Chapter 24 - Shattered Trust
As the following few days passed without any sign of an attack Hermione's theory that Voldermort was waiting until Halloween to make his move gain more and more credibility amongst the student body resulting in a slight easing of the tension although it was still rare to see students moving around by themselves in the evenings.
But at the end of the week came two popular distractions. Namely the DA meeting on Friday night were the members were coming on in leaps and bounds with the charms, jinxes and hexes Harry and the others were teaching and on Saturday came the first Hogsmeade visit of the term.
"Lucky thing too," said Ron that morning as the Marauders left the hall after breakfast that morning. "I'm completely out of Drooble's and I'm down to my last box of chocolate frogs."
Harry couldn't help but grin as he caught Luna and Ginny rolling their eyes at each other whilst Neville gave a snigger before he turned to Harry.
"Anyway, if you'll excuse me my girlfriend's waiting for me!" And with that he hurried away to the other side of the entrance hall to where Becky stood waiting for him.
"Yeah and I'd better go and find Vicky and Abbie," said Ginny looking back towards the hall.
"Not going with Dean?" asked Hermione at which Ginny shook her head.
"No, he's going with Seamus, Terry, Justin and Ernie. I think their planning to go to the Hogshead!"
Here Harry and Ron shared a grin whilst Hermione gave a sigh of irritation and shook her head.
"Ernie should know better than that, he's a prefect for Morganna's sake! Maybe I should have a word with him!"
"Don't bother 'Mione," snorted Ginny. "It's kind of a Hogwarts tradition that on the first Hogsmeade visit of term that some of the sixth year boys try and get a drink at the Hogshead."
"Yeah, Dad, Bill, Charlie and the twins all did it," added Ron. "'Course, Percy didn't!"
"Besides, its not as if Ernie or Terry are breaking the rules," added Luna. "Ernie turned seventeen during the first week back and Terry had his last Sunday."
"That's all very well but he should still be setting an example," huffed Hermione but she seemed resigned to the fact she couldn't do anything about the boys' plan.
"Don't worry about it 'Mione," said Ginny with a grin. "Personally I'm looking forward to seeing the after effects, promises to be a laugh! Anyway, I'll see you later!" And with that she hurried away to join her friends who were just coming out the Hall.
"Well then," said Ron with a grin as he draped an arm Luna's shoulders. "You guys ready?"
"Yup," said Harry with a nod. "You coming 'Mione?"
"Hang on," said Hermione as she checked her pockets of her jacket. "Oh bother! I forget my purse, stay there and I'll be right back!"
"Hey," said Harry catching his girlfriend's arm. "I'll pay for the drinks and food! I mean, it's our first proper date after all!"
"Well yes," allowed Hermione. "But I need some other supplies as well."
"You can pay me back for them later," replied Harry with a grin. "Come on otherwise all the coaches will be gone and we'll have to walk!"
"Are you sure?" asked Hermione at which Harry rolled his eyes and gave a laugh.
"Of course I am, now come on!"
"Alright," said Hermione with a bright smile as Harry took her hand in his.
"Thank Merlin!" grumbled Ron earning a dig in the ribs from Luna as the four friends now made their way out the Main Doors and into the courtyard where the last few coaches stood waiting under a pleasantly warm October sun.
***
On arriving in Hogsmeade the four friends made their first to Scrivenshaft's to buy some new quill nibs and inks before Harry, Hermione and Luna made their way to the Apothecary to replenish their potions supplies whilst Ron waiting for them outside Dervish and Banges before they made their way to Honeydukes where they brought large quantities of their favourite sweets and chocolates.
"Your Mum and Dad would go spare if they could see what you've just brought 'Mione," said Ron with a grin as they left the shop with their pockets brimming with their purchases.
"What they don't know won't hurt them," replied Hermione. "Besides, this lot will keep me going until the new year whereas your's will probably be gone by the end of next month!"
"Just in time for our next visit," said Ron with a grin before popping a cockroach cluster into his mouth to which all Hermione could do was to roll her eyes and shake her head whilst Harry and Luna exchanged an amused grin.
***
By one O'clock and despite having eaten nearly half a bag of cockroach clusters Ron declared himself ready for lunch and so the four made their way to the Three Broomsticks where they met Neville and Becky who were more than happy to accept Harry's offer to join them for lunch.
