[What Lies Behind Iron Gates]

[Duddahs]

The couple approach the massive hinged doors leading to the Great Hall. Andromeda reaches forward with her right hand flourishes a gesture akin to pushing aside a large object. The ancient oak doors creak as they slowly part, revealing the expanse of wood tables before them.

Candles float on invisible waves of air, oil filled hanging torches are lit giving off their warm and inviting flicker. The fireplace to the right is in full blaze with pops and crackles of burning split logs.

At the far end of the tables sits a figure adorned in lavish purple crushed velvet with embroidered moons and stars that appear to be moving in an orderly fashion around it. A hand raises into the air above the figures head, a loud booming voice echo's throughout the cavernous hall.

"Please, come, sit, partake with me the bounty our grounds keeper and greenhouses have provided. Come, come, welcome one and all."

The figure stands as the couple and their swaddled offspring approach. He is tall, a very robust and youthful figure yet his white hair and beard fools the eye. His welcoming gestures leads his guests to their seating at the central long wooden table.

"Yes, yes, I believe this is your place here, Andromeda. You must be Theodore Tonks, it is my utmost pleasure to meet you, welcome to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. And who do we have here? Such beauty, such colorful eyes, genuinely flattering midnight blue hair I see! I would be honored to be introduced to this lovely little one."

Andromeda bows low in the presence of Albus Dumbledore, the greatest wizard known to all wizarding kind. The very thought that he had asked permission to be introduced to their little witch is not left unnoticed even by a muggle such as Ted Tonks.

"Professor Dumbledore, Ted and I wish to present our daughter, Nymphadora Tonks. We call her Dora and would be honored if you would consider this as your nickname for her as well."

The robust laughter that is released from Dumbledore's open mouth is so profound that the young couple are taken aback, fearing that they have somehow insulted their host.

"No, it is my pleasure of being introduced to the most beautiful witch of her age. Dora Tonks, the most lovely green haired witch in all of the land."

Ted Tonks lets out an audible sigh of relief. Professor Dumbledore reaches out his arm, pats the shaking father of the little witch upon his shoulder.

"Well done, well done indeed. She is such a treasure and is matched only by the beauty of her mother. You are a very lucky man, Ted Tonks, take care of these two as they are among the most lovely witches in all the world."

Teddy's body goes rigid, chills run down his spine, causes him to freeze as if stunned with the Petrificus Totallus spell. Of course it is not a spell at all, it is simply the impression given by Albus Dumbledore that points out the great responsibility that the Tonks family has brought into this world with the birth of their daughter.

"My manners, where are my manners, please sit, you must be exhausted from your travels. I understand that there were many obstacles placed in your way to persuade you from ever coming to Hogsmeade Station, is this so? What manner of magic was placed in your way to impede your arrival here at Hogwarts?"

Ted Tonks clears his throat, "Ahem," his wife quickly places her hand upon his. A private sign between the young couple to allow Andromeda to speak for the three of them.

"Professor Dumbledore, we assure you that there were no constraints upon our arrival that I, I mean we could not overcome. We are sure that the additional protections put in place by my family were simply there to insure that the Privacy Act be enforced. You see, I mean, I am sure that you already understand that with Teddy being a muggle that there would have to be protections put into place to keep unwanted guests from attending my sister's wedding."

Albus Dumbledore's bright blue eyes twinkle in the reflected light of the floating candles. He reaches to his chin, slowly strokes his elegant long beard. A question appears to cause his features to contort, he leans forward, breath slow and steady, the words he is to speak come from his heart as much as from his mind.

"Protections? Indeed, I would expect that the Black and Lestrange families would indeed have placed substantial anti muggle enchantments around Hogsmeade, yet how were they able to extend them to the station? This I was not aware of, how indeed were they able to persuade the Ministry of Magic to extend the coverage of their protective charms?"

With this moment of reflection, Dumbledore pauses. The tense silence is broken when the headmaster claps his hands, a small army of house elves appear. Each elf has a silver tray laden with scrumptious delicacies to tempt the most jaded guest. Pickled eel, salt water octopus caviar, finely minced bubbotuber on freshly baked bowtruckle crackers.

