Disclaimer- I own nothing. Thank you J K Rowling for creating this magical world for us to play in.
a/n: Hi all! Thank you for the reviews, you guys are the best. I hope you enjoy this next installment. If you have any suggestions, please feel free to PM. If I like it and it fits into the story, then I will add it and give you the credit and a huge shout out.
Enjoy!
a/n 2: We are slowly getting there! If you have noticed any mistakes, KINDLY let me know so that I can fix them. I did the best I could and have gone over this chapter a few times already.
Chapter 13
"Normal Speech"
Thoughts
'Mental Conversations'
A cave hidden at the edge of the forbidden forest-
The sun was just beginning to rise and shine into a small cave. Two beautiful phoenix's felt a sudden pull of power. "My love" called Fawkes, "it is time for us to meet those who we are supposed to be bonded with." As they both began to stretch their wings, they knew that a great evil was coming.
"Darling, what if we run into the man who tied you to him?" asked the white phoenix whose wings went from white and faded into a light blue, and had dark blue tail feathers.
"Once we are bonded with are true masters, nothing will separate us from them. Come my love, it is time for us to go."
Hogwarts, McGonagall's office-
As Minerva watched the sun rise that morning, she knew that the true leaders of light were coming. For the first time in many years she felt her heart swell with hope and pride. This was the dawning of a new age. Minerva took a deep breath and turned back to her desk to finish her cup of tea. Before she sat down she felt a breeze come out of nowhere. It shot through her in a sudden burst saying, "It's time."
Dumbledore's office-
Albus was just putting the finishing touches on his plan. Everyone thought he was an advocate for all muggleborns. He snorted at the thought. He stood up from his desk to stretch. It was moments like these that his body tended to reminded him of his age. "Once everything set into motion the wizarding world will come to me for comfort and advice. I will rule with an iron fist, and those filthy mudbloods will have nothing at all. Simple breeding stock, and Potter's fortune will fund it all." Just as he went to turn and look out the window a breeze kicked up, blowing all the papers around. He quickly grabbed the parchment he was working on.
"It would not due to lose this." Albus just shook his head. Suddenly the paper burst into flames and a jolt ran straight through him. He fell to the floor in a giant heap of purple robes, hitting his head on the desk on his way down. The last thing he would remember was the burning.
Tonks family home-
Everyone spoke late into the night and decided to stay in the living room, essentially keeping watch over Harry and Hermione. Emma was currently curled up to Narcissa. It was a good thing Draco told them to have the calming draught ready. Emma turned as white as a sheet and started shaking uncontrollable when she heard that Lucius was going to get away with everything that he did to her. She latched onto Narcissa, and no one could blame her. At the end of the night, Andy and Poppy both agreed that giving her a small dose of a dreamless sleep potion would do her well and would not harm the child. They decided that they would go to the paper before Harry woke. They needed to set their plan in motion. Minerva tried to argue against it, stating that it was for Harry to decide. But, Sirius won the argument, knowing that Harry wanted to go after his mother in law's attacker. He would take responsibility for it. Thankfully Narcissa had been the voice of reason.
The dawn light was just starting to come through the bay windows at the front of the house. Narcissa was the first to wake and realized that Emma was still in her arms. It made her heart skip a beat, and it made her feel whole once again. She felt Emma start to stretch. "Good Morning" whisper Narcissa as she looked down into Emma's face. She was still pale and her eyes were red from all the crying. Emma grabbed Narcissa tightly, still feeling the sting from last night. "Would you care for a cup of tea? Perhaps you would like to try to walk over to Hermione this morning. I know Andy was going to try and get you up and moving with the aid of a cane."
"I would like that. Would you be able to bring me that cup of tea after I am already next to my daughter?" asked Emma. Her voice was a little scratchy, but stronger than it has been. She was slowly on the mend. Narcissa climbed off the bed and waked into the hall way to grab an umbrella. She transfigured it into a beautiful mahogany cane that had a tree of life with branches spreading all over. Emma took the cane and tried to stand, but was unable to get up on her own.
Narcissa grabbed her free arm to help her. "It has been a few days since you have used your legs. Take your time. That's it." It may have taken a few minutes, but Emma finally made it across the room. She used all the energy she had doing it, and was very grateful for the chair. "I'm going to get you that cup of tea. Would you care for anything else?" asked Narcissa.
