Ministry of Magic - June 26, 2002
It had only been two days since school ended, but Percy Weasley was ready to go back to school.
As soon as they had gotten home Ron had started whining that Percy had locked him in a compartment again just because he had been trying to find his friend. It had resulted in a screaming match, but only Molly and Ron had been screaming. Percy and the twins had just sat and stared at the other two until their father came home.
When Percy explained that Ron had been confined because he and Hermione had once again been slamming in and out of compartments, insulting other students, in their search for Hadrian. The seventh year Gryffindor prefects were the ones to lock them in after they caught Ron pushing a puff into a wall.
Arthur was disappointed that Ron had once again been caught bullying. They had gotten notes home at least once a month stating that Ron was serving detention for bullying. Letters were automatically sent out by the school for any disciplinary actions other than loss of points.
Molly just started making up excuses. There was no way, in her mind, that her precious baby boy could ever be a bully.
Percy rolled his eyes. Nothing was ever Ron's fault, it always had to be someone else that was in the wrong.
Percy was once again avoiding the house as much as he could. He did feel bad that that meant that he was avoiding his father, but he didn't know what else to do. He loved his father, but he just couldn't stand that woman. Not knowing what he knew now.
Bill had sat down and explained about the ritual she and the headmaster had done, the year before. He told him that he found out when he had had an in-depth inheritance test done. That woman stole his fathers from each other. Percy would never forgive her for that. He hated her for hurting his family.
Now, Percy was walking out of the education office where he had been taking the extra OWLs that he had been self studying for. Since he was done that, now he was going to have to find a job, but he just didn't know what he wanted to do.
As he was wondering aimlessly down the hall towards the exit he heard someone call his name. Turning around he saw Lord Peverell and Lord Shacklebolt with a man that he knew was the Chief Warlock.
"Lord Peverell, Lord Shacklebolt. It's good to see you again." He said in a formal voice.
"Hello Mr. Weasley. Allow us to introduce you to Chief Warlock Gerald Greengrass. Here doing a few extra OWLs?" Lord Peverell asked him.
"Pleasure to meet you Chief Warlock. Yes sir, just finished the last of the tests I needed to take."
"And what do you plan to do for the rest of the summer?"
"I'm not sure. I was thinking about going to River Run to get a job in one of the shops there."
"Hmmm. Mr. Weasley, from what happened with the library and the misfiled books a few years ago I can assume that you are good at research and filing." Kensington said. He had had an idea.
"I like to think I am, sir." Percy told him.
Gerald picked up on what Kensington was hinting towards. When Gerald had become Chief Warlock he had found a complete disaster. Albus hadn't bothered to properly file any of the paperwork he was supposed too.
Gerald looked to the boy. "Mr. Weasley. Would you consider working for me for the summer? You see, our last few Chief Warlocks haven't bothered to keep up to date with their paperwork. I have been doing what I can, but it is a lot of work. I promise, I will pay well."
"Yes." Percy responded instantly. That would be something he would love to do. He knew it showed how odd he was, but Percy really did like sorting and filing, the only thing he liked more was research.
With Percy's agreement they quickly made arrangements for him to start work in Gerald's office starting the next week.
That night, when the Weasley family sat down to dinner, Percy announced his good news. Ron and Ginny didn't care all that much, but everyone else was happy for him. Molly especially.
Molly was so happy that one of the boys was finally smart enough to realize that the ministry was the way to go. She wasn't thrilled that he was going to be working for Gerald Greengrass, she knew that man had to be dark and evil. He had, after all, opposed Albus on so much. But, it was better than nothing.
Plus, now Percy could get her information on what Gerald was planning, and she could pass it on to Albus. Albus would be so grateful to her for getting him the information.
Yes, Molly thought, Percy might have been difficult these past few years, but he was on the right path now. She just needed to make sure he stayed there.
When Ron finally realized what was happening a few days later, he was annoyed. Now, his mum wouldn't listen to a word against 'perfect' Percy. She kept telling him that he needed to listen to Percy too.
Hogwarts, Headmasters Office - July 2, 2002
Albus Dumbledore was both happy and angry. He was happy because Molly had reported to him that one of the Weasley boys was finally following their plans. Percy Weasley was going to be spending the summer working for the Wizengamot. Sure, he hated that it was with Gerald Greengrass. Oh how he hated that man for taking his rightful position as Chief Warlock, but he could use it.
The anger was coming from pretty much everything else. The Potter brat hadn't done a thing that he had been supposed to do. His pawns hadn't even managed to get close to the brat. His staff was questioning and challenging him in ways no one would have even considered even a decade earlier. He had tried to switch it so that Gryffindor had most of their classes with Ravenclaw, since that would force the brat together with his pawns, but the other teachers had stopped him from doing what he wanted. Instead, they had made him separate the classes equally. The only good thing was that Gryffindor and Ravenclaw would be together for potions, DADA, and charms. Since those three classes had practicals, they could be forced to work together.
He was Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore. He had been running their world for almost a century. Those stupid little people had no right to question him. He had done everything for the greater good. Why couldn't people understand that.
Over the last few days he had gotten dozens of howlers everyday. Some how Rita Skeeter had managed to find out exactly what had happened wen the school governors confronted him in his office. That was one of the reasons Severus was getting so much positive attention. Albus knew that he had received dozens of gift baskets thanking him for protecting the school and their children.
While Severus had been getting praised, Albus was getting yelled at. Parents of students from every house were furious that he had risked their children's lives. He was going to have to do something to repair his public image. He was also going to need to rework the wards to keep Skeeter out. That reporter had proven herself to be more trouble than she was worth.
Now he was going to have to stop his attempts at testing the boy for the next two years. He couldn't risk the school governors catching him doing anything they could misconstrue as endangering the students. He couldn't risk losing his position as headmaster.
The Burrow - July 6, 2002
Fred and George Weasley were sitting in their trunk going over some paper work. Over their past three years at school they had kept their heads down and kept what they were doing secret. To this day no one had managed to get direct proof that they had pulled off any of the pranks that they had at school.
It was something that they used to their advantage. They had started making and selling some of the easier products that they had invented in their last life. Now, they were ready to take the next step. They were going to open their shop.
But this one was going to have to be different. They couldn't put their names or faces on anything. It needed to be just as low key as they had been acting over the last few years.
They had approached Hadrian, who had given them the contact information for Ragnock. Since Ragnock was aware of the whole time travel thing he would be easier to talk too. Given the information that they had from the future they could prove that their business idea was a successful one, so they were sure they would be able to get the business loan that they needed to rent premises.
