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  This chapter was edited by Gdiusx. Check his works on HP and ASOIAF, I highly recommend them.

  Saturday morning, 7th of August 1993

  Bones Manor

  “Good Morning.”

  Susan entered the dining room, where their house elf, Tita, served breakfast. Her father and elder brothers were already seated and muttered a greeting with various shades of drowsiness.

  She quickly kissed her father's cheek as he read the morning paper with a cup of tea in front of him. Elmer Bones smiled warmly as she kissed his other cheek before sitting beside her brother Edmund.

  “Where's Mother?”

  “Probably getting Eddy out of bed.”

  She nodded to her brother's zy reply as he yawned before accepting a pte of fried eggs from the elf. “Thank you, Tita.”

  The house elf didn't get to reply as her youngest brother and mother joined them. Several ‘mornings’ were exchanged before everyone was seated and breakfast began.

  “Hey, Dad. Will Auntie be meeting us in the Alley?” Her eldest brother, Edwin, broke the silence after a few minutes of monotonous eating. “It’s the weekend, so she should be off work, right?”

  “Not sure. The DMLE has been notoriously understaffed tely, so I wouldn’t be surprised if she is doing extra hours again. I doubt she would be free enough to spend the day with us even if she’s there.” Elmer Bones hummed as he closed the papers with a sigh and started on his chicken pie, angrily stabbing it with his fork. “How that sycophant was even allowed to introduce that bill to the Mot boggles me. To supplement the auror force with dementors of all things! Worse, there seemed to be support for her bill - ‘dementors don’t ask for holidays or pay raises, a perfect alternative for the Aurors’. Bloody fools, the lot of them. Perhaps I should start attending those meetings again, no matter how annoying dealing with Nott can be.”

  Susan did not need to be a genius to know who her father was talking about - her family, particurly her aunt, had plenty of remarks about Dolores Umbridge, not even a word of it was pleasant. The Undersecretary had been making many waves and enemies in the ministry following Harry’s stunt nearly two months ago. Almost like she was overcompensating for being so, according to the Prophet, ‘brutally shown her pce by a child.’

  She stifled a giggle, Era Evergreen had been on the ascendancy ever since Rita Skeeter's hiatus. Then again, Skeeter had come back like a rampaging troll with that scathing article about Malfoy. Susan almost felt pity for Draco after reading that article, and the dozen that came after it, if it wasn't for the fact none of it was false.

  Seriously, it was like Skeeter had nothing else to write about aside from how depraved Lucius Malfoy was, aside from the occasional alleged sighting of Sirius Bck.

  Ah, wait. The bitch wrote an article about her dating Harry, complete with a picture of them walking down Diagon Alley - Susan was gd she was wearing her jacket at the time, as she ter discovered her choice of attire was not at all acceptable, even for muggles.

  Thankfully, her mother had had a word with the woman and convinced her not to write more snderous articles about House Bones.

  Circe Bones was not one to suffer fools, nor did Susan’s father. Yet Elmer Bones did not have the energy he once had. Even now, the young witch frowned as her father grimaced and held his side for a second–an old curse wound from before she had been born.

  “Are you alright, Dear?” Her mother asked worriedly. “Do you need the potion?”

  “I'm fine,” her father took a deep breath before smiling, “just a sting.”

  “Are you sure you want to join us, Dad?” Her second brother, Edmund, asked worriedly. “Diagon Alley will be very crowded today, thanks to the Magical Menagerie’s new product showcase - not to mention the school shopping. It might be better if you rest.”

  “I said I'm fine,” Elmer Bones intoned strongly before smiling at Eddy. “There’s no way I will miss my dear boy's first school shopping,” his smile turned sly as he looked at her next, “Nor miss the chance to meet the d who captured my girl’s heart.”

  Susan blushed heavily as her older brothers’ faces lit up and smirked at her. She had received much teasing and ribbing from her family when she started dating Harry. He had already met her mother, Edmund, and Eddy when they went to that Quidditch match before whatever adventure he went on, but Edwin and her father had been busy and couldn't join them.

  Her brothers’ smirks widened in tandem, “Perhaps we should have a–”

  “That is enough, Edwin.” Her mother's voice cut like a whip, “I shall not have any of you or your brother's antics today.”

  “Yes, Mother.” Edwin’s face was still dripping with amusement, while Edmund looked affronted at being called out for nothing before shrugging and returning to his pte.

  They continued eating in retive silence before her mother turned to her as she finished her breakfast. “Dress smartly for today, Susan.”

