*Tuesday 16th, Potter Manor*
"Madam Bones, welcome."
"Thank you Mister Potter. So this is the fabled Potter Manor..." Amelia looked over his shoulder down the length of the Grand Hall behind him. Harry was not fully aware of it, but the effect of having the sun filled hall, with its warm wooden balconies and arrays of plants, behind him created a powerful image.
"Yeah... bit overwhelming..." He shifted uncomfortably. Amelia, seeing this, gave him a small smile.
"I can barely imagine. Nevertheless, however much I wish to explore this wondrous place, I am very busy right now. Your message said you had important topics to discuss with me?" She looked at him sternly, noticing the nervous looks on both her nieces and Miss Grangers faces, who were stood to each side of him.
"Oh yes. Right this way." Harry quickly led her to the office.
Once they were sat, Amelia eyed him warily, noting how Hermione sat to his left, while Susan was to his right. "So...?"
Harry cleared his through before he began. "Madam Bones... as you might have guessed, I've been made aware of not only my families legacy & responsibilities, but also the options now open to me. If you don't mind me asking; where have you been staying since..." He trailed off, the embarrassment clear.
Amelia's eyes narrowed slightly. "I've been renting a room at the Leaky Cauldron. Why do you ask Mister Potter?"
Harry looked her in the eye. "Because I've learned that Potter Manor also has a number of smaller manors within the grounds. They need some work, but are sound. I intend to offer you one."
Amelia's eyes jumped open in surprise. "Mister Potter... you can't just give me a house on your lands!"
Harry sighed. "No, I can't, unfortunately. Not without something in return. Which is the second thing I wanted to discuss..." He glanced down at the table. "I hope you understand this better than I do."
Amelia leaned forwards a bit. "What are you on about?"
Harry swallowed nervously. "An Alliance between House Potter and House Bones. Also both allied with House Black, and all with House Greengrass. Hopefully we can get House Longbottom in as well. Maybe one or two of the minor Houses as well..."
The monocle Amelia wore now fell from her eye as her brow rose to disappear beneath her hairline. Harry had just listed five of the seven remaining Ancient and Noble Families! Such a union, three 'Light' families and two 'Dark', would be the single most powerful political group ever seen. Why, it would take every other family aligning together to outvote such a block!
She had to take a moment to get over her shock. "Mister Potter... are you aware of what such a move means?"
Harry shrugged. "Not completely. I know it will allow us to stop Voldemort gaining even more control of the government, and likely will be of great help when it comes time to drag the magical world into the twentieth century. Most important for us however, it lets you move in within the Manor's Ward line, keeping you safe." At her raised eyebrow, he continued.
"You're the last family Susan's got. And... hopefully..." He trailed off, blushing madly as he looked towards Susan.
Her niece was blushing just as much as Harry, but found her voice to pick up the explanation. "We told them about Consorts the other day. Harry's offering me the chance to have a Contract with him and House Potter, complete with wedding!" Her excitement bubbled up towards the end of her statement, accentuated by the beaming smile she wore. Amelia noticed that her arm had snaked around Harry's as she hugged into his side.
"As the next Lady Potter, I would and will accept Susan as a sister-wife with open arms." Hermione stated, her tone slightly ambivalent. At Amelia's look, she elaborated. "I'll admit; I'm not endeared to the idea of 'Contract Marriages' at all. But... At least this way, Susan can officially be part of the family."
Amelia slowly sat back, looking at the three of carefully. Having Harry Potter, 'The-Boy-who-Lived', as a son-in-law was the dream of mothers the length of the country... when they weren't dreaming of being 'Mrs Harry Potter' themselves. From a personal standpoint, Amelia knew she'd be a fool to turn this down. She'd worried over the future of her family line for years now, ever since the deaths of Susan's parents, her second oldest older brother and his wife. Amelia had been set to marry her sweetheart, but the Death Eaters, in one of their first major raids, had struck the wedding party. Her love had been struck down, while her own injuries had cost her the chance of ever having children. With such a dual loss, she'd thrown herself into her work, determined to bring those monsters to justice. The last ten years however had eroded her spirit, as she came up against increasing levels of corruption, nepotism and plain stupidity. Again and again she'd brought the same people in on charges, and each and every time they were let off without any reprimand of any kind. Things had worsened in the last few years, to the point where she was beginning to lose her faith in the system. It was no wonder her younger squib brother had left the magical world at fifteen, joining the British Army. They'd stayed in contact, but while he'd gone on to have two wonderful children - one of which was magical - the current laws prevented his line inheriting the Family Legacy. Laws, she had learned, had only been put into place within the last twelve years. She had grown bitter and cold.
It had been the birth of Susan that had allowed her, for the first time since that terrible day when her bright future was destroyed in a flash of green, to drop the cold, harsh Auror mask she wore. The tiny infant had touched something in her, and the darkness had receded. She'd rediscovered the young woman that she had been before, and whenever she felt the darkness close in once more, she'd visited her elder brother, to see Susan.
