Chapter Twenty Three – Fallout.
Harry led the two girls through the corridors of the old castle in the direction of the Gryffindor common room rather than the library. All three of them were totally unaware of the tragedy that had befallen their loved ones and were excited about the news that Ginny and Neville had found some news.
"Why are we not going to the library Harry?" Hermione asked, puzzled.
"Well Mione, the message said that they had found something. When you find something you stop looking so I guess that they would be in the common room. If not then we can get the map and find them."
"Bloody hell! When did you become so bloody logical?" she asked with a grin.
"Ever since I fell for this bookworm I know!" he replied with an equal grin.
Luna smiled at the pair, so obviously in love with each other and she felt happy to be in their presence. Suddenly and without warning she felt cold and a feeling of dread rose up within her. She looked around in concern her fangs elongating instinctively as she looked for threats. Seeing nothing she retracted them and looked at the pair in front of her. They were looking at her with concern etched on their faces.
"What's up Luna?" Harry asked.
Luna looked confused as she glanced around. "Not sure, but something..." A Patronus flew into the corridor and it spoke with Remus's voice.
"Luna, Harry and Hermione you need to come home urgently, it's Xeno, he's been hurt." It said before fading.
"Oh no Dad! We have to go!" Luna cried looking at Harry with a distraught look. Harry grimaced at the news and cast his own Patronus. He told it to tell Neville and Ginny that they had to go for a family emergency and to see if they could meet them at the cottage when free, whilst Hermione sent hers to ask for Madam Pomfrey to meet them at the cottage. As soon as he had done that he took Hermione's hand as well as Luna's and digging deep into his magical core he silently teleported them to the cottage.
They all arrived to a scene of chaos, as they stood in the main entrance hall Molly Weasley was running to the kitchen and Dobby was banging his head against the wall. Harry yelled for Remus, who shouted back from the conservatory.
"In here Harry, hurry!" he yelled. As they were moving Poppy Pomfrey arrived with a loud pop, her medical bag in her hand.
"Poppy, this way!" Harry yelled taking her by the arm.
"What do we have Harry?" she asked as they moved.
"No idea, Dobby stop doing that, that's an order!" he yelled behind him as he ran.
Dobby looked up and stopped his attempt to be one with the wooden door. He slumped onto the floor and just looked defeated.
Harry and Poppy followed Hermione and Luna as they ran into the conservatory and stopped dead as he saw the scene before him. Remus had vanished all the furniture in the room and had created a large medical bed upon which laid Xeno. He was very pale and covered in his own blood. Remus had removed his clothes and desperately trying to close the wounds on the man's torso.
"Poppy! Help I cannot close the wounds!" he yelled as soon as he saw her. He was frantically waving his wand over the open wounds, which would close briefly before reopening. Bottle of empty blood replenishing potion lay scattered on the floor and Arthur Weasley was pouring another down Xeno's throat. Xeno was barely conscious, his eyes fluttering open occasionally as he moaned in pain. Luna had gasped as she saw her father and had rushed to him as Poppy joined Remus trying to save the man.
"Daddy? Daddy I'm here." Luna whispered to her father. Xeno responded a little by opening his eyes briefly and grasping her hand.
"Hello love, I'm glad I got to see you before I go." He said in a broken voice.
"Don't be silly Daddy, you're not going yet." Luna said with the tears rolling down her face.
"Sorry Luna love, but I don't think that Poppy can help me this time. Goyle cursed the wound so it would not heal. I'm just glad...oh!" he faded off for a while, closing his eyes before opening them. "...I'm just glad that you are here with me. I'm sorry little one but not long now; Luna, please don't grieve, I'm going to see your mother and you need to know that we are both very proud of you. Live your life and love your life."
"Daddy, please don't go, I need you." Luna sobbed.
"Luna, be strong you still have an amazing job to do. Harry... are you here?"
Harry moved forward and took Xeno other hand, by now Poppy had stopped and placed her hand on Remus's hand. She shook her head and wiped the tears from her eyes.
"Harry, I need you to look after my Luna, will you do that for...me?" he asked his voice barely audible.
Harry nodded, not trusting himself to speak. Xeno smiled his thanks and turned to his daughter.
"Luna, you are the last of the Lovegood now, you know what you must do...? Don't cry my Luna, my moonchild." He coughed up some blood and his eyes suddenly weren't focused on the room he was in. His face took on a look of wonder as he saw something only he could see.
"Celeste?...oh my Celeste..." his eyes shut for the last time and he went still.
"Oh Daddy!" Luna wailed as she hugged the dead man to herself. Harry felt Hermione's presence next to his and she sobbed against his back. He turned and took her in his arms as he looked at the sad scene in front of him. As he stood he heard a slight 'pop' as Silverfang arrived in the room. He looked at the sight in front of him and bared his teeth.
"Lord Potter, sorry for the intrusion, but you and your wife are needed urgently. It's not good news sir." As he said this he looked at Hermione who felt a shiver run down her spine.
"What's happened?" she asked in a quiet voice.
Silverfang sighed and looked at her with sad eyes. "Your parents were attacked Lady Potter, your mother is fine but..." he broke of as Hermione screamed.
"Daddy! NOOO!" Even Luna looked up with red rimmed eyes as yet another father was taken from a daughter. Hermione had fallen to her knees, taking Harry with her as he tried to comfort her.
"Take me to them!" Hermione growled, and Harry and Hermione vanished. Dobby walked in a grimaced.
"Someone is going to pay for all this!" he growled, surprising everyone with the menace in his voice. By now Molly had arrived and was kneeling next to Luna, hugging the young vampire to her as she grieved for the loss of her remaining parent, and her entrance into been an orphan. There was a loud 'pop' and Ginny and Neville arrived. Ginny was almost holding up Neville who had tears rolling down his face.
"Shit! Now what?" was all Remus said, the blood of Luna's father still evident on his arms and cloths.