"Table for six please," said Harry to Madam Rosemerta who smiled warmly and led them to a corner booth summoning six menus from behind the with of her wand as she did so.
"Any drinks pet?" she asked pulling a pad out of her pocket along with a quill.
Harry, Ron Neville and Luna all ordered butterbeers whilst Hermione and Becky both had gillywater which arrived just a few moments later.
"Just call me or one of the girls when you're ready to order dears," said Rosemerta with a smile before heading off to another table where some third year Hufflepuffs were seated whilst the six friends began discussing what they were going to have for lunch.
"Think I'll have the Hog Roast," said Ron closing his menu.
"Sounds good," agreed Harry with a nod.
Neville decided on the Three Broomsticks platter whilst Luna and Hermione decided to have the chicken pie and Becky chose an omelette and chips. Harry now turned and caught the attention of one of the waitresses who came over and quickly took the order which she then folded into a small paper airplane and sent flying in the direction of the kitchen.
"It'll be about ten minutes," she said with a smile at which Harry nodded his thanks and the friends sat talking amongst themselves as they waited for their food which arrived well within the ten minutes and the six began to tuck in to their food.
"Ahhhh!" sighed Harry as he pushed his empty plate away a short time later. "That was delicious!"
"No arguments here mate," offered Ron leaning back in his seat as he too pushed an empty plate away. "I'm stuffed!"
"Ron Weasley stuffed?" exclaimed Hermione with a grin. "Gracious, we'd better send an owl to the Prophet!"
"Oi!" grunted Ron. "Potter, control you're woman!"
"Not bloody likely!" laughed Harry whilst Hermione raised an eyebrow as she looked over at Ron. "Do I look like I want to be hexed?"
"Well, it might be do something for you're hair!" giggled Becky causing the friends to laugh before Harry turned to her.
"Believe me Beck, not even a good hexing will tame this!" he chuckled pointing to his head.
"Besides, I sort of like it," added Hermione causing Ron to snigger at which she cast a look over at him. "What?"
"Just, well, I can't wait until you two have kids! Merlin knows what their hairs going to look like!"
Here Hermione looked like she wanted to say something but Harry stop by placing his hand on top of hers.
"He's got us there 'Mione," he chuckled. "Let him have that one!"
Hermione turned to Harry and the frown on her face disappeared to be replaced with a smile as she gave a nod.
"Well now," said Madam Rosemerta as she appeared at the table. "Sounds like you lot are having fun."
"We are thanks," said Harry as Rosemerta vanished the dirty plates with a flick of her wand.
"Well that's what I like to hear," said Rosemerta. "Any puddings?"
"Oh, no thank you!" said Hermione quickly. "I don't think I could eat another thing!"
"Me neither!" added Ron.
"And believe me, from a Weasley that's a big compliment," giggled Luna causing everyone but Ron to burst out laughing whilst Ron glared at his girlfriend.
"Oi! You're meant to be on my side!"
"Sorry my love," said Luna placing a kiss on his cheek. "Couldn't resist!"
"And I know all about Weasley appetites," added Rosemerta with a smirk. "Your Charlie could usually get through two portions before he was full!" Here the grin returned to Ron's face and he gave a nod.
"Yeah, the girl who marries him is gonna have to be a bloody good cook! Charlie likes his food!"
"Even young Percy could put it away," continued Rosemerta with a grin at which Ron gave a snort.
"Yeah well, that's about the only thing he's got in common with the rest of us!"
Rosemerta, seeing that she touched a raw nerve quickly turned back to Harry.
"So anything else dearie?"
"Another round of drinks please and the bill," said Harry at which Rosemerta nodded and sent another paper plane towards the bar before handing Harry another slip of paper.
"Well take care my dears and I'll see you next time," she said with a broad smile before she turned and headed back towards the bar.
***
Once they'd finished their drinks and the boys having paid the bill between them the three couples went their separate ways with Neville and Becky heading to Dervish and Banges in search of a birthday present for Becky's youngest brother and Luna dragging Ron off towards the Shrieking Shack. Harry and Hermione now made their way to the small pet store beside Scrivenshaft's where after purchasing some owl and cat treats they made their way up the road to the end of the village, climbed over the sty and began to walk up the path that led to the cave where Sirius had hidden during fourth year until they came to a large flat rock by the side of the path where they sat down and looked back down at the village with Hermione resting her head against Harry's shoulder.
