Draco Malfoy was irritated. After Potter made his announcements, he had tried to owl his father the moment he left the Great Hall. But the castle refused to open its doors and it wouldn't let in any personal owls, so he was going to have to wait until morning. Sitting in the Slytherin common room, he was still surprised that Potter had accomplished all that he said he had. Draco had read the Prophet from the first page to the last. His Godfather and mentor was now in prison along with several others that had gotten in Potter's way, in his quest for power. Draco felt that there was nothing special about Potter and he highly doubted that he had two of the founders' blood in him. That was simply too rare. Even the Malfoy's had a slight connection to the founders when one of their ancestors married Godric Gryffindor but had a child with Salazar Slytherin. That was one reason that the Dark lord favored his father so much. They were distant family, although Draco had never heard of a wizarding family with the surname of Riddle. He had found out the Dark Lord's true name over the summer when he saw it in one of the Dark Lord's books.
What Draco found truly hard to believe, at least in his own mind, was that Potter, a halfblood from a very old family, had sullied his family's name further by marrying the mudblood Granger and getting her pregnant. Never mind that he was under a very powerful lust potion, according to the Prophet. Draco didn't believe that for a minute, even if Snape admitted to making the potion and instructing the Weaslette in how to use it. No it was all Potter. He only said that to get Snape in trouble.
He sighed. Potter seemed to have everything, including the Black fortunes, which he had thought he was going to inherit when his worthless cousin 'died'. But NOOO, the idiot had to leave it to someone else. Draco had never been so embarrassed in his life until he had gone to Gringotts on his birthday to accept the Black inheritance, only to be told that he wasn't the Heir. That had made him so angry that he went home and destroyed over half his room before his father stopped him. They had spent the rest of the summer trying to find the Heir and have that person removed. The family was in need of the money. His father had spent a great deal to get out of prison and in supporting the Dark Lord. There was barely enough to buy Draco his new winter wardrobe. He hated having to wear the same outfit to a social event, within the same season. His mother had to stop going to France every other weekend and his father was looking into selling some of the family properties off. Nothing had been going right since Potter returned. Potter would rue the day that he turned down friendship with Draco Malfoy.
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Harry, Hermione and Michael had a very early but leisurely breakfast the next morning. An owl arrived from the temporary Minister, Kingsley Shacklebolt, stating that he would have roughly half the aurors in Hogsmeade to help spring Harry's trap. He was betting on all the students with the Dark Mark to go, as he had 'seen' Voldemort ordering them to assemble during one of the 'meetings'. It was to finalize plans for the take over of Hogwarts and the hurting and killing of the muggleborn students, especially Hermione. He hadn't told her what he had seen specifically, just in general terms. For once she hadn't questioned his evasive answers. She was preoccupied with Harry's meeting schedule and helping Madam Pince in the library every afternoon, during Michael's naptime.
Harry still hadn't told the rest of the staff about his young son but would have to soon. He was starting to really show his magical power. It would take a genius to figure out the baby's magic. He wondered if he had ever done what his scamp of a son seemed to be doing. Like after being put to bed, summoning a bottle or pacifier from the main room, or making what he didn't want to eat disappear from his plate without eating it. That was just some of the magic his six month old son seemed to be doing. Hermione was reading practically every book on babies and toddlers that could be found.
Harry kissed Hermione and Michael goodbye. The latter off to have a bath with his mama, as he started calling her. Actually his first word. He had her crying when he said it the first time and now wouldn't stop saying it. Hermione either beamed with pride or had grateful tears each time he said it. Harry assumed it was hormones, but didn't say it out loud as he really didn't want to sleep on the couch. Hermione now referred to Michael as their son, not Harry's son. She had already written to her parents about the two of them being married, Harry's son, the betrayal of Dumbledore and the Weasleys, and how she had already 'graduated' from school and was helping Harry run it. Harry had sent his own letter to Hermione's father, telling him man to man, exactly why he had married his daughter and why they couldn't wait for them to be there. Harry thought that if the man had access to Howler material, the entire school would have known Harry's secrets long before they had been revealed during the trial. The letter was not the most pleasant reading. In fact the first ten pages described what the man would do to him if he ever hurt his little girl. The last page however told him that he knew Hermione loved him and that he knew she was happy being 'Mrs. Harry Potter'. That he accepted the fact that he was now a grandfather to not one but two children, counting Michael as his grandson. Harry extended an invitation to his in-laws to spend Christmas with them at Hogwarts. They accepted and all decided not to tell Hermione, but to surprise her instead.
