Chapter 22
Return to Potter Manor
the group arrved inj the living room of Potter Manor and then sat down whilst the house elves brought refreshments.
"the rest of us will be arriving during the week; arthur tonight, Billand Fleur wednesday and Charlie and the twins saturday, you i believe will be collecting Hermione sunday on Christmas eve." Molly said taking a biscuit from slippy.
"yes, i'm also going to write to tonks and remus, also minerva and hagrid and i suspose it wouldn't hurt to invite snape-"Harry said but was cut off by Ginny letting out a scream of laughter whilst looking at Harry.
"and matthew, dont forget to invite him" emma said.
"i wont" he said eyeing the pair as they left the room.
"worst thing i ever did letting them meet each other" harry said shaking his head. "so mara have you got your christmas list for santa?" Harry asked.
'yes, i made it ages ago" she said brightly.
"well whats on it?" Harry asked.
"erm...a pony...a puppy...a kitten...lots of toys...my own broom and a baby brother or sister" she said smiling.
The pumpkin juice Harry had sipped was sprayed out of his mouth over the carpet, mooly screamed with laughter.
"whats a matter- Harry the carpet!" Ginny said angrily noticing the stain forming. Ginny did not notice Harrys ghostly white face.
"Mara wants a baby brother or sister for christmas" Molly told ginny. Ginnys mouth dropped but then she smiled.
"does she? well mommy and daddy will have to see what they can do" Ginny said smiling.
Harry nearly fainted when he heard this and stumbled out of the room into the kitchen looking for some firewhisky, he poured a glass and downed it in one. Ginny entered.
"Harry are you okay? you look like you've seen a ghost" Ginny said smiling.
"i'm fine...i was thinking of getting her a puppy, but she wants a pony, puppy, kitten, lots of toys, a broom and brother or sister, baby at that, now i know i'm good but i'm not that good." Harry said smiling. "you need to choose which one" he told her.
"well what should i choose? ... a puppy it is" she said kissing him before walking out of the room.
Pouring another firewhisky and drained it before setting off upstairs, he passed emmas room where a large amount of giggling was present so he carried on climbing the flights of stairs until he came to the seventh floor, he walked down the corridor and stood before the life sized phoenix that had been troubling him for many weeks.
For several weeks Harry had been attempting to get passed the statue, he had tried all the words he could think of, nothing had worked so he decided there was only one thing left to do/
"i Harry Potter master of potter Manor order you to move" he told the phoenix, at first it was silent but a slow rumbling noise began to issue from the statue, eventually it began to ove revealing a flight of stairs that began to move, carfully stepping on he rode it to the top and then stepped into another corridor.
"right the new password is...Ginny Potter" he said, satisfied he began walking down the corridor on each side there was three rooms and at the end of the corridor a set of stone steps leading up into darkness.
Walking past the rooms he noticed their names; Master Bedroom, bathroom and office, on the other side, Potter libary, ancestral room and last Masters study, passing all of these Harry climbed the stone steps.
The short climb ended and Harry found himself on top of the few towers Potter many had, but this one apparently was the most spectatcular, if he looked east he had a perfect view of his thousand acre land with its quidditch pitch and elegants gardens and if he looked west he had a slendid view of the loch the manor was situated next to, loch aline, standing between the battlements a light breeze ruffled his hair as he studied the land he had inherited, having enough he made his way downstairs and ebtered the first door on his left which was the master study, it was dark inside but with a wave of his hand the candles are lit, he looked around the bookshelves which were crammed full of books and notes, his eyes finally found the desk sitting infront of the back wall, he walked over and sat down looking at the assortment of items infront, his eyes first found an elegant golden quill which had james Potter inscribed into it, putting it down his hand brushed a vial which had contents swirling around in it, harry conjured his pensieve and poured the contents in, the pearly figure of his dad rose out of it.
"Hey Prongslet, how you doin kiddo its me dad, a.k.a. prongs, sex god-" he began smiling.
"James shut up! you big headed moron- hey honey its me mom, are you okay? well as you may have already guessed this is our will, you should recieve it when you become of age, thats if your father posted it to Gringotts" she began.
"damn! i forgot, okay- erm sorry son, but if your watching this then your probably in my office, its sweet in there aint it, anyway only a potter can access the eight floor, when i first brought your mom here i came up and forgot about her, she nearly killed me when i came back down." he said laughing, lilly glared at him.
"yes, anyway Harry, we know we are in grave danger and have to protect you, so if your there, you get everything, the money, the houses, the cars in the garage, the password is 'James Potter is a big-headed moron' i changed it before we left" she said smiling.
