Chapter Twenty - It was Narcissa, wasn't it?
Harry and the others had arrived home following their exciting day at the bank to the wonderful smells of a fine meal. They found Dobby in the kitchen finishing up the last bit of preparation for the fantastic spread they saw laid out in the formal dining room.
"Master and Mistresses," Dobby spoke, "please sit, relax, and enjoy the meal. I know you need it after your day."
"Thanks Dobby," Harry told him before he and the others went to enjoy their meal.
They sat and enjoyed the company and food while they discussed the things they learned and saw during their day. As the meal finished they fell into a comfortable silence until they were shaking by a knock at the door.
"Who could that be?" Emma asked as she looked at those gathered.
"Master Harry," Dobby called as he stepped into the room holding a package. "This was just delivered for you from Gringott's."
"Thank you Dobby," Harry responded as he took the package.
He saw the seal and immediately flipped it over and began reading. The others watched in rapt attention as he read and every now and again his eyes would resemble the size of saucers. He finally finished and lay down the papers and glanced at those gathered waiting on an answer.
"It's from Bloodtooth. He was able to get the questions you left with him answered Amelia. He sent over a copy right away saying that he believed we needed the information immediately. He also sent word of the punishments dealt out."
"And?" Hermione asked.
"Well, what do you want to hear first?" he asked as he glanced amongst them.
"Well, the punishments are nothing we have to act on so let's hear those first," Minerva told him as she tried to offer her support to him from across the table.
"Ok, Ginny is the first and received the lightest with a summer working as a cleaning person in the lower levels of the bank and she'll get treatment at St. Mungo's, after signing Sirius's contract," he said and paused to wait on replies before continuing.
"Well, it could've been much worse. We'll have to wait and see what she's like after we're back at school," Daphne said before motioning Harry to continue.
"Ron's to spend 5 years in the mines and upon his release he's not allowed contact with any of us and never allowed inside the goblin nation again."
Hermione stiffened a little as Harry spoke and then looked directly at him and then her father before saying, "I'm sorry he got the better of me. I knew to be careful around him, that we were expecting him to try something. I honestly thought he wasn't that stupid to try it in the bank. I figured he would wait until we were outside and so he surprised me."
"It's alright sweetheart. I plan on training you and the others in self-defense starting soon, maybe even some weapons training," Dan told his daughter from beside his wife.
"I can help by adding some wizarding defense if you would like," Remus added.
"Thank you both. Please Harry, continue," Hermione said squeezing his hand under the table.
"Molly's to spend 50 years in the mines. If she survives, then she's to be released with the restriction from the Goblin nation as well."
"Wow, that's a long time in the mines. She'll be lucky to walk out with her life let alone her mind if she does make it," Remus said as he sat stunned.
"Finally, Dumbledore was beheaded and had a burning ceremony. His ashes were collected and entombed in his ancestral vault. He did however, make a last request according to Bloodtooth. He says that it's something I need to speak with him about when we go to the bank later this week to handle my parents' wills."
There was a variety of mixed emotions at that declaration. Harry saw only a glimpse of his godmother's face as she excused herself and hurried out of the room.
He saw Amelia glance her direction and start to rise so he said, "I'll go check on her. I'll be right back."
Harry walked out the dining room and noticed that the glass doors to the back patio were slightly ajar. He headed that way and sure enough he saw his godmother sitting on a bench off the path that crossed the garden.
"Minerva, are you OK?" he asked as he got a little closer.
Minerva was overwhelmed at the news of Albus' death. She was upset at him for what he had done to everyone but she was still human and had known the man a long time.
"I will be Harry. It's just I can't help but wonder if he was every truly my friend or if I was just another means to his greater good."
"I'm not sure we'll never know what he was truly like or who he truly was. I do know that you're important to me and the others. You've been here for me since you regained your memory and you've always been there for the students. They still need you, I still need you."
Minerva looked at the young man in front of her and couldn't help but see the truth in his eyes. They truly were the exact same as his mother's had been, even the emotion that shone through them when he was speaking from the heart.
"Thank you Harry. I've been a little overwhelmed with his betrayal and I appreciate the kind words. Let's get back and see what else is in that letter shall we?"
They headed back inside and made their way to the others side by side with Minerva's arm draped across his shoulders. After they stepped in and took their seats Harry looked at everyone and nodded before he picked up the papers and passed them to Hermione.
"Love, can you duplicate enough copies of this for everyone so they can just read for themselves and then we can discuss the answers."
"Of course," she replied as she pulled her wand to begin the spell work.
The table had been cleared during his and Minerva's absence. Hermione finished up and passed out the copies. They all settled down and read in silence.
