Chapter 18
After dinner, Hermione accompanied Ginny into her room to show her all of her new things. Hermione smiled sadly at the circumstances, but had been heartened to hear that so many witches and wizards had helped them out. It avoided an argument, even though Arthur was all but certain that Harry had contributed the lion's share of the gold.
As she was leaving, Ginny asked Hermione, "Will you do another favor for me, Hermione?"
She looked at her friend, and said, "Of course. How can I help?"
The lithe fireball replied, "Would you thank Harry properly for me? He'd probably fall over dead if I grabbed him and kissed him up and down like he deserves."
Hermione thought for a moment, smiled at the thought, and replied, "I don't know about the up and down part, but I'm certain that he'd appreciate a hug. We just didn't want you to be uncomfortable."
Ginny chuckled and replied, "I'm uncomfortable that Tom's goons tried to kill my entire family and burned our home down. I'm gratefulthat some people thought enough of us to help us out. Dad said that different people transferred over sixty thousand Galleons into our vault today. He can take a few weeks off from his job and he and mum can get a proper home designed and contracted. How could I be uncomfortable? I feel like the luckiest witch in Britain." Then with a sly smile she added, "Well, maybe the second luckiest witch." Smiling she added, "Thanks again Hermione."
As Hermione walked away, Ginny knew that most of the gold had most likely come from Harry, Hermione and the members of the Order. She counted her blessings as she fell asleep, knowing that at that moment, not all of her schoolmates had been so lucky.
The next day Harry and Hermione received an early morning visit from Minister Bones regarding the upcoming trials. She explained that there were three trials scheduled in the next three days. The first was against the eleven Death Eaters captured in the Department of Mysteries
Thoughts of that evening came back to Harry as vividly as ever. Harry wanted Bones to know what had happened, and asked, "Minister, how much time do you have available today?"
Knowing that Harry wouldn't ask for anything trivial, she replied, "Harry, I have as much time as you need. I presume that there are some things that you want to tell me or show me. Is your solicitor pensive available?"
Harry went to get it. When he had left the room, Amelia asked, "Hermione, have you and Harry had a true confession discussion about that night yet?"
The young witch shook her head, and replied, "I was so drugged up with potions that school was over before I had a chance to talk with anyone. Harry never wanted to talk about that night other than to apologize repeatedly for leading us there. He didn't force us to go with him, rather we insisted that we all would go with him. I don't think that he's told anyone everything that happened."
Amelia asked, "Would you prefer to have your parents here with you as you go over this?"
Hermione replied, "I don't know how they would react to seeing their daughter struck down."
"Speaking for myself, if it had been Susan there, I would want to know, but the choice is yours. They will almost certainly attend tomorrow."
Harry walked back into the library, gathered the essence of the conversation and invited everyone to have a seat. He said, "Ginny and Ron were there too. Their parents have a right to see as well." Hermione nodded, and said, "I'll go gather everyone."
A few moments later, Molly, Arthur, Dan, Emma, Ron and Ginny joined them. Amelia said, "Good morning. I have come here to preview the proceedings regarding the trials that will be held over the next three days. The Department of Mysteries trial to be held tomorrow, the attack against the Granger house, and a trial regarding Delores Umbridge will be held Wednesday, and the hearing regarding the attack against the Dursley house will be held Thursday."
Harry didn't understand, but Hermione who was just naturally quicker at these things asked, Minister, "I wasn't aware that there had been any arrests regarding the murders of the Dursleys."
Bones glanced at Harry, who obviously hadn't heard anything either, and said, "We'll come back to that later.
And so in ten minute snippets which was the limit of the memory size that Harry's pensive would hold, they told the stories of the worst day of their lives. Beginning with Hermione's memory of Harry's planted vision attack during their History of Magic OWL exam, to Harry's frantic fire call search for Sirius, to Umbridge's confession that she had sent the dementors to get Harry, they showed their story. When they got to the Department of Mysteries on the thestrals via Hermione's memory, it was obvious that they were accompanying their friend into a trap.
Dan and Emma had tears in their eyes as they watched the dozen masked Death Eaters confront the teens as they searched in vain for Sirius. As they watched the next ten minutes of the memory, the adults all came to the same conclusion regarding the teens – sheer nerve under pressure.
Molly broke into sobs as they watched Sirius fall through the veil. She would never forgive herself for chiding him regarding his parenting skills. She had seen her son attacked by those creatures, Ginny break her ankle, Hermione slashed with a fire brand, Neville battle on, Luna fall, and Harry fight against increasingly desperate odds.
As the image moved to the lobby, Harry suddenly stopped the pensive. He looked at Bones, who said, "Maybe we can take a short break while we sort things out." The Weasleys got up and left the library, closing the door behind them. Amelia asked, "What is it Harry?"
Harry replied, "I chased after Bellatrix and I got carried away."
Amelia immediately understood. It happened too frequently in firefights. She asked, "Before you cast a curse at her, had she thrown one at you?"
"Several."
She looked at him and said, "You don't want the Weasley family to see the next part, do you?"
Harry shook his head. Tears of shame were running down his face.
She said, "I'll ask Molly to prepare something to serve. They can come back in twenty minutes. Will that be long enough?"
Harry nodded. Emma went up to Harry, put her hands on his shoulders, looked him in the eye, and said, "Harry, there is nothing else that we can see from that night that will lesson our opinion or our love for you one bit. Nothing. Do you understand? We watched in awe for the last two hours as you, Hermione, and your friends did what you had to do when faced with a horrible situation."
Amelia said, "Harry, you have not been charged with any crimes that may have taken place that evening, nor will you. Shall we continue?"
Harry withdrew two more strands and placed them into the swirling dish. Then he tapped the side to start the image, and they were again transfixed by the holographic image before them. Harry chased Bellatrix out of the room, dodging curses that she fired at him. When he got off the lift at the lobby, she began taunting him and it happened, "Crucio." She was knocked down by the force and began taunting him again for being unable to cast the torture curse. A moment later, Voldemort and Dumbledore appeared, and began fighting. Bones watched in awe over the casual attitude that Dumbledore battled Riddle until Riddle possessed Harry and taunted Dumbledore to kill them both.
Hermione was sobbing at the torture that her boyfriend had going through, and watched in utter disbelief as Harry exorcised Riddle from his mind, only to be harassed by Fudge moments later. Finally the image sank back into the dish.
After collecting her thoughts for a moment, she said, "Harry there are many rules of war. The muggles usually refer to them as rules of engagement. Some are logical, others seem absurd, like what kind of bullet you can use to kill an enemy with. In the wizarding world, it is illegal to cast the Cruciatus curse against another human being."
Harry said, "I know. I've had it used against me a handful of times."
