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.
Disclaimer: Harry Potter is owned by JKRowling. We are only playing in the sandbox.
This story is dedicated in loving memorial to Dame Maggie Smith, who brought Minerva McGonagall to our lives. I will always hear her voice whenever Minerva speaks.
Hats off to you, the true Headmistress of Hogwarts. Blessings to you, always.
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Welcome to the Fireside.
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Chapter Fourteen - Sing it with Us - Epilogue!
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With having the 'inside scoop' for his classes, Harry was able to purchase all his school books for the coming year before returning to his cozy home with Bill. He wanted to study and learn sixth year runes on his own so he could join the seventh years in September when the school started again.
Pepper brought him a snack when taking a break. His friend had had a limp for a time when recovering from Dumbledore's attack. That old wizard!
"How are you doing, Pepper? Did the spa help?"
The Master's suite had a jacuzzi type bathtub as part of the very luxurious bath. Bill had suggested the elf try it. It took more than a bit of encouragement for the free elf to finally do so.
"Oh yes, Master Harry. I truly do feel better. And can walk outside in the heat which seems to help as well."
"I'm going to make you a protection against that sort of thing someday."
Pepper smiled, "I can't see anyone trying that again but we will both be careful of plots. Right?"
"You betcha. Oh look," Harry stated slyly, removing the cloche cover from his surprise for his friend, "There's cucumber slices. Want one?"
The elf chuckled and accepted the offered treat then went back to his light chores.
It might take time, but they were both recuperating from the attacks from Dumbledore over the years. And both were putting the past behind them.
~~ooOOoo~~
When returning from her honeymoon, Narcissa Lupin went to the market to get a few groceries. This simple act was something she had always wanted and hoped to do for her family; her and Remus. She had made a menu plan, used a cookery book to create a list, and then here she was, going to the market by herself for herself and her love. Wasn't this wonderful?
She was not expecting the welcome she got; as in, none at all. The witch behind the counter was chatting with the owner of the biscuit shop. Narcissa had already met her before and it had not been a pleasant encounter.
"Wasn't it your husband who sent dementors? To a school?" The clerk complained.
Oh, well, they had every right to be angry about what happened but the ones responsible weren't here. They weren't even on this plane of existence anymore. She tapped an emergency button, activating a runic shield, should she need it. Bless Harry.
"If you mean my former husband, why yes, he did. And let me inform you why: He wanted to steal the Kissed bodies of my beloved cousins, Sirius Black and Harry Potter. He wanted them so the dark one could try them on, as decent folk would shop for a new coat. He intended to steal vault keys and treasures; homes and businesses, all for the sake of the pureblood shlock Riddle was pedaling.
"I'll point out, during this time, I was Heir Potter's oath-sworn regent and would have done anything to protect him. I was Regent Black and would have done anything to protect Sirius. Now, may I shop in peace and make the purchases I have planned or am I already convicted and have no hope of clemency here? Because unless you have a vial of Veritaserum on hand, I see no way of proving my innocence to you, here and now."
A different elderly biddy accused, "But you're a death eater too! Dumbledore said so! Said 'e was given ye–"
'Ah, yes; the same drivel the maniacal old coot had spouted at every question about her, since she'd been hired at the castle!' She thought as she cut the woman off mid-word, by baring her arms, "I swear on my magic I never did take the dark mark. I wanted to marry a warrior of the light in my youth, my current husband Remus Lupin."
She now backed out of the shop, slowly, worried for her safety. Where was…
"Mrs Lupin? Everything alright?" It was Auror MacMurrary. His normal remit was up at the castle but he lived here. Seeing the faces, he tapped for backup.
"No, I'm scared. These people are justifiably angry with Lucius and want to blame me for his actions."
"This is no place for death eaters!" One witch yelled. "Arrest her, auror!"
"She's done nothin' wrong other than wantin' to spend gold in yer shop. Professor Black has been a wonderful mentor to the students. Ye don't know her!" Ian tried to defend.
"If ye can't do yer job, summon Moody or someone who can!" Another person challenged.
"Lady Malfoy, why don't you return home! Please don't return!" The shopkeeper stated.
