Chapter 14
Rose Parkinson looked over the first issue of the Daily Prophet which carried her name as editor and thought 'shit, how do we follow that?' as she knew this edition would change their world.
Nobody ever said pureblood ways made sense, unless you were a wealthy pureblood male but the attack on the Potter's wedding made a mockery of these beliefs and somebody had made a very bad miscalculation.
Purebloods the length and breadth of the country would be sickened by this news, not because a wedding was attacked nor was it the prospect of losing most of the leaders of the magical world that generated these feelings.
No, it was the inclusion of muggles and their technology thus implying that magic wasn't up to the task and anything that showed muggles in a better light than wizards was to be avoided at all costs.
The people involved in this attack had just lost the support of the section of society they propose to represent.
A massive magical photograph that was simply iconic dominated the front page and was worth a thousand words.
A half blood wizard had just been married to a first generation witch by a muggle clergyman with a pureblood and an elf on both sides of the happy couple.
If that wasn't iconic enough the enormous stained glass window behind the wedding party then explodes and everyone can see Winky throw herself between Ginny and the window while heir to one of the most respected pureblood families, Neville Longbottom takes multiple hits from the flying glass.
It was an astonishing picture showing a beautiful scene disintegrating into horrific carnage in the space of a few seconds that could reshape the political landscape of the magical world.
The picture had been magically altered to replay at slow speed and anyone watching it unfold would have a hard time believing the muggle minister was the only fatality from the group so far as Winky and Neville were still unconscious at time of print.
The ministry had also made an unprecedented announcement with the awarding of three Order of Merlin's First Class. The unprecedented part was in the recipients, Daniel Granger – a muggle, Winky – an elf and Drumlok (posthumously) – a goblin.
All had deliberately used their bodies as shields for the protection of others costing the brave goblin his life as he shielded his head of state.
There was also a special gallantry award for the elves that saved so many lives with their shields and rapid evacuation of casualties, each elf would receive a special badge commissioned for the occasion to be worn on their tunics.
The awards were to be presented at a celebratory ministry Christmas Eve Ball.
What the article didn't say as Rose made the decision not to print was that Harry and Hermione had refused awards for ridding the world of Riddle. They both wholeheartedly supported the announced awards as they felt saving lives should be honoured, not taking them.
The new editor had also included excerpts from the muggle press describing the weapon used and what would have happened but for the heavy magical protection.
Rose had already printed twice the normal number of papers but from her office window she could see how busy the newsagent was becoming and decided to print more.
Sirius was sitting up in his hospital bed reading the prophet when he noticed Remus throw his paper into the air and let out a loud howl, before turning to his animagus friend and saying "page eight, bottom of third column"
He looked at the suggested spot and read the article that had been relegated to just above the "increase the power of your wand and meet the witch of your dreams" adverts and understood his friend's reaction.
The body of Fenrir Greyback, the werewolf notorious for biting children was found yesterday on the ministry steps. The body had a note attached asking for the reward to be placed in the ministerial St Mungo's fountain.
"We need to get out of here soon, I swore the day that bastard died I would get drunk" said an emotional Remus
"I definitely think a few drinks are in order but we have to remember that we're Hogwarts professors now" answered a serious Sirius
A disbelieving Remus stared at the stranger inhabiting his friends body, "Merlin when did you become responsible Sirius?"
"Ever since I swore never to let Harry down again, he and his wonderful wife are attempting to change the world least I could do is change myself," said a thoughtful Sirius
"You got the harder task then" joked Remus as a pillow left Sirius and smacked the werewolf on the head.
"You're supposed to be the smart one, do you think Hermione is going to let a couple of pranksters baby-sit for them? We need to play it smart to train the next generation of marauders" said Sirius
The laughter coming from the room was a good indicator to the medical staff that these patients were ready to go home.
Theo Nott read through the Prophet trying to keep himself from descending into panic.
He had been in Diagon Alley when approached by an acquaintance of his late father and they began to chat.
Theo wasn't stupid and knew he was being asked for information, with Millicent being able to put Potter out of commission so easily he decided that having a foot in both camps while awaiting developments seemed to be the smart policy to adopt.
If questioned he would claim it was nothing more than a friendly chat.
Griphook was also sitting in an St Mungo's bed though he had muggle newspapers spread all around him and an assistant from the bank taking notes, he would need to practice writing left handed.
The goblin couldn't believe the amount of information contained in these muggle publications and was recommending to Ragnok that the bank purchased these daily and employ someone to sift through them for profitable opportunities.
He thought it would take him weeks to amass the specific details but here they were in bold headlines right in front of him; make, model and a partial serial number of the device used as well as probable cost and naming illegal suppliers with country's of origin thrown in for good measure.
This would make following the money trail so much easier as only goblins could convert galleons into muggle currency whatever the country.
Blaise could see that something was troubling his sister; Claire never was good at hiding her emotions so he decided on the direct approach.
"Ok sis, whatever's eating away at you needs to stop so spill it"
"It's Theo," she said quietly
"WHAT I'll…"
A now embarrassed Claire tried to calm her protective brother "No, nothing like that. When we were in Flourish and Blott's getting Hogwarts supplies I heard Theo talking to someone I didn't recognise and he told them all the details of the Potter wedding. He told them where, when and even that Ragnok would be there. Well after what happened I'm really worried, do you think he had anything to do with it?"
Blaise knew there was a good chance the information had leaked from someone inside the Potter house, when Griphook's wedding invitation from Hermione was overheard the news had spread like wildfire with a detail discovered here and there, pretty soon everyone was in possession of the information these terrorists would have needed and they were all under suspicion.
He surmised Theo had great ambitions but this would be really stupid as both Potters had laid it on the line 'work against the family and St Mungo's wouldn't be able to help you' in plain English you would be dead.
They were being offered opportunities beyond their dreams but Theo seemed to be trying to cover all of his options.
Hermione had interviewed the Zabini family and learning their mother was now a Hogwarts professor and head of Slytherin wasn't the only shock in store for them. Blaise had expected a demand for his oath to the potter house but she had calmly explained that they were willing to take oaths when the people felt the time was right, again here was this concept so alien to the pureblood community – choice.
Blaise new the time was right and set off to pass on the information and swear his oath.
Ewan Abercrombie sat with a look on his face people frequently had after a meeting with Lord and Lady Gryffindor.
It was a curious mixture of shock, wonder with a little bliss thrown in for good measure – the only other time this look existed involved small children and Christmas morning.
His first view of the fabled Harry Potter had been earlier on today when he knocked Ramsey, the autocratic arsehole on his back, one of the highlights of his day. Working with goblins, elves and treating muggles in St Mungo's were some of the others.
The young couple had approached him and asked if he had time for a chat and some coffee, seconds later they were being served by potter elves while a couple of goblins made sure they were undisturbed.
Ewan couldn't help but feel like he was being interviewed as he told them of his muggle father, a doctor who had lost his life in a traffic accident and his mother who was a witch raising him in the magical world after his Hogwarts letter arrived.
Sorted into Ravenclaw he had enjoyed his time there and went on to become a healer, which he felt was preordained. He had fallen in love and married a friend's sister who was a squib that had inherited her parents flair for potion brewing but could only find a job working behind the counter of an apothecary due to her status.
Hearing this news seemed to please the Potters, which annoyed the healer until they made him an offer he couldn't refuse.
He was now head of the Lily Potter Clinic and his wife was in charge of the potions lab, which would not only supply the clinic but also manufacture wolfsbane for every werewolf in Britain. All training, equipment and personnel to be organised by the Abercrombie's with anything they needed available.
When he had said that the clinic should be open to anyone who needs it, be they muggle, magical, goblin or elf! Harry had stood up and shook his hand saying something like right man for the job while his wife kissed Ewan on the cheek and offered her congratulations.
