Lightning Lord
**OO**
A/N: Thanks to my wonderful Beta, LtsHrIt4ThBoyz.
**OO**
Welcome to the fireside.
**OO**
Chapter 7: Dealing with Dementers
**OO**
Sunday, 31 October 1993
A miracle occurred on Halloween that year. New life was welcomed on this cold and rainy night. Sirius and Amelia were blessed with a child. A little girl who sneezed cutely the first time Harry held her, minutes old. She then sucked her fist before claiming Harry's pinky. Holding on for dear life, Harry actually cried a bit.
"She's perfect! And she's got red hair!" Harry exclaimed softly, trying to hand the baby over to a just arrived Susan.
"Oh Auntie! Another witch in the family. You know Dad would have been so pleased. And spoiled her." Susan shared, Harry finally disentangled himself from the child and handed her over to her sister/cousin.
"She looks like Edgar when he was a baby." Amelia shared tiredly. Sirius squeezed her hand in joy, looking at his wife with devoted love in his eyes.
"Alright, alright. Take a few pictures, then leave. My patient needs rest!" The healer demanded.
So they reluctantly obeyed, rather than get kicked out without pictures. But most of them had too many pictures taken of them unwillingly. They just wanted to bask in the moment.
"Thank you, my heart. You've given me the best gift ever." Sirius shared, kissing first her hand then his wife's lips deeply. "Cassiopeia Cedrella Black. Welcome, my darling daughter. Your father loves you. So much."
Winky appeared unsummoned to touch the baby's forehead. "Let Winky watch while you sleep now. Heal. Rest."
Amelia had already stepped down as head of the DMLE, and would be taking a few years off. She was still young, and wanted more children.
She was listed as a 'Consultant' on the rolls. Moody knew the only way to get her to truly quit was to stop everything – get all the way out. But the former Director Bones had a strong sense of duty. But with the Dark Lord possibly being undead and hanging around?
She'd quit fully when all such rumors stopped, or she had proof of his final death.
**OO**
"So is this why Amelia has been keeping herself out of the public eye? She didn't want anyone to know she was pregnant? I haven't had any time to get used to the idea!" Harry complained to Tonks.
He would never say anything that sounded like a complaint to either Sirius or Amelia.
"I think I can appreciate why they hid this from us, Harry. You have to understand. She's a strong witch, but she lost her brother, parents, and sister-in-law in an instant due to Death Eaters. Then she lost Sirius for a decade."
"She was afraid if she talked about it, something bad would happen." Harry surmised.
Susan came over to the two of them right then, "Harry? Did you know about this?" Her tone wasn't exactly demanding, just more surprised.
Sirius came out and handed over letters. "I wanted to let the world know. But we still have enemies out there. She was worried about being attacked while with child. Both of you are very important to us. Susan, you are the Heiress of House Bones, and nothing can take that from you. Same as you, Harry."
Susan crinkled her nose, but it was Harry who asked, "Heiress of House Bones? I don't morph that way."
"Ha, ha, Heir Black. You know what I mean. Now, we hope to have more children, just so you know. But you two will always be our firstborns."
"Ah, so twins. I like that. Susan, dearest sister, I do think we need to meet up in Hogsmeade to get a proper present."
"Presents. For the new mother and our newest sib. A sister!" Susan now did look happy.
Neither of the orphans had predicted that, and Harry never would have. Not on any Halloween.
**OO**
Two days out of childbirth bed, Amelia Bones stormed Fudge's office, Lord Black on her heels.
"Are you crazy? Are you that crazy? You plan to send dementors to both Hogwarts and Wimborne schools? Just because you think Pettigrew wants revenge on Harry Potter?"
Ada Lovelace, a reclusive woman most days, also joined in the choir. She was accompanied by her personal Shacklebolt guard just as Fudge's Shacklebolt was summoned.
Kingsley and Sabuto nodded to one another; the brothers took opposing walls, arms crossed. They saw no enemies here.
Headmistress McGonagall quietly entered the crowded office, waiting to speak. But she wasn't alone.
Madam Selwyn entered the fray. "The morning paper. So what if Pettigrew escaped? You're not sending dementors to Hogwarts with students in session. Choose! Send the students home, or the dementors back to Azkaban."
"Ye can't have both." McGonagall agreed completely.
Fudge turned to the wizards nearby, "Surely Sirius! You can see the need to protect your godson!"
Lord Black shook his head in denial, "By sending dementors to his school? First off, Wimborne has good defenses. Very good. But how far do they go? If a student playing baggit got caught and Kissed on your watch? Who would be blamed?"
"Is it correct, Pettigrew tried to swim? Well, he's likely dying, as is your career, Fudge. You continue to do this, and I will do everything in my power to get you out of the Ministry." Amelia averred, pulling no punches. "My niece Susan attends Hogwarts, you know. And she's a pureblood Heiress of an important House."
Cornelius found no support from the wizards, and was terrified by the witches.
"But Augusta! I supported you when you wanted that little mud, muggleborn girl to be a servant for your manor." Fudge tried.
"Servant? Servant?! That brilliant, brave girl is going to be a part of my House! Never a servant, you twit! Besides, I'm here as a member of the Board of Governors. Headmistress? Do we close the school?"
Ada Lovelace scowled at him, "I'm not closing mine. But I warn you, Fudge. If you send dementors to Wimborne, you won't be getting any back. This I swear."
Fudge knew that face. Oh, Lord Byron. He was a reputed duelist of the highest caliber. His portrait hung at Hogwarts in the old dueling room. Maybe making this woman angry wasn't very smart.
Lord Byron's daughter stated, "Good night, all. I just wanted to let Minister Fudge here know what our actions are going to be. And I intend to be most proactive about this threat." The rest of the crowd all curtseyed or bowed as Duchess Lovelace swept out of the office, Sabuto on her heels. His head nod his only farewell to his brother.
It was the first time that anyone had seen her in an old fashioned dress. It looked to be popular when she was a young lady; Queen Victoria freshly on the throne.
Headmistress McGonagall turned to Sirius, "I will meet with the Board of Governors. Expect an order for PPC immediately, regardless of what this temporary office holder decides. A known threat that can be commanded by whatever weak-willed wizard sits here? Nay, I won't abide it. Not when we have alternatives!"
Sirius offered Amelia his arm, "You, my love, should be back in bed, cuddling our new daughter. Remus can address this issue for us."
Lady Black followed him to the floo, "I'm not sick, I just had a baby!"
This left Cornelius alone with three crones; Maleficent, Augusta and Minerva. He gulped. Kingsley was there to keep him safe from threats, but didn't appear to be ready to take on either the lioness or the snakes.
"Let me order tea, and discuss this sitting down?" Fudge begged.
"There's nothing to discuss, Minister." McGonagall stated firmly, turning to leave. The other witches followed.
Their glares made it clear that none of them approved of Fudge's plans.
**OO**
Pettigrew made his way to the safe house, sure that his Master would be there. Other than a previous unwelcome guest that had not yet been successfully banished, he was alone. Good.