"Malfoy is dead along with his title. I never wanted to be married to that death eater. Do none of you know anyone forced into a marriage contract? I was taken away from the man I love - the man I am now finally with. I just wanted to make him a simple dinner with my own hands…and you accuse me of being evil!"
The patrons of the shop –at this time of day, all ladies– were gathering towards the raised voices and some were beginning to join the fray.
"They aren't listenin'. Let's get out of here," Ian shook his head, "I'll be around to explain to you the mistake you're making later!" The auror radiated disapproval and disappointment towards the shopkeeper and patrons. Then, in a completely different tone; one which radiated friendliness and solicitousness, he addressed the new Mrs Lupin, "Professor? Why don't you come with me for a moment?"
Narcissa shook her head, "No, I'll return to the castle. At least there, I can arrange for a small meal for my husband who is also a professor."
They backed away, two of the Black Watch showing up at Ian's call. The people cheered, thinking they were taking away the dark witch. Ian shook his head and muttered "idiots" under his breath.
All of her plans were in ruins and again, it was Lucius' fault. She started the move out of Harry's home that moment.
Remus, who had been covered in dust from his repair work on one of the upper floors of their home, comforted his new bride as best he could. He pulled out a mirror to call Harry and Sirius and ask for suggestions on what they could do. But agreed with his mate.
If she was not safe here in the village, they needed to remove themselves to the castle. Immediately. Even Ian, Alice's cousin, agreed that was best. The villagers had had to deal with dementors and the threat of death eaters attacking before.
While packing up, not only did Pepper, Harry's elf, show up to help Dobby and Maizy, but Madam Rosmerta brought some snacks over. "I heard what happened at the grocers. Those ignorant biddies do nothin' but hurt good folks with their sharp tongues."
It was very unkind to blame Narcissa but all of the guilty parties had their trials and their crimes had not been made public. And all of the families of the guilty were now 'tainted'.
Harry was not happy, but the people of Hogsmeade weren't overly friendly to outsiders. Especially those they considered 'dark'.
These people would find in future Hogsmeade visits that he kept to Honeydukes and the Three Broomsticks and ne'er spent a knut in the Bonny Lad or any of the other shops that had been so unkind to his Regent.
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Director Bones was not happy with the barristers for keeping this evidence from her for so long. Perhaps they had been enthralled somehow by Dumbledore at the time and now the wandless charms had faded at last?
For whatever reason, the written confessions of the man were long and disturbing. A few which demonstrated the depths of his depravity: He confessed to using hidden runes in a contract to create the perfect minion. (He would later use a similar cursed document to enslave a desperate and besieged Severus.) He then used the contractually 'imperiused' Peter Pettigrew to sabotage the wards near a natural pond at Potter Manor, where the protections were weakest, compromising them to allow death eaters in! Why would Albus do that?
He confessed to the crimes but didn't always explain why!
He'd tried to steal the entire library and hidden cash reserves that Charlus Potter had kept from his curse-breaking days but Dumbledore later complained about their loss.
He claimed all of the books and gold had been 'stolen and hidden' from him when Harry came to the castle. James supposedly had 'lent' those items to him. Amelia'd have to ask the lad about any unexpected gold being given to him, then shook her head.
The Potter heir would have no clue how much he should have started with as he had people trying to steal from him when he was a toddler! Hadn't Alastor mentioned something about saving the Potter library, now that she thought about it. She sent a memo to the Auror Academy to ask about it.
While working through more of this mess, Moody's bulldog patronus confirmed that Potter did indeed have his library and a few of Charlus' recovered treasures. But he would not reveal where. Smart man.
Amelia also needed to throw more darts at Albus' picture. Again.
She knew the boy had spent a fortune on the original dementor amulets - something that every citizen in Britain had. Dalia's Jewelry made a fortune from orders around the world, not all of them for practical needs.
Harry Potter was a hero and everyone wanted one of his medallions just to be able to say they had one: Bragging rights.
The number of 'original cast' medallions was easily ten times the actual number. Harry hadn't tried to figure out a way of numbering them –he didn't care: There were dementors running around at the time!
