**ODD**
Welcome to the fireside.
**ODD**
Chapter 2 Welcome to America
**ODD**
Harry Lord Potter woke up in his HUGE bed, and pulled open the curtains. He couldn't believe this wasn't a dream. A choice of clothes popped onto the suddenly made bed. He could hear a bathtub filling up impossibly fast with water. Warm water.
Never again would he have to take a quick cold shower.
As soon as he was bathed and dressed for the day, he wended his way down to breakfast, getting lost only twice. He was learning his way around.
Remus greeted him warmly, and put down the list of tasks he was setting for his work crew.
"Good morning, Harry. You look chipper this morning."
Harry put a hand on the new crimson over-robe to his black shirt and pants. "Is this normal for wizardry people? This outer suit coat feels like a bit of a dress."
Lupin goggled for a moment. Harry looked incredibly elegant for a just turned eleven-year-old. What would he say about dress robes? "We need to introduce you to some of your historical family. You should see what they wore."
An owl flew in just then, and dropped off the mail. Hedwig was on its tail feathers, clearly hoping to be of use to send any return mail.
With Hermione here, Harry had no one to send a letter to, and the Grangers were busy today getting ready for the move.
"I am being asked to a meeting at Gringotts. I would like for you and Hermione to talk with the student who we will be discussing. Get a feel for her homelife."
Harry was instantly on alert, "You think she's being abused?"
"Not necessarily, but the muggle parents don't like magic. Our group wants to rescue her from a potentially terrible future if she stays in Britain and doesn't give up magic."
Harry nodded, more than willing to help. He ate breakfast neatly, using the proper utensils, though Livy would tell him gently if he went awry.
Remus went over the task list aloud with Harry, including him for his plans for the day. They'd be going to the Alley later, but for the morning? There was work to be done.
"Would you like to learn a bit more today?" Remus asked, and Harry nodded eagerly.
Remus went to the mudroom, taking off his own clean overrobe, and putting on work robes, and replaced his soft house shoes for work boots that looked well worn. Harry followed suit and was touched to see new work boots for himself there, as well as a new looking work robe.
"I'm going to introduce you to the stallion of our small hippogriff herd. His name is Buckbeak. Now, what you need to understand is that these aren't canaries we're dealing with. They have sharp claws, and a beak that could give anyone a very bad day, even with their training. Now, the first thing you do is…"
**ODD**
The last new intake student that O.D.D. managed contact for potential rescue before being ensnared was Sally-Anne Perks. Remus was asked to take point since he was going to America. They met in Gringotts, the only neutral place that Remus knew was well warded. Dan, in turn, had eagerly offered to come with his wife who quickly agreed.
This was Lupin's first opportunity to save a muggleborn; he felt honored to at least try! How kind of Mr and Mrs Granger to volunteer to come with him. Harry and Hermione with a hidden guard would be talking to the young witch in question while enjoying ice cream while the Grangers and Remus met the parents at the bank.
Mr and Mrs Perks met the dentists at first nervously, then discovered that like them, they were completely normal.
That had Remus' alarm bells ringing. They clearly were afraid of magic, and only reluctantly agreed to meet here.
Her parents were really fighting her going to a magic-only school. No music or dance classes? They had spent a fortune on her, and planned to have her enrolled in the Royal Ballet School. It looked very good to get her a scholarship there!
The only reason they agreed to let Sally-Anne go to Hogwarts was because she wanted to keep her…powers. She was listened to more than her parents!
It was clear that both saw their daughter only as a resource to be milked, not a child to be nourished.
Remus showed the Perks the brochures from Salem, and talked about Boston Ballet Academy. It might not be Paris, but she could at least continue her dancing instruction if she were to attend America's premiere magical school.
"You would be welcome to join us." Emma shared. The Grangers planned to live near wherever Remus and Harry wound up.
"Move? To be yet closer to magic? No! In fact, can we step outside to talk, man to man?" Mr Perks asked Mr Granger, completely ignoring the wizard.
The two men stepped into the corridor. "Look, you seem to be accepting of your daughters 'unnaturalness'. But honestly? My wife and I have talked about moving house after September first. Just let them keep her."
Dan had enrolled in the SAS as a young man. He could practically smell the fear on this man, "Has she ever been violent to you?"
"WHAT? No! She sings like an angel - too perfect. And she sometimes forgets to land when she is dancing and launches into the air. It's not normal!"
Dan nodded understanding. "I'll have to talk it over with my wife, but I think we would be more than happy to offer a home for your daughter. If nothing else, I would personally offer to be her guardian. Salem has student housing. I can make sure she gets to her dance lessons and whatnot."
His demeanor was calm, even though inside, he was seething. But he lost his temper at the man's next statement.
"Oh. And not that you would, but someone tried to get a little fresh with her. Don't do it. Just don't. Stupid magic." The last was said almost beneath his breath.