All the better to plot.
**OO**
Harry was summoned to the headmistress' office. This time, she made sure to let him know that he was not in trouble. If he was bringing his whole pod, please let her know so they could prepare one of the meeting rooms.
His reply was he'd stick with just Luna and Hermione, unless it proved necessary.
"Harry? Do you think that you could design your trap to have a further reach? Like something flying in the air?" The administrator was clearly concerned.
Harry mentally scoffed at the differences between this woman and Dumbledore. Both elderly, yes. Both had Victorian upbringing. But one cared about the individual. The other was concerned with just a big picture that only he could see. And what a warped view it was.
"Dementors? Nasty things." Hermione pulled out a borrowed library book. "The problem is, being a summoned being, it might be able to just float through the barrier."
Luna disagreed, "No. People can hide behind doors, both in Azkaban, and their homes. We really should warn the muggles. If they feel cold, run. Run and hide inside their autos or homes or something."
"Fudge reluctantly recalled them from both here and Hogwarts after our meeting the other day." The woman sipped chocolate that had been served to all, "But I have intel that says not all returned.
Luna closed her eyes. "One score and five shrouds of death headed to us." The girl shivered. "None to Hogwarts."
"I'll let the ladies there know. Thank you, Luna." The headmistress looked at Harry who was doing maths in his head. He was good at it.
"Ma'am? I have an ethics question. I think I need my lawyer." Harry stated.
A few minutes later, a club-handed goblin came in, "I am Dharma Briokz. How can I help?"
Harry had stood the moment the goblin appeared at the door. He bowed, and offered him the snacks there, but sent home for some of the beef jerky they had bought in bulk in Texas.
"I'm worried, sir. Dementors are coming, and I have a trap that should hold them. What if I accidentally trap a werewolf or other innocent that falls under the definition of monster and then I catch one of these demons? They would be killed."
Luna shook her head, "Worse. Kissed. And not the kind we look forward to sharing when we're older either."
Harry reddened, but didn't deny her truthful words.
Duchess Lovelace started to pace, "If we do nothing, we could lose students. We only have a couple of werewolves attending. The traps here all have them excluded along with your own honorary uncle. Make this better trap, and test it on Robbins. He's a paid volunteer for this sort of work. If it doesn't trap him, we'll get permission to test it on the other.
"Any other non-student werewolf near the school is a threat, Harry. You could turn in the body for a bounty." Briokz stated casually.
Luna stood, curtseyed and softly asked, "Please excuse me." She ran to the door, tears in her eyes; Harry holding out his hand to her.
Hermione sighed, "We really shouldn't have brought her to this meeting. I'll go to her. So, Harry won't get in trouble?"
"He should not. But if you do encounter difficulties, you have some great help in-house. I will of course verify common wizard law in this matter." Briokz mentioned, thinking the former Director Bones would be a great resource for these students.
Hermione curtseyed to all to chase down Luna. Harry had said she should stay back, but no one wanted to offend her by excluding her either.
Harry looked concerned, but stayed put, answering the goblin solicitor.
"Yeah, my new godmother, Amelia, is honest enough to send me to Azkaban if I deserve it. She is very knowledgeable about the law. And very honorable. It's why she didn't interfere with Sirius' legal issues before." Harry sighed.
Briokz shrugged, swallowing a bit of jerky. "Nicely peppered. Thank you for this treat. I have given my advice, I will collect my fee from Spurnik. Unless there is more?"
The headmistress shook her head and thanked him for coming. He departed, bowing to both the boy and the elderly witch. She sent an elf to chase down Luna and give her the rest of her treats and hot chocolate.
The headmistress looked at her most powerful student, "Harry? There's a very old bounty on the books for these demons. My grandmother did not live in a world with them. You capture them? Or better yet, find a way to destroy them? You'll enrich our world and your pockets."
Harry nodded, "I have an idea ma'am. I'll bring you the traps when they're ready. Let Remus have the bounty. He does so much for so little for our family."
The young mage left, feeling the pressure of time. He, no, they had to get this done, and done now: lives were on the line.
**OO**
Luna came into the Arc lab, and gave Harry a sweet kiss on the cheek. "You missed transfiguration."
"I had a note," he answered absently. "I think I have it. I think I…" The trap snapped closed, and Luna could feel it calling.
"Harry! What is that?" Luna had tears in her eyes. It sounded like a very sad child, lost and alone.
"I used your music orb in a different way. Where's Jeffrey Robbins? I need to test this."
"It won't trap any good people." Luna promised, covering her ears while leaving. The rest of Harry's team rushed to duplicate the cubes, just like they had with the pest control traps.
Only this time, they had a lure.
**OO**
Maleficent Selwyn had stated flat out they would close Hogwarts before hosting dementors around the school for one small rat animagus. It made no sense, and the dementors couldn't detect an animal!
Fudge had backed down, and recalled the monsters. But not all had heeded the call to return to Azkaban.
A mysterious sickness was afflicting several muggles already. More would be lost soon if nothing was done.
**OO**
Hermione swirled the quarterstaff around expertly. BloodRage had given all of his students the wooden staves to practice with.
Headmistress Lovelace had sent him home the first time he'd shown up with a double-bladed weapon. "Not here. A student could lose an arm or be seriously hurt!"
He'd planned on having them go against training dummies. Very realistic ones that bled and lost body parts.
His demonstration had not only sent half of his students running out of the training room in tears or needing to purge themselves, it had gotten him banned from the school for a week.
"Nothing lethal! Goblins! You want lethal classes, hold them at Gringotts! Self defense in my day was taught with a wooden sword and a quarterstaff."
BloodRage bowed, asked Mercedes for help in getting the headmistress chocolate covered apologies, and returned with said weapons.
Someone might receive a bruise or good conk on the head, but no one was going to die. No one magical, that was.
Kord was shorter but stronger than Hermione, and while he attacked with a will, he still wound up on his back for the third time.
Harry had done nothing but defend against her, so she had quickly won their fight. Of course, Kord had beaten Harry quickly.
The Potter lad was improving, but was still getting over the 'I can't hit back without serious repercussions' problem that he had.
At least with Kord being vicious in a fight, he was learning to defend and strike back.
At the end of their bouts, Hermione lost only to a couple of the older students.
And Jeffrey was a werewolf. No fair!
Kord's eyes were sparkling in admiration for the witch's skill. BloodRage barked a command to him in their own language, and Kord bowed and went to gather up the weapons from around the room.
Harry helped him, and worried, "Is your godfather mad at you?"
Kord had tried to teach him the goblin word for sponsor, but let it go. It was close enough to their true relationship. "Only a bit. He thinks I am picking up humon manners, and am not being respectful to the females here."
Harry knew very well that Kord had a crush on Hermione. They both did!
Finishing up collecting the staves and putting them in a long black bag that looked to be able to hold only one, Harry bowed to BloodRage.
"Thank you for your instruction." The Potter heir intoned.
"Be careful, my student. There is something off in the world."
Harry wanted to make a cutting remark about Kord just needing a shower, but the guard was truly spooked, and being careful about being outside.