"Thank you Cissy, but no. I just want to sit here" replied Emma. Narcissa turned to walk to the kitchen. Just as she reached the door way, she felt a breeze begin to stir. Just as she turned back to look at Emma, she felt a jolt run through her.
Suddenly the room was filled with a bright white light, causing her to look away and try to shield her eyes. Once the light faded she saw Emma slumped over the chair. "Emma!" screamed Narcissa as she ran back over to her. At this point everyone was awake. Andy jumped up to check on Emma. "Andy, what happened? Is she ok?" asked Narcissa.
Andy was quickly looking Emma over. "This can't be." She whispered.
"Andy, what is the matter? Is she ok? What about the baby?"
"Cissy, I need you to call Poppy. Hurry." Replied Andy
"Andy, please, is she ok?" asked Narcissa
Andy turned back to Narcissa, seeing the panic in her eyes and said, "I believe they are both fine, but I need you to call her for me. If she doesn't answer, get a hold on Minerva."
Narcissa didn't want to leave Emma's side. She started to speak but was interrupted by Sirius who said, "I'll take care of those calls Andy. I need to send an owl to Remus any way."
Narcissa shot Sirius a grateful look before turning back to Andy and asking, "should we move her?"
"No. She should stay where she is." Replied Andy.
"Andy, what happened?" said a voice from behind her.
She turned to look and saw Harry was awake. "Harry, we are trying to figure that out now. I want you to stay in bed for now, alright?"
"Ok. Is it alright if I wake Hermione? I don't want her to freak out when she wakes up." He replied as he waited for an answer.
"Alright Harry."
He gently started to wake her. "Maya. Sweetheart, it's time to get up love."
A large heap of brown hair started to move. "mmm, 5 more minutes' love."
Harry chuckled as he pushed the hair from her face and leaned down to give her a kiss. "Good Morning my beautiful wife. I need you to wake up."
"You better have a good reason for this Potter." Hermione went to go sit up but realized that Harry was holding her back. "Harry, why won't you let me get up?"
She felt Harry take a breath before he replied, "Andy wants us to stay in bed for a moment. Before you freak out, something has happened. I need you to actually listen to me Hermione. Please do not try to fight me on this." He could feel her tense.
"Harry, tell me what is going on. I promise not to move." She knew he was serious since he used her full name.
"Something happened to your mother. We are waiting for Madame Pomfrey to get here. Hermione, she is ok. We just need to wait, ok?" Hermione gave him a quick nod. "Harry, why aren't you wearing you glasses?"
Harry gave her a puzzled look before replying, "What do you mean? Aren't I wearing them?" Hermione just shook her head.
Sirius, Poppy, and Minerva came sweeping into quickly into the room but stopped short once they saw Harry and Hermione. "Lord and Lady Potter?" asked a shocked Minerva. Everyone turned to look at them and realized the same thing. They were both very different from when the showed up yesterday. Harry and Hermione looked at each other, but before they could speak, Emma started to come around, bringing everyone out of their state of shock.
Poppy ran over to check on Emma and gave a gasp. "How is this even possible?" she asked.
"What happened?" asked a groggy Emma who tried to sit up.
Narcissa put her hands softly on Emma's shoulders to help guide her. "We are trying to figure that out Em. What was the last thing you remember?"
"I remember you helping me over here, and then going to leave to fetch some tea. I felt this strange breeze, and then felt some kind of jolt run through me. The last thing I remember was a bright light." Replied Emma, who was shaking from the experience. Andy and Poppy looked at each other.
"Excuse me, but could someone tell me what happened to my mother?" asked Hermione. It was taking all her will power not to jump off the bed.
"Hermione, we need to take a look at you two first." Replied Andy.
"No, you will tell me what caused you to call for Madame Pomfrey before you examine either one of us." Hermione firmly replied. She was finally getting back to her normal self.
'There is the Maya I know. They are only trying to help love.' Harry chuckled.
'Shut it Potter! Now is not the time for jokes.' Harry was a little taken aback by this. 'I'm sorry Harry, but I need to know what is going on.'
"Alright Lady Potter, this time I will honor the request. Do not make it a habit." Replied Poppy. Everyone knew better than to try and cross her. "It would seem that your mother's magical core has strengthened. She is no longer a squib. This has never happened before."
"But how?" asked Hermione.
"We aren't entirely too sure" replied Andy. "It happened just before you woke up."
