Disclaimer: Written more as a friendship fic then as a romance fic.
The Training of The Shrew
Hermione was eating lunch alone, while the other two members of the 'Golden Trio' were off playing a pickup game of Quidditch, when she noticed Luna sitting alone at the Ravenclaw table. The sight reminded her a bit of herself before she came to Hogwarts and as she took another look at the lonely looking Ravenclaw she came to a sudden decision.
Luna looked up as the other girl approached and braced herself for the worst. 'Don't let her see she's getting to you,' Luna reminded herself, 'just keep smiling and she'll get bored and go away.'
"Hi," Hermione said with a friendly smile, "can I sit here?"
"If you like," Luna agreed. She ruthlessly suppressed the surge of hope she felt as the girl sat down, telling herself that it must be a trick of some sort.
"I always see you here alone and I thought you might like some company," Hermione explained, "I'm Hermione."
"Yes, I know," Luna said, "I'm Luna."
"Well Luna," Hermione said, remembering the words she'd been dying to hear from someone before she met Harry, "would you like to be friends?"
"I . . ." Luna's face went blank for a moment. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. "I think that I would like that very much." And thus the world changed.
IIIIIIIII
Hermione was more than slightly annoyed at the expression on Ron's face when he asked her to accompany him to the ball. The smug look that told the entire world that he was offering her a great favor by even deigning to consider her as a possible escort. Still, he was her friend, so she resolved to let him down gently.
"I can't go to the ball with you, Ron," Hermione said, "I told you that someone already asked me."
"Who," Ron challenged, unable to believe that the bushy haired witch could get a date.
"If you must know," Hermione said with a raised chin. "Luna Lovegood and I are going as friends."
"Well drop her and . . ."
"Ron Weasley," Hermione interrupted, "I'm going to pretend you didn't say that. And if you think that I'm going to help you find a date now then you've got another thing coming." She turned around and stormed off in a huff. "Honestly."
"Can you believe her," Ron whined, wondering how he'd end up turned down by his backup plan for 'Looney' Lovegood, "mental."
IIIIIIIIII
Luna listened as Hermione told her about Ron's 'generous offer' with a sense of melancholy, sure of what was coming.
"It's alright Hermione," Luna said with a look of studied indifference, "if you'd rather go to the ball with Ronald."
"What," Hermione squawked, "Whatever gave you that idea?"
"I just thought that . . ."
"I'm perfectly happy with our current arrangement Luna," Hermione assured the other girl. "Even if I wasn't going with you, there's little chance that I'd go with Ron of all people."
"Really?"
"You've seen him eat, haven't you," Hermione asked. "Not to mention his casual attitude regarding personal hygiene... oh, and Harry says that he snores. That puts you at least two ahead. Not sure how the snoring thing would matter at a dance, but the other two things are both down checks."
"Yes," Luna agreed brightly, "I can see that . . . oh, and I don't snore either."
"Wonderful."
IIIIIIIIII
Ron was waiting by the portrait for Hermione to slink back into the Common Room.
It wasn't hard to figure out where the girl had gone and when he thought about it, to go let Looney down gently of course, now that she had a real date for the ball.
Looking back, it was understandable why the girl had reacted the way she had when he'd first suggested dumping Looney Lovegood. Hermione liked to think that she was the champion of the overlooked and he really had been a bit harsh, should have taken the fact that she was a weak girl into account.
Ron had decided that he would forgive her for her earlier attitude, she couldn't help what she was, and would keep his offer to take her to the ball on the table.
"Ronald," Hermione greeted him curtly as she walked through the entrence, "have you thought about your previous behavior."
"I have," Ron agreed, "and I want you to know that I forgive you."
"You forgive me," Hermione growled. "You were the one being a perfect ass."
"What do you mean," Ron demanded, "you're the one that was going to take Looney Lovegood to the ball."
"Don't call her that," Hermione hissed, "Luna is a sweet girl and you shouldn't make fun of her like that."
"Fine," Ron said sourly, "I won't call her Looney anymore."
"Good."
"But I want you to wear a bit of make up when I take you to the ball," Ron continued, "do your best to make yourself look good."
"What do you mean when you take me?"
"You did break up with Loon . . . Luna didn't you?"
"Why would I do something like that?"
"Because it's unnatural," Ron shouted, "two girls going together like that."
"What did you say," Hermione asked coldly.
"I said it wasn't natural," Ron bellowed, "better get yourself a man before you're spoiled and no one else will touch you."
Hermione's face reddened in anger as she slapped the boy. With an upraised chin she spun on her heel and stormed out of the common room.
"Did you see what she did," Ron whined. He looked around and was surprised to find that there wasn't a single sympathetic expression in the common room.
The twins looked the closest of anyone to offering him genuine sympathy, but that turned out just to be a ruse to get close enough to dose him with a potion that kept Hermione's bright red hand print visible on his face for the next three days, and offering him the advice, that behaving like a Malfoy, who didn't get what he wanted, was no way to get a date from anyone.
IIIIIIIIII
It didn't take long for Harry to find Hermione after the big blow up in the Common Room. She was in her favorite corner of the library, the same place she always went when she was feeling down.
"Harry," Hermione greeted the boy.
"Hermione," Harry asked in surprise. "I didn't think you'd be talking to me for a while." Not until after he spent five minutes explaining that living with the Dursley family had filled his lifetime-quota of intolerance, anyway.
"You weren't the one that . . . ohhh, he makes me so mad sometimes." Hermione took a deep breath.
"Mind if I sit down?"
"Go ahead," Hermione agreed.
"I just wanted to make sure you knew that you're my friend, no matter who you decide to go to the ball with," Harry said earnestly, "unless it's Malfoy."
"Thanks Harry," Hermione giggled, "I want you to know that the feeling is mutual. So long as neither of us decides to date Malfoy then we're good, right?"
"Right," Harry said firmly with a bit of a grin on his face, "and Luna is a far superior blond to the albino ferret on his best day and her worst."
The bushy haired bookworm was unable to suppress a chuckle at that.
"Anyway, do you still need a date for the dance?"
"Yeah," Harry replied.
"Do you mind if I ask around to see who else needs a date?" Hermione asked. "You'll still need to ask her of course."
"Thanks Hermione," Harry said in relief, "I really appreciate it."
"What are friends for Harry?"
IIIIIIIIII
Harry was slogging through his Potions homework when Hermione found him again after her search for a girl that would go to the ball with him.
"Hannah Abbot," Hermione said as she flopped onto the couch next to Harry.
"What?"
"Hannah Abbot," Hermione repeated. "Doesn't have a date and she thinks that you're cute."
"Really?"
"According to rumor anyway," Hermione qualified. She didn't want to make it too easy for him. "Better ask her quick before someone else does."
"You wouldn't happen to . . ."
"She's sitting in the library with Susan," Hermione interrupted, "good luck."
"Thanks Hermione." Harry sprang to his feet and rushed to the library. He didn't find Hannah, but he did find her friend sitting at one of the tables.
"Um . . . hi Susan," Harry said nervously, "do you know where Hannah is?"
"She's in the loo at the moment," Susan replied, "why?"
"I just wanted to ask her something," Harry said with a blush.
"Oh." Susan's expression turned predatory. "What did you want to ask her?" Harry didn't notice as her focus shifted to something behind him.
"I heard she didn't have a date to the ball and I was going to ask her to go with me," Harry replied, his blush deepened by several shades.
"Do you like her then," Susan demanded.
"She seems nice," Harry demurred.
"That didn't answer my question," Susan pointed out.
Harry just shrugged helplessly in reply. "Well I haven't got a chance to really know her."
"Do you know how to dance," Susan asked, "have you ever been to a ball before?"
"No."
"Then why should Hannah go with you?" Susan was relentless. "You don't like her, you don't know how to dance, what can you do?"
"I don't know," Harry said dejectedly, "never mind." He turned around to go and nearly ran into Hannah who was giving him a measured look.
"Alright," Hannah said suddenly, "I'll go with you."
"You don't have to," Harry said apologetically, his fragile ego still not quite recovered from Susan's assault, "I don't have much to offer as a date. It's probably best I go stag anyway."
"What . . . but . . ." Hannah sent a glare at her fellow Puff who winced, having expected Harry to be a very different person according to rumor and house.
"I'd like to go with you," Hannah blurted out, "and you could go to dancing lessons with us if you want," Hannah said. "Susan's aunty set them up."