Amelia's heart went out for the young man who had endured so much suffering in his life. She needed to put an end to this and move on, as she felt the worst was yet to come. She said, "Harry Potter, I fine you a thousand Galleons for use of an illegal curse while defending yourself. You have thirty days to pay the fine. After you pay the fine, the matter cannot be brought up in any court again. Do you understand the penalty?"
Harry looked at her and replied, "Yes Minister. I apologize."
She looked at him again, and said, "Good. Now that that is settled, I must first congratulate you. You are only the second living human being who has knocked Bellatrix Lestrange down with a spell. Secondly, I must echo Dr. Granger's words. No one in this room thinks one wit less of you now than we did before. You showed amazing courage and did what you had to do. Do you understand?"
Harry wiped his eyes with the sleeve of his robe and replied, "Yes Minister."
She replied, "I'd like to give you a few minutes to collect yourself before we continue. Would ten minutes be long enough?"
"Yes Minister."
They watched in pain, as Harry walked out of the room by himself. Hermione got up to go with him, but Dan held her back. "Just give him a moment to breathe, kiddo. He'll be all right."
Five minutes later, Harry walked back into the room. It was obvious that he'd been sick. He handed Bones a Gringotts draft. She took it from him and nodded.
Hermione looked at her dad, who nodded, and said, "Come on Harry. Let's get you cleaned up." She took his hand and led him upstairs. Ten minutes later, they walked back in together. The Weasleys were back in the room, seated. Ginny smiled and handed Harry and Hermione each a bottle of butterbeer.
With some trepidation, Amelia asked, "What is the last memory that we should see, Harry?"
Harry tapped his pensive once more, and the holographic image of Dumbledore's office appeared. Dumbledore gave his rationalizations regarding Sirius' imprisonment, and told of the prophecy. Molly, Arthur, and Amelia watched in horror as the ethereal image of Trelawney uttered the horrible words appointing Harry to battle Voldemort.
Dan and Emma watched helplessly as Dumbledore piled the weight of the world on Harry, then gave his reasoning for not telling him previously. They watched as silver instruments went flying and a table was knocked over. Finally the image shrank back into the bowl. The silence was deafening.
Moments passed and no one said anything. Finally the silence was broken when Ginny knocked over a half empty butterbeer bottle with her foot.
Molly and Ginny both bent over and said, "I'll get it."
Harry explained, "So that's why Riddle killed my parents, and has been trying to kill me for the last sixteen years. Someone heard the first two lines and told him. I would have thought that Dumbledore would have taken better care of his weapon."
Smack!
Ginny had walked over and slapped Harry. "You're nobody'sweapon. You're Harry Potter, our friend, Hermione's boyfriend, Dr. Granger's adopted son, and an honorary Weasley. Dumbledore can take that weapon talk and shove it up his ancient arse. You ever talk that way again, and I'll hex you into tomorrow, you got that, Potter?"
Half in shock, Harry replied, "Yes, Ginny."
Dan asked, "If I may ask, what has your schoolmaster or the government done to prepare you to prevail and survive this prophesized conflict? Also, what is the wizarding world's interpretation of by his own hand?"
Amelia replied, "To my knowledge, Harry has received no special training, other than adventures of his own making. Tell me Harry, how many times have you faced Voldemort?"
Thinking for a moment, Harry replied, "Once as an infant, twice when I was eleven, and once when I was twelve. I dueled with him twice in the cemetery when I was fourteen, and once again last June. I reckon that's seven times."
Dan said, "There's a big difference between experience and training. It sounds like Harry has more experience than anyone fighting this madman. Where can he get some proper training? Professor Dumbledore has had five or fifteen years to act, depending on how you count it, and apparently hasn't provided any."
Ron broke in, and said, "The only extra training that I've received is what Harry has taken time to give to us."
There was a knock on the library door. Dumbledore walked in saying," I heard that you were here Amelia. Might I have a word?"
"I'll be right back." She walked out of the library, and closed the doors behind her. Those closest to the door could hear some indistinct, loud words. Dobby popped in and brought another tray of beverages.
After five minutes, the doors reopened. Before Dumbledore could say anything, Dan stood and in a very businesslike tone asked, "Headmaster, does the Hogwarts standard curriculum offer any training that will specifically help Harry survive his next encounter with Voldemort?"
Dan had not left Dumbledore any wiggle room. Amelia was still a member of the board of governors and was perfectly familiar with the curriculum used by the school. Dumbledore replied, "Not specifically."
Before he could expound on his answer, Dan asked, "Do you have any specific knowledge to pass onto Harry that would be any more lethal for fighting Voldemort than shooting him with a shotgun or a sniper rifle, or having the military drop a bomb on his house?"
Molly gasped. She had never heard anyone directly challenge Dumbledore before with such impudence. Amelia hadn't either. She was rather enjoying herself.
Dumbledore replied, "The prophecy clearly states that either must die by the other's hand. I don't think having a Royal airman drop a bomb on his house qualifies."
Dan was livid. "Are you saying that if I were to take a pistol out and shoot my son right now that the bullet would just bounce off? Headmaster, are you that sure of yourself?"
Dumbledore thought for a moment and admitted, "No."
Dan was almost raging. "Headmaster, you broke the law taking Harry away from his rightful Godfather's care, driving him over the edge. You placed Harry in a home where he was unwanted, unwelcome, and abused for years. You left him completely in the dark regarding his resources, and his heritage. You left him completely in the dark regarding his prophesized destiny, and unless I'm completely wrong, you have no documented training regimen to help him live a full life. How in the world could you possibly expect that we would sit back and watch you bungle the next two years?"
Dan was nowhere near done with the old wizard. "You claimed that this is the second time that Voldemort has tried to rise to power. Was your plan to have Harry the infant end that war too? What was he supposed to do – blast him with a bad pair of nappies?"
Dumbledore had been called many things in his extensive lifetime, but he had never been humbled before by a pair of stinky nappies. "Dr. Granger, I assure you…"
Dan would not be swayed, and replied, "Right now, you couldn't assure me about the certainty of death or taxes. If you know the name of a few tutors that we can hire, I would be very interested. Otherwise, please leave us alone, and take your little informant with you."
Amelia didn't miss his words. "What informant?"
"The bodyguard, Tonks."
Bones was almost as livid as the dental surgeon. "Auror Tonks." No one could have missed her voice, regardless of the size of the house.
She arrived thirty seconds later. "Yes Minister?"
"Auror Tonks, have you been informing on the whereabouts and activity of the people that you were assigned to guard, despite written instructions specifically prohibiting you to do so?"
Tonks was a lot of things, and by no means an angel, but she was not a liar. She clearly replied, "Yes Minister." Dumbledore cringed.