Never in his life had Dan wanted to kill someone in cold blood. The guard standing there gripped his axe tighter.
Dan turned to the guard, "Do you have solicitors on staff here? If so, get one now. This man is not leaving with Sally-Anne."
BloodRage normally would take offense, but knew the man was military, a commander, and in the right.
Mr Perks started to object, "What? You can't do that to…"
A knife suddenly appeared in Dan's hand, pressing it to Perks' throat.
"What? You're going to let him just kill me?" The man squeaked, looking to the goblin guard for help.
BloodRage chuckled menacingly, "I have never seen a humon use a bladed weapon before. Hush! You are spoiling this special moment."
The man did the logical thing. And fainted.
"Shame. I will go fetch Dharma Briokz for you, Warrior Dan of new House Granger. He will represent you well."
"Thank you. What about him?" Dan asked.
"If he ever returns to the bank, I will make sure that our dragon's will get a small snack. Of course, they might get poisoned by eating something like him."
Dan laid him out, and put a careless boot on his chest to make sure he didn't get up to trouble when he woke. Bloodrage noted those boots on his way back. He grinned in appreciation.
"You are no dentist." The guard stated.
Dan smirked. "You should see me with a drill."
**ODD**
Emma was quickly pulled on board to being a guardian for the Perks girl. Mrs Perks didn't have one qualm signing over her daughter.
Her loss. Emma wanted to have more children, and physically couldn't. But with Hermione's 'spells' as they called them, they dared not foster before. Spells - wasn't that close to the truth? Dharma Briokz made it clear the American Ministry would be checking in on them periodically. She had no problem with that.
Harry was escorted into the Gringotts conference room with Hermione and their new friend Sally-Anne. They'd been in a quiet corner of the ice cream shoppe before being sent for.
Mrs Perks sneered, and started to say something vile, but Emma poked her in the back. She thought it was a wand, and went silent.
"You witch!"
"You should catch her on a bad day." Dan shared. "I'll explain everything to your former daughter."
BloodRage stood ready to take the pair on a personal tour of the guard dragons, but they had signed the parchment. Weaklings. They were still rubbing their hands. The goblin waved to a nearby guard to escort these 'people' out.
Dan and Emma waited to talk after the refuse had been removed from the room at axe point.
"Sally-Anne, you have a lot of different choices, but none of them include going home with those…people." Dan stated.
Harry looked first at BloodRage then Remus. He took Sally-Anne's hand for a moment. "I'm really sorry."
She shook her head, "I'm not. I should be feeling sad, but I'm just feeling…relieved I guess is the best word.
"I was looking forward to Hogwarts. I could get away from the constant fasting, the constant pressure. The unwanted…"
The girl broke down into tears. BloodRage and Dan shared a look; but they had worse monsters to deal with. The Perks were goldfish compared to the real barracudas they needed to take down.
"Will you go to Salem with us?" Harry asked. He and Hermione had been pitching the school to her as much as Remus had done to the parents.
"Yes. The further away from them and their plans to exploit me, the better."
When everyone was leaving, Dan stopped to talk to BloodRage. "You have assets that can wipe their memories of her?"
"Oh yes, and prove that she's been your daughter since she was a baby. For a small fee, we can even modify yours."
Dan thought about it. "If needed. For right now, that girl is getting a new last name. We all need a change."
"Again?" BloodRage asked.
"You know too much." Dan walked briskly to catch up to his family.
All he heard was a low goblin 'hehehe'.
**ODD**
The village on the ancient Potter lands was being divided up. Any family that still had underage children were encouraged to go; knowing it might only be for a decade or so. The others, young men for the most part who sometimes chafed under their fathers' sharp eyes, volunteered to stay to work the land.
The animals, shops, barns, and so forth were all going. Some housing would be left here for those staying. The unicorns were invited, but no one knew if they would be staying here within the warded forests or not. All of the domesticated creatures would be going.
Those staying would be responsible for gathering the unicorn horns, hair and scat. They would also be responsible for gathering up materials from the migrating pegasi which certainly wouldn't be going. The Welsh dragons lived in the private warded reserve, and their handlers would be staying in place with their charges. Harry had only gotten to visit there once, as no one wanted the only Potter seriously hurt. But the residents there had seemed to sniff the air as though 'tasting' his presence, and he did hope to visit there again. Someday.
There was room for everyone to come, but no one was being forced to go. Those staying clearly hoped to get a tidy portion of the profits, as the Potters had almost always been fair to their people.
James excluded. Harry would need to work hard to regain acceptance here.
**ODD**
Lupin didn't think he would be able to escape with Harry quite so easily. But it was painfully simple. They traveled muggle. No portkey applications that notified anyone. Of anything.
Harry, Remus and all four 'Grangers' were in first class. Along with a wide-eyed Neville. 'Miss Crouch' had decided on a different route after reading about aeroplanes. And traveled as most of the villagers did.
