Harry Potter and the Odd Rebellion
**ODD**
A/N: Thanks to my wonderful Beta, LtsHrIt4ThBoyz.
**ODD**
Welcome to the Fireside. Jam will bring snacks and warm beverages for you soon. No we won't be serving Harry and Neville's worms as conde lumbra. (A goblin spicy treat)
**ODD**
Scorecard of what has happened so far:
This story is AU: Behind the scenes, a group of wizards and witches has been attempting to research Albus Dumbledore's history, but strong magic has been blocking their efforts. Will the addition of Madam Bagshot possibly help?
Also behind the scenes, Counselor Nott is writing legal paperwork that shows how much better as a parent Dumbles would be than his godparents.
O.D.D. (Order Defying Dumbledore) Meetings still happening in the background. New people are coming and going in Black Keep, pursuing freedom, some escaping horrific death. Truly horrific death, no details of which will be vividly shared.
The young Arglwydd may have to wait to date, but he's going to enjoy his first Christmas as a wanted member of the family.
Harry's foray into hosting a party with his peers leads him to believe he's better off without the 'cream of society'. Especially after Amanda's cousin socked him in the eye. He personally thinks that such 'cream' should be donated to Neville to use in the greenhouse.
Lord Black has has announced his courtship to Carmen Cordero. Will she become the future Lady Black or will others try to thwart them, despite Harry's warnings.
Remus' slow courtship of Abigail may be limited to the occasional dinner with him, or shared bodyguard duties, but she seems to be thawing even as winter settles in.
The holidays started with a trip to the ballet. What will be next?
Arglwydd means Lord in Welsh, it's in the notes below. Ar glue eeth. Thanks to Fenchurch1 who wrote: Arglwydd is pronounced Ar glue eeth with a hard th like in' then'.
Back to the story.
**ODD**
Chapter 13 - Revelations, Romance, and Races
**ODD**
Moody stomped into the room at the Hog's Head only a couple of minutes late. He was unhappy they were meeting here, but Abeforth had no love for his brother. In fact, the dart board had alternating pictures of two young wizards. One of whom Dan recognized. The other was a mystery.
"Gellert Grindelwald. Not important right now. I want to see the memory."
Dan escorted him into the room where the pensieve was awaiting them. Moody joined Dan by putting his finger into the silvery-grey liquid, the color of Black's eyes.
Harry had been sitting at lunch, eating with a group of mixed young magicals, when a much larger boy walked behind Potter, and with no warning, swung him around and hit the smaller boy with a closed fist. Any other child would have been knocked over, but the smart lad moved with the momentum, softening the blow. He swung his legs around and aimed up. His fist hit the boy's belly button, and didn't stop until it reached the base of the bigger boy's sternum.
If he wasn't magical, the attacker would likely have been dead on the spot. Harry then gained his feet, but was no longer alone. Hermione was on his left, wand drawn, while Susan flanked him, eyes flashing.
Ricardo, the fastest of them, had sprinted to the closest monitor. Harry was the only one there not with a wand in hand.
Sculls had his fingers ready to snap and wasn't afraid to use them!
They were all told to stand down, but Bruce Billingsley didn't need to be told that. He was still unconscious on the floor.
Moody was impressed with the boy's reaction. How he wished the latest victims had such good fighting skills. His fears this was another attack from the outside were put to rest at least.
"So it's confirmed? They're all dead?" Dan asked a bit sadly.
"Afraid so. The daughter who just started Hogwarts four years ago bought a life stone as 'interesting magic'. The goblins confirmed it for me."
It wasn't just the girl 'missing' supposedly in the Forbidden Forest. Her family was slain as well. The old auror shuddered, unwilling to share any of the uglier details.
Dan shook his head. They had to get every muggleborn out of Hogwarts before they were butchered like cattle! Who was behind this?
And how did you stop a terrifying figure who left no clues behind, no remembered magical signature.
It was almost as if they were chasing a ghost.
**ODD**
Then it was Dan's turn to report. "Our team tried. They got the greenlight for lethal. We've never failed before."
"I thought your people could hit a knut from two miles away?" Moody asked.
"Hitting wasn't the issue: That ammo could take down the largest land mammal. No, the target was hit. Repeatedly. I didn't think armor or shields blocked non-magical weapons?"
Alastor pulled up a pant leg. "Got this in the war. And I had the best magical armor available." He showed off a wound made by a rifle.
"What are we going to do?" Dan asked.
"Keep lookin' fer the answer! Now, the next item of business is…"
**ODD**
With the help of Remus, Harry had a plan for Christmas Eve that he thought would be a lot of fun. Mother Nature had supplied enough snow, so he had the sleigh rigged up with jingle bells. Everyone enjoyed singing, so the whole family loaded up, a half hour before sunset. They would make a slow circuit of Salem Village, then returned home to a quiet family dinner.
Harry had been in the kitchen all morning, driving some of the newer elves, like Pepper, to tears. "Master! Pepper so sorry Pepper not good enough. Pepper go punish himself."
The lad started to stop the elf, but Juniper quickly intervened, "Master Harry raised as house-elf for first part of his life, and learned to love cooking. He does it for family now and then. You cans help him by washing and prepping vegetables. Right Master Harry?"
The look on Juniper's face! No one in the House, not even Sirius, could say no to that!
"Of course, I'd love help. Here. You start washing the 'shrooms, and Livy can help with the asparagus, if you want to…" Harry started divvying up kitchen tasks, keeping the ones he wanted for himself. He didn't mind letting others do the washing up!
