A/N: The adolescents get school supplies, and a first kiss happens.
A Reaper-less Death chapter 12
The following morning, everyone is downstairs for breakfast. Simper and Seeky are a bit distressed after having Molly help them make breakfast. Remus finally takes them aside to talk with them. "Simper, what is wrong? Did Molly do or say something?" Says Remus gently.
Simper and Seeky look to Remus, "We are not used to having a witch in the kitchen with us. We have been cooking only for ourselves for so long. We were wanting to do a big breakfast, but everything we wanted to make Mrs. Molly was telling us no one would eat it. We know we said last night we would work with her and have her tell us what her family likes, she wouldn't let us make new things for them to try." Simper and Seeky both look disparaged at it all.
"I understand. She is a witch with very strong thoughts on things, and not many wizards or witches will challenge her about her family. I will talk with Lord Harry and see if there is a way we can have her understand that you are wanting to fulfill your duties and make new and exciting things. I am sorry she made you feel bad; we will work on it to be better." Responds Remus. The elves cheer up a bit.
Remus returns to the dining room looking to Sirius and then Harry and nodding his head to get them to join him in another room. Molly notices and says challengingly, "What is wrong Remus?"
"I just need to talk to Sirius and Harry about something." Responds Remus.
Molly stands with her hands on her hips, "Is it about breakfast in the elves?"
Remus, wanting to be diplomatic, suddenly feels pressured to respond before talking it over with Sirius and Harry. "Yes Molly. In fact, it is. And to be honest I am very disappointed in you! Last night a concession was made by the house-elves in an attempt to make you feel comfortable in OUR house. And this very morning, you treated the house-elves like every pure blood family I have ever worked with."
Molly sits down in shock at Remus's words. "So yes, I was going to talk Harry and Sirius about it, and how we could try to help make things better and easier for all. Yet, you felt the need to make it a big deal. So now I am making it a bigger deal in front of everyone.
"Molly, you need to remember that this is not your house. And yes, your family is the majority of those eating here, but they are not the only ones. And have you ever thought that maybe, just maybe some of them would like to try food different from what you make them all the time. I mean really Molly; I thought you would remember how expansive the food at Hogwarts is and is always changing to try new things. I would think you, of all of us here, would be willing to maintain that and to allow our house-elves to treat you and your family they way you and us all deserve.
"As the Potter Steward, I have to maintain the balance of things in this house, and already you are making my job difficult. Why is that, Molly?"
Molly looks crestfallen and ashamed, Arthur and her sons looking at her like she has ruined things for them all. Harry looks to Remus and then into the kitchen and sees the house-elves looking miserable. Reminding him of when he first met Dooby. Harry goes into the kitchen and talks with the house-elves. He apologizes for Molly and assures them that it won't happen again. He does not want the Potter elves to ever feel like they are failing him or his family.
Harry comes out of the kitchen to see that Molly is crying and that Arthur and Remus are talking to her in a corner of the dining room.
Sirius then takes charge. "Enough everyone. This is supposed to be a good thing and somehow it is not. I feel there are some tensions amongst everyone at the moment. So, here is what is going to happen. Molly takes the kids to Diagon Alley to get the rest of their school supplies. Molly, I am going to give you some galleons so you all can get lunch at the Leaky Cauldron. As I recall it could take some time to get things done. And this way you can all have lunch without any worries.
"Ichigo has everything he needs, with maybe the exception of a few books. Harry can get them for him if Ichigo does not want to go. Arthur I am sure has work to deal with, and I can't imagine how chaotic the Ministry is at the moment. Remus and I will remain here at the mansion to get things taken care of.
"By dinner time tonight I expect everyone to be calmer. Molly, if things are going to be difficult for you while staying here, then us adults will have a meeting on how to work it out. Remus, Harry and I are going to the kitchen and eat with the elves and get things with them smoothed out." Sirius looks to Molly; she nods in understanding as does Arthur. Sirius, Remus and Harry take their plates into the kitchen and sit at a table in the corner with the elves.
As the kitchen door closes, Arthur erects a privacy bubble for everyone in the dining room. "Really Molly, what is going on with you. I know you are so used to running the Burrow with all of us, I would have thought you would appreciate someone else cooking for you. Especially since you complain to me about you are the only one doing it all the time. What is going on?"