Heir Potter wasn't a child anymore but she still consulted with Bill first before making an appointment to see him, Harry, and Sirius.
She'd had copies made of Dumbledore's written confessions for all three of them and let them decide what they wanted to do.
The goblins still hadn't sorted out all of Dumbledore's gold and thus couldn't start the reparations with his accumulated wealth. It was a terrible breach of protocol for her to hand over the evidence directly to Gringotts, but Harry could choose to do so.
That would help them close a painful chapter for them all.
~~ooOOoo~~
Harry asked for a ride from Fawkes with Sirius to walk around the ruins of Potter Manor, Castle, whatever.
"Poor Pettigrew. He was forced to betray my grandparents, then parents. He had no idea what signing that contract with Dumbledore meant. Much less getting the dark mark. And yet, at the end, he stood between me and Death. Gryffindor indeed." Harry looked over the land, feeling no connection here.
"Peter was always good, just manipulated. Like many of us." Sirius shared.
"Padfoot? The gold that Dumbledore stole? I don't want it back. I want to use it to help others."
"I was talking with Moody about it. Hogsmeade is pretty insular and it's hard to get housing there. What people need, the new muggleborn witches and wizards in particular need, is a place to live. To become a part of the community as they graduate from Hogwarts."
Harry's grin was just like James when he was going to pull an epic prank.
"Sirius? I think I have an idea for that gold, and I know the goblins will love it. Is there a way to convert gold into pounds sterling and transfer it to a bank? I think we're going to need Dan's and Emma's help with this.
"What are you thinking?"
"Just implementing your plan, godfather. Just implementing your plan. Buying houses, making a new magical village. Ready to enchant some roads and things so muggles don't notice a change?"
Sirius laughed and agreed to help him with whatever he wanted. They just needed to work with the muggle government on this one. Oh, this was going to be good.
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Harry had another thought: Houses in Hogsmeade rarely went up for sale and when they did, they sold for a good price. Ian was still living at home, when not up at Hogwarts, but had been courting a lovely witch who worked in Hogsmeade.
Harry and Sirius made plans to meet with Remus and Narcissa at the bank and thus began a new initiative to not only gain new housing for young magicals but also to open a new magical village.
It would take time and resources but Harry was happy to put ill-gotten gains to work, cleansing that gold by exchanging it to muggle money. And the goblins were all too happy to help.
Working with adults eager to make their commission, Narcissa and Remus soon had a comfortable cottage in Godric's Hollow of their own with a floo they could use to get to Hogwarts.
And the cottage in Hogsmeade was 'sold' to Ian MacMurray.
~~ooOOoo~~
Up at the school, once classes resumed, the rumors spread rapidly about the treatment experienced by one of their most popular teachers. The Bonny Lad and other certain shops experienced a sharp decline in their sales during Hogsmeade weekends dating from that time forward. Harry never lied - he just said that all he'd ever gotten from there was burnt ends and broken bits. It wasn't an endorsement for the shoppe in the least.
After that, Grace McMillan might as well have closed her doors, herself, for all the profit she made.
The proprietress further 'miscast at herself' by spreading rumors of the Black Watch having to remove a 'black witch' from the grocers 'causing mayhem and havoc'! But the biddies who thrived on gossip were soon the victims of wild stories that changed and grew as they spread; only to their own detriment.
~~ooOOoo~~
The next few years were busy but happy. Harry split his holidays spending time with Bill in Egypt, traveling with Sirius and Marissa to exotic places around the world, and staying with Neville at Cherry Hill. Harry had suggested hiring some of Sprout's best graduates to continue Alice's dream greenhouse while Neville used the resulting plants in healing potions.
His betrothed, Megan, expressed interest in working there after school!
Harry would also spend time at the Burrow during the last week before school. He would fly with Ron, Ginny, and the twins. Wherever he went, Hermione was invited even if she didn't always participate.
Harry spent time increasing his skills in warding, especially individual protection. He was offered an apprenticeship in Warding after his nearly perfect OWL results. Was it Marissa, Sirius, Bill or Molly who'd been bragging? He'd pursue that later!
