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and-the-Daft-Morons
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Гарри Поттер
Гарри Поттер и сумасшедшие идиоты
Автор:
Синик
Выполняя первое задание Турнира Трех Волшебников, Гарри видит
свой шанс сразить своих врагов – и пользуется им. Вот Гарри,
который умеет думать и рассуждать. Really Bash!AD, EWE, Clueful!HP
Eventual HP/HG/DG/FD NL/HA/SB и другие. Без извинений! АУ.
Рейтинг:
Художественная литература M
– Английский – Драма – [Гарри П., Гермиона Г., Флер Д., Дафна Г.] –
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24.04.2018, 08:58:49
– Опубликовано:
07.07.2017, 10:27:49
– id: 12562072
1. A Plan Comes Together
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!
A/N1: Yeah, yeah. I've written another one. This one is gonna top out
well over three quarters of a million words. So, if a short story is what
you're chasing, this won't be it.
A/N2: Time-wise, this story has a very slow start. There's a lot that
happens within a very short time frame. As such, don't expect this story
to 'gallop along' until all that needs to be told about is actually told
about.
A/N3: This story is essentially already written. So, don't try and bug me
with your ideas of where you think it needs to go. It won't happen.
Period.
'Nuff said.
Chapter One - A Plan Comes Together
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
It had finally arrived. Harrison 'Harry' James Potter, Gryffindor fourth
year, Boy-Who-Lived, orphan and unwilling fourth competitor 'slash'
champion in the Tri-Wizard Tournament had been preparing for this day
for the past three weeks. The day of the first task.
Actually, he'd been preparing for this moment for a lot longer than that,
but that had all been psychological.
Just over three weeks earlier he was sitting at the Gryffindor House table
in the Great Hall of Hogwarts castle, hoping against hope that this school
year, his fourth at the famous Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and
Wizardry in south-western Scotland, would be free of threats to his life. If
it was, it would be the opposite of his first three.
This year, at the Welcoming Feast of the first of September, the
Headmaster had stood and announced, among other notices, to the
school that the school Quidditch competition had been cancelled. He
announced that in its place would be the Tri-Wizard Tournament held
between the so-called three major schools of Europe - Hogwarts,
Beauxbatons Academy of Magic of France and the Durmstrang Institute
of Bulgaria.
He was very thankful when the next part of the announcement stated
only those wizards and witches of-age - that is, those over seventeen -
would be permitted to enter. It meant there was then supposed to be no
chance of him being a competitor in what was clearly a very dangerous
competition.
When representatives of the other two schools arrived on the thirtieth of
October, the students were then only given twenty four hours to submit
their names to be considered for their school's champion and competitor
in the Tournament. That's how he'd found out the draw to determine
those names would occur on the thirty-first of October.
And how did they submit their names? Why, it was by dropping a slip of
parchment on which was written their name and school into a magical
artefact called the Goblet of Fire.
The thirty-first of October, Hallowe'en. That day had been particularly
nasty for the young man. It was the day of the year his parents had been
killed and he had been marked by the jagged scar on his forehead.
It was day when, in first year, the possessed Professor Quirinus Quirrell
had burst into the hall screaming about a troll being loose in the school;
the troll he subsequently helped kill on the second floor while rescuing a
fellow first year Gryffindor, Hermione Granger.
In second year it was the day the caretaker's cat, Mrs Norris, had been
petrified in a corridor on the second floor not far from that same
bathroom; and began the nine months of Harry being accused as the Heir
of Slytherin and shunned by practically everyone in the school except for
Granger and another boy, Ron Weasley.
And in third year, it was the day they had to sleep on the floor of the
Great Hall because a supposed psychopath killer had attacked the portrait
of the fat lady, the guardian to the Gryffindor common room, and
believed to be trying to kill Harry.
Now it was fourth year and, on that same day, his name had somehow
come out of that powerful magical artefact as the fourth name of three to
declare him a competitor. He should have anticipated it.
He did.
Harry Potter was not foolish; though he had given every indication of
himself being just that since the day he first stepped foot into the school
back on the first of September, 1991. He knew he was being
manipulated. He knew he was being used. And he knew his primary
manipulator was the powerful Albus Dumbledore A man who was
Headmaster of his school; Chief Warlock of magical Britain's legislative
body, the Wizengamot; Supreme Mugwump of the magical world's
version of the United Nations, the International Confederation of
Wizards; supposed Leader of the Light and his so-called magical
guardian.