When they had died in that fire, she had at first been convinced that it had been deliberate. Her eldest Brother Edgar had been a major thorn in the Death Eaters sides during the war, until he and his wife had been brutally murdered. Amelia was sure that those Death Eaters that escaped justice would continue to be vindictive to her Family, and had gone after the other siblings. But nothing ever came up, all evidence pointed to it merely being a tragic accident. As the last magical family of the orphan, Amelia had taken Susan home, looking after as her own. She regretted deeply the lack of time she had been able to give to the growing child, but they had both helped heal the other.
But always, in the back of her mind, she had been aware of one simple fact: it was all up to Susan to continue the Bone's Family. She'd hoped, but with the trend for families to have fewer and fewer children, Susan's prospects for happiness had faded.
Now though, Harry had given her the offer she needed, and from the look on her niece's face, one she was eager for. As far as she could see there was no downside to this offer.
"Mister Potter... I... I don't know what to say..."
"Say 'I accept' Auntie."
Looking into her niece's eyes, Amelia smiled as she saw the longing in them. "If this is truly what Susan wants... then on behalf of House Bones, I accept your generous offer Mister Potter."
"Harry, please." Harry asked as he held out his hand for her to shake. Before she could however Susan had all but jumped into his lap, and he had to use his arm to hold her as she kissed him heavily. At their side Hermione smiled warmly at the display before turning to look at her.
"As I think they'll be busy for a while, shall we move elsewhere to continue our discussion?" She said with a twinkle in her eye. Laughing freely for the first time in years, Amelia nodded as she stood, following the younger witch out of the conference room. She glanced back at the threshold however. Neither Harry nor Susan appeared to be aware that they had moved at all, as they both wrapped around each other. Amelia smiled warmly at the sight, even as a tear ran down her cheek.
*The Rookery*
Luna was smiling serenely up at the ceiling of her bedroom, admiring the painting she'd done there. She'd only finished it the night before. Central to the image was herself, with Harry and Hermione stood behind her, shoulder to shoulder. Neville was stood just off to one side slightly, while Ginny was on Hermione's free side. Luna had hesitated before adding her childhood friend to the painting. Ginny had not been as good friend since she started Hogwarts. Her first year she'd been... inconsistent. While Luna had learned the reason for this, it had still hurt.
Ginny had been better since, but these last couple of years, since she started dating, she'd drifted away. Most disconcerting however, had been the way that Ginny had watched Harry, even when she was with her current boyfriend. It had been... worrying. Still, she had included her, including the chain that linked them all as friends.
As for Ronald... Luna's smile faded with a dispirited sigh. Due to her gifts, Luna had been able to perceive the good man that Ronald could have been. She'd hoped, for many years, that he would grow beyond his existence on his mothers lap, mature and become that man. Not a perfect man, but a good man. Alas, his darker traits and bad habits had taken over, crushing that potential. And that was before the adventure in the Department of Mysteries.
A small smile formed on her lips as Luna thought about that. Her father, bless his heart, was convinced of many things that went on 'down there'. But he'd never managed to slip in to have a look. And she'd just strolled in as you like!
Luna sighed again. She loved her father dearly, but accepted that he was no longer completely sane anymore. Her mother's death had affected them both deeply, but Luna just knew that while she was slowly getting over her loss, her father never would.
Before she could sink further into the depression that haunted her mind the faint flutter of wings from the window captured her thoughts. Looking across she watched as a nearly pure white owl swooped in gracefully to land on her beside cabinet.
"Hello Hedwig. You have a letter from Harry?" The Snowy Owl blinked at her before lifting one leg. As she gently loosened the thread holding it in place, Luna noted that there was another letter on Hedwig's other leg. She could just see the letters 'Nev' on the other as she removed hers. "Neville next?"
The Snowy Owl clicked her beak before bobbing her head. Luna smiled brightly.
"Harry's lucky to have you, you know?"
Hegwig barked lightly, before turning and flying out the window gracefully. Luna sighed softly. She wished she had a pet like Hedwig, something smart and capable. It would have taken the edge off the loneliness. Shaking it off Luna returned her attention to the letter in her hand.
Her smile widened slowly as she read the letter from Harry. He thanked her for her actions at the Ministry, for her support and honest opinion. And he apologised for her injuries sustained during that battle with the Death Eaters. Luna had to shake her head at that. Harry was not, never was at fault for that. Luna was smart enough to know it was partly her own fault for that; the rest of the blame fell on the Death Eater whose spell threw her into the desk. If Luna had been paying more attention, chances were she'd have reacted in time to avoid that. But it still might have happened. And besides, the Death Eater was currently rotting in Azkaban. A fair exchange in Luna's opinion.