"Tonks, you're sacked. Turn in you badge and identification card before the end of your shift." She nodded, turned, and walked away.
Dumbledore softly said, "Excuse me Minister, but strictly speaking, you can't sack Miss Tonks. Only Director Hammer or the Wizengamot can do so."
"Fine. Tonks, I expect to see both you and Director Hammer in my office this afternoon at four. If you have no other business, Professor, I suggest that you return to the castle. Please close the door on your way out."
Amelia took a minute to compose herself. She was so disappointed in Tonks, who had assured her that she would leave her Auror business separate from her participation in Dumbledore's militia. She said, "I want to thank each of you for your patience, co-operation and complete honesty. It is my intent that none of the men who you helped capture will ever walk the street again. There will be two cars and a detail to escort you to the Ministry tomorrow. Can you be ready to leave by 7:00AM?"
Everyone nodded. She replied, "I'll see you tomorrow." She turned and walked away.
Harry turned to Molly and asked, "Mrs. Weasley, I apologize for having to ask, but I think you can see why I'm asking. Were you or Mr. Weasley asked to keep tabs on me, and report back to the Professor?"
There was an uncomfortable silence. Molly looked at Arthur, who shook his head. She replied, "I'm sorry that you had to ask Harry, and I want you to know that we respect your privacy. We've said nothing regarding your whereabouts or activities since the day you spoke with Arthur on 5 July."
Ginny and Ron shook their heads. Ron had come to realize that for most of his life, and at least the foreseeable future, being Harry Potter stunk.
After lunch, Dan and Emma drove the Weasleys to the local mall to do a bit more shopping. They returned about dinnertime each carrying sacks and shopping bags. While they had been waiting for the Weasleys to pick out several sets of muggle clothing each, Dan and Emma discussed their declining interest in having either of their children return to Hogwarts in two weeks. From what they knew of wizarding law, once a child had completed their fifth year and had taken their OWL exams, they were not required to continue school. On the flip side, the wizarding world was not required to educate a sixth or seventh year witch or wizard if there was just cause, either at Hogwarts or one of the lesser wizarding schools.
Lunchtime at Hogwarts was quiet. Moody had previously warned Dumbledore to not press Tonks for details regarding the Grangers or Harry. The two men sat having lunch in companionable silence. Moody had stopped just short of saying "I told you so," when he heard about Tonks' troubles.
Minerva had caught enough of the conversation to have gathered what had happened. Entering their conversation uninvited, she said, "Dumbledore, you're doing it again. Harry's as angry at you for hovering over him this holiday as he was that you ignored him with those awful people for all those years."
She too decided to give him an earful. "Albus, Molly and Arthur have been your friends for nearly forty years. Did it occur to you to take a minute and inquire if they had the means to rebuild their home?"
Moody was silent, thinking, 'Old friend, you boned the pooch this time.'
McGonagall continued, "You were specifically told to keep away from Harry and Hermione except on school business. Amelia let it slide that you crashed his birthday party. You took that as a green light to barge into his home uninvited today. Did you even bother to knock at the door?"
Dumbledore knew better than to interrupt while she was storming.
"I'd be very surprised if the Grangers weren't seriously considering pulling their children from school at this very moment."
In her anger, she spilled her water goblet on the table. Without a word, Dumbledore waved his hand and dried the spill. Deep down, he knew that she was right, or at least had valid points for everything that she said. She didn't grind the ax, but she had made her mark. He sincerely hoped that Dr. Granger was not thinking about pulling the two teens that were so important to his plans.
Despite Bone's call for dismissal, Connie Church placed Auror Tonks on disciplinary probation with cause. This was a serious blemish on her record that would follow her for the remainder of her career as an Auror. On the other hand, Tonks went back to her flat that evening still wearing the burgundy Auror robes and carrying her badge. She wrote a letter of apology to Harry and the Grangers to give to them the next day at the trials.
That evening Arthur and Molly left to go visit with the building contractor. They revised the plans from the original burrow to have a second bathroom, larger kitchen, larger family room and another bedroom. In total it would have the space of one of the floors of Harry's home, but it felt quite expansive to Molly and Arthur. Work could begin in a week, and be done two or three weeks after they had begun. The contractor had estimated that they could complete the construction for 35,000 galleons, quite a bit more than Tonks had estimated, but within their current means, leaving them with about 25,000 galleons to furnish their home. Again they thanked their lucky stars that no one was killed, and that they had made lifelong friends who had willingly come to their aid.
Everyone got up about 5:30 the next morning. Winky had breakfast ready by 6:00 and an hour later everyone was ready. With Hermione's pleading, Dan and Emma each dressed in a set of slate gray robes that Harry had purchased for them. He wanted them to appear as inconspicuous as possible.
Shepard and O'Hearn drove. The adults and another Auror rode in one car, while the teens and Church rode in the other car. Hermione held Harry's hand on the way, and the conversation was quiet. Each was glad that Bones had come over the day before to prep them.
Three at a time, they took the visitors entrance to the ministry. Crammed into the telephone booth, Harry felt a sense of dread as the entered the lobby. The Magical Brethren statue had been replaced, as had Eric the visitor entrance guard who had been sacked for letting Voldemort and twelve Death Eaters into the building on his watch.
Arthur and the Aurors led them down to courtroom number ten – the same courtroom where Harry himself had stood trial a year before. The other witnesses were already there. Harry nodded at Neville, who was sitting near his Grandmother and Luna, who was sitting silently next to her father. As a point of interest, Harry noticed that Mr. Lovegood was the only media person there. There were no spectators per se. Harry noticed a few witches at the other side of the courtroom, one of whom he recognized as Narcissa Malfoy. Harry inconspicuously pointed her out to Hermione.
Bones and Hammer arrived shortly after Harry and the others had sat down. She gave Harry the slightest nod and shuffled through her paperwork.
Finally the Wizengamot judges filed in. There were only 48 seated judges as Umbridge and Michelle Edgecombe's positions had not yet been filled pending their own trials.
One by one the prisoners were led out, and placed in the chained chairs. As they sat down, the chains wound themselves around their arms and legs. Harry looked at the men impassionedly. Nott, Jugson, Rodolphus Lestrange, Crabbe, Rabastan, McNair who had tried to kill Buckbeak, Avery, Rookwood, and Mulciber. He really didn't know these men and held no personal grudge against them. Finally at the end, he spotted Anton Dolohov who had tried to murder Hermione, and Lucius Malfoy who had tried to kill them all.
One by one, they were charged, with their common and individual crimes. One by one the witnesses were called. First Hermione, then Neville, then Ron, then Ginny, then Remus, then Moody gave their testimony.
