Ch 32

Saturday 10 October 1998

That evening, Hermione and Harry were cuddling on the seat in the deep end. Just enjoying being together after a long week. Hermione was wrapped in Harry's arms and they were snogging as Harry heard a door open. He turned to the door and saw Sirius and Jaime coming in.

"Great. I just want a little time alone with you and they have to barge in." Harry groaned as Hermione laughed.

She slipped off the bench. "Come on love. Let's go see what they're up to." Hermione laughed at the disgruntled look on his face. Eventually, everyone was in the pool and they were playing water volleyball.

Sooner than anyone thought, Dobby was telling them it was five o'clock and that they should get ready for dinner. After getting himself ready, Harry went up to get Teddy dressed.

When he got back downstairs, someone was coming through the floo. "Hey Bill." Harry greeted the older man.

"Hey Harry. Ready for tonight?" he laughed at the look of distaste on Harry's face.

"Did I tell you I hate politics?" Harry commented drolly.

"Yeah. You might've mentioned it once or twice." He laughed.

Soon, everyone was there. The heirs were at one table, the elders at another. "You know, this is fun. We should do this aside from the monthly meetings." Hannah laughed at something Luna said

"Maybe when I'm not teaching, studying or practicing sure." Harry replied.

"How's the teaching going?" she asked.

"Great. I just wish I wasn't doing so much other stuff as well." He took Teddy from Dora. "At least I get to play with this guy." He tickled his little man.

"Sure we can't clone him?" she asked Hermione.

"Sorry girls. Harry's all mine." She laughed as she came back to her seat. "I know. I got lucky, huh?"

"Yep." A few girls responded.

"Okay, okay." Sirius said loudly. "It's time to get started or Harry is going to die of embarrassment over there." He laughed as his boy got even redder. "Anyway, things have gone pretty smoothly this month. They're going to be ready to report about the tax system next week. I doubt we'll get a vote before our next dinner because they'll want to talk it to bloody death beforehand."

"There is one thing that was brought up to me while at Gringotts last time. My account manager was saying that he heard we were making reforms. Why weren't we including them? It's something I think we should give consideration to." Silas said.

"Finally." Everyone heard Hermione mutter. Anyone who knew her laughed.

"Let's get other things through first Mione." Nev responded.

"Is there anything you heirs would like to talk about?" Augusta looked at her three: Neville, Harry and Hermione.

"Yes. We would like to continue the talk we were having about the representation in Wizengamot." Harry stood. Nearly all the older folks groaned. Harry could see that King, Sirius and Gran were on their side but the others didn't seem to be.

"I can't believe you want to make Wizengamot more convoluted." Macmillan groaned.

"It's not that we want it more convoluted. We want every wizard to have a stake in our government so the minister can't just be replaced." Nev rejoined.

"Nothing like that will ever happen again." Ernest Sr. responded pompously. Ernie learned it well, Harry thought.

"Bet that's what you said when my parents died and my godfather went to jail on false charges." Harry was pissed. "Then you guys didn't do shite about it and let him gain power again and a 17-year-old had to save your arses once again. What would you fools have done without us?" He paused as he put his hand to his lips. "Oh yeah. That's right-die! First a pair of 21-year-old kids then a trio if 17-year-old kids. Fucking grow up!" He plopped back down on his seat as Teddy was handed to him. Everyone else was silent.

"I would've used more polite words but the essence of what my Godson is saying is right. We collectively fucked up. Now it's time to fix it." Sirius began. He summoned diagrams he'd obviously put together for this presentation and gave an impassioned, charismatic speech that had everyone on the edge of their seats. It was weird for the three youngsters to see the always laughing, never serious Sirius with so much fire in his speech. He talked for a good hour.

At one point, Nev whispered to Harry. "He'd make a brilliant used broom salesman." They both laughed. "I think we need to call for a vote while the hob is hot."

Harry nodded and stood. "I'd like a vote to see where we are." Harry suggested. "Lit is yay unlit is nay."

Nev took the count. "Yay passes." He said loudly. Then in a lower voice he said to Harry. "We got all the heirs on that count. We're gonna change the bloody world!" The two young men smiled in triumph.

After that vote, the meeting ended very quickly. "I don't think they want us bringing up something else." Melanie Doge quipped and everyone laughed. "By the way, I'm glad your godfather's on our side Harry. He can talk anyone into anything. Brilliant." She shook her head as she left.

HP

After everyone left, the family went up to the game room. Dora was feeding Teddy and Harry was looking at her grumpily. She laughed. "Sorry Harry. He needs some bonding with me too, ya know."

Harry just huffed as he racked the balls. "I knew you were an amazing wizard Sirius, but you're a brilliant speaker." Jaime shook her head as he let out his barklike laugh.

