Disclaimer- I own nothing. Thank you J K Rowling for creating this magical world for all of us to play in.
a/n: Just a friend heads up. Hermione turns into a bit of a brat and snaps at a key player. Right now Hermione is overprotective of her mum and her body is still has a far bit changing to deal with. I have had a far bit of complaints about it, and thought I would save everyone some time.
Chapter 16
"Normal Speech"
Thoughts
'Mental Conversations'
Tonks home-
"Maya, why don't you go and get ready to leave?" said Emma. "I'll try to convince our healers that this won't count towards your 4 hours." Hermione's eyes lit up at this prospect.
She turned to look at Poppy with hope burning brightly deep within her eyes. "The only way I will allow this is if you swear to listen to you mother. If you begin to feel weak, you will leave at once!" replied Poppy as she was pointing her finger at Hermione.
"I swear!" Hermione said as she jumped off the bed and ran out of the room. Poppy just shook her head at the effort Hermione used to run from the room. She turned back to Emma and said, "Just so you know, the only reason I agreed to this is because of her Phoenix. I need to be going. I get the feeling that you wanted to be alone for a moment. Andy, I need to speak to you about Severus for a brief moment." Andy quickly followed Poppy out of the room knowing that Emma wanted a moment alone with Narcissa.
Narcissa went to get up to follow, but was stopped when Emma grabbed her arm. "Cissy, look at me." Emma softly said. Narcissa turned and her gaze fell upon warm chocolate eyes that were staring back at her. "Cissy, I have some questions that need some answers. I need the truth. Did you mean what you said about helping me with my child?"
Narcissa could see some fear leak into Emma's eyes. Narcissa softened her gaze and took a seat on the bed. Grabbing her hands, she said, "Emma, I promised you that I would help and I plan on keeping my word." Emma let the tension out of her shoulders. "Em, I know you have more questions than that. You know I would never lie to you. What else do you want to know?"
"When Andy had me close my eyes and find my core earlier. I felt this pull. I think it was leading me to you. Is that what you felt when you said it was as if your magic recognized me? What does it mean?" Emma could see this was the one question Narcissa was not ready to answer yet.
Narcissa took a breath before replying, "Yes, I feel the same way. I want to answer you Em, but I am afraid you aren't ready to hear what I have to say." Emma saw tears start to form in Narcissa's eyes as she tried to get up and hide her face.
Emma quickly pulled her back and put her hand on the side of Cissy's face to turn it so that she would look at her. "Please Cissy, I need to know. I need to know that what I'm feeling isn't making me crazy. We said that we were once great friends. Please, what does it mean?"
In that moment, Narcissa felt her lose the battle that was waging between her head to her heart. A lone tear made it over the edge of her eye and started to run down her cheek. Emma used her thumb to wipe it away and she waited patiently for an answer. "There is no way I can talk you out of this line of questions is there?" she asked. Emma just shook her head from side to side. "Em, you already know that I have these feelings for you. That is why I am drawn to you. My magic is telling me that you are the person I was meant to love. The one person I am supposed to be with. You feel it because your magic is telling you the same thing." Narcissa felt Emma pull back a little at this and tried to drop her head so she didn't have to see the rejection on Emma's face.
Instead, she felt Emma try to guide her head up so that she could look into her eyes. "Cissy, look at me. Please." Emma waited for Narcissa to comply. When she realized that she wasn't going to, she went on to say, "Cissy, I have those feelings as well, but I need you to look at me." Narcissa lifted her head slightly, trying to urge Emma to go on. "I need you to know that I feel the same. Those feelings we both shared in France all those years ago never went away. But, with all that has happened, I am not ready to open my heart right now. It still grieves for the love of my life, for Daniel. Daniel was the only man I will ever love, besides the little one that is growing in me right now. That does not mean that I won't ever love again. It just means that I am not ready to at this moment." Emma looked deep into Narcissa's eyes and said, "I still want you in my life though. I feel this need to be with you. For now, the only thing I ask for is time." Emma saw a little look of hope cross back into Narcissa's eyes when she nodded her head to agree. They both knew she didn't trust herself to speak.
