Harry was sitting upstairs after a very stressful second year at Hogwarts. He had been back home only a couple of weeks so far. Although he was not sure he could call the Dursley residence home in anything other than the strictest technical sense. For the second year in a row he had almost died. He was considering what the positives of going back where when he heard his uncle shout for him. That alone right there made facing a 60 foot basilisk worth getting out of this house.
Rushing down the stairs Harry stopped when he saw the guest in the Dursley home. A tall slender man with slightly thinning hair and brown eyes. He didn't know this man but he seemed familiar then he placed him, Daniel Granger Hermione's dad.
"Hello Harry. I was just talking to your uncle. Apparently he has agreed to let you come with me for an extended visit."
"Take him forever for all I care he's no relative of mine." His aunt Petunia said. As she said it though something strange happened. There was a rushing high pitched squeal from the house that ended in a snapping popping sound and a small shiver ran through the structure. Everyone looked around and Vernon glared at Harry as if he was responsible.
"Well get your things Harry and we'll get going eh?" Daniel said with a shrug when nothing else happened.
Harry wasn't sure what was going on but if he was going to be going with Hermione's dad then he would go anywhere. He let Hedwig loose to follow him and then grabbed his things quickly. He was downstairs and ready in a matter of minutes. They where loaded and in the Range Rover on the road within minutes after that.
"So Harry how are you?"
"I'm fine sir."
"Call me Dan. I have a feeling you're going to be around awhile."
Harry looked at him with questions written all over his face.
Chuckling Daniel explained, "Hermione will not want to let you go back there and I have to say after spending only a few moments there I'd have to agree with her."
Harry nodded. Just happy to be away from there but slightly embarrassed that his friends had seen that.
"Well moving onward I bet you have a lot of questions don't you?"
Harry nodded, not sure where to begin or even what some of the questions he wanted to ask would sound like out loud.
"Harry I live with two very brilliant women. I'm not used to it being this quiet in the car. You can talk to me you know"
"Yeah I guess. I just don't know what to say."
Chuckling again, "Well that's not something I'm used to around here. So lets start with probably question number one on your list. Why am I here taking you to our house."
Harry nodded, "yeah that's a big one."
"Ok well do you know a girl named Ginny Weasley?"
Harry blinked at the question. He knew her definitely as he had just saved her life a few weeks ago. "Yeah she's a year below us at school. She is in the same house as Hermione and I."
"Yeah well she and some girl named Luna Lovegood showed up at our front door this morning. She seems to be having some issues and was asking for you and Hermione."
"What kind of issues?" Harry was suddenly concerned. She was a nice girl even if she had a bit of a crush on him.
Dan sighed before answering. Harry had learned when adults did that it was usually not a good thing. "I'm not really sure. She looked like she had been crying her eyes out all night long and was having some serious emotional distress. We wanted to take her to the hospital but her friend said they probably couldn't help her. Hermione seemed to be able to calm her down but she kept asking for you too."
Harry frowned. He had no idea what the effects of being possessed by the diary had been on Ginny as she had been taken out of the school by her parents and Dumbledore for treatment as soon as he had rescued her. He had thought she was going to be getting treatment, whatever that would be. It seemed like it wasn't working or had failed if she was at Hermione's house crying now.
"So what um happened that might have caused that." Dan asked carefully.
Harry wasn't sure what Hermione had told her parents about last year so he needed to be careful, "Um what did Hermione tell you about last year?"
"Not much Harry. She said she got sick and was unable to write for several months but was otherwise ok and well taken care of."
Harry was shocked that his friend had lied to her parent's like that. Apparently he was unable to school his face as Dan grunted.
"Judging by your expression Harry I take it she was less than truthful to us?"
Harry looked at the floor. He didn't want to get Hermione in trouble.
"Harry look Emma and I are not going to be mad at you or Hermione. We just need to know whats going on so we can help. Please tell me the truth so I can at least make an informed decision."
Harry sighed himself that time. He then told Daniel the events of the last year. About the Basilisk and the way Hermione had figured it out. How she had lain in the infirmary for several long months. How he would visit her and how he was so scared she would never wake up. How much he missed her during her petrification. How much she meant to him. He hadn't meant to get so emotional but it was like the gates had broken and the flood escaped when he started talking.
Daniel listened to everything in wonder and fear. He heard the love the boy was expressing. Love of family, love of a friend and the potential for a lot more. This confirmed what he had been thinking when all his daughter's letters home began to star a young man named Harry Potter. The way she talked he was part Superman, and part Mr Darcy. There was another boy mentioned occasionally but he was definitely placed into the sidekick role, at best. All the other students got maybe a line or two. The description of the Basilisk though was disturbing. The idea that something like that could sneak around and the teachers would do nothing made Dan feel like moving to the other side of the planet.
By the time Harry had finished talking and composed himself they had arrived at the Granger's home. It was a nice post war brick two story set on a small lot. There was an attached garage which they drove into. Entering the house they found the rest of the family sitting in the dining room talking quietly.
