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

9. Chapter 9 - Preparing for the Holiday

Harry Potter and the Odd Rebellion

**ODD**

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

**ODD**

Welcome to the fireside.

Thanks to Old Crow for recommending Apprentice Tom to us, and thanks for all of your wonderful stories.

Thank you, Alix33 for your helpful feedback.

**ODD**

Scorecard of what has happened so far:

This story is AU: Dumbledore has something evil planned. He has hired a not-former-enough Death Eater to represent Albus. The old wizard wants to sue for Harry's custody in the international court that America recognizes. The deaths of the Dursleys was both punishment and path for this attempt at victory.

O.D.D. (Order Defying Dumbledore) Meetings still happening in the background.

The first matchup of the redheads went to Susan, eschewing Amanda's advice to not be friends with Ricardo. Amanda may be bruised, but she plans on being Queen of the high school. What will she do next?

Vendaval, a former racing mare, has arrived at Black Keep. She was purchased by Lord Greengrass as an apology for the hippogriff that was murdered. The people who plotted against Harry and Remus have been punished. Some permanently.

Hermione snuck behind Harry's back to get hippogriff flying lessons. Is love in the air for these two young people?

Remus sees Agent Abigail Addams of the MFBI at the manor, and the reason for her rudeness to Harry on Halloween is partially explained. She became involved with the seneschal at the previous full moon but can't seem to reconcile to her inner wolf. Until she does, there is no chance of happiness for the would-be, could-be couple.

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 9 - Preparing for the Holiday

**ODD**

Emmaline Vance looked at the message and scoffed. Why oh 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 yet another trip to the Alley. This time to RETURN the purchased items. All two hundred of them.

Why Dumbledore couldn't return his own supplies confused her, but she was bound by oaths and more to him. Surely a house-elf, or someone like Snape who went to the Apothecary all of the time could handle this.

She almost forgot about the gold as once again it was 'overlooked'. This time, the credit for the return was put on the Hogwarts account instead of giving her back her gold. Even though a different store clerk wouldn't accept her putting it on account for the purchase since she wasn't authorized. Vance tried to argue about it when she did remember, but gave up. Dumbledore won again.

What a surprise!

**ODD**

Severus needed some rarer potion ingredients. Greengrass had stopped supplying certain parts. He did have a nice hippogriff quill gifted to him from the Heiress whom he stopped after class.

"Miss Greengrass? A moment." After everyone but Davis was gone, he asked her, "Do you have a way of getting these?"

He showed her the list.

"Yes, sir. My father has a few things in reserve for allies. But the cost won't be in gold. No offense for asking sir, but are you able and if so willing to make any of these potions?"

She handed over her own list. He sneered at the Wolfsbane but enjoyed the process of making it. Tricky, tricky potion.

"I can make any or all of them, but prefer the challenge of the Wolfsbane." The Potions Master stated.

"You'll have the ingredients you need for both this potion and your own by the end of the day. How much will you charge our House for this?"

Lord Greengrass had found a traitor in his company, a treacherous brewer who tried to kill Mr Lupin. He was terminated, permanently. He'd been quietly executed, but no one was telling Potter those House secrets.

Now they needed help with supplying some of the tougher to make potions. Her father had included Daphne in the next round of loyalty oaths and tightened them up a bit. The Seneschal of House Potter had nearly been killed. Fortunately, Marius was able to save him with a combination of what the poison was and treatment for it.

"I'd like to be paid for brewing in trade." He told her what he normally would charge for the difficult task. It was high, but not exorbitant. And she knew he would be the best.

"Thank you, sir." Daphne curtseyed. The House had been looking forward to this trade. Now here it was. "Oh sir? The Potters had one of their racing mares culled without authorization. Obtaining some of these parts doesn't hurt the animals, and those will still be available but organs and such will no longer be provided on demand."

Bowing his head in acknowledgement, Severus politely intoned, "Understood. Dismissed."

The ingredients did arrive that night along with a note thanking him for his help. The wording of the magical oath was simple enough, and he willingly gave it to the twelve year old girl who took it, standing as proudly as any princess of old.

The touch of House magic reminded Severus: When his task was finally done, he had an Ancient and Noble House to see to as well. And maybe he could get his wife back along with his own life.

Severus thought of young Harry and how he was getting on. He was certainly grateful the boy wasn't here to be verbally abused. He had no idea the lad was thinking just then how grateful he was not to be at Hogwarts.

