Chương 11: Chapter 11
The council filled the room in emergency session. All administrators from both high and low schools, all active knights, and any support staff sworn to the Order was called in.
They filled the upper tower dining area, but they weren't there to snack or share a meal.
"Each one of us has been touched in some way by Sister Gisele." The Knight Commander began.
"Some harder than others!" A jokester called out, bringing barks of laughter at the painful truth.
Romano's glare brought quick silence to the room.
"I won't have anyone breaking the code to go after Malfoy or anyone else in Britain. We are barely tolerated the few times we've had animal control issues. Amos Diggory holds us as friends and colleagues, but I can count on one hand anyone else that does in the British Ministry of Magic.
"We cannot have a personal vendetta against anyone. Not now, not ever." The Knight Commander stated firmly.
"That ponce gets away with murder! I heard that Dumbledore refused the goblin evidence and now is banned from Gringotts for a month." Someone shouted.
"That is not all, but the High Council will debate on calling Albus Dumbledore into session. If he were a knight, I can tell you right now, I would have taken action already." Sir Romano continued, confirming the knight's information.
There were gasps. If Dumbledore was found guilty, he would be stripped of his Order of Merlin, and never allowed to earn another.
The news from Squire Harry's few months in the British Isles had been well shared though. Disappointed the knights might feel, but not one raised his voice in defense of the so-called Leader of the Light in England.
"French aurors dream of catching Lucius Malfoy in a crime. Is he protected everywhere? I mean his family travels to France fairly regularly." And was carefully spied upon.
"We have that in hand. If the opportunity comes, and we are invited, I would be willing to aid my blade and wand. What say ye? Any volunteers in bringing Malfoy to justice legally?"
Every witch and wizard raised their blades in response with a loud 'Aye!' in vote of support.
Only one knight held back, and he snuck to the back to see if there was going to be more said. When the meeting broke up, he was the first one out the door.
**OO**
"Sir Jerome?" The Knight Commander was startled at the sudden appearance of one of his youngest and newest knights.
The boy learned fast, and was a thoughtful and thorough instructor. Years ahead of some of his peers, no doubt using some of his veela gifts of empathy and persuasion.
"Please, tell me why. She took me and my brother in when others would have killed us to protect the honor of the court. Why did you kill the woman that I counted as Maman."
The grand knight sighed and went over to a filing cabinet. He pulled a report, and passed it over to him.
"Good Sir Knight, please have a seat, and let's discuss this. Do you believe that there are times that evil, in order to be dealt with, may lead to the death of a knight? Do you think that I would say, 'it's too dangerous to deal with THAT evil? Let's pass. It will go away on its own?"
"No, of course not, Commander! But we are now accepting hundred-year-old sisters to be knights on the front lines? I was there! That day when she left the bank. I should have protected her. Taken her place! Any of us would have gladly done so, sir! Any one of us!"
"I know. I fought with her before, you know. In the war. I didn't order her to do this mission. Sister Gisele volunteered. Remember, she fought in the resistance."
Sir Romano was the toughest, bravest knight among them, and the veela could feel this man holding back his own tears!
"Sister Gisele knew that we were missing orphans or unwanted magical children from Britain. That young muggleborns were being targeted. Too few were showing up at Hogwarts, and she knew that someone in power in the ministry was behind it. We have people friendly to us that help. You know this. But it wasn't enough to root out the source of evil.
"This was her goal! To be murdered by that scum so that WORLD would see this evil! And maybe, this will lead us to being allowed to finally address it directly."
"You didn't fail to protect her that day. She did a job that no one else could."
The young handsome knight was shedding tears. He had felt so helpless that day and knew she had run from him on purpose. Now he knew why.
"I won't ask for a vow of silence. But can you please keep it to yourself until the mission is complete. She will be inducted into the Order posthumously of course."
The Knight Commander opened the file, and had Sir Jerome read it. The young man paled at the report. She was losing her sight. No magical or muggle options. And since it was the nerve bundle, a prosthetic like Mad-eye had was not an option.