She hoped that Hermione could break that guilt-complex that Harry had developed, thought Luna understood it would be a long and difficult process. She didn't know the details, but Luna could tell that it was something that had been drummed into him from a young age, likely his muggle relatives. Such scars took years to recover from, if ever. There had never been any doubt in her mind that Harry would end up with Hermione. The two were perfectly matched.
Her thought's wandered to the train ride home from Hogwarts. The added four girls had been... unusual. Especially the two Slytherins. It was a well-known fact within Ravenclaw of the animosity between Gryffindor and Slytherin houses. Most 'Claws appeared to prefer to sit back and let those two tear each other apart. Of course, the frequent clashes of wits and words of Harry and Draco were the most obvious extreme cases, but they were symptoms of the bigger problems. It was very clear that Ronald had bought into the whole 'House Rivalry' completely.
But... Harry and Hermione, the two who were most often in conflict with those in Slytherin, did not. The DA had not included any Slytherins since Hermione had admitted, and Harry and Daphne had agreed, that Ronald would never have stood for it. And most of that house were certainly not trustworthy.
Still, it appeared Harry was starting to build bridges with the other houses. Luna had sensed, almost right away, that Harry was a natural born leader. He'd already proved that with the DA. Now...
It was a happily smiling Luna who looked once more at the painting on her ceiling. Her friends had not forgotten her, and were just as eager to see her again. Life was looking up.
*LongBottom Manor*
Hannah Abbot sat still, staring at Neville, thinking over what he'd just told her. Now, at last, so many things about the quiet, shy Gryffindor made sense. She'd noted how he seemed nervous during those first few days in first year. It had persisted right up until when Harry and Hermione began the DA. In that moment, Hannah had looked at Neville, and seen something quite different. There had been an intensity about him, after the Prophet report of the mass breakout of Azkaban, that had been both scary and yet arousing. The nervousness had been driven away, revealing a strong willed, brave, noble young man just starting to come into his own.
Truthfully, Hannah had been considering approaching him sometime next year, though the thought of doing so with others around had terrified her. Susan had found out her feelings, and after a bit of good-natured teasing, she'd encouraged her to try approaching him sooner rather than later. Susan had admitted that Neville was becoming quite the catch; it was only a matter of time before other witches took note as well.
But it had only been after Susan had told her that she would be spending the summer with Hermione that gave Hannah the courage and determination to try and get to know the mostly unknown Gryffindor. To the rest of their year Neville Longbottom was the clumsy one, the klutz, but was also the least well known of the boys in Harry's dorm. Harry was, well, Harry Potter, but over the last year Hannah had come to the conclusion that there was a heck of a lot more that that to him. Ron Weasley was also well known... and frankly, many wished they didn't know him. Hannah had to eat with her back to the Gryffindor table; Ron's eating habits made her nauseous. About his sole redeeming quality was that he was the worst at everything in the school; one often used way to cheer up a friend after a failed spell was to say 'well, at least it's not as bad as Ron Weasley's attempt'.
Seamus Finnagan and Dean Thomas were well known as well - one a hot-blooded, alcoholic-in-the-making Irishman, the other a budding womaniser - but sweet, shy Neville? He was often overlooked.
Now though, he'd revealed some of his secrets, some of his past.
They sat on a corner bench, one on each arm. Around them were the extensive formal gardens of Longbottom Manor, the ancestral home of Neville's family. He was sat with his head bowed, elbows resting on his knees. Neville looked almost broken, ashamed of the cruel hand fate had dealt him.
"Neville..." Hannah said softly, gently resting a hand on his shoulder. "You've nothing to be ashamed of."
"I don't want pity." He replied quietly, but firmly.
"I understand. Pity demeans you." She allowed her fingers to drift into his hair, slowly stroking his scalp. Feeling some of the tension ease from him, she pressed on. "What happened was horrible, there's no denying that. But you can't blame yourself." Hannah had a suspicion that Neville was suffering from a form of survivors' guilt.
"I don't. Bellatrix..." Pure loathing and hatred filled his voice as he spoke that name.
"Neville, please." Hannah leaned forwards while using her free hand to lift his chin. The tears on his cheeks glistened in the sunlight. "I know it hurts, but you can't let this continue to eat at you. You're a better man than that. I may not know everything that goes on around him, but I do know that Harry's feeling the same thing you are. You two are more alike than people give you credit."
Neville managed a small half smile. "I know. It's hard not to like him."
"Unless you're Draco." She joked lightly.
Neville groaned. "Oh did you have to mention him?"
Hannah sighed. The rumours had flown around Hogwarts that last week. Through naturally cautious and pragmatic, Hannah had no trouble believing the rumours that Draco and his group of 'Death Eater Spawn' were sadistic rapists in the making. She shuddered to think of what life was like for any half-blooded girls like herself who were sorted into that house.