Molly looks at the floor, trying to get the tears to stop long enough to answer Arthur. Ginny goes over to her mom and hugs her. The rest of the Weasley kids do the same. Molly cheers up a bit, "Arthur, I don't know what came over me. We went from taking care of ourselves, then having to live with Sirius at Grimmauld because of the problems with the Death Eaters, and then we are here.
"I am just so overwhelmed and then feeling inadequate suddenly. The elves were being so nice and wanting to try different ways to make eggs and toast and I just felt like they were taking it all away. Maybe I just need to go back to Burrow on my own." Responds Molly ashamedly.
Arthur looks to her and the kids. Especially the Weasley brood, "Molly my love, how can you ever be inadequate. You keep our family going and every summer you have always taken in the extra kids, not just Harry and Hermione here, but before when Bill & Charlie had friends over. I know this summer has been very hard on you, but you are not to go to the Burrow by yourself. If we need to go back home for a few days before Hogwarts starts, just us Weasley's then we can do that. But you are not going back by yourself."
Molly looks to Arthur and then her kids, "I am sorry everyone. I know coming here was supposed to be a good thing for all of us and I ruined it this morning. I think Sirius is right and we go to Diagon Alley and get the school stuff taken care off. And tonight, us adults can talk before dinner. I'm sorry kids, please forgive me."
Ichigo stands, "Mrs. Molly, I can understand that you are feeling the stress of so much, I took care of my little sisters almost all on my own for many years. It is hard to have someone else suddenly want to help. But I want you to know that you have been very kind to me ever since we arrived at Grimmauld and I thank you for that. I can see your love for all of your kids and how you have included Harry and Hermione in that loving embrace. Maybe a day away to not stress and do something that is rather mundane might help you as well." He looks to everyone and takes his empty plate into the kitchen and goes outside.
"He is right Molly, go to Diagon, get the kids set for school and relax a bit. AND… if Sirius or Harry even, offers to pay for things, please let them. Don't be offended that our friends are wanting to help us for all the amazing things you have done for them." Arthur says, he then gets up, walks over to give her a kiss and heads into the downstairs study and taking the privacy bubble with him as he floos to the Ministry.
Ichigo goes out into the garden areas. He finds an open space and starts to practice his martial arts. Going through the various forms and practicing in a way that he is used to doing at home. He transitions through kicks and punches, working on throws and blocks. After doing his forms, he relaxes for a few minutes, then does some other exercises to keep his strength and core built up.
He works on his Shunpo, working to get his flash step faster, after all, he can't allow Harry or the Twins to get better than him. He chuckles as he thinks about it but just keeps working. Eventually, transitioning into sword work and the various forms of his Zanpakutō. He stops for breaks occasionally, but not for long. He goes to a part of the gardens where he can work on his Kidō as well. When he finishes, he sees everyone standing outside watching him with various expressions of wonder and curiosity. He finally notices that he has spent most of the day practicing, while they were all gone shopping.
After everyone is done with breakfast, Molly goes into the kitchen to apologize to Harry, Remus, Sirius and the elves. Sirius gets up and gives her a simple hug, "It is okay Molly. Let's move on for now and talk later. Let me and Remus go up to our office to get you some galleons. Harry, you can take care of you, and Ichigo supplies please. He will just his books, Remus helped him get everything else last week. Make sure Hermione is taken care of too please." As Sirius and Remus head upstairs.
Molly gives Harry a hug and apologizes to the elves once more then goes out to get the Weasley brood organized. Harry looks at the elves and smiles seeing they are more cheerful now. He goes out to find Hermione heading to the library and stops her. "Hermione, we are going shopping remember. Sirius wanted me to make sure you have funds to get your supplies."
Hermione stops and smiles at Harry, "Thanks, with the chaos this morning I was just going back to the library to stay out of everyone's way. Yes, we do need to get our books and fresh supplies. Let me go up to my room and get my purse so I can pay. Mum already got money converted for me at Gringotts before I went to the Burrow. I do owe some money to Molly and Sirius for the food I have eaten."