"Oh my," Minerva sighed as she lay her copies down. "We definitely have to work on correcting these things. The ones we can anyway. I can have Madame Pomfrey and Hagrid's memories returned. I can also alert Filius about the spells regarding Ms. Lovegood."
"What about Snape?" Harry asked.
"That's going to require some thought and careful handling. He's definitely not going to handle this well," Minerva responded.
"Should we even tell him?" Remus asked.
"Why wouldn't we? He needs to know his choices in life didn't kill the love of his life. He may still have to act as a spy to keep his cover but he should be informed," Hermione said a little disappointed at the very idea of anyone not wanting to tell the man. He was a greasy git and terrible potions professor but he was still a broken man that should be told the truth.
"You're right, some habits are hard to overcome I'm afraid," Remus said as he hung his head. He may not like the man but she was right.
"Let me think on that one before we do anything impulsive. I know he'll have questions, along with everyone else, after things hit the press but he needs to be told sooner rather than later," Minerva added.
"I'll speak to Neville. I've been meaning to write him anyway. I can invite him and his Gran over and we can tell them what's been going on. She may have advice on how to handle the Wizengamot and what we can do about the votes he fixed over the years," Harry told the group.
"That's not a bad idea actually. Madame Longbottom is very well versed in the Wizengamot and the laws that affect the Most Noble and Most Ancient Houses so she should prove a fountain of information. I can help some there as well with my lovely wife here," Nathaniel Greengrass told Harry from his spot down the table. They had been quiet most of the time, both thinking of things they saw during the day and wondering how the other would react to those things.
"That leaves the school board issue," Susan tossed out. "I'm rather curious about one thing though, when we were talking to Draco he mentioned his father being on the school board. I thought he was removed after our second year?"
"He was so we may need to ask him about that. He may have been trying to give a clue of some sort to how far his father actually has his hooks into everything," Daphne answered. She noticed his mention of this during their talk and saw the way Draco had reacted to everything and wouldn't be surprised in the least if it turned out to be the case.
"Do we even need to discuss his love affair with Grindelwald?" Harry asked.
"We may. It depends on how the public reacts to everything," Amelia said. She was impressed with the reactions the kids had to all of this and knew they had had a long day and needed to relax soon. "How about we call it a night and take a little time to recoup some and then meet again to discuss this some more?"
"That sounds like a plan to me. I feel like three days have passed all during this one. I say we call it a night and wait on the storm to come once the news hits the papers. Any idea when that'll be?" Harry asked as he thought about the wizarding world exploding when the papers hit declaring the truth about Dumbledore.
"I do. Luna said the day after tomorrow would be best for them, so I let Rita know that she had to release then as well. I think she was relieved since she would be able to secure her a spot with the Prophet actually," Hermione told him.
"So that gives us a little time to process before we go again," Harry responded. "Well, if you'll excuse me, I think I'll head up now. Thank you all for the help and support."
Harry stood and soon found he was being hugged by Minerva, "Thank you again. I'll see you soon."
She released him and suggested, "I believe we should take our leave and gather another time. I'm sure we could all use the rest."
Goodbyes were exchanged all around and everyone left in small groups. Harry walked up the stairs in silence and just wanted to change and collapse. He really felt overwhelmed and just wanted his wives near him.
The girls were still not up here and so he looked around at the room. He decided to head to the bath and see if the water would relax him.
Back downstairs the girls had stopped in the study to talk a minute. Hermione had blocked Harry out and told them to hang back and talk a minute before heading up.
"What's up Hermione?" Susan asked as she stood with them right inside the study.
"I just think we need to do something special for Harry. He had a rough day and needs to forget about things for a while. We have tonight and all day tomorrow to relax him before things start all over again."
"Do you have something in mind?" Daphne wondered as she eyed Hermione.
"Not really, I mean we've all had our alone time with him and I personally don't want to have to be separated from him or you two again. I suggest we spend tonight and tomorrow figuring out how things will work with us all together with him… at once."
"Oh, right," Susan chuckled. "I think it'll pretty much be the same as the one night we experimented with him together want it?"
"Yeah, but I was the only one to actually have intercourse with him that night, now there are three of us. I'm sure we each want him and even though Harry is quite the teenage boy I'm not sure he'll have the stamina to please all three of us."
"We seemed to satisfy each other pretty well when we had our night alone. That'll help and I'm sure we won't let any of us go unsatisfied, right?" Susan asked with a slight blush at the thought.
"I know I was completely satisfied each time so I don't think it'll do any good to over think things. We should go with whatever comes up," Daphne added as she grinned at them.
"Ok, sounds like a plan to me. Let's go see what he's up to," Hermione said as she opened the door and headed upstairs with Daphne and Susan following.