Finally it was Harry's turn. He answered Amelia's questions but did not volunteer any information that she had not asked. She didn't ask anything regarding his duel with Bellatrix, and only asked one question regarding his witnessing of Voldemort fighting with Dumbledore.
There was no real doubt of their guilt or innocence. Bones and Hammer seemed intent on charging them, and collectively finding them guilty on as wide a variety of crimes as possible - For what exact purpose, Harry could not see.
Additional witnesses were called in regarding Malfoy's dealing with ministry officials. Hammer called a second witness regarding McNair's activities. Harry expected that each witness's had been testimony had been rehearsed or at least reviewed as Harry's had been. Bones seemed to be following the rule, Never ask a question that you don't already know the answer to. From her perspective, there were no surprises.
Dan and Emma watched the trial unfold with rapt fascination. Held at a much faster pace than their American counterparts, indeed much faster than the normal British hearings, Bones and Hammer painted a clear picture of the men's involvement in years of organized crime. By the short noon break, it was obvious that the evidence against them was damning. By two PM, she was involved in summation of the damages that the men had caused.
At three PM, Dumbledore, who ultimately proceeded over the trial, asked the defense solicitor if he had any questions for any of the witnesses or witnesses of his own.
It seemed that only Malfoy had prepared any sort of defense. He claimed that he was acting under the Imperius curse, and cited a lifelong list of good deeds that he had done. He was less able to explain how his Death Eater mask happened to have his name on the back.
The defense solicitor called Harry back to the witness stand.
"Mr. Potter, You previously stated that it was your opinion that there was no way that my client Lucius Malfoy could have been acting under the Imperius curse the night that you met in the Ministry of magic. How can you be so sure?"
Harry replied, "Well, Mr. Whopper, One of Voldemort's Death Eaters had infiltrated Hogwarts and was impersonating a professor for most of my fourth year. He taught us the Imperius curse, and placed it on us so we could attempt to break it. He specifically told us that you could notice the difference in a person's eyes."
Whopper didn't like Potter's answer and made another mistake, asking, "So I suppose that you are an expert on having the Imperius curse cast on you?"
Harry replied, "Voldemort tried to cast it on me twice in one night. I believe that I've had my share of experience and training regarding that curse. Yes."
Whopper knew that no one would believe that Malfoy had been controlled to lead a raid and tried a different tactic. "Mr. Potter, are you familiar with the Cruciatus curse?"
Harry replied, "Yes. I've had that cast at me about a dozen times and have been hit with it several times. In fact Voldemort has hit me with each of the unforgivables at one time or another." There was some tittering in the audience, but Harry knew that he was on thin ice.
Whopper asked, "Mr. Potter, have you ever cast the Cruciatus curse on anyone?"
Bones started to get up, but Harry beat her. "Sir, my actions over my lifetime have been thoroughly reviewed, and documented, probably more than any wizard in Britain. When appropriate, I have paid my fines. If you have any witnesses that are here in this room to dispute my words, please bring them forth. Will that be all, Mr. Whopper?" The big bluff seemed to have worked. Whopper looked flustered.
Whopper couldn't produce Bellatrix, and knew that he would lose his license to practice if he pushed the issue any farther. Besides, Potter wasn't the one on trial. Potter had been coached too well. He replied, "No more questions."
At 3:30 the proceeding broke for deliberation, to determine guilt and fines. The guilt aspect would be handled by a simple vote for the ten men and a separate vote for Malfoy who had requested a separate vote. They both ended up 45-2, with Dumbledore abstaining, as he was acting in Bone's place as head of proceedings in this trial.
When it came to the punitive phase of the trial, it became obvious what Bones tactic had been. Wizarding law was such that a person convicted of will damage to property while committing a crime was punishable by ten times the value of the damage. Bribing an official had a similar clause, except the penalty was a hundred times the amount involved. She had in effect set up a set of charges that would not only send them back to prison or through the veil, but drain their bank accounts which in Malfoy's case had just as much potential to do damage as he did.
As Dumbledore looked at the final tally sheet that the finance subcommittee had presented, he was staggered – Four hundred million Galleons, over half of which was assessable against the Malfoy estate! Further, Bones had offered the Gringotts goblins a twenty percent finders fee to locate properties and vaults that were held in factious names or dummy corporations. He had wondered why Draco had posthumously been charged with three counts of arson for the hearing later in the week.
Each of the men was sentenced to a life in Azkaban. The escaped prisoners were sentenced to the veil. As the sentences were read, there was a grim satisfaction on the faces of the witnesses and the few spectators. As they were being led out, Malfoy shouted coldly, "My son will avenge me."
Bones simply replied, "Mr. Malfoy, Your son is dead. He got himself killed last month." She turned and walked away.
The Weasleys rode in one car on the way home and Harry and the Granger rode in the other car. Harry commented that neither Tonks nor Kingsley had been called to testify.
Hermione replied, "They're damaged goods. Auror Tonks is on probation, and Kingsley had been dismissed. You and Neville both testified that LeStrange killed your Godfather. They presented the wands tested for the last spells that they had cast, so they had their witnesses, and they had their smoking guns. What else did she need?"
When they got home and were eating dinner, Dan asked Arthur, "Excuse me for asking, but in general terms, how much do wizards make?" The salaries for government paid workers were published information, so it really wasn't too foreword of a question.
Arthur replied, "An entry-level clerical position right out of Hogwarts might start at 3,900 Galleons a year. Someone with top grades might start at 4,250. The Minister of Magic might pull in 32,000. A Hogwarts professor might bring in 10,000. The better money can be made in owning a business. I expect that my sons Fred and George will be wealthy men in a few years. Bill is doing well at Gringotts, as they pay a bonus." He finished saying, "It's probably the same in the nonmagical world."
Dan nodded and replied, "Similar, except the government seems to collect most of the money for taxes." Both men nodded and smiled. Then he commented, "So the money collected today would seemingly go a long way to fund the government this year.
Arthur nodded, and replied, "Yes but assessing the fines and collecting them are two separate things. The Malfoys, Dolohovs and Mulcibers are, or were wealthy families. I doubt that Peter Crabbe ever had a chamber pot to his name, at least one that wasn't stolen. I believe that it is realistic that the Ministry will eventually collect half of what had been assessed today. The goblins will be highly motivated to help with the research.
Neither Harry nor the Grangers slept well that evening. Hermione came in to Harry's room early to give him a wakeup kiss, but saw him staring at the fireplace when she cracked the door open. She said, in a soft voice, "Hi Harry. Could I come in?" He nodded and she went to sit by him, leaving the door open. She took his hand, and gently placed it on her left breast, and said, "I love you. We'll get through this."
Harry smiled at her and a minute later gently held her head with both hands and said, "I love you too. There's something that you need to know. It's really important."
"What?"