  Susan shuddered at the seemingly innocent tone, and even her father flinched, though her brothers did not seem to notice. Circe Bones was not amused when she returned home after her first date with Harry to find her dressed like a… well, Susan hated to think of the word. She truly believed muggles dressed so loosely, yet even she would admit to finding the constant stares and the many women dressed more modestly in London to have been a sign. Susan bmed Hannah for giving her that fashion magazine, yet her mother bmed her father since he saw her off when she left.

  That he was distracted by the news of Malfoy's death was no excuse, according to her mother… conveniently ignoring the fact she had slept in when she was supposed to help her dress up.

  Susan snickered inwardly as she hurried to her room.

  .

  .

  .

  “Everyone ready?”

  They stood by the firepce, ready to floo to the Leaky Cauldron. It had been some time since their entire family had gathered for an outing. Usually, Edwin would be off with his girlfriend, whom he was meeting in the Alley, and Edmund had his own clique of friends as well. Her father would often be resting at home, so typically, it would be Susan, her mother, and little Eddy.

  Susan was dressed modestly yet casually under the watchful eye of her Mum. After ensuring they had not forgotten anything, Circe Bones snatched a rge fistful of floo powder, enough for the fmes to remain active for several travellers, and threw them into the fire, turning them green.

  “Leaky Cauldron.”

  A low chime echoed four times from the fmes, a warning that the firepce was in use. They waited a few seconds until a peppy chime sounded, and Edwin was the first to go. Edmund was next, followed by her father and Edward. Mother and she were st, and when Susan exited the firepce, she immediately looked around.

  He was here, Harry was here. She could feel it!

  “Luna! Over here!! Oh, it’s you. I have a few choice words for you, young dy! Do you have any idea how much grief you caused for Luna in school?”

  Susan was distracted by an extremely hyperactive Astoria Greengrass, skipping to her blonde friend, only to freeze at the sight of Ginevra Weasley. Tracey and Daphne were on their sister’s tail as she started talking a thousand words a minute to the utterly baffled Weasley and bemused Lovegood. Percival Weasley, proudly bearing the Headboy badge on his school uniform, quickly excused himself after a hurried greeting to speak to a young brunette she recognised as a Ravencw prefect. Her older brothers wandered off, while Arthur Weasley immediately started a conversation with Apollo Greengrass about some Muggle Act or whatever.

  None of that mattered to Susan, as her eyes were drawn to the veritable ke of power in a corner of the tavern. She beamed as Harry Potter approached and subconsciously licked her lips. There were people with him, but Susan had already moved to hug him… and froze mid-stride.

  “Harry? You’ve got… tall!”

  Susan was not a short girl. In fact, she was nearly her mother’s height, and none of her brothers were particurly tall. Harry was several inches shorter than her three weeks ago, his eyes barely reaching her chin. Now, he was an inch taller than her.

  “I suppose I did. I had an eventful birthday.” His crooked grin sent butterflies flying in her stomach as he gently hugged her, causing her entire body to stiffen in shock. “It’s good to see you again, Suzie.”

  The shock wasn’t from the hug; Harry was far from averse to kissing or embracing her whenever they got the chance. It was his magic. Susan could taste the obscene amount of magic the young wizard had. It was even greater than usual, with a plethora of tastes different from the usual Icy-Hot. It was now more hot than cold, spicy even, yet it also felt like water, as if it could change form at any moment. Susan felt like she could keep hugging the boy forever, as she drank his magic like an elixir and hugged his chiselled chest tightly as his powerful arms–

  “So, this is your boyfriend, Susan.” A voice caused her to flinch as they let go and turned to her bemused father holding little Eddy’s shoulder, who waved shyly. “Elmer Bones, a pleasure to meet you, d.”

  “The pleasure is all mine, sir.” Harry accepted her father's hand and shook it firmly before smiling at Eddy. “It’s good to see you again, Eddy. The st we met was during that Quidditch match. You were very passionate when Wimbourne Wasps lost to Appleby Arrows.”

  Eddy’s shy face contorted into a scowl, which Susan mirrored as she recalled their family's home team losing so unjustly.

  “Ugh, don't remind me. That ref was absolute shite! Awarding so many penalties when–”

  Their father coughed and tightened his grip on Eddy's shoulder, causing her brother's blue eyes to widen as he noticed Harry's widening grin.

  “Like I said, very passionate.”

  “EDDYYYYY!”

  Before they could chat more, a veritable hurricane in the form of Astoria Greengrass nearly crashed into her father as she jumped on her brother’s back, causing Edward to squeak like a cat that had its tail pulled.

  “Ohmygosh! I didn't see you!! Oh, hi Harry. You look much better now. Oh, sorry, are you Eddy’s father? I'm Astoria Greengrass. Very pleased to meet you. Come on, Eddy, we have so many things–”

  “Sorry about that,” The hyperactive girl was suddenly pulled away from her brother by an irate-looking Tracey. “I was busy greeting Hermione and lost sight of this hellion for a second.”

