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.
Request: Some of our readers are from countries other than the USA. Wherever you are, please. Drop us a line and say where you are from. And to all of you reading, thank you.
**ODD**
Scorecard of what has happened so far:
This story is AU: After the attack at the LoMN and a pair of dreams Harry had, the ODD has a new problem to fix - how to detect the imperius curse. The goblins have this ability, but don't dare share it. Sirius has created a way to see who is under an Unbreakable Vow.
In the background, Harry continues to work on his skills. He doesn't know it, but his innate work ethic and support of his people is gaining loyalty that his father never had.
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.
Most of the people rescued stay at the manor for a short time before deciding what it is they want to do. Those who wish to stay are given a job they can do successfully. No one is setting anyone up for failure or ridicule. And with a large working farm? There is always something to do.
Remus and Abigail are officially and finally married. Agent Addams is living in their cottage that Harlan Morgan built for them as a NEWT project. Needless to say, he did well in the class.
Luna was in Black Keep to try and hide her from Dumbledore, but if she had stayed, it would have led to war. Harry rescued her, and likely has a few words for her godfather in this action.
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 17 Family Drama
**ODD**
Moody threw down the letter on his desk. He had correspondence from four different people on how he had screwed up.
Getting the one from the military muggle in just how bad his op went was particularly painful.
He then noticed the new fruit bowl sitting on his kitchen table. It was a nice bowl. Glazed pottery that had freshness runes and other magic. Nothing harmful, or it would have been tossed to the back garden. It was full of fruit from around the world. An expensive gift. He recognized the sigil on the bottom; it was Harry Potter's own work. There was a note poking out from it.
'Should you decide to kidnap a fair maiden for me, I would appreciate you waiting for me to be a few years older. We have WCS, detectives, and the odd auror coming in now and again. Don't you think someone would say something about us holding a person there against her will?
'Next time, don't include me in your crimes. I get accused enough for imaginary ones; I don't need to be held accountable for real criminal activities.
'Your friend, always. Enjoy the fruit bowl. Made it with the others. Was going to give it to you for Yule. This seemed a better time.'
"How did a not yet twelve-year-old beat my wards! They aren't even down! Oh, if he can do that, we could…no. It's going to be a long five years before he's of age."
The floo rang, and Alastor got an earful of pre-teen anxiety in fast-foolish. Luna was a mite upset with him as well.
At least Potter hadn't left a howler.
Moody had to try to save her, but if this brought destruction? It wasn't a path to victory. He itched to keep his goddaughter Luna safe. As well as Neville and Harry and Susan - all of the children of his allies. He wanted to keep them all safe.
No one was safe with the MOB Dumber in charge!
**ODD**
Harry read the letter from Spurnik. They had decided since the family pottery books hadn't come when summoned a year before, they must have been either destroyed (a terrible thought) or possibly sold and gotten out of the country.
The crafty goblin had a lead on one, and was given permission to spend the gold needed to get the book back.
If it turned out to be from his library, Harry would one day make Dumbles pay for it, but all he wanted was guidance from his ancestors in a craft he felt was in his blood.
The thought of James selling the family legacy to fund the Order wouldn't go away until he found proof one way or the other. But he had to try and get these treasures back.
Harry went to track down Sirius and see if he could get his mind on something else.
**ODD**
The animagus was happy to go for a fly with Harry. Sirius could tell something was bothering the lad, and waited for him to talk.
"It was about a year ago that the first letter for Hogwarts came. What would my life be like right now if Petunia hadn't fled?" Harry asked as they cleaned up their gear.
"I don't want to think about that, pup. Are you doing okay? You've had a pretty tough week."
"I'm tired of everyone implying my dad was an idiot, or a puppet." It went without saying that it appeared that many people had been manipulated by the old wizard.
"I need to share more memories. He really loved your mum, even if he had an…unusual courting style. And he wasn't an idiot. He was brilliant at transfiguration. I think you picked up some of that talent."
The lad smiled for a moment, but then unsmiled. Harry shook his head, "I just feel like something's off. My counselor says to focus on the things within my control. Well, I'm doing pottery, and flying. I'm very happy that you're…that we're…"
"Me too." Padfoot hugged his godson. "I'm glad we're together too.
Sirius felt it though. He didn't like the feeling of being hunted either, and would much rather be on offensive.
**ODD**
Friday, July 3rd, Black Keep
The WCS carer at the door was familiar: Mrs Stevens. She didn't usually come at half past midnight, but she would check in on Harry and Sally-Anne from time to time. In her arms was a wrapped bundle, the size of a small child.
Remus could smell the blood on the blanket. He and Abigail had stayed a little late that night, playing a game with Sirius and Carmen. The four adults answered the door together.
"I…I'm sorry! It's late, and I hoped…I have a healer meeting me here. Can I beg for sanctuary for this little one? I assume the parents have been taken off the wards. It's Thomas Gregory-Smythe."
