December 28th 1991 Saturday Morning.
Severus Snape came downstairs from his bedroom to find Albus Dumbledore calmly sitting at his table eating a bowl of Choco-Puffs. Snape was not disturbed by the intrusion into his private home, he was used to this sort of thing, but was a bit confused as to where the man had found the cereal.
"Albus." Snape said with a sigh, "To what do I owe this visit?"
"Ahh. Good news. Good news. I heard about the consummation between Harry and his lady fair. Good work."
"Yes. Although you have still not explained why you changed your mind from wanting it prevented, to wanting it to occur." Snape inquired once more. Perhaps in the former headmaster's good mood he would be willing to explain himself for once.
"Ahh. Yes. Well it really is quite simple." Albus said picking his bowl up to slurp his milk.
Snape gripped the side of the counter to avoid hexing the man into space but said, "Ahh. And the reason is what?" he managed to ask through clenched teeth.
"Oh. Yes. You see Tom wants to prevent them from becoming joined. So if Tom wants to deny them their bond then I must support it and now. It has come to fruition." Albus smiled broadly, "It has hasn't it?"
"I have no idea. I have not seen the pernicious pair of prattling pre-teens since we went on break for the holiday." Snape declared as he worked on making his own breakfast.
"Ah. Well when you do get back make certain you ensure she is not pregnant. We want them to still be able to deal with Tom now don't we. I have a feeling they will soon be going after him." Albus chuckled.
"Not that it will benefit you very much." Snape felt he had to poke the old man's ego a bit, "You are still a wanted criminal."
"A temporary setback to my eternal legacy." Albus waved his hand dismissively. "Once Tom is defeated, my designs and actions will be better understood and appreciated."
"Yes I am certain they will." Snape Snidely commented.
Dumbledore seemed more amused than offended Snape noticed. He must be losing his touch.
"Oh our society is filled with easily manipulated sheep Severus. They will forget the brief anger they have for me and soon embrace my wisdom and foresight in protecting Harry, in ensuring he wound up joining with his young lady faire. And setting the path to rid us of the darkest dark lord ever to walk our world."
"Yes I am certain they shall." Severus sighed as he realized Dumbledore was not entirely incorrect. Especially as long as Cyrus Greengrass owned the Daily Prophet.
"Well I have many more places to go. Many more miles to trod before I sleep." Dumbledore chortled as he stood, "Thank you for breakfast."
Snape frowned at the older man but nodding said, "It is as always my pleasure."
Dumbledore gave an odd sort of laugh then with a wink and a spin he vanished. Snape shook his head at how annoying his day was beginning.
…...
Dumbledore followed Molly Weasley into the Burrow. Glancing over at her infamous clock he saw that one twin was at home and the other was traveling. Interesting news.
"So Albus you know that Arthur would be very cross with you if he found out you had come by." Molly was saying, "Rather sad of course."
"I know but we live in troubling times." Albus shook his head, "I see that Fred is traveling. Do you have any idea of that?"
"No. Not at all. Arthur went into the Ministry to try and see if they had heard anything. He'll be back by lunch no doubt." Molly was bustling around her kitchen.
"Ahh I see. And Ron and Ginny? Where are they?"
"Ron's sulking in his room. He got a letter from Harry apologizing for not visiting yesterday but he and that girlfriend of his had some sort of event happen. No details of course. He thinks it means they don't want him for a friend." Molly said starting the tea, "Ginny's out in the chicken coop taking care of them."
"Ahh. Perhaps I'll pop in and say hello to young Ron before I go. As for Ginny well I have to say that her obsession with Mr Potter may have to be curbed a bit."
Molly studied the older man with a frown, "Well. We'll just let her outgrow it herself then."
"Oh. It will have to be. I have a good and strong feeling that their bond has been consummated so he is well and truly taken." Albus chuckled, he was still inordinately happy about this turn of events.
"Really now?" Molly shook her head, "And her so young. Still starting their family early is never a bad thing is it Albus?"
"No. Not with the sort of destiny they have." Albus agreed.
"And he without a mother. I was so looking forward to helping take care of the lad. He needs a real mother figure in his life."
