Chapter 16
In his cell in the Department of Mysteries Albus Dumbledore was not amused, he had been told that his trial would be in a week, which normally wouldn't have been the end of the world, except that his cell was located in the middle of the time room he had helped to design. His week of waiting had been stretched to allow ten years to pass, retribution he was told for what Sirius had endured, what pained Albus the most was that he knew what was coming, he had had a hand in introducing the laws regarding the prisoners of Azkaban when he had first come to the chamber after his father's death, any who managed to escape were to be given over to the island's denizens as sustenance, but as no one had ever escaped none of the members of the chamber at the time gave the condition a second thought.
"Are you well Albus?" A familiar voice asked.
"Yes Algeron I am fine." He replied tersely not bothering to get up. "How much longer must I suffer in this cell?"
"A few more days." Algeron replied. "Your compression went more smoothly than we thought it would, 10 years in the space of 5 days."
"But I'm supposed to receive my trial as soon as the compression was over." Albus argued.
"Think of it as getting to know disappointment." Algeron smiled. "Now you have some visitors."
"I do not wish to see anyone."
"Well given you've broken out of Azkaban twice to see us I thought you might like to speak to us on more friendly terms." A younger voice stated.
"Harry my boy?" Albus asked.
"Never call me that old man." Harry growled as he entered the room with Hermione on his arm. "I was never your boy."
"Why are you here then?"
"So that you can understand what we have done to end Tom before you are sentenced in the coming days." Hermione stated.
"Tom?"
"Don't play dumb Albus it really doesn't suit you." Algeron sighed.
"Very well, what have you done to Mr Riddle that could possibly have brought about his end?"
"He had made 5 Horcruxes at the time he killed my parents." Harry stated, chuckling as Dumbledore's jaw dropped open.
"How…"
"How did we find out about them?" Hermione finished for him. "Sorry family secret."
"But we can tell you that all 5 have now been cleansed." Harry added.
"It will not be enough." Albus stated. "You have missed one."
"Oh you mean my scar?" Harry queried showing him his bare forehead
"That is not possible."
"It was gone before I ever stepped foot inside your office during my first year." Harry smiled. "It couldn't hold on after Madam Pomfrey unbound my core."
"It would have over taken your mind before it could have been forced out."
"I have more power that that sliver of his soul could have hoped to hold on to." Harry retorted. "Hell I have more than you do."
"We have more than you do." Hermione said slapping her husband's arm.
"Sorry dear." He smiled at her.
"Why bother to tell me?"
"It is quite simple old friend." Algeron said. "You once dedicated your life to ridding the world of evil, as misguided as some of your latest attempts have been, we thought it would ease your soul to know that all that remains of Riddle is the shade that escaped the night he attacked the Potters."
"Do you know where he is?" Albus asked.
"Not currently." Algeron sighed.
"He's with Belatrix." Harry snapped. "You let her out of her cell, if you hadn't I would have guessed he would have returned to the forests of Albania."
"Ah, yes that would have been mine as well." Albus sighed. "Otherwise I can't remember exactly where but his parents were from the Haggelton area."
"He's under a fieldus." Hermione said. "We won't be able to find him until he leaves it."
"Well then all we can do is wait and train." Harry nodded. "As much as you have been a thorn in our sides since I returned to the magical world and quite a bit before from what we've been able to piece together, I hope this will ease your mind in the days to come."
"It does at that." Albus sighed. "For what my words are worth to you Harry, I am truly repentant for what I have done, the time I have spent in this cell has been stretched to span a decade, a decade that I have spent reflecting on my many mistakes, it seems to me that all of them revolve around my treatment of you, and for that I am sorry."
"I hear your words Albus Wulfric Percival Brian Dumbledore, but as Lord Potter-Merlin, Head of the Most Ancient and Most Noble Houses of Potter and Merlin, I cannot ignore your transgressions against us, a debt must still be paid." Harry ground out.
"Anything I have I will give." Dumbledore replied with a tear in his eye.
"That is for the Wizengamot to decide." Hermione stated.
"As it must be." Albus replied sagely.
"Goodbye Mr Dumbledore." Harry said. "We shall not meet again after your trial, not without one of us killing the other at any rate."
"I prey you not give in to that urge Harry, it would not do for you to fall to the darkness in your heart."
"There can be no light without the darkness to compare it to Mr Dumbledore." Hermione stated. "Only those who do not truly understand the world believe otherwise."
"Just so Lady Potter-Merlin, yet another wisdom I have failed to remember in my waning years, I thank you for reminding me." Dumbledore sighed heavily.
After the teens left there was little left for Dumbledore to hold onto, and when they next saw him he looked like everyone of his 115 years had passed brutally in the last 2 days, his face was gaunt, his eyes had lost all of their life and there was no twinkle left for anyone who looked into them. As he was lead into the room in chains by two people in black hoods that were covering their faces, they could see the defeat on his face, he knew this would be his end.
"Everyone please be seated." Chief Witch Marchbanks called out bringing the room to a calmer state. "Today we preside over the trial of our former Chief Warlock, a man who has faced us twice before, and been granted leniency for his crimes due to that fact, today that is not an option, Director Shacklebolt what has Mr Dumbledore been charged with?"
"Escaping Azkaban for the second time, aiding and abetting others in their escape of Azkaban, infiltrating Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and endangering its students, attempting to breach the wards of Potter Manor with use of an illegal sapping stone, attempted assault with intent to murder Lord and Lady Potter-Merlin." Kingsley stated as he stood behind the prosecutor's desk.
"Why is it that there has been an attempted murder charge against our youngest and most venerated member every year since Albus Dumbledore stopped being our Chief Warlock?" Arthur asked.
"I can answer that." Dumbledore stated. "There is a prophecy about him and Voldemort, I shall not go into details for obvious reasons, but Voldemort is not truly gone, and only Harry can kill him, and similarly while he does survive only he can kill Harry."
"That makes some sense." One of the hooded figures that had lead Dumbledore into the room stated in a monotone voice that did not allow for recognition.
"Thank you Unspeakable." Marchbanks said before turning back to Dumbledore. "So why is it that you have tried on several occasions to kill Lord Potter-Merlin?"
"I wished beyond hope that Voldemort was dead." He replied. "And I had to stop Harry from becoming the next Dark Lord to plague this once great country."
"Why did you think he was turning dark?" Shacklebolt questioned.
"I could not see passed my own shortcomings, and a wise witch reminded me recently that there can be no light with out the darkness, I had forgotten that and many other things in my old age."