Ewan now had the very pleasant task of going home and telling his wife they were leaving their tiny rented flat for accommodations that were provided in the clinic by their new employers, Stag Industries.
He sat smiling as realization started to take hold of the changes this would make not only to their lives, saving children is a wondrous thing but they could now financially afford to produce some of their own. Christmas had indeed come early to the Abercrombie's.
Theo Nott saw the four goblins approach and slowly raised his hands, palm outward to acknowledge both were empty and his wand was staying in his robe where it belonged, this was definitely not the time to lose your head.
He was led away and interviewed, Theo told them everything including the wizards name with whom he had his chat but his claim of innocence seemed to fall on deaf goblin ears and he new the game was over when they produced Veritaserum claiming it was just to make sure he hadn't forgot any details.
Less than an hour later Theodore Nott found himself sitting in a goblin cell awaiting his fate, somehow he thought Claire Zabini would need a date for the Yule Ball.
Amanda Flint was a troubled young witch, her father had just died, mother was washing dishes somewhere and she had watched while her brother was killed trying to murder their lord.
Amanda Flint had never felt this free or happy in her life and that's what troubled her, she decided to look at each individually in an attempt to understand her feelings.
Her father was a cold hearted man who she could never remember saying a kind word, the end of any affection came when introducing her future husband.
He was older than her father and proceeded to examine her as if some type of livestock, running his hands all over her while the parents who were supposed to protect their daughter haggled over price.
If she had a wand Amanda would have been hard pressed choosing whom to curse first.
Her mother took the attitude 'my life is crap and so will yours be, accept it and reduce the hurt later'; she seemed to take all her frustrations out on the poor house elves.
Amanda wondered if a week working with them would change her view on life.
Her brother was a stranger; she couldn't recall a conversation with him since he left for Hogwarts, women weren't allowed to speak at the Flint family table and she had no contact with him at any other time.
He had challenged their lord who had done him the honour of duelling and then offered him a chance to live after being defeated, he had chosen to cowardly curse under the pretence of swearing loyalty.
Their lord would have been expected to kill all his family after such dishonour but instead had spared their mother and opened doors to her that she had only dared dream of.
Her arranged marriage was no more and Hogwarts beckoned, the Yule Ball no less with a handsome escort. The day she had spent in Diagon Alley with the other teenagers of the Potter house was one of the happiest of her short life, shopping for her ball gown and having ice cream with Blaise were memories worthy of creating a corporal patronus.
Amanda realised she had been shown more affection and concern in her conversation with Harry and Hermione's interview than at any other time in her life, the decision was made she was a proud and happy member of house Potter.
Steven Murphy read the Prophet until he reached the paragraph on how Lord Gryffindor considered this an attack on his family spilling the blood of his daughter, father and elf, Winky so therefore declared a bloodfeud on all the perpetrators of this cowardly attack.
It was the sentences where he included the informants and planners that made his blood run cold and the delicious breakfast he had earlier make a reappearance.
This was how the goblins found the man named by Theodore Nott, speaking to god on the porcelain telephone.
He was sat in a chair being administered Veritaserum while screaming about his rights when it was pointed out to him that the attack had nearly murdered the head of the goblin nation and he was being tried under goblin law.
Steven was glad he had emptied his stomach earlier as the urge to throw-up was almost overpowering with the realisation of just how much trouble he was in.
The goblin interrogators were very aware of the result of Tim Davis being questioned so focused on getting as much information as possible before risking the bigger enquires.
Finding out what and when he was paid could generate as much information as who gave the payment without the side effect of the subject dropping down dead.
They managed to get details of all his payments going back years and another two names before his unbreakable vow claimed his life.
The information was passed to Griphook and another two squads were dispatched on their missions, bring the suspects back for interrogation.
Winky woke looking into the pair of eyes that had come to mean so much to her
"You frightened the life out of me, please don't do that again!" said a tearful Dobby
"How's Ginny, are Harry and Hermione all right?" she croaked
Dobby held a drink to her lips as she sipped the same type of elvin brew they had prepared for Harry "they're all fine and worried about you. Neville is the only one still in danger though they used our ways to share magic with him"
Winky looked puzzled, "Harry and Hermione's bond would prohibit them sharing with anyone but close family"
Dobby just smiled, "Harry learned how to perform the transfer when he passed his magic into you through me. Ginny then acted as conduit while Hermione and Harry poured magic into Neville"
"Harry gave me his magic!" asked an astonished elf "they really must consider us family" she said with tears of joy in her eyes.
"Winky Potter are you just beginning to realise that? You have already saved the lives of Hermione and Ginny; Harry would do anything for you. He loves you nearly as much as I do" Dobby said quietly.
"You love me Dobby Potter?" asked a hopeful Winky
"With every fibre of my being, would you do me the great honour of becoming my life mate?" Dobby asked, his voice full of emotion
"Oh Dobby, don't we need permission first?"
Dobby tried his best pompous voice, "The lord Gryffindor gave me a direct order to ask Winky to be my life mate at the first opportunity."
A giggling Winky responded, "well we can't go against our lord and lady so I would be honoured to be your life mate Dobby Potter"
The gentle kiss that followed didn't induce any golden glows nor break windows but for a pair of elves it was magical.
No words were needed as Winky lay in the hospital bed while Dobby sat close beside her with his head resting on her shoulder.
Winky's brow furrowed with a thought, "Didn't you tell Harry about the dangers of sharing magic? Ginny could find herself bound to Neville"
Dobby was chuckling, "I think our Miss Potter is rather hoping for that effect. He is a fine young man and with her help could turn into an outstanding wizard. His main problem is lack of confidence, something our Ginny will certainly help with"
Winky was laughing as she quoted the famous saying, "behind every great male is a great female"
Dobby leaned over and kissed her, "true my darling but they don't all have an Order of Merlin, First Class like you!"
"WHAT!" could be heard all over St Mungo's
When Harry had said that no elves were going to be abused again and to get them out Winky had went on a one elf crusade to make this dream a reality.
She had visited every establishment in Britain that had elves and spoke to most of them.
The ones enjoying life with good families she left with the promise that should things change they would always be welcome with a place to stay available.
The mistreated she urged to escape by any means possible, as they would be greeted with open arms and cared for as Potter elves.
The first elf to be threatened with clothes calmly took the offered item saying, "Thank you very much" leaving a dumbfounded witch helpless and elfless, her husband was going to hit the roof then her.
Twenty minutes later the elf in question was wearing his Potter tunic and feeling strange emotions, self worth and pride.
The same scene was repeated a few times over the coming days and as no pureblood was ever going to admit being bested by an elf so only the Potters were aware of the situation and they were staying quiet.
One badly beaten elf resorted to catching her masters discarded shirt before it hit the floor while claming, "master has presented me with clothes" then disappearing before she could be contradicted.
That same evening she was lying in a bed receiving medical treatment with her Potter tunic folded and waiting on her bedside cabinet.
It was with this background that the elves read the Prophet and saw Winky standing proudly occupying a place of honour only matched by Dobby.
Then she heroically threw herself into danger protecting her family and now was being awarded the Order of Merlin, First Class – this was beyond comprehension.
This remarkable elf had also been mentioned by the Lord Gryffindor as part of his family when swearing a bloodfeud on those involved.
Every elf in the country secretly swore if they heard any information it would be passed to the Potter elves.
Winky and Dobby had shown the way now it was time for them to take up their place in society.
Griphook was going over his information for the fourth time, he was sure the first but the implications were terrifying.
Everything pointed to the same name; seven dead bodies from unbreakable vows had given more than enough data to source the name it was the other discoveries that could spell the end of the magical world.
Even the wizard's own elves had turned against him supplying information through the Potter elves but surely the bastard couldn't be that stupid?
