Chapter 13: Visiting, remembering and a run
(A/N) Hey all, how is everyone? Good I hope...
I'll be starting a smaller Harry/Daphne and a Harry/ Hermione story soon, but it'll only be 1.5k-3k words per chapter so I can focus on this one as well.
Everything will slow down because I'll be going back to school and really don't wanna muck up a chance to get good grades + I haven't done the over-the-holiday homework and believe me I've got a lot.
I'm sorry for not updating sooner, the computer decided to go on vacation (it didn't work) so I couldn't update. It was kinda frustrating not being able to update.
Wow over 300 reviews and it hasn't been 2 months yet! Wow! Thanks so much all of you!
On with the next chapter...
Amelia arrived at Potter Manor via floo, glad for an excuse to get away from her stuffy office; she had always preferred field work.
Coughing and spluttering she stumbled out of the overly-large fireplace and began to fall over as per usual, fortunately Sirius had been expecting such and occurance and caught her in his well-defined, but lean, arms. "Hey Am, enjoying yourself? Or did you mean to fall so I could catch you?" Sirius grinned, she blushed like a school girl.
Anne and Jenny sat and watched the new addition to the mansion warily, but figured Sirius would never bring someone in who would harm them. Amelia brushed herself off, vanished the ashes and removed herself from Sirius's arms.
She kicked him in the shin, slightly hard, so he pretended it broke his leg and began rolling on the ground holding his leg moaning in mock-agony. Jenny, Anne and Amelia began laughing at Sirius.
He got up after a few seconds and sat back down with the twins. Amelia raised an eyebrow. "Sirius, why have you got two girls here?"
Smiles and laughter vanished. "Earlier I cancelled the marriage contract between my cousin, Narcissa Black, and Lucius Malfoy. I took control over the Black Family estates, notably the dubbed 'Malfoy Manor'; during these enlightening conversations my cousin informed my that Lucy has been hurting these two," he indicated the two, now upset-looking, twins. "and was a sucker for Dark Arts objects."
Amelia frowned. "So he did that to them?" Sirius nodded, causing Amelia's temper to rise; though it was directed at Mr. Malfoy, who was going to be tried for assault and murder. If she could get her hands on him. "I assume you have collected evidence?" Again Sirius nodded. "Good, then we can start the process of getting rid of him. I'll inform the goblins to freeze his account."
Sirius got up, gave her a hug and a kiss on the cheek then sat back down, as she returned to the fireplace and went to finish her work hours, with Anne and Jenny. Jenny looked at him. "Me and Anne are going to bed, okay?" Jenny asked.
"Yeah, sure." Sirius replied distractedly. "I'm sure you're day wasn't the best and that you're probably tired. If you need anything, and I mean anything I'm in the bedroom opposite your shared one. Okay?"
Anne hugged him. "Thanks very much Sirius."
He wrapped her in a firm embrace. "It's fine, don't worry about anything; go catch up on your sleep." He thought of something he would need to warn them. "If you see a big black dog walking around it's me." Jenny looked confused.
"You're telling us that you can turn into an animal?" Anne asked, unbelieving. Well that was until Sirius jumped off the couch and transformed into the large, black Irish wolfhound. Jenny, who was a sucker for dogs, 'awwed' and sat down beside the dog and hugged its shaggy head. Padfoot snuffled and sniffed, occasionally poking his wet nose against her neck; making Jenny cringe at the cold and laughed. Anne grinned and asked. "Sirius, can you understand us?"
The dog, with it's gray eyes, watched her and nodded. Then poked Jenny again with it's cold, wet nose. Jenny shivered and tapped him firmly on the nose. "Bad dog!" She exclaimed. Snuffles whimpered, Jenny couldn't resist the dog so she began petting its soft fur again.
Anne tilted her head to the side slightly. "Sirius, can you do the puppy eyes?"
The dog rolled its eyes, sat down and stared up at her with big, innocent, gray eyes and began whining pitifully. Anne laughed, got down on her knees and said. "Lie down, boy." The dog followed her instructions, earning himself a belly-rub. It made the dog loll out his tongue and pant; dammit this was good.
"I'm going to bed." Jenny commented, getting up and walking upstairs.
The dog changed back into a man; Anne jumped back, in mid-scratch. He was on the floor in front of her shivering from the belly-rub that he had thoroughly enjoyed. "Thanks for that Anne, you have no idea how hard it is to get a good scratch." He barked his unique laugh and climbed back to his feet, before helping her up and carrying on. "Go on, bed you. Tomorrow we'll have some fun."
She smiled and went to bed.
Sirius sat there thinking these two were very strong; both had shown little outward emotion since the rescue. But it wasn't good to bottle up these sort of things; it was dangerous and could cause serious problems, he'd have coax it out've them later despite his reluctance to make them relive it.
He expected a visit during the night; they'd probably have nightmares.
Severus Snape sat in Spinners End, contemplating the crap that was life. The doorbell rang and Severus went to answer it and, as expected, Lucius Malfoy was standing there. What was not expected was the pale face was now black and blue with bruises.
"What the hell happened to you?" Snape asked, malice in his voice.
Lucius grumbled, annoyed. "That pig-headed Black, that's what. Sirius Black recently found out, or I assume he did, that I haven't been paying the rental bills for the use of the Manor." He looked infuriated. "He found the two muggle girls that I was using for fun, rescued them and beat me up in the middle of Diagon Alley."
Severus chuckled at his friends predicament. "What happened to you? Why aren't you at Hogwarts getting information?" Lucius asked, blowing Snape's laughter and silently enjoying the anger on Snapes face.
Severus Snape looked apocalyptic. "The Potter brat. He waltzed in with his bitch, Granger, and bit into the headmaster. I had to play the part in defending Dumbledore, unfortunately it cost me my spot in Hogwarts. The brat thinks he is the Heir to Hogwarts and is related to Merlin." Snape sneered.
Lucius sighed. "He is, I checked the Potter lines. I traced them back to Gryffindor and Ravenclaw and every decent pureblood knows the Founders were related to Merlin." Snape looked gobsmacked. "And because of their marriage, I can assume that they share a soul-bond because people don't get married at the age of fourteen." Snape clenched his jaw. "They can share the others power, how much they know of this I do not know." He finished.
Harry nodded to himself as the two older women cringed. The two were becoming more and more angry with Albus Dumbledore; Hermione was already angry with the old prat.
Neville was shyly enraged at the fact his new friend had been beaten, not only that the boy had saved the school multiple times, only to have to go back to his relatives.
Susan, to begin with, had been admiring Harry's abdominal muscles; envying Hermione, but then so was every girl in Hogwarts. When he had turned around she had immediately felt sorry for him and wished she could've done something; but knew she hadn't had any knowledge of his home problems, since he was usually quiet.
"It's alright Harry." Hermione whispered, hoping her voice didn't crack. "Look at me please." He turned to see her tearing up, and quickly rushed to embrace her to make sure she didn't fall into tears. This, however, caused the four others to get another good look at Harry's back.
They were all sickened. "I'm going to kill them." An enraged Transfiguration professor murmured menacingly.