"Let us proceed." Marchbanks ordered. "We shall address each charge separately, and vote on the defendants guilt anonymously, with the verdict being held until the end of proceedings, you may begin when you are ready Director."
"Thank you Chief Witch." Kingsley said as he moved to the centre of the floor. "Mr Dumbledore could you please describe the events of the morning of the thirty first of July this year, the day you escaped Azkaban for the second time?"
"I honestly did not know what the date was, nor the significance of what was happening, if I had I may have made different choices." Dumbledore sighed. "I did not feel the first pulse of magic, but the nearby dementors certainly did, I was awoken by the sounds of their screams, a sound so full of dread and fear, they remained on my floor until the next pulse of magic, when they felt it they dived through the centre of the tower heading for their hive I believe."
"What were your thoughts on these magic pulses?"
"I knew they were light magic, and some of the strongest I have ever felt, but my sense of time was skewed somewhat, I believed I had only been back in my cell for around a month after my first escape, not the 14 months that had actually passed." Dumbledore replied. "The next pulse gave me enough magical strength to use my wandless abilities to unlock my cell, I could hear the Death Eaters around me crying out in agony, only Bellatrix and Petigrew seemed unaffected, with Bellatrix I knew she thrived on pain, but Petigrew was something of a mystery until I realised he was in his rat form."
"Is that why you chose to help them escape?"
"In part, truthfully I knew that with the amount of Death Eaters that were in Azkaban that some of them needed to be let out to return to Voldemort." Dumbledore stated. "And protest all you like he cannot be killed in his wraith like state, it is invulnerable, to truly die he needs a body, and Bellatrix will help him in that regard, she is utterly devoted to him."
"How did you get them to help?"
"I convinced them that it was Voldemort sending the pulses, to weed out the weak of his followers, and call the strong back to him."
"How did you leave the island?"
"Peter stole us some wands from the sleeping guards. I stunned the boat man and told Bellatrix it would be best if he was left alive as it would disguise who had left the island for a longer period."
"What happened after that?"
"I went to ground, I aparated away as soon as we touched land, to a small muggle cabin I had found during my previous escape. I figured out that the metal objects in the cupboards were preserved food, enough to last while I built up my strength, after I felt strong enough I returned to a building I had placed in stasis after my sister died at my hand, an accident I assure you, while I was duelling Grindelwald before he fled to Europe. There I found what I needed, my fathers wand, not a great match mind you but better than the one Peter stole for me, with that I could plan my next move, one that might prove once and for all that either Voldemort was gone or that Harry was turning dark."
"So you entered Hogwarts?"
"Indeed through a secret tunnel from inside the shrieking shack to under the whomping willow, it was installed in the early 70s to aid a student with their lycanthropy. After that I tried to enter my old office, I had left a secret safe behind one of the bookcases, inside were the details of all of the Potter properties, and how to get around the wards, but nothing I tried would work, I must be the only former Headmaster who could not walk into that office unhindered. So failing that I made for the seventh floor to a room hidden from most of the castle's occupants, known as the Room of Requirement, inside one of its many iterations I found an item Voldemort had left there many years before, an item he had cursed to bring out the darkness in a person or so I believed."
"Chief Witch." Sirius said standing up. "This item is known to the House of Potter and their allies and we have ensured it was destroyed, none others like it now exist in the world."
"Thank you Lord Black." Marchbanks sighed in relief. "Please continue Mr Dumbledore."
"Inside this room was a broken vanishing cabinet, one I had obtained many years prior from a friend and former professor who wished safe passage into Hogwarts if there were ever a need, it had been placed in this room after it had been broken and it's partner forgotten. As I set about correcting the rune sequence from a misguided attempt someone else had made to try and repair the cabinet, I was found by Severus Snape, who I at the time believed to be loyal to me as he had been for years, but alas I was wrong. When I suggested we take the item to Harry to prove I was correct, he questioned me, argued that Harry had an innocent soul, and would never seek to harm anyone intentionally, I am ashamed to say I stunned him in the hopes to make him my spy once more after I was done with Harry."
"How did you leave the castle?" Shacklebolt asked.
"As I made to take the item from where I had left it and pick up Severus' unconsciousness body I was set upon by Harry's familiar Fawkes, he clawed at me took the item and disappeared with Severus. I used the cabinet and traveled safely to the home of my friend Bethesda, it was buried in the back of one of her rooms behind her research into the Pendragon line, fortunately for one so well versed in history she is out of touch with the current goings on in the world and had no idea I had even been arrested."
"Chief Witch." Sirius called out. "Permission to ask a question of the charged."
"Granted."
"What happened to her cabinet Albus?"
"When she realised the security issue it posed she sold it, to Borgin's I believe."
"Both Proprietors of Borgin and Burke's were reported missing by their wives at about the same time, could they now be in this room at Hogwarts?" Shacklebolt asked.
"I can answer that." Hermione stated standing up.
"And you are?" An old member of the council demanded.
"I am Lady Hermione Jean Potter-Merlin, as you should well remember from my last visit to this hallowed chamber."
"Indeed, my apologies young lady." The mollified man mumbled in replied "Please enlighten us."
"I had Fawkes drop the cabinet into the Black Lake." She stated. "It was done as a means to stop Mr Dumbledore having a back door into the castle."
"A wise decision." Marchbanks smiled.
"Truly inspired." Albus nodded. "If one or both Borgin and Burke used the cabinet they were likely to have been eaten by the squid after they drowned, with the depth of the lake and the fact they would not have taken any sort preparation for being at any sort of depth underwater they could never have made it to the surface even with the use of charms."
"An unfortunate end." Shacklebolt sighed. "Now Mr Dumbledore, what happened after you left Hogwarts without your prizes?"
"I left England, I aparated to Switzerland, an old friend in Zurich produces the sapping stones the dwarfs use in their mines to harvest the power of the leylines." The old wizard continued. "He again is a bit of a hermit, getting to be over 100 does that to you I think, and had no idea I had even been appointed to my position as headmaster, let alone deposed. Unfortunately he passed in the months that I was with him, and in the end that gave me the my way forward, I had spent the time in his home planning how to get to Harry, at the time I still believed there was time to stop him before he chose the wrong path and corrupted his bondmate irrevocably."
"So you took one of the stones?" Kingsley asked.