He needed to present this information to Ragnok and the Potters while hoping against hope he was wrong.
Neville and Ginny didn't know if they had formed a bond but both felt better with contact so were rarely out of hand holding distance of each other.
Neville had watched the youngest of the redheads from afar never thinking he stood a chance, she was beautiful and fixated on another wizard, he was a very good people watcher and looking at Harry with Hermione knew Ginny was going to be heartbroken at some point.
Neville had already asked Ginny to the ball as a friend before all the turmoil leading to the creation of Miss Potter and the days spent with her while Harry was unconscious he learned what a special person she was, if anything he had fallen for her more.
When Harry had recovered and made the remark about Ginny needing his permission to date, Neville wasn't quite sure what came over him when he asked if he could court Ginny.
By the time Harry's answer had permeated his brain, courage had deserted him but Ginny had enough for them both which she proved kissing him in front of her family at breakfast.
Neville had known he was in love with the fiery little redhead since that moment and if the bond had any effect he was now sure Ginny was the girl he wanted to spend the rest of his life with.
Ginny had a feeling of contentment holding her boyfriends hand that she previously only experienced from Harry but when Neville kissed, her insides turned to goo, she knew that Harry would always love her but Neville adored Ginny and that was a totally different set of emotions.
She now understood how Hermione felt when Harry kissed her, Neville made her feel like the most special person in the whole world.
They were still young but she knew one thing, bond or no bond Mr Neville Longbottom wasn't going anywhere without Ginny Potter on his arm.
The group sat silently listening to Griphook's presentation and everyone had reached their own conclusion, nobody was smiling.
Both the Minister of Magic and Chief Witch looked ill while Ragnok was ready to rip someone's arm off and beat them with the wet bit.
The husband and wife teams of Potter and Granger made up the eight who were in this top-secret briefing.
"Dan, Emma in this situation you can anticipate reaction this news getting out would cause better than the rest of us. We would greatly appreciate your thoughts on the matter," said Harry
It was a very grave Dan Granger who answered, "war!"
Everyone in the room had reached the same conclusion while silently hoping they were wrong.
"I know we can't win but can we at least survive?" asked Amelia
"Not a snowball's chance in hell!" answered Hermione
Adrian Greengrass sat at the head of the dinner table contemplating recent events.
The pureblood backlash against the attack on the Potter's had surprised him, these short-sighed fools couldn't see further than their next bribe.
He was the one with the skills and planning to protect the wizarding world into the next millennium and this is the thanks he receives, some child declares a bloodfeud and they all run to the toilet shitting themselves.
He looked down the table at his wife and daughters, he would tell Astoria and Daphne after Christmas they wouldn't be returning to Hogwarts, not paying gold for them to learn to be muggles.
It was in his dealings with the muggles that he had been most brilliant, using dummy companies and always wearing a glamour when any direct meetings were necessary.
Unlike wizards you couldn't demand an unbreakable oath that everyone who knew his identity had to undertake, no Adrian wasn't worried about any investigation he was untouchable.
He was more worried about the service at dinner tonight, he had been finished eating for a couple of minutes and his plate was still there, he was just about to summon his useless head elf when a beautiful brown haired witch walked in the door.
Adrian Greengrass was shocked that anyone could find this place far less gain entry; he was just beginning to reach for his wand when the sword of Gryffindor touched him below his chin.
Chapter 15
Daphne Greengrass reasoned her father would have more important things to worry about than his daughter speaking at the dinner table, like the sword of Gryffindor held at his throat by a very angry Harry Potter, so she decided to chance it
"Potter, what are you doing here and how did you get in?"
"Well I know it's not quite the same as destroying our wedding but we thought disturbing the man who organised the attack at his dinner would have to do" said Harry with venom in every word.
The three Greengrass witches went even paler, it had been all over the prophet for a few days now that the investigation was progressing and all the people involved would be caught, father had said it was nothing but mindless scaremongering to get the idiots surrendering themselves as the ministry hadn't a clue.
Astoria thought if her sister could speak at the table then so would she
"Surely you're mistaken, father wouldn't be involved in anything like that"
"Your father has done a lot worse, would you like to explain to your family how you put our whole world in peril?" said Hermione
"It's you who put our existence in peril trying to teach purebloods to be muggles, our world must stay secret from the muggles or it will be destroyed! My plan will keep them looking elsewhere while we live in peace," screamed Adrian
"You really are a stupid egotistical bastard, have you never heard of 'hide in plain sight'. Pureblood witches and wizards get spotted so easily in muggle situations because they haven't a clue how to act. We plan on changing that then your daughters will be able to travel the world without fear of being discovered because they can't switch on a light or use muggle money," said Hermione
Harry continued, "your father's plan of funding and supplying terrorist groups keeping the muggle authorities too busy to notice us is barbaric and fatally flawed, to then supply the terrorists with magical items that allow guns and explosives to be undetectable by the muggle security systems is idiocy taken to extremes. He bought a small business over and had them adapt their products so muggles could use them."
Daphne's face was turning the colour of her surname, "That breaks the statute of secrecy, if the muggles ever found one of those items the magical world would be exposed and blamed"
Hermione answered, "the groups your father supports have been leaving explosives on busy streets killing women and children, every branch of the muggle government is looking for them and it's only a matter of time before someone's caught"
"They are all too stupid to catch anyone, they will never be found" boasted Adrian
Daphne screamed "father you are a moron! Harry and Hermione found you in THREE DAYS, your sitting there with a sword at your throat, boasting people are too stupid to find the scum that follow their delusional leader. If this gets out it wont just be Britain, muggle governments all over the world will start searching their countries for magical communities and wiping them out. The name Greengrass will be cursed for millennium, give me that sword Potter I'll kill him myself!"
"I appreciate the sentiments Daphne but we need some answers first, if we can put a stop to this before the muggles discover our involvement we might just manage to save the situation," said Harry
"I'm the head of a old pureblood family and I know my rights, I demand to appear in front of the Wizengamot" shouted Adrian
"Sorry I'm still suffering after effects of that explosion you caused on Saturday and my hearing keeps going, what did he say Hermione?" asked Harry with a straight face
"Oh love I was just thinking I don't know what you prefer for Christmas dinner, turkey or goose?" replied Hermione
An apoplectic Adrian Greengrass watched helpless as four goblins entered the room and placed magic inhibiting bracelets on his wrists while forcefully administering Veritaserum to the struggling wizard.
Forty five minutes later and the scope of Greengrass madness was known, the Potter wedding attack had disrupted their original plans but the latest brought revulsion to everyone who heard it.
Indiscriminate bombing of London shops and underground on Christmas eve so a pureblood lunatic could enjoy his Christmas dinner knowing the muggles were far too busy burying their dead to look for a mythical magic community.
Adrian was being led out the room when he moved to give Daphne a farewell hug, the look of surprise and shock on the young witches face set Harry's alarm bells ringing and he was moving even before the bullet was fired.
Adrian Greengrass always carried a gun in an invisible holster, under the pretence of hugging that traitorous bitch of a daughter he had drawn and fired but was enraged, how had he missed the Potter brat, he pulled the young witch close and placed the pistol at Daphne's head
"Lose the sword sonny and I want to see those goblins doing the same, all wands onto the table now or I'll blow her head off!"
Harry calmly held up his hands as the sword disappeared, "as you can see I'm unarmed except for this!"
"What the hell is that?" demanded Adrian
"This is the piece of stained glass I removed from my father in law's neck, I really think you should take a closer look"
With that Harry wandlessly summoned Adrian's gun while banishing the stained glass straight into Adrian Greengrass about half an inch above his right eye, he was dead before hitting the floor.