Hermione took Enchanting and was trying to find ways to power Harry's projects without the use of the individual's magic. It would wind up being her Mastery project.
The twins used their basilisk gold to invest in their prank business. But they were very careful about testing and making sure no one was hurt. Working with Sirius, the group wound up making a new type of dummy. A medical dummy.
Prank potions could be tested on the dummies for toxicity as well as prank spells. Sirius was able to modify them just a bit to sell to teaching hospitals around the world, earning him not only a fair bit of gold but the thanks of a grateful magical society.
The twins used the dummies to test all products before marketing.
One of their best sellers that didn't need medical testing came from an idea for the first and second year's fair that had started again. There were rowing competitions. Yes, rowing competitions. In the Great Hall. In winter.
Portable ponds became a huge hit. Punting accessories not included, but available at a special price with purchase of a pond!
Hermione as Head Girl was pleased to see both quidditch teams from Gryffindor 'volunteering' to help with said fair. What was she going to do with her prankster beau?
He had given them the choice of three 5:30 AM quidditch practices per week OR helping for one two-hour shift on each Saturday of Hogsmeade weekends. They had plenty of help after that!
The couple's connection just grew deeper until their seventh year when Harry decided to act. They were engaged by Yule and planned to marry shortly after graduation.
Harry was planning his second mastery in Warding as he was nearly finished with his Runic Mastery but Hermoine had so many choices and really didn't know what she wanted to do, other than everything! She chose Enchanting as her first Mastery but wanted many others as well.
~~ooOOoo~~
Neville couldn't help it - tears flowed as Alice Longbottom came to Hogwarts for the graduation ceremony and the feast for the outgoing seventh-years.
Magic couldn't cure all things, but Fawkes had donated tears, Bill had contacts in Egypt for some rare ingredients and, through the hard work of Severus Snape and in particular, Marius Greengrass, they had created a course of treatment for the cursed woman.
She was in a float-chair, the magical version of a wheelchair, and needed help with a few things, but Alice's mind was active, her eyes alert.
Harry was so glad they had been visiting her and seeing the improvements or he too would have been too emotional to function. His godmother had hugged him. Not the hand-squeeze. A hug!
It was wonderful! And better yet, they had permission to hold the double-wedding with Neville and Megan here in the castle so she could come! Just two more weeks!
It had almost been a triple wedding, with Draco and Lavender getting engaged but Parvati nearly had a breakdown when told about the potential new date.
The dress needed more time than just a few days! Caring more about friendships than having a wedding at a certain time, the idea was canceled much to Hermione's and Megan's secret relief. (Both of them were willing to tolerate Draco for the most part, as he was better, but Lavender and Parvati? And wedding planning? No, just no.)
Hermione hadn't been banished from the study group this year but had taken herself aside and worked in the Room of Requirement on her own towards the end of the year. It saved many friendships.
Sirius pulled out a chair for his lovely black-haired lady wife, putting their toddler down on her lap when settled. James was fascinated by all of the sights. Marissa, in dress robes, her lovely long hair in a magnificent updo, winked at Harry. Her growing baby bump became more obvious while seated. Neville claimed she was going to have a witch next time. Harry didn't want to disagree as he thought James was going to be a witch while Neville had said wizard.
He must have left his Seer skills behind somewhere on holiday.
Remus and Narcissa were seated next to Sirius and Marissa. Their twins were up in their chambers: The boys being watched over by house-elves. Which was where James would be sent to the minute he lost interest here but had asked to watch 'Cousin Hawwy' get his prezzies.
Hermione's mother still didn't like magical travel but accepted rides via phoenix whenever they were offered. Like today. Muggles in the castle to share in the celebration would have never been tolerated before, when Harry and Hermione first started school. Now, any parent was welcome to the visitors open houses held during the year, at Yule, and at all ending feasts. They were especially welcomed for this graduation ceremony.
Another unexpected group was the goblin contingent coming to support Harry. Both Black and Potter account managers were there along with some of Bill's former bosses.
They were here to talk to some of the young people graduating and of course attempt to recruit Harry himself.