"oi! i'm not big headed, just extremely handsome- anyway son, we love you lots and would do anything to protect you and i know your gonna be good looking because you look like me but i've got to go now because padfoot and moony are coming around, your mother doesn't know yet, but i dont want to miss them so i'm gonna shoot, i'll see you soon son, dont behave" he said smiling before dissapearing.
"i'm sorry if we are not there darling, but we love you so much, now go downstairs, if your anything like your father your girlfriend is probaly waiting for you and a little peeved off, you better say your sorry and not i forgot you were here like you dad did, goodbye baby" she said before the figure fell slowly beack into the pensieve.
Harry sat there in disbelief. he'd jsut seen his parents like they were real, talking and moving, he sat there for some time mulling over his thoughts before standing up and making his way back to the staircase.
He noticed the stairs were already at the top waiting which meant somebody had guessed the password, he walked down the stairs and saw Ginny at the bottom pounding against an invisible shield wall.
"hey babe!' he said cheekily.
"dont hey babe me! i guess the password! but i cant get up! explain!" she said angrily.
"you guessed the password...well...only a real potter can enter the eight floor, you not being a Potter...yet...couldn;t get passed...not my rules...so i'm sorry...did you miss me?" he asked smiling.
"of course not...i just wanted to see you...come on its bed time" she said grabbing his hand.
"so thats why you came to find me" he said laughing.
"shut up!" she said leading him into the master bedroom.
Chapter 23
Diagon Alley
"Harry! Ginny! wake up its eleven o'clock!" Molly shouted up the stairs.
"bloddy hell! cant get a moments sleep around here!" Harry said grumpily.
"Harry watch your language! Maras listening you know!" Ginny said rolling over to sit up.
once again Mara had fallen asleep on Harrys chest sleeping to the steady rise and fall of his breathing.
"come on darling, nanny wants us up" Harry said standing up with Mara clung around his neck.
"bloody hell daddy, i'm trying to sleep" she said grogily.
"HA! thats my girl" harry said smiling.
Unfortunately Harrys comment earnt him a sharp back hander around the head from ginny who was glaring daggers,
"sorry babe, here look after mara whilst i shower" he said handing her over.
Once they had all showered and dressed mara walked over to Harry with leo under her arm, arms raised for Harry, he picked her up and she began to go to sleep again, taking Ginnys hand they made there way downstairs.
"Ah the Potter Family arrives!" Ron said cheerfully.
"Mornin Ron, ah Good Morning Molly, Arthur, how are you?" Harry asked sitting down to eat breakfast, mara was now wide awake.
"Ah harry, were fine, such a splendid home you have!" arthur said beaming.
"thankyou, you know your welcome anytime, theres always a room for my favourite people in the world, i wouldn't mind if you wanted to live here, is your room okay, the master bedroom is yours at command." Harry said smiling.
"your to kind Harry, but our own room is more than satisfactory" Molly said beaming.
"thats good, i'm glad your comfortable...so, whats everyone doing today?" Harry asked.
"well i'm working" arthur said crunching on his toast.
"i'm going to play some quidditch, can i borrow your firebolt?' he asked, and grinned when harry said it was fine.
"well, i'mgoing to Diagon Alley, anybody interested let me know" he said.
"i'm coming!" mara squealed, her face covered in what appeared to be her breakfast.
"i thought you might, what about you Gin?" Harry asked.
"of course, i havent seen your vault, last time..." she trailed off.
"our vault Ginny, so Molly you going to come, i dont think i could handle these to on my own" he said, ginny slapped him and mara smiled.
"oh no, i'll stay with emma, you can have a family day out." she said smiling.
"okay, but i have a feeling i'll be coming back with a lighter wallet." he said.
"obviously" Ginny said.
"okay mara, better wash your face and clean your teeth, how you got your breakfast ther i'll never know" he said picking her up.
Harry led her upstairs to clean her up and was shortly downstairs with Ginny waiting to leave.
"Okay just stay near me, inside my shield you'll be fine, okay" he said.
"come on daddy, we dont got all day" Mara said impatiently, he smiled and picked her up, calling for fawkes, the three of them dissapeared ina flas, onlt to reappear a couple of seconds later in the middle of a fairly packed diagon alley.
"Blimey harry, ya did it again" Hagrid said wheezing.
"ah its the Potters, how are you?" McGonagall asked.
"We are well Minerva, thanks for asking, now christmas day, both of you are invited to Potter Manor, heres the address, keep it safe, linch will be served at tweleve" Harry said smiling.
"we'll be there Harry" she said before walking away.