It was a great relief when the doors closed and the plane taxied out. Dumbledore would never down a muggle airplane - it wasn't his style. No, he likely really didn't know about this.
They boarded last on the same flight as the Dursleys.
The Dursleys were in the very last row, squished all together. Vernon was very upset at the mistaken seat assignments, but didn't want to be sacked by staying back. He'd already had some upsetting interviews recently.
He'd had no idea that from now on, his job had to be earned on his own. His boss had told him and the CEO of the local branch had told him. And a letter from the company president had told him.
All to fall on deaf ears.
**ODD**
Petunia was also thrown into a different world, and nothing was right for her.
The very first day in their temporary flat, Dudley got in trouble for hitting a neighbor's child. As if Dudley would do that. Well, to someone who wasn't the Freak.
And schooling was an issue. She was finding out quickly that the local private schools wouldn't accept Dudley with such terrible grades. Her choices were Vernon's alma mater, back in England, or the local 'middle' school.
Despite the distance and expense, they decided that Smeltings would still be the best for their boy.
In her final moments, Petunia would have some comfort with that decision.
**ODD**
Normally, a multi-level castle-like building going up in the middle of the night would be noticed. But this was Salem, traditional home of witchcraft. And even a bit of wizardry.
Harry had not understood Remus' total lack of concern about housing, the closer the date to moving came and still no house had yet been bought in Boston. Grunnings was responsible for the Dursleys' move - every bit of it muggle, well documented, and above all, legal.
Like the Grangers, everything of personal value to the Dursleys was moved. The furnishings? The broken down sofa? No. They'd get a small furniture allowance once the house sold, and all was left in the vacant house that was put on the market to sell.
But their own relocation? How could what they were doing be legal? The animals, the barns and most importantly, the manor had been transported to America.
The dwarven movers doffed caps, accepted the tip for great service, and took their leave.
**ODD**
The Grangers were invited to join the Black family, with a proper ceremony to be held at some point in the future.
Dharma Briokz had been able to visit Azkaban before the move and get Lord Black's signature on Remus' request. It was a layer of protection for Harry to appear to be living with some of Sirius' 'relatives'. He was also informed of his mother's demise at the same time. Gringotts got paid twice for a simple errand.
The now named Dan Black looked at the building. "Well, the view has changed…"
Remus shook his head, "No, well, not if we want to look at the sea. And years from now, when the children are done with school, we have the option of moving back."
Emma was tired, and just wanted to sleep for a week, "Harry? Which rooms are ours?"
"Your belongings are still in the rooms you were using." Remus informed. The house-elves were starting to pop in after going through immigration. Elves had moved the storage shed as well, so Emma could choose what items stayed in storage and what were moved into their suite. Very handy.
Sally-Anne looked around. Like Neville, she had only stayed there a couple of days before it had been moved. "Harry? Is this really your house, or a copy of it?"
"I don't know for sure, but it feels the same." Harry responded.
Neville nodded, "The old castle foundations, and several layers of keep were left behind. I think Harry is being very smart. Goodnight all. I don't think I can sleep but I'm so very glad to be here."
"Sleep as best you can, everyone, I'm off to…" Harry stood still, reaching out with his magic. "Where's Juniper? I don't feel her. Juniper? Juniper!"
Everyone rallied around Harry. What had happened!?
**ODD**
The poor house-elf had been the last one in line at the American Consulate in London, and had been just about to head to Boston, when she'd been snagged by a whip of magic.
Unlike a fire whip, this didn't burn, and unlike a real whip, it didn't cut. It just held her captive.
"What are you doing here, Potter elf!" The man with a long white beard demanded.
The people at the desk were helpless to act, as they had to follow local law. They did write an urgent letter for the people waiting for her at her intended destination, to let them know what happened.
**ODD**
Moony had tried to calm the boy by reassuring him that they would get her back. She had to be behind Hogwarts wards. There or Azkaban. They wouldn't send a house-elf to prison, would they?
Dan, who had offered Harry some self-defense and other lessons, now led him through some breathing and calming techniques. They helped, a bit, but ten years of near torture wasn't gong to be cured in a just a few sessions, and succeeding tonight was impossible.
Giving up, and lightly dosing all four children, the elves popped the young ones to bed.
They would be having a fairly quiet day on the morrow, then it was shopping and getting the children ready for day one of school.
**ODD**
The next morning, Remus dropped Neville off at the same hospital as his folks were at. The rest were spending the day arranging their rooms or helping outside. Even the Welsh villagers from Potter manor were getting things organized. New fencing was going up for some of the animals in temporary corrals. Everyone was busy all day getting settled.
Neville returned early afternoon practically gyrating, and tried to calm down by helping the workers set up the new greenhouse that had been ordered. A 'do-it-yourself' kit with incomplete or difficult instructions. Neville had handled those before, and went to take charge.