"Oh I know. I know. But the path of fate has decreed we must adapt." Dumbledore thought for a moment then had one of his brilliant ideas, since Fred was out of the picture, and he was not going to get reliable information from Severus he would need another way to keep tabs on Harry."So has Ron shown any interest in a career yet?"
Molly huffed, "No. I swear its like he has no ambition at all. Percy of course is wanting to be Minister someday and is putting his ear to the wheel to make it happen. Those shiftless hooligans that ran off must have been a bad influence on Ron. All he does is whinge on and talk about Quidditch. I swear he's going to become such a wastrel if he doesn't get some iron in his back soon."
Albus nodded, "You know. I am in need of a new apprentice. Perhaps I could be of service?"
Molly frowned thinking, "I'd love that, but according to the Wireless the Ministry wants people to turn you in. I know I'm not going to as I owe you far too much to ever betray you. But Arthur. For his job you know."
Albus patted her hand, "Don't worry. I am the soul of discretion and could ensure that anything that happens with Ronald is kept secret, and safe, between us."
Molly seemed to come to a decision as she nodded, "Aye Ron could use a strong man in his life. I swear Arthur was such a figure when he was young but he's become weak as water now. Always fooling around with those muggle contraptions and forbidding me to throw them out. I ask you Albus. What sort of wizard is Arthur with notions like that."
Albus nodded sympathetically, "Ahh. Well Arthur is a fine man, other than his few quirks."
Molly frowned, "I suppose. It just bothers me sometimes. I caught him the other day," She paused to rub her chin briefly before saying, "I caught him looking at tellyvisions! As if the wireless wasn't good enough. Now he's getting it in his mind to get a tellyvision! I swear if he could we would go totally muggle."
"There, there dear. Arthur is just curious. I doubt he will ever take things that far." Albus sighed.
"Maybe. But ever since the trial its like we are living two different lives. He's become more focused on his work, plus they have promoted him."
"Oh really?" Albus was surprised. His information from within the Ministry was becoming more difficult as the loyalty oaths were being invoked. Although at least the Death Eater allies were being removed as well.
"Oh yes. Remember when you and he started rearranging the Underage Magic Office? They put Arthur in charge of that and he has Edward Tonks and his wife Andromeda working with him." She proudly declared, "His pay and everything has gone up quite a bit."
"Ahh yes. So they are taking this job very seriously?" Albus frowned. He had hoped Fudge would be able to just make some useless cosmetic changes but it seems someone has managed to convince him to do some real reforms. He had no access to Fudge now either as Amelia has taken protecting the Minister to new levels, modeled after the way they protected the muggle prime minister.
Molly nodded, "Oh yes they are. They are using Harry's circumstances as a example of the way things should not be. They want to change a lot of things, including allowing muggle-borns to practice their magic outside of a magical zone. Getting rid of the trace. Who ever heard of that sort of thing."
"Well they are not going to attack the apprenticeship traditions are they?" Albus was concerned by allowing muggle-borns to practice magic in a muggle home. That way would lead to a revelation of their world.
Molly thought for a moment then almost apologetically said, "Not that I think so. But you're a wanted criminal. Arthur is never going to come around, no matter what. He feels like you somehow failed us all."
"That is the prevailing opinion for now. Lesser people do not understand the way the world sometimes works." Albus sighed, "You and I though know that the world is a very complicated and difficult place. That we have to sometimes bear great burdens to do what we must."
Molly took a deep breath, "I know Albus. You have been such a tower of strength. All you have done for us. Its a crime the way they are turning on you. All you wanted to do was keep Harry safe. Now they want to put you in prison for it."
"Now now, there is no need to get upset. It is something I am willing to bear. They need a scapegoat and I appear to be it." Albus replied, "As for Ronald. Perhaps you could speak with him. Tell him he has a friend that is willing to help him?"
Molly nodded, "I could do that. Arthur wouldn't need to know about that now would he?"
"No of course not. Why trouble Arthur with anything he doesn't need to worry about." Dumbledore smiled graciously at her, "Now I am sorry to have to dash so quickly but I would rather not cause you any trouble with Arthur, you're such a dear friend. Thank you for the tea, it was quite delicious."
"Oh I know Albus. Thank you again for everything you've done." Molly replied before Albus stood up and apparated away.
…...