"I will be cautious. I'm staying at school right now on my guardians orders. All of us are. And no baggit either."
BloodRage chuckled. Their large training room here was part of the gymnasium area, but they normally drilled outside.
Harry left, and BloodRage spent a bit of time just talking with his sponsored son before flooing back to the bank.
**OO**
The barge returned to Azkaban with three quarters of the dementors originally sent off. Seventy five had returned to their transport back, but some looked ready to disembark on the wrong side of the shore, so the stout-hearted workers turned the boat and cargo towards the island prison.
The demonic beings left ashore sought their original goal; a school. A boy named Potter. Protect? Of course they would protect him.
After all, there was nothing safer than death. Pettigrew would just be a bonus.
Being sent out for a fugitive was one thing, but dementors did get hungry for fresh souls now and then.
The siren call of a lonely child, hungry, lost; it was a beacon to the two dozen and one floating apparitions.
There, at the edge of a forest was one of the fey playing with fairies, no gathering fairies. They were supposed to leave those of Underhill alone, but if they chose to not stay in their domain, what was a dementor to do?
Inside the school's monitoring room, a young mage yelled "LUNA!"
**OO**
Minerva McGonagall was in a meeting with young Angus Moody, checking in on the youngest Weasleys. She thought she'd be overwhelmed taking over the head's job; no, it turned out she'd been doing most of it for years. Years! To the detriment of her Head of House duties that Angus seemed to be doing a fine job with.
"I just can't get the younger girl focused on anything related to school, nor the younger wizard. If Ginevra and Ronald don't get some motivation soon, they're gonna fail. I don't know…"
A bulldog patronus interrupted just then, "Dementors still free! Lock down the school! Cancel anything outside. I'll be there tomorrow."
"That was my uncle's patronus!" Angus shared unnecessarily.
Minerva hit two runes at once. One summoned Hagrid, assuring he'd lock the gate. The other let her cast a sonorus throughout the school.
"All students to the Great Hall. Prefects, do a roll. Any students not there in fifteen minutes will be attending a special detention with me." McGonagall looked at the man she knew once as a wee bairn who had grown strong.
"I need to contact Lord Black. Hold the fort for me while I do." she asked, pulling out a mirror.
Angus headed for the Great Hall at a run.
**OO**
Luna Lovegood seemed unaware of the death that hung above her. She was focused on the gaggle of fairies she had scooped up in her apron. Harry came running out just then, wand at the ready. Remus had taught the charm to them all at home, just in case.
"Expecto Patronum!"
A ghostly grim, nearly as tall as the boy himself, appeared, but didn't need to be directed. He saw the enemy to be defeated.
"Shepherd them to the traps, Padfoot! The traps!"
The spell cast, Harry took a moment to verify where Luna was. He had never felt this feeling before. Anger towards her. Anger, as she risked her life, risked their future together.
He didn't realize what he did but he pulled traps and launched them towards attacking dementors. Then he summoned his friend. No, his future wife, if they lived through this.
She flew into his arms, and there was a second patronus there. An otter, diving to drive the dementors to the prepared traps.
Otters were sweet as long as they weren't protecting their territory. Then they were vicious. Her otter and the grim were very protective.
Sabuto Shackelbolt's patronus joined theirs, an African lion, proud and strong. He too drove the beings into the prepared traps.
BloodRage was suddenly there, and picked the blonde witch up.
"Careful about the fairies!" She complained, seemingly unaware of the circumstances.
And suddenly, the mist cleared. The dementors, all of them, were contained.
From the doorway, a voice called out, "I thought I made it clear to watch from inside the school?"
Headmistress Lovelace was known for her exacting detentions when needed, which really wasn't often. The threat of heading down a road towards expulsion was motivation enough to deter most misbehavior.
Deliberately putting oneself in danger was a serious breach of the rules.
The trio turned to face their fate.
**OO**
A few minutes earlier:
The school was supposed to be in lockdown. The parents had all been notified. No one in or out from the outside grounds until the situation was resolved. Students who normally walked, drove or flew in would have to take the floo or just stay on campus. Anyone who wanted to stay at home could do so with the understanding that schoolwork would have to be made up. Most students just chose to stay put, including Harry, Hermione and Luna.
Safe from an inner room, there was a team monitoring the traps. Harry was doing his homework there, keeping an eye on the nearest monitor when suddenly, he saw Luna. Outside! Worse, she wasn't alone.
Grabbing up the spare bag of traps, he ran to the door nearest to her, the door to the football field.
The door was wedged open, just a crack, clearly she was planning on coming right back.
Harry saw he wasn't alone either; Sabuto had heard him shouting.
"Please! I've got to get her. Give me a chance!" Harry begged.
"With those demons here, I have to close the doors." The man stated firmly. "We can't go back in until the job is done. We can't leave the door open! I have to stay here."
Harry nodded understanding. He didn't think about what Padfoot would do to him when he heard about this. Nor did he care about what the security guard thought. Harry was risking his life to save a friend.
In Africa, he'd be old enough to work, to prove himself a man. Shacklebolt and he headed out.
Harry gripped his wand, and shared quietly, "Thank you."
Sabuto watched as trap after trap was activated, the demonic beings sucked up into the charmed expanded space. A young witch with wild hair, the third of their trio came out of the door behind him, casting the spell to fight the dementors. She nodded about the warning that she couldn't open the door again and stood to Harry's right, defiant and strong.
Time stood still for a moment, watching the pair work. Then reinforcements came, and he was no longer the only one there to guard the door.
"I can't cast against those monsters!" The goblin guard was here, somehow knowing his client was in danger: an honorable being.
"Bring in the blonde, get her inside!" Sabuto commanded.
He nodded, and pulled her from Potter's side, fairies chiding him for the rough ride. But she was now inside the school. He ran down the corridor to find her prefect, and dumped her in a chair there.
"Keep her there, if you have to bind her!" The goblin growled, "If you were my gobling…never mind. I'll deal with you later!" BloodRage snarled.
"But the fairies!" Luna tried to argue, but he was trotting back, unsure of how to help, but having to try.
When he got back, the fight was over. Harry was panting, and handed the bag of traps over to BloodRage. "Any more come, toss one at them. These traps had no food or water, nothing to sustain a living being for a time. No air. We need to make sure there's nothing but dementors inside the ones deployed."
BloodRage pulled out a flask from a pocket. "Just water, pure water."
Harry nodded, and drank deeply, and passed it to Hermione who was also tired.
Harry had his arm around Hermione, so very proud of her. Then the Headmistress came to collect them.
Oh boy were they in trouble!
"BloodRage? Can you please help when…" Harry was interrupted by said help showing up.
Remus Lupin, with his team from PPC were there, ready to gather and check the traps. He had a lead lined trunk inside a reinforced box, ready for the monsters.
"Why am I not surprised you're prepared. You're the best, Moony." Harry shared sincerely before heading up to the school to take his lumps. After consulting with Shacklebolt, BloodRage took over from him, and made his way into the school with the teens.
