Chapter 35: Wake me up
With all the excitement of the morning, Harry found himself quite tired. He reclined in his bed in the Wing, letting the events of the day replay in his mind. Lockhart, the snake, Tom Riddle. It played over and over again.
"Truly remarkable what you have done today, Harry," Dumbledore's voice shocked Harry out of his reverie. "To stand and fight the way you did takes immeasurable amounts of courage and strength of character. You will be receiving an Award for Special Services to the School and 200 points for your house."
"Thank you, headmaster," Harry said. "But with all due respect, I wouldn't be here without Hermione. She's the one who figured everything out; she's the one who deserves the award. Luna was also instrumental in finding us to tell us about Ginny. No man is an island entire of itself."
"Well reasoned, Mr. Potter," McGonagall said with a small smile. "Miss Granger should also receive an Award for Special Services with the commensurate 200 points. Miss Lovegood shall receive 30 points for alerting the teachers to the disappearance of Miss Weasley."
"And for my part," Amelia said. "I will personally be putting you up for consideration for the Order of Merlin for your bravery today. Don't expect it to be approved right away, mind you. You'll forgive me but and Order of Merlin is as much politics as anything. I expect the Minister to hold off on it until it is the most politically advantageous."
"I second this notion," Mr. Weasley walked over to Harry. "You have saved my daughter's life. For that I shall be forever grateful."
"Thank you, Mr. Weasley," Harry bowed his head slightly. "I would have gone down to save anyone who was in that situation, but I am glad Ginny did not die."
"Arthur," the balding man said with his hand extended. "Call me Arthur."
"For now, however," Dumbledore smiled at the dumbstruck Harry shaking Arthur's hand. "Our Mandrakes should be fully matured by now. Harry, I understand that you helped Professor Snape with the Restorative Draught earlier this year, correct?"
Harry nodded.
"Excellent. With Professor Snape incapacitated, it does leave a little bit of a void in a brewer which means it will fall to me to brew the potion. It has been a while since I have done it and I was hoping you could assist me."
"I would be glad to," Harry smiled and looked toward Hermione's bed. Soon, Hermione.
"Excellent," Dumbledore then stopped to look at the Sword of Gryffindor and the diary. "Do you mind if I take these with me? I'd like to display this sword in my office, if it is at all possible."
"Sure," Harry said, too tired to really care.
"If you ever have need of the sword, just ask Dobby to fetch it for you," Dumbledore said. "If you truly are the Heir of Gryffindor, that sword is technically yours."
"Yes but it's probably not ideal for me to walk around with it in this day-in-age," Harry said.
"Point taken," Dumbledore laughed and walked out of the Wing.
The next day, Harry found himself in the dungeons chopping, mincing and slicing all the ingredients needed while Dumbledore took care of the brewing procedures. In no time at all, Harry was staring down at the cauldron at the perfect Restorative.
"It seems you do have a little of your mother's talent for brewing," Dumbledore said. "Though I have to say you have more of her spirit. I've never seen another quite like her; one who stood for what was right, who was good to the core, defended her friends and was a fierce competitor. Stubborn too."
"Thank you, headmaster," Harry said. "I wish I could have known her and dad."
"Ah James," Dumbledore leaned back wistfully. "That man was a menace. I never knew how he and his friends pulled the pranks they did but my how they were entertaining. One day, he charmed the ceiling to show the weather of a rainforest. Everyone was in awe… until it actually started raining.
"Only one person on this planet could get James Potter to be serious. He pranked the Lily once; made her hair curly and frizzy. She responded with a stinging hex that I swear made James walk funny for a week."
As they waiting for the potion to stew, Dumbledore told story after story of his parents.
"…and such a mind for transfiguration, your father had," Dumbledore smiled. "I still remember seeing his OWL test. He turned the proctors' desk into wood with lights. He had power and creativity, something you have inherited, I think. Oh look the potion is ready. I think it is time we returned Miss Granger and Professor Snape to health, don't you think?"
"Yessir!" Harry speedily scooped the concoction into the awaiting vials. "Thank you for the stories as well."
"I know we didn't get started off the best foot and I made a multitude of mistakes," Dumbledore said. "I am hoping I can start to make up for them."
"Where you placed me still makes me reticent to trust you, sir," Harry said. "However, I am eager to move forward and leave the past in the past."
"Wise thinking, Harry," Dumbledore said with warmth. "Now don't let me keep you. Miss Granger awaits."
Harry grasped the vials in his hand and sprinted from the room. I'm on my way. He skidded to a stop at the entrance to the Hospital Wing. Rejoicing at hearing the chime, he stepped through the threshold to stand at Hermione's bed.
"Wow," Madam Pomfrey said from the doorway to her office. "I didn't even get to ask what the medical emergency was.
"Well? " Madam Pomfrey waved him on. "Get on with it, you know what to do."
Harry dripped the potion down Hermione's throat and did the charm to help her swallow. With baited breath, Harry held her hand and watched, not even recognizing Madam Pomfrey grabbing the vial to administer the dose to Professor Snape. Harry saw color return to Hermione's face. Her cheeks grew rosy again and life began to return to her eyes. After what felt like a lifetime, Hermione blinked. Her raised hand dropped and she tried to close her other hand. Except she couldn't. Looking down, she saw another hand clasped in it. Following the hand down to the arm connected to it, she moved her eyes up and spotted a messy mane of black hair surrounding brilliant emerald green eyes.
"Harry!" Hermione launched herself at him, squeezing the air out of him. "I figured it out! The creature is a-"
"-a Basilisk," Harry said. "Yes I know. I found the page."
"How long have I been out?" She tried to move her limbs to shake off her overwhelming feeling of stiffness.
"Just about two weeks," Harry said. "The spare vials in Professor Snape's office were destroyed so we had to wait for our Mandrakes to mature."
"So what about the Basilisk? Did they close the school? Who was the culprit?" After not talking for almost two weeks, Hermione was making up for lost time.
"In order: the Basilisk is dead, no they did not and the culprit was actually Tom Riddle AKA Voldemort. He used the diary to possess Ginny Weasley and compulse her to act as he wished. Do you remember anything about being attacked?"
"I had just found the page I was looking for and I heard something massive sliding down the hallway. I asked Professor Snape to conjure a mirror and used it to check the hallway. I spotted the snake. Next thing I know, I'm waking up here,"
"Miss Granger," Professor Snape sat up and was shaking off his own stiffness. "I owe you my life. Thank you."
Brusquely nodding, Snape stood and, against the wishes of Madam Pomfrey, walked out of the ward, prompting her to chase after him.
"Well that wasn't awkward," Hermione laughed.
"What are you going to do for your next trick?" Harry asked. "It is so good to hear your voice. I have missed you so much."
"I'm sure you've been beating yourself up about not protecting me," Hermione smiled sadly, putting her hand under his chin to lift his eyes back up to hers. "Harry Potter, you are becoming predictable. I am glad to see you too. I wasn't aware of how much time had passed but I kept having nightmares of you being attacked and killed by the Basilisk. I tried to warn you but you could never hear me."
"Well I was attacked by the Basilisk," Harry rolled up the sleeve to show the scar of where he was caught by the Basilisk's fang. "But luckily Fawkes was there to heal me. I got a sword, defeated another shade of Voldemort. It's been fun."
"You did what to the Basilisk? So you're saying that with a fully functional wand, you fought a venomous snake with a sword?" Hermione shrieked and started hitting him. "Of all the stupid, noble, stupid ugh… things to do!"
It's not often Hermione doesn't have the words to express herself, Harry chuckled inwardly while trying to shield himself from Hermione's attacks.
"Harry James Potter," Hermione was just gaining steam. "I leave you for just a few days and you go do something entirely mind-boggling daft. Honestly…"
"I tried my wand at first," Harry tried to talk through her onslaught. "I cast three Kamehemas at the snake but it didn't do anything. One burned the snake's mouth so I figured the only place that was going to be effective was the roof of its mouth, hence the sword."