He did not have the magical power or knowledge to directly confront the
man. So, he bided his time. He needed evidence against the man of his
misdeeds. And he needed that evidence to be so resoundingly proven or
provable the manipulative old man would not be able to use his authority
or extensive knowledge to skate free of the crimes for which he should
surely be convicted. Plus, he needed to present that evidence in such a
way that the old man could not shut him up before he presented it, in
full.
The first task of the Tri-Wizard Tournament gave him that golden
opportunity and he seized it with both hands.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Growing up with his maternal aunt, Petunia, her abusive bully of a
husband, Vernon and their only child and son, Dudley, Harry knew he
was different.
His aunt and uncle had tried to have him believe his parents were drunks
and a whore who died in car crash. The same car crash they told him left
him with the jagged scar on his forehead. By the time he was six he knew
both of those 'truths' were, in fact, lies.
They tried to tell him magic didn't exist and he'd be beaten and tossed
into his cupboard every time he slipped up and mentioned something
about it. He knew this 'truth' was also a lie.
Then came the day his first Hogwarts letter arrived. Again, he'd slipped
up. Stunned at receiving a letter, he'd carried it with the rest of the mail
into the dining room. His cousin had seen it and snatched it out of his
hand, loudly decrying Harry had 'stolen' a letter.
When his aunt and uncle had seen it, both had paled in not a little fear.
His uncle immediately burned it in the fireplace and he was again tossed
into his cupboard for the day.
However, when he was let out he was told to move into 'Dudley's second
bedroom'; which led to Dudley throwing a massive tantrum.
The next day, more letters arrived; apparently, the same as the first.
That then started the next few days of Vernon doing everything he could
to stop the letters turning up. He tried to board off the fireplace, board
off the mail slot, everything. Letters turned up rolled up inside a delivery
of a dozen fresh chicken eggs. Petunia shredded them in her food
processor.
The next day the letters poured out of the kitchen chimney. Vernon had
had enough.
So, he bundled everyone into his company car and they drove away.
However, the first place they stopped, the letters found them again. A
hundred of them, this time.
They immediately moved again and Vernon took them out by boat to a
hut upon a small rocky island.
That night, at midnight, a giant of a man arrived and 're-educated' Harry
of the truth about how he was a wizard. However, Harry already knew
that. He also knew he had to fake it and make it look like he didn't know.
And that started him on the whole idea of hiding what he knew even
from the wizarding beings.
He had already learned to bide his time.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Over the next three-plus years he had to collect his evidence as stealthily
as possible. Yes, there were the occasional slip-ups, but he was able to get
beyond them.
When the headmaster, Dumbledore, returned to him his family heirloom
invisibility cloak his first Christmas, he made use of it; but not just in the
way Dumbledore thought he would.
During that same first Christmas break, during a short period when he'd
learned Dumbledore would be away for a couple of days, he made his
first moves. He went back to Gringotts for a short visit.
He had to pay them a pretty penny for their help and discretion; but help
him and keep quiet about it they did.
He'd also taken a great risk at the end of his second year, when he had to
show a little of his true brilliance. He quickly devised a plan to free the
house elf, Dobby, from his abusive master, Lucius Malfoy, right in front
of the Headmaster. And struck.
That same night, when he was able to sneak out of his dorm and be alone
for a few minutes, he called that little elf to him. Less than a minute
later, Dobby was secretly bonded to him.
He felt that, while it was a small risk, by having a house elf of his own he
could accomplish quite a few things he could not do on his own without
too high a risk. The risk was already becoming too high his carefully
crafted persona would be seen as the façade it was and having a house elf
would alleviate much of that.
Now, three-plus years later since he first re-entered the wizarding world,
he finally had his golden opportunity.
He had his letters prepared and, as soon as his name came out of the
Goblet as he highly suspected it would, he sent them that same night.
One went to Madam Director Amelia Bones, Director of the Department
of Magical Law Enforcement, magical Britain's most senior law
enforcement officer. He invited her to the first task as his special guest.
