Chapter 18: The Fallen
Harry's clock said 5:15pm. It's time to get ready to go I guess. He stood and went to their closet and pulled out two plain robes, one of his and one of her's. Well they're the wrong color but I can fix that. He pulled out his wand and pointed them at the robes "transformare blakkr." Both robes turned a satisfactory black.
Why is it so easy to do magic right these days. That would have taken me three tries in McGonagall's class. You know when I don't think about doing magic and just do it, it seems to work out correctly? Hey that's what Hermione said the other day, damn am I that befuddled by Hermione? You know that answer, yes you are. Next week she is going to be hell to live with all this studying and practicing. Well I can study too; I'm going to show her I can do everything she can do. Maybe not better but I will do it. He chuckled to himself.
As far as I know Sirius has no relatives to attend, I am as close as it gets. Sirius will have four relatives tonight at least. He got out his school tie and put it on then donned his black robe. It was time to interrupt Hermione's studying. "Mione dear, put your robe on; we should go soon."
She looked up at him thru her luscious eyelashes "black, Harry?"
"Sirius was my godfather, you are my fiancée, we go in black." He held out her robe so she could step into it.
She put down the massive book on wards and stepped into her robe.
Harry fastened the second clip down and let her fasten the rest.
"I want to try a ward I read about before we go. Apparently you can set a trigger for a ward to be just about anything. Say for example I wanted to have a ward on you that would be triggered if anyone but me kissed you. It would wait for that one incident to happen to trigger it. Then it would kick in at full force." She flipped to another page in the book and ran quickly thru the spell again before turning to a slightly amused Harry. "Wardus Expellarium Protego" she ended with the tip of her wand touching his closed lips.
He felt nothing but she stepped forward and kissed his cheek then his chin. His arms automatically encircled her, holding her close against him. When she brought her lips to his a shimmering blue barrier sprung into existence around them.
"Ohh it worked Harry, it worked!"
"Of course it worked Mione, you did it." He was chuckling brightly at her glee. "So what does this do?" he gestured at the barrier that seemed to surround them both, giving them about a foot of clearance to move about.
"Well it will repel spells like the Protego does, and anyone that touches it or that it hit as it expanded would be affected by Expellarium."
She was still quite ecstatic about learning something new. "And this was triggered when you kissed me? Quite amazing Mione, quite amazing indeed." He looked at the shimmering ward with new admiration. Hermione beamed at his praise. "So we could have several wards like this ready to be triggered without using our wands or any magic words?"
"I knew you would catch on quickly Harry. Yes, Moody claims in his book to have had no less than ten wards ready to be triggered as needed. Everything from blinking a certain way to stepping on his foot with his peg leg. Unfortunately wards are passive only, they protect not attack."
"Can we cast spells thru a ward?"
"Not this one, but Moody wrote that there were one-way wards; they are like walls though, not encompassing like this kind. I haven't read any examples of that kind yet, maybe we should ask Professor Dumbledore tomorrow."
"Ok good idea; meanwhile let's have two of these wards ready to be triggered if we umm kiss the back of our left hands. How do we get out of this one though?"
"Well it will dissipate itself in about thirty minutes, if it is hit enough times it will collapse, or I can just cancel it. Finite Incantum" and with a wave of her wand the ward shimmered and disappeared. "There now for the new ones; Wardus Expellarium Protego" she touched the back of Harry's left hand with the tip of her wand. "You need to cast the one on my hand or it will only work if I kiss my own hand. Think about what you want to happen when the spell is triggered as you cast it Harry."
"Yes Mione, I will." He pulled out his wand again, pushed his glasses back up on his nose and thought for a moment about an impenetrable barrier surrounding them. She held out her left hand to him as he started incanting "Wardus Expellarium Protego" he put the tip of his wand on the back of her hand. "I hope I did that right."
"Unfortunately the only way to check is to trigger it then the spell is used. We will just have to trust that they took correctly for now. Let's go Harry we're going to be late if we don't go soon."
"Late it's only 5:45 Mione?"
"Come on Hero; let's introduce you to my parents. Or are you afraid of a pair of muggle dentists?" She gave him that smile that always made him melt inside.
"Ok Love, I have always hated portkey's though. They always make me feel like I'm going to be sick."
"Well let's treat this like a combat situation then maybe that will get your mind off of being sick. Remember 'Constant Vigilance' Harry." She twisted around so her back was to Harry, then snuggled up against him. His arms went around her waist automatically and he held her tightly to him. They both still had their wands in their right hands. "Accio portkey" the large brass ring flew into Hermione's outstretched left hand.
Harry whispered into her ear "I think I like going into combat with you."
She shivered at the tone in his voice "You make me feel safe."
"Always, Mione. Ok, let's go." He lightly kissed the base of her neck.
Hermione touched the brass ring to the back of his left hand. Instantly they felt the tug behind their naval and they were off. A moment later they landed hard. They managed to stay on their feet by bracing against each other. Harry immediately twisted to look behind them while Hermione scanned the area before them for any threat. They were the only ones in the room. The room appeared to be a combination sitting room and library. Several couches and chairs shared the room with bookcases filled with strange devices. "Harry your Firebolt is next to the door there and that must be Godric's sword in the sheath next to it." Just then they heard voices coming from one of the hallways off of the room. The voice was familiar yet not quite.