Sirius cleared his throat and said, "Actually, I think it started before that. When we first got back, after you passed out Mione, your mother got emotional about not knowing what was going on with you and a light blew up in the hall way as I walking in."
Hermione wanted to ask more questions, but the look she got from Andy and Madame Pomfrey told her otherwise. "Now then, while Andy continues to monitor your mother, I will be examining you two." Harry was very familiar with that tone of voice from all of his stays at the school infirmary. Hermione wanted to try and argue with her, but Harry place his hand on her arm and shook his head. Poppy caught this little action and smiled as she thought, the boy is learning."Now then, Lord Potter, where are your glasses?"
"I think someone put them over on the table. But I don't need them anymore Madame Pomfrey. I can see you perfectly."
Poppy creased her brow at this and she ran her wand over him for third time. "How are you feeling Lord Potter?"
Harry actually chuckled at this and said, "I would think that after all the time we spent together, we would be on a first name basis Poppy. We both know that I am feeling fine."
For the first time in anyone's memory, Poppy gave a hearty laugh and replied, "You cheeky little bugger. You are so much like your father." This brought a smile to everyone's face. "Now then, Lady Potter, how are you feeling?" Hermione watched as Poppy continued to pass her wand over her. "I'm fine Madame Pomfrey, really I am. Just a little sore from being in bed, that's all." Poppy lifted a brow at this, "Sore? How so?"
"Honestly, I feel like my body has been pulled apart and put back together again." She replied.
"Hmmm… Harry, do you feel this way as well" asked Poppy even though she already knew the answer to the question. She sighed before adding, "Of course you do. You know Harry, one of these days you will stop being so noble. I give up on you, hopefully Lady Potter will be more successful than I ever was." Poppy walked over to the cabinet that Andy kept the potions in and grabbed two pain potions as well as a nutritional potion. She walked up to Hermione first, knowing that she would take it with no argument and said, "Take this now, and after you have had breakfast, I want you to take the nutritional potion." She stared at Harry, giving him the sternest look she could muster. Once she made sure they both took the potions, she turned back to check on Emma.
It looked as if Andy was just finishing her exam when she asked, "Em, I want you to close your eyes for me." Emma thought this request was a little strange, but did as she was asked. "Now, I want you to take a deep breath in for me. Hold it for a moment. Let it out. Good. I want you to search for a beautiful lake that is surrounded by ancient oaks whose leaves are changing colors. Have you found it yet? Don't speak, just nod your head if so." Emma nodded yes. "Excellent. Now, I want you to hold that image in your mind's eye. Do you have it?"
"Yes"
"Good. Now, I want you to keep your eyes closed and tell me what you feel."
Emma took a few minutes to gather her thoughts. "I feel like there is a slow hum running throughout my body. It's warm and peaceful. But…" Emma stopped and frowned.
Andy saw this and asked, "What is it Em?" Hermione sat a little straighter at this sudden stop. Andy continued, "Emma, what's wrong?"
"I feel this pull. It's as if something is calling to me." Andy look straight at Narcissa with wide eyes. She knew exactly what Emma wasn't saying. She turned back to Emma and said, "Emma, I need you to open your eyes now."
"What was all of that Andy?" Emma asked, completely in awe.
But it was Hermione who said with a single tear running down her cheek, "Mum, that was your magical core. Do you understand what that means?"
Emma just shook her head. Just as she was about to ask about it when it suddenly dawned on her. With wide eyes she slowly looked at everyone in the room, stopping on Hermione. "It means I'm a witch, like you aren't I?" Hermione couldn't speak. She nodded her head yes while clutching Harry's hand.
He sifted a little in the bed and asked, "I hate to disrupt this, but would you all terribly mind if we got dressed? We could discuss everything after."
Sirius let out a laugh and replied, "Smooth pup, real smooth. Before we leave you, I have one thing I wish to discuss with you that cannot wait. While you two were sleeping, we made the decision to go to the papers. I know we wanted to have you give an exclusive, we felt that this was something thing that couldn't wait." Minerva cleared her throat and glared at him, making him add, "Well, most of us agreed. Happy Minerva?"
Still glaring at Sirius, she replied "Quite."
Harry and Hermione sat there in silence for a moment. Harry was furious. "What of my marriage did you decide to say?" he asked a low and quiet voice.