"Ask Minnie how I learned to talk my way out of things!" he smiled playfully.

"I was wondering where you think we should go for our next history trip Hermione?" Jaime asked, settling down to talk to her friend.

"Well, I was thinking the Tower next?" she replied hesitantly.

"Why?"

"Because it is not only big in muggle history but wizarding too. But I won't get there in the curriculum before December. So, I was thinking of maybe the first Saturday. That way if they want to see it again after we've talked about it, they can over the break."

"Okay. That makes sense. You'll want to do a lesson about the witches that have been queens." She informed Hermione.

"Yeah. Like Catherine of York?" she smiled when Jaime's eyes lit up.

"Yeah and Eleanor of Aquittaine."

"And Elizabeth I."

"Okay." Sirius said. "It is too late to be talking history. I'm going to bed." He got up and Jaime followed laughing.

After they were gone, Nev commented. "Those two are good for each other. They remind me of you two, sort of. They balance each other's extremes out."

"That they do." Harry responded with a smile as he cuddled Hermione closer to him. "And she makes him happy. That's the important thing." He kissed his fiancée gently.

Sunday 11 October 1998

The beginning of that week was very normal for The Family. Since it was beginning to get a little chilly in the evenings, they were eating in the kitchen at an enlarged table on Sunday.

They were still playing Quidditch but, as Hermione told Neville, that was the Weasley's influence. Meanwhile the elder generation had the impetus to stay indoors and talk politics or children.

"I'm really worried about Ron." Molly said at one point to the other ladies in the group. "I'm getting letters from Ginny saying that all Ron does is sit around and play chess. I've also gotten calls from Minerva about his behavior in class. Apparently, he has become a bully and she is about to take away his Captaincy and his Prefect's badge."

"I know you had him working at WWW this summer because Dan saw him several times when he and Sirius went in." Emma began. "I was hoping that would help him straighten out. Dan said he was very good at being a sales person."

"It's just that all my boys have wanted something of their own. I mean Bill went into cursebreaking. That is a hard job but he loved it. He's even learning more about how Gringotts works, now that he's back in London." Molly sighed as she thought about her kids' lives. "Charlie had dedicated his life to those dragons of his, Percy has found himself at the Ministry and the twins. Well, they own a successful shop. While I may not approve of the toys they make, they are successful. Ron doesn't seem to want anything."

"That's not true. He wants everything, he just doesn't want to work for it." Arthur cut in. "That's his problem."

HP

After dinner, everyone left. All the teachers like McGonagall and Flitwick along with The Family left for school. Everyone else went home. The most interesting thing that happened early that week were the first year students coming in for help with schoolwork.

Thursday 15 October 1998

On Thursday, two first-year Gryffs came in to ask for help. They knocked at the open door and Harry waved them in as he finished grading papers. He turned away from his work and looked at the kids. Smiling, he said, "Can I help you with something?"

"Yes sir. We were wondering if you could help us with some charms homework we have. We got the spells right away but we don't understand the theory well enough to write it down." Jane asked.

"Of course." He cleared off his work and set up a space for them to work. "Let's see what you're working on. Oh. Alohomora." He smiled as he thought of the first time he'd see it in use. This was of course by Mione. He sat down and helped Jane and her friend Summer with their paper.

About an hour in, Mione came in and looked at the paper. She looked around for a pen. "The only thing you forgot was this." She began writing.

Both girls looked at Harry uncomfortably.

"Don't mind Mione. She checks over everyone's work. If it wasn't for her I wouldn't have made it through all these years. She's the most brilliant witch you'll ever find."

She ruffled his hair as she put the pen down. "He's just saying that because he wants to keep his editor. Moi." She laughed at the girls' expressions of awe. "If you add a sentence here." She pointed to the paper, "it should be done."

Summer just shook her head as Jane collected their stuff. "I never thought I'd ever see someone correct The Harry Potter. Not the way my dad talks about you."

"Look at it this way. He's just a normal 18-year-old. They make mistakes, just like anyone." Mione replied. "If your dad knew Harry, he wouldn't be that impressed."

"Hey!" Harry contradicted. "That's not fair."

She looked at the girls. "He's just an annoying man. Now you should go." She scooted the kids out of their flat as Sirius came bounding in as Padfoot.

"Hello Professor Black." Both girls giggled and he barked as they left. The school had gotten used to seeing Padfoot around at all different times and just took it as another normal part of life at Hogwarts.

"Hello kiddos." Sirius transformed.

HP

A little while later, as Harry and Hermione were laying on the couch together, Jane and Summer came back to the door. They knocked. "C'mon in girls." Harry rubbed his eyes as he and Hermione had almost fallen asleep together on the sofa. "What can we do for you?" Hermione asked.

