Chapter 5: Family?
Family is a funny concept. In theory, blood is thicker than water... or so they say. However, not all people are blessed with good biological relatives. Many, like Harry, are actually cursed. And so, people like him have to build their own families. For Harry, today, his only family was Hermione and Dobby, but now with Remus and Tonks naming Harry and Hermione godparents, their family would grow. He tried not to focus on the warm fuzzy feeling that imagining Hermione holding a baby gave him. He knew she would be a wonderful mother. Was it weird that he had thought about that? It had to be. That was a problem for another day.
After Minerva left with Dobby, the foursome sat down with a kettle of strong tea to go over what they had learned. As they talked and wrote notes, Harry's mind wandered. Ronald had been actually cast out by his parents. Hermione had explained to him what that meant, and it was cold, severe, and permanent. Harry could not imagine how painful that was for them. It made him feel hopeful that they said both him and Hermione would always be welcome at The Burrow. He had a lot of happy memories there, but with everything that had happened, he doubt he would ever feel comfortable going back there.
Remus had insisted that they needed to bring a wandmaker to create a new wand for Harry. Tonks wanted to bring an Auror she trusted to train them and improve their endurance. Hermione would not have it. She argued that they should only let people they could trust implicitly into the island and train themselves with good materials that Dobby could bring them. Tonks kept pressing that their health should be first. Yes, there was an ongoing war, but it could wait for them to get better. Harry was about to say something when Hermione's words made him stop.
"Look, we all know that Ollivander is a great wand maker... But I wouldn't trust him with my life, let alone with Harry's. Plus, last we heard on the radio, he went into hiding, and nobody knows where he is," Hermione said with a frown.
Harry tried not to wince when she placed his life, yet again, as more important than hers. But he failed, so he pressed a cushion against his face and let out his breath slowly.
"Harry, I know I am nobody to tell you who gets to come here and who doesn't. This is your family home. I am a guest here. But I am really concerned that this location will get out, and your safety will be compromised," Hermione finished softly.
Harry had been taking all the suggestions and comments on his life and safety like a champ. However, Hermione knew him like the back of her hand, and his tolerance was very low by now. She hoped he wouldn't take this the wrong way. The last thing he needed was to feel mothered by everyone on the island. She knew she was right about that when he unceremoniously dropped the cushion and turned to her with a furious expression.
Harry's nostrils flared as he exhaled, trying to calm himself. He couldn't. "Hermione, I really hate even raising my voice to you, let alone argue with you, because I know it's a losing battle. That's why I hope I will only have to do this once... Can we have the room?" He asked Remus and Tonks, who were already halfway up and leaving. The couple got out of the house with their cups of tea.
Harry grabbed the back of Hermione's knees and turned her to face him on the couch. He had a lot of angry energy inside, so he chose to pace in front of her with his hands on his hips, unknowingly mirroring what he had seen her do countless times when upset. The more he paced without saying a word, the more nervous Hermione got, "I can't even... You... Argh! I am not good at scolding people," Harry groaned.
Hermione looked up at him with a pout and puppy dog eyes.
"NO! Don't use that card, Hermione! I am warning you!"
Hermione sighed and schooled her face in a more neutral expression, "Harry, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said anything at all... You bring whoever you want here. That's your right. This is your family home, one of them at least. It would be very presumptuous of me to think I have any say in this. What I will do is my job. I will prepare as many countermeasures as I can come up with," Hermione offered, making herself small. "I will keep you as safe as I can."
Harry stopped pacing and looked at her, incredulous, "I'm sorry. What the fuck did you just say?!"
Hermione winced. Harry did curse around her but never at her directly. "Yes, I know it's my fault you don't have your wand, and I know you must feel incomplete and vulnerable without it. I will help Remus plan the safest way to get Ollivander here once we figure out where he is," she insisted.
"SHUT UP! God damn it, Hermione!" Harry snapped. Hermione made herself smaller, so Harry knelt in front of her. "Don't you ever, and I mean EVER talk about you that way in front of me! You are a nobody? It's your fault? According to who? Hermione Jean Granger: listen to me very carefully and carve this into that marvelously terrifying brain of yours. You have every right to decide who gets to come here. Everything on this island is as much yours as it is mine. You are my family. Your safety is my responsibility, not the other way around. No one is coming into this island without your express permission."
Hermione let out a breath she had been holding. "Thank you."
Harry sat down and took Hermione's hands in between his own, "Now that I'm on a roll with this… communicating," she chuckled, but he continued. "I don't appreciate you playing down the importance of your life in comparison to mine. The world can live without me, but not without you. I am nothing but a soldier... a pawn playing a game I didn't choose. You? Fuck, you are going to do so many great things! You will change the world, got it? Never speak as if your life is expendable because it is not. I would rather walk willingly to greet an AK curse from Voldypants than lose you in any way, okay? Nothing in this world makes me as vulnerable as you... not even my lack of a wand. Hermione… I… At the risk of sounding like a sycophant, you are my kryptonite."
Hermione was astonished and deeply touched. Harry never discussed his feelings, let alone this explicitly. This was a breakthrough. Could it be that he was opening up because he finally felt safe? Maybe it was that he was no longer close to the necklace. Whatever it was, the only appropriate response was to give him a hug that would have impressed a boa constrictor.
"And you are mine."
Remus and Tonks came back inside to find the teens still hugging. They cleared their throats. "Now that you have… ahem… ironed things out..." Tonks winked at them.