Flashback
Ginny was still reading the book as Neville looked over at her. She was sat in a shaft of sunlight that came streaming through the window, causing her to look like she was glowing. Her hair shone red and Neville had never thought that she looked as beautiful as she looked at the moment. If only he had the courage to tell her how he really felt. They had danced around each other for months now, ever since he had rescued her from the clutches of the Carrows, before Harry and Hermione had freed the school. She had been hurt quite badly and that was the reason why she had left the school to go back to the Burrow. Occasionally he thought he would see her look at him in a way that made his knees go weak but then she would look away. What he didn't see was the blush that would cover her face and the smile that played across her lips. Even now she could see him looking at her out of the corner of her eye as she tried to read the paragraph that she had been stuck on for the last ten minutes or so. She so wanted him to ask her the question they both knew they wanted to hear, as she thought about it she absently chewed a lock of her hair that was covering her face. She heard a sharp intake of breath from Neville and a quiet "Oh bugger this!" from him before she felt him move closer to her. He took her face in his hands gently and looked into her chocolate eyes as she gazed into his hazel ones.
"Neville?" she asked in a questioning voice.
"Shush Gin!" was all he said before his lips gently took her own. Time seemed to stop for the pair as they kissed, to the outside observer there was no lights or sudden bells ringing, nor was there any explosions of wild magic, but to the pair involved it was an intensely satisfying moment. Eventually breathing became an issue and the pair broke apart, but kept their heads very close as they gazed into each other's eyes.
"Wow!" Ginny said. Neville smiled at the redhead.
"Gin, will you be my girlfriend?" he asked gently.
"Well after that kiss, I bloody well hope so. You made my toes tingle!" she giggled.
Neville laughed gently and kissed her once more. As he was kissing her there was a 'pop' and Pipin arrived complete with smoking letter and burnt hair.
"Master Neville, I am so sorry, I tried to help but he was too strong...Mistress Longbottom..." the elf broke off crying.
"Pipin! What's happened?" Neville asked the distraught House elf, a feeling of dread mounting in his heart.
"He who must not be named...Fire at manor... killed your aunt!" was all the elf could say before she descended into wailing. Neville's face crumbled, just when he thought life was looking up and Ginny had agreed to be his girlfriend, this had to happen. Ginny was looking pale as she took her new boyfriends head in her arms. She held him close to her bosom as he cried. She felt a warmth in the room and looked up to see Harry's Patronus deliver its message. It took her a little while to tell Neville but soon the pair managed to walk to the outer edges of the school; by this time Ginny was practically carrying Neville but soon they were able to apparate to Harry's cottage, where they were met with another scene of grief.
End Flashback
I.Y. I.Y.I.Y.
If asked about it later, neither Harry or Hermione could of said how they did it, but one second they were knelt on the floor of the cottage and the next they arrived on the floor of the Australian Ministry of Magic, complete with alarms blaring and the sound of Aurors running towards them with wands drawn. However as they drew closer to the pair on the floor a wave of magic erupted from the pair hurling the drawn wands across the room with a clatter. The Aurors looked pissed and were about the get physical when a shout caught their attention.
"STOP! Aurors stand down!" Senior Auror Ryan Davies yelled from the top of some stairs. "They are no threat to us and you couldn't hurt them even if you tried. NOW STAND DOWN!" he yelled. The Aurors reluctantly stood away from the couple who were now totally ignoring them. Ryan had recognised the male and deduced the identity of the woman.
"Lord and Lady Potter, welcome to Australia. I am Senior Auror Ryan Davies. I have been looking after your mother Lady Potter; I am so sorry for you loss Lady Potter." He said to the couple. At his words Hermione eyes snapped up to his.
"Take me to her!" she snarled, standing and brushing the tears away from her eyes with the back of her hands. As she stood magical winds and light played around her, causing her hair to billow around like a veil. Most of the Aurors gasped and stood back from the woman. Ryan gulped and nodded, leading the pair towards the infirmary. Harry was silent as he followed his wife; he could feel her rage and distress at the loss of her father and it caused his own rage to build as he contemplated how someone could do this to her and her family.
Ryan led the couple to the room that Emma was using and opened the door for them. Emma looked up at the sound of the door opening and cried to her daughter.
"Oh Hermione!" was all she got out before she was smothered in her daughter as she flung herself at her.
"Mummy...Daddy's dead!" was all she could say as the two Granger woman held each other. Harry stood back at the door and observed the scene before turning to Ryan.
"What happened?" he asked in a subdued voice.
Ryan looked at him and quietly explained what had happened. He soon became aware that although she gave no sign of it, Hermione was aware of every word he was saying. When he got to the part about the Deatheater killing her father, she looked up and spoke.
"Who was it?" was all she asked.
"I'm sorry Lady Potter, but at the moment we don't know. We have sent off his wand for analysis and expect the results soon." He told her.
"I want to know as soon as you do, even if my mother killed him." She said in an odd voice. Ryan nodded and continued with his report. When he had finished he left the three for a while. Harry looked over at the two women and his heart caught in his throat, but instead of the usual guilt he would normally feel, this time a rage seem to fill his entire being. How dare they do this to him and his own? He could feel his magic responding to his anger in an alarming manner; even Hermione looked over at him as she could feel the magic rolling off him in waves. He had to release it and soon otherwise he would destroy the building.
"I'll be back in a bit!" he growled at the pair and left the medical wing, as soon as he stood outside he found Ryan talking to one of his Aurors. They both looked up alarmed at the sight of the young man glowing a deep golden colour, with waves of light streaming from him.
"Lord Potter! What the ..." was all he got out before Harry grabbed his arm, he could feel someone quickly scanning his memories before Harry let go.
"Thanks, sorry about the invasion of privacy but I need to be somewhere!" and with that Harry vanished, causing the alarms to blare out again.
"How does he do that?" Ryan asked as he silenced the anti-apparition alarms for a second time.
I.Y. I.Y. I.Y.