Neville sighed deeply, much of the tension fading away. "I hear what you are saying Hannah, but... I see them, every year... knowing who did that to them..."
Hannah smiled weakly before drawing him close to her, pulling him into a hug. "You are a good wizard Neville, and a great man. I don't think I could face my demons anywhere nearly as well as you."
Neville drew back a touch, enough so that they could look each other in the eye. "I guess we'll have to work on that." He said with a touch of humour.
Hannah felt her face flush. "For how long?" she asked with a small, sly smile.
Neville was not sure where this playfulness was coming from, but he wasn't going to stop it now. "How about a lifetime?"
Hannah's smile widened. "Sounds good..." she half whispered as they closed the gap between them.
The kiss was soft and gentle, mindful of the heavy topics they had discussed. Neither Neville nor Hannah were aggressive or dominant. Instead their kiss was the meeting of equals, a mutually level field. They both knew deep down that what they shared now was a precursor to something stronger, deeper. This was no passing summer fling.
Neville was focusing on the moment, allowing the sensations of the kiss and the feel of Hannah within his arms to drive back the dark memories and emotions. While not as stunningly beautiful as some of the other girls in Hogwarts, Hannah was certainly a pleasantly pretty girl, with a homely 'girl next door' feel to her.
His hand was resting lightly on her waist. He could feel the smooth, soft skin beneath her summer dress. Her hand was resting lightly over his wrist. He felt her tense slightly, just before she gripped his wrist a little more tightly... and slowly began to draw his hand up her body.
"Hannah?" He asked nervously as his hand was lifted higher.
"Shhh... just, enjoy." She whispered back, though he could still hear a nervous tone in her voice.
"Hannah, you don't have to..."
"...I... I want to..."
And then with a moment's hesitation she pressed his hand to the side of her breast, using her fingers to mould his around and under the supple mound.
Neville's mind had gone blank. He could not believe this was happening! Vaguely he could feel the texture of the bra she was wearing, but most of his mind had been taken over by primal male elation.
Hannah meanwhile was relaxing into the action slowly. She knew that she was taking things a bit fast... they had only been seeing each other for just over a week! Yet, she knew this was right, somehow. And, if she was honest with herself, she was enjoying the feeling herself.
It was into this scene of young love that Hedwig arrived. Golden yellow eyes fixed unblinking onto the Scion of House Longbottom, with no effect. After a nearly a minute of waiting, the Snowy Owl's patience had run out, and she barked at the oblivious couple.
They both jumped, Neville's hand jerking away like a scalded cat. Two pairs of eyes wide with fright turned frantically towards where the sudden sound came from, only to see an innocent looking snowy owl watching them.
Taking several deep breaths to calm his racing heart, Neville sat back slowly. Once he had calmed down from the burst of panic, he looked back at Hedwig. The owl just clacked her beak before lifting a leg up, offering the letter tied to it.
"Thank you Hedwig." He only just managed to keep the sarcasm out of his voice.
Hedwig just narrowed her eyes slightly as he removed the letter. While Neville didn't notice Hannah did, and she began to wonder just how smart the owl really was.
Neville blinked slowly after he'd read through Harry's letter. "Well... that's unexpected."
Hannah looked at him with curiosity.
"Harry's hoping to make a multi-house alliance to fight the Death Eaters. Potter, Black, Bones, Greengrass and Longbottom."
Hannah gasped. While the Abbots were an old house, they had never been in the same league as those families. Only the Carrows and the LeStranges - both known Death Eaters - were of similar status in the magical world, and the Carrows were only just hanging onto that. Malfoy acted as though he was, but those who paid attention knew that he wasn't.
"He's invited both of us to... wait. Potter Manor!"
"I heard it was destroyed in the last war!"
Neville chuckled slightly. "I guess that's what Harry's father wanted everyone to believe. From what I've heard, he was worse than Fred & George in his day."
*Wednesday 17th, Greengrass Manor*
"Thank you Harry."
Harry looked blankly at Daphne, noting how the light streaming through the window illuminated her slim figure through her dress robes. She turned to look at him, blond hair gleaming.
"For what you said earlier. For caring about my family." Her eyes were gleaming with a hint of tears.
Harry shifted uncomfortably, painfully aware he was sitting in her bedroom at 'Greengrass Manor'. She had admitted, almost painfully, that her families home was a 'Manor' only in name; it had once been a coaching inn, a source of income for the family. After the loss of their ancestral home in Sweden they had been forced to make do in England... where the reception was not very welcoming. As time had gone by, the nearby town had grown and surrounded the old coaching inn turned country house. On paper it was impressive: six bedrooms, three floors with living, dining and sitting room on the ground floor and separate living spaces on the other two, and Victorian styling. There was also a basement kitchen and storage chambers. But the reality was much less. Two of the bedrooms were smaller than his old one at Privett Drive, and the ground floor rooms felt small, cramped. The stairs were narrow and steep with little light and low ceilings.