"Well, we were wondering how to report a Prefect?" Jane asked timidly.

Harry couldn't hold in a sigh. "Who was it and what'd they do?"

"Ron Weasley. I accidently ran into him as I was coming in the common room. He took fifty points from us. We had gone to the library to check out a few books for light reading-"

Harry couldn't help but snicker, knowing Hermione's version of light reading. "When we got back, my book stack was so high, I couldn't see over it and I ran into him. He's a pain. He's always turfing out younger students from the seats near the fire." Jane replied.

"And have you seen the guy eat? He's a pig." Summer added.

Mione smiled at that. "Yes, I have."

"Okay. We'll take care of it." Harry grimaced. He went to Nev's room and knocked. It took a minute but both Nev and Luna came out. "Heads meeting guys." He muttered as he sat back down. The girls had left.

"Is it Ronald again?" Luna asked.

Harry took a deep breath and let it out slowly. He closed his eyes and laid his head on the back of the couch. He really didn't was to make this decision. When he opened his eyes, he said. "Yes Luna."

"This is his third infraction." Nev reminded everyone.

"We know but who do we get instead?" Mione asked.

"Well, not Seamus." Nev replied with a laugh. The idea of him enforcing rules, especially about drinking, was preposterous.

"Then it has to be Dean." Mione stated.

"I think you're right but we better get McGonagall in on this." Nev added.

"I'll go get her." Luna offered as she got up. She wanted to make this as easy on Harry and Hermione as she could.

HP

When Professor McGonagall arrived at the game room, she found the three Gryffindors laying on couches. "Why are you just laying around?" She asked in her firm 'teacher voice'.

"Waiting for you." Harry replied with a cheeky grin.

"Well, now that we're here we need to talk about Mr. Weasley. This is his third violation. Have you come up with a replacement?"

"Dean." Nev supplied.

"Of the two left, he is the logical choice." She concurred. She got up. "Come along. We'll have to meet in my office." As they left, she sent a portrait to let the Weasley boy know to come to her office. When they got there, they sat talking about anything but Ron. "So, how are you enjoying teaching?" she asked.

"Very well." Hermione smiled. "I like to see the kids actually understand a concept. It's fun."

"Yes. That's why I still do it." She smiled back.

When Ron knocked on the door, Minerva got up to open it. "Come in Mr. Weasley." She had him sit next to Nev and Luna.

"What's going on?" He asked in his brash way.

"Well, we've gotten another complaint. This one from Gryffindors." Luna began.

He held up his badge. "You know what, I'm sick of being hounded by all of you about how I go about my job. Take the badge and give it to someone who gives a damn." He threw the badge at Harry. Then in a nasty tone, he said, "I expect you on the pitch Saturday at 8. There, I make decisions not you."

"If you use that tone with your players and they complain, you'll lose that badge as well." Minerva replied.

"Yes ma'am." He said sarcastically as he stalked out of the office.

HP

The rest of the month was very normal for The Family. The four Heads got used to the routine of teaching, being students, and practicing quidditch. Of course, on most practice days, either Sirius or Hermione would take Teddy out to watch Harry. When Harry would dive bomb, Teddy would let out this string of giggles that had Harry laughing as well.

Teddy became a fixture at practices and enjoyed all the attention by, not only his Godfather, but all the teammates as well. On the few times he was asleep during practice, everyone complained.

So, it was breakfast on the 30th of the month that things went a little bit counter than the norm. Towards the end of breakfast, Sirius cleared his throat. "I'd like to go home today." He began. "Tomorrow is the 17th anniversary of James and Lily's death and I would like to go visit their graves. Whoever wants to come with me can. I'd also like to just spend time as a family this weekend. I've never been to their graves and I know Harry's last visit was less than successful." Harry and Hermione just chuckled. "What do you all think?"

"I think that's a great idea Padfoot." Harry responded.

"Yeah. I'd like to say a proper hello to them." Nev whispered, thinking this was the only time he'd ever get to see his godparents.

"That sounds wonderful. You guys need this." Jaime said.

Sirius' head popped up. "You're not coming?" he asked in a hurt voice.

"I didn't know if you'd want me to." She replied as she grabbed his hand. "I would love to. I hear so much about them, it'd be nice to see where they are buried."

"Good."

Saturday 31 October 1998

On Saturday morning, Harry woke up before dawn. Not sure why he was awake, he turned to his fiancée and ran his fingers through her hair.

"Gods, I love you Mione." He whispered to her.

"I love you too." Hermione mumbled as her eyes slowly opened. "Why are you up so early love?" She put her hand on his bare chest.