Sirius looked him square in the eye and said, "We told the paper you were betrothed." He knew what was going to happen when he told them what he had done, and was more than willing to accept the consequences.
'Harry, I know what they did was wrong, but we need to move past it. What's done is done. We cannot change any of it. We need to move forward. Hermione said as she put her hand on the side of his face to make him turn and look at her. 'Darling, remember what we were taught. We have a lot of work ahead of us and will need our allies.'
'Alright my love. Let's get dressed so we can have breakfast then.' Harry turned and looked at Sirius and said, "We can talk about all of this over breakfast Sirius. Now, if you don't mind, I would really like to get dressed."
Everyone started to file out to the kitchen when Emma said, "Hermione, you look different. Almost like you were older?"
Hermione creased her brow at this and replied, "What do you mean mum?"
Minerva gave a little cough to get everyone's attention. "Perhaps we should let them get dressed before we continue this inquire." When Minerva McGonagall spoke, her word was law.
Everything went rather quickly after that. Once everyone had left, Harry and Hermione threw the blankets off of them and swung their legs of the bed.
Hermione gasped as she stood and looked at Harry. He must have grown a good 6-7 inches, and looked as fit as a fiddle. Between the qidditch and whatever happened to them while at Avalon, Harry was all muscles now. Hermione felt her breath catch in her throat as she took all of him in. "Maya, what seems to be the prob…" Harry started to ask, but had to stop as soon as he saw her. She took his breath away and left him speechless.
She too gained about 5 inches in height, and all of her baby fat morphed into a beautiful hour glass figure. Even her breasts grew to just twice their size. "Harry, I know I'm not…"
He quickly crossed the room in nothing but his briefs and wrapped her in one arm and placed a finger on her lips to stop her thought. "Shhh… Maya, do not speak of yourself like that. There aren't enough words to describe your beauty. I will not let you say otherwise." He leaned down and gave her a passionate kiss that left her weak in the knees.
"Harry, we have to finish getting dressed" she said as she tried to catch her breath. This made him smile, he knew how that kiss made her feel. He knew it was taking all her will power to keep her from forcing him to the bed.
"Always the voice of reason my love." He kissed her forehead and went to put on his trousers. "I need to run upstairs for a moment. I'll meet you in the kitchen sweetheart."
"Don't be too long love, The Prophet should be arriving soon." Hermione quickly got dressed and cast a teeth cleaning charm. While she tied her now tamed brunette locks back she turned to Harry and said, "I will be waiting my love." She turned and walked towards the kitchen, making sure she swayed her hips just enough to drive him crazy. 'You are a very wicked woman.' He said with a smile on his face. As he got ready, he quickly built up the walls in his mind. He could not let Hermione know what he was planning. He raced up the stairs and into the guest bedroom. The little black box was exactly where he left it.
Tonks Kitchen-
Hermione enter the kitchen and was surprised to see Dobby standing at the stove cooking a wonderful breakfast. As she looked around, she realized that these people were her family now. She saw that Remus, Dora, Sirius, and Draco were talking and joking. Across the table from them were Andy, Poppy, Narcissa, Minerva and her mother. She suspected they were discussing recent events. Emma looked up and saw her daughter watching everyone as she was standing in the doorway.
"Maya dear, why don't you come and sit by me" Emma said as she pushed the chair next to her out.
Hermione smiled at her mother and walked over. "Good morning Mum, you are looking well. How do you feel?" she asked after she gave her mother a kiss on the cheek.
Emma had a warm smile on her face when she said, "I'm much better. All of this is a lot to take in. But, I have the best care in the world right now." Hermione saw the look her mother gave Narcissa as she spoke. She would have to inquire about this later.
Hermione looked down and saw that Dobby had placed a traditional English breakfast in front of her. She closed her eyes as she inhaled the scent of the delicious breakfast before her. With a smile on her face, she turned to Dobby and said, "Thank you Dobby, this looks wonderful."
Dobby held his head a little higher and replied, "Lady Grangy-Potter is too kind to Dobby." Dobby gave a deep bow and returned to the stove to finish preparing the rest of the meals.
Just as Harry came walking into the kitchen, a large barn owl few into the kitchen with the Prophet. Sirius paid for the paper, went to open it before Harry stopped him by saying, "Sirius, before you start reading that, I need to do something."