"You'll have to wait your turn, I'm at the top of the list." Hermione replied, angry and sad at the same time. Harry shook his head and brought his lips to hers again, calming her down and making her relax before she began to respond.
"Don't," He said gently when they broke. "They're gone from my life, you and our friends are here now." He stroked her hair and rubbed her lower back, slowly going in circles.
"Dobby!" Hermione called. The elf popped into existence making her idly wonder where he went shen he wasn't needed. Harry put his... armour? On, and got ready to leave.
"Yes, miss 'Mione?" The elf asked excitedly.
"Take Harry and me to our friends." She looked at Neville and Susan. "You two know where to find us, don't tell anyone where we are either." Both nodded and made their way out of the hospital wing. Harry and his wife took Dobby's hands and with a crack they landed on the seventh floor, in front of the Room of Requirement.
Their wish opened the door to Daphne and Tracey, who noticed them enter. Daphne rushed to embrace her new 'brother' while Tracey hugged a not-so-upset Hermione. "You alright, Harry?" Daphne asked softly.
"I'm okay, it's Hermione who is agitated." He hugged her back. "How are you feeling?"
"Great thanks!" Daphne replied enthusiastically. "It's wonderful knowing I'm not going to be pushed into an arranged marriage. When can you speak to my parents?"
"I'll ask Dobby to contact them tomorrow, on behalf of the Potter Family. I'll arrange a talk scheduled for next week and see what I can do." God I hope they haven't gone too far, I would hate to have to talk to wannabe Malfoy's. Harry sighed. "I just hope it isn't too late for your parents and sister."
"Me too, Harry, me too." She nodded, trying to hope and not fall into sadness.
"It's alright, everything will be fine." He sounded optimistic, trying to not let her think about it. Daphne was comfortable in his arms and being pressed against him, she was his family now but couldn't help but want him. She snuggled her head into his shoulder.
Hermione saw Daphne leaning into Harry and her husband looking apologetically at her, silently asking if it was okay. She sighed but nodded her head, she knew he loved her.
Harry watched as the spark left Hermione's eyes so he broke the hug with Daphne, who understood that Hermione still wasn't too happy with her being so close to Harry. Harry stood in front of Hermione, her eyes seemed intent on studying the floor so he placed a hand under her chin and gently lifted; he wasn't going to force her if she didn't want to look at him.
His other hand caressed her cheek, softly going back and forth with the pad of his thumb. "I love you and only you." He kissed her lips softly. "Want to go for a walk?" She nodded, agreeing and going for another kiss which he happily returned. Harry spoke to the group. "Me and Hermione are going out for a walk." The pair cast powerful disillusionment charms on themselves, turning almost completely invisible, and walked out of the room and left to go to the grounds.
They took in the cool night air which was accompanied by a gentle, but cold, breeze. Moving slowly they made their way to the lake, transformed into their wolf forms and began walking around it shoulder to shoulder, nuzzling eachother occasionally.
Sirius laid down in his bed thoroughly tired from his 'hard' day. He lay there wondering what the new day would bring for him, Jenny and Anne. He was suprised they trusted him but wasn't about to push them away, no, he way going to do his best to give them some memories to crush the ones that Lucy-ius gave them.
He would most definitely NOT allow anyone he even suspected of doing them harm anywhere near the two. Anyone on his suspected would be dealt with, no holding back.
Sirius couldn't see, much less understand, why some people were so caught up in their own idiocy and would hurt people like Jenny and Anne; they were both very kind, friendly and easy to get along with. He mentally shrugged; nothing can touch them here. With just under one hundred goblins, a couple hundred house-elves, Sirius was positive no-one would try and hurt them.
Not to mention the wards and himself; he wasn't one to boast anymore but before he was placed in Azkaban he was the only other Marauder, aside James, who could duel the Lord Moldy-shorts and could duel him to a halt; never winning, but never losing. Unlike James, who was a master at transfiguration and dead set on beating the DE's down, Sirius loved making them embarrassed and making sure all embarrassements were caught.
He inwardly chuckled at the last meeting between himself and Moldemort.
Flashback
A 20-year-old Sirius Black was trying his best not to laugh as he hid under Prongsies invisibility cloak, watching ol' snake-face stalk around a familiar house. Damn it the guy was hideous; he'd have to take a picture and animate it into something funny later, this was reasonably 'Sirius' serious.
The Dark Lord walked around the Bones' Family home, moving as silently as the wind he appeared to be a wraith or similar. Sirius had a cracking idea, remembering some decent prank spells he prepared the magical camera and himself; what he was going to do was dangerous but it would be funny.
With a quick flurry of spells he shot out: a silent Levicorpus, a quick bowel-releasing hex and a diffindo – to cut the robes so everyone could see his face. He shot out a boogey-building hex as Voldemort was hoisted into the air by his ankle, Sirius doubled over as shit and piss trickled down the 'most eviliest Darkey Lord's'' robes and his slit-like nose was running. He remembered to transfigure the ground below Voldemort into dung; just so he could see the Dark Lords legs waving around as shit engulfed his head.
The older insanely-white man screamed in rage as he felt his bowels release their contents down his robes and his nose was running, quickly casting a Scourgrify over himself as well cast the counter for the Levicorpus and began looking around for his attacker or in this case; pranker but he landed, head first, with a squelch. Sirus had transfigured the ground under Voldemort into cow dung causing the man to cough with the smell that was surrounding his head before vanishing it.
Unfortunately Sirius had already caught the picture with his camera and had apparated out, planning on sending the picture to the Daily Prophet. He laughed out loud when he arrived at the Ministry, still looking at the photo. Who knew the Darkest of Dark Lords wore black underpants with Grindelwalds mark on them? Funny thing was that you could see his ugly face, when he was in the air, so there was no mistaking who it was.
Sirius had always felt that all you need to do in war is crack a good joke on the bad guy and the population would grow a pair when they realise that anyone can play a joke on Voldemort.
The next day's Daily Prophet would have a screaming Voldemort with shit and piss running down his robes on the front cover, after that a fair few people took to pranking the Death-Eaters. All in all Sirius felt it was a good days work.
End Flashback
Sirius couldn't but chuckle when a knock came at his door. A quick variation of the Revelio spell, showed that Anne was at the door. He turned into Padfoot and barked.
Anne heard Padfoots bark and assumed things were okay to come in, which they were. The teenage girl who was wearing her pjyamas that Sirius had transfigured. She found the big, black dog looking alertly at her. She was in tears, the nightmares of her treatment coming to her. "Sirius," she cried, the dog nodded; it's ears flapping slightly at the motion. "I had the nightmares." She shivered. "Can I stay for a while?"
Again the over-sized mutt nodded and motion her over with it's head. She hesitantly came over to the big bed and crawled under the covers, she felt the dog that was Sirius, join her. She snuggled into its warm body, the fur was soft and perfect to sleep against. But he stank of dog. She grumbled in her head, but felt she could put up with it.
Anne had to put up with doggy-dreaming for the rest of the night which included whining and paw movement.
Claws and Tails returned to the Come and Go room an hour later, panting slightly. What had started out as a gentle walk had turned into a run round the lake and ended with a nuzzling session between the two wolves.