"If she couldn't live life her way and help her orphans, she would help all of the orphans of Britain by taking out the main politicos that stopped us from helping people like you." Sir Romano explained. "And perhaps wake the British people up to the evil running the country."
Sir Jerome went to the corner of the office, and used the prie-dieu without permission. Tears streamed from his face.
"I won't let her sacrifice be in vain. You have my silence, my lord." Sir Jerome promised, then continued.
"She always called me 'mon petit dauphon' My little prince, though I will never have that title."
"You are true veela, good sir knight. You and your brother. You know how rare that is for your people. After your service, you will be surprised by the opportunities that await you. And it won't come just from who your grandparents are."
The knight commander pulled the young man into a strong embrace.
Sir Jerome nodded. "I wouldn't be surprised if Sir Hector figures out what happened with Sister Gisele as well. Or Rock."
"I hope Rock doesn't. He likes to argue with me with his fists, and oh, can he throw a punch."
**OO**
Mad-eye had been sent by the Ministry of Magic to arrest Neville Longbottom in the death of his cousin Blaise Zabini.
With Zora Zabini being Italian, she had scoffed at the auror report that the boy was innocent. She demanded justice. The boy's father demanded justice be done in England.
Queen Elenore would be sending court wizards to the trial as witnesses, and Alain Delacour had offered his witness as well.
Moody had been invited to Neville's investiture as a squire. They decided to hold that ceremony now ahead of the trial.
The Knight Commander was arrayed in all of his finery. Every knight not in the field was attending. The stained glass depicted honored knights of old, and the vows taken were from the foundations of the Order.
"Do you, Neville Franklin Longbottom, swear to uphold the Code of the Order? To Walk every day on the path of good? To aid the sick, injured, infirm? To protect the innocent? To hold yourself clean before Heaven and these witnesses? To give to the needy, and in taking final orders swear that you will give all to Serve the Lord?"
"I so swear on my life, my magic, and my honor" Neville swore solemnly.
Millicent and Hermione brought up the squire's belt to Sir Rodney Chatham, known as "Rock".
"I swear on my magic, my life and my honor that I will teach you to the best of my abilities, keep you on the path to the best of my abilities, and keep you safe in the field and while you are learning to the best of my abilities. Your successes are my successes. Your failures my failures. From now until God takes me from this earth, my sword and wand will defend you!"
That last was not necessary, but sometimes added when one orphan recognized another without family. It was an oath that bound them together on both planes.
Neville sniffed back tears that formed in his eyes at that.
The knight directed the girls to put the belt on his new squire. Hermione then made a motion, and Soda brought her a scabbard. One that clearly had a sword.
"This squire is an honorable wizard and good friend. My parents and I want to give this gift to let everyone know that our family supports Neville Longbottom."
Hermione handed over the blade. It actually came from the Potter boxes that Dumbledore had. Harry figured that if James Potter was alive, he would give his godson a good sword. Goblin forged; it had been in the family for some time. The Grangers made a donation to the Order to 'pay' for the blade.
Neville pulled out the sword and held it high. The knights in the room gasped when they saw it. A non-magical but clearly high-quality goblin made blade. Blue-grey light shown off it subtlety.
The new squire sheathed the blade and hugged each girl before clasping hands with his knight in the traditional grip.
The students started to applaud, and Harry went over to give his godbother a manly hug.
**OO**
Rock Chatham was tall, six foot five inches roughly. Exactly two meters as others measured it.
His Viking ancestry was clear in his strong arms, blue eyes and light complexion. While not as striking as say Sir Jerome, he was considered "ruggedly" handsome.
Only a few of the older sisters knew how he came by the nickname Rock.
Some squires had said it was his muscles. Some compared him to St. Peter. But it had nothing to do with strength, a sure foundation or abdominal muscles.
As a two-year-old, he had been abandoned after being nearly beaten to death, likely after a display of accidental magic. He rarely spoke, but when he did, it was to hold up his small arms to Sister Gisele, and asked for one thing.
