Chapter 11
The eight that sat down that night to hear what was actually happening were a sombre group, the Grangers and Remus knew some of it but Harry and Hermione had promised full disclosure tonight. Neville and Luna were fascinated at the two years of extra knowledge and enraged with the Weasleys use of potions while Sirius was compiling a list of those who were going to pay for mistreating his godson.
When they reached the part about meeting with James and Lily, Sirius was in bits. The thought of his godson not wanting to return had the old dog in tears.
When Harry explained the creation of horcruxes Remus felt ill, he knew just how deep into the dark arts one had to delve even to find information on these abominations.
The group cheered up considerably when Hermione informed them that two were already dealt with while a third was safe at Gringotts in their vault and they knew the location, as well as the protection around the others.
"Our plan is to train over the summer while going on treasure hunts with Sirius and Remus to collect and destroy these things." Harry was waiting for questions and Dan didn't disappoint.
"I'm really glad to see you taking help when you attempt to remove these items but how are you going to destroy them?"
"The Basilisk in the chamber of secrets has plenty more fangs than the one it sunk into me, one of the horcruxes is presently stored in Hogwarts as well so we have to figure out an excuse to get us back in there to collect it and harvest the Basilisk."
Neville and Luna were sitting holding hands as the blond asked, "can we stay here this summer and train with you? I don't think my dad would mind too much."
"All taken care of, your father and Neville's gran will be spending some time here over the holidays. We start tomorrow at seven and the first few days will be murder!" Hermione was thinking back and remembering the pain of muscles protesting every movement.
"Remus got us some presents so we wouldn't have to be totally useless in a fight, could we train with you as well?" Emma's question had stumped the teens but they couldn't figure a reason why they shouldn't.
"For the first ten days or so we will be concentrating solely on getting our bodies fitter with perhaps some unarmed combat, your daughter's signature move is taking out peoples knee caps. She figured out that men tend to concentrate on protecting certain other parts of their anatomy leaving the knees an easy target, it certainly worked with that goblin." Harry was glancing admiringly at his now blushing betrothed.
"Is all this physical training really necessary?" Sirius moaned.
"Spoken like a true pureblood Sirius, my beautiful betrothed here could whip your arse in combat, with or without a wand. Our training kept us alive against the best that Voldemort could throw at us."
Sirius just huffed in disbelief before Remus skilfully laid his trap, "I've got fifty gallons on the beautiful brunette!"
Both Dan and Emma offered bets on Hermione beating Sirius, like Remus they had seen their daughter in action.
Sirius knew he was trapped into a contest he couldn't win, even when he beat Hermione where was the kudos in winning against a fourteen year old girl.
He stood up and Hermione walked towards him with her hand held out to shake, Sirius realised his mistake as he was flying through the air, landing heavily on his back before finding Hermione's shoe in gentle contact with his throat while his wand was behind the young witches ear. In less than five seconds she had disabled, disarmed and had him in a position where he would be deceased if she so wished, and there was nothing he could do about it.
Remus came over and helped his embarrassed friend of the floor, "don't worry about it Sirius she would have done the same to me, you should have seen them in Gringotts taking out seven armed goblins without a wand being drawn."
"Purebloods are inherently lazy, they will use either their magic our call on a house elf to accomplish every task, in any kind of prolonged fight our higher fitness levels will give us a major advantage. Death eaters are used to their victims either fleeing or freezing through fear, when you overcome the intimidation and fight back it becomes obvious they're not that powerful or skilful. It doesn't take lot's of magical skill to torture and murder muggles, especially when your favourite curses are unforgivables."
Harry's words made sense to purebloods Neville, Luna and Sirius; they would recall them often in the days that followed when they felt like lying down and resting.
Hermione laid out the rest of their plans, "the students are portkeying into the apparition point in Diagon Alley on Friday, and the staff are staying to get the institute up and running before September. Our plan is to recover both hidden horcruxes that are available to us at the moment before our wedding, giving us a break before we figure out how to sneak into Hogwarts."
"Ok I know I'm not at my best just now, I've just been beat up by a young girl for Merlin's sake, but I could have sworn I heard you say 'wedding' in there somewhere."
"Hermione and I are getting married on my birthday, as the last in line of a noble and ancient house the law allows this. We were getting married on my birthday before we came back in time and my wife to be absolutely refuses to wait another two years. The wedding will be held here and of course your are all invited."
Sirius whirled on the Grangers and Remus, "you knew about this? You're ok with this?"
It was Emma who answered the concerned godfather, "in their reality they've been best friends for five years and been dating officially for one of them, the bond they share is more intimate than anything we know and their love for each other is beyond measure. We are fighting a war here and these two for whatever reason are in the eye of the storm. Given their position I would like to think that Dan and I would do the same thing." Dan leaned over and kissed his wife lending credence to her assumption.
"We know why Harry and I are in the centre of this, a prophesy placed him there and I refuse to leave his side, dark lord be dammed."
Harry told them the prophesy before turning to Neville, "two boys matched that profile which is why our parents made their agreement, I could have grown up with a brother instead of that obnoxious, obese bastard of a cousin and for that reason more than any other I'll never forgive Dumbledore."
The three men were raging and all talking over each other.
'Knew all this time"
"No training whatsoever"
"Wring his scrawny neck"
In every case the phrase "manipulative old bastard" was used liberally and repeatedly.
Neville had just kissed Luna goodnight, they were standing outside her bedroom door, neither wanting to let the other go and were oblivious to the world around them which is why they both nearly jumped out their socks when Harry placed his hands on their shoulders.
"I'm so glad you two got together before we had to tell that story, I was worried it would affect how you felt about one another. We also want you both to stand with Hermione and I when we get married next month because by the time we went to the ministry that night we were as close as family, none of us have any siblings so we all kind of adopted each other with you becoming our brother and sister. That's why we reacted the way we did in the corridor Luna, you're our sister and nobody messes with our little sis! Both Hermione and I love you very much and the Christmas we all spent together at your house is the best I've ever had."
Hermione had joined what had become a group hug though it was a tearful Luna who spoke, "I always wanted a brother and sister."
Hermione answered, "That's what we all wanted Luna but different circumstances prevented our wishes coming true, we were four lonely people who each found a partner that gave us the strength to reach out to others. Neville has very similar values to Harry and there's not an ounce of deception in his body. We know you have a hard time trusting people Luna but we got beyond that once and I now have the chance to get to know my best friend and little sis a lot earlier than before, I'm really looking forward to it."
Luna had one arm round Hermione while the other encircled Neville, "I don't know what it is but something is telling me to trust everyone here, I'm sure it's not a Crumple-Horned Snorkack because they left when you held me in the corridor. Apparently kindness and love drives them away, its no wonder daddy could never find them."
They all looked at Luna before the young witch burst out laughing, to the astonishment of Harry and Hermione and the bemusement of Neville the blond had banished her mythical creatures with a joke – she trusted them!
"Ok sis, you and I have a date with some shops on Saturday and we'll drag our men folk along to carry the bags. If you boys think our exercises are tough just wait till you see Miss Lovegood and Miss Granger shop."
"We're in serious trouble now Nev," Harry joked, "listen seven am on the beach tomorrow and I'm betting you hate us by eight! All joking aside this really does help and you two were awesome fighting by our side, it was a stupid mistake that got Hermione cursed so we now put our enemies down and they don't get back up without medical attention."
Hugs and kisses all round followed with neither Neville nor Luna commenting on the fact that Harry and Hermione entered the same room.
-oOoOo-
"Is it ok to hate you yet Harry?"
"Another twenty minutes yet Nev, I said after eight and Hermione claimed before then. We can't let her win again or the insurable know-it-all might resurface."
Both girls were shoulder to shoulder with their boyfriends and knew that the banter was in jest; as soon as they could get their lungs working properly jibes would be returned when breathing allowed.
Emma listened to the exchange between the boys with a smile on her face; she now understood where Hermione's newfound sense of humour came from. Emma thought she was a prime candidate for a heart attack as she jogged along wet sand at the water's edge, occasional waves washing over her feet and inviting her to stop and use the sand for it's original purpose, lying on while tanning.
Emma looked at her husband jogging beside her and could have smacked him, her legs felt as if they were turning to jelly yet Dan seemed to be running effortlessly and she could feel how happy he was through their wonderful bracelets.
Dan couldn't remember being happier, he awoke this morning with a beautiful naked woman in his arms and was now jogging along a private beach with her at his side. Daniel Granger could safely say that he enjoyed dentistry but he adored his new life, new wife, new daughter and soon to be son-in-law. He had the Mediterranean Sea on one side and his gorgeous wife on the other, his body might be sore later but at the moment Dan was feeling no pain.
