Chapter Text
Chapter 1
No, 12 Grimwald Place, 0900 hrs 28 August 2000
It’s been a little over two years since the last battle of the Second Blood War ended at Hogwarts. So much blood, destruction and death… not to mention betrayal. Still, it could have been so much worse. Many more on the side of Light would have been injured far worse or even fell in battle if it weren't for the actions of the most humble of beings, the Hogwarts House Elves led by Dobby. Dobby who wouldn’t have even been alive to do anything at all if it weren't for the most unlikely of sacrifices. Kreacher. Kreacher, the most vile, rude and bigoted elf in all of Magical Briton. The one at least partially responsible for the death of his last Lord, Sirius Black.
Harry will always remember the scene as it played out before his eyes. Kneeling on the sand of the beach near Shell Cottage, holding a tiny bleeding form on his lap and begging the universe to not take away yet another friend who had sacrificed himself to save Harry and his friends. Dobby was wheezing from the dagger wound in his small chest from the knife thrown by Bellatrix Lestrange as the courageous little elf apparited his Harry Potter Sir away last from Malfoy Manner.
“Harry Potter Sir is safe… Dobby is… so ..happy..” the small weak voice of the courageous little being was soft and hard to hear over the sea breeze. His large eyes glistened up at Harry showing only true joy and love for the young wizard whose lap he was laying on. ”Hold on Dobby! We’ll find some way to heal you… just hang in there for us! Hermione, we need dittany, essence of murtlap, healing spells… something! Anything!! We have to save him…” Harry choked back a sob, eyes pleading at his best friend… praying for a miracle.
Hermione fanatically started digging through her magically expanded bag for potions and healing agents. “We’ll do everything we can Harry but the dagger has at least damaged his lung,,, I don’t know if it will be enough…” tears streaming down the bushy haired young woman's face but with a look of determination in her eyes.
“I can help… at least a little. Mummy taught me a few healing spells before she died. I remember them very well and have practiced them often since.” the slightly other worldly and wispy voice of Luna Lovegood sounded from behind Harry’s back. “He helped rescue me after all, so I’m pleased to do whatever I can for him.” The young Ravenclaw knelt beside Harry and uttered a few charms unfamiliar to the dark haired teen. Luna looked up at the two and said “His lung is indeed punctured and there is something very Dark about this knife… I can perhaps hold him stable for a very short time but it really won't be for very long. Do whatever you can Hermione but…” her voice trailed off but the meaning behind her statement was very clear to the other two teens desperately trying to save this fragile life. Luna started careful wand movements and soft chanting in a language Harry did not at all recognize.
Harry felt so helpless. His talents were all but useless at the moment. He desperately wished he had studied more and thought about what he’d do if one of them were injured and prepared himself for it now. In hindsight he saw quite plainly that he’d relied too much on Hermione and her near god-like absorption of knowledge. What if it were Hermione herself that was injured and needed aid? What would he be able to do now to help her? He looked up at his friend now and shuddered at the thought of it. What if this girl that he lo…. He shoved his thoughts back to the task at hand and followed whatever instructions Hermione uttered to him as quickly as he could, all while encouraging Dobby and telling him that he wasn’t alone… that he had friends there with him doing everything they could.
Several long minutes passed by as the three young people worked. “Harry, I’m not sure how much longer I can hold him stable.” Luna whispered to the other two teens. “There is so much damage…” Hermione’s face looked stricken. ”I can’t heal it all or fast enough.” Harry blanched even further. He’d never been one much for religion. The Dursleys went to church every so often but of course they’d never taken Harry along. He’d read a bit of the old Bible they had in the house, but when he compared what he read with the actions of his relatives, the two REALLY did not match up. So, he concluded that whatever ”higher power” there was had very little to do with him if they even existed at all. So, because of that he’d never really prayed before, but he couldn’t help from doing so now. ’Merlin… Jesus, whatever god or goddess can hear me, please…save him. He’s been through so much already…I don’t think I can take anyone else being taken away from me…’ Harry’s mind flashed through image after image. His mother, his
father, Sirius, Hedwig… the torment he’d endured from the Dursleys and the ridicule from his classmates, Ron abandoning him multiple times…But for all that he’s desperately praying, in his heart he doubts that anyone or anything can really hear him, or even cares if they do.
But somewhere, someone WAS listening.