"Yes Yes traditional those are." An old man spoke as he walked into the room, he had a simple gray robe on, was clean shaven and wore round spectacles similar to Harry's. He carried an intricately carved white staff. Behind him Hermione's parents came into view, both wearing simple gray robes. The old man stopped suddenly when he realized Harry and Hermione were standing there poised for battle.
"Thank you." Mr. Granger spoke to the old man as they nearly ran into him when he stopped suddenly.
"What?" Mrs. Granger asked.
Dan and Emma looked past the old man. Emma exclaimed "Hermione dear" she immediately rushed towards them dragging a surprised Dan with her. Harry unwrapped his left arm from Hermione's waist and stepped back as they embraced their daughter. Hermione spun around in her parents embrace and snatched Harry's hands. She pulled him into a hug; her parents each threw an arm around Harry as well. Suddenly Harry found himself in the middle of a close family hug. The woman he loved and her parents all embracing him.
"Harry, you're a part of our family now, one way or another." Dan tightened his grip on Harry's shoulders as he spoke. Emma did the same, her arm just above Hermione's around his waist.
"I told you they wouldn't be angry Harry."
"Yes Mione, You were right again. Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Granger, Thank you."
"Harry you may not be comfortable calling us mum or dad but we want you to know you are welcome to; or just Emma and Dan are fine."
"Thank you Mrs. I mean Emma." Harry was having a hard time looking at any of them so he looked over Hermione and saw the old man watching, a familiar twinkle in his eyes and an amused smile on his face. "Aberforth?" Harry asked him.
"Potter, adult you now are. May the dark be destroyed by the light." Aberforth bowed slightly and then continued. "Albus must be told arrived you have. We shall call you when time it is. Until then." He stepped from the room closing the door behind him.
"Let's all sit and talk then, we need to cover some things to make us all feel more comfortable with this situation." Emma gestured towards a pair of small couches that faced each other. They seemed placed there for just such a conversation.
"First I need to correct something. Your robes are the wrong color for tonight." He stepped back and pointed his wand at Emma's robe "transformare blakkr" her robe changed to the same black as Harry and Hermione's. Dan stood away from Hermione as Harry turned to him and repeated "transformare blakkr" Dan's robe now matched everyone else's. "There, done now."
"We are honored you consider us a part of Sirius's family Harry. Thank you. Shall we sit and talk now?"
"Sure mum" Hermione led Harry to one of the couches and they sat close together. Dan and Emma sat opposite them looking almost like mirror images. Though Dan and Emma were considerably older they sat as close as Harry and Hermione and also held hands.
"Hermione may have told you of our problems when we decided to get married." Harry nodded and Dan continued. "Well we do not oppose the idea of you marrying Hermione, but we do need to understand why you want it to happen now. Why not after graduation? Emma and I became engaged when we were sixteen but we didn't tell anyone until we had turned seventeen. Only then did Emma put on the ring I had gotten for her and we officially announced it. And then disaster struck." Dan looked at his wife adoringly, took a deep breath and looked back at Harry. "We did not let that stop us and I am sure you would not either. We have known how Hermione feels for you for several days now. Seeing you with her it is obvious you feel the same."
"Thank you, but to answer your question actually I was content to wait until after graduation. Just knowing that she would one day marry me was all I needed but Hermione said she wanted it sooner and I agreed"
Hermione took a deep breath as though about to plunge into a river. "Tonight we are here to honor two men who have died fighting a war. A war we do not know who will win. Mum, Dad this is a secret, only Albus, Harry and I know this part. There is a prophecy that states that either Harry will kill Voldemort, or Voldemort will kill him. We know the war will ultimately be decided when one of them wins. If I die in this war, and no one can say I will not. I want the world to remember me as his wife. I want the world to know that he was loved for the wonderful person he is. I want Harry to know he is loved that much. Harry sees me as the one person he can trust with anything, and he can. What he doesn't see is that I need him; he is my strength, without him I would be a friendless bookworm, terrified to leave the library. He is a true hero, not the fairy tale kind, but the kind that helps others because he feels it's the right thing to do. Harry can't see that because of the Dursley's. Harry needs to understand how much I love him. If he is to win that battle with Voldemort he must become confident in his abilities."
"I do understand Mione"
"Not yet Harry, until those nightmares about being locked, forgotten and unloved, in the cupboard under the stairs stop. You do not believe anyone could love you."
"How do you…"
"Harry I have slept with you for nearly a week now and known you for five years. I know you better than you do yourself."
Harry could not look up; he removed his glasses and placed them on the table, then covered his eyes and shook his head. She rubbed his back gently.
"Harry the world needs you to be a hero; you are the only one that can destroy Voldemort. Since the world needs you I will do everything in my power to make sure you are ready to face him. Once the world is thru with their Hero I want him to just be my husband and father to my children. For me the world would not be worth living in without you. You must win and the only way is for you to believe in yourself. You are good and wonderful Harry. You are the most wonderful person I have ever met."
Harry had looked up when she had mentioned children. "Thank you Hermione, I do not know how I can possibly live up to your expectations of me but I will do the best I can; for you, Hermione…anything. As long as you are with me I will do whatever it takes to win this war. I can't possibly deserve to be loved by you but I will try."
"But you do deserve to be loved Harry, that's what you need to understand!"
Emma cleared her throat and they both looked at her. They had both forgotten that anyone else was even in the room. Hermione retrieved Harry's glasses and handed them to him. He quickly put them back on.