She stopped hitting him and threw her hands up.
"Wait… did you say Voldemort?"
"Yup." Harry popped the p at the end. "Tom Riddle's full name is Tom Marvolo Riddle. It is an anagram for I am Lord Voldemort."
"Marvolo," Hermione's eyes widened in recognition. "Probably after his grandfather. We never asked if Merope had any signs of giving birth. That would mean Voldemort is actually the Heir of Slytherin."
"And according to the Sorting Hat," Harry added. "I am the heir to Gryffindor."
"Wow…" Hermione's hands shot to her mouth. "I take an extended nap and everything happens."
"I also got to talk to Ginny and set her straight. She knows I'll never see her as anything more than a friend so hopefully she'll relax around me and start to become her own person."
"She'll probably need it," Hermione nodded. "This year will probably weigh heavily on her and she'll need as much support as she can get. I'm not sure she'll get that from the twins, certainly not from Ron. He doesn't have the emotional depth to understand what she's been through and what she is going through."
"I wondered the same thing," Harry said. "I'll have to speak with the twins and hopefully allow them to understand."
"Looks like you are moving rather well, Miss Granger," Madam Pomfrey finally reappeared in the ward to scan Hermione. "How do you feel?"
"Stiff but overall fine," Hermione rolled her shoulders as she spoke.
"That is consistent with the other victims," Pomfrey continued her scans. "You are clear to go."
"Would you like to walk around the lake, stretch your legs?" Harry asked.
"I actually would love that," Hermione hooked her arm into his and together they walked through the castle, out onto the grounds. Making their way around the lake, they found themselves in a small clearing with a rock formation overlooking the lake. Hermione closed her eyes and drank in the sounds and the smells.
"I really missed you," Harry said, bringing Hermione out of her meditative state. "You're the first friend I've ever had. You push me to be better while also giving my mind peace. Even while you were petrified, I would look for you in the common room each morning."
"Harry," Hermione laid her hand on his. "You're just as important to me. You befriended a nervous little girl who knew nothing of friendship. You're the only person my age who respects me for who I am and the things I know and love. You challenge me and inspire me to not be so rigid in my thinking. I can't imagine what I would do if our roles were reversed."
They walked back toward the castle, heading for the Great Hall. When Hermione walked in, there was a great cheer from the Gryffindor table. Hermione blushed at the ovation. Lavender and Parvati sprinted up to hug her.
"You're back!" Lavender said. "Oh we have missed you so much!"
"Yeah," Parvati added. "Harry had to take over your responsibility of nagging us to do our homework. Harry had your words down but he could never get the tone right."
Harry bumped Parvati with his shoulder but couldn't hide his smile.
"Celebration in the tower tonight!" Fred and George shouted, bringing Harry and Hermione into group hug.
"Thank you," Dumbledore stood. "For your warm applause for our returned classmates. A special thank you to Mr. Harry Potter for putting a stop to the Heir of Slytherin business."
The student body, save for a few at the green table, stood, turned toward Harry and applauded. Harry tucked his chin into his shoulder and raised his hand as his cheeks darkened, not sure how to take the sudden praise from those who not a few weeks ago were attacking him.
"Also a thank you to Miss Hermione Granger," Dumbledore turned toward the suddenly crimson second year. "She was instrumental in providing the final clue which allowed Mr. Potter to solve the crisis once and for all. Ladies and Gentlemen: Hermione Granger."
Harry turned and joined the rest of the school (mostly) giving Hermione a standing ovation. Hermione covered her nose and mouth with her hands as the raucous applause.
"Way to go, Hermione," Harry leaned in and whispered to her. She buried her head on his shoulder, overwhelmed at the adulation she was receiving.
"Thank Mr. Potter and Miss Granger," Dumbledore smiled jovially. "They will both be receiving an award for special services to the school and two hundred points apiece."
Dinner that nice was a celebratory affair. Throughout the meal, students came over to thank Harry and Hermione for what they had done. Hagrid entered the hall midway through. He told Harry that Madam Bones tried to get Hagrid's expulsion overturned but was unsuccessful. Hagrid was still overjoyed at returning to the only home he had ever known. After the meal, a party commenced in Gryffindor tower during which Harry had a word with the twins.
"Listen," Harry told them. "Ginny has just had a very hard year. She's going to need a lot of support. You are the only ones who will see her once term ends. Percy is wrapped up in himself, Ron has no idea what she went through."
"Got it, Harry," George said, devoid of any mirth. "She's our baby sister. We'll be there for her."
"Also would be good to keep your mother away for a bit," Harry said. "She's nice and all but the last thing Ginny needs is suffocating love from her."
"You hand out the simplest tasks, you know?" Fred said. "Keeping up to date with Ginny? That's easy. Running interference with our mother? You want us to cure Lycanthropy while we're at it?"
"I'm serious," Harry crossed his arms. "I've already seen it. Ginny needs to figure out how to grow from this and she'll need some separation from her mother to do that."
"We get it," George threw his hands up in surrender. "It's just our mother is…"
"I know," Harry said. "I've met your mother twice. Believe me, I know."
Fred gave out a heavy sigh and nodded with his twin.
"We'll take care of it," they said in unison.
"Excellent," Harry slapped them on the back. "Now let's get back to celebrating."
Celebrate is what they did the rest of the year. The match with Ravenclaw was rescheduled, allowing the school to properly relax after a stressful year.
Harry stood at the entrance to the locker room, looking out onto the pitch. It was a clear day, the weather was wonderfully temperate. The birds were chirping, the grass was soft and the wind calm. It was the perfect day to fly. Turning back in, Harry pulled his kit over his head and turned to see his captain put his hand up. All chatter stopped.
"This is it," Wood looked around the room. "You've done a great job this year and we have the opportunity to bring it home. Let's go out there to do it."
Next thing Harry knew, he heard Lee Jordan's voice announcing the Gryffindor lineup. Finally, they got to him.
"Last we have the Slayer of Slytherin, the Seeker of Snitches, the only, the only Haaaarrryyyy Pot-ter!"
Harry flew out of the tunnel and was astonished at the difference. The crowd who booed him at the last match gave him a standing ovation this time, Ravenclaw supporters included, cheered him. A smile on his face, Harry took his position, reveling in how light and free he felt. Looking over his shoulder, he spotted Hermione cheering. He could swear she was louder than the rest of them.
The match was a short one, ending in Harry snagging the Snitch a half hour in. Gryffindor won the cup going away. Hermione finished the year top in the class with Harry right behind. Thanks to their heroics and the efforts of the Quidditch team, Gryffindor won the house cup for the second year running.
It was now the last day of term and Harry was packing his trunk up when suddenly Dobby popped in.
"Master Harry!" Dobby bowed to Harry. "Can I help you with that?"
"I think I have this, Dobby," Harry smiled at his small friend. "You look like you're doing better."
That was an understatement. Dobby's figure had filled out, his skin looked healthy and he had a new spring in his step. His voice was less squeaky and he spoke articulately. He was still wearing Harry's old robe with what looked like one black sock.
"Yes I am," Dobby said. "Thank you, master. The Bones family elves were good to me."
"I am glad to hear that but you don't have to call me master. Harry will do just fine."
"Of course Ma-Harry," Dobby corrected himself midsentence. "Now can I help you carry your things?"
"No but can you do me one favor?" Harry leaned in. "Can you lighten Hermione's trunk for me? She packs a lot of books and forgets just how heavy they are."
"Yes I can be doing that," Dobby popped out.
"You are unusual, Harry," Neville was chuckling offhandedly. "Taking a former elf and forming a different bond. I just can't wait until September to see what you do next."
"Who says it'll take that long?" Harry joked.