A soft pop was heard just behind and to the right of Harry’s shoulder. “Filthy Half-blood Master really cares about an elf… Kreacher does not fully understand.”
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“...rry?”
Harry, still lost in that vivid memory, realized that someone said his name and shook his head to re-center himself into the moment. Looking up into beautiful brown eyes he focused on the face of Hermione and smiled.
“Sorry Luv, got caught up in my thoughts there for a moment.”
“Well, focus up. We need to make sure we have everything ready before our guests arrive. There's still lots to do here.”
“You’re right, you’re right…OK, so we have the trunk with the gold for the purchase of the property with additional funds to furnish and stock the house and landscape the grounds. It also has some of the Potter family heirlooms and antiques from the family vaults. The seeds and seedlings that Neville insisted we take to start a proper greenhouse to make a variety of household potions, bless him.” Harry ticked off each point one by one on his fingers.
Hermione smirked at him, “You should have known better than to argue with your Godbrother when it comes to plants.” She then sighed, “I still can’t believe none of us ever knew about that. So much time wasted when we should have been closer to him then we were.”
Harry’s expression darkened, “Well, we know where to lay the blame for that and so many other omissions of fact over the years.”
Hermione reached out and took his hand. “Yes we do, but all we can do now is move forward with our lives and make sure we keep real friends closer to us.”
Harry squeezed her fingers and replied “Too right love.” Turning back to the trunk he asked “Was there anything else that was supposed to go into this particular trunk? Books or anything?”
“No books, those are all in a lovely library trunk I found in the luggage shop in the Ally last month. It has an auto sort feature and can hold up to 2000 volumes. It will bring up any title or a full group in any subject that you ask for right to the top of the trunk after you raise the lid!”
Harry could see the sparkles in her eyes and with a knowing look and smile he asked “And how much room is left in this marvelous library trunk now?” Her answer was to glance away and mumble something about how he shouldn’t worry about it. She glanced at her lists and changed the subject, “I’ve placed a fully stocked potion ingredient cabinet with a household lab included. There are also the portraits of your grandparents, parents, Sirius and Luna's parents as well as some family photos my parents sent along from storage for me.”
“How are they doing? Have they come to a decision yet?” Harry asked as he checked things off of his own list. “They decided to stay in Perth but I was able to undo the charm on their documents and identification so they are able to use their real names again. They are relieved that there aren't any more unreasonable levels of danger for them here anymore but fell in love with living in Australia. The good news is that they’ve mostly forgiven me for altering their memories now.” Hermione replied with a sorrowful look.
“It was a brave and necessary thing to do to keep them safe ‘Mione. I know it tore you up inside to do it but…” he said as he reached out to enfold the girl in his arms. She buried her face in the crook of his neck and said “I know, there was every chance that those vile beasts would have tortured and killed them both just to hurt and distract us… Or just because they found it enjoyable!” She shuddered at the very thought.
He squeezed her tight and held her for a moment before releasing her “Is that everything for this trunk?” She wiped a tear from under her left eye and replied “Just a few cooking and cleaning tools that the elves insist are their favorites that work better than any others.” He rolled his eyes “For the life of me I can’t see how one feather duster or spatula is any better or different than any other. Especially when I don’t believe I’ve ever seen either of them use anything other than a snap of their fingers and elf magic to clean anything.” She looked at him fondly. “It’s because those particular tools were the first ones that we bought for the house after we asked if they would join our family.” He laughed “But those were just cheap things the three of us ran down to Tesco to grab to show them that we didn’t expect them to do all of the cooking and cleaning. That we really wanted them to join our family and not be servants.” She stroked his cheek and said, “I think that is EXACTLY why those are their favorites.” He could only shake his head “Not that I can get either one of them to stop calling me ‘master’ or you and Luna ‘mistress’. It still doesn’t feel right.” Hermione laughed gayly and replied, “Well it’s better than ‘The Great Wizard Harry Potter Sir’. Honestly, I thought your eyes would twitch out of your skull the first time I heard Dobby call you that. Sometimes I think he went over the top just to tease you a little.” She smirked at him. Harry buried his face in his hands and groaned. “Laugh it up woman, it’s not like you were any better originally with spew and trying to free elves by camouflaging knitted hats all over the common room of Gryffindor Tower.” She slapped his shoulder exclaiming “Prat!! And it wasn’t spew it was S.P.E.W., the vomit jokes are wearing thin now Potter.” She gave him a mock glare imitating Professor MacGonagal but still had a teasing light in her eyes.
