Chapter 23
Dudley Dursley regained consciousness and found himself lying in a pool of sweat, snot and sick, there was a fair amount of his blood in the mix as well. The disturbing thing, for Dudley that is, was that all of the fluids originated from the fat bully.
He was trying to recall how he came to be in this situation when he noticed the pink haired warrior goddess glaring down at him, bringing memories rushing back.
He was following behind her, enjoying the view, when he was made to jog around a circular tunnel. After one lap Tonks stopped to speak to him, he had no idea what she said due to concentrating on breathing, as she went to move away Dudley's hand found it's way onto her arse. Then he seemed to be hit by a tornado, how can anyone move that fast?
Tonks couldn't believe this fat slob had tried to feel her up; she just acted without thinking, which is why he was lying there with a broken nose. She almost lost her foot when kicking him in the gut; his belly seemed to envelope her up to the ankle. Harry had warned her but the fat fingers on her bum had turned her stomach, this arsehole thought she was an object, shit he was worse than a pureblood.
Tonks cast some healing and cleaning spells before transforming his clothes into a very large pair of swimming shorts. She then levitated him over the middle of the pool and dropped him on his belly from about ten feet above the water. After the tidal wave had subsided she was please to see the bright red tinge to his skin from hitting the water, what she was not pleased to see was him float on his back with his hands behind his head.
Dudley was actually enjoining this, just what he needed to cool down. That pink haired bitch had knocked him out, she must have used magic. If she thought he was going to swim up and down like a good little boy then she could go screw herself, it's time she realised she was dealing with big D.
Dudley caught movement at the edge of his peripheral vision and the sight almost loosened his bowels, a triangular grey fin was cutting through the surface of the pool. As he spluttered round onto his front he noticed there was about fourteen feet of shark attached to the grey fin, along with the wickedest set of teeth in the known universe.
Dudley was swimming for his life but every time he approached the edge of the pool, he would be faced with those terrible teeth and forced to do an about turn. After about twenty minutes he'd had enough, figuring this was just some magic trick and therefore not real, he stopped swimming. The shark made a couple of close passes without touching him before coming extremely close and whacking his fat arse with its powerful tail.
Dudley squealed like a little girl, his theory blasted to smithereens, it didn't matter whether it was real or not – it could dispense pain so he frantically resumed swimming. After a further ten minutes Tonks levitated the exhausted Dudley out the pool, while the shark vanished, Dudley just lay there as his teacher ran her wand over him. He suddenly had a revelation and swore at himself for not realising it sooner. He really couldn't blame Tonks for the way she reacted to his major breach of etiquette, he should have known better. Big D and his gang had done extensive reading on the subject and his mistake now stood out glaringly, you should always start with the tits before moving downstairs.
Tonks was wondering how this thing could ever be related to one of the nicest, kindest and most honourable people she had ever met. These were the thoughts that were running through her head when Dudley surprised her by apologising for his behaviour. She was even more surprised when he came up to her saying 'they had got off on the wrong foot' and put his arm reassuringly around her shoulders. Tonks was so surprised that she never even saw his other hand that was taking a direct route to her left breast. When said hand landed on its intended destination Tonks exploded.
-oOoOo-
Harry found himself in an unusual situation for him. He was sitting in the Hogwarts infirmary beside the bed containing his unconscious cousin; it was usually Harry that was in Dudley's position. After hearing Tonks explain what happened he actually thanked her for showing restraint, had Dudley tried those moves on Ginny or Hermione, Harry knew his cousin would not have got off so light. It would appear there was no 'quick fix' on the horizon for Dudley Dursley.
Harry started to wonder if that's all they had been doing, dispensing 'quick fixes' that would unravel, leaving the world worse off than when they started. Was he any better than Dumbledore and his 'greater good'? The reprimand that came over the bond almost had him jumping out of his chair, but the feelings of love that accompanied it soothed his aching conscience. Both he and Hermione had doubts but since Dumbledore escaped it seemed any progress they had made was being undermined.
Harry's thoughts turned to what set him on this path of self-doubt.
Ginny had spent over an hour last night, crying in their arms, trying to convince them that she wanted to remain Ginny Potter. For all the years she lived at the Burrow Ginny didn't know what part of Molly was real and what part spell induced, her problem with Arthur remained. It would be impossible to determine if he was under any kind of enchantment when he signed her life away, but the fact that he wasn't now and hadn't done anything about that or the tuition gold left very serious doubts in the mind of the former Miss Weasley.
Ginny loved her brothers but they mainly ignored her and led their own lives, she had four brothers at Hogwarts but was still so lonely that she confided in that bloody diary. She was terrified that Harry, Hermione and everyone else would think she wanted to remain a Potter for the new clothes and fancy house. Ginny genuinely loved her new parents and extended family, their methods of explaining things to you instead of screaming like a banshee were so much more effective on the young girl.
There was also the fact that they both despised marriage contracts, Ginny had already chosen the wizard she wanted to marry and her seventeenth birthday would be an ideal date for the wedding, whereas the Weasleys might think they have a say in the matter.
They had tried to reassure her at first before realising that this was something she needed to get of her chest. When she started repeating her arguments Harry knew it was time to end it. "Ginny Potter, we are your parents and this is your home for as long as you wish it to be. There is no one with the power - political, financial or magical to take you from us against our wills. Now go give your boyfriend a kiss and get into bed, your own bed that is!"
Ginny threw herself at her parents and kissed them goodnight before heading towards Neville's room. Ginny Weasley would have been shouted at, confined to her room then given days of tedious chores as some form of punishment, the idea of a boyfriend, never mind being sent to his room to kiss him goodnight was so far of the scale of possibilities there wasn't a word for it. Ginny Potter was trusted, trusted to learn from any mistakes she made in life and trusted not to do more than kiss Neville goodnight. The thought of how disappointed her parents would be if she betrayed that trust kept her on the straight and narrow. She knew that she could calmly discus anything with her parents and reach decisions regarding her future, to Ginny that was worth more than clothes and houses.
Harry thought they had a good handle on the Ginny situation but it was Dylan and Freda that had them really worried.
Both were being kept unconscious by means of a potion but they could find no way to break the illegal spell. Hermione was currently researching Rowena Ravenclaw's journal but the best that seemed available was a shield charm to prevent other elves becoming victims of the ancient spell. Even with the law on their side the elves couldn't break free of the spell. Hermione had surmised that because the spell had been cast directly onto them, rather than a diluted version passed down from their ancestors, it could be used to once again enslave the elvin nation.
They were being woken periodically to take some nutrients and be updated on the situation but they had made a decision that shocked Harry and Hermione to the core, they had chosen to die in each other's arms with as much dignity as they could muster. The Potters had immediately protested this decision but it was a mournful Winky who gave them the whole story.
"Dylan and Freda apologise for the trouble they've caused and asked me to thank Ginny for rescuing them. If they did not follow orders the other elf would have been tortured while the one refusing was made to watch. If they disobey a direct command then they will die in minutes, this is why we have to keep them drugged but their magic is draining so fast they wont last another twenty-four hours. If we gave them more magic it would only delay the inevitable and might damage their bond. They plan to lay in each others arms until called then refuse together, while sending out a message to the wizarding world that elves will never be slaves again – we would rather die!"
Dobby continued, "there's a lot more at stake here than the lives of Dylan and Freda, if that spell were to make it's way into the general wizarding population it would be open season on elves. Every witch or wizard with a wand could have themselves a house elf if they knew the spell, but if they see we would rather die than become slaves then hopefully this will act as more of a discouragement than whatever punishment the ministry decides."
