Harry Potter and the Odd Rebellion

by VashonBeader

There was something very odd happening in Harry Potter's life. Then a gentle giant came to help him, letting him know he was a wizard. That day would change his life, but it was a meeting with the odd man Tom in the Leaky Cauldron that would set his feet on a different path. One that led him to family he didn't know he had. Harry/Hermione; Remus, Sirius, No lemons: rating violence

8. Chapter 8 - New Arrivals

Harry Potter and the Odd Rebellion

**ODD**

A/N: Thanks to my wonderful Beta, LtsHrIt4ThBoyz.

**ODD**

Welcome to the fireside.

**ODD**

Scorecard of what has happened so far:

This story is AU: Dumbledore sent two British agents disguised as aurors to kidnap Harry, and instead, wound up killing his personal elf. Not good.

O.D.D. (Order Defying Dumbledore) Meetings still happening.

Tonks, Andromeda and Ted have arrived at Black Keep - they are now safe. Amelia and Susan will join the family as well, even though Susan's lovely locks have Harry (and even Hermione) on edge a bit - it reminds them of Amanda.

Through Doge's death, Harry has recovered even more Potter books, and gained additional wealth. Gold that Dumbles would surely have interfered with if he had been less angry or proud and actually read the summons from the goblins. Too bad for him.

The death of the Dursleys will trouble Harry from time to time for the rest of his life as he knows why they were killed. Petunia was never kind to him, but for his mother's sake, he regrets her death. He is content that Dudley survived, and despite Marge's plans to have him be her personal house-elf, the oversight by the muggles will soon put that to a stop. Unlike Harry, Dudley will not slip through the cracks.

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'.

I'm so very sorry my great uncle Lucius, son of Llwelyn, passed away before I had a chance to learn a word of Welsh. Llwelyn's wife was a Highland Scot. I don't know how they met, perhaps on the journey to America, but I bet their marriage was 'interesting'.

Back to the story.

**ODD**

Chapter 8 New Arrivals

**ODD**

Community Hall, Black Manor, Sunday afternoon and evening Nov 3rd

Harry nervously fidgeted with his House Black formal robes: Needlessly rechecking his tie and brushing at imagined lint, until Sirius, smiling reassuringly, grasped his shoulders and quietly told him he looked fine.

Ted was being brought into House Black, as were the rest of his family. Sirius could do it differently by merely reinstating Andromeda, but Lord Black was making a point.

A point that would soon be floating around the social circles in England. By design.

Remus was back in his Seneschal tabard, helping Harry with lines. The Latin phrasing was archaic but full of meaning. Just practicing, Harry could feel magic swirling, waiting to be called. He was anxious as he really liked this family, and even though he'd just met them truly knew deep inside they were family.

To Harry, it brought up memories of the ceremony they had done for Hermione and her family. Sally-Anne was a sister in truth now. So why did Hermione feel so much different?

Miss Tonks came into the hall dressed in new House robes. She'd be receiving a new ring along with this investiture. She looked at both Hermione and Sally-Anne, and winked at them. "Wow. I'm going from an only child to a big sister or cousin or something. I don't care what we label it. I do hope we'll be friends."

Hermione, who had been such a lonely child before this wild summer, squeezed her hand. Sally-Anne smiled, and offered to do the witch's hair for the ceremony, and performed the charm to fix it up in a nice way.

The three girls walked together as maids of the House, processing in front of a beaming Andromeda, who was followed by her husband in resplendent robes. Robes he had read about as a curious muggleborn, but never thought to actually wear in his lifetime. He had never felt such magic, as he did now, heading to the nearly empty dais. There was only a small table that contained an athame and matching bowl. Pepper adjusted it to be at elbow height for Lord Black who was waiting with Harry at his side.

Everyone in the hall stood as the procession came in, and the hall filled with Light. The dinner that followed that night was the feast the villagers should have had on Halloween that had been delayed. But the family returned to the manor before the normal setup of the high table was put in place.

None of the Tonks noticed in the euphoria of the moment that Harry was treated as anything special - just another member of the House of Black.

Harry spent time that evening just getting to know the newcomers, going from seat to seat in the largest of the parlors. Hermione joined him for some of the conversations, but she got caught up with a discussion of how the muggleborn should be treated in Britain. Ted's comments were insightful if a bit bitter.

The best part of that night was when the younger people gathered around Miss Tonks, and those who had gone to Hogwarts shared their experiences, contrasted with those already attending Salem. The juxtaposition was shocking and eye-opening for the students of both schools.

Susan would be attending starting from tomorrow; the metamorphmagus had some choices to make.

"What do you think, Harry? If you had gone to Hogwarts, you'd have people who loved you since you were a baby!" Susan shared. She didn't have a crush. She didn't.

Well, maybe a tiny one, but she was going to get over it.

Harry shared a look with Hermione. She had seen some of the 'Harry Potter' mania in the Alley, not that he hadn't tried to avoid it. "I think there would be people who loved me or hated me without knowing me. Here, well, I'm sorry to say, but I've found American magicals just as class conscious as I am told magicals back in Britain are. But there are some positive differences."

Miss Tonks leaned in. "Oh? Come on. You gotta share now."

Sally-Anne snorted softly. Both Harry and Neville were usually pretty quiet. She was worried that Harry's spirit had been broken. But he really was coming out of his shell, and the extended family here helped. A lot.

Neville spoke up, "Back home, in my village, I was always treated with pity, and more than once I heard an old person offer to cleanse the family of dishonor, even if it should cost him his life," Neville stated matter of factly, much to the horror of those present. "Here," he continued. "Adepts are still treasured. Are they sad they don't have magic? Sure, but they put the blame on genetics. That's why you won't see betrothals to cousins and such here: They want their grandchildren to be powerful."

Hermione brightened, "That reminds me, we need to reschedule the bonfire night. Is November 5th celebrated here? Harry has a thousand prospective betrothal offers he wants to burn."

