The improved Wolfsbane appeared to be working. Remus Lupin was still asleep. He had the day off today, even if it wasn't a Sunday.
The commander waved them away, quaffing another Pepper-up, this one was one of Severus' improved potions. He looked ready for another long day, and the potions master handed him the antidote as well when he was ready to take to his bed.
"Do be ready for sleep, preferably in the bed before taking this. Or your men will have to put you in it."
The men chuckled, and the couple decided to take breakfast in the Great Hall, so they strolled up to Hogwarts. Harry and Sirius were expected later today.
Severus' eye still got that twitch when her cousin's name was spoken of, so she pointed out the new greenhouses to Severus that Augusta had provided.
Were there any potions ingredients he would like her to order for him for the students to grow?
Once inside, they were very surprised to find out that the Headmaster had left without them. And they were still both in the dark as to where this place was that might hold the second to last horcrux.
Severus swore like a factory worker from Cokeworth, and in that accent, scaring a passing group of first year Hufflepuffs on their way to breakfast.
Narcissa apologized, and escorted the girls away from the scary, angry wizard. They were unsure of what they had done wrong!
Both adults, however, were very worried about the Potter lad's safety.
**OO**
Godric's Hollow
Harry knelt, using his finger to trace the name of his parents. He'd already laid the bouquets they'd brought on the hallowed graves. And was struggling with what he wanted to tell them.
"I'm so sorry. It's all my fault that you died. And I'm so sorry." Harry whispered.
It was just him and Sirius, with their Mameluke guards this morning. They were meeting the headmaster later to hopefully take care of the second to last horcrux.
Sirius was clearly unhappy with the situation already, but hearing this had the animagus pull Harry in for a hug.
"No Harry. They loved you, dearly, but they had both stood up to Moldy. Several times. At least three, remember?"
Turning away, Harry saw that next to his father's grave were his grandparents, Charlus and Dorea. Familiar names to him now. They both died on the same day in 1979. So sad.
"Sirius, we didn't bring enough flowers. I should have known that they were here too."
Daisy must have heard, for after a short time, a remembrance wreath from the local florist was in Harry's hands.
"Were they attacked by Volde…him too?" Harry asked.
"The manor was destroyed in the attack, according to the elves. Huh. I can't remember them…uh, the elves. Odd that.
"But as for Mum and Dad Potter; their bodies…they were…never found. They're listed as 'missing'. The Dark Lord liked to make inferi from his enemies. Bella taunted me about it more than once when old friends would show up fighting for them. Dead old friends. It was truly horrific. Thankfully, I never saw them. That was the whole point of the inferi: To break the spirit of the defenders. True evil!
"I could never bring myself to come here to remember them. They weren't here."
Harry shuddered, thinking of the memory of when he'd put on the Potter Heir ring the first time. The brave man who wanted to fight terrorist goblins that were slaughtering his workers.
"So it's just the gravestones? Well, I remember them. I honor them. And my parents."
Sirius put his arm around Harry, grateful to have him here to grieve with him.
Then Fawkes showed up, and chirped at Harry. He had a note. The headmaster wanted to meet early.
"Likely hoping to catch us in Hogsmeade before we came here. As if we'd stay there; what with Remus being overly cautious about the full moon." Sirius scoffed.
Harry and Sirius shed one more tear for the Potters, and taking Daisy's hand, Harry grabbed a feather as did Padfoot. The Mamelukes were motioned forward; Fawkes looked at each of them before extending a feather.
"To infinity, and beyond!*" Harry shouted. Fawkes barked a laugh, and they all took off.
**OO**
Halloween, Gaunt Shack
Sirius didn't know that Severus had been excluded, just that he wasn't there as of yet. Wherever here was. He really didn't think about it before Fawkes showed up. But none of them had a clue where they really were except Albus.
Albus explained that he'd changed the meeting time, so that the headmaster could be back to oversee the feast. Apparently, cousin Naricssa had upset Albus by canceling his yearly sweets order and he needed to go shopping after their little jaunt.
Sirius gave him the hairy eyeball for that. Shopping? For sweets? When this was the last 'unknown' horcrux? Padfoot didn't need Trelawney's help to say that there was something wrong there.
Bill ignored the rising tension, and pulled out several pairs of specialty glasses, handing them around.
"These sell for about one thousand galleons so let's be careful with them, folks. They are borrowed from the bank. I'd like to return them all in one piece."
Harry put them on, glad he was wearing his contacts. Woah. He could see all sorts of colors, and there ahead of him what appeared to be laser lines.