Harry strode over and caught Daphne before her legs gave way, she grabbed him and held on tight sobbing, he cast the Praedia Bellica spell over the former Greengrass head of house and the white beam hit the body causing it to glow for a few seconds.
Harry sat Daphne down at the table while her sister was being comforted by her mother, Harry and Hermione joined them as the goblins removed the body.
"What are your orders my lord?" asked Rachel Greengrass, a twelfth generation pureblood who knew the meaning of the spell he cast, she and her daughters just got a new master.
"My first order is to call me Harry and this is my wife Hermione"
The looks of confusion coming from the Greengrass witches led Hermione into her soul bond, welcome to house Potter and you've got choices spiel.
All three looked much happier when they heard the news about marriage contracts, although Daphne's first choice was sitting across from her already married there were plenty more fish in the sea and she gets to choose.
Astoria couldn't hold back any longer, she needed to know, "why is it so important that the muggles don't find us?"
Hermione tried to explain, "locating beings that could perform magic they would try and control us, discover what make's a person magical and replicate it for themselves or eradicate ours. Uncovering the knowledge our world aided terrorists against them would result in the destruction of Diagon Alley, Gringotts, the Ministry, St Mungo's, Hogsmead and Hogwarts. Anyone left would have to survive without education, health care, banking, or laws while being hunted. We would be extinct in a generation."
It was a sombre Hermione who continued, "Governments will always stand against terrorists but the involvement of a foreign power, namely the magical world, history has taught us this will result in war."
Harry then spoke about their vision of the future to the pureblood witches
"There are so many ways we can help muggles and keep the statute of secrecy, thousands of them die every year from ailments a simple potion would cure. We can produce this in the muggle world under a brand name, saving lives while providing employment for those shunned in our society. Squibs and werewolf's would join a workforce that can literally change the world."
"If in the future our existence is unearthed we can indicate all the benefits our society has given them and since most magical people will be able to blend into the muggle world this should reduce the chance of discovery in the first place."
Harry could see understanding beginning to dawn on the witches, Daphne was top of Slytherin after all, but they were still going to face some troubled times ahead when it became public that their father was involved with the wedding attack, all other offences would be top secret.
He advised them to keep a low profile and under no circumstances go near Diagon Alley, anything the wanted could be dealt with through Potter elves.
Harry called for Dobby to find accommodation for the three witches and of course Winky appeared as well
"Winky, you know the healer ordered you to rest, what are you doing here?" asked Hermione
"Harry just stole my dance partner and Neville stands on your toes so I came to remind you both we have the ministry ball in two days. I plan on claiming that dance Harry promised me so you pair really need the practice" said Winky bossily
"How could I forget, I've never danced with an Order of Merlin, First Class recipient before and am so looking forward to it" laughed Harry who received an elbow in the ribs from his wife
"Dobby we need accommodation for the ladies and to speak with the elves" said Harry
The words were no sooner spoken than four former Greengrass elves appeared bowing deeply though more in the direction of Winky than Harry or Hermione.
"How may we be of assistance?"
"We need any documents or items your former master may have hidden in this or any other house he owned," said Hermione
They popped out the room as parchment and boxes started appearing on the table, when they were finished the collection was whisked to Griphook.
As they were ready to leave Harry held out his arm, "now Miss Winky, would you do me the honour of accompanying a poor humble wizard back to his castle where we can practice for this wonderful dance, it will also give this mediocre pupil an opportunity to impress his teacher by elf-apparating her home"
It was a laughing trio who arrived back in the apartment and the scene before them only increased the volume as Ginny massaged her toes in front of an apologising Neville.
Around the country five sleeping muggles disappeared from beds while every inch of their abodes were searched for documents, weapons and especially evidence of magic.
Minerva McGonagall was not a vain witch but even she had to admit when Harry said he had contacted the best he wasn't joking.
She was looking into a mirror and a stranger would never know she had an artificial eye, it matched her other perfectly, they both moved in tandem and the iris even reacted to light exactly mimicking her own.
It was a strange sensation, staring into her eye without it looking back because there was nothing left to repair, it was purely cosmetic but so much better than the tartan eye patch she had been wearing and Minerva wouldn't even consider a contraption like Moody's even if it were an option.
Her gaze shifted to this morning's edition of the Daily Prophet showing ten dead wizards in the centre of Diagon Alley, they had appeared in the small hours of the morning, shielded to prevent removal and mercifully charmed so pre-Hogwarts children couldn't see them.
Each had a piece of stained glass clutched in their dead hand except the first and last in line, Adrian Greengrass had a piece embedded in his forehead while Theodore Nott was biting down on a shard protruding from his mouth. The scene looked even more macabre due to the fact his head was sitting in his lap after removal by goblin sword, the Slytherin's admission under Veritaserum that he knew exactly what he was doing when passing the information sealed his fate.
There were no notices or anything else around the bodies, the informant, hired help and head of the organisation were all there, the stained glass told it's own tale.
The picture did not shock because everyone in the wizarding world knew something like this was imminent, Harry had made his position crystal clear that attacking his family would cost the perpetrators their lives and here was the proof.
Rose Parkinson had been given the evidence against each individual and had printed it for everyone to read, no spin or angles, the details left no room for doubt in anyone's mind. Even Fudge would have had to convict them to the dementors kiss.
No mention of the muggles involved was made anywhere in the paper but Minerva was confident they would be facing a similar fate soon.
Kevin Carter was in a bad mood, waking up in an empty bed would do it every time.
His wife was staying with her mother at the moment because his world had turned to shit and they had too much other stuff going on in their lives in the meantime to deal with this as well.
Kevin was head of the Metropolitan Counter Terrorist Branch and he had nothing!
These latest round of bombings seemed to have been committed by ghosts leaving no evidence behind whatsoever, shit even the victims disappeared though he did have a meeting planed with Lord and Lady Gryffindor for four this afternoon at the Granger Grandmothers house as her parents and his relations seem to have fell of the planet.
He hoped the old dear made good sandwiches because the amount of questions needing answered were going to take a while.
He walked into the kitchen seeking caffeine and froze, the amount of adrenalin pumping through his system negating any necessity of the morning coffee jab.
This house had the best security system money couldn't buy yet there were five boxes demanding his attention on the middle of his kitchen table that were not present when Kevin went to bed.
His mind was working at warp factor ten and the conclusion reached was if the people who left these boxes wanted him dead, he would already be dead.
Walking over to the cutlery drawer he removed a spatula and gingerly used it to lift the lid off a box, the thought that maybe one of his colleagues had set this up with a secret camera somewhere made him swear the bastard would be on traffic duty in Piccadilly Circus dressed in nothing but their underwear.
He slowly lifted the lid and peered inside totally freaking out at the pair of eyes looking back at him, jumping away knocked the lid off completely exposing a severed head, which resulted in a mad dash for the loo.
Five minutes later with stomach emptied, face washed, teeth well and truly brushed he phoned for back-up.
Dan and Harry were eating breakfast while the Daily Prophet sat in front of them
"Do you think it's going to be enough?" asked Dan
"I hope so, when Hermione's pregnant if anyone even looks at her the wrong way I'll be stunning first and questions later" said Harry
Dan just shook his head and smiled, "what have you got this morning?"
"We're meeting the Abercrombie's this morning before we all head to shop, Hermione can't wait to show gran Diagon Alley. We're getting her a ball gown as it's not everyday she gets to see her son presented with the top award magic has to offer." Harry answered
Dan looked embarrassed, "I'm not sure I deserve it, do you think this is being used by the minister for political means?"
Harry was laughing now, "If it's political then I agree with it, do you know as a Order of Merlin winner you are eligible for the Wizengamot?"
"WHAT!"