Sirius was in trouble; the exercise he had done was already more than at any other time in his life. His vacation in Azkaban may have left him physically weaker but had equipped him with a will of iron which was the only thing keeping him upright.
His casual defeat at the hands of Hermione had cemented his view that this was something he simply must take part in, they had started jogging along the sandy beach then returned via the wet sand. A few circuits later and he was dead on his feet, the thought of a hot shower, large breakfast and spending the day lying beside the pool trying to change his skin colour from grey was more than he had to look forward to in over a decade and this kept him moving.
The cliff signalled the end of their beach and Harry called a halt, everyone was in need of a breather so he gave them ten minutes before calling on Dobby. His little friend started handing out small bags and the all felt better after the elvin energy drink did its work.
"We have another hour to exercise but we're going to try something different now, each bag should contain a watch, please put it on and follow me." Harry waded into the sea before gathering everyone around him, "Set your watches for one hour then take out the piece of gillyweed that's in your bag, this will cause a slight pain for the first minute but will then allow you to breath underwater for an hour. Stay together and plan on finishing up at the other end of the beach when the time is up."
Emma ate the gillyweed and thought the pain wasn't to bad until she realised she couldn't breath, she was starting to panic when Harry pushed her head under the water.
Harry ate his last after ensuring they were all ok, their were a lot of excited people under the water and he led off for the strangest and most wonderful game of 'follow the leader' any of them had ever played. Harry and Hermione could still communicate through their rings and managed to keep everyone more or less together. The fish and plant life were a lot more interesting and certainly more diverse than the bottom of the Black Lake in February. They noticed Neville and Luna slip away for an underwater kiss, they deliberately didn't notice mum and dad doing the same, Sirius and Remus were giving that experience a wide berth until accompanied by a female of their choice.
As the hour was almost up the group moved into shallower water and only had to stand up when the effects wore off. It was a very excited group who made their way back up the cliff towards showers and breakfast, only Harry had experienced this before but all wanted to do it again. The fact that they had just spent an hour swimming and using just about every muscle in their body was forgotten in their enjoyment of the time spent underwater.
Harry and Hermione were studying in their library for exams they planned to take; between their shared knowledge and Tom's library in Harry's head they would have no problems. Their objective was to knock Tom Riddle off the leader board for most OWLs and NEWTs, they planed to sit all the exams he had with the addition of Muggle Studies.
Neither regarded this as cheating as they would never need to use these results to get a career, the Potter name and fortune pretty much guaranteed every door in the magical world was open to them. It was one in the eye for Riddle and Dumbledore, as Potter Institute students would hold the record. Before the end of August they would be married, emancipated and a fully qualified witch and wizard removing any legal wrangling options of being underage used against them.
They were disturbed when Dobby appeared, "begging your pardon but the elves have told me that Bones is in Malfoy Manor and not happy, she is demanding they tell her who this mysterious new master is. I think she was at Gringotts first and that added to her bad mood."
"Could you bring her here please Dobby?" Harry asked.
He was back minutes later with a clearly raging Amelia and two aurors, "Lord Potter I demand to know what you're playing at!"
"We're actually studying potions since we had such a crappy professor for the subject, why don't you sit down, we'll have a cup of tea and get whatever's troubling you out in the open, I'm not really good at guessing games." They both had a fair idea what had got Amelia so worked up but were waiting to see how much she knew.
Brutus immediately arrived with tea and soft drinks as they slowly marked their places in the books they had been studying.
Amelia took a sip of tea while both aurors stood alertly behind her, "Snape sang his head off giving us more information than I would have believed possible leading to the filling of warrants for the arrest and freezing of assets of some very high profile death eaters. You can imagine our shock when we found that eleven had fled the country while one was a prisoner of the goblins. An even greater shock was that in every case their vaults had been emptied but not by them. I would like to know what you can tell me about this situation?"
Harry grabbed Hermione, "you are an absolute genius!" he proclaimed before administering a kiss that only Amelia's embarrassed cough eventually stopped.
He looked at the woman before asking, "I'm assuming you trust these two or they wouldn't be here?" Amelia's slight nod was all the answer he required, "the richest death eaters created a method for Voldemort to have full access to their vaults, we wished to deny him these considerable resources and hopefully some followers as well. We legally emptied their vaults except for one Knut and a note written by my brilliant betrothed. It basically said Tom was unhappy with them and would show his displeasure at the earliest opportunity. We had hoped some of them would flee but expected the rest to come after us which is why we, along with Hermione's parents are here."
Kingsley couldn't help himself, he burst out laughing, "sorry boss but that is bloody brilliant and did more damage to the bastards than we could."
"Your auror is right, they would have been dragged through the court proclaiming their innocence while spreading gold about like dragon dung fertiliser trying to cultivate the result they wanted. This way their fleeing the country is as good as an admission of guilt and they can be tried in absentia with no untoward influence being brought to bear." Hermione added.
Amelia nodded in understanding, "you are of course right and the trials will go a lot smoother for our side without Malfoy spreading his golden influence around, I'm only disappointed because I wanted some of their ill gotten gains to bolster the auror department."
At that Dobby appeared with a chequebook Gringotts had given them, "this little bugger now knows what I'm going to do before me!" Harry's laughter took any sting out of the remark and Dobby was overjoyed, to anticipate their master's needs was a house elves greatest achievement.
Harry handed Amelia a cheque and she tried but failed not to react to the amount it was made out for, she handed it to Kingsley who fared no better than his boss but it was the pink haired auror peeking over his shoulder who took the gold medal.
"Merlin's beard! Five million galleons? Holy shit I didn't know there even was that much gold."
Amelia though was all business, "Lord Potter, before accepting this I would like to ask what you hope to gain from this donation."
"All I ask is that it's put to the best possible use in the auror department, I wouldn't dare to suggest I knew what that was. I have something to tell you and a request, neither of which have any bearing on that cheque. My name is Potter, not Malfoy!"
She nodded for him to continue.
"We knew the death eaters would need money fast and couldn't really go out onto the streets selling their wears so we came to an arrangement with Gringotts and bought everything. Some of those items are bound to be dark and we didn't want them appearing in the general wizarding populace, you have my word that every single item will be checked and anything dark destroyed."
Amelia couldn't quite contain the shudder that ran through her at the thought of some of those items in the wrong hands, "I think that's a very sensible solution and a great public service."
Hermione's mischievous side surfaced again, "we actually bought the items with their own money at well below market price."
Shack was again laughing, "these two could put us out of a job boss and that cheque be put towards our retirement fund, taking out Snape was great work but this again is bloody brilliant."
Amelia could see the next bit was costing Harry so she asked him to continue.
"I'm assuming Snape gave you enough information to arrest Dumbledore but I would like you to sit on that for now and offer ministerial support to the planed tournament scheduled for Hogwarts."
Harry could see the expressions changing so pushed on, "my number one priority is to take down Riddle and granting those requests will go a long way to achieving that aim. I want Dumbledore dealt with probably more than you do but while that old bastard sits scheming and planning world domination Riddle fires off unforgivables like the psychotic megalomaniac he is. Which one do you think we should deal with first? Dumbledore wont run and hide because he's to proud to think he'll ever get caught while Riddle killed his father and grandparents when he turned seventeen."
Hermione continued, "We will be letting the old fart think he's manipulating us whereas he'll be doing exactly what we want, taking out Dumbledore first might push any fence sitters into Riddle's camp and that is something we definitely don't want."
"We need to be clear here, you're not asking for Dumbledore to get special treatment, it's just the order in which we deal with people that concerns you both." Amelia wanted no chance of misunderstandings developing.
"That's exactly right," said Harry, "I want Dumbledore in Azkaban for the rest of his life but I need Riddle dead so I can live mine."
Amelia glanced at Shack who gave the slightest of nods so the plan was approved, the fact that she was in total agreement with Harry's assessment that Riddle was by far the greater danger was the sole reason for her decision, Amelia wasn't Fudge and not for sale.
"This leads us on to another problem that none of us could have foreseen, in every case the death eaters have fled and abandoned their children who are presently attending Hogwarts. We need to reach a decision by Friday on what to do with them but I fear most are headed for an orphanage." The reaction of the two teens shocked Amelia; these were death eater kids most of whom had tried to make their time at Hogwarts miserable.
"That's not going to happen Amelia, Riddle is a product of an orphanage so that idea can be discounted immediately. If you can keep Dumbledore away from us we would like to go to Hogwarts on Thursday and meet with them individually, we will make them an alternative offer to an orphanage and meet all expenses." Harry was again making it up as he went along but he knew he couldn't put someone in an orphanage, not even Draco.
"I would like these two to accompany you if that would be ok, neither have any time for Dumbledore and will keep him away from you under my orders."
Hermione hesitated before replying, "as long as any extra curricular activities we engage in remain between the five people present in this room, again you have my guarantee we wont break any laws."