"We think the first thing we need to do is get you detoxed from that monstrosity, and it seems you are getting there," Remus smiled, and they blushed. "Dobby placed it in the safe. You need to gain weight and get stronger. Potions will help, but nothing will heal you faster than good food, exercise, sunlight, and meditation. Minerva agreed to consult Poppy, anonymously, of course. A potion regime was effective, but it could be highly addictive.
Back in Montana, Dudley was pedaling hard as night was already catching up with him. The countryside was beautiful during the daytime, but at night is was lonely, isolated, and a bit eerie. Having zero neighbors didn't help either. Nosy neighbors were what the Dursleys were used to, and it made Dudley feel safe to know that anyone next door could call the police. Not that it would necessarily help, as they lived so far away, but it was still something. When Dudley was about to take a turn down the road that would make his parents' house visible, he was thrown off his bike. He was bound and gagged in seconds, and a strange, short, wrinkly creature covered in some sort of armor motioned for him to stay quiet.
"Don't move," he whispered.
Dudley looked at his bound limbs and rolled his eyes.
"Right… Are your Dudley Dursley?"
The stocky human nodded with fear.
"Are your parents home?"
Dudley narrowed his eyes and looked at the soldier up and down. The goblin understood Dudley didn't trust him, so he quickly replied in whispers: "I am Ragnok, account manager at Gringotts, the wizarding bank. I oversee the Potter and the Black accounts. If I remove the gag, do I have your word that you will not scream?" the goblin asked.
Dudley nodded, and the gag vanished instantly, making him bite his lip harshly. He grimaced as he tasted blood in his mouth, "Is he okay?"
"Who?"
"My cousin Harry," Dudley's voice sounded scared.
"I believe so. Are your parents home?" Ragnok insisted.
"Why do you want to know?" Dudley detected a strange smell. Smoke?
"Just tell me, damn it!" the goblin whisper shouted.
Dudley looked at his watch. "Yeah. They should be about to have dinner."
"Bloody hell. I can't go in there without reinforcements."
"Reinforcements? I don't understand. My parents are not magical," Dudley struggled to sit up.
"I know that. Bloody hell, I need to get you somewhere safe before I am fired."
"What? But my house is safe?... Isn't it?!"
"Not at the moment, lad. It's on fire."
"What!? Untie me! My parents are in there!"
"They are not alone! You can't go in there, and neither can I! We would be dead before we even got to the front door! They are vicious! You are coming with me. Once you are safe, I will bring Aurors here."
"I am not leaving without my parents!"
"Listen, kid. You can leave with me, or you can die with them! Chances are they are long gone already," Ragnok snapped. Dudley was shocked. He craned his neck only to have the goblin push him down on his stomach. He had seen a Death Eater come out of the building. "Don't move. You will feel a hook through your navel," the goblin placed a twig on Dudley's hand, and they disappeared.
Dudley was throwing up for the third time while the strange creature rang an alarm and barked orders. Where in hell were they? There was no electricity, just candles. Everything looked ancient but sturdy.
"We are at Gringotts. You are safe here. Stay in this office. No one can know you are here. I must go get the Aurors."
Dudley would have asked a question, but another bout of nausea hit him, leaving him unable to speak.
Dobby landed with McGonagall in the bathroom of her chambers. Before he could leave, she saw a piece of parchment and touched his shoulder. She cut her palm open and bled on the note, and it became legible. The goblins were summoning Dobby because the Dursleys had been attacked.
"Dobby, there's a note here from Ragnok for you."
"He needs you to take him to Harry. There has been an emergency with the Dursleys," the professor was concerned. "If Harry needs me, please come get me. I have to teach early tomorrow, but I could leave after lunch."
Dobby's eyes widened, but he nodded and vanished immediately.
The Aurors were greeted by a ghastly scene. The fancy farmhouse had been burnt to a crisp. On top of the severely damaged structure hovered two gigantic skulls that seemed like they were made of a collection of emerald stars. A snake was coming out of each of their mouths. The property was completely silent. Only the sound of owls and the howling of the wind could be heard. Auror Kingsley Shacklebolt had been on the force for a while, but there were very few times that he had seen such a gory mess.
The smell of burnt flesh and blood pricked their noses, and there were traces of vomit and other bodily fluids as well. An uneaten dinner was on the floor. The mauled naked bodies of Vernon and Petunia Dursley lay next to each other. Their hands stretched out about an inch from each other. At least, their love was true. Perhaps it was the only pure thing they ever knew. That and their love for Dudley. Their bodies had received cuts all over, and many bones were broken or dislocated. They had been tortured to death. The letters "B. L." were carved into their stomachs. Only psychopath Bellatrix Lestrange would consider signing her 'artwork' like this. The whole scene was sickening. The Aurors began taking magical pictures and gathering evidence.
Shacklebolt had to tread carefully. About 60% of the force was in the pockets of Voldemort and his corrupt, illegitimate government. Out of the other 40%, he could trust perhaps two people at the most. The Auror was glad Tonks had managed to get a healer to state her pregnancy was high risk so she could take a leave of absence. She was a great officer and friend, but he didn't want her in harm's way.
Dudley sat stunned as he answered question after question. His parents were dead, actually gone. He was all alone in the world, and their home was gone. All the money that his parents took from Harry went literally up in smoke. Dudley's savings had been in cash inside a pillowcase in his bedroom.
"Mr. Dursley?" Ragnok repeated.
Dudley didn't realize the creature meant him. Ragnok snapped his fingers in front of his face.
"Sorry?"
"Mr. Dursley, do you have anywhere safe to stay?"
Dudley thought for a few seconds, and his horrible Aunt Marge with her rabid dogs flashed in her mind. He shuddered. "No."
"Do you have any bank account or access to your parents' accounts?" Ragnok asked.