"Rock?" the little boy would beg.
Lars Chatham had horrible night terrors for a time. When waking up the sister in charge at night, he would sweetly request this comfort.
"Rock?"
Sad blue eyes filled with fear and tears were soon comforted by Auntie Gisele. The headmaster of the time had one of the boffins charm her chair so that she could comfortably sleep in it holding him.
She would see him and say 'Rock' offering to hold him while reading to the boys in the room, but it stuck.
"Rock" chose his first name as Rodney as he didn't feel like a Lars. The sisters weren't sure if Chatham was really his family name, it was found with the boy on a scrap of paper that had Lars Chatham, but that's what they had, and so used.
He knew what it felt like to be unwanted, and also knew the joy of finding family in the Order. Neville's coloring was similar to his own, and walking around the complex together, they looked like blood family, brothers not that many years apart.
The knight beamed in pride and joy in his new squire, and looked forward to working with him.
**OO**
The Wizengamot was packed. The visitor's gallery had had to be expanded three times for the extra press that had shown up.
Whatever happened here today, it wasn't going to be swept under the rug again.
The first item of business was a public petition. It had been signed by the shop owner in Diagon, the two Smith girls, and several concerned citizens regarding the missing Persephone Smith. A request for an investigation in her disappearance was made.
Dolores Umbridge, visiting for this important event, fielded that question.
"Miss Smith was offered a lucrative position in potion ingredient collection in South America. She must have been so excited for her new job that she hasn't written her friends yet. I just happen to have an employment contract right here."
She submitted it to the court. Mad-eye stomped over and waved his wand.
It didn't glow gold.
Alastor Moody started to object, but another auror pulled him away before he could say anything.
"Don't do it, Moody. It's not worth your pension."
Seeing that it was Sir Hector, Moody nodded, and went to sit down.
Those in the know saw enough though. A fake contract. The woman could be anywhere or worse. She could be dead.
"The next item of business is the charge of murder against Neville Longbottom."
Squire Longbottom had left weapons and wand in the safe-house in Paris. Harry and Hermione had been left behind too, just in case phony charges or worse were brought against them.
The healers had been asked to leave the scars on his face for now. It was clear that the boy had recently been through a terrible ordeal.
For just a moment, there was a look of concern on Madam Longbottom's face but it was quickly gone.
Algie was not sitting next to her, but was next to his mistress in the gallery. Zora Zabini was in black, a black lace veil covering her face.
"Veritaserum will be used in this capital case!"
Madam Longbottom stood. "I have no objection."
There were gasps amongst the purebloods. Everyone thought that she would be the one defending her grandson tooth and claw!
The three drops were delivered.
"Did you Neville Longbottom intend to kill your cousin with that troll?"
"Objection! Assumes facts not in evidence. Ask the questions that were submitted or be sued." Madam Tonks stated. Regulus had contacted her, and she waived all fees but a minor stipend for her time. Neville was distant family after all.
Umbridge glared at the Bellatrix look-alike, but her damage had been done.
"Did you try to kill your cousin Blaise Zabini? Or ask anyone else to?"
"No. I didn't know Blaise was my cousin. Why would I? We are friends. Were friends. Gran doesn't let me have much gold. How would I hire anyone? I wouldn't harm him though. He's nice. Was nice."
"Does your head wound make it so you can't remember trying to kill him?"
"Objection!"
"Overruled. Answer the question."
"I don't remember much about that day. I remember being with Blaise, talking with him about plants and potions. Why would I remember him being friends if I wanted to kill him?"
"Because he was magically powerful and was going to supplant you as Lord Longbottom! You killed him before everyone found out you were a squib!" Umbridge declared.
Pandemonium reigned for a time, and Dumbledore did not stop it quickly.
Madam Tonks shot a noisemaker. "You aren't testifying here! I have the memories of the rescued girls. Millicent Bulstrode is here as defense witness. Let's move on. You are not asking the agreed upon questions.
