The Young Ones
Chapter 11: Planning
Harry woke up the next morning feeling rather determined to get things done. The kids and Tom were still asleep and he snuck around the room as quietly as possible to get dressed. Then he made his way to the kitchen, hoping that the house elves would let him blow off some steam by making breakfast for everyone, even the house elves themselves.
Thankfully the elves were able to be talked into going and working elsewhere whilst Harry cooked. Cooking was a relaxing task that he actually enjoyed, when he was able to eat the food he made anyway.
He was in the middle of making a large stack of pancakes when Aurora entered the room, rubbing her eyes a tad, and smiling when she saw Harry cooking away. Harry smiled at her.
"Good morning, Aurora, how are you this morning?" he said as his oldest daughter stepped up beside him and rested against his side, he kissed the top of her head gently.
"Okay, thanks. And you? You only make this much food when you are agitated or stressed. Not that anyone complains, of course,"
"Hm, well I am definitely both of those things at the moment," he chuckled somewhat darkly.
"Why? Is everything okay?"
The concern in her eyes as she looked up at him with those deep red eyes that Harry thought some might find creepy, but he found gorgeous with their tiny flecks of pale blue mixed in them, made his heart flutter with love and awe.
"There is just a lot going on at the moment, baby. A lot of work that needs doing so you all will be safe,"
"Even Reggie?"
His heart twanged with pain at her softly spoken words which were tinged with their own pain.
"Even Reggie," he agreed quietly.
Merlin, he had a nickname.
His eyes were filling with tears and he tried not to let them fall, he really did.
"I'm sorry, mum. I didn't mean to make you cry," Aurora said as she wrapped her arms gently around his waist.
"No, baby, it's okay. You didn't make me cry. I'm just very emotional at the moment," he chuckled as he plated up the last pancake and moved to wrap his arms around her.
"But I talked about Reggie, and talking about him makes you cry. We don't mention him much anymore, so you don't cry as much," she muttered into his shirt and his heart twisted.
"You have every right to talk about Reggie, baby. He was your big brother, and you love him. You can talk about Reggie around me, I promise, even when you go back to your own time. And if it makes me cry, that is okay. I don't mind crying. And I… I want to hear about him, okay. I want to know about him. And I don't want you to hold back your feelings, or what you want to say, either. About anything. Just no swear words, okay," he said, kneeling in front of her and looking in her amazing eyes which were also filled with tears.
"But we don't like making you cry," she whispered.
"I'm sure you don't. But know that when I cry because of you, it will always because I love you, and mostly for good reasons, though I hope that we can make it safe for the future versions of you so it will only be for good reasons. I'm sorry it wasn't safe for all of you, no matter what our future selves did to protect you. I'm sorry that you have seen me cry for bad reasons. But know that I only cry because I love you. And that is good. You are the most important people in the universe to me, so if you get hurt it will make me cry. But I will also cry for good things, like when I find out I'm pregnant, or whether you're a boy or a girl, or when you're born, or when you say your first word, or take your first step, or when I teach you to read, or when you start school, or when you get married, or when you have your own babies, or whatever other milestones you reach in life. They will all make me cry, and only because I love you,
"So, please, don't hold back when you're talking to me, or to your dad, or to nana, or anyone. We want to hear about Reggie. We can't heal as a family if we don't talk about him. If we don't remember the good times. Even if it makes us cry, it is because we love him. And that is good. Love is the best thing in the world. And continue to talk about him when you go back to your time, so that our future selves can heal, too. Then you might be able to speak to him again. Because, right now, the older version of me is hurting too much, blaming himself too much, to want to talk to our lost family, because Reggie will be there. But if you are all able to help him to start healing, by helping him remember the good times, maybe he will be able to,"
"It wasn't your fault, mummy. You always tried to protect us. Even whilst we were chained up," she said firmly.
The thought of his children in chains tore a sob from his throat and he pulled her gently close to him, allowing her to sit on his knees as they held each other.