Hadrian had offered to finance them once again, but they wanted to do it on their own this time. They didn't want Hadrian to feel that they were with him just for the money. It probably wouldn't happen, but they didn't want to bring money into their developing relationship.
Instead, they had made other plans. They would borrow the money from the bank, it should be easy enough to pay back given the accounting sheets from before. Rather than spending a majority of their money on a store front on Diagon Alley, they had found a small, understated shop on Mountain Dew. They were also going to have to get someone to manage the shop while they were at school, they were thinking about asking Remus and Sirius. Who better to manage a joke shop then two master pranksters.
Eventually, after they put their final touches on their business plan, they had to leave their trunk. During the week, when their dad and Percy were away at work, the twins stayed in the trunk until they got home to avoid the harpy and the brats.
But, since it was Saturday, they would have to make appearances throughout the day or else Percy or their dad would come to check on them. Grabbing the folders they had gotten from Percy, they headed down stairs and sat down on the couch in the living room.
Only a few minutes later, Arthur walked into the room. "Boys, what is that you're working on?"
"We're just going over," George said, smiling at his dad.
"The notes we got from Percy."
"Why did you need Percy's notes?" Arthur was confused.
"They are Perce's notes," George said, putting the notes aside so they could talk with their father.
"From his fourth year."
"We always go over,"
"Perce's notes before we,"
"Start our new year."
"It helps us,"
"To be ready for what,"
"We will be doing."
"That's really smart boys." Arthur was impressed. Since Percy kept such perfect notes, it would help the twins tremendously to prepare. That gave him an idea.
The rest of the after noon was spent talking about random things. Arthur told them all about what he had been doing at work. Percy had joined them soon after Arthur had sat down. Percy told them the basics of what he was doing, he had signed a privacy contract when he had started work so couldn't give any specifics, much to Molly's annoyance.
They had even tried to get Ron and Ginny to come and talk, but they both just said they had things to do. Ron was playing games in his room, while Ginny was planning out the outfits she would wear on weekends to impress her Harry.
That evening, after dinner, Arthur asked Ron and Ginny to stay so that they could talk. Percy had already gone up to his room, but the twins decided to stay and watch what was going to happen, they thought they knew what was going on.
Arthur laid out a large stack of parchment in front of each of the two youngest kids. "I want the two of you to go over these this summer. I'm not saying that you need to memorize them, but at least look through them."
"What are they?" Ginny had a disgusted look on her face as she poked the stack in front of her.
"Your stack, Ginny, is a copy of Percy's notes from first year. Ron, you have copies of his second year notes." Arthur told them. "It will help you to do well in school, so I want you both to go over them."
"Really Arthur." Molly put her hands on her hips. Her babies didn't need to work over the summer, they would do great in school, she was sure of it. "They don't need that. They will do just fine in school. There is no need for them to waste their summer doing more school work."
"Yes Molly, there is." Arthur turned to his wife. "Did you look at Ronald's grades? Did you look at the marking break down?"
"Of course not, there was no need. He passed, that's all that matters right now. He only needs to work hard on his OWLs and NEWTs. He's a clever boy, and Ginny's just as smart." Molly's back was up. No one insulted her babies.
"Yes Molly. They are both clever kids. I do not deny that." Arthur knew that both Ron and Ginny had brains in their heads, they were just to lazy to use them. "But, I did look at Ron's results. As smart as he is, he is lazy. He could have done very well in school, there is no doubt in my mind, but he would actually have to put in the work.
Molly, Ron was only three points away from failing this year. Yes he passed, but just barely. If he doesn't work harder next year, he will fail."
"WHAT? There is no way Ron did so poorly." Molly couldn't believe it, her baby couldn't have done that badly. "It has to have been some kind of mistake."
"It was those stupid teachers fault." Ron defended himself. He didn't want to have to do school work during the summer. "They kept giving me bad marks even though I deserved better."
"All of them?" Arthur raised an eyebrow. "Molly, you helped to create the marking scheme. You know how easy it would be for him to get better grades. Why don't you go over his old assignments with him. Then you can see if he really was being marked unfairly or not."
"I will. Then I can prove that their marking my baby unfairly. Ronnie, go get your assignments." Molly turned to her son.
"I threw them out. I finished that year, there's no need for any of that stuff anymore." Ron was annoyed. He wanted to go play.
"Ronald. Why would you throw away your assignments." Molly was exasperated. "If we had those I could have gone over them and shown that you deserved better grades. Now there's nothing we can do."
Ron complained for a few minutes before the twins spoke up.
"You know Ron,"
"We heard you saying,"
"That you want to join,"
"The Gryffindor quidditch team."
"Yeah. I'm going to be their keeper." Ron got a dreamy look in his eyes thinking about when everyone would tell him how amazing he was. He might even get to try out for the Chudley Canons before he graduated.
"Well then,"
"You're going to need,"
"To do well in school."
"Why? Quidditch is the opposite of boring school work." Ron hated the twins and their stupid twin speak.
"School rules." George said. He and Fred knew that he wasn't going to make the team as keeper. The Gryffindor team had the best keeper in the school, Oliver Wood. Not to mention that Oliver was the captain.
"To even try out for the teams,"
"You are required to have,"
"An EE or higher average."
"Then how did you two get on the team." Ron didn't like what he was hearing.
"Our averages are,"
"Mid to high level EE's,"
"And low to mid level Os."
"We always go over,"
"Perce's notes during the summer."
"It really,"
"Does help."
"Besides, your grades count,"
"For more than just,"
"The quidditch team."
"If you want to take,"
"Alchemy in third year,"
"You need an EE,"
"In potions."
"Not to mention the grades,"
"You will need if you still want to take,"
"Warding and spell crafting." With that, the twins left the room to go upstairs.
"But I want to try out for the quidditch team and take those classes." Ron whined to his mother.
"Then you are going to have to get the grades. The same goes for you Ginny, if you want to join the quidditch team in your second year you will need to do well in your classes." Arthur told the children.
Ginny pouted. "But I want to fly for the Holyhead Harpies when I grow up. Not spend all my time studying."
"Then you will need to get the grades so you can get on the team so that their recruiters that go to the school every year see you." Arthur thought that this might work. Both of the kids wanted to play quidditch, and the only way to do it would be to do their school work.
"Don't worry babies." Molly soothed her babies. "I will help you study this summer and then you will have the best grades and will be able to get on the team."
Peverell Manor - July 21, 2002
Hadrian loved his life. He was sitting on a lounge by the pool watching his family and friends play. The thing that made him the happiest for some reason, was watching Fred and George play with his little sisters.
