Chapter Thirty Six - The Bishop and Retreat

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Chapter Thirty Six - The Bishop and Retreat

_‗_

—==(oIo)==—

ˇ

As expected, but still surprising nevertheless, was the resignation of Fudge as Minister that was announced in the Daily Prophet on the Monday morning; and less than four days after the revelations in the trial of Umbridge sunk his Ministership. The man had called a press conference on the sly the previous evening to make his announcement on his terms. In the article it even named the person he wanted to have as his successor, Elphias Doge, who had joined him at the press conference.

Harry already knew that wasn't going to happen, as Doge was a dyed-in-the-wool Dumbledore supporter. However, it now left the field open for Ogden to step forward as a candidate, and immediately announce he did so with the support of the Potter and Black alliances.

The announcement was so big it led the front page on the Tuesday morning. By lunchtime Doge had withdrawn and, with no other viable candidates, it was an assured win for Ogden when the Wizengamot next sat. With what else was going on, that was sooner than most people thought.

"Now all he has to do is stay alive," said Sirius bringing their joy back down to earth.

As well as the announcement from Ogden of his intention to run for Minister, other - and far more major - ructions were going on in the Ministry.

Madam Bones and Unspeakable Croaker seized the opportunity and had their aurors, hit wizards and Unspeakables at the Ministry well before the sun was up and were arresting people left, right and centre on the Tuesday morning.

They had set their place to make their arrests immediately in front of the lifts on each floor of the Ministry building except for the atrium. With aurors and Unspeakables working together off preprepared lists of names, they arrested all marked Death Eaters; and had them immediately transferred to Unspeakable holding cells. Those named as accepting bribes were immediately transferred to holding cells in the DMLE. Blood supremacists and others who answered yes to the bigotry question were allowed through... for now. No one was allowed back into the lifts before the arrest operation was completed. And all outgoing mail, private Floo's and the like were blocked for the duration.

With only a few names off their lists missing, whether it was due to the owners of those names being on either holidays or off sick, the whole operation was completed before 10:00am.

Once they'd rounded up all they could in their arrest net, aurors moved on to the withheld outgoing mail. From that, a further five were arrested for interfering with an ongoing auror investigation. All five were caught attempting to warn others as to what they had to look forward to if they turned up at the Ministry. All those they were trying to warn were on their arrest lists.

Overseeing the entire operation, Madam Bones was in direct communication from her desk with Croaker down in the DoM.

For those of the four names on the list who did not turn up for work that morning, teams of three aurors each were sent to arrest them in their homes. The only one to slip that move was a brother-in-law of Beauregard Nott; a previously undiscovered Death Eater who worked in the Floo Regulation Authority. An arrest-on-sight order was put out on him.

To stop another notifying someone who could call for an emergency sitting of the Wizengamot earlier than Madam Bones wanted it, she called for the emergency sitting and for it to take place the following Saturday.

For the rest of the week the aurors, using judicious doses of Veritaserum, built their cases against those who accepted the bribes. When it was discovered who was bribing them, those names were also taken down and arrest warrants prepared. Almost all names were of senior members, if not the Heads of, powerful Houses.

As the information flooded in from the interviews Amelia Bones, Rufus Scrimgeour and Gawain Robards collated the information to build cases against those who did the bribing. In the process they also developed quite a substantial amount of claims against both Umbridge and Fudge. Umbridge, of course, was no longer a worry; but the information was sufficient to arrest Fudge. He'd be left until later with the other perpetrators.

While they were working hard all three finally admitted to one another they were having the most fun they'd ever had.

_‗_

—==(oIo)==—

ˇ

The stay of the three at the Black House went past pretty quick.

The first major hurdle after the potion-induced transformations was Harry's combined third and fourth year exam for Ancient Runes on the following Friday. For it, they had to go into the Ministry. Sirius was happy enough to take him and seemed to spend time wandering about and chatting to the pretty witches in clerical jobs throughout the building. Of which many had just recently received significant promotions and were happy to celebrate.

Harry was just happy to get out of there at the end of the exam, not just because the exam left him mentally wrecked, but from the embarrassment his godfather was causing him.

The next morning, Harry rose early to head back to the Ministry. He was required for duty attending to the many trials that were taking place immediately following the early full Wizengamot meeting.

Immediately after the new Minister, Ogden, was 'elected' at the first order of business, the meeting was closed with various members heading for three court rooms for the trials. A last minute attempt at a motion to overturn certain of the arrests was soundly defeated.

And, immediately after the gavel came down for the close of business, three of the members were immediately arrested on bribery charges. One of whom moved the motion to have certain arrests overturned. Their cases were added to the current dockets.

Harry was required to invigilate cases in one of the courtrooms, to learn how to try a case when it would eventually become his turn. He watched as, almost on a production line, defendants were brought in, questioned, evidence was presented, and rulings were made. For most, they were ordered to pay the amount of the known bribes plus ten percent directly to the Ministry as fines; and forbidden to hold another position within the Ministry ever again. Those who were unable to pay, or pay the full amount, were sentenced to six months per one hundred galleons or part thereof in outstanding bribes to the low security section of Azkaban, as per already established conditions of sentencing.

There was much wailing and crying from so-called upstanding members of society who had received quite a lot of bribe money and no hope of paying it back without putting their families out on the street and destitute. The brave souls among them opted for longer prison terms so their families wouldn't suffer.

Harry found the whole thing necessary, but sad to watch.

At the end of the day, Harry tracked down Madam Bones and asked her when they'd see the trials for the marked Death Eaters.

Her face went completely blank and she stared straight at him. "I don't know what you're talking about, Mister Potter. Everyone knows all the Death Eaters were dealt with during, or immediately after, the previous war."

Internally, Harry gave a shudder and apologised for interrupting the woman when she was so busy. He wanted nothing less than to get the Hell out of there as fast as he could.

It was easy to deduce the woman, with others assisting, had 'dealt' with the marked Death Eaters through other means. There'd be no trials for them.

_‗_

—==(oIo)==—

ˇ

As promised, they took Narcissa and Draco on a couple of expeditions into 'Muggle London'. One excursion was to a major shopping mall, another was to the Tower of London, and a third was to see a recent major picture release at a cinema.

