Chapter 091
Going directly to Director Bones now would likely end her career if it got back to
Scrimgeour. On the other hand...a group of teenagers were doing more to see
actual justice done than any of the law enforcement personnel. Pushing off from
the wall and heading towards the DMLE Head's office she couldn't help but think
about what Harry had said months ago: maybe she should reconsider this job. She
snorted derisively. Since when had she started to value the opinion of a 13 year old
over that of her superiors?
Christmas time found Harry and most of his friends staying over at Hogwarts. While
he actually had a home to return to now, Shiva was staying over the holidays to
help some of her seventh years work on their senior projects, so he remained as
well. Hermione's parents had left for a dentistry conference and Daphne…well he
wasn't sure why Daphne was staying actually. Luna, Neville and Tracey had all
returned home however. He was expecting a visit from Tonks before school started
back up with word about the trial records. Why she wanted to deliver it in person
he had no idea but he was willing to wait a few days.
Especially since his latest efforts with the Silver Spirit – his rune cluster answer for
the Patronus charm – were not working at all.
Growling in frustration, Harry tossed his latest sketch of the cluster into the rubbish
bin. "I don't understand why this doesn't work! The theory is perfectly sound and
the interweaves are fine. It just doesn't make sense!"
"Harry," Hermione said gently, "maybe you're focusing on that too hard."
"I need this to work, Hermione," Harry said scowling. "And it should work!"
"Harry," Hermione sighed. "You could just learn the spell instead."
"A spell is inefficient." He waved her off. "A rune stone is better. It doesn't take
concentration to activate, it doesn't matter if I start losing the happy memory with
the Dementors nearby, it's more powerful, it's versatile…the rune stone is just
better! Look at my utility belt!" Harry held up his latest accessory shaking it at her.
"I have a Reductor, a Concussor, a Blastor, a Spiker, a Freezer, a Lockpick, a
Boomstone, a Fishing Line, a Ninja, a Slow Burn, a spare Comm Stone, two
Feedback Blastors. I'm walking around with a small armory now and I can only do
half the spells these are based on well. Fixing the Silver Spirit is far better than
trying to do the Patronus correctly. All I get with that is a half formed mist. This will
work a hundred times better! And I can market it to people who can't do the
Patronus themselves. It's safer all around, Hermione!"
Hermione's expression darkened and she stood walking over to stand in front of
Harry with her arms crossed. "I can understand you wanting to make rune stones
like that, Harry, but you are being lazy and irresponsible. They should be there to
assist you after you manage to master the spell by itself not used as a shortcut or a
crutch."
"If I can do it this way first why shouldn't I? I can do this stuff well. I can understand
this stuff better than anything else. Why shouldn't I play to my strengths?" He
scowled. Why couldn't she understand?
"Harry," Hermione's voice dipped dangerously low. "You will never pass your
O.W.L.s or N.E.W.T.s if you cannot do the basic spells. Without those you will not be
a qualified wizard. Even ignoring that simple fact, there may yet come a day when
your…utility belt is taken from you. When you don't have your runes and you don't
have the time or tools to make new ones. You need to focus more on the spells
instead of discounting them and using your shortcuts!" Her face had gone red
towards the end and her hands were balled into fists. Harry however, refused to
back down.
"Shiva says my utility belt is a good idea! Now I'm always going to be prepared in
case Voldemort comes after me again!"
"Shiva does not know everything, Harry! She is only a few years older than us!"
"Hermione, don't you dare imply – " Harry shouted surging to his feet.
"I am not implying she is an idiot, Harry!" Hermione cut him off. They were each
full on yelling now and had attracted the attention of the remaining Gryffindors. "I
am merely stating that she is not always correct. And you are taking things
completely out of context! She said that your belt was a good idea when you
brought up protection and preparedness!"
"Exactly!"
"I am not talking about protection and preparedness! I am talking about you
showing a disturbing pattern of taking shortcuts and ignoring the foundations that
your works should be built on! I am talking about you being defenseless if someone
were to simply take away your tools! I am trying to look out for you!"
"Well then stop telling me what to do, Hermione! I know what I'm doing!"
"I don't think you do, Harry," Hermione said quietly. She shook her head and
turned her back on him wiping away a tear. "I am worried about you."
"I know what I'm doing," he muttered turning back to the table and sitting down.
"Uh, if you guys are done shouting," Parvati said raising a hand, "would one of you
tell me who this Shiva woman is? It's kind of annoying."
Harry scowled and turned to the girl. "And why is a name annoying?"
"Because Shiva is a man," she said with a huff.
Harry's just stared at her. "What?"
"Shiva is a man in my mythology. Not a woman. So I'd like to know what girl is
using his name because it's weird."
Harry's anger cooled as he frowned in confusion. "Shiva is Professor Babbling. It's a
nickname from when she was in school because she blew stuff up and some
classmates said that she was the goddess of destruction…"
Parvati slapped a hand to her head and started muttering. After a minute she
raised her eyes to Harry and said, "I hate when wizards appropriate my religion
without understanding it! When you see her would you mind telling her to pick up
a book on Hinduism please? Honestly, just because we have magic doesn't mean
we should discount everything Muggle!"
"Err…" Harry's confusion deepened. "So…Shiva isn't the goddess of destruction?"
Hermione twisted to look at her roommate as well. Her earlier frustration had
mostly melted off her face and been replaced entirely by curiosity. "I know that
Shiva is in the Hindu pantheon. I remember reading that as a little girl."
"Shiva's in the pantheon alright," Parvati nodded. "He's one of the main three and
is more or less regarded as the aspect responsible for destruction but he's a man
not a woman."
"Are you sure?" Hermione asked in genuine curiosity.
Parvati sighed shaking her head. "Yeah, pretty sure, Hermione. My namesake is his
wife after all."
Harry's eyes widened. "Wait, what?"
"Well, technically I suppose she's his second wife, but Parvati was his first wife
reincarnated too so depending on your point of view she's his first, his second and
his only wife." She waved her hand dismissively. "Look, there are some stories in
the myths about Shiva and Parvati being two halves of a whole and Shiva
appearing to people as half man half woman, but the woman half is usually
understood to be Parvati."
"Oh." Harry nodded filing this away. He was never going to let his guardian live this
down.
Hermione was frowning and sadly shook her head. "I can't believe I got that
wrong…I'm usually so good at remembering things like that…"
"Well, it's not your religion. It's mine," Parvati sighed. "I guess it's not Professor
Babbling's either since she invokes some Goddess or other. But I'd still appreciate it
if you give her a heads up. I don't have a problem with her nickname – even if it is
weird to hear a girl called that – but I do take issue with people talking incorrectly
about my gods and goddesses."
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Chapter 092
Harry nodded. "I'll let her know. Sorry if we offended you, Parvati." He shrugged
and said, "I honestly had no idea about any of that."