"I'm almost certain that Snape didn't die from the spell that you shot at him."
Chapter 19
She gave him the last response that he would have expected in the world. "I know."
At the same time they both said, "But I didn't want you to feel bad."
At the same time, they said, "Oh."
Harry said, "He made a request that he be kept out of Azkaban."
Hermione was surprised that this could have been some sort of mercy killing. She asked, "Really? Who did you hear that from?"
Harry replied, "Professor Dumbledore mentioned it the other day. Who did you get your information from?"
"Myself. Mum and I estimated how much blood restorative potion that he'd taken. If he'd had a reaction such as cardio cessation, it should have happened by six AM."
Harry loved his girlfriend, but wished that shed use regular words more often. He asked, "What?"
Hermione switched out of library mode back into regular conversation mode. "If his heart was going to stop because he'd had too much potion in his system, it should have happened by 6:00 or 7:00AM at the latest. His shoulder wound in and of itself should have been unrelated to his heart stopping. So who do you think killed him?"
Harry replied, "I'd prefer to believe that it was one of the other Death Eaters who did him in." He looked at her and they both hoped that the opposite wasn't true.
After the hearing regarding the attack on the Grangers, Harry was as disillusioned with the wizarding judicial process as he could be. Harry wondered why Professor McGonagall had been there. She had nodded to them acknowledging their presence before the hearing, but had left immediately after the hearing, seemingly angry about something.
There had been no mention of the cause of Snape's death, with the obvious implication that Hermione had indeed taken the life of Death Eater Severus Snape. On the other hand, there was no mention that Snape was anything but a Death Eater. There was no mention of the Order, or that he may have done redeeming work for the light side. The only real purpose seemed to have been to drag Draco Malfoy's name through the mud and assess both estates 50,000 Galleons.
The afternoon trial was open to spectators. It seemed that the entire DA was there to watch. The former High Inquisitor was charged with two counts of attempted murder, and eleven counts of criminal abuse.
The ten weeks since Harry had last seen Umbridge, running away while getting whacked by Peeves with a walking stick, had not been kind to her. She appeared to have lost thirty pounds while in captivity and looked quite ill. Her change in appearance hadn't softened anyone's feelings towards her.
Harry showed three pensive memories - being attacked by the dementors, in detention having to use a blood quill, and Umbridge's confession of having sent the dementors after Harry. Ernie Macmillan showed a similar memory.
Umbridge said nothing in her defense. She had resigned herself to spending the rest of her life in Azkaban. She eventually received a sentence of twenty-one years in Azkaban and a fine of 11,000 Galleons. Each evening that she had placed Harry or Ernie in detention and subjected them to a blood quill would cost her a year of her life and a thousand Galleons. Harry hoped that she thought it was worth it.
Harry and Hermione visited with the other students for a few minutes after the trial was over. Dumbledore hadn't spoken to him after the end of either of the day's sessions. Harry felt like the Ministry had done little but use his and Hermione's names to collect taxes.
The last trial was something of a surprise to Harry. Goyle's father, and Travers had been captured. Goyle had named Lestrange, and Pettigrew among the other raiders. Under Veritaserum, he acknowledged that Pettigrew had been a Death Eater all along, and had been in Voldemort's inner circle since Voldemort's rebirth.
Harry hoped that his acknowledgement of Pettigrew would be enough to clear his Godfather's name.
Each man had been sentenced to life in Azkaban. Even with the goblins guarding the facility, Harry wasn't sure what that really meant. He had little faith that the goblins could defend Azkaban against an organized attack on the prison.
That evening, Dumbledore sat in his round office and reread the letter that he had received.
Dear Professor Dumbledore.
It is with great regret that I tender my resignation as a member of the Order of the Phoenix. I certainly support the cause, but believe that I would be best suited to fight the dark side while employed as an Auror. It had been made abundantly clear to me this year that I cannot do both. I'm sorry that I couldn't serve you better.
I wish you good health and success in your endeavors.
Tonks
Dumbledore believed that Tonks' resignation was but the tip of the iceberg. Hestia would certainly follow, and his recruiting efforts within the Ministry would grind to a halt.
He reconsidered the words that Harry's guardian had challenged him with earlier in the week. He withdrew a thin strand from the side of his head, placed it in his pensive and watched the image.
Dumbledore replied, "The prophecy clearly states that either must die by the other's hand. I don't think having a Royal airman drop a bomb on his house qualifies."
Dan was livid. "Are you saying that if I were to take a pistol out and shoot my son right now that the bullet would just bounce off? Headmaster, are you that sure of yourself?"
Dumbledore thought for a moment and replied, "No."
Dan was almost raging. "Headmaster, you broke the law taking Harry away from his rightful Godfather's care, driving him over the edge. You placed Harry in a home where he was unwanted, unwelcome, and abused for years. You left him completely in the dark regarding his resources, and his heritage. You left him completely in the dark regarding his prophesized destiny, and unless I'm completely wrong, you have no documented training regimen to help him live a full life. How in the world could you possibly expect that we would sit back and watch you bungle the next two years?"
Dan was nowhere near done with the old wizard. "You claimed that this is the second time that Voldemort has tried to rise to power. Was your plan to have Harry the infant end that war too? What was he supposed to do – blast him with a bad pair of nappies?"
Dumbledore considered two lines – For either must die at the other's hand…Will have a power that he knows not. There were several implications - No one else could kill either Riddle or Harry. Dumbledore shuddered at the test that Dr. Granger had proposed. A slight restatement would be that one or the other would kill the other, not that they couldn't be killed.
He will have a power that the other knows not. That could be interpreted as a power or skill. One possible implication would be that Harry could learn marksmanship or other skill that Riddle doesn't personally know, and kill him using it. Another is that he could use an existing skill that Riddled doesn't know about and kill Riddle using it.
By his own hand was also open to interpretation. Harry could use a fist, or choke him at one level, use a wand, or wandless magic to cast a spell, or pull a trigger.
Regarding Granger's other remarks, Albus could do little but agree with his assessments of the past and current situation. The light side was losing badly until the evening of 31 October, 1981, and aside from the battle at the Department of Mysteries, was again losing badly this time. He smiled for a moment at the mental image of Riddle choking on a pair of stinky nappies. Dr. Granger certainly had conviction, and obviously cared deeply for Harry.
When challenged to produce his written plan, Dumbledore had originally been insulted, but had to admit that he had yet to put quill to parchment and write anything down. His biggest concern was that the Grangers would act prematurely, and strike out on their own.
While Dumbledore was doing his contemplations, Dan, Harry and the women were having their own conversation. Their options were virtually limitless - they could live anywhere, acquire the services of any tutor, hire a private army, have complete cooperation from the Minister of Magic, or they could return to Hogwarts to attend sixth year classes at a school that had proven dangerous to them four out of the five years that they had attended.
