Chapter Forty Six - Muggleborn Shmuggleborn!

Disclaimer: The Harry Potter universe belongs to the proverbial Duchess of Magic, JK Rowling, Scholastic, Bloomsbury, Warner Bros and some other high falutin' companies. No matter how much I whine about not owning anything related to the HP universe, other than a few fanfic plots, I do not profess to own - and would never dream of making any money off - JKR's wonderful world... Damn it!

Chapter Forty Six - Muggleborn Shmuggleborn!

_‗_

—==(oIo)==—

ˇ

After the talk settled down to more mundane tasks, such as the upcoming OWL examinations, it was a while before the seven of them were joined by Neville, Hannah and Susan, who all entered together.

The table was expanded by Dobby, who then brought in butterbeers for everyone.

"That leaves the only ones of our friends missing as the twins and Horace," said Harry. He turned to the Slytherins and asked, where is he, by the way? I'd've thought, now that the dark tosser's dead, he might feel he could rejoin us."

After glancing between themselves for a few moments, Blaise said, "Ummm... Horace's father was killed last night. He's already gone home. As a sixth year, he doesn't need to worry about OWL or NEWT exams."

"Ahh... crap!" sighed Harry. "Where was he? I thought the Ministry people had done a damn good job of taking them all alive."

"Apparently, his father was one of the ones who joined Riddle in going to the Dee-oh-Emm," said Draco. "He was killed in the atrium."

Harry sighed again and said, "That meant he was both a member of Riddle's Inner Circle, and one of his most trusted."

"Again... apparently, he was," nodded Blaise.

As silence descended into the now uncomfortable situation, Neville suddenly asked, "Where did you disappear to in such a rush this morning, Potters?"

"They came back here to have sex," said Luna.

While Neville gaped back at her in shock, Harry saw the expression and began to chuckle. Susan and Hannah had both instantly blushed and refused to look at anyone.

Finally, Harry managed to get Neville's attention. "She says things like that just to shock you, Neville," he giggled.

"Sh-she... does?" asked the boy in a slightly squeaky strained voice.

"She does," grinned Harry.

"But, it makes it no less true," said Luna. "They did come back here to have sex."

"Luna, stop it!" Hermione scowled at her. Her expression changed a little to a slight smirk, and she almost haughtily said, "You're just jealous you weren't invited to join us."

"True," Luna readily agreed, almost happily. "From the way I've seen both you and Daphne walk, sometimes, I think Harry must have a wonderful broomstick.

That had Draco spray up a mouthful of butterbeer and proceed to try and cough his lungs up, Daphne was quietly trying to smother her giggles, while Hermione couldn't seem to make up her mind between glaring daggers at the little blonde Ravenclaw, and blushing.

With another look of distaste, Blaise drew his wand yet again and vanished the mess. "Really, Black," he drawled. "You have no manners, at all."

After coughing for a while and waving his hands about, Draco eventually stared at Luna and snapped, "Stop that!"

Luna just smiled back at him.

_‗_

—==(oIo)==—

ˇ

Once they had a semi-organised plan to handle the rest of the afternoon until the Minister arrived, the group of ten friends left the apartment and headed for the Headmistress's office. However, as they descended the stairs towards the third floor, they were met by Madam Bones and two aurors coming up.

"Ah, Mister Potter, ladies, friends," she said, nodding to each in turn.

"Madam Bones," smiled Harry. "I take it you're here to give us advanced notice of what the Minister's up to?"

The smile on her face confirmed his belief.

"Indeed, Mister Potter," she smiled. "Shall we head for that wonderful conference room you showed us, before?"

"Why not," he shrugged.

And, together, the now group of thirteen made their way down to the second floor conference room.

As they walked, she quietly asked him, "Are you sure you want all your... friends... to accompany us?"

"They're fine, Ma'am," he said. "Everything's going to be public soon enough, anyway. They may as well join us."

She 'hmmed' and nodded in agreement.

_‗_

—==(oIo)==—

ˇ

Once everyone walked into the room, no one felt there was a need to put up privacy wards or seal the door. With Dumbledore dead, they felt there was little risk of being disturbed.

When everyone was sitting down, Madam Bones pulled out a shrunken package of notes and returned them to normal size before placing them on the table in front of her.

"Alright," she said, causing everyone to quiet down from their softly spoken quiet conversations. "Here's what's been going on since you left the Ministry, last night."

She hesitated a moment before she said, "Just so you know, two aurors and four Unspeakables died during the various battles, last night."

Harry was horrified. He didn't know his wives reacted in a similar fashion.

Quickly holding up her hand in a stop gesture before any of the teens could say anything, she said, "No one... is blaming you, Mister Potter, for those deaths. The two aurors and one Unspeakable were killed when one of the Death Eaters who accompanied Riddle back to the atrium cast a wide area asphyxiation curse at them, before he died. And no one realised they were in trouble until it was too late. However, two others were saved by the Unspeakables' healers, who were able to get to them in time.

"The other three Unspeakables were killed on the subsequent attack on Nott Manor. Two ran afoul of a vicious war ward, and the other died in the subsequent fighting.

"I only mentioned their deaths because the Minister will be honouring their sacrifice when he comes to speak with you this afternoon. And, I didn't want to see you surprised by that announcement."

Harry could only nod back.

"Now, whether you like it or not, you and your wives are heroes, Mister Potter," she said. "And there would be a massive outcry from the wizarding public if the Minister did not suitably award the three of you for your heroic actions."

"Told you," muttered a grinning Draco.

Harry just flipped him two fingers without even looking. His attention was on Madam Bones.

With a twitch of a smile at Harry's gesture, Madam Bones continued. "The Minister will be coming here for a major press conference... and award ceremony... to commence at 4.00pm.

"I have already spoken with Headmistress McGonagall, as has the Minister's Undersecretary, about setting up the Great Hall to hold it. I don't think there's anywhere else in the castle large enough to seat everyone likely to attend. And the Minister feels that it would be best to award you... your award... here, at the school; rather than summon you to the Ministry, as he did with your first Order of Merlin."

With a frown and heightened worry, he asked, "What do you mean by first Order of Merlin?"