"Yeah, I know, Harry. Hermione," Parvati looked to the older girl and rolled her
eyes, "just because you almost always get things right it doesn't mean you know
everything. Neither of you do." She looked pointedly between the two friends who
had the decency to look at the floor. "Harry, Hermione is right. You're being an idiot
by ignoring the basics. Even I know that and I hate extra work. Hermione, Harry is
right. He does what he does well so stop berating him for being prepared. Both of
you stop acting like five year olds and start listening to each other." Shaking her
head Parvati turned and headed back up the stairs to the dorms. The few people
nearby slowly started to walk away now that the show was over.
Harry sighed and turned back to his work. Just because Parvati was right didn't
mean he'd immediately cave and apologize. He had some measure of self respect
now after all.
Early during breakfast the next day Harry was joined by Susan. She carefully
glanced around and, seeing nobody nearby, nodded to herself. "Harry," she said.
"Aunt Amy is coming tomorrow morning to talk with you. She sent me a letter and
asked me to set up a meeting spot. I asked the elves and they gave me a room you
could use. It's on the seventh floor across from the tapestry of the dancing trolls.
Just walk past the tapestry three times thinking about a room where you can't be
overheard and the door should open."
Harry nodded to her. "Okay, thanks for the heads up. Why can't we do this in an
unused classroom though?"
"Got me," Susan shrugged. "She just asked for it to be safe from any potential
eavesdropping. That was the room the elves directed me to."
"What elves?" Harry asked.
"The house elves. You didn't know about them?" She snorted in response to his
shaking head. "Wow. How did you think all the food popped up during the meals or
how all our clothes got cleaned? Never mind, they tend to stay in the kitchens or
out of sight. Most Hufflepuffs and the Weasley twins can show you the kitchen if
you want. It's sorta near our common room and I've seen the twins sneaking in
every so often. The point is, my aunt said this was important."
"I'll be there," Harry said, smiling. "Thanks for the heads up, Susan."
"Glad to help, Harry," she replied. "Feel free to take anyone you want to invite with
you."
"Hermione?" Harry ventured softly. He still hadn't gotten the nerve to apologize to
his friend for his outburst. He felt awful about it, but a simple 'I'm sorry' didn't
seem like it would be sufficient. He needed to do something bigger. Something to
show he knew how much of a prat he had been and that he truly regretting it. For
the moment though, the coming meeting was more important and he needed to
ask his friend while he had the chance. "Hermione?"
"Yes, Harry?" Hermione replied without raising her head from her book. She was
curled up on the armchair in the Common Room and her voice was utterly neutral.
Harry just cringed.
"Amelia Bones is coming to talk to me tomorrow around eight o'clock." He paused
but the only response from his friend was raised eyebrows. "I'd like you to come to
the meeting if you don't mind…I really value your opinion, Hermione."
"Is that all?"
"Umm…yeah?"
Hermione sighed. "Very well, Harry. Where is it?"
"Seventh floor corridor across from the tapestry of the dancing trolls. You might
have to walk past the tapestry a few times thinking of a meeting room if you can't
see the door."
"That sounds like an awfully complicated place to hold a conversation," Hermione
commented frowning. "I didn't know Hogwarts had rooms that protected."
"Had no idea myself. I was just passed the information by Susan. I checked it out a
little while ago and it seems to work fine," Harry said shrugging.
"Alright then. I'll meet you there, Harry." She turned her eyes back to the book in
clear dismissal. Harry cringed again. He really needed to figure out his grand
gesture soon.
Harry had only been sitting at the table for a minute or two before Daphne walked
in. She looked around with an approving nod and moved to sit next to him. "This is
good. Silencing charms on the walls, anti-eavesdropping wards, no windows and no
portraits. We might have to use this room more often. My father had to spend
quite a bit for a setup like this. I wonder why there's one in Hogwarts."
Harry shrugged. "I didn't even know there was a room in this corridor until
yesterday."
Shiva walked in then and quirked her mouth in confusion. "You know, I could've
sworn there was a storage room here with blank rune stones and carving
implements. I guess that was another section? Is there a second tapestry of that
idiot with the dancing trolls?"
"You've been here longer than us, Shiva," Harry pointed out.
"Well yeah, but still…"
"This is a most unusual way to open a door," Hermione huffed as she walked in
behind Shiva. "I understand the need to protect one's clandestine meeting room
but it still seems silly."
"I would agree, Miss Granger," Amelia Bones said with a small chuckle as she
opened the door. "You know, when Susan said to use this area I thought she was
mistaken. When I was in school I was sure this was a hidden bedroom not a
meeting room."
"Oh?" Tonks said with a grin stepping in behind her superior. "And just why were
you looking for a hidden bedroom, Madam Bones?"
Amelia shrugged and looked at Tonks with an unreadable expression. "Well, Auror
Tonks, if you must ask I don't think you are old enough to know."
Tonks' hair flashed to purple and she burst out laughing. "See this is why I love you,
Boss! Wotcher, Harry, Hermione, Shiva, girl I haven't met."
"Hey, Tonks," Harry said waving. "This is Daphne Greengrass. Daph this is
She-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named Tonks."
Tonks frowned. "Yeah, let's go with a different moniker shall we? How about
Thy-Forbidden-One Tonks?"
"You need at least four words for a hyphenated name, Tonks. Everyone knows
that," Harry laughed.
"So says the great, Boy-Who-Lived?" Tonks snorted waggling her eyebrows at him.
"Nope. So says the great, The-Boy-Who-Lived. Can't forget the article."
"Alright people, I actually do have things to discuss you know." Amelia moved to sit
at the table and Tonks sat next her shaking her head and laughing with Harry. Her
hair stayed purple.
"What can we help you with, Madam Bones?" Shiva asked trying to get the others
back on track.
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Chapter 093
"Before we start," Amelia said bringing out her wand, "may I check everyone for
listening charms?" Receiving head nods all around she quickly cast several charms
and nodded happily at the results.
"Well it looks like we're clean. Though, Harry, I detect some residue of a listening
charm on you. It seems like it was stripped as you walked in here though so there's
that."
Everyone's face on Harry's side of the table darkened. Hermione scowled, Daphne
frowned, Harry growled and Shiva looked ready to hit something. "I don't suppose
you could tell whose signature it was?" Shiva asked through clenched teeth.
"Unfortunately, no," Amelia apologized. Shiva nodded and waved the woman to
continue. "Alright, let's begin. Harry, Professor Babbling, you both trust Miss
Granger and Miss Greengrass?"
"We do," Harry said.
"Very well. I asked to meet you in person because Tonks has brought something to
my attention that apparently not only affects you, but that you were instrumental
in discovering to begin with."
Hermione frowned. "You mean, Sirius Black? All we truly have is character
testimony, logic and circumstantial evidence. It's not enough to overturn a
conviction even if it is enough to reopen the case. I really think we need to see the
trial files in order to actively move forward."
"That's exactly the problem, Miss Granger." Amelia sighed and leaned forward to
meet the eyes of each of them in turn. "There was no trial for Sirius Black."
Harry's eyes widened while Shiva cursed under her breath. Hermione just hung her
head and muttered, "This really shouldn't surprise me I suppose."
