24

Harry made sure that he was alone as he slowly left the train. It was a second until he saw a blue light heading at him. His shield barely stopped it. Several others rang when they hit his shield. Game on; he thought. He quickly traced back some of the beams of light. Three of the enemies had red hair. Auror Jones was fighting with Susan. Just what he saw told him that he would win today. His shield stopped everything thrown at him. All his enemies had tunnel vision. He smirked.

He didn't hear what Narcissa cast but he saw a black cloud leave her wand and hit Percy Weasley. After it disappeared, Percy looked like most of his skin had been cut by a thousand blades. He then heard Daphne yell out Bombarda and he saw the beam hit the younger of the two remaining redheads in the head. The splatter was epic. His headless body dropped to the ground.

After dodging a few more spells, noticing that the volume of spells coming at him had decreased. He took a chance and cast a piercer at the last redhead. A direct hit to his head. Now he heard Susan call out stupefy. The Auror she was fighting, fell. Then he heard some pops. Other than the screaming, there were no more sounds or visuals of spells. Standing up, he saw that the battle was over.

"Tempus," he said. Two minutes. The battle had only taken two minutes. "Harry!" He heard from the side. He turned and saw Luna coming out of the coach with her two shrunken trunks leading Astoria with her and Daphne's trunk; also shrunk. When their eyes met, Luna looked disgusted. She held up only three fingers. He gave her a thumbs up. Then suddenly there were a lot of pops.

"Drop your wands! Hands-on your Head!" Shacklebolt yelled. Narcissa, Susan, and Harry did as ordered. He almost laughed. Luna had made it to the floo and with a flash of green flame, she was gone. Moments later, Astoria also flooed out. Both were gone and the Aurors didn't notice.

"Mister Potter put your hands out in front of you." An Auror barked. Harry complied.

{S}

"Mister Potter, care to explain the firefight at the platform?" Madam Bones said almost as a growl, clearly frustrated.

"Sure, Hermione was acting strange this morning." Harry handed a scroll case to the woman. "You should check the scroll for potions. I felt it was the first part of a trap. So, I told Daphne Greengrass and Narcissa Black to leave the coach at the far ends from me. We were correct. We were ambushed. We got a couple of the attackers. Judging by the hair color; they were the last Weasleys. The Auror trying to kill me and your niece was a surprise. Care to tell me about that; hmm?"

"So, you let yourself be ambushed instead of contacting the DMLE?" Bones asked.

"And yet, one of my attackers was an Auror. I knew who I can trust; my friends.

Anyone I don't know; I don't trust. While I do know and trust you; Madam Bones, I do not know your full Auror force. You have traitors in your ranks. I would not be surprised if you had death eaters, Fudge loyalists, or even Dumbledore's order in your ranks. Given that; can you blame me for not telling you, my suspicions? Or taking the issues on myself? Harry snarked back.

{S}

Dumbledore was in a hurry. He had to get to the DMLE holding cells before Hestia was questioned. It was for the greater good.

"Halt, what you are doing here…" An Auror said.

"Avada Kedavra," Albus said drawing his wand. Another sacrifice to the greater good he thought as he walked over her dead body.

There were four people in the cell with Hestia. "Albus, you came to spring me." She spoke.

"No. Avada Kedavra, Avada Kedavra, Avada Kedavra, Avada Kedavra, Avada Kedavra" Albus said in a row ignoring the cries of fear; and begging.

With that, he turned and left the department. Unfortunately, he encountered another Auror. One more killing curses down and Albus was clear to wear he could walk to the floos. All trails had been ended. After all; who knows what would have come out under questioning? Hestia would have said how he told her to kill Harry and his girls; even Susan. That would get Amelia after him; he and the greater good could not afford that confrontation.

{S}

"Mister Potter, did you see anything strange at the platform?"

"No, I was a little busy dodging and shielding. It wasn't until I heard a loud stunner and saw the Auror go down, did I know the ambush was over. I think the entire battle took about two minutes." Harry said. "Why, what did I miss?"

"You will hear about it in the Prophet tomorrow. The slasher killed three more people at the platform; during the battle, it seems. They were also casting at you." Bones said. "I believe they were mercenaries."

"Interesting. What were the three messages?"

"Three messages, Mister Potter?" Bones asked.