"Can I invite Hermione," Harry asked. "And her date Luna," he added.
"I'll ask Aunty," Susan volunteered. "And Harry, I'm really sorry about how I treated you. It's just . . . you're not how I expected you to be."
"It's okay," Harry said glumly, "I'm used to it."
That reply left Susan feeling all of two inches tall, as she considered what his treatment at school had been like and admitted that she may have been a trifle hard on him because she was feeling a bit jealous, but of which one she wasn't quite sure.
Shaking off her dour thoughts she resolved to do whatever she could to boost Harry's reputation within Hufflepuff house to make up for her previous attitude.
IIIIIIIIII
Hufflepuff house came down to their common room to find Susan Bones with a 'Hufflepuffs for Potter' button on her robe and a slightly belligerent look on her face. After a few minutes, she was joined by Hannah Abbot who donned her own pin while the rest of the house watched from the other side of the room until Cedric came down the stairs.
"How much," Cedric asked with a cheerful smile.
"Huh?"
"Per pin," Cedric said, "I'd like two."
"Two Sickles each," Susan replied, "or one and I'll show you how if you promise to make more of them."
"Can you have it soon," Cedric asked hopefully. "I'd like to wear it to breakfast."
"Yeah," Susan agreed, "just give me a few minutes."
"Great, I'll be back in a few then." With that pronouncement, Cedric turned and walked back up the stairs to the boy's dorms.
As soon as the Hufflepuff champion had left the room, Susan and Hannah were mobbed by orders. It seemed that the house decided as a block that if Cedric, their champion, was supporting Harry, then Harry's claims about being forced to compete were probably true.
They all remembered the 'Heir of Slytherin' fiasco and what a black eye it gave the Puffs for blaming the boy who eventually solved the problem, and none of them wanted to make the Puffs look bad like that again.
IIIIIIIIII
Minerva came down to breakfast that morning and noted with approval the new adornments worn by nearly every member of Hufflepuff house and one notable member of Ravenclaw.
"I'm dating a puff," Cho had explained, "so far as they're concerned, that makes me one of them."
It was that show of loyalty and house solidarity that prompted the Deputy Headmistress to do something that she wouldn't normally have dreamed of.
"Ms. Lovegood," she said sharply, "a word."
"What is it Professor," Luna asked nervously. Her gaze dropped and she braced herself for what she knew was coming.
"I just wanted you to know that there is no rule preventing students from having their meals at another House's table," Minerva said.
"Really," Luna asked hopefully, her eyes shining.
"However," Minerva qualified. That one word swept away Luna's hopes and left the small blond more depressed then she could remember being for quite some time. "It is normally discouraged. "
"Oh," Luna said dully.
"I believe that any way of thinking that discourages school loyalty to be flawed at best," Minerva continued, "especially when Hogwarts is engaged in a contest with two other schools. That is why I am encouraging you to sit with Ms. Granger today," Minerva said gently.
"Oh, thank you Professor." Luna had tears going down her face.
"No need to thank me Ms. Lovegood," Minerva said calmly, "it is you that is doing me the favor after all."
"What favor is that?"
"Promoting school unity of course," Minerva replied, "don't hesitate to come to me if anyone gives you any trouble about this."
"I won't professor," Luna promised.
"Or anything else," Minerva added after a moment of thought, "I want to make sure that you know my door is open to every one of my students."
"I understand Professor," Luna said breathlessly
The few Gryffindor who witnessed the event nodded to each other and resolved to spread word of the unspoken adoption of Luna as one of her students by the Transfiguration mistress.
"Go to breakfast then," Minerva said with a shooing motion, "wouldn't want you to miss a meal."
"Yes Professor." Luna gave an awkward curtsy, before fleeing to the Gryffindor table.
Hermione had a quizzical expression on her face when she noticed the blonde's approach.
"May I sit with you Hermione," Luna asked carefully. "Professor McGonagall said that it was alright."
"Of course Luna," Hermione replied with a welcoming smile. She scooted over to give Luna some room between her and Harry. "You're always welcome here."
"Thank you Hermione," Luna said thickly, as Harry stole the place settings from the seat across from him and passed them to her.
Ron's furious scowl went completely unnoticed by the other two, as they tended to avoid looking directly at him while he was eating.
IIIIIIIIII
Amelia herself was waiting for them when they arrived at their first dance lesson and she regarded the group with an unreadable look on her face.
"May I borrow Harry for a few minutes," Amelia said. Her tone made it clear that it was not a request.
"Sure," Harry agreed.
Amelia noted with amusement that each of the girls had shot her a look of warning as she led Harry out of the room, even Luna, although it was rather hard to tell, as her warning gaze had been pointed at Amelia's left earlobe for some reason.
"I was wondering if you would mind answering some questions," Amelia said mildly.
"What do you want to know Madame Bones?" Harry asked.
"Harry please, call me Amelia."
"Alright."
"I just wanted to know how the security around the cup could have been breached," Amelia began, "do you have any ideas?" She was hoping to find out how a fourth year had managed it quickly, so they could move on to other topics.
"A couple," Harry admitted.
"Oh."
"Well, couldn't you crumple up pieces of paper and then throw them in . . . or I guess you could get someone older to drop it in for you."
"You can't think of any other ways," Amelia asked sweetly. She had to work hard to keep her expression pleasant, it was like pulling teeth.
Harry just shrugged helplessly in reply. "I wish I knew," Harry confessed, "then maybe I'd know who's trying to kill me this year."
"Explain that," Amelia barked. The pleasantness dropped leaving what her underlings termed 'the bitch face.' "Why do you think someone is trying to kill you this year?"
"Because someone's tried to kill me every year I've gone to Hogwarts," Harry replied.
"I know about Sirius Black in your third year," Amelia said with a nod, "what about the other two?"
"Sirius wasn't trying to kill me," Harry said in a low voice, "the Demeanors were."
"Yes, but Black was . . ."
"He's innocent," Harry said defiantly, "and he's my godfather."
"I know about him being your godfather," Amelia sighed, "would you care to explain why you think he's innocent?"
"Peter Pettigrew did it," Harry replied hotly, "he even admitted it."
"Harry, Peter Pettigrew is dead."
"No he isn't," Harry said stubbornly, "I saw him. He faked his death and hid in his animagus form."
"He isn't registered," Amelia said dumbly, "then again neither am I."
"You're an animagus?"
"A shrew," Amelia admitted, "and I'd appreciate you not spreading that around. I might be obligated to arrest myself if that came out." She rejoiced at the boy's laugh. "Do you think you could prove your allegations?"
"How could I do that," Harry asked, "Fudge didn't believe me when I told him."
"Do you know what a pensieve is Harry?"
Harry shook his head to indicate that, no he didn't know what a pensieve was.
"It's a device for collecting and showing memories," Amelia explained. "Would you be willing to use one to prove your assertions?"
"Yes," Harry agreed, "and I might be able to get Sirius to . . . uh . . ."
"Why don't we just set that aside," Amelia offered. "Tell me about your second year, who tried to kill you then?"
"Voldemort's specter opened up the Chamber of Secrets and I would have died if it weren't for Dumbledore's phoenix." He pulled up his sleeve to show one of the scars. "Here's where I got bit by the basilisk."
"I'm going to want to have one of my Healers look you over," Amelia said as she examined the scar, "to make sure that there are no long term problems resulting from this." And to document it and gather intelligence on what else had happened to this poor boy.
"But Madame Pomfrey . . ."
"Is very good at what she does," Amelia interrupted, "but she is not a specialist in toxicology." Or forensics, or any number of disciplines that she was going to wheel this boy in front of.
"Oh . . . I guess that's alright then," Harry said, mollified that his Healer wasn't being disparaged.
"Wonderful. Now why don't you tell me about first year," Amelia suggested, "who tried to kill you then?"
"Voldemort was possessing my Defense Professor," Harry said, "well . . . maybe. He was living in the back of the Professor's head, well . . . not exactly living but . . ."
"Explain the words, living in the back of the Professor's head."
"Uh . . . he was just sorta . . . there."
"We can go into detail later," Amelia said gently, "why don't we get back to this year. Why do you think someone is trying to kill you now?"
"Because they entered me into the contest," Harry said honestly, "better witches and wizards then I am have died in that bloody contest. I'll bet they're just waiting for a chance to take care of me in a way that lets them make it look like an accident."