**OO**
Duchess Lovelace was not a witch to be trifled with. She ran her school like she ran every other enterprise she'd ever been involved with.
Luna was in the outer office, an unhappy Prefect Sally sitting next to her. She was clearly waiting to be dealt with.
"Mr Potter, Miss Granger? I normally would send for your guardians, but this time I won't. I want them to discipline you in any way they choose. For myself, I want to hear why. Why would you risk yourselves and the school to open a door? This is not like you."
Harry stayed quiet so BloodRage spoke, "The door was already opened ma'am. He made an arrangement with Shacklebolt. The defenders kept the door closed. And it was locked from the outside. The defenders understood there was no re-entry once they went out. Not until all dementors were dealt with."
The woman went over to her desk. A miniature display, clearly a recording of the monitor was rewound and replayed.
"I see. That does make a difference. You saw your friend outside with the dementors. You knew she was in a danger she didn't see. Some fey don't see them, you know? No? Well, it's true. And like Veela, it breeds true. You can have a great-grandmother who was veela, and none since and boom, the next in the generation is veela. Same with fae, and our Luna. But I am babbling out of fear for my favorite students.
"You could have been killed. You could have been hurt. But you risked yourselves to save a friend when you clearly had tools and capability, not just caring.
"If you had been the one to open the door, you'd be on your way home. I mean it. I will have a talk with Luna. I can't tell you how much I am disappointed in that child's choices.
"If you were in my shoes, what would you do?" the headmistress asked.
Hermione started to speak without thinking, but for once, Harry held a gentle finger to her lips.
"Please? Allow me? Ma'am, Luna is different from us, it is true. To her, those fairies are blood kin. I'm sure she didn't mean to endanger the school. Clearly, she needs to confess how she overrode the locks and wards. But ma'am? What about a bell? Like on a cat? Something where Sabuto or anyone can know where she is? I'm happy to go to Azkaban, and trap every dementor there if it means keeping Luna here. She would be bullied so badly at Hogwarts, even with the improvements. I think if she were expelled, she'd take her Owls in Charms and Transfiguration to keep her wand rights, and just go apprentice with Rolf Scamander."
Harry tried to hide his jealousy at that young man. Handsome, and so good with animals. Of course Luna would rather be with him than Harry. Who wouldn't? Harry was nothing special, or so he thought.
Anger bled off the woman quickly. Most of it was fear that dementors would gain access inside the school. That was on Luna, not them. But the petite blonde was happiness and joy embodied.
Dementors didn't exist in her world. Unless she was looking for them.
"I will take your points into consideration. No punishment for either of you. In fact, I would like to give you a nice reward, add you to the Charles Babbage plaque of Distinguished Students."
"Can we start a new one for this sort of thing? The James and Lily Potter Plaque for being Reckless? I'd make a small donation to the school for it." Harry asked.
"Sold. Now, get out of here. I don't want to see you two in this office for quite awhile."
Dismissed, the two left, giving hugs to Luna on the way out.
But she wasn't next to be seen. That was Remus and his team, while poor Luna waited.
**OO**
Headmistress Lovelace glared at the werewolf for a moment before apologizing. He hadn't sent the dementors, after all.
Remus reported that his team had doubled-trapped the beings before putting them in the depository. No humans or fairies or anything else in there. Just dementors. He'd already talked to Moody and Amelia. They would be returned to Azkaban, and walled up there, still in the traps.
Alastor Moody showed up with a small contingent of patronus-able aurors, just in case, and the team left for Azkaban.
They were taking no chances on a miscount of dementors, and no matter what was decided for Luna, she would be stuck there until Remus returned as her father was out of town.
**OO**
The showdown with Luna was short. She hadn't realized the danger she'd put the school in; it wasn't in her nature to do so.
She earned a hundred demerits – each one had to be redeemed tutoring or helping in the kitchens or another approved activity. One hour per demerit. Helping her friends didn't count.
Cleaning the owl post area did.
As she left to go, she said in a small voice, "Even though their souls are small, they appear much larger to a dementor. So much joy to feed on. I got locked in, and tried earlier to get to them. I took advantage of someone going out to check on something. It was wrong, and I won't do it again."
"And that, Miss Lovegood, is why you are still a student here. Pull another such stunt, and you'll not only be expelled, you'll have the aurors called. I have no doubt that Amelia Bones will have a word or two for you. But I have vented my spleen enough. Like your partners, don't approach me for a few weeks. It takes a lot to get me really angry, and it takes time for it to blow over."
Luna nodded, curtseyed, and took her leave, grateful she hadn't been expelled away from her friends.
**OO**
Hermione Granger's name was the first ever on the James and Lily Potter Award for Special Services to Wimborne. Harry's was the second.
Harry was glad that it wasn't for Recklessness in all honesty. They had worked hard on those traps!
BloodRage and his mate were sent a very special dinner; Harry had arranged with Charlie, the twins' brother, to have some dragon steaks portkeyed to them. It was nice having friends like that.
Luna was very somber for the first couple of weeks after that; the school stayed locked down until the Gringotts scrying team declared there were, yay and verily, no more dementors in Britain anymore.
She had known that, but no one was taking her word for it.
Rumors of Harry's invention made it to the press, but then was scoffed at. Harry felt the original design still belonged to Roger Turpin, Lisa's father, who designed the first trap.
PPC got the bounty for the twenty-five dementors. More than a hundred years before, after the dark lord of their time had summoned these creatures, he'd been heavily fined. The gold was set aside as a reward for the destruction or complete capture of these monstrous things.
Remus made sure that Roger got a share as well. In gold. As well as all of the students in Harry's pod that helped make the traps.
Luna donated all of her portion back to the headmistress to do as she wished with it. She did get a nice thank you note in return.
Lisa beamed at the fairness of it all.
**OO**
The Yule of 1993 was particularly festive. Gifts from around the community flooded in. As to gifts from strangers, after being vetted and sorted, most were sent on to charities like the hospital. From friends and family? Well, the prank gifts were laughed at, the handmade crocheted and knitted baby things ooh'd over and put in the baby's press for use.
The toys were gone over by hired curse-breakers. Both Amelia and Sirius had more than one enemy who'd be happy to take out a child to hurt everyone. They were not told that this screening had nearly killed a tough old goblin, or maimed him until he was healed up. But Gringotts had a good relationship with the family, and were well paid for a dangerous job.
That led to another secret death eater being found and quietly taken out by a goblin after verifying he was indeed the culprit. The goblin then turned in the body for the bounty. Alastor Moody sent the old goblin a nice toxic potable as thanks.
Harry was spending more time at the school than normal this year. Part of it was to be able to sleep through the night. His hearing seemed to pick up the baby crying before the elves did. But some of it was his OWL studies. He wanted to do well on them, and not fall behind in his computer classes.
The temporary lockdown had reminded him of all of the good of staying at the school.
Besides, Harry had goals for himself. If flying or football fell by the wayside, it was no matter. But spending time with Luna and Hermione was essential. Especially when Hermione had lists of spells on the OWLs to review, and a timetable to do them in.