Winky took over from her life mate, "I can assure you both that if we had another option we would gladly take it. We thought about them transporting Dobby and I back with them as we were sure they would have been given a direct order prohibiting witches and wizards, but apparently they covered all other magical beings as well as anything to harm the Dumbledores."
Hermione's head shot up from where it was resting on Harry's shoulder, "were you contemplating sending them on a suicide mission?"
"Hermione how is that any different than what their going to do? Both would have jumped at the chance of taking those bastards with them." Said Dobby
"This is anything but an ideal solution, its just the only one we've got at the moment," whispered an emotional Winky
Harry thought for a few minutes before making a suggestion, 'if this is going to be done we need to publicise it, I realise this increases the danger of the spell becoming public knowledge but everyone knows the unforgivables and the penalty for their use. We need to make it public knowledge that using this spell has even more severe consequences."
Hermione wanted to protest but part of her recognised that setting the elves free meant they had to be able to make their own decisions, and with no other plan available she had nothing to offer them except her support.
It was decided to offer them the great hall at whatever time they chose but no one was satisfied with the situation and would be working on a solution right up until the last moment.
Harry was drawn out of his thoughts by the awakening Dudley.
"Bloody hell, what happened? Where am I?"
"Dudley, I used to wonder whether you were an arsehole or just really stupid. Today I got my answer, you're a stupid arsehole!"
"Oh yeah, believe her and don't even ask for my side of the story"
"Shut up Dudley, there are some clean clothes there for you, get changed then we'll go to my house for lunch. You have a meeting with our private secretary this afternoon and your behaviour had better be improved from this morning or you may not see dinner."
"Oh Potter, you're really scaring me now!" suddenly Dudley was beyond scared, he was absolutely terrified as a sword pressed on his Adam's apple. As if that wasn't bad enough, he didn't recognise the person holding the blade at his throat. Harry's eyes seemed on fire while controlling anger was pushing out enough radiant power to make the hairs on Dudley's arms stand up.
"Listen very closely Dudley while I tell you a true story. On the first of September 1991 I met Ron Weasley and Hermione on the train to Hogwarts. Ron became our best friend, for three years we did everything together and were as close as brothers. He didn't like the fact that Hermione and I were together and tried to harm my wife, he's buried on the grounds of this castle. I killed the closest thing to a brother I had without hesitation while you have spent our whole lives trying to make my existence hell on earth – think about it Dud."
Dudley was visibly shaking with fear.
"I am not the boy you knew, while Big D and his gang were terrorising ten-year-olds I was fighting terrorists. I defeated a dark lord, tangled with a dragon and faced more dark creatures than you could possibly imagine. I have killed to protect my family and will do so again. You have to believe me when I say I would kill you if those stunts were pulled on my family."
Dudley believed him, he had never been so sure of anything in his life.
When Harry vanished the sword Dudley rushed to the toilet, and not just to get changed. When he came out Harry put his hand on Dudley's shoulder, "remember Dudley best behaviour," the cousins disappeared from Hogwarts.
-oOoOo-
They arrived in the entrance hall and Harry's comment of 'stay there' was totally redundant, Dudley couldn't have moved if he wanted to. He was looking through the glass walls at every teenage boys fantasy, sand, sea, surf and a collection of some the finest babes Dudley had ever seen outside the pages of a magazine. To make it even better they were walking towards where he was standing.
Harry had gone to fetch Hermione from her research, missing meals was not an option for her now and sometimes you just need to take a break. When he saw that Dudley hadn't moved a muscle, he decided to push his cousin even more, "this is our house and you could have been staying here except I can't trust you. While you're at the meeting with Miss Black I'll try and find alternative accommodation for you."
Dudley felt something break inside him, how did Harry get all this? Surely it should have come to him, as he was better than Harry. He didn't want to go anywhere else, this was paradise and Dudley Dursley deserved nothing less. He was just about to start complaining to Harry when he remembered those eyes behind the sword; he quietly followed the Potters to lunch.
For the first time in his life Dudley couldn't remember what, or even if he ate. His eyes were everywhere, trying to assimilate his surroundings, but always seemed to end up at the beauty that was Pansy Parkinson. That was until Harry hit him with a wandless stinging hex for staring, his comment of 'killer insects around here' was not lost on him.
Emma was taking the 'First Kiss' for her maiden voyage around the island after lunch and everyone was looking forward to it. Hermione had to call off due to research and Harry was heading to Gringotts, but Dudley was devastated to discover that he couldn't go. He had a meeting then Harry would be taking him somewhere else to stay, sometimes life just sucked!
Dudley was led into a room where Narcissa was waiting behind a desk with papers in front of her. "Good afternoon Mister Dursley, please take a seat. This is a meeting that would normally take place between myself and a member of house Potter to try and determine what they want to do with their future. If you have any questions please ask away."
-oOoOo-
Harry walked into Gringotts knowing he was facing a couple of conversations that he was not looking forward to. He met Griphook who informed him they had traced the Dumbledore croft only to find it deserted. They were checking financial records going back decades looking to see if they had bought any other boltholes.
He entered the Dursleys room and was immediately bombarded with questions.
"Dudley's fine, as expected prison scared him but he was no sooner free than his old habits returned. He sexually assaulted our fitness instructor twice! Dudley has no concept of proper behaviour or his place in society, he's been told all his life he's special and thinks all females should just fall at his feet. Dudley has been given anything and everything he's ever wanted so believes this is normal and can't comprehend when something is denied him."
Petunia had been crying all through Harry's explanation while Vernon just looked grey.
"I'm sorry but at the moment he can't stay with us, it's to dangerous around so many witches and wizards until he learns that grabbing a woman's breast or bum is not part of refined conversation."
"Is there anything we can do?" asked Vernon.
"Hermione told me her parents are friends with someone who's a psychiatrist and we really think he needs professional help. The problem is what to do with him meantime?"
"Couldn't he stay here with us?" asked Petunia.
"The healer has told me that may hold back your recovery, we all know Dudley can be a bit of a handful."
"Yes we understand that but we're his parents and it's time to start facing up to our responsibilities."
Vernon's words left Harry glad he was sitting down because the shock would surely have knocked his legs out from under him. "Ok, how's this for a plan? We bring Dudley here but dangle the carrot of the island depending on his behaviour. We have a guest house that you three could move into and gradually introduce you into the company, start off with a lunch and take it from there. I'll get the Grangers to contact their friend and see if we can entice them over, after all the stuff that's happened lately we could all do with having a chat with a psychiatrist."
Both Dursleys seemed really pleased with this so Harry left for his other 'meeting' – the one he really wasn't looking forward to.
-oOoOo-
Narcissa had listened to him whine for five minutes and couldn't help drawing parallels with Draco's 'Potter's on the Quidditch team' or 'the mudblood transfigured her match into a needle.' Nothing was ever fair and circumstances were always conspiring against them.
"You remind me of my son," she said.
"How?" asked Dudley, "what's he like?"
"He was very much like you, always got whatever he wanted but it was never enough. That girl you were drooling over during lunch was his betrothed and even that didn't make him happy"
"Where is he now?" Dudley asked.
"He's dead, like you he couldn't control his behaviour and was beheaded for his mistake. That woman you sexually assaulted is my niece, and the only reason your still breathing is because she admires Harry who happens to be related to you."
She turned to one of the elves that Harry insisted be in the room and asked him to bring some papers. She then put the requested paper in front of Dudley; it was the Prophet issue after the wedding.
Dudley watched amazed as the window exploded in the picture.
"This was their wedding which was attacked by people who weren't to happy with them," said Narcissa as she put the issue showing the perpetrators lined up dead in Diagon Alley.