Cas and Ari had been fascinated by Fred and George when they had come over for Yule, and they still were. They seemed to enjoy meeting others like them. Kali had charmed them with the same ease that she did with everyone else. And Lyra enjoyed talking pranks with them. They were only five years old, but they were well on their way to being master pranksters.
Soon enough they would be leaving, and Hadrian actually didn't want to leave. They had planned to go to the Black's private island for his and Neville's birthdays, but the twins couldn't come. It would be noticed if they disappeared for any length of time. Molly had apparently taken an interest in what they were doing again. He didn't like being separated from them, for some reason.
Sirius saw the pensive look on his godsons face and went over to join him.
"What's up, pup?"
"Nothing. I just wish the twins could come with us for my birthday." Hadrian moved over towards his uncle and cuddled up next to him.
"I know pup. I'm sorry they can't make it, but you will see them again when we get home." Sirius hated Molly even more for keeping Hadrian's friends from him on his birthday, he would have to try and think of a way of getting around her. After all, if anyone knew how to avoid an insane mother, it was him.
James looked up from where he was trying to teach Ares and Alex how to play gobstones, to see his son and best friend. He had spoken with Edward when he and Cecilia had stopped by at the beginning of the summer. James was becoming concerned about Hadrian's desire to be touched. Edward had explained that it came from the abuse. Hadrian had been touch starved for years. The only time there was any physical contact, he had been hurt. Now that he was no longer afraid, he desired that contact that had been denied him during such an integral stage of his development. Edward had said that Hadrian would only allow prolonged physical contact with those he trusted completely.
He smiled as he went back to teaching the kids. Hadrian was safe and loved, and that was all that mattered.
The Burrow - July 31, 2002
Fred and George slowly forced themselves to get up. The sun wasn't even up yet, but they had places to go.
Sirius had spoken with them before they left the manor last time. He had given them a portkey, so that they could come to the island for Hadrian's birthday.
They had spoken to their father and he offered to help them get away. Their father had told Molly the night before that he had a big assignment due at work, so he would be leaving extremely early. Fred and George had offered to go with him, and he had accepted. As far as Molly was concerned, the twins were going to be spending the day with Arthur at work.
After flooing with their father to work, Fred and George activated the portkey.
Black Island
Just after the twins landed they were greeted by Remus who handed them both large cups of strong coffee. They both knew there was a reason they liked that man.
Remus then led them into the dining room where James, Sirius, and Severus were all sitting and waiting. Though, both Sirius and James were pouting that they had been forced out of bed so early, but it was for Hadrian, so they got up.
The twins were ushered into chairs directly facing the four adults.
"Is there," George started.
"Something wrong?" Fred was nervous about how the adults were acting.
"We wanted to know what is going on between you and our son." Severus said in his most severe teaching voice.
Fred and George just glanced at each other before turning back to the adults and shrugging.
"Don't even try that boys." James told them. "We know something is going on. He hasn't been the same since we came here. It's almost like he's depressed."
Fred and George looked at each other again and shared a silent conversation.
'What do we do?' Fred asked his brother. Fred might be the elder of the two, but George had always taken the lead.
'I think we have to tell them. If something really is wrong with Hadrian, they need to know. We'll just ask them to keep it to themselves.'
'How do we tell four of the best pranksters that have ever walked the halls of Hogwarts that their 12 year old is our soul mate. They are going to prank us into oblivion.'
'Don't worry brother, I will tell them. Besides, they can't do anything to bad to us. Hadrian wouldn't let them.'
"He's our soul mate." George said simply.
"What?" All four adults asked at the same time.
Georges lips twitched into a slight smile. "Hadrian is our soul mate. That might be why he's behaving differently. Ever since you left I've noticed that Fred and I are both struggling without him."
"We think it might be a proximity thing. Since we're so far apart, our bond is being stretched." Fred added.
Sirius saw red. "If you have so much as laid one finger on my pup I will…"
"Whoa."
"Hey." Neither of the twins liked were this was going.
"He might be our soul mate,"
"But he's still only a kid."
"There are lines,"
"That even we,"
"Won't cross."
"Sirius, sit down." Remus pulled his husband back down.
James smiled slightly. "That was the best possible response you could have given."
Severus agreed with James. He was happy for his son, but he still didn't want his baby boy to grow up to quickly. "We can accept this, but you will not pressure him in any way, shape, or form. Am I understood."
"Yes, sir." Both twins said as one.
"Why didn't Hadrian tell us? He tells us everything." Remus asked.
"Well…"
"You see…"
"You haven't told him yet because you are making plans to surprise him" Sirius finished for the twins. He still didn't want his pup to grow up, but if he had to be soul mates with anyone, he was glad that it was the twins.
After that, the tense atmosphere relaxed. The twins told the adults all about the business loan that they had arranged, and the small little shop they had rented on Morning Dew. Remus was thrilled when they asked him to manage the place for them while they were away at school. Sirius started planning about maybe convincing the twins to include a 'Marauders' line of products.
About half an hour after the twins arrived, it was time to wake Hadrian. Everyone else had arrived in the dining room, all of them were still tired from Neville's birthday the day before, but they were up for Hadrian. The twins stayed in the dining room to hide with all the others, while Hadrian's parents and godfathers went to get him.
Hadrian lay in his bed, trying to fall back to sleep. Something had woken him up earlier, but he wasn't sure what it was. He just knew that he felt better than he had in days. Even Nem started to softly purr in contentment.
He heard his fathers trying to sneak down the hall to wake him up. Over the past few years, they always liked to jump on the bed to surprise him, this time, he would be surprising them. Slipping silently out of the bed, he grabbed some of the pranks the twins had given him before he left. More specifically, he grabbed the Unicorn Hair Grower.
When mixed with water and sprayed in someones face, it would cause the growth of a large beard and moustache that would be multiple colours and have the image of a frolicking unicorn in the hair. Hadrian thought it would be the perfect way to start the day. He poured the water from the glass next to his bed in the spray bottle that the growth powder came in, he shook it up and waited.
Only a few moments after he was ready, his door silently opened. He could hear Sirius trying to suppress his giggles as the four grown men snuck into his room. They didn't bother to turn on the lights, and the blinds on his window were still closed, so they couldn't see that the bed was empty. But, Hadrian could see all four of them clearly haloed by the light in the hall.
"Surprise."
"Happy Birthday!"
"It's time to wake up cub!"
"Happy Birthday pup…Pup?"
Hearing Sirius's confusion as they all sat on the empty bed, Hadrian stood up. Hadrian let out a sharpe whistle. All four adults turned to look at him, and he sprayed. Catching each of them full in the face.