"Indeed, it was small by comparison to most the dwarfs used, but more than capable of draining the wards I had known to be at Potter Manor." The wizened wizard wheezed. "I had no idea a ward could sustain the power they now contain, Harry and his lady arrived not 5 minutes after I had started and the power in the wards was completely unaffected. They called out to me by name, they knew I was there even if I was hidden under disillusion, I denied them a response thinking them to be petulant children, Hermione cast a revealing spell well ahead of where I believed they should have been in there education, I gave in at that point and we began to converse, it didn't take long for Lily's temper to erupt within Harry and he destroyed my sapping stone."
"Why didn't you leave at that point?" Kingsley questioned.
"I tried." Dumbledore sighed. "But apparently Madam Bones is quicker at erecting anti-aparation wards than I remembered."
"Actually Albus, It's Lady Black now." Amelia stated. "Minister for Magic."
"Congratulations." He half smiled. "I was confronted on all sides, Amelia was behind me, Sirius to my left and Remus to my right."
"That's Amelia and Sirius Black, and Remus Lupin you are referring to isn't it?" Shacklebolt asked for clarification.
"Indeed." The chained man nodded. "I pleaded for their help to end Harry before it was too late, before he became yet another Dark Lord, but they remained steadfast behind him, and rightly so, I was about to attempt a wide area stunning spell I had been working on before my incarceration, but Harry and Hermione beat me out of the gates, with far more devastating spells, my protego swallowed whatever spell Harry cast first but failed with the level of power behind it, and Hermione's piercing hex glanced off of my shoulder, and I am ashamed to say I froze, so Harry's stupefy took me by surprise, I was unconscious not 5 seconds after they started casting."
"As stated at the beginning of this proceeding all charges will be voted on individually." Marchbanks stated. "I call for a vote on the first charge. Escaping Azkaban for the second time."
"Vote concluded." The scribe called out after a few moments. "Verdict reached unanimously by the council, Guilty."
"Not unexpected." Dumbledore nodded.
"I call for a vote on the second charge, a first for this council, Aiding and abetting others in their escape of Azkaban."
"Vote concluded, Verdict reached unanimously by the council, Guilty."
Dumbledore remained silent.
"I call for a vote on the third charge, infiltrating Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and endangering its students."
"Vote concluded, Verdict not reached, vote split at an exact 50/50."
"If I may Chief Witch." Harry said standing up.
"As you wish Lord Potter-Merlin." She assented.
"Mr Dumbledore's time in the castle was only known due to the Professors' connection to the wards, at no point did he meet or speak to any student, and he did his level best not to interact with any of them, I believe he never intended to, as the former Headmaster I doubt he has ever meant to endanger any student except my wife and I."
"Thank you for your input." She smiled. "In cases of a perfect tie I as Chief Witch cast my own vote, and I am of a similar mind to Lord Potter-Merlin, I find the accused Guilty of infiltrating Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry but Not Guilty of endangering its students."
"Thank you Griselda." Albus sighed. "I truly thought I was protecting them at the time."
"I call a vote on the fourth charge, attempting to breach the wards of Potter Manor with use of an illegal sapping stone."
"Vote Concluded." The scribe called. "Verdict reached by 70 percent majority with 20 percent abstaining from the vote, Guilty."
"Some people are obviously still on the fence with sapping stones." Dumbledore commented dryly. "It appears some things never change."
"Indeed not." Marchbanks replied. "Now I call a vote on the accused's final charge attempted assault with intent to murder Lord and Lady Potter-Merlin."
The vote seemed to take an eternity to Harry and Hermione as they sat awaiting the verdict on the most serious charge of the day, a charge Dumbledore had faced once already.
"Vote Concluded." The scribe sighed obviously fed up with the script they had to follow. "Verdict reached with an 80 percent majority, Guilty."
"As Chief Witch I have presided over far too many of your trials Albus Dumbledore, and given the increasing severity of each of your crimes, I must act accordingly, and level the maximum sentence against you, your first charge carries a sentence of the Dementor's kiss, your second carries the same, your third is a 1000 Galleon fine paid directly to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, your fourth demands 50 years in maximum security with 24 hour dementor guard, but it is your final charge is the most heinous, attempted murder of the Lord and Lady of a Most Ancient and Most Noble house, our laws are quite clear in this regard, both of their houses are in joint position as our highest honoured house, only 2 short years away from achieving Most Venerable Ancient status, the minimum sentence for this crime is death, the maximum is to be wiped from the history books forever more." Marchbanks intoned. "But I am reticent to enact that sentence given the good you managed in your younger years, in the fight against Grindelwald."
"The House of Dumbledore requests the floor." Nanny called out.
"Granted Proxy McGonagall." Marchbanks sighed having had just about enough of the interruptions.
"Thank you Chief Witch." She smiled as she stepped down to stand before Dumbledore on the chamber floor. "This man was once the beacon of light that we all rallied behind, a man worthy of being remembered, if only to enforce the muggle adage 'power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely' for he had absolute power with his three positions at the heads of two judiciary and governmental bodies and as headmaster of Hogwarts, I would argue that the minimum sentence for this crime has more weight than the maximum, with the minimum his name will be synonymous with corruption and manipulation."
"A more suitable punishment for a man of great pride." Marchbanks nodded. "Albus Wulfric Percival Brain Dumbledore you are hereby sentenced to death by way of the veil in the Department of Mysteries, will you walk through of you own volition?"
"I shall." Dumbledore assented. "So long as those who have not yet witnessed death and those under the age of majority are kept from the room."
"Agreed." The Chief Witch nodded.
After the trial of Dumbledore life for the residents of Potter manor returned to normal, Richard and Vivienne worked on expanding their spell knowledge, Petunia worked her greenhouse, Augusta worked on expanding the rose gardens, Alice and Frank began to sort out a nursery for the baby who was now a month late but refused all attempts both magical and muggle to be induced, and the others returned to school and work. In the back of their minds they knew that Belatrix was still a problem, but with her and Tom hidden behind a feildus charm there was nothing that could be done. The Peverall Grimoire told them that Antioch was unable to reveal his location, it did on the other hand give some comfort, it told them when Tom would regain his body, how he would manage it and what his next moves would be after he did so. So the family continued on as if nothing was different they had many months before Voldemort would make his next appearance, and it gave them a clarity they hadn't had before, they could plan around his return, make it work in their favour. It was a week after the trial when Velma popped in excitedly in the middle of the night.
"Master Rose, Mistress Hermione." She called out to the suite at Hogwarts.
"Yes Velma?" Rose asked sleepily from the bedroom.