Livy couldn't help but brag that her Master Harry had transformed the peelers to fit her himself, and shared a different one with the now-calm elf.
This was the first Christmas meal that he would be able to share that he had worked so hard to create. And even better, he was going to have family to share it with that really loved him.
That was the Christmas miracle that Harry had begged for every day of his life before last summer, and had finally been granted. How grateful he was for it!
**ODD**
Christmas morning was spent with individual families in their homes or rooms. Harry woke early, completely amazed at how he was feeling. His dinner had been received very well. He enjoyed cooking for people who liked him! The praise had been loud and lavish; making him blush!
He knew there were presents under the family tree meant for him. He snuggled into his warm blankets. He! He was getting presents!
It was interesting to hear from some of the rescued families who were of the Jewish faith – things held in common with those of other faiths. They were welcomed to the feasts, but no one was pushing any beliefs on others.
He hoped no one felt left out. For ten long years, he had been the odd man out.
The rapid knock on his door had him leaping to his feet, and grabbing his wand. The door opened,"Padfoot! No pranks! Not today!"
"Aww. Where's the fun in that? What are you doing still in bed? Juniper has hot cider and her special Christmas rolls waiting for us. Come on! Presents await!"
Harry knew that presents, even for Yule, was something that the Blacks did not have the best reputation for. The boy shuddered. Poor Sirius! At least he had Lord Charlus' love for a time.
Throwing on a dressing gown and shoving his feet into slippers, the lad followed his godfather down the hall.
Harry knew that this was personal family time, and had thought, for a moment, that he would be in his room until the middle of the morning. Being picked up like this was huge!
He was surprised to see that Carmen wasn't there, but Sirius and she really had just started courting. She would be included for lunch, no doubt. And Harry had demanded that Ricardo be included at dinner.
The tree in the small formal family room was decorated beautifully. One of Harry's doves was on it, and started singing at the wave of Padfoot's wand. Remus came in just then.
"You know, cub, I have been looking forward to this for years." Remus stated, grabbing Harry into a warm hug.
"Yeah, me too Moony. Well, I didn't know it was you exactly, but I dreamed of being with people who liked me."
"That we do. Okay, first. Shall we call the elves and give them their presents? Oh, you didn't buy any hats, or gloves or anything. Right?" Moony worried.
"Nope! I was very careful." Harry shared. Each elf was called by name, and given a cucumber that Harry raised in Neville's greenhouse. They were being preserved for this moment.
"Your help is so very much appreciated. I'm glad you're part of my family." Harry shared, before giving over the treat with a warm hug.
Every single elf had something small for Harry too. Some of it was candy, some were odd elf treats that Harry looked at dubiously once the elf in question was gone. Moony banished some things surreptitiously, knowing the boy didn't want stewed seawood with flux worms. It might be a potent restorative to an elf, but the flavor was…foreign.
Voices were heard in the hallway. Harry stood and gave Hermione a warm hug, then proceeded to do so with the rest of the Blacks. Emma might have held her hug a bit longer than normal.
In twos and threes, the rest of the people staying in the manor joined the growing crowd around the tree. Some helped themselves to the breakfast treats on offer. Others chose to just grab a beverage.
"So Harry, what are you hoping to get for Christmas?" Terry asked.
"I already have everything I could possibly want right here. No gift is going to change that."
"Unless it's that racing harness?" Emma teased.
Harry's nose twitched just a little. "Nope, not even that."
**ODD**
"But you didn't draw my name, Harry!" Hermione objected, as her friend put a small box in her hand.
"I swear! I didn't spend anything to get this. If it's something I had but didn't need, it doesn't count. Right?"
Hermione pulled her own gift out. "Well, if you're giving me something, then you should have this."
She put a small box in his hand.
"Since we have been practicing shrinking charms, there could be anything in here, including an elephant. Wait. There's not one in here right? I should put it on the ground, just in case."
"Prat. Just open it, Harry. Come on!"
The two moved to a side loveseat and sat. Harry opened his first. It was a cup, very well made, with a warming charm.
"I know you could do better yourself…"
Harry's lightning bolt sigil was on it, and the cup had been glazed in red with gold for the sigil, his House colors.
"I love it, Hermione. Truly. Open yours."
Inside her box was a lovely brooch inside a hand-thrown tea mug. The jewelry was a white rose, and gave off a very pleasant fragrance.
"It's enchanted. If you are wearing that, I can find you. No matter where in the world you are. And it has some kind of protective magic on it. It was commissioned for my mother for that Christmas. She never wore it. I want you to."
Harry had negotiated, via post, with the goblin artisan who made it. It had been delivered after his mother was killed, so the artist thought it fair for it to be worn by another. But only for her lifetime, then it should be returned to him or his clan! The agreement was made, and here they were.
Hermione sniffed the rose, and promised to put it on later.
"Please Hermione? Any time you are out of the house? Please wear it?" Harry brushed a stray bit of hair from her eyes, his concern for her readily apparent.
"I promise, Harry. I promise."
**ODD**
The community hall served a buffet of food all day long on that Thursday. Being Christmas, only the minimum of chores were being done. The cows needed to be milked, the animals watered and fed, but anything that could be delayed was.
It was Boxing Day when the large community celebration happened. A nice feast was served with ham, turkeys, and even roasted geese. Harry sat at the high table next to Hermione and Sirius. On his godfather's other side was Carmen. She was sporting new robes and a dazzling smile.
This was when the gifts to the villagers were given. Most were looking forward to their annual bonus. This was usually used for raw materials for the home; fabric for new clothes, warm wool to knit into hats and scarves.