Each competitor was allowed one special guest to sit in the judges box
with the judges. He chose her.
His letter to her also strongly suggested she bring with her quite a few
aurors, the police force of wizarding Britain. He was going to put on a
show, he claimed, they'd be talking about for years.
She wrote back stating it would be her pleasure to be his special guest
and her honour to attend. However, she also wanted to know what he
was planning that would need so many aurors. To her annoyance he
refused to tell her.
His second letter went to the Minister suggesting he turn up. His third
went to the editor of the Daily Prophet, magical Britain's daily newspaper.
And the fourth went to Wizarding Media, the International wizarding
world's version of Associated Press. Both were also encouraged to attend.
When Ron Weasley, his supposed best friend, turned his back on him
calling him a liar and cheat because his name came out of the Goblet,
Harry pretended to be hurt. Inside, he was jumping for joy. It meant one
less person watching him too closely.
His only major hurdle to finalising setting everything up was Hermione
Granger. Though he was annoyed she'd barely left him alone to get things
done, he was also quite touched she'd both believed he didn't submit his
name and stuck by him. Even when everyone else was calling him a liar
and a cheat, she remained steadfast. He was emotionally touched by her
active support.
However, even she was not let in on the plan he had devised. He felt her
unwavering obedience to authority carried a risk she would tattle on him.
And he could not risk that.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
And now the day was finally here.
He'd met Madam Bones a short while earlier and watched as she rubbed
Dumbledore's nose into how she was 'Mister Potter's Special Guest' and,
therefore, 'would be sitting in the Judge's box within arm's reach' of the
headmaster as the champions went through their first tasks. Aside, Harry
asked her to keep a close eye on the old man.
When she'd asked why, he replied, "I'm very sure he's going to try to
interfere with what I have planned. You cannot allow him to do that."
Then he said, "And please have one of your on duty aurors keep a very
close eye on Alastor Moody. I'll explain during my task."
When she again asked why, he just reiterated, "I'll explain during the
task. You're going to be quite shocked."
He'd also met with the editor of the Daily Prophet, Barnabas Cuffe, and
given the man a serve about how Rita Skeeter's article on him from the
wand weighing ceremony was nothing but fabrications and lies. Skeeter
was standing just behind his shoulder when he berated the man.
"Get control of her, Mister Cuffe," he'd ordered the older portly man. "Or
the House of Potter will be declaring an honour feud against you and your
paper. And, yes, I will be calling in the full Alliance to join me."
The editor had immediately blanched before he quickly stammered out
an apology and promised to ensure Skeeter would not write any more lies
about him.
"I will be holding you to that, Mister Cuffe," he firmly stated right back.
"Just one foot out of line and my second will immediately be sent to call
on you."
"B-But, it would have been Skeeter who wrote―"
"And you who approved what she wrote for publication," Harry cut in. "As
such, you are responsible for what slander is published. It cannot appear
in the Daily Prophet without you signing-off on it."
Harry would prefer the woman wouldn't write any stories about him at
all, but he was happy enough with what he'd been promised.
Knowing Skeeter had stood right behind her editor and had heard every
word the man had said, pleased Harry. Cuffe had immediately taken his
leave, spun about, grabbed Skeeter by her arm and dragged her off for a
'chat' under a privacy charm.
While you couldn't hear what he'd said to her, both their expressions told
the story. Harry hoped Skeeter was now 'heeled'.
The representatives from Wizarding Media had also heard what he'd told
the man and promised their articles about him would always be truthful,
but maybe a touch fanciful.
"That's fine," he'd nodded back. "Outright lies, though, will see me and
mine come after the pair of you with my wand drawn, fire in my eyes
and revenge in my heart. Understood?"
They heard and understood.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
When he was the fourth to draw his dragon from the Acromantulan silk
bag that idiot, Bagman, offered him, he mentally breathed a sigh of relief
he was to be the final competitor to face the first task. It meant the three
true competitors would not be held up by what he was going to do.
The other three champions all competed in their tasks, averaging
between three and five minutes to complete them. And finally he was
called into the arena by Bagman using a Sonorus charm.
"And here's our final champion, of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and
Wizardry, Haaaarr-rryyyy Potterrrrr...!"