Each trip practically left the two purebloods reeling in shock. Folks at the Black House also made sure to leave at least a few days between excursions lest they cause too much shock and overload their pureblood mentalities.

However, after the third such trip, the girls decided to ask that Narcissa and Draco be invited to the wedding. They felt they had learned enough about muggles and the muggle world that they could be both trusted and comfortable enough to be allowed to attend. After a bit of deliberation between the Greengrasses and Sirius the invitation was made; and gratefully accepted.

It was during this time that Harry's results came in from his Ancient Runes exam at the Ministry. He, surprising even himself, scored an Outstanding. The score was barely in the Outstanding range; but, it was there, nevertheless. This meant he'd be joining his wives for OWL year Runes.

He quickly wrote off a letter to Professor Flitwick letting him know he'd be adding Ancient Runes to his timetable and included a copy of the results.

Because of the involvement of the angels, the wedding was being held at a local metropolitan church, Croyden Church of the Church of England in Croyden Borough. The church building was believed to have stood since the time of the Founders and had hosted the Royal family, at times, as well as four Archbishops of Canterbury.

At other times, the girls would need to disappear occasionally to deal with something wedding related. And, at yet other times, the three would work with Sirius on mastering their forms.

Surprising the other two, Hermione - who was slowest to recognise her form through meditation - was the first to successfully fully transform. But, it was only two days later when Daphne and Harry both fully transformed almost together. And only two days shy of the wedding. They'd both had the same 'A-ha!' moment of which Hermione informed them was needed for that final effort to complete the transformation on their own.

_‗_

—==(oIo)==—

ˇ

Their other project was to prepare the false prophecy sphere. Dobby had managed to snag a few hairs from Professor Trelawney's hair brush before going to Dumbledore's private quarters and doing the same.

Everything else could be done by transfiguration.

With their existing two unused potion phials of polyjuice, they didn't need to brew a new batch.

One day when the weather was right, Sirius booked a room at the Hogshead where the original prophecy was made. They then entered and set up everything to recreate the memory.

Harry was the one who could best imitate the batty old witch's voice because he was the only one who heard the prophecy in its correct form from the memory in Dumbledore's pensieve. Hermione took the polyjuice to match Dumbledore. And Sirius pretended to be Snape out in the hallway, while Daphne remained under the invisibility cloak behind Dumbledore.

They worried it would take them longer to get it just right. However, with all their planning, preparation and rehearsals, they got it in only two 'takes'.

When they'd written down the actual words of the real prophecy, Daphne realised there was really only one line that needed to be changed. 'And either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives.'

That one line was replaced with, 'The chosen one will face his foe in the place where it all began. And there the Dark Lord shall meet his final end.'

That left them with the following false prophecy: 'The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches... Born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies. And the Dark Lord will mark him as equal, but he will have power the Dark Lord knows not... The chosen one will face his foe in the place where it all began. And there the Dark Lord shall meet his final end. The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord will be born as the seventh month dies.'

Once they'd finished the four of them were grinning from ear-to-ear to one another.

"This would have to be the greatest prank ever done," said Sirius. "It'll be hard to beat; if it ever can be."

_‗_

—==(oIo)==—

ˇ

The memory string was handed off to Madam Bones the next day, who promised them she'd speak to Croaker about switching it out for the real prophecy.

"I don't know if Croaker will go for it, though," she said, a little worried.

"It's still worth the effort," said Daphne. "Better to ask and be rebuffed than not ask at all when there's a possibility."

On the next morning, Madam Bones asked Croaker to join her in her office. She was a little nervous about what the man would say.

With a muted crack of apparition Croaker appeared before her desk. "Amelia," he softly said.

Though he'd, again, appeared in the middle of her office as if to startle the witch, this time Madam Bones wasn't surprised by the visit, as she was expecting it.

"Algernon," she said. "Thank you for coming to see me."

"What's this about?" asked the Unspeakable.

"I would like you to do something for me you might find yourself reluctant to do," she began.

"Well, now you have me intrigued," he replied with a little smirk. "What would you have of me to do?"

"That prophecy sphere in the Hall of Prophecies we talked about? I need you to remove and replace it with a false one," she explained.

"And why would I do that?" he asked with a frown.

"Because the prophecy mentions Riddle and he knows of only part of it. He'll be coming to get it when he feels he has enough support to do so," she explained. "I'd like him to have a false version of that prophecy to worry about."

"Potter?" asked Croaker.

With a nod, Madam Bones replied, "Potter. He knows Riddle wants to know what the prophecy states and will make a play for it. He further believes Riddle should be allowed to have it - the false one, that is."

"Have your pensieve with you?" asked Croaker.

Amelia reached across to one of her side cabinets and pulled out 'her' solicitor's pensieve she kept in her office to immediately review evidence. She placed it on her desk in the back corner before pulling the memory Harry'd given her; and dumping it within.

"Shall we?" she asked, indicating the stone bowl.

Together, the two entered the memory.

When they came out a few seconds later, Croaker said, "Interesting. From the original they've only altered one line. However, that's a significant line."

"Would it stand up to scrutiny?" she asked.

"It would," he nodded. "They had everything else almost down to the last detail. The only things they got wrong where the clothes Dumbledore and Trelawney wore. However, they're very close there, too."

"Then, will you do it?" she asked. "Will you switch out the spheres?"

Croaker seemed to think for a long few minutes before he obviously reached a conclusion. "Yes," he said. "However, the real one will still exist. It will merely be in a safe within my office. This false one will take its place on the racks. It will then not be our fault Riddle believes it to be real."

Letting out a sigh of relief from a breath she didn't realise she'd been holding, Amelia drew the memory back out of the pensieve and returned it to the memory phial before handing it to Croaker.

"Thank you, Algernon," she quickly said.

With a simple nod back, Croaker apparated back out of the office.

After replacing the pensieve back onto it's shelf in her cabinet, Amelia sat down and drafted a quick note to Harry.

Mister Potter,

He agreed.

Amelia Bones

When the Ministry owl arrived at Grimmauld Place less than two hours later, Harry gave a whoop of delight before showing his wives the note.

"Now we just have to let him take it," smirked Daphne. "No need to run off to the Ministry to stop him."

"Well, in all fairness, we didn't go to the Ministry to stop Riddle getting his hands on the prophecy," said Harry, a little shamefaced. "We went there to rescue my godfather."