The unexpected gift of a chest of in-stasis parts held a note. "Muggles do organ-donation and such. Treat this life-saving gift as though it came from a person. Because it did."

Severus held the note to his chest, and saw in his mind's eye his first love Lily, standing over a slain hippogriff, saying these exact words.

'I so aver!' The Potions Master swore in his heart.

**ODD**

Harry went to inform Moony what he had done. He was trying to project confidence like Dan had taught him for 'Command Presence'.

"Remus, I hired Widow Beddew to take care of Thanksgiving. Please see that she has the ovens and other resources she needs, and what house-elves we can spare during those days. Depending on the cost, she suggests renting rather than buying. Delegate someone to research that. Maybe Emma could help. Just see to it, please. Thank you."

The Seneschal for House Potter felt the world shift a bit just then, but he took out his own notebook to start jotting reminders.

Lord Harry continued, "Did you know the Mayflower had Saints not pilgrims? And they enjoyed root beer and popcorn during that first feast? History class is going to have us do a potluck next week, so we don't get tired of the traditional fare just before the event. I volunteered to make the potato corn chowder."

Remus smiled at that, but Harry wasn't done.

"I thought potatoes came from Ireland. Did you know they were a new world food, like the maize (corn) grown here? Well, I need to go. Thank you Remus. You are doing a great job as Seneschal." Harry handed him a bonus, bowed slightly, and the lad went to do his schoolwork.

**ODD**

Alice swerved from her destination to greet her godson, then noticed the bemused manager headed towards his office. She wanted to talk to him about an issue with the books.

"What in the world?" Remus looked at his 'bonus'. He'd been notified of some unusual account activity from Harry's Pepperidge inheritance, but the lad had documented it all in the ledger as he had been shown how to do. It was his signature.

Alice pointed out the withdrawal in the ledger. She'd just been talking with all of the children about manor management. "He's taking his lessons to heart and applying them, Remus. Aren't you proud?"

"Well, yes." He did feel like he was being treated as a servant rather than family at the moment. However, he did understand what Harry was attempting to do. He'd hide his hurt feelings, as he could see it was not the intent. "Can you include Sirius in your lessons? I think they were missed. I swear, Harry is more mature than Padfoot." Completely aware Sirius was right behind him.

"You don't think I'm mature? Take that!" Pink slime doused the werewolf head to toe. He just stood there. Alice and he stayed still, a bit uncomfortably, but they had decided on this course of action to nip the pranks in the bud.

Alice looked at Sirius, really looked at him.

"Estate management. I'll send you the OWL requirements. The class is not offered at Salem. But I got O's on my OWLs and NEWTs and expect my family to do the same. How were your scores?"

Sirius mumbled something. Alice gave him the hairy eyeball. "Didn't take them, right?"

He found something interesting about his fine leather shoes just then. Or maybe it was the lacings.

"That's what I thought. We meet on Saturdays at 2:00 for about an hour. Our children plan to take the OWL in three years. NEWTs in five. It gets one out of the way. They might do Muggle Studies too on the same schedule."

Waving a silent wand, he cleaned up his pink friend.

Alice then remembered Harry's questions so asked, "Just what are the charms you use in the barn? I can't duplicate your efforts exactly."

Sirius' friends were allowing him to reclaim face, "The normal charm for cleaning leather work combined with a reparo. I taught Harry and he uses it all the time now. I learned it from Dad Potter. I think he invented it. We should get out the family Grimoire. Harry's really growing up."

Remus agreed, and went to the library. The children all stood as they came in. Sirius started to say something…pithy, but just waved the others to be seated.

The stand that normally held the Potter Grimoire was empty, as was the shelf behind it.

Remus hit his forehead, and angrily spat, "How did I not notice this before! Juniper!?"

The elf bowed low, and Harry came over and put his arm around her in comfort. "Remus is angry, but not with you personally." In the emerald gaze, the color of the killing curse, was an unsaid, 'Right?'

Remus nodded, "Sorry. Juniper. I just noticed something off. The Potter Grimoire, and several rare books are missing. Harry? Please tell me you didn't put these in Gringotts or something?"

"I've not noticed the empty shelves before now, sir. Truly. I don't think I've ever seen a family Grimoire before. Heard of it, but haven't seen one. I did get a trunk of books that had been bequeathed from the Doge estate. That had some Potter books. I didn't mean to forget to go through them. I wanted Sirius or you to check them first, you know. Just in case." Even though he already knew that the MOB wouldn't have allowed these stolen artifacts to leave his personal purview.