"If you didn't enter yourself into the tournament, then why did you participate," Amelia asked with a puzzled frown.
"Dumbledore said I had to," Harry replied, "or else I wouldn't have."
"That's absurd," Amelia said, her frown deepened, "you can't be entered into a magical contract without your consent."
"So I can quit then," Harry asked hopefully.
"Not anymore." Amelia dashed his hopes. "I would imagine that going through with the first task counts as consent."
"Oh." Harry's shoulders slumped.
"On the other hand it does allow me to make this offer without feeling too much guilt," Amelia continued. "How would you like to get a bit of Auror training Harry?"
"What?"
"Auror training," Amelia repeated, "either from me or from one of my people, depending on everyone's schedules."
"Can the girls do it too," Harry asked hopefully. "I'm not sure I want to do it if I can't have my friends with me."
"I'll see what I can arrange," Amelia demurred. She was quite pleased by the Hufflepuffish attitude the boy was showing. "Now why don't we get back to the girls."
"Okay Amelia," Harry agreed.
The concerned girls mobbed Harry when he walked into the room. After assuring themselves that he hadn't been damaged or distressed in anyway, they turned and directed fierce glares at Madame Bones.
"I just wanted to get to know the boy that's dating my friend's daughter," Amelia said with upraised hands, "nothing more." She smiled widely at the group. "Before we start our lessons, I'd like to take you all to St. Mungos to get the Healers to sign off on you."
"Why do we need to do that Aunt Amelia," Susan asked innocently.
"You should always consult a Healer before starting a strenuous new activity," Amelia lectured. Not to mention the fact that she wanted to assure herself that the girls hadn't had as many 'adventures' as Harry. "It's mostly for old women like me, but we don't want to take any chances."
"Is dancing really that strenuous," Harry asked, having never thought about it before.
"It is if you do it right," Amelia replied with a grin, causing the girls to giggle and Harry to scratch his chin in confusion.
IIIIIIIIII
The Healers were not pleased by their initial examination of Harry Potter, declaring that he should have been hospitalized for any number of ailments.
"Summon the Hogwarts School Nurse," the Chief Healer ordered, "I want to have a word with her." And she had better have the right answers or I'll revoke her bloody license, he added to himself.
"At once sir," one of the underlings agreed.
"It's that bad then," Amelia asked softly.
"Scurvy," the Chief Healer growled, "the poor boy has suffered multiple bouts of scurvy and rickets. That's something you never see these days, it's unheard of."
"I see."
The Chief Healer lit into Madame Pomfrey the second she walked through the door. He didn't let her get a word in as he dressed her down, treating her as if she were a first year intern that had just made a life ending mistake.
"Well," he growled, "what do you have to say for yourself?"
"What do I... of course Harry is in bad shape and that's because you lot aren't doing anything about it," Pomfrey snapped, "I do everything I can for the boy when he's in my care . . . more then I'm supposed to do, if we're going to disclose everything," she admitted, "you're the ones that aren't following my recommendations. I'm just a school Healer, but than, what do I know, I'm not a fancy St. Mungos professional!"
"Wait," Amelia said sharply, "what recommendations?"
"I've been referring him to St. Mungos every year that Harry has been at Hogwarts," Pomfrey said hotly, she turned to Amelia, "if they'd have followed my wishes then he'd have spent his entire summer under observation after his second year."
"I see." Amelia turned back to the St. Mungos Healers and raised her eyebrow.
"We've received no referrals for Harry Potter," the Chief Healer said quickly.
"So what," Poppy demanded, "it was a clerical error?"
"I don't know what it was," the Chief Healer admitted, "but you can be sure that I will get to the bottom of things."
"Good."
"It seems that I've jumped to conclusions," the Chief Healer said with a sour expression, "and that I have wronged you Madame Pomfrey."
"It's understandable," Poppy allowed, "it certainly does look like a case of gross negligence, doesn't it. I'm sure that I would have acted the same if I were in your shoes."
"Now that we've gotten that issue out of the way." The Chief Healer licked his lips. "Would you mind doing me a favor?"
"What is it?"
"Please join us while we attend young Harry Potter," the Chief Healer said, "as his primary Healer you may have insights that we lack."
"Plus he trusts you," Amelia interjected, "boy didn't like the idea of going to a Healer that wasn't you at all."
"Really." Poppy perked up at that pronouncement. "In that case, I would be delighted to join you."
"Here is the chart we've worked up for him." One of the Healers handed it to the school nurse. "Do you have anything to add?"
"A couple things," the woman muttered as her eyes darted over the page, "my word."
"What is it?"
"I never noticed half these things," Poppy admitted in shame, "if I had . . . that poor boy."
"We've got better access to training and equipment here," the Chief Healer said gently.
"Still," Poppy protested, "missing some of these things was . . . was nothing short of criminal."
"So get some more training," the man offered, "you've got the summers off don't you? Come here, I can always use another pair of hands."
"Yes but . . . yes, thank you."
They walked into Harry's room and Poppy let her professional face slide into place to cover up the discomfort she felt at the boy's condition.
"Hello Madame Pomfrey," Harry said cheerfully.
"Hello Harry," she replied, "I've got some good news for you."
"What is it," He asked suspiciously, recognizing the evil glint in her eyes.
"We're going to be feeding you a number of disgusting potions," Poppy said, "isn't that grand?"
"No," Harry replied, mock pouting, as he really did appreciate the care and attention she gave him, "I don't think it is."
"You'll change your mind when you see how much better you feel after this is all done," Poppy retorted, "mark my words."
"Did you check out the girls too," Amelia whispered to the Chief Healer while the children were preoccupied.
"No we didn't."
"Do it," she ordered.
IIIIIIIIII
The Headmaster of Hogwarts was sitting in his office when a familiar face appeared in the flames of his fireplace.
"Ah Amelia," Dumbledore said with his trademarked smile, "how good to hear from you again."
"I just wanted to let you know that the children won't be back from their lessons tonight," Amelia said with a look of regret.
"Why is that?"
"Some people weren't as careful as the could have been," Amelia laughed, "so we made a little side trip to have a Healer see everything to rights."
"Nothing serious I trust," Dumbledore said calmly.
"Nothing that required immediate attention," Amelia agreed, "though they did call in Madame Pomfrey since she knows the children and they trust her."
"Wonderful," Dumbledore cheered, "do try to get them back before classes on Monday."
"I'll try," Amelia promised, "but you know how Healers can be."
"Get a scratch and they think it's the end of the world," Dumbledore said in understanding, "well... do what you can anyway."
"I shall, goodnight Albus."
"Goodnight Amelia."
IIIIIIIIII
Harry wouldn't admit it, but he was more than a bit concerned at all the attention he was getting from the St. Mungos staff. Every time he tried to ask what was happening, they just brushed him off and poured another potion down his throat.
"Oh Harry," Hermione sobbed as she came into the room with the other three girls. She threw her arms around him and began sobbing into his shoulder, Hannah took the other side with Susan while Luna seemed to mold herself to Hermione's back.
Madame Pomfrey came in with Amelia a few minutes later and they both took in the scene with matching smirks.
"Am I going to die," Harry asked curiously. He regretted that his question seemed to push the girls into greater distress.
Amelia for her part, was more then a bit alarmed at how calmly the boy had asked the question. What kind of life had the poor child led if he could face the prospect of death so calmly.
"What," Poppy asked, "why would you think that?"
"Well." Harry tilted his head to indicate the crying girls. "What am I supposed to think?"
"You're not going to die Harry," Poppy assured the boy.
""What about all this then?" Harry again indicated the girls.
"I would guess that at least one of them was listening in when the Healers were going over their data," Amelia said dryly.
"Huh?"
"Poppy, could you explain please."
"Harry . . . you know how . . ." She sighed. "I'm not a full Healer, just a school nurse."
"You're a great Healer," Harry protested.
"Then if I'd have been a better Healer then I'd have noticed several signs of... of unpleasantness when I examined you," Poppy said with calm she did not feel.
"Like what?"
"Do you know what scurvy is Harry?"
"No." Harry's eyes shifted to Hermione, revealing to everyone just how much he relied on and trusted the young girl.
"It's a sickness that sailors used to get," Hermione spoke up, "it's caused when you don't get enough fresh fruits and vegetables. Right Madame Pomfrey?"