Most of the people were delighted with their dividends. The newcomers were especially surprised to be included. Of course, their share was based on hours worked, but to get anything at all was a nice surprise.
"Too bad roast hippogriff isn't being served. Roasted racer that is." One worker grouched to his companion. It was meant to be said softly, but Ricardo caught it.
It was the same person who had killed Aquila!
"Papi? Can we move seats please?" Ricardo asked. Alejandro had caught something, and readily agreed, moving closer to the kitchens.
Harry saw the motion, but didn't know what was going on. He would find out later and grumble about it to Remus, who pulled William aside before his return to Wales.
"You were warned about your attitude. If you don't want to earn the Potter coin, then leave. You are no slave, no serf. We have too many enemies to employ someone with a grudge. We are struggling to keep people busy right now as it is. I'll have Gavin keep a close eye on you. If I don't see a marked improvement, then you're gone. This is your last warning."
The man tugged his forelock. He didn't know why he couldn't keep his mouth shut around the boy! His family were fed, and those here didn't even have to cook if they didn't want to! Their women were respected. Some magicals had far worse lords.
Gower shook his head. Maybe he should see a healer?
**ODD**
As the dessert was disappearing off of people's plates, Harry stood.
"I know that most of you know about this. There is going to be a flying arena finished soon.
"Anyone who has been cleared to fly with Senescal Lupin is welcome to use this facility. There are also horses. I don't know if we'll have a formal schedule, but horseback riding is also available to anyone of the village. Just please, let's not do that at the same time people are flying."
Everyone chuckled and Remus nodded. "Perhaps a sign at the door? 'Hippogriffs in Flight'? We don't want any fights."
"Thank you, everyone. We will assemble again at Twelfth Night to remove the decorations and plant the tree. Blessings be." Harry positioned himself by the back door. A table of small packages was next to him. Homemade gifts for each and every worker, given with a sincere smile.
**ODD**
The next confrontation came from Augusta with very little notice. The family had moved to the conservatory after dinner to sing a few songs when Carmen was attacked.
"You thief! You dare enter my rooms, steal my jewelry, then wear it openly for all to see! Thief!"
The Crouch woman was pulling at the hummingbird brooch that Harry had given Hermione to give Carmen, Sirius bodily stepped between the witches to prevent more bloodshed. Carmen got hurt trying to take it off to show it to the witch. Agent Abigail pulled out a first aid kit, and had the scratch on Carmen's hand fixed in a moment.
No one noticed what she did with the medical waste, as everyone was focused on the drama ensuing.
Everyone knew that Carmen seemed to really like the piece. But it was just an inexpensive, costume pin, wasn't it? That's what she had assumed it was.
"I didn't steal anything!" Carmen turned to Sirius and chattered in rapid Spanish. The man tried to follow, but he was still a bit rusty.
"Madam Longbottom? Hermione just gave her that at Christmas." Sirius stated.
"And I didn't steal it!" Hermione bit her lip before saying more. 'Harry gave it to me' wasn't very helpful right now, was it?
Harry knew how to stop this right now, "Clive, can you please join us? Does your mistress own a pin like this?"
"Oh yes, Master Harry. Clive recognize this from gift from old dead Master. But Clive confused. Mistress lost this pin when visiting Master Frank in school. How is you finding it? Old Lord Longbottom had new pin made and gave to mistress."
Understanding bloomed on Hermione's face. "Clive? Can you please see if your mistress has a pin like this in her room?"
He was gone and back in two pops. A lovely hummingbird pin, the twin of the one in Sirius' hand was in the elf's fist.
"I think you owe both Carmen and Hermione an apology. It appears that this was a common sort of thing at one point if you lost one at Hogwarts, and Hermione got this one for Carmen," the suddenly somber Lord Black insisted.
"Well I…you can see why I thought…She still shouldn't be allowed in the House. She can't be trusted!" Madam Crouch insisted.
"You can have whatever opinion of me you want. But Hermione is no thief and neither am I. I would never take from anyone! I must return home…"
"Home? Don't you mean hovel? Your living quarters are proof alone that you shouldn't be dating Lord Black!"
Mount Harry erupted, "That's ridiculous! I have asked Alejandro to move to a cottage if he didn't want to live with us. The Corderos live as they do in order to watch over the 'griffs. I'll escort you, Carmen, if you want to leave. But Madam Crouch? Can you please leave my sight? I don't want to socialize with you anymore."
The women started to say something vile, and suddenly disappeared.
"Who took out the trash?" Terry whispered. Dan choked a bit, not disagreeing.
Had the wards killed her?
"I can feel it. She's back in her room, but it's locked up tight. The House seems to have put her in time-out." Sirius shared.
"Dragon done." Frank murmured.
"Completely deserved in my opinion as well, husband. Are you alright, Carmen?" Alice asked, concerned.
"Just fine, it was but a scratch. Well, shall we have a game now?"
Harry went over to the shelf. Christmas had brought several new games into his life. His haul rivaled Dudley's in terms of size, but never had he expected such. And it was all appreciated.
All of the duplicate games had found their way into a cupboard in the community hall for use by anyone, as long as their homework was done if it was a student.
**ODD**
Harry had the dream again. He was bathed in warmth, fire, red and gold feathers of a bird wrapped around him. He'd been taken after seeing his mummy fall down. What if she was hurt badly? Not that his baby self could have helped.
Then he was cold, alone. Left in front of a fireplace. Left to people who hated him. The ugly large man cursed at the scrawl of a note the bird gave them, before he left, taking the warmth away.