"Mummy made breakfast," Orion cheered from the doorway of the room.
Harry looked at the door to find his other three children standing there, with Tom, Severus, and Arthur standing there. The older three members of the group looked at him with worry in their eyes.
A house elf popped into the kitchen, "I wills send the food to the dining room, Master Harry,"
"The smaller platters are for you and the other house elves," Harry said, clearing his throat. He smiled sadly when the house elf looked at him with wide eyes.
"Master Harry, you didn't have to's cook for us,"
"I know. But I wanted to. I know what it's like to do everything around the house with nothing in return, you deserve it for all the hard work you put into looking after the family," Harry said, and the house elf smiled, her eyes filled with happy tears.
"I wills send big platters to the dining room, thens. The little ones will be sent to house elf quarters. Thanks you, Master Harry,"
"Thank you," Harry said as the food disappeared, the elf then started to magically clean the kitchen for him as he stood, with Aurora in his arms, her legs wrapped around his waist and arms around his neck.
He gestured for everyone in the doorway to lead the way to the dining room and the kids took off, Orion and Lyra dragging Arthur along as they went.
"Are you both okay?" Tom asked Harry and Aurora, concern in his voice as he gently tucked some loose strands of Aurora's hair behind her ear.
"We will be," Harry said, Aurora nodded.
When they arrived at the dining room they found that Harry's friends, including the twins, Bill and Charlie, some of the Death Eaters, Amelia, and the abused children Severus and Narcissa, along with other healers, had been healing, as well as the youngest two, Salazar, and Arthur, were already there.
Harry lowered Aurora to the floor and smiled slightly as she grabbed his hand and led him over to the empty seats next to Orion, Harry sat in the middle of his middle two children. Severus sat on the other side of Aurora, and Tom at the head of the table.
Everyone dug into the large plates of food in the middle of the table. There was a bit of everything to be honest, the makings of a full English, pancakes, waffles, toast with jams, butters and spreads, fruit salad, croissants, porridge, pain au chocolat, and more.
"I see you've finally gotten back into the kitchen, Harry," Neville said with a grin after taking a bite from his waffle.
Harry smiled at him and nodded.
"You cook, Harry?" Amelia asked, shocked, although clearly enjoying the food on her plate.
"Yes, he does, Aunty. He has been taking at least one day each week to cook for all of us when we're at school. We would go to the Room of Requirement and spend time together while eating the amazing food Harry would make for all three meals of the day. He is amazing," Susan said, causing Harry to blush, looking down at his plate nervously as the others nodded in agreement.
"Mummy is the bestest cook," Lyra chimed in.
"Even the house elves think so," Salazar nodded.
"And the ones at Hogwarts," Neville said.
"You cook for the house elves?" Lucius snarled.
"Yes, well, I know what it's like to do everything around the house and get nothing in return, not even any of the food I cooked. I know they eat, and sleep, and whatever in a shift pattern. But they are magical beings, too. They are creatures, just like us. They deserve to be looked after every once in a while. Like we do. So I do that for them. They keep everything clean, they get us the things we need, they look after us when we're ill, they help us with our children, they look after our pets, they ensure we can live a peaceful and stress free life in terms of the bare minimum of things we need, so why shouldn't we do the same for them? Or are you saying that you could quite easily do the things they do for you, Lucius, all by yourself? Do you even know how to clean something other than your hair?"
Even Narcissa had to stifle her laughter at the look of outrage on the man's face.
"The house elves make it so that you can spend all day doing whatever it is you fancy doing," Harry said, "Whether that be going to work, going to dinner parties, visiting friends, raising your children, going on holiday, without having to worry about the state of your house whilst your not their to keep it clean and tidy. You invite people proudly into your manor as if you had anything to do with how clean it is, and yet you didn't lift a finger. They make sure you, your family, your animals are all fed, watered, clothed, clean and ready to take on the world. You wouldn't be where you are today without them. You use them for everything, and yet give them nothing in return other than a roof over their heads and some rags to wear. They deserve more than that. I deserved more than that. But, I suppose, at least they get to eat the amount they are meant to, and most of them aren't abused by their owners. The least I could do is feed them on occasion, or keep myself and my belongings tidy, or buy them material to make their own clothes with, or look after them when they are ill, or thank them. They have lives, and family, too. And yet, most of their time is spent looking after us,"
"They are animals," Lucius scowled.