Yet... despite the closed in feelings, the Greengrasses had managed to make the building a home. It was in the little things, small touches that showed that a family lived here. While he'd already seen first-hand that they were not a demonstrative lot like the Weasleys, there was real affection between them. It was all there in the eyes; the quiet, soft voices when they spoke. Lord Greengrass however was clearly not one to mess with. Despite his advanced years, he was still a formidable presence. It was very easy to picture him as a battle-hardened Viking, axe in hand ready to defy the oceans... and anything else that stood against him.
"I know he comes across as cold and distant, but grandfather was pleased when you stressed that my happiness was the most important thing to you." Daphne smiled as she crossed the room in a couple of steps. "That's why he was so quick to agree."
"Quick? You four were talking for at least an hour!" In truth Harry was not really complaining. He understood, just about, what a big thing this would be for the Greengrasses. Proud and unbending, refusing to kneel before another. They'd stayed out of the last war with Voldemort, backing neither side. And until he'd come with his offer, it looked like they would have continued the trend. Heaven knows following the Ministry was a joke.
While the elder Greengrasses had conferred, Daphne's little sister Astoria had been tasked with entertaining him while he waited. Once outside her parent's presence, the young soon-to-be fourth year had giggled before leading him upstairs to the first floor living space, which the four daughters shared as their own. There he'd met Daphne's youngest siblings, adorable nine-year-old twin girls, Carla and Cynthia. Both had been awed at meeting him. Harry had at first felt uncomfortable at the obvious hero-worship, but quickly he found himself disarmed by their cute, cherubic faces and bright blue eyes. Both were, like their sisters, smart and quick-witted, as they had understood that he had come to make their eldest sister happy. They didn't have all the details, but they clearly were quick on the up-take.
Daphne herself had caught up with them later, to find him sat on the sofa with one on each knee, both young girls smiling blissfully as they cuddling into him as he told them about his flight on Buckbeak during Third Year. He'd noticed her arrival, but had continued to talk at her gesture.
The smile that she had turned on him after she saw that had ignited a warm, blissful feeling in him.
Now she sat next to him, placing one hand on his. "Grandfather's always been cautious Harry. He's been worried about the Family for most of his life." Looking up, he was slightly startled to see a tear in her eye. "Thank you Harry."
Harry shrugged, a little uncomfortable. "You saved me from myself Daphne."
"Maybe." She half whispered. "But you're the bigger hero." Her finger jumped to his lips, stilling them, while he expression hardened. "Yes, you are a hero Harry. Not because of that 'Boy-Who-Lived' crap. It's what you've done since that makes you one. Had I not known Hermione like I did, it would have been easy for me to consider your adventures as the antics of a typical Gryffindor, always getting into trouble, looking for it. But thanks to her, I considered that maybe things were a lot deeper and far more complicated than that.
"I know now that it was never a case of you looking for trouble, but that it kept finding you by itself. And once you knew it was there, you had to deal with it, as no one else would. You chose to do what was right, instead of taking the easy option, no matter what." Daphne continued as she gently traced her other hand across Harry's shoulders.
Leaning in, she whispered. "I know that I'll never be number one in your heart Harry; that place is taken by Hermione. But I know that you'll never treat me like some prize or a possession."
Harry chuckled nervously. "Hermione would kill me if I even thought about doing that."
Daphne smiled indulgently. "It's not in your nature Harry. I know that now. But thank you." With that she closed the gap between them slowly, gently pressing her lips to his.
It took a moment or two, but Harry responded and began to kiss her back, and Daphne felt herself melting into him. There was something else in his kiss though, something that had not been there before. He seemed to be putting more of himself into the kiss, his hand caressing her waist and forearm gently. It was at that moment that Daphne knew that Harry loved her. Maybe not yet to quite the same extent that he did Hermione, but there was love between them. It warmed her heart to know this, to know that she was accepted for who she was.
A small shiver ran through her as his hand drifted up her spine, a gentle caress that hinted at the lover he would become. This was the man she had fallen in love with, a gentle, caring man who would march through the gates of hell for those he cared about. With a low moan from deep in her throat, Daphne lifted a hand enough to run her fingers through his hair, playing with the uncontrollable black locks.
*Thursday 18th, Ministry of Magic*
Arthur Weasley trudged into his office Thursday morning, head bowed in thought. Ever since Bill had come to him last week he'd been deep in thought, thinking over everything. He'd gone through the motions at work, but everyone else had seen that he was preoccupied. Not that any had bothered trying to find out what ailed him. Most of the other 'workers' at the Ministry looked down on him anyway, as to their minds he was a 'Blood Traitor'. Arthur however had never let that affect him. He did his job, got paid, and was able to indulge his past-time, trying to understand muggle ways and machines. He knew that most of his co-workers considered him to be a fool, easily led and submissive. But it didn't bother him. He knew the truth, and so shrugged off their contempt as unimportant.