The now-older child woke, chilled to the bone. He remembered sharing this dream of flying in fire. Not a wise thing to do with the Dursleys. Now that he was older, and had some schooling he knew what it was.
A phoenix! But why would a phoenix condemn him to that prison? They were creatures of light, supposedly.
It would be a question for another day. He got up, and got another blanket out of the press. The lights outside glowed a soft gold, and Harry watched the snow fall under the lights for a time before falling back asleep.
**ODD**
Harry really liked the animated hippogriff that Carmen had given him for Christmas. He placed it on the table, next to his bed.
They had to go back to school the next day, so of course that was when the arena was being finished. Sigh. Well, at least he now had a lighted place to fly after school.
**ODD**
After the New Year, Sirius pulled Carmen and Harry into a meeting. "Harry, we know we've told you about the prophecy surrounding you. Of course, your parents and I thought it was about Moldy back in the day. We now know it was about a whiskered wan…wand user.
"I think it's time for you to hear the details of it. And Carmen needs to know the dangers we face, too."
Carmen looked solemn, "I'll leave if you wish. We have only recently begun to know one another."
"If you and Sirius don't work out, are you planning on leaving? Betraying me?" Harry asked, "Because I think being here is what you want, and I think you like us. Even if it doesn't work being a couple."
Carmen looked at Harry for a long moment, and dropped her face into her hands. Taking a breath, she lifted her face and looked deeply in his eyes, "I am already beginning to love both you and Paddy. I would never betray you, even if my magical oaths allowed it."
Harry reached out to squeeze her hand, and Sirius started to speak,
"The coming of the destruction of Evil will be born as the seventh month dies. His quiver is knowledge and strength, kindness and goodness. His heart dwells not on violence, but on growth, not on control of others, but Peace.
"The Dark Lord has descended into madness, using the darkest of Magicks to protect himself from sword, wand and all manner of injury. And Yet, The Child of Light will have power to defeat him, power to free the people, power to bring Light back where Darkness reigned.
"The coming of the destruction of Evil will be born as the seventh month dies, and one day, he will face the Dark One, and the world will be lost or won."
Carmen looked slapped, and started to cry. Harry looked stunned. No wonder Dumbles was after him before he could learn anything!
If Harry had blindly gone to Hogwarts, he would likely have been dead before Halloween, or joined his parents on that day. The not-dear-old-man would have seen to it.
Sirius was leaving Harry to sort his own thoughts, and trying to comfort Carmen. She wound up giving Harry a light embrace and murmuring endearments in Spanish before fleeing.
"Carmen! Wait!" Sirius pleaded, "Please! I didn't mean to upset you."
"There's something I need to share with you about the death of my cousin someday, querido. But not today. I need to think about this. I…I think I love you, Sirius Black. Don't worry - I'm just wanting time to think. I love you, and I am not leaving you."
"Should I write to your father?" Sirius asked, and seeing a scowl upon her face, he knew he had said something wrong.
"My great-grandfather is head of our clan, and would happily sell blood family for gold. Doing so would mean my death. You have Alejandro's blessing and that is enough.
"So no, we will be making our own decisions. I choose you of my own free will. I will not let him sell me to others to try and regain lost wealth. I won't do it."
Carmen fled to her tent, leaving Sirius to try and answer unanswerable questions.
**ODD**
For the next several weeks, Harry found his life settling most pleasantly. Alejandro was in serious training for the races that would start in March. Harry would ride Vendaval or even Buckbeak to the huge stadium nearby for training. It could hold thousands of magicals, and was expandable for when Salem hosted the Grand Prix.
The cost to train there wasn't as expensive as Harry thought it would be. Of course, his goblin manager had arranged for it, so House Potter benefited from his cunning.
The pottery workshop was very busy, creating extra products that would be sold in their booth on game days.
As for Madam Crouch, she mostly kept to her rooms, never doing the right thing by apologizing to anyone. Sirius took the brooch in question to Gringotts and found out that a now-dead artisan had made a handful of them in different colors. This was indeed Augusta's brooch as originally purchased. It was a very valuable little trinket.
It was a mystery how Harry came to own it. Sirius offered to pay House Longbottom for the value of it but Lord Longbottom put his foot down.
"Harbarging locus, gussets aplenty. Castle it."
Alice took Sirius aside, "You gave us health and healing, you pay for all of our extra guests without qualm. Keep it. Your lady should keep it without guilt. No one stole it. It was lost. And now has found a good home."
The animagus heard the hidden message. Augusta didn't need to know about this pin's origins. To everyone else, it was simply a knock-off.
Harry just felt bad that Carmen was treated so poorly from people who should have known better.
Well, if it held too many bad memories, she could always sell it and buy a house. Or a hotel. That Monopoly game was giving him funny ideas.
**ODD**
Harry was seated in the Master's study, preparing for a meeting with a seneschal when he saw movement out of the corner of his eye.
For just a moment, there had been a house-elf coming out of the wall. The back wall, furthest from the only door.
Curious, Harry capped his ink pen, set it down carefully, and walked over to the deep mahogany paneling.
Wait, was that a handle?
Opening it carefully, Harry peered into the hallway that opened. How cool was this? It appeared to be a secret passage. How far it went, he didn't know, but he saw other closed doors off of it.
Shutting it quickly when he heard Moony's voice, he sat back at his seat. Accounts wouldn't do themselves, but now, Harry had a new mystery to solve.
He needed a partner. Who would be willing to get dirty and explore? Not any of the girls, though Hermione might be talked into it.
