Chapter 1770 - Ch: 21-22

chapter 21

SATURDAY, APRIL 1st, 1995 - THE SOUTH WING.

When the dinner ended, the various families retired to somewhere private to talk. Hermione and her parents went to her apartment and Harry led Sirius and Remus to his study where the walls were lined with pictures of his wives. Sirius was not critical at all, thinking the Wing and now this were bloody brilliant pranks in a way, although he did bemoan the fact that his Godson and beaten him to marital bliss as it were and he needed to do something about it. Remus was not critical about the solution, although he continued to question why it was even necessary. He still had difficulty thinking ill of Dumbledore. Harry did his best to explain they did not know exactly what Dumbledore was up to and believed that asking would be pointless. Dumbledore had avoided all questions Harry had put to him thus far and things were moving too quickly to wait for information or an explanation from the man.

Harry spent much of the time talking about each of the girls and his month with each of them, although despite Sirius's pleading, he did stay clear of the "juicy bits" or any discussion of their "assets." He focused mostly on who they were and what he liked about them "outside of the bedroom." All the while, however, he was concerned about the meetings that were occurring down the hallway in the girls' apartments. He was far more concerned about Hermione with her parents. He figured about the only concern Hannah's mother would have was the age which, later that evening, was exactly what Hannah would say to him as this was her night with him.

Harry would not find out about Hermione's meeting with her parents until the next day and even then it would be some time before he got the entire story. Her parents were understandably very upset with her and the situation. Her situation was disturbing in both worlds for the adults and particularly for the highly educated Grangers who thought they had raised her to be an intellectual who understood that she was too young to begin a family, particularly if she truly wanted a career. Fortunately for Hermione, this discussion did not begin with just the three of them. Hermione's sitting room had additional guests who felt she needed support and knew they needed to convince the Muggles that there were reasons behind the reasons given, guests who were in a better position to speak of the threat and the conditions in magical society. Hannah and her mother as well as the Tonks family joined in support of Hermione, at least in general. None of the adults were thrilled with the idea that the girls were married so young or that they were involved in a Plural Marriage. But the magical adults understood why and were probably better at explaining certain things than Hermione could be if only because the "official" version in books was inaccurate.

Marilyn Abbott was a Muggle Born as was Ted Tonks. Andy was a "liberal" Pureblood raised in one of the most bigoted Pureblood families and had been disowned by her parents for her beliefs. Between them, they were able to explain the prejudices of their society. Prejudice was always a matter of perception and not reality. In the case of Magical Britain and its bias against Muggle Borns in general and Muggle Born witches in particular, a social stratification that was not unheard of in the Muggle World, one based upon families, was exacerbated by the perceived animosity Muggles held for witches. It was odd that the anti-magical bias even when joined by the Church in the 14th Century was almost entirely directed at women, particularly as there were almost as many wizards as witches. But that was the case. The vast majority of "witches" who were executed in various ways for centuries were not witches as all. Of those real witches who were drowned, pressed or burnt at the stake, the vast majority were Muggle Borns. The Pureblood bigots blamed that on their lack of respect for magical culture. It may have been a factor, but it may also have been the case that the Muggle Borns felt comfortable in the Muggle World and thus were easier to "catch."

Andy told them of the two most famous real witches the English managed to execute. One was not English at all. She was a French peasant who had led an army that defeated the English in France. Joan of Arc was tried by the French and the Church and sent to England for execution as part of the momentary peace between the two almost perpetually warring nations. The other witch, while accused of witchcraft during her life, was executed by Henry VII for purely political reasons, namely to get rid of anyone who could challenge the legitimacy of his reign. This was Elizabeth Woodville, the alleged wife of King Edward IV (alleged because there were later accusations that Edward was already married). She was also the mother of the legendary "Princes in the Tower" who were supposedly murdered by Richard III. The problem was, after the Princes had been declared bastards by Parliament following the death of their father in 1483, they went somewhere else – Hogwarts. The reason they were never seen again was not because they were murdered, it was because they embraced their magic and left the non-magical world, particularly when it was clear that if Richard the III would not have killed them, Henry the VII or his allies most certainly would have.

But the point was pressed home. Muggle Born witches were about as low on the social scale as one could get. They had few opportunities unless they married well. Madam Bones would never have been an Auror had her husband not been a Pureblood from an Ancient and Noble House. St. Mungos and the Healing profession in general lacked such bias, but in recent years few Muggle Borns had the Potion skills to enter that profession. Quidditch was also unbiased based upon bloodlines, but Muggle Borns were at a disadvantage because they never sat a broom before Hogwarts. For most Muggle Born witches who remained in the magical world, unless they started their own businesses, they were generally shop girls or clerical employees regardless of their marks. By marrying Harry, even under these circumstances, Hermione had secured a future for herself she could not attain any other way. She had ceased being a Muggle Born for all practical purposes.

As for the threat which had driven their daughter to this, the Grangers were given a lengthy lecture about Death Eaters and Voldemort. Andy was very well versed in this having been raised by a family that supported such things. She said they made the IRA look like rank amateurs and Hitler look like an egalitarian. They killed Muggles for sport. Muggle Borns and their families were brutally terminated as a matter of policy. For those who had connections with the murderers, there had been rumors of something disturbingly similar to the "Final Solution" and Death Camps should the Death Eaters come to power. Between 1971 and 1981, half the Muggle Borns known to be in Britain disappeared although most probably fled abroad and never returned. The Death Eaters faced little challenge at first as the government was indifferent. It was not until much later when they began killing Purebloods who would not support them that the government finally began to act aggressively. Most of magical Britain hoped those days were at an end as most were not in favor of that Cause, but all feared it was not so.

Dumbledore was a further problem. No one would deny he was an able Headmaster and educator for the most part. Nymphadora seriously questioned his choice for a Potions Professor but … well it was well known that there was no real money in teaching Potions. Snape's predecessor was independently wealthy. Snape was not so one had to wonder why he chose that position when he could easily make more money opening a shop in Diagon Alley or working at St. Mungos. Then again, it was also well known that he had been a Death Eater at one point. Dumbledore had vouched for him claiming he had been "reformed." The Tonks family did not think it possible to reform a sociopath, which seemed to be an apt description for anyone who bore the Mark. Dumbledore's biggest failing was his absolute belief and faith in redemption and unquestioning ability to forgive. He failed to see that some people truly were lost causes. This had severely hampered the ability of the Wizengamot to deal with the Death Eaters in an effective manner and the Emergency Acts that were eventually passed and arguably prevented the Death Eaters from winning, were passed when Dumbledore was out of the country on ICW business. The Tonks argued that if Dumbledore had an interest in Harry, that could not be good for Harry or anyone Harry considered a friend. If that interest was tied to Voldemort somehow, it was not good for anyone at all. They agreed and argued persuasively that the best thing for Harry, his friends and the magical world in general was to get Dumbledore out of his life.

Hermione's contribution was more personal. She had told them she felt they had been drifting apart and wanted that to stop and saw this as an opportunity to become a family again. But she also stressed that just because she was pregnant and would be having a child, she was not about to stop her education. If anything it would be accelerated. She told them they had planned the next day with that in mind. By the time the Spring Holiday was over, certainly all the Fourth and Fifth years and maybe the Third Years as well would sit for their O.W.L.s as two of the examiners were among the guests. It would not be in every subject, just the ones that mattered, she said. Once this weekend was over, they would still have to attend some classes as History of Magic, Astronomy, Care of Magical Creatures, Divination and Muggle Studies were not included in the Wing's courses. But in all the others, she hoped they would all be at least into NEWT level studies. Just before the Grangers left for their own room, Hermione gave her father a summary of Harry's finances they had received from Gringotts. If nothing else, money was not about to be an issue – ever. The Grangers left not happy, but far more accepting then when they had entered her library like apartment.

Twenty-four guest rooms had been filled on Friday with the thirty-seven guests who had already arrived. Most of them were the parents or Magical Guardians (or both) of the two families. All were adults. Professors Tofty and Marchbanks were among the guests. Although they were not parents or grandparents or even great-grandparents of the young women, they were friends of Amelia Bones and Augusta Longbottom and were senior examiners who administered the OWLs and NEWTs. Ginny's father and brother Bill were already in the Wing as well.