Luna and Harry just obeyed. Partially, because it was a good schedule, and they didn't want to argue. But partly because Harry had no wish to try and dominate their group, nor did Luna.
It kept the harmony, and they got everything done on time. And little Cassie's cries didn't wake him up from Wimborne.
Though he did visit home often once the ban was lifted. Great excuse to fly!
**OO**
That Easter, Harry took Remus aside. He was too afraid to ask Sirius.
Moony could feel the anxiety, and asked Harry what was wrong.
"I really like Milli, and Lisa, and all as friends. But did you know that some of the members of our pod are starting to date? Hermione isn't allowed to do that until she is sixteen. She had a book about it and everything to explain why."
Harry felt he had no need to explain hormones to a werewolf. One that seemed to be seeing a girl on the side, though he didn't bring her to family dinners. At least not yet.
"And you what? Don't want to wait? Hermione is only fourteen, and even with judicial use of the time-turner for hours away with Sirius and I, you are still very young. If you are looking for advice…"
"Yes, Moony. Please?"
"Enjoy your youth, my young cub. Enjoy. Play childish games, swim, fly. Work on studies together. The wizarding world is a small society, even smaller when we exclude the enemies."
"So no need to rush things?" Harry still looked worried.
"It's those articles, isn't it? The one about Victor Krum? Rolf Scamander?"
Harry blushed, but acknowledged his feelings.
Remus didn't say anything, but thought about it. Krum was still in school, not much older than Harry's friends. And magizoology would likely bring Luna and Rolf meeting in person. These were not idle fears.
"My advice to you, Harry, is to spend at least some time alone with these ladies, and tell them how much they mean to you. Show them they matter to you. Include them in your goals." Remus shared softly.
The young teen nodded. Growing up was hard, but losing either girl to another wizard would be intolerable!
**OO**
Milli sighed in happiness. Before Hogwarts, the girl had had no friends.
Now, one of her friends had taken a throwaway complaint about magical telescopes and the difficulties she had in astronomy, and had created a planetarium for her. Oh, a portable planetarium. With adjustable dates.
"This is lovely! How do I set it for the Southern Hemisphere? I don't see that setting." Milli murmured.
Face-palming, Hermione gathered everything up. "I think I forgot something. At least this isn't due for another month."
"Oh! It's fine, really!"
Hermione tried to grin, but couldn't. "No, it's not. And if I try to pass this off as complete, I'd only be fooling myself. And no, before you offer, you can't help. Not on this kind of project. Sorry. Though I might ask you some questions."
Milli nodded, blushing, "I'm really sorry I said anything."
"I'm not. If I thought of this too late to add it, I'd feel very foolish." Hermione shared.
Harry walked in right then, and took the project out of her hands. "Where to, Mistress Mione?" Harry squeaked like a house-elf.
"Project room. This needs…a few adjustments."
Harry bowed, before winking at Milli. "Going to the game with us later?"
Milli nodded, "Yep. Robbins wants you to join baggit, Potter. Be prepared for his pitch."
Hermione waved to the girl, and tried to get some of the pieces back to carry. "You don't have to be my sherpa."
"I live to serve you, Mistress." Harry teased. "I really came to get you for the game."
"I can't. I need to research the Southern Hemisphere." Hermione shared.
"I have some great books at home." Harry offered. "And if you don't want to fly, Remus will drive us."
"Great books, bean bag chairs, good music, and the best snacks. Have I ever told you that I love you, Harry Potter?" Hermione looked at him, very sincere.
"Not before with words. I love you too, Hermione. I truly do. Will you be my girlfriend?" Harry asked.
"Yes, but what about Luna?"
"With your consent and knowledge, I would like to ask her too." Harry shared.
They had talked about this issue in a roundabout way before. But never so directly.
"I agree." Hermione smiled.
They got to the project room, and Harry gave her a warm hug and kissed her forehead. He wanted to kiss her lips, but didn't want Dan after him.
"So, do you want to fly home? Or should I mirror Remus?"
Hermione thought that a gentle fly holding Harry might just be romantic.
"Fly, but if you do any tricks or crazy maneuvers, it will be the last time." Hermione warned.
"Yes ma'am. Low and slow."
And they did, and both enjoyed it very much.
**OO**
As the time approached for the World Cup, Quirrineous felt that it was time to press his suit.
He approached the manor with chocolates, a bottle of fine wine, and another fancy bauble. A very nice jewelry set this time.
How magnificent would it look if she would wear those for him? Just the jewelry and nothing more.
The lady was dressed formally, if looking a little…windblown. Oh, perhaps she'd been riding. The area was perfect for it, and the Abraxans had some kind of charms on them that made them look like birds to muggles.
"Mr Quirrell. Welcome to Malfoy Manor."
She led him to a different parlor this time. One of the elves had found a nugget of pure gold during his last trip. Had he intended to drop it? She wanted to see if he would ask for it back, or perhaps look around for it. The formal sitting room wasn't often used. Of course, with Lucius'…condition, nothing happened here anymore. At all.
"So melancholy. Well, perhaps this will put a smile on your face?" The death eater asked.
A blue velvet box was opened to display an ornate sapphire necklace with a pair of matching sapphire earrings
The obsequience wizard tried to place said fancy necklace upon her person. Without permission.
She was done playing games with the man, and held out a nugget of gold, the size of a robin's egg.
"Did you drop something here last time? I felt that this was either a subtle gift or a test of my integrity. You like to remind me of my loneliness, my sadness. And you offer your friendship.
"Is there something else you are trying to ask of me?" Narcissa asked calmly.
"Yes, my dear there is. I want you! Plain and simple. I want you. I want to mentor your son. I want to be here for you, to have gay parties again; fill up this palace with music and light. I can bring you wealth. More than you can imagine. I can…"
"Avada Kedavra!" Narcissa whispered. Her sister Bella always shouted the killing curse, as though tempting the aurors.
"Serena! Come, take this body to the family plot. He wanted to take Lucius' place so much? Bury him there."
"Yes Mistress. What of his things?"
The woman pouted, she had acted rather rashly. She summoned his vault key, rings, gold and wand. But he didn't have much on him. He did have a ring of muggle looking keys.
"Check him for anything else valuable, then carry out my orders." Narcissa was a bit put out with herself for not torturing him to find out every bit of information about his operations. Her husband would be so disappointed in her for her rashness. "Lucius will know where he worked. I'll write him a note. I know I was just with him. But he'll still be on the Knight Bus most likely."
"Wizard trying naughty things?" Serena dared asked, pointing to the frequent guest.
One of the portraits, quiet while a visitor was there, spat out, "He deserved it! How dare he! And to the lady of the house!"
Narcissa hoped that Lucius found the source of this gold, not that she cared overly much.
But it would buy minions they needed in a few months. The return of the Dark Lord counted on it. Their family counted on it.
**OO**
April brought Sally-Anne's birthday. Among the gifts at the party this year, held in one of the reception rooms of Hogwarts, was a small black box.
During a quiet moment, Neville took her to the side.
