Yes, Master Harry, Sir!" called back Dobby.
With his eyes still of the approaching man, Harry heard Wendell say, "If it's a new guest then we'll meet them in the parlour."
As the angle of the approach of the three became too steep to watch them out the window, Harry gave a grunt and led he and Hermione into the parlour. Her parents had already headed there.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
As soon as the two Marauder's reached the door of the parlour from the back hallway and stairs, Wendell and Monica stood. Harry and Hermione were already standing.
Sirius, with a big smile on his face, came over and gave Hermione a hug before he turned back to Moony; who was standing in the doorway, clearly a little uncomfortable and wondering whether or not to come in.
Gesturing Moony within, Harry indicated Wendell and Monica and said, "Moony; these are Hermione's parents, Wendell and Monica Granger. Wendell and Monica; this is Remus Lupin, also known as Moony, and once-Professor of Defence Against the Dark Arts at Hogwarts."
That was enough for Moony to, almost hesitantly, enter and offer his hand in handshake.
"It's nice to meet you, Mister Lupin," said Wendell, as he shook the man's hand. "Call me Wendell. And, welcome to our home."
"It's Moony," Moony almost muttered. "And, thank you."
Then Monica greeted him with the same exchange of greeting.
It wasn't until Harry said, "I understand it was potions that made you act the way you were acting, Moony. I'm not upset with you."
That finally had Moony relax and give an almost embarrassed smile back. He quietly replied, "Thank you, Cub."
Moony stayed for dinner that night on Monica's insistence and was another who was immediately shocked at Harry's skill at cooking. Obviously the others were all watching as he took his first bite and snickered at his expression of surprised shock.
"You can cook!" he declared on swallowing his first mouthful.
Feigning indignation, Harry asked right back, "Why does everyone doubt that?" Then grinned to take the sting out of the words.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After their impromptu family meeting and dinner - and after Sirius and Moony left again - Harry sat at his desk in his room and began to write the letter to Marchbanks he knew he needed to write. In it he did not yet include how long they'd delay from attending, only that there'd be a short delay before they arrived.
He also included how they'd be using the time to determine whether or not they'd actually return in the first place, let alone being late.
The information about the tunnels was included in the letter. Then that letter was mailed using Hedwig, who was again of late giving him the 'evil eye' for not giving her work to do.
Next, he wrote letters to Neville, Susan, Daphne, Hannah and Tracey covering pretty much the same information about how there would be a delay before he and Hermione returned to the castle, if at all. However, he also went more into the facts of why without actually stating just how long they'd delay. Those he sent via what he now called 'HEED' (House Elf Express Delivery). Dobby was happy to take them for him and do the 'mail circuit' of the other heirs.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
As breakfast wound down the next morning, Neville sent them a note via his own house elf. He expressed his concerns about Harry's note of the previous evening.
~ # ~
Harry and Hermione,
While I understand your reasoning about whether or not you'll continue attending Hogwarts, I hope you reconsider any thought you may have of not returning. For a start, I want you to also consider how this will impact the Alliance. For example, those Houses who are part of the alliance will also be negatively affected if you decide not to return; it won't stop Dumbledore; and I think it's best to be at Hogwarts and under her wards than not. You've yet to experience life as a student at the school who will now be recognised as a Lord - the impact it will have on Malfoy, for a start, should be worth it alone just to return. Heh!
If you decide not to attend I will support you. However, I hope you'll consider giving Headmistress Lady Marchbanks a chance to show you that attending Hogwarts does not have to be the threat-to-life it's been for you for the past three years. I honestly feel life at the school will now be fantastic for you!
If you then do not feel you can remain; then, by all means, withdraw. But you'll then be able to do it with your head held high knowing you gave her a chance to set things right.
Your friend,
Neville
~ # ~
After reading it after Harry, Hermione handed it back and said, "He's right, you know."
Harry sighed and nodded, "I know."
"So, we attend?" she asked.
"We do... but... we'll let her know we'll be two days late," he replied. "That is, we'll arrive on Tuesday morning during breakfast; and she is to keep quiet about that."
Hermione appeared relieved by the answer but asked, "I understand the two days delay, but won't people think we're receiving special treatment?"
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.
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