Summer Interlude 1C
The rest of the escapade for the quintet went as smooth as was expected. The team was charged with the locating and securing of the site before the summer was out, so that the curse-breakers and appraisers would be able to do their part in stripping the site of whatever was remotely valuable.
With their task complete, the group returned to England, with two weeks to prepare for the beginning of school and one to prepare for the Ministry Ball.
"You lot have proven yourselves to be valuable aides. You work well together and helped in the smooth operating of the camp," the teens shared a proud look among themselves at the high praise from Steelshield, "we will gladly have you again next year" he added.
"Your guardians are here to collect you," came Lovelace's voice from the door of the Goblin's office.
Harry took a step forward and gave the Goblin a deep bow showing the high regard in which he held the warder
"We were happy to learn from you and your company Master Steelshield and look forward to the extent time we meet. May the blood of your enemies stain your sword and your wards stand for ages to come."
The Goblin returned the bow, though not as deep, and waved his hand to dismiss the teens.
***********
"Will you stand still Alex, the children will be here soon," Augustra said with a little bite.
The group had been waiting for almost a hour and a half for their charges to exit the bowels of Gringotts. When they arrived, they had been ushered to the Department of Dividends to sign for the compensation of their wards. The amount wasn't anything to look twice at especially when the accounts they held were extensive.
David placed his hand on his husband's shoulder in an effort to calm him.
"What's taking them more than a hour to do. They should have been here waiting on us, not the other way around," Alexandros's anxiety showed in the creasing of his brows.
"PAPA!!!"
Alex turned just in time to gather an armful of his youngest son. David looked on with a fond smile waiting his turn. Harry on the other hand approached slowly, unsure of how to initiate greeting his guardians.
Alex however was having none of his apprehension. He grabbed Harry's hand and pulled him into a hug shared with Cayden. When he was released by the emotional man, both boys were swept in a more controlled hug by David who also planted a kiss on both of their foreheads.
The other adults took their time welcoming back the children in a tangle of hugs, kissed and reassuring gestures.
As the group left the bank, they were regaled with tales from home and told their parents of what they experienced on their trip. The stories continued all the way down Diagon Alley to Madam Malkin who outfitted the teens for the Ball.
***********
Kent Manor
The Potter family sat in one of the small family dining rooms in the Manor. The young head, sat the the head as his station dictated, with the others spread out around him. Theodore 'Ted' Potter-Tonks was in the middle of explaining the effect of Narcissia's book sales on his investment vaults at Gringotts.
The meeting was almost over and had reviewed a number of important topics. They discussed the fallout from Narcissia's actions against the Malfoys and Andromeda's new status how it will affect Hogwarts. They also discussed Nymphadora's auror training (her kosher wanted her to quit and join Avalon to pursue multiple masteries now that they had the resources) and he path going forward.
As Ted ended his review, David peeked in to tell them it was time to leave for the Ball. All the Potters were dressed in Family coloured Spider Silk robes and faux dragonhide boots.
They gathered in the Manor's entrance hall to use the family sized floo.
The optics would help to perpetuate their reputation of unflinching strength and tempered ruthlessness.
***********
Ministry of Magic Ballroom
The garish decorations showed how hard the Ministry was trying to impress it's patrons. To Narcissia it fell short ... way short.
The properties owned by the Potters were expensively decorated but excessively understated. It wasn't hard to see that the items had great value but it was hard to tell their actual value. She favoured the understated wealth to this farce of the Ministry which resembled the Malfoys.
Their entrance cause a lull in the conversation taking place around the room. They strode through the Ballroom to their table with no problem. Thankfully they were seated with the Longbottoms and Bones family. The Kents, though wealthy, we're not social equals to the other families and so were seated with the Patils and Browns who were on the social level.
As the night wore on, Harry was pandered to by Ministry beurocrats who wanted the favour of his family. Andy and Cissy were on deflection duty through dinner. When the dancing started, families sent their heiresses to dance with the young Lord and curry favour. They were thankfully rebuffed by Susan and Cayden who joined them on the dance floor.
Harry was forever grateful for the Ball to end and escape his torture.
***********
Chang's Residence
Cho stared at herself in the mirror. Her hair and makeup was perfect. Her dress was well tailored to suit her body. All that was left is for her to put on the crowning jewel of her outfit. The Diadem of Ravenclaw.
Despite popular opinion Cho was very intelligent. It didn't take long for her to realize that she was now in possession of one of the lost founders artifact.
Not only would it match her attire for the Ball, but people, when they realize what she was wearing, would flock to her with admiration. The fame she would receive would easily rival Harry Potter. She could hardly wait.
She gently took the Diadem from the box she stored it in, and gently laid it on her head.
The world went black and her eyes flashed red.
**********
The last week of summer went by so fast Susan could barely keep up. She of course went to Switzerland to purchase her school supplies, played with her friends and familiar and began studying for the coming year.
Today was the day she a Cayden would leave for school for an entire year without Neville,Luna or Harry. It inspired conflicting emotions in her.
She was excited to be learning again at school and from new teachers, but sad to be leaving her friends behind in Britain.
Squaring her shoulders she waved her and Cayden's family goodbye and was wisked away by their international portkey.
**********
After fleeing England with his tail between his legs, Lucius returned to the families original home in France. To protect his heir he had him withdrawn from Hogwarts and enrolled in a small but highly competent day school in France named Flamel School of Wizardry, after the famous French alchemist. He also falsified their names to avoid the stigma from Britain and wore an almost permanent glamour to hide their distinctive face.
He was waiting patiently for his vengeance. He was positive the Dark Lord would return and when he did, the Potters will fall under his feet.
But for now he waved goodbye to Draco for the day.
********
"Now, remember to keep your heads down and your grades up. Whatever scheme Dumbledore wants to involve you in, avoid. And take care of each other," David reminded the boys and Luna. As a parting statement he reminded them to "keep an eye on those damn Weaselys"
The three friends boarded the train for another year of Hogwarts.
**********
"This time you had better not fail the family. We will be rich and guide a new age in Wizardry," Molly said to her three remaining children.
Gunny nodded eagerly with dreams of even greater wealth, prestige and a castle to live in. She would not fail.
**********
Red eyes watched as Harry Potter boarded the Hogwarts train. He will fall.