Chap. 31: Dumbledore, the arrival, Stan Shunpike, Albus' warning, and returning to Hogwarts.

"Come in, Severus," Dumbledore said, as he warily sat back in his throne-like chair on the morning of October 27th, a Sunday. Mrs. Potter would be returning to school that day, and with her came a whole host of problems about school rules, which, he was sure, she would know of and use to her benefit.

"Headmaster," Severus said as he took a seat in front of the large desk.

"What do you have for me today, Severus?"

"Headmaster," Snape began, "I was called by the Dark Lord yesterday evening as he is feeling ill. What I found was shocking."

"And what would that be, dear boy?" Dumbledore inquired as he cupped his hands together and stared at his DADA professor.

"His soul is damaged," Snape explained, "but that is not all; it has a withering curse attached to it."

Of course, the Headmaster had been expecting the first part, but not the second.

"Explain," Dumbledore said.

"His soul is damaged, not whole..."

"The latter, Severus," Dumbledore interrupted, "about a curse."

Here, Snape paused to scowl at the headmaster for cutting him off.

"It seems to be a withering curse, much like on your hand, but this isn't affecting his body, only his soul, and there is no magical signature tied to it. It's as if an entity from the otherworld may have cursed him."

Albus' eyebrows rose up at this, and he sat back in his chair. What had happened that he didn't know about, he wondered? Finally, it hit him, the ritual stateside with Harry. What sort of magic was it, as Scrimgeour and Greengrass refused to say?

Surely, Albus thought, they didn't bring back some demonic force and let it loose? Could they have known about Harry's ancestry, he wondered, and if they did, could they know about the myth of Death, himself? New Orleans, they had said, and that immediately made him think of Louisiana Voodoo, which had branched off from Haitian Vodou. They were known to call forth Baron Samedi, and he was the Lord of Death and the head of the Gede family of loa. He was like a triple deity, containing the aspects of Baron Cimetière, Baron La Croix, and Baron Criminel. If all three aspects had been called forth at once, this made Dumbledore shiver. This was a portion of the magic that he was behind banning all those years ago, as he had cited his good friend, Grindelwald, and used him to have it banned. War was fresh in everyone's minds, so the Wizengamot was eager to do it.

Samedi, Albus thought, could place that kind of curse upon the soul if it had access to it, and with Harry, it had access to a portion of it. Worse, what did they pay Samedi for the sacrifice? Surely, Harry wouldn't murder someone in cold blood? All he knew was that Harry had come back whole, with the soul shard removed. He didn't even have the scar anymore, and that would have taken some exceptional magic to repair.

"I think I need to travel to the ministry this morning, Severus, and see the minister."

"Before you go, Headmaster, he plans to break Lucius and the rest out of Azkaban on the 31st."

"I had thought he might," Dumbledore stated as he stood, "and it doesn't surprise me. He likes doing his dirtiest deeds on the night the veil is the thinnest.

"Also, Mrs. Potter will be arriving today, and I'm not sure if I'll be back in time. Inform Horace for me."

"Mrs. Potter?" Snape asked with a scowl.

"Daphne Potter, Severus, or as I should now call her, Lady Potter."

It was 10:32 AM when the Potters appeared via portkey at the Ministry of Magic, and waiting for them were Cyrus, Helen, Gareth, and Meridith Greengrass along with the Minister for Magic, Rufus Scrimgeour.

After all the welcome homes, you look good, and you have tans, Scrimgeour said under his voice to Harry: "How well do you know Stanley Shunpike?"

"I know him from the Knight Bus, Minister, along with Ernie Prang. They've helped me out a few times, why?"

"Stanley was arrested for bragging about knowing Death Eater plans," Rufus said. "He had been drinking and was a little too loud, so Dawlish brought him in the next day for conspiring."

"He wouldn't do that, Minister," Harry said, "he's not bright enough. Someone might have placed him under the Imperious, but that can be checked for. Where was he apprehended?"

"After his bragging was reported," Rufus stated, "Dawlish traveled to his home in Clapham, and brought him in. Mr. Shunpike says to ask you about his character."

"Look, while on the bus not long back, he said: 'You keepin' well, then, 'Arry? I seen your name in the paper loads over the summer, but it weren't never nuffink very nice... I said to Ern, I said, 'e didn't seem like a nutter when we met 'im, just goes to show, dunnit?' That's the Stan I know, and he kept my identity hidden when traveling alone until he blurted that out. He's no Death Eater. Where have they got him?"

Here, Scrimgeour sighed, "Down in the holding cells on level ten where we try the worst criminals. You know, that was where Fudge tried you."

"Is there an interrogation room down there," Harry asked, "or can he be brought up to the Auror HQ? I can get to the root of this very quick with Daphne, as she can read his thoughts."