Harry looks to Hermione, "Well if I know Sirius, he is not going to accept your money. And you did help to get Grimmauld cleaned up while we were there. I think you earned your food by helping out. But you talk to Sirius yourself about that. He should be back down in a moment or two. He went with Remus up to their office to get some galleons for Molly to pay for our lunch and probably help her get supplies for everyone."
Harry thinks to himself, should I even talk to Molly about the galleons she took from my vault? He was not that concerned about it, and felt she was owed some for feeding him and such while he visited them at the Burrow. Ugh, he thought, being an adult was not going to be easy, or a Lord either.
Just as they all get ready in the downstairs study; Sirius arrives and hands Molly a small bag with coins in it. Sirius looks to Harry and the kids, then at Molly. "This is for getting lunch for everyone. No arguing please. Get the good lunches at the Leaky Cauldron. And Molly, if you need some for supplies for the kids, please use what is here. You and Arthur are dear friends and all that you two did for Harry all these years, the least I can do is help out with a few school supplies. No arguing." Sirius hugs Molly tight and looks at Ginny and then Hermione to make sure they understand.
"All right, go have fun everyone. Get your supplies and we will see you later." Sirius gives Harry a quick hug and whispers in his ear, "Does Hermione have funds for her supplies?" Harry nods yes as the others start to use the floo. Sirius smiles at him and watches them leave.
In the Leaky Cauldron:
Weasleys start to step out of the communal floo hearth in a small room off the main floor. As Harry is the last to come out, he puts some galleons into the small lockbox on top of the hearth. Molly sees him, nods and smiles. "All right everyone. I need to take Ginny to get some new robes, George and Fred you take Ron and Harry to get their books and supplies. Hermione if you want to come with me and Ginny you can. I am going to trust you boys to be on your best behavior, don't disappoint me." As Molly shakes her head.
Hermione nods that she will go with Molly and Ginny. Harry is a bit sad she is leaving but knows he will see her later. They exit the Leaky Cauldron and into Diagon Alley. Once past the wall, Molly looks at the boys one last time and goes to Madame Malkin's to get robes. The boys head to Flourish and Blott's to get their books. After getting everything the twins suggest they for to Gambol and Japes Wizarding Joke Shop.
After a couple of hours, they all meet up once again. As everyone gathers around, Molly determines where else they needed to go for supplies. She decides to head over to Creepy Scrawlers Stationers to get writing supplies. As they do George and Fred slow down to slowly trail behind everyone. Eventually, they move up beside Harry and then draw him back from the rest of the family.
Fred points out a building to Harry, George says to Harry, "Look at this building. Wouldn't it be great for a joke shop. Far enough away from other stores and probably has apartments above so we could live there too." Harry looks up and around the street, he quickly pulls out his invisibility cloak and wraps it around the three of them.
They sneak across the street, careful to not bump into anyone. They get into the building and start to look around. The three of them get excited about the vacant and derelict building. As Harry looks around, "Are you guys serious and want this for your shop? It has to cost a lot?"
Fred and George look at each other and then at Harry, "Look mate, you said you wanted to invest in our shop. We are not asking for more galleons, but we want your opinion on it. It has been vacant for a few years now. We would probably have to fix up some things, but that might make it cheaper. And if we live here too, it will make it all worth it. Come on Harry, what do you think?"
Harry looks around and jumps when he sees a huge rat run across the floor and he thinks about Wormtail. His wand in his hand instantly, until the rat disappears through a hole in the wall at the floor. "Well, it will definitely need some fixing and get rid of any pests. How about we talk to Remus tonight. He is brilliant with these things. He can take a look into it and let us know. And we can have him swear not to say a word to your parents about it."
Fred and George smile and clap Harry on the back. "Excellent Harry. We need to get some more supplies; can you keep Mum distracted and we meet back at the Leaky Cauldron?" They say in their twin speak.
"Yeah sure, I think I can do that much. Just stay safe please, don't go getting pinched or something." Harry smiles at them and wraps his cloak around himself and leaves before them. He quickly finds everyone at Creepy Scrawlers getting writing supplies. Next, they go to an apothecary, Harry gathers his supplies and some extra in hopes it is enough for Fred and George. When they go to pay for everything, Harry offers to pay to get Molly distracted.