Daphne had the most marked reaction of any of them. She jumped to her feet and
slammed her hands on the desk glaring at Amelia. "Do you mean to tell me,
Director Bones, that the Heir Black was sent to Azkaban without even the
semblance of a trial?"
"That is exactly what I mean to tell you, Miss Greengrass."
"That's-that's-I can't even-how did such a thing happen!?"
"Daphne?" Harry asked turning to look at the girl.
Shiva shook her head and laid a hand on Harry's shoulder. "House Black is a very
old family, Harry. That their Heir was imprisoned without a trial is a huge offense to
the House and would set a dangerous precedent for all the other older families."
"And what of the less important families?" Hermione asked with narrowed eyes.
"Or of Muggle-borns? Would imprisoning people like me without trial cause any
fuss all?"
Daphne gasped and immediately twisted to Hermione and wrapped her in a hug.
Harry's eyebrows rose at the display from the normally reserved Slytherin but
remained quiet. "Hermione, I am so sorry. That's not what I meant! I just – this
type of thing only happened centuries ago! It's not supposed to happen anymore!
If they could do that to the Heir Black imagine what they could do to the rest of
us!"
"If it's any consolation guys," Tonks said her hair having shifted to a more muted
blue, "we think it only happened because everybody was so certain that my cousin
was guilty. Coupled with the attitude of the war just ending and wanting to have
the remaining horror show over and done with…well, nobody really wanted to look
too closely at things."
"Well it obviously wasn't very cut and dry was it?" Harry said with a scowl. "We
tore apart the entire thing by just asking a few questions!"
"Questions that no one cared to ask before, Mr. Potter." Amelia removed her
monocle and sighed. "Investigations in the magical world do not always proceed
the same way as in the Muggle world. I have been trying to change that since I've
taken up the mantle, but there are only so many changes our society will accept at
once."
Harry's scowl deepened. 'Then I'll drag this world into the 20th century kicking and
screaming if I have to.' Out loud he said, "So you believe that Sirius Black is
innocent as well then, Madam Bones?"
She nodded. "I do. Though apart from Tonks and myself we are rather lacking in
support for that opinion."
"But – "
Shiva held up a hand and Harry stopped. She continued instead. "Is that why we
are having a secret meeting? Do you feel like any efforts we make to prove his
innocence could be sabotaged?"
Amelia sighed and rubbed her eyes. "Honestly I'm not sure. I don't think sabotage
is truly likely, but obstruction? That I would place good money on."
Tonks snorted and her hair flickered to red. "It's already being obstructed. Before I
went to Madam Bones I tried to talk to my first boss, Head Auror Scrimgeour. I was
laughed out of the office and politely told to drop it or I could be fired for any
minor complaint."
Harry's eyes widened. "What the bloody hell are you still doing working with
people like that, Tonks?"
"Harry," Shiva coughed and looked at him sheepishly. "Don't forget that
Dumbledore threatened me with the same thing regarding you."
"He did?" Amelia frowned at Shiva. "Regarding Mr. Potter's guardians I assume?"
Shiva nodded. "What is that man playing at…?"
"Do you think Dumbledore is behind Black not receiving a trial?" Daphne asked
finally somewhat calm again.
"Not that I know of, no. Why? What makes you suspect him?"
"I'll give you the full accounting afterwards," Harry said. "Why don't you think it
was Dumbledore spearheading this?"
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Chapter 094
"My predecessor that's why," Amelia said. She shook her head. "Bartemius Crouch
was a good man in principle but he had a vendetta against the Death Eaters and he
was obsessed with getting justice against them. A lot of his later actions in the war
were extremely questionable and sadly it doesn't surprise me overmuch that he
sent Black to Azkaban without a trial. He likely thought the man's family would
simply buy his freedom if one were to be allowed. I am ashamed to admit he had
motive to believe that – seeing as it happened to others." Harry nodded thinking of
Lucius Malfoy.
"So what do we do?" Hermione asked.
"I am primarily attempting to get the Kiss On Sight order revoked. If that happens I
am confident I can arrange a hearing for Black and the truth will out."
"And if you can't get that revoked?" Daphne asked. She looked between Amelia
and Tonks. "What happens if Black is found by someone else and that is still in
effect?"
The uncomfortable looks on the two Aurors faces were enough to answer that
question.
"What if we get proof?" Harry asked quietly. All eyes turned to him. "There's gotta
be something right? We think that he might have come here hunting either Peter
Pettigrew or looking to protect me. Either way, he's probably around. If I can find
him to talk to him…"
Tonks shook her head. "I'd really prefer you didn't, Harry."
Shiva bumped her fist into his shoulder. "As your guardian, I agree. We still don't
know sure for sure that he is innocent, kid. And even if he is…"
"He may not be entirely sane," Amelia finished. "Very few survive so long in
Azkaban with their mind fully intact. If you do get word on where Sirius Black is
hiding tell us and we will come take care of it. I give you my word that he will
receive both a trial and fair proceedings. Tonks tells me you have a way of
contacting her at a moment's notice?"
Harry nodded. "Yes, ma'am. We all wear Comm Stone earrings I invented." He
pointed to his ear showing the little rune stone. "They work like Muggle mobiles.
I'm still trying to get one that can be untethered, but these work fine linked
together for the moment."
"Excellent. When you do succeed in making others, let me know. The Aurors could
certainly use that and I'm sure I could shift some money around in our budget to
afford some." Harry nodded to her. "Alright, now let's discuss your issue with
Dumbledore. Why exactly was he the first name you jumped to regarding this
situation? While I'm not particularly fond of him or his methods myself I can attest
he has always been a staunch supporter of what is right."
"Where do I start?" Harry snorted. "First off, did you know my parents had wills?"
Amelia frowned. "I had assumed those were destroyed the same night your
parents perished. They should have been read otherwise."
"Well apparently, Dumbledore sealed my dad's will to prevent that," Harry
explained. "We're almost certain it was because his and mum's wills both said that
I wasn't to go to my relatives and Dumbledore felt I should."
"That…" Amelia shook her head. "That is unsettling indeed, but in his position as
Chief Warlock at the time such a thing, while frowned on, was within his rights…"
"Yeah I know. I looked it up. Very few of my problems with Dumbledore are
actually illegal but the pattern established is…bad."
"Well, what else then, Harry?" Tonks asked.
Harry sighed and started holding up his fingers as he listed the rest. "He left me on
the Dursleys' doorstep with only a letter rather than explaining in person. He left
me with the Dursleys period despite knowing that they hated my mum and magic
in general and also despite my godmother and godfather both being alive and well
at that point. He claimed my magical guardianship yet never bothered to check on
my well being at the Dursleys. While I was still a toddler, he established a marriage
contract with Ginny Weasley even if he never signed it – which confuses me a bit
there though I imagine it was to use as leverage against either me or Molly
Weasley at some point in the future."