"No… They n-never told me a-anything," Dudley sighed. Tears kept falling without him being able to stop them.
Ragnok nodded. "Hmm... Wait here."
Another creature popped into the office, and Dudley jumped on his chair. "Dobby is here."
"Finally! Let's go," Ragnok smiled.
Dobby looked at the teen, who seemed absolutely broken. His master was kind, but this person had hurt him. Should he bring the human to the island? Probably not. His master would decide.
"Wait! Will you s-see Harry?" Dudley asked, swallowing a sob.
"Yes."
"Tell him I am sorry," Dudley slumped on his chair.
Dobby nodded with a frown. He grabbed Ragnok, and they left.
On the island, the information discovered by the health checkup was met with dismay by the adults. Core bindings, traces of loyalty potions, traces of love potions, malnourishment, the works. They needed professional help, and soon.
"Harry, we need a couple of healers to help us. This is beyond our basic healing abilities. Tonks' core is growing a baby, and she can't spend a long time using magic for complex spells," Remus warned. "What we have found so far is very troubling, and I think the more we dig, the worse it will get."
"Yes, but we can't bring just anyone here," Harry replied with a shocked expression. He pinched the bridge of his nose. Hermione held her with her fingers pulling on her hair. To add insult to injury, Ronald had been dosing them with potions.
Pop.
Three wands were immediately pointed at the goblin and elf.
"Master Harry. This is being Ragnok, yous account manager," Dobby held his hands up.
"Lord Potter, pardon my unannounced visit. It is a pleasure to meet you despite the circumstances," Ragnok vowed.
Harry stepped forward from behind Hermione; his heart was pounding. He didn't even notice that he was called Lord. Dobby looked very conflicted. It had to be bad. "What circumstances? What happened?!"
"You may want to sit down," the goblin motioned.
"Tell me what happened!" Harry demanded, refusing to sit. Hermione stepped closer to him from behind. Remus helped Tonks sit down just in case.
"I am very sorry to be the bearer of bad news. There was an attack tonight in Montana."
Harry frowned. "Montana?" What did that have to do with them? Hermione's parents were in Australia… maybe they moved? His heart raced, and he reached behind him to find her hand ready and waiting.
"The Death Eaters attacked Mr. and Mrs. Dursley," the goblin said gravely.
Harry went deathly pale. "D-Did… A-Are-" he couldn't speak. The air felt impossible to inhale. He started shaking like a leaf.
"Did anyone make it?" Hermione wrapped her left arm around Harry's middle and tightened her hold of his hand.
"Dudley Dursley is alive," Ragnok replied. He preferred to deliver good news first. "His parents didn't make it. I apologize if this is indelicate, but you may be questioned by authorities eventually, and it is best if you know. Vernon and Petunia Dursley were tortured to death by Bellatrix Lestrange and probably several other Death Eaters, but she marked their bodies with her initials, apparently."
"B-Bellatrix," Harry whispered. His eyes unfocused, and he saw Sirius falling through the veil with a smile on his face. He felt the blow of his death once more as it had just happened. His heart pounded in his head, and his legs felt weak.
"Harry-" Hermione began.
"A-Again," he fell to his knees and let out an anguished, frustrated scream that made everyone freeze. Only Hermione moved to join him on the floor.
"Harry?"
The young man was far away, assaulted by a barrage of memories. His first attempt at hugging his Aunt met with a stern and cold push. His first spanking. His first Mother's Day card crumpled and stepped on while Petunia bawled, and Vernon removed his belt to teach him a lesson. His first cigarette burn. His first black eye. His first week without food. Harry tried to inhale but couldn't. He started clawing at his neck, leaving marks. It felt as if he was wearing the locket, and it was trying to strangle him. Hermione motioned to Remus to grab Harry's free arm. They pulled him towards the dining table, which was cleared by Dobby in an instant.
Harry struggled, kicking and trying to breathe. His arms and legs wailed about in desperation. The young man couldn't hear it, but he was still howling like an injured animal ready to kill or be killed. His scar was throbbing. His surroundings vanished, and in his mind, he saw a creepily smiling at Bellatrix at his feet. They were in a lavishly decorated, though darkened mansion. He could see Lucius Malfoy and Severus Snape in the background. He saw everything through Voldemort's snake eyes. He could tell he was that monster because he was sitting on a makeshift throne.
"Bella, wonderful work as usual. What about the boy?"
"He wasn't there. We waited, but he didn't return," Lestrange replied with a crazed smile. "But I can go back to finish the job, my Lord," she offered, kneeling at his feet and kissing them. Harry had rarely seen a more revolting scene.
"Two out of three should send a clear message. He needs to know that I can be a merciful Lord. Maybe go back in a few months and bring him for Nagini," Riddle replied, his long bony fingers caressing Bellatrix's cold cheek. He whispered, "Come to my chambers tonight. We can have our own party."
Harry could have thrown up at the delighted look of the woman and at how her skin felt on his -or rather on Voldemort's- decrepit fingers. "Severus, how are things coming along on your end?"
"I have three of our best working on it full time. We will figure it out. If it is indeed what we suspect, we could accomplish what you want, milord," Severus replied with a bow. "Many more soldiers for your ranks."
Harry wanted to tackle the man, wrap his hands around his greasy neck and squeeze... to feel the life leave his body as he exhaled one last time, but before he could do just that, he felt as if he had been dropped onto his back with fury. He blinked as he came back to his body to find a desperate Hermione straddling his legs as Remus did strong and steady chest compressions.
"Harry! Breathe!"
Harry sat up in shock, inhaling harshly and coughing. His chest hurt a lot. "I'm o-okay."