"Well, the Prophet printed messages that were with the bodies." Harry lied. "I assumed that these bodies would also have messages.

Amelia snorted. She was about to say something when Shacklebolt came running in. "Boss, Hestia is dead."

"What!" Amelia shouted.

"I just came from the holding cell. All five people we had in it are dead. From the looks, it was the killing curse." Kingsley said.

"You wonder why I don't trust the ministry," Harry smirked. "Are we done here, or do I need my solicitor?"

"Leave, before I find some charges to have you thrown into Azkaban," Amelia said with a growl.

{S}

Hermione was crying. The ride home was completely silent. Whenever she tried to start a conversation, her parents told her to wait. Once home, her mom started with the dreaded words.

"Hermione," said Ophelia, "We need to talk." That sounded bad. Very bad.

Hermione asked, "What incredibly bad idea are you about to try?"

"We're going into hiding," said Helen, "We're moving to New Zealand."

"You're coming with us," said Jack.

"Are you going to enroll me in the magic school there?" asked Hermione.

"No," said Ophelia, "We're done with that." Jack came forward and took her wand. Then he broke it over his knee.

"We will be leaving magic behind," Ophelia said.

"Give me the contracts so I can burn them with your trunk." Hermione complied. Hermione just broke down and cried. She didn't know why she didn't try to fight this. Something was off.

Hermione suddenly realized why everything felt off. Her parents weren't that stupid. They had to know this plan couldn't work. Aelia had said that both contracts could not just be discarded. Something was very, very wrong. Her parents were acting as if…

As if someone was messing with their mind. Dumbledore or someone working for him had put some kind of spell or potion on her parents.

The question was why wasn't she fighting it? Had the headmaster or someone else got to her? She had to fight this but how? She also somehow knew that if she did that her parents would be leaving her life forever.

She didn't want that. She loved them and knew that they were being mind controlled. Not the Imperius Curse, but something else. Some form of suggestion perhaps, maybe even something that only worked on muggles. If they went off without her, she knew the Death Eaters or Dumbledore's group would track them down and kill them. She just hoped that Harry and the others got their first with some antidote.

{S}

"Severus, any word from your lord?" Albus asked.

"He is slowly recovering. It is good that Crouch Senior is dead. Tom thinks that Crouch mucked the ritual. But won't give any details." Severus replied.

"Would you get more in favor of him if you could give him where the Granger family is?" Albus asked.

"I believe so." Was the reply.

"You can even tell them; her wand was snapped. The Oceana ministry is settling the vassal agreement before they obliviate them. She lives at 41 Centennial Drive, Whitanga, New Zealand. Her parents are going by Fred and Rosemary West. Her new name is Mary-Ann Cotton West. You can say you saw her disenrollment slip with a refund request on my desk." Albus purred.

"I will, and thank you, Albus," Severus said as he left.

Once Snape had left, Albus had a drink. At least this part was going as planned. The order of the phoenix had to recruit. It now only had Nymphadora, Kingsley, Alastor, Minerva, Remus, Rubeus, and Aberforth. They and the two surviving mercenaries were the only ones left. If only Hestia had not been caught. While he had made sure she could not talk; who knows what information on the order Hestia had in her desk or flat.

That was a security risk he could not help. Just like the fact; right now, the order was just under par of the death eaters. Snape said they were now down to thirteen with Severus.

He was also behind politically. He had been burning debt, and offering open favors to keep himself out of the nick. His political clout was almost burned to pass the latest anti-muggle-born legislation. He had no choice. It will take decades for even the most dedicated person to reverse what he had done for the greater good. Now he had to earn political capital. There was no easy way; and with the Potter brat and the damn mutt in charge of the Black fortunes; no way to buy the clout.

Albus sighed. He did not know what he had done to irritate the goblins. It couldn't be that Harry seemed to know about the first two tasks beforehand. He knew nothing of the goblin bookies. Harry's foresight couldn't have been that irritating to them. Between the fees and fines, the goblins had found ways to dig at him, and the fines and lawsuits from the tournament. He was almost broke. Don't the masses understand that he needed money and power to enact the greater good?

It was Albus's job to ensure that the mudbloods were kept down. They brought ideas that were against the greater good. British wizard society must not progress. There was no reason for it to change. Besides, he must stop society from changing its mind. That way progress would be impossible. Progress was against the greater good.

