Chapter 9
"This should be fun."
Hermione gave her husband a sad smile as she wrapped her arm in his. After the disastrous ending of the New Year's Eve party at Green Hills, the inner circle of the Family had taken counsel with each other on and off for the rest of the hols. Sirius explained his vehement reaction to Dumbledore's 'request' for a meeting. "I was trying to pull attention off you," he indicated to Harry with his chin, "And put it on me. I wanted him thinking about why I mistrusted him so much so as to possibly cover up any irregularities he may have noticed about Midnight."
"You know that's only a temporary reprieve," Minerva opined. "He's not diverted for long."
Thinking aloud, Harry muttered, "So what's the story?"
Sirius immediately replied, "Deny, deny, deny. It'll give us all a chance to regroup and develop a plan once we know his intentions."
"That sounds the safest course," Remus agreed. "Minerva? Thoughts?"
"It should do. He hasn't confided in me, but that's not unusual. We all know how close to the vest Albus keeps his thoughts."
After a moment's silence, Sirius exclaimed, "Look, there's not anything Albus can do. Yeah, he may have suspicions. He can even know that something is wrong with our boy here, but he can't do anything."
"He can make life hard for him," Dora interjected.
"How? Expel me?" Harry asked.
This seemed to stump her. All those present thought about Harry's question. "If he were serious about making life difficult for you," Remus considered, "He would go public with his concerns. Unless he's mad, he'll not do that. True he's the Chief Warlock and Supreme Mugwump, but he can't doanything to you short of trying to muddy your reputation."
"Like I give a fong about that." Harry snorted.
"What about an Umbridge type situation?" Dora asked.
"That's entirely different," Hermione countered. "If push comes to shove, we leave school. We don't need Hogwarts or Dumbledore anymore."
Unfortunately, that was the truth. Their first time through the timeline, Harry had nowhere else that he felt he could turn. Sirius was still wanted by the authorities, Remus was chasing over hell's half acre in pursuit of some chimera for Dumbledore and Harry didn't feel right asking Hermione for succour. In addition, the Ministry was conducting its persecution of The Boy-Who-Lived, so Harry felt hemmed in on all sides.
Life was very different now.
His family was forming about him, his finances were secure and he had his mate firmly at his side. The ministry was courting him in a very indirect way. Fudge had been effusive in his support of Harry during the aftermath of Snape's trial. Dumbledore's reputation was in ruins after the Potion Master's conviction and escape. With Lucius Malfoy a pile of ashes and Dumbledore flailing for purchase, Fudge had decided to glom onto The Boy-Who-Lived. The Minister for Magic's heavy handed praise of Harry had caused more than one eye roll at Rowan Hill.
"What about her?" Remus asked as he pointed to Hermione. This caused everyone to still while they considered the point. Expulsion wasn't a serious threat. Hermione had already begun laying the groundwork with her parents regarding the Headmaster. When they went shopping with Sirius, Hermione had told Alice how the Headmaster had dropped Harry with his relatives, subsequently failing to check up on him. Alice's perpetually cheerful expression had hardened to near hatred when Hermione told her that Harry's first Hogwarts letter had been addressed to 'The Cupboard Under the Stairs'.
The nature of Harry and Hermione's relationship as well as some carefully phrased innuendo by the Headmaster could very well disrupt Hermione's life, though. At the same time, she was heartened by Harry's evaluation that they may be able to tell her parents the truth about the time travelling. Maybe. Life seemed to be very much up in the air right now.
Still, it was a weak point in their defences. To protect the Grangers from the burgeoning Death Eater threat, Steven and Alice were moving behind the considerable wards of Rowan Hill. However, to protect them from the seemingly benign threat of the Headmaster and his machinations, they were powerless. The only weapon they had against the Headmaster was the truth. Fear kept that shaft in the quiver, though.
Currently, Steven and Alice were at their home packing for the extended stay at Rowan Hill. Steven had even added his old typewriter to the pile to be brought to Wales. He was hoping to get some work done on the detective story that'd been bouncing around his brain for the past five years. Alice was directing Dobby for the safe storage of their valuables. By the time the day was done, the Granger home in Kent was as empty as the day it was first built in 1736.
Andi and Ted had returned home after heartfelt embraces. Life was starting back for them. The hospital beckoned to Andi while Ted's job at Gringotts, where he was a tax lawyer, demanded his presence. They had sat down with Sirius to discuss the ward schema at their home. The Tonks' lived far out in Cornwall, near Bodmin Moor. This worked to their advantage and to their disadvantage. They had no close neighbours to whom they could flee or request help. At the same time, any attackers would have to walk across fairly open land once their homes defences were breached.
Harry provided each of the elder Tonks with a discreet necklace portkey to Rowan Hill to be used in case of emergency. Andromeda had looked at Harry with a puzzled expression before hooking the clasp about her neck. He didn't bother giving Dora a portkey; she already had one.
Now it was time to return to Hogwarts. Harry and Hermione had received a few letters from Neville and Luna. They were the rambling 'here's what's going on' letters one receives from friends when separated. Hermione had giggled through the first letter she'd received from Luna. Harry swore that his wife was more fourteen now than she'd ever been the first time through.
The four friends passed the time on the Express in a heavily warded compartment. Harry slept a good part of the way while Hermione explained the basics of Arithmancy to Luna. By the time Harry awoke as the train crossed Hadrian's Wall, Luna and Hermione were hip deep in advanced calculus. Neville must have given up some time before, as he had his nose buried in a biography of a famous herbologist.
Squeezing Hermione's thigh, he muttered, "Going to the toilet." Not pausing in her discussion with Luna, she flashed him a smile.
Meandering through the car, Harry was struck by the carefree attitude displayed by the bulk of the students. In a strange way, he was grateful that ninety nine percent of the student body was completely unaware of the kick starting of the Second Blood War. After washing his hands, Harry opened the door, only to immediately duck under the flash of a spell. Before he hit the ground, his wand was in his hand, a Stunning spell being cast. As his bum bounced off the floor of the toilet, Harry's assailant crumpled to the ground, unconscious.
Harry was shocked to see it was Alicia Spinnet.
Disillusioning the Stunned young woman, he levitated her into a nearby empty compartment. A few quick spells locked the doors and turned the windows opaque. Next, he trussed her up before waking her. Before the witch could react, Harry cast a series of Compulsion charms. Taken individually, they were insignificant compared to the Imperius curse. However, when an ArchMage casts six in rapid succession the result is usually impressive.
"Why did you try to kill me?"
"The voice told me to," Alicia replied in a confused tone. She wasn't the mindless drone that is caused by Veritaserum, but she wasn't quite herself, either.