Before Narcissa stood to leave she decided to take a chance and follow her heart. She gently took Emma's face in both of her hands and started into her eyes. She searched them carefully. What she saw was the same thing she felt. At that moment, she knew what she had to do. She leaned in just as Emma was doing the same, never taking their eye off each other and they kissed. It was not one of passion, but it was unmistakably done out of whatever they both shared for each other. They both felt a jolt run through them as their magic met. When they pulled back from each other they both were in awe of the warm feeling running through their bodies. "Cissa, what just happened?" asked Emma.
"When we kissed, our magic reached out for each other. This warm fuzzy feeling we have is our bodies way of telling us that we are meant to be together." Narcissa paused for a brief moment to try and see Emma's reaction. "Emma, I want you, no I need you to know that I will not try to rush any of this. Any relationship that we have will be based whatever you want. I will not rush into anything. I care too much about you to push you away. I will never try to replace the love you had for Daniel, I swear."
Emma pulled away from her and turned herself so that she couldn't see Narcissa. She felt this great struggle going on deep within her. How is this possible? I shouldn't feel like this. Am I betraying the love I felt, still feel for Daniel?she thought. It was as if a heavy burden just settled on her shoulders and she started to be over powered with grief.
"Em, what is it?" asked Narcissa and she tried to reach for her shoulders but Emma pulled away. Narcissa hung her head a quietly asked, "Have I done something to upset you? If I have, that was not my intention." Emma heard Narcissa's pain that she was trying to disguise.
"Cissa, you have done nothing wrong. I feel the same way, but right now I just need some time to sort everything out. I still need you in my life. I can't seem to explain the feeling that I have, but I know I don't have too. I know you feel it too."
There was a knock at the door. What both of them didn't realize was that Hermione was listening at the door and heard everything. Not waiting for them to answer her knock, she walked into the room. "Mum, we are all getting ready to leave. Are you sure you still want to come with us?"
Emma turned to look at her daughter and replied, "Of course I want to go with you. What do you have their sweetie?"
"It's a letter from Madame Bones. She has asked us to meet her in her office right away." Hermione looked over to Narcissa and added, "She has asked for you and Draco to join us." Hermione purposely avoid going anywhere near the elephant in the room. "We plan on going to the ministry before heading to Diagon Alley. Mum, I should warn you that there will be a lot of reporters present when we arrive."
Emma saw the look of concern on her daughter's face and said, "I will need to go out eventually. We might as well get it over with. Besides, if anything goes wrong, I'm sure there are plenty of ways to get out of there quickly. I believe Madame Pomfrey said something about your Phoenix being able to assist us?"
Hermione smiled and replied, "Yes, Eilidah will be there with us. We plan for both of them to be invisible. We don't want to give that secret away just yet. But your right, I'm sure I am worrying over nothing."
Andy came walking in at that moment. "What are you worrying about Hermione?" she asked as she handed over a vial pain relieving potion to her and then to Emma. Andy saw that Hermione was about to say she didn't need it and said, "If you do not take that potion, I will not let you leave this house. And if you want to try and push you luck, I will send you directly to Poppy."
Hermione quickly downed the potion and made a face. "We will meet you in the study when you're ready. But please try to hurry, I believe they have only given us 4 hours, and I for one do not want to go against both healer's orders."
Ministry of Magic-
The atrium was filled with reporters ever since Lucius Malfoy was arrested. Thanks to all of them, the Aurors were all working overtime and stationed throughout. There was even a rumor that Madame Bones managed to get some of the Unspeakables hidden in the area since there was a possibility that Harry Potter was going to show up today. Just as all the reporters were getting ready to leave the heard, "Harry Potter!" All the photographers turned and made the atrium glow from all the flashes as Harry, Hermione, Emma, Narcissa, Draco, and Remus tried to walk to the elevators. The Aurors formed two lines and linked arms to make an alley and hold back the reporters. As the group got to the center of the atrium they saw Tonks waiting for them and said as they approached "Wotcha Kid."