As the last one left in the tent, Harry had no one to wish him luck as he'd
wished the other three competitors before him. "Right!" he muttered to
himself.
"Dobby!" he softly called.
With a muted pop of elf apparation the little elf appeared next to him.
Quietly Dobby asked, "Yes, Master Harry, Sir?"
Harry was glad that, over the past year and a quarter, he'd managed to
get the little elf to calm down somewhat. Dobby still clearly idolised him,
but he was nowhere near as excitable about it as he once was.
"Everything set?" asked Harry.
"Yes, Master Harry," replied Dobby.
"Remember, when I snap my fingers, bring me my 'Bag of Destruction'.
And do not let yourself be seen."
"Yes, Master Harry."
"Thank you," he replied. "I should call you in about thirty seconds."
"Yes, Master Harry." And Dobby popped away again.
Bracing himself up, Harry drew his wand and strode from the tent and
into the arena.
As he stepped within he could already hear the grumbles and muttered
booing coming from some of the audience. Even now they believed he'd
somehow found a way to cheat and get the Goblet to spit his name out as
a competitor.
To his right, at the other end of the arena, Harry could see the Hungarian
Horntail dragon he'd drawn shackled and chained down near a pile of
rocks that had a dragon's nest sitting atop.
On seeing him, the dragon let out a warning roar, but made no move to
head towards him.
'Ready to be utterly embarrassed, you bastards?' Harry thought to himself
with a smirk.
"Your time starts now, Mister Potter," called the enhanced voice of
Bagman.
Harry immediately raised his own wand and cast his own Sonorus charm.
"Thank you very much, Mister Bagman," he replied. "Now, I remind you
all of the conditions of the tasks of the Tournament. You may not help or
hinder a competitor. I doubt any of you are willing to help so that only
leaves hinder.
"By hinder I mean the following: If you cast any charm or other spell on
me, that is hindering. If you cast any charm or spell to interfere with
what I'm doing, that is hindering. If you take any other form of action to
interfere with what I am doing, that is hindering. I include silencing
charms and masking charms of any sort to be hindering. If you hinder me
I can, under the rules of the Tournament, call on the Goblet of Fire to
strip you of your magic. And, if I determine you have hindered me - be
very aware - I will call on the Goblet of Fire to do just that.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Up in the Judges' Box, though she was surprised by what Harry had just
said, Madam Director Amelia Bones also had an eye on Dumbledore who
sat one row closer and just off to her right at the Judges' table.
As soon as she saw the old man reach for and begin to draw his wand,
she snap-drew her own and had the tip of it pressed into the back of the
old man's neck in only a moment.
Dumbledore froze.
"Don't even think about it, Albus," she quietly but firmly stated.
Before he could even ask what she was doing she said, "Carefully, finish
drawing your wand and hand it to me. Grip it by fingertips only by the
middle of the shaft as you do so and keep it pointing down. If I see it
pointing anywhere near me or Mister Potter, I'll stun you on the spot."
"Amelia?" he quietly asked.
"Do it!" she quietly snapped. "Or, I'll stun you anyway and take your
wand."
Without another word, Dumbledore carefully finished drawing his wand
and, as instructed, handed it to her over his left shoulder.
Plucking it from his fingers she said, "Thank you. We can't have you
doing anything foolish, now, can we?"
"Now, Amelia, there was no need―" he began.
"Be silent!" she hissed. "You will be silent or I will silence you. If you then
wandlessly remove that silencing charm I'll stun you."
"Amelia―" he began again.
With an immediate twirl and jab of her wand, she quietly incanted,
"Silencio!"
As she'd threatened, Dumbledore was immediately silenced.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Down in the arena, Harry was unaware of what had just transpired in the
VIP section. However, he had a pretty good idea it would happen sooner
or later.
"From now until I have completed my task, I better not hear you. If I hear
you, I will think you are attempting to distract me. If I think you are
trying to distract me, I will consider it hindering," he continued.
"Mister Bagman, you are to immediately cancel your Sonorus charm. If I
hear you during my task, I will believe you are attempting to hinder me
and call on the Goblet to strip you of your magic."
Harry then heard an immediate and almost quietly muttered, "Quietus!"