  True to her word, Susan noticed an awkward Hermione, a grinning Daphne, a serene Luna, a still baffled Ginny, and a new girl she didn't recognise standing nearby. The infamous Weasley twins were also with them, throwing amused gnces at the commotion. They were all interrupted by her father’s boisterous ughter.

  “Well, I'll leave you kids to do your own thing. Off you go now, to the Alley.”

  “Look at them, so smitten with each other. It’s obvious why Potter likes her so much.”

  Tracey hummed at their newest friend’s scathing remark, yet she could tell there was no heat behind them - just an insecure girl talking nonsense. They were walking down the Alley, the adults chatted at the front, while Susan and Harry walked arm in arm.

  Tracey would admit that the sight was far too romantic for her taste, even if she did enjoy the redhead’s gre when she boldly hugged Potter in greeting.

  Was it too much? Probably, but she did not care. Tracey had decred her intentions, and as long as Harry Potter did not suddenly change his character, she would persist. It did not matter to her that this was a new and improved Harry Potter; though, she would admit to finding him even more handsome now that he was half a head taller than her.

  No, Tracey did not worry that Susan would be able to keep Harry to only herself for long - she was confident Harry would come around in time. Powerful wizards were usually like that–they could take what they wanted, including multiple women. And Bones might be powerful, but she was a far cry from being able to match Harry Potter. Of course, there was this not insignificant chance that Harry was a romantic and would be satisfied with a single witch.

  But that did not mean things were over. Retionships based on lust did not st forever, just like even the strongest fmes eventually turned to cinders and died out. This was doubly true for first retionships that started out casually, where both parties did not know what they wanted… at least according to her mother, and Tracey trusted her mother’s word on the matter. It helped that over the past two years, Tracey had seen the same thing happening time and again in school.

  So she held hope that Susan Bones would not be glued to Harry’s side forever. When that happened, Tracey would be there, ready to make her move.

  Sure, Susan was a gorgeous witch, but Tracey still had ample room to grow, judging by her mother and father’s looks. Perhaps Tracey was too young to consider such long-term pns, but her mother had given her a good piece of advice. Good and powerful wizards are rare, and if you find someone worthy, try your best to grab on and don’t let go no matter what - even if she had to compromise with other witches.

  A gnce to the side found a certain bushy-haired girl talking to Daph about choosing a pet. If there were one girl that Tracey dreaded to wrangle with for the affection of Harry Potter, it would be Hermione Granger. The girl was smitten with Harry, and while Potter tried to keep it cool, she knew he cared greatly about her.

  She shook her head as she punched her lightened book bag. The Monster Book of Monsters required its own bag, or else it would chew the rest of the schoolbooks. Something that Daphne had quickly found out, to her consternation.

  Strangely, the book did not act out when Harry was nearby.

  “Oh? Why not enlighten us then, Mafalda?”

  Hannah had joined them once they entered the Alley, with her fellow blonde girl smiling teasingly at the Prewett girl. They found her with Neville at Florean’s ice cream parlour. Longbottom had greeted them shortly, saw Harry busy with Susan, and tried talking to Hermione, who was busy speaking to Daphne, before shaking his head and excusing himself to meet with other boys from school–Finnigan and Thomas or something.

  Poor boy.

  “W-Well, it’s… you know.”

  The frustrated words elicited a storm of coughing from Hermione–in a failed attempt to cover her giggles and an amused snort from Daphne. It only made young Mafalda flush such a deep shade of crimson that Tracey was tempted to crack open a raw egg and see if it would be properly fried. Considering how hot the day was, and the clear skies causing the sun to shine brightly down, Tracey wagered she had a good chance, especially with Mafalda’s rge forehead.

  “I’m afraid I don’t know, Mafalda. Susan is a dear friend of mine, and I would like to say I know a lot about her, but if you have discovered something new, please let me know.”

  Hannah’s warm smile was far too innocent, and Prewett’s stutter as she raised her hands for a second before giving up and sighing caused Astoria to burst out ughing. Even Tracey stifled a giggle at the girl’s thought process - it was not uncommon for witches and wizards to undergo magical transformations that would give them a leg up in the beauty department. Not all of them were simply gmours, some were the result of rituals, and others were forms of magical surgeries or experimental potions that resulted in varying degrees of success… but usually hirious failures that warranted a visit to Saint Mungo’s or permanent disfigurements as Eloise Midgen would attest.