"I wonder why he doesn't like any of them." Neville teased, "I just wonder."

Harry and Hermione avoided looking at each other, causing everyone else to quietly snicker.

**ODD**

Pepper was so very pleased with the help the other elves had given him. The furniture had all been reparoed and recovered. The nicest bits of the Pepperidge furniture was now in Mistress Nymphadora's suite. Not that he was going to call her that. He was officially seconded to the young witch and didn't want to be sent away from this place. Her suite had once belonged to Charlus' sister before she was married. So sad she had died so young.

The young witch was shown to her rooms by the shy elf, and shown around. Tonks couldn't believe it! The place was HUGE! And the best part, she had a door to the outside that didn't go through the front entrance of the house.

The Seneschal showed up just then, and was accompanied by Widow Beddew. Tonks graciously welcomed them. Remus asked permission to cast a privacy charm as the old witch took out her knitting.

Confused, Miss Tonks asked, "What's going on? Pepper's here. Isn't that enough of a chaperone?"

The elderly witch stated firmly while inclining her head slightly in acknowledgement, "I'm going by all the old rules here, my lady. Now, Margaret Glynn knows several of the villagers who would be happy to chaperone you. This offer has no cost to you, though you may give a gratuity if you wish."

The young witch nodded with faux grace, "Thank you, Goodwife. I shall certainly keep your kind offer in mind. Alas, I just moved here, and have no beaux nearby. Or in Britain. Perhaps I will have better luck here." Tonks batted her eyes at the Seneschal in jest.

The old woman cackled and waggled her finger. "None of that! You wouldn't disgrace your House so soon, nor would our oath-sworn young man here lose his honor. Or magic."

Remus did finally cast his privacy charm. "This is a working farm, with at-times cranky hippogriffs, horses, cows, and all sorts of creatures. Magical and non. I want you to understand. You are an adult, but please, don't bring a wizard over to spend the night. Or anyone else. At least outwardly, we really need to follow the local customs here."

Lupin went on to explain about Harry, and some of the things he'd been through. "I just can't risk anything. I hope you don't think I'm trying to control you?"

The girl looked out the window. She'd broken up with her last boyfriend over an argument about muggle rights of all things. She thought it was ridiculous how much magicals got away with. He didn't see things the same way. At least it wasn't about sharing intimacies too soon. They hadn't gotten to that step.

"I have no desire to look for anyone right now, I swear, Mr Lupin. I just want to get settled in, learn more about the family, and try and get along. I still don't know what I'm going to do about work or school or what."

The werewolf nodded, "You have time. We're an odd bunch, that's for sure," he stated wryly. "And we face danger every day just by earning our daily bread. But while this can be a busy place, there is peace here. I hope you find it. I truly do."

Remus ended the privacy spell, and the older witch added one more rule, "I know you're new here, and we've many fine young men. But you live in the clouds, and those boys live on the earth. Don't try stealing longing looks or sweet sighs. They will only lead to heartbreak and dishonor. Please?"

Miss Tonks nodded, "I promise. I won't look for companionship in the village. Count me as warned off."

The two made their bows and went on their way, leaving a pensive young witch behind.

**ODD**

SAM, Monday, November 4th

The Salem middle-school contingent had gathered together to meet after classes, and were headed to the portkey point assigned by the MFBI.

Susan looked stunned after her first potions class there, their last class of the day. She'd had no problem wearing the protective gear, and learned how to use the burner quickly. She was in the same class as Hermione, Neville, Sally-Anne, Ricardo and Harry.

"Did you see that? Instructions! Guidance! The only reason I'm mostly up to date is because Auntie insisted I take the potions classes given to recruited auror trainees. We didn't get scowled at today! No points lost for breathing too loudly or being a dunderheaded 'Puff.

"At least I'm not behind in Charms and Transfiguration. I think I can catch up pretty well in Potions. I don't know what to do about maths. Fractions are evil!" Susan concluded.

Hermione wasn't the only one who laughed at that truth. When Thomas Jeffries had come over to tutor Sally-Anne, he'd taken a normal plastic beach ball, and turned it into a numbers game. The colored sections would randomly change to be a fraction, percent or decimal number. You'd toss it to another, and where their thumb landed, you called out the fractional equivalent if it was a decimal, and so forth. It was good practice and very helpful to them all.

"We can help with that. Or there are tutors we can hire…" Hermione started to offer, but tapered off when they were greeted by the best in the school.

Thomas bowed formally and stated, "My father sends you this letter of condolence for your servant. Our family lit a candle for Oddment the other night and include him in our nightly prayers. Thank you for letting us come to his funeral.

"I know I wasn't the target of those terrorists, Harry. But still. Anyone else in there with you would have been in danger. I'm really sorry about the little guy. At the same time, I'm grateful to be alive being the eldest and the heir to my family. Anything my family can do for Oddment's family? Please let them know we'll help. You too, Lord Potter."

Harry took the envelope, feeling guilty about only lighting a candle for his parents on Halloween and not including Oddment. "You're welcome. After you left, all the family elves said any of them would have done the same, and died worthy elves. They were proud of what Oddment did. Please let your father know that, will you?"

Harry bowed too, then shook his hand. They shared a special bond now, he couldn't explain why.

Susan patted Harry's back, then asked "Where's the loo?"

Thomas shook his head, "Lou? I don't know him." Then he winked and pointed out the girl's lav down the way.

Adding humor just then was the right thing, and the girls left to go freshen up before heading home.

Harry took this opportunity to suggest to the young man that he might have an additional student in the near future, and therefore another 'bounty'. The last said with a wink.

**ODD**

Amanda was keeping a 'watch and see' attitude about the redheaded newcomer, then she saw Matt Felton holding court in front of a recruiting poster.