It was an intrigued Madam Bones who agreed, thanked them for their hospitality and decided she wouldn't miss Thursday so invited herself along as well. She had a feeling this might be a once in a lifetime opportunity.
As soon as they left Harry turned to his betrothed, "Help!"
She just laughed, "surely you know by now I would have an idea and I can't wait to see Draco's expression when we tell him."
Her idea had Harry howling with laughter, now if they could get past Dumbledore and visit the chamber and room of requirements they could have almost all their business done before their wedding.
-oOoOo-
Ginny Weasley was not enjoying the final week of term in Hogwarts, she knew her family was poor and had used her family's friendship with Harry to counter some of the worst quips aimed in her direction by her peers. Now that friendship was publicly over they were merciless in their verbal attacks, Harry calling the twins bullies had also curtailed their adventures as no one laughed at their pranks anymore, only consoling the victims. Ron was walking about as if his head was up his arse and Percy was just Percy, the pompous prat had ruined her life when he pulled her wand from her hand and didn't give a shit.
Yes it was safe to say the Weasleys were not having a good time and she was on her way to an unused classroom where her father had called an emergency family meeting, Ginny had a premonition that this was not good news.
Her father and four brothers were already seated by the time she arrived so they started right away.
"I've called everyone here today because things have really taken a turn for the worse lately, the Burrow has been completely destroyed and your mother is in St Mungo's undergoing treatment to determine what happened. We will have to live in a tent I've managed to borrow for the foreseeable future, combined with the news of Harry's betrothal to the mudblood I'm afraid the family can't wait any longer but must sell it's only available asset."
Ginny was totally confused by her father's remarks, what did they have that was worth enough money to rebuild the burrow? Her heart sank to her shoes when she noticed her father and brothers were all staring at her, surely they would never stoop that low.
She pulled out her wand but Percy was once again faster as he grabbed it from her hand, "you can't be seriously considering selling me?"
"It's called a betrothal and we would receive a bride price," Arthur then cast a spell on his daughter that made her glow white for a few seconds, "good, a virgin will fetch a higher price."
"For Merlin's sake I'm only twelve!" Ginny protested loudly.
Arthur Wesley just smiled at his only daughter, "Your middle name's also Molly so I was just making sure you didn't take after her, I'll try and get something arranged for over the holidays so enjoy your last few days of school, I'd take you home now except we don't have a home to go to."
"Do you mean I'm getting married this summer? How is that possible and who will be the groom?" Ginny couldn't manage to keep the horror out of her voice.
"Of course it will be this summer, we need the money now and the groom will be whoever offers us the most. We might have to buy you some new underwear because prospective grooms will want to see what their getting for their gold."
Ginny couldn't believe the way her father was discussing her body like it was something he owned and could be sold to the highest bidder. "You sick bastard, I'll kill myself before I'll let some stranger put his hands anywhere near me, I don't care how much gold he's got. I'm you're twelve-year-old daughter not some side of beef to be sold at the market."
Arthur looked positively smug, "You're a pureblood daughter and the family magic will prevent you harming the goods, so to speak. You will do your duty and marry whoever I decide, regardless of their age or any other conditions, you will do your duty as a wife and not bring shame on our family honour."
"What bloody honour, you stand there talking about honour and selling your daughter to the highest bidder in the same breath, you really are a sick bastard." Ginny was screaming at him now and praying she would wake from this nightmare soon.
"No I'm your father and head of the family, my decision is final so you will have a husband this summer and the Weasleys will have a new house."
She could see the determined look in her father's eyes and there would be no help coming from her pureblood brothers either. Her mother was prepared to use a love potion on Hermione so Ron could have her instead of Harry; she was unlikely to be horrified at this arrangement.
Ginny sunk to the floor and curled into a ball, her body racked with sobs as she cried for her lost life while listening to her brothers argue for improvements to the new house her body was going to provide. She had no wand, no opinion, and no option but to obey her father's wishes and be sold to the highest bidder where by magic she would be his to command.
The only people who would pay money for a bride were those that couldn't get one any other way, Ginny knew she was destined to be some old mans plaything and that thought had her vomiting all over the floor.
Being a pureblood female was not something Ginny would ever boast about again.
Chapter 12
The Slytherin table was in disarray as the sensational news of the death eater purge appeared on the Prophet's front page and listed the names of those who had fled the country with their vaults emptied and property gone. There were quite a few sitting at breakfast that now didn't have a home to go to or a guardian to look after their welfare. With no head of house and Dumbledore not anywhere to be seen the joke circulating Hogwarts was that Trelawney was now in charge, unfortunately with almost fifteen years experience she actually was the most senior professor after the headmaster.
Draco sat contemplating what was in store for him next; his parents had fled the country while Severus seemed set for joining aunt Bella in Azkaban. With no relations and no gold Draco couldn't see any other alternative to an orphanage, any 'friends' he could have stayed with were all suffering from the same set of circumstances as him.
These bleak thoughts were interrupted by a flock of owls winging their way to every student in the same position, Draco ripped his envelope open and gave a visible sigh of relief. Here was an offer to accommodate him over the summer and continue to fund his education. He had a meeting tomorrow to discuss the details but any option other than an orphanage had to be good news, for the first time that week a slight smile crept onto the Slytherins face as he realised the happy consequences of the purge – he no longer had to marry Pansy!
-oOoOo-
The group was again on the beach and Harry could see the stiffness start to leave their bodies from yesterdays first session, he intended to push them slightly further this morning before doing something different again. After calling a halt beside the cliff after they had done one more circuit of the beach than yesterday Dobby again appeared with his wonderful energy drink but no gillyweed today. Instead he began conjuring dummies and fixing large sheets of parchment to the cliff face above the dummies heads.
"When we began our training, the room of requirements provided us with everything we needed to learn to fight. The parchment will show animated diagrams of defensive and offensive moves and will design these around your physical ability and personality. Hermione is pure offence, she attacks until her opponents are down while Luna used to dodge everything thrown at her but strike like lightning as soon as an opening presented itself. Neville became the most physically powerful of the group and once ripped a dummy in half because it had managed to land a blow on Luna, yes the dummies can be animated but we're a few weeks away from that I think." Harry knew he had their full attention so decided to give them a little demonstration.
Hermione could tell through their rings what she was expected to do so walked up to Harry and carried out the exact same move she had flattened Sirius with, her betrothed flew through the air but twisted and landed on his feet with his wand pointed right between her eyes.
The wand disappeared before Hermione came over and kissed him, they turned to see the rest of the group looking at them in wonder.
"How the hell did you do that?" Sirius demanded
"Well we just put our lips together and do what comes naturally, I know you've been out of circulation for a while Sirius but I didn't imagine I was going to have to give my godfather the talk!"
Sirius held him with a glare that said he was tired, sore and in no mood for jokes.
"Oh you mean the flip thing, it's called training which is why we're all here. It might just save your life one day and it impresses the hell out of chicks!" Hermione's slap to the back of his head had everyone laughing, she new exactly what he was doing and why, if you had the energy to laugh you could push yourself just a little bit more.
"My beautiful betrothed will now give us a slight demonstration on how to use the dummies."
Hermione turned round and immediately gave a more than passable impression of the cartoon Tasmanian Devil, she reacted so fast that the dummies head was rolling on the sand before most of the group knew she had moved. Harry was beginning to think that transfiguring the dummy to look like Ron and wearing an 'I love Potions' t-shirt was maybe a bit too much, his Hermione had exploded at first sight of the dummy and he was slightly worried that he would be her next victim but dad saved the day.
Dan Granger put his arms around his trembling daughter and kissed the top of her head, "you have no idea how good it feels as a father to know that my daughter can kick the arse of anyone who tries to bother her."
The adrenalin coursing through her blood at the sight of the dummy dissipated as her father's arms held her, she had longed for this experience all the years she was growing up. Her parents were really grasping their second chance with both hands.
She turned and gave her father a hug before kissing his cheek, "thanks dad."
She then turned to her love and held her arms out, he almost apparated into them, "sorry love but that wound is just a bit too raw at the moment, we now know what that bastards interference could have cost us. The Weasleys will really have to stay out of our way for the foreseeable future."
A kiss later and everything was back to normal.
"Now this beautiful lady moved slightly quicker than I had intended but we can ask the parchment to slow the action down, the darker the colour and size of area affected is an indication of how much damage the blows would have done to a normal body."
The groin area became black and spread towards the black area now emanating from its chest. Most had caught Hermione's spin and elbow into its throat that resulted in the head now sitting on the beach.
Harry found himself having to cough a couple of times to get his voice back down to it's normal tone as the black swelling in the groin area seemed to have the same eye watering effect on all the males except Dan, his 'that's my girl' expression was beaming out pride at a wattage to rival any FM radio station.