He laughed and raised his hands in surrender. “Alright, alright I’ll behave…for the moment” he added under his breath. She gazed at him suspectedly but let it go… for now. “That should be everything for this trunk and we’ve already covered the library trunk.” She wrote out two little slips of parchment to label ‘household’ and ‘library’ and turned to the last trunk that was in the parlor beside the fireplace. She wrote out another little tag that stated ‘Emergency Supplies’ and drew her wand and applied all three with sticking charms to each corresponding trunk. “In here we have two wizarding tents, one of which Luna has stocked as a small 25 bed mobile field hospital with potions, salves, bandages and even minor surgery equipment. I also believe she has her science and biology setup in a small corner of it somewhere with her zoology and magizoology notes and research. She may have decided on becoming a Healer, but she’ll never give up on her love of strange creatures,... whether they actually exist or not.”
“Of course I won’t. Hobbies are important, you taught me that yourself Hermione.” A voice sounded coming down the stairs before a platinum blonde, silver eyed young woman entered the room. Luna Lovegood smiled dreamily at Hermione. “Just like you won’t give up those smutty romance novels you tried to hide all through Hogwarts.” she giggled “I’m absolutely amazed by the imagination the mundane population has… beautiful young women having steamy affairs with monsters and demons or other supernatural creatures.” Hermione immediately turned red and the color went far past the neckline of her blouse. Harry wanted to ask how far down the color went, but he is a clever boy… and decided he liked his testicles right where they are so he stayed quiet.
Luna giggled again before skipping over to Hermione to pull into a chaste soft kiss on the lips “I enjoy those books too now dear heart, and I’m very happy that you shared them with me.” Harry and Hermione had decided years ago that while she could be bewildering and frustrating at times, it was damn near impossible to stay angry with Luna so Hermione could only shake her head and return the kiss along with a quick hug. “How’s the packing going upstairs sweetheart?”
Luna, who had closed her eyes to enjoy the attention smile at them both and replied “Well, apart from each of our personal trunks with our clothes and toiletries, I’ve packed each of our mokeskin pouches with a dozen emergency meal protein bars, 5000 galleons and 15 two ounce bars of pure gold we can turn into the local mundane currency at need. Each also has a selection of potions ranging from simple pain relief to organ repair and a few in between. Not many of course, just two to three of each. I’ve placed each of our dragon hide gloves, boots and armored Battle Robes, our spare wands and a dirk into each and our personal brooms. I’ve renewed the ‘muggle-notice-me-not’ charms on all of them. In yours and mine Hermione I put one of those clever Swiss Army knives and emergency…” She cast a side-long look towards Harry "Feminine products.” She then pouted when he just shrugged. “I miss when you’d get all flustered about those types of things…” He smirked and replied “Not a naive, blushing virgin anymore Luv. The pair of you saw to that.” Hermione raised an eyebrow, Luna pouted more and Harry couldn’t take it anymore and burst into a great belly laugh. “Anyway,” Luna continued, “in your pouch Harry I placed the utility pen knife Sirius gave you for Christmas a few years ago, your family’s cloak… and your sword.”
Harry didn’t know even now how to feel about the Sword of Gryffindor. Every time he has tried to return it to the castle it has simply returned to either himself or Neville. Apparently, Hogwarts has decided that he and his Godbrother are its champions and the only ones worthy to keep the sword. When the three of them decided to go on a long-term trip away from England as a combination Honeymoon and foreign exchange student program to each reach their Masteries, the sword left Longbottom Hall and appeared by his night stand the next morning. On a floo call later that morning Neville told him that it was probably for the best as he was staying to apprentice under Professor Spout for his own Mastery. ‘Really Mate, I think that if a situation came up here where it was needed the sword would simply appear in my hand to defend the castle. Keep it with you. After all, you’re heading thousands of miles away across the pond. Even though we won the war doesn't mean that there still aren’t enemies out there that will want to target you. I, on the other hand, am less well known and will be either at Hogwarts, Longbottom Hall, or the Ministry. All of which are under heavy wards that have been strengthened since the last battle. You will be setting up a new home in a new country. You need it more right now.’ As far as Neville was concerned that was that.