Goblins, dwarves, business owners and other specialists coming to mix with the graduates used to be a common thing. It was done away with during the war and it was another thing Dumbledore refused to reinstate. It was only recently revived.
The normal awarding of recognition beyond the Certificates of Completion included Ron receiving a Quidditch team award, Neville a healing award, and Harry was elevated for his Mastery in Runes.
Then the stage changed. Headmaster Brand sat as the Minister of Magic swept up the stairs. Fred and George Weasley, special guests, along with Hermione had been called up for recognition by said Minister. Augusta Longbottom had given them all Orders of Merlin, First Class for their efforts in taking down attacking dementors during these graduating young people's third year.
There were cheers but people were wondering why Harry hadn't been so honored. Shouts of Potter were ringing out and then the Minister called for Harry to come forward.
He was called up for a special award. His bravery in facing the basilisk, his skill in designing and providing the dementor amulets, and his bravery in facing the demons to rescue students. His was not just the Order of Merlin but also a new medal; Warrior of the Light.
Fawkes swooped in with the sorting Hat. Hermione, aware of her intent, stood and grabbed it, offering the opening towards Harry.
He pulled the Sword of Gryffindor from it, causing alarms to sound in far off Gringotts. He held it aloft with a silent pledge that he would always stand in front of the innocent to protect them if needed. The crowd exploded in cheers.
Waiting for calm and the spots to fade from the photographers, Augusta then shared, "Mr Potter may be heading towards education far from our shores but know this; he now has a home here; the Ministry has purchased a house in Godric's Hollow for Mr Potter and his future bride so they will always have a refuge. Thank you for all you've done."
The cheers were loud and long. Yet more photos just had to be taken to the point where Harry was concerned he was going to stumble off the stage. Sirius put one of the medals around Harry's neck and Bill the other. He shook hands with both of his former guardians. Marissa gave him a warm hug and cheek kisses. But, just because they were no longer his legal guardians, they would have a claim on his heart, forever.
Harry saluted before waving Spurnik up to claim the sword back. Professor McGonagall conjured a nice scabbard for it and the goblin bowed in thanks. The faux-glare the goblin gave Harry made it clear he now truly understood the sword might rest at Gringotts and earn them a bit of coin, but the Son of Gryffindor could wield it whenever there was need.
After the ceremony, the elves served a very nice dinner. The Weasleys took up one entire table by themselves.
When dinner was winding down, Bill asked Harry to go for a walk. "As we have talked about before, I'm transitioning to teaching. I've found a witch I want to court. Living here is a good fit for me."
Harry laughed, "It's only fair. We'll have to check out this house the Ministry gave me. I don't want to invite you to let you stay there if it's a closet with a toilet."
Bill laughed, "No, I've seen it. Had to make sure it was safe for you and all. Sirius and I have warded it."
"Great. I'll turn pink every Friday or something."
"Would I let Lord Black prank you?"
Harry raised an eyebrow.
"Well, maybe a little. But I want you to meet my girlfriend." Bill shared nervously.
Harry agreed and smiling, hugged Dalia warmly.
"What? You know Miss Brown?" Bill pretended to be shocked.
Ignoring the lug, Harry hugged her again, "It's so good to see you. Aren't you proud of Lavender?"
"I am. Being accepted into Beauxbatons Mastery of Fashion is a high honor. And getting married to Draco Malfoy. Did you know they have the most darling townhouse Narcissa is letting them live in while in Paris?" Dalia was beaming for her sister. "But I'm so proud of you, and now, I'll be seeing more of you, I hope."
Wow. This former prefect had always acted like Professor McGonagall had promised their first night in Hogwarts; Your House will be your family. Of course, she meant a kind one and this lady had always been kind to him. And now, she was really going to become a part of his family.
Harry could tell these two liked each other. And there was Molly looking at them, judging the witch for suitability. She was coming over. Harry made his escape after another hug.
"Mum, please meet Dalia Brown. Dalia, my mother."
"Pleasure to meet you, ma'am. You're in Ottery St Catchpole? I have a distant cousin, Cedric Diggory who lives there." Dalia shared, offering her hand.