"We'll teach you how to hit, the dummies will glow indicating where to hit and the parchments tell you the damage your blows would cause." Harry and Hermione then had the group practicing basic moves while Dan took to it like a duck to water, he was throwing combinations by the time they were finished. The dummies and parchments assessed them individually and pushed each member to their limits.
It was a sweating but satisfied group who headed off for showers and breakfast.
Daphne Greengrass was enjoying her day that had started with the dreaded letter from home, delivered via Gringotts, as it would take a couple of days by owl.
The whole of magical Britain was talking with the name on everyone's lips being Harry Potter, her father had heard whispers of prominent purebloods fleeing the country with their tails between their legs and was delighted his daughter had allied herself with the house of Potter. Being that fence sitting was almost embedded in the Greengrass genes her father would wait for developments before taking any drastic action like declaring alliance.
They were currently being taught charms by professor Flitwick and, because the class was so small, being allowed to work at their own pace instead of having to wait on Crabbe and Goyle having everything explained to them six times. The lessons, learning environment and classmates that she could be herself amongst all helped to make her believe that standing up on Monday morning was the best decision she ever made.
The warm Italian sunshine and beauty of the Amalfi Coast was slowly melting the ex-Slytherin ice queen.
Pomona, Minerva and Poppy were sitting trying to organise what the Institute needed to get done before being able to open on September first, Minerva was noting all that they would need to buy and the Scotswoman was fast approaching overload at the running total so far, Hogwarts would never be able to afford this but then she was one of very few people who knew of the financial manipulations that went on, and with ministry approval.
The pureblood dogma that muggle borns shouldn't be allowed to attend was utter rubbish since without them the school would close. They paid in some cases fifteen times more fees that the purebloods for two reasons, their fees were comparable to the best muggle boarding schools and if purebloods were charged the same most of their parents wouldn't pay. As there children were either going to be married off or get jobs due to their families influence why waste all that good gold on an education.
The result was that Hermione's fees for the last three years would probably pay for the entire Hogwarts education of all seven members of the Weasley clan. She had been debating with herself whether to pass this information onto Harry, the Institute targeting of the muggle born students could end up closing Hogwarts but this story in the press would cause uproar of epic proportions. She had to tell him and let the group decide what to do with the information, she was nothing if not loyal and she had decided where her loyalties should be when leaving that Monday morning.
Pomona and Poppy were amazed at the European syllabus that actually had potions and Herbology closely linked but with healing included as well. The students had to understand the plants, the potion and the effects they achieved on the body. Again the equipment needed to start potions, Herbology and an infirmary from scratch would not be cheap.
Harry and Hermione were working with mum and dad to make arrangements for the Hogwarts students that had basically become orphans; with their parents on the phone both teens had dossiers for each student and were writing in the arrangements as they were worked out. Dan discovered two things, they badly needed computers with Internet access and the Gardiner credit cards had no limits. Amelia had also sent through a list of qualified ministry personnel that would be assisting with the plan.
-oOoOo-
Albus had received notice that his presence was required at the ministry tomorrow to discuss irregularities relating to Hogwarts. After reading about the death eater purges he suspected Severus had given the DMLE information but he was aware that the potions master could overcome truth serum and was impervious to mind scans.
There was also the fact that Amelia hadn't turned up with those two pet aurors of hers yet which would definitely be the case if they broke Severus. At most he was going to be getting a dressing down for his treatment of that little shit Potter, as long as they didn't cancel the tournament Albus would listen to their bullshit all day.
-oOoOo-
Harry, Hermione, Dan and Emma met with Amelia and both aurors in Hogsmead, Albus had already left for his day at the ministry so they should be free from interference, especially since it appeared in the Quibbler that Harry had a high opinion of Madam Bones and felt that if she was in charge he wouldn't have had to leave in the first place. She was a shoo in for becoming the next minister of magic.
Dan and Emma were pretty sure that these two were gong to use this opportunity to complete the task they had to do in Hogwarts so they were not going alone and both Grangers now carried guns.
They entered the castle and the laughing teens had to guide their parents by the elbow as they gawked at their surroundings before managing to get into the classroom that had been commandeered for their use. They quickly got organised before sending for the first appointment of the day, Draco Malfoy.
Draco strutted into the room and almost ran back out when he recognised who was waiting for him. "Malfoy if you leave this room then you must know the only decisions are which orphanage to place you in and what to do next year when you can't afford Hogwarts," Draco had stopped so Harry pressed home his advantage, "it's not very Slytherin of you to leave before even hearing the proposal, take a seat and I promise that you will get to accept or decline my offer."
Draco sat in front of the panel of five with two aurors standing behind him.
"I won't waste your time so here's what we're offering, non-magical people in America have what's known as summer camp. It's people your own age who get together to do outdoor pursuits and basically have a lot of fun. You would have to live as a muggle for the summer but on September first you would be attending Salem Academy of Magic to continue your education there. Please don't think of this as some sort of punishment, you have been told your whole life that muggles are beneath you without ever having any experience of them – this is to provide you with that opportunity."
Amelia spoke, "the ministry is assisting in this venture but it is being totally funded by Lord Potter with all fees, travel arrangements, equipment, clothes and even an allowance to be paid monthly. You are well aware of the alternatives and if this is Lord Potter's idea of punishment then he can punish me anytime – it's costing him a fortune!"
Draco sat quietly, living as a muggle for two months then being allowed to attend Salem or go to an orphanage and depend on someone's charity to continue his education. The name Malfoy would now count against him and he would need a good education to make any headway in life. On paper it wasn't a hard decision but there was one thing that was driving him crazy, why was Potter doing this?
The idea that there would be no gain or a debt to be paid off somewhere down the line was inconceivable to the Slytherin and he couldn't see Potter's angle. What did Potter get out of Draco Malfoy saying yes? He felt that if he understood that then he could fight it but how do you fight an unselfish act.
He said the only thing he could say," I'm in!"
He was to meet Tonks off the express where his trunk and wand would be sent on to Salem, he would spend the weekend staying in a muggle hotel, shopping, getting a passport from Gringotts before flying to New York on Monday, accompanied by ministry employees with the appropriate background. As everyone was being sent to different camps all over America he would join them all in Salem.
Draco left with his head spinning and the only fact that stuck in his head was that Bones was right, this must be costing Potter a fortune.
After the last interview had finished Harry glanced towards Hermione who'd been studying the Marauders map all day, a nod of her head and a "still there!" was all that he needed to hear. They had originally planed on sneaking out for a second and using the time turner Hermione still had to complete their tasks un-noticed but mum and dad would never forgive them so the group of seven headed into a girls toilet to find a red haired witch kneeling at a certain sink.
Ginny was distraught, sobbing and looked as if she had been for days. When she saw Harry the glimmer of hope in her eyes was heartbreaking to see, she threw herself at his feet with her speech being interrupted with soul wrenching sobs. "Oh Harry, I prayed for you to come.. sob … can't open it… sob …wish you left me down there … sob …tried to jump of tower… sob …magic wont let me… sob …never be found in chamber… sob …being sold to buy new house… sob …die before let old bastard touch me." At this point she became so bad that they couldn't understand a word.
Harry glanced towards Hermione and received his answer; she had total faith in Harry but wouldn't trust the red haired bint as far as she could throw her, which come to think about it was pretty far.
Harry knelt beside Ginny and scooped her into his arms, "Schhh Ginny, if you can't tell us the problem then we can't help."
After a minuet or so she was coherent enough to get her main points across, "the burrow is destroyed so my family are arranging for me to be married this summer to the highest bidder."
"MOLLY!" shouted Hermione but Ginny shook her head.
"Dad, and those selfish bastards of brothers are arguing who gets biggest room in new house."
Dan Granger was just getting used to the role of loving father and found he liked it a lot, this distraught young girl reawakened the emotions he felt during the bank fight. "Let me see if I've got this right, your house got destroyed so the family is going to sell you to the highest bidder in order to rebuild?" Ginny nodded and Dan whirled on Amelia, "please tell me this isn't legal."
Amelia bowed her head, "I assume she's talking about a betrothal contract and bride price in which case it's perfectly legal. They probably took her wand and her family magic will prevent her harming herself so she was unable to jump off the tower."
Both parents turned to Hermione, well aware that she would be the one they would have to convince, "we have to help here, I know we have the whole potions issue to deal with but what kind of sick bastard sells his own twelve-year-old daughter and what would that make us if we could help but didn't." Hermione had never heard her mother swear and that made her think more than anything else.
"Did Ron try a potion on Hermione? Is that why you guys left?" Ginny asked confused.
"We found out he was going to make the attempt." Harry answered diplomatically
"I didn't know," Ginny answered truthfully.