"I think it's a foregone conclusion that you, Winky and possibly Griphook from the goblins will be invited, Sirius would be a good bet to" laughed Harry "Winky remember you and Dobby need to meet us for shopping, we need to get you a gown to match the occasion. Do you think the elves should have dress robes?"
"I think that's a great idea, we'll organise it today" said Winky
"Well if you'll excuse us my husband and I need to get going, we'll fetch gran and meet you at the Leaky Cauldron at twelve" Hermione was taking Harry by the arm as they headed out the room.
Kevin Carter was a hard man to impress but the contents of the boxes were unbelievable, each box contained a head, a large plastic wallet full of documents and a piece of stained glass.
It was the documents that impressed the hell out of Kevin, listed was crime after crime committed by the occupants of the boxes as well as every criminal contact they ever made. What he wouldn't give for the power to procure confessions like that.
Obviously Kevin had never heard of Veritaserum nor was he aware that all contact with the magical world had been removed from the documents.
There was no doubt in anyone's mind that these were the terrorists who had carried out the attacks and they now had enough information to arrange alternative accommodation for quite a few people for Christmas, he wondered if they served turkey in prison.
Kevin was also aware a message was being sent; these people chose the wrong target and this Lord Gryffindor had the recourses and power to find them, interrogate, dispense justice and then place the evidence inside what should have been a secure room while he was sleeping.
The combined efforts of the British Government had drawn a blank but here they were served up on the proverbial platter without the bleeding heart lawyers trying to get them off for having a bad childhood.
His meeting this afternoon now took on a whole new dimension and Kevin wasn't sure how to play it, the thought of trying to lean on someone who could arrange all this in a few days filled him with trepidation.
Amanda Granger was in a daze having just spent the day in Diagon Alley choosing the most amazing gown she had ever seen, tomorrow she was attending the Christmas Eve Ball in the Ministry of Magic to see her son being presented with the Order of Merlin, First Class!
Her thigh was black and blue from where she kept pinching herself, Amanda just had to do it again as Harry and Hermione invited her for Christmas dinner in their castle, Hogwarts.
She looked at the young couple with the now familiar expression of someone who couldn't quite believe the effect these two young people had on their life.
Amanda heard the doorbell ringing and went to answer, as expected it was the police.
Kevin wasn't sure what to expect when he rang the bell but when Amanda introduced herself he was shocked, this was the grandmother?
When Kevin first met Harry and Hermione he was back to looking for those hidden cameras but somehow he could sense the power, even presence of these two so with the introductions over and everyone on first names he began.
"Could you please tell me what your impressions of the attack on your wedding are?"
Hermione answered, "I had just kissed my new husband and we turned to face the congregation when there was glass everywhere, we helped the injured before leaving for a private clinic that held three of the wedding party and my father, all have made a full recovery."
Kevin asked, "Could you supply the details of this clinic?"
When Harry answered Kevin could here the power in his voice, "sorry it's a private clinic and has no bearing on this investigation."
He then decided to provoke a response out of the couple, "they attacked your wedding injuring family and friends, what do you think of that?"
Every muscle in Harry's body seemed to tense and when he answered the tone of his voice woke a small primeval part of Kevin's brain that recognised he could be in serious trouble and for the second time that day his body had adrenalin pumping through it while his mind screamed 'stupid bloody question'
"My mother and father were murdered by a deranged terrorist who also gave me this" Harry lifted his hair to display the famous scar "now as an intelligent man I'm going to assume that you can answer your own question."
Kevin was bumbling some sort of an apology when the doorbell rang and Amanda returned with the last two people on earth he expected to see, his wife and young son.
Adding greatly to his confusion Gemma proceeded to plonk Kevin Jr. on his lap and embrace Harry and Hermione while kissing and crying at the same time, he looked at his son and those bright eyes were shining back at him from a face that was the picture of health.
This was astonishing as he'd been attending the hospital with serious Kidney problems and the doctors had been suggesting he might need a transplant, Kevin knew his wife would murder him if he swore in front of their child so his question was mentally modified three times before blurting out "would someone please tell me what the hell is going on here?"
Gemma gushed, "Harry and Hermione came to mum's and said they had a treatment that would help Kevin, I tried to contact you but they kept saying unreachable so I took the chance and doctor Abercrombie was wonderful, he said they could definitely cure him and his wife was so gentle coaxing Kevin to drink his medicine and within an hour he wanted out of bed to play, oh thank you so much"
As usual it was Hermione who filled in the blanks, "we own the private clinic and use alternative medicines, these contain all natural ingredients and have been handed down and refined for hundreds of years. We are currently working to have these medicines available to the general public but that may take some time meanwhile hundreds, if not thousands of children could die. That is not an acceptable option for us so the clinic will help as many as it can for now. It's named after Harry's mother and totally funded by the Potter family."
Harry continued, "The standard practice of our security advisers is to run a check on everyone we meet and discovering your son was ill we decided to help. You can hopefully see the need for the clinic to remain private otherwise we would be swamped and unable to treat anyone. This has nothing to do with your investigation as we help those who need it; Hermione calls it my saving people thing. We are not the bad guys here but please understand, family is everything to me, and like you I do absolutely anything to protect them."
Kevin was in a quandary, there was clearly more going on here than meets the eye but he'd just been given the most powerful 'back off' warning in the history of British policing. He tried to judge the enigma that were the Potters, on the one hand they definitely had secrets they wanted to remain secrets but on the other hand ridding the streets of terrorists and saving children not least his own were bloody powerful positives.
Shit! Easiest decision he ever made, hugging his son he shook their hand wishing them a Merry Christmas and with Gemma on his arm left their lives forever, he just hoped his staff had cleaned up as he didn't want to explain to his wife about the five heads that were on her spotless kitchen table.
Back in the cottage Harry gathered Hermione in his arms, "Mrs. Potter you little liar! When you said 'all natural ingredients' I nearly choked trying not to laugh"
Hermione smiled and gave her husband a kiss before pointing out that she had told the truth, the ingredients were perfectly natural to them.
Amanda watched this beautiful, confident young woman laughing and joking with her husband as her thoughts drifted to the bookish, bushy haired girl she'd seen at summer only one word came to mind, magic!
Chapter 16
Harry and Hermione were in bed, wrapped in each other's arms while reflecting on the day just past
After the Carter's left Harry asked gran if she would like to return with them to Hogwarts and stay for the holidays, Amanda Granger looked as if she'd won the lottery and unbelievably was packed in under twenty minutes.
Sirius had moved into staff accommodation leaving a room free for Amanda, much to Ginny's relief as sharing a room would have seriously eaten into her 'kissing Neville' time.
After dinner, for which Sirius, Remus and Narcissa had joined them the furniture was cleared away for the final dancing lesson before the ministry ball.
The remainder of the evening was spent laughing and joking while learning some moves from Dan and Emma, Sirius and Narcissa were able to run them through anything pertaining to the magical world that the Grangers wouldn't know.
The floo was busy with Minerva, Poppy and the Tonks family all making an appearance with the lessons turning into an impromptu party that would be remembered for a long time.
The brandy and butterbeer were flowing while Harry, Hermione and the elves stuck to pumpkin juice all night.
The only serious note was when Narcissa mentioned acceptance speeches causing Winky to pale considerably and propose Dan handle that part of the evening.
Everyone had a rye smile thinking about the so called elite of the magical world parting with gold to hear a muggle speak, the Potters had already paid for a full table and Ragnok had the one next to them.
Sirius had decided it was time to re-enter society and the Blacks reserved the table on the other side of the Potters, it would be an interesting night and with all the money raised going to St Mungo's, Harry wouldn't feel too bad if some pureblood stepped out of line and ended up there.
They had spent the entire evening dancing the night away.
Harry had never been happier; he had dreamed of this his whole life, having a loving family that was soon going to grow.