  Tracey had learned about them when she heard her parents discussing having Astoria undergo one to curb the curse, though it ultimately went nowhere. Speaking of her sister, she had Luna and Ginny in hand, dragging them along to any interesting-looking store, yet close enough to hear them. Susan’s little brother had finally managed to escape her clutches and tched onto the Weasley twins, of all people, much to his sister’s dismay.

  Tracey shuddered to imagine what those two menaces would make from that shy cutie pie. However, judging by their fervent Quidditch discussion, perhaps Edward Bones would not be dragged into that particur sort of mischief.

  Boys… it was either Quidditch or jokes that they thought about. It was a miracle Harry had outgrown the ‘girls are icky’ phase so quickly, compared to other boys their age who act immaturely.

  A rge crowd suddenly obstructed their path, and Tracey realised they had arrived at the Magical Menagerie. A stage was set outside the store where a couple of wizards showcased a new pesticide, while to the side, a colourful tent had a line of people forming out of its entrance.

  “Alright, children, we should be here for about an hour or so.” Her father gathered them around him with the rest of their parents before staring pointedly at Harry. “Some of you still need school robes, and young Edward has yet to procure a wand.”

  Eddy Bones smiled shyly from next to the Weasley twins, and Tracey had to hold Astoria back as she finally realised he had given her the slip - Harry’s blood transfusion a few days ago had far more apparent results than the st time, further cementing her suspicions that the boy had undergone some extreme ritual of sorts.

  “I suppose we can meet back here after we finish the rest of our shopping.” Susan’s mother smiled at her youngest son as she and Mr Bones led him to Olivander’s. “Hopefully, the wandmaker won’t take too long.”

  “Oh, we also have a very important meeting with Lee, don’t we, George?”

  “Why indeed, Fred. I believe he is waiting for us at Gambol and Japes’ joke shop. See you, Dad. Have fun, Ginny.”

  The twins waved at them before bounding off to a side street. Now, her father and Mr Weasley were the only adults, as even Susan’s older brothers had wandered off with their friends. Tracey’s mothers and Mrs Abbot had stopped by Andromeda’s Celestial Couturiers earlier, and had yet to catch up, so it was up to her father and Mr Weasley to chaperone them. For now, though, they all watched the ongoing show on the stage.

  “Get it here! Carrow’s Pest Away, now with a new formu–guaranteed to eradicate even the most stubborn magical pest in your homes.” The wizard proceeded to dramatically spray a bottle of the potion at a cage of rabid doxies, only for them to completely colpse to the ground in coughing fits before growing still. “As you can see, a single spritz is all that’s needed to bring down a handful of doxies. Far better than anything else you can find on the market!”

  The enamoured crowd went wild as they shoved their way to the line forming outside the tent, and cmoured to put their names on the purchase list once the potion was avaible on the market.

  “I wonder if the Magical Menagerie has the right permit to sell such potions?” Her father asked Mr Weasley as he manoeuvred them around the crowd and to the store’s entrance.

  “They do. Rosie had asked me about it, and both myself and her father reviewed their permits, and everything was in order. Ah, and speak of the devil,” Arthur Weasley smiled as a beautiful red-haired woman greeted them once they entered the crowded store. “Rosalia! Lovely act you have outside.”

  “Uncle Artie, you’re here!” Rosalia Carrow moved from behind the counter as she greeted her uncle and Ginny before freezing at the sight of Harry. “Oh my, luv. It looks like the puberty fairy hit you with a bludger.”

  Harry chuckled as he greeted the woman, “Where’s Reginald and the girls?”

  “The girls should be down here shortly, and Reggie is dealing with the crowd in the tent. You should know all about it, hmm?”

  Tracey raised an eyebrow in confusion but Harry didn't blink.

  “Ah, yes. Anyway, may I introduce you to my friends?”

  A few minutes ter, they were all introduced and given free rein to browse the store for pets and other things. Mrs Carrow promised them a family discount courtesy of Harry, and Tracey soon found herself with Daphne and Hermione looking over the feline section.

  “Well, Trace? Which one do you like?”

  Before she could reply, Hermione swiftly grabbed an orange cat with a squashed face. “This one is mine!”

  The sisters stared at the girl for a moment, then at the cat that rubbed its head on her chin before shrugging. “I suppose he is.”

  A few minutes ter, Tracey decided against getting a cat after all. Daphne got a bck kitten with green eyes that she pced on her shoulders, which Tracey would probably get dragged into caring for anyway. Gncing at her other sister, she grimaced, finding her jumping from one animal section to another, dragging Luna and Ginny with her - the Weasley girl looking mighty uncomfortable yet not wishing to make a scene.

