Harry Potter and the Unlocked Runic Potential
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A/N: Thanks to my wonderful Beta, LtsHrIt4ThBoyz.
Thanks to Alix33 for her input as well. Sending you a virtual pumpkin pie this time.
Disclaimer: Harry Potter is owned by JKRowling. We are only playing in the sandbox.
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Welcome to the Fireside.
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Chapter Four - Summer's End
The time to act was now, before Hermione left. The witch had to return home after their camping trip. Fred had been making comments on how he was going to ask Hermione out. Harry had to act!
His mouth was as dry as the desert they had visited during his birthday celebration. Harry was so nervous! "Hermione, I like you. A lot. Will you…I mean…I would like you to be my girlfriend. Please."
"Yes! I would really like that." Hermione with an uncharacteristic bounce, grabbed him, giving him a warm hug. "Very much."
"We'll have to come up with things to do, besides going to the library, which is great. I mean, I look forward to taking you to Hogsmeade. I mean, if you want to go, that is! But we're both going to be busy with school." Harry was blushing like mad.
The young witch smiled, enjoying his verbal salad. "I look forward to it all, Harry."
"And we'll go shopping together. Before school. Yes!"
The two hugged, too shy to try for a kiss with all of the potential observers around.
George curled his fingers towards his brother. The bet was only two knuts but Fred hadn't wanted to lose this one. And he'd curse his brothers if anyone teased about Angelina before he was ready to decide just who to ask on a date!
~~ooOOoo~~
Back in Gringotts, Cairo, a different couple was talking.
Sirius cleared his throat, "I've come to enjoy your company very much. I feel drawn to you in a way that is beyond magic. I'll be in treatment until Yule they say, but am going to take a brief holiday to address a few things in England.
"When I get back, would you like to walk out with me? Continue to see me?"
The curse-breaker was floored but knew he was sincere. This was…unexpected. "I have grown to enjoy your company as well. Bill has a fine library and I have an open invitation there. Let me ask him if we could meet there from time to time. As an enchanter, I think you would enjoy both the research materials and the workrooms."
Sirius took him hand, "I'm not talking about just working; studying dry tomes together. I truly like you and want to see more of you socially; take you to dinner." He kissed her hand. There was just something about this witch.
Could she do this to herself after all this time? He'd changed and clearly didn't remember her. Could she get over the past? She thought she had to try.
"I'd like to spend time with you as well. Let's start small. There's a great place here in the caverns that serves a nice baklava."
Sirius grinned and raised his eyebrows and offered her his arm.
~~ooOOoo~~
Minerva read the parchment one of the house-elves had found. It was an employment contract for 'Resevus Panes'. It was not signed by the wizard and the only writing on it, so far, was the headmaster's. But she could tell what he had originally intended.
Did the elderly sassenach think they were all blin and bampot (blind and stupid)?
She reread Narcissa Black's contract. Her cast at it showed it was indeed valid. Hers was for only five years which should be more than long enough for her to finish her Mastery and for Mr Malfoy to finish school.
While the deputy was pleased to have a strong witch ally onboard she did hope young Draconius minded his manners.
Sighing, she made a copy to send to Bern and kept the original to share with the Board.
Envisioning a blond-wig-wearing tanned Severus showing up to teach made her shudder. No, he was not stepping inside the castle unless it was in regards to a future child.
And as devoted as he really had been and still was to Lily Evans Potter, she knew that was most unlikely.
Minerva did write Severus a letter. Unlike most of her colleagues, who had not needed the deeper cleanse she had been provided with, she knew just how dangerous Albus "the Benign" could be.
~~ooOOoo~~
Severus gagged when reading that Albus wanted to share a cottage with him. With lacy curtains no less. (Shudder!) He wrote a scathing letter to Rita, a denial to run in the personal ads, and wrote a howler to Albus to keep him out of future fantasies in public.
He had loved one woman; Lily. She was his one and only. Always.
He wrote Minerva back, thanking her for her concern. No, he had no intentions of attempting to get back into the school. And yes, he was doing very well this summer.
He did warn her about Potter and how if Dumbledore tried to drop him off there at his home next summer, Severus would make sure the boy was kept safe before being reunited with his legal guardians.
His quiet deal with exchanging a certain amount of legal brewing for free to the DMLE in exchange for leniency with his past illegal brewing under Albus' pressure was not mentioned in the least.
~~ooOOoo~~
The stage was set and Fudge knew exactly what he was thinking with the announcement of the escape of the "terrifying" Death Eater. Or rather, his friend's thinking.
The story of Sirius Black's legal release had yet to publicly surface. Not in weeks. All potential leaks had been plugged.
He and Dumbledore rarely agreed with much but in this, they were united.
Only the half-giant's obliviation hadn't stuck but the oaf was a known drinker who shared wild stories while under the influence. His reputation was easily destroyed with the help from a little friend. Too bad Dumbledore would have to actually pay for Kettleburn's replacement this year.
Being a professor would gather Rubeus Hagrid too much in the way of credibility. No. He had to stay the humble gamekeeper.
For the greater good. The greater good of his vault!
~~ooOOoo~~
His time during this holiday was wisely spent by the Boy-Who-Lived and he'd not only made more than a few galleons this summer for his hard work, he'd made a few new friends as well.