At eight in the morning, the door from Hogwarts opened. It would not allow anyone inside to leave, in fact to anyone inside who was not a Potter or Longbottom, it was hidden. It opened to allow the remaining twenty-five guests to enter. All but eight were students. Of the adults, five were Hogwarts Professors and the sixth was Madam Maxine, Headmistress of Beauxbatons and the other two were Gabrielle's parents. Included on the guest list was Victor Krum and his fiancé Katya who would be coming up from Hogsmeade. The occupants of the Wing were not worried about "gate crashers." Only the guests could find the door with their invitations and the two least wanted people in Hogwarts from the occupants' standpoint, Professors Dumbledore and Snape, were away from the Castle. The new guests were not shown to their rooms directly. That would happen after lunch by which time the Wing's House Elves would have transferred their belongings to their rooms.

During the night, two of those elves had been busy. Dobby and Winky had received permission from Sirius Black to enter his family home and bring that library to the Wing to augment the Magical Library's already extensive collection. By ten in the morning, the transfer was complete, although Doddy did report the need to subdue another House Elf who seemed intent on defying the wishes of "The Great Harry Potter's Godfather." At ten, the door to Hogwarts closed and a bell sounded telling those who had been through it before that Time Compression had activated again.

Professor McGonagall was staring at a painting in one of the salons. It looked like something and yet it did not. It was mostly blues and, she thought, oddly pretty, but she had never seen anything like it.

"It's a late Monet," a voice said. She turned and saw a red haired girl, one of her students although she knew the girls was in Slytherin.

"Excuse me, Miss Rosier?" she said.

"Claude Monet. He was a Muggle French painter who painted from 1862 through the 1920's. I think this one was 1912 or so. It's called Water Lily's and is said to be frightfully expensive. This one isn't. It's just a reproduction. I think the frame cost more than the print."

"Now that you mention it, it does look like them," McGonagall said.

"We have about ninety reproductions of his works around here as well as several others from other French Impressionists although many say Monet was the Master of that style," Rosie said. "They're not supposed to look like a picture, I'm told, but to portray the essence of the scene or something like that. I find them very peaceful, don't you? Our Gabrielle picked them out. She's a huge fan of that style."

McGonagall nodded. "Where are we?" she asked after a moment.

"The South Wing," Rosie said.

"I know my invitation said that, Miss Rosier, and am too old to fall for an April Fool's prank! I can assure you this is not the South Wing!"

Rosie shrugged. "Can you?" Before McGonagall replied Rosie continued, "it will all be explained after lunch which will begin in about an hour in the Main Dining Room."

The lunch all but convinced McGonagall she was being pranked. This place, wherever it was, could not be a part of Hogwarts. Meals at Hogwarts were served "family style," all the food being placed magically upon the tables and each student selected what they wanted and placed it on their plates. Only the staff ate differently and most were so set in their ways they ate the same thing for lunch every day, thus the lack of selection at the staff table. That was not the case here. In this Dining Room, they all had menus with a surprising selection of dishes. An elf took their orders and several minutes later, their selection appeared before them. There was a surprising variety of selections, far more than she had ever recalled being available in the Great Hall. She had the Fish and Chips which, she was loathe to admit, was actually better than what she had either at Hogwarts or the Three Broomsticks, the later claiming to have the best in Magical Britain. Another difference was the lunch was not "all you can eat." Perhaps this was a good thing as several students had atrocious eating habits – pile it on and shovel it in. Most of the students here seemed to actually have decent table manners.

If one included students from the other two schools attending the Tri-Wizard Tournament, the Dining Room had almost the same number of adults as students. McGonagall was seated with the Grangers which again convinced her this could not be Hogwarts as she could not remember a time during her tenure as a professor when a Muggle had been to the school. She knew they had been at one time, but that was before Dumbledore had become Headmaster. There seemed to be some tension between Miss Granger and her parents, but the three did not discuss this at all. Aside from that, it was quite a pleasant lunch.

After the lunch, all the people gathered in what she was told was the Ballroom. It certainly looked like one with the parquet floors and such. It was not set up like one, however. At one end there was something not unlike a stage with nine chairs towards the back and a lectern or something similar near the front. Seventy-three chairs were arranged in seven rows, four rows of ten and three in back or eleven. McGonagall noticed that the back rows were the first to fill and the front row seemed reserved for the Hogwarts Professors and some others. Upon the stage she saw Harry, Hermione, Hannah Abbott, Neville Longbottom, Ginny Weasley and Susan Bones take seats along with three adults. She knew Amelia Bones, head of DMLE, but did not know the other two offhand.

When everyone was seated, Hermione walked to the lectern. "Good afternoon," she began. "For those of you who don't know me, I am Hermione Granger a Fourth Year here at Hogwarts. For those who don't know where we are, this is the abandoned South Wing of the Castle."

"Miss Granger," McGonagall said, "having been at this school for forty-six years if you include my time as a student, I am well familiar with the South Wing and this most certainly is not it. Surely this is a joke."

"It is not," Hermione said, "and while I'd like to think I have a sense of humor, pranking is not me. Then again with Fred and George Weasley here with us as well as two of the original Marauders…"

"Really?" one of the Twins said.

"Where?" the other one added.

"Think we can get an autograph?"

"Worship the very ground they walk upon?"

"Pick their brains for totally wicked pranking ideas?"

Hermione held up her hand. "Later boys. And I'm sure at least one of them would be thrilled to have you worship him. Be that as it may, this is the South Wing which a few of us have recently renovated…"

"Miss Granger, on what authority did you do this?" McGonagall asked.

"Why your's, Professor," Hermione said with a smile. "When Harry's name came out of the Goblet, you did allow us to use any unused part of the Castle for his training, did you not?"

"I did, but this…? How much of this Wing have you renovated?"

"All of it," Hermione replied.

"I certainly did not give you permission for that!"

"You also did not limit us to any particular space," Hermione added. "As we felt we needed as much space as this Wing had to offer and it was unused and full of junk, well there you go."

"I expect you to change this back by the end of the Holiday!"

"That's not going to happen," Harry said standing. "I, Lord Harry James Potter, Head of the Ancient and Noble House of Potter, by virtue of Blood Inheritance as confirmed at Gringotts, March 30th, 1995 do hereby claim my Birthright as magical and legal Heir of Godric Gryffindor!" As soon as he finished a bell rang out. It was different from the one in the Wing and much further off. A new ring also appeared on his left forefinger. It was not very fancy, just gold unadorned by any jewels, but there was a lion on it where a stone would have been. Harry knew at once it was the Gryffindor Ring.

"The bells of Hogwarts!" a voice gasped.

Hermione then spoke: "I, Lady Hermione Jane Potter nee Granger, by virtue of Blood Inheritance as confirmed at Gringotts, March 30th, 1995 do hereby claim my Birthright as magical and legal Heir of Rowena Ravenclaw!" The distant bell rang out again and there were more gasps.

"But how can that be? She's Muggle Born!"

"The magic in the Ravenclaw maternal line died out generations ago," Hermione said. "A daughter descendant of Ravenclaw was born a Squib and most likely was sent into the Muggle World. Do you think she let on she knew about magic? How long before her descendant daughters forgot they ever had a magical heritage? Two generations? Less? Do not assume that Muggle Borns are not from magical lines 'cause in most cases – maybe all – they are if you look back far enough!"

Susan then rose. "I, Lady Susan Amelia Bones, Head of the Ancient and Noble House of Bones, wife by Line Continuation of Lord Longbottom, by virtue of Blood Inheritance as confirmed at Gringotts, March 30th, 1995 do hereby claim my Birthright as magical and legal Heir of Helga Hufflepuff!" The distant bell sounded a third time.

"Merlin's Beard!" McGonagall whispered to herself. "It can't be!"

Neville then rose. "I, Lord Neville Augustus Longbottom, Head of the Ancient and Noble House of Longbottom, by virtue of Blood Inheritance as confirmed at Gringotts, March 30th, 1995 do hereby claim my Birthright as magical and legal Heir of Salazar Slytherin!" The distant bell sounded a fourth time followed by several others. The bells rang for several minutes before all was silent again.

"But you're in Gryffindor!" a student's voice protested.

Neville smiled. "Apparently when Tom Riddle, also known as You-Know-Who, snuffed it at the end of October 1981 – or at least his body did – the Slytherin line passed to the next closest descendant, which would be me apparently and no, I did not know that."

"Those of you who thought I was Slytherin's heir my Second Year," Harry added, "were not far off. My line is next in line after House Longbottom."