"Sally-Anne? I know I'm not fourteen, but you are. Please? Be mine?" Neville asked gently.
Her rapid nod and holding out her left hand excitedly was all he needed. The Longbottom betrothal ring was placed on her hand.
He clearly hadn't been as sneaky as he thought as everyone at the party was now clapping.
Neville's Gran approached, "You've already been a part, but welcome, Sally-Anne. Welcome, granddaughter to the family." Augusta Longbottom, who never hugged Neville in public, pulled the girl in for a warm embrace.
Their friends cheered, and Neville gave her a short, sweet kiss. Just the first of many, but for the girl who's first family didn't want her, her first kiss was magical.
Augusta was pulled aside by Minerva after the party. "Angus has shared a distressing message with me. With Harry Potter no longer in the picture, it seems that Miss Weasley has decided that Neville would make a good husband for her. I feel it is wise to have a sit down with her parents. Ward off any problems that the news today will cause."
Dowager Lady Longbottom held out the betrothal. All had watched it turn gold when the final signature was added. It was official. She made a copy for Minerva's records.
"I will write to them, and ask for a meeting here. We don't allow a lot of visitors on the ward book at Cherry Hill. Not even Dumbledore, who somehow wormed his way in again during Neville's second year. I had Neville strike everyone out with a blood quill. Just in case magic was recognizing him as the Longbottom of Longbottom."
"Gussie! Albus may be many things, but he wouldn't attack ye!" Minerva gasped. "Not again! There must be one of those wards on here. I'll get Flitwick to have another crew out. The problem is the castle likes to play musical rooms, and we check and check, and then a new one pops up. I've got a pendant that helps me now. Bless Sirius Black. Sorry Gussie. I wouldn't let Dumbledore on the grounds here or anywhere. The man is insidious!"
On that, they could both agree, and they went their separate ways.
**OO**
Molly poo-pooed the letter from Augusta Longbottom. Oh sure, the boy might be betrothed, but that didn't mean married.
The Longbottoms were as light as light could be, had a thriving village, and were very well-to-do. Ginny was green with envy for all of the nice presents that Miss Perks was getting.
Those should be Ginny's gifts!
Arthur tried to read the letter meant for them both, and gave up. Another wrecked car had recently been found in a hedgerow. It apparently had crashed in a ditch that had been filled in sometime in the 1950's.
He was thrilled to have a new toy to play with. It wasn't that long before the children were returning for the summer. It would be a good project to work on with the twins. They liked learning enchanting. And if he didn't teach it, who would?
It wasn't taught at Hogwarts. Not anymore.
**OO**
Lucius read the note fuming. The man he'd been working for, acting as his faithful if magicless little minion had tried to force himself on his wife. No! Narcissa was a powerful witch, but he should have been there. Protected her from this slime.
The keys to the man's flat were in the envelope she sent. He knew very well what key went to what door. He should know; he'd done errands all the time for the wizard.
Taking his time, trying to act as though it was just another day at work, he went in, and looked around. How he missed magic! Rents had to be paid, and he had no idea when the landlord here would miss the oaf. He decided it was best just to clear out.
At least Serena would heed his call, well, on his good days, which this was.
"Get some trunks from the attic of the house. Pack everything. But this." He held a small portion of the Philosopher's Stone. "Take this to Narcissa might be the key to save me."
That made the elf want to drop it ever so accidentally in the sewer, but she didn't. She did pack carefully, making sure to show items of interest to her master. Things he might want to wear.
"Not without a serious change of color or style. Do you want me getting caught in a dead man's clothes? Well?"
"Mistress calling!"
Since Narcissa was always calling, this statement would become true shortly. For right now, the elf used it to save herself a lot of trouble.
He checked the post, as it was one of his normal duties after it ran. Nothing but bills. No checks or drafts. Malfoy wondered how to access the muggle money in Quirrell's account, and decided to forgo petty larceny. For now. Too much risk.
Double checking everything, making sure there were no wizard pockets or safes or anything, Lucius locked up one last time.
"Thank you sir. Good day sir." Lucius called out, the same he did every day, whether Quirrell was there or not.
A lady sweeping the street smiled at him, the filthy muggle, but said nothing.
On the way back to the Ministry's flat he was using, Malfoy played a game of counting muggles. There were just too many of them. Too many.
And never once did he count himself as one.
**OO**
Fred and George Weasley were now motivated to do well in their OWLs. If they knew that their friend Harry was sitting down for them just a week after they had, they would not have believed it.
But he was. Some of the OWLs were for subjects that Hogwarts didn't have, like Practical Applications of Technomancy. Hermione was so upset after the written portion of that OWL. She was sure that she messed up on the Runic sequence. But unlike other tests, the practical was a project they had at least a month to work on. They did have to declare that the work was their own. Advice from a professor or a tutor was one thing, but not the work itself.
Harry's project that he had been assigned was to create something beneficial to others. Very open ended. Then he was inspired by a children's story and his mother's generosity to those in need.
Tonks and he went to a high-end cooking store, where they bought a restaurant style pot. A HUGE pot. Installing the self-cleaning runes were easy. The next part was the difficult one. He wanted something good. Nourishing. A good stew, that was the ticket. Tonks pointed out that she liked bread with stew, so back to the store they went for a stainless steel bread bin.
Gamp's Law of Transfiguration was about to be put to the test in terms of food. The pot had been tested thoroughly, as the school head cook was more than happy to comply. And it was within the rules of the project. In fact, Harry got extra points for his documentation of it. Everyday, the cook happily served stew to any who asked. As long as an inch or so was left in the bottom of the pot, by the next morning, it was full again. And stasis charms to keep it ever-fresh worked like a…well. Worked.
The same thing with the bread. If a full loaf was put in, and the door shut, there would be two loaves. The multiplication would continue until the space was full. If there was just a crust put in, and the door shut, a whole loaf would appear. And then could be multiplied many times.
The examiner was speechless. And the stew even tasted nice! He not only got an O+, he was asked to publish a paper on it.
Harry declined to do so, as he wanted to keep his process secret. The examiner understood, he really did. Such a pairing! The Potter lad could make another fortune for his family selling such pots as long as he changed it to be cauldrons and something obviously magical.
The examiner went to check on another student.
**OO**
Luna had built a fairy castle for her project that was just lovely. It wasn't what she was assigned, but her advisor had gone to the OWL examiner early for permission and took her proposed project that was far more difficult.
The little lights were all enchanted, and the ballroom had music. It was the loveliest thing anyone had seen, and the fairy colony had rejoiced at the gift.
She was inspired by the dementor attack. After all, if they had this to begin with, they would have been safe! The castle had interior doors that could be locked and warded after all.
**OO**
Hermione's project was different. Again, not the one assigned, she had designed a star map that could be tuned to display the Northern or Southern Hemisphere within the last four hundred years.
The extended family had gone to the Natural Science Museum in London, and Hermione had been inspired.
She not only got an O for Practical Applications of Technomancy, the Astronomy OWL proctor heard about it, and gave her bonus points for that OWL as well.