They go to a few other stores to pick up other things and finally make their way to the Leaky Cauldron. As they step out of the Alley, George and Fred come in after Harry. They all act like they have been present the whole time. Molly and Ginny look at each other and just nod as they walk into the Cauldron.
Harry goes to Old Tom and asks if there is a private room they can get for lunch. Tom smiles and agrees, he shows them down a short hall and into a room for their lunch. He hands out menus and takes their drink orders. He returns a few minutes later with their drinks and get their lunch order. They all relax and enjoy the time away from being confined to Grimmauld for so long. Talk breaks out about excitement for the return to Hogwarts and wondering who was going to be teaching DADA this year.
Harry jokes he hopes it is no one famous. Hermione and Ron laugh with him and talk about how Moody wasn't so bad, only to be reminded that it really wasn't Moody at all. Molly looks at them and they remind her it was Barty Crouch Jr that polyjuiced himself to look like Moody. Ron comments, "Well for being a fake Moody, he did teach us quite a lot, almost as much as when Remus was teaching us." They all agree and finish their lunch.
Hermione asks if she and Harry can go to a nearby store to get a few muggle things that she needs. Molly is a bit reluctant at first, but agrees when they promise to be quick and that no one would recognize them. Hermione guides them out, Harry reminds Molly to use the galleons Sirius gave her, and follows Hermione out.
As soon as they are outside, Hermione takes Harry's hand. She goes to a shop down the lane and takes him inside. Harry looks around to see it is a general store and watches as Hermione gets herself a new hairbrush and some supplies to tame her bushy hair. As they shop the store, she keeps a hold of Harry's hand. As they get ready to leave, Hermione tucks them into a small area.
"Harry, I need to confess something to you. Please don't get upset. I think I am having strong feelings for you, and I wanted to bring you along so we could have some time without Ron and Ginny. They are good friends, but they are always around. I really want some time with just you." Says Hermione.
Harry looks at her and smiles, "I am not upset Hermione. To be honest, I have been thinking about you a lot since I got to Grimmauld. And I think I have feelings for you too. And I would love to spend more time with just you. Ron won't understand, he can be as dense as a stump."
Hermione leans in and kisses Harry really quick and leads them out to pay for her stuff. They hurry back to the Leaky Cauldron and go to get everyone and head back to Potter Manor. The whole time they are holding hands. Ginny sees them and frowns; she looks to Ron then to her mom. She tries not to cry, but can't wait to get home so she can talk to her mom in private.
They floo back to Potter Manor, Harry again drops coins in the box just before he leaves. As he steps out of the hearth, he sees Seeky waiting for him. She snaps her fingers and cleans all the soot off of everyone. "Seeky is sorry the floo was dirty. I forgot you needed to use it." She bows and offers to help get things up to everyone rooms.
As they all drop off their school stuff Harry finds Hermione and grabs her hand. He leads her outside so they can talk. As they walk the gardens, they eventually come across Ichigo practicing. Harry watches Ichigo using his sword and doing amazing attacks with it. "Hermione, wouldn't it be great if Ichigo could teach me to use a sword too. I could use it against Riddle or the DE if they attack. It would catch them off guard."
Hermione looks to Ichigo and back to Harry, "He is already teaching us the Shunpo, I don't think he would have time to teach sword work too. But you can ask him. But maybe instead of sword work, maybe learn to use a dagger. It would be easier to conceal and would catch them off guard just as much."
Ron steps up behind them and watches Ichigo, "Oi, I want to learn to fight with a dagger too." Says Ron.
Hermione and Harry jump in startlement as the twin's echo what Ron says. Ichigo finally comes to a stop with his practice and sees everyone watching him. He looks at their astounded faces. "What? doesn't anyone use swords around here either?"
Hermione laughs, "Some people use epees for fencing, and maybe sabers too. But swords like yours, nope no one. That is why these boys are so flabbergasted and want to learn that from you too."
Ichigo laughs at Hermione and looks at the guys looking on. "Um, I don't think Sirius or Molly would approve of that. Not one bit. I could show you all some martial arts, maybe, blocking and hand strikes." The boys all shake their heads quickly in agreement. Ichigo shakes his head at them, and groans as he gathers his stuff to head inside to take a shower.