"What did the voice say?"
"I had to kill Harry Potter."
Thinking quickly, Harry asked, "When did you first hear the voice?"
"After we did some last minute Christmas shopping in Diagon Alley."
"Crap," Harry muttered. "Imperius from the middle of a crowd." Sighing, he silently stunned his Quidditch teammate. A deft wand movement sent a Message charm to Minerva, "Alicia Spinnet under the Imperius. Contact St Mungo's so as to have a specialist standing by for our arrival."
After laying Alicia out in a comfortable position, he locked the door before heading to find Hermione. Motioning to her from outside the compartment, she ended up following him back to Alicia.
"Oh, no. What happened?" she asked as Harry opened the door to the compartment. After Harry explained, Hermione performed a few basic diagnostics which supported his conclusion.
"Who's behind all this?" she asked as she sat heavily on the bench. "The Death Eater attacks and now this. Voldemort hasn't been resurrected yet…" she trailed off, her face reflecting horror.
"What?" Harry asked.
"What if he's been resurrected already?"
Fear coursed through him at the idea. Shaking her head, Hermione countered herself, "No. He's no reason to abandon the path he used last time. With the notification wards we erected over the last few weeks, Voldemort and Snape can't come closer than twenty kilometres to Little Hangleton before we know about it."
She settled herself, hope riding high. When Harry didn't immediately agree, doubt crept into her hope, polluting and corrupting it. Eventually, she asked, "I'm right aren't I?"
Shaking his head, Harry replied, "I sure hope so."
.oOo.
The feast was ashes in Harry's mouth as he contemplated Hermione's fear. Have we fonged things up so badly that we've lost all control? was the idea reverberating about his consciousness. This was closely followed by, Dear God; don't let them all die again.
They ate their meal in silence. All the students had been held on the train until Dumbledore, Minerva, Madame Pomfrey and a healer from St Mungo's removed Alicia. "There're three courses of action to break the Imperius curse on a person," Hermione had explained to him so many years from now.
"The easiest way to break the curse is to kill the one who cast the spell. The second is a highly dangerous Legilimancy probing in which there's an even chance the victim could become a vegetable. The third option is an intensive course in potions and layered spell work that will eventually free the victim."
"How long?"
She had shrugged, "Few weeks. Few months. It depends on the victim and their will."
At the other end of the Gryffindor table, Oliver was bemoaning the state of his Quidditch team. "We had it in the bag. Crushed Slytherin. The 'Puffs have no chaser line and the 'Claws have no seeker or keeper. We had it in the bag." Harry was sure the seventh year Quidditch Captain was going to be seeking a bottle later this evening.
As soon as they could, the Potters escaped the great hall. With liberal use of Warming charms, they huddled on their favourite bench by the lake. It was to be a long night.
.oOo.
The next morning, they 'happened' to 'bump into' Professor Lupin on the way to breakfast. "Good morning, you two. I'd like to chat with you after breakfast if you have a minute."
Nodding, they agreed. Sitting next to Fred and George, Harry piled his plate with a standard English breakfast. "How's Alicia?" Fred asked.
Harry shrugged, "She was out of it on the train. Haven't heard anything since."
"I'll ask Professor McGonagall," Hermione volunteered. Wiping her mouth, she headed to the front of the great hall. After a quick discussion, she headed back, her face covered in a frown.
"Not good," Harry muttered to himself.
"They expect a long recovery," Hermione told the Twins. "Apparently there was a compulsion-type potion on top of the Imperius."
Thoroughly confused, Harry asked the question puzzling not only the students, but quite a few healers at St Mungo's, "How?"
"They don't know."
At this point, Remus headed toward the entry hall from the front table. He caught the Potters' gaze before giving a quick nod. Finishing up their meal, Harry and Hermione bid the Twins a hasty farewell before taking a roundabout way to their Defence professor's quarters.
After closing the door and casting a Privacy ward, Hermione asked, "What's going on?"
Remus scrubbed his chin before he told them, "I talked with Sirius last night. Later, I caught up with Minerva. We're all of the opinion that it may be time for you two to leave Hogwarts."
Harry was dumbfounded, but Hermione merely leaned back onto the sofa, nodding her head in understanding. "We're very exposed here and this resurgent Death Eater activity is bound to swarm to Harry."
"Exactly. Based on the attack in Faversham, they've targeted your parents. Yesterday shows that they are now using your classmates to attack you. At Rowan Hill you'll be safe and we can venture out when we deem it necessary."
"We?" Harry asked, his surprise evident.
"Yes, 'we'. The only reason I took this job was to help you in any way I could. At the time, I believed that I had to protect you from Sirius. Though that isn't still true, the point remains. If you're not here, I don't need to be here."
Hermione frowned, "What about the students? The fifth and seventh years need you, Remus. You're the best Defence teacher they've ever had."
His face hardening, Remus replied, "I understand that, but to be brutally honest, that's Albus' problem. Not mine. He's let this inanity regarding the Defence professors to go on for far too long. If the position is cursed, which I find extremely unlikely, then he needs to prove that he's the most powerful wizard in the kingdom and do something about it. Otherwise, he ought to find a worthwhile instructor that he can hire long term. He and I both knew that I would only be able to last the year. My Lycanthropy is bound to get out eventually and then I get the sack."
The room was quiet as all digested the news. "Damn, Moony," Harry muttered. "Thanks."
Remus nodded at the sentiment.
Neither Harry or Hermione came to an immediate conclusion on what they should do. The slacker part of Harry wanted to get the hell out of there as fast as humanly possible, blowing a raspberry at Dumbledore the whole way. The rest of him was divided. He realized that his presence at Hogwarts was a sham; neither Potter needed the education. At the same time, he was in a place to protect the youth of magical Britain - from themselves if needs be.
"That's not your problem, love. Not your responsibility," Hermione whispered from his side.
Closing his eyes as he leaned on the couch, Harry could only smile. She knew him so well…
"Saving people thing, huh?"
She didn't reply, merely smiled sadly.
"Let me think on it Moony. These kids here haven't done anything wrong, If Fucknut up in his tower continues on his path, we'll end up with Alecto and Amycus Carrow teaching here. Who'll protect the students then?"
"Minerva."
Shaking his head, Harry mused, "She's only one person. I'm sure Filius would jump into the fray as well, but to say they'd be outnumbered is a joke."
"I'll quote your lovely bride, 'It's not your problem or responsibility'."
"Let me think on it." Clapping his hands while he wore an exaggerated expression of excitement, Harry squealed, "We've an appointment to see the Headmaster!"
.oOo.