"How are you Hagrid?" Harry asked, who was tickling mara, who at first didn't like him but once harry told her he was one of her best friends she loved him.
"i'm good, missin' your visits though, not the same just ron and hermione, mid you Mrs Potter visits me alot" he said to ginny who beamed.
"thats good Hagird, and for your ears only, i might me coming back, newts to take, teachers to chat too, especially filius, hes a good bloke" Harry said.
"well, i look forward to seein' ya" he said before also walking away.
the three of them made there way down diagon alley pausing to look at the shops and to purchase any christmas presents, they were about to climb the marble steps into Gringotts when they were intercepted by the daily Prophet who were eager for news.
"Mr Potter are you and miss Weasley engaged? have you adopted the child? whats her name?" he asked eagerly.
"none of your buisness, now shove oof becfore i set miss weasley onto you" Harry said, the reporter backed away when ginny pulled her wand out, but he did not leave.
"fine, fine, now whos side are you in the war, the order of the ministry?' he asked.
"well being the leader of the order sort of puts me on thats side but i did not choose to lead i was voted in, and i hate the ministry, twice the minister has asked me to be a poster boy for there cause, i have refused on both occasions, i will never work for scrimageours ministry after what the ministry have put me through." he told him.
"would you care to elaborate?" he asked eagerky, shaking with enthusiasm.
"yes, you remember two years ago when i was expelled from hogwarts for using magic in the holdidays, thats because i was defending myself and a muggle from dementors, who were ordered to attack me from Dolores Umbridge, who is still to this day senior undersecratry to the minister, she was foolishly made DADA teacher at Hogwarts by the blind minister Cornelius Fudge, her teaching and headteaching earnt the school its lowest ever recorded marks, on several occasions i was put into detention for telling the truth about voldermort, in detention i had to use a blood quill, which i state is illegal, and write 'i must not tell lies' i was forced to do this so much, the scarring of the words in now pern amently etched into my skin, here look" he said holding his hand out. The photographer hastily took a picture.
"Thankyou Mr Potter, i shall leave you be" he said before darting away.
Harry shook his head and continued up the steps enterin Gringotts, they walked over to the nearest counter and Harry spoke up.
"excuse me, we like to enter our vault"
"yes, Right away Mr Potter, Griphook! please follow griphook" the Goblin said pointing to the nearest door way.
They hastily made there way across the room, mara clinging to his chest and Ginny holding his hand.
"Ah Mr Potter, pleasure to see you again, hopefully this time you will be accompnied" he said, ginny shuffled her feet awkwardly.
"certainly, lets go" the cart ride lasted several minutes and they were standing infront of the doors.
"you know what to do Mr potter" the goblin said to him, Harry nodded and traced his finger down the door and it clicked open.
"oh my gosh! is all the money in here?" she asked, her eyes wide as galleons.
"no, there are several chambers just filled with miney, you cant even enter, you open the door and the whole rooms full, other rooms have family heirlooms in, portarits statues, family relics, you know your a very lucky girl" he said smiling.
She kissed him and held onto his arm as they walked around.
"you know i'm not interested in the money, i always knew you had some oney i the vault we visited but i never knew you had this much." she said walking around.
"neither did i, until my seventeeth birthday" he said.
"whats in that room?" Ginny asked.
"what room?"
"thats one, behind that pile of gold.
"i'm not sure" he said striding to the door, he reached out and unlocked it, it swung open reavealing a bright golden light that blinded them, pushing aside his doubts he entered the room, his eyes adjusting to the light, several objects came into view.
There was one long table running down the middle of the room like in the Great Hall at Hogwarts and at the top there was a dais which appeared to have a statue on, walking along he investigated the objects, the first he came to was a set of holsters with the Gryffindor and Potter family shield intertwined.
"Hey babe, for your wand" harry said handing her one. "according to the plaque, any wand stored in these holsters can not be disarmed in battle" he told her.
"i cant take it Harry" she said handing it back.
"why not?"
"i'm not a potter, i cant wear it." she said.
"not yet your not, but to me your are, now put it on, please!" he argued.
"okay now you put the other one on the other side" she said after hers was on.
"okay, now this is a personal portkey, press the badge and say 'take me home' any you will arrive in Potter manor" he said picking up the badge after reading the plaque aloud. He passed one to Ginny who took it without any doubt whilst Harry pinned the othe one on.
He continued along the table, where he picked up several books that loked interesting. Ignring the rest of the items he proceeded to the statue, standing befiore the dais, he realised who it was and he dropped to his knees.
Chapter 24
The holidays
"Godric, my lord" harry whispered, kneeling infant of his famous ancestors.