The pair of gray wolves swapped into their human bodies and wished for their 'place to sleep' and entered. The found Daphne asleep on the couch. "It was fun wasn't it Hermione? Do it again soon?" Harry asked, hoping they could; he had really enjoyed the run.
Hermione nodded and playfully countered. "But only if I can read the next page of The Book." Harry grinned, some things never change with Hermione.
"'Course you can, but only if I can call you Herms." He teased. Hermione looked at her husband and narrowed her eyes.
"Call me Herms and my wand will find it's way up your ass and I'll make you clean it." She replied sweetly. Harry made gagging motions. She smiled to herself, two could play the teasing game and she wasn't as uptight as people though she was.
"Let's just go to bed, we can talk about it in the morning." He suggested. Then murmured. "You can read the whole bloody thing; I do not want anybodys wand up my bum." Hermione giggled.
He gave her a lopsided smile that he had found worked wonders with Hermione; he'd have to try it with other girls later. It worked again and she blushed. He placed an arm around her waist, hugging her closely to him, and moved upstairs.
When the couple reached the bedroom they both removed their clothes and put their night-wear on.
Hermione pushed Harry onto the bed and laid down next to him. She moved her head to stare down at him, her chocolate brown eyes showing the love she held for him in them. "I love you, Harry." She whispered.
A smile appeared on his face. "I love you too, babe. More than anything, never forget that." A hand reached up and began stroking her cheek as it always did. He loved the soft skin and she enjoyed the tenderness of his touch as well. Hermione leaned down to kiss her Harry goodnight; it ended up as a five minute passionate kiss.
After the yummy experience she asked. "Babe?"
He looked nervous. "I, uh... umm, well... y'know..." He looked apologetically at her.
"It's fine, Harry but only in private, okay?" She looked rather serious so he agreed.
Severus Snape had a face like a rat's arse, not that many people know what that actually looks like and fewer would want to find out. His day had been awful, but he could think of something to make it better. He could join his true master and serve him or he could find the Mudblood Granger's parents and kill them, or do a Belly-trix and drive them insanse but not kill them.
He gave a hoarse laugh. Belly-trix, perfect name for the crazy bitch he was forced to work with. He could imagine Bellatrix doing 'Belly-trix' for Voldemort before promptly crushing the sickening image.
Chapter 14: Thoughts and Feelings
My 12 year old brother is working on a star wars story and is using my account to update it. It's actually not a bad read so far, apparently he has been learning from his own reading of stories on ; much like I have. Granted star wars isn't the best but it is an interesting story if you can think of AU's for it.
Sorry for the long wait, I had a serious bout of depression and fell into a routine. I haven't fully snapped out've my depression and am unsure how long it will continue. It was amusing when my mum voiced her thoughts. I laughed at her when she said that she thought I was depressed, but after reading the symptoms I realized she may be right.
Trying to break it didn't work; it just got worse and worse. I think it's getting better, so I'll try update quicker but no promises.
Onto the next chapter...
Harry groggily opened his eyes and felt his wife lying on top of him again. It was the prefect way to wake up in his opinion. Getting a faceful of soft, bushy hair that smelled divine and feeling her body pressed against his; her light breath on his sensitive chest making him shiver lightly.
"You're perfect." He whispered to her sleeping form, wrapping his arms around her waist; reveling in the moment. He buried his face in her vanilla-scented hair, breathing in deeply. It's delicious smell sent his senses wild.
She stirred. "Are y-you," she yawned. "...sniffing my hair or blowing your nose in it? Your b-breathing is really loud in my ear." She yawned again. He placed a hand on her hair and stroked it, lulling her back to sleep.
"Go back to sleep it's early, sleep, beautiful." She pressed herself closer to him, in what he supposed was an answer. Her hands traveled into his soft, messy jet-black hair and fell limp in his hair.
He sighed feeling that his life was prefect at the moment. He had a beautiful wife, he had great friends, he had a sister; Daphne and he had his godfather. His eyes began to droop again as he held Hermione close.
He had come to the conclusion that her kissing him was the best thing that had ever happened to him.
An hour later Hermione awoke on top of Harry again. In truth it wasn't very comfortable. With remnants of the Dursley's treatment of him still noticeable, resting on him was still a win-lose situation. She loved him and he was comfy if she could get into the right spot, but if she couldn't maneuver into that spot... well he wouldn't be comfy.
Hermione gently hands ran through his messy, raven hair. He looks so peaceful, she thought. She cooed softly to him. "Uh.. lo-love yeh, Mione." He sleep-spoke.
Hermione froze. He loved her? He truly did? He's would be talked to about that when he woke.
Severus had a situation. He could do a few things. Losing his position as a spy at Hogwarts, would not look great in the Dark Lord's eyes, so he would be subjected to the cruciatus curse a few times; which would be bearable- just.
He could plead Dumbledore to do something about Potter's insolence and get the brat expelled from Hogwarts, which was out of the question if Lucius's visit was anything to judge by. But that would get him back in the Dark Lord's books, which would save him hours of torture.
Or he could go solo and do his death-eater business once again.
That meant finding worthy targets. Sirius Black, a useless person if ever there was one, was Potter's godfather; if Severus could kill the man it would hurt Potter and may do damage to Potter's mental stability. He could go after Potter's girlfriend's parents, he sneered. Pathetic, waste-of-space muggles, he thought. They deserve to be purged from the world.
However he couldn't say the same for Black. No matter how much he hated and loathed the man, Severus couldn't deny that Black was good with a wand and without one. Black was a dangerous target. So he would go for the easier one of Granger's parents.
He sat down heavily, clutching his forehead. What could he do? What were options that wouldn't eventually lead of death or capture? Run away? No, that wouldn't work. Eventually one side will prevail over the other and when it did, it would spread across the world.
Albus Dumbledore paced around his desk. How could he possibly do anything? His magically-binding restraining order prevented him going within a hundred feet of the Boy-Who-Lived without his magical guardian, Sirius Black, being there.
It frustrated Dumbledore to know that his pawn, his boy-who-lived, was getting out from under his thumb. It irritated the aged headmaster to know that the prat Sirius Black was a free man, which canceled Dumbledore's position as Harry's magical guardian.
Which reminded him. Where did his pawn go over the holidays? He was supposed to be at the Dursley's so he could be pliable to his, Dumbledore's, teachings. Instead the Potter child had left and gone Merlin knows where.
He could only assume Black or Bones had taken him in. Of course there was a chance that Harry had found the Potter fortune, but that option was covered since he had made a deal with the goblins. He'd have to check that later.
Since he had no hold over Black there was no chance of him manipulating Harry... maybe one of his friends, if he could get near them; they stayed close to Potter.
Sirius woke up, at Potter Manor, as padfoot. He remembered the previous night when Anne had come to him, pleading nightmares. The shaggy, black dog shook itself and became Sirius again. The man, who was recovering nicely from Azkaban thanks to the house-elves' potions and his black hair that flopped elegantly into his gray eyes was returning.
He decided not to wake Anne up, since she looked peaceful, and went to search Prongsies old room. He wasn't sure what he hoped to find or see, perhaps he just wanted to remember the good times.