{S}

"Just as you said, Severus, Granger's parents have moved. Are you sure of the address?' Voldemort asked.

"There was a refund notice on his desk. He was moaning about the loss of such a great student if you can believe it. Killing them would hurt Potter." Severus said.

"But would it be worth the temporary loss of bodies?" Voldemort asked.

"I think so. It would severely hurt Potter. How is that not a worthy goal? However, it is your decision after all my lord." Severus said while bowing.

"My slithery friend; send five of our best remaining. She may be without her wand but until the issues with the House Black are finished; there may be Aurors." Tom said with a frown. "Also send two of our remaining three werewolves. Tell them, to kill her and her family or don't return."

{S}

"Cornelius, there are no applicants for our defense against the dark arts class. Can you please assign someone?" Albus asked. He left a bag of one thousand galleons on the minister's desk.

"I will find someone for you, I will send an owl when I do." Fudge responded. He was a bit miffed. Did this bastard think that a mere thousand galleons were worth his time?

{S}

"My lord. Albus asked Fudge for a da-da professor. This would be a good way of letting me spy on the brat. I may be able to find out where he lives outside of Hogwarts." Dolores Umbridge said. "Or set him up for you to destroy him, my lord."

"Interesting, the fact you did not take the mark has proven valuable again. Enjoy your year of teaching." Voldemort said. "Make sure you make Potter and his slags suffer."

{S}

Hermione sat on a chair in her new room, facing the window over the backyard of her parent's new house. She didn't like living on a hill.

Her parents had managed to get this place fast, which indicated to Hermione that magic had been involved in getting it done. Which was very bad, all things considered. It would have been better if there was no trace of this in the magical world at all.

Hermione was sure that they were being offered up to the Death Eaters or the Order for slaughter. She could not believe that she had left Harry, ripped up the two contracts without even reading the costs to do so; or let her dad break her wand. She was sure she was potioned. Her occlumency would have protected her from any other sort of mental attack. Now without a wand, owl, or even knowledge of the local magical world; she had no idea of how to get back into contact with Harry. She did not care what she needed to do for his forgiveness; she would do it.

Unfortunately, that was second, the first, with no wand or connections, how was she to protect her family?

Then she thought something was strange. Shouldn't she and her parents have been obliviated?

What about her breaking the vassal agreement?

Who did this to her?

She suspected it was Dumbledore. However, she wasn't quite ready to think Dumbledore was willing to do that. She knew Dumbledore was trying to kill Harry, but killing her innocent parents? No, she couldn't think that quite yet. If it was Dumbledore, it would be the last straw. The point of no return on her morals.

{S}

Both Harry and Luna hated the long flights. It had taken thirty hours for them to get from London to Auckland. They had to spend two days in a hotel just to recover even with potions. Harry was worried that they would not get there in time to save Hermione. But there was nothing he could do. It would take time to recover from the flights and to find her.

He was also pissed at Fudge, he had blocked Harry or his group from getting international portkeys. He would kill the arse wipe for putting Hermione at risk.

{S}

Three days later, Luna knocked on the door. It was Ophelia Granger who opened the door. She had the telltale signs of wrackspurts around her head, but she also seemed to be locked down. Someone had messed with her head for sure. Luna relaxed a little bit. That meant she wouldn't be innately hostile to Luna.

"Hello," said Luna, "My name is Luna Lovegood. I'm looking for your daughter."

"I'm not sure that she would be interested in talking to a stranger right now," said Ophelia dubiously.

"Stupefy" Luna said while drawing her wand. She saw Jack coming towards her.

"Stupefy," Harry said from behind her.

"Mom, Dad?" Hermione ran down the stairs.

"Morning Love…" That was all Harry got out when he was hit by a brown-haired Harry-seeking missile.

"Harry." Hermione started.

"Shush, here is your wand. Let's fix your folks. We only have two hours before guests will arrive." Luna said.

"What is going on?" Hermione asked. "How do you have my wand? My dad snapped it. How did you find me? Are my parents in danger?"

"Hush love. You can all blame Dumblefuck. He potioned your parents. He had your parents send you a potioned message. Your occlumency partially protected you. We noticed the difference in you and found out what you were supposed to do. So, we gave you a disposable wand and two fake contracts for you to destroy." Harry said. "We also know that death eaters are on the way. So, the tosser wanted your whole family dead. Dumbledore set them up for him. Just to hurt me."