"Mistress Alice is in labour." The elf exclaimed. "She is requesting you both be there, Neville is being collected by Fredrick, but she is stating that this baby is all thanks to the two of you and it will not be born if its godparents are not there."
"Godparents?" Hermione asked after a few moments, having recovered from her shock faster then Rose. "Are you sure that's what she said?"
"Most certainly Mistress."
"Okay Velma give us a moment to get dressed." Rose stated.
"No time." Velma said exasperatedly, as she snapped her fingers.
Both Hermione and Rose squealed as they found themselves suddenly wearing their matching Potter tartan dresses.
"Was that really necessary?" Rose demanded as they both got out of bed and stepped towards Velma.
"Absolutely." Velma chuckled. "Besides if you wish to complain please be doing so to Master Sirius who instructed me on getting you there quickly."
"Velma I need you to dip random pieces of his clothes in itching potion." Hermione smiled. "Only do 10 but make it 5 things he wears a lot and 5 things he doesn't, and never change my underwear again without my express consent, these are not my first choice when wearing a dress."
"Most inspired Mistress." Velma smiled. "Now take ahold of my hands and I will take you directly to Alice."
The couple were now used to the unpleasant sensation of being aparated by another person, and began to mentally prepare themselves to combat the nausea they experienced with that method of travel. When they felt the world around them fade and begin to reappear at the same time they were astounded, they had assumed like most other magicals that elves traveled in the same manner that humans did, but were pleasantly surprised when they arrived in the corridor outside Frank and Alice's suite in the manor.
"Hermione, Rose!" Viv exclaimed. "You're here, Petunia and Madam Pomfrey are in with her at the moment, unfortunately Frank and your father decided that tonight was a good night to check that everything is okay at Longbottom Hall, and due to the way the wards are set only Frank can let anything in or out, not even Velma can go to them."
"Bugger." Rose swore.
Hermione and Rose spent hours beside Alice as she went through what turned out to be a very difficult labour, Velma kept them all hydrated as they continued wait for the right moment for Alice to actually give birth but every time it seemed that the contractions were just the right distance apart they would settle again.
"This child is being the most stubborn I've ever heard of." Alice stated weakly after the sixth failed attempt to follow through into active labour.
"They have waited until now to start." Rose replied. "Perhaps it is waiting for something else."
"Or maybe someone else." Hermione added. "Uncle Frank isn't here yet."
"Then he had better hurry up." Alice huffed. "This little one is well past due and being evicted today if it's the last thing I do."
There was no response needed from any of the women in the room, the two mothers knew the struggle that Alice was going through having both been in labour with their children for many hours, and for the teenagers they honestly didn't know how to respond to a hormonal pregnant woman without causing further annoyance.
"ALICE!" Frank exclaimed as he rushed into the room more than two hours later after 3 further false starts at active labour.
"It's about time you got here." She growled in response. "It would seem that while our little one is ready to join us that they are insistent on certain circumstances being met before they grace us with their presence."
"Ah." Frank gulped. "How long…"
"How long have I been going in and out of labour?" Alice cut him off. "Since about 20 minutes after you left."
"I'm sorry Honey." Frank grovelled. "The war wards had reacted to 16 separate 'attacks', I had to let Director Shacklebolt in to confirm their identities and to confirm that it was done legally, he thinks someone hired some mercenaries to take us out, none of them were British."
"And you couldn't have sent us a message?!" Alice demanded.
"It honestly slipped my mind." Frank sighed as he took ahold of her hand.
It only took another 5 minutes for the contractions to build again, and this time Alice was able to push as needed when Poppy asked her to. It didn't take long for the newborn squeals to fill the air, Poppy was quick with her wand movements and had the child cleaned and swaddled in short order.
"It's a girl." She stated as she stepped towards Frank and Alice. "A healthy 9 pounds and 8 ounces and bristling with magic."
"She's beautiful Alice." Frank smiled at his wife as she was handed the baby from the healer. "What shall we call her?"
"Harmony." Alice stated. "Harmony Rose Longbottom."
"After the two responsible for our being able to have her." Frank nodded. "A wonderful idea, now unfortunately Rose I think Harry is about to ruin your dress, I need him for the ritual."
pop
"I be helping." Poppy the elf stated as she appeared behind Rose. "You be shifting Master and I be dressing you in yous robes."
Harry was with them in short order dressed in a set of dark blue robes with a bronze trim.
"Are you ready for this?" Alice asked. "It's a lot to ask of you."
"We are." Hermione smiled. "Honestly it was a shock to hear you wanted us but we know that it will just means we are more present in her life than if we were just family friends."
"It's all in the wording isn't it?" Harry asked.
"Mostly." Alice nodded as Frank took Harmony from her.
"Welcome to the world little one." He smiled at his daughter. "I, Lord Franklin Eugene Longbottom, name the Harmony Rose Longbottom, Daughter of my house, may the family magic cherish and protect you for all of your days." Harmony flashed as her magic accepted her father's bequest. "Do you Lord Harry James Potter-Merlin, Head of the Most Ancient and Most Noble Houses of Potter and Merlin, accept the roll of Godfather to my daughter, will you love and protect her as your own, will you look after her if ever I am not able to do so, will you place her life and wellbeing before your own?"
"I, Lord Harry James Potter-Merlin, Head of the Most Ancient and Most Noble Houses of Potter and Merlin, accept the roll of Godfather to Harmony Rose Longbottom, she will be like a daughter to me, I will treat her as if she is my own flesh, blood, and magic, I will be her protector when she cannot protect herself, her parent if you should fall, and will give my life to save her if I am able to, so I swear upon my magic, so it may enforce my promise." Harry replied as his and Harmony's magic pulsed strongly together.
"Do you Lady Hermione Jean Potter-Merlin, Lady of the Most Ancient and Most Noble Houses of Potter and Merlin, accept the roll of Godmother to my daughter, will you love and protect her as your own, will you look after her if ever I am not able to do so, will you place her life and wellbeing before your own?" Alice asked looking at Hermione.
"I, Lady Hermione Jean Potter-Merlin, Lady of the Most Ancient and Most Noble Houses of Potter and Merlin, accept the roll of Godmother to Harmony Rose Longbottom, she will be like a daughter to me, I will treat her as if she is my own flesh, blood, and magic, I will be her protector when she cannot protect herself, her parent if you should fall, and will give my life to save her if I am able to, so I swear upon my magic, so it may enforce my promise." Hermione answered as Harmony's magic pulsed first with her's then again with both her and Harry together.