Him, Prongs, Moony and Wormtail; when he was their friend. Playing jokes, having a laugh with Prongs' parents egging them to go for bigger and better pranks.
James's parents weren't, fortunately, for or against pranking. In their view it was a tribute to their magical skill, no matter how it was employed.
It had eventually gone to far when they had managed to get one of their Marauder communication mirrors into James's parents' room, where they heard some very disturbing things. The foursome had made a note never to try that again and would spend the rest of the holidays blushing everytime they saw Mr or Mrs. Potter together.
Luckily James's parents never figured out what they were blushing about.
As he made his way to his best friends room, tears began welling up in his eyes; the guilt overwhelming. So many things wouldn't have happened if he hadn't been a fool and switched the secret-keeper, but then how was he supposed to know what it would lead to? No-one could've foreseen it, but Sirius should've noticed it. Pettigrew had been acting strangely for a while; becoming nervous and flustered easily- signs of being anxious. He had been that way since a year out've school. Whenever the other three Marauders wanted to have a day out, Peter had never come with them; always stating he had business.
Sirius stood outside of James's old room; his hand reaching for the doorknob. He gripped the door handle with every ounce of strength he had, he closed his eyes tightly and opened it.
He opened his eyes and looked around. Nothing had changed, no-one would've thought that this room hadn't been slept in for well over a decade. He smiled, remembering the good times he had chatting to his other three friends and planning pranks.
"Sirius?" A light, female voice asked. Said man froze and closed his eyes shut again, recognizing the voice's owner. Lily.
Tears released; the dam broken. A cascade of salty tears dripped down his face. "Lils?" He replied in a broken, cracked voice.
His eyes opened to see Lily, his best mates wife. She was smiling happily at him, like she did when she wanted something. "How are you, Sirius?" Her bright, green eyes bore into his gray ones.
"I'm okay. How has it been for you?" He looked around. "Does James have a portrait?"
Lily raised her hands in a peaceful motion. "Calm down, Sirius; he does have one. I've been lonely here, wondering where everyone was." She gave him a look, which demanded to know why no-one had come.
Sirius's face had a guilty look cross it. "When you and James d-d-left... Hagrid took Harry from your cottage, despite me telling him I was Harry's godfather and demanded that my godson be passed to me. He argued that it was on Dumbledore's orders and became stubborn about it, I gave in and loaned him my motorbike; which he used to take Harry to the Dursley's." He spat the last word.
Lily looked outraged. "Doesn't the old man know that my sister and her husband hate magic with every fiber of their being?" She took a deep, calming breath."What about mine and James's wills?"
"They weren't read until a few weeks ago, when Harry became soul-bonded to his wife." Sirius said mischievously. "Harry's Lady is a lot like yourself. She's smart, beautiful and 'witch of her year'. She also has a fiery temper and love's playing tricks on people."
Lily's eyes were popping out've her head. "Harry, my little baby, has a wife?"
"Hermione Jean Potter." Sirius commented proudly. "Formerly Hermione Jane Granger." Lily's eyes were almost out've their sockets.
"I knew a Granger family... I wonder if it's the same family, maybe its a coincidence; maybe not." She noted.
She turned thoughtful. "Sirius can you do something for me?" Sirius nodded quickly. "Find mine and James's bodies and our rings and bring them back here."
He shook his head sadly. "It's been fifteen years, Lily. Your bodies will be decomposed but I could find your rings." He frowned. "Hold on... no never mind." He left the room to go and pay a visit to Godric's Hollow.
Ginerva Molly Weasley hadn't slept. She had been thinking over the previous day about Harry and Hermione. Together.
She was furious, scratch that; she was enraged.
She had spent her whole life learning about the boy-who-lived, reading all his stories and reading everything she could about him. She had been told by her mother, at a young age, that she was destined to be the wife of the boy-who-lived; she had never considered any other boy.
So when she found a buck-toothed, bushy-haired bookworm as Harry's friend, she had struck up friendship between herself and the other girl to help find out more about the boy-who-lived; her Harry. Granger hadn't been happy when Ginny had kept referring to Harry as the boy-who-lived, much to Ginny's confusion.
When it was explained that Harry didn't like all the fame and would prefer having his parents, Ginny hadn't understood; she had never lost a close family member and despite Harry not knowing his parents, it still hit him hard.
Still the younger girl couldn't understand why he would rather have his family as opposed to his fame. The bushy-haired girl had said to try and imagine never seeing your parent's and being famous because they died for you.
Ginny ignored Granger's words.
Ginny hadn't considered Harry falling for someone else, having it drilled into her head that she would be Harry's wife had done something to her. The buck-toothed girl had seemed slightly shy around Harry, making Ginny feel that the other girl wasn't a threat; which she obviously was.
When Harry and Hermione had revealed themselves in the Great Hall, holding hands, something had cracked inside her. Harry was her's and no-one else's.
She would win him back, no matter what it took.
Griphook and Sharptooth nodded to each other. The human known as Dumbledore would soon lose what was left of his wealth.
A significant ten and a half billion galleons. Most of which was stolen from Lord Potter and Lord Black during their absence as Head of their respective House.
"I suggest we pull a few strings and remove everything from Dumbledore's vault and half it into the Potter and Black Family vaults." Griphook suggested with a maniacal grin.
Sharptooth replied. "That would be splendid, aside from the fact that the esteemed Mr. Dumbledore is magical Britain's 'god', they would do anything he told them."
Griphook frowned, he had forgotten that Britain's magical population were sheep-like. "I forgot that." He admitted. "If we could convince Lord Potter and Lord Black to purchase The Daily Prophet, we could release a few document containing Mr. Dumbledore's thievery."
"I'll see what we can do." Sharptooth replied.
In Potter mansion, everything was quiet. Silence reigned there. Until Dan and Emma entered the house, enjoying the neutral weather; neither hot nor cold. "What do you think so far?"
"Harry has been good to our daughter, and she's been writing about him since she met him." Emma replied. "He seems to genuinely love her."
Dan grumbled. "If he breaks her heart, he won't be walking for a very long time."
"He's magical, dear. They probably have a few-hours-cure for broken bones." Emma reminded her husband, though she agreed with his sentiments- but Harry didn't seem to be that sort of boy.
Dan slumped. "I know."
Emma tired to lighten everything up. "We've seen how she spent the weeks with him, I've never seen her happier. Whatever he is doing or whatever he is like, it seems to be making our baby girl happy so let's just stay out of it and let her be happy."
Dan was sure of his daughter's love for the young man, and was positive that Harry returned the feelings with his heart. Even if he didn't believe it, what could he do? His daughter wanted to be with Harry, and no force on earth could stop her from doing just that.
Narcissa Black sat in her room in the refurbished Black Manor; instead of the dark, depressing, dingy and unwelcoming house that it once was, a light and welcoming house had replaced it. She was finally away from that prick Malfoy, so many years of abuse and suffering- now she away from it all. Free. Free to do what she wanted. Her favourite cousin, Sirius, had made it one-hundred percent clear that he would help and support her as along as she stayed far away from the Dark Lord and his followers.
She snuggled into her bed covers, happily - for the first time in many, many years.