That night Nathaniel was lying in bed waiting on his wife to join him. He had noticed the way she had been acting since the reading and really wanted to talk to her. He had a clue what had her so upset and distant but he still needed to confirm it. He looked up as she walked in and saw that she looked as if she had been crying.
"Dear, are you ok? You can talk to me you know. I noticed the way you've been acting since earlier."
"Nate, I need to tell you something. Please hear me out before you say anything, ok?" Danyella asked him as she sat on the bed beside him and grabbed his larger hand between her smaller more delicate ones.
"Of course, I will, just tell me what's the matter."
"Do you remember when you first approached me about dating and marriage?"
"Yeah, I had just been told by my father that I had a month before he would force me into an arranged marriage with that older French witch. We had become friends during our last year of school because I was fighting with them over my life and you had lost your only real friend the year before when she graduated."
"Right, it was good for the both of us. I needed comfort and liked you and you needed a wife. I grew to love you, just as you grew to love me. We have two of the best daughters we could ask for and a wonderful life."
"Why do I feel like there's something more though?"
"Because there is. You see my friend that graduated wasn't just my friend. We loved each other and had been together for years. We always talked about a future together and things were good with us. Then when we were about to end her last year she told me that she was to be married to fulfill a family contract that her older sister had abandoned their family to escape from. I was heart-broken and couldn't believe that there was anyone that could make me feel the same way she had. Then as time went on I grew to love you as much, the problem was I never stopped loving her."
Nate looked at Danyella and wondered how to approach this. He knew he loved his wife and would do anything for his family. He could see tears rolling down her face so he slowly raised his other hand to wipe away the tears as he asked, "It was Narcissa, wasn't it?"
Danyella turned into his touch and nodded her head. She wasn't sure what to say or what to do and was surprised when Nate pulled her into a hug and held her while she cried. She stayed in his arms for a while drawing comfort from him before she decided to speak again.
"Nate, I've never told anyone about this and I'm sorry I never told you before but it all came crashing down on me today I as saw her so desperate to escape Lucius. I always thought she had grown to love him and had forgotten about me. Seeing her today made me feel like she must've had a horrible marriage. You've given me everything and I love you but I still love her too. It's just so overwhelming."
Nate was quiet for a little longer then he spoke, "How would you like to talk to her? You could write her or we could figure something else out. I love you Danyella, and I want you to be happy. We'll work this out, I promise. Now rest dear, you need it. We'll talk more tomorrow."
"Thank you, I love you too," Danyella responded as she snuggled further into his broad chest and strong arms as she thought about what she wanted to do about all of this.
In the dark manor, at the bottom of the hill near Wiltshire in southwestern England, Bellatrix Lestrange was furious. She had scoured her sister's home looking for her and Draco. The Dark Lord had sent her to find out what had happened during the reading but she couldn't find anyone. Her idiot step-brother had been locked in Azkaban since the fiasco at the DOM, so he was useless and her master wanted answers.
She wasn't sure where to look for them so she had decided to wait a while longer in case they had been detained for some unexpected reason. She would make them pay for her having to wait and her making her master wait. The Dark Lord wasn't happy with any of them at the moment since Lucius's screw up and so the news that Draco could bring the Black family fortune to his disposal had been a saving grace. She just hoped they would return before she was summoned and had to return without the news her master wanted.
In the northern lands of Scotland, Minerva had just returned to Hogwarts Castle. She knew she had to check on a few things before she spoke to Harry and the girls again. She was the Assistant Headmistress and knew if Albus was truly gone she would be able to take control of the school until there was a permanent replacement.
She was on her way through the corridor's that led to the gargoyle that guarded the Headmaster's office, when she ran into Severus Snape, as she rounded the last corner before her destination.
"Severus, it's nice to see you. What are you doing out at this hour without students to check on?" Minerva asked as she stalled to figure out what to tell him.
"I was on my way to notify the Headmaster of my return before I turned in for the evening," he answered her with his usual sneer in place while he looked down his crooked nose at her.
"Well, I'm headed there now. If you want I can alert Albus of your return?" She really hoped he didn't insist on seeing him. She wasn't ready to confront him just yet.
Severus looked at her and really didn't have anything to report so he nodded and turned around with his cloaks billowing out in his trademark style as he sauntered off towards the dungeons.
Minerva felt a little relieved and continued onto the opening where she stopped in front of the gargoyle.
"What would you like your password to be Headmistress McGonagall?" it asked as soon as she came to a stop.
She was really relieved now that Severus had gone onto the dungeons. He would've known Albus was gone if he had heard that. "Quidditch Cup," she said and then watched the gargoyle move aside to allow her to enter the stairway.
Minerva stepped into the room and noticed that not much had changed. It looked as if the only difference was that the little silver trinkets Albus had kept on his shelves had shattered and left pieces scattered all around the floor nearby.