As Harry reached his office, using the new passage way, he hadn't even sat down when a chime announced that the Weasley's had arrived. As they entered the office Harry greeted each warmly and invited them to sit down. One they were seated Harry went to his own and sat down.
"I asked you all here one to show you that I don't blame any of you for your other family members betrayal against me. Two I want to offer you each a position here at Hogwarts." They all looked stunned.
"Bill, I have asked Remus to return as the DADA professor. He has accepted but wants an assistant to help him. Also someone to teach the class when he can't because of the full moon. I was wondering if you would want the position?"
Bill was even more stunned. Here was a job much needed after loosing his job at Gringotts, because of what his family had done to Harry. The goblins hadn't come right out and said so, but he knew that was the real reason. They claimed that things had slowed down and they needed to downsize. But Bill knew why. And now with Fleur pregnant, he didn't know where the money was going to come from. Now here was the one person showing kindness when by all that was holy shouldn't. "I don't know why you are offering to help any of us after what the Weasley family has done to you but I will accept your offer."
"Good. I was hoping you would. Now do you want to live here or at the Burrow?"
"Here. None of us plan to step inside that place anytime soon."
"I understand. Remus will be here this afternoon. You two should get together and form some lesson plans. They need to start tomorrow since I had to fire that 'witch' of a woman. She didn't really teach them anything and was slightly better than Umbridge in that department."
"I'm sure that we'll think of something." Harry nodded. "By the way congratulations."
"For what?" Harry gave him a look that asked if he was really that stupid. Bill understood at once. "How did you find out? We haven't even told the family yet."
"Fleur owled Hermione this morning about it and wanted to know when they could get together to go shopping." That sounded like his Fleur. She was very excited about the baby and now with the women in his family in prison and her own mother far away she turned to Hermione for female companionship.
"The same to you as well for both the wedding and the baby."
"What are you two talking about?" asked Fred.
"Fleur's pregnant." said Bill.
"So is Hermione." stated Harry.
"You two work fast." said a grinning George.
"I had to since I couldn't escape the potion. We found out later that Snape had added an extra fertility potion to it to make sure that there was a baby."
The Weasley's said nothing after that statement. They knew that it was Ginny who was responsible for that.
"But I am kind of glad that she did. I would have floundered for years getting up the nerve to even date Hermione."
"Only you could skip dating someone and marry them living happily ever after. Why not count your six years of friendship before hand as dating?"
Harry snorted. "Think Hermione would go for that?" All of them laughed. Harry turned his attention to Charlie.
"Charlie, I want to offer you the Care of Magical Creatures post. Hagrid talked to me last night about it. He's getting a little overwhelmed with teaching and still doing his other duties, so he's willing to be your assistant and help you when needed. I think he's hoping that you'll bring in a dragon."
Charlie snorted. "He wishes. I think that I can accept but I'll need to give notice to the Dragon Reserve first and pack everything."
"How long do you need?"
"A couple of weeks should do it."
"That's fine. You might want to get together with Hagrid before you leave and plan some lesson, preferably ones that don't include anything dangerous."
"I can guarantee that and thank you." Harry nodded. He looked at Fred and George, who were sitting there trying to look innocent. Harry snorted again. "Alright you two knock it off. I know you two better than that. Now I really questioned my sanity when I thought this one up. But when I mentioned it to the rest of the staff, they, after the shock wore off, supported the decision. How would you two like to teach Potions and share the responsibility of being Head of Slytherin House?"
"How can we teach? We never graduated" said Fred.
"Funny that you mention that. When I started looking for Snape's replacement I requested a list of those who had passed their NEWTS in potions. Both of your names appeared on it with some of the highest scores in nearly fifty years, even beating Snape's. Further investigation showed that you had taken all of your NEWTS and had graduated, like I did, through the Ministry." Both looked like they had gotten caught with their hands in the cookie jar. Bill and Charlie were torn between pride and outright laughter.
"As much as we would like to say yes Harry, we do have a business to run" said George.
"I know, that's why I thought of both of you. One could teach while the other ran the shop. I don't care if you switch places every other day, week, or month. It would be up to you. But there will be no testing of products here, especially on students. I do want one of you on the grounds at all times. The Slytherins will need your guidance soon."
"You really want us to be the Head of the Snake House? We're Gryffindors" said Fred.
"I'll tell you a secret boys. I could have been in Slytherin myself. The Sorting Hat told me that I would be great there. The only reason why I didn't was I asked not to."