Ted Tonks looks longingly into the huge eyes of the only familiar house elf, Skylark. His non verbal plea for something familiar is answered in a second as a large bottle of lager ale and a bowl of dark pretzels appear on the tray along side the pickled eel.

To Teddy's relief, he see's Professor Dumbledore reach out and remove a pretzel from the heavily laden tray.

"Oh, how wonderful, delicious in fact. How could you have known that I was thinking of having these, what are they called? Press tails? Thank you Skylark, you are by far a most wonderful hostess. May I also compliment you upon your new dress? It is quiet lovely and must have been of most utmost respect that your previous family had allowed themselves to bestow this upon you. Now that you are no longer in the employ of the Malfoy household, do you wish for us to attempt to arrange the release of your son, Dobby here to work in our kitchens?"

Skylark drops her head, pools of tears flood her tennis ball sized eyes. She covers her face with her gnarled hands. She is quickly pulled into an embrace of another house elf, Eldredge, once a servant of the house of Malfoy. He had secretly taken Skylark to be his wife without the families knowledge or approval. Little did the loyal house elves realize, when the master of the Malfoy Manor suddenly pass away only to be replaced by his young son, the course of their lives would be forever changed. The newly married house elves were immediately presented with cloths by Lucius Malfoy but their offspring would be kept on as their replacement. Dobby had only known his parents for a short time before the upheaval in Malfoy Manner.


"There, there Skylark, you will be once again united with your little one. For the time, he will be ears and eyes for us here at Hogwarts."

[Duddahs]

Albus Dumbledore lays a reassuring hand upon the small house elf's head. He gives her a little scratch behind her ear which causes her to cease her crying and look up at the benevolent Headmaster.

"Now, now Skylark, you know as well as I do that Kokay will protect and guide Dobby. She is well versed in the ways of the likes of all things Malfoy. If she had not been presented as a gift to their household by the house of Black after their her own grandfather forbade her from living further in the presence of their mistress then we surely would be in a quandary. Yet, she is behind their Iron Gates and has your offspring's best interests as well as those of Hogwarts as a priority."

Skylark stares deeply into the soulful eyes of Albus Dumbledore. She is calmed by his demeanor as well as his words. The trust between the great wizard and house elves who serve the school had been a foreign concept to Skylark until this very moment. She returns her spouses hug to Eldredge's great delight. The two house elves bow low before the headmaster and his guests. With a loud "POP" the two are simply a memory, having returned to the kitchens below the great hall.

"Professor, may I ask a possibly impertinent question?" came the inquisitive tone of Ted Tonks.. Well, sir, professor, Mr. Dumbledore, ahem, why is it that you keep servants here at Hogwarts if you are as much a progressive minded wizard as I have been led to believe?"

"Oh, ho! You have made me chuckle inside so much that I believe I may well have wet myself Teddy. You see, the house elves here at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry are not here under duress or by any other means of enslavement. Each and every one of our staff are here of their own free will. They have either become available to work here at Hogwarts due to a number of odd or unfortunate circumstances. You see, some have been released of their masters and their families duties due to the extinction of that particular family line. Once the last surviving member of a wizarding family has passed on through the veil, the bind between the house elf who served their family is then left orphaned with no family to call their own. We open our doors to these lost souls, offer them purpose, present them with the opportunity to be happy in the service that their kind so desires."

"Then, well, then there are those whose families have been so poorly inbred that they can not see the good that is being done on their behalf and in far too many fits of rage, all too oftern brought on by the excesses of Firewiskey, many a loyal house elf has been presented with cloths during their masters altered state. Once the family member has presented their loyal servants with clothing, the house elf is bound to leave at once, becomes banished forever from the household they had once so dearly served. Sad, would you not say?"

"Then there are those special few house elf who without anyone's knowledge or explanation, simply realize that they are not meant to be simply an indentured servant. Those are very few exceptions to house elf's where one or two ever century or so will seek their freedom from the family that they are brought or born to serve till they die."

Ted Tonks stares at the headmaster, most incredulous expression upon his face. He has been exposed to many an oddity since he first fell in love with Andromeda but the concept of self imposed enslavement, willfully giving of ones self to serve a wizarding family for their entire life without any recognition or reward is simply beyond his comprehension.

"Ted, Teddy, please close your mouth, I am sure Professor Dumbledore has far greater things to do with his time than to entertain us and have to give history of the quirks of the wizarding world."

