Disclaimer: I own nothing. Thank you, J.K. Rowling, for creating this magical world for us to play in.

A/N: Thank you for all the support. I have decided to post what I have written as a thank you. This story is still on hiatus, but I wanted to assure you all that I am still continuing with this story. Also, to those who leave guest reviews, thank you for being kind, I have not had the best experience with them, but I also wanted to say that I am unable to reply to you when you leave comments this way.

Millie: Thank you for the kind words. You have always been super supportive, and I can't thank you enough for your kind words. Feel free to PM me anytime.

Lokyyt- I do plan on continuing with this story, have no fear.

You are all more than welcome to PM me at any time and will do my best to respond promptly. With that being said, unfortunately, I work an insane amount of hours and hopefully will be taking a well-needed vacation within the next few months.

Chapter 33
"Normal speech"
thoughts
'mental conversations'

Back at Longbottom Manor-

Hermione and Susan were going over the budget for Hogwarts when Emma came rushing into the room with such force, she caused the two to jump. Knowing that Harry had a few meetings for today, Hermione cautiously asked, "Is Harry ok? Has something happened?"

Sitting on the edge of the bed Emma replied, "There was an explosion in Diagon Alley. More specifically at Ted Tonks office. Remus, Narcissa, and Sirius took Andy there. Since Harry was at Gringotts already, I'm sure he is already there. I am just waiting for Narcissa to let me know what is happening."

Hermione closed her eyes and tried to focus on her bond. True her strength was returning quickly. However, her stamina hadn't caught up just yet. Ignoring the beads of sweat that were beginning to break out across her forehead, she was finally rewarded when she felt as if she was filled with warmth and asked, 'Is Ted alright? Please tell me that he is ok.'

Hermione felt Harry's surprise at her ability to reach him from so far away. Then she felt his remorse and guilt as he replied, 'I'm sorry Hermione. Ted didn't make it. We are gathering everyone and coming back shortly. Could you please let everyone know what has happened?'

'Of course love. I'll see you when you get back.' Hermione said as she felt the lone tear spill over and start to travel down her cheek. Opening her eyes, she saw that Susan and her mum were watching her closely. Hermione found herself overwhelmed at the moment and could only shake her head. Right now she needed to be strong… she needed to be the leader she was meant to be. Looking to her mum, she said, "Can you gather everyone? They need to know what is going on and I would like for them to be ready for when the rest return." Turning her attention to Susan, she said, "I'll need your help getting changed and making it downstairs. Andy and Dora have been there for me, and I refuse to let them down in their hour of need." Seeing that her mum wanted to argue with her, she added, "I know what you are going to say, but I have to do this. Andy and Dora are family, and I know that Andy has quite literally saved both our lives. She stood by you while you were grieving for dad. This is the least we can do."

Emma sighed worryingly and replied, "I know sweetheart, but I can't help but worry about you. Before you try to say anything, I am your mother and will always worry about my little hummingbird. I do agree with your decision to be by Andy and Dora's side. Just do me one favor, please be careful and try not to push yourself. No matter what you may be thinking, you are still recovering, and no one would think any less. There is no need to rush. Take your time getting ready, and I will gather everyone." She walked over and wrapped Hermione up in her arms and kissed the top of her head.

Susan waited for Emma to leave before asking, "Are you sure about this? I saw what really happened when you reached out to Harry and have a fairly good idea just how much it really took out of you." She paused for a second to put one hand on her hip and point a finger at Hermione as she said, "Don't bother trying to play it down either. I saw the way your aura dulled, and it still hasn't recovered."

Hermione had the decency to bow her head slightly as she blushed. "I have to do this." Letting Susan help her up and maneuver around her rooms she asked, "How long have you been able to read aura's?"

Susan shrugged her shoulders and replied, "It started the moment I placed the Hufflepuff ring on my finger and became Lady Hufflepuff. I started reading Helga's journals and began to explore my healing powers while you were… asleep."

"You really never left my side did you?" Hermione asked as she was straightening her robes.

Susan silent for a few minutes while she examined Hermione with a critical eye. Once she was satisfied, she said, "You should call you Phoenix to take you downstairs. I would prefer if you tried to conserve your energy and strength. And just so you know, I slept in the chair the majority of the time. For some reason, I was the only person Harry could trust. Before you say anything else, I promised you both that I would be there and you two are the closest thing to siblings that I have. No matter what is thrown in our direction, we will always support one another. Now, let's get this show on the road."

~FoF~

Emma quickly made her way downstairs, gathering the others as she went. Before anyone knew what was happening, Luna and Neville joined Draco in the library. Augusta was organizing drinks for everyone with the elves before joining them. When Emma walked in, she found Draco pacing near the fireplace, and he asked, "Any word?"

Before they could reply, Hermione slowly made her way into the room with a great deal of assistance from Susan. Draco came bounding across the room and said, "You should be resting. I know your healers said that you aren't supposed to tax yourself. That being said, have you heard anything?"

Hermione couldn't help but sadly smile at his concern. With a nod of her head, she replied, "They should all be back soon, and we should have a few calming drafts close by." Draco saw her small stumble and quickly scooped her up to bring her over to the loveseat as she protested, "This is unnecessary Draco. I need to move around to gain back my strength."

Draco shook his head as he gently placed her down and said, "I know Mione, but I have a feeling that you are going to need to conserve your strength. Is there any possible way you could tell us what is going on? Mother and Andy rushed out of here before we could even blink."