As Ron and his brothers follow Ichigo in asking him questions, Harry and Hermione stay out in the garden holding hands. When they think it is safe they lean to each other and kiss again. Harry quickly realizes how much he likes kissing Hermione more and more and working up his courage to kissing her with his tongue like Dean talked about earlier in the year. Hermione stops him after he licks her mouth.
"I don't know who suggested to do that, but please don't. That was gross." Hermione chuckles and Harry laughs too. "Dean told us earlier this year that he kissed a girl and they used their tongues. I had no idea what he meant, but yeah that was not right. I guess I need to talk to Sirius about how to kiss girls properly. Wait, I can ask my Dad! His portrait is supposed to be here. Oh, we should look for it."
Harry grabs Hermione's hand and pulls her to the kitchen entrance. As soon as they step in Harry sees Seeky by the sink. He clears his throat and says, "Seeky, could you take me and Hermione to where my parent's portraits are at?"
Seeky smiles so big Harry thinks her face is going to split in half. "Yes Lord Harry, Seeky has been taking care of them and the rest of the family portraits. Come, come Ms. Mione I show you where they are." She leads them out of the kitchen and up the stairs to the second floor. They walk quickly down the hallway and Seeky makes a fast turn and almost vanishes. Harry barely sees the entrance to another hallway. He pulls Hermione in with him as he sees portraits on either of the wall all the way to the end.
Seeky is bouncing up and down by now with happiness. She guides them down the hallway, and points out portraits to Harry, "This is a portrait of Henry Potter, he is your great, great grand-father. And this next portrait is Fleamont and Euphemia Potter. They were your great-grandparents. And this is Charlus Potter and across from him is Dorea Potter 'nee Black you father's parents. And this is the portraits of James and Lily Potter. The all have been waiting for you."
Seeky looks at the portraits. Harry follows her gaze to see all the portraits are looking out at him and Hermione. He gets embarrassed suddenly and rushes out of the hallway. Seeky looks upset and asks, "Ms. Mione did Seeky do something wrong. Lord Harry wanted to see his parent's."
Hermione looks to Seeky and the portraits of Harry's family. She sees the sadness in Lily's face. "Seeky, I think Harry got overwhelmed with meeting everyone. Up until a few years ago, he didn't even know what his parents looked like. The Dursley's never talked good things about them and didn't show him pictures. It wasn't until he went to Hogwarts that he even knew what they looked like. And now suddenly, he has grandparents and great-grandparents. I think it scared him a little.
"Let's go see if he is his room or if he went to find Sirius and Remus." Hermione says to Seeky. As Hermione turns to leave the hallway, she hears a woman say, "My dear witch, what is your name?"
Hermione turns to see Lily at the edge of her portrait looking at her. "I am Hermione Granger. I am a dear friend to Harry, well maybe his girlfriend after today." Hermione blushes and curtsies to Lily and James Potter as they step together.
Dorea Potter says, "What a polite young witch indeed. Granger, you say, I recall meeting a young Granger wizard when I was at Hogwarts, is he related to you dear?" Hermione turns to Dorea and answers, "I don't know Lady Potter, my parents are both muggles, and I am not sure if my great uncle was a wizard or not, He died before I was born. I know he was thought to be odd by others in my father's family."
"Oh, I see, well you might want to check on that then. He was a polite young man as well, and I can't recall what else he did to be honest." Answers Dorea Potter.
Hermione walks down to the portrait of James and Lily Potter. "It is a pleasure to meet you Hermione. Obviously, we are Harry's parents. Why has it taken so long before he came to see us?" Hermione looks to Seeky and back to them.
"Seeky, can you go find Harry and make sure he is okay. I will explain things to his parents and family." Says Hermione. Seeky nods and before leaving snaps her fingers for a comfortable chair to appear. Hermione gratefully sits and begins her story to the rapt attention of the Potter portraits.
Seeky pops out of the hallway to look for Harry. She cheeks his room first and then goes to Remus' office. She stops outside the office and can hear talking. She politely knocks on the door and waits for an answer to enter. When it comes, Seeky steps in and sees Harry in Sirus' arms.
