Chapter 15
"Normal Speech"
Thoughts
'Mental Conversations'
Outside Gringotts-
Lucius Malfoy was having a terrible morning. He received an owl from those pitiful goblins about his marriage contract. Damn that bastard! he thought. Sirius Black has become a thorn in his side. It was because of him that his marriage was no longer and half of his gold was gone from his vaults. It did not help that the truth about who the Potter's secret keeper come to life, which will clear Black's name in the near future; and to top his morning off, that bastard little half breed was spouting more lies about that damn muggle. It would seem I have some planning to do. Perhaps I should see if Crabbe and Goyle would be willing to help. As Lucius was walking down the steps he heard, "Aurors! Halt and show us your hands!" Lucius looked around and saw that he was surrounded, and in front of him stood Amelia Bones, head of the DMLE. "What is the meaning of this!" he barked out.
"Lucius Malfoy, I have a warrant for your arrest. Do not resist, we have been authorized to bring you in and will use force if necessary." Shouted Amelia with a grin on her face. She was finally able to put this bastard away for a long time.
"How dare you! Do you know who I am? I have will your job and head for this woman! Just you wait till the Minister finds out about this." He spat back. He thought about going for his wand, but he just needed to wait for the right moment.
Amelia laughed at this and replied, "Who do you think signed the warrant death eater?"
"Why you stupid blood traitor!" he said as he went to pull the wand from his cane. He managed to lift the cane before he was hit with a single cutting spell that cut off the hand trying to draw his wand. "YOU STUPID BITCH! I'LL FUCKING KILL YOU! I WILL END YOUR FUCKING LINE."
Amelia then sent a stunner at him that hit him with so much power that it threw him into one of the pillars. "Perhaps I should have told you that anything you say or do will be used as evidence." Amelia personally put on the magical suppression cuffs on him and turned to the closest Auror and said, "Auror Kingsley, place him in the most secure holding cell we have." She turned to leave when she stopped and looked back and said, "Make sure it is warded to the teeth! No one, and I mean no one is to see him. I will handle his interrogation personally."
Inside Gringotts- (a/n this is happening at the same time Lucius is being arrested.)
Bill Weasley was having an interesting morning. He was all set start work on a new vault that has been abandoned when he received word that his brothers were waiting in his office. This can't be good he thought. As he was walking towards his office, a messenger had given him a summons to meet with the Director. Just as he reached his office door he saw his father walking towards him. "Dad? What are you doing here?"
"Would you mind if we went inside? I think it would be best if we sat while we spoke." Asked Arthur. Bill opened his office door and found the twins pacing back and forth.
The twin's heads shot towards the door when it started to open. They saw Bill walk in first, followed closely by their father. "What?" was all they could ask.
Arthur looked over to them and said, "Fred, George, what are you two doing here? You're both supposed to be at home? And will only one of you speak at a time. I have already had trying morning and do not think I could give either of you the proper attention." Arthur took a seat and motioned for everyone to follow. "I have just come from the DMLE. Madame Bones' office to be more precise."
Bill handed his father a glass of fire whiskey before saying, "I take it has to do with the articles in the Prophet this morning and our mother." Bill took a swig from his glass of whiskey before adding, "and whatever else she has planned."
"How do you know? Wait, before you answer me Bill, I need to know why Fred and George are here." Arthur looked over to the twins and said, "One of you tell me what happened once I left the house this morning."
Fred and George looked at each other to figure out who would speak. Fred gave George a mock bow motioned for him to do the honors. "After you left Ron went on saying that Hermione was his and how we would make that bastard half-blood suffer. That he would make them both suffer."
Fred picked up the story by adding, "We silenced him and mum tried to order us to release him and told us that we were grounded till term starts. After you left dad, she had that look in her eyes that she was still planning to potion Harry and Hermione despite your warning."
Arthur wasn't surprised to hear this. He just shook his head and said, "Your mother never did listen to me. What of your sister?"
"We left her for now. Mum has been feeding her potions as well. We managed to get a few samples." Replied George.
"Why did you bring samples with you?" Arthur asked
"Those would be for me" replied Bill. "The Director has asked me to keep an eye on her, and have employed the twins to help. All that we learn, I pass on to him who then passes it directly to Harry. In fact, I have a meeting with the Director shortly. I will take the samples with me and ask that you wait here for me to return."
"You mean to tell me that you three knew that your mother was up to something and failed to tell me?" Arthur was becoming a little angry with his family. "How? How do you all know what is going?" Arthur was becoming redder and redder as he spoke. "You will tell me the truth this instant!"
"Dad, we heard mum and Ron talking one day in the kitchen about their plans. We sent an owl to Bill to find out what we should do." Replied Fred.
George continued the explanation by saying, "We came to Diagon Alley one day and ran into Harry here at Gringotts with Remus Lupin. We snuck outside and told him what mum was up to. He said he was working on a plan. He told us that when the time came that we would always be welcome by him and his family."
The red seemed to fade a little at this, but they could all tell that Arthur was still angry with them with he asked, "Why haven't you told me of any of this?"
"Dad, you have been working a lot of overtime lately and haven't been home much." The twins both replied. They saw their father's shoulders slump at this statement and George quickly added, "We know you are only doing it so we have food on the table and a roof over our heads. That you are doing the best you can to care for your family."
Bill stood up from his desk and walked over to his father and said, "I need to get going. You do not make the Leader of the Nation wait. Dad, I ask you not to do anything to mum just yet. We need to speak to Harry first, and need to figure out what to do with the twins. You know that they are more than welcome to stay in my flat, if they can stay out of trouble that is." He patted his father on the shoulder and left.
Arthur felt deflated and wondered if he let his family down. He made a vow to himself that from this day forward, he would always be there for his family. He looked to Fred first and then to George and said, "Let's wait for Bill to come back before we decide if you two will be returning to the Burrow. I would prefer you both at the Burrow. I know that I could at least trust you both to keep an eye on Ginny."