Arriving back at his lair Albus smiled. He wondered where Fred was and why he was traveling. Could he have finally escaped from whomever had been hiding him? This was going to pose a rather thorny situation as the boy was a loose cannon rolling on the decks. His loyalty was strong to Albus but not complete. He suspected the boy had been corrupted by Pettigrew during his stay with the Weasleys.
Albus shook his head as he had other things to deal with. It was obvious Molly's loyalty was still strong but her usefulness was limited. He would not bother with her again unless the need was dire.
Arthur it seemed had forgotten about him, as had Fudge. That damnable politician had tacked with the wind and was now no longer in his pocket. Albus wondered how he could get Fudge back on course but that was going to be difficult as long as Albus was considered a criminal.
Raising his eyebrow as he read a letter that had come in his morning post he was glad he still had a few friends in Saint Mungo's. Apparently Sirius Black was going to be released as he was cured enough to be considered competent. Which meant that instead of going to live with the Grangers Harry would begin living with Black.
That would be a problem as Harry had to spend at least a lunar cycle in a dwelling where his mother's blood still flowed. Since Sirius did not have a female companion that lived with him at Grimmould to ensure the protections continued Albus would have to see to it the Granger woman wound up living with Sirius. She was a muggle, middle class, she would appreciate the upgrade in her life. At least if she had any brains.
Albus smiled he did so love to ensure that things worked out the way they were supposed to.
…...
George walked out of his bedroom the next morning worried about how Prudence was going to react, even more worrisome was how Nicodemus was going to react.
Prudence looked up then tilting her head slightly asked, "Where is your other half?"
George took a deep breath, "He left last night. He snuck out and said he was going back to Dumbledore."
"Oh. And you didn't join him why?" she scowled at him.
George shrugged, "I dunno. I like it here." He slowly replied, "You've been nice to me. Nicer than my own family."
Prudence took a deep breath through her nose before saying, "Well we are going to have to go tell Nico."
"I know. But I'm willing to take the blame for not raising the alarm last night. That way you don't get in trouble." George said swallowing.
"Thank you but under the laws of the Grotto. You are my responsibility so no matter what." She sighed, "C'mon lets get this over with."
George nodded and followed Prudence as they made their way to Nico's house.
"Morning Pru." Joe Donovan said as they came through the door, "Where's the other kitten?"
"Pulled a scamper. Late last night." Prudence answered glumly.
Nicodemus came through the curtains into the front room grinning, "That didn't take long now did it?"
Prudence and George exchanged glances before she turned to her uncle, "Uncle? You knew he was going to do this?"
"That boy has been a caged dog since he got here. He has a master that's been calling for him in his heart and he's gone to run to him."
George wanted to argue but the way Fred had talked, he was fanatical in his fervor to get back to Dumbledore. Not mum and dad but Dumbledore.
"Ah yer seeing it now aren't ye." Nico asked George.
"Uh. I guess. But what are you going to do about it?"
"Do? What do ye want me to do?" Nico asked looking into George's eyes.
George opened his mouth then closed it a couple of times then shrugged.
Nico grunted then asked in a softer tone, "Where do you want to be?"
Thinking about how he had always felt out of place back at the Burrow, how he had always been the reflection of Fred, just the other half of him. How he was George here. He had been accepted for himself. He had friends and Prudence was like a big sister to him. He had earned the right to use his name instead of just being called hey red, or hey kid, he was George.
Prudence nudged him with her elbow causing him to nod, "I want to stay here."
Nico nodded, "Putting his hands on George's shoulders he kissed him once on each cheek then said, "Welcome to the family George."
He felt the tingle of his tattoo's shifting. The kitten pawprint changed and shifted to have a red thistle in the middle of it. He smiled broadly.
…...
Fred managed to make the difference from Edinburgh to Hogsmeade by himself. It had taken him several days to make the journey on foot, even with help from others. He was tired, hungry, and annoyed. His brother George should have been here. He was missing him, but maybe once he had been reunited with Albus he could rescue George. Maybe he could convince Albus to bring George into the club.
Unfortunately Fred did not know how to contact Albus now. He had heard about how he was a wanted criminal and how he was in hiding. So Fred got the idea that Aberforth might know where his brother would be.
Yes they had a major falling out but Albus had talked about his brother several times to Fred. So they did have contact. Fred just hoped that Aberforth would help.