"Hi Tonks. I take it you're going to escort us to Madame Bones office?" replied Harry.
Tonks smirked and said, "Something like that."
"Assistant Tonks." Tonks turned around and saw a 6-foot-tall man with bright blue robes on. "Auror Shackelbolt, what can I do for you?"
"I would suggest we get a move on. My team can't hold the reporters back much longer."
Tonks sighed at hearing this. "Then I suggest you lead the way." Tonks looked back to make sure everyone was following and saw Harry had a huge grin on his face causing her to say, "What?"
"Assistant?" Tonks blushed and she ended up turning her hair bright red. "I'll explain more when we get to the office."
They all managed to get up to Madame Bones off without any further incidents. Tonks knocked twice on the door before walking in without so much by your leave. "What the devil?" the red headed woman who was seated behind the desk said as her head snapped up. "Ah Tonks, it's you. You know that I never said you could enter without my permission." Amelia said with a smirk on her face.
"You shouldn't have promoted me then and allowed me to share your office for now." Tonks easily replied without missing a beat.
Harry gave a cough and said, "We have been given a time limit by two very demanding Healers and have a few things that we need to get done today." Harry helped Hermione into chair. Before he sat, he looked over to see if Emma needed any help, but saw that Narcissa and Draco had that covered.
"We should get to it then Lord Potter. I have asked you all here since it pertains to every single one of you in some way. This morning we arrested Lucius Malfoy." Amelia looked up when she heard something hit the floor and saw that Emma had dropped her cane was as white as snow.
Narcissa took Emma's hand and asked, "Where?"
If Amelia was stunned at this display, she did not show it when she responded. "On the steps outside of Gringotts. He was just leaving when we… shall we say confronted him."
"Ah, correct me if I am wrong Madame Bones. I take it that my husband did not come quietly."
"That would be partially correct Lady Malfoy, or should I be calling you Lady Black now? We found papers on him this morning about the dissolution of your marriage." Narcissa's jaw dropped at hearing this. She couldn't believe what she just heard. She made a mental note to talk to Sirius when she got home.
"When is my father's trial?" asked Draco, as he mustered behind his mask.
"It is set for the day after tomorrow." Replied Amelia as she looked around at everyone.
"Madame Bones, what aren't you telling us?" asked Harry as he took Hermione's hand. He already knew what she was going to say.
Amelia got up from behind the desk and started to pace around the room. She wished she did not have to do this. Amelia stopped at the corner of her desk and said, "The wizengamot is going to call Emma to testify." Amelia felt the air grow cold and thicken with tension. She quickly turned around to look at Harry and Hermione and said, "You know I would never ask this of you."
"Then why have you?" asked Hermione with a note of steel in her voice. This is exactly how she thought this was going to go. Amelia hung her head a little and replied, "The solicitor for the fiend has called for it and I have no grounds to fight him on it. They will also bring into question your heritage and want to know how a squib developed a magical core." Hermione went to stand but was pulled back down by Harry.
Hermione gave him a snarl and wrenched her hand away as she replied, "Don't." Hermione quickly stood and looked into Amelia's eyes and said, "Can't or won't? Do you honestly expect us to relive this whole ordeal? Is this all political to you Madame Bones? Are you using this as a platform to better yourself?"
Amelia was hurt by this accusation and Hermione knew it the moment the words were out of her mouth. Before she could reply, Emma said, "Hermione Jean Granger Potter! How dare you! I know we have raised you better than this!" Emma tried to stand but quickly hissed as a small pain shot though her leg.
"But…" Hermione stuttered.
Emma stood her ground and firmly said, "No young lady. This woman has done everything within her power to assist our family. Don't you dare try to spit in her face for this."