"What? Yes, come in, come in. We've had a few busy days. You look exhausted. Please. Come into the house. Livy!" The seneschal gained sudden awareness. Abigail gave Remus a look, and growled lowly.
If a healer was coming, aurors would certainly follow.
The child who had been happily running around just a few days ago was very seriously injured, but the WCS didn't want to go to a hospital. Why?
Healer Marius was suddenly there, and the boy changed his hair for a moment to match the handsome healer's blond locks.
Oh! That was new.
Sirius showed Marius and the woman with the wounded child to a nearby side room, Abigail following in their wake.
"Things are not as they appear, it seems." Mrs Stevens shared worriedly as the healer worked to bring the once bubbly boy back to full health.
**ODD**
"They tried to sell their baby to Dumbledore?" Agent Abigail demanded. No werewolf, no matter how desperate, would ever think of such evil!
Just as she suspected, the aurors investigating had followed-up to check in on the child. The responding auror and Detective Weaver were here. They were talking under a privacy bubble as Marius worked.
Auror Stevens explained, "According to the letter they were sending, they tried to tell the child he would be going to live with a great man. Someone must have given this little wizard a warning. Or heard complaints against Dumbledore here. Children are much smarter than we realize, even if this age takes everything literally.
"Thomas reacted badly to the news and knocked his mother across the room. The boy then fainted from the sudden discharge of magic.
"His father was beating him, screaming at him, when I and my partner arrived. We didn't have far to go. They were in the basement of City Hall where the LoMN has set up the local refugee center. 'We should never have adopted you' he repeated over and over.' It was awful to hear, and very satisfying to stun the piece of garbage. My partner is booking the parents right now."
The auror turned to the Higgs, who had been promised a full report after arriving here.
"We had the child sent here with my wife as you, Agent Addams, have been checking on him daily. You seemed concerned for his welfare. With good reason, as it happens."
Detective Weaver picked up the tale from there.
"America is not Britain. If they adopted him, then they count as his parents. The government would demand anger management, grief counseling, perhaps other counseling. But if they retained custody, all it would take was one portkey to get through and the child would be murdered!"
The auror paced. "I realize I and my wife are putting our jobs on the line. She works for WCS. We are in public service to help people, not allow the slaughter of children!
"I can't, as someone with a conscience, allow that to happen. All this boy means to them is gold. I don't know what to do!"
Abigail had seen the happy boy feeding the various fowls, helping find eggs, and generally being a busy boy. His accidental magic in England had brought them here. Had he been abused there, and it had been attributed to the attack on them?
She wanted to pour veritaserum by the gallon down the throats of those people!
Sirius had listened to everything, and had a few ideas of his own. "Auror Stevens? Doesn't it mean anything that he is a Black?" Lord Black asked.
The privacy spell failed, and Marius waved them all away. Only Abigail stayed to offer help to the focused healer.
The auror led the way back to the living room, with Higgs and Sirius on his tail. He repeated what the animagus asked to the WCS worker.
"What? Umm. Maybe…" The caseworker opened her file of legal documents.
The couple spoke, and then talked in low tones to Higgs.
Mrs Stevens shared, "Yes, the boy has a magical ability that is known to originate from your House. You would have a legal claim over him. Whether it is greater than his own adoptive parents? I cannot say, but you should consult an attorney if you want to pursue this."
"Then it's simple. If money is all they want, then money they will get." Sirius concluded.
Moony pointed out a bit sarcastically, "Great. Then you have an active six-year-old. What are you going to do with him after that?"
"Ask people who don't have children, or perhaps can't have children if anyone is willing to foster him. We have not one but two nanny elves at loose ends. Any ideas?" Sirius asked, leaning in.
Agent Addams returned with a sleepy but now healed child in her arms. She was murmuring 'it's okay teddy bear'. Healer Marius looked very tired, and would be offered a place for the night.
"Husband?" Abigail asked. "Please?"
Her eyes made contact not just with Remus, but all the adults present.
Carmen came over to the boy, startling him, but he pulled away from her. She turned sad eyes to Sirius and shook her head very slightly. Padfoot gave his friend a very important nod.
Remus took a breath and decided, "Yes, of course. I'm glad we went with four bedrooms now for our new place. What do we need to do?" The seneschal asked the law-enforcement people here.
The couple, and Detective Weaver all thought this was the best possible solution.
Clearly, the Lupins had hoped this sort of thing would happen in the future. Remus and Abigail had publicly stated interest in this sort of action. Someday.
And Abigail would never admit it, but she was happy to skip on the diaper phase. Sometimes werewolf senses were not a good thing.
"I'm going to lose my job over this, but we have to obliviate those muggles, and send them back! Let everyone think the child died in the fire. Safer for everyone." The WCS worker suggested.
Detective Weaver disagreed, "Selling a magical child for any reason is a very serious charge. Something more is going on. I should return and see if they are ready for me. The processing takes a bit of time.