She pointed to Greengrass, "this was the ringleader, that piece of glass almost killed Hermione's father. Harry carried it about with him until he could stick it into Greengrass's head."
Dudley now knew what he'd eaten for lunch because he puked it back up and all over the picture.
-oOoOo-
Harry entered Molly's room to see Arthur, Bill and Percy there as well, every Weasley face fell when they realised that Ginny wasn't with him.
It was Percy who asked the obvious question that they all wanted answered, "where's Ginny?"
"She doesn't feel comfortable with this yet and is going to need more time."
Harry could see Molly was desperate to say something but Arthur had a grip of her arm and sending 'keep quiet' signals.
"If everyone in this room can put their hand on their heart and say they want what's best for Ginny then we wont have any problems with this," said Harry.
"Who gets to decide what's best for Ginny?" asked Bill.
"Ginny, and only Ginny, with no pressure from other sources."
"I can accept that." Said Percy as Bill nodded in agreement.
Molly couldn't hold it any longer, "but how will we know what Ginny wants? I want to see my daughter!"
"I will quite happily take Bill and Percy to see her now and they can chat as long as they want. Arthur, your last meeting didn't go well at all and nothing has happened to change that situation, all her grievances with you still stand. Molly, she just doesn't know what the situation is with you right now and will need time to come to terms with it. In my opinion if you try and force her down a path not of her choosing then you will lose her from your lives forever."
"But she's only thirteen! She's still a child." Protested Molly.
"Yes she is thirteen but she's also been possessed by Voldemort, kidnapped by Dumbledore and survived both. Speaking from experience, facing events like that makes you grow up faster." Harry noticed everyone in the room cringe at the mention of Voldemort, "how can you possibly help her get over that when you cant even bare to hear his name, even after he's dead."
Bill and Percy wanted to see Ginny so they left the bank to find Dobby waiting on them. "I didn't want to take you both as we're not using portkeys" said Harry. Taking a Weasley each they were soon on the island.
-oOoOo-
Harry smiled knowing that the view always got first time visitors, he still felt it himself and he lived here. Dobby led them away to a room that had some shorts and short sleeved shirts laid out, "Ginny is on the 'First Kiss' sailing round the island but they should be back shortly, you can see the quay from your balcony" said Dobby before leaving.
Both Weasley brothers walked onto the balcony and the view was breathtaking, after standing there for about ten minutes they spotted the 'First Kiss' coming into dock and caught sight of a flash of red hair on board.
Percy spoke in an awed whisper, "Merlin Bill, how could we possibly take her away from this? We haven't been here half an hour and I don't want to leave never mind Ginny."
"We're just here to talk to her, no ones taking her anywhere she doesn't want to go. Lets get changed and go down to meet her." Answered Bill.
Harry entered the room and found Dudley chatting away to Narcissa, even in the first minute he could see that something had changed but with Dudley it was always a question of how long before reverting back. He explained the decision that they had come to regarding Dudley's immediate future and asked him if he wanted to leave now or after dinner, unsurprisingly Dudley chose after.
Narcissa had spent her time trying to let the boy see that there were consequences to be paid for actions. After throwing up it seemed to finally get through that to mess with the wrong people could cost your life. He had spent the rest of the time asking about Harry's life in the magical world and seemed more and more amazed that his cousin was rich, famous and extremely dangerous when pissed off.
A red headed missile hit Bill and Percy as they walked along the beach, Ginny was ecstatic as she hugged her brothers but then both could see the look of worry on her face as she wondered why they were there. Bill settled her nerves, "Gin, we're just here to talk – nothing more."
They sat on the sun beds as Ginny regurgitated all the arguments she had used on Harry and Hermione, while Percy could see the rational behind her argument Bill knew she was hiding something.
"Ginny, what aren't you telling us?" her oldest brother asked.
Ginny's face was ashen as she answered her brother, "Bill, I will only tell you if you give a wizards oath never to repeat it, but I warn you it's something you would not want to know."
Both brothers looked at each other and knew they had to give their oath, if something was harming their sister then they needed to know.
After giving their oaths Ginny told them the story that neither were prepared for, "when the old bastard kidnapped me, he told me why there was a marriage contract and Molly was under his control. He had raped her and claimed I'm his daughter."
Ginny had never heard Percy swear but he even used some words that she'd never heard before as he kicked sun beds in his rage. Bill just sat there, the colour of his face signalling his emotional state. It went from grey of shock, pink of embarrassment to now purple with anger.
"What did you say to him?" asked Bill.
"I told the bastard my father would kill him, and he will! Molly can never know this, it would kill her."
"Why do you call mum Molly?" asked Percy.
"It's a conscious decision, I decided that Hermione is my mum and as long as she's happy with that then nothing will change it. I want Molly to be part of my life but if she can't accept that then I'm sorry but I love my adoptive parents and have no desire to change."
"Ginny, who else knows about this?" asked Bill
"Just the five Potters and you two, I will tell Neville but only after Dumbledore's dead"
"Five Potters?" enquired Percy.
"Mum, Dad, Dobby, Winky and me" she could see the look of surprise on her brothers faces, "Dobby and Winky are Potters, they even wear Potter wedding rings. Both would kill the old goat for what he did to me, their very protective of us all."
"Did you check if it's true?" asked Bill.
"All the facts he told me checked out, we didn't do any parent tests because as far as we're concerned I'm Ginny Potter."
Both brothers had trouble accepting this explanation and felt she should have tests so Ginny laid it on the line for them.
"Did you know that I'm a Friend of the Goblin Nation? On the board of Stag Industries? Three Weasley brothers work for us and I'm sure we could increase that number if any of you are interested." Neither brother knew what to make of these developments. "As Ginny Potter my opinion counts, Stag Industries will not only change our world but have a major impact on the non magical world as well. Ginny Weasley would be baking cookies with a woman she doesn't know while waiting on a man who sold her coming home from work."
She could see the protest start so continued with her rant, "let me make you a promise, in the future if any Weasley sells one of my nieces they will have me to deal with!" while speaking Ginny had wandlessly and silently levitated Percy four foot above the sand. "At this moment in time the four strongest magical beings in the country are Potters, I hope to make it five before becoming a Longbottom."
She gently lowered a shaken Percy back down.
"I wont say the surroundings played no part in my decision but Sirius was living in a cave eating rats so he could be near Harry. That's the way I feel about being a Potter, and there's no way I would give that up without a fight."
While both brothers thought they'd never seen her happier neither had ever seen her more determined and the power she just displayed was frightening. If she could do that wandlessly then her famous bat boggie hex would probably remove heads.
Bill put his arms around her, "Ginny I agree with Harry and the choice should be yours, and our only concern is that it was your choice which we can clearly see it is."
Percy and Bill took an arm each as the three redheads made their way towards the house. Percy looked at his sister in a new light, "we will support your decisions Ginny Potter and eh, about those jobs?"
Bill and Ginny burst out laughing.
-oOoOo-
The main hall was packed with elves, wizards, witches and even goblins here to offer support for two young elves, Dylan and Freda, who were holding each other while sitting together on a large armchair.
Harry and Hermione were there in dress robes, Hermione holding on tightly to her husband. Winky had actually to take her work away from the distraught witch and explain it wasn't her fault, but Hermione still felt like a failure. She was now sure that a shield charm could be made to protect from the curse but nowhere was there any hint of being able to break the enslavement. Unless the elf was given clothes by the wizard who cast the spell they would remain property of their master.
The hall was silent except for the two elves on the chair; they were quietly talking to each other while waiting on the inevitable. The bravery shown by the young elves while awaiting death was remarkable. Both suddenly started shaking and shouted together, "we will not obey, we would rather die free!"