"Seeky is sorry to disturb you, Ms. Mione and Lord Harry's parents were worried. I will tell them he is okay." Seeky looks to them worriedly. Sirius responds, "Thank you Seeky. Harry got overwhelmed with it all. We will go to the hallway in a moment. Please let Hermione and the portraits know."
Seeky nods, closes the door and pops away. "Seeky found Lord Harry, he is with his Steward Remus and Padsoot. They will be here in a few minutes." Hermione turns and smiles to Seeky, "Thank you."
Hermione continues to tell the portraits what she knows of Harry before he came to Hogwarts. She can tell that not only are his parents upset, but the other family members too. James Potter even starts to pass between his portrait and that of his parents. Dorea tries to calm him, but to no avail.
Lily is about to ask a question when she notices movement at the end of the hallway. She sees Harry leading Sirius and Remus into the hall of portraits. Everyone goes silent. Sirius stops at the portrait of Charlus. He looks up and smiles to Charlus, "Hello poppa Potter, great-aunt Dorea." Charlus smiles and kneels down to see Sirius, "It is good to see you son. You look tired." Dorea just nods and smiles to Sirius.
Sirius tries his best to not cry, but does not do a good job of it. Hermione speaks up, "I think I should go down and see what the Weasley's are up to. And give you all some privacy." She steps up to Harry and gives him a hug and quick kiss. Remus notices it and gets a twinkle in his eyes.
As Hermione steps out of the hallway Remus looks to Harry, "You seem to have forgotten the part of Hermione kissing you, Harry." He jokes and gets a laugh from Harry and Sirius. Lily and James look at each other and smile big. Remus hands Sirius a handkerchief.
Harry looks reluctantly to his parents. Lily watches as Sirius collects himself, "So Sirius, before anything else is said here, there is one big question. Why did it take so long for you to bring Harry to us?" Asks Lily.
"Well, firstly, it is the fault of Dumbledore. You see, the night you two died, I lost it and went in a rage. I hunted down Pettigrew and fell into a trap. I got sent to Azkaban because of Pettigrew. And Dumbledore not stepping up to help me. It wasn't until a couple of years ago that I saw Pettigrew as Wormtail on the cover of the Daily Prophet with the Weasley family. When I realized he was still alive I escaped and made my way to Hogwarts.
"Eventually, I found him and was going to kill him, but Harry," Sirius pauses to pull Harry to him. "He convinced me that you wouldn't want me to kill Peter and with Remus convinced me that taking Pettigrew to the Ministry would free me. But he wiggled free once again and is definitely helping Voldemort now.
"Just a week ago, I finally was able to get Harry to Gringotts and his inheritance test was done. That lead to the reading of the Will, which helped to prove my innocence and we are now here. Dumbledore choose to not tell Harry about his family or allow him to take his inheritance test before this summer. And we still, need to finish dealing with Dumbledore for all of that. So, it is partly my fault and Dumbledore's." Finishes Sirius.
James speaks up, "You idiot, if I could step from this portrait I would punch you. But I am glad the Will was able to get your name cleared. I hope you learned the lessen to not underestimate Pettigrew again." Sirius nods and lowers his head.
Lily looks at the men and says, "Hermione was telling us that Harry lived with Petunia until this summer. Why did that happen? Albus knew I did not what that to happen no matter what."
Remus steps forward, "The best I can answer is that, Dumbledore discovered the magic you put on Harry and determined it was similar to what you used for the wards on Petunia's house. In his wisdom, he thought they were connected and felt Harry needed to live with them. And sadly, that did not go well at all."
Lily gets visibly upset, looks at James and disappears from her portrait. Charlus sees her anger and realizes that Lily withdrew for a reason. Harry tries to see where his mother has gone and gets upset as well. Harry steps up to the portrait in an effort to see his mother. James reaches to Harry as best as he can.
As everyone gets concerned about Lily and Harry's reaction, the portrait hallway starts to fill with magic. Silver and gold energy starts to flow and swirl behind Harry, Sirus and Remus. As they turn to see what is happening, a Gryphon forms and shifts to the spirit of Lily. As the three of them are shocked with her appearance, she steps up and smacks Sirius and Remus. She hugs Harry. "I am so sorry my son that he did that to you. You were never, ever supposed to be with them. I didn't even want you to meet them. You were supposed to stay with Alice since Sirius got himself arrested. But you are free of them now." Lily kisses Harry's head and then fades away and returns to her portrait with James.