At the beginning of summer, he'd bought the first year rune book, but was a bit disappointed to see that he'd learned in three weeks what it covered in a year, so he moved on to the second year book. The classes for Runes only met once a week after all, and learning the history of runes and the alphabet was about it. A carving kit wasn't even required until year three of the class when he'd be a fifth year. Sigh.
They would just have to wait a couple of years before being allowed to use his nice carving tools at Hogwarts in class.
The kit he had wasn't even available to students; it was the same as Bill's and was the type sold to professional warders. Harry's guardian was serious about the right tools and knew Harry had a talent for this work. And the goblins didn't raise one peep about charging the cost to his vault.
Hermione's early birthday present was a set just like his but her parents had no clue that he could have bought them a nice 'horseless carriage' for less.
One of the books he'd bought at the beginning of summer had been for the previous years' Muggle Studies and had made for very interesting exchanges with Arthur. Harry was glad he wasn't stuck taking that useless class and might be disappointed in Runes for a time but at least, unlike the Muggle Studies, was worthwhile.
Oh well.
He'd likely be able to set up an out-of-the-way workshop for carving and developing his own projects. Hmm. Did Hogwarts have a ballroom to convert? It worked for Bill!
His godfather and his father had done many independent projects when they were students. He wondered where they set up. He'd have to ask.
Not that Harry was even going to think about Padfoot right now.
They'd be able to openly get together soon, he was sure. He rubbed the center of his chest; he was going to miss both Sirius and his new guardian so very much. Even if it had been hard at times keeping secrets about his godfather from Bill and keeping secrets from Padfoot about his new guardian.
~~ooOOoo~~
Albus refused to pay Remus. The man hadn't done what was asked, so no gold. This made the man upset as he had used money he'd saved up for this wild nargle chase. What was he going to wear for new robes for teaching?
Wishing Peter was still alive to help him improve his clothes, Remus packed. At least he was going to be well fed. And that was when the owl arrived.
A friend wanted to meet him inside Gringotts.
~~ooOOoo~~
With all of the profits coming into Gringotts from the basilisk, Bill was granted a full two days off for holiday, paid for by Spurnik, to allow Harry to get new robes and such.
Harry insisted on using his own funds for this so Bill asked him about his key. "Umm. I think your mum still has it. I haven't thought about it all summer."
Why would his mother have Harry's key? He took Harry to Gringotts, London then floo'd his mother, requesting she bring said key there.
She tried to object, saying she had to keep the key. Her objections were overcome when she learned that both Bill and Harry were there. In London. Oh, that was different!
The cleanse she went through was very, very helpful. And fortunately for her breathing rights, she hadn't been tempted in the least to remove anything more than what was used for Harry.
Despite the push to get a few "'extras' for her children" from the old meddler.
Molly was then informed that Bill was Harry's legal guardian. "Oh Harry! Now you really are a part of the family!"
Harry nervously asked, "Can you please not tell the headmaster right away? I mean, he's going to find out, but Professor Snape wrote to me saying Dumbledore had asked him to watch over me next summer."
Bill and Molly shared a look.
"I don't care if we all have to move to Egypt and a new school. You aren't going anywhere but with Bill or us. Unless of course you are unhappy with that arrangement." Molly declared, with a foot stomp to prove she was serious.
Harry didn't mention he'd want permission to visit Sirius as well. And wouldn't say anything until Padfoot was cleared.
"I'm very happy. Thank you, Mrs Weasley."
"Molly dear. I'm not quite ready to be a grandmother to a boy Ronny's age, but you're family now. We felt that from the very beginning meeting you."
Harry laughed. If Bill had adopted him she really would be his gran! Somehow the thought tickled him all the rest of the day.
~~ooOOoo~~
Hermione and Harry, along with the other Weasleys, had a wonderful time shopping together under Bill's watchful eye. Harry bought her some casual witch's wear in addition to their new school robes and Hermione insisted that he get more than sturdy trousers for himself.
Ron interjected and declared he was buying his best mate some new clothes.
All three got not just new dress shoes but sturdy dragonhide boots that were oh so comfortable. Harry insisted on some steel-toed, heavily reinforced safety boots for Bill that had the same comfort charms.
He was still a bit embarrassed from the summer attempt to 'help'.
Bill never once complained about the ones he now wore. He'd sent Dobby during the summer but those boots were already looking a bit sad. The wizard just thanked Harry solemnly, pronouncing these perfect for a dig. Harry promptly purchased a second pair since the other had worn out so quickly. Bill hid his laugh knowing these were much, much better and not nearly so ornate. And would last more than a few weeks.
Hermione and Ron picked out their new books while Harry got extra research materials. All of them were surprised at the extra potions books in addition to the third year books that were now required. Hermione stated she'd seen Daphne Greengrass with similar books before. Why had they been listed in previous years?
Miss Granger was unamused.
Since Harry wasn't taking Muggle Studies, he didn't exchange his book for the new one. He'd have to show Hermione his and see what was different.
The good nutrition, hard work, healing, and good company had seen Harry hit a growth spurt. And for some reason, all of the Dursley rags were missing. No loss there!
Hogwarts was going to be safer this year. So different from previous years, Harry just knew it.
~~ooOOoo~~
'Why? Why couldn't Hogwarts be safer this year for his ward AND his siblings? What was Fudge thinking in sending dementors after only one fugitive?' As Bill rested from his work, he couldn't help but cogitate on the situation here.