Hermione hung her head as she felt the shame course though her body and replied, "Madame Bones, I need to apologize for my outburst. You have been nothing but kind, helpful and loyal to my family. I let my anger get the better of me. I'm sorry." Hermione went and sat back beside Harry, but did not look at him.
Amelia moved to be in front of her and sat on the edge of her desk. "Lady Potter, we all say things we do not mean when we are angry. My family has always been loyal to the House of Potter. We are all Hufflepuff's after all." Amelia made no move to disguise the hurt in her voice. Harry knew she was only acting like this because of the potential pain this would cause and she truly just wanted to protect her family.
He in that moment that Hermione was building the very walls he was working so hard to rip down. Even though he knew her reasoning, he couldn't allow her to do this to not only someone who was bending over backwards for his family, but was also someone who hopefully would be a Godmother to him once she got back together with Sirius. "Madame Bones, on behalf of the House of Potter, please accept my most humble apology" he said. "Please we know you have done everything within your power to aide us and we do not question your motives." He shot Hermione a stern look before looking back to Amelia. "Please know that I will dispense my own will for the unjust done to you and your family." Harry stood from his chair and looked directly into Amelia's eyes. "You have my word as Head of the Potter family. Now, if there is nothing else, we must be heading to Diagon Alley for a few things."
Amelia knew that this young Lord would do exactly has he said he would. She knew that Hermione did not mean what she said, but it still felt as if someone drove a steak through her heart. "Lord Potter, I accept your apology, and trust your punishment won't be too harsh. People have a tendency to say things to quickly when they are angry and feel threatened." She paused before continuing without looking or even acknowledging Hermione, "I have one other request milord. I wish to assign a personal guard to you and yours. Someone I trust with my own life. There are people close by that would wish you and your family harm. Not only will this person act as your guard, but they will also act as a liaison between us."
Harry stood by his wife looking like the handsome young Lord that he was, but did not look at her; he was too displeased with her from her earlier actions. "And who Madame have you chosen for this personal guard?" He asked, slightly taken upset at the suggestion.
It was Amelia's turn to smirk at this. She knew that it was now or never. "My very own assistant. Nymphadora Tonks." Amelia saw the smile light up Harry's face when she saw this and thought to add, "She will head it. It is up to her to decided who else she would like to include in this task. While at school, there will be two of you to look after, and I am sure she could use the help with this enormous task."
"Madame Bones…" Hermione quietly tried to speak, but was quickly stopped by Harry with not only a look this time.
"Enough Hermione." Merlin he hated having to be so cold to Hermione right now, but he couldn't afford to let up in front of Amelia right now. "Madame Bones, I will gladly accept the added security. Despite what others may say, Hogwarts is not safe at this time. If that is all, we need to be going. We only have a few hours left before we must return home. We will send word as to where we are staying. You and your niece are invited for dinner this evening. I believe we have a few other matters that still need to be discussed."
"We would be delighted milord. If you need anything else, just send word." Replied Amelia. Harry gave a small bow and motioned for everyone to leave.
He saw Hermione wanting to wait for him and he thought, 'Go check on your mother.' Hermione was crestfallen when she heard this. She knew that what she did was wrong. But surely he would see that she only did what she had too to try to protect her mother and their family.
'But Harry…'
'Go. You know what you did was wrong. I stand by what I said earlier, we will discuss this matter later.'
'But…'
'Now!'
'As you wish milord'. Harry felt just a touch of anger come through the bond from her.
He waited for her to leave before turning back to Amelia and said, "Amelia, I truly am sorry for what Hermione said. I know that she regrets it, but that is no excuse." Harry himself was hurt by her actions. He hated the fact that she forced him to act like the Lord he is.
Amelia saw the pain that was written on his face and decided to try and comfort him by saying, "Harry, we both know why she said what she did. I would be lying if I said that I wasn't hurt by her words and actions. I have accepted your apology. I stand by what I said earlier as well, do not be too harsh with her."