Tonks Family Home-
"It would appear that Amelia and Dora are currently unavailable. Don't worry Pup, I will tell them what we talk about today." Said Sirius as he was walking back into the living room. "Now, where were we?" he asked as he looked to Hermione and Harry. Hermione had finally stopped twitching, but her body was still sore. Harry lifted her hand to his mouth and kissed the back of her hand. Harry went into detail about everything that has happened between their vaults and while they were at Avalon, with Hermione throwing in a few details here and there. At the end of their speech, everyone sat there in silence.
"Well, that is certainly an interesting tale cub. Perhaps we should have something to lift our spirits." Said Remus.
Harry look at everyone and smiled as he called, "Dobby!"
"What can Dobby do for you Lord Harry Potter Sir?" he replied as he was basically jumping up and down at being called.
"First off Dobby, call me Harry, you don't have to call me Lord. Second, would you please bring us some tea, and perhaps some whisky as well."
Dobby bowed and replied, "Right away Master Harry Potter" before popping away. Harry sighed as he shook his head.
Dobby brought the tray back a few seconds later. Sirius poured himself and Minerva a glass of whisky before saying, "You never do anything by half's do you Pup?" Sirius looked over to Minerva and asked, "How did things go over at Hogwarts?"
Minerva had an almost feral grin on her face when she replied, "Oh just how we would expect it too. Albus burned the paper after he read the front page. Then when I kindly pointed out that he missed the part about Lord Black, I thought the man was going to have a heart attack right in the staff room."
"HA! I always knew you were a marauder at heart Min!" laughed Sirius.
"Well, I did have to keep up with you lot didn't I?" That made Sirius speechless.
"Not that I mind this topic, but would we be able to get back to our original topic?" asked Hermione "As grateful as we are for Andromeda's hospitality, I think we should also discuss where we should stay for the rest of the summer."
"We could always go back to the cottage" replied Remus.
"No, it's too small for all of us" replied Harry.
"What about one of the Black properties?" asked Sirius.
"Harry, don't even worry about politely shooting that idea down. Sirius, we all know that is too dangerous. Who knows what lovely little presents our relatives left us." Replied Narcissa.
"What about Potter Manor?" asked Remus.
"My first reaction is to say yes; it is large enough for all of us. However, Would Dumbles think to try to look for us there?" replied Harry. An awkward silence fell upon the room as everyone wracked their brains.
"I got it!" screamed Hermione, causing everyone to jump. "Sorry. What about the house that Lily and James left Narcissa in Surrey?"
"What house?" she asked. "And what will are you talking about?" she added.
"I guess we need to take a trip to Gringotts then." Replied Harry.
"We can get mum her wand!" exclaimed Hermione. "Ooo! We could go to the bookstore too!"
Harry gave a little chuckle and replied as he pulled her into his arms, "Of course sweetheart. Only if she is up to it that is."
Hermione looked over to her mother and tried to give her best impression of puppy dog eyes. "As long as Andy and Poppy give me the ok, I would be happy to go dear." Replied Emma was a warm smile on her face.
Hermione tried to jump off the bed and run to give her mother a hug but was held back by Harry. "Don't even think about it sweetheart. You still need to be checked out and cleared to go by those two as well." Hermione tried to turn her puppy dog eyes on Harry, causing him to add, "Sorry love, but I have no wish to go up against Poppy at this time. I would like to live to see my next birthday."
Everyone laughed at this but it was Poppy who responded, "Well, it would seem that marriage has actually taught you something." Harry tried to look like he was offended by this comment, but his shoulders were shaking too hard from the laughter he was trying to hold in.
"Well, it looks like we have a place to stay this summer, but what are you both going to do in the mean time?" asked Remus.
"I thought that was obvious Uncle Moony? We train." Replied Harry once he was able to stop laughing.
Poppy saw a window of opportunity and said, "Well, if you plan to head to Diagon Alley, I would suggest everyone but Hermione and Emma go get ready. This should only take us few minutes." Everyone started to get up and file out of the living room turned hospital ward when Emma said, "Narcissa, would you please stay with us. You have turned into a rock for me, and I would like you present. Hopefully we can find out the sex of the baby today. Since Andy and Hermione will already be here, it is only right that you stay as well."
On the surface Narcissa looked calm and collected, but her stomach was doing flips and her heart skipped a beat. "If your sure Emma, and as long as Hermione is ok with it, I would be happy to stay."
"Narcissa, you have done so much for my mother over the last few days. Of course I want you to stay." Replied Hermione. Harry climbed off the bed and gave Hermione a kiss before being ushered out of the room by not one but two healers. Apparently he wasn't moving fast enough for them since someone of them sent a stinger at his arse. "Ouch!" he yelped as he jumped into the hallway. The last thing he heard was all the women laughing as they closed the doors.
He quickly looked around to see if anyone else caught what just happened to him while rubbing his backside and noticed Draco heading towards the study. It's now or neverhe thought "Draco, can I talk to you for a moment?" Draco stopped and turned his head a gave a nod before heading into the study. Harry quickly followed. Harry walked in a shut the doors and said, "Look Draco, I need to apologize for how things went on the train during our first year. Ron was my first friend, or at least I thought he was. I never had any friends growing up. If someone tried to befriend me, my oversized cousin would beat them and terrorized them. I spent my entire childhood alone and thinking I was a freak. I didn't even know my name till I started school. What I'm trying to say is, you were right. Some wizarding families are better than others."
Draco slowly walked over to a chair near the fireplace, giving him a chance to think. "First off, I accept your apology. Second, I need to apologize for my own actions. I was a pompous, arrogant git. You see, I had to present myself like that. My father has spies everywhere. If he heard that I wasn't living up to his expectations, he would beat me. If he thought it wasn't enough, he would take it out on my mother. Last year, he told me that if I didn't shape up, he would kill her. The way I have acted was all a rouse. I was never that person. I needed to protect my mother and that was the only way I could. Father wasn't happy to find out that Mother was trying to undermine his teachings." Draco and Harry sat in silence for a moment before Draco asked, "What's next Potter?"