"Of course, I'll be on the team that's forming. Too bad Prince Potter won't be allowed to play. I hear that he's a decent flyer." Matt shared, causing giggles from the girls.

"He didn't even have the courtesy to come to your Halloween party? It wasn't like he was really hurt or anything." One of the girls gushed.

One of the other boys spoke up, "I don't think it was meant as an insult. If I'd had people try to kidnap me, my folks wouldn't let me out of the manor for months. Not even for school. You should try to be his friend Matt. And it is too bad his family won't let him play. He's a big deal in Britain. My grandparents immigrated, but we still have people back there. We'd be lucky to have him. He stopped a dark lord as a baby, and those British aurors were insane."

They all sobered a bit. They were too young to truly understand the situation fully, or how much danger everyone had been in. Alice had already sent regrets to the Feltons before that date. None of the children would be socializing outside the manor until Dumbledore was neutralized.

But Matt had too much invested to let anyone, much less this 'Boy-Who-Lived' take up his spot. On the team OR at school.

**ODD**

When they got back to the manor, Susan asked about Justin as he hadn't been seen at school.

Amelia shook her head, "Sorry, Suzie, but with the false aurors arriving to kidnap Lord Potter, Justin's family has decided to head on elsewhere. There's a note, but nothing about where they are going. Safer that way. I'm sure he'll find a way to write to you."

"It's okay. We weren't close friends or anything. I'll miss Hannah more, but Lord Abbott would never abandon his home or business back home. At least Hannah's one of the younger grandchildren. She's not important enough for anyone to mess with." The 'I hope' was muttered, but Amelia thought if Hannah was in a bit of danger that Lord Leonard would act to protect his grandchild.

**ODD**

Several of the recent immigrants simply used the Black Keep as a temporary landing place. With the attack at Salem, the MFBI seemed to be taking the whole situation in England far more seriously.

In fact, they created a new task force after the intrusion at the school. They were not putting up with anyone just coming in and creating chaos. Students had been in deadly peril, and a person had been killed! On campus! Both the Jeffries boy and Potter had been offered full grief counseling from them. This was not a common occurrence.

The MFBI did not immediately go to the ICW to complain. Careful monitoring of those offices showed that Dumbledore was prepared for just such action. It would be pointless, and reveal their hand too soon.

Instead, they started collecting intelligence, and put monitoring wards at the school, and with Lord Black's permission, on his home.

Now, if any intruders tried to get into either place, they'd have company. A scramble team would be there in minutes, if ever needed.

Something that reassured the adults at the manor not at all.

**ODD**

Harry sat down on the couch in the Master's study, as Sirius nervously directed. Clearing his throat, Lord Black stuttered, "I wanted to let you know…what I mean is…You're a wonderful…" Clearly worried, the still young man who looked older than his years was failing to communicate his feelings. He'd been on pins and needles all day, and practically pounced on Harry when he got home.

Sirius turned into Padfoot and climbed up on the sofa and licked Harry's face. The lad put his arms around his dogfather. "I know, I know. I love you too."

The animagus would shadow the boy doing chores, helping in the community kitchen, or pretty much anywhere for the next several days. Especially after a day of school.

He might be like Frank in terms of speaking ability for a bit, but he was happy Harry was alright and not in Dumbles' hands. Even if he couldn't find the words to say so.

The magical agents were back, interviewing the older students and their parents. Something like this had everyone spooked, not just Padfoot.

**ODD**

Remus caught a familiar scent, and stopped one of the MFBI agents as she was preparing to leave. "Abby? Is that really you?"

The woman turned. This man's scent had been everywhere here, and she had just wanted to leave. But she couldn't do so without quitting her job. So she had tried to focus on the task, ignoring the inner voice inside begging her to seek this man out.

Remus was watching her face, seeing her so distant. She looked different with clothes on, uh, in a formal uniform. Hmm. How to ask?

The tough woman's eyes shifted amber for a moment. "Agent Addams. Please. Look, Seneschal Lupin, I would prefer to keep my private life private. And in America, health conditions are not shared openly. Just because you and I have…"

Run together with this new pack in Liberty Park? Mated the very first time they were together? She looked away. The witch wasn't happy being a were, that much was clear.

Remus' eyes also went amber for a moment. "Nothing was forced upon you, and I did propose! These things happen." 'In packs', he thought to himself.

The woman hissed and cast a privacy spell. "I told you then!"

"Yes, that I'm not good enough." Lupin spat, angry with his alpha mate, or the woman who should hold that position. Her rejection bit deeply.

"NO! Why would you think that? You are Alpha! You have an important job, you are clearly one of the Potter boy's parents. The way he looks at you, the way he talks of you. He may be new to you, and vice-versa, but he loves you. Don't you see? I could never give you children of your own."

Remus scoffed. "I didn't say I wanted children. In fact, quite the opposite." He was afraid of spreading his disease in that vector. He couldn't if he paired with another werewolf.

"Besides, I am helping raise four right now, and with another just moving in? If her aunt stays, I'll likely be helping with another. That's enough for me. But you won't even meet my family. Harry said you were cold and rude to him at the school. You didn't even give your name!" Moony accused.

"I didn't want him to connect us if you had talked about me." The agent confessed. Remus had been there, his smell all over the child. Of course she tried to distance herself!

"I'm not ashamed of you, us, whatever. But I would not speak of you outside the pack without consulting you. I did offer you my home along with my heart. I offered you to come and live here. My family isn't normal by any means, but they would accept you."

She shook her head. She'd been bitten as a young adult who was too inexperienced a new auror to do more than survive at the time. She was immediately recruited to her new team, which had blossomed a few years later to this role.

She was able to sniff out polyjuice, and a whole array of other badness. Now, she was being sucked into this man's orbit when that was the last thing she wanted.