"No, no, Andromeda, I find it fascinating to see and experience the reactions of those who are not familiar with the rituals and creatures we in the wizarding world take for granted. You see, I find having the three of you here to be a breath of fresh air. It is far too long between visits from those who have the modesty to be themselves without the arrogance to attempt to change others for their own personal reasons."

Andromeda looks to her husband, gives her daughter a peck upon her forehead before gently offering the child to the headmaster's open arms.

"Me? you wish for me to be trusted with one so special? I am deeply honored and humbled Andromeda, I accept this kind offer and promise not to drop Dora, well if it is within my powers that is."

With a quick wink of the headmasters eye, the young couple burst into laughter. It has been a tense beginning to what shall become a fantastic dinner. One tale after another is shared, the comparisons between witch, muggle and headmaster as to what they believe and how they wish the world could be.

All the while Dora gurgles away, happy, content, totally oblivious to the events that are to be the very next day.

Hogsmeade is filled to its limits, noise and music from the revelers spills over the countryside. The foul that are raised in Hagrid's coups have become nearly crazed by the constant bangs and bursts of firework displays going on in Hogsmeade.

The occupants of Hogwarts give little notice to the goings on just across the Forbidden Forest. Tonight they will enjoy each others company and sleep sound in the safety of castle.

While dining, several house elves diligently prepare the sleeping accommodations that are afforded them. Beds are warmed with pans of copper on long wooden poles, pillows are fluffed and pitchers of water are placed along side porcelain basins for the guests nightly hygiene regimens.

A small glass bottle is place along side a crisply painted white crib. Tiny stars, planets and clouds float inches above the cribs guarding gates. A soft pink blanket is pulled back to reveal a Hippogryff down filled mattress, soft and angelic sleep awaits the lucky little witch who is to rest her head upon them.

[Duddahs]

The brilliant azure sky's above Hogsmeade turn suddenly dark. The grey, joyless feeling spreads across the village. All eyes look toward the darkened clouds as a hush blankets the once vibrant and bustling wizarding haven.

A mighty clap of thunder is followed by a super heated blast of wind.

Hats from fashionable witches along with carnations once worn by dapper wizards blow into the dusty gutters that line the cobbled streets throughout Hogsmeade Village.

The entrance door of the Three Broomsticks swings wide and bangs with mighty force against the ancient structures wooden exterior.

Out of the opened doorway, an elegant witch steps. Her wand raised high above her head. The other hand shields her brow from the dust and dirt of centuries before as it is whipped up into an semi opaque view of the heavens above.

"Who dares make themselves known in this manner?" shouts the elderly witch.

None more than a handful of seconds pass before the sky's break once again. From between banks of darkened low hanging clouds does appear a fast, descending object.

Gasps, oohs and ahs are heard throughout the sky high village of Hogsmeade. A sudden blast of frigid air wraps its grip upon all who are present at this bizarre weather activity.

"Reveal yourself, reveal yourself or die a most painful death!" came the booming shrill voice of Bellatrix Black. Her youthfulness nearly obscured by the terror her voice invoked as well as the horrid way the shredding of fabric blew from her figure in the now sub freezing air as it blasts past the Three Broomsticks and on to the rest of the once sun warmed village.

Another clap of thunder, a flash of brilliant blinding light. In the blink of a Bowtruckles eye, a magnificent burgundy coach embellished in gold ornamentation and pulled by four shiny black horse appears. The snorts from the nostrils of the now recumbent steed shatters the utter silence of the town.

Steam rises from the glistening ebony creatures. With every breath followed by a loud exhale is punctuated by the vapors that rise from their jostling heads.

"Whoah!" a high pitched voice shouts over the equine expirations.

The aged witch standing at the threshold of the Three Broomsticks lowers her wand arm, tucks her wand securely in a hidden pocket of her garment.

"Now, now Bella, be nice. You do not wish for your betrothed' family to think we are inferior. Put that thing away and do something about that black birds nest you call hair."

Totally taken by surprise, Bellatrix Black does what she has been instructed to, then in just as little time of reaction her screeching voice shouts;
"Don't you dare tell me what to do old witch! I am the present, you the past, the sooner you realize this the easier things will go for you and your kind!"