"What was with those bells?" someone asked.

McGonagall stood. "The bells of Hogwarts - as they were known - used to sound upon the return to the Castle of one of the founders. They're not real bells and you won't find them anywhere. It's part of the Castle's magic. As we could hear them, it is safe to say we're at Hogwarts. They have not sounded since Salazar Slytherin left the school and, according to legend and tradition, would never sound again unless and until the Heirs returned united as friends and family. It would appear that is what we've just witnessed."

"Birthright?" a voice asked.

"The Founders owned an equal and indivisible interest in Hogwarts and all or most of Hogsmeade Valley. Since it could not be divided, it could not be passed down unless some generations later the four heirs returned together and the heirs of Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff married the heirs of Gryffindor or Slytherin. Again, that seems to be the case which means they can claim as their own this Wing. It should be noted that in the thousand or so years since the founding of the school, the Heirs never reunited before now."

"Hold it," one of the twins said, "are you saying Harry and Hermione are married?"

"We are," Hermione said. "As of March 30th."

"When did you become – er – boyfriend/girlfriend?"

"The day before, I guess."

"That was quick!" a voice commented.

The other twin was looking at a piece of parchment. "Congratulations, Professor McGonagall!" he said.

"Excuse me?" Harry, Hermione and Professor McGonagall said almost in unison.

"It seems you won the pool!"

"What pool?" Hermione asked.

"The one about when you and Harry would finely figure out you're really a couple!" the twin laughed. "McGonagall picked by April 5th, 1995! She was the closest to the real date. Lee's gonna be pissed as he had the next closest with March 20th. Personally, I thought the Professor was a little optimistic considering how thick you two were but… I'll have the 52 Galleons and change for you on Monday, Professor!"

McGonagall was actually blushing.

"You had a pool about that?" Hermione asked in disbelief.

"Yup! Most of the staff and over half the students were in on it." "A Sickle a pick!" said the other twin.

"Why didn't you tell us?"

"Wouldn't be any fun if you knew about it up front," the first said.

"What's Ginny doing up there?" the other twin asked.

"She's Lady Longbottom now," Neville said proudly.

"Pay up!" that twin said. "I told you they'd be quicker about it than Mum and Dad!"

"Hold on! The bet was no potions and quicker!"

"Do fertility potions count?" Ginny asked.

"Is that a love potion?" the twin set to lose asked.

"Not really," Ginny said.

"Bugger!" the twin said reaching into his pocket and handing something to his brother.

"Thanks Gin!" the other one said.

"Hold on!" Mr. Weasley said, "you're saying you're married?"

Ginny nodded. "Hermione will explain."

"Before we begin, some introductions," Hermione said. "For those who don't know, this is Harry Potter, my husband. Also with us is his other wife via a Line Continuation Contract, Hannah Abbott, and I will be telling you all what that is and how this happened. We also have Neville Longbottom, his First Wife Ginny Weasley and his other wife by Line Continuation Susan Bones. Also with us up here is Amelia Bones, Head of DMLE and Ted Tonks, a Healer from St. Mungo's. Harry?"

Harry stood, "And now for the Marauders," he said. "About twenty years ago, Hogwarts played host to a group of four students who were considered legendary pranksters…"

"A true inspiration," one of the Twins said.

"Worthy of emulation," the second added.

"One called himself Prongs. He was my father James Potter and obviously cannot be with us today. Another was called Wormtail and he was the one who betrayed his friend – my father – and my mother to their deaths."

"Black!" someone said.

"His name was Peter Pettigrew and I'm sure the Weasleys are familiar with him." There were gasps.

"We never knew him!" Arthur protested.

"You knew him by a different name, Mr. Weasley, and in a different form. You knew him in his animagus form and your family called him Scabbers."

"Bloody Hell!" several redheaded men said.

"You know this?" Arthur asked.

"Surely Ron told you about last year," Harry replied although it was now obvious he had not.

"He said Dumbledore told him not to say anything about what happened at the end of last year," Arthur replied.

"Yes another nail in that coffin," Harry continued. "Scabbers was the traitor who allowed Voldemort to kill my parents and was the one who killed all those muggles just before turning into the rat that he is and escaping down a storm drain."

"That means Black is…" a voice began.

"Innocent of those crimes," Amelia said, "although we still have the issue of his also being an unregistered animagus to deal with. As soon as he can access his vaults, I will be expecting prompt payment of a fifty galleon fine."

"If you can catch him," said an oddly dressed wizard seated next to Luna. "He's really Stubby Boardman. He said to be invisible too."

Harry laughed. "Those of us who were students here last year know the third Marauder – arguably the brains of the operation. He is with us today. Please welcome back Moony, also known to us as Professor Lupin." Remus stood to an enthusiastic applause from the students and the staff from the school.

"Finally, here on stage is the last of the Marauders – in presentation, not in any other way. I'd like to introduce my Godfather, also known as Padfoot and also known as the not really invisible Lord Sirius Orion Black, Head of the Ancient and Noble House of Black."

Sirius stood, although it seemed the only ones applauding were the Weasley twins and the two girls who were with them.

"B-b-but he's said to be a murderer, a Death Eater!" someone said.

Sirius bared his left arm. There was another gasp as there was no dark mark. While for many the marked had faded after Voldemort disappeared, it never truly went away and the hidden marks became visible and had remained that way ever since. Sirius had no mark and therefore was not a Death Eater.

"As I said," Amelia spoke as she rose again, "it would seem Lord Black is the victim of a grave injustice perpetrated by our own government. As Head of Magical Law Enforcement, it is my duty to see justice is done, even as here where by doing so a supposed criminal is cleared and our political leaders must be forced to find another excuse for what happens in our world. The law is supposed to protect the innocent and punish the guilty, not hide the mistakes and support the prejudices of the Ministry. To Lord Black, I apologize for what has happened to you and for the years our leadership robbed from you. You should not be having to get to know your Godson and yet for unjustifiable political reasons you are. As Head of DMLE, I will see this matter through to its proper conclusion and see you restored to your freedom, estates and family. I only wish it would be as easy as a flick of a pen. It may take some time."

Sirius nodded. "Thank you," he said softly. "That there is one honest and honorable person in government … there remains hope for our future."

He had escorted her to the private dinner the night before and she had been quite gracious about it. But Sirius had to admit that the flame for her had long died even before she made it clear they could be friends, but no more than that. He still was not her type, she said. Besides, she reasoned, how could she as Head of DMLE help him if they were an item? It would ruin both of their credibility should his case come up. Amelia did point out to him later that Marilyn Abbott seemed to be paying particularly close attention to him and was a widow as well - and had been a year behind him in school. Sirius was too much the dog not to accept a freely offered bone as it were.

Amelia Bones promised Sirius and everyone present a proper trial for Lord Black in time. Sirius agreed to questioning under Veriteserum as soon as a batch was ready. Until then, he was under the protection of the Ancient and Noble Houses that now owned the South Wing and was free to remain upon their lands, which included Hogsmeade Valley. No Auror or other Ministry Official would be legally able to violate such sanctuary, although she could not extend that guarantee beyond the lands of Houses Potter, Longbottom, Bones, Abbott and now Granger/Ravenclaw. With the Black matter dealt with, Hermione allowed those who had been at Harry's dinner party the night before to leave, save herself, Madam Bone and Healer Tonks for the rest of the presentation was "old matters." This was also done to allow Harry and Neville to leave for their private apartments to avoid the storm that surely would be brewing as Hermione revealed all that the South Wing was about.

Harry soon found himself on the balcony of his Private Apartments for again it was a nice day with the warming charms in place and he liked the view. Andy Tonks and her daughter were off to one side with Sirius Black talking about something. Remus was enjoying the sunshine. He had already said he intended to enjoy as much of this as possible given his now fifteen month reprieve from his condition. Hannah and her mother were in bikinis enjoying the sun some distance away.

The plan was that the other guests and families would arrive once they had learned all and accepted it. The House Elves would act as gatekeepers as they could sense hostile intent. Basically, anyone allowed into Harry's Apartment (or Neville's upstairs) were accepting - even if reluctantly - of what was going on. Harry stared out at the lake wishing he could go for a fly on his broom.

"Harry?" a female voice asked.

Harry turned and saw the Grangers standing near him. Rose Granger pulled him into a brief hug.

"I wasn't expecting that," Harry said realizing he had flinched on contact.