Standing to his feet Harry stood on the dais infront of the larger than life gold statue of Godric Gryffindor and gazed upon it, both of his hands were out and holding an item, in his left hand was a wand which was sitting in the middle of his palm, in his other hand a shirt lay draped over it.
Two golden plaques stood on either side of the statue, they read; the wand of Godric Gryffindor has not been held since himself, it is said that it is waiting for its rightful heir, he or she will be able to wield the wand and all magic will be easier to accomplish. The other plaque read; the shirt of Godric Gryffindor has not been worn since himself, it is said that it is waiting for its rightful heir, the shirt is known to have mysterious powers.
Stretching his shaking hands out to the items, his hands warmed as they neared, his hand finally collapsed the items, wishing they would lift he began to raise his hands, the items stayed in his hands as he brought them to him for a closer examination.
Firstly he looked at the shirt, which was of gold material and was very thin, it was light in weight and very flexible, and he stowed the shirt in his robe pocket and then looked at his wand.
The wand was of darkish brown on the verge of red color and the handle was golden and had red rubies engraved into it, spiraling around the wand, from the top of the handle to the bottom.
"Harry its beautiful, are you going to use it?" Ginny asked.
"I spose, it would be a shame not too, come on lets go home" Harry said walking to Ginny and Mara to hug them.
"We cant, you haven’t got my present yet" Ginny said smiling.
"I have, and I’m sure you will like it" he said as they walked into the main chamber.
"What about my present daddy, is there enough money here for me to have a pony?" Mara asked.
"Certainly, but Santa only gives ponies to really big girls, so he will be getting you something else okay darling." he said as they made towards the door.
"A puppy!"
"Maybe darling" he said as she began to fall asleep against him again.
"Come on Gin, let’s go,” he said taking her hand, before locking and leaving.
"Griphook, you may go, we have another method out" Harry told the goblin.
"Very well Mr Potter" he said before leaving.
"Right Gin, hold on we'll use mine, 'take me home'" he said outloud whilst holding the portkey, the three of them disappeared reappearing in the living room.
"Right Harry, me and Mara will find mom and Emma, you have some peace and quiet, perhaps a go in the gym, your putting weight on" she said before she kissed him and left.
Harry decided to take the advice and went to the gym, whilst there he would mull over his thoughts, stopping at his bedroom he placed the shirt in the wardrobe and placed the wand next to Ginnys ring, smiling he left and headed for the gym.
*
The following week passed quickly, harry and Ginny enjoyed spending time together for so long, he also had the rooms made for the arrivals of his other guests, all of them were impressed with the accommodation.
The day after Harry’s interview a paper was released giving details of the questions, the picture showed the three of them together and Harry kissing Ginny and Mara, there was also a smaller picture further down of Harrys hand.
'Potter Family’s' first public appearance'
Yesterday, your reporter me, Adrian fisher, managed to be the first to interview the Potter family.
Harry Potter was with Ginerva Weasley his fiancée, who is the first student to be moved up a year in sixty years to graduate the same time as Harry Potter, who w have discovered has not attended Hogwarts for the last two months, the Minerva McGonagall the Headmistress says he is set to return
Mr Potter was also accompanied by the four year old girl, who he had saved several months ago, this girl is seemed to be attached at the hip of Harry Potter, she always refers to him as 'daddy' and Miss Weasley as 'Mommy' has Mr Potter adopted the child whose name we still haven’t managed to acquire, this girl is rarely out of his arms.
During the interview I asked Mr Potter of his thoughts of the ministry-" the rest of the interview went on to discuss the dementor attack, during the week the minister for magic lost a lot of support and umbridge received several death threats from members of the Harry Potter fan club.
The article didn't go down well with Harry who was outraged when they said Ginny was his fiancée when he had said none of your business.
"Harry its fine, it doesn’t matter, they don’t know nothing" Ginny said trying to calm him down.
"I know...its just...oh, I dont know...I’m just annoyed...there interfering" he said hugging her and kissing her. "I love you he whispered."
"I know Harry and I love you too, now Harry Hermione owled, you have to pick her up Saturday morning" Ginny said lying down next to him on the couch.
"Okay babe, I’ll fetch her,” he said kissing her nose "I’ll get her and you can set her room up" he said stroking her hair, she nodded.
"Get a room!" Ron said laughing.
"Fine we will" she said standing up and pulling harry to his feet, they left the room. Ron shook his head and smiled.
*
The morning to pick Hermione up finally arrived and Harry was annoyed to be woken up by Ron telling him to pick Hermione up.