Lucius Malfoy laid down in the rented room in The Leaky Cauldron, wondering how life had changed so quickly and what he could to to get it back on track.
He had lost his wife, Manor, gold and respect among the people. Because of Black and Potter. It was dangerous going after them; Black was an amazing duelist and Potter was Merlin's heir, so he would have some un-natural power. I wonder if the rumors surrounding the Emrys Vault are true, He wondered.
Chapter 15: Owls are ohso useful and decisions made
To The Hermit,
If you were married at fourteen would you want to be talked about constantly? Saying 'I'm dating' rather than 'I'm married' will keep a lot of people off their backs and asking questions.
I don't think looking after someone who has been punched in the face is inappropriate, in fact it is rather natural to some people. Being punched by a fifteen-year-old boy when you happen to be a girl, probably isn't easy (no offense to the fairer sex, but boys are generally stronger) so they will look for comfort.
On with the next chapter...
Harry climbed out of bed minutes after his wife, Hermione, did. His wife, his Hermione. It was a testament to the humour the universe possessed; had someone told him, this time last year, that he would have Hermione Jean Granger as his wife he would've laughed at them.
Girlfriend maybe, but not wife. Still he wasn't complaining. The time he had spent with his newfound group of friends, no matter how short, was pleasant and... boosting?
He had relaxed a lot around people and was beginning to have fun. Harry was positive that the tri-wizard tournament would shape up to be another disaster for him though. He hadn't, yet, managed a normal year.
Battling possessed professors in first year, slaying Basilisks in second year and fighting Dementors in third year was unusual experience in a school- to say the least.
Harry showered and dressed in his school robes, bearing the Potter Family crest rather than the Gryffindor House crest. He thought that if he had a pair of these robes Hermione and Daphne would as well, since they were part of his family.
He moved downstairs to be engulfed in a caring hug by his bushy-haired wonder. Damn she smelled good- the vanilla scent set his senses on fire. He rested his forehead against hers and nuzzled her cute, little button nose.
Daphne, Tracey, Neville and Susan looked on smiling as they saw the closeness and love Harry and Hermione shared.
Neville's stomach rumbled. He laughed. "I guess it's time for breakfast then?" The other in the group chuckled and followed him out the door.
"I had a good read last night." Hermione murmured to Harry, who was walking beside her; holding her hand.
Harry gave a small snort. "I bet you did, beautiful. You can carry on reading it later though." She gave a mock-pout; what gave her away were her sparkling brown eyes that he loved so much. The young couple began hearing snippets of their friends' conversation.
"I bet Ron is gonna blow a nut." Tracey said, confidently.
"Gonna blow a nut? More like a galleon." Neville laughed.
"Nah, I reckon he's going to lay an egg." Daphne put in.
Harry and Hermione laughed at their friends' banter. "I love your eyes, Hermione." Harry said quietly.
Startled by the heart-warming comment, she asked. "Why?" -Grace and elegance were not included in the writing of that question.
Harry went on to detail how her eyes glowed when they read something new, how they became alight during her reading. He detailed how her eyes sparkled with happiness whenever she found something new or when she got something she wanted. The sparkling brown depths that he could drown in, just by looking at them.
Hermione was overwhelmed with a loved feeling conjured by his sweet words- the other in their group made puking motions at the sappy lines.
The group began to eat breakfast at the Great Hall, uninterrupted for a time- of course it going to last.
Draco Malfoy was not a happy person. Not in the slightest. Potter and his band of blood traitors and mudbloods had stripped he and his Family's wealth and housing. He had lost everything.
With his father becoming sought after by the Aurors it was only a matter of time before Slytherin house slipped from his grasp and began doing what they wanted not what he wanted.
What could he do to keep the control that was slipping from his grasp? Not much. With the majority of Slytherin only listening to him because his godfather worked here and the power and wealth his father had at his disposal.
With Snape keeping them in Draco's line, they had little choice but to agree to follow Draco; either that or they get endless detentions with an arse-y professor.
Well it had gone to shits when he received the letter from his esteemed parent that they had no money and no home and that he, Lucius, was wife-less.
Slytherin house had rejoiced when Snape was thrown out- or at least some of them did and began making friends with the other houses immediately, though somewhat hesitantly. They were hesitant due to their houses bad reputation- a reputation they were desperate to rekindle and change it into a good one.
Draco arrived in the Great Hall and spied Potter and friends cracking up at a random joke. It infuriated him that Greengrass, his Greengrass, his bitch was friends with Potter.
Strutting up to them maybe wasn't the best idea, but since when has anyone accused a Malfoy of having a brain? "Alright, Potter? Enjoying the blood traitors and mudbloods company?"
Potter slowly turned to look at Draco. "Yeah, I am enjoying company, thanks for asking." Before turning away and going back to his chat.
Draco was stunned; he had expected Potter to blow a nut loose and attack him. He tried a different route. "Has mudblood Granger allowed you into her room yet?"
Potter turned again, irritation flashing in his piercing green eyes. "No. And before you open your mouth again, I suggest you leave. My friends aren't quite as calm." Potter motioned towards an angry Longbottom, a furious Davies and Greengrass looked like she was restraining herself from slapping the crap out of Malfoy.
"Hey Greengrass, when are you going to give me the time of day?" Draco sneered. Inwardly wincing he could imagine what was coming next.
"Never, and I'm not a Greengrass any more." Daphne said, giving Malfoy a cold stare; her blue eyes switching from the warm, kind ones to the cold and unforgiving.
Malfoy became confused before realisation dawned on him. "Which Family would take you in? What with you bitchy attitude and all." Draco drawled.
"That would be mine," Harry replied, coldy- he was beginning to get angry. "Now this is your last chance; leave or be forced to."
"I'm not going anywhere Potter, you can't make me."
Harry raised an eyebrow and had a questioning look. Clearly Malfoy genetics state 'crap memory' otherwise ickle drakykins would remember his godfather being thrown out.
"Hogwarts please remove Draco Malfoy from our table and place him at Slytherin House table, where he should be." Harry said in a bored tone.
Draco was lifted into the air and unceremoniously dropped onto the table much to the amusement and annoyance of Slytherin table, Draco earned a face-full of porridge- needless to say no-one went near the porridge for the rest of the meal.
Sirius stood outside the broken down cottage that had housed his best friends and their son. If only I hadn't changed secret-keeper, Sirius thought.
He walked down the path to enter the house, noticing the splinter and loose bits of wood from the blasted-in door.
Sirius was on a mission. He had resolved to do anything and everything that Lily's portrait and James's portrait asked of him, he owed them for his failure.
Sirius moved inside. Nothing had changed in almost fifteen years. He looked around the hallway and spotted himself, Remus, James and Lil's all playing with a tiny Harry. He smiled happily at the memory, noting that Peter was not there.
He moved into the kitchen and found a wand on the table; Lily's wand. The magic it held, surrounded it guarding it from decay. He picked it up and a warmth spread through his hand; almost as if Lily's wand recognised him.
He placed it in his pocket for some unknown reason.
He used cleaning spells all over the dust and dirt that had inevitably gathered, and went upstairs to find Lily's ring.