"Well, to be perfectly honest, I was very serious about what I said. We train. Before you ask, Hermione and I would like to invite you to train with us as well. I am hoping we can use that time to get to know each other a little better. Who knows, you may even be in for one of my many adventures."
Tonks living room- this is going on at the same time as Draco and Harry are speaking-
"Hermione, did you really have to fire that spell at him?" Emma asked.
"Yes mum, I believe I did. Someone needs to keep him in line." She replied with a grin on her face that went from one ear to the other.
She went to go get off the bed when she heard, "Just because they have left does not give you permission to try to get off that bed young lady." She looked up to see Poppy giving her the evil eye. "Do me one favor Hermione." Poppy said.
Hermione tilted her head a little to the side and replied, "And what would that be Poppy?"
This soften the expression on Poppy's face and she said, "Do not take your husbands place in my ward this year."
"I think I can manage that, but I make no promises." Hermione said with a small smile playing at her lips.
Poppy gave a heavy sigh, knowing that was the best answer she would ever receive from a Potter. "Well, I tried. Lay back dear and let's take a look at you." Hermione did as she was told, knowing better than to try and argue. "Mum, are you hoping for a boy or a girl?"
"I…" Emma was quickly cut off by Poppy saying, "Don't talk. Just lay there." Hermione quickly stopped speaking and tried to lay perfectly still and turned her head to look at her mother, willing her to speak.
Emma just chuckled and shook her head at Hermione's antics and said, "To answer your question hunny, I'm hoping for a boy." She gave Hermione a small smile and place a hand abdomen and felt Narcissa put a hand on her shoulder to offer her support.
Poppy was just about finished with her diagnostic charms and started with the hands on part of her exam. She first gently squeezed Hermione's ankles, and slowly made her way up to her neck. With each touch, Hermione flinched more and more. Poppy sighed, shook her head and said, "We both know that you SHOULD stay in bed for the rest of the day." Poppy quickly put her hand up, silencing any argument Hermione was getting ready to start, and continued, "You really need to let me finish. I swear, Potter is wearing off on you. Now, as I was saying, you SHOULD be in bed for the rest of the day. However, I think we both know that was never an option. Here is the deal I will make with you. I will give you 4 hours. You will get only 4 hours to do whatever you need to do. After that, you are to either come back here or to where ever you will be staying. Your time starts as soon as you get out of this bed. Before you leave, we will give you a pain relieving potion. If at any time you become incredibly painful, you are to return to where every you will be calling home. No if ands or buts. Do you understand?"
Hermione hung her head in defeat. "Yes Madame Pomfrey."
"Good. I don't have to worry since your mother and Narcissa will be accompanying you. And don't you worry dear, I WILL be having a word with your husband. He may not listen to my recommendations for himself, but I know he will listen when they pertain to you." Poppy made sure she had gotten her point across and turned to go to Emma.
"Emma, I just want to run a few tests to see how you are and then we can check on the baby. Tell me, how are you feeling?"
Poppy started waving her wand as Emma said, "I'm still a little sore, but it will be nice to go out for a little bit."
"Are you having any trouble walking?" Poppy asked as she was trying to finish up her exam.
"I'm a little slower than I use to be, but the cane does help. It also helps that I have a few shoulders to lean on when I need them." Emma replied as she looked at Narcissa and gave her a warm smile.
Poppy finished her exam quickly and said, "Before we finish checking on the baby, I want to tell you that I will be placing the same restrictions on you as your daughter. But, I won't be as strict with you as I was with her. I think we both know she can be rather stubborn."
"Hey! I object!" replied Hermione.
"Yes, my little humming bird has always been a little too stubborn for her own good" replied Emma as she was laughing.
"From all that I have seen, she has gotten it from her brave mother." Replied Narcissa.
Poppy moved to stand beside Emma's abdomen. "Are we ready?" Emma grabbed Narcissa's hand for added support. Despite Poppy's warnings, Hermione come over to sit next to her and grabbed her hand and gave it a little squeeze. Poppy decided to let this slide, and Hermione knew she was lucky. "Now, once I finish the spell, there will be a small flash of light and the color will either be blue or pink." Emma gave a nod of her head and started to pray. Everything happened exactly like Poppy said it would. As soon as she finished, the light flashed blue. There wasn't a dry eye in the house. Poppy took Emma's and Hermione's hand in hers and said, "Congratulation. It's a boy."
The Burrow-
Molly Weasley quietly made her way down stairs after checking on her only daughter. She used what happened as a distraction to slip her a small sleeping draught to ensure she didn't stumble upon anything she wasn't suppose too. When Molly reached the bottom landing she found Albus Dumbledore standing in her kitchen. "Where's Ronald?" she asked as she waked towards the kitchen table.
"I sent him out to your quidditch pitch; told him to start practicing for the house team. This way we can conduct our business without being interrupted." Albus walked towards the table and pulled out a chair to sit down. Albus made sure he projected his grandfatherly image and asked, "What do you plan to do about this mess?"
"My plans remain unchanged. Once that Potter brat has ingested the potions, he will call off his betrothal to that Mudblood bitch. That damn contract is just a little obstacle in our path. The Potter fortune will be ours soon enough." Replied Molly. She conjured some tea and added, "What about your plans? Do they still progress as planned?"
Albus took a lemon drop out of his pocket and popped it in his mouth before saying, "This is all but a small glitch. I tried to enact my plans too early. No matter, all will work out in the end. Now, we need to discuss how we will take out the filthy little mud blood. I was thinking we have someone try to kidnap her and possible her mother. If we cannot get to the girl, then we will use her mother. She was lucky the first time by not being in the house when I destroyed it. She won't be lucky the second time."
Chapter 16
"Normal Speech"
Thoughts
'Mental Conversations'
Tonks home-
"Maya, why don't you go and get ready to leave?" said Emma. "I'll try to convince our healers that this won't count towards your 4 hours." Hermione's eyes lit up at this prospect.
She turned to look at Poppy with hope burning brightly deep within her eyes. "The only way I will allow this is if you swear to listen to you mother. If you begin to feel weak, you will leave at once!" replied Poppy as she was pointing her finger at Hermione.