"This solves the hardest issue, as placing a clearly magical child through fostering is problematic. But one thing is very clear. We have been behind on intelligence again and again. I'm tired of it!" Higgs shared.
All were concerned how a couple without a hint of magic would know to turn to Dumbledore. That certainly wouldn't be anything the social worker would have suggested when getting them settled in the basement of City Hall!
The adults shared farewells, and the Lupins returned to their cottage, with a sleepy little boy in tow. What must he be thinking?
**ODD**
The next morning, Teddy Bear, or Teddy for short, as they decided to call him, woke up in a cot near the master bedroom a bit confused.
"You're staying with us while you get better. How would you like to go to breakfast?' The agent asked calmly.
He happily agreed, and Dotty, the elf, helped him get ready.
After talking to Briokz, they had an appointment on Monday with a judge that could give them temporary custody, legally. She took a week of emergency leave, just in case it was granted.
Abigail knew that their time together might be just for a short time, but she wanted to make the most of what they might have. Besides, today was the 4th of July. The family planned on a picnic/BBQ in the community hall. Tonight, the wards would be adjusted to create a sound barrier to protect the livestock from the fireworks, but the family planned to watch the local display from the front veranda.
The Seneschal had never taken a day off work other than full moons. He had his list of chores he planned to address, and went to work with a will. He knew he might be slowed down by his new helpers, but he didn't mind a bit.
Today, he was accompanied by boot-clad workers, one who was extra small.
**ODD**
Same day, afternoon
Harry was also trying to bring more joy into their lives by fulfilling a dream of his godmother's. But he needed help, preferably without Sirius or Moony mocking him.
"Hermione? I need to learn something…but I don't know…the thing is it's for Alice…"
Neville showed up right then, as did Susan. Both were in muggle jeans with protective gear. The bike helmet on the budding herbologist was on wrong, but he had it. Susan had never picked hers up.
Ricardo showed up, sharing a shy wave with Susan.
"Where's Sally-Anne?" Neville asked.
Hermione responded, "She doesn't want to risk scraping her knees and getting scars. With potions, that really shouldn't be a risk. So, where are we doing this?"
Healer Marius showed up with not just his potions kit, but a camera. "Am I late?" He had had a nice lie-in after last night's summons and was ready to face the day.
"No, and thank you for meeting us. I was trying to keep this away from Padfoot. You see, I've never ridden a bicycle."
"You've never? But you can fly…" Ricardo shut his mouth. He owed Harry too much to tease.
"Hannah and I ride all the time. We used to ride to the muggle mart near her house to buy all sorts of sweets. But we never wore helmets. Or this safety equipment."
They split up. Ricardo was going to help Neville with Susan's help, and Hermione was going to help Harry.
Ricardo demonstrated getting on, kicking off, and the importance of going fast enough. He also showed how to break several times before everyone got started.
Harry fell over a few times, but was able to land on his feet. Neville also crashed more than once, and wound up needing the healer's aid. Still, at the end of the hour, Harry was able to ride up and down the paved carriage path without being too wobbly.
When they were packing up, they all of a sudden heard cheers. Looking up, the children, who thought they were doing this in secret, found the second floor veranda full of adults on chairs watching them. Little Teddy was suddenly unsilenced and his clapping could be heard,
Neville face-palmed and went red. He hadn't been very coordinated but this was for his mum.
"Moody would be so disappointed in me for not looking up." Susan admitted.
"My dad too," Hermione chimed in.
Ricardo shrugged, and Harry shared, "We're supposed to be safe here." He then cast sonorus, and did a silly princess wave, "Hope you enjoyed the show everyone. A few more practices, and we'll be ready for the picnic you wanted to take, Godmother."
The kids put away the bikes, and the adults carefully packed up the cameras. This was going to be a happy memory. After they got over the embarrassment.
**ODD**
Harry and Hermione ooh'd and aah'd with the rest of the family, watching the magical fireworks and enjoying the musical program that was simultaneously broadcast on the radio, timed to the fireworks. The source was nearby, but distorted.
He noted that Hermione was taking notes, presumably for future ideas in pyrotechnics, but he didn't tease. She never teased him when he was investigating his magic.
He was sure he was missing something when it came to pottery notes, but put the thought aside to enjoy the booms in the sky.
Alice, very pregnant, was shuffling from side to side. Clearly, the unborn princess wasn't enjoying the show as much as the rest were. Walking seemed to help.
Alejandro was in Atlanta for the next race, and had help there with the racing griffs. But unlike other times, Harry was going to miss this race. It wasn't because of the drama with little Thomas, or the Fourth of July. No, this had everything to do with his godmother.
Though most of the House just stayed home, doing minimal chores, and kept track of what was happening at the races as viewed in the community hall.