"Ok, we can see your reasons. They are what we expected of you really. Well of you both in fact, you have a depth of commitment to each other that is rarely seen in marriages today. There is nothing childish about the way either of you feel, you obviously are willing to face your issues and not hide them from each other."
Dan continued for his wife. "You have our blessing to move forward with the wedding but I must tell you that if you wanted to keep this a secret you won't succeed. The two of you positively radiate love and warmth."
Harry and Hermione were both surprised by Dan's remark. "What…" they barely managed to stammer out.
"It's true dear, I can see it too. Maybe it's because you are magical or just because you love each other so deeply. I wouldn't claim to understand it, maybe Albus could explain. Everyone who sees you two tonight will know that you are in love."
"Really mum? Harry, are we ready to let the world know about us? I am sure that the Daily Prophet will be covering these events tonight. We could be front page news tomorrow." She looked at Harry concerned.
He looked deeply into her chocolate brown eyes and she knew his answer before he spoke. "I am not going to hide the fact that I love you Hermione." He looked back at Dan and Emma. "I guess I will have to make a speech tonight after all. I will announce our engagement to stop any rumors. If Luna Lovegood was right it should not come as much of a surprise to most people."
Emma turned to Dan "We may need to move to Grimauld Place earlier than expected. If they go public tonight, tomorrow Voldemort could come after us."
Dan nodded his understanding. "Yes dear I think you are right." They looked back at Harry and Hermione. "Dumbledore warned us last night that when Voldemort learned of your engagement we would be in danger. He told us to plan on staying at Grimauld Place at least thru the next school year."
"Harry, Dumbledore is right; we will all need to go to Grimauld Place tomorrow."
"Alright, I don't care where we are as long as we are together."
"What about an engagement ring Hermione? You can hardly go out there and announce your engagement without a ring?"
"Mum, we haven't had time to go get one; we were going to go shopping in Diagon Alley after we moved to Grimauld Place."
"Well then borrow mine for tonight; I don't think anyone will notice if I don't have mine on." Emma removed her engagement ring but left her wedding band on. She offered her ring to Harry, "Here dear, you should be the one to give it to her."
Harry's hand was visibly trembling as he held it out for the ring. Emma placed it into the palm of his hand. She squeezed his hand encouragingly and smiled at him. "It's alright Harry, make it official."
Hermione seemed to be holding her breath as Harry turned and looked her in the eyes again. "Hermione what is your middle name?"
Hermione was so surprised by that question she couldn't answer for a minute. Dan and Emma both chuckled a moment then Dan answered for her; "Sophia, after my mother."
"Sophia" Harry spoke it aloud to get used to it. "Sorry it suddenly seemed important that I know that." Harry turned back to Hermione; "Hermione Sophia Granger will you accept this token of my love for you. I swear to purchase you one of your own at the first opportunity provided." Harry was holding her left hand up, ready to slip the ring onto her finger.
"Yes Harry, without reservation I do."
Harry slipped the ring onto her finger. Fortunately Emma's hands were nearly the same size as Hermione's. The ring was only slightly loose on her. He bent to kiss the back of her hand but she quickly twisted her hand so he kissed her palm instead. Oh! the ward, he should have remembered that.
Hermione glanced at the ring on her hand then wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him into a deep kiss. When they parted Hermione spoke softly again "I do Harry, I do."
Harry was lost in her eyes but replied automatically "I do Hermione, I do." Her eyes were boring into his soul; He realized then that she filled the hole he had always felt there, filled it since their first year in fact.
Dan and Emma held each other tightly and both had tears on their cheeks as they watched Harry and Hermione. They shook themselves, as if coming out of a trance, and wiped their eyes dry.
Emma whispered to Dan "Wow that was simply breathtaking, I feel as though I just witnessed the actual wedding."
"Maybe we did Emma, Maybe we did." Dan was smiling as he spoke softly to his wife.
Harry and Hermione turned as one to her parents. Harry asked "Sorry did we miss something?"
"No everything is fine." Just then the clock on the mantle chimed and it was six thirty. The door that Aberforth had left thru opened quietly and Albus stepped into the room. He was dressed in a plain white robe; Harry was not sure just what that signified, guess I should have found that book Hermione mentioned.
He grinned at them then spoke to someone in the room he had just come from. "I told you Harry would want them all in black."
They heard Aberforth reply, "Tradition it is not!"
Professor Dumbledore chuckled and replied to his brother. "Harry often disregards tradition when he feels it is important to do so. I think it is really a silly tradition anyway."
"Tradition has purpose it does and a fool breaks tradition. The Minister must know time it is."
"Fifteen minutes Aberforth, you will hear the bell." Professor Dumbledore turned back to them. "It is almost time to start, Minister Fudge has arrived."
"Sir?" Hermione stood. "We have a problem"
"Which one is that Miss Granger? Oh smashing idea to wear your mother's ring tonight. Yours is not too far away though really. Oh and I see you have started picking up wards nicely."
"What…" what did that mean? Could he see un-triggered wards? Gathering her scattered thoughts she continued. "Professor, my parents said that Harry and I umm 'radiate love and that anyone who sees us tonight will know that we are together now.' Harry wants to make an announcement about us and it will surely be in the Daily Prophet tomorrow. Then Rita Skeeter will write about how she was right two years ago and Voldemort will surely hear about us. Then Voldemort will target my parents so we all need to go to Grimauld Place tomorrow not on August 1st."