"Harry are you okay?" Hermione jumped up and hugged him when she saw he had been crying. "What did you do to him dad?"
"Nothing much. Just the Spanish inquisition about his intentions towards my daughter."
Rolling her eyes she huffed, "Dad."
"Its okay Hermione. We just talked about what happened this year." harry explained.
"Yeah it was kinda scary when I got sick but madam Pomfrey had everything under control."
Harry looked at her funny. "Hermione you where petrified, that isn't under control."
Hermione shook her head again, "No its okay. I was sick but madam Pomfrey had everything under control."
Dan and Emma looked at each other and then at Harry who seemed confused. "Hermione don't you remember about the Basilisk or you and the others getting petrified?"
Shaking her head she blinked rapidly, "Harry there wasn't any basilisk that's just silly. We got a case of dragon pox and had to be isolated. But its okay because Madam Pomfrey had everything under control."
Emma took Hermione by the arm and led her to a chair, "Whats wrong with her? She sounds like she has been hypnotized."
"She has probably had her memories modified. Daddy says its common for the ministry to do that to people who know too much." a small blonde girl said at the other side of the table.
Harry looked at her and recalled seeing her around, "Hello Harry Potter. I'm Luna Lovegood."
"Hello" Harry said politely but was still focused on Hermione.
"Why would someone modify my memory Luna? That doesn't make sense."
"There are a lot of reasons why someone would modify your memory. Daddy said he will be here today with a person he could trust to help Ginny. So maybe they can look at you too."
Hermione looked like she was getting ready to get stubborn when Emma rubbed her arm, "Just for our peace of mind okay pumpkin?"
Hermione sighed and shrugged, "Okay but I feel perfectly fine."
Harry nodded to her and asked, "Ok so how's Ginny?"
"She's sleeping. I managed to get her to go to sleep by singing her a lullaby mom used to sing to me. Its kinda scary the way she's acting."
"What do you mean?" Harry asked.
"She kept calling me mom."
Harry's eyebrows went to the upper limits of their travel and then back down. "Calling you mom?"
"yeah. She's acting like she's a lot younger than she should be. A lot more fragile and vulnerable too."
Luna nodded. "She came to my home last night and was incoherent. She was wearing just a night dress and looked like she had been tossed like a salad."
Harry shook his head in confusion, "What could have happened?"
Hermione shrugged. "Its beyond my ability to figure it out."
Harry chuckled, "Now I know its serious."
Whatever Hermione's response was going to be was cut off by the sudden sharp snap of someone apparating into the backyard. Dan opened the door and allowed two people to come in. A tall silvery blonde haired man wearing a bright orange tunic with yellow leggings and rust colored boots came in. A smaller brunette woman wearing the white tunic and blue cape of a healer followed him in.
Luna jumped up and gave the man a hug "Daddy. This is Harry Potter." She said leading him to Harry. Introductions where made and everyone discussed the situation. Cynthia Miller was the name of the healer and she ran a clinic in Diagon Alley with a few others. She had known Pandora, Luna's mother, back during their internship at Saint Mungo's.
"Cynthia could you check Hermione over for a memory charm to settle an argument we had earlier." Harry prompted.
"I'm fine. Harry and them are just worried."
"Well there's nothing wrong with being worried about the people you care about." He said giving her a big smile.
Hermione blushed and got quiet. Cynthia checked her over and then frowned. She repeated the process.
"Well that's not right. You have several obliviations and compulsions running through your head. Young lady."
"What?" Hermione's parents reacted badly but not as badly as Hermione who started shaking her head rapidly while chanting "no no no." Cynthia stunned her quickly.
"Sorry but one of the compulsions is to not get the compulsions lifted."
"Can you remove them?" Dan worriedly asked.
"Yes I can but she'll need to lay down somewhere quiet for a few minutes to hours."
Dan picked her up and took her to her room. Harry followed along out of concern and curiosity to see Hermione's room. There where a few bookshelves, a reading desk, a comfy chair and a nice bed with a few stuffed animals on it. Just girly enough but serious enough to definitely be Hermione's.
Cynthia cast the counter charms and after a few minutes shook her head. "Ok. She's going to have a whopper of a headache when she gets up but she'll remember everything she was obliviated of and there aren't any compulsions on her now. Now lets get to the other girl, Ginny was it?"
Harry stopped Cynthia though before they left Hermione's room, "Um before you go can you check me to make sure I'm ok?"
"Certainly Harry I would be glad to."
Harry nodded and followed Daniel down the hall to the guest bedroom. Luna and her dad where standing around a bed talking to Ginny who was sitting up with a worried expression. When she saw harry a huge smile lit up her face. Harry was happy until he heard what she said, "Daddy I'm glad you're here."
Harry froze. She had called him daddy. That was absolutely wrong she was only a year younger than him. They where schoolmates. Her brother was one of his best friends. What had happened to her.
Cynthia smiled in as friendly a manner as she could at Ginny and introduced herself, "Hello Ginny I'm Cynthia. I'm a healer and I'd like to check you out ok?"