He moved into Harry's room to find a dark cloak on the ground, a slight mess of cuddly toys and a blood stain on the cot where Harry used to sleep.
He changed into Padfoot and did his business on Voldemort's robes, before swapping back into his human form before gagging at the smell.
He hated this, but he had promised. He moved the toys and gently prodded around the area until he found Lily's ring. It was gold with a simple 'I love you' diamond words -undoubtedly James.
He pried it off the ground and began to leave, leaving the house to it's peaceful slumber.
Harry left the breakfast table with Hermione holding his hand. Harry was intending to make sure his vote on the Wizengamot wasn't being used by Dumbledore.
He remembered his godfather had a cousin, Narcissa, who, until recently, was in an arranged marriage with Lucius Malfoy- something he wouldn't wish for any soul except a couple. Ronald, Ginerva and Molly to name a couple- maybe Pettigrew as well.
Narcissa Black. Harry knew that he was too young to take his seat on the Wizengamot; having a representative take his place until he reached seventeen was advisable, otherwise someone like Dumbledore was bound to use the Potter Family vote to his or her own ends.
He decided that if Sirius could trust Narcissa so could he, which was the reason he was going to see Hedwig and mail her to see if she would accept being his representative for the time being.
He hoped she would, if not then perhaps Sirius- if he could grow up. Knowing the old Marauder he would probably prank the members of the Wizengamot into submission if he didn't get what he wanted.
They made their way to the owlery, hand in hand. Hermione pressed against Harry's side as they held hands. Hermione noted the calm, empty corridor. "This is nice. You, me and no-one to interrupt." She tugged on his hand, moving towards an alcove.
Once there, Hermione twisted around. She wrapped her arms round Harry's neck and tugged him closer, tilting her head. His lips met hers in a caressing kiss, inflaming her senses. Hermione tugged harder on Harry's ever-messy hair, wanting more; deepening the kiss.
It came as a major suprise to Harry, he didn't think she was one for showing so much affection- a thought that was being rapidly revised. He gasped in suprise when he felt her tongue press, tentatively, against his lips.
Hermione pushed forward, enjoying it immensely and sure that Harry was feeling the same way. She felt his arm around her waist and the other wrapped, gently, in her soft, light brown hair. Both of them lost in their passionate kiss.
Hermione broke away after a minute. Her lips slightly swollen and her hair tossled. She looked at Harry and saw he was in the same condition, Hermione commented. "Again soon?"
Harry could only nod dumbly, still quite overwhelmed. Hermione giggled at his dazed look. "C'mon you, we need to mail Padfoot's cousin." Again Harry nodded, she took his hand and dragged him to the owlery.
At their arrival, Hermione conjured parchment and a quill before handing them to Harry, who gave a grateful smile to her.
He began writing.
To Narcissa Black,
Hello! I'm Harry Potter. I am your cousin; Sirius Black's, godson and was hoping to ask you for a favour. The decision is completely up to you and my only other choice is Sirius, who would not be suitable for the job.
I'm basing this on his trusting you, so don't waste it.
Okay, so enough of keeping it from you. I want you as my representative on the Wizengamot, until I reach seventeen- do you see why Sirius wouldn't be suitable?
I hope you accept, I'll need to talk to you about it before-hand if you consider accepting,
Harry and Hermione
Harry finished it and handed it to Hermione, for her approval. She read and re-read the letter. "It's short but it does get the the point, let's send it off."
"Hedwig!" Harry called in a soft voice. His beautiful, angelic-white owl flew down to his outstretched arm. He began scratching her fluffy chest, getting an affectionate nip on the finger in respone. "I'm sorry for not seeing you sooner, girl. I've been rather busy, but I promise I'll try to see you more often. Can you take this letter for me please?"
Hermione handed Harry the letter back, who awkwardly tied it to Hedwigs leg. He placed notice-me-not charm keyed to certain manipulative old men and anyone else Harry could tink of that would be interested in his mail.
He let his owl go out the window and watched her fly off, with his arm round Hermione's waist.
Amelia sat at her desk, tired. She had worked until one in the morning, and had five hours sleep before coming back. The auror trainees had increased dramatically and the flood of volunteers was straining her budget.
She literally had a small wizard army at her hands. Just above one-hundred and fifty aurors and trainees were available.
Under Harry's recommendation, from a couple of weeks ago, she had authorised lethal force should it be necessary.
Many aurors had been relieved; stunners were not useful in their opinion, a simple waking spell would rouse the stunned and continue to fight- a person lacking an arm or leg would be slightly more hesitant to re-join the fighting.
So they were in for training. Dummies had been brought in, animated to dodge- to increase accuracy and were being torn to shreds. Cutting curses, exploding hexes and reducto's were being thrown around the room.
Amelia would need to talk to Sirius and Harry for some money to help her dwindling budget, she considered using her own money as well; but Harry would probably insist on using his- he had too much anyway. She got up from her desk to owl them.
Albus I've-got-so-many-name's-it's-hard-to-remember-them-all Dumbledore walked into Gringotts, ready for his appointment with Thumper. He knew the goblin would be furious with him for going back on his word, but a quick loyalty and compulsion charm should deal with that.
If he was found he would be in the biggest amount of dragon shit in his life- could he take that risk? He could pull a few strings in the Wizengamot and use the Potter vote against him- but that may not work with Potter's emancipation; the boy would have elected a representative for himself.
Albus walked through the door to be met with the usual sight of goblins scurrying this way and that way. He walked up to a tense and uncomfortable-looking Thumper. "Mr. Goblin!" Dumbledore announced cheerfully. "May your enemies burn." Dumbledore cringed inwardly at the greeting, having never been a fan of killing.
The goblin nodded respectfully. "Thank you, Mr. Dumbledore."
Albus leaned forward. "I have a need for you, if you are free."
The goblin nodded slowly and led the way to a conference room.
Remus Lupin, Werewolf, Marauder and Harry Potters pesudo-uncle had hit a stump. Last night none other than Albus Dumbledore had met with him and told him, in simplier words than used, that Remus was to spy on Harry.
He handn't given an answer. His loyalty was divided almost down the middle for James, Lily and Harry, or Dumbledore.
A friendship that lasted a decade before it ended with death wasn't taken lightly. James and Lily had loved him, treated him as a brother and had said so on more than many occasions. He owed them for their friendship and not running away when they found out about him, instead becoming illegal animagus's for him.
Yes, he owed them a lot for keeping him sane during those full-moon's.
Dumbledore, on the other hand, had helped him get into this school and return later as a teacher despite his affliction. Aside from that he owed Dumbledore nothing.
In the end he decided that the answer wasn't a hard one.
The people at The Daily Prophet were having a field day. So much to write! Sirius Orion Black was not the reason the Potter's were dead, rather the person try awarded an Order of Merlin 1st class- Peter Pettigrew. The fact the man, who until recently was thought dead, was alive was astounding.
Next on the list was the raid on Malfoy Manor formerly, and now once again, Black Mansion. The Malfoy's were a prominent pureblood family, with their Head of House pleading imperious curse. The sheer amount of dark artefacts that had been located and found in their house, the items had spoken louder than words. Clearly the Malfoy family was attached to dark items.