"Like hell you are okay! You weren't breathing! I was so scared! Don't scare me like that again!" Hermione hit his chest, and he grimaced in pain. She stood and helped him up slowly.
"I couldn't b-breathe, but now I am fine. Ragnok? Can I go to Gringotts without being d-detected by other customers?" Harry asked in between coughs. Tonks did a few spells to relieve Harry's pain and calm him down.
"You can't be serious... Harry, I am sorry for your loss. Or at least I think I am, but you can't risk it," Remus tried to reason.
"They are dead because of me. At the very least, I need to speak to Dudley and offer some assistance," Harry insisted.
"We have no Polyjuice yet, and you are not leaving this island looking like you!" Tonks exclaimed with her arms crossed.
"Excuse me, but I believe Lord Potter was talking to me. Yes, you can. Goblins have magic that wand carriers don't have. For instance," Ragnok pointed at Harry with his hands, and Harry was no longer visible.
"What the fuck?" Harry whispered. Not even he could see himself as he looked down at his hands.
Ragnok smirked, "Let's go, sir."
"Whoa! Hold your horses!" Hermione placed her hands tentatively where Harry's chest was a second before and was glad to be able to feel him. "Ragnok, can you guarantee that no one will come into Gringotts to get us?"
"No, as I am sure you know, no one can guarantee that. I am only taking Lord Potter, though," Ragnok replied.
"Absolutely not!" Hermione pointed her wand at the goblin's head.
The goblin looked at her with admiration, but his hands were on his knives.
Remus and Ronks gasped. This could escalate a lot in a very short time.
"Hermione, I'll be fine. It's safer if you stay," Harry tried to placate her.
"Harry James Potter, if you leave without me, you will not find me here when you return! It is NOT safer. You don't even have a wand, and you are not leaving me behind!"
Harry staggered, and everyone froze mid-motion. The goblin blinked and looked at the two humans in confusion. He could see Harry even through the invisibility because he had been the one who cast it out. It was rare to see a female human wanting to go into battle at all. In all recent wars, men tried to protect their wives and children. That was why there were so many widows. But for a woman to refuse a male to go into battle without her was something else.
Hermione was dead serious, and her eyes were full of tears. Harry was suddenly really glad she could not see his face right now. He took a deep breath and pushed Hermione forward slightly, "Ragnok, this is Hermione Granger." Harry explained. He hoped Ragnok remembered the letter. Hermione frowned but said nothing; there was something she didn't know here.
The goblin blinked. Oh... The future Lady Potter. "Of course, Lord Potter. My apologies. I can take both of you. However, Mr. and Mrs. Lupin will have to-"
"Dobby cans take theys!" the elf offered immediately.
"No, I am staying," Tonks replied. "My morning sickness would be a bitch tomorrow. I'll have potions ready just in case," she gave Remus a quick peck. "First whiff of trouble you come back! Update me via mirror..."
Remus nodded and palmed his pocket to make sure the mirror was there.
Harry asked Ragnok to apparate them just outside his office. Harry motioned for Ragnok, Remus, and Dobby to give him some privacy.
"Mione, I'm sorry about before."
Hermione placed her hands on his cheeks. "Don't. I know. Just don't let it happen again."
"No... God, I don't think I can do this. What am I supposed to say?"
"You will know what to say. Listen to your heart," Hermione smiled slightly.
"That has never worked," Harry whispered.
"If you can't handle it, let me know, and I'll intervene," Hermione offered.
He nodded gratefully at her and Ragnok who waved his hand and opened the door. Dudley was holding his head with his hands, elbows on his knees. There was a small puddle of tears and probably snot. Harry waited for Ragnok to make him visible so he wouldn't startle his cousin.
"Mr. Dursley, your cousin is here," Ragnok walked in the room with silent steps.
Dudley looked up slowly. "H-Harry?"
Harry stood there awkwardly. He didn't know what to do, say, or even where to look. Dudley looked broken. His eyes were red. His face was splotchy, and his hair was a mess. He had bits of hay and manure in his clothes, and the office smelled like vomit. Hermione's hand on Harry's back anchored him. She gave him an almost imperceptible push.
"I-I..." Harry inhaled hard twice, but he couldn't fill his lungs entirely.
Hermione stepped up to be next to him. Her arm stayed around his waist. "I'm Hermione Granger, Harry's-"
"Girlfriend, I know. Nice to meet you," Dudley wiped his nose in the back of his sleeve. He looked at her up and down slowly. He wasn't trying to be a creep, but he couldn't help but notice
Hermione frowned but didn't say anything about that. "We are very sorry for your loss."
"T-Thank you," Dudley looked at Harry apologetically.
"This is all my fault. I am very sorry," Harry sighed.
"What? No. No, it's not. B-Bloody hell, Harry... I need to t-tell you... It's me who is sorry. You have always t-treated me much better than I deserved. You saved my f-fucking life. I... My p-parents took an exorbitant amount of m-money from you... I don't think you even know that. That's how we could move to Montana and b-buy a r-ranch. I... I was saving my wages to pay you back... At least for my third, but the money was in my room and-" a strangled sob escaped Dudley's lips, and he started bawling.
Harry blinked repeatedly. Did he pay for a ranch in Montana? Could he even afford that? Should he say apology accepted? Should he hug his cousin? Harry looked back at Hermione, silently screaming for help. Hermione found it hard to be her usual empathetic self now that she had seen Harry's scars.
"Dudley, I know this is not the right time... But, how did you get that money?"
"That old m-man with the long beard and the w-weird robes came after the dementor attack. He wanted to erase our memories, but your police didn't let them."