Entering the dirty pub Fred wrinkled his nose at the strong goat aroma. Looking around he saw Aberforth behind the bar with a small number of desperate and dirty beings who tried to make themselves unnoticed in the dingy and dark building.
"Aberforth. I need to talk to you." Fred said loudly, which in the heavy silence of the bar carried.
"Shush it punk. What do you think you're doing here?" Aberforth growled.
"I was hoping you could help me get back to Albus. I really need his help. I'm sure e'dbe very appreciative of your help." Fred tried to be winsome with his smile.
"I really doubt that son of a bitch is appreciative of anything but his own voice." Aberforth grunted in amusement. "And you're missing being buggered by the arse bandit are you?"
"He's a great man!" Fred angrily retorted, "You don't insult him! He cares about me! He'll want me to come back to him."
"He's probably already forgotten about you boy. He chews pretty boys like you up and spits them out. I've seen it before." Aberforth snorted, "You don't know shite."
"NO! He loves me. He cares about me. That's why he taught me so much. That's why he took care of me and helped me at school!" Fred cried angry tears ans he glared at Aberforth. "He was the only one who really did care! He was the only one who actually loved me for me!"
Aberforth scoffed while trying not to laugh at Fred's histrionics, "Boy calm yourself or I'll calm you for you."
Fred drew his wand, "Your brother taught me a few tricks. I can defend myself!"
Aberforth looked at Fred with a tired expression, "Really boy? You pulled a wand on me in my own pub? You think you're the first to do that?"
"I'm warning you! I'm dangerous and desperate. Now take me to Albus!" Fred warned emotionally as Aberforth sighed.
In a swift blur Aberforth had drawn his wand, disarmed Fred and launched him backwards into the main room.
Fred was trying to pick himself off of the floor when Aberforth's next spell hit him, then another. He felt his body refuse to work properly, things began to look different, and sound differently. He felt his body shifting and changing.
Aberforth huffed, "Pull a wand on me in my own pub and threaten me. Gonna act like a stupid young buck you're going to be one."
Fred tried to argue but all that came out was a loud bleating sound as he looked up at Aberforth and the others. Trying to move he discovered he could not coordinate the four legs he had.
Aberforth levitated him outside and into a small pen with several other goats. They looked at him with tired eyes as they munched their feed.
"Welcome to your new home buckie. Try and relax its not all that bad." Aberforth declared laughing as he turned and walked off.
Fred realized he was having trouble thinking clearly as he contemplated how he was going to get out of this mess.
…...
"Now you have everything under control there Harry?" Sirius asked worriedly as they stood on Platform nine and three quarters.
"I suppose so. If not I'm sure Hermione will let me know." Harry replied with an unconcerned shrug.
Sirius laughed, "Ahh already getting you trained. Well Jamie and your mom were the same way."
Harry looked bashfully at the floor for a few moments, "I guess so."
Putting his hand gently on Harry's shoulder, "Trust me. James was my brother, but Lily was his world. When you have someone that important in your life nothing else matters."
Harry nodded, "I'll write."
"You better. Remmie and I need to know how our young gentleman is doing." Sirius grinned.
"Okay." Harry hugged him briefly then turned and ran to the train as the whistle blew.
"He'll be alright Sirius." Remus smiled, "He's got his lifemate."
"Yeah. He does."
…...
"Xeno, Sirius, Remus, I really appreciate you escorting us back to our home but as you can see everything is alright." Emma said as she and her husband stood watching the three wizards examine the house for any traces of hostile magic.
"My apologies my dear, however just because one is paranoid does not mean that there is no cause to be paranoid." Xeno replied with a smile.
"And people say I'm the nutty one." Sirius quipped.
"Both arguments can be true you know." Remus pointed out as he examined the television, "Interesting. It appears that big brother is watching you."
"What? They magicked my television?" Daniel said watching as Remus waved his wand over it several times.
"Yes, the glass tube has been enchanted to work as a spyglass. Allowing a person at the other end to see into the room. Although I do not believe they have the ability to listen." Remus explained.
"Well can you remove it?" Daniel asked with a sigh, "Preferably without blowing the telly up, but if you have to."
Xeno and Sirius had come over to join the examination when Xeno made a grunting sound of appreciation, "This is a bog standard Ministry observation charm. Not being very subtle about it."