Hermione clapped her hands together to refocus her drifting lovers' attention. “Now then, other than the two tents in the emergency chest, there is also 6 months worth of food and clean water under stasis charms for all five of us, a Quidditch team's worth of decent brooms, and apparently a full load of the twins ‘war worthy prank items’ from Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes, and last but not least a variety of building tools, hammers, saws and such. Is that everything?”
Harry looked over the lists and didn’t see anything missing. He thought over all the redundancies and emergency back-ups listed over several sheets of parchment. ‘Sometimes..’ he thought to himself ‘I wonder if we are still too wound up, too paranoid.’ He then remembered all the hardships, the too close calls,... the lives that could have been saved if they were more prepared during the hunt for the horcruxes. ‘No.’ he thought again ‘Not ever again. We will NOT be caught out like that ever again. What was it that one US President said? Speak softly but carry a big stick? The resources I now have access to allow for us to make and carry those Big Sticks… and carry them we will’ He straightened and flattened out the stack of parchment “Yes I believe it is. No…wait… Dobby! Winkey!”
He raised his voice at the end. Two soft pops and the two loyal elves appeared in the parlor. Dobby was dressed like a miniature Butler, the family crests of Potter and Black proudly displayed over his left breast. Similarly, Winky in a tasteful maid outfit also displayed both crests. Both looked quite proud of their uniforms and very happy to wear something other than rags or towels. Most wixen believed that giving House elves clothes ‘freed’ them, the truth was both more complex and simpler than that. Giving House elves clothes, in reality, severed the magical bond to their family, their ‘House’ if you will. That’s where the name originally came from after all. After intense research and study Hermione discovered the truth. Elves were never meant to be slaves at all, but rather full members of a clan or family in a symbiotic relationship. The diminutive beings took great pride in caring for and about others. Service was in a way their ‘love language’. However, their small stature and, without a bond to center them, weak magic left them vulnerable on their own. Able to only hide and scrape by in small bands in the primitive world. But, with a bond, their magic, while different, was equal to or even greater than most wixen alive. Wixen families gained loving members who wanted nothing more than to care and look after them and the elves gained protection from the physically more powerful wizards and witches and a deeper connection to their own type of magic allowing them more versatility. So, to keep that bond in place primitive elves would wear any cloth or hides the family didn’t immediately need to provide protection from the elements and cover their modesty.
But humans, being what they are, eventually began to take the elves for granted. Slowly the relationship twisted in on itself and it became thought that elves were beneath the human members of the family until it resembled a kind of slavery. Of course not all families mistreated their elven members and acted with kindness but enough did abuse and degrade those relationships until it all just blended into the background of ‘this is how it’s always been’ and no one questioned it anymore.
Harry and the girls didn't want to treat their elven family members as anything less than just that, family. They also didn’t want to force them to wear tea towels or pillow cases as that was just demeaning and didn’t offer nearly enough protection for their small frames. To Harry the answer was obvious. He had uniforms made in a variety of styles suitable for different tasks or occasions. Uniforms that officially belonged to the Houses and not actually given to the elves. Uniforms the elves were allowed to freely use. Some were tough and hearty for doing anything dirty or heavy work, similar to the jeans and stout work boots he and the girls used for working in the garden or cleaning out the basement of the townhouse. Some were lighter and more comfortable for shopping or relaxing at home. Then there were the ‘formal’ uniforms the pair were wearing now. In fact it was difficult to get them to wear any of the others unless what they were doing would damage them.
Neville quickly followed Harry’s lead and did the same for the Longbottom elves and they both scheduled a meeting with Headmistress McGonagall at Hogwarts. At that meeting they explained what Hermione discovered and showed their solution. Then they both offered rather hefty donations to the school to have uniforms made for the Hogwarts elves. Their reasoning being that if more wixen saw elves being treated well and as equals more wixen would start doing the same. Professor McGonagall was happy to accept.
“Yes Master Harry?” both elves said together. Silently Harry groaned and said, “Guys’ you can both just call me ‘Harry” you know.”
“Yes Master, we know.” both elves said together again. Harry swore he saw a twinkle in Dobby’s large eyes and a small smile on Winky’s lips. He was positive that they were teasing him.
“Pfft..” Hermione’s quickly turned head and Luna’s shaking shoulders told him both girls found it extremely funny…Sigh….
Harry quietly gave up for the moment. “Both of you have your leather backpacks ‘Mione enchanted for you right? Have all you need packed and ready to go?” Hermione had found a pair of child sized sturdy leather packs especially for their elven companions and enchanted them similarly to her own beaded handbag she used on the hunt for the horcruxes. Undetectable extension and stasis charms as well as charms to make them feather light and comfortable to wear.