Harry bit the inside of his cheek to keep himself from groaning. Of course! "How was he able to do that?"
"Harry. Logistics first," Hermione tried to help him focus.
"Right. Dudley, do you have a place to stay?"
"No."
"Do you have any money you can use to get a place to stay?"
"No. I have no idea where my p-parents kept their m-money... I don't even have my p-passport. It was in the house. My savings for Harry were in c-cash in my room and-"
Harry blinked. He actually wanted to pay him back. Who was this person?
Hermione interrupted Dudley, "You don't have any other family?"
"Aunt Marge will kill me once she knows I didn't do anything to try to save them," Dudley looked terrified. "Honestly, I'd rather sleep under a bridge."
"I don't blame you… Hermione, a word?" Harry offered her his arm and walked her to a corner of the office where she erected privacy and silencing wards.
"Can he come back with us?"
Hermione took a deep breath, "Do you trust him?"
"No. But I saw Snakeface talking to that... psycho. I think they will come back for him," Harry replied.
"Harry-"
"I don't want more blood on my hands, Mione," Harry whispered. "Countermeasure?" he asked hopefully.
She looked pensive for a while, "Well, we can bring him with us but not inside the house. Let him earn your trust," Hermione acquiesced, but she was clearly uncomfortable, "We can fix the tent, and he can live there in the meantime. We can set up some wards around the house. Plus, Dobby can keep an eye on him."
Harry looked at Hermione with concern. "Hermione, I saw him doing a double-take on you... If he so much as looks at you for too long, I will feed him to the sharks."
"I can defend myself, Harry, but I appreciate that. However, I think that we should offer an alternative... Ragnok," Hermione poked her head out of the ward to call the goblin.
The account manager stepped in. "Yes, Ms. Granger?"
"How financially stable am I?" Harry asked with
"For?"
"Dudley said I paid for a ranch. I have seen my vault. There is no way I could have afforded that," Harry shook his head.
"Sir, vault 687 was just your school vault. It was your spending money for the year. It refills itself automatically from the family vault. Your parents set the amount at 5000 galleons or 24899 pounds per school year," Ragnok was appalled that his customer knew so little of his finances.
Hermione's eyes widened, "That's an obscene amount of money for a child to spend in a year."
"Yes, Ms. Granger, but Lord Potter's family is one of the richest wizarding lineages on Earth. They have contributed spells, potions, discoveries, funding, and support to many organizations. Those come with patents and revenue. The Potters have shares in both the wizarding and muggle world," Ragnok summarized expertly. "They also own many patents that bring revenue that makes Lord Potter's school vault look like... um... peanuts... in comparison."
Harry was a bit dazed. "I never spent more than a couple hundred galleons per year, but there was always money coming out of the vault because it never looked like it had so much money. So... Where did that money go?"
"I have audited your vaults, sir. I can come by tomorrow to sort things out."
"Good. You didn't answer my question, though. Am I stable enough? Not to question your ability, but I have never received a bank statement in my life, and I need to know if I can afford to give Dudley some money so he can set up somewhere far away."
"Of course, sir. I would not recommend it, but you could even give him a million galleons, and that wouldn't make a dent to your general finances. However, it would make him leave the country for good... Or we could make him disappear permanently from Earth at a much lower cost..." Ragnok's eyes glinted maliciously.
Harry frowned and pulled Hermione against his side protectively, "That will not be necessary. Thank you."
"Of course, Lord Potter," Ragnok nodded.
"Why do you call me that?"
"Because it is who you are. You are Lord Potter and presumptive Lord Black, although Lucius Malfoy is fighting hard at the Wizengamot to declare you as dead so he can make his son the heir," Ragnok frowned.
"Presumptive? Why?" Hermione lifted a brow.
"Yes, until it is proven without a shadow of a doubt that there are no more Black males who would take precedence," Ragnok replied in a mysterious voice.
"How?"
"How about I tell you about this tomorrow over lunch. Your treat. We eat all things dead animal. I think you should talk to your cousin before he faints."
"Not yet. Remus?" Harry poked his head out.
The man got into the bubble. "How can I help?"
Harry told Remus about the options in a hurry. "But then again," Harry said, "if he comes with us, what will we make him do?"
"I got it. He was telling me he has been working at a farm, so hard work should be fine," Remus replied with a smirk.
"Whatever you say goes," Harry nodded. Remus had, after all, survived the previous war.
"Good."
The wards were lowered, and Harry approached Dudley, who was now whispering back and forth with a weirded-out Dobby. "Dudley, I talked things over with my people."
"You have two options," Hermione continued. "Option A: you can come with us under the understanding that you are a guest. You have to respect our rules and pull your own weight. Or if that sounds too unappealing to you, there's Option B. You can take some money and go far away from here where no one knows you or can find you and under a false identity."
"If you come with us, you have to understand that there will be no contact with the outside world. We are in a tropical climate and in the middle of a war. There will be lots of studying, strategizing, and training to be done. As you are not a wizard, to pull your own weight... Remus?" Harry deferred to the marauder.
"You will have to be on call for any repairs, cleaning, fishing, gardening, nursing the injured, the works," Remus said.
Dudley tried not to look excited at the prospect of a safe haven where he just had to do some work to earn his keep. He nodded resolutely.
"Before you ask, Harry is willing to give you 500,000 pounds. I am sure you agree you don't deserve that amount," Hermione gave Dudley a look that could have made Voldemort himself flee, and he looked down. However, Harry wants you as far as you can get for your safety if you will not stay where he can try to guarantee you are safe."
Dudley could have indeed fainted. Half a million was a lot of money. He shook his head. "No. I want to come with you and help in any way I can. It is the least I can do. We are family, right?"