Professor Dumbledore stood there a moment then grinned at them broadly. "To answer your first question yes you two do project a bit. In fact it is rather hard to keep from grinning madly. Not everyone would notice, but surely many of them will. Disregarding all you just brought up I believe Harry and yourself will be on the front page of tomorrow's Daily Prophet. Including all that you just mentioned you may have the entire paper to yourselves tomorrow. So an announcement would be a good way to get the facts out at least. Miss Skeeter will undoubtedly write just as you have speculated but I see no harm in that. As to Voldemort and Grimauld Place, Yes I must agree with you there. I would prefer Harry to spend the next three weeks at Privet Drive but the Granger's cannot go to Grimauld Place without him. You all should pack immediately upon arriving home tonight and proceed to Grimauld Place tomorrow."
Harry quickly stood at the mention of moving to Grimauld Place. "Sir, I have been thinking about Grimauld Place a lot lately. I would like to hire Dobby and Winky to work at Grimauld Place. Terms to be worked out between them and Hermione."
Hermione beamed a smile at his last comment but asked "What about Kreacher Harry?"
Harry turned grim. "I intend to set him free; Hopefully Sirius was right and that will kill him. If it doesn't then I must; He deserves nothing less for betraying his master Sirius. I'm sorry if that seems cruel but we can't live there with him and he cannot be allowed to return to Narcissa. Heck he could have already given the house to the Malfoy's."
"Harry No!"
"Actually Harry, since Sirius's death no one has been able to enter the house. Kreacher remains inside but the Master of the House must specify who may enter the house now and that is you. The house is currently sealed until you claim it. I must ask you to show Kreacher mercy; he has never been treated kindly." He met Harry's unflinching gaze, then continued. "But I see your course is set in this. Very well I shall speak with Dobby and Winky tonight."
Hermione forced Harry to turn and meet her gaze. She pleaded with him "Harry! You can't kill him." For the first time since knowing him, he returned her gaze coldly.
"Hermione, this is for you're safety, the safety of the Order, and your parents. Kreacher must go or he will surely betray us again. I will do whatever it takes to ensure your safety."
She nodded numbly, unable to counter such an argument. Harry had never seemed so set on anything in all the years she had known him. Is this what he would have to become to defeat Voldemort? With relief she saw the light come back into his eyes, her Harry was back, and he held her tightly.
He spoke softly into her bushy hair. "This is war Mione, a war I cannot afford to loose."
"Harry, wear this tonight under your robe, I do not want it out of your sight from now on." Albus held out Godric's sword in its sheath.
Harry nodded and Hermione lifted his robe out of the way. Emma stepped up to help buckle the belt, when it was done Hermione dropped his robe over it.
"Shrink it Harry, just put your hand on the pommel and think of it wand size, the sheath will shrink with it."
He did so and instantly the sword was only a foot long, easily concealed under his robe.
"Think carefully about your announcement tonight Harry, You will speak just after Minister Fudge and Myself at Sirius's memorial service. That would be the time for any announcements. It is time." He turned and walked out thru the door he had entered from.
They hastened after him each couple holding hands; then passed thru the kitchen and out the back door. They were in a clearing; the sun was nearly set. A thick forest covered everything except this clearing. Albus walked quickly down a path that lead into the forest. A few minutes later they came to a large clearing. There was a vast cemetery and a pavilion tent beside the entrance. Hundreds of witches and wizards stood inside the cemetery, there were surely a thousand gathered tonight. Harry saw Remus Lupin and Nymphadora Tonks standing at the gates to the cemetery. Tonks was dressed in black, her hair subdued for once. That's right she is related to Sirius too. Remus was in gray and looked healthy. Both Tonks and Remus raised an eyebrow at the four behind Albus and smiled but neither spoke.
Just then a bell tolled from somewhere. Remus picked up an intricately carved white staff from where it had been leaning against the gate and handed it silently to Albus. The top of the staff flared to light when Albus took it he held it aloft as he walked purposefully towards a crypt halfway around the cemetery. The staff was the only source of light in the midst of the setting sun. The gathered crowd instantly became quiet. Remus and Tonks had fallen in just behind Albus and in front of Harry and Hermione. Harry recognized many of those assembled in the cemetery, most of the Wizengamot was present. Remus looked back at them as they stopped at the edge of a small clearing, Albus continued into the center of the clearing. He saw Ron opposite him, with Luna Lovegood at his side and the entire Weasley clan around them. Hagrid's massive form was just to Harry's right, Madame Maxime beside him; they stood with their backs against the nearest crypt. Hagrid looked mostly healed but when he turned and looked at Harry one eye was still blackened. Albus stopped in front of the open door to an ancient crypt that read MOODY above the door. Minister Fudge, also dressed in white, stood nervously beside the entrance to the crypt.
Albus Dumbledore, Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot turned and addressed those assembled. His clear voice broke the absolute silence.