"How can I accept that when I can't accept myself? Good day, Seneschal Lupin. Can we try and keep it professional? I'm sure we'll have cause to have intercourse in the future. I mean we'll have to interact again." The young agent posited, turning beet red. Whether from anger or embarrassment was a coin toss.

Remus nodded, unwilling to voice his thoughts, but was amused by her slip of the tongue, because unless she left the pack entirely, he was sure there would be future interaction. Unbeknownst to her, as she was not in touch with her wolf or senses, he could smell her arousal, her desire to be with him right then.

She left after being unsure to offer her hand or not, and just stalked off.

Padfoot saw their conversation from a distance, but Moony didn't want to talk much. "I tried to ask her out for coffee, she said no." Remus lied.

"Well, ask her for tea next time! Don't give up!" Sirius prompted.

But that is exactly what Remus did. He was no stalker. It was knowing where she'd be the next full moon that filled his heart with grief. Until she accepted her inner wolf, she was going to make him miserable. No, all four of them, the two humans and the two wolves. Three of them wanted to be together! Her inner wolf did want him; but her human side didn't want to want him. At least he had a distraction from his worries.

Something was coming in from Lord Greengrass, and whatever it was, it was big.

**ODD**

Lord Greengrass' present was here, delivered, and Harry was completely entranced.

Vendaval was beautiful. She was twenty-five, and had suffered a wing injury that left her able to fly, but unable to win races. She was a famous racing flyer in Central America, and her leaving the circuit had fans' hearts breaking. Lord Greengrass had made a good trade for her.

Her coloring was a soft dappled grey that Buckbeak immediately noticed. The two were introduced, and he readily accepted her as part of his herd. He groomed her mane, as she did his. She was placed in the stall on the other side of the stallion that had been kept empty.

Lord Greengrass didn't know that she'd been bred. They'd have to wait until next September when the foal was born to discover the sire. Apparently, the farm there thought the breeding didn't take, or they didn't check. And that farm had several famous stallions!

Harry didn't want to get sued, and sent a letter to Dharma Briokz for clarification on that issue. Perhaps paying a stud fee to the farm she came from once the parentage was known could divert hard feelings. The goblin was impressed by the child's innate integrity. And business sense. He successfully negotiated a fee that was far less than standard just due to it being uncollectible if challenged. Creating yet more goodwill. And a promise of future breedings at a reduced rate.

The hippogriff didn't arrive alone, but with a crew of five. The wizards were former co-workers of Alejandro's, and the witch was his cousin. All were hoping to interview for work there once the transfer was complete. They were in terrible paying jobs where they were, with no hope for a change of circumstance if they stayed. But they loved their work.

Considering how much the current Potter workers did not like helping with the hippogriffs in September, Remus was all for it, but took the request to Harry, Sirius and Alice.

They readily agreed and signed the paperwork to help the group immigrate. After the workers signed the employment contracts and took their oaths. Harry was not going to be betrayed by this group!

Fortunately, one of the rescue families going through had just vacated a tent, and the four wizards and one witch from Guatemala didn't mind sharing. Ricardo hadn't seen cousin Carmen since Colorado. He begged his father to let her stay in their home. It wouldn't be right to have her live with the other men.

Alejandro agreed, and it was all set. The Keep was constantly getting new people in, and it wasn't just the hippogriff or new workers getting a warm welcome.

**ODD**

The former DMLE director made her false statements in the Prophet true as she signed up for a stint with the MFBI. Amelia had placed a personal ad in the British newspaper saying she had taken a post overseas.

She was going to join the new taskforce investigating Dumbledore: She had a wealth of knowledge, contacts, and would be an invaluable resource.

'Dora' Tonks, as she asked to be called, had decided to attend high school, and was placed as a junior. She'd be able to take NEWTs in classes she hadn't even known existed before.

"I never had the chance to take Healing and Advanced Transfiguration. And since I'm only eighteen, I can go to Salem."

The school technically had an age limit of twenty-five. After that, they had to transfer to a college. There was a strict no fraternization on campus rule too. No kissing, etc. That avoided a twenty-something dating a minor. Not going to happen at Salem!

She and Sarah Miller shared an interest in transfiguration. Dora was surprised the girl wasn't planning on pursuing her Mastery at MITT. She had a natural gift. She also had a natural gift with plants.

Being homeschooled, Sarah had taken the placement tests. By her age, she should be in 8th grade, but was placed as a freshmen for her high scores in all of the wanded subjects, and Herbology.

Dora made a mental note to tell Lady Alice of a gifted helper who volunteered from time to time, but was not being paid to work in the greenhouses.

**ODD**

The group started portkeying to school, which Harry hated. He preferred using his hoverboard. Or walking. Or riding in the carriage. Or…well he hadn't tried to fly to school yet. He wanted to make sure his mount would go home and not flitter around, being a nuisance to the local rodent population.

Justin Finch-Fletchly, who had finally managed to escape somewhere else with his family, sent appreciation notes. His family also sent a generous and anonymous 'thank you' to Cedric as well.

But as one group left, another arrived. This group was Terry Boot with his sisters. They had just come from going through the newly implemented 'decontamination' procedure, being performed at Mount Sinai. These concerned healers were reporting their findings directly to the group that Amelia was now working with.

Terry's parents were still locking things down, but they had transferred Terry to Salem. His sisters were heading to Oregon to stay with relatives until they were old enough for Salem. All the newcomers were getting help catching up.

He arrived the night before with an agent, who had arranged things with Lord Black.

Harry showed him to the 'boys' wing'. They weren't sharing yet, but could if they had to. The doors on the outside of the castle corridors made it look like the rooms would be small closets. Then they opened into large suites.

Gotta love magic!

Terry was shown the list of chores to choose from, and was left to settle in just as Harry and the others were going about theirs.

**ODD**

Sally-Anne wasn't happy to see her caseworker early. They were supposed to be going to once a month checks.