"Happy birthday to me!" Hadrian said as he dashed from the room laughing.
Dashing into the dining room he smiled at everyone. Beaming as he threw himself at the twins happily shouting, "You made it!"
"Hadrian, what did you do now?" Kali asked. The five year old girl gave her older brother a look that could only be described as exasperated mother.
However, Kali only managed to hold the look until her fathers and uncles came into the room. Then she, and everyone else, started laughing just as hard as Hadrian.
James, Severus, Remus, and Sirius, all looked ridiculous. It didn't help that the potion had gotten onto both their eye brows and eye lashes, so those too were now multicoloured with unicorns on them.
James just smiled as he held his overgrown eyelashes and eyebrows out of his eyes and saw how happy Hadrian looked, once again taking up his place between the twins.
"Unicorn Hair Grower?" The twins asked as one.
"Yup." Hadrian said, popping the p. "Though I didn't expect the eyebrows, but I like it."
The twins told them the only counter to the prank was time, so they all sat down to eat breakfast, the four men all pouting. After watching the four of them try to eat around all the hair, Narcissa had enough. She got up and pinned the mens hair out of the way so they could eat properly. She just rolled her eyes at the overly dramatic thank you's she received from the men.
The day was spent as Hadrian's birthdays always were since he turned 6. There was fun, and games, and jokes, and pranks, and of course, presents and cake.
Taking a moment to catch his breath during a water balloon fight Hadrian looked around. He saw his fathers laughing as they tried to fend off an attack from the girls. Alice and Narcissa were planning a strategic attack with Alex, Athena, and Ares at their sides. Lucius, Frank, Sirius, and Remus were planning a counter attack. And Fred and George were over by Neville and Draco planning their own attacks on all the adults.
Looking at how happy they all were now, and remembering how miserable their lives had ended up last time he smiled. Everything was different, and he couldn't be happier.
Eventually everyone went back inside for dinner and cake. Then, it was time for presents.
Hadrian's favourite gifts were the Skiving Snackbox, though his papa gave them a stern look but relaxed because he wouldn't have to teach any of them during the next year, and the gift from his papa. It was the animigus revealing potion. Though, they had all gotten a stern talking to.
Their cores were still to unstable to attempt the transformation, but they could start on the meditation work that they would need. The only ones that would even be able to attempt the transformations was the twins, and they were warned not to do it unsupervised.
The five older kids all took the potion, and none of them were overly surprised by what they got. Draco was a snow leopard. Neville was a grizzly bear. And, the twins and Hadrian were all foxes. Fred and George were red with black tipped ears and tail, while Hadrian was black with red tipped ears and tail.
Eventually the day had to end though, and the twins had to portkey back to their dad's office at JT. Hadrian started to miss them as soon as they were gone, and decided to call it an early night.
The Burrow - August 3, 2002
Arthur was sitting at the table, waiting for Ron and Ginny to come down to the kitchen. Molly was off to the side working on dinner, she didn't understand why Arthur was interrupting the kids. She had sent them up to their rooms to study for an hour.
Eventually Ron and Ginny came into the kitchen.
"What's wrong daddy?" Ginny asked in a sweet voice. "We were just studying."
"You were studying were you?" Arthur really needed to try and teach them not to lie.
"Ya." Ron said defensively.
"Yes, Arthur. I sent them up to their rooms to study." Molly was proud of her babies. They had already gone through half of Percy's notes.
"Then can you explain why, when I came up to check on you ten minutes ago, neither of you were even looking at any of the notes? Ron, you were rereading your Chudley Cannons book. And you Ginny, were once again going through your closet and picking out different outfits."
"You spied on us!" Ginny screeched indignantly, sounding a great deal like her mother.
"No, I checked on my children. It is one of the many jobs that come with being a parent." Arthur said.
"We've been studying, just ask mom." Ron lifted his chin in defiance, but his ears were starting to go red like they always did when he lied.
"They have been Arthur." Molly told him. "They've already gotten through half of the notes."
"Ok, let's test that theory." Arthur turned to the children. "Ginny. What is the incantation for the levitation charm."
"…" Ginny just looked at her father. She didn't think that anyone would start questioning. She looked to her mother and brother for help. Ginny could see the hard light entering her mothers eyes, Ron just looked confused.
"Ok, I guess that you haven't reached that one yet. Which is odd, as it is the first spell taught in charms. It would be in the first weeks notes." Arthur could see that Ginny knew that she had been caught. "Ron. How do you deal with an imp?"
Ron looked at him for a moment before he had an idea. "That's not a fair question. I haven't taken care of magical creatures yet."
Arthur looked at the smug look on his youngest sons face and sighed. "Ron. Imps are covered in DADA. They are actually covered in first year, you only revise on them during second year."
"RONALD, GINEVRA." Molly was furious. She had trusted them to be honest with her, and instead, they had lied. Now she looked like a fool. "I trusted you to do the work I assigned. You have been lying to me for a month. You two are in so much trouble."
Arthur pulled out two calendars, and showed them too the two children. "This, is a study schedule. I am going to link them to each of you. It will keep track of how much time you really spend studying each day."
"We don't need something like that." Ginny whined to her mother.
"Yes, you obviously do since you have been lying for the last month." Arthur said.
"Muuuummmm. Tell dad no." Ron turned to his mother. He really didn't want to have to go over those stupid notes.
"That is enough, both of you." Molly snapped at them. She pulled out her own wand and linked both of her babies to the calendars. She hated having to be mean, but they needed to do well in school. "You have been lying to me. And, since you only have a month left until school, you will now be required to study for two hours every day, including weekends to make up for what you skipped."
Arthur was actually slightly impressed. He hadn't thought Molly would ever get tougher on the two youngest. But, he was happy that she had. Maybe, just maybe, if she stuck with it Ron and Ginny might learn.
Ministry of Magic - August 7, 2002
Percy was actually having a lot of fun at work. He had learned all sorts of new things. The magical law class that was offered at school was good, but it had nothing on actually sorting through the laws. Percy now knew some of the most obscure laws that most people didn't even know existed.
But, right now, he was worried. While going through one of the older laws, Percy had found some requests that were supposed to be sent to the DOM. Paperwork like that had to be delivered by hand, which was why Percy was nervously on his way to the DOM.
Arriving at the DOM, Percy walked in and looked around. He didn't see anyone, but then there was a soft pop and a house elf was looking up at him.
"What you want?" It demanded in a rough voice.
"I have some requests from the Wizengamot." Percy said, trying to hand the elf the paperwork so that he could go back up to his nice, safe office.
"Follow me. Don't touch anything." The elf turned and started walking away. Percy had no choice but to follow.