Dylan and Freda stopped shaking as their bodies relaxed into each other, they had faced death the same way they faced life, together.
Dobby and Winky came forward and placed their hands on the young elves heads before Dobby spoke, "anyone using this curse against an elf will incur the wrath of the Elvin Nation, we declare a blood feud against the Dumbledore brothers."
Most wizards and witches in the hall were shocked; the mild mannered house elves had just declared a blood feud on one of the greatest wizards who ever lived.
Harry and Hermione came forward next and placed their hands on Dylan and Freda before Harry spoke, "the Noble and Ancient House of Potter wholeheartedly supports our friends of the Elvin Nation in their action against this curse. House Potter declares a blood feud against the Dumbledores."
Sharp intakes of breath could be heard all over the hall at Harry's statement but looks of disbelief accompanied Ragnok's walk towards the bodies of Dylan and Freda.
The leader of the goblins placed a hand on each of their heads before turning to make a statement to those present, "The Goblin Nation fully support our elvin friends in their action against this curse. The Goblin Nation declares a blood feud against the Dumbledores."
The die had been cast, anyone using this curse would have the elves, goblins and house Potter down on them. The wicked witch of the west could skywrite the curse above Diagon Alley (Surrender Dorothy) and no one would use it. The unforgivables cost you life in Azkaban, using this curse cost your life.
Rose Parkinson had planed on running her expose of Dumbledore in tomorrows issue but it would now be part of this story. It highlighted just how much impact the Potters have had on the wizarding world when the death of two elves was front-page news in the Daily Prophet.
Chapter 24
Albus Dumbledore sat in a small shack that some forgotten wit had once named 'Dreich Cottage.' Dreich is a Scottish word meaning cold, wet and miserable which fitted his current circumstances perfectly. They had strategically retired (fled) to this small island off the Scottish coast that was officially classed as uninhabited, though Albus thought it should be reclassified to uninhabitable.
Dreich could also be applied to his mood after the little red haired traitor managed to foil his brilliant plan, and he still wasn't sure how a thirteen-year-old witch had not only escaped but managed to take those bloody elves with her as well. He was Albus Dumbledore though and all that was required to get him back on top was the flawless execution of his all-new brilliant plan. The wizarding world was full of sheep that would believe anything they were told, and for those that wouldn't then that's why memory charms were invented.
He heard his brother apparate onto the property and watched as he entered the dismal dwelling with fear in his eyes. This confused Albus as Abe just went out to fetch a Daily Prophet so he could ensure his timetable of Hogwarts events was still current. It was with shaking hands that Abe handed over the paper and seconds later the screams of rage emanating from the dilapidated building would have seen it renamed to the "Shrieking Shack,' except for the fact that there wasn't another human being in a twenty mile radius.
-oOoOo-
Pansy didn't think she could be prouder of her mother, renouncing her pureblood status took a lot of courage but she had pulled it off. Now sitting reading today's edition of the Prophet she realised she could be, it was a brilliant piece of investigative journalism, which totally destroyed every facet of Dumbledores reputation and life.
The main headline, "FREEDOM – its worth dieing for!" was bold enough but the picture of the two elves dieing on the front page was heartbreaking. It then went into great detail of what had been done to them and by whom, and even the most stupid witch/wizard couldn't fail to understand the penalty that would have to be paid for using this disgusting spell.
But it was her mother's dissection of Dumbledores dodgy dealings that left you feeling manipulated, everyone would recognise a piece of the story but when the facts were all written down in the one place, everyone could see the old goat for what he was.
Dumbledore Laid Bare
Albus Dumbledore has been stripped bare and what remains is not a pretty sight. With the removal of all his titles, awards, positions and authority, all efforts then switched to discovering something that the aging wizard had only a passing acquaintance with – the TRUTH.
He believed that the wizarding world were sheep and has spent decades pulling the wool over our eyes so we couldn't see the self-appointed shepherd who was controlling every aspect of our lives.
There is a saying 'the Devil is in the Details' but Dumbledore released only those details that showed himself in the best possible light. The greatest example of this would be his defeat of Grindelwald for which he received the Order of Merlin, First Class. The truth is that they were friends and lovers before both discovering they desired power more than anything else. On that fateful night Dumbledore sneaked into his former friend's home and killed him using a muggle weapon to shoot Grindelwald eight times in the back – hardly the heroic image we have been led to believe.
Ending the life of a dark wizard is a welcome achievement but when you consider that within a few years Dumbledore was an Order of Merlin recipient, Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards, Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, Headmaster of Hogwarts and unofficial leader of the wizarding world, had we replaced one would-be dictator with another?
After all the dung he spread around everything in the Dumbledore garden was coming up roses, until the emergence of the next dark wizard – Tom Marvolo Riddle aka Voldemort. Our hero was now expected to stride forward and take up the challenge but there was never any danger of that occurring.
Make no mistake, our world was slowly being brought to its knees before baby Harry Potter banished Voldemort for the first time. This was the trigger for Dumbledore's greatest obsession – controlling Harry Potter.
He was so obsessed with controlling Harry that while most of the Death Eaters escaped going to Azkaban, Sirius Black, Harry's godfather and legal guardian, found himself entombed in a high security cell for crimes he didn't commit and was even denied a trial- why? Because of a prophecy!
The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches.
Born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies.
And the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal, but he will have power
the Dark Lord knows not.
And either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live
while the other survives.
The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord will be born as the seventh month dies.'
(JKR – Order of the Phoenix)
Harry is the child of the prophesy and was foretold to posses what Dumbledore desires above all else – POWER! With his legal guardian out the way our Chief Warlock disregarded the Potter will, declared himself Harry's legal guardian and looted the Potter vaults.
Dumbledore's manipulations were only just beginning though as he cast charms on Harry's muggle relatives to make them treat him abominably. When a seven-year-old Harry used accidental magic to protect himself from a beating, Dumbledore appeared with a healer and obliviated the responding Aurors and the attending healer. He then bound Harry's magic before leaving him with the muggles that Dumbledore had programmed to beat the poor boy.
Investigations have discovered that teachers at his muggle school as well as the child-care services had all received visits from he-who-must-not-be-found-out, and they had their minds altered to ignore the obvious signs of abuse being suffered by the young wizard.
When Harry Potter reached Hogwarts, Dumbledore's duplicity knew no bounds as both Head of Gryffindor and the schools Healer had their minds altered to quell objections to Harry's physical condition and treatment within Hogwarts.
The former Headmaster even had the audacity to hire a teacher possessed by Voldemort and then send Harry, Hermione and two other first years into the Forbidden Forest, at night, accompanied only by the gamekeeper, to hunt a creature powerful enough to kill a unicorn. Harry faced Voldemort before having to confront him in the school and banished the evil wizard once more.
Voldemort returned to the school the following year with a sixty-three foot basilisk for company but was again sent packing by the boy-who-lived. All this was happening under the crooked nose of the man we trusted with our children's wellbeing, after all, wasn't Hogwarts the safest place in the wizarding world with Albus Dumbledore in charge?
After guiding generations of witches and wizards through Hogwarts we had reached the stage where none of his decisions were even questioned. Little did we know that if we did question him, we probably wouldn't remember it as the sparkly eyed wizard offered a lemon drop with one hand while applying a memory charm with the other.
The magical pulse that swept the length and breadth of Britain was caused by Harry's magical core being released from it's illegal binding, due to his soul bonding with that of his now wife, Hermione.
But even here Dumbledores manipulations had to be overcome as mind charms had been administered to the Weasley parents with the instructions that Harry and Ginny would be fed a love potion while Ronald was tasked with keeping his two friends apart. When Harry and Hermione entered the great hall of Hogwarts as man and wife, Ronald fired a curse at Hermione, which cost him his life.