"Oh, your accent is…"
"Welsh. I was born in Godric's Hollow. I really do hope we can follow Harry's plan to build another magical community…Oops, I shouldn't have said that."
Molly was tallying the score and beaming. "Well, Harry's practically another son, so it's just a family secret, isn't it?" Giving her a wink and a playful nudge.
Bill knew he was in trouble now; his mother just gave the girl the 'Mother's Stamp of Approval'! If they didn't work out, he'd never hear the end of it.
~~ooOOoo~~
Harry and Hermione's wedding felt like they had the entire village of Hogsmeade in attendance. Dan escorted Hermione while Lord Jones, Megan's grandfather, did the honors for her.
Dan wore his classic tuxedo with an open robe over it that Sirius bought for this occasion.
The vows were simple and sweet. While Dan danced with Hermione, Harry danced with Marissa and then they all swapped out partners. Sirius tried to dance with Bill once. Bill really didn't mean to slap him that hard!
Harry was so glad that Sirius insisted on dance lessons even if he hadn't been thrilled about the idea at first.
~~ooOOoo~~
Minerva was contemplative as she watched over her students at this event.
She couldn't have been better pleased with how the school was coming along. Headmaster Brand had hired a new Transfiguration teacher –though Minerva still worked with the seventh years and had her own Apprentices– and Remus and Narcissa had been sharing the Gryffindor Head of House duties.
She would only be deputy, which was more than enough work for her, but she was proud of their headmaster.
Albus had never shared he'd been in secret negotiations to bring the Triwizard Tournament back from the grave where it belonged. How dare he want to endanger hundreds of students yet again!
Fortunately, Gunter had more than a few friends in the ICW along with allies in the Wizengamot. Before too many people could support the legendary tournament's return, it had been canceled, with prejudice, by a more 'safety' minded Hogwarts administration.
When the new headmaster for Durmstrang objected, questions were raised about his political leanings as he replaced the marked and now executed Karkaroff. He fled without saying another word.
Perhaps there still were a few 'unmarked' death eaters out there, but, if they were wise, they would stay away from Britain.
Minerva had held dance classes for the Potter wedding so none of the students would be embarrassed. She had warned them all to be on their best behavior but did want them to be able to tell their grandchildren how they danced at the social event of the century.
She was pleased that she got her own chance to take a spin on the floor with Harry. Seeing him so happy was a balm to her soul.
~~ooOOoo~~
Nearly every single shop owner who'd been aided by Harry, gave the Potters something for their new home but had it sent 'quietly' there. Molly helped organize cupboards and closets.
The ironic thing was that while Harry was in Egypt, he was borrowing Bill's tent and Bill was going to be living in Harry's house. Bill used 'Phoenix travel' to and from school –at Fawkes' insistence.
Before Neville and Megan left for Germany for their honeymoon, Alice had one more gift: She stood from her float chair and, for just a few moments, was able to dance with both her son and godson.
When the couple returned, they too would find a house for them as a gift from Harry and Hermione in, surprise, Godric's Hollow.
~~ooOOoo~~
Ron was only a little jealous that Harry and Neville had found witches to marry so young. Bill was the first Weasley to tie the knot. He and Dalia were going to have a small wedding at Hogwarts. It was becoming the wedding destination. If they hadn't helped with the dementors back in the day, they wouldn't be able to afford to have it there.
Smart of the Board to start charging very high rates and using the previously empty castle for summer weddings. Sigh. Would he ever find a nice witch for himself?
He and Hannah had dated for a short time and after that, the redhead had stepped out with a few other witches, but he had been truly very focused on getting good enough grades to stay on the quidditch team when he was still in school.
He wanted to try out for the Cannons. The team had a secret new owner and had slowly been building a bang-up new roster.
~~ooOOoo~~
The Ministry for Magic had undergone a transformation. Muggleborns now had positions beyond the cafeteria, janitorial, or secretarial services. The DMLE had such stringent oaths of office, that had they been in force back when Riddle was first rising, there would have been no chance his people would have gotten a position in the ranks.
Or really, anywhere in the Ministry.