Then there was Black again. He had beaten Mr. Malfoy with a type of muggle fighting which involved fists. Malfoy had ended up on the floor sporting multiple bruises and was out cold. To add to the Malfoy embarrassment, Sirius Black had taken in two girls whom he had apparently found in Malfoy's basement.
Narcissa Malfoy nee Black had her unwanted marriage annulled by Lord Black, and was set to have an interview with The Daily Prophet over the annulment and her feelings about the marriage.
They'd have to owl her later to make sure the arrangement was still open.
(A/N) I want to make a few things clear. Dumbledore is not evil in this story- just manipulative and greedy. Harry is powerful but not god-like, not by a long shot- but that's later on.
Snape hasn't quite decided Snape's alignment yet.
ALSO
Hermione's ring, when she gets it, won't be Lily's ring because Lily's ring has something to do. - any guesses?
Any Harry/Daphne shippers will be glad to know I'm finishing the third chapter to that story- bear in mind that it is shorter than this story each chapter has 1.5k to 2.5k words. I won't upload it until I have 5 – 10 chapters done.
Chapter 17: A rather old goblin and some runic magic
Harry glanced at Hermione who was staring out across the lake three hours later. "Hey, Mione?"
She took a quick look at him before replying. "Yes, Harry?"
"What are we going to do about our bond?" At her thoughtful look, he carried on. "I mean... do we announce it or just say we're dating?"
Hermione giggled. "You plonker, Harry. Our little performance in the Great Hall alerted everyone to the fact that you and I are together."
Harry had the grace to look sheepish. "Guess I should've realized that." He grumbled, exasperatedly. Hermione's laugh was the sweetest music to his ears; it was soft, gentle but at the same time it was unwavering and strong.
She began to rant on about what she had learned from The Book, going on about runes tattooed with magic onto people's bodies to guard or enchance their abilities.
Narcissa had had a trying day. The Prophet was more than eager to get her words on her voided marriage and the revelation that Malfoy senior was a stanch supporter of the Dark Lord.
It seems they couldn't take no for an answer. At least, that was until Lord and Lady Potter's owl landed on her shoulder giving her the much-needed opportunity to escape the press.
She opened the letter and read it quickly. She almost laughed. The young Lord was blunt and got to the point after his little explanation. She decided to accept his offer and replied.
Dear Lord and Lady Potter,
I hope this finds you in good health, although with Lord Potter's history that seems unlikely.
I accept your offer and would like to meet you so I can better understand your full motives, which will help me fight for what you want.
As I understand it, you are both kind and caring characters who would enjoy equality between the many different races and species that inhabit wizarding Britain. I thank you for the offer and I will do my best in your stead.
Yours truly,
Narcissa Black
She signed her name with the well-practised flick of her wrist. She climbed the stairs to her bathroom.
Being a vain woman and really caring about her appearance she entered the bathroom and stripped to her undergarments before examining herself.
Removing the glamours that covered a few scars given to her by Lucius and his mates.
She had to admit she was still stunning. Her blond hair was now down in a ponytail with various strands of hair hanging around her heart-shaped face.
Her deep blue eyes showed warmth she had not felt for so long, and her beautiful little nose was fair like the rest of her skin.
She looked at her pink, bow-shaped lips and pouted before grinning. It was extremely sexy and cute, males would be falling over themselves to do her bidding.
She laughed evilly at that.
She redressed, attached her letter to the beautiful white bird that was sitting next to her, and left her rented property, planning on a Hogwarts visit to see her cousin's godson, who was a Lord and a married teen.
Lucius Malfoy's day couldn't possibly get worse. Here he was, senior citizen and a member of the Dark Lord's inner circle, in a muggle house. And he could not believe it.
"What the hell has my life come to?" He asked himself. Last week he was revelling in the Black Family fortune and sending bribes all round the ministry. Now here he was living in some muggle hole.
Though it was quite a nice hole/ house. He had come here after aurors had come to find him in The Leaky Cauldron and demanded his arrest.
It had been a joke, the aurors hadn't even set up simple apparation wards so he had disapparated away.
He had found himself in a shabby-looking town and had promptly placed the first muggle family he had found under the imperious curse and demanded they take him to their home.
Now here he was lounging on a bed and watching the muggles cook for him. Not for the first time he wished he hadn't handed Dobby his master ruined diary, which had a sock in it.
He also wished that muggles could cook quicker.
Anne and her twin sister Jenny were amusing themselves having a walk around the lake they had found a mile away from Potter Manor. They had found a small cottage nearby with a garden full of purple, white and red flowers- not knowing their names.
They walked quietly around the still lake with a massive black dog trotting beside them. Sirius had come back sometime in the afternoon after going out early in the morning. He had said nothing about where he went and the girls didn't push him, figuring he would speak when he was ready.
"It's a lovely afternoon." Anne commented after ten minutes of silent walking.
Sirius transformed back to his human shape. "All you could've said and 'it's a lovely afternoon' was what you said?" He chuckled. "Use the weather as a last resort in a conversation." He smiled kindly.
The twins laughed and continued their quiet walk, with the familiar dog next to them.
Harry and Hermione had left for Gringotts. Both were intending to get runic implants, runes drawn into their skin- at least Harry was; Hermione was rather repulsed by the idea.
Harry wanted his done on his back to hide the scars and Hermione wasn't sure; she wasn't as into the idea as he was. Harry, however, was fully up for the idea. He wanted dark and light runes with intricate black tattoos covering his back. She couldn't blame him for trying to hide the scars of his previous home life.
They walked, hand-in-hand, into Gringotts bank. Harry was over-excited after Hermione had told him, on their afternoon walk, that Merlin had done it himself.
And so, here they were. Harry walked in excited and Hermione was restraining herself from kicking his shin in annoyance, though she couldn't help but crack a grin at his enthusiasm.
Striding up to a goblin, Harry with a smiling face asked. "Hello, can I see a runic master?"
The goblin raised an eyebrow at the young man, Lord Potter if he remembered correctly. He also remembered his instructions from Ragnok: Do what you must to aid Lord and Lady Potter.
"Are you Lord and Lady Potter?" He asked with his gravel-like voice.
The pair in front of him nodded. "Come with me then, I'll take you to see Sharptooth and he'll get you to Iron-claw.
Hermione and Harry had the exact same thought, Iron-claw? They both asked mentally.
Why did goblins always choose to name themselves over their personalities or attributes? They wondered. They were unsure what Ragnok meant- maybe chief, they'd have to ask.
As to goblin assistant moved them through slightly familiar walls, he led them to Sharptooth's office- the other goblin had been sat in there all night. Each time someone urged him to sleep they'd get a I'm-thinking-piss-off look.
He knocked on the office and gained a. "Come in!" The Potter's followed their guide in.
"Senior Sharptooth." The goblin guide bowed respectfully. "Lord and Lady Potter wish to speak to you."
"Thank you, for delivering them. You are dismissed." Sharptooth replied, then he turned to the Potters. "How can I be of service, s-Harry?"
"Thank you for seeing me, Sharptooth." Harry started. "While reading through a book my wife learned that one may have runes tattooed into their skin. Is this correct?"