  “Daphne?” Tracey pointed with her chin towards Tori, and her sister nodded as she dragged Hermione to intercept their hyperactive sister before she decided to buy half the animals in the store - their house was already a veritable zoo of pets that Astoria kept collecting.

  Now that she was alone, Tracey looked around the store; Hannah and Mafalda were browsing the terrarium while the adults chatted about boring things like taxes and the weather. For once, Harry was with his Carrow cousins looking over a vivarium, leaving Susan to stand by her lonesome as she stared at the owls section. A light smile came to Tracey as she quietly moved to her side and inspected the owls as well.

  “Looking for an owl, Susan?”

  “Not really, my family have a couple of our own, and Harry has Hedwig whenever we need to send letters.”

  “I see.” Well, that was a stilting start to a conversation. To be honest, Tracey did not even know what she wanted from the girl; befriend her? Tease her? Annoy her? The rest of their group was spread out in the store, so this was a good chance for a private conversation. “Harry lets you borrow his owl?”

  “Sometimes, though, I feel he has other people he allows access to his owl.” A frown appeared on Susan’s face as she gnced at Hermione before turning to her, “Did you know he has a female attendant living with him in his manor?”

  Tracey froze, “What?”

  “Yes, he let slip about her during our st date. A certain Chiara, twenty-year-old, and quite the charmer when I spoke to her through the floo that one time. Harry told me to trust her if I needed anything while he was away.” The redhead’s frown turned into a scowl, “She had been living with him since the day he got his manor.”

  “And you believe they are…”

  Her words failed her, but her mind began conjuring quite the sordid scene, and heat crept up her neck.

  Susan sighed, “I don’t know what to believe. I trust Harry, but I’m not blind; he is a very popur boy, and countless witches would love to be with him.” The redhead gnced at her with flinty eyes, “I know what you are trying to do, Tracey. I’m not sure how your family can so easily have a harmonious marriage, but I will state this now; I’m not the sharing type.”

  “Bit early to talk about marriage at thirteen, no?” Tracey folded her arms as she stared back at the taller witch in amusement, but before she could give a witty reply, she froze.

  Worried mutterings came from outside the store, which quickly evolved to shouts and screams, as an unnatural chill suddenly permeated the air, and the world seemed to grow darker. Tracey shivered, as Susan’s eyes widened, both of them looking to the Alley in worry, unconsciously moving closer together. It was the height of summer, and the weather was bright and sunny earlier.

  Arthur Weasley rushed past them to the store’s entrance, her father, hot on his heels. A whimper caused them to turn to Mafalda who was holding her head in Hannah’s arms, her face pale and tears streaming from her eyes.

  “Rosie!” Mrs Carrow hurriedly nodded to her uncle and moved to the crying girl.

  “It’s that bloody woman!” Her father groaned as he gnced outside the door. “I knew she had gained permission for ministry officials to bring those wretched things as security detail, but I didn’t realise she would be foolish enough to bring five of them.”

  “Five what?” Hermione asked as the rest of them approached. Harry had a grim look as he held a strange white wand in his hand along with a wicked-looking dagger.

  “Dementors.”

  Harry thought he would be ready if he ever had to face a dementor. His failure to cast a Patronus with his new wand had been disappointing, yet he still felt confident holding his own against the creatures of terror through sheer force of will.

  How wrong he was.

  That chill… the overwhelming feeling of despair, and the loud whispers in his mind nearly floored him. Memories of a woman screaming his name flooded his mind, and yet another woman, sounding painfully young, whimpered weakly, “Promise me, Ned.”

  He gritted his teeth as he endured the unnatural chill - a familiar one that brought even more unpleasant memories. A desperate fight on a fortified hill, shambling corpses, and figures of ice and crystal swords. Visions of his lost family appeared in his mind; he had never seen their deaths, yet now they appeared so vivid. Ned Stark’s decapitated head, looking at him sadly, a headless man with a familiar wolf’s head crudely sewn into his body, Sansa and Arya used and abused–

  Harry would have lost himself to the memories if not for two small hands grabbing his palms in worry.

  “H-Harry? What’s g-going on?” Flora’s heterochromatic eyes were wide as she stared at the window, where people fled from the shopfront. Hestia visibly shivered as a dark figure passed by the opaque gss.

  Then, something inside him broke, and Ghost’s silent howl shook him alert once again. The shroud of despair that threatened to drown him still felt heavy, but Harry did not feel as if the world was ending. No, he felt fury. It started small, like a spark. The spark turned into a fme, which roared, unyielding before the choking sense of despair. The fme was nearly at the base of his tongue, begging him to be unleashed at his foes, before he swallowed it and breathed deeply to centre himself.