Maybe Neville? Well, he could always ask.
Putting his attention fully on his work, he'd find an unexpected helper in Pepper. He was a good size to fit in the small space with him, wasn't claustrophobic nor arachnophobic, and loved exploring.
From that day on, Harry spent a good half hour mapping out the secret passages in the house - including ones to an old watch tower that someone had turned into a small flat. A fancy one.
Something gave him a bit of a chill about this room, and they left quickly.
**ODD**
It wasn't until close to Valentine's Day that Harry noticed something. He was working with Neville and his godmother in the garden greenhouse.
"Alice, have there been any threats recently?"
Neville looked up to watch his mother's face show an array of different concerns. Well, there was the thwarted Christmas plant that would enlarge rapidly on opening and try to strangle the recipient, a letter from the ICW that demanded Harry show up for a hearing. One that was supposedly being held before the real ICW returned to business after the holiday.
There was that unfortunate detonation in Gringotts' post checking room. She had sent flowers to the curse breaker's family, and a large donation, but Spurnik sent back the gold.
'We are searching for reparations from the criminal involved. That your godson was the target has angered many of us. We suspect but cannot prove that it was a certain whiskered wizard.'
Alice shook her head, "None that I would worry about, Harry. Can you please help me with this new tomato cage? The plant doesn't like it, and is trying to escape."
**ODD**
The lab had been backed up, so it had taken weeks for them to run the evidence for Agent Addams.
"Please, ma'am. I'm sure the woman is in hiding. You know what they did to her cousin. Dreadful rituals! With her bloodline. Well. I would change my name and try to hide too."
The results of Carmen's blood sample were back, and Abigail didn't understand what was being said. "Whatever do you mean?" She was half-expecting a criminal to be revealed.
"Have you heard of the Acolhua Aztecs? Some of their royals, well, some of the women are chosen for blood sacrifice. The practice died out for centuries until some time in the nineteen thirties. Stupid Nazis. Then, royals just started dying, their blood completely drained, their bodies left ravaged. It used to be every ten years at first. Then the last one, it's been a little over two years now, was only seven years after the previous sacrifice. Who knows when the next victim will be sought?
"There are people trying to find the parties involved, but huge magic like this? Blood wards on an individual? Difficult to track. Easier for us to track the royals and try and keep them safe. We'd lost sight of her. I hope that means the baddies have as well."
Abigail plopped down in a chair. "You are saying that Carmen isn't a farm worker from Central America?"
"Not necessarily. A lot of gold was stolen by Conquistadors, and more later by others. Again, stupid Nazis. Sadly, being royal doesn't always guarantee wealth."
"But she's, she's…"
"In a lot of trouble? Oh yeah. Someone wants to bathe in her blood in some unspeakably immoral, evil, evil ritual. If you know her, agent, watch out for her, okay?"
The tech gave her the sweetest look, large blue eyes begging.
"Most certainly Technician. I would appreciate it if we could keep this between us." The agent pocketed the name, but nothing more.
"Of course. Oh, I hear that you get to ride hippogriffs whenever you want. How fun! Are they the sweetest things or what?"
Abigail just gave her a tight smile and left. In the hallway she muttered, "I wouldn't know. No one has let me taste one yet."
She really needed to watch her thoughts. Her family roots were showing as well as her inner wolf's insticts.
**ODD**
Valentine's, Community Hall
Harry gave Valentine's gifts to everyone including Emma and Alice. But his biggest gifts were to the couples in the family; Sirius and Carmen, Alice and Frank, and Remus managed to coax Abigail out for a meal together.
The community hall was set up with transfigured tables for two, the youth of the village serving the parents their meals for two to share.
Harry had made cornish game hens with wild rice stuffing flavored with fresh herbs from the garden. The elves made the other sides. Harry helped with the tortes for dessert.
After dinner, there was a couple's dance. For the adults.
While the elves cleaned up, the teens and preteens scattered home.
Afterwards, Sirius took Carmen to one of the side living rooms. "I love you. I have lost a decade already. Be mine. Marry me, Carmen."
He knelt, and pulled out a lovely ring. She nodded, and it resized to her delicate hand as Sirius gently placed it on her finger.
They shared a searing kiss, then another.
"I have things I have to tell you, mi amore. But not tonight. Soon. Soon."
One kiss led to another that led to another. Before they got too involved, laughter down the hall warned them they were not alone in the house.
Sirius walked her home, but they promised each other, before the month was done, they would be man and wife.
**ODD**
Friday, Feb 28th Informal living room after dinner
Deciding to make this as painless as possible, Carmen asked for a meeting with the adults of the House.
Alice had been very welcoming; Madam Crouch, not so much. She was busy taking a nap; Remus hid his smile when others asked about her.
She would wake soon enough.
"You have all welcomed me, but there is something you should know. Me being here does add danger to your lives."
"So you told me before we hired you. I said that many of our people were being hunted, and you were no different."
This was new to Sirius, but Carmen nodded.
"Some of you may have heard about German wizards helping Germany take over the world in the 1930's and later. Well, one maniac, and we have his magical signature but no name, came to my great-great-grandfather. He was less than a hundred then, and blood related to nearly everyone in our town of almost ten-thousand souls.
"This strange wizard with two different eyes knew of an ancient rite to gain blood protection. He wanted to use it for himself, his lover, and a few muggles. The ritual failed for the muggles - they didn't even have the magic of the weakest Adept. But for him and his partner? His wizard lover? It worked very well indeed.