Closing his trunk, he stared wistfully at the dorm room. Through all the stress of the year, he did miss this place when he left. He had a home with the Grangers but a big part of him he left behind whenever he left the grounds.
Heading out the door, Harry carried his trunk down the staircase where all the Gryffindors were assembled with their trunks. Hermione was descending the stairs just as they arrived.
"Harry!" Hermione ran up to him. "I must be getting a lot stronger! I can't even feel the weight of my trunk anymore."
Neville hastily turned his laugh into a hacking cough and excused himself to get some water.
"Imagine that," Harry said while thinking thank you, Dobby. "Are you ready to go home?"
"I am…" Hermione took a glance around the common room. "And yet I am not."
"I know what you mean. We're going home but I feel like I am also leaving home."
"Exactly."
"Well, at least I get to actually enjoy summer," Harry beamed. "Do you know if your parents have anything planned?"
"They're not saying," Hermione narrowed her eyes. "Last time they were this secretive, they were buying a new house in a better neighborhood so prepare yourself."
"I look forward to it," Harry said.
They headed for the portrait hole as Lavender and Parvati joined them, splitting off from a conversation with the Weasley twins. Neville rejoined them and they headed off toward the train with Luna forming up on the way.
On the way down, Harry and Hermione were stopped by Professor Flitwick.
"Mr. Potter, Miss Granger," he said as he pulled them aside. "I was wondering if you were decided which electives you were going to take next year."
"Hermione is," Harry said. "She is taking Ancient Runes, Arithmancy and Care of Magical Creatures. I'm definitely doing the last two but I am unsure about Arithmancy. I was terrible at math in primary."
"I was hoping to offer you two something different," Flitwick said. "You two are far beyond the usual Charms curriculum. I was hoping to offer you the opportunity to study Advanced Charms with me."
"Really!?" Hermione was both shocked and amazed. "That would be amazing! Though I'm unsure which class I'd want to drop."
"I talked with Professor McGonagall. She said that if you both took the full load of electives, we could hold this class in an extra period, similar to how we have operated the las two years except this would be during the day as it is part of the actual curriculum," Flitwick said calmly. Hermione turned to Harry with wide, hopeful eyes.
"Okay," Harry sighed. "I'll take Arithmancy as well. But you'll have to tutor me. Math and I are not well suited."
Hermione hugged Harry before composing herself and facing the Charms professor.
"Yes, Professor Flitwick," Hermione bowed politiely. "We would be honored to accept your offer."
"Excellent!" Flitwick said. "You both would probably be able to scrape an acceptable on your O.W.L.s as it stands right now. I am going to keep pushing you, possibly harder than I have up to this point. I would ask that you use the regular Charms period to help those around you as pseudo teaching assistants."
The reaction of both was varied. Hermione was enthralled by the idea of learning while Harry liked the idea of being challenged and pushed. Though he was not looking forward to the daunting task of Arithmancy, part of him was excited for the challenge and he was excited to teach others.
They met back up with their group and headed down to the train. Once seated in their compartment, Harry asked the question that had been burning in the corner of his mind.
"I saw you two talking with the twins," Harry addressed Lavender and Parvati. "What were you talking about?"
"We were following up on your suggestion to talk to them regarding potions for our cosmetics," Parvati said. "They actually had a lot of great tips. We'll start experimenting this summer and hopefully have a few products by fall."
"That's wonderful," Hermione smiled brightly. "I look forward to seeing what you come up with."
"We're excited," Lavender's eyes got a faraway look on them. "We've got quite a few options that we're really close to figuring out."
"How will you work during the summer?" Neville asked.
"We're both going to work our own solutions to the problems we're having," Parvati said. "We'll share notes and hopefully have our solutions by the time we return."
The ride continued on in peace for once bereft of the usual visit from Malfoy. Harry gave a farewell to the Slytherin Four and Cedric just as the train was pulling into the station. He looked out the carriage and saw the Grangers standing on the platform wearing brilliant smiles.
"Daddy!" Hermione jumped off the train before it had fully stopped. Harry shook his head, picked up their trunks and departed the train behind her.
"Princess!" Richard held firm as his daughter flung herself into his arms. "How I've missed you!
"Harry!" Richard turned to greet Harry. "Anything interesting happen this term?"
"Oh you know, the usual," Harry said with a forced smile. He still felt guilty about not protecting Richard's daughter.
"Well we have some exciting news," Helen gave Harry her best motherly hug. "We've cleared our schedule for three full weeks and we're taking you both to France!"
"France?" Harry stammered. "But I don't even have a…"
"Passport?" Helen finished with a smile. "Don't worry: we got in touch with the goblins; they set it all up. Don't ask me how because I don't even know. They have their tricks."
"Awesome! How can I help pay?"
"Nu-uh," Helen shook her head. "This is our treat. You're not paying for a single thing unless that is something is a souvenir that you want. I know you have the Dursley's trial and then the goblins said something about wanting to meet with you? Said you reached out to them about harvesting a creature?"
"Yeah," Harry rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. "Professor Dumbledore told me the Basilisk I slew was worth some money and told me to reach out to the goblins."
"Looks like you've got some stories to tell," Richard embraced Harry in a side hug. "C'mon, let's go get something to eat. Have you ever had Chinese?"
"No," Harry said.
"We'll have to change that then!" Richard bent to pick up Hermione's trunk. "Wow Princess! Are you sure you packed? This thing feels feather light!"
"No I did but now that you mention it…" Hermione looked at Harry with narrowed eyes.
"I'll explain once we're home." Harry tried to forestall any argument; he could see Hermione putting the pieces together.
On the way toward the portal into the muggle world, they were stopped by the Weasleys.
"Harry!" Ron slapped him on the back hard enough that Harry from falling over. If it wasn't for Ron gripping his shoulder, he would have. "Guess what!? Dad won the lottery! We're heading to Egypt to visit my brother Bill. How about that, huh?"
"Oh… cool," Harry peeled Ron's vice-grip hands off his shoulder. "That sounds like a lot of fun."
"You'll have to tell us all about it!" Hermione squealed. "I'm sure there's so many fascinating things to learn from a place that old! Oh maybe some of the Pharaohs were magical!"
"Of course," Ron scoffed. "You hear vacation and you instantly go to learning. I am just excited to see the mummies!"
"Have a good time, Ron," Harry bade goodbye to the rest of the Weasley family, sparing the twins a look they doubt understood: keep an eye on Ginny.
"So that's Ron…" Richard said with narrowed eyes. "He seems… pleasant."
"Oh yeah, he's a kick," Harry rolled his eyes. "Though his comment did give me a question to ask: could we possibly visit the Louvre while in France? Ron might balk at the idea of learning but I think I'd find it fascinating."
Harry finished his request with a look at Hermione. He could tell Ron's comment rubbed her the wrong way and made her self-conscious. Harry hoped his suggestion would help. It did as Hermione's eyes opened wide and she squealed in joy once again.
"Come on," Richard guided them onward. "Chinese food awaits!"
"Harry!" Susan ran up to them. "Have you seen Auntie Amelia? She was supposed to meet me on the platform but I haven't seen her."
"Maybe she's on the other side?" Harry wondered aloud. "Would she ever meet you there?"
"She usually pops in on the muggle side and walks through," Susan said. "She says it's harder to ambush because most wizards never use it."
"Then let's see if she's on the other side," Richard said. "If not, you're free to have dinner with us until we reach her."
They walked through the barrier and were immediately confronted with Amelia Bones.
"Good afternoon," Amelia said. "We've got an issue."