'Lord Potter, we must be going.' He heard Hermione say.
Harry sighed, knowing that once they got back, the gloves would be coming off. Harry walked to the door and just before he left to join the rest of his group he said, "Amelia, thank you for all you have done for us. I will not forget it."
Diagon Alley-
Albus Dumbledore stood off to the side at the edge of a dark alley waiting for wizarding world's hero to show. He spies told him that he was leaving the Ministry and would be making several stops in the Alley today. He had to convince the brat to change the current path he was walking. He waited in silence and contemplated his plans. Depending how everything played out today, he may be traveling with a hostage. Only time would tell. He didn't have to wait very long. He looked across the street to make sure his minion was still in place.
Harry and Hermione walked at the front of their group with Tonks off to Hermione's right and Remus off to his left. In the middle was Emma who was still walking with a cane and the help of Narcissa. Draco was bringing up the rear. What the world did not see were the two phoenix's that were accompanying them. 'Hermione, you know that I am still angry with you for your earlier actions. However, we must present a united front.' Harry said as they were making their way to Ollivander's.
'I understand dear husband of mine.' She replied. 'I will be the dutiful wife you require.' Harry pushed is annoyance through the bond, forcing her to at least acknowledge it.
"Here we are." Said Harry as he turned to look at Emma. He gave her a dazzling smile and said, "Let's see about getting you a wand Emma. I promise you, this will be an experience all of its own."
Harry opened to door for them and helped Emma inside. The place had not changed. Ollivander still had boxes of wands stacked 20 deep in some places on selves that lined the shop. Everywhere you looked was covered in several layers of dust. Out of the back came a voice. "Welcome. I'll be out in a moment." As he was coming out of the store room he tripped over a bunch of boxes that were stacked in the hallway and stumbled to the front of the store. He looked up and his face lite up as if it was Christmas morning. "Harry Potter and Hermione Granger, to what do I owe the pleasure? I trust that nothing has happened to your wands?"
"All is well with our wands Mr. Ollivander. We are actually here to see about purchasing a wand for my mother." Replied Hermione. "Well to see which wand will chose my mother that is."
Harry helped Emma step forward and said, "Mr. Ollivander, may I present Mrs. Emma Granger."
Ollivander stood there with his mouth hanging open. "But…How? I thought you were a muggle madam."
Harry's face darkened at this comment and he forcefully replied, "Dowager Dagworth-Granger comes from a long line of squibs. How this has happened is none of your concern. If you do not have a wand for us, we will seek one elsewhere."
Hermione sensed the hostility and asked, 'What's wrong?'
'I do not trust him. I believe him to be Dumbledore's man.' Harry felt Emma tense at his response.
"My apologies milord and ladies. Let me take your measurements Madam and then we can see if there is a wand here that will choose you." Ollivander replied as he gave a small bow. He quickly got to work on the task at hand. Emma stared in wonder at the whole process. "Hmm… Perhaps we should try this one first." He hands Emma a rich colored wand. She gave him a puzzling look and he said, "Give it a wave." No sooner did she do this did several draws go flying across the room. "I guess not. Here, try this one." She gave it a wave and saw a pile of parchment burst into flames. "Nope, definitely not."
'Harry, perhaps we should let my mother walk around and see which one calls to her.'
'That may work my love. Why don't you help her?'
Hermione huffed at his choice of words. "Mr. Ollivander, would you mind if we took a walk around the shop. Perhaps a wand will call to her."
"That is not how the wand chooses." Ollivander looked around and saw the disarray his store was in. "Perhaps we should give it a try milady."
Hermione walked over to her mother and said, "Mum, we are going to try something a little different. Let's take a walk around the store and see if you feel a pull to anything." Emma gave a little nod and took Hermione's arm to lean on. They slowly walked around, occasionally slowing but never stopping.