"Headmaster Dumbledore, you and your staff are also so warned. Staff of
the other schools, so are you. Students, you are also warned. Guests, with
the exceptions of the currently active staff of the wizarding British DMLE
who are currently on duty, so long as what you are doing is in the course
of your duties and not an attempt to hinder me in my task, you are not.
Such is the power of the Goblet of Fire; for the duration of the
Tournament, such is the authority I now hold.
"You have all now been warned. After your collective treatment of me
over the past few weeks I am not in a forgiving mood. Do not, for even a
moment, believe I will forgive your transgressions against me.
"I, Harrison James Potter, by right of primogenitor Head of the Noble and
Most Ancient House of Potter, do so swear it!"
Dumbledore gave a little start of shock upon hearing that. He was
absolutely positive Harry did not know of his heritage. He did not even
know the boy knew his true first name.
Harry gave it a moment for everyone to absorb what he'd just told them.
To a child, they all immediately shut up and looked back with
expressions ranging from shock to outright fear.
He continued, "You stupid, daft bastards in the Ministry and the Heads of
the three schools, clearly had no idea of what you were doing by using
the Goblet of Fire as the ultimate adjudicator for the Tournament. You've
given a fourteen year old and three other just-of-age wizards and witch
the absolute power to strip you of your magic, if not outright kill you.
And there's not a bloody thing you can do about it until the Tournament
has concluded. Think about that for a while, won't you?
"Next: As you're all now aware, my task is to get that golden egg sitting
in the dragon's nest over there," he pointed it out, "And take it back to
where I walked in," and indicated that point. "There were no other
instructions. In other words, I can take as long as I bloody like to
complete my task as there is no time limit. No limitations have been
placed on me. I can also go about it in whatever way I like, so long as I
accomplish the task.
"Has every one got that? That means that whatever I do is within the
rules of the task and the tournament. So, while what I do might seem
inconsequential or irrelevant to the task to you, does not mean it's against
the rules of the tournament. Therefore, just because you cannot
understand what I'm up to, does not mean you have the right to interfere
with what I'm doing."
Turning slightly to his right, he snapped his fingers.
Immediately, his dark khaki, British Army 'army surplus' echelon bag
appeared with a pop before him.
"I bet you're all wondering how I did that," he snarked. "Too bad I refuse
to tell you. If you cannot figure it out for yourselves, I think you're too
daft to be told."
Popping his wand back up his sleeve, he reached down and unzipped the
bag. From within the wizard-spaced interior, he pulled out a hip-height
pedestal and set it firmly on the ground. Then made sure it was as close
to level as he could get it by squirming it into the sod under the pedestal
base.
Next, he pulled out a pensieve and placed it atop the pedestal.
Next out of the bag was a common folding 'banana' sun lounger. He
immediately set it up so the pedestal was alongside it with about a three
foot separation and with the foot of it facing the judges section in the
stands. The pedestal was on the lounger's right.
Next came a novel with a bookmark within. He dropped that onto the
lounger.
And, finally, he drew out a rack of vials. Each was numbered and
contained memory strands.
One at a time and in sequential order, while holding the rack with his left
hand, he pulled out a vial and poured the memory contents into the
pensieve. As each strand went in, he tapped a rune on the edge of the
pensieve with his wand. This added them to show in the sequence they
were entered.
With all memory strands added he returned the rack of now empty vials
to the bag.
Turning back to the audience he redrew his wand and, once again, cast
Sonorus on himself. "Because it might take quite some time for me to
figure out just how I'm going to complete my task with only three and a
bit years of magical education under my belt, I've brought some...
entertainment... for you all.
"Be very aware: While the entertainment I'm providing for you is playing,
I'll be trying to figure out how to complete the task. I'll be concentrating
on that, so any distractions from you I will consider hindering me. Again,
you have been warned."
Cancelling the Sonorus he then tapped the activation rune on the
pensieve to show the memories in the air above the bowl.
As soon as the first began, he immediately enlarged it to about twice
human size.
The memory showed him, in his Hogwarts uniform, standing in a bare
white room. He called this 'Memory-Harry'. He'd recorded it in the Room
of Requirement, late at night.
Memory-Harry was speaking. "Testing... testing... one... two... three.
Testing... testing."
As the memory played, the real Harry adjusted the volume so that
everyone in the stands could clearly hear it.