"That arsehole!" Hermione all but shouted. That was it. Dumbledore went too far. Now she would let the world burn, kill anyone, that Harry wanted dead. Hopefully, it would start with that old bastard, Dumbledore.

"Language, Hermione." Harry laughed. "We don't have time. Albus made sure that the death eaters know you are here. I expect them to arrive shortly. Renervate, Renervate."

Ophelia and Jack turned to look at Hermione, she quickly cast two spells, designed to open up their minds. At first, it didn't seem to work, so Luna followed up with a very weak cleansing spell. Nothing worked until the Grangers drank the potions Narcissa sent with them.

Ophelia staggered for a second, then her face went ashen. "What have we done?" she said suddenly, "Why did we leave England?"

"You were under spells and potions, Mrs. Granger," said Harry, "Someone manipulated you to force you to bring Hermione with you. Destroy Hermione's wand, and piss off house Black and myself by ripping up the applicable contracts."

"We tracked you here," explained Harry. "Which means Death Eaters can track you here. And they are looking for you. To horribly torture you; possibly rape you, then kill you."

There was a sudden series of cracks from down the block.

"And they're here," said Luna going towards the front window. She cast a spell on the backside of the window.

"Luna," Harry said. Hermione's parents were amazed when the blonde girl disappeared. Hermione realized she had Harry's cloak.

They heard the front window shatter as well as the front door.

"Hermione, take your parents upstairs and snipe the suckers. I will take the door." Harry ordered.

The witches did as ordered. Harry ran to the doorframe. These were fools, he thought. It was a simple back-forth of spells; neither side casting anything that broke through the shields all used.

Something was wrong.

He sensed something moving behind him; he just cast two quick reductos behind him; hoping that it wasn't friendly. The spells returned screams. Then He noticed that there were only four foes in front of him. He saw a reductor come from the top story of the house. Now it was down to three. He was happy, Hermione was adding to the fray. Hermione stopped casting once one more of the death eaters quit casting.

Then he overpowered his last spell, a cutter. He saw the death eater being bisected by his last spell.

He finally turned around to find two feral-looking men with holes where their stomachs should be. He realized that they must be werewolves as they were still alive. He quickly cast reductos at their heads ending their lives. "Clear" Harry yelled out.

Harry heard Hermione say "Clear". He noticed that Luna no longer had his cloak on in the distance. She held her thumb out. Harry was happy; there were no cries of pain, no friendly casualties. All the bad guys were now being judged by Minos. Tom would be pissed when they did not return.

More pops happened. "Wands down; hands up, Aurors." A voice shouted.

{S}

"Albus, you wanted to know any official information about Mister Potter?" Kingsley asked.

"Of course, my boy," Albus said with his eyes twinkling.

"Mister Potter, Miss Granger, and Miss Lovegood got into a spell battle with some death eaters and werewolves; in New Zealand two weeks ago," Kingsley said.

"The Oceanic DMLE just posted it to the ICW because of international inquiries. It was bad, it ended in a bloodbath.

Poor children."

"Really, what happened?" Albus asked. Hoping to hear that Harry, Hermione, and her family were all killed."

"Five death eaters and two werewolves were killed. No other casualties. The Oceanic DMLE is investigating." Kingsley said.

"Oh, what are they investigating?" Albus was upset.

"That is why I heard of the incident. They have requested permission from the ICW to question people of interest in magical Britain."

"Why would they do that?" Albus asked dreading what may come.

"From the post, all of the Grangers were potioned and cursed. That is why they were in New Zealand. Hermione was sent a laced parchment from her parents to her before she left Hogwarts. So, expect that they will be asking you how that happened." Kingsley said.

"When I tried to send an international owl, it came back instantly. So, the adult Grangers have somehow disappeared since then; they are probably no longer in Oceana. Only Hermione Granger has returned to England. Her current location is unknown."

"Could you find out if there is any more information about this incident? The location of Miss Granger? Miss Lovegood? Mister Potter?" Albus asked.

"Yes. I will send you an owl."

{S}

Harry was happy. They were at the monastery again for a month. Even Hermione was back. There was a surprise; he did not expect Fleur to join them. But she was there slugging along with them. She worked harder to catch up with the others.