Harry appeared in the middle of absolute nowhere, deep in the centre of the Australian outback. The sun was brutal as it bore down on the sand. Nothing was moving for as far as the eye could see and very little lived in this part of the country. In fact the arrival of one very pissed off wizard was the first thing of note to happen in this part of the country for a very long time. Harry raised his arms to the sky and screamed the scream of absolute rage at the evil in the world. Magic whipped off him and rolled around the landscape. Suddenly the sky formed dark black clouds that rolled around menacingly and thunder for the first time cracked over the land. Wave upon wave of raw magic flew around the man as he screamed to the heavens. Suddenly the magic reached a critical point and it ignited, the very air burning with an intense heat that was almost like the surface of the sun. The sand boiled and ran liquid and the air turned to plasma around him, all except for a small circle of land that Harry was stood on. Rain tried to fall but immediately turned to steam as it hit the maelstrom on the ground. Eventually Harry's anger dimmed to a bubbling ball that he locked deep inside himself. The fire and magic died around him leaving the molten sand turning to black glass that pinged and creaked as it cooled. Harry looked around in a daze before vanishing, leaving a mile wide circle of cooling smooth glass that would baffle muggle scientists for decades.
I.Y. I.Y. I.Y.
Harry arrived back in the ministry building in the exact spot he had left a little while ago. The alarms were blaring once more. Harry grinned despite everything that had happened before turning to go to Hermione. Before he got there he was stopped by Ryan.
"Lord Potter could you please explain to me what you were just doing in my head, and how are you able to apparate past our best wards?" he asked politely.
"Senior Auror Davies.."
"Ryan; please Lord Potter." Ryan told him with a smile.
"In that case please call me Harry. What I was looking for in your head was a remote location. I needed to burn off some magic as I was a little annoyed at the events that had befallen my wife's family. I needed a location that was uninhabited and miles from anywhere, so I found a place that you had visited once that fitted the bill. I do apologise for the slight, but it was rather urgent. I was a little annoyed. As to the wards, they are fine, very good strong wards. My wife and I are a little stronger than most, you may of noticed so they don't present us with a problem though."
Ryan nodded and Harry moved to be with his wife and mother-in-law. As he opened the door, they both looked up at him. They had both stopped crying, although the tear-tracks were still visible on their faces. They both smiled a little sadly as he entered and he moved to them both for a hug.
"Better now Harry?" Hermione asked. "I felt what you did, it was pretty impressive."
"Yeah, I just needed to blow of some steam, you know." He said with a shrug. "They cannot get away with this, they just can't. Emma you have to come back with us, it's not safe here anymore and we can protect you at the cottage." He carried on.
Emma nodded and kissed his cheek gently. "Thank you Harry. We will need to bring Dan home as well."
Hermione looked up at this. "I want to see him!" she stated.
Harry looked at her for a few moments before nodding. He left the room to find a healer. He soon came across Healer Kelly Brown.
"Lord Potter, how may I help you?" she asked when Harry introduced himself.
"My wife, Hermione would like to see her father. Do you know where he is?" he asked politely.
"Yes off course, I was the one who treated your mother-in-law and I also saw to Mr Granger. I have placed his body in stasis for his return to England. If you give me a few moments, I can move him to a suitable location for your wife to say her goodbyes." She said in a quiet voice. Harry nodded and went to tell his wife. He was surprised to see that Emma was stood up from her bed and putting on some cloths that Hermione had conjured for her.
"I'm coming too, I want to say my goodbyes as well." She said as Harry looked at her with a question on his face. He just nodded and led the pair of them to Healer Brown's desk. She looked up as the trio approached and just nodded.
"Follow me." She said and led them to a small room just of the main ward. It was dimly lit with candles and flowers festooned the shelves. On the bed was a covered figure. They all walked in and stood around the bed. Healer Brown nodded to Hermione who nodded back and she removed the cover from the man's face.
"Oh Daddy!" Hermione cried a she held her father. Kelly had healed the dead man's wounds and he looked peaceful, as if asleep. He was cold however and this made Hermione gasp in shock as she held her father. Emma had taken the other side and they both held the man that had been so important in their lives together. There were little tears now as they had cried them all out and after a while they both stood. Emma absently moved Dan's hair to a neater place and stroked his cheek.
"Dan, you were my first love and my only love. We met young and loved each other hard. You were my true soul mate and we made our beautiful daughter together. We are now having another and I now know that it is a boy. He will be called Daniel after you and he will know how brave a man you were. I will miss you, but I will live on for our son and for our daughter. I will always love you and will never love another. Sleep well my love and wait for me." She said a single tear rolling down her face.
Hermione took hold of her father's hand and looked at his peaceful face.
"Daddy, I am going to miss you. I knew that I would have to say goodbye one day, but I never believed it would be so soon. I need you to know that you did not die in vain; you saved Mum and your unborn son. I will live my life in honour of you and will live it with the values you gave me. Harry and I will look after Mum and baby Daniel and they will be safe, on that I promise you. You were my first role model and I love you very...much. Sleep well Daddy..." she broke off at this and cried into Harry's chest. Harry nodded to the Healer and she covered the dead man up once more and Harry led the two grieving women out of the room and back to the room Emma had been using. He conjured up some tea and the three sat down, talking quietly about the good times they had with Dan Granger.
After a while there was a knock on the door and Auror Davies was stood there looking grim. "I'm sorry to disturb you but I have some news. First we have identified you husband's killer, Mrs Granger. He was a man called Antonin Dolohov, a know Death Eater..."
Hermione had gasped at the news and clutched her chest as she remembered the curse she had suffered in the Ministry fight.
"What, did you know him love?" Emma asked. Hermione nodded.
"He was the one who gave me this scar." She said exposing a little of her chest.
"Well I'm glad I killed him then!" Emma said a little viciously.
Ryan nodded but continued. "Lord Potter...Harry, I have more bad news. We have just received word via an odd looking but very tired House Elf. There have been more attacks. It seems that your friend Neville grandmother was killed in an attack and I am sorry to say that your own aunt and uncle have been killed as well. I am so sorry for you loss." Ryan was surprised by the response he got from the young Lord.
"Madam Longbottom! Oh Shit! We need to get back home quickly. Ryan, what about my cousin?" he asked. Seeing the look on the Senior Aurors face he felt a little explanation was in order.