"Essentially correct Hermione," Madame Pomfrey said. "Harry, this sort of thing doesn't occur in developed nations. Not unless someone's diet is . . . Harry we know several things about your upbringing, we can read it in your medical history."
"So . . ." Harry seemed to shrink.
The girls all tightened their hold on the boy.
"So, I would like very much to arrest whoever raised you," Amelia said gently, "and then throw them into the deepest pit I can find."
Harry didn't have a ready reply for that statement.
IIIIIIIIII
The Chief Healer walked up to Amelia with an uncomfortable look on his face.
"What is it?" She asked with growing dread.
"We have the girl's results," he replied. "Lovegood, Abbot, and your niece have all been exposed to something."
"Explain something," Amelia growled.
"We're not sure," he admitted, "it's as if some idiot randomly mixed a dozen potions ingredients together and splattered the girls with small amounts of the resulting mush."
"Go on."
"We've caught it early enough so that it isn't going to cause them any problems," he assured the nervous woman.
"Good," she sighed, "and Hermione?"
"Ms. Granger isn't in as bad a shape as Mr. Potter," he said with a frown. "We'd like more time to do a deeper scan of course but . . ."
"Just give it to me," Amelia barked.
"There are long term effects from the time she spent petrified that Madame Pomfrey was unable to deal with," he replied, "this wouldn't normally be a problem, but she also got exposed to something that turned her into some sort of feline. If I didn't know better, I'd say that the girl was trying to become an animagus."
"I see."
"I don't believe that she will suffer any negative long term effects," the Healer continued, "but it's too early to be sure."
"Thank you."
"Incidentally, she's and Harry are also suffering from the same malady that we found in the other three girls." He added.
IIIIIIIIII
It took an entire weekend of treatments before the Healers would consent to Harry's discharge from the hospital and nearly that long for Harry to give a firsthand account of his treatment at the hands of the Dursley family.
Upon hearing how normal they wished to be, Amelia managed to arrange a bit of extra payback . . . unofficially of course.
IIIIIIIIII
Scores of police had descended on the normal Surrey neighborhood. After dragging the Dursley family out in chains, detectives knocked on every door and talked to every person.
"So what's this about," Asked the owner of number six. "What'd they do?"
"Bad business there," the Detective said with a frown, "not permitted to go into details you understand..."
"Of course," he took his cue.
"Well, let's just say that I've never seen a more unnatural group of freaks . . . You wouldn't happen to have any information you could share about them would you?"
"Don't know," the man admitted, "will I be able to testify?"
"That would be fine," the Detective said, "just fine."
"Will the press be there?"
"I suspect that they'll be all over this one," the Detective agreed, "even if they somehow manage to get off . . . well, let's just say that there won't be a person in the country that doesn't know their faces and all about how abnormal they all are."
IIIIIIIIII
Poppy and Amelia watched in amusement as the four girls escorted Harry to Hogwarts.
They all seemed to think that Harry was made of glass, that he might break at any instant. He on the other hand didn't seem to know how to deal with all the attention, shifting from confusion to annoyance and back to confusion every couple of minutes.
He really wasn't used to all the physical contact the girls were subjecting him to and it showed. Unfortunately for Harry's nerves that just seemed to encourage them.
"I've arranged to have your lessons begin after classes today," Amelia said to the group, "just go to the hospital wing after classes."
"Mr. Potter will be waiting for you there," Poppy interjected.
"I will," Harry asked.
"I'm going to be keeping you under observation for at least the next week," Poppy said firmly, "and I'd like to take you to St. Mungos over the weekend for more tests."
"But . . ."
"Can we come with him," Hermione asked. "I'm sure that it would be absolutely horrid to be alone all weekend."
"I'll see what I can arrange," Amelia promised.
"Thank you Madame Bones," Hermione said sweetly. The other three quickly added their thanks.
IIIIIIIIII
Amelia wouldn't say that she was comfortable in the muggle world, but decades of working in Magical Law Enforcement had impressed on her the need to be able to move through it without attracting notice.
Her car dropped her off in front of a large house with a well kept lawn. She walked to the front door and spent a few moments wondering where the knocker was before remembering that the button adjacent to the door caused a bell to chime.
"May I help you?" The woman who answered the door asked, she was a brunette with hair that could have passed for silk.
"Mrs. Granger, I presume."
"Yes, and you are . . ."
"Amelia Bones," she introduced herself, "Director of Magical Law Enforcement for the United Kingdom."
"Is there something wrong with Hermione?" The woman asked, the expression on her face was frozen.
"She's in fairly good health," Amelia assured the woman, "may I come in?"
"Please do," Mrs. Granger waved her in, "what's this all about then?"
"I was hoping that you would be willing to tell me why you haven't taken your daughter into St. Mungos for her yearly physicals," Amelia said calmly.
"We take her to our GP every summer," Hermione's mother said cautiously.
"So you haven't ever taken her to any Magical Healers?"
"The school nurse looked over her when we registered her for Hogwarts," she replied, "please tell me what this is all about."
"There are a few things that I think you should be aware of," Amelia sighed.
"Like what," Hermione's mother felt faint.
"There have been several . . ." She pursed her lips. "Let's call them accidents in her Potions class."
"What kind of accidents?"
"Exposure to dangerous substances," Amelia said unhappily.
"Please don't tell me they were Tetragenic," Hermione's mother begged, "or that they'll affect Hermione's long term health."
"I'm afraid that I'm not familiar with that term," Amelia admitted, "and we believe that we've caught things early enough so that Hermione's health will not be affected."
"Tetragenic means that it could or would cause problems for any children she has," Mrs. Granger explained.
"I . . . I don't know," Amelia said uncomfortably.
"You don't bloody know," she screamed, "why in the bloody hell didn't you check?"
"I'm not a Healer," Amelia snapped, "and my niece Susan is one of the girls that we know were exposed. For all I bloody know, the entire class has the same problem. I came here myself because I thought you'd want to hear it from a fellow parent, but if you . . ."
"Wait," Hermione's mother said, "I'm sorry. I thought you were a bureaucrat that was sent here to . . . never mind, would you please escort me to the place that we can get some answers."
"I would consider it an honor," Amelia replied, "please take my hand."
"One second." She pulled out a pen and jotted down a quick note. "I don't want my husband to worry about where I am." She took the other woman's hand. "Let's go."
IIIIIIIIII
The jaw of every member of Hogwarts' staff dropped in shock as Poppy gave her ultimatum. They just couldn't force themselves to believe that the woman was serious, or that she had the power to back up her demands.
"I am afraid that we can not close the school for a week," Dumbledore said with a smile, "I'm sorry Poppy but it's just not possible."
"You don't have a choice Albus," Poppy replied, "as this is a medical issue . . ."
"Preposterous," Snape sneered, "there's nothing wrong with the little malingerers."
"Is that your professional opinion?" Poppy asked sarcastically.
"I . . ."
"There's no need for that," Dumbledore said quickly. "And Poppy, while it's true that you have the power to shut down the school in theory . . ."
"In practice I have the Chief Healer for St. Mungos backing me up," she interrupted, "and I think that closes the subject."
"Surely this isn't necessary," Dumbledore tried another track, "the students all seem so healthy."
"Looks can be deceiving," Poppy sighed, "and we cannot delay when the lives and health of our students are at stake."
"Agreed," Minerva spoke up.
"But what if there's nothing wrong?" Albus asked. "What do we tell the parents and the press?"
"We tell them that we're being careful," Minerva replied. "That we would much rather check a hundred times and find nothing then to miss something."
"But to do it now," Albus protested, "when we're engaged in the Triwizard and under the eyes of the world."
"You'd risk our children to avoid losing a bit of prestige," Minerva hissed, "listen to yourself Albus."
"Yes of course," Albus said contritely, "thank you Minerva. When can we do this Poppy?"
"A team from St. Mungos is already on the way," she replied calmly.
"But . . ."
IIIIIIIIII
Harry watched as the Healers he'd met at St. Mungos took over the school Hospital Wing and began assembling an array of mysterious equipment.
"Sorry to disturb you Harry," the Chief Healer said with a grin, "but you know how it is."
"Yes sir," Harry agreed.
"Would you like to stay here, or would you prefer to go some place a bit more private."
"I'll go somewhere else," Harry said quickly.
"Dorothy," he called out.
"Yes sir," she asked.
"Escort Mr. Potter here to one of the empty rooms and keep him company until I send someone for you," he ordered.