"Who wasn't there and was, instead, here having a nap or something," said Daphne before she suddenly scowled. "I'm glad Sirius got rid of that elf. Traitorous little so-and-so."

_‗_

—==(oIo)==—

ˇ

On the afternoon the day before the wedding the two girls Floo'ed from the Black House and went to Greengrass Farm. There, they'd be waiting for Tracey and Luna before all of them would be side-along apparated to the Granger residence, where they were starting the 'muggle' side of the wedding preparations that evening. Narcissa went with them.

As soon as the girls and Narcissa were gone, Sirius rubbed his hands together, gave an evil little laugh and immediately started making Floo calls. Harry and Draco just glanced at each other and grinned.

During the preceding two weeks the unlikely pair had developed a strong friendship. They still had their moments, but Harry came to understand that Draco had pretty much been brainwashed by his father into the pureblood doctrine. His three excursions into the muggle world had really opened the other boy's eyes, and put paid as fiction to much of his taught beliefs.

Over the next few hours they were joined by Neville, the twins, Blaise, Cedric, Anthony Goldstein and Michael Corner. The last two had no idea Draco was now living at The Black House and they were asked, and promised, not to tell anyone until Draco, himself, announced it.

"Well, it looks like we've got a good mix of all four houses, here," grinned Sirius. He then turned to the twins and said, "Pranks are allowed, but nothing that causes damage or cannot be undone by the time we all eventually go to bed tonight. And no just picking on the Slytherins."

"Yes, oh great Padfoot," they both intoned, bowing in response.

The evening turned out to be a lot of fun. There was talking, some games played, a few pranks pulled - of which Harry was just as much responsible - but no real harm caused. The twins were amazed when Harry and Draco, working together, managed to prank them by giving them a potion that made them think they had been resorted, due to the deviousness of their pranks, and both were now in Slytherin.

When both boys were on their knees before both Remus and Sirius, begging and praying to both not to 'forsake' them because they'd been re-sorted into Slytherin, both Harry and Draco were rolling about on the couches roaring with laughter.

Neville was trying to convince them they hadn't been re-sorted but was quite unsuccessful. They just couldn't believe him.

Remus was the first of the two adults to work it out. He looked over to the pair of them and asked, "They haven't been re-sorted, have they? How'd you do it?"

"A modified compulsion potion blended with a very mild nightmare inducer," said Draco. "They're absolutely convinced Professor McGonagall had had enough of the two of them and had them re-sorted. They, supposedly, ended up sorted into Slytherin, though they begged to be sorted into Ravenclaw. It's their worst fear."

"It'll wear off in about thirty minutes," chortled a red-faced, teary-eyed Harry.

"Clever," smirked Remus. "You're aware they'll be looking for payback, aren't you?"

"Not when we tell them we're giving them the recipe for product development for their store," smirked Draco.

Remus snorted and said, "Harry's right, you're inherently a Slytherin with Gryffindor tendencies."

"Hey!" exclaimed Draco, mock offended. "Don't go spreading that around!"

When the potion finally wore off, the twins asked for the recipe and promised not to retaliate before the two had a chance to make the offer. They thought it was brilliant; scary, but brilliant.

Having already written the recipe down, Draco smirked when he saw the looks on their faces as he handed it to them.

A little later, he said to Harry, "If I knew just how easy it was to bribe the pair of them I'd have done it in first year."

"You just have to have the right coin, cousin-of-mine," replied Harry. "Gold's gold; but, a prank potion recipe with the rights to brew it is priceless to them."

_‗_

—==(oIo)==—

ˇ

Though they'd had a late night the night before, the residents of The Black House, both permanent and temporary, were up early for a filling breakfast. Headache and hangover potions did the rounds before the group needed to get ready.

When one of the twins moaned from where he was resting his forehead on the tabletop and verbally wondered what time the ladies would be up, Remus smiled and said, "They'd have been up for hours, by now."

"Think about the Yule Ball," Cedric added, from where he was making distasteful faces at a bowl of freshly cooked scrambled eggs before grabbing some dry toast. "That took them, on average, about three hours to get ready. A wedding takes them a lot longer than that."

"What time's the wedding again?" whined Neville from where he was trying to keep down the porridge he was trying to eat.

"Eleven," said Harry. As he had only drunk butterbeers the night before, he was in much better shape.

"And the time now?" asked Blaise.

"Just after eight," said Draco.

"And just why did we have to be up so early?" asked the other twin.

"We need to leave by ten fifteen at the latest," said Remus. "And you needed to be up early enough to eat breakfast and take potions to improve your seedy dispositions before you need to get dressed. You don't want to arrive at the wedding still feeding ill."

After Harry had finished his breakfast and potions, he went back to his room and quickly headed for the shower. He stayed under the stream for a little while as the potions quickly did their work.

When he finally emerged he quickly dried and dressed before heading back down to the kitchen. There was no one waiting for him.

Just after he settled at the table, Chuckles - or whatever the house elf's name really was - popped in. "Is there something I can get for you, Master Harry?"

"No thank you, Chuckles," sighed Harry. "And, breakfast was delicious this morning. Thank you."

"You're welcome, Master Harry," replied the little elf as it gave a slight bow, before popping away again.

As he sat there, Harry meditated a fair bit. He hadn't cleaned up his memories for a while. So, he spent time doing that. He also chose to use some of that sorting time to set aside memories that filled his heart with joy and love. Those memories would be perfect for powering powerful patronuses.

It wasn't until someone called his name that he realised others were in the room.

When he opened his eyes he saw the expressions on the faces of those in the kitchen with him. Remus had a knowing expression and was the one who called him. Sirius also had a similar expression, as did Blaise. But the twins just looked at him curiously. The others weren't in the room.

"Sorry," he smiled. "Meditating to sort memories for my Occlumency."

That was when the twins understood.

"The cars are here," said Sirius. "Is everyone ready to go?"

With a chorus of yes'es in his ears, Harry just smiled and firmly said, "Definitely."

From the Black House, Sirius had organised a pair of 'stretch' Rolls Royces in burgundy to take the Groom's party to the church.

_‗_

—==(oIo)==—

ˇ

Over at Greengrass Farm, the girls rose early, just as Remus said they would.