Everyone stopped what they were doing to watch as Harry made his way over to Hermione with his hand behind his back. "Harry, what are you up too?" Hermione asked. She could tell he was up to something since she couldn't read him.
Harry took a knee in front of her, causing her to stop breathing for a moment. Emma leaned in to Hermione and whispered, "Don't forget to breath."
Harry removed his hand from behind his back and opened the little black box. He took her left hand in his and said, "Hermione, my love. I want you to know that you are the most beautiful creature I have ever laid eyes on. It takes only a look from those amazing eyes to take my breath away. You have filled my world with hope and love when I thought I was all alone. You give me reason to live. You make me want to be a better man, and an even better husband. You have given me such an amazing gift, and I do not know how to repay it. You have given me the one thing I have always wanted in my life. A family that loves me. You see me as just Harry, not the boy who lived. This ring brought my mother all the happiness and love my father could offer. I hope I can do the same for you. I know we have done this backwards, but would you do me the honor of accepting this ring and becoming my wife?"
Hermione had tears of joy running down her cheeks. "Yes" was all she could say. He just bared his soul to her. She looked down to see that he just placed a large emerald that was surrounded in diamonds and set in a white gold band on her left hand. She lunged for Harry, throwing her arms around him. "Oh Harry, I love you with all my heart."
Emma had tears of joy and sadness running down. Her heart went out to her daughter, she was so very proud of her. Emma's only regret was that Daniel wasn't here to witness their daughter's joy. Harry finally stopped spinning Hermione and when he placed her down he turned to Emma and said, "Mrs. Granger, I want you to know that there will always be a place for you in our home and our lives."
This made Emma give a small smile. "Thank you Harry. Please call me Emma, or if you would like, you could call me mum. I won't ever try to replace your mother." Harry let go of Hermione and walked over to Emma. He gave her a hug and kissed her cheek.
Minerva and Poppy were the first to speak up. "We really should be getting back to Hogwarts. I can't speak for Poppy, but I myself would like to see the look on Albus' face once he reads the front page of the Prophet."
"Is there any way for you to show us that memory later Professor?" Harry asked.
Minerva walked over to the two and said, "I'll see what I can do. I have some papers on my desk for you. I will send them over as soon as I get back. I want you two to know that you both have always been my favorite students, and I am proud of the both of you." Minerva and Poppy said their good byes and took their leave.
Harry sat on the other side of Hermione and saw that a plate of a full English breakfast was placed in front of him. He looked over and saw Dobby standing off to the side. "Dobby! This looks amazing. You did a wonderful job." Dobby's eyes widened at the complement. "Lord Harry Potter sir is such a great and powerful wizard. Dobby does not deserve kind words."
"Dobby, you are a wonderful friend. Before we look at the paper, I would like to ask you a question if that is alright?" asked Harry, already knowing the answer.
"Lord Harry Potter sir is too kind. Dobby will do anything."
Hermione didn't like the look in Harry's eyes and thought, 'What are you up too Harry?'
Harry ignored her and said, "Dobby, I know that you are a free elf, but I was wondering how do you survive?"
"Dobby is using the magic here for now. Dobby needs a bond to truly survive. Dobby grows weak and will eventually die." Dobby's ears fell at this statement. 'Harry…'
Again, Harry ignored Hermione and said, "Dobby, would you care to bond with me? I have a family that could use the help. I will pay you seven gallons a week and you will have two days off. Do you agree with this?"
Dobby's ear flew straight up at this. "Dobby would be honored to serve the great Lord Harry Potter sir, but you give too much. I will work for two gallons a week and no days off."
Harry tapped his hand on his lip in thought for a moment, "three gallons a week and one day off. That is my final offer."
'Harry! What are you doing!' exclaimed Hermione.
'Love, we will discuss this later. I need you to trust me on this matter.' Hermione huffed at this statement but didn't say anything else.
"Dobby accepts."
Harry was beaming and replied, "How do we go about this?"
"Lord Harry Potter sir must take Dobby's hand, place his wand on top of it, and push his magic through the wand." Harry did exactly as Dobby said and saw a white light rope around both of their arms.
Draco watched all of this happen and said, "Did Potter just steal our elf? Can't anything ever be normal around you?"
Harry laughed as he replied, "Malfoy, you need to realize that this is normal for me. Now, let's see what the paper has to say."