After what seemed like a half hour Emma said, "This is hopeless."
Hermione felt a little nudge at the back of mind. She gave Harry a questioning look but he just shrugged his shoulder. She heard a woman's voice say, 'Walk towards the store room my daughter.' Hermione gently gave her mother's arm a squeeze and said, "Let's just walk a little further towards the back mum. If we do not find one, perhaps we will see about having one custom made for you." Ollivander started to speak but was quickly stopped from a look that Hermione shot his way. They slowly walked towards the back. They were just in front of the store room door when Emma suddenly stopped. Hermione looked over and saw a look of awe on her face. "Mum?"
Emma replied with pure wonder, "I can hear it, feel it."
Ollivander was behind them and heard the exchange. "Is that so?" he asked with some skepticism in his voice.
'Is this fool for real? Perhaps it is time to start taking our money elsewhere in the future.' said Harry.
Hermione gave a snort in agreement before saying, "Reach out for the one that you feel mum." Hermione let go of her mother's arm and took a small step back.
Carefully, Emma walked forward on her own. Hermione stayed one step behind her the entire time. Emma reached for what looked like the oldest box in the shop. She looked back and saw that Hermione was smiling and nodding her head, encouraging her to continue. Slowly Emma lifted the lid and found a beautiful wand made from the wood of the Willow tree. As soon as she picked it up, she felt as if the Gods themselves were radiating pure love upon her, and she was not only basking in their glory but also the warmth from a thousand suns. She was drawn from her reflections when she heard Ollivander give a little gasp and say, "How is this possible? Never in all my years have I ever seen something like this."
Hermione walked back to her mother and said "Let's finish here and head to the book store. I believe we are almost at our time limit and need to be going soon." She helped her mother back to the front of the store and asked Ollivander, "How much for the wand?"
She looked over to Harry and said, 'We should search Knockturn Alley for the wand holster's. I fear the ones here will not be sufficient for us.' Harry tilted his head slightly to acknowledge her.
"The cost for the wand is 13 galleons. Could I interest you in a holster? Only a few sickles more." Replied Ollivander.
"Just the wand please, we have other business to attend too." Replied Harry. Once they were all set, Harry turned back to Ollivander and said, "I expect you to keep secret anything you have learned today." He paused for a second and added, "Tell no one. And I mean no one. You will otherwise deal with the House of Potter for any indiscretions that it would cause in the future." Harry pushed just enough power into his words to send a shiver up the old wand makers spine. Ollivander gave him a deep bow to show his understanding.
Once everyone was out of the store, the slowly made their way to Flourish and Blotts. Just as they reached the door they heard a loud voice call, "Harry my boy, what are you doing here?" Harry's back stiffened and pushed Emma behind him. 'Hermione' he called.
'I am right next to you. Do not expect me to leave your side.' She replied.
"Dumbledore, what do you want?" he asked. He felt that Emma was safely surrounded by their little group with Narcissa standing next to her with her wand in her hand while Draco was on the other side, ready to through himself in front of whatever curse was launched at her.
Albus looked down at the boy and said, "Now Harry, where is this hostility coming from? All I have ever care about is your welfare. (And your money.) It is not safe for you to be here." He was trying to give off the impression of being a loving grandfather, but the group in front of him saw right past it. "Come, I'll take you to the Weasley's. You will be safe there and will have a chance to see Ginevra. I believe I saw a little spark between you two." He moved to take hold of Harry's arm, but was stopped by Tonks who stepped in front of him. "Harry my boy, what is the meaning of this? We must get you to safety. There could be death eaters around. They have already tried to attack you once. They will have no qualms about attacking again." He moved to step around Tonks but was met with not one but two wands trained on him.