"I'll have him brought up," Rufus said and left for his office.

"I'm afraid," Harry said, "that Daphne and I will be held up until lunch. They've arrested a man that shouldn't be here, and I'm going to go have a quick talk with him and see about having him released.

"Daphne, dear, could you come with me, as your talents might be needed?"

Just as Daphne nodded, Cyrus spoke up.

"Who is it?"

"Stan Shunpike, Cyrus, from the Knight Bus. He'd had a bit too much to drink, and was overheard saying he knew of the Death Eater's plans, so Dawlish went and arrested the poor chap for conspiring. Stan's bad to brag, you see."

"I will come with you two, then," Cyrus said. "Helen, go on home, and we'll be there in a bit."

After everyone said their goodbyes, Harry, Daphne, and Cyrus caught a lift up to level two.

When Harry stepped out of the lift, he almost ran over Tonks.

"Hey, Tonks," Harry said after steadying the young Auror, "have they brought Stan up yet?"

"Stan? And look at you two, sporting a tan and all!"

"Stanley Shunpike," Harry said with a sigh. "He's a good bloke and no Death Eater sympathizer. That Dawlish fellow and his overzealous actions. Why, if they ever did take over the ministry, he'd work for them because he's the ministry's man."

Here, Tonks snorted. "Not yet, Harry. You three go to your office, and when we have him in the room, I'll come and retrieve you."

"Thanks, Tonks," Daphne said as she took Harry's hand. "So, I get to see where you and Da' work, huh?"

"Come on, dear," Harry said as he led her down the hall with Cyrus following.

Harry and Daphne walked into the interrogation room with Tonks and sat down as the young Auror stood. They all noticed that Stan didn't look well, and he was white as a sheet.

"Stanley," Harry said with a sigh, "what in the bloody hell did you get yourself into?"

"I was 'fraid ya wouldn' come," Stan said with a tear building in his right eye. "I run me big mouth, I did! Too much ta drink, and was tellin' bout the Carrows on the bus discussin' goin' to the mainland. I know of nuffink else."

Harry looked over at Daphne, and she gave a slight nod. Stan was telling the truth.

"I'll get you out, Stan, so wait around," Harry said. "Bring him a cup of coffee, Tonks, and I'll see about having him released."

"Thanks 'Arry, you're a lifesaver, you are," Stan said with a sniff. "By the way, who's the pretty bird?"

"This, Stanley, is my wife, Daphne Victoria Potter. Daphne, meet Stanley Shunpike, the conductor for the Knight Bus."

Now, poor Stanley was dumbfounded with his jaw hanging agape as he stared at the pretty blond.

"Sit tight, Stanley," Harry said as he led Daphne from the room, with Tonks following them.

"Let me guess," Tonks said as she studied the two, "passive Legilimency?"

Daphne merely smirked at her but kept her mouth closed.

Harry signed off on Stanley's release form just as did Gawain Robards and Minister Scrimgeour. However, Stan was scolded by Robards about saying such things in the future, which the young man swore he wouldn't do again.

Next, Harry, Cyrus, and Daphne flooed to Greenhill Manor and met up with Helen, where they spoke for a bit before Harry and Daphne left to apparate to Hogwarts at twelve.

During this time, however, Dumbledore turned up at the minister's office and asked to be seen. Scrimgeour allowed it.

"What do you need, Albus?" Rufus inquired.

"I have heard, Minister," Albus said as he sighed and took a seat, "that Voldemort will raid Azkaban on the 31st."

Rufus studied Albus for a bit before he smirked. "Already planned for."

"What?"

"We thought that this would be the day that he would act," Rufus replied, "and we want him to. Several plans count on it."

"But what about the guards and the warden?"

"Nobody will be there when he shows up," Rufus explained, "except for those you apprehended at the DOM. We are low on other prisoners, and we will be bringing them here to the holding cells on level ten. We're keeping Pettigrew and Yaxley here, though, for trial, and we have extra security on both."

"And just what are these plans?" Albus asked with a shrewd gaze.

"You'll see," Rufus remarked, "or, well, you'll read about it very quickly in a few newspapers. Believe me, they're not going to like what's coming.

"I would advise your pet Death Eater to not be around when it happens."

Dumbledore scowled at this, but stood. "I must return to Hogwarts. There's much to do today, and lunchtime is almost here."

When he made it to the door, however, he paused. "I do hope that your friends in New Orleans didn't allow anything to escape, Rufus, as that would not look good."

"Escape?"

"Yes, something from the otherworld," Dumbledore said. "You know, that sort of magic was outlawed here."

"You don't say," Rufus scowled. It was as if Dumbledore had forgotten that he worked for the DMLE, and knew the law quite well.