"You asked the Sorting Hat NOT to put you in Slytherin" asked Bill amazed.
"Yeah, so it placed me in Gryffindor instead."
Fred and George seemed to hold a silent conversation with each other. It was really weird to watch. "We accept. Fred will teach for the first week and then I will."
"So every other week?" Both nodded. "That will be fine. Fred, I have no idea where each year is in potions. Hermione took over when Snape couldn't return so talk to her about lessons. And before I forget. No pranking the students. The staff, however, are free game." Two evil grins appeared. Harry thought that this was something that they had always wanted to do.
"Dobby."
The little elf appeared with a small crack. "Yes Harry Potter, sir?"
"Can you ask some of the other elves to clean three sets of chambers for our newest Professors? Have Snape's old quarters cleaned for the twins, as they will be taking over as Head of Slytherin House. Bill will need to be near Professor Lupin's quarters since he is Remus' assistant. Charlie will need some close to Hagrid's hut but still inside the castle."
"It will be done, Harry Potter, sir." He disappeared with another crack. The Weasley's stood and thanked Harry again for all that he had done for them and left. Deciding that he needed to stretch his legs he decided to take a walk outside. It didn't take much to convince Hermione to join him.
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Several members of the Slytherin house sent off messages to their parents first thing that morning about the change in the Hogsmeade outing. Draco, himself, had been up at dawn and was now awaiting his father's reply as he ate breakfast. He noted that neither Potter nor the Mudblood were at the staff table. He really didn't want to think about what was delaying them. He thought that Potter was showing his stupidity for allowing the trip in the first place. He smirked as he thought about all the mayhem that would follow the outing. The school would soon be theirs and Potter would either be dead or a slave to the Dark Lord. Oh how he hoped that he would be given the Mudblood to do with as he pleased. He had many tortures lined up for the know-it-all, death not being a part of it. He had to push those thoughts aside. It wouldn't do him any good if he blabbed something before he got his hands on her.
Draco saw his father's owl flying towards him with a letter in its beak. It dropped near his plate. As he read the letter, those around him saw the truly evil smile that the blond was sporting. He looked up and saw that they were awaiting his orders. "Pass the word to the faithful. We meet at the shack at noon. DON'T be late!" Yep this meeting was going to be good.
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Harry and Hermione held hands as they walked around the grounds. They talked of little things and what the future might hold for them and their small family. As they approached Hagrid's hut, Harry could see that the students were already heading for Hogsmeade. He wasn't surprised, but still slightly disappointed in the number of Slytherins that were leaving. He knew that there was some sort of meeting planned and that Voldemort, himself, would be there. He had been having twinges in his scar all morning. He knew that Voldemort was trying to break through his barriers. Probably to plant false information so that something could happen in Hogsmeade, to the village and its inhabitants.
"He's trying to get through, isn't he?" Harry thought that he was covering it up fairly well. He should have realized that he could never fool Hermione.
"You know me too well."
"Yes I do. Now, is he nearby?"
"I think he's in Hogsmeade."
"We have to cancel the trip then."
"No, I planned for this."
"What do you mean you planned for this?"
"I realized that most of Slytherin house probably has taken the Dark Mark, willing or not. With that ward I placed they won't be able to 'see' the castle. I already knew that they were going to meet with some of his inner circle. They are going to finalize plans for the take over of the school and killing as many muggleborns as they can. They think that the castle is weak since Dumbledore was caught and imprisoned. They have no idea that they are really walking into a trap that I helped the ministry lay out."
"Your going then, aren't you?"
"Yes and I want you to stay here." She started to protest but he interuppted her. "I know that you are more than capable of taking care of your self but I need you to take care of our baby too. Michael will be wanting you to read to him for his nap soon and I would feel better if you stayed to protect the younger students. You can activate the wards now through Hogwarts. I need you here, Hermione." He gathered her close to him. "Please understand. I would be so worried about you, that I wouldn't be able to concentrate on what I would need to do."
"I'll stay, but I won't be happy about it. You had better come back in one piece Harry Potter, or I'll hex you in the afterlife."
"That's my girl," he smirked and kissed her good-bye. He walked her far as the entrance to the castle before turning and heading down the road that led to the village.