"Do you think Dumbledore was right when he said it was safe?" she asked turning to look at Harry after a few moments of comfortable silence.
"For now at least," said Harry with a thoughtful tone to his voice. "Dumbledore might not be as powerful as he once was but Tom's still afraid of him and that might just be enough to keep him away."
Hermione nodded slowly then turned back to look down at the village.
"It's beautiful isn't it?" she said with a sigh. "When I first saw it properly when we came for that first Hogsmeade weekend I felt I could live here quite happily!"
"Plus there'd be the added benefit of permanent access to the library!" added Harry with a chuckle.
"Never crossed my mind!" said Hermione a little to quickly as she flushed slight.
"Really?" said Harry chuckling even harder at which Hermione glared at him.
"Oh shut up!" she huffed allowing her head to return to Harry's shoulder and although she couldn't see it Hermione knew there was a broad smirk on her boyfriend's face.
"I do so enjoy being…oof!" Harry was cut off in mid-sentence by Hermione's elbow making contact with his ribs. "Oh! So it's gonna be like that huh?" he growled and with that he wrapped his arm around Hermione's waist and started to tickle her mercilessly causing her to squeal with laughter!
"Ha…Ha…Harry!" she shrieked as she struggled in his hold. "Stop…stop….ahhh!" And suddenly the pair slipped off the rock and landed on the floor with Hermione laying on top of Harry and both of them laughing so hard that they had tears rolling down their faces for several minutes before they finally calmed at which point they were looking into each others eyes until a smile slowly crossed Hermione's face and she leaned down and kissed Harry on the lips.
The kiss quickly intensified as Hermione's fingers ran through Harry's hair whilst Harry's own hands settled on Hermione's bottom which he now gently squeezed through the denim material and caused Hermione to squeak as she broke the kiss and lifted her head so she could see Harry's face clearly.
"Merlin 'Mione!" hissed Harry. "I need you!"
He half expected Hermione to pour cold water on the idea but instead she bit her bottom lip and looked down at the village then shot a look up the path before scrambling to her feet and holding out her hand to Harry with an impish smile
"Come on!"
Harry grinned and grabbed her hand and allowed her to pull him to his feet before the pair started back up the path leading to the cave half running and half stumbling as they did so until they reached Sirius's cave at which point Hermione turned and grabbed the front of Harry's jacket and pulled him into another kiss whilst at the same time the pair began trying to get each others clothes off as quickly as possible as they stumbled back into the cave until they fell onto a pile of blankets that had obviously been there since Sirius's occupation of the cave although neither were totally aware of it as they were too engrossed in each other to notice.
***
A short time later the young couple lay wrapped up in the blankets, Hermione with her head resting on Harry's chest listening to his heartbeat whilst he ran his fingers up and down her arm.
"What time is it?" asked Hermione softly.
"Twenty to four," said Harry checking his watch. "Time to head back?"
"Time to head back," said Hermione with a sigh as she reluctantly slipped out from beneath the blanket and pulled herself to her feet and began padding around the cave gathering her clothes whilst Harry pushed himself onto an elbow and watched her with a grin.
"What?" said Hermione as she caught him looking as she bent down to pick up her knickers off the ground.
"Just admiring the view!" replied Harry casually.
Here Hermione blushed but then wiggled her bum causing Harry to growl.
"Merlin woman, do that again and I won't be going anyway for a LONG time."
"Oh shut up and get dressed or we'll miss the coaches," said Hermione with a grin as she chucked his boxers at him.
***
As it turned out however the pair needn't have worried as the coaches were only just arriving from Hogwarts as they arrived back in the village and as they joined the huddle of students Ginny came over to them grinning broadly.
"Hey guys," said the youngest Weasley. "Where have you been? You missed all the fun!"
"Oh, we just went for a nice walk," said Harry with a grin. "A very BRISK walk!"
"Harry!" squeaked a pink-faced Hermione slapping Harry on the arm whilst Ginny raised an eyebrow whilst a broad grin.
"So that's what it's called these days," she said slowly causing Hermione to turn and glare at her.
"Ginny!"
"Sorry, sorry" said Ginny holding up both hand whilst her grin widened.