Ginny looked to Harry. He smiled at her, "Its ok Ginny. She's a friend."
Ginny relaxed at that and let Cynthia do her tests. She hummed a quiet little tune and smiled. when she was done she stroked Ginny's hair. "There we go. All done. See that wasn't so bad was it?"
Ginny smiled back, "No ma'am. That wasn't bad."
"Ok now I need to take your daddy out for a minute and talk to him ok? I'll bring him right back."
Harry and Cynthia stepped into the hall along with Xenophilus. "Ok I'm sorry to tell you this but she is broken beyond my ability. There is a weave of compulsions and Obliviates and other things going on there that I don't even recognize. I'm really sorry but this is beyond me. She'll have to be taken to Saint Mungo's."
Harry sighed again. Seemed like he was starting to get good at that. "Ok. I guess. Are you going to take her? We'll need Hermione and Luna to verify what happened."
"Well we should get her there as soon as possible so I'll go check on Hermione and you help Luna get her ready."
Harry nodded but before he stepped in, "Can you check me first though."
Cynthia nodded. She waved her wand around Harry's head and then frowned. "Well there have been a few Obliviates and a minor compulsion. There is something funny about your aura but I'm not real sure about that. Again I'm just a general healer. I can deal with some problems but not everything."
Harry was surprised. "When can we get the Obliviates reversed and that compulsion ended."
Cynthia frowned at him, "Well it only takes a few minutes to reverse them but it takes a few more for them to reintegrate properly into the mind. Depending on a lot of factors like how major was the memory and how strong the mind is."
Harry braced himself, "Then do it. I need to know now."
Cynthia looked at the boy-who-lived, the hero of the Wizarding World. "Well I suppose if anyone could handle it you could." She pointed her wand at his forehead and started the process.
Harry suddenly felt a strange unraveling sensation in his mind as the memory of Hermione tackling him at the end of feast when she had been revived. Knocking him to the floor and kissing him with a strength and passion and heat that he had never experienced before. The entire room breaking out in applause and whistles until Dumbledore managed to restore calm.
Only that hadn't been the first time he and Hermione had kissed. Last summer when she rescued him from the Dursley's with her parent's they had kissed before Dumbledore came and returned him to the Dursley house. And before that at the end of first year he had told Hermione everything about his past and they had held each other and declared themselves friends for life as she had talked about being made fun of and being lonely growing up too. They had been caught and taken to Dumbledore by Snape.
Harry was leaning against the wall shaking with his eyes closed when a pair of arms encircled him and he smelled the familiar aroma of his Hermione's shampoo. He hugged her tightly. Opening his eyes when she finally broke the hug. "Oh Harry. I remembered everything. I remembered you and me becoming boyfriend and girlfriend this year. I remembered us talking. I remembered coming to get you last summer. Its all back."
"Me too Mione. I remembered the great hall."
Luna's dreamy voice from the doorway was soft yet happy, "Yes it was quite the show. Too bad we're the only ones that probably remember it."
They turned to her with a puzzled look, "What do you mean Luna?"
Luna looked sad, "The headmaster has been working very hard to prevent the two of you from getting together for some reason. I do not know why. He came to the Rookery to try to obliviate me but as Daddy says my mind doesn't work the way other people's do so it didn't work. I knew what he wanted me to believe though so I pretended to make him happy."
Harry was angry, "He's been working to keep us apart?"
Luna nodded sadly, "Yes."
Hermione growled, "That's disgusting. I trusted him."
Ginny called from the other room, "Mommy is everything ok?"
Hermione stopped and calmed down. Looking at her dad who nodded she called out brightly, "Yes sweetie. We're just having a discussion."
"Ok. Gramma almost has me ready to go see the doctors."
Hermione raised an eyebrow at Cynthia. She just shrugged and shook her head.
Ginny and Emma came out of the room and Ginny ran up hugging Hermione. She hugged her back and then took her hand. "Ok ready to go?"
Ginny nodded. Cynthia took Hermione and Ginny's hand. "I'll make sure they get back here."
Xenophilus took Harry and Luna. They all apparated to Saint Mungo's. After explaining what happened and where she had been they where taken to a special ward for mental injuries. Ginny refused to let go of Hermione's hand and cried out if they tried so she went with her everywhere.
After they had been there for a half hour Harry and Hermione was becoming concerned and confused. The only adults they had seen where healers, Cynthia and Xenophilus. Eventually two official looking people came into the room and introduced themselves as Aurors. One was a tall auburn haired female who introduced herself as Lucksley and the other was a shorter male with dark brown hair who introduced himself as Dulmer. They took the statement from Harry, Hermione, Luna and Xenophilus as to what had happened over the last couple of days. They where confused as to why there had not been any report of her missing by her family, but no-one could explain that. The aurors left and thanked them for their help and would be contacting them if they needed anything else.
Healer Palemoon was a nice young man with sandy blonde hair and a wide smile with light blue eyes. Luna had declared him quite nice which amused Hermione. After the aurors left he came into Ginny's room and asked to speak with Harry and Hermione. When Luna promised Ginny she would stay with her she calmed down. She had begun to call Luna her sister which Luna didn't correct her.