Emma replied, "Hermione, you don't have to do anything. First and foremost, you two owe it to yourselves to stay alive and healthy. You know that we have our biases, and we wouldn't be offended in the least if you asked for a second or third opinion. Whose advice would you seek?"
Hermione said, "I think we should talk with Professor McGonagall, Remus Lupin, and Amelia Bones." Everyone nodded in agreement. Hermione winked at her boyfriend and said, "Harry you should make the call. No one in the wizarding world would put you on hold." Everyone smiled at the truth. Harry also wrote notes to McGonagall and Lupin and gave them to Hedwig to send. Remus was invited Friday morning, Minerva Friday afternoon, Bones Saturday morning and Dumbledore on Monday morning.
Remus reread the letter from Harry.
Dear Remus,
Hermione and I have been giving much consideration to our future and how we could best prepare for it. We are considering our options for the next few years at Hogwarts or outside of Hogwarts. Neither of us believes that the standard sixth or seventh year classes will help us defeat Riddle. We have always respected your opinion and ideas and were hoping that we could meet with you Friday 23 August at 8:00 AM.
Thank you.
Harry and Hermione
Remus was shocked that their relationship with Dumbledore had become so badly eroded. Despite some noise to the contrary, Dumbledore always carried on as if he had everything completely under control. Remus thought there were several shades of gray between putting a good face on a situation in front of the troops and self-delusion. He felt that the Professor might be on the far side of the scale. He penned a reply that he would be there the following morning and began thinking of alternatives for his friend's son.
Minerva was saddened to read the letter that Hedwig had delivered, but like Remus, was not really surprised. She briefly considered showing the letter to Albus, but changed her mind. Enough people had broken Harry's trust during the last year, and that was not a list of people that she wished to join.
Reconsidering her first career discussion with Harry, she concluded that he wasn't likely to go into law enforcement as a career, and in the chance that he prevailed in his encounters with he-who-must, no Voldemort; Hermione would most likely have other ideas regarding how he should spend his time.
She thought for a moment – What did he really need? Certainly he needed highly specialized training on dueling with Voldemort. She vowed to herself never to refer to him by anything rather than a proper name. If Potter could muster the courage to hunt him down, she could at least have the fortitude to call that monster by his name.
She considered the former students that she knew of who might be of help to Harry. Michael Wood and Alastor Moody came to mind, but Michael was dead. She wrote her reply and sent the beautiful owl back on her way.
She also concluded that he needed some financial management training to help with his estate management. Hogwarts was poorly equipped to help in that area.
Amelia had quickly agreed to Harry's requested meeting and wrote the time in her appointment book. If Harry was seriously asking for alternatives, she would do her best to present him with a wide variety of options.
She reconsidered the lecture that Dr. Granger had given to Dumbledore. Why not just bomb his house? She had read briefings from her counterparts in the Royal air force about smart bombs that had been developed. Voldemort and his Death Eaters certainly qualified as an international terrorist organization. Could she get the special services involved?
She recalled the smug look that Malfoy had on his face while being led out of the courtroom – how it had vanished the second that she informed him that his arrogant brat of a son had preceded him in death. If half the stories that Susan had told her about him were true it was just as well that the family line ended where it had.
She held the conviction that they would win this war and provide a generation of peace within the wizarding world for Susan and the witches and wizards of their generation. Hopefully it would allow the wizarding world time to get its head out of its arse and embrace the technology that the nonmagical world provided. Owls…really. Email and mobile telephones were so obviously superior.
That evening Dan and Emma were walking together in the park that was behind the row houses of Grimmauld Place. Dan asked, "What can we do to best help the kids?"
Emma replied, "One thing's for certain, we can't fight their war for them, not that they appear to need much help. I think we should find someone who is military retired to consult with. I suspect that Minister Bones could identify such a person."
They held hands as they walked. This summer had brought them closer together than they had been for years. They were both desperately hoping that their family would still be as close a year from now.
They had tried very hard to separate the emotions and the facts when guiding their children, glad that they had sought out the counsel of others. Ultimately, they had reached the stage in their lived where they were making ninety five percent of their own decisions.
Friday morning at eight, Dobby showed Remus into the library. After greeting everyone and getting a coffee, juice, tea and butterbeer from Winky, Remus began. "I'm sorry that the times and situation are such where the two of you would need to consider an education that Hogwarts might not be able to provide. More than the specific curriculum, it distresses me that Professor Dumbledore let your relationships slip as badly as they obviously have. Getting to point, what is it that the two of you believe that you will need to know both short term and long term?"
Harry was getting ready to say something, but Hermione spoke first. "Professor, short term we need to learn how to kill Voldemort and stay alive. Long term, we need to be able to manage Harry's estate. With respect to Voldemort, I think we would be safer trying some distance methods first rather than a face to face wizards duel."
Remus was curious. "What do you mean by distance methods?"
Hermione replied, "While we were on the plane home from Nice I read an article about a 50 calibre sniper rifle that had an effective range of 3,000 yards. That's over a mile. The slug itself is the size of my finger. He would never hear the sound of the rifle and probably never even notice if Harry missed."
Remus was not the only one amazed that the depth and breadth of knowledge that the young woman displayed. He merely could say, "Go on."
Hermione continued, "The hard part would be to think of a location where he would likely be that had an unobstructed view from a safe distance. It's more likely that he would have a shield spell around him that shielded against magical attacks than physical objects. I think that killing him that way would still satisfy the terms of the prophecy."
Dan had heard about snipers and understood the idea at least in general terms. The idea of a rifle that could reach out and touch someone from over a mile away was amazing to him. He asked, "How far do regular spells go?"
Remus replied, "It's not so much the distance as the ability to aim. If you were to compare the range and accuracy of a normal rifle compared to a revolver, you would have a reasonable comparison. Keep in mind that a wizard can almost instantly apparate from one place to another, so being able to strike him from a concealed location would be a great advantage."
Harry replied, "We could go to his home in Little Hangleton or wait for him to come to either Hogsmeade, Diagon Alley or Hogsmeade."
Dan asked, "If you know where he lives, why not just bomb his home?"
No one had a good answer, but felt that Amelia might be in a position to consider it.
Remus got people back on track. "Hermione and Harry, your letter indicated that you both were considering dropping out of school. Do you really feel that doing so would be in your best interests?"
Emma replied, "Mr. Lupin, nothing in the world would give me greater pleasure at this moment than to have Director Bones walk through the door and inform us that Voldemort was run over by a lorry and had died instantly. Everyone in this room wants nothing more than for Hermione and Harry to have a long and happy life together. It appears that they won't be able to live their lives until that monster is killed off. If you have another alternative, please say it."