When Dumbledore turned around with a raised right brow, Rufus went back to reading a report on his desk. "Is that all, Chief Warlock?"

"Yes, yes it is."

As Dumbledore was leaving, he just missed Harry, Daphne, and Cyrus, who were walking around the corner toward Rufus' office with Stanley's release papers.

Harry and Daphne apparated before the gates at Hogwarts with a slight pop. Here, he sat down an extra suitcase and levitated it with his new wand, which he was getting much better with, and they began making their way up to the school.

"It should be about lunchtime, dear," Harry said as he placed his arm around Daphne's back. "By the way, thank you for your help with Stan. The man didn't need that trouble."

"He was scared to death, Harry," Daphne said, "and he was thinking about what he would owe you if he was released. You have a fan in that one, dear!"

Here, Harry chortled out loud.

"He's a good bloke, really," Harry replied, "who just has a very loose mouth about some things, and he's not swift enough to think about his actions. Plus, I can bribe him if I need to be taken somewhere quickly."

Daphne swatted Harry on his left shoulder at this and smirked. "Really, Harry, bribery? How very Slytherin of you."

"Well, you know about my sorting already, so..."

Next, the two had made it to the entrance hall's doors and didn't notice several students standing outside gawking at them. When they entered, the whispering began, with one tale becoming greater than the last. Finally, they all flocked inside to see where the newlyweds were going, while some were betting on the birthdate of their first child.

Finally, the two walked into the great hall and noticed that only a few were there.

"We're a little early," Harry remarked, "so, do you want to sit with the Gryffindors or the Slytherins today?"

"I think it best that I sit at my table, dear," Daphne said and started making her way toward the Slytherin table. She did notice Harry's scowl, though.

"Draco nor Theodore are here, now, so don't worry," Daphne said. "Crabbe and Goyle are too dimwitted to act without being told to."

Harry nodded as he allowed Daphne to sit first, and then he placed her suitcase next to him and sat down beside her. Next, he looked over at his wife and smirked.

When she noticed this and turned, he quickly stole a kiss, which triggered several squeals from the open doors causing both to look. Several young witches were watching, as well as a few wide-eyed wizards.

"Wonder what the rumors will be by tomorrow?" Harry said.

"They'll have me giving birth by next month," Daphne said with a snort. "Harry, call Dobby..."

There was a light pop, which cut Daphne off, and she found herself wrapped in two boney arms.

"The Good Mistress has returned!" Dobby happily said, and then wiped his eyes. "The only one being goods enough for the Great Harry Potter, good Mrs. Daphne!"

Daphne rolled her eyes, and Harry gave out a Muttley snigger.

"Dobby," Daphne asked, "could you bring Harry and I some tea, please?"

Here, Dobby wailed and blew his nose, making Harry and Daphne grimace. "The Good Mistress bes so kind to Dobby. Dobby will bes right back, Mistress!"

Dobby disapparated with a slight pop, and within a minute, he was there making his master and mistress their tea.

Once Dobby was finished, he looked up at Harry with utter adoration. Harry, though, was stifling a laugh at the many socks, and at the doily the elf was wearing for a hat.

"Can Dobby bes getting anything else for the Good Master?"

"No, that's all, Dobby," Harry said, "but I do want you to watch over Daphne and Astoria this year, and make sure that they're safe. If anyone tries anything, well..."

This caused Dobby's eyes to light up with mischief. "Dobby promises to not do too much harm, only to maim or seriously injure."

Daphne gave the elf a shocked look at this before it apparated away.

"Really, Harry," Tracey's voice said from behind them, as she was about to take a seat beside her best friend and cousin.

Astoria, though, hugged both Daphne and Harry around their necks from behind before she sat down beside Harry.

"Hello, sister and brother, dears. I see you're both good and tan!"

When Harry smiled at her with his tan face, black hair, white teeth, and green eyes, Astoria almost melted. Harry was, she just noticed, quite attractive, and now she had to look for someone similar for herself. She also noticed Tracey gawking at him, too, and both noticed that Daphne, now, looked fit enough to be on the cover of Witch Weekly with her tan.

"Harry?" Someone called from the doorway, and when Harry looked in that direction, it was Ernie Macmillan and Anthony Goldstein, Daphne's cousins. Here, Harry motioned to them to come over.

"Hello, cousins," Daphne said.

"Hello, cousins, right back," Ernie said as Anthony gave everyone a nod. This made everyone chuckle.

"Bloody hell, Harry, you're looking fit," Anthony said. "That honeymoon did you two some good."

"Thanks," Harry said, and motioned at the bench across from them, "care to sit?"

Both boys looked over to the Ravenclaw table and seemed to make up their minds as they sat down with the Slytherins, which they always got along with, anyhow.

"Welcome to the family, Harry," Ernie said. "I didn't get to say that at your reception."