“Dobby believes so, yes, we followed your advice and packed at least three sets of every uniform… and all the gifts you and Miss Grangy and Miss Moon have given us.” Dobby added softly with teary eyes. Winky held her left elbow with her right hand and twisted back and forth in both pleasure and embarrassment. “We are grateful Sir, to be treated as family. But Winky wonders… is it really alright for elves to carry so much money and precious medicines?”
“Are you talking about the emergency supplies or your own savings, Winkey? Because every one of us is carrying the exact same amount of emergency funds and potions separately from our coin purses on our person at all times during this trip until the new house is set up.” Hermione gently asked. “Those things are there just in case any of us are separated from the others so we can use them to save ourselves or the others in our family at need. We learned to do this the hard way… none of us wish to be helpless again.”
“Yes Miss, it’s just a lot of money… Winky is not used to it. Or even having ‘savings’... elves should not be taking pay…” Harry knelt down to be closer to her eye level and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. “You’re not being given a wage Winky. You and Dobby are given an allowance each month to do with as you please. This is your due as members of House Potter and House Black. Luna and Hermione each have a trust vault now that serves the same purpose for them just like I do. These things are set up through our families charters with Gringotts and handled automatically from the main cash vaults from each House. Even if you didn’t do any chores at home and decided that you wanted to say… volunteer at St. Mungo’s to entertain child patients every day you would STILL receive that allowance. Any elves that join our families in the future will receive the same. I’ve added that clause to both House Charters so that it can not ever be removed. Your sister Blinky gets the same allowance as well even though she’s been helping out at the Tonks residence and she has access to the same uniforms that you and Dobby do.” Winky smiled and nodded up at him “Very well Master Harry.” Dobby was practically vibrating in his joy at this point “Dobby always said Master Harry Potter Sir was the greatest wizard!”
Harry looked over at Dobby and narrowed his eyes a little “By the way Dobs… ‘Miss Grangy, Miss Moon’... so you CAN use nicknames and be less formal when you want to be,” Dobby looked at Harry evenly with an absolutely straight face and stated “Dobby has no idea what you are referring to Master Harry.” Harry could only deadpan back at him.
Hermione glanced down at her watch and said “Harry, it's nearly 9:30. Andromeda, Tonks, and Neville should be here soon. The final luggage checks are done and our portkey to MACUSA New York office is 5 hours from now. Are you sure all the paperwork you wanted done before we left is complete?”
“Yes, I spent most of yesterday going over everything with Ironaxe at Gringotts. The trust vaults for Andy, Dora, and Teddy are set up with an annual stipend. The proxy paperwork is finalized and submitted to the Ministry. Teddy has an additional education fund set up ready to pay for Hogwarts or any other school he and Dora decide on. And… I set up a will. You and Luna are beneficiaries.”
At that moment The floo flashed green in a manner that told the room that someone who has access from the wards was coming through. Andromeda Tonks nee Black stepped through followed by Nymphadora Lupin nee Tonks carrying 2 year old Teddy in her arms. Hugs and cheek kisses, some tickling of tiny ribs followed by joyous giggling came from everyone in the room. Another quick flash of the floo signaling an incoming call was answered by Harry. “Neville! Come through.” Neville grinned up and replied “The girls are with me. Just wanted to make sure that was alright first.” Hermione smiled and answered “Of course it is. We fully expected you to bring them.” Harry opened the floo for travel. The wards were currently set for family only unrestricted entry. Neville stepped through followed quickly by Hannah Abbot and Susan Bones. Luna and Hermione’s eyes immediately flashed to the trio’s left hands… and the betrothal rings that adorned each. Luna and Hermione squealed and launched themselves at the dark blonde and redheaded girls to hug and congratulate them while Harry half hugged and half shook his Godbrothers hand. “You finalized the negotiations then. Well done brother.” Neville blushed a little and rubbed the back of his head “Yeah, Lord Abbot and the Bones account manager had some very strict terms, but Gran was able to find compromises that left everyone satisfied. Not that the three of us really cared as long as we could stay together. Still, with three noble Houses, two of them holding Ancient status, it was complicated.” Harry could definitely believe that “Makes me SO glad it only took the three of us a day sitting with Ironaxe to hammer out everything the Ministry and Wizengamot demands for marriage agreements. Since I was technically the only ‘Nobel’ involved and the Potter family charter being very forgiving it wasn’t too bad. Luna was accepted provisionally as Lady Black by the family magics as long as she has at least three children and one of them carries the Black name. The Black family charter heavily hints at taking a concubine to have more Black heirs but… Four years ago I couldn’t imagine having a single girlfriend let alone falling in love and marrying the two most beautiful girls in England.” Harry grinned.