Hermione asked bitingly, "would it have made any difference to you if the result was to split me and Harry up?"
Ginny was young but even she realised her future could hang on this answer so decided to be completely truthful, "I was honestly so in love with Harry that I would have took him any way I could, there are so few genuinely good people out there and even my own brothers are heartless bastards. Being told that I'm to be sold has changed my opinions on everything, my eyes have well and truly been opened and no one should ever be forced in that position. I hadn't heard about the potion though I certainly wouldn't be shocked if he did."
Hermione had so many conflicting thoughts and emotions running through her head, she wasn't sure what to do and Harry was wisely staying out of her mind as he recognised this was a decision she had to reach on her own. This Ginny hadn't done anything yet and knew nothing of the plot to use potions on her, Hermione also recognised that their interference in the timeline must have caused this event, even if the other Ginny had been sold after they had closed down Harry's Gringotts account that the Weasleys had been stealing from that Christmas she still felt responsible.
Hermione already knew what her betrothed's answer would be, shit they just spent all morning trying to save Malfoy and his cronies. Hermione had no option but to give Ginny the same second chance that they were enjoying but first it was time for a few home truths.
"Ginny, Harry and I are betrothed and anyone tampering with that relationship would find themselves in serious legal trouble. I will become Lady Potter this summer and although allowed by law to take more than one wife trust me when I say this lady's not for sharing. Harry is well aware of my position and agrees with it, if you can accept this and move on we can help you, if you make a move on my man I guarantee what happened to Snape will seem like a picnic compared to what I'll do to you."
"Hermione I have tried three different ways to kill myself rather than face being married to some unknown old man, I would swear on my magic never to hope for anything more than friendship from both Potters but that bastard Percy took my wand again. I already owe Harry a life debt and would certainly consider I owed my life to whoever rescued me from this situation. If you can help then please, I'm begging here and will do anything you ask of me,"
A quick discussion over their bond and it was settled, "Amelia can we take her with us?" Harry asked.
"No, it would be classed as kidnapping. The only reason it worked on Monday was that you had no prior knowledge of the oaths and then did everything in your power to save them triggering their oaths. If Miss Weasley were to be given a wand to make any kind of oath to prevent this betrothal the person responsible would end up in Azkaban."
"These laws are nuts!" Emma declared.
"Our society is dominated by pureblood males who make the laws to suit their needs, who do you think would be purchasing Miss Weasley? Our society is roughly about a century behind yours in values and technology, and as long as the old guard stay in charge that's the way it will remain."
Harry looked at Ginny and saw a small, frightened child that needed reassurance as much as her body needed air. "Ginny, we will help but we came here to do a very important job and have to enter the chamber again."
Now that she had some hope all desire to enter the chamber evaporated and she decided to wait in a cubicle for their return, Ginny provided the first laugh of the afternoon when she told them Myrtle left, apparently Ginny's incessant crying was driving the ghost mad.
Dan Granger felt as if he was in an Indiana Jones movie as small bones crunched under their feet while they walked along the wand lit tunnel, he was even wearing a leather jacket and a gun in its holster with only a whip and hat missing.
As if sliding down a giant tube wasn't enough to reinforce the image they were now standing in front of a massive round metal door that Harry was speaking to in that strange hissing language. Parts of the door animated before the whole thing swung open releasing the most noxious smell Dan had ever experienced, before he could even complain his head was surrounded by a goldfish bowl filled with clean air as Harry then led them through the door.
His future son-in-law had described the Basilisk as a big snake but that was a bit like describing King Kong as a large monkey, technically accurate but severely lacking on the grandeur of the beast, it was bloody enormous!
The thought of twelve-year-old Harry fighting this abomination with a sword to save the life of the petite witch they had just left forced Dan to sit for a minute as the enormity of the task and bravery of this young man he was growing to love hit him.
He glanced around and could see he was not the only one having such a reaction, the three women were in tears while auror Shacklebolt was leaning against the wall as they all tried in vain to comprehend the achievements of the wizard known as Harry Potter.
He was surprised at Hermione's lack of reaction until remembering that she would have gotten to experience the whole thing through Harry's memories, definitely not something he could imagine was a pleasant memory and feeling his emotions as well!
As a couple their relationship was so strong because it had been forged in the heat of battle with enemies on all sides and their unquestionable belief that they would die before allowing the other to be harmed. This knowledge was truly humbling to Dan as he watched his daughter and her love extracting teeth while two dentists were so overcome with emotion to be rendered useless.
Dobby popped them back into the toilet two at a time and it was Amelia who spoke first, "Lord Potter the picture in the Quibbler just didn't do your heroics justice, why weren't you recommended for an order of Merlin?"
It was a very bitter Hermione who answered, "He saved Ginny, Hogwarts, Dumbledores job and cleared Hagrid's name while getting him out of Azkaban and his reward was to be sent back to Privet Prison and isolated from everyone who cared about him. If we didn't need the old bastard I swear I would take great pleasure in kicking his decrepit arse into next week."
Harry put his arms around her and kissed her neck, "never change Hermione, I love you just the way you are."
Any smidgen of hope that Ginny had left of a relationship with Harry died there and then, she could see the utter devotion these two had for each other.
Amelia looked on as Harry walked up and down in front of a blank wall giving a gasp of astonishment as a door made an appearance and once again Harry led the way in.
Harry was wearing dragon hide gloves as he lifted a tiara down which brought a scream from the red haired witch, "That's the same as the diary! Harry I can hear it calling to me, please don't let it get me again."
Emma held Ginny tightly as Hermione handed Harry a tooth from the Basilisk and he quickly stabbed the tiara.
Screams louder and containing more terror than Ginny could ever produce came from the inanimate object as a smoky humanoid form leaked from the centre jewel before dissolving into a black goo on the floor that Hermione quickly banished.
Amelia's legs gave way as she found herself on the floor with two aurors standing above her with wands drawn, unsure what had happened to their boss but determined to fight it. The phrase 'same as the diary' had triggered her collapse as soon as she worked out what the tiara was, oh dear Merlin how many more were there?
She asked Harry the question with a glance and his answer of "seven" had her head spinning and the aurors starting to get really agitated. She held up her hand to signal that she was ok and they could calm down. "Can you give me any details?" she asked Harry.
"That's the third one destroyed, we have one at Gringotts that came out the Lestrange vault and we can now use the same means to destroy that as well. We know the location of the rest and will retrieve them and administer the same treatment, as you can imagine this must stay secret and only Hermione and I have this knowledge. If this information got into the wrong hands it could totally screw us up."
"Anything you need, anything, anytime – it's yours for the asking. If you pull this off our world will owe you a debt that could never be repaid, Merlin they already do!" The sincerity and respect in Amelia's voice was there for all to hear.
Shacks questions were met with a shake of the head, Harry was right, the fewer people who knew about horcruxes at the moment the better for everyone.
Ginny was assured once more that they would help before the seven beat a hasty retreat pre-empting the return of Dumbledore.
-oOoOo-
Arthur Weasley was lying alone in the borrowed magical tent contemplating his life in relation to his decision to place his only daughter on the betrothal market.
His mind drifted back to what he considered the pivotal moment of his life, meeting Molly Prewett, the red head that changed his world. She came with a reputation but shy Arthur was just glad she came; his total experience up until that time had been a few kisses and a fumble in a broom closet as a dare. She seemed to see something in him that no one had before, or since if he was being truthful. They married as soon as he got a job in the ministry; she kept him well-fed and warm at night with Bill making an appearance less than a year later.
While his pure blood status almost guaranteed him a job at the ministry the lack of money and family prestige placed him on the lowest rung of the promotional ladder. Arthur believed that as a pureblood wizard he actually was better than the rest but being a poor junior clerk in the department dealing with muggles meant he had nothing to offer the death eaters, and when the great Albus Dumbledore asked him to join the light side Arthur was so flattered he said yes.
He was regretting his decision up until little Harry Potter finished of the dark lord; Arthur thought he would be rewarded for joining the right side only to have his earlier fears confirmed and his dreams of prosperity dashed. Gold and a family name could apparently get you out of anything and the death eaters were all still lording it over the perpetually penniless and now blood traitorous Weasleys.
His career had crawled along at a snails pace but then he wasn't actually working his arse off, Arthur had found his niche and in this night of honesty probably his level as a wizard as well – dealing with biting tea cups was quite enough for him.
Of all his children Ronald was probably the closest to Arthur in ability and personality in that he expected maximum returns for minimal talent and effort in whatever field he chose. The owl requesting he spend the summer with his new girlfriend confirmed his opinion that the boy did most of his thinking using a part of his anatomy that was not his brain.