"I was not on very good terms with my mother's sister and her Husband." He almost spat the last phrase. "I'm sad there dead, but I will not grieve over them when more deserving souls demand my attention." He said as he glanced at Emma. As he spoke something tickled his memory. "House elf you say brought this message?"
"Yes, a most enthusiastic one at that. He was exhausted when he arrived, he had 'popped' himself all the way over from England in four stages. He told us that your cousin was not at the property when the attack took place and is well. As for the elf, we are treating him at the moment, but he will be fine.."
"Dobby!" Harry smiled.
With a small pop the elf appeared in front of Harry. He was staggering, obviously exhausted.
"Master Harry, Dobby is sorry, this was Dobby's fault!" he moaned. Harry knelt down to the elf and gently held his chin, lifting his face so he could look into the eyes of the distraught creature.
"Dobby how is this your fault?" he asked. As he spoke he was pouring some of his magic into the elf who was now looking a lot better and stronger.
"Well, not all of this but Dobby let Master Lovegood leave to go to his house. Dobby should of stopped him." He wailed.
"Dobby, Xeno was an adult Wizard. Did you warn him about leaving?" Harry asked. Dobby nodded. "Well then, he wasn't a prisoner in my house, he could come and go as he pleased. He knew the risks but chose to go anyway. You cannot be held responsible for the events that happened. Now are you feeling better?" he asked, as Dobby nodded Harry clasped him on the shoulder. "Good, you're a good elf Dobby, I'm happy to have you as part of my family. Thank you for bringing the news, even if it wasn't good news." He stood to face Ryan.
"Ryan, thank you for your hospitality and help. We have to go now, but when this is all over, let me buy you a drink or to. You have a lovely country and I would like to spend more time here." They clasped hands and Harry moved to Hermione. They both held Emma's hand and Harry took Dobby's with his free one. Before they left Harry waved his wand and in a quite empty room, Dan Granger left Australia for his last journey home. Harry nodded at Ryan and without a sound all four of them vanished. Ryan looked at the spot they had occupied for a little while before shaking his head and leaving the room.
I.Y. I.Y. I.Y.
Lord Voldemort was pleased with the way most of his plans had turned out. The only fly in the ointment was the disaster that happened in Australia. He looked at the almost alive remains of the Deatheater that had accompanied Dolohov to capture the Mudbloods parents. Both Deatheaters had paid the ultimate price for failure although many would say that Dolohov's fate was the kinder. All that in mind, Voldemort was certain that the blow that he had delivered to Potter and his band of do-gooders would be enough to send the boy into despair. Soon very soon Voldemort would kill the boy and the whole world would worship at his feet.
"Bella! Where are you?" he yelled. Bellatrix appeared within seconds of his call.
"Yes my Lord?" she asked, from her kneeling position.
"We need to increase our numbers. Send Greyback to bring the Werewolves and send an envoy to the Giants. Promise them Scotland if they come."
"Yes my Lord" Bella crooned as she left.
"Soon my pet! Soon!" he said as he petted his snake.
I.Y. I.Y. I.Y.
"Molly! Calm down!" Arthur shouted as he tried to calm the house down. Dobby had vanished as soon as the news about Neville and the Dursleys had been announced and Luna was refusing to leave her father. Poppy had resorted to giving her a calming draught and had left to prepare Xeno's body for burial. The twins had arrived along with Charlie and they were sat with Ginny who still had her arms around a distraught Neville. Molly had become distressed by the continued absence of Harry and Hermione and had started panicking.
"They will be back as soon as they can. We need to be calm about these attacks." He told his wife more gently as she sobbed against his chest.
"Oh Arthur, this is horrible, first Xeno, then Augusta and Mr Granger. Even the sodding Dursleys didn't deserve to die. When will it end?" she asked.
"Soon Molly, soon." Came a voice from the doorway. Everyone turned to see Harry and Hermione stood with Emma and Dobby. Harry was looking annoyed and sad but resolute.
"Everyone, I know this has been a bad day, Neville mate... You cannot know how sorry I am about your Gran. But Voldemort tried this to break us, he tried this to demoralise us, to make us easier targets. Well I say 'NO'. We bring anyone and everyone who is important to us here and then we go kill the bastard! He thought he could stop us, he is obviously worried about us, well let's give him something to worry about!" he said in a proud voice.
"Neville, you are like the brother I never had, Ginny you are my sister is all but blood. Molly and Arthur you are the parents I never had, and your boys are my brothers as well. Luna you are like my sister and daughter all rolled into one. I am proud of you all, I am proud to call you friends. This setback will not stop us; it will not make us weak. It makes us stronger and by Merlin we will win this war."
Neville stood and clasped Harry arm and was quickly followed by Arthur and the boys. Molly pulled him into a hug and then hugged Hermione and Emma.
After a little while Harry stood and spoke to Dobby. "Dobby, do you know where my cousin is?" he asked. Dobby nodded. "Can you take me to him?" he asked the elf. Dobby nodded once more.
"Do you want me to come?" Hermione asked him.
"Nah, stay with you mum, she needs you at the moment. We need to arrange to bury Dan and Xeno soon. Where do you want to put him love?" he asked her in a gentle voice. Hermione looked at her mother and shrugged. After a quick conversation Hermione turned back to her husband.
"Since I became a witch neither myself nor my parents are particularly religious, so in the small graveyard here will be fine. It's a beautiful location and Dad would of liked it here." She told him. Harry nodded and turned to Luna.
"Luna?" he asked. Luna looked at him with sad eyes and immediately said.
"With my Mother - at home. She's in the back garden and he would want to be with her."
Harry nodded and called for Winky.
"Winky can you go to the Lovegood's house and make sure that any traps and jinxes are removed from the property. Then can you prepare a grave for Xeno. We will put him next to his wife in a little while." Winky nodded solemnly and popped away.
"Won't be long." He said and Dobby took his hand and he vanished.
I.Y. I.Y. I.Y.