A blast of dark purple light shoots from the immediately raised wand held by the older witch.

The force of the spell hits Bellatrix full force to her chest. Taken by complete surprise, the black fabric clad body of Bellatrix Black flys through the air, enters the Three Broomsticks main tavern room only to be blasted into a high backed bench seat far into the corner. Hundreds of large black birds, once hidden in secret compartments in the inn are released in a mad dash for the skies and their ultimate freedom.

The black leather clad, high healed boots of Bellatrix are the only visible sign of the vanquished witch. The soles of her shoes disappear as she attempts to gain her footing.

[Duddahs]

Druella Black extends her wrinkled and withering hand to the disembarking witch. The measured steps from the ostentatious carriage from which she ascends is a great juxtaposition to the simple elegance the trim figure that emerges exudes.

"Lena my dear, it has been far too many a full moon since we have enjoyed each other's company."

It is clear that the expression of love and sincere admiration between Druella and Lena Lestrange is true and sincere.

The two elderly witches quickly find themselves in a heart warming embrace.

"Oh my dearest Ella, it breaks me into pieces simply thinking of the sleepless nights spent with us being apart. You were and will always be my sister, maybe not by birth but forever forged in the goblin fires of our Slytherin sisterhood.

Druella wipes a tear as it runs from the corner of her wrinkled eye and makes its way over her less than perfectly smooth high structured cheek.

"Oh you filthy old witch, you always knew how to tug on a dragons heart strings and make him cry out in the darkness of night times silence."

Lena leans into Druellas shoulder, embraces her with the passion of a first year Hogwarts student having been presented with their very first pickled toad a Valentine rendition.

"You have not changed a bit Lena, still handing out your basket of compliments and somehow putting meaning behind everything you say."

Druella seems a bit flushed, humbled by the presence of her old acquaintance. Surely there is more than meets the eye between these two stoic matriarch of respectable blood wizarding families.

[Duddahs]

Druella and Lena look into each other's eyes. The reflections they see are not of the reality of the day but of what is in their minds eye of the young witches they once were.

There is no doubt that the bond each had secured with the other, lo these many years ago had never been forgotten. Trust has not faded nor has mutual respect for one another diminished.

""Lena, I had feared that you would not accept the invitation let alone attend the nuptials between your nephew and my daughter."

A haughty lift of Lena Lestrange's sharp jaw puts Druella Black on immediate notice.

"Never take for granted how deep our friendship flows through my veins Ella. How else could I have responded to the one dearest friend that risked her own life in order that mine be spared from an eternal suffering with the likes of, him!"

Druella moves forward, gently takes the vacant hand of her childhood friend.

"You have always known that I acted in your best interests, that of our families noble heritage. For far too many a sleepless night I lay awake wondering how you were and what you might be thinking."

Lena returns the gentle squeeze to her hand, the two elderly witches walk into the open doorway of the Three Broomsticks.

At the far end of the taverns great room, several house elf attempt to right the struggling Bellatrix Black to her feet.

Bella's arms flail in all directions as several of the helping elves are severely swatted and thrown akimbo by the mad actions of the scorned witch. One foot, then the other stomps their place on the well worn oak floor, the young witch reaches into a hidden pocket to withdraw her wand in a mighty fit of rage.

A particularly small female house elf which had assisted Bellatrix to her feet was swiftly kicked in her side, sending her soaring through the air until she came to a sickening crash amongst a stack of unused chairs. The house elf appeared to be severely injured and unconscious.

Not one witch or wizard present in the tavern came to the little creatures aid. On the contrary, Bellatrix Black sent a blast from the tip of her wand and struck the prone house elf with all the venom she could muster.

The attack upon the helpless creature was halted by the ear splitting voice of Madam Roemerta.

"Enough, ENOUGH I tell you! I have allowed you and your kind to come into my establishment, bully me, threaten my help but no more! Out, OUT with you and your kind. You are no longer welcome here."

Rosemerta stands bold as brass, her legs spread wide in a defiant stance. A gaggle of house elf cling to the hem of her skirt, her wand arm raised high and pointed directly at Bellatrix.

The shock on the face of the young witch Black only reinforced Rosemerta's resolve to protect her inn and staff.