'When will we tell them love' asked Harry over the bond
Hermione absolutely radiated happiness ' oh Harry I know we were going to wait till Christmas morning but I want to go to the astronomy tower, cast the most powerful sonorus in history and tell the world that Hermione Potter is pregnant'
'So breakfast tomorrow then' laughed Harry
Hermione was not joking when she replied 'I'll try and hold out that long but making no promises here, I reserve the right to wake everyone up tonight.'
Breakfast saw Remus and Sirius joining them and sitting at their usual spot with the Grangers, elves and Ginny all tucking into breakfast as the couple walked into the room.
"My wife and I have an announcement to make…' was all that Harry managed to say before squeals from Emma and Ginny nearly deafened them, this was quickly followed by much hugging, kissing and back slapping from the assembled company.
Hermione was led to her chair by Dan who was already in overprotective grandparent mode while Harry sat beside her holding his hands up for quiet.
As everyone eventually settled down Harry continued, "as I was saying before being rudely interrupted my wife and I have an announcement to make," he joked while allowing the expectation to build, "at our check-up visit to Poppy yesterday she revealed Hermione is having triplets, a boy and two girls."
The expressions on the assembled faces were wonderful to watch, Sirius was unashamedly crying tears of joy while Dan seemed ready to faint again. Amanda and Emma looked like they wanted to come and hug Hermione but had temporarily lost the power of their legs so it was predictably Ginny who broke the silence.
"Am I a sister or an Aunt? I've been a sister and it's not all that great"
"You're forgetting something Gin" said a smiling Harry "this time it's big sis!"
Ginny rose and engulfed the couple in a hug which seemed to be the signal for pandemonium to reign as everyone was laughing, crying, jumping up and down with delight while trying to hug the couple, all at the same time.
After breakfast they decided a tour of Hogwarts was in order to see how the renovations were proceeding, Narcissa had arrived with the latest reports but they wanted to show the Grangers round the castle.
-oOoOo-
Harry and Hermione apparated the group to Gryffindor common room so her parents could see where they lived for ten months of the year unfortunately, after Gryffindor apartments it looked a bit drab.
As they were leaving the portrait hole an alarm sounded
"Oh good, I was hopping that was working" said Hermione
Harry waved his hand and the alarm stopped while he explained; "most of the clashes in Hogwarts take place outside the classrooms where you have hundreds of children running around carrying lethal weapons. A system is being enforced where wands will not be allowed outside classrooms or specified areas like house and the new year group study rooms. The alarm went off because Ginny is underage and left the common room carrying her wand"
"How do I get my wand to lessons if I'm not allowed to carry it through the corridors?" asked a confused Ginny
"I'm glad you asked that," said Hermione "a Potter company has been working on a delivery system with linked trunks, you put something in a trunk at one location and it can be accessed from the matched trunk at another part of the country. The Hogwarts instillation is more complex but should revolutionise the way we move about the castle"
Harry waved his hand again and disabled the stairs allowing Dan and him to enter the girl's dorms, when they approached Ginny's bed a new wooden locker was by its side.
"When did we get these?" enquired Ginny
"Place your palm on the door and speak your name" instructed Harry
Ginny then found the door opening so she placed her wand and some books inside before closing the door, "Ok now what?"
"Now is the really clever part," a clearly excited Hermione dragged them out through the portrait hole looking for the first classroom fitted with the new lockers.
When they entered the class Hermione told Ginny to repeat the process on any of the dozen lockers in the class.
Ginny approached a locker, placed her palm on the door and spoke her name, it swung open to reveal her wand and the books she had placed in there.
"Any item placed in your personal locker can be accessed by you at a public locker anywhere in the school. The item remains in the personal locker while the public ones create a portal allowing you, and only you to put your hand in and take it. No more lugging heavy book bags up and down flights of stairs" added a starry eyed Hermione
"Mrs. Potter will not be lugging anything for the immediate future" said her father earning a scathing look from his pregnant daughter.
"Guys this is brilliant!" enthused Ginny "you can put all your stuff in here and never forget a book again."
Narcissa asked, "what if they start carrying other weapons?"
"The alarms will go off and they will be expelled, this is a school and anyone attending here will follow the rules or be kicked out. Zero tolerance means just that," declared Harry
-oOoOo-
They eventually reached an area that had Ginny clinging to Harry while shaking her head in disbelief.
Harry held her tight and spoke gently to his adopted daughter, "I'm sorry Gin, this will be hard but you're better facing it now, with us here for support than when the new timetable sends you and the rest of the class. It was just too good a space not to use and its previous occupant was a gold mine covering the total cost of the renovations below. Who knew a dead basilisk was worth so much?"
They were standing outside the former home of Moaning Myrtle, gone was the toilet to be replaced by two wide spiral staircases, one red and the other blue.
The ashen face young witch refused to release her death grip on Harry as they reached the blue stairs, putting his free hand on the handrail started the stairs descending towards the fabled chamber of secrets.
Ginny could hear Hermione saying something about blue down, red up and that she didn't think students would make it out otherwise by the time Tonks was finished with them but her mind was elsewhere or rather here but eighteen months ago, how could Harry do this to her?
That one question pulled her out of the panic induced funk that threatened to overwhelm the youngest Potter; Harry wouldn't harm a hair on her head and would probably do serious damage to anyone that even attempted it. The one constant in her life was that no harm could befall her in Harry's presence, and since she had both arms around him while his right arm rested on her shoulders she would be safe.
By the time the group reached bottom Ginny's breathing and heart rates were approaching normal as she looked at the greatly widened, brightly lit and now spotlessly clean tunnel in front of her, she felt a hand on her cheek and turned her head to see Hermione looking with understanding in her eyes as the young redhead remembered she was not the only victim here. Removing one arm from Harry she pulled her best friend / mother into the embrace and with the support of both new parents started walking to face her fears.
Hermione started explaining to her family where they were, "this is the chamber of secrets where Harry rescued Ginny from a piece of Riddle's soul that was trying to resurrect his body by killing hers, oh he also fought the basilisk that petrified me and its body was measured at sixty three and a half feet. I was originally unsure about opening this space for use but Harry was right and the bonus gold raised from the carcass was all spent down here allowing for more extravagance than originally planned"
As they walked another even wider tunnel bisected the access tunnel and curved of into the distance. Hermione told them that this was the running track that surrounded the whole underground facility, this far north the weather put paid to outdoor pursuits that didn't involve the wearing of a thick coat for a good proportion of school term.
They reached the main chamber and Ginny's mouth dropped open as the view confronting her bore no resemblance to the former chamber whatsoever, it was magnificent.
Amanda Granger was in a daze, she was realizing her life long dream of visiting Hogwarts and it was so much better than she had ever imagined. She was standing in a massive chamber deep underground yet the information being transmitted from senses to mind led Amanda to believe this was a bright airy space with blue sky containing a few fluffy white clouds overhead.
Tonks appeared and offered the VIP tour of the facilities
The facilities included an Olympic size swimming pool with a magical cover that allowed the space to be used for other purposes.
"Narcissa could you make sure the shop stocks a range of bikini's, that should help with the pureblood's acceptance of muggle ways" said a smiling Harry while Dan was choking trying not to laugh at the glares directed towards his son in law from the females present.
Harry pretended to misinterpret the glares, "oh and please inform the staff that Miss Ginny Potter is not allowed to purchase, far less wear in public, a bikini until she is at least twenty seven."
There was no way Ginny was letting that pass unchallenged, "that's ok dad, just as long as Neville can see me wearing it I don't mind" she answered with an angelic expression on her face.
The group were now all laughing as Harry hugged Ginny, she had completely forgotten about standing in the chamber of secrets, which was his intention in the first place.