Harry leaned back and switched to his other hand. "As my magical guardian it was
his duty to inform me about my future responsibilities as a Head of House yet I
didn't even know House Potter was a thing until Susan and Hannah officially
apologized last year and Neville told me a bit. He should've told me about my
accounts, but until this summer I didn't even know I had more than the trust vault
nor did I know about the properties I apparently own. We're pretty sure he
redirected my mail – which I can honestly understand a bit to begin with – but
there was no reason for him to keep doing so by this point."
Harry nodded towards Hermione and Daphne. "For things during school; he flat out
lied to me about my scar. Hermione has pointed out that the 'protections' on the
Philosopher's Stone during our first year seemed almost tailor made to test me, her
and Neville. That fact calls into question exactly why he flew to the Ministry on a
broom the night Quirrelmort tried to steal it when he could've simply Flooed or
apparated there. Last year he didn't do a thing when Lucius Malfoy blocked us
getting mature mandrakes for the petrified students. He also tried to read my mind
using Legilimency shortly after the Chamber incident."
Harry paused to center himself before continuing. "Even with all that, the only
thing that was technically illegal was the mail blocking and the Legilimency. Both
though have official explanations with the Legilimency being shortly after the
Chamber of Secrets and the mail being preventing me from receiving cursed mail as
a toddler. And we can't even prove that one was him."
Amelia was glowering by the end of Harry's rant and Tonks' hair had turned a
mousy brown. "You would likely be able to make a case for neglect concerning your
relatives and the lack of information about House Potter however it would be
difficult against someone with the amount of goodwill that Albus has. At best you'd
probably just receive an apology and a confession that he was overworked with his
many positions." She scowled. "You're absolutely right though. That is a very
disturbing pattern of a man seemingly horribly focused on you."
Shiva nodded. "That's what we thought too. It's why we haven't gone to you or
anyone else to bring up charges. There is very little that is concrete that we can
point to and he has too much power to try anything without something truly
major."
"Harry," Daphne said softly, "tell them the rest."
"The rest?" Hermione asked giving Daphne a calculating look.
"I'm not a fool, Hermione. I can put dates together too you know. It's not hard to
figure out that that marriage contract was signed shortly after Harry's
placement…and the other attacks and arrests." Daphne gave a sad smile in
response to Hermione's wide eyes. Harry just chuckled. His friend was not in
Slytherin for nothing – unlike Draco Malfoy.
"What's she talking about, Harry?" Tonks asked turning toward the lone male in
the room. Her eyes were wide and she was sitting a little slumped in her chair.
"Well," Harry said, "the timing is just suspicious. I honestly think that the others
are making a bigger deal of this then it likely is. My parents died October 31st. I
was placed with the Dursleys November 1st. My godfather, Sirius Black was
arrested and shipped to Azkaban November 3rd. My godmother, Alice Longbottom
was attacked and rendered catatonic November 4th. The marriage contract for me
was drawn up and signed by Molly Weasley November 5th. I agree it all looks a bit
suspicious but as much as I dislike Albus Dumbledore and hate how he seems
determined to control my life I don't think he's evil. And only someone evil would
have deliberately arranged to have the Longbottoms attacked and Sirius Black
framed."
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Chapter 095
Amelia was quiet for some time while the others just sat back. Shiva and Hermione
had already heard this and weren't surprised. Daphne was holding her chin and
considering the potential options. Tonks simply stared blankly up at the ceiling.
"Mr. Potter," Amelia finally said, "do you truly think Dumbledore had nothing to do
with those events?"
"I think he saw opportunities and used them," Harry shrugged. "Like I said, I don't
like him, but I don't think he'd deliberately hurt the others just to control me."
"That…" Amelia sighed and shook her head. "It is still disturbing. Now I am very
glad I asked for this meeting to be kept quiet. I agree there is very little that we
could actually bring to bear on him. I will make some quiet inquiries and see what I
can find. In the meantime attempt to keep your head down around the esteemed
Headmaster. You…may wish to find alternate schooling arrangements, Mr. Potter."
Hermione's eyes widened and she twisted to stare at Harry while Daphne nodded
tiredly. Harry just shook his head and ignored his two friends. "Not possible,
ma'am. I already talked about it with Shiva over the summer. Dumbledore is still
my magical guardian so he would have to approve any change in schools."
Amelia gave a soft nod. "Damn. Very well. Should something occur that requires
immediate Auror attention please don't hesitate to contact Tonks. If you get a
chance it might be a good idea to craft one of those stones for me as well. I would
also take it as a personal favor if you made one for Susan."
"I can do that." Harry smiled at her. "Thanks for listening by the way. There are very
few adults who do."
Amelia nodded. "Of course, Mr. Potter. I always endeavor to listen to legitimate
concerns. I believe we should adjourn for now. I'll keep you informed of anything
we discover on both fronts. Please do the same." She stood up to head to the door.
"Tonks, I'll meet you back at the office?"
Tonks jerked out of her reverie. "Yeah, Boss. I'll meet you back there in a few
minutes."
"I've got to go finish grading some papers. Feel free to stop by later, Harry," Shiva
winked at him as she followed Amelia outside.
"Harry," Hermione said, "can we talk when you get back to the Common Room?"
"Sure, Hermione," he replied. "I have something I wanted to ask you anyway." She
nodded and hurried out.
"Jeez, Harry, you can clear a room can't you?" Daphne said with a small giggle. "We
need to talk about Tracey by the way. I…could use some advice."
"From me?"
"Well I can't exactly talk to her without getting a second opinion now can I?" she
said, raising her eyebrows.
"Whatever," Harry said waving her off. "Just give me a minute to talk with Tonks,
yeah?"
"By all means." She gave a playful grin. "Should I give you two the room?"
Tonks' face turned red as did Harry's. "In case you forgot Little Miss Greengrass,
Harry Potter here is only 13 so whatever you are implying I suggest you take a
U-turn."
"Yeah, sure, Miss I Have A Contact Earring," Daphne said laughing. "Don't mind me;
I'll just be over in the corner then reading."
"Sorry about that," Harry sighed turning to Tonks.
"It's fine, Harry." Tonks snorted and her hair flashed a quick blue before settling on
purple. "She does kind of have a point. I am the only person outside your
immediate group of friends who has a Comm Stone."
"Yeah, but you're my friend too, Tonks," Harry said. He frowned at her in concern.
"Are you okay? You didn't really look too good throughout that meeting. Especially
near the end…"
"It just sucks having your dreams and idol crushed, squirt."
"Squirt?" Harry said raising his eyebrow at her.
"Well 'Harry' doesn't exactly lend itself to an easy nickname now does it? And
you've made it clear that Shiva already stole the 'kid' moniker so I'm left with
'squirt'. You're shorter than me. It works short term."
"Uh huh. We'll see. Stop dodging the question."
"Actually I didn't," Tonks shrugged. "Dumbledore was kinda the guy I always
looked up to as a kid. The last few minutes rather effectively destroyed that."
"And your dreams? I take it the other Aurors aren't treating you well?"