As they walked, Percy saw things that he couldn't even describe. There was a room full of what looked like giant brains, a room that was filled with some sort of purple mass that had eyes, and a random giant glowing crystal foot in the centre of a big room.
Eventually the elf stopped at the top of a set of stairs. Moving forward, Percy saw that he was in a room that looked like an amphitheater. But that wasn't what caught his attention, no, it was the 50 or so, black robed figures, surrounding a dementor.
Percy watched as they performed some kind of ritual, and with a burst of magic, the dementor was replaced with a young boy. Percy didn't understand what was happening, all he knew was that he felt such overwhelming sorrow for the child. One of the black robed figures moved forward and lowered his hood and spoke to the child. With a rush of wind that sounded like a soft sigh, the boy disappeared.
Then, the man turned and saw Percy, and came up to him. "Ah… You weren't supposed to see that, but oh well. Please, follow me Mr. Weasley. Kreacher, would you get us some tea."
Percy once again had no choice but to follow. Going into the office, Percy fell in love. Every single wall in the office was covered in book shelves. There were hundreds of ancient looking scrolls stacked around. Percy had never seen so many ancient tomes, he hadn't even known so many existed. As much as he love the libraries he visited, he knew they had nothing on the information that must be stored within this room.
"So, Mr. Weasley, what can we in the Department of Mysteries do for you?"
"I…I… I have some paperwork from the Chief Warlock. They are request forms that were misfiled about 10 years ago." Percy was forcing himself to stay calm. This man's blue eyes looked so familiar for some reason, and the way they were staring at him was more than a little unnerving. He covered his nerves by taking a sip of the tea the elf, Kreacher, had delivered.
Regulus smiled slightly as he saw more than fear in the boys eyes, he saw curiosity. "What is it that you want to know Mr. Weasley?"
Percy had so many questions in his head, he always had loved to learn. "What were you doing to that dementor? How did you make it a kid? Why? And, why is there a giant crystal foot in the main room."
"Well. The ritual we preformed on the dementor, was one of release. You see, a dementor is actually the trapped soul of a child. We have been slowly releasing them over the past few years using a ritual we acquired from the goblins." Since the goblins knew the threat the dementors posed to them, they had been willing to allow the unspeakables to learn the ritual, for a price, of course. "Right now, Azkaban dementor population is about half of what it was only a decade ago."
"But why doesn't anyone know that the dementors are disappearing?" Percy interrupted.
"Simple, our minister is an idiot." Regulus shrugged. "Fudge knows that the dementors are disappearing, but he doesn't know why. We have even received orders from him to investigate what is going on, as if we would follow his orders. Fudge is to afraid to inform the public. He relies too much on the threat of dementors to keep the population in line, he doesn't want to admit that he is losing control of them."
"But how doesn't he know what you're doing. And, he's the minister, you have to do what he orders, he's your boss."
"It was decided that this was one of those 'better to beg forgiveness than ask permission' sort of situations. We might tell the minister, but only after we are done our work. And no, the minister isn't our boss. We work in the ministry, not for the ministry. Our only true loyalty is to magic, the current political structure is of no consequence to us. Not to mention, but the ministry's control over the dementors is actually the enslavement of the trapped souls of children, who can argue that they should be allowed to continue with that?"
"And the foot?"
"We use that as sort of a reminder. That foot has been here for over 50 years, and we still have no idea what it is made of, or why it exists. You see, one of the hardest things about this job is that, no matter how much we learn, there is always more that we will never know.
Many who work here have lost their minds trying to learn as much as they can. But the fact is, I learn something new everyday, but I also know, I know nothing.
Do you have any other questions Percy?"
"How do you know my name? And, why have you told me all of this? Y…You're not gonna…" Percy became worried. He looked at the tea he had been slowly sipping and started to panic.
"Relax Percy, I'm not going to kill you. One of the best features of this place is that you can never betray the secrets you learn here. Once you leave these chambers, you will find your memory will become fluid. Trying to remember what we have discussed, and even what you have seen, will be like trying to hold water in a fist. The tighter you try to hold on, the more you lose.
As for your name, well, that was kind of obvious. I know who your father is, and you look a great deal like him, so I knew you were a Weasley. And for your first name, my nephew is in Ravenclaw and told me that you were working at the ministry this summer.
Now, you should head back up to work. Kreacher will escort you out."
At his name, the elf appeared. Percy was quickly lead out. Like he had been told, as soon as he left the DOM his memories became fuzzy. He knew that he had learned some amazing things, but he had no clue what they were.
Giving up trying to remember, Percy headed back to the chief warlocks office.
Hogwarts - August 20, 2002
Rubeus Hagrid smiled as he set up his home. He had finished up his work at The Bubble, and he was now the proud holder of a Beast Handlers License. It allowed for him to deal with even more creatures, and it was legal.
He was glad to be back in the place that had been his home for so long, but he was no longer the same man he was when he had left. Gone was the bumbling man that blindly trusted everyone, gone was the fat man that drank too much and wasn't supposed to do magic.
While he had been away Hagrid had started to learn more and gain more confidence in himself. One of the handlers he had been working with had pointed out that the ministry having him expelled and his wand snapped without even having a proper hearing was actually a crime. He hadn't wanted to sue the school and ministry, but he did have his status updated so that he could test for his OWLs and NEWTs so that he would be able to use magic.
He had even managed to get NEWTs in care of magical creatures, charms, potions, herbology, and astronomy. His potions grade had only been slightly above passing, but it was enough. He had learned about herbology and potions from all the brewing they had had to do to treat the creatures. And he had learned all about astronomy from the centaurs that he had been dealing with for the past few decades.
All the work with the creatures had caused him to burn off all the excess fat.
Hagrid was now the proud owner of a magical diploma. After the first year with the dragons they were strong enough that he could leave for a few months at a time so he had started going to work at different reserves all over the world. While he had been in South Africa, a shaman at the local village had even repaired his old wand that he had hidden in his umbrella.
He also no longer had his blind faith in Albus. After what had happened with his poor puppy, he wasn't sure if he could ever trust the man completely again. Fluffy had had multiple injuries from what had happened, including sores on his necks where his collars had been. Fluffy must have been pulling and trying to get free and it had caused the collars to cut into his skin. He was also under nourished as he hadn't been given the appropriate diet, and his muscles and joints were weak from being trapped in a small room with only a stone floor to sleep on. Then there were the psychological issues that came from being almost completely isolated for almost a full year. In all, his poor Fluffy would probably take over a year to recover from what had been done to him.