**ODD**
Alice had finally gone into labor. It was July 5th, more than two weeks after she was due. They'd all come to be in the waiting room, of course, even if they did miss the races later. Frank had nervously stayed with his wife during the birth, for the very first time. After the baby arrived, the family was brought in a little at a time.
Harry and Neville were first.
"The fireworks scared her!" Alice proclaimed.
Neville came over and welcomed little Fiona Elizabeth Longbottom. Fiona was after Alice's mother, Elizabeth after Frank's paternal grandmother. No one was surprised Augusta was not so honored.
Neville then held his baby sister, "I always knew you were going to be in my life, somehow. And now you're here? I'm going to do my best to make sure you are never in danger again."
Harry had never held a baby before, and as he did, the little angel grabbed his finger in a surprisingly strong grip. He later found out that at the same moment he was holding her, Alejandro won the last of the qualifying races before the Grand Prix.
When he next saw her he said, "Wow, you're my good luck charm! I'm going to nickname you Bets!" The mobile he brought for her bassinet was made of shamrocks and horseshoes that had prancing hippogriffs running through. Sirius helped him make it.
The baby squirmed and smiled. Neville added, "I think she likes it. And you, Harry."
Both boys knew Bets could have been killed that terrible day at the LoMN. The healers confirmed she was healthy and strong, when they honestly thought there would be long-term consequences of such an attack.
Both boys looked on her as a little sister, and learned a lot about being a good daddy watching how Frank was with her.
**ODD**
Monday, July 6th City Hall
The judge looked like he might have gone to school with the first Magical President of the United States, Benjamin Franklin.
"In reviewing this situation, I have to say, I am not happy about a magical child ever possibly being returned to no-majs who don't like magic. They adopted a child, in good faith according to the investigation team.
The mystery of how they knew to contact Dumbledore was also solved by Detective Higgs Weaver in the early morning hours of the 4th. There had been previous accidental magic, and an automated letter, coming through regular post, had been sent.
Higgs managed to get that memory, and shared it with others. Yet another thing for ODD to have to try and combat.
"Seneschal Lupin? You work with Lord Black, who acknowledges the child…oh I see. He wouldn't want to adopt the child himself as he just married, as he will likely have children of his own body.
"You raising him keeps him in the family grouping without the child thinking he should be Heir or causing any family problems later.
"Agent Addams, your record is sterling. I would be happy to allow either of you to petition for custody; together? Especially with your extended contacts? I see no one better.
"You have temporary custody, but it is only a formality. You need to go through the review process, I would happily grant permanent custody to you should you petition for it. I know that these parents are presumed innocent until proven guilty, but I have seen the evidence. I will not allow them to retain custody of an adopted magical child.
" Mr and Mrs Lupin? You know the drill. Sixty days, and if the child requests another family, we will take that into consideration. If you all pass the inspections, and the child is happy with his placement, you go into normal periodic visits just like any other child placement.
"This is my ruling; As arbiter of Justice for Magical America, are there any objections?"
The court-appointed lawyer for the boy's guardians stayed quiet. Dharma Briokz representing the Lupins didn't move a jot.
"Then this is my Judgment." The gavel came down, and everyone stood.
"And so we aver." Intoned the participants.
Abigail had to snuffle tears. It had been a whirlwind, but she, bitten in retaliation for being on the side of Justice, had been consigned to never have children. And now Justice had given her a beautiful son.
She picked up Teddy who had been sitting far too quietly. "Ready to go home?" Abigail asked. Remus tucked his arm around both wife and child.
"Home? Home? Wait! What about bike?" Teddy looked at them both, "Pwease?"
Watching the rest of the teens learn how to ride had made the inquisitive little wizard want to learn as well.
"Might as well talk to the others about including Teddy here. But yes, you can have a bicycle. As long as Cousin Harry teaches you." Remus stated.
Teddy clapped, and the young family went to go walk to the bike shop in town.
Remus was thinking about his old friends. Peter never married, and had no children that he'd ever heard of. Carmen wanted to wait, but had warned Sirius that she would likely have daughters first. And James had only had time for Harry.
They were going to survive Dumbledore. Survive any other dark lord. Survive, thrive, and grow. Teddy hopefully would just be the first of their children. Remus had the finances and willingness to raise a passel if allowed.
On the way out the front doors of City Hall, Teddy squirmed down from Abigail's arms, and ran to a patch of green that was growing between the sidewalk and the curb. He plucked the dandelion there and presented to Abigail as though giving a bouquet at an event, "Fwower. For you."
She took it solemnly, sniffed it, then picked him back up to tickle his chin with it, making Remus laugh.
How had they gotten to this day? He was feeling so happy. He had his mate, and now a child to raise.
When they got back, they learned that Alice and Frank had also welcomed a new baby into their family.
Their family was growing.
**ODD**
Surprisingly, it was Remus getting married and now adopting a little metamorphmagus that had prompted this action. Tonks was nineteen, and didn't have a beau. She had mourned her relationship with Charlie long enough.