"Fleur, I am glad you joined us this year," Harry said.

"I just wish I could do more betrothal-related or dating-related interactions," Fleur said.

"Can you explain in detail why?" Hermione asked.

"My dad is the head of the French DMLE," Fleur responded. He told me about the threat to me."

"What threat?" Harry demanded.

"Extradition for sexual assault on a minor. Mind control of a minor. Mind control over a national hero." Fleur said sadly. "I have been questioned under veritaserum on the matter more than once."

"So let me guess; Dolores Umbridge, dipshits undersecretary hates anything and anyone who are not pureblood humans," Narcissa said. Fleur nodded.

"Also, your headmaster. He has asked the French Minister to abolish our marriage contract. He put pressure on Maxine during the tournament." Fleur said.

"So, Umbridge is looking for any reason to throw you into Azkaban?" Hermione asked.

"Yes, both to hurt Harry and because she hates half-breeds. She would like to push both of us through the veil." Fleur said looking morose. "Dumbledore is also behind it."

"Why we all hate that; we understand," Narcissa said.

"We have to do something about both of them soon," Harry said.

"It is more than just her. We have the idiot, dark and light factions, Fudge, Albus, and Tom." Narcissa said.

"Considering the new law; if not for her vassalage, it would have fucked Hermione. Those pricks are creating a hell within Magical Britain for all non-purebloods. So yes, we understand, all too well."

"So, we need to leave England," Harry said.

"Once we pass our owls, we can leave," Hermione said.

"My aunt is fed up with the ministry," Susan said. "Hanna, and Neville; and their families are also not happy with magical Britain. Many of the half-bloods also are worried about new laws harming them."

"Tracy is a half-blood. Her family is grumbling." Daphne said.

"The Tonks are getting spooked. I want my sister and niece protected." Narcissa said.

"So, we should talk with all of them, say Yule. If there was a place safe for all the families to meet." Harry said. "We also would like all of us to move to the same place off this rock. Looking at the way the fossils rule; we need to leave.

Your Hermione is as important as Daphne."

"My father would instantly hire your aunt. The magical area near my parents has squibs and in the know muggles. Complete with wards and other protections." Fleur said. "We do not allow overt bigotry or prejudice. Open harassment will lead the aggressor to spend time in jail at the least, most get jail and forced to leave magical France permanently though."

"I guess we need to send owls then," Harry said.

"Is there anything else we need to cover before bed today? I think from tomorrow on, we won't have time or energy."

"Oh, Harry, we cannot use owls. Every note we send with them from Hogwarts is copied to the Dumbledick." Luna said.

"Narcissa, Susan, find a way to get the notices out; please," Harry said. "I hope that is it."

"Nope; Hagrid and a de are trying to negotiate with the giants. The same problem, there is a de werewolf and Remus trying to treat the werewolves. We need to stop both sides from getting such allies." Narcissa said.

"Is there any way, to kill all four envoys in such a way that pisses off the creatures, and both factions?" Harry asked,

"Easy enough.

Just kill everyone at the meeting, making it look like Hagrid, Remus, and the DEs were killed and killed the creatures they were talking with." Narcissa said.

"Is that okay with everyone?" Harry asked

"If we do this, Sirius will throw you out after confronting you, Harry," Luna said dreamily. "He also rejoined the headmaster."

"When did he go back to Dumbledick?" Harry asked.

Luna nodded. "I do not know; I am also unsure if it was natural or if somehow Dumbledick potioned your godfather. Nothing you can try will change that."

"Damn, well, ladies, is it okay if we take out Sirius?" Harry said sounding like he would cry.

Hermione ran over and hugged him. He cried when the ladies did a group hug.

"So, we need to set up two missions that need to be done within twelve hours of each other, then a visit to my godfather with Luna, the next day," Harry said. Still silently crying.

"Harry, I want to do it. After what Dumbledore did to my parents, I want all of his forces killed. I want them killed more than Tom's." Hermione said.

"If it is okay with Luna, both of you take care of it," Harry said.

{S}

"Glad to be home, love?" Harry asked as he was walking Hermione from the restaurant to 12 Grimmauld Place. It was a nice night. So why was the hair on the back of his neck sticking up?

"I still feel that I let you all down," Hermione whined.