"Whether I like it or not - and I am undecided at this time - you're now my Son-in-Law," Rose said.

"I'd ask you the question," Robert Granger said. "But it seems you already married my daughter. Still, what are your intentions towards my little girl?"

Harry nodded thinking. "She's very special, you know," he began.

Robert nodded.

"I'd have been quite content if it were just Hermione in my life," Harry continued. "Don't know what I ever did to deserve her. She's the one girl of all of my wives whom I loved before all of this and that's important. I want to do right by all of them, but especially Hermione. She's so … so brilliant! I want this time to be the beginning of her life. Years from now I want this to be an admirable time for her, but just the beginning. I don't want her to peak at sixteen or seventeen, but I do want her to outshine everyone now, then and forever! Neville and I may be the focus of a lot of this but don't kid yourselves. Hermione is the driving force! Without her, none of this would happen. She's crossed House lines here at Hogwarts. You have any idea how special that makes her? She's a Gryffindor who inspired Slytherins! Those two Houses hate each other on principal, but our Slytherins look to her for leadership. One day … maybe … Hermione will be Minister for Magic. She's be brilliant at it. If not that, I'd settle for Prime Minister of Great Britain, but… Whatever she wants and can attain, I'll see to it!"

"And the other girls," Robert Granger began.

"Brilliant too," Harry said, "the lot of them! I see my role as seeing to it that they can do whatever they're capable of doing now and even years and years from now."

"And you?" Rose asked. "What do you want?"

Harry frowned. "One day - maybe - I'll get that. What I want is a quiet life without all of this Boy-Who-Lived nonsense and without others trying to either control me or kill me. I always wanted a real family. After that and assuming I can get that life, I really don't know. There's too much expected of me in a way and I want nothing to do with it! It seems that Neville and I are stuck for now. I want to be unstuck and then figure that out."

"And where are you going to live?" Robert asked.

Harry explained that because he, Hermione, Neville and Susan were Founders Heirs, they would have to live here in the South Wing for six months of every year. He explained that the girls apartments could be expanded to about twice their current size without too much difficulty which would allow for three additional bedrooms and an additional bathroom if needed. As for the other six months of the year, Harry had several properties, most notably Potter Manor. As Hannah's consort, there were also Abbott properties where they could spend time. Finally, there was also the possibility of spending time at one of the Delacour properties. They had a "palace" in Paris, a large Manor and estate in the Loire Valley and a large Villa outside of Nice overlooking the sea. Harry admitted that he had yet to see any of these other places, or at least had no memory of them. He figured they would check them out this coming summer if possible.

"Did I miss something?" Rose asked sometime later.

"Excuse me?" Harry replied.

"You claim to be married and I have seen the papers confirming that, something Robert and I have to accept based upon your word and that of Ms. Bones, but none of you are wearing any rings? Is there a reason for that? Do people in this world wear wedding rings?"

"They do," Harry said, "or so I'm told."

"So it slipped your mind then? Not that I'm surprised. You're only fourteen or so."

"It didn't," Harry said. "I got them on Thursday. Just haven't had to time to give them to the girls yet. As soon as Hermione gets here, I'll correct that problem."

"And weddings?" she asked.

"I haven't thought about that," Harry admitted. "I wouldn't be surprised if Hermione has. She did say something about the magical ceremony being important, but aside from that…" Harry shrugged.

"Oh, there're going to be weddings," a new voice said. Harry saw that Hannah and her mother, both in bikinis, had joined them. "I'm Hannah," she said to the Grangers. They remembered her from the night before but had forgotten her name. The previous evening had been information overload. "This is my Mum, Marilyn," she added.

"Weddings?" Rose asked.

Hannah nodded. "We spent the last two days shopping for all kinds of things. Our elves can make a lot, but wedding dresses and such are best left to designers and such. Hermione's plan is that the weddings will begin on Day Eight of Time Compression at the soonest. Should give us all time to make the final arrangements and plans. Harry and Hermione will be first…"

"We are?" Harry asked.

"That's really quick," Rose added.

"Yes you are," Hannah said, "and Mrs. Granger don't worry. The Elves will spend time with you and Hermione to make it as perfect a day as possible. Unfortunately, we won't be able to invite any more guests, so it will be just the people we have here. Still, it should be wonderful!"

"Have you picked Bridesmaids and such?" Rose asked.

"Oh yes," Hannah said. "Those of us who have sisters, well they'll be bridesmaids. And most of us is going to be a maid … no matron of honor at least once and all of us a bridesmaid at least a few times as well. Each wedding will have four groomsmen and bridesmaids. We were thinking of no more than three, but Ginny insisted she wanted her brothers to stand with her and Neville agreed so it's four."

"And the Groomsmen and Best Man?" Rose Granger asked.

"That's up to Harry, isn't it," Hannah said, "although I hope he will agree not to have Sirius Black as Best Man or Groomsman at our wedding."

"Why not?" Harry and others asked.

"'Cause he's your Godfather and I lost my Daddy in the War," Hannah said. "I'm hoping he'll agree to escort me down the aisle in Daddy's place."

"We'll need to ask him," Marilyn said. "I think he's a good choice, but he needs to agree…"

"Oi! Sirius," Harry called out waiving Sirius and Remus over (and proving he was still fourteen or so in the Grangers' eyes but also thoughtful as well.)

"You rang?" Sirius quipped as he and Remus arrived.

"We're talking 'bout weddings," Harry began.

"Good to know, but why am I here?" Sirius asked. "Aside from being your godfather that is?"

"Need some best men things," Harry said. "I figure you and Neville and Professor Lupin…"

"Harry, I'm no longer," Remus began.

"You will be again," Harry said. "But that's not why I called you over. Hannah?"

"Lord Black?" she asked. "For now, Harry and I are to be married by ceremony on Day Ten. Hermione and he will be married that way on Day Eight. My Daddy died during the War and my Mum and I would be honored if you'd agree to stand up for me in his stead - escort me down the aisle?"

Sirius was dumbfounded for a good minute and many wondered if he had also forgotten how to breath. "I - I would be honored," he stammered.

They spoke for some time about the schedule for the next few weeks. Hannah told them that training would resume on Day 3 and would be four hours a day, every day including wedding days from just after breakfast until lunch. The weddings would take place around dinner time which would allow the bride five or six hours to get ready, something Harry did not understand but decided not to press the matter. Harry had tentatively decided that Neville, Remus and Sirius would stand as Best Man for him at three weddings each. Neville would be Best Man for him at his weddings with Hermione, Luna and Rosie. Remus would be Best Man at his weddings with Hannah, Padma and Daphne and Sirius would be there with Harry when he married Katie, Marcia and Gabrielle.

About two hours passed from when Harry returned to his Apartments and Hermione finally showed up. As soon as she entered the Apartments, she apparently headed to her room to change which allowed Harry a little time to retrieve the shopping bags from his study and set them up beside a chair at a small table on the balcony. Hermione arrived in a robe and was probably wearing a bikini underneath. Harry waived her over to the table where she and Hannah joined him and the other adults stood nearby.

"How'd it go?" Harry asked Hermione.

She shrugged. "No lynch mobs that I could tell. McGonagall's lips disappeared a few times…" Which meant she was very angry about something. "Of the parents, I'd say our Muggle Borns' parents are confused, the Patils look rather put out and I have no idea what Mr. Weasley's thinking. You?"

"No one tried to kill me, hex me or toss me off the balcony," Harry shrugged.

"I suppose that's a good thing," Hermione nodded. "What's in the bags?" she asked noticing nine shopping bags.

Harry smiled and reached into two of the bags and pulled out a box from each. "Just some small presents," he said. He handed a box to Hermione and another to Hannah. They opened them and saw they each had a pair of very nice pearl earrings. Hermione smiled at first and then gave Harry a look. "Not finished yet," he smiled as he handed each of them two more boxes, these two had opal earrings. The diamond earrings elicited the first gasp from the girls and their mothers.

"These are lovely," Hannah said.

"Are they real?" Hermione asked.

"They better be considering what they cost," Harry said as he handed out two long boxes.

The girls smiled at their new gold necklaces which they then passed to their mothers as Harry handed them another box inside of which were pearl necklaces. Then came the very expensive diamond necklaces.

"Harry!" Hermione said, "this is too much!"