Harry was not prepared for that answer.
Hermione cleared her throat, "Do you understand that this decision may get you tortured and killed?"
"Yes."
"And you are still willing to do it?" Hermione asked, instantly suspicious.
"Anything for Harry. I know that you are the brains of this operation," Dudley looked up at Hermione from his chair. She looked like she could kill him slowly without breaking a sweat or losing a wink of sleep. "Hermione, you are probably not happy that I want to go with you guys, but I want to make things right. Harry, I want to earn your trust. I know we were never a good family for you. You deserved better. I know it may sound like I am full of shit because I have nothing left to lose, but I just want to maybe one day not feel like a piece of garbage when I look at you and reminisce," Dudley shrugged and sighed.
If it hadn't been for Hermione squeezing his hand, Harry would have stayed in a dazed shock for longer, "I would like to try being family maybe at some point way down the road, but I am not ready yet. All I can offer you is food, shelter, and a relative sense of safety."
"That's way more than I deserve, and I am really grateful. Thank you for being such a good person," Dudley bit his lip as to not burst into tears again.
Harry looked away as his emotions were a blur. He was about to address Ragnok when a thought hit him. He turned back around with a menacing look, "Dudley, listen to me very carefully. Hermione is the queen of the castle. Understand? She says jump, and you say how high. You don't question her authority ever. People think I am the hero here, but honestly, I am a sidekick… Her sidekick. So, if I ever see you being disrespectful to her... if you so much as stare at her in a way I, or most importantly, she doesn't like... You will end up with your feet in a cement block as shark food. Capisce?" Harry growled, suddenly remembering that Dudley used to love The Godfather.
"Si, capisco," Dudley nodded solemnly.
"You better. Ragnok, does Gringotts have someone you trust to... take care of the burial?" Harry asked when he noticed Hermione looking pointedly at his cousin.
"Of course, Mr. Potter. I have already contacted a crew, and they are on their way."
"I can't afford that... Bringing them here must cost a fortune," Dudley blushed.
"Look, if it means so much to you, you can pay me back later," Harry offered.
"Yes, please. Thank you," Dudley nodded.
Harry looked at his cousin like he was a stranger, which… he was. The wizard turned to face the goblin, "Ragnok, what time can we meet tomorrow?"
Ragnok was about to answer, but an instrument in his desk exploded. Hermione jumped, and Harry pushed her behind him protectively. "I will come to you tomorrow as soon as I can. You have to go! NOW!"
"What?!"
"Ministry thugs are here..." Ragnok said quickly but in a hushed voice.
"For us?!" Hermione whisper shouted as she handed Harry her wand. Remus stood in front of them protectively and motioned for Dudley to get behind them. Dudley obeyed with his fists up, but his arms were shaking. Could it be the dementors again? Back to finish the job? Dobby stood in front of Remus, his hands sparkling with unspent energy.
"No idea. Can't risk it! Go! Now! It will take them a couple of minutes to get here," Ragnok motioned for them to move.
"Dobby, is Grimmauld safe?" Harry asked.
"Maybe... For a while. Bad elf Kreacher is still being there," Dobby replied.
Ragnok made Harry invisible again as he summoned his shield.
"I'd rather deal with him and with Sirius' mother than with the people coming here," Remus could smell them from here. His eyes widened as his nose detected a familiar smell. Greyback. The hairs on the back of his hair stood. Moony swiftly grabbed Dudley while Dubby jumped to apparate both Harry and Hermione. Remus told Ragnok, "A werewolf is here. You have to make sure he can't smell we were here or he will rip your head off with a dull knife. Grimmauld on three. Three, two, one-" they vanished.
Ragnok vanished all the important paperwork to his room below and did a spell to remove the remaining scents and magical signatures. He put his armor back on. Fucking werewolves in goblin territory. The nerve! He left his office and vanished the door so no one could come in. Ragnok tapped his helmet and ran into battle to the growls of his people.
Remus and Dobby made Harry, Hermione, and Dudley wait outside for a few minutes. The witch had disillusioned herself and Dudley. She even had to silence Harry's cousin as he threw up once more. The door opened, and they were greeted by the same old hallway. Harry motioned for Dudley to be quiet. The last thing they needed was to anger Mrs. Black's portrait. The house was covered in layer upon layer of dust and spiderwebs.
Dobby brought them to the kitchen, and Remus did a few additional charms to the door so the painting would stay blissfully unaware that people she hated by principle were darkening her threshold -or her kitchen.
"Kreacher?" Harry called in a dubious tone.
"Master the blood traitor has remembered about Kreacher's existence?" Kreacher replied under his breath as he bowed with great difficulty. He was barely more than skin and bones.
Dobby looked ready to throttle Kreacher for his disrespect, but Hermione placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Kreacher, are you alright?" Hermione asked. Harry frowned with concern as the elf fell to his bony knees.
"Mudblood pretends to care for Kreacher, but Kreacher knows he doesn't matter to anyone," Kreacher let out a sob and sat holding his knees to his chest. Harry looked like he wanted to tell Kreacher off, but Hermione shook her head.
Remus did a couple of spells on Kreacher and frowned. "I'll be right back."
"Kreacher, when was the last time you ate?" Harry asked.
"Kreacher is orphan elf. There is no formal Lord B-Black. Kreacher is not a-allowed to go into the vaults to purchase food," the elf said all this in a weak voice.
"Dobby! Quick, do something!"
Dobby looked conflicted, but he popped away only to pop back with a platter of fruit and vegetables.
How did he-? Harry thought. Hermione saw him and shrugged. Apparently, she knew what he was thinking, and she was right. It didn't matter.