"So are we. So are your prized albino peacocks. And yet your peacocks, which do nothing for you, get more respect, love, appreciation, and kindness from you, than your house elves, who do everything for you. I know you're still mad at me about the Dobby situation. But when I see another being getting hurt I can't help but try and save them. It's the way I've been raised, you see. But I also just have a special connection with the house elves. Probably because I was raised like one. So yes, I feed them occasionally. Because I wasn't given enough food when I was a house elf. And I wasn't given appreciation, thanks, or anything but rags, pain, and a roof over my head. All of which should never have happened since I was never supposed to be raised by them, but that is besides the point really,"
"What is your point then?" Lucius said, glaring slightly at him, though Harry could see a sheen of thoughtfulness in his pale eyes.
"My point is that you treat the beings that look after you, your family, your animals, and your home like they are dirt beneath your shoes. I'm assuming you treat the goblins who look after your money, investments, heirlooms and such the same way, because they are also just 'creatures', 'animals', whatever. You also think of muggles the same way despite knowing nothing about them. You hate muggle borns because you assume they have stolen their magic from the squibs that are born into pureblood families, despite that being impossible for them to do by the way. And yet, all of these people, beings, are all very much needed in the world. And they are all worthy of respect, kindness, consideration, until proven otherwise. Just like you,
"The beings that look after you and yours especially so. I mean, Dobby, for example, when Draco got ill when he was young Dobby made sure that Draco had his potions on time, and made sure you all were fed and watered, cleaned and clothed, so that you and Narcissa could stay with your son at all hours of the day and night to look after and comfort him, right? He looked after all three of you in that moment, so that you could be with your son when he needed you there. And you treated Dobby abominably in return. Muggles, or wixen without house elves, don't always have the luxury to stay with their sick child at all hours, because they need to go and do those basic things themselves. Having a house elf to look after you and your family in even the most basic of ways, is a luxury, and they should be treated as such. Because I know that if any of my children were ill, I would want to spend every second of the day and night with them, and if not for the house elves we have, I would not be able to do so,"
He saw a flicker of, something, in the man's eyes somewhere in his speech and he smiled. Narcissa also looked thoughtful, and it made Harry smile internally to know that he could potentially get them to see things his way, eventually. It would take time, of course.
The rest of breakfast was much like usual, although Harry noticed the pain in Severus' eyes as the man picked at the food on his plate, even though Harry could tell that he enjoyed the food.
"Kids, us adults need to have a meeting amongst ourselves, alright? So why don't you all go to the library or the family room ahead of us and we will join you shortly," Tom said gently.
The kids all nodded and left the room, chattering excitedly about asking a house elf to play with them or something. As soon as the kids were gone the table was cleared of plates and replaced with juice, tea, coffee, alcohol and other beverages which everyone helped themselves to. Harry chose some orange juice for himself and moved to the seat which Aurora no longer sat in so that he could be next to his mum, who smiled at him sadly. Harry smiled back.
It was silent for a while, no one really knowing where to start, or what to say.
Tom cleared his throat, "So, Madame Bones, welcome to our home," Harry smiled at the words, "I am sorry it isn't under better circumstances, although I am sure Harry wanted to get you involved anyway," Harry nodded, "I am Lord… Tom Marvolo Riddle," he corrected himself at Harry's glare, although Harry could see a bit of confusion, and a tiny slither of anger in the man's eyes, "I would like to formally apologise for all the destruction I have caused over the last few decades. However, I would like to attest that I wasn't in control of myself at the time due to a number of rituals I partook in which claimed my emotions, mind and just about everything else about me and my true goals. I do have proof to show you that I wasn't at fault for partaking in these rituals, Albus Dumbledore manipulated me into doing them in a number of ways. But I believe the showing of proofs can wait until we are done speaking," Tom said, and Harry looked at him in shock and pain.