"I rock the boat. It's kinda my thing," she smirked at him. "It nothing intentional
anymore really beyond the hair and occasional pranks. I put in a few ideas for
improved security and got shot down because of lack of seniority or funds. The
thing with my cousin is just exacerbating things. It just sucks not being taken
seriously by anyone except Bonesy."
"I'm sorry, Tonks. I feel like this is partly my fault for pushing you to begin with." He
grimaced.
"Harry," she said with a snort, "you're one of the few things that still make me
laugh these days. My problems with my coworkers are because they are arseholes
who see me mostly useful for my powers rather than my brains. It's not much
different from school honestly so I should be more used to it."
"I still say you should do what makes you happy."
"Well the faster you get your eventual rune shop set up the faster that might
happen, squirt." Tonks laughed with him and gave him a quick hug. "Alright I gotta
head out. Remember, call me if you find my cousin and I'll grab Bonesy and be right
over."
"Take care, Tonks." Harry waved as she headed outside. He turned back to Daphne
and sat down on the armchair across from her ignoring her grin. "Were these chairs
here when we walked in?"
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Chapter 096
"No clue. I only noticed them when I was looking for an out of the way corner so
you two could chat. Granger better be careful. You look like you're moving on to
the older women."
"You're the second person to say that to me," Harry grumbled. "And you do realize
Hermione is almost a year older than me right? Hell almost all of you except Luna
are older than me."
"I rest my case," Daphne laughed.
"Yeah, yeah laugh it up, Greengrass. Are we going to talk about me and my
potentially nonexistent girlfriend or are we going to talk about you and your
potential girlfriend?"
Daphne grimaced. "That really doesn't bother you?"
"Shiva has had ex-girlfriends and ex-boyfriends," he commented with a raised
eyebrow. "Tracey has mentioned several times that she is interested in girls only. I
was right next to you when Diarymort mentioned she loved you. I have yet to shun
any of you, Daph."
"I know," she said sighing, "but from my end this is all very…weird. And it is
exceptionally odd talking about it with a boy, let alone a Gryffindor."
"I could go get Hermione you know," he said with a reassuring grin. "Or we could
wait til Luna comes back which would solve both problems."
Daphne snorted. "No thank you. Luna is sweet enough but there is absolutely no
chance of me having this conversation with her unless she drops the act entirely."
"You know it's not that easy, Daph. But we're getting sidetracked. Have you
mentioned to Tracey what Diarymort said? That you know?"
"No, I haven't," Daphne shook her head. "Tracey's smart though. She knows
something's changed. I've been trying to keep an open mind about it and honestly
the idea has some appeal. She has been my best friend for nearly as long as I can
remember…It could be…nice."
"So what's the problem then?" Harry asked.
"It's twofold really. The first and most obvious is that she is my best friend. What if
it doesn't work? What if it ends badly and I lose her in the process? I would rather
not start a relationship at all than lose her as a friend."
"You could both agree to move back if things start to fall apart. That your
friendship would always be the most important relationship you have. It's pretty
much what I'm going to say in a few minutes."
Daphne stared at him before shaking her head. "Gryffindors charge ahead indeed,"
she muttered. "Well good luck, Harry. I don't know if that approach would work for
me but you are right I suppose that it would be something to bring up to her and
work out amongst ourselves."
"I'm not sure that's what I said…but sure let's go with that." Girls made so little
sense to Harry. He could've sworn she just made up a solution he had in no way
been close to saying. "What's the second main problem?"
"Harry," Daphne sighed, "you weren't raised as a pureblood. More specifically as a
pureblood Heiress. The expectations for Luna, Neville, Susan and myself are far
different from people like Tracey and Hermione."
"Oh? Where do I fit into that expectations thing?"
"Well unlike us, you have never shown the slightest interest in the same sex. So
you have nothing to worry about – despite Colin Creevy following you around like a
drooling lost puppy at times."
"Wait Neville has – "
"Focus, Harry. We are talking about expectations here." Harry scowled at her
comment. She had so done that on purpose. "As a pureblood Heir or Heiress to a
Noble House, we are expected to provide an Heir to continue the bloodline. Luna,
Susan and Neville are all last of their lines and so they must provide an Heir or be
essentially shunned from high society for allowing their lines to die. I have slightly
more leeway since I have a sister yet…I would not let that burden fall to Astoria.
Tori has always been a wild child and, while she may frustrate me, I do love her
dearly and would never force her into a Line Continuation arrangement."
"So," Harry said furrowing his brow, "you don't want to try and date Tracey
because you need to have a baby in the future?"
"Well that is horribly simplifying it but…yes." Daphne shrugged. "I must provide an
Heir at some point. Tracey lacks the rather necessary equipment for that. Magic
can do quite a lot but it can't change your bits. Even your friend Tonks, while she
could morph into a male form with the appropriate plumbing to enjoy the act, she
could never actually impregnate a woman."
"Daph," Harry said, "you do realize that we are teenagers yeah? While I love a fairy
tale ending as much as next wizard, there's no guarantee that who we start dating
now is going to be who we marry."
"I know. But there is still a stigma against homosexual relationships involving Heirs
and Heiresses. My father is difficult enough as it is. I do not relish the day he learns
I entered into a relationship without the potential for an Heir of my own." She
frowned and crossed her arms staring off into space.
Harry rubbed his forehead in exasperation. "Daph, there are other ways to get
pregnant."
"I have no interest in using those sorts of potions or rituals Harry and blood
adoptions freak me out."
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Chapter 097
"I have no idea about anything you just said," he gave a rueful chuckle. "I was
talking about Muggle means. I saw a program about it over the summer. They have
treatments meant for couples who have trouble having kids but I imagine it'd be
just as easy to use with two girls as long as you find a willing male donor." His face
went a little red remembering that television show though he managed to keep the
blush mostly in check.
"Hmm, you know that's not a bad idea. And there is always the old fashioned way
if the donor understood that it was just a onetime thing…" Daphne eyed him and
Harry suddenly felt uncomfortable, like he was a piece of meat.
"Err, Daph? Why are you looking at me like that?" His blush began to spread.
"No reason, Harry," she said grinning and patting his arm. "I was just considering
your idea. Thank you for that by the way. It has some merit. It would also keep my
father off my back long enough to see if the relationship could even work to begin
with."
"Um, sure. Glad to help." He breathed a sigh of relief as Daphne turned back to the
fire. When had a fire been lit anyway?
"You did. Harry," Daphne leaned over and gave him a short hug, pulling back
almost before he even realized she had done it. "Thank you."
Harry walked through the portrait hole into the Gryffindor Common Room
immediately spotting Hermione off in the corner curled up on her favorite armchair
with book in hand. Taking a deep breath he muttered to himself, "Enough stalling.
Gryffindors charge ahead."
"Hey, Hermione," he said as he walked up and dropped into the chair across from
her.
"Hello, Harry." Hermione closed her book and put it off to the side turning to look
at him. Harry noticed her eyes had a slight sheen to them and were a little red
around the edges. "Were you really going to just leave once you had your new
guardian?"