Bill sent Harry to go fly and play with his siblings. While brooms were not illegal on dig sites and some did use them, flying carpets that were illegal in Britain were the transportation of choice there. He had been trying to be polite about it all. But Harry was happy to fly again.
The eldest Weasley son had helped his father set up the new and improved wards on the Burrow. His mother was still getting over her upset in realizations after her cleanse.
She'd been set up for the last two years: How did she just forget that they could floo to King's Cross? Bill really wanted to know as well. Looking at the logs, the floo had been mysteriously shut down the last two years; over the last day of August through the first. And neither parent remembered anything about it.
There was even the headmaster's magic lingering on the floo itself. Well, that was quickly taken care of!
Now, if Dumbledore tried to cross the wards, he'd get a shock and a free trip - straight to Scotland. He was no longer welcome at the Burrow. Bill loved his job and the things he learned. For a small fee, he could apply those tricks to help his family.
Now, taking a break, the busy curse-breaker was furious, reading the previously ignored newspaper. School started the next day. There was no time to organize a different school for his ward even if Harry's school contract had been broken! Besides, his parents would never send the rest anywhere but Hogwarts. In addition, Harry's other friends besides the Weasleys were going there!
"Dementors to chase a rogue Death Eater? What are they using for brains in the Ministry? Those pickled things from the tank in the DoM?" The curse-breaker demanded. "Dad? Can't you get those demons withdrawn?"
"I tried, Bill, I really tried." Arthur shared, while the younger ones flew. "I'm very sure this has something to do with Lucius Malfoy, yet again, though I can't prove it."
They would be heading back to the Leaky Cauldron for lunch and planned to stay there for the night since it was easy to floo from there in the morning. Someone wouldn't dare shut down the Leakey's floo!
Fawkes could've been asked to transport everyone, but she had disappeared partway through the summer. Bill asked, but Harry shook his head sadly. He wasn't sharing why she left as it was her business.
Hedwig had spent the summer with Hagrid, making sure to put a dent in the rodent population. Harry hoped she wasn't too mad with him being gone all summer.
Bill was furious but had an idea just in case dementors decided to look for Sirius Black in Diagon Alley or Hogsmeade. He got Harry's attention, waving him down, and sent patronus messages to three pubs. Letting his mother know what was up, he took Harry now to the Leaky Cauldron. The family would follow along when ready but approved of Bill's plan to teach this important charm.
Someone had to do something. Being the eldest and former head boy, he felt the call to duty. Why not him, or rather, them?
~~ooOOoo~~
Remus was growling. He didn't mean to say he agreed to go to Cairo! They were two hours ahead of London. He was then brought into the healing hall.
"I'm supposed to be resting so I can ride the train with the students tomorrow." Lupin murmured.
"You'll be compensated, sir. Wait here. Oh, here's a modified potion for your condition. It's being provided to you by your friend."
A different goblin, clearly a healer, came in and sniffed at him. "Drink! You think we healers poison people? Never! Now. I have something I need to swear, so listen. I don't get enough gold for this to allow you to be inattentive!"
Remus drank the surprisingly nice-tasting concoction and immediately felt calmer.
"I solemnly swear that while I am being good, your friends are not dead, and one has missed you terribly when illegally held in prison without a trial. He wants to meet with you to give an oath that he never murdered any of your other friends."
"Peter? I knew he couldn't…"
"Sirius Black has been here since he was released from illegal incarceration. Not that anyone would listen to a goblin, healer or not. But I have seen the memories he provided. He wants to meet with you, but first, wants you to view these memories. There is time if you allow use of a time-turner. Afterwards, he wants to give his oath, and explain. Will you allow this?"
Remus nodded and a different goblin arrived, went down the passageway, turned back a couple of hours, then escorted him to a room with a pensieve. It had more than Sirius being released. It showed the condition Harry had been in, the first time he entered the bank and how he looked when arriving at the Burrow after being rescued from the Dursleys.
It was a very good thing the pensieve didn't have smell or Moony would be headed to Australia to serve shredded Dursley for lunch.
The next set of memories had Moony growling but Remus brushing tears. Sirius hadn't killed Peter which meant Wormtail was alive!
Brightblade came into the room carrying a long, thin box, "Will you meet with him? If so, you will have to leave your wand."
"The day of a full moon? I'm still dangerous."
"As am I, werewolf." Brightblade's sharp teeth were suddenly bared, cowing Moony a bit: This was a potential ally or dangerous enemy.
He had to see Padfoot so put his precious focus in the box she extended.
~~ooOOoo~~
Meeting with Sirius was both wonderful and sad. Finding out that Wormtail was alive and had betrayed James was a strong blow. Both felt Peter had been coerced as he was the gentlest of them.
Sirius gave him an advance for robes since Dumbledore had cheated him but Moony had protected Harry this past summer. However, he had no time to buy them since they talked until sunset when they were brought to a chamber to be allowed to run.
"You'll wake on the Hogwarts Express, Mr Lupin." Brightblade promised. She turned to Black, "Don't forget you have an appointment tomorrow in London as well."
Smirking, the healer locked the men in an artificial forest grove where Remus had the best transformation of his life.