The full scale of Dumbledore's manipulations will probably never be known, between his use of memory charms and the reluctance of people to come forward to admit that they were duped by the self styled 'Leader of the Light,' but everyone can be sure it's more than highlighted in this story.
Dumbledore was fond of the saying 'for the greater good' but if we all stand back and take an unbiased look, our world is in far better shape now than it was then. With Voldemort set to return, all his followers free and the minister for magic a death eater, the alternative future that was on offer doesn't bear thinking about.
Our front-page story explains his latest actions and the consequences he now faces, but what of the others mentioned in this story?
The Weasley parents and Harry's former muggle guardians are currently receiving medical treatment at the Potter's expense, Ginny is of course now Ginny Potter, Lord Black is the new Head of Gryffindor and potions teacher as Professor McGonagall is the new Head of Hogwarts.
On Wednesday our children return to a much-changed Hogwarts, new rules, new classes, new courses, new teachers and even new facilities. This will enhance Hogwarts reputation and amazingly will actually save parents money. The school will now supply all textbooks and potions ingredients, all broomsticks for Quidditch matches will also be supplied by Hogwarts so every house will have the exact same equipment. Our children's only requirements for attending Hogwarts are school uniform and writing materials.
There will be a special edition tomorrow highlighting the changes at Hogwarts but I can exclusively reveal one now, the raised rostrum with the golden throne in the middle has been banished from the great hall. Dumbledore enjoyed looking down on his subjects but Minerva McGonagall is 'off the people' and this journalist for one is a lot happier about that.
Pansy remembered Draco boasting in the Slytherin common room about him facing up to the creature while Potter ran out the Forbidden Forest crying but the fear reflected in his eyes told a different story, that and the fact no-one had ever seen Harry running away from anything.
She glanced around the breakfast table and could see the story filling in the blanks for people; Pansy couldn't understand how anyone who had such a shitty upbringing could turn out to be this wonderful guy.
After New Year Harry and Hermione had invited all the teens of Potter House to spend the last few days of the holiday on the island. Greg and Vince had backed Draco in his torment of Harry yet here they were, sitting having breakfast with the Potters and enjoying themselves. There were no traces of the sullen sidekicks, just two normal guys, behaving like perfect gentlemen that would make good husbands someday. It was like a black cloud had been lifted from them and quite a few girls had noticed the change. Both had pledged their loyalty to the House of Potter and Pansy knew them well enough to know they were sincere, both now had a good future in front of them, not stellar but at least steady.
Pansy stuck by her decision that they would make good husbands but not for her, she had seen the way Ginny and Neville got on, Harry and Hermione were so close they almost appeared like the one person and Pansy wasn't going to settle for anything less. Somewhere there was a man who would love her the way Ginny and Hermione were loved, and with no forced marriages she was free to take her time and find him.
The biggest surprise was the Grangers, here was a couple that had been married for years but were obviously still so in love, especially considering the fact that Emma was pregnant. Both were some sort of muggle healers and actually worked together. She had been told all her life that muggles were benieth them but this couple had treated them with nothing but kindness and respect, even inviting them onto their yacht yesterday which was the most fun any of them could ever remember having. Pansy remembered her own parents making polite conversation at the dinner table while Violet and her obeyed the 'seen but not heard' rule.
Sitting reading the morning paper and discussing issues with the adults in the company was a strange but exhilarating change for most of the pureblood teens at the table. She had also noticed the not so casual flirting between her mum and Sirius Black and was delighted for her. There seemed to be an unofficial House Potter motto that everyone deserved a shot at happiness and Pansy felt her mother was more deserving than most.
Blaise had approached her yesterday with the idea of wearing the Potter family crest on their school robes and everyone had thought it a great idea. They had all become quite close and the six of age had all gone to the ball together and had a great time. Daphne had decided not to attend but the Greengrass's were on the island and enjoying themselves as much as anyone. The crest would be a show of unity and should protect the Greengrass's from any harassment; if the Potter's forgave them for their father's actions what right did anyone else have to say anything.
Hermione was delighted when she heard they wanted to wear the Potter crest on their robes, and the reason for it was everything they were trying to achieve. She was not so pleased at the way Molly Weasley reacted to the news that Ginny was going to remain a Potter. She was glad that she hadn't accompanied Harry because had hormonal Hermione made an appearance, Molly would have been plastered over the walls in small pieces.
-oOoOo-
Harry had taken Dudley while the Weasley brothers hitched a lift from the elves, Dudley had been warned of his behaviour around his parents, they would be transferring to the island as soon as they were fit enough and any outbursts from him could delay that. The four were sitting chatting when they heard the bawling coming from Molly echoing through the corridors.
Harry decided the only way to deal with this was head on; he was in no mood to take shit from anyone. He walked into the room as Molly was getting ripped into Bill and Percy for returning without her daughter. She was about to start shouting at Harry when he shouted first, "SILENCE!"
"This is a medical facility and you are disturbing other patients. I would also point out that you are not related to me in any way, and I for one will not stand here quietly while you vent your anger about some misconceived injustice."
"You stole my daughter! What have you done to her? What do you and that bitch know about being parents?" Molly's rant was cut short as she was thrown out her bed and pinned to the wall by Harry's magic, everything in the room moved against the other walls as a clear path formed between them. The three male Weasleys got pushed away as a glowing Harry slowly made his way towards the now trembling witch.
Molly was frozen in place as she watched death come towards her, the skinny boy who came to the Burrow was gone and in his place stood the most powerful being she had ever seen. Her temper had just pissed off the very person who held their lives in his hands.
"If anyone else had said that about my wife they would be dead, but don't think for one second I would let you live if you repeated your mistake. You've had your one chance and let your temper screw it up. We have stolen nothing; Ginny was legally adopted by us and has chosen to remain a Potter. Had she decided to return we would have let her, it would have broke our hearts but we only want what's best, not for us, not for Molly bloody Weasley but for our daughter Ginny. She spent hours talking to Bill and Percy without any interference or coercion from us, and stated her intention to remain Ginny Potter. The head of the Weasley family graciously accepted this; Arthur is still serving his sentence here as none of the crimes he was convicted for have been altered; yet this isn't good enough for you. This will be the last time we will ever speak so I'm giving you fair warning, no one messes with my family."
Harry turned and strode out the room, releasing the three wizards while Molly remained fastened to the wall. Bill was furious, "That young man could have destroyed this family for what was done to him instead he's helping us as much as he possibly can yet you treat him like something you've scraped off your shoe. You have brought nothing but shame to the name Weasley and I'm seriously thinking of casting you out the family, if I didn't owe Harry an apology I would do it now." He raced after Harry.
Percy was trying to be calm and reasonable but it was proving very difficult as his blood was boiling. "We spoke to Ginny and I've never seen her happier, she lives like a princess yet is closely watched by the whole family. Make no mistake they are a family and woe betide anyone who tries to come between them. She has unrestricted access to the Potter vaults but has only used it for Christmas presents, Harry and Hermione proudly wear MUM and DAD signet rings she got them. Ginny's on the board of Stag Industries and a friend of the Goblin Nation yet the family unit keeps her feet on the ground. She will grow into a spectacular young lady and has already made her choice of husband, I intend to watch her grow and dance with her at her wedding, you may have just destroyed your chance of that. Ginny is immensely loyal to her new family and they don't have any secrets from one another, your stupid bloody temper could have lost her to you forever."
He left the crying woman, still attached to the wall while his father went about putting the room back into some type of order.