Minerva strode down the Headmaster's hallway, a witch with a purpose. At her side was Harry Potter. They were going to meet the sometimes selfless, sometimes self-interested, but always manipulative Albus Dumbledore.
It was evident that Harry was running through all his Occlumency exercises. His face was blank, his movement minimalistic and there was no trace whatsoever of apprehension. Despite his resentment and protestations, she knew that Harry craved the acceptance and approval of the old Headmaster. She also knew that he was unlikely to receive it. Albus Dumbledore was a very strong willed wizard. That trait had served him well through the Thirties and Forties in the Grindlewald war. It had also served him well in the First Blood War. In the trenches of the melee that is commonly called British Magical Politics, his indomitable well served him well, also.
When dealing with others who had opinions or ideas that weren't exactly in line with his own views of the world, though, his strong will tended to more of a hindrance than a help. She had no idea how they were going to make it out of this meeting with their cover intact.
"I hope it doesn't backfire, not having Sirius here," Harry mused. After discussing the situation over the hols, the Family decided it would be best for Sirius to not attend the meeting. His presence was bound to be provocative which would definitely lead to a situation none desired. Harry was sure that Sirius was pacing in the entry hall as he waited back at Rowan Hill.
Remus had relayed the conclusion of their 'do we stay or do we go' discussion to Minerva causing her to be even more proud of 'her' children than she had been before. They were true Gryffindors, standing up for what was right, cost them what it may. Hopefully, this confrontation wouldn't cost too much.
Hopefully.
Approaching the gargoyle which led to the Headmaster's office, Minerva muttered, "Liquorice." Not bothering to halt her stride, she headed up the stairs. In her head, she found herself singing The Battle of the Braes. The old Scottish war song reminded her of what a few can do when united and strong. It steadied her nerves and steeled her resolve.
Harry was doing his best to keep an open mind, yet every fibre of him screamed to attack before he was in turn attacked. After a deep breath, he followed Minerva into Albus' den.
.oOo.
"Come in Minerva, Harry."
"It is so creepy when he does that," Harry muttered under his breath.
Dumbledore chuckled, amused at Harry's comment. Shrugging while giving an embarrassed smile, Harry moved to the chair indicated, Minerva sitting next to him.
"Sorry."
"Not to worry, Harry. I'm glad you've the courage to speak your mind."
There was a long pause as they all sat in quiet contemplation. Harry had decided that he would not succumb to the Headmaster's standard tactic of using silence to force his students to say more than they had planned. Most people hated the 'uncomfortable silence' and would give into the urge to say something - anything - to break the tension.
Eventually, Dumbledore rumbled, "Harry, I've called you here today because I'm very worried about you."
There was another bout of enforced quietude while Harry stared at Fawkes who was snoozing in the corner.
Eventually, Dumbledore continued, "You've had a hard lot so far Harry, harder than most and I know it. It's pained me over the years to be forced to sit back watching you suffer your trials."
Gritting his teeth, Harry swallowed his rage. Very few knew the details of the abuse he'd suffered at the hands of the Dursleys. Hermione, of course knew the whole story, Remus and Sirius knew pieces and parts of the story and Minerva none at all. Based on the discussion he'd had with Steven Granger, the male dentist Granger and his better half had sussed out the substance, but not the details of the events of his 'childhood'. He talked about it with no one. Now, Albus Dumbledore was all but admitting that he was aware of the abuse Harry had suffered at the hands of his relatives the entire time it was happening. Fucker. No wonder his first Hogwarts letter had been addressed to 'The Cupboard Under The Stairs'.
In a moment of clarity, Harry realized that life seemed to be repeating itself. Once again, Dumbledore was painting himself a victim of Harry's suffering. Just like the end of fifth year the first time through, the Headmaster was pushing all Harry's buttons to achieve an end of his own making. Little did Albus realize that his game was known and thus the deception uncovered. The old Headmaster sighed, taking Harry's tense frame for shame, not rage.
"Harry, it's not your fault that your family has been so unpleasant…"
"Headmaster, would you please get to the point. I'd rather not discuss my relatives."
"You've done nothing wrong, Harry…"
"I'm very aware of that, Professor. Please, get to the point."
Dumbledore nodded sadly, his condescension palpable. Only Minerva's consoling hand on his arm kept Harry in his chair.
"As I said, I'm concerned about your wellbeing. After your unpleasant upbringing, I'm not sure that Sirius is the best choice for a guardian. Your behaviour has altered since he entered your life and the changes haven't always been for the best."
"Professor, I'm not sure how this is any of your business," Harry began.
"True, it's none of my business," the old man interrupted. "But I was a close friend of your parents and I'd like to think that we're close as well. I care, Harry and that's why I'm telling you this. You never had a lot of friends, but you've become even more isolated."
"Because I'm not friends with Ron Weasley anymore?" Harry spat. Minerva's hand tightened on his forearm causing Harry to subside.
"Partly. You've withdrawn from those about you and don't reach out to your peers."
Utterly confounded, Harry turned to Minerva looking for some kind of sanity. Since coming back in time, Harry had reached out to more people in a short amount of time than he'd ever done in his life. Finding a bewildered expression on her face as well, Harry turned back to the Headmaster, stunned.
"Harry, I think it best for you to live away from your godfather. His anger towards me at the Longbottoms was shocking in its intensity. That isn't healthy. Are you ever afraid when with him? Has he ever hurt you?"
"You're unbelievable," Harry whispered. Gaining strength, Harry told the old man, "I was whipped bloody at the Dursleys and you never intervened. Sirius is one of the best men I've ever known and now you want to 'help' me. Headmaster, if this is all you've to talk about, I believe this discussion is over."
Minerva freed Harry's arm, a silent agreement that it was time to leave. Before Harry could stand, Dumbledore rumbled, "We are not done, Harry. This is no light matter. I've already raised my concerns with the Child Protective Services at the Ministry. They are calling upon Sirius even now. In order for him to keep custody of you, he'll need to demonstrate his fitness."
Harry began to growl. It was a deep rumbling organic voice born deep in his chest which spread through the room. The entire Family had been wrong. There was a way that Dumbledore could affect Harry. Hermione was not his only weak spot. Sirius, Remus, Dora, Minerva…all the Family, all those whom Harry loved were possible subjects to be targeted by those who wished to harm The Boy-Who-Lived.
Recognizing that Harry was on the verge of completely losing control, Minerva stood before shoving Harry toward the door of the office. "Leave! Now! Go to my office and await me there." When he didn't leave, but stood there glaring at the Headmaster, she reiterated, "Now Potter!"