Juniper pulled her ears, "Master James loaning to headwhiskers, not coming back with cloak and other things. Juniper be explaining back at Gringotts in Londontown. Master Moony not understanding?"

Harry nodded, remembering what she had said back during the summoning ritual. "I remember Juniper. We know Dumbles couldn't use it even if he has it. If it wasn't locked up, we could summon it. We should try again, just like Gringotts. Maybe annually?"

Remus slapped his forehead. She had told him some 'importantly books and Mag-lical-licky things' were unavailable to them due to being under wards. And he'd just now been yelling at her!

While Remus again apologized to the head elf, Harry went back to the table, waving to the others to stay seated, gaining twin grins from the Black girls and approving looks from the others at the table.

Remus apparated to the warded cucumber plants and popped back to the kitchen to wash and prep the treat for the head elf. It was the equivalent of buying chocolates for the small intelligent beings.

Juniper accepted the tangy apology and even offered to share.

**ODD**

"What?" Harry couldn't fathom why the girls were smiling.

Hermione whispered, "Just the way you stood up for her. Very sweet."

Sally-Anne nodded, working on her art project. "Nice, Harry. Truly."

Harry just watched her draw. Sally-Anne had sometimes helped with the posters at school. She had a real gift.

"Very nice! When will you learn how to make them move?" Harry asked.

Sally-Anne blushed, "The teacher was a bit vague on that. I think some of the students are Adepts, and she didn't want to embarrass anyone. Maybe not until next year when we take the Beginning Magical Art that's a prerequisite for the high school's course. I'll ask someone in Art Club."

"Quadpot is starting up. Are you going to try out?" Hermione asked.

Sally-Anne made a face, "Not me! I like having all my fingers for drawing. What about you Susan? Neville? Harry?"

"Flying? Exploding quaffles? No thanks!" Neville was firm.

"My flying skills are based on evasion and escape." Susan shared. "Mad-eye wanted me ready, in case of an attack. I think he'd visit for an unpleasant conference if he knew I was playing such a dangerous game with such dangerous toys."

Harry wanted to at least tryout. He tried to lie to himself that it had nothing to do with Felton's mocking him, saying his godmother would never allow the 'precious prince' to play.

The whole point was to get the about-to-explode ball into the potions solution in the pot. Before it blew up. That way you gained a point for your team and stayed in. Eleven to a side. How long did it take to lose all of one team?

He'd been playing basketball now and then with Ricardo just for fun. It was good practice for throwing a quad. Or a quaffle, as Sirius said when he'd joined them in the gym.

Dora shuddered, but James Potter had played quidditch. It couldn't be more dangerous than that.

Right?

**ODD**

The order for the quads came in, this time for an individual. No problem. Anyone could buy them, after all. And away they went to a pick-up point in Salem.

The wizard working the counter had no remembrance of why he sent that particular box, or where they went. All records of it just disappeared.

Just like magic.

**ODD**

Sirius wheeled in next to Harry. Buckbeak was in fine feather. Vendaval, next to him, tossed her head. She was clearly frustrated with the humans involved. She wanted to race! To outfly and outwit everyone around her.

Padfoot laughed at her antics, as did Harry. But she was already teaching him more about racing than he knew before. She was a good instructor.

The wizard had too much grey in his hair for being so young, and Harry thought about how he acted - a big kid!

When the flight was over, Harry asked him, "I know that we declined the invitation to the Felton Halloween party, but honestly Sirius, I think that Madam Crouch would be happier in that crowd than she is here."

Sirius had shared with Harry at least a part of what Ted had witnessed. A pensieve was a wonderful tool that neither lied nor hid the truth. Lord Harry was given a brief verbal report, and the man acting as regent asked Harry what he wanted to do about it. They couldn't just kick her out of the manor. And yet, neither one approved of bigotry, and neither one of them wanted to see any elf of the House abused. Verbally or physically!

Carmen came by right then. The Latin American beauty wasn't wearing any particular makeup or perfume. In fact, she was dressed in sturdy trews and long-sleeved shirt, and yet she oozed sensuality. Sirius moved closer to the stall door where they were standing to let her pass. His eyes lingered as he watched her walk away.

"Harry, I will see you at dinner. I think I have an idea to show the old dragon lady just how much I follow the old ways."

The lad laughed, "Good luck. Just don't get burned. By either one!"