(A/N: Thank you for your messages of support after the last chapter. It allowed me to break through my writer's block and churn out some content this week. I am currently plotting out how I want third year to go. I have a few points I want to hit but getting there and filling out the story is a work in progress. I'd like to keep working and developing Colin as he's rarely fleshed out. I have the summer between years wire framed out right now and I'm working on the first term)
Chapter 36: Of Wolf and Man
Everything was quiet on Privet Drive as the sun set. Suddenly a pop sounded, like a car backfiring. The occupants of the houses looked outside but did not spy the car but said car had been backfiring so often, they were numb to it by now.. Lucius rounded the corner from the alley he apparated into, stepping onto Privet Drive itself. Lucius had been using this and a few other alleys to do reconnaissance on the Dursleys. He knew their routine, recorded when they left. He knew Vernon's schedule and where he worked. He memorized when Petunia left the street which was not often. She basically went grocery shopping and that was it. He knew the school year would end in a few days, making now the ideal time to act. Word would not reach Potter in time to warn him away from the area. As he stepped onto the street, his arm lit up in pain.
Grabbing his left arm, Lucius sucked in a breath, trying to grit through the pain. His dark mark, carefully concealed for the last 12 years, felt like it was burning through his forearm.
"Not as foolish as I thought you to be, Dumbledore," Lucius grumbled as he stepped back into the alley. "Warding the street against anyone who is marked? Very clever. Yet the solution is easy, if a little unpalatable."
Lucius walked back to his apparition point, trying to soothe the burning on his arm. He focused on his next location. Spinning on his heel, he apparated into a field. Immediately a strong smell of blood, decay and wet animal fur invaded his nose. Usually, he would cast a bubblehead charm but he knew this was the first test of the individual he wanted to meet. If they couldn't take the smell, they couldn't possibly be granted an audience.
Slowly, he walked forward with his hands in the air, his wand carefully stowed. He walked toward what looked like a burrow carved into the field. As he did, he heard low growls as two figures stepped out of the shadows to perfectly flank him. Ignoring them, Lucius cast his gaze forward where a figured sat on a dais of sorts. Two female figures sat on either side as the center figure gnawed on what looked like a human arm.
"Ah Lucius," the figure growled. "What brings you out of your shiny mansion at this time of night, so close to the full moon?"
"Long time no see, Fenrir," Lucius said, keeping voice and his movements even. "How's the pack?"
"Belligerent and numerous," Fenrir smiled. "What do you need?"
"No friendly chatter?"
"You have to be friends, to have friendly chatter," Fenrir answered. "We're not that. No, you'd only come here if you needed something."
"Fine." Lucius rolled his eyes. "Yes I need you. I've located Harry Potter's residence where he spends summers."
Fenrir's relaxed posture evaporated like water in the desert. He sat up and jostled the women off from his side.
"Tell me more," Fenrir's eyes turned blood red as he leaned forward.
"I think Potter is the key to bringing our master back," Lucius began. "At the very least, with Potter out of the way, we will remove the light's favorite shining beacon. That'll give us more… opportunities, shall we say?"
"What do you need?"
"There are some wards on the street where he lives that burn my mark," Lucius rubbed his arm again. "I was wondering if our lord ever marked you."
"No," Fenrir spat the word, still sore at being ostracized from Voldemort's inner circle. "He never deigned to bestow that privilege upon me."
"Excellent," Lucius finally smiled. "I'm hoping you'll be of assistance. Since I can't enter the house, I'll need the residents to come to me. I can get his male guardian but the woman, I'll need your help."
"What's in it for me?"
"Besides a more, shall we say, forgiving, environment in which to operate? You'll get his best friend. She's your favorite: a mudblood."
"What assurance do I have? You don't do a whole lot for us. I mean, look at what I'm reduced to."
"I've never been anti-werewolf but it is political suicide to support anything in that area right now. I need my political capitol just to keep the status quo. If we can get to Potter, whether he brings back our master or not, we can start to change things."
"Alright," Fenrir stood. "What do you need me to do?"
"I need you to grab the wife," Lucius said. "She goes shopping tomorrow while I grab the husband. Since I can't come to her and I also can't be in two places at once, she'll have to come to me."
That morning, Petunia was heading toward the car, wondering how much longer she would have the opportunity to do so. They were due in court next week, prosecution for everything that had ever been done to the freak.
Precious Lily, Petunia thought in rage. Always the favorite, always special. If only our parents saw her for the freak they were.
Part of Petunia felt bad. She knew what Vernon did to the Freak was a step too far but why should they be prosecuted for it? He just needed to be corrected before he could become a valuable member of society. She opened the door to her car when a stench invaded her nostrils.
"Petunia Dursley?" Petunia heard. She turned and before she could answer she was knocked unconscious.
She came around a while later in an open, concrete room. The only light came from the windows at the top of the building. She was bound to a wooden chair by her arms and feet. Right in front of her were three people. One of them was Vernon. He was held by a smaller feral looking man. Vernon tried to struggle but the man held him in an iron grip by his neck. Next to him was a stately looking man with long white-blond hair.
"Petunia Dursley," the man said. His voice sounded like silk. "How long I have been waiting to meet you. I met your sister a long while back. We went to school together. She left quite an impression. I wonder; will you make as great an impression?"
"What do you want with me?" Petunia looked around
Lucius walked around her as he talked until she could no longer see him and continued to speak as if he didn't hear her.
"Such a ferocious spirit. She couldn't be quelled, contained and certainly not rebuffed. She was so special she caught the eye of one of our kind. Oh, he loved her for years and years. She played hard to get but eventually, he got past her defenses and wooed her. They had a child. Such a bright, special child."
"Petunia!" Vernon's hoarse voice cut through. "Don't tell these freaks anything!"
Lucius stepped in front of Vernon and lowered himself to Petunia's line of sight.
"Your focus is with me. Don't let anyone else get in the way and spoil what we have."
He started walking again.
"As I said, your sister was so special and her son. My how her son is special. He defeated the Dark Lord at a year old. While your sister didn't survive, he did. Now, that boy is so special that he's idolized, loved even. He's a shining example for all of us.
"Don't you feel wonderful? Your nephew is a hero and your sister is revered. They are special…"
"They're not special!" Petunia finally shouted. "They're freaks, all of them, including you. I loved my sister and then that letter showed up and everything changed, she changed. My parents loved it. Oh it was 'Lily is so special,' 'Lily can do magic,' 'Oh, doesn't she look amazing in her robe?'
"I was the only one to see it for what it was: unnatural. She was freak and went to a school specifically for them."
"Oh Petunia," Lucius ran a gloved hand through her hair. "How wrong you are. Yes your sister was unnatural- not because she had magic but because she stole it. Your entire family? Not a drop of magic. But her? Not only did she steal magic from another pureblood, making them a Squib but she stole so much she became the top student.
"Then she seduced another pureblood in James Potter. She bred with him, putting her stolen magic into her child. I am here to restore the balance. I know you don't care for your nephew but I'm sure you do care for your husband, your son.
"Now tell me," Lucius walked around into her field of vision. "When will your nephew be home?"
Lucius knew the answer to this but he needed to feign like he didn't. That's when Petunia gave him information she did not have.
"I don't know" Petunia did her best to keep her haughtiness, even while Fenrir held Vernon's consider bulk up, easily, with a single hand. "He left us a year ago and we're better for it. His home isn't with us anymore."
"Oh? Now we're getting somewhere," Lucius leaned in and whispered. "Where did he go? Who took him in?"
"Why should I care who took him in?" Petunia screeched.
"I would have thought the answer easy." Lucius cooed. "You see me, a wizard-"
"A freak," Vernon managed to croak out. Lucius would have been impressed if he didn't loathe the fat bastard.
"-I'm quick, Clean. But my friend? He's a werewolf. Nasty creatures. They can take days on a muggle like your beloved Vernon here. I hear the screams are almost impossible to tolerate. Almost."
As Lucius explained, Fenrir pulled his claw across Vernon's neck, blood beading up along the cut, punctuated by pained grunts from Vernon, turning to screams as the cuts got progressively deeper.