But the revelations that Bill had brought to him... that was serious. Arthur's sense of honesty was affronted at his wife's duplicity... and he knew that the Goblins would not have lied; they had nothing to gain. Arthur was not blind; he knew that his pay would not have covered sending all their children to Hogwarts for the full seven-year course. He'd only planned to have two or three kids, but Molly had pushed and pushed for a daughter. Arthur, despite knowing the odds - the Weasleys were known for having a very low proportion of girls born in their line - had indulged her, until at last they had Ginny. And, despite the hardship he knew would come from having to raise seven children, he found himself loving them all, loving the fact that the Burrow was always filled with the sounds of his children playing around. And little Ginny... she had become the apple of his eye. Deep down, Arthur knew he'd been indulgent with her, not as firm as he likely should have. But he loved her too much.
It was only a few months before her first birthday that Molly had told him that she just learned that she had an Inheritance that would allow them to send all their children to Hogwarts. Arthur, still overjoyed at the recent defeat of He-Who-Not-Be-Named, had not questioned her. It was not suspicious really; the number of people who had died meant there had to be dozens of inheritances waiting to be collected.
And so he'd taken the money, used it to bolster his income and sent his children off to Hogwarts one by one, each time filled with pride and happiness. When Bill graduated near the top of his class Arthur had felt like he was walking on clouds, he was so proud of his first son! To then be accepted at Gringotts... well, it was an honour for them all. Then when Charlie began his apprenticeship with the dragon handlers, once more Arthur had been filled with pride. His sons were following their dreams, which was the most important thing in Arthur's opinion.
Molly, however... she had not approved of either son's choice of role. She'd gone on about having a 'respectable' job with the Ministry so much that in the end Arthur had to order her to pipe down and just be proud of their sons.
Arthur sighed. He was not totally blind to his wife's faults. He knew she was pushy and domineering. And she was real bloody clingy! She'd dropped hints, in her usual subtle way - which is to say, not subtly at all - that they should really stay at the Burrow, continue to live with the rest of the family. Arthur understood a little of the reason for this: both her twin brothers had been killed in the last war, and Molly was terrified of losing any more of her family. But she'd pushed too hard, and driven both young men away. Personally Arthur thought it would do them some good to learn how to live on their own, but Molly never saw things that way.
Now his eldest son, his successor, had been suspended from his dream job because of Molly's lies and deceit. What had she been thinking, stealing Harry's money? And then all but forcing that remarkable young man together with their daughter... the daughter she'd all but programmed to fall in love with him? After everything Harry had done for them?
Without thought, he withdrew the report from St Mungo's, his eyes running over the findings once more. Layer after layer of conditioning, along with potions applied subtly, over a long period of time. This was more like something he'd expect of Lucius Malfoy.
How could she have withdrawn that money? You had to not only have the vault key, but also had to be either the owner of the vault and key or have a Gringotts permission slip; just scrawling one's name on a scrap of parchment was not enough. Gringotts enforced the rule that all the proper forms had to be filled in first. Only then could another take gold from someone's vault. The only exception was...
Arthur sagged back in his chair, eyes wide. It had to be, there was no other way. Molly must have signed a betrothal contract between Ginny and Harry. As the mother of the bride-to-be, she then would have more leeway.
Anger seeped into him as he thought about how much his wife must have gone behind his back to arrange all this, and keep it from him. It was smelling just like the first few weeks of their relationship, when she slipped him a love potion to 'get his attention'. When he'd found out, he'd been furious. He'd felt used. But, despite everything, he knew that he was fond of her. Despite her flaws, she did have some good traits that appealed and attracted him. It was why he hadn't been suspicious at first; he'd thought he'd finally worked up the courage to ask her out. In the end, they had worked it all out and stayed together.
But now... it seemed her old bad habits were ruling her once again. Arthur had hoped to have cured her of those controlling urging she had, but sadly she had resisted. Now the whole family was going to suffer. He already had evidence in Ginny's medical examination. If she had tried to control others in the same way...
He dragged both hands down over his face. There was no way the Weasleys could pay back Harry right off. The principle amount alone... At best, they'd cover the interest and a fraction of the principle. Even if Bill, Charlie and the twins chipped in, they would still be paying back the money when his great-grandkids were attending school. Not Hogwarts, as that would have to be sacrificed to do it. Even Percy might chip in, once he heard.
That was what Arthur had been struggling with all week. Trying to figure out a way to handle this without destroying his Family, ruining his son or making an enemy of the goblins.
He didn't know what would happen tomorrow, but he knew it was likely to be brought up at some point. Although it had been Molly acting alone, as Head of House and her Husband, Arthur would be held accountable for her actions.