Realising her slip, and that Harry had quickly picked up on it, Madam Bones gave a little wince before she sighed. "I wasn't supposed to let that slip out of the bag," she muttered, before firming her shoulders and looking Harry directly in the eye. "The Minister is going to award you a second Order of Merlin, First Class, for your actions in bringing down the dark wizard Tom Riddle."

"No, he's bloody not!" Harry snarled as he surged to his feet. "I told him, last night..."

"CALM... yourself, Mister Potter," she snapped back, almost yelling the first word.

With a frustrated sigh, Harry plonked himself back onto his chair. "I told him..." he tried again.

"I know what you told him," she interrupted. "I also remember what conditions you put on him before you'd accept it."

"Conditions?" he repeated, a little confused.

"You said, you would not accept an award without your wives and everyone else involved also receiving awards," she replied. "The Minister agrees. That's why Missus Daphne Greengrass-Potter and Missus Hermione Granger-Potter will be awarded Orders of Merlin, Second Class, for their actions."

The gasps of shock from his wives and friends was quite telling. Harry had to admit, it wasn't something he'd expected, either.

"After significant interviews held last night and throughout today, we have gained a better picture of what you've been up to," she said. "We're also aware of the roles played by Professors Flitwick and Snape in training the three of you, in secret, for your eventual confrontation. They, too, are being awarded. They shall each be receiving the Medal of Meritorious Service to Wizarding Britain. It is one step down from an Order of Merlin, Third Class."

"Professor Snape should be receiving the Third Class, at a minimum," disagreed Hermione. "His work as a spy for the light within Riddle's ranks had his life constantly at high risk. That he managed to survive over the past near year is more to do with his indomitable skills and luck than anything else."

"The only reason they're not receiving the Third Class award is because the Minister felt it would detract from the Order to be handing them out in what he referred to as, 'like confetti'. I happen to agree with him, as does the leadership of the Ministry.

"And you also need to be aware that, before Severus Snape became that spy, he was a fully active and participatory Death Eater. It is only his work as that spy that sees him not being sent to Azkaban for his crimes."

Madam Bones allowed that to settle in for a few moments, before she continued. "Both myself and Unspeakable Croaker have also received awards. However; as we're employees of the Ministry, and it's our role and duty to deal with dark wizards; ours will be Meritorious Service awards recognising we supposedly went above and beyond our duty. Like you obviously do, Harry, we don't believe we deserve such; but, we're both going to suck it up and accept them; just as you will.

"The order of presentation will be: Myself and Croaker; then Professors Flitwick and Snape; then both Missuses Potter; and, finally, yourself.

"You also need to be aware that you will then be the first wizard or witch in over three centuries to hold the Order of Merlin, First Class and bar. The bar designates the second award of the First Class. That will also be the cause for much discussion and debate among the wizarding populace.

"To keep the presentations as brief as possible, speeches will be kept to a minimum. None of the awardees, except you, will be required to speak other than a few words of thanks. Even the Minister is aware of public sentiment, and will keep his remarks to a bare minimum.

"Immediately after the presentations, the floor will be open to the press conference. You will be expected to answer all questions as honestly and briefly as you can. To enable this, the Knowledge Fidelius on the operation has been lifted as of twelve noon, today. It was the last thing Croaker and I did before I came to see you today.

"Now, any questions?"

"How did you manage to get the Minister not to waffle too much over the presentations?" asked Hermione.

With an almost predatory grin, Madam Bones replied, "I told him Headmistress McGonagall would not let things run past 6.00pm. She'd want the Great Hall back so it could be reconfigured for the evening meal. Then I asked her to support that.

"Instead, she set the time limit to 5.45pm. And berated the Minister like an errant schoolboy until he agreed."

That elicited quiet chuckles among the teens. They all knew exactly the tone the Headmistress would employ, as they'd been on the receiving end of it often enough over the years.

The only change Harry was able to get through as a demand, was he wanted Draco to be the one who held the case as he was presented the Order.

After Draco 'Eeped' in shock, then spluttered about how he wasn't worthy of such an honour, Harry eventually relented and chose Sirius, in his stead.

"And, you two?" asked Madam Bones, turning back to Daphne and Hermione.

"My father," Hermione instantly replied. "I want my parents here for the presentation, anyway. And this forces the Ministry to allow them to come."

"Mine, too," nodded Daphne.

"I expected as much," she slyly smiled. "Be assured they'll be here."

"Have Professors Flitwick and Snape been informed?" asked Daphne.

"They have," she replied. "I had just finished speaking with both before we bumped into you on the stairs on our way up to inform you."

_‗_

—==(oIo)==—

ˇ

After only a few more questions, and the demand of a promise from Harry he'd go along with it, Madam Bones and her aurors left. They still had work to do, and even Madam Bones grumbled about how she had to pull out her dress uniform robes again.

At 3.30pm the Potters were already dressed and on their way to the Headmistress's office. An elf had delivered a message shortly after they'd returned to the apartment to ask them to be already dressed in their finest as it was likely they'd not have opportunity to dress afterwards.

As the three walked into the office, the first thing they saw was all four parents and Sirius rising to their feet and turning towards, from where they were sitting in chairs before the Headmistress's desk.

Both parents hurried over and all three teens found themselves enveloped in almost crushing hugs, before being released and handed to the next parent. Surprising to the Potters, both Grangers wore high quality robes. And both wore the crest of the House of Granger on their robe breasts on the left to match what everyone else wore.

Even Headmistress McGonagall wore a tartan sash with the crest of Clan McGonagall emblazoned upon it at upper chest level.

Once the hugs were out of the way, Ant looked at the three and said, "I've heard the three of you have already been berated by Sirius, Matthias, Deece and Remus. Well, now it's our turn."

Suddenly he reached out and grabbed Harry by a lapel on his robe and gave him a bit of a yank. He barked, "What the bloody hell were you thinking?! You could have got yourselves killed! Our only children and you go and do something so bloody foolish as that!"

Now quite used to being yelled at, while Hermione and Daphne cringed back a little from the force of Ant's tirade, Harry stood firm. When his father-in-law finally stopped, he intoned, "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. And either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives. The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord will be born as the seventh month dies.