Deece had arranged for specialist wizarding make-up and hair stylists for straight after an early but light breakfast. They had arrived as the group of ladies: Deece, Cele, Daphne, Hermione, Narcissa, Tracey, Luna and Astoria sat around the informal table just off the kitchen.

The only two males in the house, Matthias and Ant, made sure to stay out of the way. They had their own morning meal while the ladies were in the ladies' sitting room, which had been converted to a beautician's and dressing room combined.

Through the morning, the two father's sat and talked, took a walk together and talked, and then sat and talked some more.

Just as they were about to head up to get dressed, a Greengrass house elf popped in with orders from the ladies to do exactly that.

"Us mere males are clearly not capable of working it out for ourselves," Ant dryly said to Matthias.

"Were we ever?" the question was asked back.

Once the menfolk had showered and changed, they met up outside the door to the ladies' sitting room. They gave each other a 'once over' before Matthias raised his hand to knock.

Astoria opened the door and stuck her head out.

"Oh, you're ready," she said, before she pulled back and pulled the door open as she did.

With a chuckle to one another, both fathers stepped into the womenfolk's sanctuary.

Tracey and Luna were daintily sitting together on a large lounge in an almost mirror reflection of one another. Astoria went to join them.

Daphne was sitting at one of those stage makeup mirror dressing table arrangements with Deece hovering as the hairstylist was making a few minor corrections. And it was the same with Hermione and Cele at the other of the two. However, she had the make-up witch working on her.

Glancing to the doorway, Deece said, "Almost ready."

After the beautician and the hairstylist did one last switch between brides, they were declared 'ready'.

From the ladies' room they went down to the welcoming parlour. Matthias then pulled three portkeys off the mantelpiece and said, "Ant and I will go first. Once we're there, I'll prepare to cast cushioning charms and the like in case someone arrives unsteady on their feet.

"Then have it Deece, our two bridesmaids and attendant. And, finally, Celeste and our two lovely brides. The portkeys will have you arriving in the middle of the Granger's sitting room. Now, all set?"

When the ladies nodded back, Mathias activated their portkey by tapping on it with his wand.

As soon as he and Ant arrived in the Granger sitting room, he began to cast cushioning charms while Ant pulled the coffee table out of the way.

As soon as the second group arrived, Ant was lucky to be close enough to catch anyone before it even looked like they were going to fall over. However, everyone else arrived safely and comfortably on their feet.

They pulled the ladies out of the way just in time for the final group to come through. And Ant was able to catch both Cele and Daphne as Matthias caught Hermione. Cele had the worst of it.

"Alright, we're all here?" asked Deece.

When no one said anything Ant went to have a look outside the front window. He was just in time to see their rides turn up. He'd organised a trio of matching white Rolls Royces to take the bridal party to the church in Croyden.

With a last minute check they had everything they needed, Ant ushered everyone out the front, down the walk, and to the cars. The rear doors were held open for them by three matching uniformed drivers.

Winky watched them go from the front window. And, as soon as they were gone, she called Dobby and Jiffy, the head Greengrass elf.

"They has gone and we has work to do," she said to the other two.

Both nodded back and elf popped away moments before Winky followed.

_‗_

—==(oIo)==—

ˇ

Just as the cars were pulling away from the Granger house with the combined bridal party safely ensconced within, the two burgundy Rolls Royces of the groom's party were pulling up outside the Croyden church.

Remus led them inside as Sirius made sure the payment for the service of the chauffeured cars was paid.

The party was met by the Bishop of Croydon, of all people. He introduced himself as Bishop Wilfred Wood.

As Sirius joined them while they stood in the entry hall - the narthex - the Bishop softly said, "It is a very great honour to meet you, Mister Potter."

"Oh?" asked Harry, worried the bishop had contacts in the wizarding world.

The Bishop gently guided him slightly apart from the others. And both Sirius and Remus watched on carefully while his wizarding friends all looked about in wonder.

The bishop said, "A couple of months ago, I'm ashamed to say, I was suffering from a lack of faith. I was here, in the church, praying for guidance when I was... I was visited by..."

"Three angels, sir?" asked Harry, gently smiling.

With an obvious sigh of relief, the bishop said, "Yes; three angels. They told me I had a very special job to do. I was to officiate at a very special wedding between three people.

"At first, I was alarmed. Weddings are supposed to be between only two people; a man and a wife. However, they assured me this wedding has the direct blessing of our Lord. I was wondering if you could sate an old man's curiosity by telling me why?"

"We're soul-bonded, Sir," replied Harry. "The three of us... Our souls have bonded together, for eternity. And it's a bonding that was created by those, shall we say, upstairs?"

"Ah!" the bishop replied. "I must say, it is most unusual."

"I'm led to believe it has not occurred in recorded history, Sir," grinned Harry. "We are bonded because, I'm told, the three of us are involved in a true prophecy. We have a destiny ahead of us; and Heaven felt it would take the three of us being bonded to meet that destiny."

"I see," the bishop nodded. "Then, I thank you for allowing me to be a part of it. I shall pray, tonight, to thank those angels, too."

"I think you'll be able to do that in person, soon enough," said Harry.

When the old man looked a little alarmed, Harry mentally face slapped himself before he quickly said, "I did not mean that the way you think, Bishop. I mean, I believe they'll be putting in an appearance some time today."

"Ah!" the bishop sighed in relief again.

When Harry rejoined the others, Sirius took them through the doors into the main floor of the church - the nave. There were a few gasps from those who'd never seen the inside of such an old church before. Of course, that was all of them. However Sirius, Remus and Harry had visited once before; just so they knew how to get there and what to expect.

"Alright guys," said Harry. "You now know what our other magical witnesses are going to be expecting. Fred and George, you're tasked with warning them not to gog about as if they've never seen the inside a church before, even if they haven't. Make sure they all know to come and sit in the first few rows of pews up at the front."

The twins nodded back.

"Alright Harrikins; leave it to us," said one.

"We'll get them sorted, don't you worry," said the other.

Turning to Draco, he said, "Draco, can you stand up near the front row of pews, that's the long wooden backed benches, and guide people into those pews? We only have about a couple dozen guests, so they shouldn't plan on sitting right back here."

"You can count on me, Harry," he solemnly replied.