Bellatrix attempts to cast a spell directed at the inn keep only to be blocked by a brilliant flash of purple light and power well beyond that of her own.

An overpowering voice filled with confidence and defiance splinters the air.

"Dumbledore, well, it has been a long time has it not?"

The oddly cheerful greeting words that come from Lena Lestrange take all present by surprise.

"Ah Lena, I see you have once again found your partner in crime. I should have known better than to have allowed two such diabolical witches to find their way back to one another."

Stunned and dumbfounded, rage rises to the boiling point of the young witch, Bellatrix Black.

" How dare you? How dare any of you? This is my day, MINE! Do you hear me? MINE!"

Albus Dumbledore looks to the disheveled bride to be, a small if not insignificant bow like gesture is made her way followed by a loud "POP"', into the thin air Dumbledore disappears.

[Duddahs]

It had been a tumultuous week for Bellatrix Black, no doubt about that. Yet she stands ready to finally walk down the isle and become Mrs. Rodolphus Black-Lestrange. With a sudden flutter of bats in her belly, she fights the urge to turn away, run like the autumn wind, far, far away from all of this. But reality settles her overwhelming inspiration to escape all of the dreary and mundane witches and wizards.

Bella knows she was always meant for much greater places, wizards and rewards of her hearts true desires. Rodolphus is nothing more than a stepping stone for her to walk all over. Her spiked healed boots will chip away at the very vernier of the pure blood ancestry he represents. Even his own brother Rabastan was a greater and more wizened wizard than her betrothed. Had it not been for his youthful age and lack of financial security, Rabastan would have made a far better mate to Bellatrix and her never ending desire for power and infinite glory.

She stands upon the threshold of the staircase of the Three Broomsticks second floor landing. House elves scurrying too and fro with silent concern as to the stalling of the nuptials by the young witch.

Rabastian glances to his right, his brother and best man is fiddling with the dark Emerald and platinum wedding ring that has been entrusted to him for safe keeping. A bead of sweat breaks free from the to be grooms brow. It slithers it’s way along his high cheek bone and taught, pale skin. More sweat breaks out from ever inconvenient place on his body. He feels as if he is drowning in his own excretions. His head swims, the room begins to spin, the lights dim as if day had become blackened night.

Before anyone recognizes Rabastians plight, he lay upon the floor of the impromptu alter. His arms and legs bent at various degrees of grotesque contortion. The tiniest glistening liquid of deep red makes its way from a small gash he received as his body collapsed upon itself and into the heap of robes and flesh.

A collective gasp, followed by an uncomfortable silence envelops the main room of the Three Broomsticks, which had been lavishly transformed into multi rows of seated Witches and Wizards, all of whom represent are of the oldest and most respected if not feared wizarding families in all of Great Britain.

The silence is broken by a high pitched laughter. It echoes throughout the inn and seems to be magnified out into the surrounding streets of Hogsmeade village. The shear terror this laughter passed from witch to wizard could never be calculated but there are more than a few haughty types who simply sit stiff as if an artic chilled wind had blown through their hearts, turning their blue blood into veins of ice.

Bellatrix, having heard the laughter finds herself rejuvenated, blood rushes through her veins with the heat of the suns burning rays. Her heart pounds, her feet take to the stairs, head held far too lofty for anyone of true class or good breeding. A small group of toga clad creatures scurry behind the now beaming witch. The hem of her trinity kept from dragging along the warn steps of the Inns first floor flight of stairs.

In spite of the terror many of the guests had just been part of, each and every head suddenly turns in order that not one guest shall miss the entrance of the bride to be.

The site is bizarre yet each and every one of the patrons present find themselves compelled to stare at Bellatrix, as if she were an accidental death and the viewers simply could not force themselves to turn and look away.

[Duddahs]

The circle of guests become fidgety as the bride and groom fight to continue the ceremony as planned. A broom is raised high above their heads, obviously since no hands had raised it magic has caused the traditional raising of the broom to appear.

The hush that spreads throughout the gathered witches and wizards could not disguise the nervousness of the guest as the haunting echoes of shrill laughter reverberates in their ears.

Rodolphus and Bellatrix turn from the black cloaked official of their nuptials, glaring at each and every person standing outside the wedding circle. The broom which had been suspended above the young couples heads begins a slow decent until it comes to a halt as the worn boards of the Three Broomsticks flooring is its final resting place during this ceremony.