*Granger Home, Brentwood*
Nathan glanced at the clock before he shared a bemused look with his wife when the doorbell rang that evening. Who would be calling at this hour? It had been a long, shocking day, on top of a very long and trying week, and Nathan really just wanted to go to bed and crash before tomorrow. As he approached the door he could see the outline of a tall, well built person through the pebbled glass.
When he opened it however, he instantly recognised the face between the two-tone camouflage green jacket and the red beret. "Dan!"
Daniel Keith Granger grinned at his younger brother. "Nathan." Then he pulled his brother into a backslapping hug before reaching down to pick up the two huge duffel bags at his feet.
"What brings you here at this time in the evening?" Nathan asked good-naturedly. Although it was barely more than two years between them, he had always looked up to his older brother Daniel. They had similar builds, though Daniel took even more after their father, being that fraction taller and noticeably more muscular. When they had been younger Daniel had been the more hot-headed, outgoing one, but he'd always been there to protect his quiet little brother. While his academic skills had been not as good, his physical abilities had been top rate. Once Nathan had cleared secondary school, Daniel had followed his dream and joined the Army. Nathan had been really chuffed when he heard he'd been accepted into the prestigious 2nd Parachute Regiment.
"Looking for a place to crash for a few days." Daniel said, before dumping his bags to approach Emma. "Emma, as stunning as ever."
Emma smiled warmly as she stepped forward to hug her brother-in-law. Daniel had always been a protector, a reassuring presence. She had always been fond of him. "Hello Daniel." She kissed his cheek, having to stand on tiptoe to reach. Daniel Granger was a tall man, well over six feet. "You want anything?"
"Coffee would be excellent my dear."
Once they were all sat around the kitchen table, Nathan looked at him curiously. "So, why do you need a place to stay? I thought you lived on base, ever since..." He trailed off, a grimace on his face.
Daniel sighed. "Yeah, I was. Couldn't go back to the house, not after what she did. I've put it on the market." He shifted. "I just want to be shot of the place."
Nathan and Emma shared a look. The only real flaw in Daniel's life had been his marriage. Carol Beckham had been attracted to his 'Military' image... or rather, his pay check. Emma had known - almost from the outset - that Carla had been a shallow, greedy individual. Out for herself, with no regard for others feelings.
Oddly, she'd gotten the same vibes from certain members of the Weasley family.
Sadly, Daniel Granger had fallen head over heels in love with the slim figured, haughty blond. At first, for the first half dozen years, things had been good between them. He was happy, she appeared content, and they had a son, Richard. But as the years passed Carol had become bitter, and the arguments become more common. She grew distant, cold... towards both of them. Daniel constantly had to cover her debts that she seemed to relish running up. And her scorn for his lack of reaching higher rank - he'd been promoted to Captain just before their wedding, and was still at that rank while others his age were Majors or Colonels - appeared to have no limit.
Then the affairs had started, shortly after he'd been deployed to the Falklands. Emma had noticed the change first, but quick it grew to the point where it was only Dan who didn't see it. Even his son, only five at the time, had seen the difference in his mom. The air in their home was filled with tension and mistrust.
It had all come out that day when Daniel had come home on leave early, to find his wife in their bed, with not one, but three other men. She'd been riding an African as black as night, his weapon ploughing her depths. She'd had the other two each side, jerking both off at once. The evidence that this had been going on for some time was clear on her chest.
The divorce had dragged on for almost six months, as Carol had fought every inch of the way. And she fought dirty. She'd tried to drag Daniel through the mud, ruin him and his career. Paint him as a cold, unfeeling bastard. But she'd tried too hard, and got herself caught in a lie. After that, her credibility and case crumbled like dust. The final nail was when nine-year-old Richard was asked who'd he prefer to live with.
"Daddy. She's a cold hearted bitch without a heart."
Carol had been furious; she'd moved to slap him across the face, but had been restrained by Daniel, who'd moved like greased lightning. He hadn't hurt her, but the look in his eyes had utterly demolished any fight in her. She'd left the office with her tail between her legs and a tiny fraction of what she'd been demanding as a settlement. None of the Granger family had seen her since.
Emma cleared her throat. "So, how long will you be staying?" She asked, trying to get past the old memories. Mentally she was actually thankful that Harry and the others had moved the bulk of their things to Potter Manor yesterday. They were planning on sending a second load of Hermione's tomorrow. On the topic of themselves moving... they were still undecided. On the one hand, they recognised the dangers that had been almost pounded into them by their daughter, Harry and his adult friends. But this was their home, home for the last twenty years. To just give it up and move out... it would be massive wrench. And a sign of submission, being chased out of your own home on the mere threat of attack...
"Don't know." Daniel shrugged. "Long as I'm welcome, I suppose... or I get my own place."