After a miniscule nod, Harry departed. He stalked down the hallways to the offices of the head of Gryffindor house. There was one quick detour to the Gryffindor dormitories, however. Collecting two items, a half kneazle cross breed and a person was necessary.
.oOo.
Twenty minutes later, a red faced Minerva McGonagall stormed into her office to find Harry and Hermione Potter waiting for her. The screaming match she'd just had with the Headmaster had driven her direction to Harry out of her mind, so she was a tad surprised to find the two in her rooms. Silently beckoning them to her quarters, she strode through the door and headed directly to her liquor cabinet. Three glasses were half filled with whisky and finished before anyone said anything.
Harry was still red faced with anger. Hermione was pale, but Minerva could tell she was angry as well.
"We're leaving. Between the mounting Death Eater attacks and that long-haired pinhead in his tower, we've had enough," Hermione announced. Indicating two scrolls on Minerva's writing desk, she added, "Those are our resignations from school. May we use your Floo to leave the school grounds?"
"He's not going to let you go. He'll tell the DMLE that you've been kidnapped or some such story."
Harry smiled grimly. "We're headed to the DMLE first and then to the offices of the Daily Prophet. We're going to borrow a page from Sirius' book and use the press to our advantage."
Minerva shook her head. "How did it get so bad?" she lamented.
Hermione approached the older witch before embracing her. "The students need you here, Minerva. Take care of yourself. Please visit often. You know where to find us."
.oOo.
"Hi Mum. Hi Dad."
"Hermione? Why are you here? Are you hurt?" Seeing Harry come in the door behind her daughter, Alice rolled on with her questions, "Harry! Are you hurt sweetie? What happened?"
The Grangers had just sat down to a late lunch with Sirius and Dora when the teens slouched in the family dining room. Sirius sighed, making the connection quickly between the teens' arrival and the supposed outcome of the discussion with the Headmaster.
"Didn't go well, eh?" Harry was surprised to hear the question from Steven Granger. With a glum expression, Harry silently shook his head. Hermione, though, was still furious.
"Did the Child Protective Services come here?" she demanded of Sirius.
With a smirk, Padfoot replied, "They tried. Bounced off the wards three times. An hour or so later, an owl swooped in with a note demanding that I admit them. I ignored it. They didn't seem to understand that I can't admit them, but I wasn't about to disclose that minor point. It's so much more fun this way."
Harry rolled his eyes as he plopped down in his seat. Pouring a glass of lemonade, he took a long draught. It'd been a busy morning. After leaving Minerva's office, they'd popped to the Ministry Atrium. Sending a note to Auror Headquarters brought Dora out to see them. A quick exchange brought them to Rufus Scrimgeour's office.
Harry didn't know the man from a hole in the wall, but didn't like the evaluative look the leonine old Auror gave him.
"What can I do for you, Mr Potter and Miss Granger?" he asked as Tonks let herself out of her boss' office.
"This may be very odd, but we're here to let you know that we've withdrawn from Hogwarts of our own free will. We're under no coercion whatsoever."
The Auror's eyebrows jumped to his hairline, "Er, that is odd. Why…"
Harry chuckled, "Why do we think we're that important?" When Scrimgeour nodded, Harry elaborated, "I've had a fairly unpleasant discussion with the Headmaster and decided to take advantage of my godfather's permission to withdraw from Hogwarts in order to be tutored at home."
Hermione chimed in, "I'll be studying with Harry. My parents gave written permission for me to withdraw as well."
A slight grin formed on Rufus Scrimgeour's face. "I assume you'd like me to test you for the Imperius, Compulsion charms and the like?" Harry nodded this time causing Scrimgeour to chuckle in his turn. "It's a pretty good alibi to have the Head Auror be able to say you're on the up and up." Now Harry smiled, seeing that Scrimgeour would play along.
Forty minutes later, they used Scrimgeour's Floo to head to the Prophet's offices. Investigative reporter James Shanahan took enough notes during their forty minute interview to cover two and a half feet of parchment. Out of the corner of his eye, Harry could see Rita Skeeter three desks away. The animagus cum reporter was fuming because she was unable to eavesdrop due to Hermione's Privacy ward and it was obvious to all and sundry that something juicy was afoot. The Boy-Who-Lived and his girlfriend didn't pop into the Prophet in the middle of the school day for the fun of it.
Drifting out of his reverie, Harry asked, "I'm sorry, I was wool-gathering. What did you say?"
Alice repeated herself, "What happened with the Headmaster?"
Hermione gave a quick synopsis of the discussion, leaving out Harry's conclusion regarding the Headmaster's awareness and complicity in Harry's upbringing.
She needn't have bothered with the omission.
"He knew," the hard voice of Steven Granger announced. "He knew that your relatives mistreated you and he did nothing. That bastard."
Not looking up from his plate, Harry nodded. Hermione wrapped her arm about Harry's shoulders while all at the table absorbed the monstrosity of Steven's statement.
"You'll never set foot in that castle again, Hermione Jane." This time it was Alice.
Hermione nodded her agreement. Turning to Sirius, she scolded the padfooted one. "You need to answer up to the Child Protective Service investigators. You can't ignore them. Eventually, you'll have a warrant issued for your arrest and you'll be back to square one."
"Without the Dementors, though," Dora observed.
"Fine, fine. I'll talk to the nice wizards and witches that want to take my godson away."
Hermione rolled her eyes, huffed and resumed her meal. She didn't notice Harry and Sirius watching her antics with fond expressions.
.oOo.
Later that night, Padfoot received an owl from Moony telling him that he'd given his two week notice Dumbledore hadn't been pleased.
Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore didn't rant and rave when angered. He burned with a cold fire. His mannerisms became clipped and his tone formal. Remus had told them in his missive that "You'd have thought I took his woman and his dog by the way he talked to me."
From the security of Harry's arms, Hermione observed, "I'm sure to Dumbledore, Remus was involved in taking the next best thing to a wife and dog; his successor as the 'Leader of the Light'."
"I'm sure there's a joke about country music in here somewhere, I just can't find it," Sirius muttered.
"Hermione, do you have a second?" Alice asked. Beckoning her daughter out of the room, Alice led the way back to the Granger parents' rooms. Harry had Dobby set Steven and Alice into one of the larger suites in the house that had its own sitting room, bedroom, luxury bath and even a small dining area. When the mother and daughter had settled in front of the fire in the sitting room, Alice turned to her daughter as she asked, "How long have you been sleeping with Harry?"
Completely taken aback, Hermione floundered, "Hunh? Er, well, er, we've taken naps together…"
Holding up her hand for Hermione to stop, Alice countered, "Daughter of mine, I know you too well. Show a little respect for me by not lying to me when I know full well that you're not telling the truth. Lest you also forget, I met your father when he and I were ten years old. I never dated any boy or man other than Steven Granger. I know what it's like to be fourteen and completely in love with your chosen one."