"I swear!" Hermione said as she jumped off the bed and ran out of the room. Poppy just shook her head at the effort Hermione used to run from the room. She turned back to Emma and said, "Just so you know, the only reason I agreed to this is because of her Phoenix. I need to be going. I get the feeling that you wanted to be alone for a moment. Andy, I need to speak to you about Severus for a brief moment." Andy quickly followed Poppy out of the room knowing that Emma wanted a moment alone with Narcissa.
Narcissa went to get up to follow, but was stopped when Emma grabbed her arm. "Cissy, look at me." Emma softly said. Narcissa turned and her gaze fell upon warm chocolate eyes that were staring back at her. "Cissy, I have some questions that need some answers. I need the truth. Did you mean what you said about helping me with my child?"
Narcissa could see some fear leak into Emma's eyes. Narcissa softened her gaze and took a seat on the bed. Grabbing her hands, she said, "Emma, I promised you that I would help and I plan on keeping my word." Emma let the tension out of her shoulders. "Em, I know you have more questions than that. You know I would never lie to you. What else do you want to know?"
"When Andy had me close my eyes and find my core earlier. I felt this pull. I think it was leading me to you. Is that what you felt when you said it was as if your magic recognized me? What does it mean?" Emma could see this was the one question Narcissa was not ready to answer yet.
Narcissa took a breath before replying, "Yes, I feel the same way. I want to answer you Em, but I am afraid you aren't ready to hear what I have to say." Emma saw tears start to form in Narcissa's eyes as she tried to get up and hide her face.
Emma quickly pulled her back and put her hand on the side of Cissy's face to turn it so that she would look at her. "Please Cissy, I need to know. I need to know that what I'm feeling isn't making me crazy. We said that we were once great friends. Please, what does it mean?"
In that moment, Narcissa felt her lose the battle that was waging between her head to her heart. A lone tear made it over the edge of her eye and started to run down her cheek. Emma used her thumb to wipe it away and she waited patiently for an answer. "There is no way I can talk you out of this line of questions is there?" she asked. Emma just shook her head from side to side. "Em, you already know that I have these feelings for you. That is why I am drawn to you. My magic is telling me that you are the person I was meant to love. The one person I am supposed to be with. You feel it because your magic is telling you the same thing." Narcissa felt Emma pull back a little at this and tried to drop her head so she didn't have to see the rejection on Emma's face.
Instead, she felt Emma try to guide her head up so that she could look into her eyes. "Cissy, look at me. Please." Emma waited for Narcissa to comply. When she realized that she wasn't going to, she went on to say, "Cissy, I have those feelings as well, but I need you to look at me." Narcissa lifted her head slightly, trying to urge Emma to go on. "I need you to know that I feel the same. Those feelings we both shared in France all those years ago never went away. But, with all that has happened, I am not ready to open my heart right now. It still grieves for the love of my life, for Daniel. Daniel was the only man I will ever love, besides the little one that is growing in me right now. That does not mean that I won't ever love again. It just means that I am not ready to at this moment." Emma looked deep into Narcissa's eyes and said, "I still want you in my life though. I feel this need to be with you. For now, the only thing I ask for is time." Emma saw a little look of hope cross back into Narcissa's eyes when she nodded her head to agree. They both knew she didn't trust herself to speak.
Before Narcissa stood to leave she decided to take a chance and follow her heart. She gently took Emma's face in both of her hands and started into her eyes. She searched them carefully. What she saw was the same thing she felt. At that moment, she knew what she had to do. She leaned in just as Emma was doing the same, never taking their eye off each other and they kissed. It was not one of passion, but it was unmistakably done out of whatever they both shared for each other. They both felt a jolt run through them as their magic met. When they pulled back from each other they both were in awe of the warm feeling running through their bodies. "Cissa, what just happened?" asked Emma.
"When we kissed, our magic reached out for each other. This warm fuzzy feeling we have is our bodies way of telling us that we are meant to be together." Narcissa paused for a brief moment to try and see Emma's reaction. "Emma, I want you, no I need you to know that I will not try to rush any of this. Any relationship that we have will be based whatever you want. I will not rush into anything. I care too much about you to push you away. I will never try to replace the love you had for Daniel, I swear."
Emma pulled away from her and turned herself so that she couldn't see Narcissa. She felt this great struggle going on deep within her. How is this possible? I shouldn't feel like this. Am I betraying the love I felt, still feel for Daniel?she thought. It was as if a heavy burden just settled on her shoulders and she started to be over powered with grief.
"Em, what is it?" asked Narcissa and she tried to reach for her shoulders but Emma pulled away. Narcissa hung her head a quietly asked, "Have I done something to upset you? If I have, that was not my intention." Emma heard Narcissa's pain that she was trying to disguise.
"Cissa, you have done nothing wrong. I feel the same way, but right now I just need some time to sort everything out. I still need you in my life. I can't seem to explain the feeling that I have, but I know I don't have too. I know you feel it too."
There was a knock at the door. What both of them didn't realize was that Hermione was listening at the door and heard everything. Not waiting for them to answer her knock, she walked into the room. "Mum, we are all getting ready to leave. Are you sure you still want to come with us?"
Emma turned to look at her daughter and replied, "Of course I want to go with you. What do you have their sweetie?"
"It's a letter from Madame Bones. She has asked us to meet her in her office right away." Hermione looked over to Narcissa and added, "She has asked for you and Draco to join us." Hermione purposely avoid going anywhere near the elephant in the room. "We plan on going to the ministry before heading to Diagon Alley. Mum, I should warn you that there will be a lot of reporters present when we arrive."
Emma saw the look of concern on her daughter's face and said, "I will need to go out eventually. We might as well get it over with. Besides, if anything goes wrong, I'm sure there are plenty of ways to get out of there quickly. I believe Madame Pomfrey said something about your Phoenix being able to assist us?"
Hermione smiled and replied, "Yes, Eilidah will be there with us. We plan for both of them to be invisible. We don't want to give that secret away just yet. But your right, I'm sure I am worrying over nothing."