No, Hagrid was not going to meekly follow the orders of the headmaster without question any longer. He had become more confident in who he was, and was no longer ashamed of his parentage, or his being expelled.
Just as he was finishing making his bed, he heard Fluffy start to yip playfully. He had been keeping Fluffy close for the last few months, not wanting him to feel abandon, but he wouldn't fit in the house so Hagrid had had to make a dog house in his back yard. Hagrid started to make his way out the back door when he heard someone shout.
"Demons."
Stepping out of his hut, Hagrid saw Severus standing with his arms crossed over his chest.
"Sev'rus, wha' brings ya here today?"
"Hello Hagrid, welcome back. I am here in search of my demons."
"Demons?"
"Ladies, front and centre, now." Severus yelled out."
Hagrid was stunned as he watched four little girls come rushing over from where they had been giving Fluffy a belly rub.
"What's wrong papa?" Kali asked, pure innocence in her eyes.
"I told you four to stay in the back yard, not to go running off to the school."
"We just wanted to play with the puppy." Lyra smiled at her godfather.
"If you wanted to play with the puppy, then you should have come and asked me, not just run off." Sev was relaxing now that he knew they weren't in danger, he had been so scared when he had heard Fluffy. "If you wanted to play with him you also should have asked Hagrid if it was ok? Fluffy is his puppy."
Lyra, as the self appointed leader of the Fearsome Foursome walked over until she was directly in front of the giant man. "Mr. Hagrid, can my cousins and I play with your puppy?"
Hagrid was startled by the directness from the tiny little blonde girl, he was used to most people being intimidated by him, but this little girl seemed to have no fear. "Corse ya can girls. His name's Fluffy and he loves being scratched by his ears."
Severus smiled slightly as the girls rushed back to the cerberus and started petting him again. "Thank you Hagrid. I don't know how I got roped into watching these four for the afternoon, I was supposed to be setting up my labs, not playing warden to the girls."
"Who are they, if ya don't mind me askin'?"
"The little blonde one is my god daughter, Lyra Malfoy. The identical ones are Cassiopeia and Ariadne Lupin-Black, their dads are Sirius and Remus, they are also my blood adopted god daughters. And the girl with the messy curls is my and my husband, Sebastian's daughter, Kali. I will warn you now, they are slightly evil. Now that they have met you, they are going to drive you crazy, and you won't even be able to get mad at them because they will give you that look that just melts your heart."
Hagrid was more than a little surprised. The Severus he had known was harsh and demanding. But this Severus, while still strict, was much softer. He was clearly a caring father, and god father. Hagrid was glad to see the love in the mans eyes as he looked to the little girls. Severus had clearly changed even more than he had during his time away.
"Ya know, Sev'rus, I would be happy to watch these four while you finish up whatever ya need to do." Hagrid offered.
"Really," Severus looked to the gentle giant. "If you wouldn't mind. They only cause trouble when they are awake, so… And Sirius is planning on picking them up in about two hours."
Severus gave Hagrid a few more warnings before he headed off for his lab. He didn't want to be around to see the fallout.
Hagrid watched as Severus all but ran away and smiled. He didn't understand all the warnings the potions master had given him. Walking forward, he started teaching the girls about how to properly care for his puppy.
After leaving Hagrid to the mercy of the girls, Severus went to prepare his potion lab. Thanks to a few quick spells that he had learned on his travels it only took him about an hour, but he used the rest of the time to do a bit of brewing. Dumbledore believed that it would take him hours to set up his lab because he didn't know about the spells. The spells weren't exactly approved in Britain, but they weren't dark, so none of the wards Dumbledore had had set up in the school detected them. The benefits of living and working in the grey.
Two hours after Severus left, Sirius arrived. He was more than a little worried about what he would find. The girls could cause enough chaos on their own, but now they had Hagrid's assistance.
Looking into the back garden area, where Sev had said the kids were playing with Fluffy, he saw a sweet and funny sight. Hagrid was fast asleep leaning against the back porch, and the girls were all taking their afternoon nap on top of the cerberus. Rather than waking them, he just laid back and decided to wait. Only a fool woke a sleeping child during nap time.
Eventually, Hagrid woke up. "Ah, Sirius, when'd ya show up?"
"Only a little while ago. But I didn't want to wake anyone. The girls have been wound up for the past few days and haven't been taking their naps at the right time. It's been making things difficult for the rest of us."
"What's got 'em upset?"
"School starts up again soon. Kali, Cassie, and Ari are all upset Hadrian will be coming back, and Lyra doesn't want Draco to return. They were devastated last year when they left, I think this year they will revolt."
"Poor lit'l ones."
Hagrid and Sirius spent the next little while catching up with each other. One thing that they discussed in specifics was Hadrian. Hagrid had been devastated to learn that he had taken Hadrian away from his innocent god father on Dumbledore's orders. Sirius ended up having to spend a great deal of time reassuring Hagrid that it was not his fault, he had only been following orders. And it had turned out ok. Sirius was free and Hadrian was with his family.
When the girls woke up from their nap, they all said their goodbyes to Hagrid before Sirius took them to Mischief Managed, the twins shop on Morning Dew. Remus had taken over as manager the week earlier when the store opened. Everyone was glad that the shop was already proving to be quite profitable.
A few hours later, after Severus had finished his brewing, he left his classroom and went to Slughorn's. He needed to talk to him and his assistants. Since Horace taught the second through fourth years Hadrian was going to be in his classes for the next few years, and he was going to do what he could to ensure his son was protected in his class.
As he had expected, Horace's assistants, Malcolm Harkness and Livia Tsar, were the ones getting the classroom ready. Horace had two assistants for his class because he really didn't do any work, he would just wander around the class talking to the few students he deemed worth his time, the assistants did everything else. He was a little surprised to see that his own assistant, Bella Del Rossie, was helping them.
Bella knew that Severus was very particular about things, so she really only helped him with the marking, mainly with Hadrian's work as Severus wasn't allowed to mark his sons work, and keeping the store cupboards clean during the term. Severus always set them up at the beginning of each term so that he could make sure that everything was sorted properly and how much of everything they had.
"What are you three up to?"
"Professor Prince-Peverell, we were just getting everything ready for Professor Slughorn." Bella said as she jumped to her feet.
Severus looked at everything and saw what was taking them so long. They had ordered everything at once, so it had all been packed together. So they had to spend time sorting through everything, putting them in the appropriate containers, before shelving everything.
"Let me show you how it's done." With a few waves of his wand he had all the ingredients unpacked, they magically separated based on the different ingredient types and hung in the air.
"But what about the magical residue?" Livia asked. "It messes with the potency of the ingredients. That's why we don't use wands in potions."