Her expression softened as Hermione picked at the hem of her blouse. Finally, the younger woman admitted, "It's wonderful."
"When it's with someone you love, it is wonderful." With a sad smile, Alice asked, "Are you being safe?" When Hermione nodded, Alice let loose a sigh of relief. By her expression, it was obvious an unpleasant thought had just occurred to her. "Harry didn't coerce you into his bed, did he?"
Rolling her eyes at her mother's absurdity, Hermione chastised her parent, "Mother, please. When has anyone made me do something I didn't want to do?"
"True." She sighed again before explaining, "It can be hard sometimes. One day it seems like just yesterday you were a newborn babe in my arms and here we are…"
After a long silence where they watched the pine log fire spit and crackle, Alice told her daughter, "I'm not going to insult you by telling you that because you're only fourteen you aren't equipped to participate in an adult loving relationship." She snorted softly, "You were more mature than most forty year olds when you were four, so your maturity has never been an issue. At the same time, pumpkin, you are only fourteen and Harry is your first boyfriend. Despite your maturity, you do lack experience." Alice took a steadying breath before baldly stating, "I think you're making a mistake. Please consider slowing your relationship with Harry."
Seeing the colour flushing her daughter's face, Alice pushed on quickly, "I really like him sweetie and if you two end up married in quite a few years," they both chuckled at Alice's emphasis as it dispelled some of the tension in the room, "If you stay together, I'd be very happy to call Harry 'son'."
Screwing up her face and slowly shaking her head, "But honey, Harry was abused as a boy and that breaks something in a person. He'll need to see a psychiatrist or counsellor of some kind. He's not weak or insane, but he's hurt, honey, and he needs help to become well again."
Leaning forward, her elbows on her thighs, Alice softly told her daughter, "You can't fix him, baby. He needs real help. Andromeda can set us up with someone he can talk to…"
Hermione interrupted her mother with a sad smile, "I know very well that I can't fix him, mum. He knows it too. If you haven't figured it out yet, Harry's pretty stubborn so he doesn't adapt to big changes in his life very well. Let's give it some time living here with us, Sirius, Remus and Dora. He needs his family to solidify around him before he can begin to heal." Her open expression hardened for a moment, "But know this, mum, Harry is my top priority over everything else."
Alice was only slightly surprised by this declaration. Expecting a statement along the lines of 'I love him forever!' or "He needs me!', Alice hadn't imagined such a mature, reasoned statement from her academically inclined daughter. Thinking on the impact of Harry being top priority, Alice cautioned, "Don't do anything rash, sweetheart. Knowing you and from what I know of Harry, neither of you are going to leap before you look," this caused Hermione to smile at the irony of her mother's statement, "But, don't box yourself into a corner."
Hermione was becoming more frustrated as the conversation progressed. She wanted to shout 'Harry and I have been married for almost three years!' but that would disclose The Secret. Looking at her behaviour from her mum's perspective - and with her mum's knowledge - all of Alice's statements and exhortations were very wise, even restrained in their moderation.
However, Alice Granger didn't have the full story. Not even close to the full story and as a result, Hermione felt so torn that she wanted to cry in frustration.
"We won't, mum," Hermione replied to her mother's well intention caution. "We'll be as mature about our relationship as we can be." Standing, she told her mum, "I've a letter to write to Luna, I'll see you at dinner."
.oOo.
BOY-WHO-LIVED HOUNDED BY DUMBLEDORE
"That'll get another reaction," Sirius observed.
"I'm thinking Fawkes'll be here by lunch, tea at the latest," Harry offered as he slathered marmalade on his toast. "We may even be graced with an attempted visit from the Supreme Mugwump, himself."
The roar of the fireplace in the entry hall caused Harry and Sirius to tense. The rest of the household was still asleep or gone. Dora had stumbled through the dining room ten minutes before on her way to the Floo.
Harry and Sirius traded a glance. Neither said a thing, but both shifted forms before slinking out of the dining room. They ran into Remus in the hallway. He was carrying a valise and his pockets were bulging.
"Albus decided that I needn't wait for my two weeks to leave."
Sirius changed back to his human form, "He was that angry?"
"You could say that," Moony replied as he headed for breakfast.
Once they all settled into their meal, Remus cleared his throat. "Harry, I really appreciate you letting me stay here…"
"Remus, if you start getting wonky about staying here rent free, I'm going to curse your bollocks off. You're family; get that through your skull. You have a room or set of rooms in any Potter property until five minutes after you stop breathing. Stop bringing this up," Harry's annoyance broke through his sarcasm.
Swallowing his pride, Remus nodded. "So what's on the agenda for today?"
"Runes? Dunno, let's ask the boss when she wakes up."
After shovelling an enormous amount of porridge and honey in his mouth, Padfoot eventually swallowed it. With an exaggerated sense of excitement, he told his fellow Marauders, "I'm going to play nice with the nice witches and wizards who want to take my godson away." His distaste was evident on his features.
"After today's headlines, I hope they won't be as harsh as they could have been," Harry observed.
Shrugging, Sirius scooped up another enormous spoonful of the sugary oatey goodness masquerading as a breakfast cereal.
Just as he was about to shovel it into his mouth, the sticky mass disappeared. "Sirius Black, if you won't eat like a Christian, you won't eat at all."
The three men turned simultaneously to see a sleep addled Hermione standing in the doorway tapping her wand on her thigh.
"What did you do with my porridge?" Sirius asked in a horrified whisper.
Confused, Hermione replied, "I Vanished it."
His eyes wide as he stared at his empty spoon, Padfoot whispered, "You Vanished my porridge."
Remus chuckled as he forked some eggs. "Padfoot's had a near reverence for porridge all the time I've known him. Don't mess with his porridge."
Sliding into the seat opposite Sirius and next to Harry, Hermione apologized, "Sorry, Sirius. I'll make a deal, you don't eat like Ron Weasley and I won't Vanish your porridge."
"You Vanished my porridge." He was inspecting the underside of his spoon as if the porridge had slithered underneath the spoon to hide.
"Sirius!"
His gaze slowly broke from the empty spoon, "Fine. But no more Vanishing my porridge."
"Fine," Hermione conceded with a sigh.
"Fine," Sirius pouted.
Rolling her eyes, Hermione turned to Harry, "Dad's birthday is next month. Let's go to Diagon to get him something."
"Sure, we'll take the day off."
Not looking up from his meal, Remus told the duo, "I'm coming with you."