~~ooOOoo~~
When Bill arrived with Harry in tow, the entire pub stopped what they were doing and stared, as usual. The rest of the Wealseys, surprisingly quickly for them, had managed to get ready and snuck in during the hubble-bubble.
"Ack, grow up! The lad's been seen the last two years!" Auror Proudfoot shouted. The aurors had a bit more time to 'accept' Harry as a person - the public didn't go through the lobby everyday. They were still grappling with the concept of their boy-hero saving them all yet again.
This auror was here because he was sure he was close to having his own form.
Word had gotten out; it was past breakfast and not yet time for lunch. They were all eager to learn and cheered when Bill announced it was time for Patronus Charm lessons.
Tom Abbott, proprietor of the Leaky, was thrilled with the idea and had his own wand ready.
"Alright folks. Everyone is upset about those foul demons being allowed free among us. And you are right, they shouldn't be allowed out of Azkaban. So the first step to the spell is thinking of something that fills you with happiness. A mere 'happy' memory or a hope or a dream of the future just won't do. Try thinking of the love for a beloved parent or the first time you held your child in your arms, or the first kiss with the one! Then next, you…"
Many were able to produce at least a bit of white mist by the end of the lesson. Molly had finally gotten her patronus to work fully after seeing all of the others - a little duck billed being. She had no idea what a platypus was! And why was it wearing a small version of Bill's hat?
Aurors had come in and given permission for anyone underage to use magic during this time. All clapped for Bill in appreciation.
One of the patrons borrowed an empty bowl from Tom and cleaned it. "I needed this and am paying for it. Here, if anyone else wants ta." He placed a couple of galleons in the bowl. Many others did the same as they went their way, muttering thanks and wondering why the Ministry hadn't offered such lessons.
Bill didn't need the money but said nothing. Instead, he put it in a separate pouch to save to look at as a happy memory of today.
He was due at Hogwarts and looked at his ward. The boy was clearly debating going. They had discussed just confronting the headmaster now, but Harry wanted to take the Slytherin approach. As hurt as he had been in the past, Bill couldn't blame him.
Hurrying, he said farewell to Harry and the rest of his family, just sitting down to lunch. He'd return before too long.
Harry hoped that the meeting went well. Molly waved him over to sit next to her for a moment. She had ordered a surprise sweet to be served all around for afters and Harry was more than grateful for the distraction.
~~ooOOoo~~
Minerva had Augusta Longbottom, Narcissa Black, and Pomona Sprout in her office when Bill came in. He was introduced all around.
Narcissa shared, "Thank you for coming. Albus is acting even more strangely than usual. The reason why I say this is that he hired me, thinking I was a Death Eater that 'just needed a second chance'. As if!
"I just wanted to reassure you that I look forward to meeting Mr Potter. I have had many discussions with Draco and plan to try and ameliorate the relationship Heir Potter has with my son."
Her manner was clear that it was Draco's fault. Perhaps having his mother nearby would help improve Malfoy's attitude.
Bill bowed. "While I am unsure of the particulars, we are family, ma'am. I will let Harry know."
Good, this was not a replacement for the sneering, cold, or cruel comments Harry had had to endure the last two years during and outside potions instruction.
"What you don't know is that Sirius Black was never a Death Eater. I begged Lucius again and again to get him a trial after he had been incarcerated for a time. I wrote to Dumbledore, wrote to others. No one remembers my letters. Everyone has forgotten him." Narcissa concluded. "Now that he somehow escaped, he is under an order to be Kissed. It isn't right!"
Bill stood and paced the office. Some of this he knew, but the goblins hadn't shared too much, "Black was sent to prison without a trial? And Dumbledore just so happens to remove Harry Potter from all his magical family. As if his Black blood meant nothing?"
Keeping him away from this witch meant keeping him safe from Lucius Malfoy so perhaps that had been better but there was Bill's own family as an option!
"Thank you for letting me know. Was there anything else?"
"Albus tried to claim he was Mr Potter's guardian still and tried to deny him his requested electives." Minerva straightened her already perfect bun, clearly upset with the headmaster. "If he dares try to interfere again, I will floo the aurors to have him arrested. Child endangerment if nothing else."
Bill knew the guardianship in the muggle world was solid. What dear Albus didn't know was that if someone was the legal guardian and they were magical, they automatically became the magical guardian.
But Dharma Briokz knew.
Was he grateful that this was going to come to light while he was in the Valley of the Kings? Perhaps, but if the headmaster wanted to do this the old-fashioned and highly illegal way, with a fight, Bill could likely get Minerva to transfigure a small monument to the old dictator should he decide to attack Bill physically.
Andromeda Tonks was named as legal guardian in case of Bill's untimely demise. A solid Will witnessed and filed with the Ministry of Magic, Egypt.
Going the legal route, Dumbledore would have to somehow undo everything that had been put into place then take on the actual responsibilities rather than just signing up for the title. Again. He seemed to have a habit of that.
Madam Longbottom looked at Bill intently "I hear that Heir Potter has stayed at Hogwarts the last two Yule holidays. I wanted to invite you and him to Cherry Hill this coming year. You can both stay for a day or the entire time as you wish." She gave him a permission form. "If you cannot attend, Mr Potter is still welcome. I would prefer to have your signature if Harry is alone. I realize that you likely don't know where you'll be at that time."