Andy came walking in at that moment. "What are you worrying about Hermione?" she asked as she handed over a vial pain relieving potion to her and then to Emma. Andy saw that Hermione was about to say she didn't need it and said, "If you do not take that potion, I will not let you leave this house. And if you want to try and push you luck, I will send you directly to Poppy."
Hermione quickly downed the potion and made a face. "We will meet you in the study when you're ready. But please try to hurry, I believe they have only given us 4 hours, and I for one do not want to go against both healer's orders."
Ministry of Magic-
The atrium was filled with reporters ever since Lucius Malfoy was arrested. Thanks to all of them, the Aurors were all working overtime and stationed throughout. There was even a rumor that Madame Bones managed to get some of the Unspeakables hidden in the area since there was a possibility that Harry Potter was going to show up today. Just as all the reporters were getting ready to leave the heard, "Harry Potter!" All the photographers turned and made the atrium glow from all the flashes as Harry, Hermione, Emma, Narcissa, Draco, and Remus tried to walk to the elevators. The Aurors formed two lines and linked arms to make an alley and hold back the reporters. As the group got to the center of the atrium they saw Tonks waiting for them and said as they approached "Wotcha Kid."
"Hi Tonks. I take it you're going to escort us to Madame Bones office?" replied Harry.
Tonks smirked and said, "Something like that."
"Assistant Tonks." Tonks turned around and saw a 6-foot-tall man with bright blue robes on. "Auror Shackelbolt, what can I do for you?"
"I would suggest we get a move on. My team can't hold the reporters back much longer."
Tonks sighed at hearing this. "Then I suggest you lead the way." Tonks looked back to make sure everyone was following and saw Harry had a huge grin on his face causing her to say, "What?"
"Assistant?" Tonks blushed and she ended up turning her hair bright red. "I'll explain more when we get to the office."
They all managed to get up to Madame Bones off without any further incidents. Tonks knocked twice on the door before walking in without so much by your leave. "What the devil?" the red headed woman who was seated behind the desk said as her head snapped up. "Ah Tonks, it's you. You know that I never said you could enter without my permission." Amelia said with a smirk on her face.
"You shouldn't have promoted me then and allowed me to share your office for now." Tonks easily replied without missing a beat.
Harry gave a cough and said, "We have been given a time limit by two very demanding Healers and have a few things that we need to get done today." Harry helped Hermione into chair. Before he sat, he looked over to see if Emma needed any help, but saw that Narcissa and Draco had that covered.
"We should get to it then Lord Potter. I have asked you all here since it pertains to every single one of you in some way. This morning we arrested Lucius Malfoy." Amelia looked up when she heard something hit the floor and saw that Emma had dropped her cane was as white as snow.
Narcissa took Emma's hand and asked, "Where?"
If Amelia was stunned at this display, she did not show it when she responded. "On the steps outside of Gringotts. He was just leaving when we… shall we say confronted him."
"Ah, correct me if I am wrong Madame Bones. I take it that my husband did not come quietly."
"That would be partially correct Lady Malfoy, or should I be calling you Lady Black now? We found papers on him this morning about the dissolution of your marriage." Narcissa's jaw dropped at hearing this. She couldn't believe what she just heard. She made a mental note to talk to Sirius when she got home.
"When is my father's trial?" asked Draco, as he mustered behind his mask.
"It is set for the day after tomorrow." Replied Amelia as she looked around at everyone.
"Madame Bones, what aren't you telling us?" asked Harry as he took Hermione's hand. He already knew what she was going to say.
Amelia got up from behind the desk and started to pace around the room. She wished she did not have to do this. Amelia stopped at the corner of her desk and said, "The wizengamot is going to call Emma to testify." Amelia felt the air grow cold and thicken with tension. She quickly turned around to look at Harry and Hermione and said, "You know I would never ask this of you."
"Then why have you?" asked Hermione with a note of steel in her voice. This is exactly how she thought this was going to go. Amelia hung her head a little and replied, "The solicitor for the fiend has called for it and I have no grounds to fight him on it. They will also bring into question your heritage and want to know how a squib developed a magical core." Hermione went to stand but was pulled back down by Harry.
Hermione gave him a snarl and wrenched her hand away as she replied, "Don't." Hermione quickly stood and looked into Amelia's eyes and said, "Can't or won't? Do you honestly expect us to relive this whole ordeal? Is this all political to you Madame Bones? Are you using this as a platform to better yourself?"
Amelia was hurt by this accusation and Hermione knew it the moment the words were out of her mouth. Before she could reply, Emma said, "Hermione Jean Granger Potter! How dare you! I know we have raised you better than this!" Emma tried to stand but quickly hissed as a small pain shot though her leg.
"But…" Hermione stuttered.
Emma stood her ground and firmly said, "No young lady. This woman has done everything within her power to assist our family. Don't you dare try to spit in her face for this."
Hermione hung her head as she felt the shame course though her body and replied, "Madame Bones, I need to apologize for my outburst. You have been nothing but kind, helpful and loyal to my family. I let my anger get the better of me. I'm sorry." Hermione went and sat back beside Harry, but did not look at him.
Amelia moved to be in front of her and sat on the edge of her desk. "Lady Potter, we all say things we do not mean when we are angry. My family has always been loyal to the House of Potter. We are all Hufflepuff's after all." Amelia made no move to disguise the hurt in her voice. Harry knew she was only acting like this because of the potential pain this would cause and she truly just wanted to protect her family.
He in that moment that Hermione was building the very walls he was working so hard to rip down. Even though he knew her reasoning, he couldn't allow her to do this to not only someone who was bending over backwards for his family, but was also someone who hopefully would be a Godmother to him once she got back together with Sirius. "Madame Bones, on behalf of the House of Potter, please accept my most humble apology" he said. "Please we know you have done everything within your power to aide us and we do not question your motives." He shot Hermione a stern look before looking back to Amelia. "Please know that I will dispense my own will for the unjust done to you and your family." Harry stood from his chair and looked directly into Amelia's eyes. "You have my word as Head of the Potter family. Now, if there is nothing else, we must be heading to Diagon Alley for a few things."