Molly and Albus had been cooking up some scheme for years to get Ginny into the Potter family and solve all their monetary problems at one fell swoop, Arthur had been quite happy to go along with that but it would appear to have blown up in their faces. A bit like the burrow since they had now determined the spell signatures that destroyed their home all belonged to Molly, leaving Arthur with the choice of the family living in a tent while they saved for years to try and rebuild their house and replace lost belongings or offer Ginny for betrothal and rebuild now.
Arthur considered this a 'greater good' decision and eased his conscience with that thought, the needs of the many out weighed the needs of the one. He would try and choose someone who wasn't too terrible for Ginny but at least she would have money wherever she finally ended up.
It was the cold light of day before Arthur had convinced himself that, as head of a pureblood family this was the only choice available to him. He had just roused himself out of the borrowed bed when his name was called from outside the tent, reaching for his wand Arthur found three goblins standing waiting on him.
The goblin in charge gave a look of distaste at the interior of the tent before speaking, "a client I represent has heard of your situation regarding the youngest female Weasley and would like to make you an offer." He pulled out a folder and handed it to Arthur.
He opened the folder and gazed upon the prettiest manor house he had ever seen, glancing at the details it was in Cornwall, had ten bedrooms with six bathrooms, reception rooms and a kitchen Molly would kill for. It also had extensive grounds and came fully furnished.
"My client would like to do a straight swap, the deeds to this house in exchange for your daughter. This is a one time only offer and the papers must be signed this morning or the deal is off, we can of course portkey to the property and allow a viewing."
Arthur was so eager he forgot that he hadn't dressed yet and was stood in just a shirt, pyjamas burn just as well as houses.
It took less than five minutes for the head of the Weasley family to make up his mind, as soon as he entered the house his decision was made and the documents were signed on his new dining room table without even asking who their client was.
-oOoOo-
The Hogwarts express was pulling into Kings Cross and Ginny Weasley was a nervous wreck, the second Harry had left Hogwarts her mind started throwing 'what ifs' at her. What if Hermione changes her mind, what if they want too much gold, what if she was already sold, the list was endless getting more and more unlikely but no less terrifying as time slowly passed.
Ginny retrieved her battered old trunk and trundled towards her beaming father, this could be very bad.
When all the Weasleys had gathered round Arthur made his announcement, "the Weasley family has a new home!"
Ginny's insides turned to lead as she dreaded the answer to the question she had to ask, "Who did you sell me to?"
From behind her a very familiar voice answered, "That would be me!"
Chapter 13
Ginny's insides turned to lead as she dreaded the answer to the question she had to ask, "Who did you sell me to?"
From behind her a very familiar voice answered, "That would be me!"
She turned and the one person in the whole world that she wanted to see was standing there, large as life, but Ginny was now totally confused. She couldn't understand how this was even possible so decided just to keep her mouth shut and trust he knew what he was doing.
Arthur was ecstatic! Molly was going to be so pleased with him as this was beyond his wildest dreams, a new house and a betrothal that would make his daughter happy. Arthur was going to be standing up to his wife more often as 'going with the flow' had resulted in the Weasleys being homeless and penniless, getting off his arse and asserting his authority had solved all their problems almost overnight. He was going to be fulfilling his role as head of the family with a lot more frequency.
He was jolted out of his self-congratulatory musings when the wizard spoke, "let's get out of here Ginny, the stench of pureblood greed is turning my stomach."
Both portkeyed away before anybody got a chance to say a word and without even taking Ginny's trunk with them.
Arthur was a bit miffed at this breach of etiquette but chose to ignore it as the trunks were shrunk and the remaining Weasleys headed for St Mungo's to take Molly to her new home.
-oOoOo-
Molly was starting to get more than miffed at her husband's attitude, as he wouldn't tell her what the hell was going on, Ginny and Ron weren't there and Arthur had an exceedingly smug expression on his face that she was getting close to hexing off.
She was having to wear a hat due to her baldness from her rather hasty apparition, normally it could just be reattached but as it was in the house, which had burned to the ground, that option was no longer available. As if this wasn't bad enough Molly had to wear the clothes she was admitted in as all their possessions were also destroyed thanks to her titanic temper tantrum.
If Arthur gave her one more smug smile when she asked him a question, her wand was going to be sticking in his ear and a scourgify spell should cure him of that affliction.
They all portkeyed to a beautiful house that Arthur said was the new Weasley family residence, Molly rushed through the front door, let out an ear splitting scream before drawing her wand and blasting the floor.
Arthur grabbed the wand of mental Molly shouting, "you've already destroyed one home, isn't that enough for you?"
Molly slapped his face, grabbed him by the little hair he had left and none to gently directed his gaze to the partially destroyed coat of arms embedded in the floor. Even from the part remaining Arthur could clearly discern the Lestrange family emblem, since the Persian rug covering it for this morning's visit had been removed back to the Potter vaults as soon as Arthur left the property.
"Do you honestly expect me to sleep in Bellatrix Lestrange's bed?" Molly didn't wait for an answer as she dragged her husband into their new dining room and plonked him down on a chair.
"You will tell me exactly what you have done, missing out no details, so I can try and work out just how big a mess you've got us into." Molly's wand was now pointing directly between her husband's eyes, his brief sojourn as head of family over. In any pissing contest between these two there would only ever be one winner.
Arthur carefully recounted his brainwave and the steps he'd taken to secure their family's future, when the identity of the wizard in the station was revealed Molly's complexion changed dramatically from the puce she had gradually graduated towards with the telling of the tale to grey as she realised this was an impossibility.
"Where is your copy of the document you signed?" she demanded.
Arthur was dreading admitting that he hadn't even read it never mind asked for a copy when a scroll suddenly appeared on the table in front of him, Molly grabbed it before finding she had to sit down. She looked over the document before staring at Arthur, "you have no idea what you did this morning!"
Her voice held so much anger that Arthur hoped they wouldn't be spending tonight in that bloody tent.
-oOoOo-
The group waiting in the private room in Gringotts had their numbers increased by two as the young witch and wizard appeared courtesy of the portkey created by the goblins. The little red haired witch couldn't hold her silence any longer, "Harry how can you be my betrothed when you're already betrothed to Hermione? Don't you have to marry her first before you can make another betrothal?"
"You are correct Ginny but I'm not your betrothed, please sit down while we explain the situation to you but we must hurry before the Weasleys discover what we're attempting and try to stop us."
Harry's words left Ginny needing a seat anyway, she did not want to go back but couldn't see another option until Mrs Granger spoke.
"The papers that your father signed this morning were not betrothal papers but adoption documents, he has signed away his rights to you but we must get you a new guardian and get these documents completed and on file with the ministry before he discovers this deception. We felt that not giving you a say in this would make us as bad as the people we're trying to rescue you from so there are three options available to you but the choice will have to be made quickly. Dan and I would like to adopt you with Lord Potter as your magical guardian and future brother-in-law with Hermione as your sister. This is one option available to you."
Minerva McGonagall spoke next, "I am also willing to adopt you Ginny, we know each other quite well and while I'm strict in class, my two employers here will hopefully tell you that I'm not like that out of work hours." Hermione and Harry had smiles on their faces recognising that this was about as close as Minerva got to a joke.
"My husband was killed in the last war and not having children of my own is something that has troubled me more as the years have went bye. I would dearly love someone to continue the McGonagall name for another generation and recognise that with the proper support and encouragement you have the potential to be an outstanding witch. This gives you a second option you can chose."
The next person to speak was a shock to Ginny; Poppy Pomfrey spoke softly but with great sincerity. "I would also love to adopt you Ginny, like Minerva my husband was also killed and I threw myself into my work, healing other peoples children while longing for a child of my own. This is something I've been considering for years but would always delude myself that I was content caring for the children of Hogwarts, I have always wanted a daughter and your situation provides the opportunity for us both to reap some benefit from this horrendous situation you find yourself in. I would also like to add that I no longer work at Hogwarts but with Harry and Hermione, if this arrangement wasn't suitable to you I'm sure I could find employment elsewhere that worked for both of us. This is the third option available to you."
Ginny's head was spinning as Harry spoke, "in an ideal world you would come and live with us for a while taking all the time you needed to reach what is a massive decision but the reality is that if Arthur or Molly reach the ministry before the document is on file they can stop this whole thing dead in the water forcing you back into their clutches. We all understand what you're being put through here but hope you agree it's better than the alternative."
"Considering I tried to kill myself rather than face the alternative then that one's not even up for discussion, the three offers I've got here are more than I ever thought possible and probably deserve." She held up her hand to stop any protest before continuing, "Mr and Mrs Granger I would have loved to be part of your family, one glance at Hermione tells everyone what kind of parents you are. Unfortunately Hermione, Harry and I have a rather strained relationship at the moment and me becoming a Granger could fracture that forever, harming the four of you. This is something that I wont do as I hope that we can be friends at some point in the future."