  Harry gave his cousins a confident smile as he squeezed their hands back. “It’s nothing. Don’t worry about a thing.” He noticed Rosalia herding the younger girls deeper into the store, much to Astoria’s dismay, who did not seem at all affected by the dementors but instantly acquiesced at the sight of Luna and Ginny. Both girls looked utterly shaken, with sweaty faces and gzed eyes.

  Hannah dragged a distraught-looking Mafalda deeper - out of all of them, Maddie would have the worst reaction to the dementors, followed by Ginny and Luna. Still, thankfully, Rosie started handing out chocote to everyone, and Harry breathed a sigh of relief as they visibly got better. “Go on then - your mother will take care of you.”

  The twins nodded hesitantly before hurrying to their mother. Harry withdrew his wand and dagger, then joined Susan and Tracey just as Daphne and Hermione approached them from the other side. Mr Weasley cast the Patronus charm and exited the store; the silvery and ethereal weasel acted as vanguard as they followed the man outside, Mr Greengrass following suit with his fox patronus. He did not look amused when they followed him outside but nodded approvingly at his drawn weapons.

  “Band together, and wands out.”

  The girls hurried to do as told and exited the store… only to be greeted by five rge cloaked figures standing like sentinels behind the squat form of Dolores Umbridge. The formerly crowded streets were nearly deserted except for a few wizards in some form of leather armour a short distance from Umbridge, yet close enough to show they were part of her group. They were not Aurors, yet Harry could tell they were ministry workers of some kind, what with how rigidly they stood in attention as the toady woman was arguing with an utterly infuriated Reginald Carrow.

  “… Fucking lost me all of my customers!”

  “How dare you speak to me like that?! I could have you arrested for disturbing a ministry worker during their patrols, especially after we took the time to provide you with such excellent security!”

  “To hell with your bloody wraiths. Now, get them away from here before I turn you into the frog you are!”

  The dementors seemed to shift at the threat, and even the ministry workers gripped their wands. Harry had never seen Reginald so enraged before; gone was the veneer of politeness that he used as armour in his business deals. The stage was deserted and the wizards whom his Carrow cousin hired were nowhere to be seen.

  Everyone froze as they announced their presence, the patroni causing the monsters to visibly shiver as they bunched together and emitted a rattling groan. The mere presence of the ethereal guardians lessened the chill in the Alley, and the despair abated. A few curious heads popped out of the nearby windows and peeked from the corners. A fsh of light told Harry that a reporter was probably hiding nearby.

  “That’s quite enough from all of this.” Mr Weasley looked particurly miffed as he gred at the woman. “I don’t know what you thought to accomplish here, Madame Umbridge, but bringing those monstrosities to Diagon Alley when there are so many children doing their shopping is unacceptable!”

  “I have everything under control,” Umbridge insisted, and Harry would admit that she seemed to have exceptional control over the creatures - with a wave of her hand, they calmed down and… did she talk to them? It sounded vile, an oily and guttural nguage that made his skin crawl. “The dementors will be crucial in securing Sirius Bck as they are the ones most familiar with him.”

  “So you expect Bck to be hiding in Diagon Alley, of all pces?” Apollo scoffed as his patronus circled the dark creatures with Arthur’s. “You would have better luck in Knockturn Alley instead. Especially with a team of hit wizards - the amount of good you could actually do for the community instead of strutting around like an infted peacock eager to show her importance.”

  “There is no need for any fearmongering while we finish our patrols,” Despite the words, Umbridge looked incensed at Apollo Greengrass’ insults, but Harry figured she was smart enough not to antagonise the man. “It has already been approved by the Wizengamot to employ the dementors in public, as I'm sure you are aware, Mr Greengrass; especially as aids for ministry officials. Wherever I go shall be up to my prerogative.”

  The woman's sycophantic and overly sweet tone greatly irked Harry, who couldn’t help but growl out, “Interesting choice of words: fearmongering. Your friends here seem to be the physical embodiment of said emotion. Is this what you aimed to do here? Show off your mastery of that foul speech and your ability to control fear itself?”

  Umbridge seemed to finally notice him for the first time, though judging by her confused look, Harry had the feeling she did not know it was him - then her eyes widened as she gnced at Apollo and then back at him. “Ah, would this be a retive of yours, Mr Greengrass? Not to worry, young man. I have full confidence in the abilities of my dementors, and what we are doing is no different from an auror patrol.”

  Harry bnched, about to correct the woman, but Tracey and Daphne coughed and nudged him with their elbows as they took a couple of steps closer to him as if to reinforce the woman’s misunderstanding. He gnced incredulously at Daphne with a raised eyebrow, only to get a toothy grin in return, and Harry shrugged resignedly as he caught the st of Mr Weasley’s words.