"Thank you. I'm sure that Harry would enjoy staying in a manor house for at least part of the holiday. I understand the boys are friends if not as close as I had hoped. Perhaps this can foster that change. I cannot promise to be available at Yule as goblins do not celebrate that holiday but I know Harry will appreciate the invitation." Bill accepted the parchment right then, read and signed it with the range of Yule for now, with the exact dates to be decided later.
"Albus is quite upset. The Board of Governors asked him a lot of questions about the previous two years. Questions he completely evaded, making them upset enough to nearly terminate him." Augusta shared.
Narcissa's mask slipped for a moment. Ah, she'd enjoyed that action very much.
"I don't believe he read the fine points of his contract that he signed in order to remain employed as headmaster. Oh dear, look. Here is a copy of that contract here. William, you should return that. Someday. How about a hundred years from now?" Minerva asked.
She pointed to a relevant passage before handing it over for his perusal.
Bill smiled and shook hands all around. "I love that Albus will be fined a hundred galleons if he summons me when it is not an emergency. And my team at Gringotts is expecting a rough year this year due to me being a new parent. We had a wonderful summer together and the whole team likes the boy. But don't hesitate to contact me. I might have a way home that is unexpected and Harry's cache of goodwill is more than just the translating he did or the twenty percent the goblins got from the basilisk."
Narcissa's eyes narrowed and she offered to escort the handsome curse-breaker to the main floor floo.
"There's another of those things like the diary." Miss Black shared cautiously.
"I really couldn't say one way or the other." Bill replied, equally evasive. He'd used the device to track one to the seventh floor then couldn't find it. If there was a second one here, it was warded against scanning.
"What if I told you I suspected where one was kept? Would you be interested?" The woman seemingly peddled.
Angrily, Weasly pulled away, practically growling, "It depends on what you want in exchange, Madam."
"I want to learn how to cast the patronus. Dementors terrify me. I have night terrors about them."
"That's it? I thought you meant you wanted to sell it. My apologies for being angry."
"I'm sorry if I offended. Truly. I have gold enough, I have sufficient. I just want to make sure that the Dark Lord can never return. He's not fully dead as you know and I can deliver one of those objects today if you promise me you'll destroy it."
"I swear on my magic I will destroy any horcrux of Tom Riddle's or anyone else. They are an abomination." Bill testified, wand glowing.
She handed over a small bag. "Be careful with that. Please."
Bill nodded, "Be at the Three Broomsticks at 7:00 PM. Harry and I are teaching the patronus charm. This way, propriety is satisfied."
The bag itself was a wonder and in combination with the box prevented anyone from finding this.
Why, this cup could've been brought into Gringotts without sounding the alarm!
~~ooOOoo~~
Bill rushed to Gringotts but not before sending a message to Spurnik to expect him. They knew from arithmancy how many of Tom's bits had been made. (Harry had told them who he really was.)
He knew Marissa had helped but didn't know it was Sirius Black, Master Enchanter, who was mainly responsible for creating the locator for the rest. She, like him, was under oath.
Plans were already in place to deal with one in the old Black Manor in London once everyone was on the train to school.
Bill didn't have to stay long after watching the goblins destroy the imbued horcrux, leaving the treasure intact. He was able to return to his family to socialize and relax for the afternoon.
~~ooOOoo~~
Harry took Bill aside. The older wizard could tell Harry wanted to talk. "How did it go? Should I have gone? I didn't want to face the headmaster yet.
"Dumbledore is a big problem for me. He's really the reason Marissa lost her tent. He'd somehow had gotten a hold of many things from Potter manor when it was destroyed. No doubt 'storing it for friends' or something. You know?
"Bill, can't I just stay with you? I could study most of the classes on my own. We've had to learn History, Potions, just about everything on our own except Charms and Transfiguration. Sprout kinda helps, but I'm not really into Herbology.
"Can't I just homeschool?"
There were stories running around about families who'd joined the dig sites who had children; husband and wife teams. Sometimes it was just one parent who worked, sometimes both.
"I'm sworn to secrecy right now but I can say this much. If Dumbledore puts one toe out of line, you'll be back with me so fast. Once you sign up for Hogwarts, it's a magical contract. But like other contracts, there are rules. And if the headmaster doesn't follow them, the contract is broken."
"So I have to go until he makes a mistake?" Harry made a face.
Bill wasn't going to reveal all he learned, "Let's just say I think you are in for a much better year than you've ever had before."
What he didn't say was that if he could prove Dumbledore had anything to do with the dementor swarm coming, not just Harry, but all of his siblings would never step one foot towards the castle school while he was king there.
~~ooOOoo~~
Hermione and her parents had been invited to dinner. They had a great time and not one person inside the Leaky sneered at the 'muggle parents'. Of course, that could have something to do with Harry Potter holding said witch's hand.
Soon, it was time to head to the Three Broomsticks. The Grangers were happy to let her attend patronus lessons when Arthur promised to see her home. They were all happy with that.
And so it came to pass that Alastor Moody and any auror capable of casting a Patronus were invited to teach in Hogsmeade the night before school started.
~~ooOOoo~~
With the amount of auror help, after giving the instructions for casting the patronus, the crowd at the Three Broomsticks broke out into little groups. Harry had a larger class of older matrons eager for the chance to be taught by the Boy-Who-Lived. Bill saw what was going on and instead of objecting, allowed them to have a bit of private instruction, then rotated groups.