Hogwarts, Staff room-
Albus Dumbledore walked in to the staff room for his morning breakfast. Today was starting out to be a perfect day. For the first time in months he slept very well and awoke feeling rested and ready to start the day. He walked down the table, wishing the staff a good morning. He didn't realize that everyone was giving him a dirty look. He walked behind Minerva as he went to take his seat. "Good Morning Minerva. Beautiful day so far, wouldn't you say?" Minerva gave a snort in response that he mistook for agreement.
Seeing this as her opportunity she asked, "Have you seen the paper this morning?" Albus unrolled the paper that was in front of him. He missed the devilish grin on her face as he read the front page.
The boy who lived tells all! Tales of his survival from torment and abuse at the hands of muggles; how Albus Percival Wulfric Dumbledore went against James and Lily Potter's dying wishes; the truth behind the disappearance of his future mother in law; and much more!
Right under this head line was another, "Lord Potter announces his Betrothal to Hermione Jean Granger-Dagworth."
The paper burst into flames. To say that Albus was upset was an understatement. He was furious! Minerva had a smirk on her face that James and Sirius would be proud of. "Albus, are you alright?"
He quickly schooled his features and replied, "Perfectly fine Minerva, just a bit of a shock that's all."
"Well, you shouldn't have destroyed that paper. You would have seen the article about Sirius Black and how he is innocent."
"WHAT!" Albus felt all his hard work and planning beginning to fall apart. He quickly put his mask back in place. "As Supreme Mugwump and Chief Warlock I should have been informed of this development."
Severus Snape came billowing into the room with his trademark sneer upon his face. "Have you seen what that Potter Brat has done! His arrogance has gone unchecked long enough!" He gasped and grabbed his head as a sharp pain shot through his temples.
Albus went to get up and give him a hand, but suddenly found himself stuck to his chair. He looked up to see Minerva with her wand in her hand and Poppy standing over Severus when she said, "Severus, I need to get you to the infirmary. Can you walk?"
"No" was all he could whisper. The pain was too great.
Minerva came around the table and replied, "I will call for my personal elf to take you both. Missy!" A little elf in a tartan tea towel popped in front of them,
"Mistress."
"Missy, I want you to take Poppy and Severus to the infirmary at once. I will meet you there."
"Yes Mistress. Right away mistress."
Once they left she turned to face Albus. She saw that he had that ridiculous mask up with the twinkle in his eyes when he asked, "That was a very kind thing you did Minerva. Perhaps you would be so kind to unstick me so that I may go and check on Severus."
Minerva thought for a moment before saying, "Aye, I will let you up." She went to turn and added, "But, if you try anything Albus, you will have to answer to me." Minerva left a stunned headmaster in her wake.
Albus was stunned at this revelation. He could not believe what was happening. He stormed out of the staff room and barreled towards the infirmary. He had to make sure that the spells he used on Severus were still in place. It was vital to his plans. The more he thought about it, the more he realized that he would have to oblivilate both Minerva and Poppy. It was for the Greater Good after all. Just as he went to open the doors, he felt a jolt run through him and send him flying back. It would appear someone warded the entry way. Nothing but a small inconvenience. He would deal with them later.
Infirmary-
Poppy had Severus in a private room resting. It turns out that his body has been under a great amount of stress. She found evidence of several mind altering spells. All with the magical signature of one Albus Dumbledore. "That man!" was all she managed to say as she was shaking with anger. She felt someone trying to get past her wards and took satisfaction in knowing that Albus ended up flat on his backside from it.
15 minutes later Minerva and Filius show up to check on Severus. "How is he Poppy?"
Poppy sighed and shook her head as she replied, "He is a least resting now. Albus cast some borderline dark mind altering curses on him. The migraines he suffers from are caused by his mind attempting to fight them."
"Do you know the counter curse?" asked Minerva. Poppy just shook her head and turned to Filius and asked if he knew of any charms but found no help there. "Perhaps Andromeda Tonks will be able to help. Minnie, did you send those papers off to Lord Potter yet?"
"I see what you need Poppy, and no I haven't. I will have Missy deliver them along with a message for Andromeda and wait for an answer. Filius, would you care to join us?" Minerva said.
"I would enjoy that immensely. But I have a few meetings at Gringotts that I need to attend. Please let me know what happens. I fear this is just the beginning." He replied as he was leaving.
Missy popped back in just as he was leaving. "Mistress."