"That was a prophecy given to Albus Dumbledore about three months before I was born. And Riddle very quickly learned of the first two lines of it. From that moment on, I was specifically targeted by Riddle.

"The prophecy was also a true prophecy. And, because of the line 'either must die at the hands of the other', only I could kill him while I still lived. The only way for someone else to be able to kill him was if he'd already killed me. And, I was not willing to allow that to happen.

"I'm sorry it caused you a great deal of stress and worry. However, it was better you not know too much in advance of what was going on. Besides, the Ministry had already placed all the information about the operation under a Fidelius charm; which meant we physically couldn't tell you, even if we wanted to."

As the Grangers and Greengrasses relaxed again, Ant almost whined, "Please don't go doing something like that, again."

"We have absolutely no intention of doing so," replied Harry. "I'm done with being the hero of the wizarding world, thank you very much. Some else can go hunt bad guys.

"I've even removed my desire to become an auror when I graduate off the table. I'll be quite happy being a gentleman farmer, or some such, into my dotage."

"I hope you'll consider becoming a Professor, at some time, Mister Potter," said the Headmistress. "I've no doubt I can use your now prodigious skills in magical combat in the role of DADA Professor, if that... tickles your fancy."

Harry thought about that for a few long moments before he said, "You know, I think I'd like that... Professor Potter. It's got a nice ring to it."

"Alliterative, too," smiled Hermione.

Just before everyone sat down, Sirius and Matthias stepped forward and passed their wands with a few softly muttered incantations over the front of the robes of the bondmates.

When he looked down at the result, Harry could see the Black crest now sat high on his right pectoral, and slightly smaller than the Potter crest. It was joined side-by-side with the Greengrass crest with the Granger crest subservient.

On Hermione's robes, she wore the Potter crest, the same as Harry. But her right now also had the Black and Granger crests with a much smaller version of the Greengrass crest below it. Daphne's had the Black and Greengrass crests with the Granger crest in the subservient position.

"Damn, that's a lot of Houses," muttered Harry.

"As well as being the Head of the House of Potter, Harry," said Sirius. "You are the Heir Presumptive of the House of Black; the Heir Presumptive, through marriage, of the House of Greengrass; and, since the birth of their son, an Heir once removed, through marriage, of the House of Granger."

"And Daphne's and Hermione's crests both reflect that, and recognise their standings as daughters in their own Houses," added Matthias.

_‗_

—==(oIo)==—

ˇ

After the initial yelling, then relaxing into a more familial setting with the combined families and Professor McGonagall, they were soon joined by Professors Flitwick and Snape.

"Hang on," said Harry, turning to Cele. "Where's Way-err... William?"

She smiled and said, "Winky's looking after him. She's more than proven she's capable of caring for him."

"She actually begged us to leave him behind so she could look after him," smiled Ant.

"And, she knows to bring him to us if something actually does become a problem," added Cele.

"I'm glad to see you're becoming accepting of the skills of a house elf," smiled Deece to the Grangers. "I actually think they're more capable of taking care of an infant that the vast majority of parents."

Nodding, Harry turned to Professor Snape and noticed his robes reflected his position as the Head of House Prince, and his standing as a Potions Master; just as Professor Flitwick's had an Heir's crest for Gringotts and his standing as a Charms Master. But, Professor Flitwick also wore a highly polished battle-axe strapped to his back, in easy reach of his right hand.

Harry took one look at the Potions Master's expression before he snickered at him.

"And, just what inconsequential matter has you so amused, Mister Potter," grumbled Snape.

"The expression on your face," replied Harry. "Mind sharing what your reaction was, when Madam Bones informed you of the award you're about to receive?"

The normally dour faced man gave a short look of distaste before he sneered, "I know not of what you speak."

That had Professor Flitwick chuckling close to full blown laughter. "Nonsense, Severus," he laughed. "I have to say I, for one, much enjoyed your efforts in berating our illustrious Madam Bones about what you felt of the matter. I think even she was impressed with your diatribe. I thought, for a moment there, she was going to stand and applaud you for your efforts."

"Amelia has never been lacking in the skill of using, shall we say, colourful language when it's required," smiled the Headmistress.

"Oh, Severus never swore, Headmistress," said the Charms Master. "He never even raised his voice. It was the depth of emotion, and vituperousness he employed in voicing his displeasure, that was almost awe-inspiring."

With a soft smile, Professor McGonagall murmured, "I'm sure."

Snape merely folded his arm and glared back, daring anyone to speak of it with him.

It was only a few minutes later when one of the castle's house elves popped in to let them know the Minister and his party had just entered through the gates.

"Thank you, Dippy," said the Headmistress, beginning to rise. "Shall we?" she asked, gesturing towards the door.

_‗_

—==(oIo)==—

ˇ

Together with Professors Snape and Flitwick and their families, Harry and his wives waited off to one side on the dais that usually held the head table as the Minister, and far more people than Harry expected, entered through the main doors of the Great Hall. They were joined a few moments later by Astoria, who had been summoned by the Headmistress to join them.

The aurors immediately began to sort the large crowd out towards seating while the Minister, his Undersecretary, Madam Bones and Unspeakable Croaker, joined the awardees and the family off to one side.

"Everyone's ready?" asked the Minister. Without waiting for an answer, he rubbed his hands together and said, "Good, good."

Madam Bones gave a sigh of annoyance before she gestured to the seats on the dais.

This time, sitting on the right were: Newt Scamander - Order of Merlin, Second Class; and Orabella Nuttley - Order of Merlin, Second Class; and ex-Minister Fudge - Order of Merlin, Third Class. Again, a chair was set aside for Flophart with his picture set on the chair.

Harry could see Fudge was expressing his distaste for having to be seated next to a framed photograph. But, he had no pity for the man.

On the other side of the dais was: Madam Bones, Unspeakable Croaker, Professors Flitwick and Snape, Hermione, Daphne and Harry.

Between them, and directly back from the lectern, was a row of chairs that sat Minister Ogden, Sirius, Ant, Matthias, and the Undersecretary. The last four all held small cases on their laps, with the Undersecretary holding the largest of all.