“Keep talking like that and you might just get lucky at the hotel room tonight Potter… maybe.” Hermione smirked to hide the blush spreading across her cheeks. Luna just smiled at him with all the love in the world pouring from her eyes and said “Aww… you are beautiful too, Harry.”
Andy, Tonks and Hannah all nearly choked on the tea they were sipping while Susan laughed gleefully, “Luna dear, men typically prefer to be called ‘handsome’.” Luna turned to the redhead and replied “I said what I said and meant every word of it. Look at those gorgeous emerald eyes and tell me I’m wrong.”
Manfully, Neville stepped forth to rescue his Godbrother… by changing the subject. “Luna, what will happen to House Lovegood? It still has Ancient status doesn’t it?” Luna swayed back and forth as she answered “Oh yes, since I’m technically the head of the House, my firstborn daughter will become heiress to House Lovegood under a branch of House Potter and my granddaughter from her will be able to get House Lovegood its noble title back.”
“Wait,” Neville asked, “isn’t your father still with us? I thought he recovered from that explosion at The Rookery.” Luna shared a small, secret smile “Yes, Daddy is just fine now. But he was never the family head, only a regent really since Mummy died. The Lovegoods are a Matriarchal line and Daddy married into it.”
“Huh... okay then. I knew some Houses were, but I didn’t remember yours was one of them. I know Susan’s line doesn't care male or female for the heir and I’m pretty sure Greengrass is the same… Well, no matter. I do need to really thank you though Hermione.”
“Whatever for Neville?” Hermione replied. Neville reached out and took her hand “Do you remember that article you brought me a few months ago? By that Mugg.. Mundane-born healer who also got a university medical degree? Dr. Esteban from Spain?” Hermione furled her brows for a moment “Oh!! That article about mundane medical treatment enhancing healing for spell damage… Wait… Neville! You don’t mean…” Tears now showed in the sandy haired young man's eyes “Gran and I contacted him immediately and he finally had time 6 weeks ago to come for a consultation. My parents… they are responding to his treatment. I was finally able to have a conversation with them, not a long one but they knew who I was… Mum smiled at me and dad gripped my shoulder. Dr. Esteban feels that the prognosis is good but it’s gonna be a long road to even have them at home. They will never fully recover, but their minds and a good deal of their mobility has a real chance for improvement.” Hermione pulled him into one of her patented ‘Hermy Hugs™’ and nearly squeezed the life out of the poor boy “Oh Neville! That is wonderful!”
Tears and cheers were now the order of the day. Harry asked Winky to pull a bottle of champagne from the cellar despite the early hour. A small glass each with some apple juice in a sippy cup for little Teddy were required as a celebration for news this good.