"Though for someone like you, I might have to stick around to hear it. So, the answer, dear Petunia, to why you should care is simple. The sooner you tell me, the sooner this," Vernon screamed again, "stops."
Petunia remained resolutely silent.
"Ah Petunia, this could have been so easy. Make it really hurt, Fenrir."
Fenrir moved his hand back to Vernon's shoulder. He grabbed the other shoulder and pulled. Bones started popping, muscles began tearing as Vernon screams reached ear-splitting decibels. Vernon's shoulders dislocated and the only sound, beyond his screams, was of his skin stretching, his arms moments from tearing from the body altogether.
"Okay! Okay! Stop!" Petunia screamed. Fenrir stopped pulling and let Vernon's arms fall limply by their sides "I honestly don't know where he went but he went with a family. The last night, a family came. A girl with her parents. She blew Vernon back from the door, destroyed the door to the Freak's room. Shortly after, two women joined. One said she was a teacher, the other sounded like a cop."
"What did she look like?"
Petunia hesitated and Fenrir tensed to pull again.
"I didn't catch her name but she had bushy hair, looked about his age."
"See? Wasn't that easy? Now... His suffering can end. Avada Kedavra!" Vernon slumped over dead. Petunia shrieked in terror as Fenrir let go of Vernon, his body slamming hard onto the ground with a resounding, final thud.
"Now… your suffering can begin. Crucio."
Petunia screamed in agony as white hot needles poked and prodded her. She broke her legs trying to thrash in her chair. The arms of the chair snapped, her arms still bound to their remnants. In her thrashing cut and scraped her legs with the wood attached to her arms. Petunia screamed and screamed, the pain unbearable. Her mind warped and snapped as she wished for the pain to stop, for some break. Just before her mind broke completely, the pain stopped.
"Now you see, Petunia," Lucius cooed. "How powerless you are. What you would call unnatural is just power; power you will never ever know. Enjoy your last moments, Petunia. You'll be reunited with your precious Vernon soon enough. When you see Lily, tell her to not worry: her son will be joining her soon."
Lucius rolled his shoulders back and turned to the other man.
"Alright Fenrir. I think it's time to send a message, don't you agree?"
Fenrir smile turned positively feral. Slowly he moved toward Petunia who no longer had the energy to scream. The last thing she saw was a mouth full of yellow teeth. With a snarl they moved toward her throat.
Back on the alleyway to Privet Drive, Lucius smiled as Fenrir walked back to him
"Is it done?"
"They'll get the message, loud and clear," Fenrir grinned.
"Did anyone see you?"
"I'm not that careless," Fenrir rolled his eyes.
"Excellent. Now we move on to the next phase," Lucius grabbed a hold of Fenrir's shoulder and popped them out to their next location.
"Where are we now?" Fenrir tried to work through his nausea and get his bearings.
"This is the home of Miss Granger," Lucius said. "I had a thought that the mudblood would be involved so I had Crabbe track down her address. Now we'll just have our appetizer before the main course."
They walked down the street toward the Tudor house, its white accents standing resolute among the other houses. As they got closer, the air got warmer and warmer. Lucius pulled out his wand, ready to curse the door. As he did, the heat became oppressive. A barrier lit up and threw Lucius back. Fenrir saw this and charged for the door, only to be burned and thrown back harder.
"What the hell?" Fenrir played the part of the dog he was and started licking his wounds.
"Someone," Lucius knew who. "Has paid the goblins to ward this property."
He pulled out his wand and started to scan.
"Top of the line too. Someone paid an impressive amount of gold for these. It would take at least five people to properly assault and take them down, probably closer to ten."
As Lucius finished talking, he noticed a few neighbors taking notice of them. It was just past midday and the amount of magic required for assault would certainly register with the ministry.
"We need to move on from here; we're attracting too much attention. We'll get Potter but it won't be today. The train should be arriving soon and the kids will be home. We have to come at this another way."
"Just take me back to my den," Fenrir growled. "We've had enough fun for one day."
As Lucius was dropping off Fenrir, Amelia was arriving at Privet Drive, ready to collect the Dursleys for the trial tomorrow. She arrived on the doorstep and knocked.
"Vernon and Petunia Dursley," she called out. "I am Amelia Bones with the DMLE. I am here to collect you for the trial tomorrow."
There was no response at the door. Sighing, she drew her wand, unlocked the door and entered. Once inside, she dry heaved at the smell of blood that was rank in the house. There was blood on the entry way. Stepping by the stairs she moved into the living room. Once there, she saw what was left of Vernon. He was drawn and quartered, his head placed on the table in the center, his arms pointing toward the kitchen.
There, Petunia was hung from the ceiling, bites littering her body with a long cut across her abdomen. Her intestines were pulled out and used to write a word with a message below it written in her blood:
TOUCHABLE
THE HUNT CONTINUES, SOON HE WILL JOIN THE OTHERS.
Between the two lines was a unique lightning bolt, drawn in blood. Amelia quickly moved to the exit where she retched everything in her stomach. She tapped her badge twice and then waited for backup. Carefully, a team of Aurors processed the house and found the presence of hairs that their scans turned up as werewolf. She was so focused on her investigation team, she never noticed a beetle flying away.
"Why didn't the wards work?" Amelia wondered. "Why wouldn't they deter a werewolf?"
At that exact moment, who should appear but Albus Dumbledore.
"Amelia," Dumbledore turned and addressed her. "What is happening?"
"Vernon and Petunia Dursley are dead," Albus stepped back as if slapped at Amelia's report. "We have evidence that it was a werewolf. Why did the wards you set up not deter the creature?"
"They were set for humans," Dumbledore said. "Anyone bearing the Dark Mark would have had their mark burn until the pain became intolerable."
"So any creature, which you knew Voldemort and his followers employed, could have gained entry as easy as walking into Diagon Alley. You got so focused, you never considered anything beyond Death Eaters, didn't you?"
Dumbledore stumbled and collapsed on the failures were all coming home to roost.
"At least Harry is safe," Dumbledore said.
"For now. There was a message that seemed to indicate the next target, the true target, is Harry Potter. The train should be arriving soon; I'm supposed to pick up Susan."
"Alright. Step one: protect Harry," Amelia looked around. "Shacklebolt! Tonks! I need you to head to the Granger residence. From there, we'll have a rotating guard around the Grangers and Harry. If he's a target, you can bet they will be as well. Outfit for werewolves."
"Roger, boss," Kingsley walked to Tonks and they apparated out together.
"I am going to meet with Harry and the Grangers, just in case they're going to make another attempt while they're out in the open," Amelia locked eyes with Dumbledore. "In the meantime, Hogwarts should have its wards upgraded, guarded against werewolves."
"That will be difficult," Dumbledore said. "I just hired Remus Lupin to fill our vacant Defense position. He is a werewolf."
"Which any changes to the wards would keep him away," Amelia nodded. "Is it possible to restrict the wards to the grounds? Lupin could transform in his office as I assume you are providing him with Wolfsbane?"
Dumbledore nodded. "Severus is brewing it as we speak. I will work with the wards but the grounds are huge, especially with the Forbidden Forest. The ambient magic within that forest negates any warding. However, the wards will keep werewolves away from the grounds and the castle itself."
"That will do. I'll be in touch."
Amelia left messages with the Aurors to keep processing the scene and popped into the apparition point in King's Cross. She stood in front of the portal between the station and the platform. Her eyes flicked around the station, looking for anything out of the ordinary. Seeing nothing, she turned toward the barrier just as Harry walked out with the Grangers and, to her surprise, Susan.
"Good Afternoon," Amelia said. "We've got a problem."
"Good to see you again, Amelia," Helen said. "We're about to go out for some Chinese food. Would you like to join us?"
"What's Chinese food?" Susan asked.
"It would give us a good opportunity to talk," Amelia said.
Arriving home a short while later, Harry and the Grangers sat down to dinner in their formal dining room with Susan and Amelia. Susan dug into her Orange Chicken with Lo Mein and her eyes widened.