The rest of the expanded family sat on the opposite side of the Hall from the extra large media contingent, which put them directly in front of the recipients.

As promised, the Minister only gave a general overview of the event, referred everyone to that morning's edition of the Daily Prophet for what had essentially transpired and finally indicated for his Undersecretary to join him.

First, he called up Madam Bones, presented her with her award and a short mention of how she'd earned it, and called for applause. Next was Unspeakable Croaker, with the same pomp.

The Minister then called up Professor Flitwick, who assisted by conjuring for himself a small set of steps, so the Minister would not need to bend down to pin the medal to his chest. Then came up Professor Snape, who banished the steps as he approached.

Then it was on to the Orders of Merlin. The Undersecretary, Harry never did learn the man's name, closed the now empty case with a snap and returned to his seat. Hermione was called first and was joined by her father.

The Minister spoke quite well as to Hermione's role over the past year and a half and her role in the final battle; before then picking up the ribbon supporting the Order of Merlin, Second Class, medallion, and lowering it gently over her bowed head.

As Hermione straightened back up, she gave her hair a flick to cause it to fall over the ribbon at her neck, before she shook the Minister's hand with a wide smile.

Ant then stepped forward and gave her a quick hug and a peck on the cheek, before he indicated she should turn and face the Hall.

Once the applause died down - a little quickly, Harry thought - she stepped to the lectern and simply said, "Thank you, to all. As we have two more of these to get through, I'll just say we'll answer your questions during the press conference." Then she returned to her seat, fingering the Order medallion, as she did so.

As Daphne was invited by the Minister to step forward, her father walked forward holding his own small case.

Again, the Minister spoke about her role, especially around the final battle, and picked up the ribbon for the medallion from the now opened case.

Daphne's actions and words were very similar to Hermione's, and she was soon sitting back down.

When Harry was called up, he was already wearing his original Order of Merlin. As Sirius stood between them, the Minister spoke more in-depth of what Harry had accomplished, brushed on the battle with the basilisk - which earned him his first Order of Merlin, First Class - before going into the final battle. A little uncomfortably, he even mentioned that the battle was the result of a prophecy between he and Riddle; and that the full wording was now considered a state secret.

Just before the Minister was about to reach for the new Order of Merlin, he softly said, "Mister Potter, you will need to remove your original Order medallion, so I may hang the new one around your neck."

Harry immediately reached up and removed it, dropping it into the opened case held by Sirius, but out of the way of the Minister picking up the new one.

Then the Minister reached in and drew the new one out.

Before hanging it around Harry's neck, he pointed out the long bar on the ribbon, that signified it as a second award of the same calibre. "We actually had to delve back into our records storage before we had any idea what a second award would look like," he spoke loud enough for the gathered to hear.

Then he indicated for Harry to bow his head, before then hanging the new ribbon around his neck.

As the final awardee, and with the highest honour, it was left to Harry to give the longest speech. And he intended to make full use of the opportunity.

Stepping up to the lectern after the applause died down, and both Sirius and the Minister returned to their chairs, he withdrew a scroll of parchment from his robes.

Laying it on the lectern, he gave himself a few moments to collect his thoughts.

"First, thank you to Minister Ogden, and the members who graciously agreed to see me awarded the Order of Merlin, First Class, for a second time; and my wives, who also played a significant role in bringing down Tom Riddle," he began. "I have no doubt that, without their direct assistance, I would not have been successful.

"The same can also be said for the training we three received from Professors Flitwick and Snape. I can say that, just about everything we threw at Tom last night, was taught to us by them.

"And I also give my sincere thanks to Department Heads Unspeakable Croaker and Madam Bones, together with their people. I have no idea why the Daily Prophet, and other disreputable media organisations of the same vein, believed I could deal with the entire problem on my own; because, I couldn't see it. It actually beggars belief by anyone who has a brain comprising more than two cells that such could be even remotely successful. Perhaps they expected me to walk to my death, and allow someone else to kill the dork lard. I have no idea."

That caused a bit of irritated grumbling from the press seats.

"However, that's not what I want to talk to you about," he continued, ignoring the press. "What I want to talk to you about is stopping what happened, that created 'Lord Voldemort', from ever happening again."

"Over the past two hundred plus years," he began after a slight pause, "Magical Britain has felt the depredations of no less than three dark wizards intent on forcing their rule upon the world. They were, of course, Tom Riddle, Gellert Grindelwald, and Malachai Peabody.

"Riddle and Peabody were home-grown dark wizards; and Grindelwald, even though he was raised for the most part on the continent, still had family within our shores that he spent time with. All three are, therefore, products of wizarding society in Magical Britain.

"All three promoted very similar beliefs. All three promoted blood bigotry at it's worse. All three preyed on the blood bigotry of the so-called pureblood citizenry of Magical Britain as a whole to further their quests for power.

"Now, I can see you're a little uncomfortable hearing that. I can see some of you do not believe it is that great a problem. A storm in a teacup, so to speak. However, I can easily prove just how widespread and insidious the problem is, just by what you have witnessed in the last less than an hour. Blood bigotry was, though subtle, on display during the awards today.

"The awardees were called up with the, shall we say, lowest award first; culminating in the awarding to me of the highest award; the Order of Merlin, First Class.

"First called up were Madam Bones and Unspeakable Croaker for identical awards. I know that Unspeakable Croaker is a pureblood, just as I know Madam Bones is a half blood. And Madam Bones was called up first. The furthest away from the awarding of the Orders of Merlin.

"Next was Professors Flitwick and Snape, also with identical awards. Professor Flitwick is of mixed breed, while Professor Snape is a supposed half blood. Professor Flitwick was called first.

"Third was my wives, Missus Daphne Greengrass-Potter and Missus Hermione Granger-Potter. Daphne is a pureblood and Hermione is a supposed muggleborn. Hermione was called up first.

"Right there is three examples of those of... supposedly... better blood being treated better than others. Once is an accident, twice is coincidence, three times is deliberate. And, I daresay, the Minister and his staff who planned all this and the order folks were called, had no idea they'd done it. The bigotry is such an ingrained part of Magical British society, a great many of those perpetuating it don't even realise they're doing it.