The man was manipulated into doing things to turn him into a Dark Lord. By Dumbledore.
The old man had wanted a war?
"Thank you for the apology, and for your hospitality for myself and my niece. I will certainly be seeing about those proofs later. But yes, we do all need to talk first," Amelia said, "I am already charging Albus Dumbledore for the kidnapping of Harry when he was a baby, and for hurting Harry the other night, at the request of Harry and Severus. However, he is Albus Dumbledore, and he has influence. We need a lot more charges if we are going to get anywhere with him, and we need to get his followers to stop idolising him. We need to strip him of any popularity he has," her eyes landed on the Hufflepuff girl who Dumbledore hurt and they softened, "Hello, sweetie, what is your name?"
"Grace," the girl muttered shyly.
"That is a beautiful name," Amelia said, smiling gently at her, "When we have found you, and your friends, new guardians, would you like to press charges against the Headmaster for hurting you?"
"Yes, please," the girl nodded as she whispered her answer.
"Wonderful," Amelia beamed, causing the girl to blush, "I will be sure to keep in touch with you and your new guardians to ensure that you are well informed of the situation,"
"Thank you,"
"Now, are there any more charges that we can put on him?" Amelia asked as she focused on everyone in the room.
"Child endangerment. Theft. Going against a will, if that is a crime. Line theft. Attempted line theft. Falsely claiming and using Wizengamot seats to vote. Using mind altering substances and spells on minors, and on adults. Obliviating without a license. Using legilimency on minors, and adults, without permission. Trying to destroy my womb, multiple times. Murder. And a number of other things the goblins are compiling evidence of," Harry said, and everyone was staring at him in shock, "What?"
Arthur moved nervously to the empty seat next to Harry and Harry smiled at him, trying to reassure him.
"That man tried to destroy your womb?" Tom growled.
"It didn't work, Tom," Harry said calmly.
"Clearly," Draco snorted.
"How many times did he try?" Amelia asked dangerously.
"About twenty to my recollection, he obliviated me after each time but the goblins cleansed me and got rid of all of the obliviation,"
He was surprised by the amount of growls around the table, but he smiled anyway at the feeling of safety he found in it.
"And who has he murdered?" Amelia asked.
"A number of goblins, and at least thirty wizards and witches. You will have to go to the goblins for all the evidence they have compiled. They have been building a case against him for decades. I can get you in touch with the king, and he will be more than willing to help you so long as the goblins can have a say in some of his punishment,"
"You know the king?" Severus gaped at him.
"Mhm, I am a friend to the nation,"
Now everyone was gaping at him.
"How did you manage that?" Tom asked.
"By being kind, remembering their names, respecting them, helping them, looking after them, and generally being a decent person,"
"Why haven't I heard of this, brother? I work for the bank,"
"Yes, but most of the time you work outside of the bank and are not a goblin. You respect them, and they respect you and the work you do for them, yes. But the human colleagues have nothing to do with the king, and you aren't invited to the meetings he holds with the goblins that work in the bank," Harry said, "I would also like to press charges against Molly, Ron and Ginny, as well as Hermione Granger, for theft, and attempted line theft,"
Arthur grabbed his hand and Harry squeezed it gently in support.
"Okay, I will speak to the goblins to get their charges and evidence," Amelia said, nodding in support as her quill magically wrote everything that was said.
Arthur cleared his throat and everyone looked at him questioningly, but Harry was squeezing his hand gently and smiling at him sadly, but with love and companionship in his eyes.
"Dad, are you okay?" Fred asked when he saw the pain in Arthur's eyes.