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Inside the Shrieking Shack Lord Voldemort waited with three of his followers. Bella was pacing, silently ranting about Potter and how he had managed to imprison not only Severus but Dumbledore as well. She had yet to realize that it was Lucius who had placed the Silencing charm on her. The results would be very interesting. Wormtail was also here. The rat had told him of the secret passages that led from the village to the castle, right under the wards. The coward had assured him that there was an opening in the shack but had yet to actually find it.
"Well, Wormtail? Where isss thisss sssecret passssage?"
"I know it is here, my Lord, but it seems to be hidden. I don't know how or why. Perhaps Dumbledore placed some sort of charm on it before he was sent to Azkaban."
"I have no need of your excussess rat. I NEED THAT PASSSAGE WAY FOR MY PLAN TO WORK! NOW FIND IT!" The rat scurried off to hide and search but not before he was hit with a Crucio. Lord Voldemort held it as his young Deatheaters entered the magically enlarged space. He let the rat go before turning to the faces of the younger generation.
"Let this be a lesson to you. I don't like failure."
"Yes my Lord," answered his mini-minions.
Now let us go over the plans for Potter's downfall."
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Harry arrived in Hogsmeade at a quarter til noon. He saw several students outside enjoying the weather and noted that the Slytherins were not among them. Neville saw him and rushed over.
"Harry! I saw the Slytherins, led by Malfoy, go towards the Shrieking Shack. They act like they're up to something."
"They are, Neville. I need you to start getting everyone back to the castle, especially the younger students. Get the other members of the DA to help you. If they question you, tell them that as the new Head Boy you have the right and that I had ordered you to do so."
"Right and thanks, Harry."
"You've earned it, Nev. Now go!"
Harry watched as the once shy young man began issuing orders like a general. Surprisingly no one actually questioned him and they all followed his orders and started rounding up the others. Harry was pleased to see his fellow seventh year housemates surrounding the younger years in a loose circle with themselves on the outside. It did his heart good to see that they were willing to sacrifice themselves to save someone else.
Harry watched the large group until he couldn't see them any more. A clock chimed the hour. It was noon. Suddenly it felt cold and a mist started creeping into the village. Harry thought of only one thing that could do that. Dementors. Hidden aurors raced out into the street as the things approached the village. Harry was very glad that he had gotten the students out before they had arrived. Thinking of the memory of Hermione holding Michael as she read to him, Harry shouted "EXPECTO PATRONUM". His silver stag jumped out of his wand and started pushing several Dementors back. He heard several others shout the charm. It would hold them off but they would soon be over run. There was just too many of them. Harry estimated that there had to be at least three hundred here, meaning that Azkaban was practically defenseless.
Harry wondered if the spell that he had read in Helga Hufflepuff's journal would work. It was somewhat an opposite to the Killing curse. It had surprised Harry to learn that Godric had created that curse. Helga's spell used love as the driving force unlike the Killing curse that used hatred. It was worth a shot and Harry had been wanting to test it anyway.
"Amor Luminarium Necto Mei Inimicus" shouted Harry. A massive white light erupted from Harry's wand and hit the nearest Dementor. He heard the cry of surprise and then the shriek of pain as he watched the Dementor struggle with the invisible chains that held him tight. Harry saw that the light continued, chaining every Dementor in the village. After a couple of minutes the light dissipated and all that was left were the tattered cloaks that the Dementors had wore, laying on the ground, empty.
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Voldemort finished his meeting. He stood before the group of children and said, "Right now a large group of Dementors are attacking Hogsssmeade. You are to go and kill whomever stands in your path. This will help prove your loyalty to me. Now go and do asss you are bidden."
All left ready to do as they had been commanded. But when they reached the village it seemed deserted. There was nothing living outside. The first thing any of them saw were several black tattered robes on the ground. Suddenly they were surrounded by aurors. Draco saw Potter in the midst of them.
"What's with the reception committee, Potter? Afraid that you might break a nail or something?"
"No just taking out the trash." Draco didn't like the gleam in Potter's eye. The wizard was planning something and it didn't look good for him. "Well I guess since everyone else has left we'll go too."
"If you can find it." Harry muttered, watching as they left the village.
Draco led the way down the lane towards where the castle should be. But it was gone! What had happened to the castle?! Draco spun around and snarled at Harry.
"What have you done with the castle, Potter?"
"Having a bit of trouble, Malfoy?" Draco saw that there were several aurors and other ministry officials behind him, including the acting Minister.
"Just tell me the password since you obviously place the castle under the Fidelus Charm."
"Nope, no charm." Now Draco was getting scared and worried. A woman with bright pink hair came up to him and said "Care to show me your left arm, cousin?"