"Kreacher, eats!" Dobby placed a fruit next to the other elf's mouth, but Kreacher refused to bite it.
"Harry," Hermione prompted.
His eyes looked around, and then it hit him. "Kreacher, as presumptive Lord Black, I command you to eat and accept treatment, so you get better."
Kreacher let out a soft glow, but it dimmed almost straight away. "Presumptive master can't order Kreacher. Only House of Black can."
"Damn it! Remus! Where are you? We need some help here!"
They heard hurried footsteps coming from the backyard. Hermione raised her wand immediately and stood in front of Harry.
"Everyone, keep your hands to yourselves. I am coming in with my mother-in-law," Moony announced from the backyard. "Andromeda Tonks, nee Black."
A woman who looked to be around 60 years old in her healer's uniform came in behind Remus. She looked at the barely conscious elf and rushed to him.
"Kreacher!"
Kreacher opened his eyes, "M-Mistress Andy?"
"Oh, Kreacher! Why didn't you come to see me? I order you to eat, drink these potions, and get well," Andromeda placed a case full of vials.
Kreacher glowed properly once for about 5 seconds. The elf's magic accepted the order, and he took a bite of the apple in front of his face. Andromeda began waving her wand expertly all over Kreacher. Andromeda opened her bag and Dudley started to help her by passing her whatever you need it. He would take a bite and down a vial, another bite, another vial. Hermione stared in awe at the Healer and Dobby. As time went on, he looked still skinny but not emaciated. Color was returning to his skin, and his eyes looked less yellow. As the teens watched Kreacher improve in a daze, Remus did cleaning spells with Dobby so at least the kitchen would look decent. Dobby was seriously displeased. The level of neglect here was criminal.
"Kreacher, has anyone been here since we left?" Harry asked.
"Yes… That thief Mundungus Fletcher. He stole many great artifacts from Kreacher. Kreacher was too weak to defend the great House of Black," the elf sobbed.
"Kreacher, you were in no condition to do anything. House of Black forgives you," Andromeda patted his head.
"But my mistress does not forgive!" Kreacher started to cry. His eyes looked around as if scared the painting would start abusing him again. "She is always screaming the most horrible things to Kreacher! Kreacher doesn't want to speak ill of mistress, but mistress has been most unkind!" as soon as the words left his lips, and with his renewed strength, Kreacher summoned a vase and broke it on his own head.
"NO! KREACHER! While my aunt condoned corporal punishment, I don't. You are not to ever punish yourself again in this manner," Andromeda waved her wand and healed the wound that Dobby was already cleaning.
"Dobby, please take Kreacher to his room so he can rest and get better," Hermione requested.
Dobby nodded and popped away.
"So this is the famous Harry Potter. Last time I saw you, you were a tiny thing with a lot of hair and the most beautiful green eyes," Andromeda said with a smile.
Harry blushed, "My mother's, I know, Mrs. Tonks."
"Indeed… Not sure if it matters, but we are family. Andromeda or Andy will do. Mrs. Tonks was my mother-in-law, dear," Andromeda's smile was genuine, and her eyes were honest and kind. "And this is the Hermione Granger Remus, and Sirius wouldn't stop praising."
Harry smiled and shook her hand. "It's very nice to meet you, Andromeda."
Hermione's blush was noticeable even with just candlelight. "It's a pleasure. I am sure they exaggerated…."
"They didn't." Harry shook his head with determination. "This is my cousin Dudley."
"I already called Tonks. We should wait a few minutes and then leave. I don't feel comfortable here. And I don't just mean the fact that it's filthy. I feel watched. I know it's just us here, but the feeling is unnerving," Remus stretched his neck to make the goosebumps lessen.
"Yeah, it's probably one of the many curses in the walls."
"Has someone tried to sprinkle Holy Water here? Burn some sage, maybe? Bring a priest to bless it?" Hermione chuckled, as did Harry. Remus was doing some spells around them, none of which Harry knew.
Andy laughed. "Oh, I like you. We will get along just fine. But I am afraid this house would need an atomic bomb but made of holy water, and incense and the pieces left would still reek of evil."
"Christmas here must have been fun," Harry whispered, making everyone laugh. Remus goes back outside to talk to Tonks.
"Well, that depends on your idea of fun," Andy smirks, and Harry has to remind himself that this is the good twin.
"Do you work at St. Mungos?" Hermione asks, noticing Harry's discomfort.
"Yes, dear. Why?"
"Just curious… Harry, can I talk to you in private for a second?"
Harry followed her inside a literal broom closet. Dobby popped in after them, and with a snap of his fingers, the room is much cleaner. "Dobby is not wanting his Master and his Mione to get sicks."
"Thank you, Dobby. You are very thoughtful," Hermione smiled as Dobby glowed for a second and went back to help Kreacher.
"Is something wrong?"
"How much money do you think you will need to get yourself a comfortable life when this is over?"
Harry paled. He had never thought of the possibility of making plans that counted on his surviving this. "I don't know…"
"As much as you were going to give Dudley?" Hermione asked.
"Nah, probably much less. I am used to living below my now apparent means. You know that…" Harry shrugged.
"I do… It's just… Look, we have already tried roughing it. It was a terrible idea that left us both weak, starved, and exposed to anything from disease to treason, and even bloody attacks," Hermione began.
"And it got us nowhere… If it wasn't for Dobby," Harry shuddered. He didn't want to think about what would have happened.
"Now, it is not my decision to make, Harry. However, I think it's time we start throwing money at the problem," Hermione said.
"How so?"
"Well, off the top of my head… Hire Andromeda. Match her salary. Hell, double it. You can afford it."