"They probably figure that as muggles they would never notice." Sirius huffed, "Okay make a note of that and we'll come back to it. Let's check this place really carefully. There might be more hidden surprises."
Daniel and Emma stood looking worried at this point as the three wizards branched out through the house looking even more closely at everything. Finally an hour later they took the muggle pair outside onto their back patio.
"Okay. We have found a health monitoring charm on your bed, a purity monitoring charm on Hermione's bed, a spy charm on the main bathroom mirror, the telly, the second bathroom mirror, and your hall mirror. So it looks like someone was really wanting to make sure they knew what was going on in this house." Xeno explained.
"Well you got rid of them didn't you?" Daniel demanded angrily.
"Oh yes. We did. Although this will tip the hand of whomever placed them so we should have someone watching you to make certain nothing happens." Sirius declared.
"Well can't you put your own charms on the house?" Emma asked.
Remus and Xeno exchanged a look with Sirius who was scowling, "These guys think that if we did that and the Ministry came looking to see what happened to their charms that you would get in trouble. You see its illegal for anyone to place wards or charms on a muggle household without Ministry approval."
"Yes and since the office responsible for that are elements outside of Amelia's control right now that means they would cause trouble for the Grangers. Merely because they are muggles." Xeno explained patiently.
"Greaat." Daniel sarcastically exclaimed,"So what does that leave us?"
"Well how do you feel about adopting an English mastiff for a pet?" Sirius cockily grinned.
"That's a rather large breed of dog and I still don't see how that would help defend us against magical spells from witches and such." Emma replied.
Sirius grinned then suddenly shifted form into a large black mastiff. With a loud "woof" he looked up at the Grangers with his tail thumping.
"Oh. Well." Daniel stood blinking, "That should be helpful around here. But how long can you keep that up?"
Shifting back Sirius grinned, "Well pretty much as long as it takes. I spent a great deal of time in that form back in Azkaban."
"Oh. I see." Emma said looking at her husband who shrugged, "Well this will help around the house but you won't be able to come to the office like that."
"Ahh. And that is where we have other things we can do." Xeno smiled his Luciferian grin, "I understand your practice is a private one?"
"Yes. We do take NHS overflow though." Daniel replied uncertainly.
"Then I shall be making an investment in your practice. As such I may place certain charms and wards to monitor the situation and contract with the Goblins to provide security to protect my monetary investment." Sirius grinned.
"And that's not breaking the law?" Daniel asked. "Because its still a muggle office."
"Ahh yes. But you see the wards we will contract, while having the side benefit of detecting if anyone tries anything hostile on the property, will be more for the benefit of protecting my investment. You know we can't trust those pesky muggles not to mess things up after all." Sirius rapidly said changing his voice sarcastically, "So the Ministry is perfectly fine with magicals who invest in muggle businesses protecting our investment. As the wards will mostly benefit me they will look the other way. Also that's why we will contract through the Goblins."
"Ahh. From what Hermione has said they are sort of like a Swiss bank mixed with the finest mercenary traditions." Daniel nodded.
Xeno laughed, "That is a bit of a gross simplification but is accurate enough for our purposes."
"Plus as Harry is my godson and we are going to be signing a betrothal agreement between your daughter and my Harry. I may take certain measures to ensure that her dowry is protected." Sirius grinned, "I think having her father give her away would be a great dowry now don't you?"
"I still say the entire idea is a barbaric holdover from the past but if that's what it takes to survive this mess then let's go meet the goblins." Daniel said.
"Shall we my dear friends?" Sirius laughed as he held his arm out to apparate Emma.
…...
Minerva smiled as Harry and Hermione walked into the great hall for the first feast back. They did not act too differently than before the break.
She had been told about their bond becoming stronger, or flaring, or whatever it did, so she was watching for anything too odd.
Aside from walking closely with each other, Harry pulled her chair out for her, passed her various foods and such without her seeming to ask for it. They did seem to be more in tune with each other she supposed as they moved. They still seemed to be individuals as Harry was talking to Ronald Weasley and Seamus about the break. Neville sitting quietly and saying a few things when appropriate. Meanwhile Miss Granger was speaking to the other girls at the table, Miss Brown and her friend Miss Patil especially.