"Perfectly done." Alice smiled. "Now I just need to see if she will feed before we start introducing her to the rest of the family."
After several failed attempts and a successful feeding Harmony was sound asleep in Alice's arms 20 minutes later, when Frank returned with Neville.
"Hey Mum." He smiled. "Is everything okay?"
"Yes Nev, it's perfect." She replied. "This is your sister, Harmony Rose, named after her godparents."
"You did the ritual already?" Neville asked.
"It was done within a few minutes of her birth son." Frank stated. "As it should be."
"She's beautiful." Neville smiled looking at his sister. "Thank you Harry and Hermione, I could not ask for better godparents for my baby sister, I'd say welcome to the family but that would be a little redundant at this point."
"Given that my godson is my daughter's godfather, just a little Nev." Alice laughed.
The rest of the the family were brought in one at a time to meet Harmony, each commended the choice of name and godparents, Sirius was in tears when he found out what Harry had agreed to do and made him promise to do better than he had done for him, strangely Augusta was the last person to enter the room.
"My apologies everyone, I needed to freshen up before I joined you, I retired when it was evident this would take some time, these old bones need more rest than yours." She sighed as she walked into the room.
"It's fine mum." Frank replied looking down at the bundle in Alice's arms. "Besides your timing is perfect your grandchild just woke up."
"Augusta, meet your granddaughter Harmony Rose." Alice smiled offering the baby to her.
"Well hello there tiny one." She cooed down as she accepted the swaddled baby with care. "Named for her godparents I assume?"
"Indeed." Hermione answered. "We did the ritual as soon as she was born."
"Wonderful." Augusta smiled. "Looks like we're going to be living here for quite a few more years then."
"As I already said the House of Longbottom may stay as long as they wish with no strings attached, or need for payment of any kind." Harry smiled as Harmony was passed to him. "It's what family does for each other, and we're all family here."
The months passed quickly after the birth of the newest member of the family, Harry and Hermione continued to excel in their classes and helped their friends as best they could, by then end May the castle was getting excited, the quidditch World Cup had begun and England were performing well, and looked set to be part of the final planned for August. Life had never felt so normal for Harry and Hermione, while they knew things were happening out in the world they could forget about their troubles and act their age for a while, that was until part way through June, when Amelia showed up with Shacklebolt and the Weasleys.
"What's going on mum?" Harry asked as she approached him at the Gryffindor table in the great hall.
"I need you to come up to Minnie's office." She replied. "Along with Hermione and the four Weasley children."
"What's happened?" Percy asked from nearby. "What's Potter done to my family now?"
"Shut up Percy." One of the twins stated. "Just because you refuse to spend and time with him and understand that he has been nothing but a friend to our family doesn't mean he has done anything to us."
"Quite right George." Arthur smiled at his son. "Now let's get everyone up to the Headmistress' office, the rest of Harry's family are waiting for us."
"I swear if he has done something to affect us I will…" Percy began.
"Percy he might be younger than you but he can wipe the floor with me so you don't stand a chance." Bill stated.
"But…"
"Enough Percy." Mrs Weasley snapped. "Lord Potter-Merlin has been a good friend to our family since we met him, you should be thankful he has been so kind and generous to us."
"Yes mother." Percy sighed.
The walk up to the Headmistress' office was quiet and tense, it was clear to Harry and Hermione that something was being kept from them and that it involved the Weasleys in some way, but none of the adults were saying anything. All of the Weasleys were confused when the gargoyle leapt out of the way without being given the password, but none of them mentioned anything.
"What's going on mum?" Harry asked again as soon as everyone was in the room.
"It has started." She replied. "One of the senior Aurors was controlled through the imperius, they took Ronald from his cell and sent him somewhere via Portkey, unfortunately the destination was the middle of Exmoor, and nobody was there by the time we realised he was missing and traced the destination."
"I'm sorry what has started?" Percy demanded.
"Voldemort is trying to regain a body." Harry stated. "We have information on what he is planning to do, but he's put the area it needs to be performed in under a feildus charm, so we can't tamper with it, he needs the blood of an enemy, unfortunately he, or more likely Bella has chosen to go after families that are linked to me because there is no way to get to me or my family. I'm sorry but Ronald was the easiest one to get to because they knew where he would be and that a lot of people had access to him."
"So it is your fault." Percy growled. "If you'd just let go his mistake rather than push for vengeance he would be safe."
"His mistake was trying to potion my soulmate, using an illegal potion." Harry snapped. "A potion that would have made her do unspeakable things with him, nobody forced him to do so, he made his choice and honestly we thought he was safe where he was, he was in a ministry cell for crying out loud."
"Stop Percy." Arthur said placing his hand on his son's shoulder. "Harry isn't to blame, I knew what he just told you was coming, Amelia has been keeping us all informed of what has been happening, I was shocked when Ron disappeared, we were all expecting attacks on Diagon or Hogsmeade."
"What do we do?" Molly asked.
"We don't know." Hermione sighed. "We know the when and the how but have no way of finding the where."
"So what happens to Ron?" Bill asked.
"As I say they need his blood, how much I don't know, but unfortunately Bellatrix is doing the ritual, so I don't think his chance of survival is high." Harry sighed.
"But we have to help him." Ginny stated with tears in here eyes. "He is family we have to save him."
"We want to Gin." Fred nodded. "But we don't know where he is being held."
"How long until the ritual takes place?" Bill asked.
"The solstice." Remus replied. "It is one of the magical rejuvenation points of the year, by using that energy he can make himself powerful magically in his new body."
"Why take him 2 weeks before he's needed?" George asked.
"It's not their first attempt to take a prisoner from the ritual." Shacklebolt replied. "Longbottom Hall has been visited by foreign mercenaries on 23 separate occasions, but their war wards and a set of rather viscous plants took care of them all."
"Even our wards were tested." Arthur added. "And the Burrow was burned to the ground last week, fortunately that is only a building and when one of you starts a family we can build a new home there."
"What else does he need for the ritual?" Bill asked.
"Bone of the father unknowingly taken, flesh of the servant willingly given, and blood of the enemy forcefully taken." Hermione stated. "So logically it's wherever the fathers grave is but because of the fieldus charm nobody knows where that is right now."
"So there's nothing we can do?" Ginny asked.
"We are looking for any signs of Ron, and he does have a tracking charm on him but it will only work when he is outside the fieldus and alive." Amelia sighed.
"So if they do kill him we might never find him." Harry stated. "Bugger, and our grimoire cant help us either."