"We," Harry corrected.
"Huh?" Hermione blinked, confused.
"We can afford it."
"It's your money, Harry."
"Here," Harry procured a tiny envelope he had shrunk in the island. It was a copy of the letter he had sent to Ragnok. He did a lumos and instructed, "Read this."
Hermione's eyes moved quickly over the page, filling with tears as she went. "Harry, I can't-"
"No, Mione. You don't get to reject this. I have never pushed anything on you, but I will not be moved on this. If you force my hand, I will have Ragnok transfer everything I own to your name while I am still alive," Harry threatened with a sheepish smile. "Don't think I won't."
"But-" Hermione whined.
"No. I am not giving up if that is your concern. Mione, this is war. Tomorrow isn't certain. If I am not here to protect you, I want you to be well taken care of. Please, Hermione, grant me this. For my peace of mind," It was Harry's turn to pout.
"Fine, but under protest. Don't even contemplate the possibility of dying. If you go down, I am going down with you! Get it through your brain."
Harry sighed and pulled Hermione close by her hips. Hermione's eyes widened, but she offered no resistance. Harry rested his forehead against hers. "Don't say that. The only reason I want him to die is so you can live in peace."
"I would never be able to live in peace if you die," she sighed.
Their lips were so close his breath felt like a caress on the delicate skin it touched. "Hermione, I-"
Remus' voice and a hard knock made them jump, but they didn't step away from each other, "Kids! We have to go. Tonks is freaking out," the mirror in his pocket was vibrating.
"Give us a minute!" Harry growls.
Remus left muttering something under his breath that sounds like "Damn teenage hormones and broom closets."
Hermione chuckles, "You were saying?"
Their moment was gone.
Harry sighed, "Never mind. I will offer Andromeda a job. Perhaps the island and how far away it is can be an incentive. That and a bit of safety."
"Make sure to offer for her husband to join us too. I don't think she'll go without him, just like I wouldn't go anywhere without you," Hermione said and boldly kissed Harry's cheek. Before he opened the door, she looked over her shoulder and whispered, "I always thought that if you and I were ever stuck in a broom closet… There would be a lot less talking… and clothes," Hermione smiled innocently and saucily walked out.
Harry stood there frozen and quite in disbelief at what he had just heard. Blood was traveling south quickly. Who is this person, and where is my prim best friend?
"Harry, we have to go, now!" Remus exclaimed from the kitchen.
The young wizard shook his head and stepped out. "Before we leave, Andromeda… Is there any way I could persuade you to join us?"
Andy was shocked, "Are you offering me sanctuary?"
"Well, I was offering you a job that comes with sanctuary…." Harry tried to sound certain, but he was an awkward teenager.
"I have a job at St. Mungo's. I can't just up and leave. I have a responsibility to my patients," Andromeda replied.
Harry looked crestfallen, "We really need a healer to help us. We can't expose ourselves to people we don't trust or go to a hospital. We could even pay you double your salary if that will help sway you."
Andromeda repeatedly blinked, then smiled indulgently, "Oh, Harry, It's not about the money. I would love to help you, and being able to stay somewhere safe with my family would be icing on the cake. However, I can't just vanish. That would be suspicious. There are spies in the hospital. Give me a couple of weeks to give notice and then you can have Dobby take me there."
"Of course, just call Remus," Hermione nodded.
"I do have a condition, though," Andromeda smiled.
"Name it," Harry replied.
"Kreacher is coming with me," the healer said.
"Of course, we were going to offer anyway," Hermione nodded decisively.
"You were?" Kreacher whispered, suspicious.
"Of course. We never thought to take you with us for two reasons. First, because we were sure you didn't want to come. Second, because we thought you would never want to leave Grimmauld Place… or your mistress."
"Kreacher, we didn't know you were starving or ill. If you are willing to come with us, we promise we will treat you right," Harry added.
"But you don't want Kreacher," the old elf sighed.
"Kreacher, we just don't want you to use offensive remarks like you are prone to do," Harry replied with a raised brow.
"Kreacher, I am the last person that would ever wish you harm," Hermione sighed. "I hope living with us will help you see that."
Kreacher was about to give a snide reply, but Andy placed her hand on his head. "Kreacher, you will not use offensive language that pertains to blood purity ever again. That's an order," Andromeda smiled down to him.
Kreacher looked resentful but nodded. "Is Kreacher to go with potential master today?"
"That depends. Are you ready to go? Do you need time to pack?" Hermione offered.
"Kreacher has nothing, potential master's friend," the elf replied with a deep frown. "Everything here belongs to House of Black. Kreacher is not a thief."
"Of course you aren't. I wasn't trying to imply-"
"We have a good window now. The houses next door are empty right now," Remus kissed Andromeda's forehead. "Please stay safe."
"Yes, son. Tell my Dora that I love her and that I am coming," the healer replied.
"Can you get home alright?" Hermione asked with concern.
"Yes, don't worry about me. Go," Andromeda waved her away. "Mr. Dursley, thank you for your assistance."
Dudley blushed. "It's the least I can do."
"Kreacher and Dudley, you are coming with me," Remus offered his hands.
Kreacher looked uneasy but took one. Dudley did it right away, although he was dreading the vomiting already.
"Dobby, whenever you are ready," Harry held onto the elf, but he made sure to pull Hermione close to him first. She smiled but didn't say anything. They vanished.
A/N: Thank you for reading! I am free! Free at last! I have finished the semester. This should hopefully mean more updates to my stories. But then again, the holidays are coming. I may still squeeze one or two more updates. No promises, though. Stay safe and healthy! :) -Lux-