They arrived at the house that Diggle had been using to a scene of chaos. People were milling about looking lost. On the floor four bodies lay, Petunia and Vernon Dursley were in one corner, Diggle was in the middle of the courtyard and in a doorway was the body of Hestia Jones. Sat next to the Dursley was Dudley who was accompanied by a pretty looking witch who was trying to comfort him. He looked up as Harry arrived and started to get red in the face before the witch spoke to him and he just looked lost again. Harry walked over the one of the witches who was covering Hestia with a blanket.
"What happened here?" he asked. The witch jumped as he spoke and her eyebrows rose as she recognised 'The Boy who Lived'. "Diggle killed 'em before he topped 'imself. His eyes were all funny like he was under a badly cast Imperious. We are going to bury them here and then scarper. Death eaters may be around soon." She said in a strong accent. Harry nodded to here and slowly walked over to his cousin. As he got closer the witch looked up at him and smiled slightly. Harry recognised her with a start as Lisa Turpin, a Ravenclaw from his year.
"Lisa" he said in greeting.
"Harry, go easy on him, he's not the man he was." Was all she said and she stood to go walk over to her parents. Harry knelt down to Dursley who was holding his mother's hand.
"They would have blamed you for all this you know Harry." He said before Harry had chance to speak. "Dad hated you; always did, you know that, but I don't think Mum did, not at the end anyway, I think she felt guilty about the way that we treated you. They look so peaceful, like they are just asleep you know. Lisa said it would have been quick, that they didn't feel a thing."
"I need you to know Harry, that I don't blame you for this, nor do I hate you. You saved my life from those Dementor things and it made me think. Why would you do that after the way we treated you? I couldn't figure it out for months, years even, but Lisa told me what you have done in your world, how much rests on your shoulders if the rumours are to be believed. You are a good man Harry; I'm not a good man but I'm learning and Lisa is teaching me."
It was the longest speech he had ever heard his cousin give and the content amazed him.
"Dudley, you may be a better man that you think. We need to get you out of here, bad people may be coming."
"I'm not going anywhere without Lisa." Dudley stated.
"Dud, that may not be possible..." Harry began
"No Lisa then no me. We just agreed to get married and I am not leaving my fiancé!" he stated gruffly. Harry raised his eyebrows in surprise at the news, but he wasn't quite as surprised as Lisa's parents who were stood a little way away listening to the conversation. Lisa blushed but looked proudly at her man and then at her parents.
"Is this true?" Mr Turpin asked his daughter.
"Yes Dad, Dud asked me just before all this happened. He is a good man and I love him, muggle or not." The Turpin's were muggles themselves with Lisa been the first magical child to be born in there family, so this was not a major issue as it would have been for some of the other families. Harry looked over at the Turpin's.
"Do you have anywhere to go that's safe?" he asked. George Turpin shook his head.
"Our house was destroyed six months ago by Death Eaters; we have been here ever since. Lisa is a target been a muggleborn and it seems so are we."
"You can come to my cottage, there will be room there. My wife is muggleborn and I can understand your situation. As my cousin and your daughter seem not to want to be parted and I can almost guarantee your safety, this seems to be the best solution." Harry said after a moment's thought.
The Turpin's quickly discussed the situation and agreed. "Good, Lisa go help your parents pack please." Harry asked them and they quickly left to do so.
"Dud, what do you want to do with your Mum and Dad?" he asked.
Dudley thought for a second and then asked for them to be buried in the grounds of the house they were in temporally. "When all this is over, we can bury them properly."
Harry nodded and quickly conjured up two stout wooden coffins. He levitated the bodies into them and they buried them in the garden of the house. He marked the graves with a simple wooden cross and carved their names on them. Dudley stood for a few moments with his head bowed before turning and seeing his fiancé stood waiting for him walked away from them to face a new future.
Chapter Twenty Four – Saying Goodbye is the hardest thing to do!
The next few days were some of the hardest Harry had to endure, in some ways they were even harder than when he had lost Sirius. The day after the events that caused such sadness and tragedy was the funeral of Xeno Lovegood. This was held at the odd looking house that the Lovegood's lived in. Even though the house was quite small, it was on a large plot of land, and towards the centre of the plot was a beautiful looking cottage garden. Within this was the grave of Luna's mother, and it was here that Luna wanted her father to lie. Her mother was in small plot, with an ornate grave maker. Her plot would always be surrounded by flowers when summer came around. The plot next to her mother was where she wanted her father to go. It was a simple service performed by the local vicar, an old friend of the Lovegood's who whilst not a wizard was aware of the magical world due him been a squib. The gathering was small and consisted of the Weasleys and Fleur, Professor McGonagall and Professor Flitwick were there to represent Hogwarts along with Hagrid who had an odd looking set of bagpipes in his arms. Towards the back of the group was the odd figure of Griphook and Silverfang, both there to pass on their respects and also to tell Harry that Ragnok needed to see him as soon as it was possible. Stood next to them were Remus and a very heavily pregnant Tonks. Stood by the side of Harry, Hermione and her mother was Neville and Ginny, his arms around the crying girl.
Neville had changed in the past few days, gone was the happy young man and in his place stood a hardened war veteran, despite all this something good had come out of the situation. He was just about holding himself together and was sad that this was an event that he would be unable to have for his grandmother.
Flashback
As soon as he had heard about the attack on his ancestral home he and Harry had apparated to his house when Harry got back from picking up his cousin. Both were shocked by what they saw, there was nothing left above ground; the entire house had been razed to the ground leaving nothing more than a smoking ruin. They searched for the body of his Grandmother but found nothing; it seemed that the heat had been so intense that nothing earthly was left off Augusta Longbottom. Neville stood on the scorched earth where the house once stood and despite the heat wept for the loss of the only mother figure he had ever known. Harry had stood back and looked out over the ruins with tear stained eyes. With a sudden pop Ginny was at Neville's side and drew him into a deep embrace where he collapsed to his knees, taking the young redhead with him.
She held him saying soft words to him as he wept. Finally he stood and with a wave of his wand conjured a single red rose.