"Don't worry about it," Harry said. "You were potioned. Dumbledick will do anything to keep me under his control. Even if there is collateral; damage. He would gladly sacrifice your whole family to get to me. Hell, your whole extended family going back three generations plus ten thousand innocent non-magicals. He wants to control me or for me to be dead. Period; dam the cost."

They passed the last corner and could see Number 12 Grimmauld place in the distance, already, when Harry suddenly frowned. The atmosphere around them had changed ever so slightly.

The temperature had suddenly decreased and it was not a normal change. Harry noticed that Hermione was shivering.

Harry was instantly on alert and flicked his wand into his palm. There was only one foul magical creature that could have an effect on the environment like that. He thought about it; better to drive away rather than kill.

It started getting colder and colder. It was difficult for Harry to estimate how many of them were there. His thoughts started racing to how they had found him, but right now the priority was to defend himself and Mione. He would deal with the traitor or traitors later.

As soon as the effects of the cold were combined with the feeling of helplessness, Harry slammed his Occlumency shields down, to prevent the foreign intrusion on his mind.

Harry raised his wand higher, now. "Expecto Patronus" A few seconds later, Hermione did the same. The glowing forms disappeared and the temperature raised.

The street in front of him seemed empty. No muggles were out on this street. So, they holstered their wands and continued back to Sirius's house.

His thoughts were still pondering when he walked through the threshold of his godfather's home. Was it Sirius, Cissa, or someone else that set him up? This sucked

"Hey, pup… how was your date?" Sirius greeted him cheerfully.

"We have a problem, Sirius. We were just attacked by Dementors. I don't know how many of them, but it meant casting magic in a muggle area. The ministry probably knows, already…"

His godfather frowned: "Well whoever had sent them did a poor job. The ministry knows you can defend yourself from those foul things. This means that the goal was not to hurt you, but perhaps to simply get you in trouble for using magic in a muggle area…"

"You're right. We need to think about a way to deal with it. Just out of curiosity, did you talk to anyone tonight while we were out?"

"Yes, I was talking with Narcissa, why?" just then a ministry owl came through the window. Harry snagged the letter it held on its leg.

Harry snorted and took the letter. It showed the official seal of the Ministry. So, the dementors were just there to cause issues. And how had the letter got here so fast… It was a setup. Umbridge and Narcissa; damn.

"Let's see what they had to say."

{M}

Dear Mister Potter,

It has come to our attention that, at 21:15, a patronus charm was used at your address.

As such, we request that you submit yourself for questioning to the Ministry of Magic regarding this incident at 9:00 am on July 31st.

Should any further incidences occur between now and then, appropriate action may be taken against you.

Yours sincerely,

Mafalda Hopkirk

Head of the Department of Misuse of Magic

{S}

"Bugger," said Harry

"Language, love. You had better send a letter to your solicitor." Hermione said as she gave Harry a look.

"You know we have to send people to the ninth circle of the Inferno. Now." He replied.

{S}

"My lord, we have to talk," Narcissa said.

"My vassal, what is it?" Sirius said to his cousin.

"There are several problems. Albus is playing games again." Narcissa said. Harry just looked thoughtful.

Sirius sighed heavily. "How bad is it?"

"If you want to keep Hermione, you will have to marry her before your trial," Narcissa said.

"WHAT!!!!" Harry screamed.

"Albus is using blackmail and a fair amount of his remaining gold. All the gold from the selling of the properties and vaults came from those we killed at the platform. He got the law he is pushing to the Wizengamot floor; all heads of ancient families will only be able to marry other purebloods from now on. It will go in front of the Wizengamot the day of your trial; it will pass." Narcissa said.

"How will that affect my marriage to Fleur?" Harry asked.

"House Peverell was formed before the Wizengamot. So, the rules of the House trump anything from the laws. Also, if we go to France, they don't have such laws. Magical Britain should just recognize it." Narcissa said.

"Theodore and Sidney agree with that analysis. As does the solicitor department of the ICW."

"What are their rules?" Harry asked.

"You cannot marry until you are sixteen years old. Her race is not a factor. The fact she is from an ancient family is the key. Oh, because of the Delacours, we will have to have the ceremony in France with an ICW officiate." Narcissa said.