She looked up to see the portraits gazing down at her. She knew she needed to act soon and so said, "Former Headmasters and Headmistresses of this fine institution, I need you to listen to me and listen carefully. I know that you are here to help and keep the confidences of the current Head, so I now ask you to trust me when I say that I need to ask you not to tell anything you will hear inside this office to anyone or any other portrait until I tell you otherwise."
Minerva heard them all course their acceptances at once and moved around the desk to take a seat. She opened the drawer that contained the rune stones that controlled the castle's defenses. She knew she needed to place a drop of her blood on the correct rune to have the control she needed over them.
After she had sliced her thumb and placed it on the correct rune she was automatically overwhelmed by the magic she felt tying her to the castle. She noticed that it had a strange feel just under the surface of the defenses, as if something had been placed just below the surface. She would check this later, first she needed to talk to the head of the house elves.
"Oscar," Minerva called as she sat back in the chair and closed the rune drawer.
Minerva heard a faint pop and turned to the oldest of the house elves that worked in the castle. He was wearing a tea sack and had white hairs springing from his big ears and he sounded raspy as he spoke, "Mistress called."
"Yes Oscar, I did. I believe you may have noticed that the ties have passed from Dumbledore to me and I would like you to keep that quiet until I say otherwise."
"Of course Mistress, I will do as you ask," he told her as he bowed slightly.
"Thank you Oscar, that'll be all. Just continue as you have before and I will call you when we can speak again," Minerva said and watched as he popped out of the room.
She glanced to the empty perch Fawkes usually occupied and hoped he was fine where ever he was. She had always enjoyed his presence in this office and would miss him too. She looked around and figured she had done enough for the night and would have to start again early in the morning.
First thing she was planning on doing was seeing Poppy to try and explain things to her and hope it went well. She would handle the staff later that day, at least those that she knew she could trust and would just wait on the news to break to handle everyone else. She was tired and weary as she made her way to her quarters for the night.
As Hermione, Susan, and Daphne stepped into their room they immediately noticed that Harry was not in the room. Hermione nodded toward the bathroom door and lead the way after they had taken a minute to reapply the contraceptive charms knowing Harry's should still be ok. They stepped into the room and saw that Harry was laid back relaxing in the bath.
"Hey you," Daphne said as she stepped to the side of the bath.
"Do you care if we join you?" Hermione asked as she eyed his glistening body in the steamy water.
"Of course not, please do," Harry told them as he smiled up at them.
Follow my lead Hermione told the other two after blocking out Harry.
She turned and started to undress Susan rather slowly and quite seductively.
Harry was watching with rapt attention. He watched Hermione run her hands all over Susan slowly as she undressed her.
Once Susan was completely bare Hermione turned and began the same process with Daphne. He really was enjoying this.
Susan was standing behind Hermione placing kisses at the base of her neck as she pressed her body against her back while running her hands up and down Hermione's sides.
Once Daphne was nude Hermione turned to face Harry with Susan and Daphne flanking her.
Harry watched as two of his wives took pleasure in undressing his other wife. He watched as they stepped into the tube with him. Hermione stepped over to him and lowered herself down on his lap straddling him with her arms around his neck.
"Harry, we're sorry it took us a while to join you. We're glad you allowed us to share your nice warm bath though," Hermione said as lend forward causing her center to slide across Harry's cock that had begun to harden as he watched them. "I see you liked our show."
"Um, yeah a lot. You're all so beautiful, I can't help myself," Harry said as he ran his hands up Hermione's thighs and rested them on her hips.
"You're quite good looking too," Susan said as she slid closer to Harry while she ran her hand up his abs towards his nipples she pinched lightly.
"Well, on the chance of sounding conceited, I believe we all look rather attractive. And you two are absolutely hot sitting there grinding against each other," Daphne purred as she sat on Harry's other side. She reached over and placed a searing kiss on Hermione as Hermione closed her eyes and moaned at the sensation she was feeling from Harry's member sliding across her clit.
Susan reached out and grabbed Harry in a lip lock as well. She pulled back and guided Harry to one of Hermione's nipples as she latched onto the other.
Hermione gasped as she felt them attack her breast at the same time. She ground onto Harry again as she moaned into Daphne's mouth while their kiss deepened. Soon the kiss broke and she bent down and began to fondle and suck at Daphne's breast. Daphne rolled her head back and knew this was the way she wanted it to be forever.
Hermione slid her hand down Harry's chest and abs until she reached his cock. She grasped him and positioned him at her opening before she thrust down onto him. She threw her head back releasing Daphne's nipples and moaned as she began to ride Harry.