Alastor Moody was one of the greatest defenders of Light these eyes have witnessed. Though he spent most of his eighty years fighting The Dark, he was ever a man of peace. The Dark would not let him rest; I called him out of retirement to teach our young what he had taught Aurors for so many years. I felt we needed his skills for that which is to come. Yet in that we were betrayed but the great man that he was Alastor still rose to the challenge. Never did Alastor shrink from the pursuit of those who supported The Dark. Alastor always strove to help and protect others. He spent many years training Aurors; most of those here were trained by him. His Constant Vigilance, to put it in his terms, was always a comfort to us all. I have not brought you all here to mourn his passing but to celebrate his life. Alastor helped many throughout the years, for his heart and courage I salute him. Alastor has gone on to the next great adventure. We must all grow a bit stronger now, take on a bit more responsibility for though The Dark is diminished so is the Light. The Dark is still strong and will require great effort to overcome, only together can we of The Light triumph. Should anyone else wish to speak please do so.
Surprising himself Harry squeezed Hermione's hand briefly then let go and took three steps into the clearing. He had not planned on speaking but Dumbledore's words had changed that.
Professor Moody, and I will forever think of him as a professor, though he never taught me a formal class did in fact teach me a lot. He taught me that doing the right thing may be hard but is always the correct choice. I am sure that when the attack came upon him he was as prepared as anyone could be. I am also sure that he never once thought of escaping. His thoughts centered on capturing and defeating his opponents. Professor Moody faced a deadly trio. Voldemort, Bellatrix, and Peter Pettigrew. He faced them with great resolve, heart, and all his considerable skill. Bellatrix is dead, Alastor killed her. Voldemort is hurt, I do not yet know what Professor Moody did to hurt him but I felt his pain. Voldemort is not immune to harm. This is the final lesson which Professor Moody has taught me. I for one am anxious to once again face Voldemort. I have had five encounters with Voldemort, never have I felt I could actually do anything against him. Now I do feel that I, and in fact we all, have the ability to defeat him. Good bye Mad-Eye and thank you.
Harry had not become angry during the speech, instead he was filled with a calm resolve. Harry stepped back beside Hermione who took his hand and squeezed it tightly; he squeezed back to acknowledge her. Dan and Emma each briefly squeezed one of his shoulders from behind him. Harry stared at the doorway to the crypt, lost in thought.
Kingsley Shacklebolt now stepped forward his deep voice echoed about the cemetery.
Like many here Alastor was my teacher, not only did he teach me how to capture Dark Wizards, he also taught me why this was the right thing to do. When he decided to retire a few years ago it was because he felt too many in the Ministry had forgotten those dark days of the past. Days that he helped bring us thru in much better shape than we would have been without him. Most of the wizarding world was convinced until just a few weeks ago that He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named was well and truly gone. Alastor never believed we could utterly destroy The Dark. There will always be those who practice dark magic. It is only thru 'Constant Vigilance' that we may prevent The Dark from winning this war. For war is upon us, Alastor will surely not be the last victim. I only hope that when my turn comes I can face it as well as he did. As Albus has said we must all help take up his responsibilities and move forward. Good Bye for now my old friend.
Kingsley lowered his head and walked back into the crowd. No one else seemed willing or able to speak. Minister Fudge stood nervously he seemed to desperately wish to be anywhere but here. Then Mr. Weasley, Remus, Kingsley, and Dedalus Diggle walked into the crypt. Outside the grating of stone upon stone could be heard, several people could be heard quietly crying. A minute later the four emerged and walked back to their places in the crowd. In the center of the clearing a huge pile of white lily's appeared. Albus took one and held it aloft. He turned and looked at the crypt as the door slowly closed. He walked over to the crypt and placed the lily into a vase beside the door. Minister Fudge quickly took up a lily and placed it in the holder on the other side of the door. The two of them stood there, flanking the entrance for a minute. Albus spoke once more.
"Good Bye for now Alastor, we will meet again."
Tonks walked into the clearing and followed Dumbledore's example, placing her lily beside his in the vase. Professor McGonagall also placed a lily in the vase. Their actions seemed to break the tableau. Harry pulled Hermione forward and they quickly did the same. Hermione pulled Harry along behind her and they retreated a little from the crypt. Her parents were in line with lily's still. Together they turned back to watch the proceedings and saw Ron coming towards them, Luna just behind him. Ron looked angry. Seeing the expression on Ron's face Harry stepped protectively in front of Hermione. Ron looked surprised at Harry's stance and stopped a few feet away.
"You don't need to defend her from me mate! I'm not here to argue or fight with you."
"You look very angry Ron."
"I am Hermione but not about the two of you. Luna managed to make me see I had no reason to be angry about that. No I think I finally understand that we are at war. A war that is going to hurt my friends.
"I will do everything I can to stop Voldemort Ron, I swear it!"
Hermione placed her hand on Harry's shoulder she met Ron's gaze. And with great conviction spoke "We swear it!"
A grin broke Ron's face "What are you breaking up the trio? You're not going without me mate."
Now Luna stepped up and mimicked Hermione's position, her hand on Ron's shoulder "Or me." It was the most serious thing they had ever heard Luna say.
They all stood there for a moment then they all started laughing quietly. Remus and Tonks walked over to them, followed by Hermione's parents.
"How's it hanging Harry?" Tonks spoke a bit too cheerfully.
Harry looked down in embarrassment. "Umm fine I guess."
"What did I say, isn't that a muggle greeting?"
Remus answered her, "I think it is customary for some men to greet other men that way, it umm refers to men's privates."
Unabashed by this correction Tonks tried again, "So how's it hanging Hermione?"