"So," said Harry quickly. "What was this 'fun' we missed?" Here Ginny gave a nod of her head.
"Take a look over there," she said and Harry and Hermione followed her gaze to be met by the sight of an ashen faced and unsteady looking Dean Thomas whilst beside him stood Seamus Finnegan and Justin Flinch-Fletchley, both of whom were also looking pale while supporting a green faced Terry Boot between them. Ernie Macmillan meanwhile was sat on a wall holding his head in his hands and was giving an occasional groan whilst a small group of students stood watching the five with amused expressions.
"Oh dear," said Hermione, her embarrassment fading slightly. "They don't look a happy bunch do they?"
"And what the heck did Seamus and Justin drink?" added Harry. "No, don't answer that, I have a distinct feeling I don't wanna know!"
"Well, I'm sure Madam Pomfrey will be able to put them right when we get back to Hogwarts," said Hermione with a snort at which Ginny and Harry both turned to her.
"You're enjoying this aren't you?" said Ginny with a chuckle.
"Me?" said Hermione sounding shocked but with a broad smirk. "Of course not!"
"Didn't think so," snorted Harry before looking around. "Gin, have you seen Ron and Luna?"
"Not since I saw them heading up towards the Shrieking Shack," said Ginny as she cast a look around for them herself. "They'd better get here soon or they'll be….there they are!"
Harry and Hermione both turned to see Luna, a broad smile on her face, leading a glassy eyed Ron behind her, a goofy expression on the red head's face.
"Hello everyone," said Luna smiling brightly at everyone.
"Blimey Luna," exclaimed Ginny with a wry grin as she turned from looking at her brother to face her best friend. "What have you done to him?"
"I'm not sure really," said Luna not sounding the least bit concerned. "He's not normally like this after I've given him…!"
"STOP!" cried Ginny grabbing her ears. "The last thing I need to know about is my brother's sex life!" She now took a deep breath and then looked back at Ron who was still staring aimlessly ahead. "So did you do anything different this time?"
"Not that I can…," Luna started but then stopped, her mouth forming a perfect 'O'.
"What?" asked Hermione at which the blonde gave a shy smile.
"Well, I did take off my sweater and bra this time," she said with a small shrug. "He did seem to go quite after that but I suppose I was a little too busy suck…."
"STOP!" cried Ginny, Hermione and Harry in unison.
"That's quite enough information thank you!" added Hermione who was looking rather pink.
"Oh, sorry," said Luna with an apologetic smile.
"That's alright," replied Hermione with a nod before turning to Ron. "In the meantime what do we do about him?"
"Don't worry," said Ginny, a broad grin crossing her face as she moved so that she was standing in front of her brother before she brought her foot hard into Ron's shin causing him to yelp hard.
"Bloody hell Gin!" he yelled as he grabbed his shin. "What the hell was that…how did I get here?"
"Sorry Ron," said Ginny with a genuine look of apology on her face. "Just had to get you back to reality."
"But did you have to kick so bloody hard?" groused Ron rubbing his offended shin whilst holding onto Harry's shoulder for support.
"You were rather out of it mate," offered Harry causing Ron to give a slightly goof grin.
"Yeah, well, you try and keep a straight face when your girlfriend shows you her breasts before giving you a…."
At this point however Ron fell silent although his mouth kept moving for a few seconds before he realised no sound was coming out at which point he span around to glare at Ginny who quickly raised her empty hands.
"Not me," she said with a grin but nodding towards Luna who, Harry now noticed, was holding her wand in hand and where a slightly nervous smile.
Ron looked totally shocked that his girlfriend had just rendered him mute and gave Luna a helpless gesture.
"I'm sorry Ronald," said Luna sympathetically. "But, well, did you really want to talk about you're sex life in front of your sister?"
Here Ron's eyes widened dramatically and he shot a look at Ginny and almost at once both blushed slightly whilst Ron shook his head vigorously in reply to Luna's question.
"Thought not," replied Luna before aiming her wand at Ron's throat and muttering a spell under her breath to restore her boyfriend's voice.
"Thanks," said Ron giving her a grateful smile as he rubbed his throat.
"No problem," said Luna with a smile as Ron placed a quick kiss on her temple.
"Hey Ginny!" called Vicky Frobisher from by one of the coaches. "Come on!"
"Coming Vick!" called back Ginny before turning back to the others. "I'll see you guys back at the castle."