The former Gryffindor Seeker had shown up at the manor a couple of times for work, seen her from a distance and waved. Like he was seeing one of the twins or a friend. Not a girlfriend or potential girlfriend. Friendly, but clearly not interested.
She wanted a boyfriend! So, she had taken matters into her own hands.
Tonks showed up at the Franklin building a few minutes before the appointed time. This was it. She'd asked Higgs to lunch. She had been accepted into student housing at MITT in the fall. Sirius was paying for everything, and had given her a generous allowance as well.
She was an independent woman, well, maybe not totally independent yet. But she wasn't going to be living at home much longer either!
The man was a few minutes late meeting her outside, but the reason became clear when she saw the beautiful witch talking to him and her obvious attempts to detain him.
Was she the jealous sort? Former girlfriend?
"Hi Dora. This is my ancient, I mean older sister, Jennifer. Jenny, meet Dora Tonks." He didn't mention Tonks' House; was this Jenny going to be one of the moderates?
"Nice to meet you. I've heard nothing about you. At all." Jenny shared.
"Pleasure, I'm sure. I've heard nothing of you either," Tonks stated smilingly, shaking her hand.
"Sis, I hate to break up the moment, but I have a lunch date. And no, I'm not talking about it yet! Don't you have court in a few minutes?" With that, the detective turned away and offered Tonks his arm. "Did you have a destination in mind?"
Tonks waved, and the family carriage drove up. Harry was driving! The normal driver was teaching him, and ready to intervene if necessary. Ricardo, acting as 'footman', handed her in neatly.
"Where to, Mistress Tonks?" Harry asked.
Higgs laughed and sat next to the metamorphmagus. Tonks ordered, "The Glass Slipper! And no turning the coach into a pumpkin until we get out!"
It was a wonderful memory they would share with their children; with improvements. No mention of the accidentally spilled water glass or the fight over the bill. Dora had asked him, after all.
**ODD**
There were no job openings at the school at all, so why did Principal Franklin receive not one, but three requests to be allowed to interview for teaching positions? All were sent to Detective Weaver who sent them to MFBI Agent Abigail Addams.
She had asked for modified duty for the summer to help their new son integrate into their home. She was supposed to have a full six weeks off. Paid. Sigh. But she was perfect for this. They needed her 'extra' talents. And the bonus for doing so was a nice incentive.
No one was going to be put at risk of imperius on their watch, no foreigners would be allowed to teach even if they had an open slot. What was going on? There was going to be some interrogations going on that these candidates were not informed of prior to the appointments either.
She even agreed to meet with one of the more insistent letter writers in the American Embassy in London. Alastor had friends there, so all the interviews were to take place in London in that building. She was glad of the magical entrance, and hoped they were up to snuff in tracking down no-majs to obliviate. This man was a walking, talking violation of the Statute of Secrecy.
Unless doublet, hose, and half-cloak were common in London? Perhaps so.
Mrs Lupin was not foolish, and wore the skirt, blouse and vest the high school instructors wore.
"I had no idea they had angels working at Salem. You, my dear, must be the loveliest of them all. Gilderoy Lockhart, I'm sure you've heard of me?"
Abigail fussed with her simple gold wedding ring. "No, I don't think so. I understand you want to teach at Salem. What is your Mastery in?"
"Mastery? For me? Why should I spend time in musty tomes and wasting away over theory when I am out doing!"
She nodded understanding, "So, no Mastery. Well, what subject then?"
His target was not warming up to him. He leapt to his feet, taking his wand from the scabbard at his side. He wielded it like a musketeer, telling a story of derring do that would have embarrassed the Bard!
"Oh, so you want to teach theater. Very interesting. Well, I have your resume, and your contact information. I'll be talking to the principal about this, what did you call it, 'unique opportunity'. I can't promise anything."
Lockhart managed to capture the hand she'd been trying to hide and kissed it longingly, "I'll be dreaming of you. How much I would enjoy…working with you."
"I'll be sure to tell my husband what you said. He's a werewolf you know. Very dangerous."
Lockhart swallowed hard, started to say something more, then fled. Straight into Alastor. It appeared he had veritaserum and a time-turner, and knew how to wield them. Interesting. Well, this was Britain, and he was an auror.
Abigail saw no crime except for the outfit the fashion police needed to deal with.
Subtle? No, but his message was clear. She met the rest of the contenders. When it was finally over, Mad-eye joined her in the borrowed office.
"A little person doing card tricks and sleight of hand? A mother of seven who wants to make sure that 'Harry Potter' has a decent potions education? And the first one. If Lockhart had ever faced a werewolf, it was one of those wax model kinds. A real one would have killed him easily!" Abigail opined.