"What? What does that – " Harry cut off suddenly going wide eyed as he realized
what Hermione had thought. "Oh god, no, Hermione, I was never going to just run
off to a new school without saying anything! It was just an idle conversation we
had and almost immediately discarded. If it had ever – or ever does – pan out, you
will be one of the first people to know and I fully intend to invite you to come
with!"
"Oh." She wiped a quick hand over the back of her eyes. "That's good. I…Harry, I
know we've been fighting the past few days, but I don't want you to leave. You
were my first real friend. You're my best friend. I don't think I'd enjoy Hogwarts
without you here…"
"Hermione," Harry reached out a hand and grasped hers. "You're my best friend
too. I can't imagine going through the crazy things in my life without you. I…" He
took a deep breath and kept going, "Hermione, I'm really sorry about what I said
and how I acted earlier. I felt horrible afterwards and I know I screwed up. You
were just looking out for me and I completely brushed you off. I've been trying to
figure out a way to apologize with some sort of grand gesture but I just keep
coming up blank."
"Harry, you don't need to do that. I was wrong too," she said giving him a small
smile. "You do do excellent work with your rune clusters. I just feel like you are
headed for trouble if you don't work on other things besides that."
"I know. And after I thought about it I think you're right. I have been neglecting my
spells because runes are so much easier for me. I barely even have to work at those
and it was…nice finding something I was good at," he shrugged. "I can't promise
that I'm going to stop concentrating on building the clusters but I can promise that I
make sure I can do the spells they are based on before relying on my inventions."
"I think that's a perfectly reasonable compromise, Harry."
He nodded. "Thanks. Okay, now for the hard stuff…"
"Oh?" she cocked her head looking intrigued. "That wasn't hard?"
"Not compared to this," he muttered. "I gave Daphne some advice that I'm going to
try to follow myself. At least I think I did. Maybe. It was a very confusing
conversation for me." He shook his head to clear out the errant thoughts. "Anyway,
the point is, Hermione, you're my best friend. And I – I'd like to maybe try to be
more than that. When you were hurt last year I lost it. The things beforehand
pushed me but when you got it hurt it was like the world ground to a halt. I've
been thinking about that over the summer and I – well I don't really know exactly
what love is. The Dursleys definitely were not a role model there. But I've been
learning since I came here. And while I'm not sure if I love you or not I do know
that I feel more for you than just as a friend." Harry paused for and then rushed on
so fast the words blended together.
"AndIwaswonderingifyou'dgotoHogsmeadewithmeandmaybebemygirlfriend."
Hermione blinked and stared at him for a moment. "Harry, before I reply to any of
the rest…would you mind repeating that last sentence? Usually I'm the one talking
too fast to understand."
Harry gave a rueful chuckle and ran a hand through his hair. "I was wondering if
you'd go to Hogsmeade with me and maybe be my girlfriend." His face was burning
and he was horribly glad he didn't have a mirror. He probably had the same
amount of color as the Weasleys' hair.
"Harry, look at me," Hermione said. Slowly Harry lifted his eyes to her face. He was
surprised to see that she was smiling widely. "I have been interested in you since
you jumped on the back of a troll to save me."
"You – wait – what?"
"You jumped on a troll to save my life, Harry. How was I not supposed to fall for
you?" Hermione laughed and pulled him into a hug kissing his cheek. "I would love
to go to Hogsmeade with you, Harry. And yes I would love to be your girlfriend as
well." She pulled back and gave him a stern look while holding him at arms' length.
"But just so we're clear, mister, I have zero intention of losing my best friend. If this
gets weird or if you ever feel uncomfortable you say something immediately and
we step back and reassess. I care about you deeply, Harry, but I would much rather
maintain a friendship than a relationship if it's going to tear us apart." She started
to glare at him. "Why are you laughing? I'm serious!"
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Chapter 098
"Sorry, Hermione!" Harry got out between his wheezing. "It's just that I literally
told Daphne to say almost that exact same thing to Tracey!"
Dinner that night was…interesting. Harry and Hermione were eating dinner shyly
holding hands and blushing when a tiny brunette girl plopped down across from
them smiling widely at Harry. "Hiya!" she said.
"Err, hello? Have we…" he trailed off as he looked more closely at her. She was
exceedingly familiar.
"Astoria." The girl held out her hand, smile widening. "You can call me Tori. You're
friends with my sister."
"Hello, Tori," Hermione reached over and shook the younger girl's hand. "I'm
Hermione."
"I know. And you're Harry. My sister has talked a lot about both of you."
"Good things I hope?" Harry asked already feeling a bit lost.
"Mostly. Though she does complain a bit that you both should've been in Slytherin
like us," she snorted and shook her head. "I just say that it proves you're both
smarter than us because you're Slytherins hiding in another House. That's so
amazingly sneaky of you! Sal Slytherin would've been so proud!"
"Suuurre…" Harry said. 'How can she be so perky?'
"So are one of you going to date Daphne? I was hoping for a big brother but
another big sister would be cool too."
Hermione spurted out the juice she had just drunk and Harry started groaning.
Astoria for her part deftly avoided the juice and looked between the two
expectantly. "Tori," Hermione said trying and failing for a semblance of calm and
amusement, "we actually just agreed earlier to date each other."
"Oh," Astoria shrugged. "Well is there room for Daphne too? She could be a
consort to continue the Greengrass line that way."
The two Gryffindors' mouths dropped open. They were saved from replying as
Daphne shouted from behind them, "Tori! What are you doing? Shut up you little
menace!"
"I was just asking a question. You said I could start talking to your friends after the
New Year. It's after the New Year."
"I am so sorry guys," Daphne said groaning. She picked her sister up and started
pushing her back to the Slytherin table. "I swear we raised her better than that.
Talk to you later!"
"Bye, Harry! Bye, Hermione! Think about what I said!" Astoria yelled waving as she
let herself be dragged along.
Harry thumped his head into the table. "Were we ever that…energetic?"
Hermione sighed and refilled her glass. "Honestly? I don't think so. But we really
should count ourselves lucky. Imagine if Luna acted like that."
Harry's eyes widened and he stared at his friend. "And with that thought I think I'm
going to have nightmares for the rest of the week."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------
Chapter 099
"I feel like this would be more pleasant if it wasn't freezing," Harry mumbled
through the scarf wrapped around his neck. He and Hermione were walking
through Hogsmeade heading towards the Three Broomsticks. He was thanking his
lucky stars that she hadn't wanted to go to Madam Puddifoot's Tea Shop. The older
boys in the dorm had told horror stories about that building. It sounded worse than
facing Voldemort.
"Well it is February, Harry," Hermione chuckled beside him. At least he thought she
chuckled. Her scarf was also muffling sounds. "And this is fine. We can't exactly
have a picnic with the temperature, the snow and the Dementors. There is no need
to make this date awkward after all. Dementors really aren't conducive to a nice
date atmosphere."
Harry laughed. Trust Hermione to make a joke about the evil soul sucking
abominations. He held the door to the pub open for her and stepped in after
stomping off the snow before they headed to a table.