Now it was Hermione's turn to be embarrassed but though she turned red she answered. "Well, well indeed."
"Ohh girl you have secrets I can't wait to hear." Tonks tried to pull Hermione away but Ron spoke up.
"I think you had better wait until later, Dumbledore and Fudge just walked into the tent."
"Oh yes, it's time for Sirius's memorial service. We had better head down." Remus clarified then led the way towards the tent. A small beetle followed discretely behind them.
The tent, though large was nearly the size of the great hall at Hogwarts. There was a small stage at one end, a black banner hung on the wall behind it. Candles floated around the perimeter of the tent. When everyone was inside Albus stepped up on the stage. Minister Fudge did the same and Harry pulled Hermione to the side of the stage. She was very nervous he could tell so he gave her a quick hug and smiled at her reassuringly. Surprisingly Minister Fudge went to the center of the stage and spoke first.
"It may seem surprising to most of you that we are having a memorial for a convicted murderer. Well those of you not in the Wizengamot anyway. Earlier this week the Wizengamot, at the urging of its Chief, took up the issue of pardoning Sirius Black posthumously. With the testimony of Remus Lupin, under Veritaserum I might add. Sirius Black has been cleared of all charges and those charges have now been leveled upon Peter Pettigrew. The Wizengamot in all its wisdom has seen fit to award damages to his estate for unlawful imprisonment without a proper trial. That award of 1 million galleons has been deposited in his inheritor's account today. According to Gringott's officials that heir is none other than his godson Harry Potter."
Many of those in the tent gasped and looked at Harry. Harry stood in complete disbelief, Sirius was pardoned! Dumbledore had done it; he had made the Ministry admit they were wrong. A million galleons, what was he to do with that? He already had all the money he could ever want. Minister Fudge held up his hand for silence before he continued.
"I would like to thank Arthur Weasley, Remus Lupin, and Chief Warlock Albus Dumbledore for their efforts in correcting such a travesty of justice. We deeply regret any suffering this has caused Sirius Black and those who loved him. Chief Warlock, let this memorial begin." Fudge quickly retreated off of the stage having done what was required of him by the decree of the Wizengamot.
Professor Dumbledore stepped to the center of the stage. The lights in the hall grew dim and his staff once again blazed forth.
"Thank you Minister, Sirius Black died as he lived, helping others. He was a man of strong conviction and commitment. After his escape from Azkhaban he worked tirelessly to make life for his godson better. His dream was to become a free man so that he could provide Harry a home. He also worked to counter the efforts of Voldemort on many fronts. He personally pursued Peter Pettigrew even onto the grounds of Hogwarts itself. Great was his burden in life yet never did I hear him complain about it, he merely bore it with honor."
"Another man who has born a similar burden all of his short life is his godson Harry. Since he was but a year old has born the burden of being the one to defeat Lord Voldemort. Well as you all know Tom is not gone yet and once again we look expectantly towards Harry to somehow finish what was started fifteen years ago. Harry, like his godfather has risen to this very challenge. As you all heard a few minutes ago he is anxious to face Tom Riddle again. Who else here can say they are anxious to face Tom Riddle? Not even I am anxious for such a meeting, I do not fear it as most do but I do not look forward to it either. Mister Potter has requested time to speak to you all tonight so I now present Mr. Harry Potter."
A still slightly befuddled Harry was helped onto the stage by Hermione and Ron who had joined them at the edge of the stage. Harry had never spoken before so many people, he walked to where Fudge and then Dumbledore had stood and faced the sea of faces. The lights had come up slightly, Dumbledore's staff was dark, everyone waited expectantly for Harry to speak.
"Umm Hello Everyone, Well I am rather stunned by Minister Fudge's announcement. Thank you all for pardoning Sirius, it was indeed his greatest desire. To once again walk freely among you all. As to the million galleon award I will donate half of it to St. Mungo's. The rest will be similarly distributed when I can decide where. I will not keep one knut of that money for myself or my family. And that brings me to the reason I wished to speak tonight. As has apparently been speculated by many my long time friend Hermione Granger and I are now together. In fact several days ago she accepted my proposal to be my wife. So may I present to you all the soon to be Mrs. Hermione Potter."
He held out his right hand towards Hermione, she stepped gracefully onto the stage and took his hand once she reached his side. Harry briefly raised her left hand over their heads so the glint of the diamond in the ring would be seen. There was a lot of cheering and even some hooting and cat calls from the back of the room. Harry sought out Mrs. Weasley's reaction and when he saw her he wished he hadn't looked for her. She was fuming with anger, why she could be so angry when everyone else was so happy he just couldn't understand. He hoped he could get her to understand sometime soon, he didn't want her angry with him. Mr. Weasley suddenly noticed his wife and talked to her briefly, she didn't smile but at least she seemed to outwardly calm considerably. After a few minutes of waving back at the crowd Hermione motioned for silence.
"Thank you everyone, we appreciate the warm response to our news."
Harry turned and spoke to Professor Dumbledore too quietly for everyone to hear. "Sir could we have some refreshments and maybe some music, Sirius would hate such a formal occasion."