Arthur Weasley had known since Christmas that his daughter would never forgive him, the hate in her eyes as she tried to hex him told it's own story. He couldn't really complain as Arthur knew he deserved it, he had preached a way of life while he sold his daughter and illegally took money from the Potter vaults. He also knew about his wife's temper and that she was totally in the wrong today, he also knew he would say nothing just as he had for all these years.
A healer entered and checked the crying witch before carrying on his rounds, leaving Molly suspended from the wall for another four hours before the spell released her.
-oOoOo-
Angela Flint walked towards the beach, hand in hand with Blaise while he carried her book bag as had become their routine. She only had tomorrow before Hogwarts beckoned on Wednesday so she was studying like crazy so she wouldn't appear so far behind her new classmates. Having a few professors staying on the island had definitely helped and she had already been offered extra tuition during the school term.
Ever since that day in Gringotts when she found out she could attend Hogwarts, Angela had read everything she could get her hands on. Between her group of friends they had all the books she would need. She wasn't bothered about the newly introduced courses, as everyone would be starting them at the same time. Harry had 'casually' mentioned that the ministry's underage magic detectors were currently just a pile of scrap so she took the hint and had been practicing spells since she got her wand.
She lay on a sun bed to study while Blaise went for a swim, there were definitely worse ways to spend your day.
Remus Lupin was strolling along the beach wondering how his life got so bloody complicated. They had all their ideas ready for the first task before Sirius left for the island, Remus was left to check the facilities and make arrangements to hold the event on the first Saturday back. He was happy to do this until a major problem occurred, Nymphadora Tonks.
They had decided that the event would take place in the new sports facility but as soon as Remus met the young witch his inner wolf was screaming 'life mate.' Having to fight this compulsion every time he was in her presence left him appearing like a bumbling fourteen-year-old who's just discovered girls are different. He stuttered and stumbled so much he almost fell in the pool at one point and she had to grab him, her touch almost made him lose control and he practically ran away while shouting some form of apology over his shoulder. He was going to have to work with this beautiful woman who drove his senses wild, shit he had to work with her parents as well. Just to rub silver into the wound, Sirius was her head of house – he was screwed.
Remus knew to quit Hogwarts would involve letting down the very people he'd sworn to help so that was out. He also couldn't think of one single person he could discuss the situation with, it would normally be Sirius but he was her cousin and head of house so that was also out. The thought of actually talking to the young witch about the situation never even entered his head, he was Remus Lupin, Werewolf. Happiness for him was a good meal and a clean bed to sleep in and that was all. What did he have to offer any witch far less one way out of his league like Nymphadora, yes he was so screwed.
Hermione was almost certain that she had the protection charm right, the problem was that someone would need to cast the curse to see if it worked. Not a big problem one might think except for the fact that they still didn't know the curse. They were going to charm thin bronze disks that were slightly larger than a galleon and sew them behind the Potter crest on the elves robes.
Harry was adamant that the elves would not go hunting Dumbledore until it could be verified that the charm worked. Hermione knew he was worried as they had a lot tied up in the next few days. Hogwarts was going to be their shining glory and encompass everything that Stag Industries stood for. The school opened on Wednesday for the return of the students, Thursday will see the new facilities being used for the first time, Friday heralds the arrival of the first parents to be guests at the new visitor centre and Saturday was set aside to hold the first event of the all new Tri Wizard Tournament. There were so many things that could go wrong it was going to be Sunday before they could relax.
Little did she know that plans were afoot that would make relaxing the last thing on her mind.
-oOoOo-
Albus Dumbledore had settled on a new plan that had only two outcomes, he would either rule the wizarding world or it would be totally destroyed. Albus knew which option he preferred and felt that the alternative would force the Potter brat to agree with him. He'd show them 'not a pretty sight,' heads would roll for that comment.
Chapter 25
Excitement was building in the magical world as the Prophet printed pictures of the new Hogwarts, and no where more than a certain tropical island where a group of witches and wizards couldn't wait for tomorrow to come. Ginny, through her role in Stag Industries, knew what to expect but the girls were all excited about the muggle shops and café while the boys thought the pool looked brilliant. Having spent the last few days swimming in the sea, in the company of beautiful witches, they were all eager converts to the new facility. Angela Flint looked like she'd been mixing pepper-up potion with cheering charms, she was like a five-year-old on Christmas Eve.
Tonks had joined them for dinner last night and was staying until everyone left for Hogwarts tomorrow morning, Remus became a nervous wreck. He had stumbled and mumbled his way through the afternoon before spilling pumpkin juice all down himself at dinner when Tonks said she was looking forward to a day's sunbathing on the beach, Remus was visibly trembling and excused himself to go and change. Harry and Hermione followed, concerned for their adopted uncle, while Sirius had sussed the problem and asked his young cousin for a word.
The Potters found Remus sitting on the bed, with his head held in his hands, looking more miserable than they had ever seen him. "I'm really sorry you two but I don't think I can work at Hogwarts."
Harry conjured two chairs as they sat down facing their friend, Hermione took his hands so she could look at his face, and the pain was there for everyone to see. "Remus what's wrong? Tell us what we can do to help?" asked Hermione
Both were shocked at the self-loathing in his reply, "there's nothing anyone can do, I just need to go away."
Neither Potter was prepared to accept that answer and kept after him until they got the truth.
Harry thought about it for a minute, "Remus I may understand what your going through, I also found my life mate and I would rather die than be parted from her, you have to at least speak to Tonks, this is a 'once in a lifetime' deal that you can't walk away from without even discussing it with her."
Remus just shook his head, "what do I have to offer a woman, far less one who's younger, successful and absolutely beautiful. I can barely hold down a job because of my lycanthropy. I'm a werewolf and I've accepted that fact, happy ever after just doesn't feature in our lives."
"Remus Lupin I'm ashamed of you," Hermione's tone of voice and choice of words stung the wizard "you are one of the kindest men I have ever met, I would also have said smartest but your previous statement makes me doubt that. Do you think Harry wearing Dudley's cast off's changed the way I felt about him? We knew nothing of his inheritance when we got together, we loved each other and that was more than enough." She gestured to their surroundings, "don't get me wrong, this is very nice but without Harry it would mean nothing. We would rather live in his old cupboard together than be wealthy and live apart."
"Have you looked in your vault lately?" asked Harry, knowing Remus hadn't "as a member of the board, Stag Industries pays you a lump sum of one hundred thousand galleons per year, plus bonuses. That gold went into your vault on the first of January and you will earn it by teaching at Hogwarts, running the Tri-wizard tournament, organising the werewolf village and forming a community as well as providing our company with your experience and wisdom."
The Potters were double-teaming Remus and the poor man didn't stand a chance as they destroyed his objections one by one.
Hermione continued, "you are reasonably wealthy with great prospects, not 'paper bag on head' ugly and will probably be a member of the Wizengamot by this time next year. You, Professor Lupin, are quite a catch and would make any witch a good husband and will be a brilliant father to your children. When you look in the mirror you see a dark creature that doesn't deserve happiness, we see someone who is loyal, compassionate, hardworking and, even with all the shit life has hit him with, an immense capacity for love. You may curl up on the rug in front of the fire one night a month but that's a small price to pay to have you in our lives, in our family."
"Remus you have to talk to her, I know you will be brutally honest but don't sell yourself short. Tonks is a special lady who stood up for what she believed in, and threw away her Auror badge rather than do something she knew to be wrong. She won't dismiss you out of hand but she needs to know how you feel. Wolves mate for life and if this is your one chance we will not allow you to just walk away without even trying, it may not work out but surely any chance that it may is worth the risk." Harry knew he was getting through to the man.