The crowd of well wishers, family and dignitaries all begin to chant; “jump, jump, jump!” The raucous chorus of well wishing demands becomes deafening! House Elf’s cover their long protruding ears as if the volume reached by the revelries inducing severe discomfort and by the look upon some of their faces, abject pain.

Hand in hand, Rodolphus and Bella look into each other’s eyes. Not a single word is passed between the two but the impression of an understanding between each other’s minds is apparent. With a final booming chorus of chant by the gathered crowd, the newly joined couple jump, hand to hand, over the broom that lay motionless at their feet.

The deafening burst of raised voices in exultation of Mr. and Mrs. Rodolphus Lestrange. Chants and whistle calls directed at the newlyweds become more excited and border on outrageous impropriety.

In the back of the inns tavern room, a single figure of a woman stands, babe in swaddling white lace turns and makes its quick departure from the ever growing rowdy crowd. Her exit is unnoticed by all bar one. Bellatrix has her dark eyes trained upon the escaping figure of woman and child. Bella becomes all consumed by the abrupt departure of the young woman.

Bella’s hand rips forcefully from her newly betrothed husbands grip. A shrill scream burst forth from her lips. The sunshine cast of light that had previously cascaded into the tavern, dancing merrily upon and reflecting off of the tremendous array of precious stone jewels which adorne the necks, wrists and fingers of the wizarding communities elite. Grey shadows now cast freakishly distorted figures upon the floors and walls of the ancient tavern.

House elfs by the dozen begin to work their way throughout the crowd, candles and oil lamps being lit. The tiny fingers of the unrecognized crew of tavern workers quickly grasp chairs, tables, cloth and silverware until elegantly white linen covered tables glistened with polished silver, brilliant porcelain dishes upon solid gold chargers surrounded by glittering precious stone encrusted platinum stemware are presented. At the center of every circular table sits a lavish floral arrangement which vibrates from the fluttering wings of hundreds of tiny forest fairies. They had been freshly captured and enchanted to flicker their magical wings and sprinkle their dust while being held captive within large flower filled heavy cut Irish crystal vases.

[Duddahs]

Long rectangular patches of moonlight carpeted the hewn stone corridor leading to the grand staircases of Hogwarts. The white stone steps rose one by one to the next platform only to be met by the separation of its threshold and first tread in the blink of a bowtruckles eye.
Once stationary, now movement of incredible force and momentum brings the caretake, Argus Filch and his recently acquired kitten along for a detour of his intended duties.
“ Blast you effin stairs, if I had the where for all, I’d have yer guts ripped out an yer gears turned to solid stone, ah would!”
The care taker held his tiny feline friend close to his cheek, a quick peck upon the top of her head as her ears tickled his nose.
“Ah, you got nuthin ta worry bout my pretty, not as long as your daddies here to be protectin yah.”
Another gentle kiss upon the kittens forehead followed by long strokes of the prematurely arthritic fingers carressed the silken coat, purrs vibrated through its body causing the waxen figure that held her in such a state of protection to lower his face and bury it in the warmth and acceptance of a child to its own mother.
“There, there my loverly, you’ll be safe here as long as I breath air.”
The kitten looked up into the shallow eyes of the person that was keeping it safe and warm. Loud purring came from deep within the tiny creature as it curled up and buried its head deep within the tattered cloth draped over its protectors chest.
“Sleep my beauty, daddies heres tah protect yaz.
The flight of third floor marble stairs came to an abrupt halt the landing of the south side fourth floor was now seamlessly joined to the treads Filch stood upon.
“ Blast yah damned stairs. If it waz up ter me, I’d have the lot of yah ripped out and replaced by ropes. Would serv them brats right, work fer theyz sleep an meals. I’d like ter see how many of them delinquent brats would be so willin to throw their used up ink bottles an wadded up parchments around willie nillie fer ole Filch ter pick up afta themz!”
The purring of the snoozing kitten again caught the curmudgeons attention.
”Thaz righ , you get your sleep, weez gonna need ter keep our whits about us come Septeber the firs seein another batch of wand waving rule breakers will be upon us all. Sleep now my little Norris, youz safe az long as I’m here.”