"Yes sir," she agreed.
"See if you can find his friends," he added.
"I don't need a minder," Harry protested.
"Harry . . . has anyone told you why we're here?"
"No sir."
"We detected . . . problems when we scanned you and your friends."
"Are they going to be okay?" Harry asked in concern.
"We're not sure," the Healer said honestly, "and that is why I want you to . . ."
"Have a minder," Harry sighed.
"Yes, I'm afraid so."
"But you'll do everything you can to make sure that my friends . . ."
"Everything in my power," he agreed.
"Alright," Harry agreed reluctantly.
"Harry," Dorothy got down to look him in the eye, "I promise that I'll do my best to stay out of your way."
"You don't have to do anything special," Harry sighed.
"Come on," she said, "let's go find your friends."
They walked out of the Hospital Wing and found the four girls hovering nervously outside the door. Each of the girls had a sick expression on their face which transformed into one of relief when they saw Harry.
"What's this all about?" Hermione asked, acting as the group's spokeswoman.
"We found some things when we looked at your test results," Dorothy said gently, "so we're checking the other students."
"Is it bad?" Susan asked.
"We're not sure what it is," Dorothy said honestly, "that's why we're checking everyone."
"Oh."
"I'm sure everything will be fine," she tried to comfort the children, "we just need to gather as much information as we can before deciding on a course of action." She bit her lip nervously, she really wished the Chief Healer had given the job to one of the Pediatric Healers. "Let's go find some place where we can get a bit of privacy."
After a few minutes of wandering the halls, they soon settled on what appeared to be an old teacher's lounge. They chatted for a few more minutes until Hermione couldn't contain herself any longer.
"Could you teach us some healing spells," Hermione requested with sparkeling eyes. Unlike Harry, when she looked at the young healer, she didn't see a minder. What she saw as a potential source of instruction.
IIIIIIIIII
One at a time, the four Heads of House led their charges down to the Hospital Wing where the Healers subjected them all to a battery of tests.
Gryffindor was the last house to get tested and by the time Minerva got in to check things out, the grim looks on the faces of St. Mungos' staff told her all she needed to know.
"How bad," Minerva asked. Fear gripped her heart as the man pondered her question.
"Three girls and eight boys were rendered sterile," the Chief Healer said sadly, "external organs seemed to be more vulnerable."
"What about the Tet . . . what Mrs. Granger asked about?"
"We're not sure," the Chief Healer admitted, "god it's going to be years before we clean up this mess."
"Can the damage be repaired?"
"I don't know," he admitted, "no one has ever seen something like this on such a large scale before. The worst hit are the sixth and seventh years and the students from Slytherin House. We . . . I promise that we shall do everything we can, but I can't promise anything."
"I understand," Minerva said, "how could this have happened?"
"I believe that you should direct that question to Madame Bones," he said delicately.
IIIIIIIIII
Snape was sitting in his office cursing the Healers and everything Potter. How dare they interrupt his classes, how dare they demand to look at his Slytherins. Like most petty bullies, he deeply resented anyone that held power over him. The Headmaster didn't count, old fool was easy enough to manipulate into doing just about anything in the name of the 'greater good.'
"This is all Pomfrey's fault," Snape snarled to himself. He was going to have to find a way to even the score with her, perhaps he could do a bit of creative brewing the next time he was called upon to replenish the Hospital Wing's potion stores. He looked up in annoyance when there was a sharp rap on the door. "Not now," he said sharply.
The door burst off its hinges to admit Amelia Bones and several large Aurors.
"Severus Snape," she said, "I would like a word with you."
"Talk to the Headmaster," Snape screamed as they twisted his arms behind his back and slammed him into the floor. "You can't do this, the Headmaster won't allow you . . ."
"Shut up." Amelia punctuated her order with a kick to the stomach. "Albus Bloody Dumbledore has nothing to do with this conversation. It's just you, and me."
IIIIIIIIII
Senior Auror Chalmhurst did not look like an Auror, if anything she looked like a matronly old grandmother. It was an effect that she'd spent years cultivating. Many a suspect had been sent to Azkaban after confiding in the old woman, she always enjoyed the looks on their face when they saw her testify. This was different, she always hated interviewing children, always hated hearing the poor little darlings talk about what had been done to them.
The old woman paused in front of the door and schooled her features into what many called her 'granny look' before knocking on the door.
"What is it," Dorothy asked as she opened the door. The young healer's hand drifted towards her wand, she did not know this woman.
"I'm just here to have a little chat with the children dearie," Auror Chalmhurst said in a kindly voice. She flashed her badge, holding it so that only the Healer would see it. "If that's alright."
"Come in," Dorothy agreed.
Chalmhurst noted with approval the way the other woman refused to show her back, the Healer may not have known how to handle herself but she showed a properly paranoid outlook.
"I've been hearing a lot about your Potions Classes," Chalmhurst began, "and I wanted to get the story from you Harry."
"Alright," Harry said.
"I've been told that Professor Snape." How it galled to use such a polite term. "Treated you differently then the other students," she began slowly, "could you tell me if that's true."
"Um . . ." Harry looked down at his feet.
"Professor Snape is always rude to Harry," Hermione said with a frown.
"He's never fair with Gryffindors," Hannah added, "but it's worse with Harry."
"Neville has it worse then I do," Harry muttered, "it's not so bad. I can take it."
"Neville . . ." Chalmhurst's eyes widened in shock. "Longbottom?"
"Yes ma'am."
"Oh my." Augusta would be furious to find out that her grandson was being persecuted. "Harry, why don't you just take a deep breath and tell me in your own words about some of your experiences in Potions class."
"I . . ."
"Please," the old woman asked earnestly, "it's to help us improve the school's educational standards."
Hermione's eyes lit up and to the amusement of the Healer and the Auror, the young girl leaned over to whisper something into Harry's ear.
IIIIIIIIII
Lucius strolled into Hogwarts with his chin in the air, his every move making it clear that he considered himself to be as far above everyone else as they were above the scum in the lake.
"Amelia," Lucius purred, "what's this I hear about you arresting my, good friend Severus?"
"You may want to sit down Lucius," Amelia said gently, "where's Narcissa?"
"She couldn't make it," Lucius said calmly. He didn't like the way things were going at all.
"Lucius . . . I don't know how to tell you this but . . ."
"But what," Lucius asked sharply, "tell me."
"Your son Draco has been rendered sterile as a result of several Potions accidents," she told him, "I'm sorry."
"Can it be reversed?"
"We're not sure," Amelia replied, "the Healers are working on it."
"Tell them they can have whatever funds they require," Lucius said. He closed his eyes. "How did this happen?"
"It appears that your 'good friend' Severus neglected to teach standard reaction tables or lab safety," Amelia replied, "it also appears that he found it amusing to encourage his charges to throw strange things into incomplete potions being brewed by students from other houses."
"And this caused my son to become . . ." Lucius went white. "I want him dead."
"We haven't decided if we are going to ask for the kiss," Amelia said uncomfortably.
"You will ask for the kiss or my Barrister will have him out of your holding cell within the hour," Lucius growled, "while dementors are hard to come by, anyone can obtain lethifolds for the right price."
"Are you threatening me?"
"I am telling you that if you won't do your job, then I will."
"I see." Amelia relaxed slightly as she realized the threat wasn't to her or anyone under her command.
"How am I going to tell Narcissa?" Lucius seemed to collapse. "He's my only son, my only child. Does he know that . . ."
"Not yet," Amelia replied, "we'd like to wait until the Healers know more before telling any of the children."
"Thank you for telling me this Personally Amelia," Lucius said with as much calm as he could muster. He spent several minutes regaining his control while the Auror watched. "And please tell me if there is anything I can do to aid you in this matter."
"I will," Amelia promised.
"Now if you could direct me to my son . . ."
"He's in the hospital wing," Amelia said. Lucius left as the matriarch of the Longbottom family stormed in.
"What's happened to my grandson," Augusta demanded.
"Augusta," Amelia greeted the woman. She tried to think of a way to break the news gently, fearing that the news could kill the old woman. "Please, have a seat."
IIIIIIIIII
Dorothy called an early halt to the interview, noting that it was time for Harry to take his potions. Hermione elected to accompany Harry to the Hospital Wing while the other three girls elected to stay with the Auror, to give the woman their accounts of what passed for Potions classes at Hogwarts.