**ODD**

It hadn't taken long for Andi to find work. Not that she needed to. Harry had tried to make it clear that all were welcome to live here. If any felt guilty for getting free room and board, they could put a few coins in the grocery jar.

She liked to keep vampire hours, for the most part, and helped around the manor, mostly brewing potions.

Their workers had planted crops for man and beast, with all the manor residents helping in those efforts.

Frank, in charge of the manor's security force, held drills for different situations. He used Sculls as a translator. The security elf seemed to immediately understand what Frank was trying to say.

The Potter generational workers who had migrated with them from Wales kept pretty much to themselves. Other than finding a local pub for British expats, their routine hadn't changed much. Only instead of homeschooling their children, they were getting one of the world's finest educations. For free.

Even the werewolves of the group found that locals were a lot less shirty about their condition.

They really did like the new way of transporting finished goods from their efforts; Remus and Sirius were decent enchanters. All they needed to do was study the old repaired vanishing cabinet in order to create a new larger one. This one had enough range to reach the Greengrass storage sheds easily.

Just because they had moved, didn't mean they were going to renege on a long-standing agreement with House Greengrass: It was just good business, especially since many of the adults thought they were all going back once the situation at home resolved. Dumbledore had passed the century and a half mark. He couldn't live forever. Could he?

Dan certainly wanted to take away the old wizard's breathing rights, and was teaching the boys a thing or two about strategy.

**ODD**

Neville tried the charm again. Harry and he were playing with the battleground that Sirius had made for the Potter lad.

The new pewter figurines were split around a castle, clearly ready to lay siege. That the castle looked like Hogwarts was not a coincidence. Sirius had made a copy of Dan's setup for the group. Dan pointed out several weaknesses in the castle defenses.

"What about the secret tunnels? The Whomping Willow?"

Neville had read about that tree in one of Hermione's books.

"Oh! I think I can do that as a bonsai! Want a real one for your battlefield, Harry?"

Emerald orbs shone with power, "You betcha! Okay! They can get out through the tunnels and bring in supplies, weapons, even allies. How do we cut them off? Hmm."

Dan watched as Harry and Neville sought answers not from him directly, but through a handful of heavy leather-bound books Dan had bought for the library.

The boys were slowly learning hand-to-hand. Not the katas and the bowing. No: SAS style. The recent kidnapping attempt put a bit more emphasis on that practice than had been there before.

They weren't being trained as soldiers. Not yet. Not until they were much older. But self-defense? With at least one if not two dark lords interested in containing if not ending their life journeys? For certain.

Dan watched the boys try to strategize. There were times he wished he had magic. Sirius would sometimes come in and kibitz; Use animation charms to walk the pieces to their new posts.

This made both boys yet more determined to succeed in learning these spells earlier rather than later.

And as Remus pointed out, it wasn't worth much, knowing a spell if one couldn't cast it in the heat of the moment. Advanced Battle Transfiguration wasn't available until college, but was certainly a class that both Amelia and Dora wanted to take as well.

As these young men grew, he'd have to add some battle bits for them to react to. But not too soon. Let them remain children, for just as long as they could.

Harry positioned his platoon of knights mounted hippogriffs, armed with magical lances at the ready. Neville was positioning his magical attack plants. Both boys kept looking at each other for advice. And approval. They might be just playing right now, but they were learning too.

Harry and Neville thanked their instructor. Both had things to do. Harry wasn't just a lord in name only; he had responsibilities, ones he took seriously.

Someday, somehow, Dumbledore would be just another chore checked off. Done for good.

**ODD**

Tuesday, Nov 19th, MFBI

The meeting was breaking up, and despite the wonderful medication Agent Addams was on, she was planning on taking the rest of the day and all of tomorrow off. Thursday was the full moon, and she wasn't safe to be around.

'Oh great,' The chief wanted a word about Abigail's requested temporary reassignment.

"No, you can't go back to Saint John's. Did you forget about the injunction? Don't growl at me! Liberty Park or the cooler. Your choice, right now. We'll discuss the reasons why later, once you are able to do so without ripping me apart. Choose!" The older African-American witch was a no-nonsense type, and didn't really raise her voice so much as lower it. Her menace level was pegged at maximum though.

This prickly agent had been on assignment there for a few months, and on the full moons had run with a Canadian pack in Newfoundland. She apparently had angered the Alpha there, and was told to not return ever again.