"Traps! Oh, they have passwords. In English? Or do you see snake runes again?" Harry asked, carefully going up next to Bill.
"Snake, my friend. Why did it have to be snakes?" Bill teased. Causing Harry to snigger.
The last time Bill and Albus had come, they didn't have these tools, nor did they have a powerful Mameluke commander with them. Aufrer had asked to come along as well. Percy had to give permission to share the secret, but quickly agreed with Harry that on this last mission, it was vital to have a couple more people. Armed and trained people.
The Mamelukes were sworn to secrecy and joined their quest. They refused the borrowed goggles, as they had their own version which were better.
Albus at first refused to acknowledge their presence. Then, when trying to maneuver around these behemoths, had more than once offered to let them go home as they were neither needed nor wanted.
The long curved blades at their wide sashes were fingered more than once as Zahur stated firmly, "Alas, our swords thirst for the blood of an enemy, unwillingly taken. We need to feed them."
Harry laughed, and the team moved slowly forward, with Harry releasing trap after trap.
Albus suddenly brightened, "Mamelukes! The only school that has them as guards is the Académie in Cairo! Of course! Excellent! And good for you, Sirius, my boy. I do hope that you decide to pursue your own advanced education. Once you get over Azkaban of course."
There was that little dig again. As if he wasn't part of the reason or all of it that he had gone there in the first place!
Aufrer sent Harry a little hand signal used by the Mamelukes. It boiled down to 'ignore the enemy's noise as it is meaningless'.
Harry patted Sirius' arm, and whispered that Stumblemore there was trying to get him angry enough to make a mistake. There were too many traps here to be stupid now.
Right.
Sirius should have known that the Egyptian guards were a dead giveaway. Padfoot pulled out his wand. "Albus. I want you to listen. We are going back. Just so you know. I would like to have kept you guessing for longer. I point out that if it wasn't for us helping here, you wouldn't be as far along on this horcrux hunt. I'm the reason you have half of what you have. So, let's play nice. I am Harry's guardian. He chose to leave Hogwarts before we'd met. Wouldn't you rather have him in a good school than on the run from you?"
"Alexandria does not house his friends. Or suitable witches to marry. The Potter lands are in Wales! He has a seat on the Wizengamot. How will he carry on the Potter legacy in Egypt?"
Harry was miffed, "He is standing right here. Lack of suitable witches? How would you know? What Potter lands? I thought the Wizengamot took them all when I was a baby!"
"No, no. The main house and lands are merely under a death fidelius. I sealed the Will to keep them that way. I didn't want them to…" Albus was interrupted.
Interrupted by a livid Sirius Black. He felt that Harry was angry too, but Sirius knew more about the law.
"What house? It was destroyed! How could you hide the Potter property from Harry like that? You wouldn't have authority unless James…" Sirius took a deep calming breath, "You know what, that is in the past. This is now. And once we're done, we're done. When Harry returns to England, if he does, it's up to him. And don't start playing matchmaker. As his guardian, I could bind him with someone 'suitable' if I wished. You were never his magical guardian. That is why you couldn't."
"I don't believe in marriage contracts." Albus stated firmly.
"Riiight. Let's get going here, people. Let's focus." Bill stated.
He knew very well that this man had tried to negotiate for his little sister years ago. Did the man not remember he was there? But Bill did! They were in a privacy bubble. But Bill had learned ways of overcoming those long ago, as no doubt did the twins.
Harry glared briefly at the headmaster, but this was too important. All he wanted to do was destroy the ring, and then check the animeter again.
Everything was going fine until the door. That snake had different colors; a different ward scheme.
And all around, shown by the glasses, were little symbols of death.
**OO**
Hogwarts
While Severus made nice with the first year Hufflepuffs by taking them on a tour of the new greenhouse, and showing them what plants were useful in healing potions, Narcissa took advantage of Dumbledore's absence. She had been asked by Severus to stay back and planned this from the outset. She just moved up when they could start.
Every other time a curse-breaker showed up to deactivate the DADA curse, the headmaster had sent them away. Not this time.
"Greetings ladies, gentlemen, gentlebeings." Unsure if the goblins were male or female. They dressed the same!
They read the contract, took the oaths to safeguard the students, and started work. Like the people in Little Hangleton, they had specialized equipment for this.
Some started at the front door. Others in the seventh floor corridor.
The curse-breakers from Egypt, a young goblin couple, started in the DADA classroom itself. Being Sunday, there were no classes, and they had all day to scan it.