Hermione continued, "Remus, regardless of what happens you will not just walk out of our lives, we have three children on the way who will want to know their 'Uncle Remus.' You signed on to change the world and that's a lifetime commitment, but changing the world starts with changing the individual, if you want this you have to put your heart out there. Even after Harry asked me to be his girlfriend I wanted, no needed, to know why because in my eyes I wasn't worthy of the man I love. We could have continued for years dancing around each other and may even have ended up with someone else had Harry not taken the risk. I am happier than I can say with the way things have turned out and hope you can find this to but it can't happen if you run away."
A thoughtful Remus replied, "if I take 'not paper bag ugly' as a compliment then you two said some nice things about me, we'll discuss the salary issue later. I have been down for so long it's hard to think further than my next meal but being here with you, and our extended family, has been the best time of my life since before your parents were murdered. I know your right and that I must talk to the girl but just a whiff of her scent drives me crazy, I'll need to stay well away from her as the moon nears full. I've been given good advice so know it's up to me to act on it, thank you."
Chairs were vanished and hugs were exchanged, as Remus now knew what he had to do, he just had no idea how to go about it.
In another room Sirius was having a talk to Tonks, "I'm being serious here Nym and need you to be as well, can you honestly tell me what you think of my friend Remus?"
"He seems a nice guy but it's hard to tell when he falls to pieces every time he comes anywhere near me, quite funny actually to watch someone else trip for a change."
"Nym this is anything but funny, if I'm reading this right Remus is telling Harry that he can't work at Hogwarts."
Tonks let out a shocked 'What?" before thinking for a few seconds, "it's because of me, does he dislike me that much? Well I'll leave if he feels that strongly."
"Nym, Remus doesn't dislike you, he's head over heels in love with you!" this news actually shocked her into silence so Sirius continued, "Remus is a werewolf and his senses are far more developed than ours, these senses are telling him you're the one. This is biology at its most basic, for him it's you and only you for the rest of his life. All I'm asking you to do is talk to Remus and get to know him, if it works out great, if it doesn't just please let him down gently. Do not toy with his affections, Remus is the most decent guy I've ever met and I would never stand by and watch someone hurt him. Here is a man who will love Nym, not who she can morph into, I know we don't know each other very well yet but you respect Harry and Hermione's judgment and they both think of him as family."
Tonks didn't no what to say, "Sirius as I said he seems like a nice guy and I would be quite happy to get to know him better but this is heavy, for life scares the shit out of me. Well at least he's not likely to ask me to turn into his mother like the last man I went out with, the only impression he got was my knee hitting his groin at speed, sick prick. Everyone I have ever went out with wanted me to change to be their ideal date or some fantasy of their twisted mind, I haven't dated in ages because of it."
Sirius was smiling, "well I can assure you Remus is a gentleman, in fact if you do get serious you'll probably have to say 'hey wolfie, wanna make some pups?' to let him know your interested." He was laughing now while dodging the blow she aimed at his head.
They left the room and walked right into Remus and the Potters, "Hi Tonks, can we go somewhere for a chat?" asked Remus
They decided a walk along the beach would offer them the best chance of some privacy and set off. Sirius found himself pinned to a wall and looking into the smiling face of Hermione Potter, "Sirius if you even think about teasing or pranking them while they sort this out then you will have me to deal with, do I make myself clear?" she asked sweetly.
"Merlin Hermione, you're scarier than Lily and she was terrifying when angry," said a chastised Sirius.
"Oh she's no where near angry yet Sirius," said Harry, "when the building starts shaking then she's getting angry."
They had watched as Remus held her chair as she sat for breakfast and now both were chatting quite happily, Tonks was being treated like a lady which was a whole new experience for her and definitely something she could grow to like. Remus had his emotions under a lot more control, he knew that friendship was going to have to come before anything else could develop and was in no hurry now he had the one thing missing in his life for so long, hope.
Harry and Hermione had a chat with Ginny after breakfast, "Ginny I owe you an apology," said Harry "I have asked you to try and control your temper, yet at the first provocation I lost mine."
"If she'd called mum a bitch in front of me I would probably have reacted worse than you did."
"I know but the point is she may still be recovering from what that old bastard did to her and on top of that she thinks we stole her daughter," Harry held his hand up to stop Ginny's protestations "from her point of view that's what's happened, she still thinks you are her 'little girl' and me bouncing her off a wall is not going to help. We think you may be able to get through to her where I couldn't, but it would have to be today as we're all at Hogwarts tomorrow."
"What's going to happen to them now?" asked Ginny.
Hermione answered, "We really don't know, one things for sure they aren't coming here now."
Ginny gave a sneaky smile before saying, "I had an idea and I wanted to see what you thought of it"
-oOoOo-
Ginny stood outside the room that held the Weasleys and took some deep calming breaths, she was Ginny Potter – she could do this.
She entered the room, noticing that Bill and Percy as well as Arthur were there, but her eyes never left Molly. The woman tried to spring out of bed to hug her daughter but found she couldn't move. The water jug on the bedside cabinet flew across the room, missing Arthur's head by mere centimetres, and loudly smashed into the wall. The four Weasleys watched in amazement as the jug then repaired itself before gently gliding back onto the cabinet and even refilled with water. Ginny hadn't used a wand or uttered a spell, it was a tremendous display of magic well beyond the capabilities of anyone else in the room, and her control was unbelievable.
"Ok, anyone calling mum and dad names now knows what to expect though I may not do the repair half of the spell. I'm Ginny Potter now by my own choice and if everyone here can accept that we can move on, if not then there's really no point of me being here." You could have heard a pin drop as Ginny spoke. "If everyone stays nice and calm then we can discuss anything that anyone wants but Ginny Potter is non-negotiable, it's who I am now."
'Was being Ginny Weasley so bad? What's so special about being a Potter?" asked a tearful Molly.
Ginny pulled out her emerald pendant to gasps from Molly, "this is not what you think, could you explain it please Bill."
"That pendant is worth a fortune but the protective charms on it are the best I've ever seen. Harry said what it was protecting was priceless."
"Thanks Bill, this may look like an expensive identity bracelet but its real function is as a voice-activated portkey that will take me to mum and dad no matter where we are. Ginny Weasley would be a prisoner of Dumbledore and used as a tool for whatever he had planned, Ginny Potter had the tools not only to escape but got the elves and goblin artefact out of there as well. I sat this morning with friends as they swooned over the Hogwarts pictures in today's Prophet, what they didn't know was that I was responsible for some of them. Dad wants me to be in charge of the new shops in the non-magical annex, mum, gran, Winky and I were the ones who set them up."
"But you shouldn't have to do that, why do you have to work?" interrupted Molly.
"I am on the board of Stag Industries, this means I get paid a salary that's more than Bill's, Charlie's and Percy's combined. To earn that gold my job is to help bring the young purebloods and full bloods willingly into our changing world by showing them the advantages of embracing the non-magical world."
Molly was looking at the young woman in front of her and not seeing the little girl she thought she knew, and it wasn't just the smart way she was dressed. This Ginny exuded confidence and was talking about changing the world the way Molly spoke about a treacle tart recipe. Molly was renowned for her stubbornness but she was not totally stupid, Ginny's continual use of 'mum and dad' was there to see if she could handle this situation. She had spoke long into the night with Arthur and had decided they needed Ginny in their life as much as they could get. She would still push to get her daughter back but never cross the line like she did yesterday, Percy's quip of Ginny getting married and Molly not being there would break her, that was not going to happen.
She was still Molly Weasley though and had to say something, "but when do you have time to have fun? Your still only thirteen and shouldn't have to be bothering with stuff like this, can't you leave it to the adults?"