"Blaise, do you mind giving him a hand or, at least, keeping him company?" asked Harry.

"Will do, Harry," said Blaise.

"Cedric, please make sure that if there's an elderly lady turning up on her own that you escort her to a seat."

"As any gentleman would do, Harry," smiled the older boy.

"Neville," he said looking to his best male friend. "You're with me in front of the altar in the crossing." Indicating towards the front of the church, he said, "That's the area just beyond the rails on the red carpeted area. Until just before the time the bridal party turns up, we stay here and greet guests."

"Got it, Harry," nodded Neville.

"Still got the rings?" asked Harry.

Neville smiled back and tapped the vest pocket of his mourning suit. "Right here, Harry. Same place as the last time you asked."

"And the time before that," grinned both twins.

"Alright," said Harry, as if he hadn't heard the responses, giving a bit of a sigh and rubbing his hands together. "Guests should start arriving any minute."

Now that they'd arrived at the church, Harry was really starting to feel the nerves.

_‗_

—==(oIo)==—

ˇ

The first people in through the outside doors were their three angels dressed as muggles.

As John approached Harry, Della and Roma walked over to a stunned bishop, who was looking back with a look of shock.

"Hello Harry James," said John.

With a sigh of almost relief, Harry replied, "Hello John. I'm glad to see you here."

"We wouldn't miss it," he smiled back. "Now, you must excuse me; but, I need to join the others in talking with Wilfred Andrew."

Harry just nodded back as John smiled again and walked over to join the others.

"Anyone we know, Harry?" asked Draco.

"Just a friend," he replied.

"And what's with the first names?" asked Cedric.

"It's the manner he speaks," replied Harry with a little smile. "As do his two friends. They talk to people using all their first names; and, kinda, refuse to use family names. Think of it as a religious belief."

_‗_

—==(oIo)==—

ˇ

The wedding went off without a hitch. The muggle families from the Granger side didn't even bat an eye to see two brides and one groom.

The bishop, after a short hesitation where he said 'man and wife', merely corrected himself to 'man and wives' and kept going.

Of course, there was the doubling of that part of the ceremony where he asked 'who gives this woman to this man and woman' and a couple of similar adjustments; but, it flowed quite smoothly.

Harry was happy to see their three angels stood side-by-side just off to the side and witnessed the entire ceremony.

Soon - and after what felt like almost forever - Harry was escorting both his brides back down the nave to the narthex.

Waiting outside for them were now the five Rolls Royces. And the entire bridal party was soon whisked off to the reception venue. Due to the security involved this was taking place in the backyard of the Granger residence.

After the bishop saw to the guests being escorted back out of the church he stood at the crossing looking to the doors and said, "That would have to be the most unusual wedding I have ever officiated. And, I've officiated some doozies."

The three angels walked over to join him from where they had stood and witnessed. Della was softly chuckling while the other two were grinning.

"You did very well, Wilfred Andrew," she said. "Heavenly father is most happy with you."

"May I ask a question?" he asked.

"Certainly," she immediately replied. "We may not be able to answer it for you, though."

"Those three," he said. "They have a... destiny ahead of them, don't they?"

"Yes, they do," she replied. "In some ways, the weight of the world rests on their three sets of shoulders."

"But, fear not. We're confident they're up to the tasks," added Roma.

When he turned to ask them another question from his staring out towards the narthex, they'd already disappeared.

Chuckling to himself, he muttered, "No one will ever believe me if I told them of this. But, I know. My faith is healed and I'm confident in leading the flocks again."

_‗_

—==(oIo)==—

ˇ

As soon as the bridal party had left the Granger residence in the three white Rolls Royces, Winky, Dobby, Chuckles, Jiffy and the other Greengrass elves were soon joined by the Potter elves. Jeeves heard of what was to be done and brought 'his' elves with him.

And, soon, they were working hard and fast.

A large white marquee was erected in the backyard and party tables were brought in. They were quickly covered with white tablecloths and joined by similarly clad chairs.

Centrepieces of wonderful designs were placed in the middle of each table; tables, which were soon festooned with shining cutlery.

Along one side a long table was erected and also covered with a white tablecloth. This table was soon loaded at one end with enough crockery from the Potter collection to sit forty people at a five course feast.

Elves set to work in the Granger and Greengrass kitchens to prepare the traditional wedding breakfast. Then the food was moved to the long table in the marquee in large tureens, platters and plates. Each was placed under a stasis charm.

By the time the combined wedding party returned to the Granger residence the elves had readied everything they needed to have done in advance. All but Winky and Dobby had departed again, while those two held themselves disillusioned and carefully watched.

The party moved through into the sitting room and awaited their guests to arrive. The teens, except Harry and his wives, moved out to the backyard. As soon as they stepped outside, they were surprised by what awaited them.

"Is that a tent?" asked Draco.

"No, it's called a marquee," said Victor, who had joined them on their ride back. "We often haf them at matches for... VIPs."

Victor then led the way down the steps to the marquee, and was first to enter with Astoria on his arm.

"Wow!" said Astoria, looking around. "This is nice!"

After the other teens had their own looks inside, Draco said, "Alright. We need to get organised, here. Potter's relying on us; and I have no intention of letting him down."

"We'll be on that wooden deck thing," said one of the twins.

"And we'll send the guests down to here," said the other as they hurried back out of the tent.

Neville said, "I'll let Harry... no, Ant... know you've got things under control out here." And he headed back inside.

Looking to the others, Draco said, "I can't see a seating plan, can you?"

The others took a look around but couldn't find one.

Looking to the head table, Fleur said, "Zat ees whair the bridal partee will sit. We should put close familee at each of the next two tables."

"And the rest of the guests, external family and friends, at the rest," continued Draco. "Good idea."

The teens got to it as Harry, his wives and their immediate family waited in the sitting room to greet guests as they passed through to the backyard.

_‗_

—==(oIo)==—

ˇ

The reception was a smash. Professor Flitwick was having a ball pretending to be someone who suffered from, as one muggle family member put it, 'dwarfism'. And Professor McGonagall was remembering back and telling the story to him about the day she first visited the house to explain Hogwarts and the magical world to Hermione and the Grangers.