"First off, you will address me as Lord Potter. Secondly, why would there be a 'spark' between me and Ginny Weasley when the future Lady Potter is beside me." Harry paused and brought Hermione's hand to his lips. "Thirdly, how do you know of the attack on my person. That small detail has not been released." Harry felt a slight pressure in the front of his mind and gave a hard shove back. "Now now now Dumbledore, using Legilimency on a Lord of a Most Ancient and Noble House is illegal. If you are done, we have some shopping to finish." Harry saw Dumbledore stumble back from his mental shove and heard Hermione growl.
"My boy, why is there an auror with you?" asked Albus who was trying hard to maintain his grandfatherly image.
Hermione decided to try and push some of Dumbledore's buttons by replying, "Tonks here is head of our security. As you have kindly pointed out, it is not safe." Hermione saw that this was doing the trick and asked, "How did you know about the attack?"
The mask Albus was wearing slipped for just a moment and his face showed that he was becoming angry. "That is none of your concern. I see you are well Miss Granger. I am terribly sorry to hear about the loss of your parents." Hermione's hand tightened on her wand as she brought it to the ready and her face turned deadly serious.
Harry knew this was heading in a dangerous direction. He pushed as much power as he dared in to his next words, "Pray tell, what do you know of this attack? Perhaps you should leave now Dumbledore, or face the wrath of the House of Potter and the House of Dagworth." Albus looked to Harry and saw a deadly fire burning in his eyes and gulped. The amount of power coming off the boy was making him uneasy.
"My boy, you are traveling down the path of darkness. You must come with me and quickly." He realized that Lady Malfoy and Draco were a part of this group and decided to use that to his advantage. "The Malfoy's have put some kind of curse on you my boy, and I'm sure the love potion that Miss Granger has slipped you has you not thinking straight." There was a flash of light and two phoenix's revealed themselves. "Fawkes? What are you doing?"
"He no longer is tied to the darkness and is bound to the true Leader of Light." Replied Harry. "As for your claims, Lady Black and Heir Black are allies of mine and hold me under no spell." Harry thought, 'I am sorry my love, but we must tell him of our bond. We are starting to draw a crowd.'
'I know dear. I just wish we had a little more time.'
"As for your claim of me being under some love potion, this is also false. My WIFE and I take offense to this." Harry snarled.
Albus stood their shocked. Did his ears deceive him? Did he just say wife? "What do you mean wife? This is outrageous! You aren't married, I gave no such permission. As your magical guardian only I can give you permission for this. I will just have to annul your marriage. Besides, you are already betrothed to Miss Weasley."
Harry went to take a step forward but was stopped by Hermione. "Try to annul my marriage and I will see to it you are placed in Azkaban for the rest of your pathetic life. I am with in my right to take your head for such a matter. As for my marriage, Lady Potter and I share a soul bond. To attempt to break us apart, you could be facing death old man."
Albus dropped his shoulders to try and act like he was defeated. It would appear that he would have to take a hostage. "I see the darkness has taken root deep within you Harry." As if this was the cue several stunner's were sent their way. 'Get my mother out of here!'
Hermione's phoenix turned to check on Emma and saw that Draco and Narcissa were already gone with Emma. 'Milady, your mother is already safe. We must get you out of here.'
'I won't leave my husband. Please stand by to get us out of here if needed' Hermione replied as she cast her shield to protect her and Harry. Harry was quickly firing back. Hermione conjured several stone walls for them to hide behind. Harry and Hermione quickly looked at each other as they ducked behind the wall just as a stunner was sent by them. 'Whatever you do Harry, do not call the staff. We can't let him know all of our secrets just yet.' Harry gave her a nod and quickly shot up a fired off a leg locker and was surprised when a banishing charm bounced off a shield. He ducked back down and saw Hermione smiling at him. She jumped up and cast a reducto and the ground in front of two men and sent them flying. Just behind them Tonks and Remus were firing off a full body bind and a curse that had some type of green hue that shot straight at the person's head, effectively taking out two more men from behind their walls. Harry took his chance and quickly jumped up and cast a blasting curse towards Dumbledore, but the old man was too quick and managed to get away. As Albus went to appear, Hermione shot 3 arrows from her wand only to have them bounce off a silver shield and shot back towards her. Harry saw this happening and at the last minute conjured a large antique wooden shield for the arrows to pierce.