Harry shrugged. "I don't think so," he said. "Then again, don't expect all this every time I go out shopping," he added as he handed them another long box. "This last one is custom made for each of you featuring your birth gems." Hermione opened hers and saw deep blue gems which she knew were sapphires. Hannah's stones were yellow.

Hermione and Hannah were speechless.

"All of that lead to this," Harry said. "I should have done this the right way, the normal way. Should have dated you two for a bit at least then met the parents and hopefully charmed them into liking me - figuratively speaking of course - then asked you proper to marry me. But I guess normal and Harry Potter don't work. Still, I want you two to know that I don't regret this at all."

He handed a box to Hermione first and then another to Hannah. They each opened theirs and saw their two carat diamond rings. Hermione's was set in platinum and Hannah's in gold. Neither made any move to do anything but look at them, so Harry removed the one from Hermione's box and placed it on her finger. It magically resized itself to be a perfect fit. He then did the same for Hannah.

"I guess that makes it official," Sirius quipped.

"Not quite," Harry said. "Those are just 'engagement' rings. It's not official until I put these rings on their fingers," he said producing two more boxes. He showed them to the girls. Hermione's was also a platinum band and had three small diamonds and two small sapphires whereas Hannah's gold ring had three diamonds and two citrines, just like the stones in her custom necklace. He gave them each a few minutes to look at the rings and allow their parents to do so as well before he retrieved the boxes and placed them in the bags. "Hannah said there will be weddings," Harry said. "You will get these on that day."

"And you?" Hermione asked choking up.

Harry produced two more boxes. One had a plain platinum band and the other a plain gold one. "These rings will magically join together. Hermione's will be first. Then, when Hannah places hers on my finger, they'll magically intertwine. As will the others. In the end, it will look kind of like a rope, with five platinum strands interwoven with four gold strands, each strand matching the gold or platinum in the ring of the wife who gave it to me."

"So you got stuff like this for all of us?" Hannah asked.

"Of course," Harry said.

"When?"

"Right after we got Neville's new wand," Harry said. "We had a couple of hours to kill before we met up with the others and he suggested the jewelry store. We went in for rings at first and … I guess we kind of got a little carried away."

"A little carried away?" Hermione asked. "How much did this cost you?"

"You know that doesn't really matter," Harry replied.

"How much?"

"'Bout thirty thousand."

"Quid?" Robert asked.

"Galleons," Harry replied. "Neville says we got a pretty good deal…"

"A hundred and fifty thousand quid…?"

"Roughly seventeen thousand each," Harry said. "I think they deserve it, don't you?"

"But they're just girls…"

"They're also my wives," Harry said. "I'm told that's kind of a permanent thing in this world. I would probably never have done this for a girlfriend, but a wife is another matter altogether, don't you think?"

chapter 22

SATURDAY, APRIL 1st, 1995 - THE SOUTH WING - TIME COMPRESSION DAY 1.

Professor McGonagall was enjoying a wonderful dinner in the Main Dining Room at a table with the Grangers and Greengrasses. It was lovely because the food was amazing, but also because of the company and what she observed. Hermione was one of her favorite students, then again most of her favorites were here. Daphne was a "closet Gryffindor" as was her sister Astoria who was a First Year. This meant that Daphne preferred to come to Professor McGonagall with her problems, whatever they were, rather than her own Head of House. This was not unusual really. Most students had a staff member they chose as mentor. McGonagall knew that Harry's was Hagrid and Neville's was Pamona Sprout. But Hermione was her charge as were Daphne and Astoria and others as well.

She was still a little upset about what these students had done and that none of them had confided in her beforehand. But they had laid it all out at the meeting earlier and she could understand why they had acted as they did. Their "evidence" against Dumbledore was voluminous and disturbing in many ways and it had clearly affected the audience. They had been clear that they had loads of facts as to the whats and hows, but none of them were willing to put forward a certain why. One possible why would force her to believe that Dumbledore was as dark as Voldemort in many ways. The students did not dismiss this possibility, but they also did not embrace it. Hermione had told her that they all believed that Dumbledore would try and reassert his authority over Harry. If he was truly dark masquerading as light, that would soon be apparent. If not, they would soon learn why he had acted the way he had, or so they hoped.

As upset as she might have been, McGonagall was impressed with what these young people were doing. Just looking around the Dining Room was a lesson in a way. Gone were the House lines that were seldom crossed at Hogwarts and even later in life. Her own table proved that as Slytherins sat with Gryffindors and Purebloods sat and conversed with Muggles. There were no lines here she could see aside from maybe House Potter and House Longbottom, although even that was not truly clear as it seemed more that friends sat with friends here. She'd even seen it earlier. Many of the families whose daughters were now married included siblings and they were allowed to pick their own rooms and roommates in the Wing - so long as they were of the same gender. Daniel Urquhart was a First Year Slytherin and he was rooming with Jason Lee, a Muggle Born First Year Hufflepuff. Much to McGonagall's chagrin, the two had declared themselves as apprentices to the Weasley twins and, by extension, the Marauders. A Slytherin and Hufflepuff conspiring together, this was a very different place. Deep down, McGonagall was beginning to see it was a much better place or at least it could be.

She then noticed the other Tri-Wizard Champions were seated in the room, Fleur Delacour was at Harry's table with her parents, her sister and the Abbots and Lovegoods. Victor Krum was seated with a lovely blonde whom McGonagall did not recognize as well as Cedric Diggory and Cho Chang and the Turpin family. McGonagall raised an eyebrow.

"Why are the other Champions here?" she asked.

"It's only fair really," Hermione said. "Fleur's sister Gabrielle is one of Harry's wives so we had to invite her as with an exception or two we invited all families. We left out Mrs. Weasley and Ron and Percy and, of course, Harry's Aunt and Uncle. Since Fleur had to be here, we figured we should invite the others as well so that none can claim any unfair advantage in the Tournament."

"Who's the young lady with Mr. Krum?"

"She's his fiancé," Hermione said. "They've been together since they were very young. She attends the witches' school nearby. Her name is Katya and she sounds amazing. Then again, Victor truly loves her. Still, I don't think he's truly capable of exaggeration so I do hope she likes it here and makes friends."

"I see Madam Maxine, but not Karkarov," McGonagall noted.

Hermione nodded. "As Gabrielle is one of her students, we felt she should be here as well. There are no Durmstrang students involved in these marriages so no reason to even consider inviting their Headmaster. We know he was a Death Eater once."

"How?" McGonagall asked.

"It came up in the Ministry Records some of the others collected over the Hols when we were trying to figure out what all was going on. For us, Karkarov is the most likely suspect in getting Harry into this infernal madness, but that's simply because we have no others aside from maybe Professor Snape. Then again, we also haven't ruled out Dumbledore because he was the one who signed off on this as Harry's guardian."

"You have those records?"

"You will find we have an extensive collection in our magical library," Daphne said.

"Over fifty thousand volumes not including copies," Hermione said. "My elf Winky is in charge of the collection and she and other elves have been very busy. The collection also includes another thirty-seven thousand in our recreational library, mostly works of literature and novels and such. Again, that does not include copies and for certain books we do have multiple copies."

"Such as?"

"Some of Shakespeare's more popular plays, although I think we have all of his works," Hermione said, "Tolkien's 'Hobbit' and 'Lord of the Rings,' C.S. Lewis 'Chronicles of Narnia,' Isaac Asimov's Robot and Foundation series, Patrick O'Brian, Frank Herbert's Dune series, Douglas Adams, Jane Austin - naturally, Charles Dickens, to name but a few."

"Like the art on the walls," Rose Grange said, "masterpieces!"

"We found a shop in London that had the art," Daphne said. "Gabrielle is quite familiar with it and selected the works of the Masters. There were others we like as well."

Hermione laughed.

"What?" several voices asked.

"You should see what we put in Sirius's room," she said. "I don't think the muggles consider it 'art' per se."

"What did you put there?" McGonagall asked.

"A painting of dogs playing cards," Hermione said. "He thinks it's funny, which was the intent."

"Ours is a Degas," Rose noted.

"Gabrielle has a thing for the French School," Hermione nodded. "Not that we mind. They are wonderful, don't you think?"

Rose nodded. "It's a bit much."

"Is it?" Hermione replied. "Daphne and I have already spent a year in here and are about to spend another fifteen months."