When Blaise told them about how he played a small part in helping earlier in the summer to build the outside deck, 'the muggle way', both Professors were simply astonished. Both had the same thought, 'If Harry and his wives were easily able to have a dyed-in-the-wool pureblood like Blaise Zabini working like a muggle construction worker, what else would they be able to accomplish in later years?'

During the reception Professor Flitwick pulled Harry aside and let him know he'd received the request to add Ancient Runes to his timetable, congratulated him on the fine score, and said the request was granted.

After a fine luncheon, and when it appeared guests were getting a little antsy about leaving, the three took the hint and left. What they did here was leave in a car and drive only a few blocks before portkeying out of the back of it direct to Potter Retreat.

Of course, Jeeves and the other Potter elves had been monitoring them and were waiting for their arrival in the welcoming hall.

Almost immediately after their arrival, Dobby popped in with their luggage and quickly took it to their room to unpack.

One would think there would be a problem between Dobby and Jeeves, but there was not. Dobby would remain Harry's personal valet while Jeeves would remain majordomo of Potter Retreat. This way, whenever Harry was away for extended periods from the manor, Dobby would accompany him; while Jeeves remained at Potter Retreat and took care of the household. And both elves were happy with the arrangement.

Because Winky was now happily ensconced at the Granger residence, Jeeves assigned the only female manor elf, Sally, to be the 'lady-in-waiting' elf for the ladies.

"Do I need to find another house elf, Jeeves?" asked Harry.

"No, Master Harry," the elf replied. "You'll be spending most of your time at Hogwarts until graduation. There be not be enough work for elves until you move to Potter Retreat, permanently."

Harry gave a nod back and said, "Hermione would practically kill me if she thought the Potter elves were being overworked."

"I would, too," smiled Hermione.

Jeeves gave a small nod and a smile before he said, "You have had a busy day, Master Harry, Mistress Hermione and Mistress Daphne. Yet, I feel there is still something you need to do. I shall leave you for now."

When Jeeves gave a small bow and popped away, Harry asked, "What did he mean?"

Both girls smiled at him and blushed.

Daphne said, "Harry, we have just married. I believe it is a tradition of the muggle world to... consummate that marriage as soon as possible after the wedding, is it not?"

"Oh, yeah!" grinned Harry back at his wives, who were still wearing their bridal gowns. "How could I have possibly forgotten that little detail?"

"Then, I think the Lord of the Manor should escort his ladies to the bedchamber, should he not?" asked Hermione, a little huskily.

With a mile wide grin, Harry offered an arm to each of his ladies and escorted them from the room and up the stairs to the master bedroom.

_‗_

—==(oIo)==—

ˇ

The three had fun at Potter Retreat. They were on their own - except for the elves, of course - and out from under 'adult supervision'. During their two weeks there they spent time delving through the large library, wandering throughout the grounds, investigating the out-buildings, and generally unwinding.

Harry discovered sixteen brooms lovingly cared for in the broom shed just behind the house. However, of course, all were models from more than fifteen years in the past. None of them held a candle to his beloved Firebolt from the previous timeline. He wondered if he should donate them to the school and replace them with newer models. And instantly discarded the idea, as they had no idea when they'd be able to move into the manor for long enough periods of time to make it worthwhile.

He was wandering through the greenhouses with both girls, one day, when he asked, "Do you think we can convince Neville at some time to come and have a look at our greenhouses and make some recommendations?

"I know he wants to be a herbologist when he finishes his schooling; and we may be able to grow ingredients and the like here he hasn't the room for at Longbottom Hall."

"We can ask," said Daphne. "We'll need to also purchase house elves with greenhouse experience to maintain them for us. None of us have much interest in herbology."

"Why would you want to grow ingredients if you're not interested in being a herbologist?" asked Hermione.

"I may not want to be a herbologist but my interests currently lie in Potions," said Daphne. "Having fresh plant-based ingredients on hand would be nice."

With a shrug, he replied, "I figure, since we have the greenhouses, we should make use of them."

"While we're at it... and since we have stables..." began Hermione.

"You'd like horses to be here?" asked Harry, a little amused. "I think that's a wonderful idea. Plus, their droppings can be added to the soil as fertiliser for the greenhouses."

"I just... found I enjoyed learning to ride at Greengrass Farm," she replied with a bit of a shrug.

"Thank you," sighed Daphne. "I think I'd like that, too."

Thinking about how both girls were defaulting decisions to him about what he considered to be minor things, he said, "Loves, I've given you both substantial trust accounts for a reason. I don't expect you to spend all that on just apparel, make-up, perfumes, jewellery and the like. If you want to do something like purchase horses, or plants, or even donate sums of money to worthwhile causes, I can't see either of you being irresponsible enough for me to need to say something.

"The only sort of things I might want to know about, in advance, is major and permanent projects such as, adding a new wing to the manor, building a huge barn, digging a moat, buying a new property, things like that.

"For example, yesterday I was thinking about replacing all the brooms in the broom shed. Then I realised that would be kind of silly until we were living here for much longer than just two weeks out of the year. And the ones we currently have are all quite serviceable for now. But, when the time comes, I know I could go and do precisely that as it wouldn't be that big a deal.

"However, I also thought about whether or not it would be worthwhile having a combined poolhouse, hottub, and sauna built. And for that sort of project I'd come to you first about it and discuss it with you.

"Buying a small string of horses, together with the required saddlery, I don't consider that big of a deal. Yes, I'd like to know about it, but you don't need my permission; since we have a perfectly good stables and fenced paddock for them already in situ."

Both girls gave little squeals of happiness and took turns snogging him right in the middle of the aisle in the greenhouse.

"We have such a wonderful husband," sighed a happy Hermione.

"Yes, we do!" agreed Daphne with her own sigh of happiness.

"In that case," said Hermione. "How do you feel about modernising the manor?"

Curious, he asked, "In what way?"

"I want electricity," said Hermione. "I need electricity."

"Then, once the risk of attack is dealt with, you shall have electricity," said Harry. "But, while the tradespeople are working, it's going to require me to deactivate the wards to allow them in.

"Never fear, though. We know I'll have Riddle dealt with well before we finish school and make this our permanent home."

And, of course, they also worked on getting used to their animagus forms.

Wolf was pack. And pack hunted as a pack. They needed not the game for food; but they needed the game for practice.