That evening, their awaited 'child-minder' arrived an hour before dinner.
Augusta had been transported in a trunk straight to the hospital where Neville, Frank and Alice were treated. She had to do so without Neville, sadly. He had to be openly seen arriving; and properly going through both muggle and magical entry. Just in case. She'd gone through the gateway at the American Magical Consulate, and then been handed off to the impatiently waiting goblins.
She felt no sign of movement, and had enjoyed a peaceful nap on the way there. Fortunately for her, she had left before Albus had arrived.
Lupin greeted her, "Madam Long…"
"Crouch. To you it is either Gran Crouch, Miss Crouch, or just plain Augusta. Your choice. I trust Neville made it back here safely?"
Remus smiled. "Yes, yes. Just to let you know. You, my lady, will never be a 'plain' anything. I can tell from Neville that the procedure went well?"
The grandmother averred, "I had to talk very quickly, and then testify again with Veritaserum. I still don't think they believe me, or at least, understand how bad the situation really is. Doesn't anyone care? I risked my grandson's magic to save his life!"
Moony nodded, "Well, Mount Sinai seems to have done a good job."
Then Miss Crouch shocked him, "Well, you haven't heard it all. They feel that Frank can make a complete recovery and are astonished at his lack of care. Alice too. The MacMurray's would be declaring blood feud if there were more than a handful left."
Remus looked hopeful at that. "No wonder Neville was so hyper. I thought it was because he is so magical. It's pouring off him like a broken spigot."
"Apt. He can't control it right now, but will be getting lessons before school starts." Augusta shared.
The extended family had a lovely dinner together, and made plans to get the basic supplies. Checking out the magical mall sounded like fun to the children, and those without magical aptitude. Squibs were called 'Adepts' here, and using the former word was considered tres gauche.
The children were again lightly dosed before bed with Emma reading them a story first before sending the boys off to their beds. Harry loved it. She then tucked in her daughters, happy to have so many sweet people to look after.
**ODD**
Lord Potter was awakened by the loud crowing of proud roosters. It felt late to him, and he tried to stifle a feeling of panic that he had overslept. Then he pushed aside the bed curtains to look at the clock on the nightstand in his plush suite. It was barely dawn here!
Even if he'd still been a Dursley house-elf, he wouldn't have been late.
Dressing quickly, Harry wondered what he should be doing. Before moving the manor house, he had been learning as much as he could about his holdings. Yesterday, Remus had barely spoken to him, being so busy with the animals and workers.
Harry felt cut adrift, and didn't know what to do. He decided to go for a bit of a walk. Remus hadn't wanted him outside the boundaries of the wards back in Wales. Just in case.
Harry felt it deeply; a fear of what would happen to him if he was caught in Dumbledore's clutches. It wouldn't be good.
Walking on cat feet, Harry made his way to the mudroom to change into boots and work robes. Construction was started to set the foundations of a community hall, something they didn't have back in Wales.
Harry opened the door, and started to stroll.
**ODD**
Llewelyn Elam had worked on the Potter lands since forever. He met his wife in the local village, and brought her to live in a Potter provided cottage when they married.
Margaret was good at magic, and had taught their youngsters. They were now grown and gone; some gone to rest in the village cemetery due to fighting Death Eaters.
The man had a bit of a grudge against James. That arrogant boy hadn't wanted to learn anything about the land.
'Remus wants the work, likes the work! Let him do it! Him and Padfoot! You ignore me all the time now that Sirius moved in.' The teen had shouted at Lord Charlus.
Which was true. The future Lord Black took his being adopted into House Potter as a boon. And he tried to learn everything, even though it was Remus being groomed to be the next seneschal of the keep. Charlus, Lord Potter had done the work on his own for many years, but age was slowing him down a bit. As was the Blood War.
More than one muggleborn Welsh magical had found shelter in their own village. As long as a person was willing to work, none were turned away.
Seeing the heir on his own, finally, the man decided it was time to put the lad in his place.
"So, just like your father! Yer not gonna raise your hand or wand to do a bit o' work. You think that me and me kinsman should struggle to make sure that you have meat and drink at table? Provide your tidy sums? That you need do nothing for us? That you owe us nothing' in return for our loyalty? If Lord Charlus was still with us, he'd have words for ye! Lady Dorea was always excusing Heir James for being sickly or weak. But the heir's butty is a far more fair manager. What's yer excuse ta be?"
Harry had shrunk back from the angry man, having difficulty understanding him. "Heir's butty? That's buddy, so Remus is doing a better job than James would. I understand that. As for me? I have no excuse, sir, to not do a good job as Heir. I want to do a good job. I'm willing to work; willing to learn, I swear."
Harry looked at the angry man, and saw pain. Well, no doubt some of it was leaving behind friends back in Wales. And who knew how long they would be here. But he wasn't forced to leave - it was a choice!