"I'm really glad that Neville was okay with us…you know…dating…" Harry said.
"Harry," Hermione smiled and shook her head, "Neville told me earlier he had
thought we were already dating and just hadn't realized it yet. It was rather
entertaining though when he started to go with Daphne and Tracey and they also
said they were going on a date."
"Yeah, especially when he got that scary smile and said it looked like it was time to
ask Susan," Harry paused and ran a hand through his hair. "You know I thought
Hannah liked him actually…"
Hermione peered around the area, nodded at the lack of people close by and
leaned in. "I actually asked them already. They both apparently like him and they
want to try to convince him to switch off between the both of them by the end of
next year."
Harry's jaw dropped. "What?" He was incredibly thankful they hadn't gotten
butterbeers yet.
"That was my first reaction as well." Hermione shrugged. "I looked it up afterward
though. Apparently – while not often used – there is precedent for Heirs to take
consorts if the women involved are the last of their line. I think it's rather horribly
outdated – even if I can understand wanting to preserve the family name of old
houses. I admit these sorts of things are beginning to frustrate me far less than
they would have initially. I'm not certain whether it's a good thing or not that I'm
starting to become immune to the fact that the wizarding world appears stuck in
the Middle Ages in several areas."
"Didn't Tori mention something like that to us over the holidays?"
"I really don't remember. I was a bit preoccupied with her trying to set us up with
her sister honestly," Hermione snorted. "As long as everyone involved finds it
acceptable I suppose it's not really my place to dictate their lives. After all if it
makes them happy, they might as well go for it."
"You think Nev would go along with it?" Harry asked.
Hermione just reached over and patted his hand. "It's cute that you think the boys
have a choice in these matters, Harry."
"Err…" Harry was saved from replying by Madam Rosemerta dropping off two
butterbeers. Snuffles bounded up behind her and promptly licked Harry's hand
before sitting down beside the boy and presenting his ear. "Nice to see you too,
Snuffles." Harry shook his head giving a rueful grin to the dog as he scratched the
giant's ears. When the matron had moved on Harry turned back to his girlfriend.
"So, um, I'm uh…what do we…err…"
Hermione raised her eyebrows at him and let him stumble along for a minute
before bursting out laughing. "Harry, it's a date. You don't need to fumble for what
to do or say." Snuffles perked up and peered between Hermione and Harry. He
gave a delighted sounding woof and promptly moved over to lick her hand and sit
beside her. "Apparently we have Snuffles' approval. Seriously, Harry, just act
normally. We promised to be friends first, remember?"
Harry shook his head and returned her laugh. "Yeah, sorry. Hit me if I start being a
prat again yeah?" She nodded sagely. "So, you never did tell me how you keep
getting to all those classes going on at the same time. I know that you don't leave
halfway through because you're definitely sitting beside me throughout the
entirety of the runes class and Dean always asks you about what's wrong with the
Muggle Studies teacher so you're obviously in that one too."
Hermione gave a noncommittal shrug. "I got a little help from Professor
McGonagall. That's really all I'm allowed to say."
"Well can I try to guess?"
She chuckled. "Sure. I doubt you'll hit on the right answer anyway." Snuffles gave a
bark of encouragement though which side he was rooting for was up in the air.
"Hmm," Harry rubbed his chin, "you didn't like split yourself did you? You aren't
really studying while still sitting here with me are you?"
"No, Harry, I am not a starfish. I did not split myself," Hermione said, rolling her
eyes.
"Did you get a magical clone who can give you its memories of the class?"
"No, but that's not a bad guess actually. I wonder if they can do such a thing with
magic…"
"Hmm, did you…no that wouldn't work…well it's not like you're time traveling or
something. If magicals could time travel so many problems would be…" Harry
trailed off as he noticed the panicked look in Hermione's eyes. He gaped. "No. You
aren't! You're time travelling?! To attend extra classes!?"
"Shh! Keep your voice down, Harry!" Hermione hissed. She quickly took out her
wand and cast a few privacy spells that the twins had taught her. Snuffles cocked
his head at her. "You're not going to let this go now are you?"
"Are you kidding? You're time traveling! For class! Tell me everything. Please,"
Harry reached over and clasped her hand putting on his best puppy dog, doe-eyed
look.
"Ugh, fine," she sighed. "You cannot tell anyone. Do you hear me, Harry? If you tell
anyone I swear I will – well I don't know what I'll do – but you will not like it I can
assure you of that!" He nodded hurriedly at her glare. Hermione eventually judged
him truthfully and sufficiently cowed before pulling a hand up to her neck and
pulling out a small little hourglass on a golden chain. Harry only got a quick glimpse
before she tucked it back into her robes. "It's called a time turner. They're very
tightly controlled. I only have it because Professor McGonagall has a friend in the
Unspeakables."
"Wow…I can't believe you got a time machine just to take a few extra classes…"
Hermione shook her head at him. "I take my studies seriously." Both Snuffle and
Harry snorted at that. "Besides, it's not exactly a time machine. It's actually
somewhat dangerous if you aren't careful. And it's quite limited. I can only go back
six hours every day and I have to be careful to avoid myself. Plus I can't change
anything. Anything I do in the past I already did so I'd simply be bringing about the
exact same occurrence. Trying to get around this could theoretically erase someone
from time entirely."
"That…doesn't really make sense, Hermione. And sounds incredibly dangerous."
Harry was gazing at his friend trying to decide whether to annoyed that she had
been putting herself into a potentially hazardous situation just to take some
electives or impressed that she had managed to time travel under everyone's nose
for over half the school year.
"Well the laws of time are not well understood and from what little I could make
out of the arithmantic theory they contradict themselves anyway. I decided to just
stick to the established rules." She shrugged.
"Still…you couldn't have just dropped a few classes?"
"Well…it's not going to be an issue after this year, Harry, so please don't worry."
She shuffled and averted her gaze.
"What do you mean? Hermione?" Harry asked.
"I'm doing this enough that I'm shifting my birthday by a few months…I'm actually
somewhat uncomfortable with that fact so I intend to stop after the year is over.
Besides I already dropped Divination over a month ago and Muggle Studies is
simply ridiculous. Did I ever tell you that the only thing they teach about World
War II is that Gellert Grindelwald secretly backed Hitler? That's it! One of the most
devastating wars the world has seen and it's relegated to a single line! Nothing
about the atomic bombs, nothing about the Holocaust, nothing about tanks – the
class doesn't even acknowledge the existence of guns! I have half a mind to suggest
simply lobbing a grenade at Voldemort or hitting him with sniper round should he
ever get a body back."
Harry ran a hand through his hair. "Actually I asked Shiva about that one already.
She said some Muggle-born tried it during the war. He had done something to his
body to block conventional weapons from hurting him. It worked on a few of his
lieutenants though I think until he gave them similar protections towards the
end…Muggle Studies is really that bad? I knew it would be a joke but still. Wow."
"Yes. The only reason I haven't dropped it too is because I want to finish a list of all
the problems with the class," Hermione sighed. "No wonder purebloods don't take
Muggles seriously if that's their main introduction to the group."