Susan and Daphne would switch between kissing their bond mates and each other while Hermione continued to ride Harry.
Harry had taken to latching onto the nearest breast while he wasn't being kissed. He even began to rub Susan or Daphne's clit when he could manage to. They continued their romp in the bath until Harry had cum buried deep inside Hermione who had climaxed a few times herself.
Once they regained their breath and dried off they headed to their bed where they enjoyed a long pleasurable night together.
Chapter Twenty-One - Special Editions
Emma sat at the table enjoying the solitude of the early morning hours. She would often rise before everyone else and make a cup of tea and sit and enjoy the silence before her husband and/or daughter would wake and join her. She often reflected on the day that had gone by or the one to come, but lately she just needed to think period.
So many things had occurred lately that she was feeling a bit overwhelmed. They haven't had this kind of excitement ever in their lives before. It was an adjustment when they found that Hermione was a witch but it was a relief since it explained many things to them as well.
So she had once again rose before the others and found her quiet morning peaceful, even though she no longer had to make her tea since it was popped to her by Dobby as soon as she sat down. That was something she could get used to without any protests at all.
She heard light footsteps and knew they weren't Dan's so she was a little worried since she wasn't dressed, at all. She glanced over her shoulder and relaxed when she saw her daughter was approaching and alone. 'Now that's different,' she thought as Hermione hasn't really been alone since things started happening, and this was the first time she's seen her without the robe or anything on in a while.
"Morning sweetie, I must say that you can't see where you was injured unless you are looking with a close eye and know where to look. That ointment is absolutely amazing."
"Thanks mum," Hermione replied as she sat down across from her mum and took the tea that had appeared before her.
"Why are you up so early and alone for that matter? Is everything ok?" Emma gently asked as she watched for any sign from her daughter.
"I'm fine mum. We all are actually. It's just…well, you know me, if I have a question I think about it until I figure it out or am satisfied I will soon."
"What's got you wondering?" Emma asked as she had picked up a little blush from her daughter there briefly.
"Well, honestly, I'm not sure it's something wrong just more...uh, different than I expected. You see, well…" Hermione tried to start but was having trouble actually getting it out.
"Hermione, this isn't like you. We talk about everything and you know I will help if I can. Now just say it and you'll feel better?" Emma said curious now more than ever, they usually could talk about anything so this must be huge for Hermione to stumble with it.
"Mum, I talked with Susan and Daphne yesterday about the way the sex would work now that we've all been with Harry. I just didn't want any of us unsatisfied since there are now three who want the intercourse instead of just one, like the first time we were all involved."
"And?" Emma prompted as Hermione stopped to drink some of her tea.
"We said, that no matter what, each of us would make sure we were all satisfied since we couldn't expect Harry to hold up to all three of us, right. So we agreed to just go with it and see what happened."
"That sounds logical dear. Harry is one boy while there are three of you. Teenage boys are teenage boys after all," Emma told Hermione as she smiled at her with a light chuckle.
"That's just it mum, he's apparently different. Not in a bad way at all, I mean… oh sod it all," Hermione inhaled deeply, let it out slowly, and looked her mum in the eyes before continuing. "Mum, he not only satisfied each of us, he did it more than once. He seemed to never lose his erection completely. There were brief instances after he had a rather intense orgasm that he would have a semi but that was rare too."
Emma was intrigued now and decided to fish for more information, "Well, you're all young so it going quickly is nothing to worry about dear."
"No mum," Hermione chuckled. "Quickly wasn't a factor, we spent the majority of the night making love and only a few hours ago fell off to sleep. That's another thing it seemed that as long as we three were able to keep it up, so was he. I had intercourse with him twice, Daphne did three times, and Susan was twice as well. I expected him to be aroused by us and the fact that we were pleasuring each other but he was just, so much more."
Emma was trying to wrap her head around this. Apparently, Harry wasn't quick and had actual intercourse seven times without so much as a rest hardly. Then it hit her, "Well, I'm sure he used magic right?"
"No mum, I didn't see him cast any spells or anything and he didn't take a stamina potion either. The only spells were the contraceptive spells we girls used beforehand," Hermione replied since she had already thought of that.
"Is there anything he could have taken before or something? There are plenty of potions to help with such things, even you and Dad can take those, but we don't have anything like that and unless Harry had Dobby pick them up when we wasn't around."
Hermione was startled as Dobby appeared and looked at her, "You need Dobby Mistress?"
"Dobby, have you picked up any potions for Harry the past few days?" Hermione asked the bouncy little guy.
"No Mistress, but I can get you anything you like from the alley stores anytime you like," Dobby answered hoping to be helpful.
"Not right now, but thanks Dobby," Hermione responded before he left and she turned back to see her mum with an evil grin. "What is the look for?"
