The four figures appeared in the lobby and could hear laughter coming from the room ahead. Griphook had chosen to remain in London and follow the investigation from that end. They walked into the room where Sirius was holding court.
Hermione couldn't believe the change in the man who was living in a cave, as a dog, less than a month ago. His whole appearance now seemed to radiate health. But it was the mischievous sparkle replacing that haunted look from his eyes that was making the biggest difference. The location and company had done Sirius the world of good.
Narcissa and Remus stood together while watching the by-play with their two friends, and both were secretly delighted at what was in front of them.
Remus was shocked at the change in his oldest friend, while he had spoken to him only five days ago, this Sirius seemed rejuvenated. Remus already knew where he wanted to spend his next holiday.
Narcissa watched as one of her oldest friends was basking in the attention being shown her by Sirius. She had seen Rose deflate men's egos with a few well chosen words so understood that she had an attraction for him, otherwise Sirius would be sulking in a corner by this time.
She could also see Pansy and Violet were enjoying themselves, sitting with Ginny and Neville, while laughing as Sirius told more outlandish stories as the night progressed. For the two young Parkinson's, being allowed in the company was novel, being included was unbelievable.
The mood dipped as the news of the escape was confirmed by the returning group, but Sirius was having none of it. This was a New Year for everyone in more sense than one, and he was determined that they were going to enjoy it. The name of Dumbledore had blighted too many lives here in this room, and he would be dammed if it would be allowed to affect his life anymore.
By the time midnight came around on the island, the occupants of the house were all in fine fettle with lots of Happy New Year kisses being exchanged.
Between them, Harry and Hermione had managed to speak to all the Grangers and Ginny concerning the threat, and the importance of always wearing their protection charms and portkeys.
It was about 2am before the party broke up and headed to their rooms, as had become their custom, Neville escorted Ginny to her room, kissed her while the door remained open then headed happily to his own room.
By some strange coincidence, his was about four rooms along but since two of those intervening rooms held the Potters and Sirius, this was all the discouragement Neville needed from nighttime roaming.
He had brushed his teeth, changed into his pyjamas and was just climbing into bed when he suddenly screamed "Ginny!" at the top of his voice. Neville bolted out the door and raced along the corridor, Harry and Hermione were right behind him, while Dobby and Winky beat everyone there. They were too late, Neville had known they would be too late, Ginny was gone
.....
Ginny was getting into bed with a smile on her face, she seemed to be smiling a lot recently, when an elf appeared beside her and she was taken.
They arrived in what appeared to be a crofter's cottage and her former headmaster immediately stunned the elf.
"Good morning Miss Weasley, excuse me a minute while I place Dylan here along with Freda, I'm not sure what's been happening but these little buggers seem so determined to return to Harry. These two are actually worse than that little freak Dobby. We're having to threaten to kill the other one, and it still takes the imperius curse to get them to follow orders."
Ginny was standing there in her nightgown; her wand was lying on her nightstand. She was still wearing her charmed necklace and portkey so wasn't panicking yet. If he made a move to curse her, she was out of there.
"Now I bet your wondering why I brought you here? Well don't worry; you won't be harmed in the slightest. In fact, when my plan succeeds you will be one happy young lady."
Ginny just gave him an enquiring look.
"Yes my dear girl, you are going to carry the next Potter heir."
Ginny couldn't help it, she burst out laughing.
Albus had prepared arguments for a few reactions but laughter had not featured in any of them. What was this girl playing at?
"Is there something you would like to share with me Miss Weasley?" he asked.
Ginny was literally wiping tears of laughter from her eyes as she considered her response. "Well you see old man, my father will kill you before he would let that happen…" she was about to add only if her mum didn't get to him first when he held his hand up for silence.
"That is quite impossible, and I am not referring to Arthur trying to defeat me in a duel. You see Miss Weasley the reason that's impossible is Arthur Weasley is not your father, I am!"
Ginny didn't know whether to laugh, cry or kick the clearly delusional old fool in the nuts. The more she thought about it, the better the third option looked.
"I can see you don't believe me so let's have a little history lesson. A prophecy was made determining one of two boys could defeat the Dark Lord, Potter or Longbottom. So, planning ahead as always, I decided the best way to control a boy was with a girl, you!"
'Yes, a kick in the nuts was well overdue,' thought Ginny
"Your mother had six children under the age of ten and only your father's meagre salary to support them. When I offered her the well-paid role of a part time researcher, she jumped at the chance."
The little redhead was now feeling seriously disturbed.
"Every weekend she would come to Hogwarts, and every weekend she would be fed potions, an imperius here, followed by a few memory charms there, and then anything was possible. You will have his child, my grandchild, then, between the Potter fortune and my guidance, they will rule the world."
He was insane; Ginny knew he was insane, but the image of his little bony arse anywhere near Molly, while she lay there not knowing what planet she was on, brought about a fierce reaction. She just couldn't help it, as wave after wave of revulsion passed through her; she just had to let go.
Albus Dumbledore probably knew more shield charms than any other witch or wizard alive, but they were all useless against the onslaught facing him. Who would have believed that all this could come out of such a small body?
The final wave of revulsion emptied Ginny's stomach as projectile vomit hit Dumbledore squarely on the chest. The self-proclaimed greatest wizard of our time was once again dressed in multi-coloured robes, though where the carrots came from no one was quite sure.
Ginny wiped her mouth with the back of her hand, and noticing her Ginny Potter bracelet, made up her mind. She dived towards Dylan and Freda.
Albus tutted at the impetus child before firing off a stunner at his daughter, he was astonished to see it deflecting off her back.
Ginny grabbed both elves as she screamed at the crazy old wizard, "my father WILL kill you! Blue lagoon."
Ginny could feel the wards trying to hold her back, but, as she thought of Harry, Hermione and Neville, she felt her power increase and blasted the wards apart.
Albus watched in horror before ending up on his arse due to the power released from the destroyed wards, he lay there wondering just what the hell had happened.
.....
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