"Our first two month were … basic," Daphne said. "We slept on camp beds on this floor which was totally gutted. We had a couple of long tables, one for eating and the other for research and whatnot. We had a large, open shower and some stalls and sinks and that was pretty much it. We ate camp rations the first month. By our second month the kitchens were ready. This is much nicer. It was almost like a big slumber party, except we were usually so knackered from working on this place all day and researching things that we pretty much fell asleep."

"It was surprisingly hard work," Hermione nodded. "And we did it all before we took the inheritance tests at Gringotts and learned that four of us were Founders' Heirs and what that meant. Until then, we figured we had a good chance of keeping our Private Apartments as there's not such quarters in the school. Now we know we can keep the lot and as we will have to live here six months out of the year for the rest of our lives, we intend to keep it!"

"We might make some changes as time moves along," Daphne added. "We can add three more bedrooms to our personal apartments and another bath as we have more children and we can probably double the number of guest rooms so our friends and families can visit."

"How?" Robert asked.

"Expansion charms," McGonagall replied. "It's fairly easy to expand an interior space with magic. The trick is keeping it that way…"

"And as Hogsmeade Valley happens to lie on a magical node - similar to a magnetic pole," Hermione said, "and a powerful one at that, keeping it that way is actually easy. It's harder if you're trying it somewhere other than a magical node."

As their appetizers appeared so did an elf who handed Hermione a clipboard. "Thank you, Winky," she said.

"What's that?" McGonagall asked.

"A report on our recent acquisitions from the Black estate," Hermione said. "As we have no elves from that House in service, we had to send a raiding party. No casualties for our elves," she added looking at Daphne, "but they had to subdue three Black elves and destroyed a portrait that was giving them trouble in London."

"Subdue?"

"Stunned, bound and when the mission was completed added a memory modification," Hermione said. "Hopefully those elves are none the wiser."

"But if you took books…"

"They were inventoried and books of interest copied," Hermione said. "Seems there were several books of probable interest out of the 387 they copied and brought. The Blacks had a rather extensive collection on Necromancy."

"Necromancy?" McGonagall asked in shock! "That's among the darkest magic there is! Human sacrifice and all of that!"

"We're not about to create and army of Inferi," Daphne began.

"What's that?" Robert asked.

"Think Zombies," Hermione said. "It's practically the same thing in a way. Nasty things."

"You dealt with those?" Rose asked.

"No Mum and neither has Harry, but we've heard about them. But these books will be useful, I think," she added handing the clipboard to Daphne.

"I fail to see how," McGonagall began.

"Voldemort somehow managed not to die when his body was destroyed in '81," Hermione said. "We know he doesn't have a Philosopher's Stone and can't have made the Elixir of Life…"

"That's real?" Robert asked.

"As is or was Nicholas Flamel," Hermione said. "Dumbledore supposedly hid Flamel's stone here our first year. If Voldemort had one, why would he try to steal it?

"So he did something else to evade death. The works we got from Daphne's house and the Urquhart's suggest it might have been something based upon Necromancy. Their books tell us how to defeat such arts and detect them, but not much about what they are or how they work. We needed something like this to figure out what Voldemort did so we can figure out how to counter it and kill the bastard once and for all."

"But dark arts?" McGonagall began.

"If you know yourself but not your enemy," Daphne began, "for every battle won there shall be a battle lost. If you know yourself and your enemy, you cannot lose. If you know not yourself, you cannot win. It's from a work by a Muggle general over two thousand years ago named Sun Tsu. To defeat Voldemort and his Death Eaters, we have to know about the Dark Arts! They rely on them! We don't have to delve into them, but we have to know them and how to counter them!"

"And what makes you think you need to do that?" McGonagall asked.

"Because no one really bothered to last time," Hermione said. "That war was damn near lost and had it been lost, the Muggles would have become involved. That would have been the end of everything!"

"What do you mean?"

"It would have gone nuclear," Robert said. "We have weapons that can destroy entire cities, entire countries forever that can hit anywhere on earth accurately in a half hour or less and cannot be stopped. Britain has hundreds of them, maybe more. The Americans and Russians have thousands of them and more. We're not the only ones. The Chinese, French and Pakistani's have them now as do the Israelis. India and South Africa have that capability as well. Were there to be a general exchange - and a serious launch by anyone would trigger it - nothing would be left! Well, maybe some bacteria and the cockroaches, but everything else would die."

"Magic would not save us," Hermione said. "If we survived the initial onslaught, nothing would grow. There'd be no food. The survivors would be doomed to vile sickness or starvation. Voldemort wants to take over. No one will let him outside of our world. Britain would be poisoned for a million years! Nothing would be left alive!"

"And the rest of the world would probably go with us," Robert added. "Voldemort is your problem and you need to deal with him and his ilk decisively! Should our world get involved … better dead than slavery! We will destroy everything if pushed like that!"

"Is this true?" McGonagall asked looking at Hermione.

She nodded. "For fifty years the Sword of Damocles has hovered over us and not dropped. Two cities in Japan felt that wrath in 1945. 160,000 died instantly or nearly so. Another quarter million or so died from the after effects over time, and those were small bombs by today's standards."

"Today's weapons are over twenty times as nasty," Robert said. "Some are hundreds of times as nasty. Britain is a nuclear power and will not accept slavery. The other nuclear powers will destroy a threat rather than let it take them over. In recent years, things have become less tense in our world and the arsenals are smaller than a decade ago, but they can still blow up the entire world, just not as many times over as before."

"You would do that?" McGonagall asked.

Robert shrugged. "I'm not the Prime Minister. Can't say what he'd do and it doesn't really matter. The Americans and Russians would probably nuke us if this Dark Lord of yours ever attained power and tried to spread it beyond these shores. And if other magicals elsewhere took up his cause, it would all be over in an hour or so. The entire human race would be condemned to death!"

"Voldemort and his followers must be defeated," Hermione said.

"Utterly," Daphne added. "Without quarter! Admittedly, that probably means Snape too and at least two thirds of my House will need to be put to the sword, but that's a small price to pay considering the alternative. The survival of the magical world is at stake at the very least. Those who would follow Voldemort … they are rabid animals and it is for the Greater Good that they should be put down!"

McGonagall looked at Hermione.

"The enemy would have me and my family killed," she said. "We're not advocating extermination camps - something I wouldn't put past Malfoy and his ilk - but stand against the Light and you will reap the hurricane!"

"Albus would never…" McGonagall began.

"Which is why he's failed," Daphne said. "Mercy and understanding are admirable, but they are not always advisable. Harry and Neville were roped into this mess without choice or anything and they seem to be important. We've concluded that the only good Death Eater is a dead one. We've seen their trial and interrogation transcripts. We know that the Imperius Curse cannot make one take the Mark. It may be possible to coerce someone into it, but they still have to murder and rape of their free will to take the Mark. They are nothing more than animals!"

"They called themselves Death Eaters," Hermione said. "We've decided should they reappear they should be eating death, as it were. Voldemort hides behind them according to our records. That means they need to be eliminated."

"We do a good enough job of it and he may have difficulty recruiting," Daphne added. "There're not many who'll sign up for suicide."

"Why this?" McGonagall asked.

"We're all about to be mothers," Hermione said. "We don't want our children growing up in the world as it is."

"We want the Death Eaters gone for them," Daphne said. "We want the world that gave rise to them gone for them. You adults failed to do that for us, we will not fail our children in this! If Voldemort returns as we believe he will, then he and all who rally to him have signed their death warrants and we intend to see those warrants executed!"

"So you're proposing to go to war with them if they return?" McGonagall asked.

"Um … no, not really," Daphne replied sheepishly realizing she had gotten a little carried away. "We intend to be prepared to defend ourselves, that much is certain. We also intend to shake things up in the Wizengamot if they fail to act on their own. We currently have direct control of the votes for four Ancient and Noble Houses between Harry, Neville and their families. We think we can also manage to get the House Black proxies transferred to us - or rather to our proxy holders which are and will remain Madam Bones and Madam Longbottom as none of us can claim a seat until we're twenty-one. The Black vote brings in its proxies which include House LeStrange, Gibbon, Jugson, Mulciber and Travers. Admittedly, none of those have has many votes as House Black or the other Ancient and Noble Houses, but together they are not insubstantial. If our allied Houses join us, we would have close to a majority of all votes and enough votes for a quorum. Basically, even without our allied Houses, the five Ancient and Noble Houses voting as one would create the largest united voting block in the Wizengamot and you know how that works. The others tend to follow the votes."