"This is amazing!" Susan looked to her aunt who was similarly impressed with the beef and broccoli she was having.
"Alright," Richard said in between bites of his spring roll. "What's the problem?"
"Vernon and Petunia Dursley were murdered," Amelia said to gasps around the table. "Our investigation is still ongoing but all signs point to it being at least one werewolf."
"Was the werewolf working alone or did a wizard perhaps hire them?" Harry asked.
"Werewolves aren't really assassins for hire. They don't associate with anyone outside their own pack and especially hate working with wizards."
"But didn't Voldemort work with werewolves?" Hermione asked.
"He just allowed them to do what they want to do. He just gave them more opportunities to do it. Anyway that is not the most important piece of information. At the scene, they left a message that seemed to indicate they were going to come after Harry next."
"Well good luck to them if they come here," Harry said. "We hired the goblins to install wards on this place. It would take a full squad of wizards to assault them, according the Gripclaw. The goblins specialty is warding against creatures like the werewolves. Since the goblins live underground, they needed to make sure a pack of werewolves would not set up a den anywhere near them."
"But you can't stay in the house all the time," Amelia countered. "Which is why I am giving you around the clock protection. Both you and the Grangers as they are at risk as much as you are."
"I also might have another asset to help us," Harry said. "Hermione, Helen, Richard? When we were in the Hospital Wing after the events with the Chamber, we were confronted by Lucius Malfoy. He had coerced the board of governors to suspend Dumbledore and Malfoy wanted to know why Dumbledore was back so soon. When he was there, I threw the diary to him, which he subsequently dropped. Inside it was one of my socks and it was caught by none other than… Dobby!"
Harry spoke the name louder and a small pop brought the tiny creature into the dining room.
"Dobby told me that if a house elf is freed, they die once their magic runs out," Harry said. "I couldn't let that happen, so I bonded with him. I asked to be able to pay him but he said that the bond would not truly form if I did that. Therefore, as requested by Dobby, I am paying him in clothes."
"Dobby," Harry turned. "These are the Grangers. Hermione is my best friend and their parents are the closest thing I have to parents as well."
Harry didn't notice the look of pride that lit up Richard's face, nor the happy tears that appeared in Helens eyes with his comment.
"With me at school, I won't have a lot for you to do but what I was hoping is that it would be possible for you to keep an eye on them and, should they run into any trouble, if you could pop them to safety, Preferably to Potter Manor. It is almost finished and when it is, the goblins will ward it as well."
"Mister and Missus Granger," Dobby bowed. "Mistress Hermione. I am pleased and honored to meet you. Harry Potter considers you family so Dobby will too."
"You had him lighten my trunk didn't you?" Hermione glared at him.
"I asked him to, yes," Harry said. "You pack a lot of books and sometimes you forget how heavy they are. I was hoping to make it easier for you to carry them."
"Thank you, Dobby," Hermione addressed the elf.
"No, I'm the one who should be thankful," Richard laughed. "Princess, Harry is right. It was nice not having to carry 3-plus stone (A/N: 50 pounds) of books."
"Back to the matter at hand," Amelia said. "Tonks will be assigned to watch over you. Her shapeshifting abilities will make it easier to conceal herself to disguise the fact that you are being guarded."
"One question," Helen spoke up. "We are taking a trip to France for two weeks. How would that interfere with that?"
"I would ask that Tonks be able to accompany you," Amelia said. "Even though I doubt werewolves would be able to cross the channel unnoticed, there is a chance they were not operating alone."
"We've booked everything," Richard said. "Hermione? Would you have a problem sharing a room with Tonks for the trip?"
"No. She's keeping us safe," Hermione said. "Sharing a room would be fine."
"Then yes," Richard turned toward Amelia. "We would be happy to have Tonks join us. I will call to get an extra ticket and assure the hotels that we will have an extra guest."
"That settles it then," Amelia moved toward the door and called out. Soon the familiar locks of Tonks walked in. "Congratulations Tonks, you're going to France."
(A/N: I wrote this chapter months ago. I was watching the Dark Knight when I did so you might pick up some elements from Heath Ledger's Joker in Lucius Malfoy. The only thing I haven't figured out is what to do with Dudley. My first thought was for him to be sent to a military academy but I'm not sold on it. Would be open to suggestions.
Fenrir's response to how his family is doing is a quote from Morbo in Futurama.
I meant to post this chapter tomorrow but I had to post this. One, because I really liked how this chapter flowed together and also because I need to vent a little frustration. I stumbled across the Deathly Hallows Part 1 on TV yesterday, specifically the scene where Ron leaves. I have to give Rupert Grint credit for playing the character exactly as he's written but that doesn't change my distaste for how he's written. He's a jealous and lazy with a major inferiority complex. He never supports Hermione unless he gets something out of it himself and never fails to belittle the things that are most important to her, while abandoning Harry when Harry needs him the most. It got me up in a lather and I needed to vent a little. I know some love Ron but I just find his entire character poorly written and wholly distasteful. Maybe it's just because Hermione is my favorite (with Luna right behind) and her ending up with him just never made sense. Thankfully, fan fiction is a thing and I can read writers who do better by Harry, Hermione, Neville and, sometimes, Ron. Anyways, rant over. I had to get that off my chest. Thank you all for reading, for all your comments, follows and favorites.)
Chapter 37: Little Lion Man
Harry woke the next day, numb and confused. He had no love for the Dursleys but that did not mean he wanted them dead. They were murdered, brutally, by someone trying to get to him. He felt no remorse for them but still was saddened that they died the way they did.
Thinking about the Grangers, he just couldn't stop thinking about the danger they were now in; all because of him. Sitting up in bed, Harry put his head in his hands with his elbows resting on his knees. Every time he shut his eyes, he saw images of Hermione petrified. That shifted to images of the Grangers dead. Rocking slightly, Harry tried to make the images recede.
"Hey kid," Harry looked up to see Richard leaning on the doorframe. "What's going on?"
"I'm fine," Harry deflected, turning his head away from the doorway.
"You've been distant with me since you returned. As if you're ashamed or embarrassed."
"I failed," Harry said in a quiet voice. "Hermione was hurt; she could have been killed. I promised to keep her safe."
"You know," Richard sat down on the bed. "When Hermione was born and I held her for the first time, I promised I wouldn't let anything ever happen to her. I swore to protect her. Then, she started to walk and I followed her. I didn't want her to fall and hurt herself. Every time she almost fell, I stepped in. One time, I was on a call and I wasn't watching as closely as I usually do. She walked into the kitchen and fell. She cried and I dropped the phone to run to her. When I got there, I saw she had a small bump and you know what she did? She cried for a while and then she picked herself up and kept walking.
"That day I realized two things: One, I am not always going to be there for her and that's okay and two, if I keep anything from happening to her, nothing will ever happen to her. Yes, she might get hurt but she will learn how to pick herself up and persevere.
"My princess is the strongest girl you will ever find; she gets that from her mother. I've learned to step back and let her live her life. If she misbehaves, I'll correct it. If she's hurt, I'll try to heal it but I won't hover over her to keep her from all harm because that's just not possible. That's what it is to be a father: to worry that they'll get hurt but also to smile as they learn to thrive and endure.
"I know you're beating yourself up about her being petrified and you think you let me down but let me tell you this: you have made me more proud than I thought I ever could be. You have helped her come out of her shell; you've given her a place where she belongs. Yes, your letter terrified me but I also knew that my daughter was happy and a good bit of that is due to you."
"But I have so many people after me. What if they come after her? or Helen? or you?"
"You can't control that and you can't try to prevent everything bad from happening. Listen: you faced off with a gigantic snake, according to your letter. You stepped up to find the culprit who attacked my daughter and ensured nobody else would be hurt. That's exactly what I would have done.