"Gran, I know we didn't always get on.." he began in a faltering voice, "...you were occasionally a harsh mother to me, but despite that you were a good mother. I never told you enough how much you meant to me; how much I loved you...but I did. You were there for me when I fell as a child; you were there to pick me back up again. You were there to tell me I was been a prat and you were always there when I went to visit my parents. I know how hard it was for you to see your son in that state, and I promise I will never abandon them. I will dedicate my life to finding a cure for them and someday they will know of the sacrifice you made." At this point he pulled Ginny towards him. "Gran...mum this is Ginny; she means a lot to me and I know you never really knew her but one day if she will have me she will be the next Lady Longbottom." Ginny gasped and her hand flew to her face as she heard his words. Harry smiled and blinked away the tears that had formed in his eyes. Neville continued his conversation; "She is pretty and strong and she will always tell me when I am been a prat...just like you. I love her but have only just realised how much she means to me. You would have liked her. I have to go now, but I will avenge you and with my friend Harry we will make this world a safer place for our children." He broke off and gently kissed Ginny on the lips who by now was a blubbering mess. He wiped away her tears and gently held her hand.
"Ginny Molly Weasley, I know this is not the most romantic place but it feels right to do this here with my family watching. This is my home and I will rebuild it, it looks liked nothing is left but there are underground cellars that are fireproofed and a lot of what my family owns is in them. I not Lord Longbottom yet, at the moment my father is still and nothing would make me more happy than for him to take up the lordship and I would help him rebuild our home. However that may not happen and if after a year and a day after my seventeenth his is still ill the title will pass to me and I will need a partner to help me rebuild and I can think of no one more suitable for the task that you. You captured my heart when I first met you and I have loved you from afar for years. You are strong, vivacious and a beautiful young woman. I know this is sudden but my heart is telling me that this is right and that you feel the same about me." Ginny nodded vigorously at this.
"Ginevra know we have only just got together and it's too quick for an engagement but I know how I feel about you, I have for years. One day in the future will you do me the honour of one day becoming my wife and partner in all things?"
By now the tears were rolling down both of their faces but despite this Ginny managed to nod her head and stutter a few words.
"Neville, yes!" she said as she kissed him for all she was worth. Neville broke apart and reached into his pocket, pulling out a small box.
"Now this is not an engagement ring but a promise ring, it's been in our family for years and I want you to have it along with my promise that when all this is over and if we are still together that I will ask you to marry me."
Ginny squealed and allowed Neville to gently place the ring on her finger. She looked down and saw a thing gold band with two rubies set into it. With tears in her eyes she flung herself into his arms forcing them to the floor.
Eventually the two of them managed to stand and Harry walked over to the pair and embraced them both.
"Thanks Harry...brother!" Neville said. As they walked away, Neville conjured up a large memorial stone with Augusta's name on it. It simply said on it under her name
"The strongest of woman, but the kindest in heart. We will never forget."
With a final look and with Neville whispering to himself that he would be back; they apparated away back to Potter cottage.
End Flashback
Neville stood in the small group that surrounded the graveside in the Lovegood garden and thought back to the day he had made his promise to Ginny. They had decided to keep the news quite at least until after all the funerals that they had to attend, but it gave him enormous strength to know that this beautiful woman in his arms was hopefully to be his and he hers.
The vicar finished his service and stood to one side for Luna to walk forward. Despite the pale sunshine that bathed the garden in a soft golden light, Luna looked very pale, more so that the small vampire usually did. She was a sad figure; stood alone and small in the large garden. Despite her beauty she looked drawn and much older than her immortal years would suggest. In her hand she held a single white rose that she gently placed on the lid of the wooden coffin.
"Goodbye Daddy, I love you and always will. Look after Mummy for me will you and give me the strength to do what I must do to help Harry to save the world. I will miss you..." she cried the last as tears fell on the lid with a soft splash. She looked over to Harry and nodded her head.
Harry nodded back and waved his wand, causing the coffin to slowly sink into the ground. Luna moved back and was embraced by Hermione who held her close to her. In the air music could be heard as the sounds of 'Amazing Grace' was heard played on a lone pipe by Hagrid. As soon as the coffin was in the ground the earth above it moved back and grass began to grow along with beautiful wild flowers. A white gravestone stood over the plot complete with his name engraved in golden letters. Below that were the words
"Death is not then end but just the beginning of the next great journey."
Luna stood for a long while looking at the two graves before she turned away from them. She had a determined look on her face and her fangs had appeared.
"They will pay for this, I swear they will." She growled, her eyes flashing before they turned watery once more. She stumbled and Hermione ran forward and caught the small vampire and held her in an embrace as she cried. One by one the small group apparated back to the cottage leaving just Harry, Hermione and Luna; still held in the older woman's arms.
"Luna, I swear to you that I will not rest until those that did this are brought to the ultimate justice. Goyle will pay for this, as will all the others." Harry told her in a quiet voice.
"Thank you Harry, you are a good man. We had better get back for the next service." Luna said. At this Hermione took a deep intake of air. This was the bit she had been dreading. She had to say her last goodbyes to her father.
"Come on then, let's get this over with. My mother will need me as much as I need her for this bit." She said in a sad voice.
"Bye Daddy, Bye Mummy." Luna whispered.
With a soft 'pop' the three vanished leaving the two graves in the weak but golden sunlight.
I.Y. I.Y. I.Y.
Voldemort was asleep, this in itself was a rarity these days but not only was he asleep; he was dreaming a rare type of dream. This was a dream of the future and it was a true dream.
It was the far future, at least a few hundred years from now. The Wizarding world was dead, the last wizard to be killed was Harry Potter; slain by beheading moments after his wife was murdered. As soon as she was dead, Harry had known he was dead anyway, the bond between them not allowing anything else. Voldemort knew that in the years that followed the death of the last of the wizards, the whole planet was doomed. The human population were all slaves or food for the army of the evil ones. The only form of life allowed any freedom were the children of the original physic Vampire. The creature that was Ron, but now was only known as 'god' and he ruled the entire planet. The humans were his slaves as well as his food source, they were little more than cattle. He kept a few of the more intelligent ones to work on his grand plan. They were building ships of space, ships capable of interstellar flight. The being know as 'god' wanted to conquer the entire universe.