The pool was in the centre of the cavern and around the walls were a conditioning gym, fencing room, martial arts area and a health food café with changing / shower facilities at either end. Above these rooms and totally surrounding the pool was a terraced viewing area with more than enough seats for the whole school.
The idea was these facilities would be used in the evenings and weekends, with the pool closed over the options available were limitless – both marauders already had plans for holding one of the elimination rounds for the revised Tri-wizard tournament here.
Tonks couldn't stand still as the group toured her domain, she was almost hyperventilating with excitement and the metamorphmagus hair was cycling through every colour in the rainbow as this went beyond her wildest expectations.
She had dreamed of becoming an auror and worked her butt of to fulfil her fantasy only to discover that's just what it was, a fantasy. Tonks had wanted to change the world but found herself increasingly disillusioned with her chosen career culminating with her ordered participation in the attempted arrest of the young couple who just saved their world.
Professor Tonks had yet to teach a class but knew in her heart she had made the right decision and though would never admit to it, agreed with Harry on the bikini issue. She was going to insure the shop stocked spandex exercise clothes for the mixed aerobics classes, that would make the purebloods really sit up and take notice.
Harry and Hermione stated that Hogwarts was going to be the best and if her father's drooling over the muggle studies building plans was any indication they had done their part. It was now up to the staff to deliver and there's no way in hell she was going to let these two down, it was going to be hard work but here at Hogwarts she could make a difference.
The fact she was being well paid was not as important to the young witch as the enjoyment she expected to get from teaching, Merlin she was even enjoying working out a teaching schedule for Minerva and she hated paperwork.
Emma was delighted with the fare being offered in the café, as she could never understand why so many sports facilities sold junk food. Emma couldn't quite grasp the principle behind exercising your body to then undo all the hard work with a cheeseburger and fries.
The dentist in her raged at the damage done by sugary drinks so totally approved of the fruit juice range available. This though gave Emma a jolt with the realisation she hadn't thought of dentistry for days, an unusual occurrence to say the least and threw up the question 'where do Dan and I go from here?'
They had been saving to insure Hermione would be financially secure whatever she decided to do with her future but that was now laughable considering they were standing in their castle, no less. Could they return to their old life after experiencing the magical world?
Emma could already feel the strong emotional pull to be with her yet unborn grandchildren and, if anything Dan had it worse than her.
Discussions would have to take place between the Grangers but if she were a betting woman the odds were more in favour of working for Stag Industries than drilling muggle mandibular molars.
Tonks immediately went back to arranging exercise equipment as the group left.
As the stairs took them upward Dan asked, "how did you get out of here before the stairs?"
Ginny again hugged into Harry's chest as he answered his father in law, "Fawkes flew us out, a phoenix can carry immensely heavy loads and carried Ginny, Ron, our Muppet of a defence teacher and me straight up into a girls toilet."
Everyone could see how thoughts of Ron upset Ginny so the subject was quickly changed, "where are we going next Harry?" asked Emma
"It's time for a spot of lunch" as he led them in the direction of the great hall.
They entered the hall and the three Gryffindors headed towards their table before turning round to see Narcissa smiling at the three gob smacked Grangers who had ground to a halt the instant they walked in the doors.
Everyone eventually sat down and enough food to feed an army suddenly appeared before them so it was fortunate the members of staff still in the castle joined them for lunch.
Lively discussion accompanied the meal with everyone contributing except Amanda who had a look of bliss on her face, she was having lunch in the great hall of Hogwarts with her expanding family, it just didn't get any better.
Dobby and Winky popped in with expressions that rivalled the senior Granger causing Harry and Hermione to reach for each other and kiss like there's no tomorrow.
"Ok you two, were not blind here, what's going on?" demanded Emma
An ecstatic Hermione never took her eyes off her husband as she gave the company a one-word answer, "hormones!"
The muggle annex was still under construction and it was far too cold to venture outside though Harry did promise the Granger ladies he'd take them flying when the weather warmed up. They ambled around the castle before time and ministry ball preparations caught up with them and they returned to the apartment.
-oOoOo-
Dan Granger was not happy, in fact he was beyond unhappy and heading rapidly towards extremely upset, this usually preceded actions he would regret later after regaining his composure.
Dan was on a stage in the ministry ballroom, sitting at the top table with so many mixed emotions running through his body, all fighting for dominance.
First there was Pride, when he looked at his wife, mother and pregnant daughter he thought his heart would burst, in his unbiased opinion they were easily the three most beautiful women here tonight.
Next there was a strong feeling of Unease, this whole event smelled worse each passing minute, he felt like the token muggle being held up as an example so the magical world could say 'look, we're changing'
Dan was sure that the winner was going to be Anger, Harry had explained to them that Hermione would never be anything other than a mudblood in some peoples eyes, he hadn't believed it, until tonight. The Ball reminded Dan of a mixed marriage wedding day where neither side approved of the other but were attending just to show face, you could cut the atmosphere with a knife.
Finally and ashamedly there was a touch of Hatred, yes let's call it what it is, he hated bigotry with a passion. Dan had worked hard all his life, through school and university and now with their own practice the Grangers earned anything they had but some people still thought they were better than you because of their relations, address or bank balance.
He had seen more snobbery and prejudice here tonight than at any other time in his life, wizards and witches looking at his daughter with distaste and barely concealed disgust because of who her parents were had Dan wishing he could send an elf for his shotgun.
The purebloods were sending a message though from Dan's reading of the situation it didn't make sense. As far as he could see 'you may have all the power, money and influence but we're still better than you because of our heritage' wasn't going to cost the Potter's any sleep.
He looked down towards Harry and could see Ginny and Hermione sitting either side while trying to keep him calm, Dan knew if one of these arrogant bastards even nudged a pregnant Hermione rather than move out the way of a mudblood her husband would be unstoppable.
This was all running through his head while his body was on autopilot applauding the Potter elves receiving their awards, the goblin guard's award was presented to his young son and then Winky went forward to receive hers.
Daniel Granger was called by Amelia, as he walked towards her Dan knew of only one decision he could make that would allow him to look in the mirror tomorrow without feeling sick.
"Madam Minister it is with regret that I must refuse this prestigious award because I feel like a fraud, I sat here tonight wishing with all my heart that my daughter wasn't a witch."
Dan paused as this statement was met with stunned silence, "my beautiful, brilliant daughter could have an Order of Merlin holder and perhaps even a Wizengamot member as a father but she would still be seen as an uppity mudblood by the majority of the people here tonight. That she should live in a society where your station in life is decided at birth, regardless of ability, turns my stomach and I refuse to be a part of it. You will have to find some other muggle to be a ministry poster boy."
As he went to collect Emma a hand held his arm
"Wait for us please Dan" said Dobby quietly as Winky approached the Minister
"I'm sorry Madam Minister but I must also return my award, maybe in time the wizarding world will lose the prejudices that prevail but that time is not today."
You could of heard a pin drop as no one had heard an elf speak like this and with such authority in her voice. "Wizards remind me of King Canute sitting on his throne at the seashore commanding the tide to halt, they spend all their time and magic stopping the tide on a small patch of beach without realizing the water goes around leaving them isolated on a tiny island. I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and hope you enjoy your dinner tomorrow."
Winky left with a smile on her face while two things happened simultaneously, all the Potter elf awards appeared on the table and the young goblin stepped forward, his mother by his side.
"Minister Bones I also must return my fathers award, he lived his life honourably and died saving our beloved leader. There is no honour here tonight minister, how many wizards present would give their lives protecting you?"
The young goblin received a hug from his mother as the six exited the stage to applause. Harry and Ragnok had shot to their feet while clapping their hands as the youngster finished speaking, being quickly followed by the entire Potter, Black and goblin tables. A few sporadic witches and wizards throughout the chamber joined with the applause but most looked like they were suffering a three-week bout of constipation.