Stepping into a conference room there was another taller Healer there as well as Cynthia. The two aurors where also there. The taller man was introduced as Mindhealer Masterson. He began the conversation.
"Ok Mr Potter, Miss Granger before we begin we want to make it abundantly clear that none of us believe you had anything to do with anything that has happened to Ginny. We actually believe you would be the best people to help her right now."
Harry and Hermione blinked at that but nodded.
"Lets begin with the physical. Her blood had high levels of the Waters of Lethe, a memory erasure potion, as well as a large amount of calming droughts. Further she has been sexually active. As she is currently 11 years old we do not believe this was entirely consensual."
Harry almost snapped the chair arm he was sitting in when they said that. His anger was almost palpable until Hermione took his arm.
"Yes I completely understand Mr Potter. The thought of this is not pleasant whenever we encounter this kind of situation. On better news though she is physically healthy and developmentally appropriate for an eleven year old female. So there is that at least."
Healer Masterson though had more unpleasant news, "Mentally however she is quite ill. She has had multiple obliviates, memory modifications, compulsions and other tampering done to her. We believe some of this has been done by a rank amateur as well as for an extended time period. This has, to be quite blunt, broken her mind. She has regressed mentally to an age of around 9 years old. She has no memory of going to Hogwarts or otherwise performing magic. Further she has somehow developed a life or death fixation that the two of you are her parents."
Harry and Hermione looked at each other. "Her parents. But how? Why? I mean we're barely a year older than her."
Masterson steepled his fingers before him, "Probably because the two of you are her examples of strong and safe people. Someone who would protect and help her. People who love and care about each other and the people around them. Her mind fixated on you the way a drowning person would fixate on a life ring tossed to them."
Hermione's next question though was the life changer. "Well what can we do now to help her?"
The auror Lucksley spoke up, "We have tried to contact multiple members of her family. Her parents and brothers are on a trip to Egypt. They left early this morning. Her Great Aunt Muriel denies there is a female Weasley as do her uncles. This is rather disturbing as that means multiple members of her family have all been tampered with. We feel that it may be dangerous to place her with anyone else, so for now she will be placed in your care."
Harry started to say something but Hermione was already nodding and making arrangements. Explaining that her parents where muggles but would be happy to help them care for Ginny.
Harry did have one question which he broke into the discussion to ask, "Will she ever recover?"
This stopped everyone talking and Masterson sat back in his chair tiredly. "Well Mr Potter you have to understand that the human mind is one of the few things that we cannot do much about even with magic. If it gets injured we have to operate with one eye closed and a hand behind our back it seems like. Unfortunately there are cases where there is nothing we can do except wait. This is one of them."
Harry slid back in his chair. "So you don't know?"
"Correct. I doubt she ever will recover her lost memories. If she is lucky and strong enough she will begin to grow and develop normally and may achieve some degree of mental stability and become a fully functional adult. Otherwise she may remain mentally a child for the rest of her life. Maybe a teenager at best. We will arrange weekly counseling sessions for now until we see how things are going.
Harry sat quietly and let Hermione finish making the necessary arrangements. Technically her parents would be Ginny's Guardian while Hermione's magical Guardian would be Ginny's as well now. But Hermione and Harry would be directly responsible for her care. When they where done they returned to Ginny's room. Minerva McGonnegal was standing outside pacing.
"Mr Potter, Miss Granger. Could you please explain why I was summoned here?"
"We need your help with Ginny ma'am." Hermione began.
"Ginny who?" Minerva was puzzled.
Harry raised his voice "Ginny Weasley she's a Gryffindor in the year below us."
Minerva looked grumpy. "I've known the Weasley's my entire life. There is no female Weasley young man. Their youngest child is a son named Ronald as you should know, as he's one of your friends."
Harry looked at Cynthia and Healer Masterson. "Could you guys please check Professor McGonnegal I don't think she's acting right." Hermione's facial expression was one of shock and concern for her favorite teacher.
Professor McGonnegal raised her eyebrow, "Mr Potter I assure you I know my own mind and would be aware if I had forgotten a student."
Masterson stepped forward, "Ma'am we have independently confirmed the identity of the young lady. Her name is Ginevra Molly Weasley. She was admitted earlier today for examination and found to be suffering from extreme mental trauma. Auror's attempting to contact her family have determined that multiple others have been tampered with to forget her. Please allow us to check you voluntarily, otherwise I will have to make it an official request."
McGonnegal frowned at that but nodded, "Very well then I will humor you. Test away."
Masterson and Cynthia both cast their detection spells. The results of which where both identical. "Hmm. Professor. You will need to spend the night I'm afraid. There have been multiple obliviations, compulsions, memory modifications among other mental tampering performed on you. I would not be surprised if there was potions affecting you as well."
McGonnegal looked shocked. "No that's impossible. There is utterly no reason for that sort of thing to be happening. I'm just the assistant headmaster at Hogwarts and a professor there. There would be no reason to do that."