"I was nowhere near Harry when this event occurred." The girl snapped. She had chores to do, and since it was now November, it had switched. She was currently responsible for putting feed into the rodent pens.

There were a variety of animals and several birthing pens. Parents stayed until the young were weaned. Then the young were separated into new pens.

Sally-Anne was feeding the ferrets first, when she saw the social worker next to her getting upset. "The food animals are well treated here." She tried to defend to the woman.

The witch tutted, "You can't hear my accent now, but I was born in London, believe it or not. I was nearly killed by my very muggle father when I did my first bit of accidental. I don't know who arranged it, but I was adopted by a nice couple in a small village in Kansas. Everyone who lives there are magicals or magic-knowing Adepts.

"I was raised on a farm there. No, I'm not worried about the animals being mistreated, I was worried about you. When you were placed with your adoptive family, we didn't know…I mean…I think…"

The woman went to the ferret pens, and cast a cleansing spell at her hands. She then pooked (the sound ferrets make) and picked up a tiny newborn white ferret with red eyes.

"He's been rejected by his mother too." Sally Anne shared, pulling out his bottle. "We're not supposed to handle the ferrets, just let nature take its course, but I couldn't do that."

After handing the bottle over she squared up to the woman making the pooking noises. He stopped hissing and took the bottle from the stranger.

"You can't take me away from my brother. It's not his fault! And if I went away, so what? Hermione wouldn't abandon him. Dan wouldn't either. You'd do…what? Force Emma to make a choice? My new family loves Harry too. You can't split us apart!" Sally-Anne was now crying.

Harry, exercising a 'griff above them, saw Sally-Anne, and knew something was wrong. He couldn't just land near them though. All of the animals there knew they were lunch to his mount, and would start a panic.

He flew to a nearby bench, and dismounted. He asked Vendaval to stay there. After standing in many racing circles, the mare was content to obey. Her look said he'd better bring back a treat. Harry stalked up to the witches.

"Ma'am? I thought you were supposed to check in on us, not make Sally-Anne upset. Why don't you come back another day?" Harry asked, a bit rudely, unconsciously patting Sally-Anne's back.

"I'm very sorry I upset you, young lady. I wanted to make sure you wanted to stay here under the circumstances. You are a witch, and old enough to understand the danger. Lord Harry? I know for a fact you have done nothing to deserve this sort of negative attention."

She smiled sweetly at the ferret, before putting it back into the pen, and saw the water was low. She tapped her wand to the rune, just like Harry or Sally-Anne would have done.

Sally-Anne just looked at the woman hard, "I'm staying, ma'am." It was clear from her demeanor that no amount of danger would dissuade the child.

The social worker left the two siblings there, and Sally-Anne walked over to the 'griff, summoning a wild rodent as she did.

With all the grain and water and straw, they had plenty of 'visitors'. The griff took her treat, fur and all this time.

Sally-Anne shared her sudden thought, "We should breed rodents who have good pelts. Remember Amanda's mother's monstrosity? What was that?"

The lady had worn a fur cloak for a school function. In October! It wasn't that cold.

"Chupacabra, I think. Umm. Those are herbivores, not omnivores like the ferrets. They live about 10 years in the wild, but longer when domesticated. They are not particularly vicious. I like it!"

Harry was smiling. The artistic girl did her chores around the farm, but Harry could see her heart wasn't in it. Let her be a manager - get her used to that role. Let her learn ledgers and sums with him.

"Sally-Anne? How would you like to start a new business here? Raising them? The chupacabras, I mean. I'm happy to recruit help for you in feeding and whatnot. Oh, we should make sure the griffs like them first, though."

"Harry? Have you ever noticed Buckbeak turn up said beak to anything?" The witch asked.

He patted his hair, knowing there was at least a small patch missing, "You have a good point."

The two returned to their chores, until Harry was summoned to greet the latest guest.

**ODD**

Madam Bagshot arrived in style, and at first, planned to look for a house in the village. The ancient woman accepted an invitation to stay in the manor, proper. She was well respected in Wales, and all the villagers greeted her as a visiting dignitary.

Which in a way, she was.

Augusta was certainly glad for her company. Her son and wife being restored was a wonder, but she had felt a bit adrift with the change.

The pair would wind up being good friends, and the historian even accepted a room near Gussie's suite on the main floor's West wing, meant for the retired elderly of the House.

Privately, the newest guest thought of Augusta as a young 'whipper-snapper'. At least compared to herself.

After Harry greeted Madam Bagshot, and left her to unpack, he went to find Miss Tonks, who expressed interest in riding. The young woman had gone up to the school though, so he went back to his exercising chores.

**ODD**

Miss Tonks accepted her tour of the school from one of the monitors. They were similar to a Prefect, but were actually earning 'scholarship points' for doing this work. It helped with getting into college.

Well, being a Prefect, or Head Girl, would have helped her in the Ministry of Magic, so Dora sort of understood that.

With coming in two months late, she was only taking a couple of classes now. The healing course was one term, so she would likely repeat it if she couldn't catch up, but the instructors were very encouraging about it all. They clearly wanted the newcomers to feel welcomed. And safe.

Apparently, potions in particular, was wont to get a few students from Hogwarts, despite the rules against leaving said school. One would almost think the current headmaster there didn't want anyone actually learning anything important!

**ODD**

Terry didn't want to dominate the conversation during dinner, so waited to talk to the extended group that gathered afterward. He filled them in on the latest happenings.

"You wouldn't believe the uproar at Hogwarts! The Weasley twins played a prank on everyone, and somehow all of the History of Magic texts were destroyed in a variety of different ways. Some were burnt, others transfigured themselves into chickens, some melted into puddles of goo. But one thing was clear – they were all destroyed. All of them!

"They publicly apologized, and arranged for a loan to buy everyone a new one. I've never seen the headmaster so angry! He had their father come. He wanted permission to let Filch cane them. As in with a magical cane!" The child was obviously still traumatized by the very thought.