Amelia knew that this young Lord would do exactly has he said he would. She knew that Hermione did not mean what she said, but it still felt as if someone drove a steak through her heart. "Lord Potter, I accept your apology, and trust your punishment won't be too harsh. People have a tendency to say things to quickly when they are angry and feel threatened." She paused before continuing without looking or even acknowledging Hermione, "I have one other request milord. I wish to assign a personal guard to you and yours. Someone I trust with my own life. There are people close by that would wish you and your family harm. Not only will this person act as your guard, but they will also act as a liaison between us."
Harry stood by his wife looking like the handsome young Lord that he was, but did not look at her; he was too displeased with her from her earlier actions. "And who Madame have you chosen for this personal guard?" He asked, slightly taken upset at the suggestion.
It was Amelia's turn to smirk at this. She knew that it was now or never. "My very own assistant. Nymphadora Tonks." Amelia saw the smile light up Harry's face when she saw this and thought to add, "She will head it. It is up to her to decided who else she would like to include in this task. While at school, there will be two of you to look after, and I am sure she could use the help with this enormous task."
"Madame Bones…" Hermione quietly tried to speak, but was quickly stopped by Harry with not only a look this time.
"Enough Hermione." Merlin he hated having to be so cold to Hermione right now, but he couldn't afford to let up in front of Amelia right now. "Madame Bones, I will gladly accept the added security. Despite what others may say, Hogwarts is not safe at this time. If that is all, we need to be going. We only have a few hours left before we must return home. We will send word as to where we are staying. You and your niece are invited for dinner this evening. I believe we have a few other matters that still need to be discussed."
"We would be delighted milord. If you need anything else, just send word." Replied Amelia. Harry gave a small bow and motioned for everyone to leave.
He saw Hermione wanting to wait for him and he thought, 'Go check on your mother.' Hermione was crestfallen when she heard this. She knew that what she did was wrong. But surely he would see that she only did what she had too to try to protect her mother and their family.
'But Harry…'
'Go. You know what you did was wrong. I stand by what I said earlier, we will discuss this matter later.'
'But…'
'Now!'
'As you wish milord'. Harry felt just a touch of anger come through the bond from her.
He waited for her to leave before turning back to Amelia and said, "Amelia, I truly am sorry for what Hermione said. I know that she regrets it, but that is no excuse." Harry himself was hurt by her actions. He hated the fact that she forced him to act like the Lord he is.
Amelia saw the pain that was written on his face and decided to try and comfort him by saying, "Harry, we both know why she said what she did. I would be lying if I said that I wasn't hurt by her words and actions. I have accepted your apology. I stand by what I said earlier as well, do not be too harsh with her."
'Lord Potter, we must be going.' He heard Hermione say.
Harry sighed, knowing that once they got back, the gloves would be coming off. Harry walked to the door and just before he left to join the rest of his group he said, "Amelia, thank you for all you have done for us. I will not forget it."
Diagon Alley-
Albus Dumbledore stood off to the side at the edge of a dark alley waiting for wizarding world's hero to show. He spies told him that he was leaving the Ministry and would be making several stops in the Alley today. He had to convince the brat to change the current path he was walking. He waited in silence and contemplated his plans. Depending how everything played out today, he may be traveling with a hostage. Only time would tell. He didn't have to wait very long. He looked across the street to make sure his minion was still in place.
Harry and Hermione walked at the front of their group with Tonks off to Hermione's right and Remus off to his left. In the middle was Emma who was still walking with a cane and the help of Narcissa. Draco was bringing up the rear. What the world did not see were the two phoenix's that were accompanying them. 'Hermione, you know that I am still angry with you for your earlier actions. However, we must present a united front.' Harry said as they were making their way to Ollivander's.
'I understand dear husband of mine.' She replied. 'I will be the dutiful wife you require.' Harry pushed is annoyance through the bond, forcing her to at least acknowledge it.
"Here we are." Said Harry as he turned to look at Emma. He gave her a dazzling smile and said, "Let's see about getting you a wand Emma. I promise you, this will be an experience all of its own."
Harry opened to door for them and helped Emma inside. The place had not changed. Ollivander still had boxes of wands stacked 20 deep in some places on selves that lined the shop. Everywhere you looked was covered in several layers of dust. Out of the back came a voice. "Welcome. I'll be out in a moment." As he was coming out of the store room he tripped over a bunch of boxes that were stacked in the hallway and stumbled to the front of the store. He looked up and his face lite up as if it was Christmas morning. "Harry Potter and Hermione Granger, to what do I owe the pleasure? I trust that nothing has happened to your wands?"
"All is well with our wands Mr. Ollivander. We are actually here to see about purchasing a wand for my mother." Replied Hermione. "Well to see which wand will chose my mother that is."
Harry helped Emma step forward and said, "Mr. Ollivander, may I present Mrs. Emma Granger."
Ollivander stood there with his mouth hanging open. "But…How? I thought you were a muggle madam."
Harry's face darkened at this comment and he forcefully replied, "Dowager Dagworth-Granger comes from a long line of squibs. How this has happened is none of your concern. If you do not have a wand for us, we will seek one elsewhere."
Hermione sensed the hostility and asked, 'What's wrong?'
'I do not trust him. I believe him to be Dumbledore's man.' Harry felt Emma tense at his response.
"My apologies milord and ladies. Let me take your measurements Madam and then we can see if there is a wand here that will choose you." Ollivander replied as he gave a small bow. He quickly got to work on the task at hand. Emma stared in wonder at the whole process. "Hmm… Perhaps we should try this one first." He hands Emma a rich colored wand. She gave him a puzzling look and he said, "Give it a wave." No sooner did she do this did several draws go flying across the room. "I guess not. Here, try this one." She gave it a wave and saw a pile of parchment burst into flames. "Nope, definitely not."
'Harry, perhaps we should let my mother walk around and see which one calls to her.'
'That may work my love. Why don't you help her?'