"Yet there it is ma'am. Please for my sake and Hermione's get treated ma'am." Harry put on the best pout he could.
Minerva looked at Harry then at Hermione's pleading expression. "Very well I will participate in this folly. Filius can take charge of things until I return. I suppose I could use a holiday." She said with a faint smile.
They bade her good night and got Ginny ready to go home. "Am I all better Mommy?"
Hermione smiled at her and nodded, "Yeah all better for now. So we can go home ok?"
Ginny was excited and took Harry and Hermione's hands. Xenophilus and Cynthia apparated them and Luna back to the Grangers where they where sitting up waiting.
"So how is everything." Emma asked looking at Ginny.
"I'm all better Gramma, the doctor said I can come home with Mommy and Daddy."
"Oh good. Well why don't mommy and I take you up to get your teeth brushed and you ready for bed. Ok" Emma smiled sweetly. Ginny was happy to go and dragged Hermione upstairs.
Xenophilus and Luna sat down on the sofa while Cynthia sat on the other side of Dan in a chair. Harry collapsed on the sofa by Luna. Dan looked at the group.
"Well I guess it could be worse. At least she's housebroken. She is housebroken right?"
Cynthia chuckled hollowly, "Yes Mr Granger. She is regressed to about 9 years old. Her personality has fractured a bit so she is going to be finding herself again."
Dan sighed, "So is she going to get better?"
Cynthia shook her head. "Not as in returning to her previous personality and memories. She is going to have to redevelop everything, and even then she may never become fully restored. Its going to take time, love and support."
Dan looked at Harry who was staring into the future it seemed like with a nervous look. "Yeah well I think this crew can definitely provide that."
"Yes I believe we can do so. I'll be happy to help Harry and Hermione anyway I can." Luna chimed in.
Harry ran his fingers through his hair, "Yeah. I'll do all I can. I just can't forget what she was like last year. Seeing her like this is scary."
Xenophilus was sympathetic but explained, "Harry you must try and realize that version of her no longer exists. This Ginny will need to be treated as a new and unique person. She is your daughter not your classmate. Never forget that previous Ginny but understand things have changed."
Luna took Harry's hand, "She won't ever be really gone Harry. But Daddy is right this Ginny cannot be held to the same standards as the one we knew."
Harry looked at Luna, "I forgot you knew her too."
Luna sadly smiled at Harry, "Yes I knew her for several years. Not very well but enough."
Harry shook his head, "Sorry Luna. I'll do my best for her."
Luna smiled brightly at Harry washing comfort and kindness over him, "I know you will. You are too nice a person to do anything less. Now Daddy and I have to go. Say goodnight to Ginny for me please."
"I will." harry promised.
Xenophilus and Luna both said goodnight to Dan and then left. Cynthia followed momentarily later. Leaving Harry and Dan in the living room.
Dan cleared his throat before smiling at Harry, "Look I know its a big change for an adult to have kids but to have something like this dumped on you by the fates at your age is beyond comprehension. But since Hermione and that Luna girl both seem to have a lot of faith in you I would say you'll be able to handle it."
"I hope so. There is a lot more going on that we haven't told you."
Dan raised an eyebrow, "Well no better time than the present eh?"
Harry took a deep breath and then told him everything they learned tonight when he was done Dan was sitting there with a look of concern.
"It almost sounds like you fell into the middle of a huge conspiracy. We'll definitely have to be careful but we'll do all we can."
Emma came in smiling, "Your daughter is ready to have daddy read her a bedtime story." At Harry's look of panic Emma chuckled, "Don't worry Hermione has the book already picked out and all you have to do is sit beside the bed and read to her. Nothing to it. Dan even managed it."
Daniel took his wife's hand. "Yeah just relax and be thankful you're the one she came to. You'll take care of her. There are a lot of people out there both in your world and ours that would not have been so nice."
Harry smiled, "Yeah thank you. I better go."
After he left Dan shook his head, "Emm those kids are in deep. Did Hermione tell you anything?"
Emma frowned, "She told me some of it while we where getting Ginny bathed. There is a lot going on in their world. Scary things we can't deal with."
Daniel sighed, "Yeah. I think its time we accepted we are out of our depth here and see what we can do to change that."
Emma agreed, "Now what to do about the sleeping arrangements. Harry is a nice young man but he is still a teen boy. "
Daniel smiled, "I do believe the couch in the den pulls out still."
In the spare bedroom Harry was reading Alice in Wonderland to Ginny. She was drifting off to sleep with a big smile on her face and one of Hermione's stuffed cats tucked under her arm. Harry was getting into the book when Hermione put her hands on the page and shushed Harry. Smiling she led him out into the hall after making sure Ginny was comfortable.
Giving Harry a hug and a small kiss on the cheek, "You did good harry."
Blushing Harry hugged her back, "Thanks. I'm scared mione."
She buried her head on his shoulder, "I know. Do you really think Professor Dumbledore is really doing all of this. Trying to erase that she existed?"
"It seems like it. Plus trying to keep us apart."