Abigail nodded, swallowed, and chose the park. If she spent the next several days and nights in lockup, everyone would wonder why, and her dreadful secret shame would be known. That's why she wanted the international assignment, and tried to finagle a way out of the area. Drat! How could she explain her reasoning when her inner wolf just wanted to romp and play with Alpha Moony and would do anything to insure that result?

"The warded park ma'am. Sorry." The agent studied her government-issued sturdy shoes. Even they begged to be removed so she could run free.

The chief sighed, and handed her a heavy envelope, "Agent Addams? You've been assigned counseling, and haven't been going. This isn't optional.

"I know you feel sorry for yourself, but think on this. Hundreds of agents get seriously injured a year, and those rates are dropping as we improve equipment and procedure. Some injuries end in death, most don't. You are alive, young lady. Alive, well, and with special abilities. I and a few others know, but most weres share their condition openly. You'll note that not a one of them have said anything about you, giving you time to announce your condition yourself.

"I also know there's something between you and Remus Lupin. If you can't work with that man, we'll have to replace you. You were rude to Lord Potter during the investigation at school, and were short with his people. I don't care why. I want a plan on my desk before the Thanksgiving holiday of your intentions. Or your resignation from this team. I can't have you endangering others. Or annoying the nobs by your attitude.

"We are professionals. Wealthy people have lawyers. Do not turn their wrath against us. Understood?"

Abigail wanted to wail at the injustice of life. She was so misunderstood! "I'll do what I can to repair the situation. I promise."

The chief crooked an eyebrow. "See that you do. Dismissed. I don't want to see you before this Saturday."

Abigail would be working next week over the Thanksgiving holiday, giving coworkers with families a chance to have a day off. With their ways of communication, and their time-turners, any agents on leave could be summoned a moment before they were needed. She'd be monitoring hotspots.

In the meantime, it was time to start preparing for the full moon. Her inner wolf was wagging her tail so frantically, the agent could barely walk straight.

'Moony, Moony, Moony!' It seemed to be saying with each inner jump. How could this be her life? She was burned badly once before and had vowed to never get involved ever again.

The woman got back to her apartment, and tried to stop the tears. She knew if she wanted to keep the only good parts of her life intact, she had to see a counselor. Which would involve revealing more of herself than she was comfortable with.

**ODD**

Mount Sinai Medical Clinic, same day

"Mind healing is different from medical healing. Someone has a broken bone, or is ill. A potion, or a wave of a wand, and poof! Healed. I am so sorry I cannot wave a wand and cure the lycanthropy running in your system." the healer stated firmly.

Abigail was stuffed to the gills with a special calming potion, but she had to go at least once before the full moon to discuss her issue or she'd likely do herself an injury.

The woman pulled out a book, 'Run Free'. "Of all medical issues, this one is the most complicated. You're not like a vampire, who is born to the condition or bit and added to their coven. They have a sense of belonging at all times.

"Your feelings of pack are limited to the full moons, from what I understand. Or can it extend longer if connections are made?"

The agent stared at the half-empty trees out the window. The luster of orange-red glory was fading. "Longer if connections are made, most certainly. But that connection is with a werewolf! The leader of the pack no less! A were…wolf!"

The disgust in her tone was clear, even through the medicine. The healer was glad for the transparent barrier between her and her client. Time for a few home truths that might break her. Or not.

"Miss Addams? I have your file. You were not a member of any social club or activity in high school, nor college. Not Potions or Flying or anything.

"As an adult, you have not requested to date someone at all. I know that's a requirement when you're an auror in Salem.

"Then you became a werewolf. You feel this event has destroyed your life. If you planned on having children, I would agree that you lost something precious. But I don't think that is the reason for your sorrow now.

"You fell in love! You had been ignored as a schoolgirl, and now someone loves you, needs you, and wants to be with you. And that terrifies you."

The healer stopped speaking as the woman who'd been staring out the window became unglued, "How would you know? Do you know what it's like to be ugly, unwanted? What do you know?

"Besides, he says he loves me, offered to marry me, but it's just a trick. A terrible trick. Men will say or do anything to sleep with you. Then, when you do, they leave."

The counselor felt there was a story there, likely from her college days. Goodness. A solitary soul trying to stop others from hurting her. But life didn't work like that.

"Wolves mate for life, Miss Addams. If he offered, it was no trick. Read this book and think about it. You have the potential to find not just a life mate, but a soul mate here. You may have been alone, but within you is a companion that will be with you all your life.

"You need to meet your inner wolf. Grow to understand her, and her needs. As you cooperate with her she will aid you every single day.