"Yes." The aging goblin could already see where this was going.
"Can I, err, get this done?" Harry asked, nervously.
"Yes." Sharptooth silently congratulated himself on his guess.
"How? When? Where?"
"Magic, you can get it done now and in the Rune Master's hall."
"Can I have them on my back?" Sharptooth knew about the abuse and agreed with Harry, with a quick nod.
"Follow me and I'll take you to Rune Master Ironclaw." The goblin got off his seat and led them deeper into Gringotts.
The goblin in question was wrinkled to the point of no return, his most prominent feature being his iron-coloured claws The wrinkles almost covering his eyes kinda freaked them out slightly before the goblin nodded at them. "I suppose you want the runes done?" He had a very deep, strong voice.
Harry merely nodded. "I-I'm not sure about Hermione though." He looked to his wife.
The Elder shook his head. He raised an eyebrow so he could see properly. "You ain't... you two be the soul-bonded couple? Lord Potter and his Lady?" He tilted his head. "Nah, she won't need the runes if you have them."
Said teens nodded. The ancient goblin cackled. "Well well, Lord Potter and his Lady... I presume you want the runes done?"
Harry nodded. "I want them covering my back and arms if they need to. What runes would you recommend?"
"Light and Dark?" The half-crazy goblin asked. Harry nodded. "Well let's see... Rune of strength, speed, body-change rune, reflection rune, hmm... mind enhancing rune, anti-Fiendfyre rune, pain-deduction rune and the tattoos to go with them." The goblin ticked them off his claws.
"Can you explain some of them? And their limits?" Hermione asked, ever willing to gain knowledge.
"Strength, speed and body-change are self-explanatory. The speed and strength will be along the same level as a werewolf in human form at your age and the body-change will allow you to alter you features slightly. The mind enhancing rune strengthens your occlumency-built shields and triples your legilimency attack power. Let's see... okay Fiendfyre. It is one of the most destructive spells ever created and requires extreme magical skill to control and use, the anti-Fiendfyre rune has the only known spell to halt its advance tapped into it. The deflection rune uses your own magic to fuel the deflection but will only block simple jinx's, curses and hexes perhaps minor dark curses like the cutting curse, but personally I wouldn't like to test it. What were the others again?" He scratched his head.
"Pain deduction and the tattoos." Hermione helped Ironclaw.
"Ahh, the pain deduction is a dark one- or at least it's considered Dark. It's made to defend against spells similar to the cruciatus curse- an Unforgivable that was made to restart patients hearts and was later used as a pain-inflicter upon the target. Anyways... the tattoos will be drawn around the runes."
"Why?" Harry asked.
The aged goblin shrugged. "They simply look good when added with the runes. Any particular style you would like?"
Harry grinned. "Nope- as long as they look cool."
The goblin grinned back, at least that's what Harry thought- Ironclaw's severely wrinkled face made it hard to decipher his expression. "Shall we begin?"
Hermione looked worried. "Are you sure it's safe?"
"Absolutely, the worst that can happen is I don't draw the rune correctly- which is impossible - and they won't work." Ironclaw replied, confidently.
Hermione was still reluctant. "Alright." She turned to her Harry. "Be safe."
He kissed her soft lips gently and held her head to his chest. "I'll be fine, Mione. I got you and our friends." He kissed her forehead and let her go.
Ironclaw cackled again, worrying Hermione, and led Harry into a chamber separated by a simple door.
Inside Ironclaw had Harry remove his shirt and laid down on a comfy bed. The goblin began moving his sharp claws in intricate patterns over Harry's back, drawing the runes.
To keep the marks made the goblin began some of his race-specific magic before he could cement the marks made into Harry's back. Strength and speed runes were drawn on the middle of his back on the left hand side.
Harry was trying not to fidget and laugh when the claws began, unknowingly, tickling him. He bit down on his fist and willed himself to not laugh lest the old goblin become peeved or make a mistake.
The mind-enhancer rune went at the bottom of the back of his neck, Harry already began felt the increase in his shields.
He could feel more runes being drawn into his skin and kept there with magic. The anti-Fiendfyre and pain-deduction runes went his upper back with the body change rune near his right hip.
The runes completed in half-an-hour and the tattoos finished soon after. Ironclaw used more goblin magic to cement the runes and tattoos into Harry's skin, before using more runic magic to begin the runes' activation.
Ironclaw handed Harry a mirror to inspect his work. Harry twisted his head around and 'wow-ed'. What was once a seriously scared back had blood-red runes and runes of the deepest black.
It was also covered in inch-thick black tattoos that climbed up each side and went above the runes to come down and up in a lightning bolt shape before moving inwards to each side of his spine and trailing down to his trousers.
There were various other tattoos on his upper arms; a flame-engulfed pair of criss-crossed swords on his left arm and an elongated black phoenix on the other arm.
Harry and the aged goblin left the private chamber after Harry placed his shirt back on. Upon exiting his bush, brown-haired wonder shot herself at him and pulled his shirt up to see the tattoos. "They look nice, but I'd prefer not to have them." Then she stood on her tippy-toes and leaned into his ear. "Your back looks so touchable, I can't wait to get my hands on it." Harry felt his face, ears and neck burning with his blush.
He left it at that, thanking the old goblin for his work. His response was: "Come see me if you want more. To activate or deactivate the runes you merely need to will them to- if you concentrate you will feel their magic on your skin. You can then use your magic to filter how much power you want in each rune; draining them completely will deactivate them, filling them will activate them with growing strength."
"Thanks, sir. Is there anything else?" Hermione asked.
"Yes, there is. Because you two are soul-bonded you both may power the runes, there is no limit to how much power you can put into each rune but the drain on your magical core would render you unconscious for a week."
Sufficiently warned they silently swore never to do it unless the situation was hopeless or they found out the could sustain it. Harry asked the next question. "After we have placed the power in the runes do we need to concentrate to keep the power there?"
"Nope." Came the one-word reply. "Anything else? I need to go for my afternoon kip soon." He didn't wait for a reply and stumped off down the hall.
Dumbledore decided that he was in the biggest shit of his life, literally. After senior goblins had dragged his sorry arse into Ragnok's Hall, and was found guilty of many trespasses upon the Potter Family vault and ignoring the wills of James and Lily Potter- the previous Lord and Lady of the esteemed house by sending Harry to abusive relatives. Dumbledore had firmly stated he hadn't known of the poor treatment.
He had demanded vertiserum to verify his claims, which proved to be true. But he was still in the shits.
He had been firmly convinced that goblins didn't have a sense of humour, until today, when he found his name plate on the wall. It read: Dragon shit shoveler of the hour: Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore.
Dumbledore chuckled at their humour, he felt as if he fully deserved being ankle deep in shit that smelled worse than one of the marauders pranks.
He needed a way to get out of this and apologize to Harry. He hadn't meant to be seen as a heartless person, in fact he had some serious regrets about sending the child to his relatives. Dumbledore realized that, if Harry had taken the abuse the wrong way, there could've been another Dark Lord to deal with.
One highly powerful Dark Lord was enough, thanks very much.
I need to get out and truly help Harry, Dumbledore told himself.