When the meal was over they left acting like any one of the other students in the castle. Minerva frowned and wondered just how much this soul bond thing was wishful thinking of hapless adults yearning for a romantic story.
Snape approached her causing Minerva to sigh. She turned to face him, "Yes?"
"I need to speak with you about a situation." Snape slowly said as the other professors left to retire for the evening to their duties or quarters.
"Is this school business or related to personal matters?" Minerva asked. She was not entirely pleased to have kept Snape on but he was quite skilled as a potions master and while his personality was acerbic at best he at least did not cause too much trouble for her.
"It affects the safety and health of at least one student." he stated.
Minerva pursed her lips but with a nod led the man into a private office. "Very well what is it?"
Snape looked thoughtfully, "How much do you know about the circumstances that led to my employment here?"
Minerva raised her eyebrow as she sat behind her desk, "I know that Albus would vociferously vouch for you should anyone question your loyalties. The reason why I do not know."
Snape sat across from her, "I was one of the top six of my previous patron's most loyal inner circle. I would provide him with any potion he would require as his skills in that regard are rather lacking."
Minerva had known that Snape was a Death Eater but had not realized he was that highly placed. Remaining impassive she stared at him.
"Yes well. As such when I discovered certain information concerning a prophecy that Trelawny gave Albus. A prophecy I believe he meant for me to overhear and take to my patron. A prophecy I believe the Ministry has not revealed to Potter yet."
"Not that I am aware of." Minerva looked suspiciously at Snape. "You remember it?"
Sighing Snape nodded, "Yes. I do. And it is the reason all of this began."
"And you would be willing to share it with us?" Minerva asked, "What do you want in return?"
Snape opened his mouth then closed it with a frown before taking a deep breath and saying, "What I want I doubt I can find I this world. However I would like us to continue the agreement I had with your predecessor. I give you information in exchange for protection. That I receive sanctuary here."
Minerva pursed her lips as she stared at the Slytherin. She had no love lost for the man, he was annoying at the best of times, rough on the students and could certainly improve his hygiene.
"Hogwarts was built as a sanctuary in the original days of this school. I would agree that in these troubling times we should grant sanctuary for those who ask." Minerva paused before saying, "However in your case I will place conditions on that sanctuary."
Snape's eyebrows raised but he said nothing, looking at Minerva intently.
"First condition shall be that you will reveal all that you know to me about both of your masters. Secondly you will treat the students more appropriately, they are not your apprentice they are children. And lastly you shall improve your hygiene. If you agree to these conditions I will do all I can as Headmistress to ensure your request for sanctuary is upheld."
Snape took a deep breath then with with a sigh said, "This is going to take same time."
"I have the evening free." Minerva replied before Snape began to speak.
…...
Harry and Hermione were settling into their first night back from holiday. Harry was gathered with the other members of the Quidditch team in the corner. Oliver Wood already preparing for the next game against Hufflepuff and wanted to make sure everyone hadn't lost their edge over the holiday.
Hermione had settled on the couch talking to Lavender and Parvati about certain muggle clothing they had found over holiday and general trends among fashion.
It seemed like all was right with the world.
…...(Review Respones)
FreddieRindklip: Thank you. I thought it would be something sneaky that someone who just sees muggles as tools to his designs would do. And I'm for being understanding. I know it might not have been quite the normal thing kids their age talk about but remember she has a jumble of an adult female's memories rattling in her head and he's sort of kinda linked to her so they are not exactly normal. (Plus he still has the piece of Voldy in him so who knows what is bleeding through from that.)'
David McGauhy: Thank you. I'm trying.
Difdi: Oops. I'll try and work on that. And yes Hoist on his own pitard indeed.
Yrfgd: Thank you. I do like to have the adults not grab the idiot ball from time to time.
Wiltsrider: Thank you for patiently awaiting the next turn.
YAW6113: Working on it.
Tumshie: I work on this story over three different device platforms so do not always grab the same spelling and grammer checker. Plus neither myself nor my wife who double checks it after me are perfect. But at least the price of admission is worth it right?
Chuysaurus: Hope this chapter explained it.
Nmaiz: Why yes, yes he did. Just because he's on aleash doesn't mean he's not going to test it from time to time.
Thank you Katmom, Dennisud, Honeybear84, Ladykirsten, SSSra