Minerva saw that her elf was going to leave and said, "Missy, if you wouldn't mind waiting for a moment. I have a feeling that I will need your help in just a moment." Missy gave a curtsy and waited as her mistress had asked.
"Minnie, what does the letter say? Will they help?" asked Poppy. It was not very often that she wasn't able to heal someone without help.
Minerva let out a breath she didn't know she was holding. "Yes. Yes, they will help."
The Burrow-
The Weasley family just sat down for their breakfast when the morning paper was delivered. Molly was in an exceptionally good mood this morning. All the potions she had been working on were complete. Now, they just needed to get a hold of Potter and Granger to complete their plans. She looked over to her two youngest children. All this planning was for their future. There would be a fortune waiting for them soon enough. She was drawn from her day dreams by a gasp. "What the devil?"
Molly looked over and saw the front page of the prophet. "Give me that!" she said as she snatched the paper to read the article. Molly Weasley looked like she was going to blow.
Ron was looked over her shoulder to see what had happened. "That half breed bastard! He gets everything! I'll kill him!" Ron was just as red as his mother.
Ginny looked at her mother and brother and asked, "What is going on?"
It was Arthur was the first to speak. "Harry gave an interview about his life up unto this point. He spoke of the abuse he suffered at the hands of his Aunt and Uncle and how Professor Dumbledore went against his parent's wishes." He snatched the paper back from Molly before continuing, "It also looks like he has taken up his Lordship and Head of House responsibilities, and is betrothed to Hermione." He read a little bit further down and took in a loud, deep breath. "It also looks like Sirius Black is innocent! He never even had a trial!"
Fred and George looked at each other and knew this was the sign they were looking for. All they had to do was wait for the shite to hit the fan before they decided to leave. Knowing that they wouldn't be able to get their hands on the family copy of the prophet today they had Bill send them an extra copy. "That ungrateful mudblood! How could she do this? I always knew she would try to step above her station, such filth! She must have used love potions to snag him. Well, if she wants to play it like that, I will just have too…." Molly ranted.
Arthur slammed his fist onto the table, causing everyone to jump. "You will do nothing Molly Weasley! Do you hear me!" The kids were shocked. Their father was usually a very docile and loving man. This had to be serious in order for him to raise his voice.
"I will do no such thing Arthur! Potter is supposed to marry Ginny and get her pregnant. When he is killed by You-know-who, we will gain all the money and power." Molly replied with a crazy look in her eyes.
Arthur stood and pulled himself up to his full height. "Molly Weasley, as Head of this family you are here by ordered to do nothing! You will leave Lord Potter and the future Lady Potter alone. DO YOU HEAR ME?" Molly just stood there holding her head up defiantly and did not answer. Arthur went onto say, "The Weasley family is indebted to the House of Potter. WE are their Vassals. You will do nothing. If you go against me on this Molly, you will find yourself divorced and thrown out of this family. This is you only warning." Molly looked a little pale at this revelation. No matter she thought, what he does not know won't hurt him.
Arthur turned to leave for work when another thought crossed his mind, "As for Hermione, she is actually a Pure Blood. Her blood lines are old then both mine and yours Molly. She is a lady in her own right." With that being said, Arthur walked out the door to leave for work. He decided he would go to Amelia Bones with this information. He was not willing to lose his job over whatever the stupid bint was planning.
Inside, Ron was still going on about Harry and Hermione. "But she is mine! And now that she is a pureblood, it will be even better. The stupid little half blood. I'll show the little bastard. I will make him suffer for this, make them both suffer." Ron suddenly went quiet.
He looked around wide eyed and saw the twins giving him and innocent smirk. "What's wrong Ronniekinns" Fred started to say and George continued, "cat got your tongue?"
"You two release your brother this instant! Once you have done that, you will go and degnome the garden. You two are both grounded until term starts!"
Fred and George looked at each other and cocked an eyebrow. Both nodded their head in an agreement and turned back to their mother and both said, "I don't think we shall. Good bye mother." The two of them ran out the door and disappeared.
"Damn those two" Molly said under her breath as she stared at the open door. She turned back around to see Ginny still sitting at the table looking at the photo on the front page of the prophet. "Oh Ginny dear, don't worry about a thing. I'll take care of everything. Why don't you go on up to your room for a while?" Ginny took off running. With each step she took, her heart broke a little more.
Edited 7/4/17