  “…and you are willing to take full responsibility for anything they do, I hope? Their mere presence has already caused grief to my daughter and nieces, and who knows how many other students suffered from the effects.”

  “Of course, I would take responsibility for anything they directly do, but it’s not my fault others would suffer from side effects, just like none can control the sun scorching down on us! Besides, if anyone is to bme for forcing me to use the dementors, it would be our vaunted auror brigades or, rather, their ck of numbers and results!”

  “Is that so?”

  The chilling voice came from up the street, reverberating down through sheer magic; someone was pissed!

  Harry had the pleasure of seeing the toady woman hiccup in shock as they turned to find the angry visage of Amelia Bones marching down the street with a squad of aurors, all with their wands out and led by a glowing eagle, a bear, and a monkey. Harry recognised Tonks’ bright hair instantly, yet his attention was on Amelia, who somehow seemed to fill the street with her presence.

  “Madame Bones! I did not realise you would be here.” Umbridge smiled sweetly. “I was under the impression you were busy with work in the ministry.”

  “When our floo calls are flooded by shouts of ‘Dementors in Diagon Alley!’, I would naturally have to come in person to see what the commotion is about.” Amelia gnced at them, stopping short as she noticed him before shaking her head and gring back at Umbridge. “The only reason I have not banished these creatures yet is that it would be even more annoying to round them up again. Disperse them back to Azkaban, Madame Umbridge.”

  A vein pulsed in the toady woman’s forehead at the command, yet her sweet smile remained. “As I’m sure you have learned, Madame Bones, as a high-ranking ministry official, I have the right to employ a guard detail. As one of the few capable of speaking the Dementors’ tongue, it is only natural I would employ them.”

  “And the hit wizards?” Amelia stared coldly at the group of wizards who visibly gulped and averted their gazes. “I have been looking for this particur squad for a case, yet imagine my surprise when I find them here.”

  “As I said,” Umbridge gritted her teeth, “they are my guard detail.”

  “I see. Give it here,” Amelia raised her hand, snapping her fingers impatiently to the Senior Undersecretary to the Minister, who simply gawked in confusion. “Your orders? Assignment papers?”

  “What do you–”

  If Amelia Bones was angry earlier, now she looked apoplectic. “Do you mean to tell me that you drafted a squad of my hit wizards and five dementors for official business… that does not exist?!”

  Dolores Umbridge finally seemed to understand, and the crowd seemed to mutter at the scene. Harry did not even notice the streets getting crowded again, but with the presence of so many patroni, people have gained the courage to approach once more. That, and the promise of juicy gossip, he was sure.

  “Ah, of course! The assignment papers,” Umbridge made a show of looking through her purse before giving the fakest gasp. “Oh my, I seem to have mispced them. Not to worry, I am already done conducting my business here.” The woman then turned to the watching crowd, her eyes glinting with cunning, “As everyone here has seen, there is nothing to fear from dementors. They are fully under control and shall be the reason everyone can safely go about their businesses without worrying about lunatics and murderers harassing them.”

  The Senior Undersecretary to the Minister then turned back to Amelia Bones, not even gncing at them. “Thank you for your prompt arrival, Madame Bones. I shall now take my leave.”

  The murmurs and mutterings returned as the woman marched back up the street, though it seemed to be more curious than anything. A low curse had Harry turn to Reginald as he gred daggers at the retreating woman, and Harry finally realised Umbridge’s goal.

  He felt like a fool; she pyed them all like a fiddle.

  Nefertari’s Smoky Den

  “That vile, wretched gargoyle! J-Just why would she do that? Did she not realise that some of us would react terribly to those monsters?!” Hermione finally exploded.

  They were sitting on a sea of pillows in the cafe Hermione and Mafalda worked in, the rest of his friends enjoying their drinks and a plethora of exotic treats. The owner had a gleam in her eye as she saw the rge crowd and quickly ushered them into the VIP room. Harry noticed it was built as an octagon, with eight windows and eight VIP tables, with curtains for privacy that surprisingly cut off any chatter from neighbouring tables.

  “It’s all politics, Hermione.” Susan sighed from beside him, “The DMLE had been underfunded since just after the end of the war, yet tely, they had been getting a lot of track in increasing their support base. Naturally, any increase in their budget would come from other departments, which is something that Umbridge, and by extension, the minister, would not want.”

  “Why?” Mafalda gripped her cup of hot cocoa, her eyes gzed and red as she stared at the dark liquid. “Why would they ever employ such… monsters?”