"Oh, I was just thinking about the stamina potion you mentioned and your father on it," Emma smirked.
"We can get to that later mum," Hermione chuckled knowing her mum would be sending Dobby after a few things later for sure.
"If it's magic then it's not a spell or potion, so that leaves what?" Emma was thinking aloud to try and help.
"I have a theory," Daphne said as she stepped into the room. "Sorry, but when I got up to use the loo and you weren't there, I searched for you and caught your puzzled feelings through the bond so I followed to check on you."
"Don't be sorry," Hermione smiled and gave Daphne a quick kiss on the lips as she pulled her into the seat beside her. "I would've done the same, now, what's your theory?"
Emma was glad to see the openness they were displaying and happy to see that Daphne had only a pair of knickers covering her. It meant they were all getting used to the nudity, especially since Daphne didn't spare a second glance at her being completely nude this morning. She hoped the other two were on the same track.
"Well, you remember the ability test's revealed that he has limited metamorphmagus abilities right?" Daphne asked as she grabbed the tea that appeared.
"Yeah, do you think that he is using that?" Hermione asked.
"What is that exactly?" Emma asked as she looked at the two girls before her.
"Metamorphmagus is the ability to change your appearance at will. It's something you are born with not something you can learn. Nymphadora Tonks is a metamorph," Hermione responded to her mum.
"Ok, so you think he is changing his penis?" Emma asked as she looked at Daphne.
"Yes and no. I don't think he is consciously doing it, nor do I think he is changing his normal size. I think he is actually doing it without realizing it. We aren't sure exactly what he can do with the ability and it's limited as well according to the test. He maybe just wanting to please us all and so he's making sure he can," Daphne responded.
"That's possible. I mean he's not changing his size I know. He's the same as he was our first time before he knew about the ability. That's something we can experiment with," Hermione said.
"You're not going to ask him to change his size are you? That might not make him feel too good honey," Emma told Hermione.
"Oh no, he's fine in that category mum, no changes needed. I was meaning experimenting with the overall abilities is all," Hermione chuckled.
"Ok, so do you feel better now?" Emma asked her.
"Yeah, I think Daph' is right actually."
"Good, now tell me about these potions dear," Emma said as she smiled at them.
They spent the rest of their time talking and laughing until finally the others had ventured down to start their day as well. Things went by smoothly and relaxingly all day. The family sat back and took the time to just be together and have a normal day. Harry took the time to write to Neville as well. They knew the next day the papers would come out and they would be on the alert again.
Neville Longbottom was just returning from his greenhouses at the back of the manor when he spotted the beautiful owl winging his way.
"Hey Hedwig, I hope you and Harry are well," Neville told the owl as he removed the letter.
Hedwig nipped him playfully and accepted the treat from Neville before she took off and headed home.
Neville looked at the letter and swayed a little on his feet as he realized it was stamped with the Potter seal. He hurried inside and came skidding to a halt as he almost ran straight into his Gran.
"Sorry Gran," Neville said after he righted himself. "I was actually coming to find you to make sure I haven't been in the sun too long."
"Neville, what are talking about?" Augusta Longbottom said as she led her Grandson into the sitting room.
"I was on my way in and Harry's owl showed up with this letter."
Augusta looked at him like he should continue since he wasn't really making sense.
"It has the seal of Lord Potter," Neville said as he flipped the letter over and showed her.
"Oh my, well it's addressed to you so go ahead and open it," Augusta said as the shock wore off only to be replaced by curiosity.
Neville sat back and settled in as he opened the letter.
Hey Nev,
I hope your summer is going fine. I guess you're curious about the seal and I have a few things to share with you.
First, let me say that I would like to meet with you and your Gran sometime soon to discuss a few things. I'm going to give a very brief summary here until we can meet and I can answer any questions either of you have.
Basically, you couldn't trust Albus Dumbledore. He was not the man he led everyone to believe. Neither are Ginny, Ron, and Molly Weasley. I know it sounds unbelievable but trust me, we have all the proof anyone will need. Everyone will tomorrow when the papers come out.
I want to tell you that it's all true. We've had a busy and eventful summer so far, and it's just beginning it seems. We had Rita Skeeter and Xeno Lovegood present to tell the facts. So when you see The Prophet or The Quibbler tomorrow, believe them.
Now, after we returned home yesterday we found out a few more things and unfortunately one of those involves you. So I'd like to see you soon as you and your Gran can. Anytime tomorrow after the papers are out is fine.
Also, I want to tell you that I am indeed, Lord Harry James Potter Black. It's a long story and as before I will answer your questions when you are here. I wanted you to hear this from me first as you are my good friend.