"Okay Sis, see you later," said Ron as Ginny hurried off to join her friends.
"Come on then," said Hermione taking Harry's hand. "Let's go and get a coach."
"Yes, I imaging Ronald will want his tea soon," added Luna at which Ron gave a small shrug.
"I wouldn't say no to that," allowed Ron with a wry smile as he put an arm around his girlfriend's waist as the four friends made their way towards the coaches and quickly scrambled aboard an empty one and settled into the seats for the journey up to the castle.
***
After tea the Marauders as was their habit made their way to the Marauder's Common Room with the exception of Neville who'd gone off to spend some time with Becky whilst Ginny had briefly gone up to Infirmary to check up on Dean and the others who on returning to the castle had surrendered themselves to the tender mercies of Madam Pomfrey after receiving a not so tender welcome from a positively irate Professor McGonagall who'd give the group a week's worth of detentions with Hagrid, something that brought a smug smile to Hermione's face when she heard of this on Ginny's arrival.
"Well, I don't think they'll be doing that again in a hurry will they?" she said with a smirk as she nestled down beside Harry.
"Nope!" agreed Ginny with a smirk of her own as she sat down on the arm of the other sofa where her brother and Luna were seated. "Dean swore to me he'd never even touch butterbeer again after today!"
"Fat chance of that!" snorted Ron as he flicked idly through a copy of Quidditch Monthly whilst Ginny gave a small shrug.
"You're probably right," she admitted.
"So what exactly did they drink?" asked Luna curiously.
"Dean pretty sure it was Firewhiskey," said Ginny with a grin. "But he can't really remember although he swears they only had one glass each."
"Oh come on," said Hermione with a sceptical expression crossing her face. "They must have more than one given the state they where in."
"Not on Ogden's no," agreed Ron. "I'd guess that old Codger at the Hogshead probably decided to teach 'em a lesson and serve them Ogden's Blue Special or maybe the Gold Reserve!"
"Or what about that one Charlie told us about!" said Ginny turning to her brother. "You know, the one he swears had him and his mates breathing the flames instead of the dragons!"
"Oh, you mean Old Irongut's Fire-Brand," said Ron with a grin as he looked up from his mag. "Charlie reckoned he was hung over for a week after a glass of that!"
"That's the stuff," agreed Ginny.
"Yeah, I can see old Aberforth doing that," said Harry at which point the others all turned to him.
"Aberforth?" said Luna curiously.
"Yeah," replied Harry. "That's his name, Aberforth Dumbledore!"
"Wait a minute!" said Ginny, her grin widening. "Are you saying the owner of the Hogshead is related to Dumbledore!"
"He's the Professor's brother," said Harry, a grin crossing his own face.
"I always thought there was something familiar about him," chuckled Ron before turning back to his magazine whilst the others all exchanged grins before Ginny slapped her knees and stood up turning to Luna.
"Up for a bit of practice?" she said with a nod towards the pit.
Luna glanced at Ron and then looked back at Ginny and nodded as she got to her feet.
"I could do with a bit of practice on those jinxes Harry taught us on Friday." Ginny now turned to Hermione.
"You coming 'Mione?"
"No thanks guys," said Hermione as she brought her feet onto the couch whilst resting her head against Harry's shoulder.
"Okay," said Ginny with a smirk whilst Luna merely smiled vacantly before the pair turned and made they way towards the pit.
"Don't hex her to badly," called Ron at which Ginny glanced over her shoulder.
"Don't worry, I won't."
"I was talking to Luna," replied Ron looking up and grinning at his sister who made a rude gesture before she and Luna disappeared down the steps into the pit.
"Charming," called Ron before turning back to his magazine although he couldn't help but notice his two best friends on the couch across from him.
"Can't you guys give it a rest for five minutes," he sighed as he turned a page. "Surely you've got some homework not due for another month that needs checking 'Mione!"
Here Hermione turned to Harry, a scowl on her face.
"Hit him!" she demanded at which Ron sniggered whilst Harry gave a small mock sigh of exasperation before tossing a cushion at Ron who swotted it away easily with a chuckle before turning back to his magazine whilst Harry turned back to Hermione who was still scowling.
"That's not hitting him!" she grumbled.