Hermione huffed at his choice of words. "Mr. Ollivander, would you mind if we took a walk around the shop. Perhaps a wand will call to her."
"That is not how the wand chooses." Ollivander looked around and saw the disarray his store was in. "Perhaps we should give it a try milady."
Hermione walked over to her mother and said, "Mum, we are going to try something a little different. Let's take a walk around the store and see if you feel a pull to anything." Emma gave a little nod and took Hermione's arm to lean on. They slowly walked around, occasionally slowing but never stopping.
After what seemed like a half hour Emma said, "This is hopeless."
Hermione felt a little nudge at the back of mind. She gave Harry a questioning look but he just shrugged his shoulder. She heard a woman's voice say, 'Walk towards the store room my daughter.' Hermione gently gave her mother's arm a squeeze and said, "Let's just walk a little further towards the back mum. If we do not find one, perhaps we will see about having one custom made for you." Ollivander started to speak but was quickly stopped from a look that Hermione shot his way. They slowly walked towards the back. They were just in front of the store room door when Emma suddenly stopped. Hermione looked over and saw a look of awe on her face. "Mum?"
Emma replied with pure wonder, "I can hear it, feel it."
Ollivander was behind them and heard the exchange. "Is that so?" he asked with some skepticism in his voice.
'Is this fool for real? Perhaps it is time to start taking our money elsewhere in the future.' said Harry.
Hermione gave a snort in agreement before saying, "Reach out for the one that you feel mum." Hermione let go of her mother's arm and took a small step back.
Carefully, Emma walked forward on her own. Hermione stayed one step behind her the entire time. Emma reached for what looked like the oldest box in the shop. She looked back and saw that Hermione was smiling and nodding her head, encouraging her to continue. Slowly Emma lifted the lid and found a beautiful wand made from the wood of the Willow tree. As soon as she picked it up, she felt as if the Gods themselves were radiating pure love upon her, and she was not only basking in their glory but also the warmth from a thousand suns. She was drawn from her reflections when she heard Ollivander give a little gasp and say, "How is this possible? Never in all my years have I ever seen something like this."
Hermione walked back to her mother and said "Let's finish here and head to the book store. I believe we are almost at our time limit and need to be going soon." She helped her mother back to the front of the store and asked Ollivander, "How much for the wand?"
She looked over to Harry and said, 'We should search Knockturn Alley for the wand holster's. I fear the ones here will not be sufficient for us.' Harry tilted his head slightly to acknowledge her.
"The cost for the wand is 13 galleons. Could I interest you in a holster? Only a few sickles more." Replied Ollivander.
"Just the wand please, we have other business to attend too." Replied Harry. Once they were all set, Harry turned back to Ollivander and said, "I expect you to keep secret anything you have learned today." He paused for a second and added, "Tell no one. And I mean no one. You will otherwise deal with the House of Potter for any indiscretions that it would cause in the future." Harry pushed just enough power into his words to send a shiver up the old wand makers spine. Ollivander gave him a deep bow to show his understanding.
Once everyone was out of the store, the slowly made their way to Flourish and Blotts. Just as they reached the door they heard a loud voice call, "Harry my boy, what are you doing here?" Harry's back stiffened and pushed Emma behind him. 'Hermione' he called.
'I am right next to you. Do not expect me to leave your side.' She replied.
"Dumbledore, what do you want?" he asked. He felt that Emma was safely surrounded by their little group with Narcissa standing next to her with her wand in her hand while Draco was on the other side, ready to through himself in front of whatever curse was launched at her.
Albus looked down at the boy and said, "Now Harry, where is this hostility coming from? All I have ever care about is your welfare. (And your money.) It is not safe for you to be here." He was trying to give off the impression of being a loving grandfather, but the group in front of him saw right past it. "Come, I'll take you to the Weasley's. You will be safe there and will have a chance to see Ginevra. I believe I saw a little spark between you two." He moved to take hold of Harry's arm, but was stopped by Tonks who stepped in front of him. "Harry my boy, what is the meaning of this? We must get you to safety. There could be death eaters around. They have already tried to attack you once. They will have no qualms about attacking again." He moved to step around Tonks but was met with not one but two wands trained on him.
"First off, you will address me as Lord Potter. Secondly, why would there be a 'spark' between me and Ginny Weasley when the future Lady Potter is beside me." Harry paused and brought Hermione's hand to his lips. "Thirdly, how do you know of the attack on my person. That small detail has not been released." Harry felt a slight pressure in the front of his mind and gave a hard shove back. "Now now now Dumbledore, using Legilimency on a Lord of a Most Ancient and Noble House is illegal. If you are done, we have some shopping to finish." Harry saw Dumbledore stumble back from his mental shove and heard Hermione growl.
"My boy, why is there an auror with you?" asked Albus who was trying hard to maintain his grandfatherly image.
Hermione decided to try and push some of Dumbledore's buttons by replying, "Tonks here is head of our security. As you have kindly pointed out, it is not safe." Hermione saw that this was doing the trick and asked, "How did you know about the attack?"
The mask Albus was wearing slipped for just a moment and his face showed that he was becoming angry. "That is none of your concern. I see you are well Miss Granger. I am terribly sorry to hear about the loss of your parents." Hermione's hand tightened on her wand as she brought it to the ready and her face turned deadly serious.
Harry knew this was heading in a dangerous direction. He pushed as much power as he dared in to his next words, "Pray tell, what do you know of this attack? Perhaps you should leave now Dumbledore, or face the wrath of the House of Potter and the House of Dagworth." Albus looked to Harry and saw a deadly fire burning in his eyes and gulped. The amount of power coming off the boy was making him uneasy.
"My boy, you are traveling down the path of darkness. You must come with me and quickly." He realized that Lady Malfoy and Draco were a part of this group and decided to use that to his advantage. "The Malfoy's have put some kind of curse on you my boy, and I'm sure the love potion that Miss Granger has slipped you has you not thinking straight." There was a flash of light and two phoenix's revealed themselves. "Fawkes? What are you doing?"