Sometime later, as the adults were sitting in the lounge while Teddy played with a stuffed wolf on the carpet, Harry got around to discussing their upcoming trip and the preparations he’d made to be away from the country full time for a few years. “Andy, I’ve filed all the paperwork naming you as proxy for House Black. Dora, the same goes for you as proxy for House Potter. As it stands right now, Teddy is my heir presumptive for both Houses, but ideally I’d rather see him rebuild House Lupin in honor of Remus. I’m still lobbying behind the scenes for Remus to be awarded the Order of Merlin First Class for all the lives he saved as well as taking down Fenrir Greyback during the Battle of Hogwarts that he would have received without question if he were not cursed with what amounts to an illness that can be easily managed if it weren’t for all those bigoted laws. Those and the laws limiting Mundane born wixen have GOT to be repealed. Part of the reason we are heading to the States to complete our studies is to show our willingness to uproot our Houses and all the money those Houses contribute to magical Britain. Neville, I know you are taking your House’s seat on the ‘Mot with your Gran helping advise you so try and help them out where you can, yeah?” Neville regarded him seriously “Of course I will, with everything I have. I can tell you, if it comes to that, House Longbottom will join you.” Susan added “As will House Bones.” Neville bowed his head to his fiancé “So, that makes 4 Ancient and Noble Houses, with House Potter being Most Ancient, tearing up our roots to travel to America or Australia or wherever we decide to put them back down again. If the threat of that doesn’t wake up all those hide-bound old bastards on the ‘Mot there is really no saving this country.” Harry raised his teacup to Nev and said, “Cheers for that Nev, but let's keep the threat alive, but only in reserve as the nuclear option.” Neville looked a little confused “Nuclear?” Hermione waved it away “Sorry Neville, it’s a Mundane term that basically means the absolute last resort when there is nothing left to lose.” Neville nodded slowly ”Okay, but what does it come from?” Tonks patted his shoulder and tried to explain “Nev, the Mundanes have weapons that could wipe out all of London and the surrounding area and leave it as a fiery wasteland with every building in rubble in the blink of an eye. They call those ‘nuclear’ weapons.” Neville, Hannah and Susan all looked absolutely horrified. “Y..you can’t be serious…” Hannah stuttered. Andromeda raised an eyebrow “I’m afraid it’s quite true. I reacted much the same when Ted first told me and made me see how far the mundane world had progressed and how fast they continue to do so. Wixen like to think they are superior due to having magic, but here’s the thing, the Mundanes don’t NEED magic. They can create miracles through science and technology.”
The conversation steered into more pleasant territory after that as the friends and family caught up and enjoyed each other's company. Soon enough it was time to start wrapping things up so the Potters could make it to the portkey office on time. “Andy, you ladies and the little man should really move in here to the Townhouse. There is more than enough room and it's quite cheerful now that the remodel is finished. Besides, the wards here are much older and stronger than the Tonks' residence.” Harry tried once more to convince his older cousin. “Perhaps we will Harry, it’s just that…” Harry could only nod because he definitely understood. “The memories, both here and at home.” Andromeda grasped his hand affectionately “Aye, but I will promise that if we feel like there is any danger or even if things start to feel a bit off, we’ll come straight here and raise the wartime wards.” Harry had to accept this “Good, go ahead and ask Blinky to keep an eye out for any elf that needs a home or needs help escaping a bad situation. I know that both Dobs and Winky already do the same. Hopefully that particular situation is nowhere near as bad on the MACUSA side of things.” Neville chimed in “Our family elves do as well, and Hannah's father saw what we’ve done for our elves and followed suit. I think that the momentum will pick up on that issue now.” Winky tugged at Neville’s sleeve “Thank you Mister Nevie.” Neville rested his hand on her head “You are more than welcome, but it’s the right thing to do after all.”
Goodbyes, hugs, and wishes for a safe journey were shared all around and their guests departed. The trunks were shrunk down and placed in the girl's purse or handbag and a leather shoulder bag Harry slung on. Pockets were checked to make sure nothing was missing. Dobby and Winky donned their little backpacks. Doors and windows were checked to be secure, and the Townhouse was placed under stasis. The family of five stepped through the floo to the Ministry of Magic atrium and made their way to the International Portkey Office at 2:15 in the afternoon just 15 minutes before their scheduled departure time.
All formalities accomplished, the Potter family all grabbed a hold of the length robe at 2:28 PM. Harry met the eyes of his lovers and said in a sing-song tone “Well, off we go to our next great adventure.” Hermione fondly rolled her eyes and Luna snickered. Harry’s feelings about the old man were… complicated to say the least, but he had to admit, Dumbledore could turn a phrase.
At precisely 2:30 PM the portkey activated. Harry felt the usual hook just behind his navel and they swirled into transport. Things were always a blur during portkey travel, but it never lasted more than a few seconds. Then… something changed. Colors and lights in a kaleidoscope of patterns appeared all around them. This was lasting far longer than a portkey should. Unknown to any of them a being of immense power had been watching. Watching and waiting since he heard that prayer those two plus years ago and nudged Kreacher to go to his master's side.
Akatosh, Dragon God of Time and Chief of the Nine Divines had found the perfect vessel for his power. After all, a young man who had beaten all the odds, all the plots, had faced death and returned to unite Death’s own artifacts was everything the old Dragon needed right now. If this boy could fulfill one prophecy, he could certainly fulfill another. Akatosh reached out a hand to Harry’s chest and without words said “Come my son, my chosen champion. Help my world survive my Eldest’s rage. Nirn awaits you, Dovahkiin.”