"Why of course Harry." Albus addressed the crowd again. "Witches and Wizards, your attention please. I am aware that the removal of Harry from the top of the Witches Weekly's most eligible bachelor list has caused quite a stir. Harry would however like all of you to remember Sirius in a warmer light. Therefore he has asked for a relaxed environment." Albus waved his staff and across the back of the tent appeared a very long table, burdened with all kinds of snacks and refreshments. "Please feel free to speak amongst yourselves and reminisce about the life of Sirius Black." Then music faded in, it was decidedly classic and just right for the mood Harry had been thinking about.
"Oh Harry, let's dance"
"Huh?"
"Oh come on you can do it." Hermione pulled him around to face her on the stage and started swaying slowly to the music. Harry quickly got lost in keeping his body in sync with hers. He managed to notice that several other couples had joined them on the stage. Dan and Emma whirled elegantly around the stage, obviously comfortable dancing like this. Bill and Fleur came onto the stage with several other couples. When Hagrid and Madame Maxime decided to come on the stage Professor McGonagall discreetly reinforced and then enlarged the stage dramatically.
"Con'ratulations 'Arry, Hermiony, t'always new you'd get t'gether" Hagrid nodded encouragingly at them and Madame Maxime smiled warmly as they slowly danced away.
Harry and Hermione had switched to holding hands while they danced. His left arm was around her waist, he held her left hand with his right, up so he could gently kiss her fingers. Suddenly he caught a glimpse of someone lunging towards him as Hermione screamed and pulled Harry down. Harry did the first thing that came to his mind; he kissed the back of her left hand. The ward he had placed there earlier roared into affect, he found himself on top of Hermione upon the stage.
Hermione asked him quickly "Are you alright Harry?" somehow in the midst of it all she had gotten her wand out. They heard shouting and various spell casting around them but inside Harry's ward a strange calm ruled.
"Yes, you?"
"I will assume that's Godric's sword pushing into my stomach currently, otherwise I am fine." Harry quickly levered himself up to take the pressure off of her.
"Ok cancel the ward Mione."
"It's you're ward Harry, but ok. Finite Incantum." Nothing happened. She tried again more forcefully "Finite Incantum!" Again nothing happened. "Its too strong Harry I can't break your ward."
"Ok"
Hermione clenched her wand in her teeth, freeing both hands; she reached under Harry's robe and moved Godric's sword off to the side, then pulled his wand out. Harry lowered himself back onto Hermione. This could be rather pleasant under other circumstances he thought. With a mischievous grin she handed him his wand and once again held hers. She rolled her eyes at him "Later Harry lets stop the madness out there first."
He kissed her quickly on the lips and grinned. "As you wish my Love. Finite Incantum." As the ward dissipated he rolled off of Hermione, she rolled the opposite direction and stood to take in the scene of chaos that the memorial had become. Witches and Wizards were scattered everywhere, many lay unmoving on the ground, a dead chill was in the air. "Dementors" someone shouted from outside the tent. Harry switched his wand to his left hand and pulled Godric's sword out with his right, the sword grew to full length with a thought. Towards the back of the stage Remus, Ron, Luna, and Tonks stood guard around Hermione's parents. Hagrid stood just off of the stage, loaded crossbow in hand, looking around grimly.
Hermione came to stand beside Harry, now that she had reassured herself that her parents were safe. "What happened Remus?" Harry shouted over his shoulder.
"About a third of the guests suddenly turned and attacked those nearest them. Your ward knocked the couple out that had tried to jump on you. Hagrid has them just there. Albus ordered us to protect the Granger's then headed outside to stop the stampede."
"Can you get the Granger's home right away Remus and make sure they stay safe tonight?"
"Yes Harry, we will."
"Be careful Hermione, Harry. We will see you tomorrow around noon ok?"
"Alright Mum, we will be fine."
Harry had already started towards the exit of the tent. There were over a hundred people lying stunned or worse inside the tent. The Weasley's were busy tending to injuries or binding the stunned ones with magical ropes and collecting their wands. A tall black woman seemed to be directing their efforts. Several more prisoners came floating inside. Harry was surprised that so much had happened so fast, they had only been inside that ward for a minute at most, ok maybe two. Harry ducked outside, followed quickly by Hermione. Kingsley was standing a short ways away so Harry asked him, "Where are the Dementors Kingsley?"
"All over Harry, there must be a hundred of them here. Go back inside Harry, it's safer in there."
"No Kingsley." Summoning the thought of Hermione accepting his proposal he shouted "Expecto Patronum" Hermione was right behind him, her "Expecto Patronum" seemed an echo of his. Harry's Stag was immense and pawed at the ground; Hermione's large Otter scampered around the stag's hooves. Together they charged off into the darkness, sensing their prey.
"Damn those were strong Petronius's. Everyone said yours was impressive Harry but damn. Mine is only half the size of Hermione's and I thought it was respectable no wonder Professor Tofty gave you an outstanding O.W.L."
Just then Albus and Madame Maxime apparated next to Kingsley. Harry nearly skewered the Headmaster before he checked Godric's sword.
"Ahh, good thinking you two. Excellent Patronii that should run off the rest of the Dementors. Kingsley summon your Auror's back please and send everyone else home. Where is Minister Fudge Kingsley?"
Kingsley pulled down his wand; it had been sending green sparks fifty feet into the air. "I sent him back to the Ministry sir. Didn't want him mucking about in the middle of a crisis."
Aberforth and about sixty other witches and wizards suddenly apparated around them. These must all be Auror's Harry thought.
Professor Dumbledore spoke to the assembly. "How many dead Aberforth?"