"I'm too comfy to get up," replied Harry as he pushed a loose strand of hair out his girlfriends face. "I'll get him later."
"You'd better," said Hermione sternly before turning to Ron. "And you'd better…..," however at this point Hermione stopped dead and Harry found himself turning to look over at Ron who was scowling at his magazine.
"Ron?" Harry's voice caused his friend to look up. "What's up?"
"They've got a photo in here that's labelled Emric Potter, only thing is I'd swear it looks like Gringle!"
Almost at once Hermione sat bolt upright whilst Harry stared at Ron for a moment before sitting up himself and holding out his hand.
"Let me see!"
Ron handed over the magazine to Harry whilst Hermione leaned in to see the photo of a young man dressed in Quidditch robes with wild dark hair (they couldn't tell if it was black or brown as the photo was in sepia), a familiar toothy grin and, clearly visible on the back of the man's right hand, was a unmistakable web-shaped scar whilst beneath the picture was a small caption.
'Emric Potter - Captain of the Wiltshire Warlocks team that won the British Isles Amateur Championships in 1958 and possibly the greatest player never to turn Pro!'
"Oh Merlin," whispered Hermione weakly. "Oh Merlin no!"
"It eh, it couldn't be a mistake could it?" offered Ron desperately.
"No," said Harry without any trace of doubt in his voice. "Professor Gringle isn't who he says he is, he's my grandfather!"
Here Hermione and Ron shared a desperate look both knowing that Harry was right before turning back to him as he got to his feet still holding the magazine.
"I'm going to see him," he said in a soft voice.
Hermione opened her mouth to speak but then closed it unable to think of a reason to stop him. Instead she now got to her feet giving her fleece a small tug.
"I'm coming with you!" she said in a tone that brooked no argument.
Harry however didn't seem to notice but instead he head straight for the door with Hermione hurrying behind him. Ron meanwhile jumped to his feet and hurried over to the balcony over the pit.
"Ginny! Luna! Get up here quick!"
***
On arriving back in the DADA classroom a quick glance towards the Professor's Office told Harry and Hermione that it was currently unoccupied.
Harry now moved over to one of the desks whilst pulling out the Marauders Map which he lay on the desk. However just as he was pulling out his wand he paused, a frown crossing his face.
"What is it?" asked Hermione placing a hand on Harry's arm causing him to turn and look at her.
"I just realised that I've never seen him on the map," he said slowly. "Not once. Did you?"
Hermione thought back to when she used the map but she couldn't recall seeing the Professor on the map either.
"No, I didn't," she admitted.
Here Harry merely nodded before turning back to the map and murmured the incantation to activate the map just as Ron hurried into the room with Luna and Ginny right behind him.
"What's going on?" said Ginny whose nose was glowing slightly whilst Luna's hair had a slightly blue-ish tinge. "Ron was saying something about Gringle actually being Harry's Grandfather!"
"It looks like it," said Hermione taking the magazine from the desk where Harry had placed it and showed the girls the photo.
"Shit!" exclaimed Ginny.
"Oh my," added Luna raising a hand to her mouth.
"And if that's not enough take a look at this!" said Harry gruffly from the desk he was standing at. The others hurriedly surrounded him and looked down at the map and there, in Dumbledore's Office along with dots marked Albus Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall, Hywel Stoutbridge and Abecrombie Hedges was a dot marked simply as Emric Potter although the letters seemed to be trying to change into something else.
"That's weird," said Ron running a hand through his hair. "What's wrong with it?"
"It must be trying to turn to Thaddeus Gringle," said Hermione thoughtfully. "Dumbledore must have cast some sort of charm on Harry's Grandfather to give him a new identity on the map. But because we know the truth now it must be failing!"
"But what about Nuttlewick?" said Ginny. "He identified Harry's Grandfather as Gringle."
"Yes he did," agreed Hermione. "But have you ever noticed that when he's looking at you he seems to be squinting."
"Yeah, now you come to mention it I have," allowed Ginny before her eyes widened as she realised what Hermione was saying. "So you're saying he's shorted sighted and that he couldn't see properly!"
"Right," said Hermione. "And you all saw the photo. The real Gringle and Harry's Grandfather looked pretty similar. It'd be an easy mistake to make, especially if Nuttlewick thought Harry's grandfather was dead."
"So what now?" said Ron.