Sighing deeply Hermione gave a small shiver, "I don't want that to ever happen Harry. Ever. I want to stay with you forever."
Harry pulled her tightly, "Me too. We'll figure something out."
"I hope so. I look at Ginny and it makes me so mad that someone would hurt her. I guess maybe I'm taking that mommy thing to heart."
Harry kissed her forehead, "You're going to be a great mom."
Hermione leaned into Harry and just held him.
Dan and Emma had been going to bed when they heard the two of them talking. Realizing that their daughter had found her white knight Dan wasn't so sure about the idea of putting him in the den. It probably wouldn't matter if he put him on the roof. He wasn't so sure he wasn't going to be redundant soon.
Emma politely coughed to warn the kids before she came up the stairs all the way. The way they where standing close together but blushing gave her a bit of a start but her motherly instinct told her that they where just comforting each other and nothing sexual was going on.
"Hey guys. Things ok?" Daniel quietly asked.
"Yeah she's asleep. Harry's a natural."
"Well lets keep it to just the one for a long while shall we?" He tried to joke but seeing the two of them hugging and standing together, the way they looked at each other, made him realize that he was looking at the parents of his grand-kids.
The fact they both looked at the floor blushing made him chuckle and feel a little bit safer.
"Dad we have to finish school, deal with all the other side stuff and then there is getting established in the world after school before we can even consider that. Plus there is the little thing called marriage you know." Hermione huffed quietly.
Holding his hands up Daniel smiled at his daughter, "Hurricane Hermione I yield. You've got it under control. I'm just trying to be a dad here too. As you're finding out the job doesn't exactly come with an instruction manual."
Harry chuckled, "No it doesn't."
Hermione sighed then shook her head and smiled. "Ok. I love you dad."
"Love you too pumpkin. Um now about the sleeping arrangements."
Harry had not even thought about that. Hermione blushed but just said, "Well Ginny will need to stay in the spare bedroom. We should probably set it up as hers. I guess there is the couch or the pull out in the den."
Daniel was glad she had suggested it as he wasn't sure if he had said anything how they would have reacted. "yeah I think its available."
Harry nodded, "Ok I'll go get my pajamas from my trunk and hit the bathroom if that's ok?"
"Ok. I think we can trust you two to figure it out." Emma said heading on to the bedroom after hugging Hermione and Harry goodnight. Daniel followed suit.
Harry got his things, took his shower and went to bed in the den. Hermione took her turn, checked on Ginny then went to bed herself. The next morning she found some clothes she thought would fit Ginny and got her dressed and ready for breakfast. Harry was already in the kitchen making Omelets.
"Hello daddy." Ginny said brightly coming in giving Harry a hug.
"Hey Gin. Sleep well?"
"Yeah I did. I had a bad dream but it was not bad enough to wake me up."
Hermione raised her eyebrow at that, "What was the dream sweetie?"
"I was in a strange house and this tall father Christmas was pointing a stick at me and there was a wicked witch behind him holding bottles of poison and there was a vampire and they where all laughing at me but then daddy came and sliced them all with a bright shiny sword." She explained in a single breath.
Hermione and Harry looked at each other as that sounded like a memory more than a dream. But to Ginny Hermione replied, "Oh yeah Daddy would definitely do that for his girl." Then gave her a hug.
Harry was just setting the plates out when Dan and Emma came into the dining room. "Oh good morning Harry. You didn't need to do that." Emma said.
"Its okay. I'm used to this from living with the Dursleys."
"Well ok if you really don't mind. We do take turns here so you don't need to worry about doing this everyday." Daniel said sitting down. "Wow this smells good."
"I hope you don't mind. Its just a cheese and ham omelet. I read it in a cookbook once. One of the few books Aunt Petunia let me read."
Taking a bite Dan was impressed, "Wow that's really quite good. Hermione definitely keep this one."
Hermione rolled her eyes, "Dad its not like there's a whole parade trying to get my attention."
Ginny laughed, "They know better mommy. Daddy has a sword."
Hermione laughed, "Right you are sweetie."
The family heard a snap-pop of apparate from the back garden and knocking on the door. Dan and harry moved to see who it was while Hermione stayed in the dining room doorway protecting her mom and Ginny.
Minerva McGonnegal was not a happy camper. She was standing on the back step when Dan opened the door and greeted her.
"My apologies Mr Granger. I need to speak with the Potters however."
"The Potters?" Daniel asked.
"Yes Mr and MRS Harry Potter. I apologize for being so brusk but I am not in a very pleasant mood this morning after spending the night rather painfully integrating several years of memories that a person I had trusted and believed in removed and tampered with."
"I can believe that. Please come in Harry just made breakfast." Daniel said swinging the door wide for her. In a few moments everyone was settled back at the table.
"Good morning Miss Weasley how are you today?"
"I'm fine ma'am. Daddy made us Omelets." She proudly stated.
"Yes. Well I'm sure they are quite good." Minerva said sadly.
"I can make you one Ma'am if you'd like."
"Thank you no. I am not entirely hungry at the moment. There is a lot we must cover. Although please do not hesitate to continue on my account."