"And the annoying thing of all this is, there's no such thing as a muggleborn, or a half-blood who has a so-called muggleborn and a pureblood parent.

"Muggle scientists working in the field of genetics right around the world all agree on specific points. One of those is this: If an identical genetic change occurs between two diverse people it could have been an incredible coincidence. The odds of such are counted in the millions-to-one. However, it is possible; and they recognise that.

"If the identical change occurs a third time, the chance is considered so astronomically remote as to be considered as close to impossible as it can get. The odds are in the many many trillions-to-one.

"If it occurs a fourth time, then it is irrefutable proof it wasn't spontaneous. Instead, it was clearly the result of a predisposition. Something had to already exist across the four that triggered that change.

"Now, consider this: Hogwarts accepts as students an average of six supposed muggleborns each year; and that doesn't include those whose parents decline the invitation. In every case they demonstrate the exact same genetic change. They are all capable of wielding magic in a near identical form. That form is the exact same as those who are supposedly pureblood. And this occurs every year.

"Every year approximately a half dozen supposed muggleborns walk into this Hall for the first time. And, out of a total population of students, those supposed muggleborns form about one seventh of the total.

"If you were to take those figures to a muggle geneticist, and try to convince him or her that it was the result of spontaneity, he or she would roar with laughter and think you were trying to pull a prank on them. And that's because they know that the chance of that sort of thing happening is inconceivably impossible.

"In other words, it's a nonsense. It could never happen. Not even once. Not in a million lifetimes.

"However, if you were to consider that supposed muggleborns are actually the descendants of magicals, then you start to see possibility. We move from the realm of impossibility to the realm of probability. All those supposed muggleborns could now have as inherited traits in their genetic makeup the ability to wield magic as well as any supposed pureblood.

"So, how do those genetic traits make their way into the muggle world? Again, it's simple to explain. And I can explain it with one word: squibs.

"Since the time the magical world cut itself off from the muggle world; magicals, who should know better, have been sending their squibs into the muggle world. And, of course, in the muggle world, they grow to adulthood, marry and have children.

"These non-magical children of magicals, and their children and so on, grow and live with the ability to wield magic in their very genes, their cells, inert. Then, sometimes hundreds of years later, or as soon as a couple of generations along, that inert ability becomes active in a newborn. And you have a so-called muggleborn.

"Muggleborns are, in reality, the children of sometimes long lines of squibs. However, at the very least, they can only be referred to as half-bloods, due to breeding with true muggles.

"And Gringotts recognises this. In chatting with the goblins responsible for recognising inheritances, they have informed me it is the policy of the bank to blood test as many so-called muggleborns as possible. And the reason is obvious; they're looking for the children of squibs of pureblood lineage whose magical predisposition has become active. And their interest in doing so is to reactivate long dormant vaults.

"Where the wizarding world believes a family line is dead, the goblins know better. They know the likelihood of the children of squibs of those lines thought dead but still being alive, is a near certainty. But, they're patient. They know they only have to wait long enough, and one of those children will walk through their doors as a so-called muggleborn. And they'll be able to reactivate that vault.

"You have storekeepers in the Alley, in Hogsmeade and in other wizarding towns who refuse to serve anyone not considered of pure blood. You have different, higher, prices for those considered of poorer blood to those of known bloodlines. Your own ministry employs far less so-called muggleborns and half-bloods than would be the average. If the hiring practices of the Ministry was fair, it should currently employ at least fifteen percent so-called muggleborns. That it employs less than one percent, is proof of it's inherent bigotry.

"You have so-called muggleborns who, once they graduate these hallowed halls, find themselves unable to find work in magical Britain, based solely on their so-called blood status, and flee to other shores. Mostly, they head for the United States and Australia, but they also head elsewhere. And there, they are welcomed with open arms; leaving the rest of the world laughing at us for losing educated, skilled and capable witches and wizards; for no other reason than they were seen as lesser beings.

"Pureblood extremists will cry that muggleborns are stealing magic. What a load of hippogriff dung. It's only the magic within the grandchild of a squib that's changing from inert to active. It's only the children of those who you threw out years ago, activating, and allowing them to return to the wizarding world. Nothing less.

"Therefore, blood bigotry is a nonsense that does nought but harm our society. And, anyone who actively encourages it, is an ignorant fool. Tom Riddle, Gelert Grindelwald, Malachai Peabody, and almost all those dark wizards and witches who preceded them over the centuries, spouted that nonsense as fact; and had witches and wizards turn their wands on each other in anger. For what?

"I, for one, am frankly sick of it. So, I make this promise to you now: If you are unable to rid yourselves of your bigotry... your illogical, though often suppressed, hate... and learn and understand the truth... there's likely to be yet another dark wizard or witch in your lifetime. However, next time, there won't be a Potter there to save you. You'll have proven yourselves unworthy of the efforts of the House of Potter to come to your aid, other than to support our existing alliances.

"Change; or suffer the consequences."

As Harry rolled his scroll back up and stepped back, bedlam ensued.

As he sat down, ignoring the shouts coming from those who had been sitting to witness the awards, Hermione leaned over and asked, "I thought you said muggleborns are the result of magical souls inhabiting the bodies of muggles."

"They are," he replied. "I just had to get things moving towards getting rid of the bigotry; and something like convincing the populace of the souls theory is harder than this. It's the unborn physical bodies of those with the predisposition to handle a magical soul, that get them.

"If I can get them thinking, we can then get them considering alternatives."

Leaning over, as she was sitting on the other side of Hermione, Daphne asked, "This is the start of the second stage, isn't it?"

"That it is, my love," he smiled. "That it is."

_‗_

—==(oIo)==—

ˇ

Once Madam Bones and her aurors got the crowd under control, the actual press conference could begin.

However, they first had to move the lectern out of the way, and replace it with a shortened version of the head table. It was when the awardees and the Minister sat at the table, facing the crowd, that the crowd finally finished settling down. Though many were angry at Harry's remarks.

And that's when the barrage of questions began.