Hermione is now the Lady Potter, we are soul bound. However, that's not all. The former Daphne Greengrass, is now the Lady Black, while the former Susan Bones, is now the Lady Bones Potter Black. Again it's a long and complicated story.
I would like to hear from you and have a chance to talk. Please tell your Gran that she's invited along since I would like to speak with her as well.
Your Friend,
Harry
Neville was flabbergasted. He knew things always seemed to happen to Harry but this was so…man, only Harry. He took a deep breath as he looked up at his Gran.
"You'll just have to read it," Neville said as he passed her the letter and sat back to watch his Gran's reaction.
Augusta Longbottom was speechless. She read the letter a few more times and then looked at her grandson.
"Neville, this letter seems to imply that Albus Dumbledore was but is now no longer a threat, what do you make of it?"
"I'm not sure but I do know that we can trust Harry. What about the invitation?"
"Reply to him and see if tomorrow afternoon is fine and where we should meet?" Augusta replied as she passed him the letter back.
He left the sitting room and headed for the study to handle this right away. He was curious if Luna was coming around this afternoon since she cancelled the other day to accompany her father. He realized she was probably with him when he went to help Harry, and wondered if she knew what was going on.
He got his reply off and went to get cleaned up since he had been delayed by the letter after he had gotten done in the greenhouses. Hopefully, the owl would get to Harry soon and he would have his answer back shortly after.
Neville was not so surprised when later that night he received his reply from Harry delivered by Dobby.
"Master Harry sent you this young sir," Dobby said as he appeared before Neville.
Neville read it over and asked Dobby to wait and he would be right back. He dashed off to speak with his Gran and returned to tell Dobby that they accepted the offer and time so they would see them tomorrow.
Dobby bowed and popped off to inform his master as Neville tried to figure out what to wear to a muggle home. He was looking forward to seeing his friends and really looking forward to the newspapers in the morning as he finally drifted off to sleep.
The next morning witches and wizards all over Britain were waking up to find that they had two special editions waiting on them. One was not as well known for printing facts or even real things for that matter but the appearance of the better known paper sporting the same type of headlines made it impossible to deny either.
At the table of the Granger home all the occupants were sitting around having breakfast when Dobby appeared with a copy of both papers for each one of them.
Harry thanked him and took his copy of The Quibbler as a huge grin spread across his face as soon as he saw the front page.
Special Edition of The Quibbler
By Xeno Lovegood and Luna Lovegood
"The Treachery of Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore"
Harry flipped the page open to see that it was seven pages of text and had several pictures taken during the reading. One picture showed Dumbledore being lead out the room in the suppression cuffs escorted by the armed goblins.
Xeno and Luna included everything that happened. They told the story of receiving the invitation all the way until the end of their time at the bank. Harry was happy to see that the only thing left out was, in fact, the things they wanted left out and that had been obliviated from Xeno.
Harry chuckled as he saw some of the photos. Especially, the photo that had been snapped as Harry and his wives had entered the room and introduced themselves.
He saw the photo of Ron after he had grabbed Hermione and had a flash of anger all over again. He saw Molly and Ginny in a shot and Narcissa and Draco in another. He was pleased with the work that had been done and made a note to send a token of his appreciation for a job well done.
He sat that paper aside and picked up the other. He saw there was a series of articles that Rita had written and she'd broken them up into different topics and had corresponding photos to accompany them.
The first one he read was titled The Late Lord Black Names Successor with a picture of a protesting Draco and one of himself after he had taken his seat at the table. He smiled as he watched the shock then outrage pass over Draco's face but also noted the hint of fear. He wasn't surprised to read that she had included his introductions of his wives as well a picture of the four of them.
The second one he read was titled Bellatrix Lestrange Cast Out of Black Family and Now in Deep Debt with the picture of the escaped Death Eater from her wanted poster. Harry wouldn't want to be her when Tom saw this.
The third article he read was titled Late Lord Black Sets Up a Trust for Needy Students this was accompanied by a photo of Minerva. He was glad that Rita had made a point to mention some of the good things Sirius had done while she also showed the public that the deranged Dark Lord was a half-blood orphan that had been left in a muggle orphanage all those years.
The next was the most detailed of the articles as it was the one to set the stage for the others that followed. It was titled Gringott's Will Reading Spells Out Deceit and was accompanied by different photos that had been taken at critical points during the reading. He was impressed with the way Rita kept to the facts and displayed them alongside the evidence and photos.
The next headline made him let a small chuckle escape. It was titled Dumbledore - Dark Lord or Just Deranged? This had several photos that showed Albus' reactions and his being led out cuffed and surrounded by the guards. Rita included everything that had been revealed about the machinations of the so called leader of the light, even his illegal tether to Fawkes. He was practically glowing from the size of his smile when he finished this one.