"House elves." Severus told the panicking assistant. "House elves are able to banish all magical residue from things without leaving any trace of their own. Now, just put them in the containers."
It was quick work. All they had to do was identify the ingredients and bring the right container underneath them. The spell released as soon as they were in the containers. Once they had everything boxed up, Severus once again brought out his wand, and with a wave, the containers were sorted and shelved alphabetically.
"Valerian," Severus called. A perfectly dressed, calm elf popped in and greeted him and the others in a soft voice. "Can you remove the spell residue, thank you. This is Valerian, she is a potions elf. I trained her personally. She looks after cleaning the labs every night. I would also recommend that you call on her if you are having any problems with anything.
Now, the reason I came here. I was hoping to speak to you about my son, Hadrian, and Mr. Weasley, and Ms. Granger."
"I have already warned them about what Weasley and Granger are like in class. I've also told them about their work." Bella told Severus.
"Yes, but there is more. Weasley and Granger both seemed to have formed an obsession with Hadrian. He came to me multiple times last year because they were following him around and trying to control him. Pomona Sprout even caught them attacking him and trying to drag him into the forbidden corridor at the end of last year.
For some reason, the headmaster seems to think that he has the right to try and force Hadrian to be friends with them, but Hadrian and I don't agree. I wanted to speak with both of you, and Horace, to ensure that they don't give him trouble in this class and have his grades suffer because of it."
"We will see what we can do to keep them from bugging him sir, you can count on us." Malcom assured Severus.
"Thank you. Do any of you know where Horace is?"
"Last I heard he was on his way down to The Three Broomsticks for dinner." Livia told him.
Thanking them for their help, after showing them how to do the spells, Severus set off in search of Horace.
On his way out of the castle he ran into Albus and the new charms assistant that he had hired. He just told them that his lab was ready, and that he had a few last minute things to discuss with Horace so he couldn't stay and talk. This seemed to annoy both of them, but Severus really didn't care, he had more important things to do.
He found Horace sitting in the centre of the restaurant doing more talking than eating, but thankfully it looked like he was finished eating. Going over, Severus told him that he was needed back at the school.
Once they were out of the crowds and alone Horace turned to him. "What is going on Severus? We both know that you don't require my assistance, you are more than capable of looking after any problems."
"There really isn't any issues, I just wanted to speak with you privately. No need to bring the gossips about."
"Ah, so what is it that you needed to speak to me about that would be gossip worthy?"
Severus could see the hungry look in Horace's eyes. The man loved some good gossip, but he was actually really good at keeping it to himself. The man could keep secrets for decades if he had too.
"I wanted to speak to you about my son."
"Son? I heard you had a daughter, not a son."
"Yes, my husband and I have a daughter, but we also blood adopted a son. He was a distant member of my husbands family."
"That was very nice of you two. So, what can I do for you and your son? Is he going to be at school this year?"
Severus was actually surprised that Horace hadn't learned of his relationship with Hadrian, but Horace rarely spent more time than he had to with the other staff members, preferring to host private parties with his famous friends at The Three Broomsticks. He had originally been having them at the school, but with James and the other governors forcing Dumbledore to improve security he had had to move them. His Slug Club was made up of older students, and Hadrian had so far been able to avoid him for the most part.
"The boy that we adopted is actually Hadrian Potter-Black."
"Hadrian? You adopted him? I'm surprised that that hasn't made the front page of the Daily Prophet. Any news involving Hadrian normally does."
"We have been very protective of Hadrian's privacy, you understand of course? After the issues we had last year with the papers. We just want him to have a chance at a normal childhood."
"Of course, of course, but you do know that it will come out eventually? Better to do it yourself than let the public get the wrong idea. But, what is it you needed to talk to me about?"
"We are making plans to speak to the press, of course, but we just want to protect the children for a little while longer.
What I wanted to talk to you about was Hadrian and a few of his year mates. You see, there are a few students that see him as more of a fascination than a person. Two such students in particular are Mr. Ronald Weasley, and Ms. Hermione Granger. They have become rather obsessed with him."
"Yes, yes. I have heard some rumours about that. Tell me, is it true that they actually tried to force him to go with them to the forbidden corridor last year?"
"Yes, they did. Hadrian told me that they thought I was trying to steal whatever it is that Albus was hiding. I honestly don't understand how those two could have gotten that idea. All I can assume is that they didn't like me because they weren't doing well in my class. You understand how students can be when they don't get the grades they want?"
"Oh, I know. I have heard more than my fair share of tantrums from both students and parents in my time."
"We all discussed it with Hadrian, and he came to his own decisions. He doesn't want to make a big deal about their obsession. He understands that due to his history there are always going to be people that follow him around. But he also doesn't want to spend any more time with them than he has too. He wants to avoid feeding into it, you understand?"
"Yes, yes. I have heard from many of my good friends about how they have had to deal with those that follow them around just because they are famous. I am aware of the type. I do agree with him, avoiding them would be for the best. But, how can I help with that?"
"Well, this year, Gryffindor and Ravenclaw have potions together. I have already spoken with your assistants to request that they not seat those two near Hadrian, or partner either of them up with him, but I would feel more comfortable if you kept an eye on things. A man of your stature and knowledge of these sorts of things would be more adept at monitoring the situation. I worry that if their obsession gets any stronger I will have to request that they see mind healers, which I think we would all wish to avoid."
"Of course I will keep an eye on everything for you. As you said, I am more aware of those types of people than most. I often have to deal with people like that.
I was actually just talking with Gwenog, that's Gwenog Jones, she just joined the Holyhead Harpies as their new starting beater, about the exact same issue. Ever since she joined the team she has had so many people bothering her about every little thing…"
Severus let Horace natter on about another one of his famous 'friends'. He knew now that Hadrian would definitely be protected in his class. Horace would never risk upsetting an already famous student. He would want to recruit Hadrian for his Slug Club, and would do anything to keep him happy. And if that meant keeping the stalkers away from his son, all the better.
There were times that Severus questioned just how it was that Horace had been a Slytherin, the man was just so easy to manipulate. But then, he would remember that despite it all, Horace really was friends with a great deal of famous people, and they actually did seem to like him for some reason, or at least, they sent him a lot of presents.
Diagon Alley - August 25, 2002
Arthur smiled slightly as he walked down Diagon Alley. Other than Bill and Charlie, the entire family was together. Fred, George, and Percy had all decided to come with them to get Ginny's wand.
The summer had been stressful, mainly due to trying to get Ron and Ginny to study, but it had actually worked. Molly had stood her ground and forced Ron and Ginny to sit at the table and study in front of her for two hours everyday. She even quizzed them on the information. They had both complained a lot, but they had done it.