"He no longer is tied to the darkness and is bound to the true Leader of Light." Replied Harry. "As for your claims, Lady Black and Heir Black are allies of mine and hold me under no spell." Harry thought, 'I am sorry my love, but we must tell him of our bond. We are starting to draw a crowd.'
'I know dear. I just wish we had a little more time.'
"As for your claim of me being under some love potion, this is also false. My WIFE and I take offense to this." Harry snarled.
Albus stood their shocked. Did his ears deceive him? Did he just say wife? "What do you mean wife? This is outrageous! You aren't married, I gave no such permission. As your magical guardian only I can give you permission for this. I will just have to annul your marriage. Besides, you are already betrothed to Miss Weasley."
Harry went to take a step forward but was stopped by Hermione. "Try to annul my marriage and I will see to it you are placed in Azkaban for the rest of your pathetic life. I am with in my right to take your head for such a matter. As for my marriage, Lady Potter and I share a soul bond. To attempt to break us apart, you could be facing death old man."
Albus dropped his shoulders to try and act like he was defeated. It would appear that he would have to take a hostage. "I see the darkness has taken root deep within you Harry." As if this was the cue several stunner's were sent their way. 'Get my mother out of here!'
Hermione's phoenix turned to check on Emma and saw that Draco and Narcissa were already gone with Emma. 'Milady, your mother is already safe. We must get you out of here.'
'I won't leave my husband. Please stand by to get us out of here if needed' Hermione replied as she cast her shield to protect her and Harry. Harry was quickly firing back. Hermione conjured several stone walls for them to hide behind. Harry and Hermione quickly looked at each other as they ducked behind the wall just as a stunner was sent by them. 'Whatever you do Harry, do not call the staff. We can't let him know all of our secrets just yet.' Harry gave her a nod and quickly shot up a fired off a leg locker and was surprised when a banishing charm bounced off a shield. He ducked back down and saw Hermione smiling at him. She jumped up and cast a reducto and the ground in front of two men and sent them flying. Just behind them Tonks and Remus were firing off a full body bind and a curse that had some type of green hue that shot straight at the person's head, effectively taking out two more men from behind their walls. Harry took his chance and quickly jumped up and cast a blasting curse towards Dumbledore, but the old man was too quick and managed to get away. As Albus went to appear, Hermione shot 3 arrows from her wand only to have them bounce off a silver shield and shot back towards her. Harry saw this happening and at the last minute conjured a large antique wooden shield for the arrows to pierce.
After the arrows, it was quiet, too quiet. They slowly started to lift their heads above the walls and looked around to see who was down and saw no one. "They must have had emergency port key's on them." Just as they stood and started let their guard down someone shot a cutting curse that went just past Harry and gave him a slight cut on his arm. Hermione went to put her shield back up but felt someone grab her arm. "We can't have that now can we Miss Granger?" Hermione tried to pull away but Dumbledore tightened his grip on her arm and said, "You should have died in that house. No matter, you must and will die. It's for the Greater Good after all." Evil and menace crept into his eyes.
"HARRY!" she screamed, trying to distract Dumbledore just enough so that she could grab the dagger concealed at her side.
"Let her go Dumbledore!" It worked.
Dumbledore looked over to Harry and said, "You must see Harry, you are in danger. She has ensnared you in her web. Only I can save you my boy. You must see. This is for the Greater Good. Once I take care of her, you will hand over the Lordships and access to your vaults. You are too young and inexperienced with the wizarding world to deal with the responsibilities of being a Lord. We must beat back the darkness that is beginning to surround you."
Harry went to pull the sword at his side but stopped when he heard, 'Stop. He mustn't know about the sword. Not yet.'
He looked over Hermione and saw what she was doing. "You will unhand my wife or face the consequences." Dumbledore gave a look of utter contempt and went to apparate them away when Hermione stabbed him in the side with the dagger causing him to loosen his grip just enough for her to rip her arm away from him. He tried to reach for her again but was hit by a banishing charm from Harry and as he was flying through the air Hermione hit him with a stunner. Just as he hit the ground, a group of Aurors were being led to them by Amelia Bones herself.
"Must you really make a habit of this Lord Potter?" asked Amelia as she motioned for an auror to put Dumbledore in cuffs. She noticed that Hermione was starting to look pale and swayed a little on her feet. Harry walked over to her and put his arm around her for support and asked, "The pain is returning?"
"Just a bit." She lied.
Amelia looked at the two of them curiously. "Are you unwell Lady Dagworth?"
"It is nothing Madame Bones. We had a small incident this morning. Please, call my Lady Potter. We had to let the cat out of the bag about our bond." Amelia lifted one brow at this. She was slowly learning that these two tended to down play what really happened.
Amelia decided that she wouldn't press on at the moment and asked, "Would you two be able to give statement for what happened here today? I would prefer if we did this sooner rather than later." Harry put Hermione's arm around his shoulders to help support her and thought, 'Are you able to go deal with the pain? I won't be able to carry you. Are you able to walk?'
'I'll try.' Hermione tried taking a couple of steps but her knee's tried to buckle and a hiss came out between her teeth.
'Maya, I need you to walk. The people need to see it. Try to shift your weight a little and use me as a crutch.' Amelia watched to two with a very close eye. It looked as if Hermione was suffering the after effects of the Cruciatus Curse, a very powerful Cruciatus at that. Amelia narrowed her eyes at them. Harry knew that she figured out what happened.
"Not here" was all he managed to get out before they saw a small burst of flame as Narcissa and Eilidah showed up in front of them. "Narcissa, is everything alright?" asked Harry.
"I just wanted to check on everyone." She quickly checked on everyone and thoughtfully added, "It would seem that I came at just the right moment. Drink this Hermione." She handed her a small vial. "Let's head to Gringotts. We have had a new development. I'm sure Madame Bones still needs your statements about recent event. Let us head to Gringotts and we can settle these matters. Do you agree Madame Bones?" Narcissa started trying to usher everyone towards the bank but didn't expect Harry to stop so suddenly. 'What is it Harry?'
"What is the new development?" he asked.
"We have had word about the Dursleys."