"The Germans paid part of the promised price, but never delivered the rest, and my great-great-grandfather was angry. He went to demand the gold, and was never seen again. My great-grandfather took his place, and was more cagey when the man returned a decade later.
"'You told me this blood protection was permanent!" He complained.'
"'You didn't pay for the rest, so perhaps my father tried to take the protection back. And died doing so, it appears.'
"'I want it again! I was working with others - they were the ones that lied and didn't pay."'
"'I want a written contract. Know this, wizard, the protection is not forever. It will last a very long time if you take care to avoid deadly magic. It will need to be renewed the more you are attacked. That is the truth.'
"'Why is it in your women? Why a mother? Why not your old men?" this stranger demanded.'"
Sirius rushed to her, comprehending too well, "Because it is a blood sacrifice to dark magic! Oh Carmen!" He pulled her into her arms.
"How many of your family are left for this mad-man to try to kill?" Abigail asked gently.
Carmen explained, "Most women have fled to convents, or escaped all over the world. He made us watch the negotiation, as being a willing sacrifice adds power." Carmen explained. "As if our fathers and husbands getting fancy things would make up for us spilling our blood. Sorry for the long explanation. There could be thousands left, or I could have no family left. I honestly don't know. I hope they escaped as I did."
Abigail didn't mention her royal bloodline being a part of this. It wasn't her secret to reveal.
"Do any of you object to me marrying Sirius? I want to face the truth now, rather than have people stab me in the back with sharp words."
"Dragon tooth bites deep, but darkens light." Frank shared solemnly.
"You're right darling. Nothing you say will make Frank's mother see the light. But she is not a part of your future. Sirius' opinion is the only one who really matters, but Frank and I support you. And your marriage."
Sirius nodded, Remus went over and gave her a reassuring hug.
Sirius next proclaimed,"The wedding will be tomorrow. Detective Higgs' grandfather will be presiding."
"TOMORROW?!" Every woman there screamed in panic.
**ODD**
February 29th, Community Hall
Alice tried to talk Sirius out of marrying on a February 29th, but he thought of it as brilliant.
"I can celebrate my anniversary on February 28th and March 1st most years, and I'll never forget it!" Sirius defended.
Magic solved a lot of issues getting ready so quickly, and most of the ladies had nice clothes. A few color charms and they were set. The community kitchen added a few appetizers to the dinner planned while the bakers made fancy small cakes for around the tables to share.
The house-elves were able to provide a choice of wedding clothes for the bride.
When Gran Crouch showed up to complain, Abigail took her aside with a little card they used for American marriage registries that had the bride and groom's heritage.
"But, but…" The woman wanted to rant about proprieties and couldn't.
"I'm only showing you this as you are the only one here who seems to care. Yes, she is marrying beneath her. So. What?" The agent demanded.
The Dragon, as she was becoming called behind her back, clamped down on any further complaints.
As for the villagers, they had seen from the beginning when Carmen first came there were sparks betwist her and Lord Sirius.
Former Auror Commissioner Weaver was happy to officiate, with Detective Weaver attending and sitting next to Tonks.
Some of the gossips thought they rushed to marry due to a baby, but that happy event was for the future and they couldn't have been more wrong.
**ODD**
While Sirius and Carmen went on a truncated honeymoon to Black Island in the Caribbean, Harry was pulled aside by Agent Addams.
"Are you alright, Harry?" She had smelled a bit of fear and sadness on him.
"Yeah, I guess. I mean. I just wish I had time to get him a nice gift. He said he didn't want anything, and I believe him, it's just…I don't know. He's my godfather, and I feel I let him down."
"Oh! I see." Abigail felt this was a very solvable problem. "Well, you want to get him something to honor the marriage, right? American custom has people giving gifts to the bride and groom in their first year of marriage to celebrate. Do you want to go shopping sometime this week? I'd be happy to go with you. I'm staying here all week."
"Really? That's not a bad idea. All week? Moony is really going to be happy about that. Do you want to learn how to fly while you're here? You know, on a hippogriff?"
"You know what? I think I do. There's a really great group of Canadians who have hippogriffs you know. They are pretty amazing. They sometimes recruit here. I'll be sure to let you know if the troup ever visits." The agent offered.
Remus decided to join them for the shopping trip, and of course Hermione came. They decided on a nice set of crystal goblets that had been charmed with poison detection, and all sorts of other charms. They bought enough for the normal formal table, though Harry sent an elf back to get more matching to have enough for the expanded table.
And the two werewolves were holding hands the whole time, not that Harry said anything.
**ODD**
Saturday March 7th, Llewellyn Elam's cottage
"Hey Grandfather, mum sent you a plate. She said you haven't been eating."
"Can't stand the hall right now. Women chatterin' on about the wares they're making fer this race. What a waste of time and talent! Flying potion ingredients. Feathers and dung. This whole thing is a waste!" The man coughed.
"Yer sick! Why didn't you say? I'm fetching the healer, now."
The elderly wizard tried to stop the boy from wasting gold, but no one ever paid out of their own pocket.
His cold was soon taken care of by Healer Marius, but the resentment still remained for them both. A bitterness had no magical cure.
**ODD**
Sunday March 8th, Library
Harry stumbled into the library, juggling papers, books and a large box. He banged his knee trying to get to the table and shouted a bit.
His great-gran started to give him a tongue-lashing for being noisy in the library. Harry called for Pepper.
"Can you please escort Lady Euphemia someplace else? We are working on a huge project, and I don't wish to be shushed all night."
Pepper bowed and popped away with the portrait, the woman looking scandalized.