"Ron! Its eight o'clock you *******!" Harry said throwing a pillow at him, his yelp woke Mara and Ginny up, neither of them very happy and both set about attacking him, only when he had one over each shoulder did they relent.
"You need to control your girls Harry" Ron said smiling.
"Potter girls dont like being woke up, and neither do I, I’m picking mione up at ten, now get lost" he said lying back down. Ron put Mara and Ginny down and they both got back into bed, grinning Ron left the room whistling.
"Daddy?"
"What Princess?"
"Can I come and pick auntie Mione up as well...please" she asked.
"It might be dangerous" he said yawning, Ginny threw an arm over his chest and sighed.
"Pretty please, I haven’t seen her in ages and I want to carry crookshanks" she said smiling.
"Fine but we are apparating" he sighed.
"Thankyou!" she said hugging him before she ran out of the room.
Ginny pointed her wand at the door and locked it.
"Harry?"
"Huh" he answered.
"Harry, we are alone" she whispered.
"Oh yeah, what are you trying to say, because now its quiet I might get some sleep" he said smiling.
"I have a better idea than sleep" she said.
"Like what"
"I’ll give you one guess, then I’ll tell you" she told him.
*
“Come on Mara, Hermione’s waiting “ Harry said cheerfully, Mara ran to him and harry picked her up, saying goodbye he disaparated.
He reappeared outside Hermione’s parents Chelsea home and he pulled his wand out and began searching the area. The Grangers were watching from the window.
“What on earth is he doing?” Hermione’s dad asked.
“He’s probably checking for traps, he is very protective over me, he is like a brother to me” Hermione said.
“Who is the child?” Hermione’s mom asked.
“His daughter” she replied simply.
“What!” they both said.
“Oh, Sorry, he’s adopting her, he saved her and is looking after her, here read this” Hermione said flicking her wand and the article about Harry saving then child appeared.
“Oh such a brave boy and you say he is the leader at his age, so brave” Hermione’s mother said tears in her eyes. She wiped the tears away as Harry approached the door and rang the doorbell, Mr Granger answered.
“Good Morning Mr Granger, I’m here to collect your daughter and assist her to my residence, which you and your wife are more than welcome to join, I have rooms awaiting your decision.
“Really, well come in and we will talk inside son” Mr Granger said leading him inside.
“Oh Harry, you’re so brave rescuing the child like that and looking after her” Mrs. granger said.
“Yes ma’am, I did it without hesitation, didn’t even think about it, in and out, but it was worth it, she’s brilliant” he said, Mara beamed.
“And whats your name?” Mrs. Granger asked Mara.
“Mara Potter!” she said beaming.
“Hey harry” Hermione said.
“Hey hermi- Hermione you look dreadful” Harry said hugging her.
“You think so too,” Mr Granger asked.
“Yes of course, blimey Hermione whats wrong?” Harry asked, she shook her head.
“She won’t tell us”
“We are going to talk Hermione, and your going to answer…aren’t you” he said, she closed her eyes and slowly nodded.
“Good now Sir, Ma’am. I personally offer you an invitation to my home for the remainder of the holidays, I’d love to have you as guest, the Weasleys are present and I’m sure they would love some fresh faces to talk too. I also have some teachers coming Christmas day so they can tell you first hand how clever your daughter is” Harry said smiling. “Cleverest witch in the world I reckon”
“Don’t be silly Harry, you got a better owl than me in DADA” she said.
“Yes, but that was one outstanding, you passed everything else with outstanding, you really are brilliant” he said hugging her, she beamed and a tear escaped her eye.
“Such a charmer, I thought you had a girlfriend,” Mrs. Granger said.
“I do, soon to be Fiancée, I hope” he said smiling.
“Daddy’s going to-” Mara began she knew the plan.
“Now, now Mara don’t give the plan away darling” Harry said tickling her.
“Whats she like” Mrs. Granger asked.
“Fantastic, absolutely brilliant, ask her what she wants for Christmas” Harry said. Mrs. Granger did.
“Erm…a pony, a kitten, a puppy, my own broom one like daddy’s, lots of toys and a baby brother or sister” she said the grangers laughed.
“How come you brought her, it could be dangerous.” Hermione asked.
“Oh I didn’t intend to, but she told me she wanted to come and see you because she hadn’t seen you in ages and she wants to carry crookshanks, and how could I say no to that adorable face.” Harry said to a smiling Mara. “And the fact I cant control the girls in my life, they just overrule me, so are you going to accept my invitation?” Harry asked. “Ask Hermione it would be foolish not to” he said smiling.
“Very well Mr. Potter, we shall come, let us pack” Mr. Granger said.