Sheep were stupid; and cattle were slow. So they went into the woods to the north. There, they chased rabbit, deer and the like. Rabbits zigged and zagged before dropping down cleverly disguised holes they never strayed too far from. But deer ran.

They never attacked the deer, other than to make it run. They just used their teamwork to shepherd the beasts in wide circles.

Another side effect of all being wolf animaguses was they could also speak to each other in canine language while in their forms. Experimentation showed that for one to talk to another and be understood, both parties had to be in the same form, whether that was human or wolf. But, their wolves could listen to and understand human. Harry wondered if they could talk to Sirius as wolves while he was an Irish wolfhound. And, he didn't even know if they could with Remus.

That would be something for another day.

_‗_

—==(oIo)==—

ˇ

After their two weeks at Potter Retreat, the three Floo'ed as expected and on time to Greengrass Farm. Deece was waiting for them just apart from the fireplace. As they arrived, all three of them dispersed Bubblehead charms.

"Wahoo!" exclaimed a happy Harry. "It worked!"

"Bubblehead charms?" asked Deece, amused.

Hermione replied, "Harry figured that, by employing a Bubblehead charm while Floo'ing, it would stop us from getting soot on our faces and in our hair."

"Yes!" he exclaimed. "And it worked!"

"Why has no one thought to do that before?" wondered Daphne aloud.

"They may have," smiled Deece. "But, it's also considered a difficult spell to master."

Turning to Harry she said, "And thank you for the idea. For us ladies dealing with the soot-in-hair problem when Floo'ing has always been a nuisance. We've usually used a hood with a cowl up."

Harry gave a mock flourish of a bow in response. His wide grin ruined it, though.

As Dobby took their luggage directly to their room, the three headed for the informal dining room. As they walked in, Astoria saw them. The younger girl gave a little squeal, rose from her chair at the table, and ran to Daphne giving her a hug.

She stepped back, paused a moment and laid one on both Hermione and Harry; before she turned back to her sister and asked, "And what's Potter Retreat like? Is it as big as the Farm? Do you have horses there?"

As Harry and Hermione chuckled and giggled respectively at the younger girl's antics, the three made their way to the table and sat around it. As soon as they were seated Nifty - or Chef, the kitchen elf - placed a warm cup of tea before each of them.

Turning back to her sister, who appeared to be writing letters to her friends, Daphne explained all about Potter Retreat.

As she talked, Astoria asked questions right back.

Once the question and answer session ended, Astoria said, "Mum's taking the four of us to Diagon tomorrow. Did you get your letters from Hogwarts yet? Did any of you get Prefect badges?"

"Yes and yes. Hermione received a badge but she returned it," said Daphne.

"Oh? Why?" asked the younger girl.

"Being a Prefect - and, later, Head Girl - used to be my dream," explained Hermione. "However, that is definitely no longer the case. I have other priorities now. And, I don't think I can do the job properly as we don't live in Ravenclaw Tower."

"Oh, okay," the other girl said.

"I wonder if it'll be Lisa and Terry?" asked Hermione. The other two teens heard the unspoken 'again'. But, it had to be that way as the older Greengrasses didn't want Astoria frightened with what was to come if the three couldn't radically change things.

"Let's consider it," said Daphne. "And, yes, I think it'll be Lisa and Terry. Both seem to be the most outspoken and unbiased of either sex in our year group in our House.

"Now, what about Slytherin?" she asked. "It should be Blaise and Tracey. However, I think it'll be Draco and... Pansy? Professor Snape is too biased towards his godson and he knows Draco misses Pansy."

"I think it should be your first choices," said Hermione. "And not because they're our friends. But, because they're the most level-headed and unbigoted of the bunch."

"My gold's on Draco and Tracey," said Harry. "Draco, because of Snape; and Tracey, because, if the badge is offered it to her, Pansy would quickly determine Draco would have the other and return hers."

"Our old House," said Hermione. "I think it should be Neville and Fay. But, I think the boy will be Ron."

"Even after the potioning incident?" asked Daphne.

"Molly Weasley... sorry, Prewett... is a member of the Order," explained Hermione. "She'll pressure Dumbledore to overrule Professor McGonagall's choice and insist the male Gryffindor Prefect is Ron."

"What about what Neville told us about how he thought Ron had failed his exams?" asked Harry. "He should, by rights, be forced to repeat the year."

Thinking a bit, Daphne said, "I don't think McGonagall will stand for it. Not after the potioning incident; and not after his poor showing from the exams. I think the male will be the Thomas boy. But, I agree with you on Dunbar. She's the least... flighty... of the three left since you moved to Ravenclaw and Perks disappeared after second year and didn't come back.

Sally-Anne Perks was a female Gryffindor in their year that departed for summer break at the end of second year but never returned. Anyone who asked questions of any of the Professors about her was met with a stony expression and a stern warning masked as encouragement to forget about her as she wouldn't be returning.

"And, finally, Hufflepuff," said Harry, quick to get off the uncomfortable subject.

"Finch-Fletchley and Hannah Abbott," Hermione instantly replied, just as happy to get off the subject of what might have happened to Perks.

Daphne nodded and said, "I agree. My second choices for each would be Smith and Jones.

"I'll put my knut in for Smith and Abbott," said Harry. "It's a pity we didn't organise a pool for it towards the end of last year. It would have been fun."

"You wanted to make money through illegal gambling?" asked Hermione, a little shocked.

"No," he replied. "I'd have just declared the one, or more, who guessed the most correct the winner and given them the pool. We don't need the money and it would have been something fun to do for everyone else."

_‗_

—==(oIo)==—

ˇ

The next morning Deece took the four students to Diagon and they quickly purchased their books. All three were relieved to see the defence book for the year was not Defensive Magical Theory by Wilbert Slinkhard. Instead, it was Practical Defensive Magic and its Use Against the Dark Arts. It was the same book Sirius gifted Harry during the fifth year last go-around.

Apparently, it was often used as the fifth year text for DADA. They also purchased Achievements in Charming for Charms and The Standard Book of Spells - Grade 5 for Transfiguration as their required textbooks.

Then Harry added Advanced Rune Translation, Magical Hieroglyphs and Logograms, and Spellman's Syllabary for Ancient Runes; A Compendium of Common Curses and Their Counter-Actions, The Dark Arts Outsmarted, and Self-Defensive Spellwork for DADA; New Theory of Numerology for Arithmancy as it was the gift he bought Hermione the previous go-around and he knew she loved it; and Theories of Transubstantial Transfiguration for Transfiguration.