"It's important to get to the truth. Did perhaps Harry Potter want to kill your cousin for you, to protect you? I hear that you are friends with that nasty nuisance."
"Harry wouldn't kill anyone unless it was to protect me."
"Exactly! He did it to protect you. Protect your seat and inheritance! Prosecution withdraws the charges. This pureblood boy is innocent."
Pandemonium again reigned with requests for arrest orders for Harry Potter being made.
Neville was gotten out of there extremely quickly.
They met in a side room that only knights and aurors knew about. It had an active floo so they could leave for Paris from there.
"That could have gone better." Sir Hector said. Chatham had been sitting next to the solicitor and had said nothing during the proceedings.
"That was justice? It was a circus! And now Harry will be accused." Rock complained.
"Dumbledore did nothing. Again. Has he been checked for potions recently? Or imperious?" Sir Hector complained.
Mad-eye stomped in shaking his head. "I have no idea what's goin' on in that head of Dumbledore's but I don't like it one bit!"
Sir Hector directed the rest of the group to leave. He stayed behind to clear the air with Alastor.
"You rescued her." Mad-eye flat stated without saying Persephone's name aloud.
"I did. Lucius hadn't even hurt her yet. Was allowing the waiting to do part of the torture. Fortunately, Dobby and the other elves don't consider the removal of people from the dungeons as theft."
The scarred auror paced.
"You plan to rescue more people?" Alastor surmised.
"The elves are on board with it. Command put boffins back home trying to figure out a substitute for prisoners that would move. React like people, somehow."
"Clever lad! And you got Minerva coming on board to help with that. She's deadly smart, as her past enemies came to know. She was swearing to me how she had failed us in not putting Malfoy down years ago." Mad-eye confided.
"It's not him, well, not just him. It's the whole mess. At least we are getting to know some of the players. Fudge, Umbridge, Malfoy, Selwyn, Fawley and others." Sir Hector stated. "We may reach out to Remus Lupin and get him onboard at some point. You'd have a safe-house there if ever needed. We were not compromised."
"I wonder if the veritaserum that Snape brewed was substituted for water. There's another clever boy. Let's be careful not to burn him unless students are in danger."
"I feel better for the safety of Hogwarts students knowing that he is there." Sir Hector sighed.
Alastor agreed.
When aurors and knights trusted a Death Eater more than the Great Wizard Dumbledore to keep students safe, there was clearly something VERY wrong going on.
They clasped hands.
"You are welcome at Ecole Merlin anytime. Come visit your apprentices." Sir Hector invited.
"I will. I'll need to come to visit my goddaughter."
"Oh? Her father agreed for her to come?"
"Xeno? Not yet. But Luna said that she was looking forward to riding and she didn't mean brooms. Heartbreaker that one. At least she won't be taking an Oath. Keep her safe for me" Mad-eye pleaded.
"She'll be the prettiest witch there, no doubt. But our lads are kind. She'll be safe. From all sorts of evil."
**OO**
"Your ploy didn't work. Potter is now registered at Ecole Merlin." The dark potions master wouldn't leave his cauldron, so the headmaster was now in Snape's domain.
"I know, I know! I hoped that the arrest would get him back here! I need to help him!" Albus sounded panicked.
"So that you can forge your weapon against the Dark Lord?" Severus prodded.
"Yes! Precisely! The stone had never been in real danger! But Voldemort escaped again."
"Are you sure that the Dark Lord isn't possessing someone?"
"Yes! Yes! I checked all of the sixth and seventh years. Even a few fifth. I'm exhausted with it."
The spell to diagnose possession did require magical strength. It wasn't like checking for a cold after all.
"What are you going to do now?"
"Harry wants to learn potions. Like his mother. That won't hurt him. I'll wait a few years. Perhaps something for fourth year could be planned."
"Before the boy's fifteenth birthday?" Snape nodded. "The Potter Brat is interested in becoming a knight? Of course, he is."