Hermione was a member of a group of teenage witches, some of whom homeschooled. They seemed more interested in asking her personal questions than casting but the auror teaching them got them to focus with this warning; "This spell may be the only thing preventing you from a very boorish date. No one wants that Kiss." Auror Vance advised.
They all paid attention.
Moody had seen all and been impressed by the auror; one of the three recruited to protect Hogwarts. Her swan was magnificent. He checked in with each group before calling a break.
Chocolate was bought from Honeydukes by the caseload and Madam Rosemerta was doing a brisk business in chocolate desserts and hot chocolate tonight.
Unseen, Dobby stopped a man who tried to grab Harry in the lull and drag him towards a floo. The death eater was given to Alastor Moody, who turned him into a ferret, stunned him, and put him in his pocket just as his partner showed up.
Mad-eye responded to the non-verbal question, "What? You shouldn't shrink people. It's not safe. He's not hurt, he's not dying…"
"Though he might want to before you're done…" Shacklebolt commented.
Alastor called an end to the break and the two went back to their groups.
Hermoine was getting tired. She didn't have her form yet, but was determined to keep trying. She felt her happy thought wasn't the right one yet. Harry saw her struggles and stepped beside her, intertwining his arms with hers. She had learned the spell and wand movements at the end of July but hadn't been able to practice except mentally.
Now, when he whispered in her ear, "I look forward to being here with you, drinking butterbeers and sharing stories of today." He gently kissed her cheek.
Hermione's mist was suddenly nearly solid; a lioness to match his lion and all of the witches around her clapped in wonder and a bit of envy. That's not the way he taught them.
Just before 9 pm, the planned ending time, Alastor got everyone's attention and counted down so everyone cast at once.
There was an absolute flurry of magical and normal creatures flying through the air. Kingsley's giraffe seemed to like Harry's and Bill's lions, but there were dolphins and other oceanic animals as well. The crowd burst into spontaneous cheering, strengthening the current patroni and some, who had cast only mist now had an animal joining the menagerie.
Harry's name was called, as were the aurors. Blushing, the teen waved and all of the instructors took a bow.
Arthur, one of the DMLE helping there, waved Hermione over. He was to see her safely home and they left with a swirl of color. Harry pouted as he hadn't had a chance to wish his girlfriend good night but consoled himself knowing she'd be there at the train in the morning.
Harry and Bill followed Alastor over to the Hogshead to repeat the lesson, each consuming a huge bar of chocolate on the way. Mad-eye got a chuckle from Harry's excitement of living at a dig during the summer and accepted Harry's sincere thanks for saving the Potter family library.
Not a few people from the Three Broomsticks went with them. Commander Montgomery was called in and they invited any Black Watch members who wanted to learn. Or teach.
Alastor and Shacklebolt quaffed specialty pepper-ups and offered to share with the other instructors except Harry since it was 90 proof.
At the end of the night, most of the citizens of Hogsmeade who attended, could at least produce a mist. If the Ministry was going to be stupid enough to send dementors to Hogwarts on the morrow, at least there were going to be some adults able to help themselves not if but when a disaster happened.
As the evening ended, Bill asked for a quiet word with his former mentor.
~~ooOOoo~~
"Mad-eye? You know something very unusual is going on. I, for one, will be safe in Egypt. I would like to ask you to vote the Potter seat in the Wizengamot for us. Try and get these demons recalled. Please."
"Aye. I've no love for it, but will do it. But yer forgotten the Potter seat on the Board. Supposed to have a son to be sitting on it. Well, child."
"And just who is currently being the puppet for our dear headmaster?" Bill asked, double checking his privacy charm beforehand.
"Old Order member was doing it. Elphias Doge."
"How do these people get around when their lips are sealed to…well. I hope you'll be proxy for both?"
Alastor laughed, "I now owe Minerva a pint of my dirigible plum brandy. She had me come since the beginning of summer. Didn't bother to oust Doge, just didn't invite him."
"But she invited you? No wonder Trelawny annoys her - she's a much better Seer and doesn't get the credit!" Bill jested, bringing down the charm.
Harry was asleep in a very dusty corner and Dobby was snapping at people who got too close.
Where they went after those snaps, he really didn't want to know but it was time for them both to be abed.
~~ooOOoo~~
Albus mentally went over the current students with Black blood. He ignored or forgot about the Weasleys and Neville Longbottom and decided there were really only two students who would be targeted by the dementors sent to find Sirius Black; Draco Malfoy and Harry Potter.
Harry had Black blood from his grandmother Dorea Black Potter.
William Weasley! Former Head-boy, Curse-Breaker, and now the legal guardian of Harry Potter! And Minerva hadn't even bothered to tell him until the last moment!
Far too late to do anything about it as this news had been shared with the Board of Governors. As if Albus would do anything directly to hurt a student!
Molly had said Harry went to Egypt with Bill with Petunia's permission! How did this transfer become permanent! He wasn't notified of anything.
The 'new rules' regarding his behavior with Harry were just impossible! No meetings in his office without his legal guardian. This meant going through Gringotts. And if it was for anything less than a qualified emergency, then he would have to pay a fine! Him!