  “The ugly gargoyle said it,” Ginny chimed in, causing them to turn to her in surprise - she had been retively silent all day. “It’s all about money. Dementors do not need to eat or drink, no holiday pay, no family leave, or even sick leave. They are soulless monstrosities that feed only on happy memories and relish the despair they cause.”

  They stared in silent awe as the notoriously shy girl spoke so confidently. Seeing so many pairs of eyes on her, Ginny ducked her head, her ears quickly turning the same colour as her hair. “At least that’s what Dad and my uncles say.”

  “Wow, look, Luna, You were right! She is smart.” Astoria cackled as she sat between them, shorter than both yet more than ten times their combined energies. “You’re not so bad after all, Ginny.”

  “That certainly sounds like the perfect expnation for the money-grubbing bureaucrats.” Tracey grumbled, “Honestly, they are worse than the goblins. Why pay more for Aurors when they can just employ soul-sucking demons?”

  “It still doesn’t expin why they had to bring them here!” Hermione seethed as she patted her new cat in comfort. “It just doesn’t make sense to cause so much grief and misery.”

  “It was a show,” Harry finally spoke, causing everyone to listen intently. “Dementors don’t seem to be the kind of creatures you want anywhere near you or your family. Didn’t the ministry try to assign them to Hogwarts to protect the students?”

  “Yeah, my aunt told me Dumbledore shut it down with extreme prejudice,” Susan said before drinking a sip of her tea. “They would be allowed to deploy in Hogsmeade, yet many of the residents aren’t exactly thrilled about it.”

  “Ah, so this was to show the public that the dementors can be controlled,” Hannah nodded knowingly. “I didn’t watch from the start, but I heard the people gossip about how obedient the monsters were to Umbridge.”

  “Probably because they were recently fed,” Daphne shrugged as she munched on something called Kunafa with a delighted moan before giving a piece of cream to her kitten. “I’m sure muggle London must have had a sudden cold front.”

  “Wait, they feed on souls and happy memories, right?” Maddie excimed incredulously. “Do you mean to tell me the ministry set them on the muggles?!”

  “It’s never been confirmed, but have you never wondered why there are so many muggles in insane asylums or just vegetables?” It was Luna, of all people, who expined, her wide eyes and eerie voice causing him to shiver for a moment. “It’s all part of the grand conspiracy for Fudge to decre himself king. First, it would be the dementors. Then, the goblins, where the minister eats them for breakfast in pies to gain their money making powers. Next, the secret vampire cabal in the ministry would start preying on young witches and wizards once they grow bored with muggle blood. Finally, they would crossbreed house elves and werewolves in an attempt to create a super soldier that could–”

  “Okay, that’s enough.” Astoria pinched Luna’s cheeks, causing the blonde girl to yelp, “Sorry about that. I thought I had managed to beat those insane conspiracies out of her head.”

  Chuckles and giggles emanated around the table, and Harry wondered if Luna did that on purpose. Even as she compined to Astoria about how true the conspiracies were, he could sense amusement and relief coming from the girl. Looking around the table, Harry had to admit he liked having so many friends… though it was weird that they were all girls. Where the bloody hell was Neville? He saw him earlier only for the boy to disappear before he could greet him - and they had hit it off so well in the hospital as well.

  Shaking his head, he wondered how to best proceed with his pn. It was something Chiara proposed: invite his friends to a party in his manor, but it would be awkward if he asked the girls without their families around. It would be a lot of fun if he managed to invite so many people, though a niggling thought in his mind told him he should probably bribe Cinder with something to prevent her from making any trouble.

  “So, Harry.” He turned to a smirking Tracey with a raised eyebrow, “How does it feel to be confused for a Greengrass?”

  He groaned as the rest of the table erupted in ughter.

  I am not fully satisfied with this chapter. I had several more scenes in mind, including another visit to Gringotts, but I was not feeling well the past few days.

  I want to write an omake at some point about Harry’s date with Susan at that Quidditch match. Chronologically, it would be Chapter 34.5, but it would not have warranted a full chapter, and it was honestly just fluff and jokes. Later, perhaps.

  Why is the ministry having the dementors all over the pce? Because Sirius didn’t sleeptalk about “He’s in Hogwarts!” So they have no idea what could be his goals. They suspect, of course, but with no clear proof, and their recent flops earlier on, Fudge has no wish to step on Dumbledore’s toes any longer than necessary.

  One thing led to another, and politics got in the way, so Fudge, through Umbridge, attempts a new scheme. Use dementors for everyday patrols instead of Aurors - those pesky cops with their saries, pensions, and vacation pay. Surely, nothing bad will come from that, right?

  Hit Wizards are basically private contractors employed by the ministry, yet are still under the jurisdiction of the DMLE, though they have more freedom to act out than aurors… yet also less authority.