Many of the questions were more angry retorts from those who considered themselves purebloods. However, there were a few that were asked where the person asking was clearly considering what Harry had said.

One questioner asked, "How do we rid ourselves of, as you believe, our bigotry?"

"That is up to each of you," replied Harry. "It's not my job to fix your problems for you. However, I can tell you that bigotry is often born from a position of ignorance and fear. You solve both by educating yourselves to the truth. So, go educate yourselves. Open your minds. Look around you without a heart filled with bias and preconceived notions of what you believe the truth to be. Question everything.

"Oh, and don't rely on just one source of information, either. Over the past four and a half years, since my return to the wizarding world, according to the Daily Prophet and the Wizarding Wireless, I've gone from an ignorant muggle-raised; to a dark wizard in the making, due to my ability to speak parseltongue; to a poor boy targeted for assassination by his mass-murdering godfather, the same man sitting only a few places to my right; to an attention seeking liar, who entered his own name into the Goblet of Fire; to the so-called Chosen One, who would save everybody by facing Riddle in one-on-one combat killing him for you all.

"And you people continue to turn to that rag and believe as near-gospel every word within it. I don't hold a subscription to the Daily Prophet, because I don't need any more lining for my owl's roost as I think that's all it's good for. However, my wives subscribe so they can see who my solicitors can next litigate against for libel."

"What are your plans for the future?" asked another.

"Pass my OWLs with lots of Outstandings, relax, enjoy being a married man to the two most beautiful witches in the world, and have a decent holiday free of the threat of a sociopath whose primary desire is to kill me," he replied.

"And where do you plan to holiday?" asked someone.

"I've no idea, yet," he replied. "But, I envision a tropical island with a private beach, somewhere. My wives and I have spent so much effort on training up to face Riddle we've not even had time to properly enjoy a honeymoon, yet. The short one we had was in solitude, hiding. As soon as possible after OWLs are over, we're off."

"If muggleborns believe they may have a vault filled with treasures waiting for them at Gringotts to claim," another grumped, "I think the goblins are going to be very unhappy with you. They'll be swamped."

Harry laughed, as did his wives and most of his family. "That many people coming to his bank to take blood tests? Besides being able to claim a payment for the test for each so-called muggleborn who walks through their doors and asks for it, the goblins want those vaults activated. Inactive vaults make them no gold. No, as a result I think Warlord Ragnock might want to adopt me, or something. He's a nice person; he enjoys a good laugh."

A question to Croaker, "What do you think of Mister Potter's claims that muggleborns are actually the descendants of purebloods through squibs?"

"It would be an interesting research project," replied Croaker.

"The Unspeakables aren't already looking in to that?" asked the same.

"The Unspeakables, myself included, do not speak about what we are currently researching; or are not researching," replied Croaker.

"Will you be offering Mister Potter a job?" the same questioner pressed.

"The hiring practices of the Department of Mysteries are confidential," replied Croaker.

Turning to Harry the same questioner asked, "What about you, Mister Potter? Are you looking for a position in the Department of Mysteries?"

"I've not even sat my OWLs, yet," replied Harry. "Therefore, I'm not ready to make a decision as to my future employment prospects."

"But, would you accept if offered?"

"As with any employment offer, when or if it finally comes, it would be something I would first discuss with my wives," he replied.

Harry could hear Croaker lightly chuckling from where he sat further along the table. Obviously the man found the whole thing, especially Harry's answers, pretty amusing.

Someone finally asked a question of someone else. The first was from a witch in the press area to Hermione. "Missus Granger-Potter," she asked. "My readers of Witch Weekly would like to know how it feels to be a muggleborn married to the hero of the wizarding world."

"Bully for them," Hermione quietly said. "Was there a question in there, somewhere?"

That had her dad snort in amusement as many of the family grinned or outright chuckled.

The now flustered witch asked, "Well... ummm... what's it like, as a muggleborn, being married to the Boy-Who-Lived, and now Man-Who-Conquered?"

Harry winced.

"You forgot Slayer-of-Slytherin's-Monster among those hyphenated nicknames you folks in the press have made up for him, and Tri-Wizard Champion," smirked Hermione. "As to your question; if Harry is right, then there's no such thing as a muggleborn. Therefore, your question is moot. Would you like to reword it?"

Another female journalist apparently came to the rescue of the well flustered first. "What's it like being married to... Harry Potter?"

"Well, as I've never been married to any other wizard, I've no one to compare it to," she calmly replied. "However, I can tell you that Harry is a wonderful husband. I could not ask for anyone better."

"And you, Missus Greengrass-Potter?" asked the same witch.

"I think Hermione said it all," replied Daphne. "And, while we appreciate you need to ask questions for your nosey... sorry... loyal readers; you will respect our familial privacy."

That had Matthias murmur only loud enough for family to hear, "Good answer!"

Finally, someone asked a question Harry was near begging for. Someone asked Snape a question. "Professor Snape, having assisted in the training of Harry Potter to face He-Who... Tom Riddle, how do you feel?"

Harry looked down the table at the professor, almost in glee, as he waited for the man to answer.

Apparently considering his words carefully, Professor Snape took a few moments before responding. "Having spent a great deal of time and effort in training th... Mister Potter and his wives to face Riddle in combat; as he managed to kill the man, I feel he performed... adequately.

"As to how I personally feel; I feel relieved... as, I think, does everyone in Magical Britain... that Mister Potter was somehow able to rid us of this threat."

Looking down the table and watching the Professor respond, Harry couldn't help but grin his head off at the man. Snape refused to look back. Instead, his expression turned from its customary slight annoyance, to mild annoyance.

As backhanded a compliment as it was, Harry could see the Potions Master was still annoyed he actually had to say something nice, in public, about him. Harry was already considering copying the memory and sending it with a nice card to man for his own pensieve. He was even thinking of tying a nice ribbon around the phial for delivery and signing the card, 'With love, Harry'.

As the press conference wound down, Headmistress McGonagall began making noises and glaring at the Minister. Not stupid, the Minister finally called a halt to the press conference and sent those watching on their way.

As the Hall emptied out, the Minister turned to Harry and said, "I wish you'd informed me of your remarks relating to the muggleborn before you made them today, Mister Potter. I may have been able to advise you on how to word them so they weren't so... inflammatory."