"Ok so if I heard you correctly you said the words Mr and Mrs Potter?" Emma asked. Hermione had wanted to ask but she was still in shock from that. One's world can only get shaken so many times before they lose the ability to rebound.
"Yes I did. Judging by the expressions on the young couple I am going to guess you where unaware."
At their nods she continued, " at the close of your first year did you or did you not spend some time on a nice spring afternoon in a small grove by the lake." Again they nodded in confusion. "This grove happened to be a sacred grove to the ancient druids. Once upon a time Hogwarts permitted multiple religions and such so the ground has retained its sacred powers. Having various students perform rites either purposely or accidentally within the grove has not done anything to reduce its power either. "
Hermione seemed to figure something out "So when we promised to be friends forever and take care of each other and be there for each other magic itself took that as a marriage vows?"
Minerva nodded her head, "So it would seem. Your vows where recorded in the ministry as a magical binding oath."
"But don't magical marriages have to be um, consummated to be valid?" Hermione quietly asked with a blush.
"Yes but that term can be a bit open for interpretation I suppose. Also it may happen at any point within a year and a day from the date of the oaths. I know this is a bit embarrassing and personal but it is important. How far has your relationship with each other gone? Please be honest."
Harry cleared his throat, "We've kissed on the lips three times, and hugged several times. Other than that nothing at all."
"You have never mutually gratified each other?" She asked with an eyebrow raised.
Harry blushed furiously which made Dan raise an eyebrow. Hermione though made him glad he wasn't drinking his coffee, "Um I had to change my knickers after kissing Harry at the feast this year. After being petrified my senses where on edge so much that everything was so sensitive and um yeah."
Minerva looked to Harry. "I'm a guy and got tackled to the floor by my cute girlfriend, I love and care about, who was kissing me while straddling me on the floor so I kinda yeah..."
Daniel started laughing. Everyone turned to look at him with various expressions. From Ginny who joined him laughing to Minerva and Emma who both looked like he had lost his marbles. "Care to share why you're laughing like a madman dear." Emma said in a carefully quiet tone that made Minerva happy to note for later use.
In between guffaws he explained, "Not only is magic wonderful, it seems to have a sense of humor and is a bit of a pervert."
"So it would seem. Regardless of how exactly it occurred it has occurred. Albus found out about it and did not approve. He decided that obliviating the two of you and having Mr Weasley run interference should prevent things progressing to the point of no return. That obviously did not work. He did manage to prevent it from being published in the public registry though so only a few people know about it."
Hermione frowned, "Would someone who worked in the ministry know about it?"
"I suppose so. That would make sense."
"So Arthur Weasley could have known about it. Which means Molly would have known about it."
"Exactly. Which is why they are in Egypt. I wonder how they got the money to go to Egypt."
"Supposedly Arthur won a drawing at work." Minerva said.
"Well lucky him then. Amazing timing. Still why did they not take someone with them." Hermione pondered. "its like someone has been working to erase their existence."
"Why. What would be the point?" Harry was trying to wrap his head around it.
"Keeping secrets Harry. Think about everything that was revealed and discovered by someone this year." Hermione pointed out.
Minerva was nodding, "It does make sense. Mrs Potter. Albus was not very happy to hear you discussing such things so openly."
"So why wasn't I obliviated instead of her or Hermione?" Harry asked in shock.
"Because the effects of a possession are much worse and harder to conceal as you can tell. Without a professional Mindhealer involved the effects can be …. detrimental." Minerva finished sadly. Looking at the young girl just finishing her toast smiling and happy with no cares in the world.
"So he was concentrating on dealing with her and the fallout from her and hadn't gotten around to dealing with us yet?" Hermione speculated.
Minerva agreed fully. "It would seem as such. Now that things have become more official and there is a record of your obliviates and involvement with your daughter it is going to be more difficult for him to erase things. I have also taken steps to have Poppy and Filius brought in and examined claiming that their behavior has been compromised and as assistant headmistress I feel they are unsafe to be around children. As the board of regents has given us the mandate to protect our wards during the school term we have to be sure that there is nothing untoward in anyone's health."
Emma was shocked, "Wasn't this already being done."
Minerva swallowed a lemon tree. "No. That was something I was being routinely lied and memory charmed about. One of the problems of trusting the fox to guard the chickens."
Harry snorted, "Well that explains Snape being allowed to stay."
"Yes officially Albus personally vouched for the man." Minerva glared at Albus in absentia.
"So what's going to happen to this Dumbledore fellow?" Daniel asked gravely.
"Last I heard from the Auror's there is going to be an official investigation. As well as the Board of Regents has been notified of the events of the last two years. There will be a vote called today to determine his status." Minerva quietly explained.
"So is there any danger for us or Mom and Dad?" Hermione looked concerned.
"As of right now it seems that Albus is working very hard to perform damage control. He has not been seen in several days at the school, nor anywhere else. Owl post is coming back unopened."
"That didn't answer the question." Emma pointed out.