“no need, your clothes will be awaiting you” he said. “lets go”
Chapter 25
enemy or ally?
Harry led the group out of the house, the personal portkey was in Hermiones hand, she was also holding mara who was holding crookshanks in her travel basket, her parents flanked her on the side.
They walked until they came to the edge of the path and were preparing to apperate when there was several loud cracks, Harry raised his shield around them and instantly five stunners were repelled.
"go! the four of you! go! i'll hold them off! you know what to say Hermione!" Harry said maintaining the shield.
"Daddy!"
"Harry!"
"Mr. Potter!" they all shouted at him.
"Go Goddam it!" he said pulling his new wand out, he heard Hermione say the words and they were gone.
Harry could feel it, pulsing through his body and down the wand without any intention five sets of red beams issued from the wand fortunately knocking four out of the five down, the fifth man managed to create a half shield as he stumbled his mask slipped off.
"Draco! escaped from Azkaban have you! took your time!" Harry taunted.
"Scarhead! the dark lord wants you alive! so i'll go easy on you!" Malfoy sneered." he shot the killijg curse at himas a warning, harry side stepped him, and created a shield around just the two of them and then set up a anti-apparition wards.
"This is it Malfoy! a duel to the death! you cant escape, anti-apparition shield" Harry told him.
Malfoy shot several spells at him at the same time, Harry blocked them effortlessly and then Harry sent a pile of stones flying at Malfoy, Harry transformed the stones into birds which then attacked malfoy, laughing Harry lowered his wand. the birds continued to attack.
"use proper spells Potter!" Malfoy shouted, finally getting rid of the birds.
"sectumsempra!" he yelled. Once again Harry transformed a rock infront of him into a person which took the spell.
"if you cant use all forms of magic in a duel how can you ever hope to beat anyone. Voldermort is nothing compared to me, like the new wand?" he asked. "it was Gryffindors, but it is rightfully mine, and i havent had a proper chance to try it out yet, so, lets duel!"
Harry shot the killing curse, Malfoy yelped and dived to the side, he wasnt expecting Harry to be able to do this curse.
"crucio!" Malfoy screamed. Harry parried it easily.
"Crucio Maxima!" Harry roared, Malfoy keeled over screaming, blood was pouring out of invisible slashes on his body. Once the spell was lifted, the flowing blood stopped and the invisble slashes heeled.
"stand up Malfoy! fight me like a man! dont chicken out like in first year! fight me like a man! not like your father!" Harry taunted again.
"Leave my father out of this! he is a greater man than you'll ever be!" Malfoy shouted.
"Malfoy, do you truly believe that?" Harry asked. "did he tell you, it was me who put him in Azkaban, no...didnt think he would" Harry said smiling.
"Avada Kedavra!" Malfoy screamed. Harry side stepped it.
Runnin up to malfoy harry jumped and kicked malfoy in the face, a crack was heard before a trickle of blood issued from his nose.
"now where even...before i kill you" Harry said crouching down next to him.
"you know, i was there when snaped killed dumbledore, after you chickened out" Harry said smiling.
"Liar! he was at my mercy!" Draco said.
"no Draco, it was his mercy" Harry told him.
"you were there! you heard what i said, i had no choice, he would have killed my family, i had too" he whimpered.
"did he punish you when you failed?" Harry asked.
"no...he sent me to kill you...oh"He replied limply.
"yes Draco...you cant beat me, he knows it, he cant beat me either, he was scared, i saw it in his eyes, now Draco, its time for me to kill you, i said a duel to the death so i have to do it."
"no Harry! please! let me help you...let me fight beside you! i can help, i'm not evil, never i was brought up to hate you!" he whimpered.
"i have nowhere to store you, and i really dont believe you, do you consent to veritaserum?" Harry asked.
"anything, anything to make you believe me" he cried.
"good now i'm going to blind you and death you" Harry said, using his wand he made Draco blind as well as death. Calling for fawkes he landed in the living room with Draco at Potter Manor.
"Harry your back! why did you stay! idiot- whys malfoy here!" Ginny said slapping him.
"interrigation honey, dont worry i have made him death and blind, i'm taking him down to the dungeons" harry said. Ginny shudered.
"i know, i dont like them either, but i have nowhere else to put him" Harry said.
"fine! but i'm still angry with you! this isnt the end of this!" Ginny said before walking into the living room. Harry led Draco down to the basement.
Putting him in an empty cell, harry removed the spells on him and sat him down on the cold, hard bench.
"where am i?" he asked.
"that does not matter, now veritaserum, drink" Harry ordered. Harry waited a minute to give time for the potion to work.