The six joined their companions and Dan tried to apologise to Harry who shook Dan's hand while laughing, "you should be sorry, I lost my bet to your daughter. In fact everyone will probably be sorry later."
This had the effect of doubling Hermione over with tears of laughter running down her cheeks as everyone thought the pair had finally lost it.
Harry said to Dobby, "plan B it is then" as Potter elves began disappearing with guests from the Potter and Black table until only the two Potters were left.
Harry conjured a large spear while addressing the goblin table, "Ragnok it is my privilege to invite you and your guests to the inaugural Stag Industries Christmas Eve ball, this portkey will take you there."
"You have a plan B Harry?" asked a surprised goblin leader
Harry tried to look shocked, "Ragnok, I believe you've met my wife? Hermione has a plan B, C, D, E and F! Under torture I would have to admit that plan F consisted of nothing more than Oh F…" Hermione's hand hitting the back of his head stopped his little speech dead as the goblins roared with laughter.
Harry knelt down to speak with the young goblin, "your father was a very brave goblin and so are you, that took great courage to do what you did tonight. If there is ever anything I or my house can do for you please don't hesitate to ask"
He stood straighter and replied, "thank you for helping to avenge my father, wizards ordered it while muggles did it, yet thanks to you and the Lady Gryffindor we are learning to trust each other. I would like to learn more and attend Hogwarts when I come of age next year."
"Goblins are not allowed wands!" shouted a wizard from the table behind; the same wizard was soon dangling from the ceiling by his ankles with robes hanging down over his head. His modesty was thankfully saved by the suspiciously feminine looking underwear he had on.
"Some of us do not require wands to perform magic," said Harry who was looking towards Ragnok for help in dealing with the young goblin.
His slight nod was all Harry needed, "the next first year intake on September first will be open to any goblin who wishes to attend"
"What supplies will he need my lord" asked his mother
Harry answered the young widow, "it's just Harry madam and all he needs is his uniform, the new Hogwarts supplies everything else so all students start the same regardless of their financial position"
"What!" exclaimed Ragnok "that will cost you a fortune"
Harry stood as Hermione wrapped her arm around her husband while answering Ragnok, "we just have a different philosophy of wealth, to us a goblin wising to attend Hogwarts is worth his weight in gold and a free elf is priceless. There's also the fact that after seven years at Hogwarts we hope he'll consider working for Stag Industries, we're investing in the individual and hoping enough will take up our offer to make it profitable for all"
Ragnok laughed, "so you're trying to steal all my best workers right from under my nose, there is an old goblin saying 'when the gold flows, everyone benefits' so we all make a profit. I think we should be going, a party is just what we need"
All the goblins grasped the portkey and were gone.
Harry glanced up to the minister of magic and in a voice loud enough for everyone to hear spoke, "Amelia please believe me when I say we knew nothing of this, plan B was for when one of these arrogant arseholes insulted someone at our table and ended spending Christmas in St Mungo's. The enormity of the problem you have inherited is obvious but the choice is a simple one, history has taught us that any being unable or unwilling to adapt with it's changing environment will eventually die out."
With that both Potters disappeared leaving a perplexed Minister of Magic wondering just what in Merlin's name happened. She knew all hell was going to break loose tomorrow and needed tonight to be a success gaining some positive publicity before the pureblood backlash in the Prophet. Amelia couldn't help but think their world must be in worse shape than she thought if three outsiders all refused the top award the magical world had to offer.
-oOoOo-
Harry and Hermione appeared in a splendid foyer and his eyes immediately fixed on a certain female elf, "Winky Potter, you little minx, couldn't resist having a little dig, could you?"
The elf in question was just a blur as she headed straight for Harry and wrapped her arms around him while sobbing, Dobby joined only seconds later with Hermione enveloping the entire group with her arms, all of them were now crying.
It was an enraged Ginny who drew her wand, "Harry James Potter, what have you done to upset Winky? In two seconds you're going to be wearing my bat boggie hex."
Winky was shaking her head while trying to speak, "no, Ginny, not upset, so happy"
It was Harry who suggested they all go and sit down before the other guests arrived, they headed towards a set of double doors that opened onto one of the most beautiful sights any of them had ever seen.
The massive ballroom was a winter wonderland complete with ice sculptures and hundreds of fairy's flying around the room, the magnificent Christmas tree in the corner complete with wrapped presents underneath completed the scene.
It was Emma who asked, the sense of awe clearly discernable in her voice, "Harry, what is this place?"
Harry answered, "Mum, Dad, Gran welcome to our home, this is Potter Manor."
-oOoOo-
Albus Dumbledore sat on his stone bench imagining what he would normally be doing on Christmas Eve, certainly not sitting staring at four bare walls. The goblins plastered the other two cells with pictures of a happy Harry and Hermione to taunt the occupants but seemed to know he would rather have that than the blankness he was forced to endure.
Endure was a word the former headmaster was using more and more, really the only word he could think of in connection with the Dursleys, he was convinced they could survive anything unscathed by the simple trick of ignoring everything around them.
They spent all day filling bags with dragon dung and ate their meals out of wooden bowls with spoons of the same material yet the Dursleys were providing entertainment for the guards by demanding placemats and napkins. The shrill voice of Petunia declaring, "Just because of our new circumstances, there's no need to lower standards" had Albus wanting to commit murder.
The only thing saving the Dursleys was the fact that Molly Weasley was top of his list. She seemed to start every other sentence with the words 'when my Ginny and Harry are married' which was slowly driving Albus insane.
She spent her days fixated on this subject and never mentioned her husband or sons only 'her Ginny' and future husband, she had the wedding planned down to the h'orderves for Merlin's sake.
Albus knew he couldn't take much more of this, he would have preferred Azkaban with it's dementors rather than the demented Dursleys and mad Molly.
His options were escape or suicide and since the only method available was to stick his head in a sack of shit until suffocation, escape seemed the better option.
The difficulty would be getting these bloody bracelets off before his companions made the sack look inviting.
-oOoOo-
Dan felt it was way past time for an explanation from these two, he thought they would be angry or embarrassed at his medal refusal, instead they seemed to have some kind of bet running – Daniel Granger was not amused.
"Ok you two, what's going on? I really don't appreciate being the subject of a bet" said a still angry Dan
A smiling Hermione tried not to laugh, "Dad, the bet had nothing to do with you though thanks for helping me win. Both of us knew we wouldn't last the night, hence the party arranged here"
Harry continued, "yes but I bet we would at least make it to the first dance so Hermione wins and now everyone suffers"
Hermione burst into a fit of giggles before a questioning raised eyebrow from her mother made Mrs Potter reveal all, "the loser of the bet has to get up and sing in front of everyone at tonight's ball." Hermione's giggles were infectious and soon laughter was ringing off the suspended icicles that were floating around the room.
Ginny wasn't even smiling never mind laughing, "I want to know what you did to upset Winky?"
"Oh Ginny, I wasn't upset, this is the happiest night of my life thanks to Harry and Hermione and I apologise for my dinner remark but I just couldn't help myself" Winky said with a voice so full of emotion it was difficult to tell if she was going to laugh or cry.
Harry took her hand, "that's ok Winky, I thought your speech was beautiful and it will really hit home tomorrow"
"Will somebody tell me what's going on in words I can understand?" Ginny almost shouted
Hermione sat on Harry's lap before explaining, "this marvellous husband of mine is about to give me the best Christmas present I could ever wish for, tonight at midnight all the elves in Britain become free"
Winky added, "and tomorrow those purebloods will have to cook their own Christmas dinner, assuming there's any food in the house"
Hermione began kissing Harry and it looked like they would be occupied for some time, taking over the role of hosts, the elves led the way to a dazzling assortment of food before the other guests started arriving.