Daphne took one look at the pile of books as he placed them on the counter, smirked and asked, "Up for some light reading, love?"

He shrugged and said, "We've read some of them before, from last time, and they have some very useful information that I'm sure will come in handy."

Leaning in closer he said, "I also used the opportunity to check what Harry Potter books they had on the shelves."

"Oh?" she asked. "And, what did they have?"

"None," he grinned. "Only books such as Great Wizarding Events of the Twentieth Century and Modern Magical History, which I know I'm in. However, the information within both has been recently updated and is now correct."

All four also had growth spurts during the previous twelve months, so all four required an update of their wardrobes. However, Deece calmly suggested they hold that off until the next day, "So we can spend a more enjoyable time of it."

If Harry had chosen that time to look at both his ladies he would have shuddered in fear at the expressions on their faces.

Instead, they headed to Magical Menagerie to update their pet supplies; then over to Anderson's Apothecary to restock on potions ingredients; and, finally, to Scribbulus Everchanging Inks to restock on parchment, quills and inks. Once they left there, the girls wanted to go to Madam Primpernelle's Beautifying Potions and sent Harry next door to go and look at broom related products at Quality Quidditch Supplies, while they were busy with 'women's business'.

He was talking to the proprietor about the delayed next generation Bolt broom, the LightningBolt, when Astoria came in, told them they were done, and practically dragged him back outside.

"We're done!" she said, when he baulked a little in protest. "We're coming back tomorrow so you can look again then"

With a sigh he followed the others back up the Alley and into the Leaky Cauldron to Floo back to the Farm.

When they returned to the Farm Harry used the opportunity to clean out his trunk of bits and bobs before adding in their latest purchases. He also suggested to the girls they use his trunk for everything bar clothing, and their trunks for clothing and uniforms.

"That's a good idea, Harry," said Hermione.

"No need to look so impressed by the idea," he mock-grouched. "I'd've thought you'd already recognised I'm quite capable of thinking things through now."

_‗_

—==(oIo)==—

ˇ

The next day his wives dragged Harry out of bed early and told him they had a reasonably full day of shopping ahead of them. Harry told them he couldn't see how a whole day could be spent on just purchasing new uniforms. The resulting looks on the faces on his wives as they grinned back at him told him they were not just being fitted for new uniforms.

He groaned and tried to climb back into bed. But the girls were having none of that. They basically frog marched him into the ensuite and told him to hurry up.

When he exited, he dried and got dressed in the robes laid out on their bed for him to wear. He recognised they had dressed him in clothes that could be quickly donned and stripped off again. It was yet further evidence of the sort of day ahead of him.

While the girls were in the bathroom he pulled on his 'wizarding slippers' and headed down for breakfast.

When he walked into the informal dining room Astoria was already there. He glared at her and mock-snarled, "You could have warned me what was planned for today."

"Worked it out, have you?" she impertinently grinned back. "The three of us girls need new wardrobes, as do you. Your pants, for a start, are now showing ankle; just as your shirts are no longer covering your wrists."

Harry took a seat opposite, grumbled about traitorous wives and family ambushing him, and loaded up a plate for breakfast. He was going to need the energy to get through the day. Astoria sat and finished her breakfast while grinning at him.

_‗_

—==(oIo)==—

ˇ

As they walked into Madam Malkin's the woman herself greeted them. "Madam Greengrass and the Potter's, right on time!" she'd said. "Mister Potter; you're over there with one of my assistants," she said, indicating one of the measuring podiums. "We'll get you out of the way, first."

As Harry moved with leadened feet towards the podium, Malkin continued, "Miss Greengrass? To my right, if you would. We'll get you sorted first of the ladies."

When he had finally mounted the platform, he turned to see that one of the shop assistants had followed him over and started a magical self-measuring tape going and bid Harry to stand still.

While feeling the tape measure everywhere, Harry saw his two wives come over and join him, watching.

"I would have thought you'd prefer to join Astoria and Deece," he said to them.

Both grinned and said, "No."

"It's more fun helping you find a decent wardrobe," said Daphne. "We think we should do this more often."

Hermione grinned and nodded.

As with the previous time he had to go through what he considered the indignity of this, both his wives made choices and demands and he just went along with it all. Sometimes, one or the other would join him in the changing stall, just as they did last time.

Thankfully, there were quite a few things he didn't need this time. So, the time went by much quicker. And, this time, he was also given a better assortment of colours.

"How come the different colours?" he'd asked.

"We remembered what Luna said," said Hermione. "These were colours she recommended. She was right; they do suit you."

When his part of wardrobe shopping was done, he noticed that Hermione had disappeared a little while earlier, and had already gone through the tape measuring process.

As Harry joined Deece in the waiting chairs, Daphne stepped up onto a podium for her own turn with the tape.

"This is going to take a while," sighed Harry to Deece. "I think I might go and get an icecream."

"No," she simply said.

"When Astoria dragged me out of the Quidditch store yesterday afternoon, she promised I'd be able to go back when we got here today," he said.

"She shouldn't have done that," said Deece. "Your opinion is needed here."

"Why?" he almost whined. "The ladies have got it hand."

"Because you proved you had a good eye for colour and fashion when we were here last year," she replied, not giving an inch.

"I can come back..." he tried.

"No," she cut him off. "Now be quiet and watch. When your opinion is wanted; give it."

Harry just slumped back and sighed.

It was going to be a loooong day.

_‗_

—==(oIo)==—

ˇ

The party of five - the three Potters and the two Greengrasses - were just winding up their purchases when there was a fair bit of shouting outside and a fair few witches and wizards; plus, no doubt, muggles; running up the Alley from Gringotts and past the window of Madam Malkin's.

Harry immediately dumped their freshly bound packages back onto the counter and looked with concern at his family.

"Go," said Daphne. "We've got your back."

"No!" exclaimed Deece as the three headed for the door.

Turning back, just before he pulled the door open, Harry said, "It's for me to do and the ladies will be shielding me. Stay in here as I can't protect both you and them."

And walked out with his wives on his heels.

_‗_

—==(oIo)==—

ˇ