"Moony, we don't need bodyguards. I can kick your arse with one hand behind my back."
"What's Alastor say?"
"Fine," Harry pouted, not bothering to shout 'Constant Vigilance!'.
"Fine," Remus rejoined with a smirk.
.oOo.
"How many roads must a man walk down, before you call him a man?"
Harry looked up from the curio he was inspecting. Remus was singing under his breath with a poignancy and sadness he'd never heard from Moony. Harry had always known that Remus' affliction had set him apart from the rest of Wizarding society, but had never seen the rejection from others with his own two eyes. Walking from shop to shop, he'd seen a few people who obviously knew of Remus' Lycanthropy shy away from him, stubbornly refusing to meet his gaze.
"How many seas must the white dove sail, before she sleeps in the sand?"
A burning hatred boiled up from deep within The Boy-Who-Lived. Remus Lupin was far and away the most decent human being he'd ever known and society treated him like an animal. Remus deserved to be feted for his humanity and giving nature, yet he was shunned. The worst was the children. In a magical appliance shop, a lost young girl had engaged Remus who had happily played with the tow headed witch.
The young girl's mother had hurried over and was on the verge of thanking Remus for watching over her daughter when she noticed the state of Remus' clothes. And his scars. Given the capability of magical medicine, very few injuries leave such heinous marks. The scars, combined with the tatty nature of Remus' clothes were a neon sign to most adult magicals, which screamed: "WEREWOLF."
With a look of fear, the woman whispered in her daughter's ear. Remus closed his eyes in a long blink in order to avoid seeing the change in the girl's expression. For a moment, surprise held the friendly open expression on the girl's face before fear overshadowed all. Moments later, the girl was whisked away.
"Yes and how many times must the cannonballs fly, before they're forever banned? The answer my friend is blowin' in the wind. The answer is blowin' in the wind."
Harry watched Hermione sidle up to their friend. With a sad expression, she wrapped an arm around him before laying her head on his chest. "We love you, Moony."
Remus sighed before returning the hug. "Thanks, Longtooth."
Joining his Family, Harry told the older man, "Fong 'em Moony. We got you and you got us."
With a hint of a tear, Remus nodded in agreement. "What more do I need?"
Hermione held up a Never Ending Teapot charmed for Oolong Tea, Steven's favourite. Harry flipped her his money pouch as he and Moony moved outside. Quietly, they leaned on the wall of the shop, watching the sparse shoppers go about their business. A few of the more observant persons did a double take when they recognized Harry, but fortunately, those people also had manners and didn't flock to him.
"How do you do it, Remus?"
Knowing exactly what his pseudo nephew was talking about, Moony shrugged. "It's been happening all my life. I suppose I'm used to it by now."
His green eyes narrow, Harry countered, "Doesn't make it any easier, I expect."
Softly, Remus agreed, "No. It doesn't."
Turning to the werewolf, Harry felt his admiration for the man ratchet up a few more notches. Remus wasn't perfect by any means, but he was still the most decent, human and caring person Harry ever had or would know.
"You're a…" Harry's praise was cut off by an explosion.
Turning and crouching at the same time, Harry and Remus searched for the source of the detonation. Two blocks up the Alley, a cloud of dust obscured everything. Eyes narrowing, Harry searched for dark robed targets.
"Where are they?" Hermione asked from behind her husband. She'd just exited the shop when the Blasting curse blew up the front of what turned out to be The Pear Tree teashop. It was no coincidence that it was a muggleborn owned and operated business.
Hermione had already shrunken and stowed their present for Steven. Drawing her wand, she stood next to Harry who was flanked on the other side by Moony.
"We should leave," Remus advised.
Incredulous, Harry turned to his friend. "Harry, you're thirteen," Remus subtly reminded The Boy-Who-Lived about underage magic laws.
"And people are dying up there. I can't stand back when it's in my face, Moony."
Hermione plucked at his sleeve. Turning back to her, he found himself branded by her kiss. After a short moment, she pulled back, "Let's go," she told him.
Harry turned back to Remus who acquiesced with a shake of his head. Together they made their way up the Alley, wands drawn.
The dust and debris made target identification difficult. With their faces a smooth mask of determination, Harry took point heading into the murk, Hermione on his shoulder. Remus was rear guard, turning about every few steps to ensure no one was sneaking up behind them.
A shape loomed in the dust directly in front of Harry. Instead of calling out, Harry trained his wand on the figure, waiting for his or her action to identify them.
"Help," the figure coughed.
To be safe, Harry incanted, "Stupefy." As the figure slumped to the cobbles, Hermione rushed forward to find an old man with a nasty head wound.
A quick healing spell followed by touching the man's zip pull while muttering, "Portus," was the most she could do for the man. After the wizard portkeyed to St Mungo's, she rejoined the male members of the fire team. Under her breath, she muttered, "Let's go."
Two more Blasting curses flattened another building ahead of them, sending more dust and debris into the air. "Fuck this," Harry snarled. "Hominem Revealo!" he incanted followed by, "Go!".
Hermione was ready. As each person was illuminated by the spell, she and Harry rapid fire cast the Stunning spell. This neutralized over a dozen people in front of them in ten seconds or so. Their actions were observed, though.
A spell screamed by Harry's cheek from behind. Instinct caused him to throw himself to the ground as he felt the curse coming. Remus wheeled ninety degrees as he cast a spread of Reductor curses at knee level. He'd recognized the Entrail Expelling curse that almost eviscerated Harry. The gloves were off and he was bringing the hammer. A scream heralded the success of his efforts. Aiming at the cries of pain, he cast three Paralysis curses. The third cut off the moans and screams.
From his knees, Harry unleashed a spell that he privately called the 'Chain Gun'. It was a curse that Hermione had created to deal with large numbers of opponents. With a deft swipe of his wand from left to right, he cast fifty Piercing charms. Now the screams were coming fast and furious.
Overhead, the glittering green of the Dark Mark leered down on the heroes.
Hermione was incanting an old spell to create a strong wind which would blow away the obscuring cloud of dust and debris. Jabbing her wand to the North, she finished, "Zephyr!"
Like the Greek god of the wind, the resulting blast scoured the Alley clean of the dust, which had been obscuring their vision. Remus joined his young friends to see eight Death Eaters and two unlucky shoppers on the ground in front of them, bleeding from a series of holes across their torsos. Harry saw that four of the fools were dead while he, Hermione and Remus moved to stabilize the innocent bystanders.
Turning back, they found another Death Eater immobilized on the cobbles, his legs shattered below the knee. He was dead, most of his lifeblood pooled on the street.
"We need to get out of here, now," Remus insisted.