"I am not upset with you, Harry. I am quite proud. You grew up in the harshest environment I could ever imagine. Most children who do become hard and aloof. Being denied love that long, they have no idea how to show love themselves. But you love with every fiber of your being. That's why Hermione being attacked was so hard for you and why you can't bear to see any of us in harm's way.
"You know, Hermione wrote us a letter a while back. She told us about the incident in Potions. She told us how you read to her to calm her down. You responded to her needs the way a true friend would. I'm proud of you, kid."
Tears welled in Harry's eyes. He had never heard that growing up. Sure he had heard that his parents would be proud of him but nobody had said that they were. Abandoning all control, he threw himself at Richard and hugged the man.
"I've never said this aloud," Harry said into Richards's shoulder. "But I love you guys. You've become so much more than I ever could have dreamed of than I ever hoped for. I'm sorry Hermione got hurt but I'll never be able to push you away, as much as there's a part of me screaming to do so. I wouldn't be the same without all three of you. Thank you."
"The feeling's mutual, kid," Richard squeezed Harry tight.
Hermione looked on from the doorway with a smile. She was passing by when she heard the last part of what Harry said and she felt the same.
"Richard always wanted a son, I think," Hermione turned her head to see Helen patting her eyes with a handkerchief. "He didn't show it much but he was saddened when the doctors told us we couldn't have another kid. Now, he's got the son he very much wanted."
"I've never seen Harry break like that," Hermione said. "He's always been strong, like a column that holds up the Acropolis."
"That's how he's had to be. Except now he realizes he's not holding up that building alone. All the other columns are taking the weight off him, so he doesn't feel like he's got to do it himself. When you lift that weight, it's amazing to see the changes it brings."
Helen watched Harry separate from Richard and stepped into the room.
"Alright, everyone. We need to leave within the next hour if we're going to make it to the goblins on time."
Harry nodded and got out of bed. A shower and a change later, he descended the stairs when a photograph caught his attention. On one of the bookshelves was a photo of Harry and Hermione in the Hospital Wing. There was a book open in Harry's lap and Hermione was tucked into his side. Hermione was smiling with tears in her eyes as Harry was caught mid-gesture.
"Your friend Colin sent that to us," Helen came up next to him. "He took that surreptitiously and thought we would like it. He even got Hedwig into delivering it somehow."
"It's a great photo," Harry was enamored. "Colin is an amazing photographer."
"He just sees the world differently. I'm glad he does."
Helen ran her hands over the picture frame. Harry moved along to get something to eat but Helen just stared at the photo for a while longer, wishing and hoping that she would soon hear the news that Harry was dating Hermione. Most young romances don't survive the test of time but she had a feeling this one would.
After breakfast, which Dobby prepared, the family piled into the car, heading for Diagon Alley. Before Harry knew it, they were standing before the bank. Walking in, they saw that the bank was not busy in the slightest. Stepping up to a teller, Harry bowed.
"May your battles be as legendary as your hoard," Harry said, making the goblin chuckle.
"Gripclaw is waiting for you," the teller gave his best goblin smile. "You remember the way?"
"If I get lost, I'll scream for help."
"Just be sure you don't wake the dragons when you do," the goblin retorted.
"If I do, please send your slowest goblin to help," Harry said. "I'll need to have someone I can outrun."
The teller laughed. It's nice to see a wizard understand our humor, he thought.
Harry led the Grangers back toward the office and knocked. Gripclaw bade them entry and Harry walked in.
"Good morning, Mr. Potter," Gripclaw shook his hand. "I've been told you have work for us."
"Yes, Gripclaw," Harry said. "I fought and killed a Basilisk last term and I was hoping to hire the Nation to render the carcass down."
"About how big would you say it was?"
Harry told them how big it was from his memory.
"That large? Would you mind sharing the battle with us?" Gripclaw dove into his desk and pulled out a gold orb. "This is a memory orb. We use it to save and view the memories of our best battles. Would you be willing to share it with me?"
Harry nodded and Gripclaw placed the orb on his temple.
"Now, I want you to recall the battle with the Basilisk in as much detail as you can."
Harry brought up the memory of Tom, of the Basilisk, and felt a pull on his forehead.
"Excellent!" Gripclaw ran a nail over the orb, to play the scene.
"Is there a way you could broadcast that?" Richard asked. "I would be curious to watch as well, if possible."
"There is a way but usually we only do it among the Nation. However, this one time, I think we can allow you to watch, so long as you don't tell wizards about this. They would undoubtedly try to steal it again. They tried a while back and all they got were prophecy orbs which are a pale imitation."
"I swear not to divulge the secrets of the Nation," Richard bowed as Hermione and Helen nodded.
Gripclaw took out a black basin with a clear liquid in it. He immersed the gold orb inside and then ran his palm over the lip. Light shot up from the liquid and the scene started to play just as Harry opened the chamber.
It was fascinating for Harry to watch himself fight the creature. When the Basilisk was revealed, Harry felt pressure around his hand. Looking down, he saw that Hermione had latched onto his hand, squeezing for all she was worth. Despite the pain, he found he enjoyed the sensation. The Grangers gasped when Harry faced off against the snake. Richard smacked him on his shoulder when Harry chanted "Kamehameha," smiling at him. When none of the attacks worked and Harry was forced to use the sword, Helen gasped while Richard cheered. Hermione kept her silence, though she did mold herself close to Harry. Again Harry appreciated the closeness but he wasn't about to say that aloud.
Hermione sobbed loudly as Harry lay on the ground spasming in death. When Fawkes came and flew down to heal Harry, she wrapped her arms around Harry and squeezed tightly.
I almost lost him, she thought. The thought worked her way through her entire body as she pulled him tighter. She wasn't sure what she would do without him and that thought in and of itself was brutal for her.
As the scene ended with the diary getting stabbed, Gripclaw pulled it out of the basin and cleaned it off.
"Most impressive, Mr. Potter," Gripclaw folded his hands on his desk. "You fought with honor, bravery, and pride. I am curious about the sword."
"According to Professor McGonagall," Harry said. "It is the Sword of Gryffindor which, according to the Sorting Hat, I am the most direct descendant."
"Fascinating," Gripclaw drummed his fingers on the desk. "Ragnok the Magnificent, the goblin from whom our current king is descended, crafted the sword for Gryffindor. We had an agreement from Gryffindor that he would use that sword for his lifetime and then return it to be displayed in these halls. However, when Gryffindor passed, the sword could not be found."
"The sword is currently on display in the headmaster's office," Harry said. "Do you need us to return it to you?"
"Out of respect to you and your battle here," Gripclaw gestured toward the orb. "We will extend the same offer to you that we did to Godric. Though upon your death, we would like to display that weapon here."
"I have no issue with that," Harry said. "I might need that sword again. Voldemort is clearly not gone and is hype focused on me. Should he return, it might serve the Heir of Gryffindor to fight the Heir of Slytherin with Gryffindor's sword."
"Back to business," Gripclaw said. "We would be honored to render the Basilisk for you. A snake that size would probably generate three million Galleons when rendered down to all the usable parts. Do you want anything held back?"
"I'd like a couple of fangs that I would like made into daggers with the venom imbibed into them. I would also like some of the hide, in case it can be made into battle robes or something similar. As spell resistant as that hide is, it would be useful.
"I also would like to give a stipend to Argus Filch, Colin Creevey, Cho Chang, Justin Finch-Fletchley, Hermione Granger, Severus Snape and Ginny Weasley. I'd also like to give one to the family of Myrtle Warren, as well as to Nymphadora Tonks and John Dawlish who were injured when investigating the Chamber."
"Harry," Hermione nudged him. "I don't need…"
"You were a victim of this thing and as such you deserve to be compensated just like everyone else who was a victim."
"How much would you like the stipend to be?" Gripclaw was busy taking notes.