Hermione had always been fascinated by Hospital Wing and had always felt more than a bit guilty about the delight felt when she watched Harry suffer through one treatment or another.
"What's this potion for," Hermione demanded, the young girl was fascinated by the wide array of potions being poured down Harry's throat.
"It's to treat rickets," Madame Pomfrey said after a glance at the label.
"What's that," she asked, wanting to make sure what she'd read in her parents medical dictionary matched the magical world's definition.
"You get it when you don't have enough calcium in your diet," Madame Pomfrey replied, "or if you don't get enough sunlight."
"Oh." Hermione dimmed a little as she took in the implications. "What about this one?"
"That one treats scurvy, that's what you get if you don't eat enough fresh fruits or vegetables," she reminded the girl.
"Oh," Hermione said dully. The picture she'd formed of Harry's home life had never been good, but she'd never imagined. "Madame Pomfrey, are Harry's relatives going to go to jail?"
"I would be surprised if they don't," Poppy said gently.
"Good," Hermione said savagely, "I hope they stay there forever."
IIIIIIIIII
Narcissa's heart broke when she heard the news about her baby boy and she sobbed in Lucius's arms. Most outsiders believed that the Malfoys had a loveless marriage, figuring that money and status was all that held the relationship together. Most outsiders were wrong. While distant, the pair did sincerely care about each other and they were both devastated by what their son had suffered at the hands of Severus Snape, a man they'd both trusted.
"He's a dead man walking," Lucius promised, "there's no power on this earth that can protect him." It was the truth too, Albus Dumbledore liked to think that he pulled the strings but it was Lucius Malfoy that truly held the reins of power. "I've already given Fudge the orders."
"What if they can't cure Draco," Narcissa cried. "What then?"
"Then we shall cross that bridge when we come to it," Lucius said tightly.
"Hold me," she begged.
"Of course."
IIIIIIIIII
Augusta watched her grandson from afar, he was the last of the Longbottom family. It saddened her to think that a thousand years of history might come to an and thanks to the actions of one petty tyrant and the man that shielded him. Yes, she knew that while Snape was directly responsible for the misfortune that had befallen the children, it was Albus Dumbledore that had enabled the bastard to do it. A Longbottom never forgets, she promised herself, and a Slytherin never forgives. Regardless of what happened with Neville, Augusta promised herself that she would have her vengeance on the Headmaster and his lapdog . . . no matter what it took.
IIIIIIIIII
Dumbledore plastered on his most charming smile as the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement walked into his office.
"Amelia," he said cheerfully, "how good of you to join me."
"Albus," she said coldly, "you and I need to have a little conversation."
"Indeed we do," he agreed, "I'm most disappointed in you Amelia. You know that traditionally the Ministry stays out of Hogwarts business, the thing with Severus really should have been handled internally."
"Handled internally," she growled, "that bastard's spent years endangering children and ruining dreams on your watch and you want a chance to deal with it internally. Are you senile or just bloody stupid?"
"Amelia please," Dumbledore said condescendingly. He couldn't believe how the conversation was going, usually they just accepted his recommendations and went on their way.
"Shut up," Amelia growled, "and save your holier then though attitude for someone who gives a damn."
"I'm telling you Amelia that . . ." Dumbledore was starting to loose his calm.
"No I'm telling you Dumbledore. This is how it's going to be. Snape goes to Azkaban, Harry moves in with me, You swear an oath not to meddle, interfere in the life of, nor manipulate Harry Potter in any way. that all your interactions with him AND all actions that affect him will ONLY be professional and ONLY to do with school related matters in your role as headmaster, or I swear by Merlin, you will have your titles stripped, your reputation shattered and you will find yourself locked into the deepest pit of the worst part of Azkaban, with a mutant career dog rapist's dick deep in your colon before the night is out! Do I make myself clear?"
"Crystal," Dumbledore said sourly.
"Wonderful." Amelia's smile returned. "In that case, that will be all."
"Wonderful."
"And Albus." She paused at the door. "Don't leave the country or make any travel plans."
IIIIIIIIII
Lucius looked over the School Governors and mentally tallied the votes he could command, still a few short to go after Dumbledore but more then enough to end the career of an incompetent Potions Professor.
"Thank you all for coming on such short notice," Lucius said with uncharacteristic humility, "I trust that you've all heard of the Potions situation?" He looked over their faces and was unsurprised to see that many of the sheep had no clue what he was talking about. "It is because of that situation that I would like to put forth a vote to dismiss the current Potions Master with cause."
"A point if I may," Augusta said sharply.
"Madam." Lucius nodded, a spike of anxiety shot through his heart as he considered that the woman might oppose the measure out of spite. Lucius belatedly realized that he should have had a proxy introduce the motion.
"I believe that your heart is in the right place," the woman said, "but that you are not going far enough."
"What do you mean?" Lucius asked.
"I believe that there is a rot in Hogwarts," Augusta began, "and I think that the responsibility for that lies squarely on us, the Board. It is our responsibility to monitor the school and to ensure that every student has a safe environment to learn and prosper . . .I fear that we have been shirking our duties." She sighed. "I would like to second Mister Malfoy's motion to dismiss Severus Snape and I would like to make a friendly amendment to also dismiss the current Headmaster. It was under his watch that the Potions Master was permitted to abuse and endanger our students, the consequences fall on his shoulders."
"Agreed," Lucius said. He felt faint, who would have guessed that Augusta Longbottom of all people would be his ally in this matter. "With thanks."
The rest of the Board quickly fell in line, none of Lucius's pets would dare go against him and none of the rest had the intestinal fortitude to go up against the united block. Lucius waved Augusta to the side as the meeting came to a close.
"What is it?" She asked coldly.
"I believe that the two of us have something in common," Lucius said calmly, "and I believe that I have a charity that you may wish to become involved in."
"What kind of charity?"
"The kind that provides funding to St. Mungos," Lucius said, "to establish a research department to help the victims of this disaster."
"Muggleborn included?"
"All of them," Lucius replied. He was more than willing to cast aside ideals that might get in the way of public support.
"Who were you thinking of appointing to run this?"
"Amelia Bones," Lucius replied, "or the Chief Healer."
"Not yourself?"
"No." This was also one cause that he wasn't going to allow Fudge to turn into a source of revenue.
"We may be able to do business Lucius," Augusta allowed. Her hatred of Dumbledore and Snape eclipsing her distaste for Lucius Malfoy, Bellatrix's brother in law.
IIIIIIIIII
Minerva's hands shook as she reread her appointment to Headmistress. If she were to be honest with herself, she didn't expect to ever become the Headmistress of Hogwarts. She'd always assumed that Albus would hold the position until his death and the old man had seemed so spry, so eternal, that she she'd also assumed that the former Headmaster would outlive her.
The new Headmistress walked down to her new office to find her predecessor packing his things.
"Minerva," he said, "congratulations. "
"Albus I . . . I'm sorry but I've been directed to expel you from the school," she said reluctantly. She understood why the old man had been dismissed after the business with Snape, but she wasn't at all sure she approved of how they were going about it. "You are not permitted to set foot on school grounds, you are not permitted to pack up your things, and you are not permitted to have any contact with the students."
"It seems that bad things come in threes," he sighed, "how will I get my belongings if I'm not permitted to pack them myself?"
"Madame Bones is sending an evidence team to do it," Minerva replied.
"I see . . . fear not Minerva, I'm sure that this is nothing more than a temporary setback."
"You can't possibly believe that Albus," Minerva said, "not after everything that's come to light."
"I'm sure that . . ."
"How could you allow that man to endanger our children like that?"
Minerva demanded suddenly. "Damn it Albus, they've been looking over our alumni starting from the time that Severus started teaching and do you know what they discovered?"
"What," Dumbledore asked reluctantly.
"They discovered that the number of Potions NEWTs went down some fifty five percent while the number of health issues went up some two hundred," Minerva replied, "that man is responsible for an entire generation of . . . don't you even care about what he's done?"
"I did what I thought was best at the time," he replied. It sounded mechanical, rehearsed. "No doubt I would have acted differently if I had a chance."
"Goodbye Albus."
"Farewell Minerva."
IIIIIIIIII
Snape sat in his cell nursing his bruises with a scowl on his face. He was convinced that Albus was securing his release and he vowed that he would get even with the people responsible for his current misfortune, especially that Bones bitch. While the Director was out of his reach, she did have a niece currently attending Hogwarts. Severus smiled in anticipation as he thought about what he was going to do to the little piece of trash, she would pay . . . they would all pay.