"But I don't WANT to be a monster!" The infected woman wailed.

"Then don't be! The worst werewolves are the ones that never reconcile to their inner wolves. They scar themselves, and seek to infect others. Read, learn and think. If you do the ritual in the book, you will find peace with yourself. That is the first step, regardless of anyone else you might interact with.

"I hope you come to me again, after the full moon, Your inner wolf will be with her mate. If you can accept that, you will find joy in your life. I promise you."

The healer left the woman to read and calm down naturally before being given another dose of potion, and taken by house-elf to her home.

She had much to think about.

**ODD**

Thursday to Friday, Nov 21st and 22nd, school and home

The posters had just made it look too fun - Harry just had to tryout. He knew that Alice would never let him, so went to Sirius for help.

The young lord begged, "Padfoot! The quads emit a lot of black soot, but aren't really dangerous. I love flying. It's just a school game. Pleassssse?"

It was the puppy eyes that got him, and Sirius signed the form, 'forgetting' to tell Alice. After all, it was just permission to tryout. What chance did a muggle-raised boy have of making the team? Besides, it required broom riding, something that Harry rarely did.

So of course, Sirius' luck held. Harry made the junior varsity team and was excited: He was easily one of the best flyers in Salem Junior High. Their first game was next Wednesday afternoon, just before school let out for the Thanksgiving holiday. The team would play twice monthly after that until March.

Harry was gesticulating wildly describing all of his moves; the other four students of the manor adding to the story that night at dinner. There was just one little problem; Sirius never told Alice about all this. Neither had Harry.

Oops.

Alice got up from the table so abruptly, her chair fell. Frank was suddenly at her side, and summoned it upright without a word.

"Fester all wherries." Frank tried to say don't fuss or worry.

"Of course I'm worried, love, but with good reason. Their quaffles blow up." Alice looked at all the children with suspicion. "Something I don't need to say is dangerous."

Hermione was prepared to defend her friend's right to play with the safety pamphlets, and book on the sport - 'QuadPot - Game or Riot?'

The title didn't help calm the godmother much. The look she gave Sirius was toxic. Allowing time overnight to let her calm down didn't seem to help.

Breakfast the next morning held an atmosphere colder than the weather outside. Alice was clearly still upset about Harry playing the game, and worse, sneaking behind her back to do so.

Remus, limping in just then with a bleeding head wound, was just the final straw, even though it was from his romping at the full moon. Sirius fled to the floo to summon a healer while Alice left the table with quiet dignity. She stopped long enough to bid the children a good day at school then strode to the kitchen greenhouse. Emma waved goodbye at her daughters, and went to talk to the distraught godmother. Clive put the remainder of Alice's plate in stasis knowing the lady needed her nourishment.

It was clear from her demeanor that she felt no one cared if Harry or anyone else were hurt playing a game as their lives here were constantly in peril! Emma felt that all wizarding pursuits were dangerous, especially their games, so really couldn't advise the woman.

She'd ask Dan when he was back - he planned on returning the Tuesday before Thanksgiving at the latest.

She left to go help with what she could there. This was a new holiday for her, and dreaded a fight between guardians if Harry were hurt.

They lived on a farm with flying giant eagles, everyone armed to the teeth, and had rabid people living with them. Compared to that, a flying game with exploding cannonballs seemed fairly tame to Emma's mind.

**ODD**

After Alice calmed down on her own, she decided that what she wanted was her old friend and mentor to come and give his opinion of how safe it was to play the game. Besides, it was Thanksgiving. She planned to invite Moody to come to celebrate with them anyway. She was sure that he had months of leave built up. The man was constantly working.

It would be a nice holiday for them all if he came.

**OO**

After school, Friday Nov 22nd

The seneschal entered the special greenhouse, "Miss Miller, do you have a moment?"

Sarah looked up from the plants she was tending. The Seneschal normally wasn't out of bed this early after a full moon. The man looked a bit pinched but was trying to put on a good face.

"Certainly sir! How can I help ye?" The girl curtseyed, unsure if she should continue working or not.

Remus took his own gloved hand to hold hers. "I apologize for the late notice, but Lady Alice informed me you've been working here since she had this new greenhouse installed. These are the toughest plants to grow, and some of them will be going to Lord Greengrass. The rest, when harvested, will go to our own potions stores. And you know we go through a bit of potions here.

"You'll be getting paid from here on out."