The dream shifted to thousands of years into the future.
Voldemort screamed in fear as he saw the last of the humans die and the planet that birthed him explode into a fiery ball. The vampires now ruled the known universe, subjecting all races that they encountered and using them as food. Nothing was allowed to live as they consumed the galaxy. Ron ruled as galactic ruler but now there was a problem, they had run out of races to eat and the countless hoards had turned on each other. Soon as Voldemort watched all life, even those evil ones burnt out. Ron was the last ever living creature alive, dying in pain and fear as the last glimmer of life was snuffed out. The cosmos was empty and silent. Nothing moved nor would it ever again.
Voldemort woke with a scream, tears of blood running down his face. In a rare moment of clarity he realised that this future could not – must not come to pass. Even in his darkest moments, Voldemort did not want to destroy the entire planet; never mind the universe. Life was good and although he wanted to rule, he needed people to rule over. He knew that if he survived his battle with Potter then he would have to stop the evil one. But he also realised that if he lost and was destroyed then Potter was the last hope for the peoples of the universe. He was in an unusual position of needing Potter to be an ally in this. He took out a quill and began to write.
I.Y. I.Y. I.Y.
Hermione Potter stood with her mother as they watched her father's coffin been gently lowered into the ground. They had dispensed with a religious ceremony in favour of a small family gathering to witness Dan been laid to rest in the beautiful small graveyard in the gardens of the cottage. Her lay a number of Potters and Hermione was honoured that Harry had allowed her father to lay with them. Emma was holding onto her immortal daughter with a strength that belied her small frame. She was watching the only man she had ever loved...the only man she would ever love been placed into the cold dark ground. The fact that Dan's killer was already dead was off little comfort as the coffin gently hit its final resting place. With a loud keening noise, Emma fell to her knees as she watched the earth been magically placed on top the wooded lid. As she fell to her knees she had pulled Hermione down with her. Harry was stood behind the pair with hands on each woman's shoulders as he tried in vain to offer some small measure of comfort. Hermione was starring at the scene in front of her with tears streaming down her face but with an intense look of almost fiery concentration on her face. Her magic was warping and wrapping around the pair of them causing the wind around them to blow and whip into their faces. As she stared at the scene actual flames were flickering around her body, caressing both her and her mother in a gentle dance. The air around the trio positively crackled with raw magic.
"Easy love." Harry whispered into his distraught wife's ear. Hermione slowly nodded and some of the magic bled away, but still the air reeked of ozone. When the earth was finally all back in place Harry conjured a shining white marble headstone with the words:-
Daniel Philip Granger
Born 4th June 1961
Died in battle 27th January 1998
Husband, Father, Hero
Emma managed to stand and with her daughter slowly walked over to the grave. She gently laid a white lily on the ground and rested her hand on the stone.
"G-g-g-goodbye my love, look over us and I will be with you eventually." She staggered back and into Harry's arms as Hermione said her goodbyes.
Hermione kissed her hand and placed it gently on the cool marble headstone. She had said most of her goodbyes whilst in Australia and felt that nothing was left to say.
"Goodbye Daddy." She whispered and with a final kiss of the stone she took her mother's hand and the two women walked slowly back to the small group stood watching the proceedings. Molly was crying, been comforted by her husband as yet another family suffered for the crimes of Voldemort.
Stood at the back of the group were Dudley and Lisa, Dudley was aware that he was not all that welcome in the group; he had apologised to Harry repeatedly for all the mistakes he had made in his short life and it seemed that Harry had accepted those apologies. The same could not be said for his friends, especially the young woman stood at Harry's side. The fact that she was his wife now confused Dudley; how could Harry be married so young? But it appeared to be true and this was just another topic of conversation that Dudley wished he could discuss for in the future. That was if Hermione didn't kill him first and judging by the glares she had been sending his way that was a distinct possibility. Hermione scared Dudley and the scene he had just witnessed scared him even more. He felt Lisa's hand tighten in his and he looked down at her to see her sadly smiling back at him.
"Don't worry, you're not that man anymore and she will eventually see that." Lisa whispered to him.
"Thanks, but I have a lot that need forgiving and I'm not sure if the tables were turned whether I would be able to forgive some of the things I've done over the years."
"Oh Dudley, the fact that you think that tells me that you are really sorry and both Harry and Hermione will eventually see that. How are you holding up with the loss of your parents?" she asked
"Okay I guess. I can see that Mum and Dad were not all that nicer a people especially to Harry but they were still my parents and I miss them. Now all I have left is Aunt Marge and she REALLY isn't a nice person." He said quietly.
"You have me." Lisa said, squeezing his hand.
"Yes, and I'm not sure how I would cope without you, you have been brilliant for me." Dudley said. "You made me realise that magic or not; we are all just people in the end and that is all that matters."
Unseen by the pair as they were so engrossed in their conversation they had missed the fact the Harry and Hermione had walked up to them. The ceremony had finished and the crowd were dispersing back to the cottage. Each little group in silent reflection as they walked back. Molly had taken her new friend Emma back to the house and both were trying to comfort each other; Molly for Emma's loss and Emma for Molly's loss of two of her sons.
Harry had heard most of Dudley's conversation as had Hermione. Hermione was in a bit of a quandary about Dudley. Initially she had wanted to hate and hex him to within an inch of his life for all the hurt he had caused her Harry. Especially on top of the hurt she was feeling herself for the loss of her father; she felt she just didn't have the time or the spare emotional feelings to feel for the large boy. However as she had listened and after she had spoken to Harry she began to see a new side of Dudley, and with Lisa's help maybe...just maybe this boy may grow into a man.
Dudley suddenly became aware that Harry was stood in front of him and looked up with a start. He flinched when he saw Hermione starring at him and this startled Hermione. She realised that Dudley was scared of her and this saddened her. She didn't want to be that scary and she hated the fact that this war and all that it entailed had made her into a figure that could scare a young man so much.