"Who is doing this? Who is coordinating these attacks?" Hermione whispered aloud.
Shaking his head in confusion, Harry twisted as he Apparated home. Hermione and Remus were a short second behind him.
.oOo.
DEATH EATERS ATTACK DIAGON ALLEY screamed the headline of the Daily Prophet the next day. As usual, Sirius summarized for the other residents.
"They captured four, five were killed by the 'unnamed heroic defenders of the Alley' and they believe three others were able to escape." Scanning the article, he hummed aloud until he resumed, "Names of the captured…names of the killed….here we go. Captured were a Jugson, Antonin Dolohov's little sister, and I don't recognize the other two. Killed were a bunch of people with French names, I don't recognize any of them."
"French?" Hermione asked. Sirius nodded before drinking his coffee.
Her bottom lip halfway in her mouth, Hermione was deep in thought when Harry asked, "How do they figure three others?"
"Spell residue. Of the seventeen shoppers killed, there were three killed by someone not accounted for by the captured or killed Death Eaters."
Harry shook his head; the death toll of the innocent was beginning to mount already.
Remus and Hermione were whispering off to the side when Steven asked the question that was bothering Moony and Longtooth, "Why the French?"
"Snape, maybe?" Alice postulated.
Harry and Sirius furrowed their brows as Alice explained, "He was seen in Bavaria near the new year, right? So maybe he's recruiting other pureblood supremacists to come here and support the Death Eater cause."
"They have enough to do in their own countries, though. So why are they coming here?" Sirius asked the room.
Remus and Hermione must have come to a resolution and an unpleasant one at that. She looked at the table with dread while Remus scrubbed his face. After a long moment, Moony replied to Sirius' unanswered question.
"Maybe Snape's offered them an incentive," a pale faced Remus offered.
"Like what?" Sirius rejoined.
"Voldemort's return," Hermione whispered.
.oOo.
Duelling practice picked up at Rowan Hill. Remus warded one of the larger lumber rooms to be an indoor training room. A few Space Expansion charms and a host of runes to protect the surfaces of the room resulted in a room that covered an even acre of space in which they could train.
Steven and Alice attended the first sparring session. Sirius, Remus and Tonks were to melee against Harry and Hermione. Alice had protested the teaming until Sirius chuckled. "We'll see how long we can last against them. I'm hoping for two minutes."
The puzzled Grangers stepped behind the glowing Spectator Barrier and settled down to watch the show.
The older warriors missed the mark as they only lasted one hundred and seven seconds until they were incapacitated. Harry had a bruised shoulder from Dora's Bludgeoning hex but Hermione was unmarked.
Stunned by the display of combat prowess by the two teens, Alice asked, "How…?"
Harry shrugged as Hermione lied, "We've done a bit of practicing at school. With all the adventures that seem to pop up, we decided to practice a bit."
Alice absently nodded her acceptance while Steven watched his daughter, his frown deepening. He said nothing for a long moment before turning away.
Harry looked to Hermione and found her expression to be troubled. Watching the retreating back of the eldest Granger, Harry couldn't help but wonder if they'd just given themselves away.
"Come on, Midnight. Round two." Turning to Sirius, Harry nodded and drew his wand.
.oOo.
Hermione was reading the latest letter from Luna over tea. One of the biggest regrets Hermione had regarding their early leaving of full-time education was being separated from her friend. In her initial letter to the blonde girl, Hermione had expressed extreme regret for leaving her friend behind.
Luna's reply had sent Hermione into a fit of giggles. The blonde Ravenclaw had decided that Neville would be a suitable boyfriend, so he would have to pick up the free time that Hermione had opened by leaving.
Harry's letter wasn't nearly so light hearted. With a frown, he handed it to his wife.
"What's Minerva have to say?" she asked lightly.
"We may have a problem with the Twins," Harry replied seriously.
The Smartest Witch of the Age frowned as she settled into the missive. By the end, her brow was furrowed and she was chewing her lip. Apparently, there had been a rash of violent incidents that all 'happened' to revolve around children of prominent pureblood bigots. Most were also suspected to have been Death Eaters. Minerva had pulled Fred and George into her office, but the Twins had successfully stonewalled her, admitting nothing.
Turning to Harry, she told him, "Write to Fred and George, have them meet us in the Honeydukes' tunnel tomorrow night. We've got to nip this in the bud."
.oOo.
"What's up with your Dad?" Harry asked. Steven had been quiet the past few days. Since the sparring session, he'd been very reserved and introspective. When around his daughter and her 'boyfriend', he'd watched them like a hawk.
"I don't know," she replied as they made their way up the tunnel toward school. "He's only quiet like this when he's upset or ill. I asked Mum and he's neither." With a quick flick of her wrist, Hermione created a floating orb of light which illuminated their section of tunnel.
They settled down to wait for the Twins as they pondered Steven Granger. Harry had become quite attached to his father in law. The man was more 'father-like' than Sirius and more emotionally available than Remus. There was a vague feeling of disapprobation from the man when he was around the teens lately and it disturbed Harry. He didn't want to come between Hermione and her parents, but in the end would never step aside. Full well did Harry know what his life would become without his bushy haired witch and he would never go back to where he'd been for that desolate year in Cornwall years from now.
As his musings ran their course, he heard the humpbacked witch grind open. Nudging Hermione, he stood and helped her to her feet. Moments later, the ginger haired Twins were revealed by Hermione's light. "Hey fellas," Harry greeted
Nods from the Twins were accompanied by forced smiles and jocularity. After the third joke about Harry and Hermione having sex, the couple exchanged a glance.
"Enough." Harry declared.
Fred and George frowned while crossing their arms. "I'll get to the point," Harry began. "Are you two hunting the purebloods?"
"McGonagall wrote you, did she?" Fred asked while scowling.
"Doesn't matter, but yes, she did," Hermione replied.
Snorting in derision, George countered, "If we are, it would be a bit hypocritical of you two to get on our tits about it, don't you think?"
"It's entirely different," Hermione answered.
"Really?" Fred scowled. "I'm sure it is."
Harry rolled his eyes, "Look, we're on the same side, so ease up, eh? It's just not right to be hurting and possibly killing these kids."
"Like the Malfoys?" George asked as he sneered.
"They earned their little spot in hell," Hermione answered. "Which is the whole point, but don't try to get us off topic. You don't know that these kids are guilty. You're lashing out because of what happened."
"Yeah, they killed our bloody parents, Granger! They fucking killed Mum and Dad! We've a right to hit back!" George was panting in his emotion. Fred placed a calming hand on his shoulder.