Sarah shook her head. "Please don't. The girls from the manor don't get paid for chores. Neville doesn't. I have enough. Please. Please let me keep my…"

Remus understood in an instant. She didn't want to be the servant, the hired hand. Not next to Neville. She wanted to help the House. Just like a member of it.

Remus made sure to tell Alice that she was working there because she wanted to. The Scots lady smiled in understanding, and said not a word against the young witch.

**ODD**

Friday Nov 22nd, Hogwarts

The old auror went to the headmaster, and stated how he wasn't going to the New World for this ridiculous feast - all overeating and being unaware. Albus stroked his beard and said it would be interesting to hear what was going on in Harry's life, and encouraged him to go. Oh, and perhaps he'd be welcomed to go a bit early. See what was happening at the boy's school.

That set alarm bells ringing, but nothing showed on the grizzled face.

Moody was welcomed with open arms. He was concerned the family would be angry at him for his previous too-vague warning about Albus' plans that ended in death for a family elf. But that old man held his cards close to his vest and never told much to anyone if he could help it.

It made Albus a terrible ally to try and support.

Mad-eye tried to comfort Alice about the upcoming game. He intensely disliked quidditch as he saw potential murder in each and every move. He refused to go to professional games as a result.

Both he and Alice just wanted to pull the lad from the game, but without cause or warning, they really had no reason to do so.

**ODD**

Tuesday, Nov 26th, Black Keep

Hermione smiled as Harry handed her down after the group's flight. Ricardo was doing much the same for Susan.

Miss Black gave Lord Potter an extra long hug, one he returned with interest. The group had to hurry, as they had switched times on their normal pottery lesson. Tomorrow was the big game.

When they came into the workshop, just about everyone turned and curtseyed (or bowed) to Harry, and the manager of the workshop came over. She looked like she too wanted to hug the young lord.

"Lord Harry, I thank ye a thousand times. We're here workin', your sellers are doing great sellin' and we have orders comin' in from yer carts to keep us happily busy. Thank ye!"

"You are most welcome. And I want to thank you. For organizing these lessons for us, including our new friend Susan."

Ricardo was also with them for the first time, having been pulled along by Susan's plea, "but I don't want to be the only beginner and look stupid. Please?" line.

Harry had asked Ricardo a hundred times. Anyone in the Village or house could try pottery - how else were they to find out who had the talent or not?

Sally-Anne, who was already better than most of the young people, was working at the wheel, creating a complicated teapot. When the slab lesson was over for the others, she was shown Ricardo's attempt at a hippogriff.

Harry was impressed with the girl's innate kindness.

"Wow, Ricardo! This was your first lesson? There are museum pieces that would be jealous of your work. Truly. I hope you had fun too."

The mismash curled bit of something on the side that had the toothpick poked feathered lines was supposed to be a hippogriff. But Sally-Anne was right. There were art places that held worse. Boston Creative Museum of Modern Art came to mind.

Susan set aside her finished ring bowl. It was only a little lopsided, and a bit uneven, but she was enjoying the work very much.

For Harry, the biggest joy came from being with his friends in a safe place, creating things. His mugs might not yet be perfect, but his lightning bolt sigil on the bottom ensured that every item sold.

That mark guaranteed that Harry Potter made it himself with only the various iridescent glazes added by patient and talented hands.

**ODD**

Moody and Dan were discussing something serious in low tones when they came into the dining room. Since it was a weekday, they were just in 'casual' robes. The weekend brought the horror of dress robes, well, at least to Harry.

It was his house, and once he was a little older, he'd be setting the new rules! No bigotry, no cutting remarks, and certainly no dress robes required except for certain social functions!

After the warm greetings, Alastor cut straight to business.

"Potter?! What's this I hear about you playing quadpot? How are you going to keep an eye out for enemies?" Moody demanded.

Harry gulped and tried to ignore Alice's gimlet eye now pegged on her godson's reddening face. "I like to compete, sir. And fly. And Felton said…"

"What's this? Please tell me that Matt didn't have something to do with this?" Susan asked.

Harry mumbled something, then Frank looked at Neville, "Salmon stink."

Alice agreed, "Yes, it does smell fishy to me too. Hermione?"

The girl looked away, but Dan's raised eyebrow reminded her that everyone was concerned for Harry, "He said that he was glad that Harry's family wouldn't let him fly, as he was going to be the Quadpot Captain. But the way he said it was that he was going to be king or something. Then Matt said he didn't want Harry to get his feelings hurt."