Harry had done some personal wards and shields, along with warding homes for people in key positions, but he wasn't willing to sell such protections to just anyone.
Even for Gringotts, Harry made sure that his medallions only warded against evil creatures and verified nothing of his could be misused.
Unspeakable Croaker approached Harry twice more to temporarily enslave a captured criminal in order to make sure they confessed all. He refused to do it for one prisoner, who was under a very hard to detect spell similar to the imperius.
The other prisoner had been greatly influenced by Dumbledore and wanted to turn back the clock: Wanted to remove the progress their society was making and was secretly trying to remake the world as Dumbledore envisioned.
After consulting with Fawkes, Harry did mark him, and forced him to confess where he found his materials so that such could be driven out root and branch. The more mature Harry didn't like how this entire process made him feel and he swore he would never do it again.
Regardless of the 'Greater Good'.
~~ooOOoo~~
Time Skip
Harry, Hermione, and the rest of the former study group had been invited to a special ceremony. Neville had finished all the training and preliminary work. He was now a full healer!
He'd been offered a spot with Saint Mungo's but he opted to open a clinic in Godric's Hollow with a few other healers, including Marius Greengrass. And the wards on his private clinic were second to none in the world!
They would be able to care for the residents of the 'Hollow and it was an easy floo from Cherry Hill where his mother and gran were. Megan floo'd there every day to work at the greenhouses: growing tricky plants. Neville was known to putter there with his mother to relax as well and oftentimes shared a family meal.
The group cheered for Neville and knew with his kind heart and gentle nature, they were seeing a new start to the healing field. Megan was cheering for other reasons. They had delayed starting their family until this grueling training was over. She had a secret: She had found out she was pregnant and was starting on the next generation of Longbottoms. The timing was almost magical.
~~ooOOoo~~
Now that every home had been quietly bought up from the muggles, Godric's Hollow was, officially, a magical village. Like many others of Harry's true family, Bill and Dalia had been given a nice house there as a wedding present.
The war memorial obelisk that had been co-opted to a tribute to James and Lily Potter, was quietly moved to the next village over and a new memorial stood. The Potters, Bones, Prewitts and even Peter Pettigrew's names were listed there.
Warriors of the Light award holders.
(Abeforth had quietly requested that the Dumbledores buried in Godric's Hollow be moved to Hogsmeade: There had been some vandalism so the new headstones just had first names. A shame the innocent were being blamed for the crimes of others.)
A new quidditch stadium was being built; it had extendable sections so it could work for both home and international games.
What had Ron gasping was the Cannons were moving there. Charlie Weasley was going to be the reserve Seeker and Aiden Lynch the starting Seeker of the revamped and rejuvenated team.
The bright orange had been updated to more of a burnt umber which test marketing, as done by Lavender Malfoy, was proving popular. There was a pair of new mascots as well, used in merchandising and advertising where they were animated. Dean Thomas had done a great job. Twin meerkats - one of whom shot the other out of a cannon to magically whiz around banners, scoreboards and apparel. Parvati and Lavender were certainly helping with that, though they delegated the plushie manufacture.
Season tickets were available through local merchants, many of whom were selling licensed merchandise.
Several Gringotts owls came in just then. Ron discovered he had an invitation to try out as reserve Keeper but even if that didn't work out, was given a family box. Permanently. He could allow others to rent it out through the agent if he wasn't going to be attending any particular game.
Fred and George had been invited to try out as Beaters.
Ginny couldn't breathe. She was invited to Chaser training. Private chaser training. She'd stayed home for a time after having children with her husband Dean who was the designer of the new team artwork. This was a wonderful opportunity!
Arthur was looking at the parchment. He and Molly had each been given shares that added together meant a ten-percent share of the team. It included an elite box that had many perks.
The sender was anonymous but Arthur could guess. The little half-starved orphan he'd fed at his table wanted to share his good fortune with his family. And they were and always had been.
~~ooOOoo~~
Ron met a cute chaser for the team who couldn't play for her hometown team as the Vultures were all-male. They started dating, promising they wouldn't let their romance affect their play.
If anything, it made them better, knowing they didn't want to let the other one down.