"I'm sorry my father disappointed you, and I'm sorry I was raised by muggles until recently. Look, I know that we raise magical animals…"
"And the pottery! Yer ne'er-do-well father locked it after Lady Dorea's death! Locked it! Never mind her apprentices, or the pieces in progress. Treated them like dirt. Broke my Margot's heart…"
Oh. Harry had seen a rough roster of the people coming with, and there was more than one Magaret of various spellings, but no Margot or Margaret Elam, he was sure.
"How very cruel. To her, to the other artisans. I presume that neither of my parents were interested in that artform?"
"Nay. Yer lady mother learned runes, but not yer sire." Clearly, the man thought both of his parents worthless, but had they really lived long enough to impress anyone. What was Harry supposed to say?
Another bout of denigrating his parents came to a stop when Remus walked up. Someone had likely gotten him to come up from the lower barns.
"Elam! It is not your place to discipline the Heir of the House. In fact, Harry is Lord Potter now. He is eleven. I was hoping that you, as experienced as you are in some of the family magic, might be willing to help him. After all, it wasn't his fault, nor mine, that he was kidnapped from us." Remus was trying for the calm voice he normally used, but he could smell the fear the lad was feeling.
"But Mr Lupin! My dad sounds like a right prat, and Mr Elam is right! I haven't done one chore yet! Please! I'm a hard worker. I used to make all of the meals, trim the grass, keep up all the plants in the greenhouse, wash the autos, do the laundry and everything else back at the Dursleys. And I still never did enough to earn a decent meal. He's right! I'm getting huge meals, and I haven't helped earn it. I'm so sorry! Please, tell me what I should be doing, right now!"
Now Llewelyn looked suspicious. What had the muggles done to the boy?! Or was he, like James, a bit of a storyteller?
"I was just checking on a proddy mare, Harry, and making sure she made the trip safe. Why don't we go into breakfast. I'll share some of the chores you can choose to do, if you like. But you are not going to have food withheld from you ever again."
"But what about the pottery? Can we open that up?" Harry asked.
"You can, later, Lord Potter, if you wish. It needs family blood to undo the seal." Mr Elam was far more polite now with Seneschal Lupin right there.
"But why would my father do that? Lock up the workshop? We need to find Grandmum Potter's portrait and ask," Harry stated.
Remus met the old worker's eyes. "James could be very short-sighted and selfish. He was crushed by his mother's death, and didn't want anything to remind him of it. That is why he sealed the pottery area. He was going to reopen it, eventually, but then he accepted Dumbledore's invitation to move to Godric's Hollow. And have Peter be the secret keeper for the fidelius charm."
Harry looked up into the Welshman's eyes. "I'll open that workshop today, sir. I'm sorry for all of the pain that my father caused you. If you ever want a portkey to go visit your wife's grave, I'll pay for it."
"How did ye know that lad?" Mr Elam asked, a bit stunned. Maybe this child wasn't completely spoilt.
"Only loving and losing someone like a wife could have caused you so much grief. It was logical, sir." Harry nodded, and took his leave.
Unseen behind him, the man gently, slightly, tugged his forelock for the first time to a Potter since Charlus passed away, and he went to his chores as the boy went in to clean up for breakfast.
**ODD**
Neville was happy, bouncing a bit coming out of his room on the way to breakfast. Harry had been so grateful to meet his godbrother.
"I can't wait for you to meet Mum! Oh Harry! She recognized me! She hugged me!" Neville gushed. "Dad too! I got my magic back, truly back, and they're getting better. It's wonderful!"
"I'm really happy for you, Neville. I really am." Remus had explained a bit of what happened to Alice and Frank Longbottom years before, just after Harry's mum and dad were murdered.
They arrived at the table, and took their places.
Harry looked at Remus. He might not have his parents, but he was already close to one of his father's best friends. And getting closer to Dan and Emma everyday as well.
Neville's Gran was speaking, "It's all of us coming here together at the same time that concerns me. Isn't it going to send a big signal to Dumbledore of where we are?"
"This is why we decided not to hide. We are doing nothing wrong." Remus shared, pretty sure that Dumbledore would create a law to make what he, Remus, had done kidnapping.
But once here, the Dursleys signed over Harry's guardianship to Miss Crouch. And with Alice Longbottom being Harry's godmother, as soon as she was well, Frank and Alice would be taking over said custody. The Longbottoms had priority over everyone but Sirius if it was decided in a fair courtroom using the Potter wills.
Dumbledore had unknowingly created a legal trap for himself by declaring himself guardian for Heir Potter during the incapacity of Harry's named potential guardians.
Dan and Emma had offered to act as such, but Harry didn't want to. "No Remus! I really like Hermione! I don't want to be her sister!"