"You said this carcass would net three million Galleons?" Gripclaw nodded to the question. "500 Galleons per victim sounds fair. What will the goblins take be?"
"If you allow us to take all the meat, Gringotts will take 30 percent of the profit," Gripclaw said.
"20 percent," Harry knew enough about goblins to know this was a negotiation.
"25." Gripclaw countered to which Harry smiled and agreed.
"When would you want to complete this?"
"We could do this after your return from France which, speaking of," Gripclaw withdrew a folder. "Your travel and accommodations have been bumped up as a thank you for agreeing to return the sword."
"You already knew about the sword," Harry said. It wasn't a question.
"We heard a rumor from your Professor Flitwick that you used a gold sword with red rubies to slay the snake and there is only one sword that matches that description. Filius also told us you were a man of honor and would act and negotiate with honor. That's why our take is down to 25 percent when usually it is 40."
"Master Gripclaw," Helen spoke up. "We recently were made aware of a threat upon Harry's life. Would it be possible to add another person, Nymphadora Tonks to the itinerary?"
Gripclaw pressed his forefinger to a spot on the desk and another goblin entered the office.
"Daggermouth," Gripclaw addressed the goblin. "Would you please add Nymphadora Tonks to the travel itinerary we just bumped up?"
The goblin nodded and slipped from the office.
"Thank you, master goblin," Helen bowed.
"No need to be so formal. Gripclaw will do just fine," Gripclaw gave her a slight inclination of his head before turning back to Harry.
"With your permission, I would also ask if I could share this memory orb with the Nation. We goblins still have our warrior roots and we love to see battles like this one take place. I would like for the Nation to be able to view it."
"Sure," Harry's lips curved into a shrewd smile. "For a sickle per individual to view it."
"Of course," Gripclaw loved wizards who knew when to negotiate. "That is our standard fee to view something like this. You'll get 40 percent of the profits."
"30," Harry shocked Gripclaw. "I am doing nothing while you are doing everything. You deserve 10 percent for yourself."
"Oh, I like you," Gripclaw leaned forward, giving Harry a contract to sign. "Sign here to agree to have the Nation render the Basilisk and that you agree to the stipulations we have discussed."
Harry took the quill on the desk and signed before inhaling in pain. He looked on the back of his hand to see his name appear there lightly.
"That's a blood quill," Gripclaw says. "We only use it for contracts like this one. To use one for anything else is highly illegal. Put this cloth over your hand. It is covered in murtlap to help you heal."
"Thank you, Gripclaw," Harry rose with the Grangers and bowed. "I hope the gold of your earnings dries up the blood of your enemies."
"Until next time, Mr. Potter," Gripclaw stood and bowed to the family.
"You don't do normal, do you kid?" Richard asked.
"Not since a certain bushy-haired witch walked up to me and became my friend, at least," Harry nudged Hermione as he spoke. "I'm sure normal would just bore me."
As the Grangers exited the bank, Tonks fell into step a comfortable distance behind. While the Grangers were heading home, Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge was on a boat, approaching his destination. He bundled his cloak around him and busied himself with the paper. He was still aghast that they had a werewolf attack and such a public one too. It had even made the front page of the paper, on the column next to the story of the Weasleys winning the lottery.
It was Fudge's regular check-in with Azkaban; the most hated day of the year for him. Today he had to have extended exposure to the Dementors, the gliding wraiths whose job was to haunt the prison Azkaban. He had to account for every prisoner and ensure they were all having their basic needs met.
The boat stopped abruptly as it arrived at the monolithic structure. Wizards either built Alcatraz or they based Azkaban off it. The walls were a vanilla yellow, and getting yellower with each year. Moss covered the grounds around the island. Fudge walked up toward the gates which swung open to meet him. Crossing through them, the coldness of the air became suffocating. Quickly, Fudge walked row upon row in the stacks, checking off every inmate. Once done in the stacks, Fudge walked into the spiral staircase that led to the maximum-security wing. Every single occupant here was a follower of the Dark Lord.
"Ah Minister," Bellatrix greeted him as he ascended to the level. She gave him a manic look and licked the bars of her cell. "Come to get me out? I've been a very, very good girl… or would you prefer I be a bad girl?"
"Get back, witch!" The Auror who was part of his guard snapped at her, making her turn her back to the bars and slide down to the floor, cackling all the way down.
"Too bad," she spoke to the opposite wall. "If you had let me go, I would have seen to it my master spared your pitiful life. Oh well, what can you do?"
Fudge rolled his eyes and walked through the ward. Aside from Bellatrix, none of the other inmates talked to him. They stared at the ceiling or rocked themselves on their cots. Until he got to the end.
"Good day, minister," Sirius Black looked out through the black curtains of hair that hung in front of his face. "How is the rest of the wizarding world today?"
"Why don't you see for yourself," Fudge threw the paper at him. "Look at all the joy that's in our world since your lord vanished and we locked you up."
Sirius was going to retort until he saw the picture on the front page. Waving to him from the paper was a family of seven redheads all waving excitedly with a pyramid in the background. Next to it was the article on the werewolf attacks.
"Do you mind if I keep this?" Sirius asked, trying to keep his voice even.
"I was done with it anyway. Just as I'm done with the lot of you for another year," Fudge fastened his cloak in front of him and walked out of the ward.
Sirius never registered him leaving. First, he read the article on the werewolf attacks:
Werewolves Attack Muggle Family
By Rita Skeeter
Tragedy has struck a muggle family as the remains of two individuals were found in Surrey yesterday morning. The muggles, who this reporter has learned were named Vernon and Petunia Dursley, were brutally murdered and dismembered inside their own home.
Citizens will remember werewolf attacks were common during the previous war but have ceased for some time, thanks to the actions of the Boy-Who-Lived. Officials of the DMLE would not comment on the story, only to say that it is an ongoing investigation.
Interestingly, the intrepid reporter discovered that Petunia and Vernon were to be tried in the upcoming Wizengamot session. Court records are sealed but one clerk, who asked to remain anonymous, has said it had to do with the abuse of a magical minor. Digging a little deeper, this reporter has discovered that the werewolves left a message that said "Touchable" and, according to DMLE officials, also indicated their next target is Harry Potter, the Boy-Who-Lived himself.
Were the Dursleys targeted by the minor as a means of retribution? Did someone hire the werewolves to keep them quiet? What does Harry Potter have to do with this? This reporter is on the case and questions will be answered.
Petunia and Vernon leave behind a 12-year-old son named Dudley, records say. What will happen to the boy? Will he be the next to be attacked?
"Wasn't Petunia the name of Lily's sister?" Sirius whispered to himself. "What in the blazes would a werewolf be doing unless… oh no. Hagrid told me Dumbledore was taking Harry to his relatives. Oh, I've been so stupid; they probably did something to Harry. Lily always claimed Petunia was the worst person to raise a puppy, let alone a child."
"So Harry will be in danger from the werewolves but he should be safe in the castle." His eyes returned to the photograph that first caught his attention. There, sitting on the shoulder of the smallest boy was a fat rat, a fat rat he had not seen in over a decade. A rat missing a toe. "Except he's not. I should have known he didn't die, the bloody rat. He's at Hogwarts! He's at Hogwarts! He's at Hogwarts!"
His mind was clearer than it had been in years, Sirius transformed into his dog form, slipped between the bars, and sprinted from his cell that night when everyone was sleeping.
I'm coming, Harry was the only thing Sirius focused on as sprinted down the lawn and swam across the channel. I'm coming.
(A/N: So when I started this fiction, I thought it would be my only one, that I would stop there. However, I've since had two ideas pop into my head that I'm working through. I'll probably keep finishing what's on my plate before starting a new one but my next fiction is very much in development. Thank you everyone for your follows, favorites and comments. I didn't think I would write again but this has helped rekindle my love of it and a good bit of that is thanks to you so you all have my gratitude.)