"Now we go and say hello to my Grandfather," said Harry before looking down at the map. "Mischief managed!"
***
Hermione walked silently beside Harry as they made their way through the school towards the Headmaster's Office with Ron, Ginny and Luna following behind whilst shooting occasionally glances towards her boyfriend whose face was blank of any emotion. But Hermione knew Harry well enough to know that more than anything he was feeling hurt, angry and betrayed.
Granted, she could understand why Dumbledore had initially kept the truth about Harry's Grandfather's identity secret but Voldermort had not tried to gain access to Harry's mind since his failed attempt during the summer. Surely that was long enough for Dumbledore?
But apparently it wasn't as the headmaster had persisted in the charade along with Harry's Grandfather and Stoutbridge and Hedges who were obviously in on it being close friends of both Harry's grandfather and the man he'd been imitating for goodness knows how long.
She was brought out of her thoughts as they reached the Gargoyle that guarded the Headmaster's study and turned to Harry who stared at the Gargoyle for a moment before taking a step forward.
"Drooble's," he said using the password Professor Stoutbridge had used a couple of nights earlier and almost at once the Gargoyle slid aside revealing the staircase which Harry and the others now made their way up the stairs until they came to the Headmaster's study door where Harry hesitated again before shooting a look at Hermione who gave him a smile of encouragement before he turned back to the door from behind which he could here a murmur of conversation.
Taking a breath Harry now reached up and raised the knock and brought it down smartly.
"Come in," called Dumbledore's voice from the other side of the door and with that Harry turned and reached for the door handle and pushed it open.
***
Albus Dumbledore was rarely caught off-guard but the arrival of five of the Marauders in his Office genuine surprised him and from the looks on the faces of the other Professors present none of them had expected this interruption either.
"Harry," he said warmly. "What brings you here at this time of evening?"
"Nothing particularly Sir," said Harry casting his gaze towards the man sitting next to Minerva. "I just wanted to say goodnight to my Grandfather!"
For the second time in a matter of moments Dumbledore found himself off-guard whilst in his seat Emric Potter had gone a horrible shade of grey whilst Minerva, Stoutbridge and Hedges all looked stunned.
"Your…your Grandfather?" replied the Headmaster desperately trying to regain his composure. "Harry, what makes you…."
"Don't!" snapped back Harry, his eyes flaring with anger before he turned and took something from Hermione before turning back to Dumbledore and slapping a magazine onto the Headmaster's desk. "This photo should make it clear enough!"
Dumbledore now stared at the photo in dismay and realised at that moment his carefully laid plans were shattered. Slowly he raised his gaze from the photo and turned to the other Professors focusing on one in particular.
"It would seem Emric that we have been, as the Muggles might say, rumbled," he said softly picking up the magazine and holding it out whilst turning back to Harry who was still looking at him.
Emric Potter rose from his seat and quickly crossed over to the desk and took the offered magazine and swore softly at the photo.
"Shit!" he groaned softly.
"So you are Emric Potter then," said Harry sharply causing him to wince although in truth Emric didn't blame the boy one bit.
"I am," he admitted softly. And that was it, almost sixteen years worth of lies destroyed by two simply words.
Here Harry nodded as he turned his gaze from Dumbledore to the younger man.
"And you were fine with him dumping me with the Dursleys?" he said nodding at Dumbledore who was looking older than Emric could ever remember him looking.
Emric winced at the venom in Harry's words and gave a sigh.
"No, but I had little choice in the matter," he said softly. "You see, there is an element of truth in the story I told you when we first met except that it was Thaddeus who was killed and I would have been if not for Alastor and Hywel. They got me to St. Mungo's just in time but my injuries were severe to say the least and I didn't regain full consciousness for almost six weeks, which was two and a half weeks after you're parents were killed Harry."
Harry opened his mouth but Emric raised his hand quickly.
"Please, let me finish, then you can have your say!"
Harry hesitated then glanced at Hermione who gave a small nod causing Harry to nod himself allowing Emric to continue.
"When I awoke in St. Mungo's it was to find Abercrombie by my side and that I was actually registered under Thaddeus's name. It was at this point I was told that James and Lilly were dead and that Dumbledore had sent you to live with the Dursleys. To say I was furious at this news would have been an understatement and I demanded to see Dumbledore which of course he'd anticipated and he was there within twenty minutes." Here Emric paused and turned towards the fireplace.