**OO**
The three all did well on their exams. Luna had done a good bit of revision by tutoring others; her demerits were all paid. In fact, she was forty-seven to the good. Lord Black had a huge party at the manor to celebrate.
Lisa noted that the entire pod was miles ahead of their friends back at Hogwarts, though her mother was trying to drag the castle into the twentieth century before the twenty first hit.
**OO**
Now that Dumbledore knew where Harry was going to school, there wasn't much point in trying to hide it in any way. This meant that recruiting muggle-borns for 'practical magic' and those in the know about magic were going full tilt. There were applications being sent to Wimborne from people who wanted to learn all about commuting.
Sigh.
With the World Cup being hosted in Britain, the school's second summer holiday trip was going to be two weeks of camping there, and meeting students from around the world.
Lord Black was sponsoring the cost of most of it, unbeknownst to anyone but the Headmistress and head of security. Amelia wanted to camp with the children for at least some of it, but also wanted to let Susan and Harry have fun with their friends. She didn't want to have Cassie anywhere near a bludger, so planned to go home the day before the game.
At Wimborne, the safety meeting ahead of the trip was intense. The guidelines were clear. Magic was wonderful, but could be used for ill. Recently retired Auror (*RED) Alastor Moody made a special presentation about false merchants, and predators. He made the same presentation at Hogwarts and had improved it for this school. That was just part one.
Afterwards, Headmistress Lovelace took the witches while the Deputy Headmaster took the boys for some extra instruction. Then Professor Turing did quiet sessions with each of his own apprentices and journeymen. Harry was last as he was the youngest.
Luna and Hermione were looking a bit scared after their session. Some of the boys were joking with one another.
Hermione shared softly, "I don't think the idea of someone using a potion is funny."
Luna went up to one of the boys laughing about a veela using a potion on him.
"Do you realize the Bulgarian team doesn't have true Veela as their cheerleaders? Oh, they look pretty enough untransformed, and they have similar power. They're harpies! Real life clawed, dark magic doing harpies! One of them getting a hold of you, especially a crone of over a hundred years old? How do you think they maintain their youth? Eating the liver of young wizards while the victim lives!"
Unlike other cultures, most Bulgarians thought that magical power was stored in the liver of magicals whether creature or person.
That boy stopped laughing. Luna had a rare gift for magical creatures, and what was more, she had a sterling reputation for honesty when it meant someone was in danger.
The older boys also stopped their laughing, and bowed to the blonde before leaving with their friends to wander outside to the pitch.
Baljeet asked in a small voice, "Seer Luna? What have you Seen?"
"There are too many people, too many rivers for me to See properly. I have seen a path that puts many of our students in the hospital to regrow that organ." Luna replied sadly.
"Hence why the caution lectures, and the strict curfews at the camp. Thank you, my friend." Blaise also bowed, patting his abdomen. "I like my liver right where it is."
Later, when the boys were headed to their rooms, Harry patted the area above his liver. "Luna was too polite to share just what activity those harpies were doing while eating said liver. I've already had plenty of warnings from my guardians, Luna's father, and Hermione's parents. We're not doing anything remotely bedroom wise until we are much older. Preferably after a wedding ceremony. I don't like the idea of being used like that for myself, much less the girls. I get very protective of them."
"Look Potter, if someone does even come close to assaulting either Luna or Hermione, you'll warn a guy and let us get out of the area? Clear off to a safe distance – like to the United States?" Baljeet asked.
India didn't have the same sexual mores as England for the most part, but the lad had gotten the creeps when hearing about these predators.
"Absolutely. Though you know I'd protect any of our friends. Including Lisa."
That was said to Blaise. He'd been cautiously courting the girl. He thought his pureblooded mother and father would have a fit, but surprisingly, had no problem with her. In fact, the only girl from their group he had been asked to keep only as friends was Milli.
What Blaise didn't know, as the subject didn't come up, was that Milli's family wasn't that wealthy. Her being unbound helped both her looks and power, but the main problem was gold. Her family was paying what they would have for her to go to Hogwarts. Lady Zabini was secretly paying the extra for her to go to Wimborne as Milli was her son's friend.
All of the rest of his friends were 'monied' enough for their society. Which to Blaise was so unfair. Crabbe and Goyle were welcomed at Malfoy manor for some of the parties, and at least Graham Bulstrode earned his money. He didn't go around hurting others for a bit of coin. Or stealing. Or cheating.
Once Milli graduated, she'd have money of her own as computer jobs paid very well, but that wasn't the issue to them. Or not all of it. Milli's family was seen as being uncouth laborers. Not the ideal mate for their precious son.
Blaise's father had even approached Lord Black about a 'family marriage' arrangement with Harry. There was a misconception going around that Lord Black had a live-in lover in the form of his handsome and elusive friend Remus.
The man had been politely refused with the typical pureblood flattery of 'Blaise was a handsome wizard, and they were all very pleased with such an offer, but Harry's parents would never contract him. He was going to pick his own mates.'
The family adults later had a quiet laugh about the situation. It was clear that Harry was sweet on Luna and Hermione. They had been taking their time with the friendship. Nothing more than cheek kisses and handholding. But they were getting older.
**OO**
Camping at the World Cup was unlike any adventure so far. The school had tried to give Harry the allowance all full scholarship holders got. He quietly passed it onto Milli with a request that she have a good time at the event. There were book sellers coming.
She knew that not only was Harry wealthy, but that he was constantly in the lab charging power crystals. She had only recently acquired the power to do that, thanks to his godfather, and accepted the gift. Perhaps next year, she could help someone else.
Lord and Lady Black were planning a special party at their manor house to practice ahead of the World Cup. A costume party that started in casual muggle clothes for the first part of the late afternoon, then dinner, then they were to wear formal muggle attire, and had invited all of Harry's friends.
Mr and Mrs Granger, along with some of the other parents who lived in the normal world, had been recruited for a field trip to buy clothes for the World Cup.
That had been an eye opener. Many of these people only had the 'muggle' offerings from Madam Malkin's. Some of which had been fashionable – in the 1950's or so.
Amelia had gone with Emma, taking Cassie along, was so much fun. Susan and Hannah were also along for the trip, though the Bones lass had wanted to tag along with Harry and Cedric and the other boys.
Amelia hadn't gone shopping for muggle clothes in some time. The changes in fashion were shocking, especially for the more casual clothes. Evening wear was still recognizable if a bit more revealing.
The men's clothes had changed the least, so the boys noted. Of course, the casual offerings in bright t-shirts of football teams that no one knew of were a popular choice.
Sirius had exchanged a great deal of galleons to pounds (thank you, Roger). Sirius and Remus were in charge of the boys, but Padfoot had given Amelia and Emma enough to buy clothes for all of Harry's witch friends, including Hermione.
When Dan tried to object to that, Sirius just smiled. "Harry feels guilty about being on a scholarship when it isn't needed financially. He didn't know when he applied that he had this. He's tried to transfer it to others, but they said he couldn't. So, he does this. I am merely his servant."