Dan and Emma glanced at their daughter who was uncommonly quiet for confirmation or denial, Hermione just shrugged, "I'm not going to lie, knowing what I know the prospect of Ginny as a sister does not fill me with joy and happiness. If she were to accept your offer we would try and make the best of the situation but it would severely strain our relationships with you both, as neither Harry nor I trust her completely. If there were no other offers on the table I would have encouraged Ginny to accept as we would never allow her to be sold as a sex slave without every effort on our part to prevent that happening."
Ginny nodded, "thank you for being so honest Hermione and also for your assistance, we all know this would not be happening without your approval."
Hermione felt as if the redhead was having a pop at her before she heard Harry's voice in her head, 'she's just telling the truth Hermione, I am having to learn that I can't save everyone in the world and if the choice was rescuing Ginny or hurting the most important person on the whole planet to me then you should already know my answer. I would pull anyone out from being in front of a speeding truck but this was her family causing this, if they don't give a shit about their daughter I'm not going to fight with the love of my life over it'
Hermione could feel the love flowing through their bond giving the reassurance she needed, the thought of Ginny as a sister made her feel quite ill but her parents blossoming emotions made it a certainty they would make this offer, she would play seeker for Scotland before she encouraged it though.
In all honesty the emotion flowing through the Grangers bangles was that of relief that they were being turned down, felling duty bound to make the offer was one thing but both dreaded the practicalities if Ginny had accepted. Their relationship with their daughter was better than at any time in however many years Hermione had lived and the adoption would have undoubtedly put a strain on that.
Ginny directed her attention to the two remaining women, "as you can understand I haven't slept much this week so have been doing a lot of thinking, people have been helping me since I stepped into Hogwarts, the fact that I shouldn't have needed that help isn't relevant at the moment. I decided that if I got out of this situation I would like to repay that help by trying to do the same for others in the future. Professor McGonagall I really appreciate your offer and it means a lot to me that you would make it but I would like to be a healer in the future and that has tipped the scales in another direction. Madam Pomfrey I would be honoured to accept your offer to become a daughter, apprentice and hopefully best friend to you. As long as neither Harry nor Hermione have any objections I would be very happy to stay with you wherever you are."
Both teens nodded their acceptance, if Ginny wanted to learn how to administer potions she might as well learn from a master, of course the fact that Poppy would literally skin her alive if she even considered slipping one to someone illegally was a great relief to them both. Harry and Hermione knew that the diminutive red head needed not just a firm hand but strong moral guidance in acceptable behaviour and couldn't think of anyone better qualified to administer it than Poppy Pomfrey.
Poppy hugged her new daughter before signing the papers, which were then whisked over to the ministry for registration by the goblins. An anxious wait followed, were they quick enough? - Were they smart enough?
They daren't leave the country with Ginny until officially she was Ginny Heather Pomfrey, she was desperate to lose the name Molly and when Professor McGonagall mentioned that her husband had chosen Heather as the name for the daughter they never had, Ginny added this in honour of her former head of house's very generous offer.
When they got the good news a copy of the document was sent by elf to the Weasleys as the relieved party headed home to Italy.
-oOoOo-
Ron appeared with Millicent in her family home, meeting her parents was not something he was looking forward to but then again he didn't seem to have much to look forward to lately. The minute he'd mentioned the destruction of the Burrow she'd dragged his arse to the nearest table and dictated a letter for him to send home, there was to be no escape. As soon as they meet her parents Ron realised two things, where Millicent inherited her looks and that his worries were groundless, she ordered them about the same way she did him.
While the full body shudder was going through the gangly redhead as images of her ordering her parents the same way she did him scarred his mind forever more, she pulled him up the stairs to show him where he'd be staying.
He found himself in a beautiful room dominated by a colossal four poster bed, "this is lovely Millie, where's your room?"
The delicate feminine laugh seemed so strange emanating as it did from such a large body, "you can be so thick sometimes Ronald Weasley!" she picked him up and threw him onto the bed before starting to undress.
Ron would have sworn that he'd never miss de-gnomeing the Burrow but he would gladly do it for the whole summer if he could just get out of here, the excited look in Millie's eyes told him he wouldn't be going anywhere for a while. He could only hope he survived the summer to make it back to Hogwarts in one piece.
-oOoOo-
Arthur walked up the drive having returned from his trip to the ministry and was relieved to see the house was still standing, though he had yet to break the news to his wife that the adoption was legal and Harry's name wasn't mentioned in any of the adoption papers or house transfer.
Poppy Pomfrey had been a Hogwarts institution to generations of students with an impeachable reputation for professionalism and fairness, known and respected throughout the British wizarding world. There was no way they could claim foul play with his signature clearly on the document and trying to besmirch Poppy would not only be counterproductive but sheer folly as any court in the land would say Ginny was better off where she was, Ginny certainly would.
Someone had clearly repaired the floor but as Arthur was walking across it he was confronted with the message 'time to change your underwear' which clearly identified those responsible for carrying out the repair.
He found Molly sitting in her new kitchen, drinking a cup of tea and looking a lot calmer. "It's all legal and above board?" she asked.
Arthur just nodded and waited on the explosion that never came.
"Those two have fooled more than the Weasleys, - Fudge, Dumbledore, Snape and the death eaters have all felt the wrath of the Potters. The fact that they acted so swiftly and so decisively to save Ginny while giving us this wonderful house means we got off very lightly. I was worried that there would be something in the deeds that could mean we would lose it all but Harry's an honourable boy, unlike that bitch he betrothed. If you hadn't jumped in with both feet I was hoping to arrange for Ginny to be his second wife, we know now why Albus couldn't arrange the betrothal as he couldn't risk anyone looking to closely at the guardian position he claimed."
Arthur thought it was safe to sit down, "I'm sorry love but we didn't have time for that, the destruction of the Burrow not only destroyed our home but everything we owned as well. We had only the clothes we stood up in and I really couldn't see another option, it's actually worked out better than I could ever have dreamed. We finally have the house we deserve, Ginny will have a better life and I don't have to tell Bill and Charlie that their baby sister is married to some old lech."
"At least Harry still likes us, I could have killed Percy when I heard he stopped them leaving Hogwarts, we need to get Ron and the Twins back with him. I probably should write a letter thanking him for looking after Ginny and try claiming temporary madness on your part due to losing our home and me being in hospital. If you had waited we could have said something like 'sorry can't invite you this summer because we're having to live in a tent' and the boy would probably have given us a house for nothing."
Arthur was constantly amazed by just how devious his wife could be, Ginny was lost to them but the main prize was still there – the Potter millions. The only problem reminded him of his father's favourite saying, 'he who fishes without bait gets rusty hook' and he couldn't see what else they had to prise some of that gold out of the Potters grasp and into more deserving hands.
"I understand Ron is staying with his new girlfriend, the poor boy must have been broken hearted when Harry and Hermione got together but perhaps we can get them double dating or something. It shouldn't be awkward since he now has someone as well and at least she's a pureblood. We need a face to face with Harry, preferably without the mudblood then we can begin to repair bridges and get our children around him again."
The admiration Arthur felt for this woman knew no bounds and if he was to have some kind of breakdown then a few days sick leave was just what the healer ordered. "I see the twins repaired the floor."
"Yes and it flashes a different message depending on the circumstances but I think I weirded them out."
Arthur just had to hear this.
"As I walked across the floor it flashed 'curtains and pelmet match,' they ran away screaming and haven't been seen since."
-oOoOo-
Harry was having a shower and thinking that life just couldn't get much better, he awoke this morning with his beautiful betrothed in his arms, they then joined the rest of their family for the morning training session where everyone was showing major improvements. After breakfast they were going to be spending the day in Naples shopping with the ability to buy anything they wanted, yes it just didn't get any better. His Hermione joined him in the shower and his theory was blown out the water.
Like Harry, Sirius was also taking a shower and counting his blessings, unlike Harry he wasn't kept company by a gorgeous girl. His plan for today was similar to the last few, eat a full healthy breakfast and lie by the pool reading a book. Hopefully Remus would be available to go over some practice duelling later and he may even join the Grangers in their weapons training.
His friend was looking better than he'd ever seen him, Harry and Hermione had given him goals to aim for and while Remus protested the salary he was more than earning it. This was another reason the werewolf was happy, he'd initially assumed it was charity and the fact he was earning every Knut gave him a rare sense of self worth.
Sirius was eager to get fighting fit, as he was desperate to participate in the horcrux retrieval, at the moment all he could do is run away. He needed to get his body into shape before being capable of doing the hours of practice needed for his reflexes to get back to anything like normal. He knew it would be a gradual process hence the reading to recover from this morning, his godson was a bloody slave driver.