He would say nothing positive about the way Harry had rescued his little snake. Not in public. He had to pretend to detest the girl, but she wasn't supposed to have been hurt! She was supposed to be safe in the dungeons, and he himself could dispatch the troll, causing Lucius to have to pay all kinds of penalties for getting a security troll killed!
Snape concentrated on his potion, and wished for the nth time that day that he had never met Lucius Malfoy, never took the Dark Mark, and had never, ever gotten his sweet Lily killed.
He would do anything to bring her back.
**OO**
After Dolores Umbridge had stated in public that the Persephone Smith was alive, it was felt safe enough to smuggle a letter to Percy Weasley for her daughters.
He begged the girls to keep the knowledge secret. But their smiling faces betrayed them.
However, they were far more clever than Percy gave them credit for.
"Why are you so happy my dears? Asked Professor Sprout. She was missing Mr. Longbottom.
"Well, Madam Umbridge says that Mother is alive, so it must be true!"
The twins kept their faces straight in public, but later inducted the two 'Puffs as honorary marauders.
With Harry gone, it was up to Peeves and the girls to help them pick up the slack. And they found mysterious packages now and then on their beds or in the poltergeist case, a special place where the secret passage was blocked.
Peeves cackled with his new found goodies, and took delight in planning with the Chaos twins.
Those pranks kept up the girls' spirits, until at last, Yule came.
Persephone's reunion with her children warmed everyone's hearts.
Finally, they had scored a victory in Britain with no loss of life.
**OO**
Neville had made a complete recovery, no more scars now. He had been sad to learn both of Blaise's demise, and that he had been the unknown family.
This upcoming trip would help to shake off the last lingering bits of guilt he had in regards to his cousin's death.
Luna Lovegood coming to Paris delighted Harry. Hermione and Neville were so much older than Harry in so many ways. The two were just children together.
They held hands and skipped in time to the happy, upbeat music playing in the streets of the uplifting theme park. Still decorated for Christmas, Harry spent all of his allowance buying the girl stuffies and treats, not spending anything on himself. He brought home sweets for the younger children, and even a small snow-globe of the castle for Milli.
Millicent had been invited, but without any muggle background at all, her parents wisely chose to have her stay home with them in Italy. Perhaps next trip.
The four children got along well, and with the Granger parents there as well, it was just so much fun!
Knowing that Luna was starting at school made the trip all the sweeter.
At first, Xeno hadn't wanted his little princess to go to school in Rome, as it was so far away. He had been planning on Hogwarts. Now, after seeing the pictures, and hearing the true story of what happened at Halloween, he changed his mind.
"The Daily Prophet printed a much different tale. And later, it turned into a dangerous, abused Boy-Who-Lived who was planning on killing all of the Slytherins in the school, but was stopped by the famous Dark Wizard chaser Mad-eye Moody who captured him. They say he now resides in Azkaban." Xeno explained.
"Which is why we have a legal department. Harry decided that Britain was just not for him after his granted limited dealing with Dumbledore and the Wizengamot. The man refused to give up the Potter house ring, and the Wizengamot refused to hear his petition for it. So, Harry went to Gringotts and reclaimed his million galleons that was the seat deposit and returned the seat to the floor. That at least gets the vote away from Dumbledore. And another good thing of Harry's fortune being taken is that now he is officially an Italian citizen. No British law can touch him here. Not ever again.
"Remember, Xeno, there's always room you as well. You can visit or join us at any time."
**OO**
The holidays were a difficult time for the Malfoy family. Invitations to different events had dried up, and the heir to the family was sullen and tired easily.
Narcissa had returned home to her husband's begging, promising to never hurt her again. It hearing that her son needed her that had caused her to cease the separation.
After much debate, the matriarch of the home brought in someone who wasn't supposed to exist. A marked death eater healer.
He hadn't been required to take a life as part of his mark - just heal a prisoner that had been tortured half to death, just so that they could be tortured again.