"I understand, I really do," Harry told the Twins. "Of anyone we know, I understand. But if you start hurting or even killing random people, you become just like the Death Eaters. You become the thing, which killed Arthur and Molly. Do you think your Mum would be proud of what you've done?"
This caused both boys to collapse in on themselves. Fred slid down the wall he was leaning on while George stared into the dark of the tunnel. They knew Molly would be horrified at their actions. Randomly attacking Slytherins who were pureblooded wouldn't be high on the hit parade of Arthur and Molly Weasley.
"We can't just sit back and do nothing," Fred whispered as he held his head in his hands.
"I'm not suggesting you do nothing." Harry paused for a second, contemplating. Finally, he asked, "How's your Occlumency?"
George shrugged, "Not sure. We practise most every day for an hour or so, but we've no one to test us."
Drawing his wand, Harry pointed it at Fred as he incanted, "Legilimens."
Harry reached out to test his ginger haired friend's shields. Slowly, he slithered about, looking for openings, fissures to exploit. Fred's shields felt like rough-hewn wood, serviceable but not sophisticated. Finding no entry points, he reared back and assaulted with brute force. Imagining a diamond hard spike of energy, Harry drove forward against his friend's mental shields.
Once, twice and yet a third time, he attempted to breach Fred's Occlumatic shields. On the third run, Harry felt the shields begin to weaken, but they were good enough. He doubted anyone short of Snape or Voldemort would tie down the lads in order to lay a mental siege in order to breach Fred's defences.
Ending the spell, Harry's vision came into focus. Fred was pale and sweaty, but his expression was firm. Harry gave him a satisfied nod before turning his attention to George where he found similar results.
Turning to Hermione, he told her, "They're good enough."
Nodding, she flicked her wand, creating two comfortable sofas. A few Warming Charms made the tunnel a bit more liveable. "Get comfortable lads, we've quite a story to tell you."
.oOo.
"Dear Lord."
"That has been most people's reaction," Hermione observed.
Fred sat there silently as George muttered to himself. "How did we die?" George eventually asked.
"I don't know. I never asked your Dad and no one offered to tell us."
Fred finally levelled his gaze on The Boy-Who-Lived and asked, "What do we need to do to prevent all that from happening?"
Harry deferred to his better half when she told the Twins, "Right now, we need you to be our eyes and ears in the Castle. Voldemort has this unhealthy obsession with this school…"
"Although, that could be because I've been here," Harry interjected with a smile.
Rolling her eyes, Hermione got back on track, "So we need you guys to keep an eye out for stuff that's really out of the ordinary."
"Watch the pureblood bigots' kids. You know the ones we're talking about and not just the ones in Slytherin."
"But don't attack them," Hermione scowled.
Fred regarded the Potters with a considering expression. "Why not?"
"We've been through this…" Hermione complained.
"But you two could tell us who the legitimate targets are," Fred objected.
"Do you really think Dumbledore wouldn't act if his students started dying on his watch?" Harry asked softly.
"He didn't do dick last year with the Basilisk and all!"
George placed a calming hand on his twin's arm. Fred subsided a bit before muttering, "Mum and Dad," to himself. Reminding himself of his moral compass seemed to reorient the fifth year student. "Fine. But we're not playing rounders anymore. This is full on Quidditch with real bludgers. I'm not going to cast Stunners when the bastards are casting Unforgivables."
Harry nodded, "Fair enough. But don't go hunting without talking to us first. Deal?"
George nodded, "Deal."
"Watch over Neville and Luna for us, will you boys?" Hermione asked.
"Sure, sure," Fred agreed as he dusted off his robes before they headed back to the school.
Once they heard the humpbacked witch entry grind shut, Hermione asked her husband, "Do you think they'll keep on with the attacks?"
"I hope not," Harry replied. "Dumbledore has to be furious already. If it keeps on, he'll twig them eventually."
"And then he'll be on to us."
.oOo.
"Hey you two," Sirius greeted them when they returned to Rowan Hill. "I need to talk to you."
When Sirius shut the door of the Lord's study, he turned to the Potters, his expression downcast.
"What's up?" Harry asked.
"The Child Protective Service people were more understanding of our situation given the article in the Prophet, but they still want to talk to you," he jerked his chin at Harry.
"About what?"
"Me. They point blank told me that they have concerns regarding my mental stability in the aftermath of so many years around the Dementors."
Harry waved off his godfather's fears, "That's easy. I'll tell them that you're a model of mental health. You make me talk about everything, don't let me drink alcohol, make me go to church and forbid me from dating. Oh, you also make me eat my vegetables."
Sirius was grinning at the end of Harry's litany. Ruffling Midnight's hair, he muttered, "Putz."
"Joking aside, if they are going to hinge any decision on my input, we're in the clear," Harry concluded.
"Maybe," Hermione corrected.
"What's with your 'maybe' there Longtooth?" Sirius scowled.
"Honestly," she huffed. "This is Albus Dumbledore we're talking about. He won't give up easily and he's not without supporters. We underestimate him at our peril."
"Great," Harry whinged. "I've got a certified Dark Lord to kill all the while keeping the 'Light Lord' at arm's distance. Joy."
"Shaddup," Sirius scolded as he chucked a book at his godson.
Wrapping her arm about Harry's, she looked lovingly at the two men while reassuring them, "It'll be alright. We've got each other and in the end, that's all that matters. Right?"
A/N
1. I own nothing. Thanks to all who reviewed the first eight chapters. Story status, as always, can be found on my Author's page on FanFiction(dot)net.
2. Recommendation for the chapter is not a fanfic, but rather a book: Starship Troopers by Robert Heinlein. It's a phenomenally thought provoking book written in the Fifties that is just as relevant today as it was then. Discussions about authority, responsibility to self and society, the true nature of courage and loyalty all blend in under the guise of a science fiction classic. Along with Isaac Asimov, Heinlein legitimized the entire genre. Take the time to learn about the courage of the troopers of the Rodger Young, the integrity of LtCol (ret) Jean Dubois and the humanity of Johnnie Rico. Fantastic story.
3. If you haven't figured it out, the whole 'The Cupboard Under The Stairs' address on Harry's first letter enrages me. When I tucked my kids into bed tonight, the thought crossed my mind that somewhere near our home, some parent was literally or figuratively putting their kid into 'The Cupboard Under The Stairs'. As I kissed our son and daughters good night, I had to shake my head at the monstrosity of it all. Folks, it's not funny for Harry to have lived in a closet and be treated by his relatives the way he was. It's called abuse and people go to prison for it.
4. I had a fleeting thought to end the chapter with Alice asking about Hermione's love life, but thought, "That's wrong. Funny, but wrong."
-->