Luna was excited and with good reason, she was going on her first ever date with her first ever boyfriend and her first ever friends were coming along as well. She had pounced on Neville when they met for training this morning and now she was ready to do the same again before breakfast and then heading off, the anticipation meant she could hardly stand still.
The only cloud on the horizon was the inclusion of the potions princess, none of them believed her claims of not knowing the Weasley potions plot for Hermione and Harry, Hermione had made her position very clear and Luna was considering doing the same. If the red head made a move for Neville then her bat bogie hex wasn't going to save her arse.
Hermione had asked her at dinner to go with them on their shopping trip tomorrow and she had initially refused, citing both couples would want some time alone.
Harry's laughter caught all their attention, "Ginny we're going shopping in a muggle mall, do you really think we will be leaving Neville and Luna alone? We will be sticking together and the only split would be boy – girl when trying on clothes or to powder noses. I feel responsible since I didn't bring your trunk so the only acceptable answer is yes."
This was technically Harry and Hermione's first date in this timeline but they were more looking forward to just being with their friends and having some fun, Ginny was going to be staying there and this was an excellent opportunity to let the young witch see the benefits of her new life. This was her second chance at life though eight people would be watching her very closely to insure she didn't repeat the mistakes of her last past.
As predicted poor Neville was engulfed by one very excited blond witch the instant he stepped out of his bedroom but the wizard didn't seem to mind in the slightest.
After breakfast the group prepared to portkey while the adults were dispensing last minute words of wisdom, "stay together," "don't get into any trouble," "be back for six!"
-oOoOo-
They portkeyed into the magical part of Naples and had their senses assaulted by all the strange but wonderful sights, sounds and smells. Harry and Hermione agreed it felt like their first time visiting Diagon Alley and the only word to describe it was magical.
Like the Christmas trip in the other timeline Harry decided the first order of business was weightless and bottomless bags so headed for the luggage store, translation spells were very helpful and soon the five were heading with their new bags to get some robes. Harry spoke to the owner who's eyes almost lit up upon hearing they were opening a new school nearby, he recommended robes of a much lighter material than was used for Hogwarts with Hermione choosing a powder blue colour. He promised to make a few designs and Dobby would pick them up tomorrow meanwhile they all chose a few robes each as their black Hogwarts ones were totally unsuitable for the climate.
A quick trip to the bookstore was a bit of a misnomer when Hermione was involved but they basically just asked the owner for every course book required by the Italian magical school, translated into English of course and Dobby would collect them tomorrow as well. Getting Hermione out the shop in under an hour must have set some kind of record though to be fair she did leave with fourteen books.
A trip to the broom store saw the five leave with new 'Velocity Eleganza' brooms, Neville and Hermione weren't to keen but Harry pointed out that this would be part of their training. He also ordered twenty 'Velocity Costante's' for the Institute after being assured by the owner these were great brooms for learners, the new first years were going to be on brand new brooms and taught to fly by a Lord. There might not be competitive Quidditch at the institute but learning to fly a broom well was something Harry intended to insure all students could do, Neville and Hermione were not the only Hogwarts students to be failed by their teaching system as far as flying went.
They then exited into the muggle shopping area and the three purebloods had to be reminded to breath, even Harry and Hermione couldn't fail to be impressed with the marble floor, vaulted glass ceiling and fountains sprinkling away before even mentioning the stores. The girls shooed Harry and Neville into an electronics store while they perused a whole store that sold nothing but ladies underthings.
Harry had just purchased some laptops and mobile phones when he felt a spike of emotion over their bond that had him dragging Neville out the shop to find his Hermione, they had closed communication down to a minimum as he had no wish to know what underwear Luna and Ginny were purchasing, he was sure Hermione would model hers for him later. The strength of the emotion she was feeling was bad enough but Harry couldn't seem to find a focus for it as a million things appeared to be going through her mind at the same time, he was starting to panic when he spied his love looking in a shop window then suddenly everything became clear.
Hermione was looking at the most beautiful thing she had ever seen but the name above the store meant that you could probably buy a two bedroom house for the same price as the item, there was also what Harry would want to be considered. A familiar pair of arms encircled her from behind as kisses were being applied to her neck.
"You are the woman of my dreams and that is the dress you have dreamed about since you were almost six-years-old, there is no way we are not buying it so let's go in."
They walked into the shop and were immediately greeted by an assistant who had already made her mind up they didn't belong there, "can I help you?" she asked sarcastically.
Harry had already made his mind up as well; he wouldn't have his Hermione's special moment ruined by this bitch. "Yes I would like to speak to the manager and since I'm sure you work on commission I would also say that your attitude just cost you a lot of money."
The manageress was met by a determined young man who politely handed over his plastic and said, "The wedding dress in the window, we'll take it!"
Harry asked Hermione over their bond, "what about a dress for Luna? I suppose we should get something for Ginny as well."
The universal truth that money talks was never more evident in the service the youngsters obtained, Hermione maintained that the dress was a present for her sister and would be altered by their seamstress as explaining why a fourteen-year-old was buying such a dress was not something she wanted to do. This had the happy consequence of Harry buying her another evening gown as 'not to arouse suspicion' that she was leaving the shop with nothing.
They were sitting outside a restaurant people watching while enjoying pizza, pasta and cokes. Ginny was not alone in having the best day of her life but she could tell that conversation was guarded around her and she couldn't blame them. Ginevra Molly Weasley was not a nice person, and don't even mention that family, she could see no other option than to kill her off. "Hermione, can you help me please?"
-oOoOo-
Poppy had her first experience as a parent waiting on her child coming home; she liked the sound of parent. She and Ginny had spoke yesterday but understandably the young witch was quite traumatised at the realization her former family thought she was no more than a commodity that was to be taken to market when ripe.
She was delighted when Ginny was invited to join the other teens on their planned outing; Poppy had given her some gold to spend but suspected she wouldn't need it. All the former Hogwarts staff was aware that Harry and Hermione had a serious problem with the Weasleys but none of them knew what the trouble actually was.
They had a shared suite with two bedrooms, a bathroom with shower and a small sitting room where Poppy was currently waiting on her new daughter returning.
The increase in noise signalled the return of the group but the young girl who entered their suite was not the same one who left. "What do you think?" Ginny asked.
Poppy knew this was a pivotal moment in their fledgling relationship so did what she thought was right, she drew Ginny into her arms and asked, "what do you think and why?"
Ginny started crying, "I told lies and they must have known I did but they still helped me, no saved me, and then took me out today and gave me the best day of my life. I want to be like that but have no idea how to do it. My former family were going to use a love potion on Hermione to try and get Harry for me, I wasn't told about it but heard enough to put it together and I did nothing yet had the nerve to ask them to help me. I hate Ginny Weasley and want so badly to be Ginny Pomfrey but everyone who looked at me just saw a Weasley."
Poppy looked at her daughter, now with short hair that had black streaks running through it, "Ginny it's a parent's responsibility to teach their children right from wrong, the fact that they thought this was acceptable doesn't surprise me after the way you were treated. Please understand how abhorrent I find both acts and would do everything in my power to see anyone committing such a crime punished for it. My beliefs on this subject are part of who I am, beliefs I hope to pass on to my family!"
Poppy's hug held more compassion than one of Molly's clinging crushes ever did, just as Harry had killed off the boy-who-lived she had to put an end to Ginevra Molly Weasley, this was her second chance – she was Ginny Heather Pomfrey now who was going to do her utmost to earn the trust of the others.
"Oh and I may be biased here but I happen to think that Ginny Pomfrey is a beautiful young girl," Poppy's remark put a smile back on her daughter's face as she excitingly began to tell her new mother what they'd got up to today, including her first ever visit to a hair salon and show what Harry and Hermione had bought her.
-oOoOo-
Dan and Emma didn't need their bracelets to know what the other was feeling, both had tears in their eyes and thought their hearts would burst with love and pride for the sight before their eyes. Both watched as a couple of female house elves made adjustments to the fabulous wedding dress their beautiful daughter was modelling, on one level they knew she was going to be married but this brought it home and made it real.
'What are you and Neville going to be wearing?" Emma asked.
"Doesn't matter!" shrugged Harry, "when my Hermione walks in, nobody will be looking anywhere else but at my beautiful bride."
This was obviously the correct thing to say because of the passionate kiss that Hermione planted on his lips immediately after the words had left them.
"That boy should be a politician, he always seems to know the right thing to say," Dan muttered, the sight of his daughter in white had taken away lot of the residual apprehension regarding the wedding so it was probably just as well that he couldn't listen in on the conversation taking place over his daughter and her betrothed's bond while they kissed.
"For being so good to me and because I love you so much I will model what I'm wearing under this dress for you later."
"Is this something you bought in that underwear store today?"
"I'm not wearing anything from that store under here."
"Oh, so what are you wearing?"
"I'm not wearing anything!"
'OH!"