An auto dictation quill merrily scribbled down his every angry mutter, as one of the aurors had copied the idea from observing the muggle authorities.
IIIIIIIIII
Amelia's eyebrows rose when the head of her evidence collection unit walked into her office with a large box in his hands.
"What's all that?" She asked mildly.
"Near as we can tell, it's all possessions of the Potter family." He carefully put the box on her desk. "Got wands belonging to Lily and James Potter along with a few other personal items."
"You've finished going through Dumbledore's office," Amelia said in understanding.
"No," he said quickly, "it'll take a few more weeks before we've sifted through everything. We just thought that Potter would want his things."
"I'll return them today," Amelia promised, "keep an eye out for anything else that might belong to other people."
"We're putting everything suspicious aside," he replied. "The lads just wanted . . . well, we figured . . ."
"Starstruck?"
"Younger half of my crew are, the older half figure that the poor kid's suffered enough."
"Got it."
IIIIIIIIII
Minerva was teaching a group of second years when she saw one of her Gryffindor Prefects hovering at the door. She waved the girl in and took the note in the girl's hands.
"It's from Madame Bones," the girl said nervously, "she told me to bring it to you even though you were in class."
"You did the right thing," Minerva assured the girl. She glanced over the note. "Go get Mister Potter, I believe that he's in Defense at the moment." Oh what a chore it had been to talk Poppy into allowing the boy to attend classes with the other students. "Have him meet Madame Bones in the Great Hall."
"Yes Professor," the girl agreed quickly.
"Wait." Minerva stopped the girl before she could leave. "Have Misses Granger, Lovegood, Bones, and Abbot join him."
"Yes Professor," the girl said.
"That will be all," Minerva said. She had to suppress a frown as the girl left the room. She wasn't sure what this was about but thought it best that the poor boy had as much support as possible.
IIIIIIIIII
Amelia took a breath as the Prefect she'd commandeered earlier returned with five students in tow. She hadn't asked for the others but Amelia decided that any opportunity to spend time with her niece was worth having.
"I suppose you're wondering why I called you here Harry," Amelia greeted the boy.
"I am," Harry agreed.
"While going through the things in the Headmaster's office, we discovered several items that belonged to your parents."
"Oh." Harry looked at his feet, wishing that he could be shocked by this latest betrayal.
"Here." She handed the boy the box. "This is what we've found so far."
"Has he said why he did it?" Harry asked.
"I haven't talked to him yet," Amelia admitted, "I wanted to get these things to you first."
"Thank you," Harry said dully. He put the box down on the table and began going through the contents.
While Harry went through the box with three of the girls, Susan walked up to her Aunt with a hopeful look on her face.
"Can I talk to you for a minute Aunty," Susan asked softly.
"What is it?" Amelia asked after she'd led her niece away from the rest of the group.
"Luna needs to talk to someone about some things," Susan said vaguely, "and I couldn't think of anyone else that could do it."
"What sort of things?"
"The sort that you'd want to talk to your mum about," Susan replied, "or your Aunt if you don't have a mum."
"Alright," Amelia sighed. She walked over to the group and tapped Luna on the shoulder. "Would you mind attending me for a few minutes Ms. Lovegood?"
"Of course Madame Bones," Luna said shyly.
"Luna," she said warmly, "call me Amelia."
IIIIIIIIII
Lucius glared at the man behind the desk with barely concealed contempt. People often wondered why Fudge was the Minister, wondered why the patriarch of the Malfoy family didn't just take the position himself. If he deigned to answer, Lucius would have sneered and explained that Fudge was a cut out, a patsy to take the fall if something were to go wrong. That was the mistake he'd made in his younger days, age had matured him and taught him the difference between the direct sort of thing he'd relished in his youth and the real power he had achieved. It was funny, he'd spent years supporting Voldemort's unsuccessful bid to take over the magical portion of the United Kingdom when a few well placed bribes could have handed them the whole thing in an afternoon.
"Do you understand," Lucius asked harshly.
"Yes," Fudge agreed, "I understand what I'm to do."
"Excellent."
IIIIIIIIII
Amelia's first stop after returning Harry's things was the Hogshead pub where Albus was staying. The former Headmaster could have gone back to his old home but he'd have been happy to explain that he wanted to stay close to Hogwarts so he'd be on hand when everyone came back to their senses.
"Just what in the hell do you think you were playing at?" Amelia demanded as she stormed into his room. "We found things that belonged to James and Lily Potter in your office."
"I was hoping to divine the protection charm that Lily cast on Harry," Dumbledore said in a silky voice, "just think of the benefit if we could find a way to make it work for everything."
"And the rest?" She spat.
"I was just holding the items for Harry until he got older," Dumbledore explained, "I just don't think he's responsible enough to have everything yet."
"Young Mr. Potter doesn't agree."
"Yes, well . . ."
"Neither do I," Amelia interrupted, "you're lucky I'm not charging you with theft. Is there anything else that you've decided to 'hold' for anyone else?"
"A few things," Dumbledore admitted.
"Make a list," she growled, "so I can see that everything is returned."
"Amelia please."
"You can do it here, or in lock up. I expect it on my desk within twenty four hours. Anything you leave off of the list, the evidence team will report as theft and concealment of stolen property."
IIIIIIIIII
Minerva's gaze swept over the other two Headmasters as she took her seat and a spike of fear shot through her heart until she ruthlessly suppressed it.
"Thank you both for coming," Minerva started things off, "I was looking over the rules of the Triwizard when I noticed something."
"What is it?" Maxime asked.
"The Headmasters or Headmistresses of each competing school must agree on each event," Minerva replied.
"And we all have," Igor said abruptly, "what's the problem?"
"Ogwarts 'as already agreed," Maxime agreed reluctantly, "it matters not that you did not 'old the 'eadmistress position at the time."
"Of course," Minerva said quickly, "this isn't about Hogwarts."
"Well," Igor prompted. He was interested to see what the witch's point was.
"We have a fourth school in the tournament," Minerva explained, "and the Headmaster of the fourth school has not agreed to anything."
"Fourth . . . Mr. Potter," Maxime said in understanding, "but is he not a student of 'ogwarts?"
"According to the rules, each school may nominate one student."
"Is it possible?" Igor said thoughfully.
"Will we 'ave to redo the first task?" Maxime asked.
"I think that will not be necessary so long as we are able to get the Headmistress of the fourth school to agree that it will be the first task," Minerva said with a smile.
"What Headmistress?" Igor had not missed the look on Minerva's face.
"Were either of you aware that Mr. Potter has been receiving extra lessons?" Minerva asked with a smile. "Along with a few girls, all arranged by the Director of Magical Law Enforcement."
IIIIIIIIII
Amelia returned to her office to find the new Head of Slytherin House waiting outside her door. Amelia's lips pursed as she tried to remember the woman's name.
"Professor . . . ah . . ." Amelia stumbled.
"Sinistra," the woman introduced herself, "I don't believe we've been introduced."
"A pleasure to meet you," Amelia said pleasantly, "what can I do for you Professor?"
"I was hoping that you would be willing to lend me your evidence team," Sinistra replied.
"Oh."
"My new position." A look of distaste appeared on her face. "As Head of Slytherin House has given me several new responsibilities," she explained, "among them is keeping contraband out of my House Dorms and unlike Snape, I take my responsibilities seriously."
"Of course," Amalia agreed, "I'll have them send down a team. Was there anything else?"
"Not for me," Sinistra replied, "but I believe that Minerva is anxious to have a word with you."
"Please tell Minerva that I will be over as soon as I get some paperwork filed."
"I will Director Bones," the woman agreed, "good day."
"Good day."
IIIIIIIIII
Luna was waiting when Harry and Hermione got out of their last class of the day. With a smile, she appropriated Hermione's hand.
"Hello Luna," Hermione said, "how was your day?"
"It was quite the same as it always is," Luna said after a moment of intense thought, "how was yours?"
"Very well," Hermione said.
"Hello Luna," Harry said.
"Hello Harry," Luna said, "did your day go well as well?"
"Yes it did," Harry agreed, "should we go find Susan and Hannah?"
"But we don't have lessons today," Hermione said with a frown.
"So."
"Right," Hermione agreed, "coming Luna?"
"Of course."