"And what do you plan to do with these votes?"

"Force the Ministry to act if he comes back, although Madam Bones probably would anyway. We'd just see to it she has strong support in the Wizengamot. Lucinda already has prepared a bill authorizing absolute disenfranchisement of marked Death Eaters and their descendants. It would also require forfeiture of their estates and vaults."

"There were laws like that before," McGonagall began.

"Which were either never enforced because it was considered too disruptive to society or the bans were lifted at least for those suspected Death Eaters who avoided Azkaban. The Wizengamot was afraid of upsetting the social order, meaning the Pureblood dominated social order."

"We have no such restrictions," Hermione added. "That order is the problem. It is that order that allowed Voldemort to exist and to begin his terror campaign. It is that order that found him followers. And it is that order that allows the bigotry to remain in effect. We're not saying we intend to take down all Purebloods, just those who are part of the problem and not willing to become part of the solution. But that's down the road. First thing we need to do is make sure we're prepared for what we believe is coming, hence this Wing and Time Compression and our plans for the remainder of this Holiday, which for us will be fifteen months long."

"I see," McGonagall said. "And how do you intend to prepare?"

"Well," Hermione said, "you don't think we invited you for a fifteen month holiday, do you? The same is true for the other Professors. During our previous Time Compressions, the lot of us studied and practiced as well as doing whatever else we were doing. All of us have completed the course work through the end of Fourth Year in Runes, Arithmancy, Charms, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Herbology, Potions and Transfiguration and Harry and Neville have also studied basic Healing, French and Italian. We all also studied Occlumency and Dueling. We have all taken the standard I.C.W. exams in most of those courses, again through Fourth Year.

"We intend to continue our training and education while we are here. We're short a Professor in Potions and Defense. None of us wanted Snape here, but Mrs. Tonks is a Potions Mistress as is Mrs. Longbottom and could probably continue our education in that field. Professor Lupin has taught Defense, so we think he's suitable. We have two Healers and a Healer's Assistant to teach us basic Healing. We have an Auror, a Hit Wizard and a Master Duelist to continue our Dueling training. We also have a Gringotts Curse Breaker who we're going to ask to teach us curse breaking and Warding. Finally, we have others who we may ask to teach History, Politics and Law."

"Ambitious," McGonagall said.

Hermione nodded.

"You have students here from all seven years. Have you thought about schedules?"

Hermione nodded. "We're only going to have four classes. We have five classrooms downstairs on the North Side, although one is for Potions, and a greenhouse on the top floor for Herbology. Magical and Physical Training will be held South Side downstairs where we have a dueling room, a huge gym and swimming pool. One class will have the First and Second Years and the goal is to get the lot of them finished through at least Second Year if not Third. There will be eight students in that class. The Third through Fifth Years will be divided into two classes. One will have House Longbottom plus Cho Chang. The other will be House Potter. The goal is for the lot of us to sit for our O.W.L.s by around Day 300 and to complete the course work through at least the middle of Sixth Year by the end of Compression, which will be Day 450. The last class with be Sixth and Seventh Years. The goal for all eight of them is to sit for their NEWTs at the very least."

"That explains the two members of the Examination Board," McGonagall said.

Hermione nodded. "And while they are certified to test in all subjects, we do have several here with Masteries who are also authorized to conduct examinations.

"Classes will begin at eight. Two of the classes will have training, either magical or physical from 8:00 until 9:30 and classes from 9:30 until 12:30. Classes will be in the same classroom except for Herbology and Potions and maybe Healing which could be taught in the Infirmary. The other two classes will have class from 8:00 until 11:00 and training from 11:00 until 12:30. Lunch will be from 12:30 until 1:30. Two classes will then have training from 1:30 until 3:00 and classes from 3:00 until 6:00 while the other two will have class from 1:30 until 4:30 with training from 4:30 'til 6:00. Dinner will begin at 6:30. Study and research projects will occur during open periods, if there are any, and until 11:00 at night.

"Classes will begin on Day 28 for now. That should give our instructors time to prepare. We have standard course books through Seventh Year in all the subjects taught at Hogwarts and enough of them for everyone who needs them. We also have course books in the other courses as well, not to mention our Library which is at least as good as Hogwarts. Classes will run five days in a row with one day off, which gives us up to 70 class weeks, although we might pare it down to 65 or less."

"Why?"

"Babies," Hermione said with a blush. "We expect they will be due between Day 330 and 360 and most likely between days 340 and 350. We think it would be prudent to suspend classes when most of the Third through Fifth Years are going through labor and delivery. After that, we may need to modify the schedule to take into account child care, although some of us are of the opinion that the elves and grandparents could help in that regard, but we'll work that out later."

"Why are we waiting so long to start?" McGonagall asked.

"In addition to allowing you time to prepare, we will be busy," Hermione replied.

"With what?"

"Weddings."

"But you're already," McGonagall began.

"Most of us still want the wedding," Daphne said.

"Most?"

"Luna's indifferent about it, but is going ahead anyway," Hermione said. "She's not indifferent about being Harry's wife. She's all for that. She's just not into dressing up and such. The Patils aren't certain about their parents. Apparently, their father had them locked into a marriage contract with some rich man back in India and they're fairly certain he won't be happy about what happened. Then again, the two of them wanted nothing to do with their chosen husband…" Hermione shrugged.

The Grangers frowned at this but said nothing. They had been told all of this last night following dinner, but still thought the practice of arranged marriages to be both antiquated and barbaric. They still were unsure about this Plural Marriage, but could now see why it might seem attractive to many of the young women, particularly given their choice of husbands both now and before.

The conversation was interrupted by some late arrivals for dinner. The Bells and Weasleys had arrived. Katie and her family sat at a table with Fred, George, Angelina and Alicia. Ginny, her father and brother Bill joined a table with Neville, his Gran and Susan and Amelia Bones.

"Is this everyone?" McGonagall asked no one in particular.

"No, Professor," Hermione replied. "We're still missing four families: the Caldwells, Lees, Robbins and Patils. Three of them are Muggleborns and from experience I can say they have a lot to talk about."

Robert snorted.

"The Patils have that contract issue," Hermione said. "Just about every non-Muggle Born girl who's a part of this and had a contact out there could get out of it even if this had not happened. Ginny and the Patils were the exceptions. They were all to be married before they were seventeen and old enough to refuse or choose another. For them, this was the only way to take control of their lives. We suspected Ginny's Mum was the driving force behind her contract. We know the Patil's father was."

"I noticed Molly is not here," McGonagall said.

Hermione nodded. "Ginny felt it would cause too many issues. Mrs. Weasley is entirely too supportive of Dumbledore for one. And, if Molly were to come here, we'd have to invite Ron too. We're not sure he'd be supportive of this."

Daphne snorted.

"Fine, we know he'd be a moody, jealous git about it," Hermione said. "It would probably be as bad as it was after Harry's name came out of the Cup. Add to it, he's lazy about classes and we felt it advisable to exclude him altogether. Our class schedule is going to be intense enough without having to drag him along kicking and screaming."

"I thought you and Harry were friends with…" McGonagall began.

"After he turned his back on Harry?" Hermione replied. "Neither of us trust him. That's not to say he can't ever be trusted again, but he's got a lot to make up for in the meantime. Neither of us understand why Ron was Harry's hostage in the Second Task considering Harry and I already had feelings for each other even if we were afraid to admit it. Ron's apology after the First Task was cancelled out by his behavior at the Yule Ball. He pretty much ruined that night for several people."

"I'm sorry to hear that," McGonagall began.

Hermione shrugged. "He's probably the most immature boy in our year, certainly in Gryffindor. He has potential I think. But until he grows up he's an annoying pain. And it was Ginny's idea to exclude him. He acted like a git to her at the Ball, and to Neville as well."

"And to you," Daphne said, "and Victor and Fleur, and Harry, Parvati and his own date Padma, and Draco … but at least he deserved it, and…"

"You weren't even there," David Greengrass said.

"Daddy, I admit as much. But I hear all," Daphne said mysteriously.

Her little sister giggled.

"Not gonna deny it," Hermione said. "Ron was a right git!"

"Oi! Talking 'bout Ickle-ronniekins?" one of the Twins asked.

"Context please," the other said. "You look up GIT in the dictionary and his picture is there for pathetic."

"Malfoy's there for born to it," the first said.

"So, which GIT DAY are we talking about?" the other said.