Albus had gone to the bank directly, trying to get Harry back. Spurnik had shared he had important news. If Dumbledore wanted to know, he would have to make a vow to keep it secret. That was no burden as Albus didn't like sharing secrets and was even more eager than Harry to learn them.
Then he found out that Tom had made horcruxes! He thought he might have after seeing the diary and feeling the remaining magic but the boy had been swept away before he could verify anything!
And Harry supposedly no longer had a bit of dark lord in his brow. Albus knew this was a lie as he didn't know a way of doing that without killing him so it couldn't be true.
Talking about the horcruxes made Albus forget to ask about the boy! At least he was going to be returning to Hogwarts. That much was confirmed.
Cornelius was being pressured to withdraw the dementors but until Black was dead, Albus intended to keep up the pressure on the 'Keep Hogwarts Safe' campaign.
He was not recognizing the danger, just like the previous year when he knew there was a basilisk in the pipes. The castle had told him. But until he found the entrance to the Chamber of Secrets, he wasn't giving in.
And he would not give in now either. Nor would he give up on getting the boy back. Stupid goblins distracting him!
Dumbledore was delusional that it would be easy to discredit Bill and get Harry back under his control. Just because he had him there for ten months out of the year didn't mean Harry would ever be his little puppet.
If things weren't changed, students could die and at least he was aware of that. But a few students' deaths in the grand scheme of things meant nothing to him.
Absolutely nothing at all.
~~ooOOoo~~
Severus couldn't believe how happy he was. He found out he was sacked with the delivery of the morning paper in the middle of summer. At first, he thought it was a prank.
And then he went to see the basilisk skeleton on display in the main arboretum of the Ministry.
Salazar's beast had killed Myrtle Warren back in 1943 and then attacked again this past year.
Everyone was upset that the students had had medical attention withheld, some for months.
That no one died was counted as a miracle and attributed to Harry Potter.
No one knew why Severus didn't teach the way that his mother, his grandmother, his Irish mentor or even Professor Slughorn had taught him.
He didn't know himself how deeply he was in Dumbledore's pocket.
But for this day, this September 1st, it was the first time he had true joy going to work, stepping into his own potions lab.
The house was warded against wizards, witches, phoenixes and even nundu (the runes were inclusive of those creatures and Severus wasn't familiar enough with wards to try and change them now).
Albus had tried and failed to get in. Severus' wards held as they included potions, just like the war wards around Black properties. Next, the old man tried writing - his letter was full of prose of how he was going to fight for what was right.
Oh, and if wanted to truly fulfill his promise to Lily, he'd host Harry next summer. He needed to remember to give the boy lots of chores, not too much food, and if he was disciplined severely, who was Albus to complain?
Honestly? Petunia had moved house, so the headmaster wanted to continue the child abuse that Severus had noted and reported? He had no desire to watch over the lad but would to keep him safe if absolutely needed. He'd write to the Potter boy directly.
He was never going to bully any child again now that he was away from the dungeon. Something there had turned him into a monster!
He needed to remember to report that to Minerva. They had always gotten along somehow.
Severus responded to the headmaster with a map that had a picture of heaven, with a stick figure marked Severus, 'I am here'. Next was a stick figure labeled 'Albus' with an arrow pointing to the flames at the bottom of the picture. 'Your path is further down.'
The headmaster tried once more, this time imploring him desperately, 'Severus, please! You have rejected my order of specialty potions. I don't feel that the end of the employment contract abrogates your duties to me personally. If it's an issue with gold for ingredients, then let us negotiate. I need your help! There are going to be aurors and oversight auditors coming from time to time from the ICW.
'Need I list all of the favors you owe me, my dear boy? If you don't respond to this letter, then you may find yourself under investigation. My friend Alastor Moody lives in Hogsmeade, you know.'
Severus rolled his eyes. He used the threat of sending an auror for not brewing illegal potions to obliviate, control, and subdue both staff and students.
Not Potter though. Of course, the boy was immune to the liquid form of the imperius. His mother had been as well.
Snape made a copy of the letter and sent it to Alastor Moody, 'I don't want to teach, I'm not good at teaching. Albus imprisoned me for ten years. Please? What do I need to do to get him to leave me alone?'
Amelia had questioned this man during the summer, and Fudge had obliviated her of the visit. It could have been any of the three Bad Boys. Moody was quite done with Crouch, Dumbledore and Fudge and wanted to categorically if not alphabetically (Albus, Barty, and Cornelius) put them all where they belonged. In permanent time-out.
Master Auror Moody invited Severus to meet at a place of his choosing. They met in Gringotts and Mad-eye wrote out a harassment complaint against Albus Dumbledore right then.
It joined a stack of others but it was another black mark against Albus. Alastor was not shy about sharing the report with 'his' people either.
No one else but Amelia had bothered to ask Snape his side. He hadn't wanted to teach and was blackmailed into it then not allowed to do a good job of it. More than one person felt ashamed that everything was blamed on the victim and Dumbledore got away with it.
Again.
~~ooOOoo~~
Wednesday, September 1st
Remus was indeed placed on the train in the morning with a potion next to him that would help so much once he woke. There was a fading notice-me-not on the door.
He stirred a bit and the helpful elf pulled the blanket over him a bit more before popping back to the bank.
~~ooOOoo~~
Harry was snuffling back tears. Bill had given him a manly hug before leaving the compartment he had found for his ward and younger sibs. The lad ran to catch up and put a letter in his hand.