They all stopped at Florean's for some ice cream after getting Ginny's wand and Ron and Ginny's supplies. Like they had done in the previous years, the three older boys had gotten all their school supplies in the other alleys so they were there just to look.
He had high hopes for his family this year.
Ginny was looking around at all the people going through the Alley, she was hoping that she would see Harry today. Everyone knew that Gilderoy Lockhart's book signing was today, so they were all coming. She thought, given his history of fighting the dark, he would come to see Lockhart.
They were probably friends and went to the same parties. Ginny couldn't wait until she and Harry got married and he would take her to the parties. She would get to wear extravagant dresses and expensive jewelry. Harry would give her the life she deserved.
Once they finished their ice cream, Molly, Arthur, Ron and Ginny went home, but Percy and the twins said they still needed to grab a few things in the other alleys.
The Burrow
As the Weasley family was finishing their dinner, there was a tapping on the window. Percy smiled and jumped up to open the window and a beautiful, great horned owl hopped in.
"Hello Hermes. You're earlier than I expected." Percy said as he pet the owl.
"Who's owl is that Percy?" Molly asked. She wondered if it was from the ministry. If it had a letter she might be able to get a look, but she didn't see a scroll.
"This is Hermes. I bought him in Morning Dew this afternoon." Percy allowed Hermes to hop onto his arm and took him upstairs to his room where he had already set up a perch.
"I forgot to get my owl." Both Ron and Ginny said at the same time.
"We will just have to go back to Diagon Alley tomorrow and get them." Molly said.
"Did you two save up your money?" Arthur asked. He hadn't been keeping a close eye on their bankbooks this year, so he really didn't know.
"Let me see." Molly went to the drawer where she kept her copy of the childrens bank books.
Pulling out Ron and Ginnys books, she checked them and frowned. Neither of them had managed to save up. Ginny had 2 galleons, and Ron had 3. She knew there was no way she was going to be able to convince Arthur to buy them owls. She really needed to find a way around Arthurs stupid rules. The children deserved the best, and the older three now all had owls, her babies deserved them too.
"I think that we should be able to count all the studying they have done towards their allowance." Molly said as she had an idea. "Given all the work they have been doing, they really do deserve a raise."
"No Molly. Doing their studying and chores is how they earn the allowance they already receive. If they haven't saved up, then I'm sorry, but no owls. None of the other children get money for studying, so…" Arthur said. He knew this was going to be a fight just from looking at the petulant look on Ginny's face.
"But I want an owl. Percy and the twins all got owls. I want one, I want one, I want one." Ginny started demanding over and over again that she get an owl.
"Ginevra Molly Weasley, that is enough." Arthur told his daughter who had started to force herself to cry.
"Oh baby. Shhh it's going to be ok." Molly rushed over to coddle her baby girl. "We'll get you both owls."
"No we will not Molly." Arthurs voice was hard.
"Arthur." Molly turned to the man she had once loved, and in her own way, still did love.
"No Molly." Arthur said. "Ron and Ginny have known for 2 years that if they wanted an owl they would have to save up for it. We are not getting them owls now just because Ginnys decided to throw a fit."
"But Arthur…"
"No, and that is final." Arthur knew he couldn't back down even in the slightest. "I do not enjoy having to say it, but all of you need to hear it. And before you even start Ron, we will get you a broom if, and only if, you make the house team."
Ron frowned at his father at those words. He had been getting ready to add his demands to his sisters.
"Then I'm taking Maggie." Ginny said in a defiant voice.
"No you will not." Arthur told his daughter. Maggie was the owl he had purchased for the family to replace Errol, who now lived in his shed and was enjoying his retirement. "Maggie is the family owl, not yours."
Before either of the two youngest could start making demands again, a beautiful snowy owl flew in the window that was still open from Hermes. She flew over and landed on Freds shoulder. Fred and George had been stuck sitting in the corner and hadn't been able to see a way past their two younger siblings to escape so they had just stayed perfectly still and silent.
"I've seen that owl at school." Ron said, giving the bird a critical look.
"I want an owl like that one, it's beautiful." Ginny added, her voice full of awe.
"Hello Hedwig." George said as he rubbed her head.
"Who's owl is that boys?" Arthur asked as he looked at one of the most beautiful birds he had ever seen.
"Hadrian Potter-Black." The twins said as one.
"Did you bring something for us, girl?" Fred asked as he took the scroll from her talons.
Glancing down, Fred saw the scroll was addressed to Percy so he called him down.
Just as Percy came down the stairs and into the room Ron had finally had enough. "Give me the letter." He demanded.
"Why?" Fred asked.
"Because it's obviously meant for me." Ron said in a superior voice.
"No, it is probably for me." Ginny said. She was happy that her Harry had sent her a letter, and that he had such a beautiful bird. She was going to have to make him give her the owl as her first present.
"Hello Hedwig." Percy said when he saw the owl, before looking to the twins. "What do you two want?"
"Hedwig brought a letter for you." George told him as Fred held out the letter.
"Don't be silly boys. The bird must have just brought the letter to the wrong person." Molly was pinned with the affronted glare of an insulted Hedwig. "The letter must be for Ron, so give him his letter."
Before Percy could take the letter, Ron grabbed it. Hedwig screeched as she leapt from Freds shoulder and flew around the room. Grabbing the letter as she flew, before landing on Percy so that he could have the letter her human had sent for him. Ron was to stunned to even protest.
Percy opened the note and smiled slightly. The letter started off by telling him that he didn't need to worry if anyone else tried to read the letter because it was charmed so that only he and the twins would see what was actually written. Anyone else would just see some questions about books. After that the letter said that Hadrian's family was planning a party for the 30th and that he was hoping that Percy, the twins and their father would come.
When Percy went to grab a quill to write back saying they would be there, Ginny grabbed the letter and hid behind her mother when Hedwig started screeching at her.
"It's just a letter about stupid books. Why would Harry be writing to you about books?" Ginny was annoyed that it wasn't anything more interesting.
Arthur grabbed the letter from Ginny and passed it back to Percy. "Ginny, that letter wasn't for you, it was for your brother. It's rude to take other peoples mail."
"Hadrian," Percy made sure to emphasize his name. "Is in my house. We talk about books from time to time."
Percy and the twins left the room after that, Hedwig flying out the still open window at the same time.
The three of them went into Percy's room and Fred turned to his elder brother. "What's the letter,"
"Really about?"
"Party at the manor next week. The three of us, and dad, are invited." Percy told his younger brothers.