"Firstly, he explained that he'd had no option in regards to sending you to the Dursleys, it was Lilly who used the blood protection spells on you and not James there forth only the Dursleys could keep you safe. Plus on top of that he told me that the Healers were greatly concerned with my magic levels which were practically down to zero. Indeed, when he invited me to try a simple summoning charm I could barely make the glass I tried summoning vibrate. In fact in took me nearly eight years to regain my powers."
He now stopped again and turned to look at Harry and was relieved to see some of the anger had gone.
"But why did you keep you're identity a secret?" said Hermione at which Emric allowed himself a small smile.
"Because of the Staff my dear girl," he said softly. "The night Thaddeus and I were attacked we'd been following up a lead which in turned out was a dead end. Anyway, Albus decided it was safer if I took Thaddeus's identity as he was known to be less knowledgeable about the staff than I was making him less of a target for Voldermort's cronies plus he had no family to challenge me not that I had any either now thanks to Voldermort with the exception of Harry. So I became Thaddeus Gringle and returned to my work on the Staff which, due to my injuries, was restricted to pure research whilst Hywel's brother Rhys and Algie Mulligan were doing the field work with the rest of their team and eventually I recovered enough to join them. During this time of course I'd kept my eyes open for news of Harry and received letters from Albus regarding his progress." Here he once more returned his gaze to Harry. "I can tell you with complete truth that you being selected for Quidditch in the first year was one of my proudest moments!"
Here a small smile crossed Harry's face before giving a nod to indicate for Emric to go on with his story which he did.
"So I continued to watch you from afar, taking pride in your achievements and going grey every time you got yourself in a scrap especially when you got put in the Tri-Wizard cup. Believe me Harry, I was on the verge of coming here and demanding that the Ministry withdraw you from the competition but Albus managed to persuade me not too. Of course neither of us could predict the events that followed but once we realised that Voldermort was back I threw myself into the most intense period of research and it seemed to pay off when we got the break that lead us to the Carpathians which we now know is where the Staff is, it's just a case of finding it."
Here Emric stopped and turned back to look at the fire.
"I'm sorry about how you found out about me Harry, truly believe me on that. I had just hoped to be able to tell you at a time that was more convenient but it would seem fate has other ideas."
Here Emric now turned to his grandson with a sad smile.
"I just hope you can forgive me, especially for having to leave you with the Dursleys."
Harry slowly turned to Emric and gave a sigh.
"I..I don't think I can, not yet anyway, but maybe in time I will! As for the Dursleys I understand why you couldn't do anything about that."
"That's all I can ask," said Emric.
Harry now turned to Dumbledore who was still looking rather pale and very tired.
"I think the same applies to you too Sir," he said solemnly. "I'm not sure what I'm feeling right now but I don't feel I can trust you completely right now."
"I understand Harry," said Dumbledore slowly. "I would however like to say something in my defence."
"Go on," said Harry slowly shooting a look at Hermione who gave a small shrug before turning back to Dumbledore.
"I wish to point out that I never lied to you about your Grandfather as you never directly asked me if you had any living relatives apart from your Aunt and her family."
Harry opened his mouth but then closed it again as he realised that Dumbledore was at least being truthful in that regard and he now gave a small nod accepting his mentor's statement.
Hedges now cleared his throat causing all eyes to turn to him and he shifted uncomfortably as he met Harry's gaze.
"I think that Hywel and me owe you an apology too Harry," he said softly.
"Indeed," allowed Stoutbridge with a nod of agreement.
Harry hesitated then gave a sigh.
"I can't say that we'll be able to trust you completely but I can't blame you for keeping a secret to protect my Grandfather."
Here both men looked slightly relieved whilst Emric nodded and Dumbledore allowed himself a tired smile.
"So," said Ron after clearing his throat. "What now?"
"Now Mr Weasley," said Emric slowly. "I take my leave." Here he turned to Dumbledore.
"Albus, my position here is no longer tangible and so there forth I submit my resignation with immediate effect."
Harry and the Marauders were stunned by this but not Dumbledore or the three professors. Instead the Headmaster merely nodded.
"I reluctantly accept," he said.
"In that case I shall take my leave. Albus, you'll know where to find me," and with one final smile at his Grandson Emric Potter turned and left the room.