Moody nodded. He knew Diggle was coming, but Molly being here? Her brood was supposed to be headed back to Hogwarts, with 'everything' forgiven. Arthur didn't seem to understand what any concerns would be. And Molly didn't seem concerned about money.
Harry had insisted the twins be homeschooled for their safety, and offered to pay for it himself. And pay for the younger siblings still at home.
The twins had gone into business with Sirius and Hermione, and had to be kept out of Dumbledore's hands. Their younger siblings? Harry hoped the potion that Professor Snape was working on, to detect people under imperius, would work. It was a very important project.
At least Diggle was secretly in ODD. Alastor hoped his failure here wasn't going to be punished too harshly.
None of the investigations dug up anything vitally important. And none of them were subject to an Unbreakable Vow - Moody had checked that thoroughly before questioning.
Something Agent Addams and her team were doing as well. Lord Black's little devices were being given to the Americans as a way of apologizing for all the trouble they had brought with them. They didn't show victims of the imperius curse, but those under an Unbreakable Vow. In America, it was illegal to obliviate someone of such - it was beyond dangerous!
Abigail knew it wasn't the family's fault about Dumbledore's attacks. She was impressed with how much the family cooperated and donated. Harry had made a very magical, singing pottery bowl to go up for auction to help fund the local law enforcement efforts. An annual event.
This whole ruse gave Moody and the MFBI team the shivers though.
**ODD**
Harry thought, with it being summer break, that life would slow down. Nope. Remus had done a good job of recruiting Potter villagers who wanted to learn anything about hippogriffs to 'transfer' to the racing department. With the imports from Guatemala, it was quite a nice group.
Claire Thomas was another volunteer.
But it was Harry himself who put his foot down. Alejandro was winning races, but he was tired - too tired. They needed another person in charge of the hippogriffs, to allow Alejandro to do his job of racing. At least during the racing season, when the jockey objected about not wanting to be lazy.
Remus had not meant to overwork the gregarious man. Professors Wilhelmina and Reginald Grubbly-Plank, two of the newest refugees, took over as the new hippogriff managers. Colin Elam became the youngest assistant hippogriff manager the House had ever had.
Harry wondered how they had not one but two people with Masteries: The wife for Magical Creatures, and the husband in Healing; with his specialty being plants. He, Reginald, was born in Ireland, and the potato famine had hit the area hard. They both were immediately hired, put to work. Harlan was going to be commissioned to build them a cottage of their chosen design.
Alejandro helped them by suggesting to recruit a few local people they had met at the Salem Village pub. Ones who had worked for people like Billingsley and were tired of not getting paid; ones tired of being promised one thing, and delivered another. Ones who wanted to eat regularly!
These work contracts were for five years as well, with renewal based on mutual agreement. Finding out that accommodations and food didn't mean an empty stall and random leftovers from the manor was another surprise.
The kitchen made food for the manor and village at the same time. The manor ate later than the workers, so they were the ones eating 'leftovers' if anyone one was!
It was nice having a few more Americans, and some of them had worked with Alejandro before. In fact, he was asked to approve them before anyone was hired.
The racing team and the potions team were starting to become a little bit more defined.
Though Colin did threaten that anyone performing the defeathering spell on the racing 'Griffs would face him in a duel!
**ODD**
Amelia came out to talk to the former professors. The wife sometimes taught at Hogwarts as a substitute. The former DMLE head wanted to know why a pureblood couple was attacked.
"Why were we targeted? The same reasons that have been going on forever: Prejudice. Our daughter Marigold fell in love with a squib who was trying to get through Hogwarts undetected. Don't ask me how. Had just enough of an MI to get a letter I guess. Passed his OWLs in everything that didn't need a wand.
"We were having a small garden wedding. Then attackers came…someone had given our new son-in-law an emergency portkey to Gringotts. Most of us got out…"
Amelia reached for the woman's hand in sympathy. Muggles, squibs, muggleborns - and those who associated with them were in danger back home, "We're trying to fight back. We are. When you're ready, my team would like to talk to you. You and your family."
The woman nodded, then went back to work. Right now this was her therapy, and she loved magical creatures of all sorts. And was willing to teach Harry and the others about them as they worked.
**ODD**
Harry saw Agent Addams using her physical strength to do chores that most weren't strong enough to do. Thomas was clearly helping her, holding his hands up at the bottom. She made sure he was clear before setting the bales down.
"Ma'am? Mrs umm Lupin? You don't have to work so hard. You have a full-time job." Harry tried to say. "You have a new son, too."
"You said I could call you Harry. Maybe I won't be 'Mum' to you ever, but you can call me Abigail. I truly have been trying to look after you for months. You feel like family. Just like this little one already does."
"You too. And I do appreciate you, Abigail." Harry shared shyly.
The werewolf explained, "I want to learn this. I don't plan on being an agent forever. I really want to quit. Just as soon as it's safe. I want to be a mum to Thomas here, and help you too."