"I don't know. I just can't stay asleep." He replied with a confused expression.

"Maybe you're worried about going to the Hollow today." She smiled gently at him as he burrowed his head into her breasts.

"Maybe I just wanted to enjoy you." He mumbled as he nipped at them and she giggled.

"You really shouldn't do that unless you want me to do something." She responded breathlessly as he began to explore her.

"Maybe I want to." He smirked as he began a slow but brilliant assault on her body. By the time they were done, they were each extremely satisfied and enjoying the post-coital cuddle as they laid together.

HP

Later that morning, as they all sat down to eat, Jaime took out her wand and started recording. "So, we've talked about how your parents died and how your Godfather was incarcerated. What happened to you during the next ten years?"

"Well, I stayed in my mum's sister's cupboard beneath the stairs for most of that time."

"What?" She nearly shrieked as she dropped her fork. She looked to her lover with surprise. "And you haven't killed them yet?"

"He won't let me." Sirius complained. "Says I'm better than that or some such rubbish."

"You are and we're not having this discussion-again." Harry replied forcefully as his green eyes flashed to an almost incandescent emerald.

They spent the rest of the morning discussing the Dursleys.

HP

After a very quiet lunch, Sirius suggested that they go to Godric's Hollow. Apparently, the celebrants go there in the evening, Sirius had been informed by Remus. He wasn't sure if because the war was over, people would still celebrate the first downfall of Voldemort or not but he didn't want to take the chance of running into anyone.

They all apparated to the center of town and walked silently towards the church. "This is where your parents got married Harry. Did you know that?" Sirius asked.

"No."

"They had bought their place before they got married so they got to know the people here. When Lily was planning the wedding, and was a bloody nightmare, she decided she wanted a church wedding and that's where it was." Sirius informed them

"Where were my parents married?" Nev asked.

"Oh, where every Longbottom is married. Longbottom Estates." He chuckled. "Alice was just a little pissed that they couldn't have a church wedding. The number of arguments between Augusta and Alice was up to 148 when I just stopped counting."

They went through the kissing gate and Harry headed through the maze of old gravestones in the even older cemetery. He began wandering through but because he had only been there once, he couldn't remember where exactly the graves were.

Hermione though knew exactly where she was going. She took Harry's hand and led him to the grave. The rest of the family stood back while Harry talked to his parents. "Hey guys. Thought you'd like to know that the bastard who killed you is dead. Yes, I was the one who killed him but not without a lot of help from a lot of people. This witch right here is Hermione. She's my fiancée now and she's the reason I'm alive. She's been my best friend since first year, unlike you two, and she's been beside me through literally everything you could imagine. But we had no clue we loved each other as more than friends until after the battle. We're now living with Sirius, Tonks and Teddy and we're getting married this summer. Anyway, she's bloody brilliant. Just like you mum. Sirius is always comparing you two." He took a deep breath and let out a shuttering breath. "I found out Nev is my godbrother and he and his fiancée live with us too. You'd like him dad. He's a true Gryff. He killed one of Voldemort's horcruxes with the Sword of Gryffindor. We didn't know we were Godbrothers until after the battle but we're making up for lost time now. I just wanted to tell you it was over. I love you. Could you tell Remus, I'm taking care of Teddy for him? I really do love you guys but Sirius and I are finally building our own family." He waved his wand and a bouquet of lilies landed on their gravestone. He backed up and let Nev through. He then turned to Hermione and held on for dear life as the tears fell.

After Nev was done, everyone else headed out of the cemetery to leave Sirius and Jaime there. "Hey there Prongs, Lils. I know I screwed up by going after Pete and letting him get away. I know I wasn't there for Harry when he needed me most but I'll be with him from now on. I'll make sure he has a better life than he has had." He sank to his knees as he wiped his tears away. "He's turned into an amazing man Prongs. Just like you. He won't let me go after your family Lils because he doesn't want me to go to Azkaban again." He thought a moment. "He's got a bloody brilliant fiancée. You'd like her Lils. She finally got your muggle stuff to work with magic-well, her and Nev's fiancée Luna. Luna may be a Claw but she's a lion too. She came to save me in the Ministry at the end of her fourth year. That takes spunk and bravery." He looked over at Jaime and motioned her forward as he stood. "Come here love." He smiled at his girlfriend. "Yes Lily, I finally have a girlfriend. Her name's Jaime actually." He chuckled at that. "I know, I know. You think I'm Imperioused but I'm not. She's amazing and I love her Prongs. Like you love Lily. You know me, I never got tied down but this beauty has actually gotten me to Hampton Court and Stonehenge. Crazy, huh? Me voluntarily learning history? Well, I just wanted to say that you are loved and missed. I love you both so much. I'll talk to you soon."