"I have trouble saying stuff so I wrote it down. Thank you for everything." The lad hugged him firmly, warmly but briefly. And just that fast, Harry ran back to his girlfriend.
Hermione was there early as were he, Percy and Bill. The rest of the Weasleys would hopefully be there before the train left but Harry wanted to get the morning food organized before Ron got there.
Bill had taught him a great spell that made it look like there was less food than there really was. An illusion. Ron would never take all of something so this way they had plenty for all of them.
Neville was invited in as he walked by and happily accepted a small plate of the buffet that was laid out. "So, I don't have to ask. I know you had a good summer. How is it going with your new guardian?"
Hermione snagged some yogurt and fruit and sat to listen.
Harry shared, "It's weird. I was worried he'd be, I don't know, setting bedtimes or reading me stories. The Dursleys never did, not to me at least.
"Instead, he was really cool. He gave me the same list of rules that all specialists were given: No going out of the compound after dark, no pranks, no stealing other people's things. Basic, common sense stuff.
"A lot of his time was spent in the library, researching. I know Hermione enjoyed that part very much even though all of it was Greek to us. Well, Egyptian. He taught me so much about runes.
"I had a procedure to take care of my scar and ever since getting rid of the…junk in there, I can think clearly. Runes is just another alphabet! Well, other sets of alphabets. Bill thinks I've learned at least the first year of it, if not more! Hermione did too."
Hermione gave Harry a hug but didn't interrupt her exuberant boyfriend. Neville nodded and marveled in the change in this boy he'd roomed with for two years.
His glasses were new and not so thick, perhaps his eyes were better but Neville was too shy to ask about it right then.
Harry had never shared so much nor been so happy. "Dobby and I were accepted by the third day. This is an example of Dobby's expertise. I like to cook and would help from time to time. We really worked well together, by the way. But most of my time there was in the library working. And learning."
"I can't believe that people keep slaves in this society. It should be illegal." Hermione opined.
Neville winced but knew that some elves were badly treated or worse killed. Uncomfortable with the topic, he left the cabin to find his girlfriend and check on her. His parents had signed an open betrothal agreement so Neville wanted to do this right and start courting her this year. They had until they were twenty to decide to marry or not.
The pair of friends, still in the carriage, continued talking.
Harry concurred, "I agree slavery is wrong. And you should have seen Dobby at the start of the summer! Bruised, cursed. He never complained, but I think he used to be a target for both Lucius and Draco."
"Where is he?" Hermione looked around.
"With Bill. I found out there's Potter elves at Hogwarts. I haven't tried to call them yet and won't unless Dumbledore is ever ousted from the school. I don't want them to leave the castle and right now, I don't feel bonded to them. I hope they are well-treated at least."
An image of Dumbedore hitting 'his' elves to take out frustrations haunted Harry. He'd at least ask some of the castle elves to make sure they were not abused there or he might have to act.
Neville returned quickly, blushing, but said nothing about walking in on a group of witches talking about their beaux. He hadn't wanted to stay.
Hermione got up to get juice and offered some to her boyfriend. Harry accepted a chilled water (breakfast had been huge and he was still quite full) while Neville browsed the selection and snagged a chocolate muffin this time along with some juice. Hermione, on the other hand, had been rushed out of the house as her parents had to work on a Wednesday and they hadn't taken time to eat breakfast.
Harry got up and put a chocolate croissant and a banana half on her plate with another cup of yogurt. He cut a croissant in half to nibble while she ate.
"Please! Dobby made this for you, for us. I even made the muffins last week but don't worry: They've been in stasis. I need to learn how to make croissants next."
Waiting to swallow, Neville held up the bitten muffin, "You made this? It's amazing. Very nice Potter. If you were a witch, I'd have to propose."
Hermione chuckled. She'd never seen Neville truly relax before. This was very nice.
The train's departure whistle was sounding as Ron stumbled into the compartment, breathing heavily. "Hey Neville! Nice to see you! Oooooh. Food."
Ron practically threw his trunk onto the rack in his haste to get in and grab a plate.
Hermione rolled her eyes at the lad's predictable reaction, "Nice to see you too, Ronald."
The compartment was busy as the other Weasley siblings all popped in to say hello and grab treats or a plate now and then. Even Percy was effusive in his praise for Harry's thoughtfulness and culinary talents. And the food held out long enough for everyone to get something. Nice!
It was a happy trip until the train suddenly lurched to a stop.
~~ooOOoo~~
A/N: Story recommended by Millie072 To whom I apologize. I have tried recently writing a Harry/Tonks as recommended by someone else. I have tried other pairings. I can't do H/G pairing. Hermione was there for Harry, all along.
She recommends:
"Stranger Things Have Happened" by Fairywm
https/s/14219183/1/Stranger-Things-Have-Happened
For AO3: I have got to recommend Labgasod's Lockhart's /works/45811159/chapters/115287751
A/N: Your story recommendation here -
~~ooOOoo~~
ƺ parseltongue
galleons
sickles
ķ knuts
Ɠ Goblin language
Copyright: The original books are all owned by JK Rowling and her associates. This piece is the intellectual property of the writer VashonBeader and her beta LtsHrIt4ThBoyz and is not to be used (or sold) elsewhere under any other name.