Moony had waited until he was in the other room before laughing. Harry had his first crush and he thought it adorable. Harry would likely figure out that he would be Hermione's and Sally-Anne's brother rather than sister. But, he would let it go, until it was time to embarrass him. Preferably, when the lad was drinking something.
The dining table groaned with all of the choices for breakfast, and they chatted as they ate.
**ODD**
Traditionally, Blacks had star names, so the former Miss Perks was officially Astrid Sally-Anne Black. The rest of the Grangers also took new first names, and were going by their middle names, except for Hermione who was going by Hermione Cassieopia Black.
Harry and Neville were going to school openly as themselves, and both had revoked their British citizenship to claim American citizenship. Since the Dursleys had done the same, for a bit of financial consideration, there was nothing Dumbledore could do. Not without revoking their guardianship. And since the official registers still showed Sirius Black as Harry's magical guardian, that would cause him yet another headache.
"But what about Neville? Can't someone in Britain claim him?" Hermione worried.
The official story was that Neville had suffered a huge loss, and gone to live with one of his Crouch relatives who had moved to America years before.
"Can you see Neville living with Barty?" Augusta chuckled.
"Not in Azkaban. And that's where he should be going. I can't believe that story made it to the newspaper." Emma shared.
Dan read out, "Dumbledore is calling for forgiveness, for both father and son. 'An understandable mistake.' 'Swept away by emotion'. It was recently discovered that Barty Senior had his son and his daughter-in-law and their three children living there. The Ministry is spinning this as it was a 'mistake' for Barty Jr to have gone to Azkaban to begin with. His peaceful life for the last ten years proves it was an error in judgment to ever send Junior to prison.'"
Harry just had to ask, "So they're going to sweep it under the rug. Again? While Sirius continues to suffer?"
A new voice was heard right then, "Oh yes, poor Sirius Black. Shame about him."
"Padfoot? Padfoot!" Remus practically apparated from the table. He was hugging the man over and over.
"Juniper? I know you're here. Where are you?" Harry shouted.
"Juniper sorry, but she's having to be caught and thrown in Azkabibble without trial. Same as Master Sirius! Then Juniper just leaving on boat. No one asking me one thing, since Juniper's wearing teatowel of Azkabibble servant. Not her fault that someone's not watching when servings foods."
She had brought one half of the vanishing cabinet with her. Bless her. No one bothered to check a 'mere' house-elf for contraband.
Harry knelt to hug her warmly, "You risked yourself, but I can't yell at you. Thank you."
Harry stood and was then introduced to his godfather. "It's a pleasure to meet you Mr Black," shaking the man's hand.
Sirius Black had spent the last six months in Mount Sinai for treatment, well, from his point of view. The time chamber was hideously expensive, but worth it to be well enough to be a part of Harry's life now. His ongoing treatments were going to be on an outpatient basis. He heard, while visiting there, that Alice and Frank would soon be released as well. They still had more rehabilitation to complete.
"Please? Can't you call me Padfoot, as you used to? Or even just Sirius?"
"I can do that." Harry smiled.
Nothing could suppress Sirius for long; the man was effusive, "Thank you, Juniper, everyone. I'm really glad to be free. And I really am. It will be in the papers. I've had a trial here, and was declared innocent. All Britain can accuse me of is leaving without paying my hotel bill in Chez Azkaban."
Juniper shook her head, "If Master Sirius starts a hotel that has dementors? Juniper leaving, leaving."
"No one wants hot and cold running horrors, my friend. No one." Remus shared, gazing in amazement that his friend was here, and safe, and recovering well. Free.
But everyone was feeling that things had gone their way a bit too much. What was going to happen next?
**ODD**
As though a true Seer, Harry read the next day's paper in shock. Not the good kind either; this was truly sick.
Emma read aloud, "'Rubeus Hagrid is in Azkaban under suspicion of kidnapping? That a student he was shepherding in Diagon Alley has disappeared, and Hagrid is being blamed?' Harry, wasn't that the kind man who took you for your supplies?"
"He is, and he told me something else. He had his wand snapped for something he didn't do. He refused to say more, but I mentioned it to Hermione…"
"And I did a bit of research. Getting expelled is very rare. Dumbledore has never done so to a student. Headmaster Dippit snapped Hagrid's wand in 1943. He was expelled for raising a giant spider at school. A girl, Myrtle Warren, died. Very suspicious. She had not a mark on her.
"Head Boy Tom Marvolo Riddle had found him with the acromantula and turned him in." Hermione concluded.
Dan started asking various questions, and the people around the room pitched in what they knew.
While her husband talked, Emma took out a pad and pencil and asked for the spelling of that name again.
Dan had a rye grin, "And how does a spider kill someone without bite marks? That would be very obvious. I wonder how lethal that poison is. Are these giant spiders common?"
Emma then huffed. "No, I have leftover letters, no. Wait. No, I don't. Tom Marvolo Riddle - I am Lord Voldemort."