"Yea, what he said," Anthony quipped as he nodded toward Ernie.

"Daph," Ernie said, "you're a real looker with a tan. Witch Weekly would love you."

"I thought the same thing," Astoria remarked.

Harry noticed that the hall was starting to fill up, along with the Slytherin table. Zabini sat down beside Astoria and gave Harry a nod.

"Blaise," Harry said with a nod back, "been a good year yet?"

"Yes, without Draco around, we've had peace," Blaise commented. "I hear you two went to the Bahamas?"

"Nope," Daphne spoke up. "That's what we wanted everyone to think, but we were at Barbados and on the beach most of the time."

"WHAT?" Came Hermione's screech. "BARBADOS?"

That was when the Potters noticed Ron and Hermione standing behind Ernie and Anthony. Ernie was drilling his finger in his right ear over the shrill sound.

"Why, yes," Harry said, "Barbados. Bloody lovely island it is, too."

"What did you do while there," Ron asked who was curious.

"We swam, snorkeled with the sea turtles, and don't let me forget to show you Daphne wearing a mask, snorkel, and flippers in a boat, and toured. We went to two caves and to a distillery as well, where they make rum. That was an experience. Three distilleries there, and they buy up every drop of sugar cane grown on the island. We went on a jet ski, and went tubing, too!"

"What's a jet ski and tubing?" Ron asked looking confused.

"A jet ski," Daphne explained, "is like a cross between a small boat and a muggle motorbike. They had some two-seaters where Harry drove it, and I sat behind. It was fun as long as he wasn't going too fast." Here, she swatted Harry's shoulder, but then kissed his cheek.

"Tubing is riding on large rubber inner tubes used in muggle car tyres, which are pulled behind a power boat. That was fun as well, but you had to hold on for dear life! They have all kinds of water sports along the beach."

"If you ever get a chance to go," Harry said, "we, the Potters, recommend the Colony Club hotel in Holetown. It's great, and right on the beach!"

"I'll bet they christened their room's bed really well, too," Pansy said with a scowl.

When Harry started to say something sarcastic back, Daphne merely had to lay her hand on his thigh, and he knew not to comment. Daphne ignored her.

"Among other things," Tracey said with a laugh. Astoria started laughing as well.

"Let's just say that my wife and I really enjoyed our honeymoon," Harry said.

"That's what I tried to tell 'em," Neville said, who had walked over now. "I knew that you two would want your privacy. I know I would."

"Thanks, mate," Harry said with a nod.

"But Harry, that's, that's, that's..." Hermione started to complain but was interrupted by another voice.

"Harry, my boy," Slughorn said who had walked up behind the Potters making Harry stand, "It's so good to see you and your darling wife back. And look at you, you've been out having fun in the sun! Oh ho!" Here, he shook Harry's hand.

"Listen, Harry, I want to hold a Slug Club get-together on the night before Samhain on the thirtieth, and I was wondering if you and your beautiful wife would like to attend?"

"Wouldn't miss it for the world, Horace," Harry replied, which made Hermione gawk and scowl at their familiarity. Daphne noticed this and smirked.

"We'll be there, Professor," Daphne said from her seat. "What time?"

"Seven o'clock, Lady Potter, and we'll have a very nice three-course supper. Several will attend, as Mr. Zabini will be there, and so will the Carrow twins. Very talented in potions I found out, those twins! Remember, Mr. Zabini, there's a plus one for the invite!"

Both twins blushed after being called out for their skill, and Blaise smirked at Pansy. He had, after all, been riding her hard in the broom closets now that Draco had flown the coop.

"I will see you then, Harry and Daphne," Horace said as he made his way towards the staff table.

"Harry, it's good to see you," Dumbledore said before he could sit down.

"Headmaster," Harry said with a nod.

"I see that you both look healthy after your honeymoon, and you've gotten some sun, which is good for the bones, I dare say.

"Anyhow, feel free to stay for lunch, and see that your wife is settled in. Also, if you have time, I'd like to meet with you. I find that I like Hershey bars these days."

Here, the headmaster walked off before anything could be said.

"I wonder what he wants?" Daphne asked under her breath as Harry had taken his seat.

"I don't know, dear, but I'll let you know tonight."

Harry noticed that everyone had sat down now, though Ernie and Anthony were still sitting with them. That was when Dumbledore announced the "Potter's wedding," and explained that they had just returned from their honeymoon. He then asked for everyone to applaud them, which embarrassed Harry and Daphne. After that, the food appeared, so Harry started loading his plate.

It was going to be a long day, Harry thought.

A/N: Another chapter down. I wanted to see if I could do a chapter a day that averaged 3,000 words since Ian Fleming once said that he only wrote 1,000. I've come close to my goal, and have beaten him.