"How would a grimoire help?" Percy demanded. "A book written by your ancestors wont be able to tell us what your name is let alone where my brother is."
"The first author of the Peverall Grimoire had a form of sight that allowed him to see the future of his family." Hermione stated.
"While I am the Head of House Peverall, Voldemort is a distant cousin through the Gaunt line, his actual name is Tom Marvolo Riddle, until recently he was immortal, he must have had a rudimentary body when we destroyed the last Horcrux." Harry said. "I hope Ron will be ok I truly do, he was a friend once, but I don't know how to help him."
"It's okay Harry." Molly smiled at him weakly. "We don't expect you to, none of us know how to help him, but it is important that we all stick together."
"Glad you think so." Harry smiled. "Mr Weasley, I Lord Potter-Merlin offer you and your family sanctuary within Potter Manor, this offer has no strings attached, made by one friend to another."
"On behalf of my family, I, Head of House Weasley accept your offer of sanctuary." Arthur nodded.
"And that includes the cottage we have at the World Cup and our private box." Hermione smiled.
"I was trying to buy us some tickets." He stated. "That will save us some gold."
"And it will mean that when we know where Ron is so will you." Amelia stated. "Potter Manor is currently home to the Potters, the Blacks, the last Bones, Minerva, the Grangers, the Evans', and the Longbottoms."
"Amelia I want you to invite Luna's father as well." Harry stated. "She is my godsister and I need to keep her safe as well."
"I'll head there now." She smiled back at him.
"So we're moving in with the minister for magic and 3 Lords of the Wizengamot?" Percy asked in disbelief.
"No we're moving in with friends." Bill replied. "Actually at this point it's more like family."
"Welcome to the mad house." Harry chuckled.
The days that followed were filled with tense training for most of the residents of Potter Manor, only Dudley and Pansy abstained preferring to spend time alone together, as their third year drew to an end Harry and Hermione had to make a difficult choice, to ride the train just incase it was attacked or return home with the adults via Floo. In the end they chose the train but neither were able to relax during the trip, though the same could be said for Neville and the twins who were also in their compartment. The moment they arrived safely at platform 9 and its heavy auror presence all those headed for the Manor gathered around Harry in his compartment and disappeared via his aparation key.
The mood in the Manor was dire, none of them could truly relax, and it seemed that their grim outlook was affecting the world around them, England lost their Semifinal against Bulgaria by nearly 300 points, and Ireland barely scraped together a 10 point win over Japan. In the run up to the World Cup final Amelia was incredibly busy, so to offset the little time he was spending with his wife Sirius was pushing Harry and Hermione hard in their training, using their staffs was becoming second nature to them as they worked on using them in conjunction with their wands. Harry and Hermione had a quiet birthday celebration with their family, given that it had only been a year since their bonding and that Bellatrix was still at large, not to mention that Ronald was still missing, their only hope was that his hand was still attached to the Weasley family clock.
On the morning of August 25th 1994, Harry and Hermione were the last of the house awake, and by the time they reached the family dining room, everyone except Petunia, Violet, Vivienne, Molly and Amelia were excitedly discussing that game that was due to start that evening.
"Glad you could finally join us." Sirius chuckled as they took their seats, well seat, Hermione placed herself in Harry's lap.
"I'm sorry dad, you've been running us nearly into the ground with all of your training." Harry restated as a breakfast platter appeared in front of them.
"What's with the closeness this morning?" Amelia asked.
"I still have a connection to Voldemort, it seems the Horcrux in my head left a link behind, he's angry that none of his Death Eaters are around, he only has Bella and about 19 mercenaries, and Bella has only just recovered from the torture he inflicted upon her for killing so many trying to get into Longbottom Manor." Harry stated. "He is leaving for the continent tonight, he's after a new wand, wants the fabled Elder Wand, apparently it's unbeatable."
"Good thing you've already got it then." Sirius smiled.
"WHAT?!" Molly exclaimed.
"Sorry thought everyone knew." Sirius sighed. "Dumbledore had it not sure how, but that's beside the point, right now what matters is that we know Voldemort cannot possibly find it and that he will waste time looking."
"I repeat, WHAT?!" Molly demanded.
"Hermione and I won the wand off of Dumbledore during his first escape from Azkaban." Harry stated. "It's just a very powerful wand, and with my being Head of House Peverall, it's now bound to us as an heirloom of the house."
"The Dragons on the way to Hogwarts last year!" The twins exclaimed together. "You used a secret wand!"
"Guilty as charged." Hermione nodded as she fed Harry some food. "We used it to drive away the Dementor horde that was surrounding the train last September."
"So we need to be on high alert during the game and the inevitable celebration that will follow." Harry stated. "While the cat is away the mice will cause untold chaos."
"I'm not sure that's the right ending." Viv smiled.
"This way is more apt." Richard laughed. "So when are we leaving?"
"It's like when he used to go to the football." Hermione commented.
"No it's worse." Viv sighed. "But then again he never went to a World Cup game."
The family arrived via portkey in front of a modest stone cottage on the edge of a wood, they were immediately bombarded by the sounds of a large gathering happening all around them.
"We erected wards to keep people back." Amelia stated. "No one can see us, or the cottage, and only we can pass through them."
"So we can go and explore?" Dudley asked excitedly.
"Once we're all settled in yes, but we've only an hour or so until the match." Sirius nodded.
Dudley whooped for joy, picked Pansy up, span her around and kissed her before he realised what he had done. He set her down blushing madly.
"Something you want to ask me Dudley?" Pansy asked looking at him hopefully.
"Would you be my girlfriend please? I mean I know I'm not much to look at, but I'm loosing weight still, and…"
"Yes Dud, I would like that very much." She replied hugging him before she kissed him.
They were interrupted by the joyful cheering of the family and were quickly set upon by Harry and Hermione.
"It's about bloody time Dud." Harry chuckled. "Now then, as her brother I do need to warn you, you hurt her I hurt you tenfold."
"And Pansy as he's our cousin." Hermione smiled mirthfully. "If you hurt him we will hex you for a few minutes before we remember you are family."
"Why does she get off lightly?" Dudley demanded.
"Sorry Dud but our Pansy has been waiting for this all year." Harry smiled. "And let's face it you're more likely to upset her due to a misunderstanding, or something small, than she is to you."
"Yeah can't really argue that." Dudley laughed. "Now let's get inside I want to explore."