"H-H-Harry, I didn't see you there. Hermione I know that you hate me, but please let me say how sorry we...I... we.. are for your loss." Dudley stuttered as he looked at Hermione.
Hermione sighed and looked at first Lisa and then her cousin-in-law with sad eyes.
"Dudley, I don't hate you...I hated what you did to my Harry and it will take time but I can see a good man in you. Thank you for your condolences." And she leant over and briefly and gently kissed he cheek. Dudley looked startled and raised his hand to his cheek where her lips had touched him.
"Thank you Hermione, when all this is over I would like to get to know the real Harry and his wife, if that would be allowed."
Hermione nodded and after taking Harry's hand the couple slowly made their way back to the cottage followed a few seconds later by Lisa and Dudley.
I.Y. I.Y. I.Y.
It was late in the evening and the cottage was silent as people were sleeping, or at least attempting to. In the master bedroom Hermione lay in her husband's arms, her eyes were red with tiredness and crying. The evening had been tough on everyone as everyone in the cottage had recently lost someone close to them. The Weasleys were still mourning for the loss of Percy, who they also buried that day as well as the loss of the young Ron all those years ago. Molly had taken the loss of her two sons very badly and had to be given a calming potion at some point in the evening. Luna was trying to put on a brave face, as she tucked into her chocolate and blood cake supper but anyone who knew her could see that she was suffering. Despite not been tired; Vampires it seemed didn't need that much sleep; she was still in bed. In fact she was sharing a bed with Emma who could not bear to be alone. Emma had spent most of the evening in the company of her daughter and son-in-law reminiscing about the good times that the Granger family had had. This had helped a little but when it came to bedtime, Emma just couldn't go alone; so the young vampire offered to go with her. This offer was eagerly taken up, although Emma did admit to herself to been a little afraid of the vampire, until Hermione had quietly explained to her mother the circumstances regarding Luna.
Before going to bed Harry had arranged to go to Hogwarts to meet with Neville and Ginny. Both had flooed back to Hogwarts earlier in the evening but both were keen to discuss the information that the couple had found whilst Harry and Hermione had been in Cornwall. With everything that had happened this information had not been spoken about and all felt that it was important to get back to the fight with Voldemort. Harry had also sent word that he would be visiting Gringotts the following day for his meeting with Ragnok.
#Harry?# Hermione thought to him using their mind link
#Yes love?# Harry replied back
#Don't let me cry anymore, it hurts to much.# She asked, the pain evident in her thoughts.
Harry tightened his hold on the young woman with him and started to gently stroke her hair. As he did so he could tell by the relaxing of her grip that it was having the desired effect and soon she was asleep. Only then did he stop and allow himself to follow her into the land of dreams. Before he did, he used their bond to enter her dreams and to make sure that she had good dreams during the night.
I.Y. I.Y. I.Y.
The following morning Harry, Luna and Hermione arrived at Hogwarts to meet with Ginny and Neville. Hermione was a little better today, especially after her good night's sleep as well as the knowledge that Molly and Emma were spending the day together. The two mothers had started to form a close friendship despite the differences in there upbringing. They had decided to drown there sorrows by going shopping, but in the muggle world as the magical word was not safe. Winky was to go with them, under a strong disillusionment charm in order to protect them. Hermione had given her mother her credit card and instructions to 'treat herself'. The two had left both nervous but aware that the alternative was moping around the cottage and Emma especially knew that Dan would have not wanted that and also that it couldn't be good for baby Daniel. Hermione had watched the pair depart with a little hope in her heart that her mother would be okay...eventually.
With a soft 'pop' the three arrived in the entrance hallway for the school and began to walk to the Great Hall. Entering the hall caused most of the usual conversation to dim as the school observed the trio walk in. After a few seconds all conversation stopped and one by one the entire body of students stood and removed their hats and bowed their heads in respect. The trio stood in the centre of the hall in a stunned silence as the whole school paid their respects to the fallen. Finally Minerva McGonagall walked over to the trio and with an uncharacteristic show of emotion took both Hermione and Luna in her arms. This seemed to be the signal the student body was waiting for and slowly they retook their seats and breakfast resumed.
"Luna, Hermione I am so sorry for you losses. I know it's hard now but as the time passes the hurt fades and your left with the happy memories of the people you have lost." She said. The two girls hugged her back before break away. There was a swirl of magic and stood before them was Cassie. From the Hufflepuff table Charlotte also walked over to the trio and both young girls embraced them.
"I'm so sorry Mummy and Auntie Luna." Cassie mumbled from her embrace and this sentiment was echoed by Charlotte. Seeing Harry stood alone, Charlotte let go of Hermione and Luna and walked over to him. Standing on her tiptoes she reached up and kissed him briefly on the lips; surprising Harry by the sudden kiss. He chocked a little and a Hermione looked up with a smile.
"Oi you, what have I told you about kissing my Husband."
"You mean OUR husband!" Charlotte replied with a cheeky grin.
"Minx!" Hermione laughed, making everyone smile. This had been Charlotte's plan all along and she was pleased that it worked. She was also pleased that she had kissed Harry once more if she was honest with herself.
"Well yes, that's all fine. Harry, Hermione, and Luna we have set aside a classroom for you meeting with young Miss Weasley and Master Longbottom. Is there anyone else you would like to attend with you?" the headmistress asked.
"Thank you Minerva, if Cassie could attend and perhaps yourself that would be good." Harry told her.
Cassie nodded and Minerva also said that she could attend. Charlotte pouted at Harry.
"Sorry 'Lottie but you have lessons to attend." Harry said with a grin.
"Bugger...sorry Headmistress... okay then Husband." She said before running back to the Hufflepuff table dodging Hermione along the way, her hair streaming behind her and laughing as she ran.
Everyone grinned before their faces turned serious once more. Cassie looked at the trio in front of her.
"Neville and Ginny are already waiting for us; Neville didn't want to be at breakfast with everyone else this morning, so I allowed them some food in the classroom. There should be plenty left if you would like to follow me." She told them and with that the small group followed the living embodiment of the magical school to the classroom and some possible answers.