This week was hugely important. They were getting ready for the first flying race of the year. Alejandro had been very busy with the 'griffs. Fleetwing was registered for House Potter; her stall had been arranged and paid for. Some of the villagers had even started prepping the area as the place needed a good clean.
And if Harry wasn't done with this project by Friday, he was not going to be allowed to watch the race. Nothing would stop him from going, not to this local race. He had to be there!
The village teens also came in, ready to work. After dinner on a Sunday; not an uncommon place to be.
What was different was the 'New Rules'. It was Augusta who had insisted on the standing and so forth. Not himself.
They could nod or something, but no more overly done rituals. This was a new world, and Harry wanted to work with these people!
Sarah came in. She too had a mid-term project, though hers was on Magical Creatures. How Harry would like to switch. His project was in Herbology.
He had no idea she was thinking the same thing.
Neville came in, saw the shusher was gone, and gave Harry a thumbs up. Hermione came in when the two were having a louder than normal discussion.
"This is a library, please lower your voices before we get kicked out." Hermione begged, then she noticed a certain portrait gone.
Then Harlan came in, greeted Harry with a nod, and went to work. Sitting near them. What was going on?
"This is my house. My rules. If any of us want to talk, and it gets too loud, we'll get notified by the others, and use a silencing spell. Simple." Harry stated, causing a spontaneous outburst of applause.
The girl looked at the others, smiled, and got to work herself.
Sarah shyly approached Harry. "I know you said we could, but I…I was wondering. Can I please ask you some questions? About hippogriffs?"
Ricardo walked in just then, and joined Harry to sit across the table. It turned into a competition of who could answer questions the fastest, but didn't last long.
Alice was notified of 'unusual noises' coming from the library and shut down the game show before it could get started. "Need I remind anyone of the consequences of grades this week?"
"No godmother. We'll get back to work." Harry promised.
She pulled an herbal tome from a by-gone era with hand-painted pictures that gently moved, and took a seat in one of the windowed alcoves.
Sarah rolled up her notes, and started on her essay. She really did have enough information now.
"I just need a hippogriff feather…" The budding herbologist mused.
Ricardo jibed, "Oh, wherever will you get one of those?"
**ODD**
Sunday, March 15, 1992
The first race of the year was on a Sunday. Harry would normally be sleeping in, but he was far too excited. The day before, the whole family had set up the booth that would be selling memorabilia for House Potter racing.
Mrs Morris even had the pottery workshop make a new line of mugs for this event. All had hippogriffs or the Potter heraldry. Some were mundane, and could be used in any office. Some had magic; runes with heating charms and so forth. All were beautiful.
Harry went by the barn to pet Buckbeak before leaving for the stadium; the stallion was staying home. Fleetwing was the one who had been in training for this race, and the poor lad didn't understand why his main mare had been moved. His grief shook the rafters.
"It's okay, Beaky! She'll be home tonight."
Harry had tried to follow Alejandro through his training of the amazing flyer. He and Buckbeak were attempting everything the professional did. Most of the workers there smiled in acceptance of the Lord's interest.
Only Alejandro and perhaps Ricardo knew just how good Harry really was. Since both were going to be racing, Alejandro did spend some time with Buckbeak as well, but Fleetwing had an edge on her mate. And in this venue, that edge could be the difference between a win and going home with nothing but memories of watching the winner pass you by.
Harry was getting ready to head to the stadium when he was stopped by an anxious Livy. Harry was needed on the phone.
"She's been attacked! All her feathers are gone! All of her beautiful flying feathers are gone! She can't even get off the ground!" Alejandro's voice was frantic.
Harry knew there was a spell to regrow feathers. Would it be allowed? And who had sabotaged them like this?
"Has Amanda been around? That girl! If she did this…can we regrow them in time?"
"No! We can't do anything! We'll have to withdraw from the race!" The poor man was in tears.
Harry had taken the call in the barn. Buckbeak behind him had stopped his caterwauling hearing his mate's cries through the phone.
"I have an idea! We're allowed substitutions up to two hours before post, right?" Harry asked.
"Yes, but…oh! Of course! But I can't leave her like this! She's vulnerable."
"Don't leave her! I'll take care of it. See ya soon. Don't despair, Alejandro. Cheers."
Harry was already dressed for the day. He called Livy and left a message for the rest of his family, and got ready to go.
Alejandro and he had gone to the stadium many times to practice. It wasn't that far from here.
"What do ye say, Buckbeak? Ready to wear your racing saddle?"
**ODD**
Harry got out to the stadium in good time. The flight they had taken was slow and easy - more to warm-up the hippogriff stallion than tire him out in a flat out dash. The young lord might be inexperienced, but he did know that much.
When Harry got there, Buckbeak immediately calmed. He walked over to his mate and started grooming her. He turned his neck to clearly chide Harry more than once. Harry now knew that he was upset for her rather than being upset because they were separated.
Poor Fleetwing looked like a sheep that had been sheared. Every once in a while, the potions business would need a large batch of feathers. Someone had clearly used that grooming charm on her sometime during the night.
They didn't have weeks for the feathers to naturally grow back!
One of the racing officials came by to talk to Alejandro.
"We've checked security surveillance. A door was seen opening, but they were wearing an invisibility cloak to get in. They started to leave with the evidence- a huge bag of feathers. But that, and a gloved sleeved hand isn't much evidence. The magical signature will be turned over to authorities, but vandalism is the worst they could be charged with. If authorities can prove it was someone acting for another stable, they can face further sanctions. I'm sorry we can't do more right now."