The next one was unexpected so soon but he wasn't too surprised. It was titled Power, Politics, and Potter and the photo was a similar one to the other of the four of them. It went on to talk about the effects that this could have on the wizarding world. Harry read thinking that they only know half of their power since they don't know about the heirs or the other family's pledged to him.
The next one was hard for Harry to read through. He read the title Weasley Family Divided and frowned as he saw the accompanying pictures of the family at different times. They had some of Ron holding Hermione, Ginny and Molly screaming, among various others. He was surprised at the way Rita had taken the initiative to explain that not all the Weasley's were involved and shouldn't be held responsible for the three that were.
The last one was titled Locked up Lucius Malfoy Loses Wife and Heir with a picture of Narcissa signing the papers that Harry had just signed to set her free of him. It was something that he would love to see dear Lucius reading. Hell, he might just send him a copy.
He finished up and placed the paper back on the table as he looked around at everyone else. Most of them seemed to be re-reading certain articles and the rest was looking at him expectantly. After everyone was looking his way he asked, "Well, what do you think? Do we have a press representative in Rita or not?"
"She did what we wanted and even surprised me," Hermione told him as she looked at the paper in front of her again.
"I agree," Daphne said as she looked to Susan who nodded she agreed as well.
Emma smiled and said, "I think you can count on this to stir things up so a press rep will be a good idea. She did do an excellent job after all."
Dan chuckled, "I think I'm going to frame this one." He pointed out a photo in The Quibbler of him strangling Ron then releasing him and punching him the first time.
"Master Dan," Dobby said as he popped in, "Dobby already has taken care of it for you. I thought it would be a nice addition to your study desk."
"Thank you Dobby," Dan smiled at the little guy before he popped away. "You know I was only half kidding, I did want it framed."
They all began to laugh at Dan and continued with their morning before they had to head up and get dressed to meet with Neville and his Gran at one later in the day.
On a hill overlooking the village of Little Hangelton, Riddle Manor was filled with screams coming from the dark witch that was currently writhing around on the dirty floor, at her master's feet under his unrelenting cruciatus curse. Bellatrix had managed to escape this torture after a few moments the night before when she had returned to deliver the message that her sister and nephew was nowhere to be found.
Today however, when the rat, Peter, showed up with the copies of the two newspapers she wasn't so lucky. Her lord had read the first paper and had managed to only kill two of his followers while he read. Once he reached the last article in The Prophet about Lucius he snapped and placed her under the curse, that was ten minutes ago.
"My Lord," Snape said from the side of the man, "unless you intend to lose her talents then I would suggest you let her up soon. She will die unless you cease for a while before you continue."
Voldemort broke the connection and turned on his heels to snap his attention to Severus. "Why is it that my so-called faithful spy inside the Order didn't know of the arrest of the Leader of the Light before the news hit the papers? Are you of any use to me at all or shall you join dear Bella?"
"My Lord, I am as surprised as you. Minerva was outside his door that night and offered to tell him of my return and since I wasn't summoned by him I had no way of knowing," Snape bowed deeply and spoke ashamedly to his supposed master.
"You are trying me Severus. All of you are trying my patience," Voldemort stated as he took his place on his throne before his remaining servants. "Severus, you will return to the castle and find out what you can. I want to be made aware as soon as possible of Dumbledore's where a bout's. It may be time to plan a strike against the fools in the ministry if he is indisposed."
"Yes my Lord," Severus said as he bowed and turned from the Dark Lord and headed out the doors as quickly as he could chance.
Voldemort looked around at the few of his servants still standing and spoke, "Remove her from my sight, drag out those two fools to Nagini, and wait on my summons. If any of you hear anything I want to be made aware of it immediately or you shall join the dead you carry with you."
Voldemort knew he had to get information quickly if he was going to be able to use any of this to his advantage. After Lucius's screw up at the DOM that landed him in Azkaban, he was counting on the Black fortune to help him bribe the ministry idiots to continue informing him and following his lead. Now, he was denied funds from the Black's and had lost the funds of the Lestrange's.
That brat Potter was definitely screwing his plots up. He was enraged at that insufferable Skeeter woman for printing that he was nothing more than a half-blood. He had to make her and Potter pay for these insults and he needed it to be very public and very bloody to put the fear back in the masses. Not to mention what he was going to do to Narcissa and Draco once he had them.
He needed to think and plan and to do that he needed to know what he was up against. If Dumbledore was finally out of his way, he could begin a full out attack on the ministry with nothing to fear. He could do many things to destroy that hated brat Potter, starting with his so called wives. He would teach the boy and anyone else that dared to cross him, what it meant to have Lord Voldemort as an enemy.