"Yeah." Harry frowned as he considered the rest of her statement. "Wait, you're
shifting your birthday?"
"It's not much at the moment," Hermione said waving her hand dismissively. "A
little less than a month. It'll only be about another half month or so by the end of
the year; less if I don't travel back as much to get more sleep."
"Oh. So it's not like you're going to be an extra year older or anything," Harry said
breathing a short sigh of relief.
Hermione grinned at him and Harry felt a spike of danger approaching. "Too bad
huh? From what I hear, you like older women."
Snuffles chuffed and Harry groaned slumping down to hit his head on the table. "I
am seriously going to kill both Shiva and Daphne."
"Okay so we're all agreed? We tell Professor Lupin what we believe?" Harry asked
turning to regard each person surrounding the table. It was the beginning of March
and the group was back in the secret meeting room with Daphne, Tracey, Hermione,
Neville, Luna, Shiva and himself all assembled. They had considered bringing Susan
in as well, but Amelia Bones had asked them to wait as she wanted to explain the
situation to her ward herself. Receiving nods all around, Harry turned to Shiva.
"Okay, can you go get him?"
"Back in a minute, guys," the Professor said striding out to grab her fellow teacher.
She was still annoyed with him but was standing by Harry's decision to at least let
him try to work up to some sort of relationship with the kid.
Shiva found him in his classroom grading papers. Giving a soft snort of amusement
she leaned up against the wall and called out, "Those essays look a lot shorter than
the two feet ones that were supposedly assigned, Lupin."
Glancing up Remus shrugged, replying, "Well seeing as how Severus had no
business assigning that essay to begin with I felt it far more prudent to grade my
students on the work they had already accomplished prior to my absence."
"Well we both know why he gave that work out."
"That we do. I admit I am somewhat surprised that no one else appears privy to my
furry problem after his lesson." Remus sighed and leaned back slumping into his
seat. "It is far more tiring to work with him than I had expected."
"Yeah well he hates me almost as much as you so I get that. And I wouldn't bet that
no one picked up on the werewolf thing either. Hermione almost assuredly knows
– completely disregarding her boyfriend she would've figured it out anyway. I'd
also put good money on Daphne Greengrass knowing as well."
Remus looked up in surprise. "Truly? But if she knows – "
"Lupin, Daphne is bosom buddies with Harry and his group. You're a competent
Defense teacher that is not trying to kill him. She's not going to say jack squat."
Shiva pushed off the wall and strode over to him. "Now stop throwing yourself a
pity party. Harry and I have something to tell you. Follow me." Lupin frowned in
confusion but nodded and headed up to the seventh floor behind Shiva.
As they walked back inside she raised her eyebrows at the group.
"…and that is how my father and I discovered the Atlantean Micro-dragon. Its
keepers were most displeased with us," Luna finished whatever story she had been
telling. It had apparently required her to be lounging across the table and kicking
her feet in the air. Daphne, Hermione, and Neville all looked extremely confused
and mildly horrified.
Harry and Tracey on the other hand were roaring with laughter. "Luna," Harry
managed to wheeze out in between his laughs, "that's not an Atlantean
Micro-dragon. That's a komodo dragon! They're muggle lizards, not magical
dragons!"
"I love this girl!" Tracey said clapping Harry on the back. "I am totally keeping her if
you don't."
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Chapter 100
"I leave you people alone for five minutes," Shiva said shaking her head. Lupin
stood behind her apparently trying to restart his thought process.
"What," Lupin started. He closed his mouth, took a breath and tried again, "May I
ask what is going on?"
"Hello, Professor Lupin," Luna said, sitting up and waving. "Harry and Tracey were
informing me that one of my earlier discoveries was incorrect and debating on
which one of them had the better claim to me."
Hermione's hand came up to slap her forehead while Harry and Tracey started
laughing even harder. Daphne grimaced and looked over at Hermione. "You reign in
your boyfriend and I reign in my girlfriend?"
Neville turned to other two girls and cocked a thumb at Luna. "That leaves me with
Luna. I don't think I can reign in Luna." Try as she might, Shiva couldn't avoid
laughing at that one and even Lupin started to chuckle softly.
"Don't worry, Neville," Luna said giving the boy a bright smile. "I can reign myself in.
Most of the time anyway. I make no promises when the wrackspurts are near, but
otherwise I can stop whenever I want." At the mention of wrackspurts, Harry had
immediately gotten his laughter under control and turned to the girl with a
questioning glance. "See? I can even reign in Harry without even trying! One day I
might even get just as good as Hermione!"
Hermione groaned in response and the rest shook their heads. Tracey finally
calmed down as well and the two teachers took their seats, Shiva near Harry and
Lupin on the opposite side of the table.
"Hello, Harry, Neville, Luna, Daphne, Hermione, Tracey. Professor Babbling
mentioned that you had something to tell me?"
"We do, Professor." Harry glanced around to make sure that everyone was more or
less back into a serious state. "Might as well just rip off the band-aid. We're almost
certain that Sirius Black is innocent and was wrongly imprisoned for a crime he did
not commit."
Lupin rocked back in his chair and sucked in a breath. His eyes widened and he
turned to Shiva. She nodded in response. "Yeah. The teenagers figured out in less
than four months something the rest of us dropped the ball on for over a decade."
"That's not possible." Lupin shook his head and his eyes narrowed in rage. "Sirius
turned on us all. He betrayed us. He betrayed James and Lily. He is worse than his
family ever was! It's not – "
"Professor Lupin," Harry's voice cut through the older man's rant. "Sir, you said you
were friends with both him and my parents. Let me ask you just one question: who
was more likely to betray my father, Sirius Black or Peter Pettigrew?"
Lupin's mouth snapped closed with a clack. Shiva had to repress a sigh. She may
not have liked the man but she didn't relish him being put in a position of realizing
his hatred for a friend for the last decade was most likely based on a lie. "It's not
possible. Peter died. They recovered…"
"A perfectly separated finger," Hermione said calmly. "A finger so clean that it
might as well have been…cut off."
"No…" Lupin sagged back. "He set him up. Merlin, he set him up didn't he? How
did you figure this out?"
"We'll walk you through everything later, Sir. Right now we need a bit more from
you," Harry said gently.
"Of course. Anything you need. But wait, Sirius would've defended himself at the
trial! This can't be – "
"A trial the Heir Black never received," Neville said shaking his head. "We have
friends in the Aurors who searched for the records when we first suspected
something was off. There never was a trial, Professor. Director Bones has been
trying to get the manhunt called off or at least to remove the Dementors from the
equation. So far it hasn't worked. We're being blocked at several levels. What we
need to do is find Sirius himself and get him to come in under our terms so that we
can get a trial. It's too dangerous to risk letting him stay out there and get caught
by someone who simply thinks he's a murderous madman."
"No trial?" Remus appeared to age a hundred years in an instant. "I should never
have pulled back," he muttered. Scowling he turned to the group and spoke louder,
"How can I help?"