The adults in the crowd gasped at her saying the feared name, but Augusta narrowed her eyes.
Gran Crouch was shocked, "I was a seventh year in school when he was a wee firstie. Same house. He was thought as a muggleborn at first, but then proved he could talk to snakes. Showed up with a Lord's Ring of his House later on, from what I heard too. Wait, you're saying that he's a what? Half-blood at best? Riddle is not a wizarding name! That has to be it. He disappeared for years, then this mysterious Dark Lord appears? Why does no one else know this?"
Padfoot stared at the mild-mannered looking muggle man, then his wife, in shock, "Poisons? Puzzles? You two must have some interesting hobbies!"
Dan and his wife shared a look. No one apologized.
Harry got everyone focused on the issue. "When is Hagrid's trial? Should I return to London? Try and petition…"
Harry got up to run to the floo.
Remus grabbed his arm, and the boy flinched. "Sorry Harry. When I get scared, I forget to control my strength. Are you alright?"
Harry nodded, rubbing his arm that had a red hand-print quickly fading.
Lupin pointed out, "Your reaction is exactly why Dumbledore did this. It's hard. But that cannot be our solution."
Sally-Anne suggested, "I think we need to do a smear campaign, you know, like politicians do." She had seen the good from PR campaigns. For the ballet club she'd been forced into, and the smear campaign done against them by other clubs. It wasn't pretty, but this was war.
The group looked sour at that suggestion.
Remus proposed, "We can write to Minerva. I have that box that goes straight to the post office in Hogsmeade."
Harry jumped up. He was so tired yesterday, he had forgotten about his familiar. "Where's Hedwig?"
"Calm cub, she's resting. She came with the keep, and I think it was an easy passage." Remus shared. "I need to go and meet with the workers now. Please? Don't do anything without talking to us?"
Padfoot added, "You could walk right out that door, go to Gringotts and exchange money to fly back. Or get a portkey. But the minute you land in Britain, I swear. You will be captured. And you won't like it. I know. I loved that man once; would have died for him. I know."
"We know." Remus nodded, wiping his mouth, and throwing his napkin on his plate. He bowed to the ladies. "Until anon, good gentles."
Sally-Anne turned to Hermione, "What did that mean?"
"He'll see us later, maybe tea or dinner."
Dan looked at his watch, "I would like to check in with work. Remus wants to get the workers organized then go with us shopping. I'm guessing we have a half hour or so. Everyone's dressed. If you're ready to leave, you could read for a bit."
"Well, sister? Ready to greet the best library ever?" Hermione held out her hand.
Sally-Anne took it. The girls were nearly a year apart, but the brilliant girl with the wild curls had dreamed of having a sister all her life.
Harry laughed, walking side by side with Neville for a moment, following the girls.
"Did she just treat the library like a person?" the Longbottom heir asked.
"She did. I wanted you to stay with the girls if you don't mind. I want to spend some time with my godfather. I need a plan to open up an old closed business.
"I can't believe he's free, and I have part of my family back."
**ODD**
Sirius Black was sipping coffee, and talking to the Granger parents and Augusta over crumbs.
"We were just about to decide on a course of action for the day. After we get back from shopping, I think that it might be my job to make sure that gravity doesn't fail on the comfy sofa in the library." Dan shared. He'd checked in, and was on standby for the moment.
Emma smiled. It was nice having Dan at home, though she knew it wouldn't last.
Sirius shared,"Well, I'm going to write a letter to my old professor. She's quite something. I know she was old enough to fight against Grindelwald, and did so for a time. She plays quidditch, though probably not much any more. I really don't know what her hobbies are. When Remus, James and I were in school, Dumbledore kept her out of his business by loading her down with every extra job he could think of. Made it sound so reasonable too."
Harry saw he was busy, but Padfoot included Harry. "Come sit next to me. Salem doesn't require them, but I'll show you how to use a quill."
Remus had one of the workers bring Sirius some of the hippogriffs' long feathers. They were a favorite for quills, and Padfoot wanted to show him how to cut, prepare and use these lovelies.
Harry loved the 'griffs and took up one of the feathers, stroking it like a pet, "Thank you, sir. But I need to ask you how to unlock a magical lock on the pottery making workshop."
**ODD**
Going to the magical mall was a blast. School books would be distributed the first day of class and could be purchased or borrowed. Pencils and normal pens were used. No quills for them.
While Harry and Remus had been very quick at the uniform shop, the girls were lingering. Dan took the opportunity to ask Harry a favor.
"I normally work out four to five times a week. Most of the equipment is in storage, but I also do weights at work. Do you mind if we set up a gym somewhere? It would do you and Sirius good to work out as well."
Remus understood that with his job being so physical, he didn't need to lift weights. "I don't want Harry overdoing it. Some boys his age hurt themselves trying to lift too much."