Unfortunately Remus didn't have a better idea. The idea of challenging Voldemort to a proper wizards duel and firing curses at each other from a distance of twenty yards sounded like suicide. He replied, "I don't have a better idea at this moment. If there's any way in the world that I could help you, please know that I will."
They all knew that the meeting was over, and parted as friends. Remus promised not to mention their meeting to Dumbledore.
Minerva tried to offer something other than an either-or recommendation. She certainly understood that Hogwarts did not offer advanced dueling, or assassination techniques, or estate management at the level that the two were seeking, but felt that they could also benefit from at least some of the standard courses that Hogwarts could offer them. She recommended that they consider taking the minimum number of classes and work with Alastor, and others two days a week.
Dan asked if it would be possible for them to take a semester or two off and return later if they choose.
Minerva replied, "Dr. Granger, if Harry and Hermione are successful, they'll be able to do anything that they wish to." The unspoken portion was if they weren't, the issue was moot.
Dan and Emma left the library and went out to the park to let the teens converse a bit more with their professor.
Hermione continued, "Professor, we're seriously considering hiring several professors and someone with military experience that can help us. Might you know of anyone who could help for the transfiguration and charms aspects?" Hermione was definitely fishing and curious to see what the result would be.
Rather than show her hand, Minerva asked, "Where are the two of you thinking of living?"
Harry replied, "I'm told that I own seventeen homes counting this one. I believe that Director Hammer will allow us to test for our apparitation licenses today if we ask for it. If we elect to go that route, we will look for the location that offers us safety as well as sufficient space and privacy to practice what we need to. Would you be interested in helping us?"
Minerva replied, "I would consider your request very carefully if you get to the point of striking off on your own. I also would do what I could to help you if you both elect to return to Hogwarts. I know that the two of you are trying to change the course of the wizarding world, and I know that your cause is worthy. I trust that this conversation will go no further than your parents. I wish you both the very best, no matter which path you choose."
Hermione recognized the magnitude of what McGonagall was offering to give up for them. The young woman hugged her mentor and said, "We can't thank you enough."
About the time that Hermione was thanking McGonagall, Amelia Bones returned from her meetings with her counterparts. She explained that the terrorist cell known as black vipers were raising havoc in various parts of Britain and they would need assistance in eliminating the threat.
Tomorrow morning she would be meeting with Potter who would almost certainly be asking for help and advice. She silently cursed Fudge for his corruption and unwillingness to face unpleasant decisions throughout his career.
In reality, Riddle was as strong as he was today largely because the infrastructure that had supported him during his first rise to power had been left almost untouched. She wished that Barty Crouch hadn't been sidelined over the poor decisions of his own son all those years ago. He would have made a more effective Minister than Fudge had ever been, and twenty five of Voldemort's strongest supporters wouldn't have walked away free men using that ridiculous "I was under the Imperius curse all those years line."
'Another twist of fate,' she thought to herself. His infrastructure remained intact and had grown amazingly strong financially. Malfoy and the others maintained stewardship of fortunes that had largely never belonged to them. It was no wonder that arrogant Draco grew up thinking that he was the uncrowned prince of Sussex county. It had probably never occurred to him that the millions that his father had squirreled away out of the Ministry funds had been stolen.
She wondered if Malfoy had had mixed feelings that night fourteen months ago when he and the others had been called back into Voldemort's service. 'Perhaps the steward had begun viewing those funds as his own'? She would probably never know.
Sunday morning began as another glorious summer day. Harry and the Grangers went for an early morning walk in the park with Church following along. She wondered what path Potter was planning on taking. Her original assignment was scheduled to end in a week, and while Potter and the Doctors had taken the time to be excellent hosts, a part of her was looking forward to returning to her regular duties.
Ron and Ginny visited together at the former and future site of the burrow. Ginny asked, "Do you think they're serious about not going back to school?"
"No way. They'll be back," replied Ron.
"Remember what Hermione said last night?"
"No. I was watching that telly vision device. What did Hermione say?"
Frustrated, Ginny told him, She said "We wanted to let you know that we are considering our options for the fall and there is a possibility that we will not be returning to Hogwarts. Harry and I both believe that the subjects that would help us the most in the coming year are not those that the school can offer. As such, we are looking at private tutors either on a full time basis, which would cause us to withdraw from school, or on a part-time basis, which might allow us to remain at Hogwarts. Please respect our wishes on this and don't mention it to anyone."
Ron was almost in a panic. "Who will we eat with? Who will help me with my homework?"
"Ron, you're a prat," said Ginny. "Can't you think of anyone but yourself?" She stood to face her brother. "They must be feeling crushed from the weight of the world that's been laid on them and you're worried about who will sit by you at the lunch table. Lavender will sit by you. Neville will help you with your homework if you asked him. Now that the really urgent issues have been discussed, can we figure out a way to help Hermione and Harry?"
"What should we do?" asked Ron.
"They said they were busy tomorrow and we'll have to help Mum and Dad again on Monday. Let's talk with them Monday night."
"OK."
Amelia arrived right on time. Dobby showed her in, while Winky served tea biscuits. She began, "Based on your telephone conversation, I did some checking with my collogues at the other branches of government. It would be possible to attend specialized training at the Bassingbourn facility. They could provide training in basic marksmanship, and then specialized training in either the L96 sniper rifle or the 50-calibre rifle that you mentioned in your telephone conversation. Between the stealth techniques that they could train you on and those available in the wizarding world, you could remain hidden for a long period of time."
Dan considered her words for a moment and replied, "Hitting him would be one thing, getting him out in the open might be another."
Emma remained silent as Bones and Dan discussed assassination logistics in the same manor as they might discuss a filling technique. For Harry and Hermione, it was a bit more personal. They, or at least Harry would be the one to kill or be killed. She held both of her children's hands and prayed that he would somehow be successful in his awful task.
Finally they finished, and Hermione asked if she knew anyone that might be able to assist them in estate and investment management. Amelia replied, "Auror Tonks' father works in that field. I will find a telephone number for him and let you know. Is there anything else? If not, please contact me in the next few days and let me know how I might be able to help."
"Thank you, Minister," said Harry. "We all appreciate your candor and the work that you've done."
Bones replied, "It is I who needs to be thanking the four of you. Enjoy your day."
"Cheers," replied Dan.
Sunday noon found Dan and Harry finishing their round. Emma and Hermione had gone with, not to play, but to be with their men. They both smiled at the friendship that had developed between Dan and Harry. It was inconceivable to Hermione what attracted them to the game, but they both obviously loved it.