Harry nodded in understanding, "That means so much to me. You are family, I feel like…" Without warning, Harry popped into the shape of a half-grown grey wolf. His eyes showed his surprise. He walked up to her, and rubbed up against her. She plunged her hands into his thick fur. His feet were huge!
Thomas clapped and also started petting the doggy, "Oh mummy! Can we keep him?"
Moony came around the corner, "Oh! Who do we have here? He's so beautiful!" Moony too petted Harry.
Harry started bouncing from one adult to the other playfully, being careful of the child there but stopped. He'd tried to revert to his preteen form, and couldn't.
He yipped. Fortunately, Abigail had seen what happened. "I think we need some help. Can you ask Sirius to join us? But if we can get him doing this…I want you to promise me to keep this secret, Husband. Please. You see, this isn't a tame half-grown wolf. This is Harry."
The grey wolf was now making circles, huffing, then making soft whiny noises. Poor boy!
Moony saw the green eyes and knew. "Oh boy. Are you stuck?" He pulled his mirror. "Sirius, drop what you are doing, and join us in Barn 2. Alone."
Part of him wanted to laugh and celebrate, but right now, Harry was looking so miserable.
Once he was put to rights, and practiced with Sirius, he was able to shift back and forth easily. The three adults did keep this quiet, just so Harry had a way of escaping that no one would expect.
Thomas would see Harry coming and going and would ask if he had seen the doggy come back yet. Sometimes, he would visit the Lupins at bedtime, just so Thomas could pet his soft thick fur.
The only other person he told was Hermione. He was not keeping secrets like this from her. Besides, if she wanted to pursue an animagus form, she would know he was willing to help her. He said he would be studying too, since his godfather was an animagus.
Just how did this happen?
**ODD**
The signup sheets had been filled out weeks before and now it was time. Ricardo and Harry got to attend a mundane basketball day camp. Their skills improved a bit; but it was mostly just for fun.
They did think about signing up for basket-making for a minute, just to tease Amelia, but decided against it.
Susan, now able to navigate in the American no-maj world just fine, also joined in. Sally-Anne had come for a couple of days, but got hurt when a defender knocked down the slight girl.
The boys and girls were segregated, which was probably safer for the girl who'd knocked down Sally-Anne.
Dan wanted her to come back, but she was worried about getting another or even worse injury that might prevent her from continuing to dance, and the facility wished to keep their reputation. Thus she accepted the offer to transfer to one of the facilities' other day workshops in exchange. She was looking forward to learning macrame and basket-weaving.
Sirius started to say something but got a stern look, and he let it go.
She still rode with them in Sirius's new car. It was some luxury something something that she thought ridiculous, but Higgs had gone with him to get it. It was supposed to be easy maintenance and all.
Harry disliked it because it scared Marmalade; Alejandro disliked it because the auto scared the hippogriffs. The villagers hated it because Lord Charlus never had one. When Colin approached Lord Harry to ask him if he approved of the vehicle, Harry had the best response.
"No, not really. But one day Lord Sirius will grow up and realize his mistake. I do hope that his folly hurts none." Harry intoned in a faux pompous voice.
Colin bowed, hiding his smirk, and shared that comment with the rest of the group. Perfect!
Alice's reaction was to get everyone bicycling around the village. Too bad the youth facility was just too far and too dangerous to bike to.
**ODD**
Harry was worried when Susan first arrived, that she would be spoiled. Even though her ancestral home was not a working farm, and only had enough land for the nice manor and well-manicured garden, she didn't mind helping around the manor at all.
And unlike most of the rest of the guests, she enjoyed flying. She joined them for flying on a non-racer though, as she was still learning, and wanted to go slow. Carmen was a patient teacher, and now they had Professor Grubbly-Plank for the basics.
Heiress Bones overheard Ricardo's father asking about a healing Calendula Obscuris plant that was sometimes fed to the animals directly. Buckbeak had strained a joint, and as he was a backup, they had to be careful what potions were given to the racer.
He was Fleetwing's backup, and no one wanted him disqualified for the Grand Prix!
This plant wasn't available there at the manor, so the jockey was going to request that it be sourced. Susan bypassed him.
She went to Neville to find out about local sources for full-grown plants. She didn't splurge often, but had access to her trust vault. After all, her auntie was Regent, not the Heiress.
When the Longbottom lad saw how much they wanted for a full-grown plant, he nearly had a meltdown. "We can get seeds, or at least seedlings."
"That would be great. You order whatever you want. I'll have my elf send the payment or whatever. Try not to spend over two hundred galleons please." Susan stated, casually.
"But that's…" But she was gone.
Bypassing Neville's reluctance, Susan ordered a full-grown Calendula Obscuris on her own. The elf delivery cost extra, but the plant was here. Now.
She brought it to Alejandro with a smile, "Mr Cordero? Is this the right one? I'm going to order some seeds, but sometimes you need the full-grown plant now."