"No it didn't Mrs Granger. I am sorry but I cannot answer that question as I do not know what Albus is planning, or even what he is thinking. I'm not entirely sure I ever knew the man. This entire last year seemed to be him scrambling to deal with a wrench that had been thrown in the works."
Daniel was not one to dwell on things he couldn't deal with clapped his hands, "Ok well since there isn't much we can do about the Dumbledore fellow lets talk about the practicalities of Harry and Hermione's marriage. What exactly does that mean?"
Minerva smiled to be talking about more positive things, "Well it means that they are considered emancipated adults in the wizarding world. So there is no longer a trace on their wands. They can perform magic here in this house now as it is legally their residence. Yes Mr Potter your address has already changed. I checked before coming here."
Harry was surprised that things moved that fast but wasn't going to argue with it.
"Further they are entitled to married quarters when they return to Hogwarts. There used to be older married students long ago but that has fallen out of use and favor in the last 50 years."
Hermione was nodding, "I remember reading that in Hogwarts a History."
"Yes indeed, Aside from that the usual sort of things that married couples have in the muggle world also exist in the wizarding world. Mutual bank accounts, no magical guardian and such. Although I would still be pleased if you would consider listening to my advice on occasion."
Harry and Hermione both smiled and agreed.
Hermione raised a point, "Does that mean we could legally adopt Ginny? Not just be her guardian or whatever but be responsible for her?"
"Perhaps you should wait and discus this with Molly and Arthur. If they have been mentally tampered with they might want to take care of her after being cured."
"I don't think that would be a good idea Ma'am. I feel that Molly Weasley may have been involved." Harry countered.
"As it is right now there is not enough evidence I am told. Suspicions aside I support your desire to do right by her but for now she must remain your ward."
Hermione reluctantly agreed but held Ginny's hand as she was starting to look confused and upset. "Its okay. We're going to go shopping today. Get you some new clothes. Same for Harry."
"Yeah daddy looks silly in his baggy pants." Ginny giggled.
This brought Minerva some mirth, tempered with sadness "Yes Mr Potter. I now know what your clothing and such mean. Please do not be ashamed as it was not your choice but your father would not have wanted for you to appear so, disreputable."
Harry at the mention of his father blushed, "Yes Ma'am."
Daniel looked at the clock, "Will you guys be okay? Your mom and I need to get to the office. We have a couple of root canals and a denture to fit this morning."
Hermione nodded, "Yeah dad. We can take the knight bus to Diagon and then a taxi around."
"You don't think there'll be any trouble?" Emma asked.
Ginny grabbed Harry's arm, "Daddy can take care of anything. He's super."
Harry blushed as everyone else just nodded and smiled at Ginny's enthusiasm.
"Yes well I would like you to consider being careful. I'll have to deal with the situation at the school and the board today. Its too bad you don't have any house elves of your own."
Harry blinked then remembered Dobby. He had been very happy after Harry had gotten him freed from the Malfoys. "Maybe I do ma'am. Do you know of an elf named Dobby?"
"That was the one that Lucius Malfoy had with him at the school this last year. The one he was so upset because you freed."
"Yeah him. He might be willing to help out."
"Well call for him then."
Daniel and Emma had paused putting their jackets on when Harry called out for this Dobby. Suddenly a small 3 foot tall being with huge baseball eyes, long floppy ears and wearing something that could best be described as a surcoat made from a tea towel. "Yes Harry Potter?"
"Hello Dobby. How are you?"
Ginny had been startled when Dobby first appeared but she was grinning at the small being. "Wicked cool. Hi!"
Dobby smiled back and bowed to Ginny, "Greetings daughter of Potters. Dobby is happy to meet you."
Ginny giggled at that. Hermione's reaction was a bit more confused, "You know who she is."
"You are Dobby's family. Its Dobby's duty to know everything that is going on with his family."
Harry shook his head at that, "I thought you where a free elf Dobby?"
Dobby took a plate and smacked himself in the face with it. "Bad Dobby. Should have told Great Harry Potter the truth. Bad Bad Dobby!"
Harry grabbed the plate and pointed at Dobby, "Stop that Dobby. Do not hit yourself like that. Just relax and tell me whats going on."
Dobby trembling and ready to throw himself bit his lips before answering, "There is no such thing as a free elf Harry Potter. Dobby wanted to be away from bad master Malfoy and had heard about Harry Potter from the elves of Hogwarts. Young Malfoy had spoken of you too. Dobby accepted bond from Harry Potter when he freed him from bad Malfoy. Now Dobby is Potter elf." He drew himself up proudly when he said the last part of that.
Daniel and Emma finished getting ready for their day. "Okay. Well. Hello Dobby. We'll get a full explanation out of you and the kids when we get back this evening. Until then have a good day guys." Hugs and kisses where exchanged and the Grangers went to go fix teeth and protect the world from gum disease yet again.
Minerva stood up as well, "Well I should return to Saint Mungo's and check on Poppy and Filius. I hope your day goes well. Good day Mr, Mrs Potter. Miss Weasley."
"good day Ma'am"