"I… I would like to press charges against Molly and Albus," he said, his voice trembling as he looked at his and Harry's joined hands.
"What charges, Arthur?" Amelia asked gently.
"Against Albus… Obliviation without a license or consent, theft, and line theft, and use of mind altering substances and spells. Against… Against Molly… use of a l-love potion, use of mind altering substances and spells, obliviation without a license or consent, line theft, theft, rape, murder of an unborn child, and the destruction of my womb," Arthur rushed out the last bits and then hurried out of the room, pain written all over his face.
Harry watched him go sadly before looking at everyone else to find a mixture of pain, anger and confusion on their faces.
"Harry, what…" George asked quietly.
"Go and talk to him, boys, he needs you. All of you. And maybe see if one of you can go and get Percy at some point,"
The four of them just nodded and went looking for their father.
Everyone turned to look at Harry for answers and he sighed.
"He was engaged to Fabian Prewett, Molly's brother. Molly had been in love with him for years, though, obsessed with him really. Arthur was five months pregnant, with a girl, and she found out. When he and Fabian were around Fabian's parents house for tea she attacked him with a reductor to the stomach. The baby died, and he lost his womb because of the damage. She and Albus then obliviated everyone who knew, including Arthur, and dosed him with potions and such so he would 'love' her. If you want more details you can speak to him when he is feeling… well I can't really say better can I? But I swear to Merlin, if she is not severely punished for hurting him and his baby like that I will punish her myself," he couldn't stop himself from glaring at Amelia in warning.
"She will be punished, I promise," Amelia said.
"She had better be," he growled, his magic sparking slightly, "We need a plan, obviously, to get things moving, and to make sure Albus isn't too popular anymore and they actually get the punishments they deserve. I know just the person to help,"
"Who?" Severus asked, his voice shaking, and Harry looked at him to find the man looking greatly upset and glancing at the door every few seconds.
Harry smiled and took the man's hand gently.
"Rita Skeeter," Harry said, grinning at the looks of shock around the room, "I have dirt on her, she will do anything I want her to so long as I don't tell the authorities, or her boss, about her little secret. Including publishing stories in various papers and magazines for us, written with the full facts, and in exactly the way we want her to. We also have evidence, which already has been made official by the goblins, and if it hasn't then we can make them do so, which we can publish alongside the articles. We tell our stories, I'm sure myself, mum, Arthur, and Tom aren't the only ones that were terribly wronged by Albus, or Molly for that matter. We know we aren't the only ones. We tell our stories, maybe others will come forward with theirs. Or people will be curious, question things, and go and get checked by the goblins for any spells, potions, etc. then tell their stories. I do advise that all of us go and get checked anyway. And then, when we have the people hating him, we bring him in. His punishment will begin right away, people will start questioning him, stop loving the ground he walks on, stop listening to everything he says as if it were gospel. He will lose his positions. And then, when he is in court, no one will vote in his favour,"
He saw grins on their faces and knew that it was a start, that they could try this.
He just hoped it bloody worked.
He hoped, more than anything, that his babies, his whole family really, would be safe.
Hiya, how are you all?
I hope you enjoyed this chapter, it didn't go exactly as I wanted it, but I'm not one to complain, I think this is okay. So, will this plan work? Or will they need reinforcements? What will happen? Will Harry find out when his children will be born? How soon will Reggie be born? What other charges will be brought onto the terrible two? How will they retaliate? How will everyone react? Honestly, just what are your thoughts? How are you feeling?
I have a Facebook group called Maraudering_Paige which you are all welcome to join if you want to. It is where we can talk about Harry Potter, fanfics, life, share memes, and more. It is also where I have an update schedule, and will be keeping you up to date on what I am working on, both original works such as the novel I am working on, and my fanfics. So, if you are interested in joining then I am more than happy to accept everyone.
Happy heavenly birthday to Alan Rickman, our amazing Severus Snape!
I hope you are all having an amazing day!
Kind regards,
Paige xx