"I wrote and spoke them from the heart, Minister," replied Harry. "Though I'm not a politician, I'm not unaware of the overwhelming support I've gained from the populace. And, as such, I'm not adverse to using that to make some necessary changes."

"I see," said the man, clearly unhappy with Harry. He then turned to Croaker and said, "I want to see the Department of Mysteries investigate Mister Potter's claims, to see if there is any validity in his beliefs. I expect to see a report on it."

"It bears investigating," replied Croaker. "We'll have a report for you as soon as we're able to fully assess the matter."

With a final nod, the Minister turned and strode from the Hall. His undersecretary and a pair of aurors followed him out.

As the Minister left, the Headmistress came over. "Though I know you think you know what you're doing, it pays not to antagonise the Minister... unnecessarily."

"Oh, I think he's going to soon forget about my remarks, today, Headmistress," he smiled. "I don't think he realises, just yet, that he's going to have to elevate a so-called muggleborn into the tiers of the Wizengamot. As a new holder of an Order of Merlin, Hermione's earned the right to sit on that body."

Harry heard Sirius snort in amusement from behind. "Good one, pup," he chuckled. "I think you might be right."

Headmistress McGonagall sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose with one hand as she hung her head. "Just... clear off, while I have the Hall configured back for the evening meal, would you?"

Impudently grinning back, Harry replied, "Yes, Ma'am."

"And I think we should be heading back to the Ministry," said Madam Bones. She gave a little mock salute to the Potters and the Headmistress before she and Croaker left with the rest of the aurors in tow.

"I need to get changed," muttered Snape before he walked away without acknowledgement.

Professor Flitwick congratulated the Potters before hurrying after the man.

"Back to our apartment before dinner?" asked Daphne of the family.

"Yes, please," said Cele. "We've not had a chance to have a decent look about yet. This is our first time here."

"And that's once more than almost all non-magical parents get," said Matthias. "Sorry, but it's true. Due to the nature of the wards on the castle and grounds; muggles, such as yourself...

"No; wait. If Harry's right, you're actually squibs. If that's the case, depending on how much, or how little, magic you actually have, you may or may not be able to see the castle."

"Is there any way to test them for their magical strength?" asked Hermione.

"Yes," replied Deece. "But, if it's very very low, it'll need to be done at Saint Mungo's. That's something we can organise for one day when they've a day off work."

"If their magical power is at a reasonably powerful squib level," pushed Hermione, "Is it something Madam Pomfrey can test?"

Deece frowned a little, thinking about what was asked. "Yes. Possibly."

Harry gave a little snort, knowing what was coming, stuck a finger into the air and declared, "To the infirmary!"

_‗_

—==(oIo)==—

ˇ

Madam Pomfrey stepped back from both beds, next to each other and with an adult Granger on each, and lowered her wand.

"Well, sweet Merlin's ghost!" she said, clearly surprised by what she'd discovered.

"Well?" asked Hermione, almost hopping from one foot to the other and back again.

After giving Hermione a look that said 'Watch your tone with me, young lady!', Madam Pomfrey turned back to the adult Grangers and said, "They're there. Both of you have very weak magical cores... Missus Granger's is a little stronger than Mister Granger's... but both have a magical core.

"Neither are at the level of what we'd commonly refer to as a squib; but, they're there, nevertheless."

"And just because the magical world does not think of them as squibs, that they have a magical core each means magic thinks of them as squibs," stated Harry, quite pleased.

"This is actually quite astonishing," said Madam Pomfrey, clearly surprised by her findings. "I really must ask to go and visit the homes of our muggleborns, and see if their parents and siblings will allow me to perform the same test."

"That means Harry's likely right," stated Matthias.

Harry grinned back. "It would also explain why magical souls are drawn to particular so-called muggleborns in the first place. With both Cele and Ant being squibs, it's no wonder Hermione and William were born magicals.

"I daresay you'll find the same with the parents of the rest of the so-called muggleborns."

The family left Madam Pomfrey muttering to herself about the research possibilities and continued on their trek back to the Potter Apartment.

As they walked, Daphne and Hermione showed them all one of the magical suppression fields, and where the rune array was located that powered it. That then led to a discussion between Matthias, Daphne and Hermione on how it worked.

As they had paused to inspect one of the rune arrays, Harry called Dobby and told the little elf they were expecting guests, and to set up the seating accordingly.

Dobby took one look at the size of the party, nodded, and popped away again.

_‗_

—==(oIo)==—

ˇ

Outside their apartment Hermione gave Professor Whittaker the password, "The Potters rule!", which replaced the old password, 'The Headmaster is a manipulative old coot'.

Inside, they could see Dobby had already reconfigured the couch seating to take into account the number of guests. It was now getting to the point where Harry recognised the same couches being used over and over again.

"Harry," said Daphne. "Please entertain our guests while we go get changed." And she and Hermione immediately left the room and walked to the master bedroom without waiting for him to respond.

As the girls walked in, Cele and Deece glanced at one another and chased the girls in, firmly closing the door behind them.

"Well; ordered about like a house elf," huffed Harry.

Matthias and Ant just laughed and Sirius grinned.

"Get used to it, Harry," said Matthias. "It means they've become very used to you, and are starting to assert their own authority on the marriage."

"But, aren't I supposed to be in charge?" he asked, confused.

"In public, yes," said Ant as all three men laughed. "In private, however... let's just say, sleeping in the bed is far preferable to sleeping on the couch."

"Either that, or buy yourself a really, really comfortable couch you can easily sleep on," added Matthias. "Until you can accept the wives are in charge at home, you're going to be spending a lot of time sleeping on it."

"The ladies know... almost instinctively, you could say... the Lady of the Manor is in charge of the home," said Sirius. "And, for the time being, this apartment is your home. Therefore, they're in charge inside this apartment."

"Don't worry, Harry," smiled Matthias. "You're allowed to be in charge of everything outside of the home."

"Allowed?" asked Harry.

"Allowed," Ant immediately and firmly replied, as both other men nodded.