"Arthur Weasley apologized to the headmaster, and said how disappointed he was in his children. He threatened to pull not just the twins, but all of the Weasleys out of school.

"Then Mr Weasley stood before the 'king on his throne'." Terry even used air-quotes, rolling his eyes.

" 'Albus Dumbledore! You are only headmaster here. The boys made a mistake. They did their best to make it right. No one was hurt. You come towards any of my children to raise your hand or wand to them, and you will have a fight on your hands.'

"Then the headmaster said with a 'disappointed' face, 'I thought we were friends.'

"And then Mr Weasley left! The house-elves came and popped them away, as the headmaster had started to try and stop him from leaving. I don't know where they are going to go now, or maybe they are just going to be homeschooled. Then Dumbledore called for his phoenix, but the bird has been missing for some time.

"It was terrifying!"

Terry took a sip of water, and continued, "My parents came the next day, and sent me here. They've hired a manager for their shop, and are emigrating too. All of us are Americans now."

There was silence for a time before Alice murmured, "Will the last one out of magical Britain cast a 'nox'?"

Sirius stood and paced, "We have to do something! Who put those children up to doing that?"

Madam Bagshot came in just then, "I did! And it worked! I provided the replacement books. Albus dared not kill them publicly, and I arranged for the family to be extracted after it was done. Was there a risk? Yes, but they were willing to die to save others."

Hermione objected, having been disenchanted with the headmaster for some time now, "But the people in the castle? Just because the books are gone, doesn't mean anything! He'll just get more."

"The newest history books, to be voted in by the Board of Governors, have a treatment for all of the students affected. And their parents." Madam Bagshot smirked.

Remus suddenly beamed, "Is that why Nicolas Flamel visited?"

Bathilda just smiled, "Yes, he provided the alchemy potion for the books. He is an absolute genius when it comes to such things. Albie dabbled in it, but never finished his mastery in the art. Despite his claims.

"Oh, and as soon as we can find one, sometime when Albus is out of the castle, our hired necromancer will sneak in. With Binns gone, real history can be taught. Hehehe." Bathilda cackled a little.

Frank slammed a hand down on the table, then moderated his tone after a chiding look from his wife. "But Dummyder will be herbicidal!"

Alice provided, "Homicidal. You're doing great Frank."

Madam Bagshot explained, "He won't dare act against the students. And it's slow acting. There won't be a sudden 'aha' moment. Not like waking from a dream. Or nightmare in this case."

"So like coming out of a foggy state. I see." Dan sat back, sipped tea and tried to look for any dangers from this action. "It's a great idea, actually."

Sirius snorted, "While I don't mind fighting in the abstract, I am glad that our children have a safe place to take classes and so forth."

The Dursley's torture and death had disturbed everyone greatly. At least the MFBI were taking their deaths just as seriously as a magical being killed. Oddment's death as well.

Their discussion of the 'prank' broke up as Andromeda came in. She was wearing a white coat instead of healer greens.

Sirius went to go write a note to Arthur, offering sanctuary for his family here, and the others went their various ways.

The young metamorphmagus needed information and knew where to find it.

**ODD**

Dora walked into the library. There was Sarah at one end of the table, and she waved the witch over. The boys, who seemed to have been arguing before she came in, didn't recognize her as the same witch from the House ceremony, so didn't stand. They thought she was another one fleeing tyranny. Which she was.

"Yer welcome to sit with us. Just stand when the Argylwydd enters or leaves to show respect, and you'll do fine."

"Of course, but I don't know who or what an aglueweeth is. I guess I'll find out when you all stand." Dora agreed.

Harland's snort of amusement was a clear indication that he approved of her assessment.

Sure enough, while she was working on the wording of her healing essay, the others stood. Curious, Dora looked around.

"Where? Where? Did he leave? Is he somehow hiding behind Harry?" Tonks didn't understand.

"Daft much? Lord Harry is the Arglwydd." Colin shared a bit rudely if quietly.

"I know yer new, but please call him Lord Harry or Lord Potter. If yer too disrespectful, you'll be asked to leave." Harland warned far more kindly, smiling at Dora while growling at Elam. The metamorphmagus was amused.

Miss Tonks' face was pure angelic innocence. "I promise to be most respectful," And she returned to her work.

Colin proceeded to tell them more than once the newcomers were going to be stealing the best assignments, but he was hushed by the older boys. Giving up, Elam stormed home, red-faced, and glaring towards the hippogriff stable.

Later, when the rest of the villagers had left, Dora came over to Harry and bowed. She didn't think she could pull off a curtsey in jeans.

"My Lord Potter? Can I just tell you how much I love the Potter library, my lord? When I first saw it, I wanted to ask to live with you, but I already do. I am most gracious to you, my lord."

"Grateful, don't you know. Gracious is how I am letting you live here. You are grateful for it." Harry teasingly chided.

"Oh yes, ever so much, your grateful lordship."

Harry had snuck a few small bits of cheese into the library. It was a strict 'no eating' zone, but Hermione had left, and it was just him and Neville with Dora down the way.

He threw cheese at her face, well, lobbed it, and she maneuvered to catch it in her open mouth. "Ohh. That's delicious! What is it?"

"Caerphilly. Homemade right here. Caerphilly cheese." He pointed at the herd of dairy cows grazing outside, softly lit by hovering glow lamps. "We're glad you and your parents are safe. And you're now officially part of the Black family, so I guess we're cousins of a sort. So you only have to curtsey three times a day instead of the usual four."

Neville choked on his bit of cheese at that. Dinner with her had been fun yet again.

"In all seriousness. Harry? Do you know that your people aren't planning on college? With Sarah's skill? It would be a crime not to let her have further education. In Transfiguration and Herbology, she's a prodigy."