Emma scoffed at that. "I'll be sure and tell Hermione her boyfriend is paying for her new dress."
Amelia laughed at that, kissing her husband. She'd let him pay for everything as it was easier than arguing. Besides, he got better conversion rates than at the bank.
Hermione was growing up. Hearing that Harry was paying for things had her whispering to Luna. They would later show off some new nightgowns to just Harry. They explained they were the best things for hot summer nights.
It was only fair. In their plotting they could envision it: his bright red face would be the perfect ending to a fun day of shopping.
**OO**
While Susan and Hannah were with the rest of the girls shopping, Harry took a moment to pull Cedric aside.
They had met previously at the manor, but now, Harry saw a change in their friendship. And though Miss Chang had been invited, she had declined the shopping invite as well as the World Cup invitation.
Apparently, she and Cedric had broken up months before, but no one had told Harry. Or Remus. He was the one handling everything, for the most part. Well, with Emma's help.
Cedric gulped loudly as Harry pushed him into a changing room. He did a wandless silencing charm, and glared at the boy.
Mr Diggory was very concerned about his health, and he didn't know what he had done wrong!
"Susan and Cassie are the closest things to sisters I will ever know. Now, I want to know what your intentions towards Susan are!"
Cedric relaxed a bit. "Harry! I would never hurt Susan, not deliberately. After Cho and I broke up, I accepted an invite to her home. Your home. I guess I hoped to see if we could become more than friends, but I swear! I know she's only fourteen. I'm sixteen. And no offense, but before today, I was more afraid of her auntie than you. Now, I have both of you watching. And you know what? I'm glad. Because it shows that you care." The boy stuck out his hand.
Harry shook it. The young mage had relaxed as well, hearing words he liked.
"You're staying with us during the World Cup?" Harry asked.
Cedric shook his head, "No, with my parents. But I'll happily visit during the day."
Harry nodded. Good. The girls were staying in a warded tent anyway, but it made Harry happier to have him further away from both Susan and Luna. If they could talk his blonde girlfriend into going.
So far, all she had said was variations of 'no', and Harry was going to pout until she came with them!
**OO**
Headmistress McGonagall was clearly exasperated, "What part of 'No' didn't ye understand? I don't care what Dumbledore wants or wanted. I'll have none of it. This is a school! Facing dragons? More than two hundred people were killed in the last of these tournaments! Are ye daft? We are trying to build up Hogwarts' reputation, not destroy it! I'll not have it."
"But think of the gold..er…prestige of such an event." Bagman had a lot of riding on various bets in a few weeks. Now, all of the work that Dumbledore and he had done behind the scenes appeared to be heading to the rubbish tip.
"Prestige? Prestige? What kind of prestige can be had by endangering students? Have ye not read yer history? Hundreds killed in the last one! There's ne'er been a safe tournament! That's why they stopped holdin' 'em!" She didn't add 'idiot' at the end, but both heard it loud and clear.
"Well, I'll just go to the Board then." Ludo threatened.
Minerva's smile was leonine. "Oh? Please tell me when ye do. I'll pay ye ten galleons to watch."
The man bowed and took his leave. He might just take her up on that offer.
**OO**
This was it. Their last chance to bring back the Dark Lord. Their agent had been to Azkaban to wheedle every detail from each marked Death Eater what they knew. Harry Potter's school was going to be at the event, so presumably the boy would be there. No mere school would have security enough to defeat a Death Eater determined to kidnap a boy! Or so the group concluded. It was only later, when divvying up tasks that everyone quickly volunteered to do anything else besides confront Potter directly.
Odd how in the abstract something was very easy to do, as long as the doing was done by someone else.
Finally, Thorfinn Rowle, who no longer worked at Hogwarts, and had been keeping a low profile, put a bag of fifty galleons on the table. "Anyone willing to come with me to collect him will share that. But only the first four. We don't want too many!"
Rowle had the way of these wizards, and most would sell their mothers, if they had them, for a portion of fifty galleons.
Narcissa stepped up and whispered in his ear. Rowle then announced, "I changed my mind. I'll be in charge of the group kidnapping Potter."
He looked through the assembled death eaters there. Narcissa was clear in her goals; she wanted to bring the Dark Lord back. Get their world back on track the way it should be.
She had no doubts the Dark Lord would have the power to heal her husband.
"A Hogwarts contingent is just what we need. Mingle, have a little party." Rowle suggested.
Madam Edgecomb nodded, "My daughter will be happy to let us know who of that crowd to invite. I'd be happy to organize a little soiree. She's best friends with the Chinese Ambassador's daughter, you know."
Crabbe rolled his eyes. He might not be the brightest lumos of the bunch, but when you've been told something hundreds of times? It eventually sticks. Everyone knew Cho Chang was her daughter's best friend. Big deal.
His son was Draco Malfoy's best friend. Did Vinnie ever brag about it? No!
A list of Hogwarts students was quickly made with Madam Edgecomb being the one in charge of the party.
Narcissa had made it clear that she was going to be in charge of the ritual, and wouldn't have time to assist in anything else. "Don't wrinkle your nose, but make sure you invite plenty of muggleborn wizards to this party. I insist."
Crabbe stuffed his fist in his mouth. Party favors. The witch was vicious!
The Death Eaters there knew that none of the muggleborns invited would be leaving for home after their celebrations.
**OO**
Thorfinn cackled like an old witch in his greed at his successful agreement.
It wasn't hard to track down or make a pleasant bargain for the Potter boy. And the stupid witch didn't even want gold.
There'd be mudbloods aplenty for this exchange. The agreement made, the Death Eater returned to his plotting friends.
**OO**
Xeno had declined the invitation to the World Cup. With so many people there, the chance of seeing a wild creature was zero. He and Luna needed to track down the Crumple Horned Snorkack during its annual migration. This time, he was sure he had found the perfect spot!
Luna had already agreed to be his girlfriend, even though her birthday wasn't until September. They had exchanged sweet hugs. Luna was clearly ready to kiss; Harry though liked keeping his flying privileges so kept all such to just cheeks. For now.
Before Luna left for Sweden, she took Harry aside. "Danger, from the sky. If you flee, many will die. Stay for a time, the Lightning Lord must fight with power. Face the Danger; do not cower."
The blonde got a bloody nose again, but this time Harry was ready. He had the pain potion, and a conjured handkerchief with LL, HP, HG on three of the four corners. A heart decorated the fourth.
"Be well, Luna. I'm so sorry you're not going with us, but now? I wish Hermione was going with you." He kissed her cheek, and squeezed her hand. His gift of the hanky was his way of saying, 'I love you'.
**OO**
A/N: Story recommended by our friend Incantations7: "The Green in the Grey" by TheBlack'sResurgence - s/12886674/1/The-Green-in-the-Grey
I have not yet read this, but have enjoyed other stories by this author. Complete
A/N: Your story recommendation here -
**OO**
Baggit - flying lacrosse
ƺ parseltongue
₲ galleons
₰ sickles
ķ knuts
Ɠ Goblin language