"Susan, Luna, and you are purebloods? So, this law doesn't bugger anything with my planned pureblood marriages?" Harry asked.

"Correct."

"Take me to Gringotts, then Granger residence."

"Yes, my lord," Narcissa smirked.

{S}

"Mister Granger, may I speak with you," Harry asked. He was nervous; no matter what he had faced; this was far more frightening.

Jack led Harry to his office. "I want to thank you for putting us in this protective custody."

"That is why I need to speak with you. Great Britain's magicals are pulling more bullshit. To keep your daughter safe, I need your permission to take her hand as my wife." Harry said.

Jack was stunned. After a few minutes. "She is not going to make me a grandfather any time soon?"

"No, we plan on finishing this war, and our education before we have a family," Harry said.

"This is pure political bullshit from the magical British society. We need to do this to keep her safe."

"If she says yes. You have my blessing." Jack said after some time in thought. "What about your other ladies?"

"At the current moment, they are fine with it. I of course asked them first. I am not that stupid. We all realize that several have different situations. They are purebloods, so we get to wait until we are at our majority. Fleur is also a one-off." Harry said. "I hate to rush, but it is not safe for me to stay around here long. MACUSA and the RCMP will be upset if they see me here. Once everything is settled; we will relocate you once it is safe. There is a group of us that will be leaving magical Britain for good. We plan on leaving at the end of the school year." Harry said. "We will have our owls by then. The ICW laws trump the British; so, once we have crossed off that ICW requirement; neither the British Ministry nor the headmaster of Hogwarts can do anything to stop us."

{S}

"Hermione, can you go to the lord's suite?" Sirius asked.

"Yes, what are you up to?" Hermione asked suspiciously.

"Just go," Sirius said.

{S}

Hermione walked into the room and was surprised that the door closed behind her. She whirled around and drew her wand. Why would she be ambushed in this house? It must be Narcissa; she finally is about to strike, then she turned and saw him.

Harry was down on one knee, with a small black box in his hand. It was open, and a stylized ring was in it.

"My Mione, will you marry me?"

"Yes." She said after a few seconds. "Why now?"

"The reality, Dumbledick is getting a law passed that will harm you. The easiest way to keep you safe is to marry you before my trial. Because you are a first-generation witch, the day after my trial; they can marry you off to someone else." Harry said. "And I cannot marry you."

"That's BARBARIC!" Hermione screeched.

"Yes, I agree with you as to how horrible this is. I love you, so there are two reasons I want this. I am just pissed at the rush."

"What about the other girls?" Hermione asked.

"The current laws, pureblood bullshit, say that the marriage will be when we are both at the age of majority," Harry said. "Cissa went to check on all of them. All but Fleur was okay with this. Fleur is still pissed, but we all understand the realities of this stupid country."

"When?" Hermione asked, "Where?" She was excited, she wanted this.

"In an hour, first in London. I have your dad's signature so we can go there. Then we have to go to the ICW headquarters, in Geneva. Sirius has signed off on the paperwork," Harry said. "We can have a proper wedding ceremony after we graduate if you want. We will have a proper honeymoon regardless."

"Okay; let's go," Hermione said while bouncing in her excitement.

{S}

Dolores Umbridge is not a nice woman; she's made a living ruining the lives of anyone she hated. That was a long list. She went out of her way to express her displeasure to the Mudbloods. They were the creatures that she hated most. That was followed by half-breeds and actual creatures. In her opinion; all of them needed to be killed most efficiently. That was the proper solution to the creature and non-pureblood question. Only then will the magical world be right.

Today, she had one of the bastard's spawn in her sight. His mother was a mudblood. Worse, she was a rival when they were in Hogwarts together. James Potter had never given her a look once Lilly Evans started whoring herself for James' attention.

The report stated that the filthy brat drove off the dementors. Her failure to kill the brat angered her to no end. Her master would punish her for that failure. Both for trying to kill the brat; and then failing in the attempt. Voldemort would not accept any excuse. She had to fix this, now. Otherwise, she was looking forward to unworldly pain at best.

So, she used all of her clout to rush the charges against Harry. A wicked grin crosses her face as she imagines snapping Potter's wand and obliviating him. Leaving him vulnerable to her master. Hopefully, that would ameliorate her master's punishment. Maybe Voldemort would allow her to kill the brat or better yet crucio the boy.