That made Neville perk up. He thought the Miller girl was just amazing. And amusing. And kind. He already knew she was good with plants. He needed to ask his mum if she could work with them, as in a job.

Harry made a note. Within a week, a new education vault was created and set aside for all who lived in the village. Harry didn't want Doge's gold, and this was a great way to use it without upsetting Alice or Remus. The Seneschal was given governance over it with the stipulation that only those oath bound to House Potter could have a scholarship, and there was a contract to be signed that guaranteed someone would work five years for the House as part of it. They'd get a salary, of course. But House Potter was about to get some highly skilled magicals working for them in the next few years.

When word got out, some of the adults went back to school too, picking up skills they had always wanted to know, but hadn't been able to learn.

And for most of the workers there, their loyalty to their young Arglwydd grew.

**ODD**

Of all the adults in the House, Ted and Frank were the quietest. Ted was going back to college to catch up on some healing techniques. He and Andi were both healers. She had wanted to continue to work; Ted was tired of being bullied everywhere just for having muggle parents, and wanted to take a break from work to learn the newest procedures.

They had savings, they were renting out their home in South London at a decent profit; they had enough. Besides, he was helping here where he could.

Marius even offered to mentor him on the veterinarian goals Ted had set for himself. As a child, he had once wanted to be a vet, but had found there was no such profession in the magical world.

He was looking at the catalog of classes, sitting in a deep armchair in the formal parlor when Madam Crouch came in, sat down, and demanded tea in a harsh tone. She obviously never noticed him there.

"I meant a good English tea, you oblivious elf! Go give yourself three whacks, but only after you bring me the proper tea!" The woman huffed, then saw Neville come in.

"I saw you and your mother working in the greenhouse with one of the servant girls from the village. If you think I'll allow you to inherit if you marry someone like that, think again!"

Frank came in just then, and put his arm around his son. "Mumms doing ugly. Deafness."

"As you wish Father. I will ignore her ignorance. I thought being here was going to be good for you, Gran. I really did. But you made magical oaths not to betray Harry and I. Such a shame. I think you secretly approve Dumbles' methods. You just don't like us."

"I protected you from HIM! What I don't like is how casual everyone is in America! The clothes, the customs. You go to school with servants, sit next to them in school. Other than muggleborn, who could be of any class, how many servants of ours would go to Hogwarts rather than King's College? Which is free and state sponsored?"

Neville countered, "All of them, as we do not share the gold obtained from the workers' efforts the same way the Potters do. You'd rather have me betrothed to the Bulstrode daughter, I'm sure! I don't know if she's nice or not. But I suspect that if she were as mean as she appeared she'd still be someone you'd rather have me paired with than someone who enjoys the same interests."

"Well of course!" Augusta agreed.

Frank shook his head, "Troll not good for mudding."

Neville agreed, "I don't want to marry a troll either. Thank you, Father. I'm glad you're no longer at Saint Mungo's and can protect me from trolls of all sorts." His look to his gran included her in that group.

Father and son left, and the matron huffed her way out, following Frank and trying to talk to her only child. She later tried to hit the house-elf who she unfairly blamed for the conflict, but the affable Jam knew he didn't have to allow it, so he dodged and popped away. She hit the lamp instead, hurting her hand and breaking the lamp.

Ted saw and heard all, and had a quiet word with Sirius about it later.

**ODD**

Hermione and Sally-Anne had a huge list to choose from when it came to chores - a list that changed frequently to prevent anyone getting stuck doing something they disliked for too long. The children of the manor had even more choices than most. Hermione genuinely liked hippogriffs; she thought them kind and gregarious as long as you were respectful of their boundaries.

She was slowly overcoming her fear of flying by working with them. She would likely never trust a magical broom. But a gentle mare? One of the older ones? She liked them very much.

"Hello Harry. Heading out? I have my new gear ready." Hermione shared.

She was dressed head to toe like the proper Englishwoman getting ready for a nice day astride. Her protective gear was magical; she was ready to ride.

"I saw that exercising the non-racers was on the list of chores. I came to help out," the witch chirped.

Susan, similarly arrayed in a habit, showed up just then. "Me too!"

Alejandro said nothing of the witches attire. "Well, Ricardo, Lord Harry? Ready for a gentle ride to exercise our friends?"

Harry was beaming. He couldn't believe Hermione was doing this! But she was. She'd had hacking lessons, and Harry kept meaning to ask for horse riding lessons for himself, but when they had 'griffs? It seemed a bit pointless.

Horses never left the ground except for short jumps. Boring!

The group took off for a gentle flight. Ricardo stayed next to Susan in case she needed help, but she was doing fine.

Alejandro smiled. His secret lessons with Hermione were not wasted. The young witch was sitting well, looking over to laugh at Harry's astonished face.

He was so very, very happy with this surprise gift. The covered riding arena going in was going to be big enough to exercise the 'griffs in winter, and be a great place to ride horses as well.

Hermione thought that the four of them were going to wind up good friends in the future with their shared interests. This was fun!

**ODD**

Sirius was happy - he had managed to source something for Sally-Anne after receiving an anonymous tip from Gringotts. He thought it was from Goldrub. It was not!

A local goblin, for a nice commission, managed to find not only several mated pairs of chupacabras for the farm, he also sourced a few older animals ready to cull.

Alejandro agreed that he'd never heard of a hippogriff getting sick from eating one, and while they were not on the menu anywhere he had worked, was willing to try and help Sally-Anne with her business idea.

One of the older non-racing mares, not in foal, was their tester. She was fed the new rodents for three days straight with other 'griffs complaining. Clearly, they wanted to try the new snack too!

On the last day of food testing, Buckbeak had enough, and stole a bit straight from her pen. When he neither sickened nor had any detrimental effects, the meat was approved for use. Eventually. Once they had enough.

They needed time - gestation was roughly six weeks, and the rodents didn't gain full size until about five months old. Full maturity at about six months.