"Welcome to our vacation home." Sirius smiled as he opened the door. "Okay, Weasleys nearest door on the right are your rooms, Longbottoms same on the left, Petunia and Violet you and the newest family couple are the furthest on the right, Minerva, Remus, and Severus your's are furthest left, Lovegoods you are directly opposite, and Harry and Hermione, Richard and Vivienne, and Amelia and I all have rooms upstairs."
As they stepped passed Sirius they found themselves in a large brightly lit room full of comfortable looking furniture, towards the back was a large dining table, around the fires on each side of the room were several armchairs and sofa, all black, a stark contrast to the polished teak floor. Harry and Hermione were quickly moving up the stairs and into the room labeled for them. The room they found was simple and cosy a double bed filled most of the space with a wooden wardrobe and dressing table off to their right the window on their left looked out over the see of tents.
"Magicals really don't know how to blend in with muggles do they?" Hermione asked as she looked out of the window.
"Not really." Harry chuckled. "Just look at all of the oddly shaped tents, that one is a replica of Hogwarts, one of them looks like a ship, and if I'm not mistaken that patch of shamrocks is actually a collection of tents as well."
"Well it is an Ireland game." Hermione chuckled. "Now come on let's go see if we can find our friends in all this."
"Katie wont be here she's in Italy with her grandma right now." Harry sighed. "It would have been nice to have the whole quidditch team here."
"Are you that certain Olie will be here?"
"He got signed by Puddlemere, and all of the league teams were given boxes in the stadium."
"Wasn't that his dream team as well?"
"Yep its his home town." Harry nodded.
The entire family explored the maze of tents together along the way they met many of their school mates and a few friends. Lavender and the Patil twins hugged Pansy in congratulations for getting her wish, Angelina and Alicia joined them looking expectantly at the twins.
"You know my less smart brother I think our chasers are after something." One of them said to the other.
"The question my less handsome brother is can they tell us apart?"
"What sort of question is that?" Angelina chuckled. "Your eyes are different."
"Exactly." Alicia smiled. "Fred's eyes are warm and inviting and have a small green patch in his left iris."
"While George's are more calculating and his green patch is smaller and in his right eye."Angelina continued as she stepped up to the first brother to speak. "So George will you be my boyfriend?"
"Screw that." He smiled. "Will you marry me?"
"Yes." She smiled as she kissed him.
"I was only kidding." He said sheepishly when she finally let him go.
"I know but I couldn't imagine being with anyone but you." She smiled. "Ask me again in a year or so if it makes you happy."
"Gladly." He nodded.
"So Alicia." Fred said quietly. "Will you go out with me?"
"Yes Fred just hold off on that proposal for a while yet."
"Yeah not making that jump just yet." He smiled as he kissed her softly.
By the time the group made it to the minister's box they had bought a wide arrangement of souvenirs, including in Harry's case moving miniatures of the entire Irish line up. The game was exciting for all of them, Ludo Bagman in his own box was giving excellent commentary, and the glass that separated their box and the rest of the stadium was charmed to highlight the players names, the plays they were making, and the locations of all of the balls baring the snitch. The Ireland chasers were dominating the field and they were leading by nearly 300 by the time Krum ended the match by catching the snitch after barely an hours play. Their box was soon full of people as the two teams and their managers arrived, Amelia shook each of the Bulgarian teams hands and offered them each a silver meddle before introducing them to her family, the Irish team each received a gold meddle and their captain and seeker lifter the cup for all the stadium to see before the team took off for another victory lap.
"Snitch for pretty girl." Krum said offering the match snitch that was still in his hand to Hermione as the teams mingled with the room.
"No thank you, I have enough match snitches."
"Not from famous seeker, not from best in world, besides I would like to get to know you better."
"They're from my husband." Hermione stated getting angry at his incessant attempts to get her to swoon for him. "The youngest seeker to hold a team position in over a century, and holds the record for the fastest catch at Hogwarts, you just shook his hand actually."
"Everything ok Mione?" Harry asked hugging her from behind. "I could feel your discomfort from across the room."
"Mr Krum seems to think I should be gushing at his attempt to impress me." She stated. "He's trying to give me the match snitch."
"Ha." Harry laughed loudly. "Sorry Mr Krum you have just chosen the only married 14 year woman in the room to try and woo, were you not listening when she was introduced to you by my mother?"
"Your mother?" Krum questioned.
"Clearly not." Hermione sighed. "I am Lady Hermione Jean Potter-Merlin, and this lump is my husband Lord Harry James Potter-Merlin adopted son of the Minister and her husband."
"But… but…" Krum stuttered. "But that is not possible. You are both too young, and no one ever turns down my snitches."
"There is a first time for everything Mr Krum." Harry stated. "Goodbye sir, come on Beautiful, Dad and Dad are heading back to the cottage and I could use a lie down."
Harry and Hermione were rudely awoken from their sleep by the sound of explosions coming from the campsite around them, both of them bolted out of bed and called for Velma who quickly dressed them, and followed them out into the house to find their bleary eyed parents entering the hall at the same time.
"What's happening?" Harry asked as everyone was congregated in the main room downstairs.
"Shack sent me a messenger patronus." Amelia replied. "Bellatrix is here with over 50 mercenaries, and a red headed boy."
"Ron?" Molly asked with a worried squeak.
"Probably." Remus nodded. "So what's the plan?"
"Velma takes everyone except those with combat training back to Potter Manor." Harry stated. "Leaving Mum, Dad, Nanny, Remus, Uncle Sev and Uncle Frank to protect Hermione and I while we take on Bellatrix."
"Why you two?" Molly demanded. "You are children leave this to the grown ups."
"She can't hurt us Molly." Hermione stated. "It's part of the LeStrange family magic, she cannot hurt her Head of House or his Lady."
"Oh alright then." She nodded. "And given who you are I can see her focusing on the two of you over everyone else."
"Exactly." Sirius nodded.
"I might not have combat experience Harry but I'd like to help." Bill stated.
"Not today Bill." Amelia responded. "It's already a war zone out there, anyone not able to keep their focus will be a liability, Harry and Hermione have been training for a moment like this all summer."
"No more arguing." Augusta snapped. "Velma get us all out of here."
There were a series of small pops as more elves arrived and the family disappeared from around them.
"Are you going to use your staffs?" Sirius asked as they stepped out of the front door.
"Maybe but not until we get to Bella." Harry replied.
"I'll take point." Frank stated. "Amelia and Sirius you on one side, Minerva and Severus the other, and Remus you bring up the rear as your hear is still enhanced enough to hear people coming."