Dan nodded, "Low weight multi reps are better. Three sets of ten with two pounds might be a good starting point for both boys."
"You'll teach me how? I want to get into shape." Harry enthused. "Remus? What about using the basement of the community hall we're building. We could have a gym, a place for people to play after work, and get in shape. I wonder if any of the stores in the mall offer gym equipment or know where we can get it."
"I'll take that as a yes." Dan smirked.
**ODD**
The secretary for the senior aurors saw what was about to happen and tried to prevent it. No! Those two were like little boys. Naughty boys.
Auror Moody was about to accost Unspeakable Croaker. Again. There. He pushed him, making his portfolio open; parchment went everywhere!
Those two men got on like a house afire - everyone around them getting burned while they tossed fuel on the flames. And more incendios.
Moody shouted. "What did you do with the boy this time? Aren't you his uncle? Don't you have any family feelings?"
Now it was Algie's turn to knock Moody's briefcase down. Yet more pages set afluttering.
"Of course I have family feelings. Revulsion, boredom, ill-concealed contempt. What about you?"
Moody poked a hole with his foot in one of the Unspeakable's papers, "I'm telling you right now, squib or not, you should be more tolerant. Didn't the boy go to live with you after your sister's death? And why aren't you in mourning robes?"
"I have ten thousand reasons to mourn, or wait, I meant not mourn. As for taking in the flower child, no. I'm ever so sorry. Tiny house, no room." Which was clearly a lie, as he and his wife had a multi-storied elegant home. "I'm late for a meeting, so unless you want to try your ill-mannered approach to interrogation some more, I will try to avoid you later."
"Squib-killer!" Moody shouted.
"Oh, you wound me."
They exchanged rude gestures, all the while, files flying. The secretary got them sorted out and handed over. Neither man thanked her for her help, but both winked.
Both had passed off their secret messages yet again without anyone the wiser. No one noticed the similar odd rings both men and the secretary wore.
**ODD**
Minerva looked up at the clock. Good. Bill Weasley was due soon, as was Moody. The wards showed that Albus had left the castle. Presumably for an ICW meeting, but one never really knew with him.
The men came in together, and Minerva served tea. Moody took it without checking, giving his secret wife a wink.
If Bill noticed anything, he said nothing.
"Are you sure about this?" Bill asked. He was helping the scrying team, and they said only a miniscule piece was currently in the castle. This would be another success for the team - if it worked out.
Gringotts knew that leaving bits of dark lords lying around was dangerous. Besides, there was a financial incentive to getting rid of him completely. Gold not circulating was worthless.
Bill was furious to have found another piece at home in his brother's books. It appeared to be a simple diary. Was the altercation in the bookstore just camouflage? Fortunately, Ron didn't like that it wrote back, and had shown it to their parents who summoned Bill.
It was an unexpected boon.
"Our guest is here." Minerva warned. Bill added the potion into the just poured tea. It only needed a few drops.
"Prof..fes..or McGon..na..gul. ..til..men."
"Please come in, I was just fixing your tea as you like. Mad-eye? Bill? Please meet Professor Quirrell. As you know, Mr William Weasley here is a curse-breaker, and Auror Moody offered to assist. "
"But you're no slouch, are ye?" Alastor asked. "Ye fought vampires. They give me the shivers, no doubt."
Quirrell took a sip of tea gathering his thoughts. But they fled away as he fell unconscious.
Bill cast the spell to bind malevolent spirits so Quirrell's companion couldn't escape. He then bound the man tightly, and transfigured him into a small china doll, pocketing it. Then he turned to Moody.
The man banished the tea, and took out a different pot. He checked the time.
"Get out of here! The potion doesn't work if ye stay. Oot!" Mad-eye commanded.
Bill fled with his shrunken package, hoping that this containment worked as planned.
The man then took the woman in his strong arms, and gently kissed her. "Ach, Minnie! I've missed ye so. We're going to win, my darlin' girl. We're going to win, and settle down, and raise sheep. Just a little farm."
She smiled at him, starting to remember. But of course, that was when he served his tea.
**ODD**
ODD (Order Defying Dumbledore)
A/N: Story recommended by our friend csheila: Fairwym Spiders Make Good Friends.
.net /s /14271910/ 1 /Spiders-Make-Good-Friends take out spaces.
We haven't read it as MelJ is writing a spider-centric story, and don't want to accidentally use anything from her story. Excellent storywriter, so enjoy.
A/N: Story recommended by our friend stacygrrl2002 deadlandmarshal's Have Chrome Will Travel. I think we've rec'd this before, but the opening chapters are worth the price of admission. s/8975202/1/Have-Chrome-Will-Travel
A/N: Your story recommendation here -
**ODD**
ƺ parseltongue
₲ galleons
₰ sickles
ķ knuts
Ɠ Goblin language
O.D.D. (Order Defying Dumbledore)