Emma shared a confused look with Nathan, "I meant... when do you have to report for duty once more?"
"I don't. I'm retired, as of this morning."
Nathan almost choked on his tea. "What?"
"My tour's over Nathan. Twenty years service complete."
Nathan's eyes unfocused. "Damn... it has hasn't it?"
Emma however was looking at her brother-in-law with concern. "But... what will you do now?"
A shrug was her reply. "I'll find something. Combats a young man's game." A small smile began to form on his lips. "Speaking of young men, has your little princess brought one around yet? What is she now, fifteen, sixteen?"
Emma smiled. "Nearly seventeen, going on twenty-seven." She shared a glance with Nathan; Daniel was not aware that Hermione was a witch. He knew she was 'Gifted', and knew a little about her friends, but was still in the dark in regards to the magical world. "As for boys... she's got a boyfriend now."
Daniel looked at his brother with concern. "Not that Ron character, right?"
Nathan looked up startled. "Why would you think that?"
"The worried expression on your face."
Nathan grimaced. He'd been thinking about the fact that he couldn't tell his own brother the truth about Hermione. "No, not that lazy, greedy slob."
Emma cut in smoothly. "She's with Harry."
Daniel sat back. "Ah. Well, when do I get to meet him?"
Emma frowned lightly. "Things are going to be hectic for him this weekend. His Godfather passed away a couple of week ago, and his will reading is tomorrow. Plus he's still getting settled into his ancestral home..."
Daniel chuckled. "You're making him out to be royalty!"
Emma shared another look with her husband. How right he was!
*Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry*
High in his office at Hogwarts, Dumbledore sat staring out of the window at the setting sun, a half-empty glass of Fire-whiskey in his hands. Tomorrow was going to be a black day for his soul... in many ways. He hated that he had to deny Harry what he was rightfully due, but it was the only way to save the Magical World. In truth Sirius should know better than to place a fortune in the hands of a mere boy; such a sum of gold would just go to the boys head, and be squandered and wasted on frivolous things.
Then again, this was Sirius, the definitive man-child if there ever was one.
No, the Black Family fortune had to be redistributed into the Wizarding World, for the Greater Good of the whole. It had to, so it could balance the constant influx of money coming from the muggleborns. So far most of them hadn't realised the potential damage they could do with that kind of ready cash. A fortunate thing really. They already did enough with their ideas of 'Equality for All' and the abolishment of all hereditary titles, the erosion of family values and Peerage. And with miss Granger so close to young, impressionable Harry... It was just far too dangerous to allow him to have such ready funds. They just did not understand that the Magical world could only survive gradual changes. Too many wanted radical changes right now, changes that would bring everything crashing down, leaving them with anarchy. No, change had to be gradual, had to be slow, to allow society to adjust. He'd already pushed things as much as he dared, and once nearly went too far. When he first wanted to accept a woman as a Professor... the outrage from the old, pureblood elite had been fierce. But he'd stood his ground, and in the end had emerged victorious. But it had been a near thing, and he was reluctant to push things that far again. Now though, it was accepted as normal for there to be women Professors, shopkeepers... even Ministry Department Heads, though Amelia Bone's climb to that lofty position as head of the DMLE was one filled with danger and trouble. Several times the old Purebloods had tried to block her, but when faced with only her wanting the job... they had to back down. Even in the Wizengamont women were allowed to represent families... though the Head of House had to approve. And it all started with Dumbledore taking on Minerva McGonagall as his replacement as Transfiguration Professor.
It was fortunate that he'd managed to divert the owls sent out to the two of them. Without them present, he could step in and accept whatever they had been left by Sirius on their behalf. A couple of notes of proxy and things would be all right. It had required copying their signatures from some official school documents, but that was a minor thing in the grand scheme of things. He fully intended to let them have the bequests in time... just not now, when there were more important things for them to focus on. Later, once Voldemort was gone, he could ensure that they received whatever Sirius left them. Dumbledore just hoped that someday they would forgive him for what he had to do. Although he had no proof, he felt that in his bones his time on this plane of existence was drawing to a close. He had only a few years, at most, before age would finally catch up with him and he would embark on the 'next great adventure'. He only hoped that after he was gone, he would remembered fondly, as a brilliant and far-sighted man, who did what was necessary to ensure the stability and survival of the Magical world.
Even if, some days, he couldn't forgive himself.
He knew that he wasn't going Dark. Everything he did for was all for the Greater Good of the World. Pain was unavoidable, he just had to chart a course to avoid the most pain for the most people... and more often than not in the past, he had. Sometimes however, one had to be sacrificed, to save everyone.
He wasn't going Dark, simply because he accepted that terrible fact.
He wasn't.
Slugging back the remaining fire-whiskey, Albus stood and stepped towards his bedchamber, weariness, age and grief dragging his shoulders and soul down.