As he turned to resume his pacing, Susan came up beside him and put a soft hand on his forearm to stop him in his tracks. Draco put his other hand on top of hers while returning his attention back to Hermione as she said, "There was an attack on Ted's office. The assailant blew up his office. Harry was at Gringotts when it happened." She dropped her head slightly before continuing, "Ted didn't make it. Amelia is heading the investigation, and the rest should be back at any moment."

Susan pulled a shocked Draco in for a hug as she tried to offer him her support. When she pulled back, she looked him in the eye and said, "Your family is going to need you Draco. They will need all of the support only you can give, and you need to know that we are all here to help with whatever they need."

Draco had to close his eyes for a moment as he tried to get the room to stop spinning. All he could do was bury his head in the crook of Susan's neck and breath deeply. Granted, he only recently reconnected with his Aunt and her family, the hurt was still unbelievable. His heart ached for the loss of his Uncle, but more so for his Aunt and Cousin. "Is that why you came downstairs?"

Hermione softened her features as she replied, "Andy has done so much to help us, it is the very least I can do. She, just like you, will most likely be family one day."

As Draco went to pull away from Susan, the bells chimed to alert them that someone was arriving. With that sound, Emma swiftly swept out of the room to greet the others, knowing exactly what Andy was going through, and determined to be by her side not only in an attempt to pay back her surmountable debt but also for the close friendship they have reformed.

Just as she walked into the other room, a crack tore through the silence mere seconds before Andromeda appeared, wrapped tightly in her sister's arms. Rushing to their side, she said, "Oh Andy, I am so sorry. If you need anything, you only need to ask. I also want you to stay with us, you shouldn't be alone, and Dora is more than welcome to join us."

Andy did her best to stay upright as she felt herself being wrapped up tightly in Emma's bear hug. After a few minutes, she made her way towards the others, in complete shock and unable to process everything. However, that all changed the moment she saw Hermione walking towards her. When Hermione was only a few steps away, Andy crumpled to the ground, just to be surrounded by Hermione's arms. The two developed a close relationship while Andy was caring for her. In between the sobs, she said, "You shouldn't be out of bed."

Hermione softly chucked as she replied, "I remember being told that I am allowed to move around. Don't you worry about me, what can I do for you? You know that Harry and I will do anything you ask." Hermione looked around the room, and when her eyes landed on Narcissa she asked, "Where is Harry?"

~Small jump back in time~
In a hidden alley-

Albus stood in the shadows as he watched the billowing smoke floating towards the sky. He was waiting for confirmation that his plan for destruction had succeeded. This was just the first step of his master plan of bringing Harry back to heel. Since his original plan to merely destroy the boy and claim the Longbottom Heir was actually the chosen one had gone up in smoke since the boy's Grandmother wouldn't allow him to access their ancestral home. Muttering a curse once more as he felt his anger rise at another mission failing, all he knew was that the Mudblood was undoubtedly the cause of all his suffering.

Hearing the soft footsteps coming from behind him, he made no move to acknowledge the fact that his informant was coming close. However, before the person in question could utter a single word, he said, "No need to say anything. I see the Metamorph's despair from here." With a wave of his hand, he dismissed the man. Waiting for his signal, he saw the young Lord in question making his way through the thick crowd. Slightly shocked at the massive amount of space the other members of the wizarding community were giving him, he went to make his move when he saw that this was because the boy encircled by a horde of Goblins. Taking a closer look, he saw that they were members of the Director's personal guard.

Battering away random beetle, he didn't dare make his move to capture the Boy Who Lived. Instead, he decided to gather more evidence of the changes the little chit has gone through. Muttering to himself about partially foiled plans, he saw that Fudge was keeping his word and attempting to stop the DMLE from investigating. As he continued to watch, he never realized that the beetle somehow attached to his hair. As he began to chuckle at the stupidity of Fudge, the twinkle in his eye quickly turned to one of fury as he watched Fudge systematically be picked apart by a mere fourteen-year-old boy.

Deciding that there was nothing left for him to see, the last thing he heard was Harry's booming voice say something about the Wizengamont meeting that was scheduled to take place in a few days and having Sirius Black standing before them for his trial. When he went to apparate away, he was so distracted from the gleam in the Head of the DMLE's eye, that he ended up leaving behind a small portion of his beard, but not the beetle that made herself at home amongst the top of his head.

The Burrow-

Arthur Weasley had just arrived home and was slowly making his way towards the house as he tried to stop his mind from spinning in every direction from all that he has learned within the last few hours. His children's education was taken care of, his daughter was being seen to by the best Goblin Healers available, and all of this was because of Harry Potter. After all his wife has done to him, he still helps them. Everything his family had was mainly owned by the Potter Family. As he tried to push through the kitchen door, he found that he couldn't open it and thought, 'That's odd, Molly should be home.'

After a few seconds, the door handle gave way, and as it cracked open, he heard Molly say, "What do you mean that Harry managed to get Sirius Black a trial? What does this have to do with Amelia Bones and us? I thought you had taken care of her and Cornelius! What good is paying the man if he doesn't keep his end of the bargain?"

"If you had kept your mouth shut, I wouldn't have to clean up your mess. All you had to do is brew the potions and ensure that the Half-blooded bastard and Mudblood ingested them." Albus sneered. Arthur tried to stop the door but suddenly found himself under the Imperius Curse. Albus made him walk in while he said, "It seems I must tie up yet another loose end of yours. For your sake, I hope his affairs are in order."

3/25/18

A/n 2: Don't hate me! Arthur has only been placed under the Imperius Curse at the moment. As for what happens to him, only time will tell.

I wanted you all to have a little something while I continue to work on this baby, and hope you enjoy your little present.