"There is something wrong with my son, and he won't talk to me. My husband and I both feel it has to do with something about the Dark Lord. Please. See if you can help him. With the rumors from Hogwarts, let us be very discreet."
"Yes, my lady. Let me tend to Lord Black. I am the healer with the most knowledge about Dark Arts at St. Mungo's."
What the healer discovered he kept to himself after being sworn to secrecy. He did however have a 'recovery' plan for his master.
"I can't do this, myself, my lady, not without losing my magic. I will leave a copy of a page of a ritual. It can be performed thirteen times, no more. So do be careful with that. Something has drained your son to make him nearly a squib."
Narcissa's hand flew to her mouth. "No!"
"While I don't miss Dolores in the slightest, she was the one that accused muggles of stealing magic. Well, something stole his, and he is far too young to have entered a vow. She would likely be a good source as well.
"It is up to you, my lady. This will help restore him. Professor Snape might be able to get you unicorn blood freely given since it is for a child. He has made potions for me with unicorn parts before."
"I will speak to him. He can keep secrets. Will you keep this quiet?"
"Of course! Besides, this is temporary. His core is replenishing, but slowly. I have to ask. Did Harry Potter and he come to blows or something? Your son does not like the boy." That was putting it far too mildly, but the lady of the house would catch the drift.
The woman narrowed her eyes. "Not that I heard, but be sure, I will be asking my son's Head of House."
And so started several years' worth of very dark rituals to bring him back to power.
**OO**
Luna coming to school made Harry's life complete. He had a sister he adored in Luna, a brother in Neville, a wonderful mentor in Charles Hector, friendship with Millicent and Hermione, and they all had Minerva McGonagall as a favorite auntie.
In some ways she was like Sister Gisele, tough but fair.
But in other ways, the cat animagus was more aloof and distant.
It took her time to warm up to everyone and get used to her new role, and she did put boundaries on her time.
The transfiguration teacher would happily volunteer to read to young children, and mentor apprentices as she choose, but she wouldn't let anyone manipulate her into doing anything again.
She hadn't had time for apprentices at Hogwarts, and she was past due for such.
**OO**
Newt Scamander finished his lecture to the applause that was common when he visited the school.
"Luna! You are looking very festive today." He remarked, as she and Harry helped bundle his friends back into his case.
She was dressed like an Easter egg in bright pink, green, and gold ribbons. Her hair was bright gold, and braided with matching bands.
She hugged the man and asked if he had found any crumpled horn snorkacks yet.
"Not yet, my dear, but we will keep trying! You must give sketches to all the knights so that they can keep an eye out too."
One little magical marsupial took advantage of the distraction and tried to escape, and did for a few seconds.
It was clearly pouting to be caught by a cat! Of course, the cat changed into a professor, and the scared pocketed thief dived towards the friendly beast master.
"Oh! Nicely done! What a talent!" The man complimented.
"I dislike your nifflers, sir, but will continue to allow them to come as long as you keep them contained. Am I clear?"
Newt stuttered a bit, but had no problem promising that to the formidable Scots witch.
She nodded, and went on her way.
**OO**
Dame Rebecca had never had a squire as strong as Millicent before. "Don't hold onto the lance so long next time, or you'll pole-vault right out of the saddle!"
Hermione was using the lighter and shorter javelin, but missed her mark by a mile. She really hated flying; despite the placid nature of the mare that she flew.
Bulstrode tried it again, and this time hit the bullseye, to the cheers of both her betrothed and her friends.
The boys went back to their own practice with the younger cohort, teaching them the same as they had been taught, while the girls dismounted and picked up spent weapons.
"Hermione, ever since your betrothal was announced, I don't see you and Harry wear your rings or date or anything. Why not?"
Hermione reddened. "The Knights Council said that if Harry and I want to be knights we have to pretend that nothing exists between us. And no kissing!"
"Yeah, I was given that order as well, but Harry hasn't tried anything. Not that he would. He's really a gentleman." 'And utterly devoted to you' went unsaid.
"That he is."