"Actually not anymore." Remus sighed as they formed up. "It fades with each passing full moon."
Nodding in understanding the group moved towards the chaos that was the campsite beyond their wards, as they crossed the boundary several men in black robes began to fire spells at them. Harry and Hermione threw up a shield in between the attackers and their family who much to their credit immediately began to retaliate, their attackers were soon stunned heavily and bound to conjured metal pole Harry had buried deep in the ground. Their pattern continued into battle field stunning and binding the mercenaries, and as they moved more and more Aurors joined their phalanx.
"Look whose come to see us Ronnie." A high pitched voice rang out as they neared the centre of the Irish section of the campsite. "Baby Potter has come out to play."
Harry and Hermione quickly pinpointed the voice and found Bellatrix holding Ron's hand as they pointed their wands at the phalanx.
"Bellatrix LeStrange you are a wanted criminal, lay down your wand and come in quietly." Shacklebolt commanded from his position in front of Frank. "Ronald Weasley please lay down your wand and we promise you won't be harmed."
"Why should I?" Ron called exposing his left arm and its dark mark. "The Dark Lord has given me freedom, power and knowledge, what does your offer give me?"
"Family." Harry replied resolutely. "Your mother is worried sick about you Ronald, your brothers all wanted to be here when we heard you might be."
"Why should I listen to you Potter." He snapped. "It's your fault I cant go home, it was you who had me locked up in the first place."
"Let us through." Hermione commanded their family.
"I can't do that Lady Potter-Merlin." Shackle-bolt replied standing stock still in front of them.
"Move Kingsley." Amelia growled.
"Wisten to her Kingswe." Bellatrix taunted him as he stepped to the side. "Mummy knows best."
"Silence Bellatrix." Harry commanded, he smirked as her mouth to yell at him opened and no sound could be heard. "Ronald as much as you clearly blame me for your situation, you must know that your actions today are wrong, how many innocent people have been hurt or killed today?"
"Dunno." He replied coldly.
"How many have you attacked?" Hermione asked.
"Lost count, it doesn't matter though, the Dark Lord is too powerful he will be in control sooner rather than later."
"Just remember we gave you the opportunity to walk away." Harry stated. "You chose this path, you are responsible for your own downfall."
At this point Bellatrix had had enough of being ignored and started throwing curses at the Aurors nearest to her, Harry and Hermione were just glad that the unforgivables were nearly impossible to cast silently, but her first 4 spells landed on the surprised Aurors, 2 of them went down to piercing hexes to the chest and 2 others had their skulls broken by bone breaking curses. Shields were quickly erected at that point much to Amelia's chagrin, she knew they were trained better than they were behaving, and the next few curses were absorbed and Bellatrix turned her attention back to Harry and Hermione, knowing that her rage would be sufficient to cast silent Avadas they created an earth bulwark around her and Ronald stopping her from trying to kill anyone but them.
"She's just going to kill you instead." Ronald laughed, as he fired his first curse directly at Hermione.
"I'd like to see her try." She smiled brightly as she lazily batted the curse away with a small protego on the tip of her wand. "She already cast the killing curse at me once and I'm still standing."
"You can speak now Bella." Harry said calmly. "But normal voice only, no taunts and nothing but the truth to any questions asked by me or my Lady."
"You dare command me like an animal." She snapped at him. "I know I can't hurt you, but what about those around you? I'm sure I could catch my dear cousin, or his wife, or perhaps McGonagall would be a better choice."
"Where is Voldemort?" Hermione asked as she sent a tripping curse at Ron.
"Left to find a wand." Bellatrix answered. "That fool Petigrew was caught with his original and it has been incinerated."
"Exactly where was he headed in his wandless journey?" Harry asked.
"To Gregorovitch." She replied as tried to stop herself.
"So it's the fabled elder wand he's after is it?" Harry chuckled. "He is the last wandmaker to be rumoured to have it after all."
"So he says."
Bellatrix looked murderous, and raised her wand slowly at Harry. He responded by letting the elder wands drop into his left hand and quickly pointing it at her.
"EJICE TENEBRAS!" He cast and the orange spell enveloped her totally.
Her knees buckled and she screamed out in agony, her dark mark was enveloped in black flames and her skin was smoking.
"What did you do to her?" Ron demanded.
"Healed her." Harry replied turning the wand towards the red head. "Your turn."
"NEVER!" Ron shouted. "Cruci…"
But he was cut off as his head exploded, Harry looked over at his wife and watched as tears began to roll down her face as she lowered her wand. He caught her before she could collapse.
"It's ok Mione." He whispered in her ear as he cancelled the earth transfiguration letting the Aurors see what was happening. "He was about to hurt one of us, it's ok."
"What is happening to LeStrange?" An auror asked looking at the smoking form of the unconscious witch.
"She is being purged of dark magic." Amelia stated. "Merlin left a spell capable of removing it, if she survives she will be healed."
"It's how I lost my arm." Uncle Sev stated. "At best it's what she can hope for, at worst it will probably kill her."
"Get her to the Department of Mysteries." Amelia commanded. "If she survives they can help figure out what magic was purged before she goes back to trial."
"Let's just kill her and be done with it." The auror growled.
"Stupefy." Harry cast lazily pointing his ebony wand at him. "I suggest he be suspended."
"Agreed." Shackle-bolt nodded. "We don't kill people we have arrested."
After they returned home Hermione completely broke down in Harry's arms sobbing uncontrollably, he picked her up and carried her to their room which they didn't leave again for several days. During that time he had to continually remind her he still loved her, that she was still human, and that her reaction to what had happened proved she was still a good person.
"You still haven't told us what happened." Molly was saying to the gathered adults as Harry and Hermione entered dragon room the day before they were due to return to Hogwarts. "What happened to my son, why am I burying him?"
"Because I killed him." Hermione snapped. "As he was about to cast an unforgivable at me, he tried to torture me, and I am so sorry for your loss but I acted on instinct and Harry has just spent the last few days putting my pieces back together after I broke myself by stopping him."
"I… I…" Molly stuttered. "I'm so sorry Hermione, I didn't know."
"It's ok Molly." Sirius sighed. "We wanted to make sure they were both ok before we told you."
"We don't blame his actions on anyone but him." Harry stated. "He had a dark mark, it cannot be taken under coercion, or be forced, the magic has to be accepted willingly."
"So when is the funeral?" Hermione asked. "I'd like to pay my respects."
"Tonight at sunset." Arthur sighed.