If this plan worked, this was going to be a good business, and it wasn't just killing the animal for the fur either.

There was gold in all sorts of interesting parts, and the Potters were in business with the best.

**ODD**

During Harry's and Jeffries' 'grief counseling' session, the counselor found out about the pottery workshop at Harry's manor complex. The mind-healer was firm:

"I want both of you boys to try pottery. There is something magical about turning clay into a work of art. Even if you don't think the outcome is lovely, it is very therapeutic. I was about to prescribe a place in town, but why do that when you have resources of your own. Mr Jeffries, I will still recommend going to 'Cat's Paw' when you can…"

Harry snorted then apologized. "Sorry. Sir? Thomas and I are friends. He's welcome to join us. We have weekly pottery slab classes with Mrs Helen, um, Mrs Helen Morris. I can arrange for pottery throwing classes as well. We have all the pottery wheels, kilns, clay and stuff."

He had to explain the pottery terminology to the others. But with the Potter last name? Neither was surprised to find out it was a family enterprise of millennial standing.

Jeffries gave him a smile, "I'll trade tutoring. My folks would be happy to pay for me to go to the village place. Besides, I know I can use your library when I'm there." The older boy gave Harry a knowing look.

Harry stifled a second snort, "Just make sure you wash up well, or Livy will scold. That's one female elf you don't want to annoy."

Thomas nodded. Plan made, Harry sent a note home requesting pottery lessons using the wheel for him and a friend.

For some reason, no one complained about it at all.

**ODD**

SAM, Friday, Nov 8th

Susan was approached as the homeroom was dismissed. They were only here for the first fifteen minutes of the day for attendance, to hear announcements, and sign up for clubs or activities. One of the other witches approached.

"Amanda. Amanda Billingsley." The redhead introduced herself.

"Susan Bones." Susan returned.

"Oh? Another Brit?" As if she hadn't been listening in all week. "Well, I hope you have better manners than some of the other newcomers." Amanda sneered.

It was later in transfiguration that she talked to Susan again. "Beware. That Cordero boy acts like one of us, but his family is poor. With a capital P. Not of a good family. His father is a servant working in a manor." The girl dared continue, "Your mother is an important person. You don't want to get a bad reputation, hanging out with the wrong sorts of people."

Susan looked at Amanda, and looked at Ricardo. "You are absolutely right. Oh, by the way, my mother is dead. She and my father were killed by bigots. With a capital B."

Harry was about to stand up for his friend, but Susan was way ahead of him. There was an open seat to Ricardo's right. "Mr Cordero? I find myself not wanting to get a bad reputation for hanging out with the wrong sort. May I sit next to you?"

Ricardo stood, and helped her to her seat, just like she was getting into a carriage. He'd been taking footman lessons.

Harry, in the seat ahead of hers, turned around. "Harry. Harry Potter. Welcome to Salem, Miss Bones."

Susan nodded. The teacher had watched the interchange, and secretly gave Susan five citizenship points. The former Puff would be earning a lot of those.

Susan wasn't the only one settling in either.

**ODD**

Thanksgiving decorations and holiday plans were on everyone's mind at school. Without telling Remus, Harry went and interviewed several of the women working on the farm. One of them, Widow Beddew, had been born in Wales near Potter Keep to the Glynn family, married Josiah Beddew, and worked side by side with him until he passed away.

A strong witch, she clearly didn't mess about, and was already quietly overseeing the community dinners.

"Ma'am? I would like to hire you to make Thanksgiving happen. Pumpkin pies? Turkeybirds? All the trimmings. Enough for the villagers back in Wales as well as all of our people and their guests." He offered her a bag of galleons. "Will you take the job? Enough food for everyone?"

"Hmm, that many? Best do it in shifts, as there won't be enough room to sit everyone down all at once. It's not going to be cheap. At least a hundred galleons…"

He handed her the bag with a thousand, and another hundred inside for her taking on the role.

"Nay, 'tis too much!"

"You know, I've heard that before. Use any gold left for community dinners but please keep a bit aside for yerself. Get a nice new dress, a new shawl and one of them nice aprons, all frills and such. Maybe with autumn colors?"

The woman curtseyed, "Bless ye Lord Potter." She eyed his short stature, much shorter than his own father had been at that age, "Ye might be a bit 'concentrated' at the moment, but ye have yer grandsire's caring nature for his people. Never lose that, and you'll not lose the trust in ye we've been gainin'."

Harry bowed, and kissed the woman's hand. "Now, with yours and Remus' permission, I would like to officially hire you year round to be in charge of the community meals and such."

The woman laughed and asked to be dismissed to get started, "Yer the Arglwydd, sir. He's a mentor to ye, bless 'im. But he's still takin' yer coin, and is yer man. Ye tell him, not ask him."

So Harry did just that.

**ODD**

Emmaline Vance looked at the message and scoffed. Why did she put up with being treated like this? She didn't know.

The Leader of their Order had minions like Mundungus for such lowly tasks. Sighing, she read the note again, and made plans for a trip to the Alley.

Why Dumbledore couldn't buy his own supplies confused her, but she was bound by oaths and more to him.

She went about the purchase, noticing that the headmaster's promise of gold once it was time to act had been 'overlooked'. Again.

What a surprise!

**ODD**

ODD (Order Defying Dumbledore)

A/N: Story recommended by my best friend MelJ Snape, Head of Hufflepuff By: Sheankelor

s/11062798/1/Snape-Head-of-Hufflepuff

Why would Albus ask Severus to be the Head of Hufflepuff? Why should Severus accept? How would a Severus succeed in working with this house?

A/N: Your story recommendation here -

**ODD**

ƺ parseltongue
₲ galleons
₰ sickles
ķ knuts

Ɠ Goblin language
O.D.D. (Order Defying Dumbledore)