After the arrows, it was quiet, too quiet. They slowly started to lift their heads above the walls and looked around to see who was down and saw no one. "They must have had emergency port key's on them." Just as they stood and started let their guard down someone shot a cutting curse that went just past Harry and gave him a slight cut on his arm. Hermione went to put her shield back up but felt someone grab her arm. "We can't have that now can we Miss Granger?" Hermione tried to pull away but Dumbledore tightened his grip on her arm and said, "You should have died in that house. No matter, you must and will die. It's for the Greater Good after all." Evil and menace crept into his eyes.
"HARRY!" she screamed, trying to distract Dumbledore just enough so that she could grab the dagger concealed at her side.
"Let her go Dumbledore!" It worked.
Dumbledore looked over to Harry and said, "You must see Harry, you are in danger. She has ensnared you in her web. Only I can save you my boy. You must see. This is for the Greater Good. Once I take care of her, you will hand over the Lordships and access to your vaults. You are too young and inexperienced with the wizarding world to deal with the responsibilities of being a Lord. We must beat back the darkness that is beginning to surround you."
Harry went to pull the sword at his side but stopped when he heard, 'Stop. He mustn't know about the sword. Not yet.'
He looked over Hermione and saw what she was doing. "You will unhand my wife or face the consequences." Dumbledore gave a look of utter contempt and went to apparate them away when Hermione stabbed him in the side with the dagger causing him to loosen his grip just enough for her to rip her arm away from him. He tried to reach for her again but was hit by a banishing charm from Harry and as he was flying through the air Hermione hit him with a stunner. Just as he hit the ground, a group of Aurors were being led to them by Amelia Bones herself.
"Must you really make a habit of this Lord Potter?" asked Amelia as she motioned for an auror to put Dumbledore in cuffs. She noticed that Hermione was starting to look pale and swayed a little on her feet. Harry walked over to her and put his arm around her for support and asked, "The pain is returning?"
"Just a bit." She lied.
Amelia looked at the two of them curiously. "Are you unwell Lady Dagworth?"
"It is nothing Madame Bones. We had a small incident this morning. Please, call my Lady Potter. We had to let the cat out of the bag about our bond." Amelia lifted one brow at this. She was slowly learning that these two tended to down play what really happened.
Amelia decided that she wouldn't press on at the moment and asked, "Would you two be able to give statement for what happened here today? I would prefer if we did this sooner rather than later." Harry put Hermione's arm around his shoulders to help support her and thought, 'Are you able to go deal with the pain? I won't be able to carry you. Are you able to walk?'
'I'll try.' Hermione tried taking a couple of steps but her knee's tried to buckle and a hiss came out between her teeth.
'Maya, I need you to walk. The people need to see it. Try to shift your weight a little and use me as a crutch.' Amelia watched to two with a very close eye. It looked as if Hermione was suffering the after effects of the Cruciatus Curse, a very powerful Cruciatus at that. Amelia narrowed her eyes at them. Harry knew that she figured out what happened.
"Not here" was all he managed to get out before they saw a small burst of flame as Narcissa and Eilidah showed up in front of them. "Narcissa, is everything alright?" asked Harry.
"I just wanted to check on everyone." She quickly checked on everyone and thoughtfully added, "It would seem that I came at just the right moment. Drink this Hermione." She handed her a small vial. "Let's head to Gringotts. We have had a new development. I'm sure Madame Bones still needs your statements about recent event. Let us head to Gringotts and we can settle these matters. Do you agree Madame Bones?" Narcissa started trying to usher everyone towards the bank but didn't expect Harry to stop so suddenly. 'What is it Harry?'
"What is the new development?" he asked.
"We have had word about the Dursleys."
Edited 7/5/17