Curious students took to walking after some of the people, taking notes. As long as no one bothered them, Narcissa was okay with that. As long as the curse-breakers didn't mind.
As head governor, she took her duties to the school personally. This place would improve, with or without the headmaster's interference.
The castle seemed to hum approval to her actions here. And Minerva herself had beamed at all the lovely improvements.
**OO**
The Grangers were spending the day with Dobby while Daisy was Harry's secret shadow. Harry wanted Hermione under powerful wards until the last minute, and their house had better wards than the Grangers did.
And it had a very nice magical library, and although Hermione wasn't behind any more, it was nice to do research on a few little side projects.
Dan and Emma took advantage of the pool, and the pampering provided by both Dobby and Sulub. When they could get the genie awake that was.
The ring genie loved the pool though, so he happily came when summoned when Hermione was at the Black villa. He was actually a great chef too, when he decided to share out some of what he made.
Hermione was very tempted to ask Harry if they could hold an eating contest and challenge Ron. Harry had laughed and suggested waiting for an opportune time.
She kept checking her watch. They had their portkey to Hogwarts, but it wasn't nearly time to get ready yet. Hermione hoped that this time, luck would be on their side, and Harry wouldn't be hurt.
She had even said a little prayer for him, very concerned that he had to be anywhere near the Headmaster. She did not trust him one bit.
Dobby was yelling, and Hermione wrapped a towel around herself and headed towards the yelling. She saw what was going on, and pulled out her pointer finger.
"Sulub! Dobby made that! Put it down, now, and leave his food alone until you are invited to eat. And then, take a small portion until everyone has been served! We can always buy more food. We've had this discussion before."
Emma chimed in, "Or duplicate it. Remember what Professor McGonagall said in her last letter."
"Yes, you should make copies before eating anything." Hermione reminded.
"But, but…" Sulub finally put down the platter, still not looking at his mistress' finger point.
"Thank you." His mistress finished not unkindly.
"Goodness. I wonder how much his previous mistress spent on food?" Emma asked Dan.
"Well, she was frail and old. I doubt she ate that much." Dan shared softly, coming in for an early lunch.
Harry had asked that they come to Hogwarts later tonight if everything went right.
Hermione hoped that everything did go right for a change.
**OO**
Little Hangleton
They were grouped around a door of death, all being cautious. The headmaster had his wise face on this morning.
"This one is different. Let's see…" Bill stated, wandering around, checking.
The Headmaster stepped up waving to Harry to come alongside.
The snake came alive, but Harry's scar confused it. The snake was dead, but made animate.
Harry was going to have nightmares for years after this. The Zombie Apocalypse had come and instead of humans, it was a hideous snake.
ƺ"Who's there?"ƺ the snake demanded.
ƺ"Let us pass, please."ƺ Harry asked.
ƺ"Speaker. It has been too long. Younglings have thrown rocks, but the magic held. No intruders have entered."ƺ the dead, blind snake reported. The door cracked open, the death ward was down.
Bill waved his wand at the door, but it was Dumbledore who proceeded forward, grabbing Harry's arm in a strong grasp.
Before either of the Mamelukes, Bill, or Sirius could react, the door was shut, locked, and warded.
A small cut on the headmaster's hand was planted on the door, and a muttered "Custodia"and it glowed angry red for a moment.
Harry Potter was locked inside, and now he was more than a bit afraid.
**OO**
*Toy Story came out 10 minutes before I needed to quote it in this AU, along with all of the Star Trek Next Gen episodes, and everything else. Amazing powers this AU gives. Including not following canon.
There are some great books out there by JK Rowling for those who are looking for canon. I give the ending of five, and all of six and seven a miss though.
A/N: Story recommend: Your story recommendation here -
**OO**
A/N: Story recommendation nintschibintschi : Loose Cannon by manatee-vs-walrus
s/13452914/1/Loose-Cannon
Fourteen months after the Battle of Hogwarts, an overheard, off-the-cuff comment turns Harry's life upside-down. Goodbye Auror training, hello Chudley Cannons! And witches ... lots of witches (but no harem). Heaps of dialogue and world-building, and OCs galore. Warning: Many tropes were harmed in the writing of this fic, and Cursed Child never happened. NO MORTAL PERIL.
**OO**
A/N: Story recommendation Jlm638 "tlhIngan maH! (We Are Klingons) by Polydicta.
s/8155949/1/tlhIngan-maH
I enjoyed this very much.
**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