"Neville was worried that his Uncle Algie would show up in time for your birthday. You're turning fourteen in a few months."
Hermione might not be as strong as Millicent, but she was no weakling. The female squire twirled the javelin around her in a dance of death.
"He can try to claim me, but I am going to say no. And I'm not going to use words."
Millicent laughed in such a way that she scared a few of the younger ones nearby so badly they fell and recoiled a bit.
The girls apologized, but left behind a group of boys thinking that it wasn't just the older witches who were scary – all of them were!
**OO**
"Well done on that last muggle auction, Mr. Lupin. Are you sure you aren't part goblin?" Briokz queried.
It was his way of passing compliments.
"The green grocer in Hogsmeade is doing so well that we have decided to expand to Diagon Alley. There are a pair of buildings that Mr. Potter was recently gifted. He is holding one as premises for the pranksters you admire. The other is next door. Both have quarters above the shop. You could move in tomorrow. A bonus for your excellent work."
"Oh, how much is the rent?"
Such a location was difficult to find. Getting first choice was a very nice perk.
"Rent is…is…free." The goblin managed to spit out the epithet.
Free was a swear to a goblin, and used in many insults.
Remus' eyes glowed. Quarters next to a pranking store?
"These pranksters wouldn't be interested in help, would they?"
Briokz nose twitched. He smelt unbridled and stifled genius. It was a gift.
"I think arrangements can be made. How does a 15% share sound, all expenses met by investors for the first five years, with bonuses for obtaining certain sales goals?"
"That sounds like you're cheating me. You have no idea how much I was behind the pranks of the marauders."
The goblin swore never to bet with the Potter boy again, and took out the real contract.
Remus Lupin laughed deep and long, and signed in blood.
The Lupin family might not be as wealthy as it had once been, but no more ratty robes unless he was doing a smelly, dirty job.
And like Harry Potter, Remus would never go hungry again.
Harry may not have really lost a fortune, but the public thought he did. There was an older generation of wizards dying off with no living heirs. All of the decent ones with no living family seemed to be leaving their wealth to the one honorable beacon of Light that was future knight Harry Potter.
Sir Hector would have groaned if he knew that Remus Lupin and Harry were now exchanging regular correspondence. But the goblin did, and knew that his small cut of the pranking business would do nothing but grow and grow and grow.
**OO**
"Wait for it…" Neville muttered.
The young boy in the second form cohort used his muggle water gun with perfect accuracy. The plant was now watered.
It was allergic to water.
'AAACHOOOO!'
A tidal wave formed, and the prepared little ones, boys and girls, rode their floats across the lawn.
Rock showed up in time for the next one, and watched carefully.
"Neville! I thought you said that you were teaching the younger ones defense with plants?" The knight demanded. "Please don't tell me that you're going to start taking lessons from the devil twins and Squire Prankster. I mean Potter."
"Good sir knight." Juliette Smith was much older but rightly placed academically with this crowd. "Achillea filipendulina magicus is highly susceptible to water. Please envision an unsuspecting enemy creeping up on a knight's tent. The water protection rune ends, the sprinkling one begins, and presto! He's surfing and spluttering. Giving time for the occupants to determine if the intruder is an assassin, prankster, or drunk passerby.
As proof, Harry and Sir Hector were in deep discussion, coming up to the main hall.
"Don't do it…" Rock warned, but he was too late.
Sir Hector was knocked down by the water, but Harry, likely due to his unusual upbringing, read constant attacks, used his magic to jump into the air, summon one of the children's floats, and surf until the end of wave.
His antics won his much applause.
"You, you!" Sir Hector spluttered. "You two planned this!"
"Me, good sir knight? Plan a prank of the flower of nobility that is yourself?' Neville queried.
"You betcha!" Harry and Neville answered together, sharing a quick high-five before high-tailing away from their mentors.
The children clapped again at the dodging of stinging spells now on display, and one of them started to keep scored.
A sister showed up to help get the young ones cleaned up in time for supper, but it was a happy crew that went to a meal together.
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