"Yule Ball," Hermione and Daphne replied in unison.

"He spiked the Git Meter that day," the first said.

"Right off the charts," the second replied.

"Set a new standard for Git-ness!"

"Didn't even have to break a heart to do it."

"Then again, dear brother, it's not like many hearts are his to break."

"Boys!" Ginny called out before her father could, "enough! Ron's a git, we get it!"

"Awwh, come on Little Gin," one said.

"He's a major git," the other replied.

"Though Percy is pushing massive git potential," the first said.

"Might even make the git Hall of Fame before he's twenty."

"Only a few months to go."

"More worried 'bout cauldron bottoms and such to enjoy the finer things in life."

"He is indeed, brother. It's one thing to be clueless and another to try."

"I do pity poor Penelope."

"As do I. At least we try to make our young ladies feel like they are all there is in life."

"We do indeed. As does young Longbottom - good on you Mate!"

Neville blushed.

"And I'm sure, brother of mine, so does our almost brother Harry."

"He does indeed! The two of them snagged a fair few of the pretty ones."

"But not the prettiest!"

"No indeed. Those two were reserved for you and me, brother!"

"Reserved?" Angelina started.

"You'd better do better than that!" Alicia finished.

"Um…" one of them began.

"We managed to win the hearts of the two prettiest…"

"And most spectacularly, drop dead gorgeous girls who ever set foot in this school."

"And I got the best of the two," one said to Alicia.

"Speak for yourself! I got the best!" the other said to Angelina.

"It's a wonder you can tell them apart," Mr. Bell said.

"If you pay attention long enough, you will learn the very subtle differences between them," Alicia said. "They're voices are slightly different…"

"That's 'cause Fred talks too much," Angelina added.

"Too true," George said. "I'm the brains of this operation. Fred is the front man."

"Don't let him fool you," Alicia said. "And don't let their OWLs fool you either. They're both scary smart. They were probably at or beyond NEWTs in many things by the end of Fourth Year."

"Except Defense," George said.

"It's the one OWL we have in common between us," Fred added. "My other two are in Potions and Ancient Runes."

"Mine are in Charms and Transfiguration."

"We split them up to spare the teachers we like…"

"And neither of us can stand Snape. We alternate taking his class, although Fred is the one who sits for the exams."

"Only three OWLs?" Mrs. Bell asked.

"We felt our time was better served in market research," George said.

"Were it not for the fact we have to be seventeen to open a shop," Fred began.

"And we also need money to do so," George added.

"We wouldn't be here at all."

"Well, there's that. And there's our Mum to consider."

"She'd have a cow if we up and left school without any NEWTs…"

"Or Galleons in our pockets."

"It'll be bad enough for her when she finds out neither of us have any desire to work for the Ministry of Mistakes," Fred said.

"Then again, with Ginny and Harry ruining her little marriage plans…"

"She might not notice if we ditched our last year of school…"

"But we won't, tempting as it may be," George said. "In addition to Hogwarts being fertile ground for market research…"

"And the need to make some money so we can start our business…"

"And the fact that Gryffindor would be short two stellar Beaters next year if we left…"

"We're not about to leave these two lovelies by themselves," Fred said.

"While we do trust them…"

"We don't trust the rest of the male student population."

"Neville and Harry being excepted," George added.

"And why are they the exception?" Alicia asked.

"Nine wives already," Fred said. "Doubt they're in the market for more."

"Definitely not," Katie said.

"Besides," Fred said, "everyone knows that even cats can only have nine wives."

"That's lives," Alicia said.

"Really?" Fred asked innocently. "That's what we get for not taking Care of Magical Creatures, I suppose."

"Not like we're planning on opening a pet shop," George added.

"Just what are you two planning to do," Mr. Bell asked.

"Planning?" George asked.

"Doing, more like," Fred said.

"We're calling it Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes."

"The finest joking and pranking materials money can buy…"

"But at affordable prices."

"Running it out of Gryffindor tower and by mail order for now," Fred said.

"Small scale, but highly profitable," George said. "We hope to have made enough to inquire into a premises either in Diagon Alley or Hogsmeade by the end of next year."

"Preferably Diagon Alley," Fred said.

"Why is that preferable?" Mr. Bell asked.

"There's already a joke shop in Hogsmeade," Fred replied.

"And it's not like the place is crawling with shoppers all the time," George added. "Most of Zonko's business is mail order."

"They only get busy during Hogsmeade weekends…"

"And there're only eight of them a year."

"In Diagon Alley, we won't get the students 'cept during the Holidays, but there's a steady stream of shoppers year round," Fred said.

"And we can get the younger kids and adults," George added.

"Isn't there a joke shop there as well?" Katie asked.

"Not like Zonko's," Fred said.

"Gambol and Japes sells joke stuff," George explained, "but it's really a toy store that has jokes stuff. Even then, what they have isn't up to our standards."

"Or Zonko's."

"Filch doesn't have a blanket ban on anything from Gambol and Japes."

"But he does on anything from Zonko's," Fred said. "If Zonko's sold regular bog rolls, Filch would probably ban it."

"That is our goal in life," George said.

"A blanket ban on our products by Filch!"

"How can being banned be a goal?" Mr. Bell asked.

"The notoriety," Fred said.

"And it's good for business," George added.

"Good for business?" Mr. Bell asked confused.

"This is Hogwarts," Fred said.

"The best way to ensure a student buys something is to make it prohibited," George said, "provided it's not really illegal."

"By our estimate, roughly half the students shop at Zonko's in Hogsmeade every Hogsmeade weekend."

"It'd be more than half if First and Second Years were allowed out."

"Filch has banned any Zonko's product," Fred said.

"And yet after every Hogsmeade Weekend, this place is filled with them."

"Filch catches some students bringing the stuff in…"

"Usually the Third Years."

"But most of the stuff makes it into the castle."

"Wouldn't that argue for a Hogsmeade premises?" Katie asked.

"It does," George said.

"And it does not. While Filch may catch a student with the stuff returning to the castle, he lacks any authority to search the mail."

"We would meet the continuing needs of our loyal Hogwarts customers by mail orders."

"Forms will be included in every shopping bag," Fred said.

"And a catalog of our products."

"Once we have enough products to warrant our own catalog."

"Of course, all of that seems to be a few years down the road," George said.

"Oh?" Mr. Bell replied. "It seems to me like you already have a very good idea as to what you can do."

The twins nodded. "We've made about fifty-eight Galleons profit since we got to Hogwarts this year," George said.

"It's not too bad all things considered," Fred agreed, "but it's a long way from really going into business."

"We figure we need at least 600 Galleons to make a real go of it," George said.

"Most of that would be for a premises," Fred continued. "Year's rent in Diagon Alley can be as low as 450 Galleons. The rest would give us our initial supplies."

"After that, it's up to the customers to keep us in business."

"But until we have that, all we can hope to do is mail order."

"Almost had it too," George said.

"Oh?" the Bells asked. Even Angelina and Alicia seemed interested in where this was going.

"Quidditch World Cup," Fred said. "We made a wager."

"Thirty-seven, fifteen and three," George continued. The Bells knew this was Wizarding shorthand for Thirty-seven Galleons, Fifteen Sickles and three Knuts. "We bet that Ireland would win but Victor Krum…"

"The Bulgarian Seeker…"

"Who's in this very room…"

"Would catch the snitch, which is what happened."

"Got good odds too," George said.

"Twenty to one," Fred added. "It would have been more than enough, but…"

"The man paid the bet off in Leprechaun Gold."

"It disappeared after about an hour."

"The man refuses to talk to us."

"Thirty-seven, fifteen and three may not seem like much," Fred said.

"But it's a lot more than nothing, which is what we were left with.

"Who would do such a thing?" Alicia asked.

"Ludo Bagman," George said.

"You mean the one from the Tournament?" Katie asked. When the twins nodded, she explained. "He's Head of the Department of Magical Games and Sports at the Ministry and is one of the organizers and Judges for the Tri-wizard tournament."

"That one," Fred said in disgust.

"Makes you wonder," George said.

"Indeed," Fred agreed.

"If he's the type to steal from an underage wizard," George began.

"Or cheat them…"

"Or at least stiff them on the small amount they wagered…"

"Then one must wonder if anything about the Tournament is on the up and up," Fred finished.

"Given that Harry was entered against his will," Katie said, "I'd say nothing about this tournament is fair."