Afterward they went out for a nice lunch along with Auror Shepard who was guarding them for the day. Harry had come to enjoy pepperoni pizza. The Dursleys had never taken him out to a Pizza Hit, or any restaurant for that matter. Harry wished that the Weasleys could have come with, but respected that they had a lot of work of their own to do planning their home.
As the women were coming back from the salad bar Dan said, "Emma and I will respect any decision that you and Hermione arrive at. If you want to go back to school in Scotland, we'll stay here or go to the States. If you want us nearby we'll be there for you."
"Thanks," said Harry. Dan knew that he meant it.
Harry continued, "Perhaps the professor will have thought up a better plan and be willing to tell us about it." Dan waited in silence for a moment to let him continue. Hermione would know more about it, but he…"
"I'd know more about what?" asked the bright eyed, bushy haired young woman.
"How Dumbledore finished off Grindelwald," answered Harry.
"You could ask him about the details, but Grindelwald was killed in his castle in the Bavarian Alps early in 1945. The Second World War ended a few months later."
As Harry was eating his fourth slice of pepperoni, Moody was visiting the headmaster. Moody asked, "So how do you expect Potter to kill Voldemort? To my knowledge, no one's beaten him in a proper duel, he's a dirty fighter, and from what you told me last year, their wands won't even work properly against each other."
"I will get him another wand or perhaps a staff and train him to fight him when the time is ready."
Moody's eye swiveled around in disbelief. He questioned, "That'sthe plan that you've come up with? You're going to teach him dueling in your spare time?"
"Yes. We both have other obligations. I have my responsibilities with the Wizengamot and the school. Harry has his other classes to attend to. I believe I could help him two or three evenings a week."
Moody said little, and asked, "How long do you anticipate that he would need before he was ready?"
Dumbledore considered his question and replied, "A year. Perhaps two. It is a shame that he allowed himself to become so distracted these last few months."
Moody asked, "Can the castle withstand an attack when Voldemort comes for you? He may have had a setback with the loss of his top Death Eaters, but you can't believe that he'll sit still for eighteen months until you let him know that Potter's ready."
Dumbledore responded, "It's the best plan that we have."
Moody said nothing.
At nine AM on Monday, Dumbledore apparated to the back of 12 Grimmauld Place. As he was turning the knob to let himself in, he thought better, and gently knocked. Dobby the house elf immediately opened the door and greeted him. "Good morning Professor sir. You is expected. Please come in."
"Dumbledore smiled. "How are you, Dobby?"
"Dobby likes working for Harry Potter Professor Sir. Harry Potter and the others are good to Dobby and Winky."
"Good. Will you be coming back to the castle next week when Harry and Miss Granger return for fall term?"
The little elf replied, "Harry Potter has not said anything to Dobby, Professor sir. Dobby will ask him later. They are waiting for you in the library."
Dumbledore walked into the library a bit less sure of himself, but tried not to show it. Instead, he greeted them with eyes twinkling.
"Good morning, Professor," said Hermione.
Harry looked at Dan who nodded slightly and began. "Professor, Hermione and I as well as our parents believe that we are in need of some training that we're not likely to find in herbology or potions class. We are hoping that you have been giving serious consideration to a method that I can use to kill Voldemort and live to talk about it."
Dumbledore replied, "Be assured that I have Harry. Regarding options what have you considered?"
Harry said, "I basically see two options – fight Riddle sooner or fight him later. If I wait a few years, we could move to the States or Australia and train up properly. If I fight him earlier then I'll need full time training in military skills, dueling and some specialty spells. Either way, I want to be in a position to fight him on my own terms. What are your suggestions?"
"I would like to tutor you several evenings a week. I would recommend that you take potions, transfiguration, charms and healing. If you wish to play Quidditch, I will schedule our sessions around your practice sessions. I would also like to arrange Occlumency lessons for you as soon as school starts."
Dan asked, "How do you see Voldemort being defeated, Professor?"
Dumbledore replied, "I anticipate that in eighteen to twenty four months Harry may have acquired the skills necessary to best Riddle in a duel."
Dan asked, "How many people will have died in the mean time?"
Dumbledore rubbed his forehead. This was a question that no one wanted to hear the answer to. He replied, "Hundreds. Perhaps thousands will have died before Harry is ready to duel with Riddle and have at least an even chance of surviving. Those are the unfortunate facts in this situation."
Hermione was so torn. Almost everything that she had worked for in the last five years was leading up to acing the NEWTs and being Head Girl. They were goals that still held real value for her, yet she didn't think that she could live with herself if she allowed Harry to delay acquiring the skills needed to kill that evil man.
She knew that Harry was in line to assume the position of Quidditch captain this year and Head Boy next year. In reality, their childhoods had been stripped away from them, and most likely, neither of them would ever have Head anything as honors. She realized their destiny would most likely place Order of Merlin awards next to their name, living or dead.
There really was nothing more to be said. Dumbledore had made his offer as had the others. Harry said, "Thank you Professor for coming out. I need to talk out our options with Hermione and our parents. Whatever we decide to do, I know that we can count on your help."
Dumbledore could never recall being dismissed by a student before, but there was a first time for everything. He said, "I will expect you both on the first of September unless I receive notice to the contrary. I wish you all the best." With that said, he got up walked out the door and apparated back to the station.
Harry went to the kitchen and asked Winky to bring a tray of butterbeers and tea. After he walked back into the study and closed the door he asked Emma for her advice. She gave it, and ten minutes later Dan gave his. After they were done Emma said, "We need to make some calls to our Surgery. You two have a lot to discuss. We'll support any decision that you make. We'll catch up with you at lunchtime. It's a lovely day. Maybe you two should take a stroll in the park."
Taking their advice they walked out the door with Shepard following a dozen steps behind. Hermione asked, "Are you sure about this?"
Harry said, "I'm positive, but I'll follow your advice."
Hermione said, "Let's go tell Mum and Dad. We'll have to get our book lists and do some shopping. Remember, you promised Dad that you'd take him to Gringotts."
The first of September arrived. Arthur loaded the trunks into the boot of Dan's BMW. Shepard sat in the front seat as the four teens chatted amicably in the back. Molly had ridden with Dan and Emma in her car. They watched with interest as the six of them passed through the brick barrier of platform. They waved at friends until it was time to get on the Hogwarts Express. Parents and friends hugged with promises of owls.
Harry saw Professor Dumbledore approach. There had been quite a bit of extra security this time, but fortunately there had been no incidents. He asked, "Are you certain that you won't reconsider?"
Harry and Hermione shook their heads and replied, "No thanks."
Dumbledore really didn't expect that they would change their minds. Instead he said, "There will always be a place for both of you at Hogwarts. Good luck. "They shook hands and parted as friends, knowing that they had a common enemy and similar goals even if the methods that they had selected were different.