They had a simple wedding in the Burrow's back garden surrounded by friends and family that just happened to include Lord Potter.
Well, Ron hadn't mentioned that! The bride was more surprised than upset that a celebrity was at her wedding.
Ron shrugged. They hadn't talked about it and, to him, it was just Harry. It would become a family joke, after a time.
She was truly touched that they received a home as a wedding present! Near the stadium too!
~~ooOOoo~~
A few years later…
Neville looked around the waiting room, "Lady Potter?"
"Master Healer Longbottom? I give you leave to use my first name." Hermione curtseyed in jest, then put a hand over her mouth.
"How are you, Hermione? I haven't seen you since Yule." Which had been a full two weeks before. The man pointed to the exam table where she sat.
"I've been feeling nauseous on and off for the last few days. We just spent some time with my parents. Harry and I got a chance to get away for the weekend. They took the children to a fair. I think I picked something up."
"You did indeed 'pick up' something. Do you want to know if it's a boy or girl."
"Want to know? Of course I have to know…wait. Pregnant! I can't be pregnant! We decided that three was enough - William Daniel James, Sirius Remus and Emma Lily. Will will be starting Hogwarts!"
"And about twelve years from now, so will your daughter. Congratulations."
"I don't know how this happened!" Hermione was still in shock. Neville handed her a small bag of potions.
"These are all safe for pregnancy, anti-nausea potions. I'd really like to explain how but I have assistants for that. See you Sunday!"
Hermione huffed, took the bag, and went to pay his receptionist. Neville was the best healer but honestly, didn't he care that she'd been planning to go back to work?
A new baby? She couldn't wait to see Harry's face. He'd clearly wanted more but she thought they could adopt.
At least their home had lots of bedrooms.
She rubbed her stomach before sipping one of the potions right then. Very nice. A baby. She stopped by a shop on the way home to get a little dress she had admired the other day.
Harry was indeed happy at the news when he came home. He had been grateful to know that Headmaster Brand had indeed taken care of the spider infestation as he had promised. Poor Hagrid. At least he'd had gotten a chance to say hello to his biggest friend.
Hogwarts had a new layer of wards around the Forbidden Forest as a gift from an overprotective and worried father.
They mirrored the 'grandparents' together- Bill, Sirius, Marissa, Dan and Emma. All were happy with the news, and just this once, when talking to Sirius on her own later, he didn't tease when she repeated she didn't know how this happened.
~~ooOOoo~~
Years later…
Headmistress Potter couldn't find her husband so went to their bedroom. The map had gone through a few iterations but the original had a certain charm.
"I, Hermione Potter, solemnly swear that I am trying to find my husband, Mr Leo, who is likely up to no good as he's late to teach class."
'Did you hear that, Mr Prongs? Mr Leo is a professor now. You must be so proud.' The wolf trotted over to her hand to give it a good lick in hello.
'Mr Wormtail would point out that Mr Leo missing class as a student is one thing but pranking students by not teaching is quite another.'
'Shouldn't it be Professor Leo, Mr Prongs asks?' The prancing stag was clearly proud.
The dog form for Sirius brought a tear into her eyes. 'Found him! In the private library of Rowena Ravenclaw? Mr Moony, did you ever find the library of any of the founders?'
Hermione's eyes went wide. "Thank you, gentleman. I have a class to entertain. I wouldn't say I have no warding skills but I am not at the level of my husband."
Saying goodbye, she smiled sweetly, closing the map with a quiet 'Mischief Managed.'
The two of them had applied previous magical innovations with intelligence to create new protections both for personal use and for structures. Hermione's 'batteries' were in many different enchantments now, both small and large.
And after class, she called for Fawkes before making sure her deputy knew they were taking a brief holiday from their duties to do a little research in a previously unknown library.
Together.
~~ooOOoo~~
And they all lived happily ever after.
~~ooOOoo~~
A/N: Story recommended by Millie072 EATING? by Keitaya. Someone finally complains about Ron's table manner
https/s/7800174/1/Eating
A/N: Story recommended by us: Kallanit RIP Minerva McGonagall.
https/s/14397539/1/
~~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.