"Dementors claimed a score, from the initial attack I know not."
"Another thirty four in here Albus" Arthur Weasley had stepped outside.
Professor McGonagall apparated beside Dumbledore "Damn this was well planned Albus, they created a panic inside and everyone scattered into a ring of Dementors."
"Yes Minerva I know, All right make sure everyone else is home safe for now. Where is Director Deazle?"
"Here Albus, the tall black woman stepped out of the tent, she had a lot of blood on her, none of it her own Harry noticed. We have nearly two hundred injured, all will live I think. They will be in St. Mungo's within the next five minutes."
"Very good, thank you Deanna."
Deanna turned to head back inside the tent and saw Harry standing there. She briefly placed a bloody hand on his shoulder. "Thank you for the donation, we will have to name a new wing The Harry Potter ward." She glanced at Hermione who was frowning "How about the Potter wing instead then?"
Hermione smiled and nodded "Are you the Director of St. Mungo's Ma'am?"
"Yes, I am. Deanna Deazle, pleased to meet you and congratulations."
"Harry, give her the rest of it."
Godric's sword shrunk and Harry placed it back inside its sheath. He shifted his wand to his right hand and continued "Oh, ok, the full million will be donated to St. Mungo's Mrs. Deazle."
"Thank you very much Mrs. Potter."
"You're most welcome."
"I must attend the wounded, good luck Mr. and Mrs. Potter." With that she dashed inside the tent again.
"Harry, get home and proceed as planned. I will see you there tomorrow night."
"My Firebolt Sir?"
"Well summon it and use the same portkey to take you home. It will work in reverse now."
"Yes Professor"
"Accio Firebolt" Everyone cleared a path from Aberforth's house to Harry. A moment later the Firebolt shot into Harry's hand.
"Good night Everyone, please be safe." Hermione called as she pulled out the brass ring again. She wrapped her arms around Harry's waist from behind and he touched the ring with his left hand.
A sickening moment later they arrived back in their room at Privet Drive. Harry immediately began shedding his clothes, Hermione followed suit.
"Damn Harry, I forgot to give my mum her ring back."
"Tomorrow Mione, tomorrow."
He turned to her and started helping her out of her clothes. When there were no clothes left to remove he scooped her into his arms and carried her to the shower. She opened and closed the shower door then put their wands on the shelf inside the shower; she then turned the shower on for them. Once the shower was on he sat slowly, still cradling her in his arms. For a few minutes they just sat there embracing as the water fell over them. Slowly they began to wash each other from head to toe. Silently understanding they each needed to feel cleansed from what had happened tonight. When they climbed out of the shower they dried each other.
Once again he carried her to their bed, now kissing her softly upon her neck and cheek. She moaned pleasantly showing her arousal. Pulling his mouth to hers she tempted him with her tongue. She placed their wands on the stand beside the bed as he laid her down gently.
He started kissing her slowly; down her right side he skipped over her nipples to tease her more. When he had returned to her neck she sat up and then twisted, pushing him onto his back. She repeated his kissing but she lingered over his nipples, making him squirm. She reached down and held him starting to stroke him slowly with one hand as she continued kissing his chest.
She slid down and knelt between his legs then took him into her mouth. She felt him tense then slowly start to relax as she began to move up and down, teasing his head with her tongue. One hand moved to gently grasp his balls while the other held the base of his shaft. Harry was tightly gripping the sheets, struggling to stay still. Suddenly she saw his face contort in concentration, deadly serious. Then he screamed in pain, he clutched his scar and curled into a ball. She immediately stopped and crawled up to hold him.
"What happened Harry, did I hurt you?"
Thru his clenched teeth he answered her. "No Mione, that bastard, he blocked me. I decided to repay Voldemort for his attack tonight and he blocked me. I need you're strength to help me get thru his barrier."
Nodding her understanding she climbed over him as he once again lay flat upon the bed. She picked up her wand and looked into his eyes, "Legilimens"
She was there, her presence merged with his; once again they both felt their union grow stronger. Outside she mounted him; slowly they worked him inside her. Their pleasure built, feeding upon each other. They built to their mutual climax, just before they finished they collected their sheer joy and with their combined might sent it thru Harry's scar towards Voldemort. As they both screamed out their pleasure, somewhere Voldemort screamed his pain and fell to the floor, writhing in agony.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Several hours later.
"Headmaster?"
"Yes Severus what is it?"
"Potter has found a way to hurt the Dark Lord."
"Oh, what happened?"
"He was questioning me about tonight's events when he started laughing. He said, 'He thinks he can attack me, he is but a babe.' Then a few minutes later he suddenly lurched to his feet, clutching his head. He screamed 'potter' and collapsed to the floor in agony. When he finally stopped screaming he wouldn't respond to myself or Wormtail. I left Wormtail to tend him and came to report. Sir he was drooling and unresponsive, just like Crabbe or Goyle when forced to choose one food over another."
"So he is at last learning Legimancy. Excellent, please let me know how Tom does over the next few days Severus. This could be very interesting indeed; I wonder just how they did it."
"They Headmaster?"
"Hermione is with him, she would have assisted no doubt."
"Granger and Potter?" He spat out their names. "Disgusting" He turned and strode from the room.
"Yes Severus, Granger and Potter, soon just Potters. I would so have loved to witness their attack first hand." He chuckled and went back to his reading.