Dan could just imagine the sing-song mocking. And Harry's nature, who never backed down from a bully, was caught in the trap. "It's too late for Harry to quit now. The team doesn't keep reserves as when players are out, they don't get replaced. Let's just watch carefully, and stay alert."

Moody nodded, "Constant…"

Frank stood. "Vigorous!"

Sally-Anne nodded, "You got it!" She glanced at Harry, more than a bit worried herself.

Neville drew Harry away to the greenhouse shortly after to have a talk. Godbrother to godbrother.

**ODD**

"Harry? Are you happy?" Neville asked, unrolling his tool belt. It was very old, and several of the canvas pockets were empty, tools missing. The canvas itself had holes, but Harry had tried 'reparo' and it hadn't worked. Too many enchantments on it for keeping the tools sharp and rust-free, he supposed.

"What do you mean, Nev? Of course I am! I have true family, for the first time I can remember. They're a bit overprotective, but better than ignoring me. Or worse."

Neville looked up sharply. The green-eyed boy stayed quiet about his life at the Dursleys, but this spoke of more than withholding food. Harry was only now looking less skeletal than before. As if he was gaining the weight that Neville was losing. He had a bit of dirt smudged on his cheek that the Longbottom heir ignored.

"Look. I get it. Felton is a pain. That's what he's king of being - a royal pain. Please, in future? Don't let him decide what you want to do or not do. I don't think you were really interested in the game until he pulled that move. This whole thing stinks worse than fresh hippogriff dirt."

"Hey! It's not that bad. I should know, I've had to move a ton of it. But I get what you're saying. I should have ignored Matt. He just gets on my nerves sometimes."

Neville took the wrong tool out of Harry's hand, and replaced it. "Amanda is worse. Did you hear that she made the cheer squad?"

"Now you're just plain being mean. You're trying to get me to quit the team before the first game?" Harry asked, laughing.

"Is it working?" Neville had been spraying water, and spritzed Harry. This led to a bit of a water fight until Sarah came in.

Then Harry waved at the girl, and ignoring the bit of dirt now mud sliding down his cheek, took his leave with a regal nod.

**ODD**

The next jump had the impossibly long ribbon dancing under her extended legs. Moody watched from the formal living room. The ballroom door was open, the music soft. The adults watched the talented girl practice. A different type of flying.

It was a routine from the cheer squad that Sally-Anne had wanted to join.

Emma had taken one look at the uniform and said that either of her daughters could tryout. Just as long as they wore jeans underneath the too skimpy outfit. Both had laughed. Neither one wanted anything to do with Amanda, and Hermione had zero interest in waving magical ribbons around on sticks.

Sally-Anne's eyes had lingered on that baton though. Emma bought one, and said she should practice just in case Emma's petition to the school went through. Her daughters' practice clothes were practical and modest. There was no need for a sixth grader to dress so…lasciviously.

Dan had some strong words to add as well.

Frank's and Moody's eyes communicated much - keeping watch over the girl's practice, and talking about the future.

**ODD**

Harry put his boots on the rack, and went to the sink to wash.

Hermione joined him, 'admiring' his look. "I wonder what Neville looks like?"

"He was smiling when I left. Am I late?" Harry asked.

"Nope, not at all. And I brought a snack for you. For after the rest leave." Hermione showed him the small covered glassware that had cheese and crackers in it.

For the young wizard who had been hungry too often, this display was very touching. Bibliophile and confirmed protector of the library was bringing food for him into the sacred chamber.

He reached for the hand not holding food, took her bag, and brought the hand to his lips.

"Hermione…"

Her eyes sparkled as they stood there a moment, lost in each other's eyes. But Remus came in just then, and the two fled to do homework.

Neither saw the smile of approval on his face.

**ODD**

ODD (Order Defying Dumbledore)

A/N: Story recommended The Great Lie: I'm From the ICW, I'm Here to Help You By: Apprentice Tom

s/14238232/1/The-Great-Lie-I-m-From-the-ICW-I-m-Here-to-Help-You

Summary There are no wand masters to provide lessons. (A Great Wandout Tale with more than a few laughs added into the mix). What happens when entrepreneurs meet a bureaucratic zealot?

Thank you to Old Crow for recommending Apprentice Tom to us. Speaking of which. There is a bit of a nod to Old Crow and Apprentice Tom in my story. Gotta love this pair.

A/N: Your story recommendation here -

**ODD**

ƺ parseltongue
₲ galleons
₰ sickles
ķ knuts

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