_‗_

—==(oIo)==—

ˇ

As dinner approached, the ladies had returned; so, Harry quickly ducked in to the master bedroom to get changed into something more casual.

Then the entire family headed back to the Great Hall. Along the way, the family pointed out things to the Grangers; like the talking portraits, the moving stairs, 'secret' passageways, the Charms and Transfiguration classrooms, how some doors pretended to be walls at various times, and other unique features.

"Are you sure they won't have a problem with us joining you for the meal?" asked Cele.

"After what happened today, no one's going to complain," grinned Sirius.

"You can sit with us at the Ravenclaw table," said Hermione. "We sit with Luna. You remember Luna, don't you?"

"The young lass who was always so ready to speak her mind, and your bridesmaid?" asked Cele. "Of course, we remember her."

"Well, we'll sit with Luna," said Hermione. "Tracey, Blaise and Draco will be at the Slytherin table; Neville will be at the Gryffindor table, as will the twins; and Hannah and Susan will be at the Hufflepuff table. We'll have to sit at House tables for the meal. Sirius, as a Professor, will be sitting at the head table."

_‗_

—==(oIo)==—

ˇ

As the family walked into the Great Hall, the noised dimmed right down for a few moments, before returning to it's previous level.

"That was a little odd," muttered Ant.

"That's not unusual for us," said Hermione. "Harry's had to put up with that happening since the second day of first year. Daphne and I have only had to put up with it since the beginning of fourth."

Sirius broke off from the group and headed for the staff table, while the family group made their way over to the Ravenclaw table. Thankfully, they were there early enough that they only had to ask a couple of students to budge over to allow the family to sit together across the table with Luna.

"Hello everyone," said Luna, as they all sat down. "Today was very interesting, wasn't it?"

"That it was," smiled Cele. "It isn't every day you see your daughter, daughter-in-law and son-in-law presented the highest awards in the land."

Looking at Harry, Daphne and Hermione Luna asked, "Why aren't you wearing your medallions?"

"As soon as I could I took it off, Luna-dear," said Harry. Hermione and Daphne nodded in agreement. "It's only for wearing at special occasions, and a regular night's dinner in the Great Hall isn't one."

"Then, what is the point of it?" she asked.

"The point, is to make the people of Magical Britain happy the Minister awarded us for getting rid of Riddle for them," replied Hermione. "The people of Magical Britain want to feel good that their heroes have been properly rewarded for their efforts, and the Minister is happy to comply."

"So, the Orders are for them, rather than you?" she asked.

"Yes," replied Harry. "But, that's because we care less about the awards than the people feel they ought to."

"That's actually quite profound," mused Matthias, from where he'd been listening. "And accurate, too, I'd say."

As the meal was about to be served, the Headmistress stood and approached the lectern.

"Good evening," she said. "For those very few who are unaware, Hogwarts played host, this afternoon, right here in the Great Hall, the presentation to certain of our staff and students for their roles in the vanquishing of the dark wizard, Tom Riddle.

"Professors Flitwick and Snape, please stand," she said.

When both men, the first with alacrity and the second clearly reluctantly, rose to their feet - Professor Flitwick stood on his chair - the Headmistress continued.

"Professors Filius Flitwick and Severus Snape were, this afternoon, awarded Medals of Meritorious Service to Wizarding Britain; for training, in secret, the Potters for their eventual confrontation with Tom Riddle. As we know, that confrontation occurred last night.

"For most of this year, both Professors had freely given of their own time, twice a week, to train the Potters in magical combat. Their training included the use of curses, charms, transfiguration and conjuration. They trained in offensive, defensive and healing magics. Both professors worked hard to accelerate the normal education for all three, to such a point all three, according to the Professors, could easily pass the practical portion of the NEWT exams for Dah-dah, Charms and Transfiguration.

"There can be no doubt their efforts went a great way towards the Potters being successful in their defeat of Riddle. While the Minister showed his gratitude to both on behalf of Magical Britain, please join me in a round of applause on behalf of Hogwarts for both for their incredible efforts."

Turning, the Headmistress put deed to word and lead the applause for both.

Giving it a few long couple dozen seconds, she then lowered her hands and turned back to the Hall.

"Of course," she said, once the applause died down and the two Professors returned to their seats. "You are aware of the efforts of the Potters, themselves. Please stand, Mister, Missus and Missus Potter."

When the three rose to their feet, she continued. "During the same awards ceremony, the Minister awarded Missus Hermione Jean Granger-Potter and Missus Daphne Anna Greengrass-Potter with the Order of Merlin, Second Class, each; and Mister Harry James Potter with a second Order of Merlin, First Class, to go with the one he earned for slaying the giant basilisk that was terrorising the school two years ago. He is the first to be so awarded in over three centuries; and the youngest ever.

"Please join me in congratulating our three Order of Merlin recipients," she finished, before stepping back and beginning another round of applause.

After the applause died down, the Headmistress stepped back to the lectern and said, "Thank you. That is the totality of my announcements, tonight."

When she, again, stepped back, the tables filled with the evening meal.

_‗_

—==(oIo)==—

ˇ

After the evening meal wound up, the families departed for their homes from Sirius's Floo. The Greengrasses then shuttled the Grangers home by side-along apparation from the Farm.

The Potters, utterly tired, retired to their apartment. Dobby had already reconfigured it back to the norm.

As they walked in, Hermione asked, "So, assignments and revision study?"

While Harry gave her a filthy look, making Hermione cringe just a little, Daphne sighed and said, "If we must."

"Sorry," said Hermione. "I don't think I can sleep until we get some revision done. We've not done any assignments or revision in over two days."

Harry sighed and said, "Thinking on it, I think it might be a smart idea."

"Oh?" asked Daphne.

Nodding, he replied, "Doing something so... mind numbing and menial as assignments and study... might just help me get to sleep, too."

"Wonderful!" said Hermione, clearly happy with the decision.

The three Potters pulled out their school books and settled down on the couches. With a sigh, Harry pulled out his History of Magic text and the assignment due for that class.

And, in doing so, the Potters at that point effectively returned to their normal school lives and being students.

_‗_

—==(oIo)==—

ˇ