IIIIIIIIII
Amelia arrived at Hogwarts and was immediately ushered into a meeting with the other three Headmasters. They explained the situation and settled down to hear her thoughts on the matter.
"I agree to the first contest," Amelia said formally. "Since I was not able to witness the performance of any of the contestants, I do not see how I can fairly score them so I award full points to all four of them. I also have no objections to the third task, there are a few details that I'd like to address but that can be saved for another time. As for the second task . . ."
"What about it?"
"I don't like this second task at all," Amelia said with a frown, "and I cannot agree to it."
"What don't you like about it?" Maxime asked.
"The fact that it pulls in outsiders for one," Amelia replied, "and . . ."
"The fact that your niece or one of her friends will likely be the hostage for two," Minerva said with a smirk.
"That is a concern," Amelia admitted.
"But the point is to encourage the competitors to go all out," Igor said with a frown, "Dumbledore agreed that . . ." He trailed off with a look of distaste on his face. "Never mind, I withdraw my objections."
"What do you suggest for an alternate second task?" Minerva asked.
"And what should we tell the children about the change?" Maxime added.
"I would suggest a dueling tournament," Amelia replied, "each contestent duels every other contestent and we add up the points at the end. As for what to tell the children, well . . . how about we try telling them the truth."
"Agreed," Maxime sighed.
"I have no objections," Igor offered.
"Neither do I," Minerva said, "I would like to suggest that our Charms Professor stand in as the Hogwarts' Judge."
"The little man?" Maxime asked.
"That little man has four gold medals in dueling," Igor said with a laugh, "and he coached the British team into several more. Not to mention what he's won outside the Olympics."
"Oh," Maxime said in shock, "then I would also like to nominate someone to take my place. Please allow me time to consider my choices."
"I'll have my Dueling Master come over for it," Igor said calmly. He turned to Minerva with a smile. "She's the woman that cost your Professor his fifth gold."
"And it will be a pleasure to meet her," Minerva said with a good natured smile.
"I'll see if the Auror Academy's Dueling Master is available," Amelia said to the group, "if he isn't then I will either get one of the under instructors or I will stand in myself."
"Excellent," Minerva cheered, "is there any other business we need to adress?"
"Not in my role of Harry's Headmistress," Amelia said, "but I do have a request for you as the Head of the Department of Law Enforcement."
"What is it?"
"I was hoping to get a chance to go through the Hogwarts vaults," Amelia replied, "who knows what Dumbledore might have hidden in them."
"Of course," Minerva agreed.
IIIIIIIIII
Hermione surprised the attending Healers when she came into the hospital wing and made a bee line towards the Chief Healer rather then Harry's bed as was usual.
"What can I do for you Ms. Granger?" The man asked kindly.
"I heard about the sterility," Hermione said with a subdued look on her face.
"We were hoping to keep that quiet for a bit longer," he said with a wince, "rest assured that Mr. Potter is not one of those affected."
"Oh," Hermione sighed in relief, "that's wonderful. But it's not what I wanted to ask you about."
"What did you want to ask me about?"
"I just . . ."
"Yes?"
"Are we talking about complete sterility or just a low enough sperm count to make having children a near miracle," the muggle born girl asked curiously, reminded of how her parents had to go to a specialist to have her.
IIIIIIIIII
Harry grinned as he and Hannah twirled around the dance floor. He'd have never imagined that dancing could be so much fun, not a spot on Quidditch of course, but it wasn't like he could be on a broom all the time.
"Mind if I cut in?" Susan asked as she took Hannah's spot.
"Not at all," Hannah said with a grin, "enjoy yourselves.
"Are you?" Susan said suddenly.
"Am I what?"
"Enjoying yourself," Susan giggled, "a lot, I hope."
"I think so," Harry said thoughfully, "I'm not really sure."
"Huh?"
"I don't have much to compare it to," Harry tried to explain, "nothing except Quidditch."
"Aunty Amelia says that the Healers think they might have found a way to reverse the damage caused in Potions Class," Susan said suddenly.
"That's great," Harry cheered.
"They won't be able to do it for a few years," Susan continued, "but it's a start."
"Guess you can do a lot when you have that much backing," Harry said thoughfully.
"Several wealthy families were affected," Susan pointed out.
"Yes I . . ." Harry felt a tap on his shoulder.
"Mind if I cut in?" Hermione asked.
"Not at all," Harry agreed. He moved aside so that Hermione could take his former position. "I needed a break anyway.
Harry moved over towards the corner where the other two girls had congregated when he heard a snippet of conversation.
"Still don't understand why Bones went with Hermione and Looney," Ron grumbled, "the other two aren't such a big loss but Bones has a great pair of Hufflepuffies."
"Don't talk about them like that," Harry growled. Friendship or no, Harry was not going to stand by while Ron disparaged the girls.
"I'll say whatever I want to about those freaks," Ron shouted back. It wasn't the correct word to use around Harry. In fact it was possibly the single worst word to use around Harry Potter, especially when describing one or more of his friends.
With one punch, Harry's friendship with Ron shattered along with the Cartilage in the red head's nose.
AN: Hermione and Luna don't necessarily have a romantic relationship, I knew several girls that went to dances in groups or pairs. With that in mind, it could lend itself to a pairing if someone wanted to write it that way. Me, I just wanted to write a lonely Luna fic and it grew from there. Some polish by dogbertcarroll, neil.reynolds, and Finbar. Title by Fenris.
Mini Omake by Finbar
"Damnit Aunty" Susan was red faced with anger and pride. "We've tried everything! How many other 15 year old boys would decline a threesome because it wasn't proper!"
Omake by davidiusbrown
Later, at Hermione's own Saint Mungo's checkup...
Miss Granger, you appear to be in good health, but you have an unnaturally high level of tachyon particles."
"Tachyon particles, Healer Brackett? That's muggle physics."
"While many in our world ignore the brilliant contributions of muggles, we at Saint Mungos do not. We know what the word stat means."
"Well you should, stat is just a medical abbreviation for the Latin statim, which means immediately."
"You know your languages. We even have an MRI here at Saint Mungos. I'll show it to you later if you want, but tell me, have you been doing any time travel lately?"
"Well I wasn't supposed to tell anyone."
"I'm your healer. You can tell me anything without fear of legal repercussion. It's part of our code of ethics, which is recognized by the Wizengamot."
"I was given a time turner last year so that I could attend extra classes. Headmaster Dumbledore gave it to me."
"BLOODY HELL! Is he mad? If this was a natural infusion, you wouldn't be in much danger. That imbecile! I'm admitting you now. We need to remove these excess tachyons from your body stat, or you could become sterile, grow cancerous tumors, or just suddenly drop dead."
"Drop dead?"
"Drop dead. With the massive tachyon energy in your system, subatomic particles within your body could suddenly decide they needed to be elsewhere, such as on the other side of the room, or the universe. Your very molecules will tear themselves apart. It's only a matter of time. We better get you to the MRI to check for tumors. NURSE McCALL! I need you to get Joe Early and Mike Morton. We've got an Emergency! on our hands."
Fortunately, Saint Mungos recently accepted a donation of the Nargle livers necessary to brew the potion to save Hermione's life.
David Brown
Anyone with any real knowledge of physics could probably suggest a better subatomic particle/wave/whatever. I do favor the Higgs Boson, if only because I watched Lex long ago.
Another by davidiusbrown
"Are you abusing cats, Miss Granger?"
"NO!"
"Then how can you explain the residuary cat DNA in your bloodstream? That usually only happens when wizards and witches sacrifice cats during dark rituals."
"I was making Polyjuice Potion, and, well, I put a cat hair into it by mistake. Madame Pomfrey fixed it. She said I was OK."
"You were fine, but all of the temporal destabilization that you went through last year affected your DNA. Remember what I said about molecules destroying themselves. Well, the human body is very
resilient. If some of your DNA goes missing, your cells will try to repair themselves. Sometimes this results in cancer. In your case, you are passing through the initial stages of a mutation."
"I'm going to be a cat?"
"No, we caught it early enough, but you will likely retain some feline characteristics. If you develop cat ears and a tail, we can remove them surgically, but, well, don't do that so quickly."
"Why?"
Healer Hackett whispered into her still presently normal left ear, "Some people find cat ears, well, sexually attractive."
"I AM NOT A FURRY!"
Later, while waiting for her next round of potions, Luna came in.
"How are you doing, Kitten?"