Ginny gave a wry smile while shaking her head, this was the argument that she was sure would come up, "since Christmas I've spent my time shopping, swimming, sunbathing and snogging Neville, if that's not having fun then I don't know what is."
Bill and Percy burst out laughing, both had seen her on the island and the way the family looked after her, and the chances of anything more that the occasional snog happening was nil. Molly felt as if Ginny was deliberately pushing her buttons to see how she would react, Arthur's hand was squeezing her shoulder reminding her to think before speaking and that shouting was a definite no-no.
"What do Harry and Hermione think about you being so young and snogging a boy?"
"Mum and dad know Neville and I will be married and we are trusted to keep our relationship at a level appropriate to our age, and I never want to disappoint them. Those two are some act to try to live up to but I aim to do my very best that they never regret their decision to adopt me."
"I don't think there's any danger of that Ginny, I signed those papers and have no regrets. Never doubt for one minute that Harry and Hermione love you, so do the Grangers and Winkie threw herself in front of you, saving your life. Your new family are something else and I'm proud to know them," said Bill
Percy's eyes were tearing up as he spoke, "I'm very proud of you Ginny, I always thought you were the smartest of us all and am delighted to see you prove me right."
"Thanks Percy, mum and dad want to talk to you today about a job offer so you can come back with me. A word of advice though, leave Percy the Prat at home, we don't need reports on cauldron bottoms but someone who can think for themselves."
"Do you know what the job offer is?" asked Molly.
"Of course I do and it's very good but they'll tell you about it, I'm here to see what's going to happen to you two" replied Ginny.
You could now cut the atmosphere with a knife as Ginny continued, "this is my idea and I want you to consider your situation before dismissing it. Arthur is still serving his time for the crimes he committed and you Molly are homeless and broke. You burned your bridges with the person who wanted to help you when you insulted mum, had you insulted him you may have been forgiven but insulting his family is the worst thing you could do."
Molly at least had the decency to look embarrassed.
"My idea will get Arthur out of here, give you an apartment as well as all your meals thrown in, and two salaries that will allow you to save for a place of your own again."
The Weasleys were all of the same opinion, this offer was just to good to be true and there must be a catch somewhere.
"Since you're all obviously waiting on the catch I'll tell you what it is, you have to put up with the twins all year. Hogwarts needs caretakers and I am authorised to offer you both the jobs, with the new non-magical annex and the chamber facilities it will take two to handle the job. At the moment the elves have been working very hard but they're now starting on their own village and then the werewolf settlement after that. You'll see Charlie every day as well so, what do you think?"
Arthur's fingers were nearly meeting through his wife's shoulder with how hard he was squeezing, he was desperate for her to think before opening her mouth. They had decided last night that Arthur wouldn't speak to Ginny unless asked a direct question, she had serious issues with him and recovering any sort of relationship was going to be a long slow road. The dream of walking his daughter down the aisle had gone forever, at the moment he would gladly settle for a 'hello.'
Molly took her time answering; she knew that her answer had to be right. "Wouldn't that be an embarrassment to you for us to work there as caretakers? I mean it's not as if Flitch was well liked."
"This is the new Hogwarts where everyone is equal, there will be a fair number of Slytherin students wearing the Potter family crest on their robes at their own request. Any form of antagonistic behaviour by anyone will not be tolerated and I can guarantee that Arthur will learn more about non-magic people and devices than he has in all his time at the ministry. Getting Hogwarts up and running is a massive task with everyone helping in anyway that they can. Dan, Emma and Amanda Granger are all going to be helping in the annex while mum and dad will be everywhere as usual. Changing the world starts with Hogwarts, if we can change the attitudes of the future generations then we have a chance. If not, then Bill and Percy have seen the Potter Island, we could live there perfectly happy while the magical world destroys itself."
Molly just had to let out the question that had been on her lips since the start, "when did you get all grown up?"
"Tom Riddle ended my childhood but I think it was mum and dad when we saved Neville's life that past us some of the maturity they've been showing. Dad has been helping me to control my temper and actually apologised to me because he barely held his yesterday, that's how our family works, we talk to each other and sort the little problems before they become big ones."
Molly looked to her husband, who was nodding his head enthusiastically, before telling Ginny they would accept.
"Good, now I know you have only the clothes on your backs but there is a Potter account set up at Madam Malkin's so get yourself kitted out, and not from the used items. You will each need five or six sets of robes depending on the circumstances so don't scrimp – dad's loaded. When we bump into each other in Hogwarts by all means stop for a chat, as long as you can remember I already have a set of parents for guidance we will be fine. We haven't forgotten about you Bill it's just that nothing has come up that would require your set of skills yet but if you have an idea before us don't hesitate to contact us."
They chatted for a while longer before Ginny left with Percy in tow and desperately trying to wheedle information regarding the job offer. There were no parting hugs or kisses, that was a long way off, it was more like a business meeting but the ice had been broken.
Arthur was hugging his wife while silently crying as Bill said, "that went much better than it had any right to and that job offer was totally unexpected."
It was Arthur who spoke for the first time, "she still loves us, but she just can't forgive us yet. We now have the means to rebuild our lives while getting to see our children every day; it's better than perfect. It's going to take a while and we must be patient but I've never been prouder of one of my children than I was today. What saddened me was that I couldn't take any of the credit for it; if I had any doubts that she was better off being a Potter they were dispelled today and I think she's smart enough to have planned it that way. We could never have taught her to act like that, it was a superb balance of being extremely confident without ever seeming arrogant and she has the clout to back it up. I'm positive that water jug was supposed to just miss me; her control was far to good for there to be any doubt but her point was well made, she could have taken my head clean off if she wanted to."
"I keep yearning for my little girl but she doesn't exist any more, she has been replaced by that beautiful and intelligent young witch we met today. We have been given another chance and I don't care if you have to hit me with a silencing charm or even a stunner Arthur, just don't let my big mouth ruin it for us again."
With that sentence Bill thought Ginny had pulled of a miracle of biblical proportions, he just wasn't brave enough to test this theory by mentioning it out loud.
-oOoOo-
Percy Weasley sat staring at the sea while nursing a brandy supplied by a laughing Narcissa Black, apparently this was the usual requirement after a meeting with the Potters. He was going over the meeting in his head and still couldn't believe it, Percy Weasley, former Head Boy was now administrator for Hogwarts.
Minerva McGonagall was first and foremost a brilliant teacher and Percy was there to allow her to continue teaching first year students how to turn matches into needles. She, along with the Potters would make all the decisions and it was Percy's job to see them carried out. It was made abundantly clear that the return of 'Percy the Prat' would not be tolerated, to be efficient one didn't have to be efficacious and approachability was going to be a big part of his job. Between Crouch getting arrested for smuggling his son out of Azkaban and his mother and father for what they did to Harry, Percy thought his career was over before it even began yet he had just been handed a dream job.
He knew that he had a tendency to stick rigidly to the rules but here there were no rules as they would be making it up as they went along, something Harry and Hermione seemed quite comfortable with. He silently swore not to betray the trust they had placed in him, he was now earning enough to propose to Penny and he definitely knew she made him a better person to be around. He was doing it again, why couldn't he just admit that just thinking about her made his heart race, he wondered if he had time to get her a ring today.
Harry and Hermione were getting ready to go down to their last dinner before returning to Hogwarts, it would be the largest gathering yet as the Dursleys were there as well. Harry brought them this afternoon and they were staying in the guest house as with everyone leaving tomorrow they would have the island to themselves for a few days until they came back. Harry knew this would be a fun meal but he couldn't get the thought of impending doom out of his head. Tonight felt less like a celebratory dinner and more like the last supper, just as well none of the Potters believed in divination.