"This is exactly what I want. Thank you," the jockey shared.
Susan blushed, "You're welcome. Well, I better get back before Neville has another meltdown. Talk to you soon, Mr Cordero. Bye Ricardo!"
The young man waited until Susan was out of range, "Papi? Do you know who that is?"
Alejandro answered, "Yes, your friend from the manor who spends time flying and playing basketball. Nice of Lord Harry to include everyone from the Village."
Ricardo did a very Slytherin thing next. He shut his mouth. No need to let his father know just who the 'nice girl' was. No need at all. If her aunt didn't mind them flying, biking, and everything, then who was he to complain about being 'allowed' to be friends with the nice witch.
But he was going to thank her later for the plants.
**ODD**
The children were busy all summer. Sirius suggested putting in a pool. When Harry found out that villagers wouldn't be allowed in it, the lad refused.
"I don't have time to just play all summer! If we want to go swimming, and enjoy a leisure day, then I won't do it in front of people sweating in the sun to put food on the table. MY table."
Sirius tried to object, but it was Remus who took Harry's side, then took him aside. The lad thought he was in trouble, but got a warm hug instead.
"You are the kindest boy I have ever known. Lily had your sense of fair play; too bad she was born a muggleborn. If she had lived, what a warrior for good she would have made in the Wizengamot." Remus shared.
"You're not mad at me?"
Remus scoffed, "What for, Harry? Not being a bigot like Augusta? I see the revolution coming. I do. She doesn't. Maybe even you don't. But I want you to know I support you 100%."
The Seneschal smiled at him and Harry felt it. What he was doing was right and fair and would continue to improve each day. And since Alice wanted a swimming pool to enjoy year-round as well, Harry came up with a solution.
It would be added to the basement of the community hall, next to the gym. Everything in the community hall was soon going to be officially available to everyone. If a family wanted to go for a swim after work, so what? If Sirius or Alice wanted exclusive use, they could block time for it. They wouldn't be using it ALL of the time.
Now that was a solution he, as Arglwydd, could live with.
It turned out that Emma had been on a swim team in her youth, and started to swim each day as part of her fitness routine, once the pool was ready. Hermione would join her at times, so of course Harry was invited.
Nearly alone time with Hermione? Now that was worth the price of the pool alone.
**ODD**
The Grand Prix was coming up.
The leader board in the community hall stood at eight first-place wins, six second-places, three third places, and one no finish when Fleetwing raced too soon following her feather denudement, and wasn't really ready for a full race.
The farm easily qualified for the Grand Prix. While they might not win, the seneschal thought they could place. There were some very nice prizes for the top ten spots in each category. Alejandro was doing free-form steeplechase, but next year, they might branch out into other competitions.
Everyone at home was treating this as a festival day, with just the minimal work getting done. Normally Alice was over the menu, but Carmen had been learning in preparation for taking on that duty when Fiona was born. Today was all about racing snacks that Emma and Harry organized, but for once, the young Arglwydd had no hand in.
He was finally allowed to travel to a race again! Hooray!
**ODD**
Harry was allowed to come to the final race for several reasons: Frank, BloodRage, Detective Weaver, and Tonks were tagged for bodyguard duty. For another, they had a private, warded box.
Daedalus Diggle was the Dumbledore crony assigned to 'look for opportunities to make friends' with Harry Potter. Oh, and here's a portkey if he wants to visit.
As if.
The little wizard with the purple cloak that Harry remembered him from his childhood would readily risk his life to let Harry keep the 'Living' part of his Boy-Who-Lived title.
Harry teased and asked Detective Higgs if he was going to be calling him 'Uncle Higgs' soon, only to be told not to be ridiculous. Harry caught the hurt look that Dora quickly hid.
"If Dora and I stay together, you'll be calling me cousin. I'm way too young to be an uncle." He joked. His brother and sister already had children.
Tonks just gave Higgs a look before snagging one of the skewers meant for BloodRage. Harry thought about warning her, but just shared a look with the goblin. There was plenty on the tray, after all. The detective was ready with some cheese and a drink when she started choking.
Goblins liked spicy!
Harry served snacks around and passed Hermione another cold butterbeer. They clinked bottles and settled back in their seats with a smile. The John Addams brand was the best!
**ODD**
ODD (Order Defying Dumbledore)
Thanks to everyone who shares a rec. I try to avoid reading fanfic when writing, but will look at this one later as Beepkeeper is one of my favorites, along with RobSt, Old Crow, Broomstick Flyer, so many…Enjoy!
A/N: Our friend Millie072 Recommendation: Basilisk Go Boom by Beepkeeper. Short & funny.
s/12880573/1/Basilisk-Go-Boom
A/N: Your story recommendation here -
**ODD**
ƺ parseltongue
₲ galleons
₰ sickles
ķ knuts
Ɠ Goblin language
O.D.D. (Order Defying Dumbledore)