The other official stated, "Your substitution is accepted, and understandable. I do wish you luck today. Such a shame."
"Next time, I do what I used to do in Guatemala, and sleep in the stall with my wand drawn!" Alejandro declared.
That's when Alice caught up to her godson. Harry eeped. He really hadn't asked for permission to come, and her look?
"Can I live with you and Ricardo for a time? Maybe in your library?" Harry asked softly.
She took Lord Potter aside, and questioned him thoroughly. Harry made a phone call back home to apologize first to Sirius and Remus, but then asked for Hermione. There, he got a second lecture, but the young witch started to understand his reasoning when he explained what happened.
"Harry? I need one feather from Fleetwing. I know a spell." Hermione suggested.
"Of course you do. There's a few that didn't make it into the bag. I'll pop over.." At Alice's glare he modified what he was going to say. "I'll send some over. Cheers."
Trying for an innocent look, Harry gathered up a few feathers that hadn't been stolen and asked for house-elf delivery.
Alejandro in the meantime got Buckbeak ready for his first race.
**ODD**
"Second isn't bad at all, Harry! Look at the purse we'll get!" Remus was trying to cheer him up.
"But Fleetwing is faster! And it was a very close second! We would have won if someone hadn't done that!" Harry pointed out.
Still, Remus was right, and they were being escorted to the winner's circle. A farm out of Virginia had won, and someone from Colorado had gotten third. Harry didn't notice who had come in last, but it was Billingsley Farm. He still suspected Amanda, even if the person leaving with the feathers was far too tall to be her.
She had gold to hire someone, and anyone with a racing pass could have gotten in.
Alejandro had tears in his eyes, but they were happy ones. He greeted Harry with a warm embrace. "Thank you! Thank you!"
Harry patted the man's back; he wasn't that much taller than Harry. Buckbeak nudged at Harry's pockets. Others were doing so, so he fed a culled skinned ferret to his brilliant boy, and let him know just how amazing he was.
After a few more pictures, Harry shook Alejandro's hand, then made his way to the booth. Hermione had offered to work there for the day. She looked a bit mussed, her hair wilder than normal, but she was beaming.
One of the fastest selling items were hippogriff feathers. She was helping a customer with one right now, along with a small calligraphy book that clearly came from a mundane bookstore.
Taking Hermione to the side, calling for Livy to replace her for a moment, he had to ask, "Are these? Are these Fleetwing's? How?"
"The how is simple. A spell to find, if you have a similar one. It's used all the time. Detective Weaver taught me when he was staying over at Thanksgiving. These are indeed Fleetwing's feathers. And no, we couldn't just magically restore them, and due to the racing rules, we couldn't regrow them. So, I thought, why not sell them? The story is everywhere, people know that Fleetwing was pulled from the race."
"But the bag…the tape showed that bag was full! Overfull!" Harry pointed out.
Hermione grabbed a cup of water and pulled Harry further away. He saw that all of the cups and pottery had been sold. The pennants had really taken off, and what was left of the t-shirts were very small and very large. The booth had clearly been a big hit!
"Harry? When you find out who did this, you are going to be angry. Sirius certainly was, and they want you to be calm before rendering Lord's judgment. Here's what I would ask of you. As a friend. Not a vassal."
Hermione looked deeply into emerald eyes, pleading.
"Your people aren't slaves. They come and go as they like, but their mindset is very medieval. Until your grandfather died, they were well cared for, as a knight of old should care for and protect his people. It was a system that made sense, and everyone benefited. Lord Charlus and Mrs Morris ate the same food! Your grandparents didn't take advantage."
"But James did, and annoyed them greatly. But he never had a chance to grow up or get out from under Dumbles' thumb!" Harry protested.
"You know that. I know that. But to these good folk? They saw the racing expenses kept them from a nicer Christmas bonus." Hermione pointed out.
"I wanted to empty my trust vault to make that up, but Alice and Sirius wouldn't let me. I know! The purse! Rather than waiting for December, let's start a new tradition to share that out immediately!"
"I think that's a great idea. Oh, and I really feel like it was stealing, but I've been selling Fleetwing's feathers for a galleon apiece." Hermione shared.
Harry laughed. "A galleon! We get a knut for…" Hermione put her fingers over his lips, and he kissed them, eyes sparkling. "You are so brilliant! Thank you. We'll talk more later. I still need to arrange for the wagon to come get Fleetwing. Do you want me to collect up the feathers in her stall?"
"You might need to do so, Lord Potter, to have enough for everyone who wants one." Hermione curtseyed, and went back to work. Harry saw another 'racing quill' being sold and just had to laugh.
It wouldn't be until later on when he found out just who had sabotaged Fleetwing during the night.
That it wasn't a plot by Amanda or one of her minions surprised him greatly.
**ODD**
ODD (Order Defying Dumbledore)
A/N: Our friend Csheila recommends: Harry Potter and the Phoenix Wand (a different type of time travel; H/Hr) by Lowten. "Complete. I am new to her work but she's good. 13915969"
s/13915969/1/Harry-Potter-and-the-Phoenix-Wand
For Christmas, hey the tree is still up, so it must still be Christmas. Plus, snow!
A Wizard's Carol by Wolfgang NH. Dumbles does Dickens. But it's more nuanced. Complete. 14308049
s/14308049/1/A-Wizard-s-Carol
A/N: Your story recommendation here -
**ODD**
ƺ parseltongue
₲ galleons
₰ sickles
ķ knuts
Ɠ Goblin language
O.D.D. (Order Defying Dumbledore)