"whats your name?"
"Draco Malfoy"
"whom do you serve?"
"the dark lord"
"are you loyal to him?"
"no"
"why?"
"he killed my father and tortured my mother"
"is this a trap?"
"no, you caught me during my punishment"
"very well, is your mother loyal to the voldermort?"
"no never, she was forced into it"
"fine, the potion will wear off in a minute" they waited till the potion wore off then they brgan talking again.
"are you okay?" he asked malfoy.
"yes, its worn off, i think" he said.
"good lets talk"
"harry, can you save her, my mother?" he asked.
"do you know where she is?" harry asked.
"no, please find her"
"i will have the order search for her where-abouts and i will personally retrieve her." Harry said.
"thankyou Harry...i'm sorry...for everything i've ever done to you, i hope we can be friends" he said looking at the floor.
"me too Draco, come on" harry said opening the door.
"what?" Draco said bewildered.
"come on, upstairs, if your staying here, you have to meet the guests, but i warn you, i have placed a spell on you, if you leave without permission, you die, you betray the location, you die" Harry told him.
"i understand...i dont think i should go up there...there is a lot of people who dont like me" he said gloomily.
"i know, but they wont harm you, they have to obey my wishes inmy house, your at Potter Manor Malfoy, the finest Manor in the world, it has the best sercurity than anyhwere in the world.
"i wont do anything Harry, i'm serious, i want to help" he said.
"good and i'm sorry about the crucio spell" Harry said.
"thats all right it didnt hurt" he said smiling.
"sure it didnt, come on then" Harry said walking up the stairs.
"you know Harry, the death eaters are scared of you" Draco informed him.
"so they should be" he said reaching the top.
Chapter 26
finding out
Harry led Draco up the flight of stairs and told him to wait whilst he informed everyone.
"hey guys" harry said stepping into the room. "i'm finished" at once, Ginny, Emma, Molly, Fleur and Mara all set about attacking him.
"Stupid Daddy, Idiot!" Mara said grabbing his legs whilst the others swatted his head and chest.
"get off ya daft sods, i'm fine" Harry said underneath a swarm of people.
"Harry you idiot, we were so worried" Emma said throwing her arms around his neck and pulling him to the floor, she sat on him immediately followed by Ginny and Mara.
"get off, it was fine, easy, now get off or you wont get any christmas presents" he said, mara jumped off immediately shortly follwed by the other two.
"if you do that again Potter, you will find yourself incaple of producing a brother or sister for mara, is that clear!" she said threatingly. Fleur let out a throaty laugh whilst the others smiled.
"sure its clear, now...erm...now we have a problem, we have another guest, Draco come in!' Harry shouted, the door opened and draco walked in slowly looking down at his feet, everyone except Harry and Molly raised their wands. Draco stopped dead in his track.
"Harry, we know your an idiot,you always have been, you were born that way, its in your genes, but this is the next level, one of your enemies in your house, maybe you should invite you-know-who" Ron said joking, eyeing Malfoy up.
"Ron, he is on our side, ive used veritaserum and occlumency which he didnt know about, hes on my side, he is staying under my protection, you will all treat him as a guest, agreed?" Harry said.
A few murmured agrrements, others nodded, slowly all the wands were dropped, Draco let out a well built up sigh and then proceeded to sit in the corner watching everyone else.
"good now i have invitations to write, now play nice" Harry said.
He walked out of the room and headed up to the private chambers and wrote invitations for remus, Tonks, Matthew and snape, he had flawkes deliver them which inturn recieved instabt replies.
realising he hadnt ridden lightning ina long time he made his way to the stable, en route he was intercepted by Hermiones parents.
"Harry, this is truly a marvelous home, such architecture, your future fiancee has shown us to our rooms, fantastic!" Mr Granger said.
"Thankyou sir, i'm glad your comfortable" harry said.
"more than comfortable" Mrs Granger said. "now young Ronald Weasley has informed us that this fabulous home has a gym complex, would you mind if jack had a go, hes a bit shy to ask?" she said.
"Certainly, its on the fourth floor, down the corridor second on the right, take as long as you like" Harry said.
"Thankyou Harry" he said smiling before walking off.
"Now Harry, have you managed to speak to Hermione yet" she asked.
"not yet ma'am, she seems to have dissapeared, but i must tell you if Hermione insists i dont tell you then i couldnt betray her trust." he said, Mrs Granger looked at him for a second. "your very loyal Harry, she doesnt deserve a friend like you, she should be able to tell you"
"its fine, now if you could just excuseme, i'm going to ride my horse, to check the land and security around the perimeter.