From the portraits they hear. "Hey that's not fair, I wanted to smack Sirius for getting arrested. Why do you get to have all the fun." Says James as Lily returns. Lily hugs James, "Because your house magic always loved me more." Sirius and Remus laugh along with Charlus and Henry.
Dorea speaks up, "Okay children. Now that we have gotten that out of the way. Can we now get to point that Harry is here, as well as what needs to be discussed. I swear you all get distracted way to easily."
Sirius wipes his face one last time. "I agree great-aunt Dorea. There is much to discuss and tell everyone. I guess we should all get as comfortable as we can, and let Harry tell you all in his words what has happened with him over the years. I am not sure what Hermione told you or how far she got before we came in. And before we get serious, no pun intended. I am very glad to see all of you and be able to talk with you in this way."
The portraits all summon chairs of various comfort. Sirius and Remus summon chairs for the three of them. Harry starts to tell his story to his family. Answering questions when asked. When he gets to the end of his first year all of the portraits are amazed, that he survived and equally mad at Dumbledore. Harry continues with his second year and the basilisk.
Then onto his third year and finally meeting Remus and eventually Sirius, as well as confirming that he stopped them from killing Pettigrew. He tells how Remus forget to take his potion and changed and Harry summoning the powerful Patronus to save him and Sirus from the dementors. He tells of being entered into the Goblet of Fire and the winning of the Tri-Wizard tournament and Voldemort's return. He concludes with this summer and meeting the stranger Ichigo and fighting off dementors once again.
As questions are asked, Sirius answers what he can and tells of the Wizengamot session that saw him restored to innocence, restored to Lord Black and finding most of Voldemort's followers within the pure blood families and them being captured.
Seeky enters the hallway politely, "Seeky is sorry to disturb the family, but dinner is waiting and the Weasley's are not eating until you three join us." Sirius stands and thanks her, she pops away. "I think that is all for tonight. We can come back later or tomorrow morning."
Remus stands as well, "Actually Sirus, we have to sort out the issue with Molly tonight and find out what the Weasley's decided. So might be better if we come back after breakfast in the morning." Sirius looks to him and nods in agreement. Harry stands and looks to them, "Would be okay if I came after dinner. I have some private things I want to talk to Mum and Dad about?" Sirius nods after looking to James and Lily.
"Okay we will see you all tomorrow and Harry will come back as the adults discuss the Molly situation. It has been good and I am sorry it took to so long." Sirius bows to the portraits and leads the way out. Harry stops just before leaving the hallway and waves at his parents and the rest of his family.
They hurry down to dinner and eat, while explaining what happened in the hallway. Ichigo seems to be relieved as he worried what the surge of magic meant and no one was able to answer him. As the adults go to a nearby study to talk, Hermione goes with Harry back to the portrait hallway and the Weasley's go to their rooms along with Ichigo.
After dinner, Harry and Hermione sat in the Hall of Portraits talking to his parents and asking questions. Finally, Harry got the courage to ask his parents how to properly kiss a girl. The older portraits started laughing as James sputtered at the question. Lily, finally saved the evening and told Harry that the best thing to do was to be natural and let it progress on its own. She advised that the body had a way of knowing what to do, when it was allowed to do so naturally. But, if they felt the need to progress past just snogging, they needed to come back for a more detailed discussion. At that point, with Harry red in embarrassment and Hermione as well, they decided it was time for bed.
Meanwhile with the adults:
Molly was able to express to Sirius and Remus that she was so used to being a mother and taking care of her brood, that she felt insecure when the elves where only doing what is natural for them. She could not explain it any other way, and promised it would not happen again. Arthur did make the suggestion that maybe the Weasley family should return to the Burrow for the remaining week, but Sirius said that as long as there were no more problems, he was more than happy to have everyone here. After all, Harry was used to having them all together at the end of summer break.
After the meeting, Molly immediately went to the kitchen and apologized to the elves once more and swore on her magic she would not do it again. Simper was not so trusting of her, even with the promise, Seeky though excepted it and allowed Molly to hug her. Molly, then helped with cleaning up after dinner and asked about some of the other options for the following breakfast.