"okay, i'll find Molly she said walking away.
Harry continued onto the stables and greeted lightning.
"hey girl, how are you, ive missed you, lets ride" he said patting her. he sat on her and gently nudged her to go forward.
"ride!" he shouted, the horse reared and then galloped out of the stables and past the guest on the decking at the back of the manor, they wooped and whistled as he sped past.
Harry rode out to the edge of the perimeter running through the forest dodging the trees until he reachedthe outer twenty foot hedge that ran around the perimeter only stopping for the set of iron gets infront of the manor. Checking the hedge all appeared to be in order so he set off towards the huge hill that sat on the thurthest corner of the estate, the highest hill around the loch, he rode to the peak of the hill and looked over his land. He could see some of the animals that lived in his forest or land, then he looked over to his manor, it was an amazing sight seeing the towers looming over the castle protecting the manor in a way, harry gazed upon its beauty.
"its beautiflu, isnt it" emma said trotting up beside him.
"yes...it certainly is" he said as emma pulled level with him.
"i come up here often, to think about...mum and dad, and you" she said queitly.
"why me?' he asked.
"i dont know, i just wonder what it would have been like to have been together as children, living here with mom and dad, birthdays and chritsmas here, we might have had another brother and sister" she said beginning to cry. HArry put an arm around her shoulder.
"its okay, i think about it too, its only natural, one day you'll settle down, have your own family and then you'll know what you missed and you'll love it" he said.
"like you and mara?" emma asked.
"yes...i'm so happy, not even a duel with voldermort could dampen my spirits and the best thing that has ever happened to me was you, i always hoped and wished there was somebody else, but like i say voldermort couldnt dampen my spirits" he said smiling.
"your an idiot Harry" she said laughing.
"i know, but it is one of my good points" he said cheerfully.
"yes, i spose it is"she said leading them back down the hill, at the bottom he levelled with her and they rode back together to the stables, they stabelled the horses and entered the house.
"i'll see you later, i need to speak to hermione" harry said hugging emma before they seperated.
Harry had a strong idea where she was so he set off to the libary and saw her sitting on a chair in the corner of the room gently sobbing.
"hey hermione" he said soflty, sitting down beside her.
"hi harry" she said weakly.
"come on 'Mione, tell me whats wrong?" he asked.
"i don think i can Harry" she sobbed. Harry sighed.
"does Ron know?" he asked.
"know what?" she aske dquickly looking at him.
"Hermione i might be a idiot, but i'm not stupid, well not much" he said grinning. Hermione chuckled.
"thats my girl, being upset doesnt suit you...just think, we finish school in around three months, you and Ron will both recieve 50,000 galleons each ver soon, you'll have enough to bring up a family and you know i'l always help out, after all it will be my nephew wont it, and a kid needs a uncle like me" he said Hermione scoffed.
"you'll be going nowhere near my child with that attitude" she joked.
"he, i'd be a greaty uncle, spoil them rotten, tell them about all the passages out of the school uncle Harry didnt tell them about otherwise mommy would have stopped him sneaking out to the three broomsticks- i mean going for a walk. and then tell them about all the trouble there parents got into following a blach haired idiot around" he said.
"you dare! you'll regret it Potter, if you do" she said angrily.
"thats sounds better, come on, lets go" he said standing up, Harry hugged her and went downstairs.
They entered the room and everyone looked up the Grangers smiled when they saw Hermione beaming.
"talked some sense into her Harry?" Jack asked.
"yes he did, hes the best friend a girl could have" she said hugging.
"oh stop it, your embarrasing me" he said laughing, everyone chuckled.
"right its late, mara bed time" he said picking her up.
"awww! Daddy! i'm playing with crookshanks!" she said angrily.
"come on bed, santas coming tomorrow and you have to go to bed, i'm going to bed as well beacuse i want presents too, now what do you think santa will bring me?" harry asked walking out of the room.
"a pony!" she said, harry laughed.
"a pony eh, i spose you would benifit more from a pony than me" he said, mara just smiled at him.
"right put your pyjamas on, then clean your teeth" harry said entering her room, her put her down and tidied her room whilst she changed.
"you have too many toys" he said joking.
"you bought them daddy" mara told him.
"yes your right" he said walking her too the bathroom to clean her teeth.
"come omn teeth" he said handing her a toothbrush, he oversaw her clean her teeth and then carried her to her bedroom, he pulled the covers back and put her down and then pulled the duvet over her.
"night princess" he said kissing her forehead.
"night daddy, i love you" she whispered.
"i love you too" he said, he crossed the rooma and turned the light off, then pulled the door too.