"Testing... Testing... One... two... Are we ready yet, Harry?" asked
Memory-Harry.
"Yep, all set to go!" the real Harry loudly replied.
"Excellent!" said Memory-Harry, appearing as if he was looking back at
the real Harry. "Make yourself comfortable. This is going to take a while."
There was a short pause before he added a short bark of laughter and
said, "What am I saying? Of course you already know that. You set this
whole thing up!"
As the real Harry, now with everything set up, turned away from the
pensieve and went to the lounge, he loudly replied, "Damned straight!"
Then picked up his novel, turned and carefully sat on the lounger, before
then swinging his legs around to lie on it.
"I'm ready!" he loudly declared, opening the novel and lying back to read
it.
"Alright!" declared Memory-Harry, from where it looked like it was
watching him. It turned back to 'face front' facing the judges table, drew
his wand and held it to swear an oath. He intoned, "I, Harrison James
Potter, swear on my magic and my life that the memories you're about to
see played over the course of the beginning of my first task of the 1994
Tri-Wizard Tournament are a true account of my actual memories. As I
say, so I swear, so let it be written!"
Real-Harry looked up for a moment, gave a snort, and returned to
reading his book.
"Now that the oath is out of the way," said Memory-Harry, tucking his
wand away again. "Let's get on with them.
"Since this is going to take quite a while you should all know before we
begin that there is no time limit on completing the task. I can take as
long as I want. And I intend to do just that.
"So, if you had plans on leaving within the next fifteen minutes or so, I'll
disabuse you of that belief right now. You're going to be sitting there for
a while.
"If you need to visit the loo, do so. Just don't make a scene or any noise
while you do. Leave and return... quietly. Remember, if you distract me, it
may cost you your magic."
Memory-Harry let that hang for a moment before he continued. "Many of
you, at least those who were students during that year, have been left
wondering just what happened in Hogwarts during the last few weeks of
the 1991-92 school year. You've probably heard a great deal of rumours.
For example, what really happened to Professor Quirinus Quirrell? You
may even have started one or two of them yourselves. Now you're going
to learn the truth. Watch as I show you Harry's... my... memories of just
what happened.
"However, before we get to that and keeping this part of things
chronological, I'm going to show you a few scenes of what happened
during the year leading up to that."
"First is the troll incident of Hallowe'en, 1991. This is what happened in
the Great Hall during the Feast."
The memory was a short 'clip' of the students and staff all enjoying the
feast when Quirrell ran into the Hall and wailed about a troll loose in the
dungeons, before then fake-fainting. Then all the students panicking and
Dumbledore standing up and roaring for silence. The students calming
down. Dumbledore ordering the prefects to lead the Houses back to their
common rooms. And the students beginning to file out a lot more orderly
than there were only a few seconds earlier.
"Right," said Memory-Harry, coming back. "What's wrong with the scene
you just watched? First: When Quirrell apparently fainted, the first thing
I wanted to do was laugh. Why? Because he's supposed to be our DADA
Professor and he's fainting because he saw a troll? Yeah, right. And,
secondly, the way he supposedly fainted was so fake I thought he was
performing comedy. People, included witches and wizards, do not faint
like that. They topple forward like a bloody tree. And when it's on a hard
surface like the flagstones of the Hall, they'll usually break their nose,
teeth, jaw or similar.
"Next, Dumbledore ordered the prefects to lead their Houses back to their
common rooms. If I wasn't so stunned as to the absolute stupidity of that
I'd have probably laughed right there, irrespective of laughing at
Quirrell's comedy faint. 'Dumb-dumb-dore' obviously couldn't care less
for the safety and well-being of the Slytherins and Hufflepuffs, because
he'd just ordered the prefects of both Houses to lead their housemates
into the dungeons seconds after being told that's where a bloody troll was!"
Memory-Harry allowed that to percolate through the minds of the
audience before he continued.
"Now while we Gryffindors were being led back up to the Gryffindor
Tower by that pompous arse, Percy Weasley - and there's a young man
who has his head stuck so far up his own arse it's amazing he can see
anything - I already knew that my House- and Year-mate, Hermione
Granger, had not been at the feast. Therefore, I easily deduced she would
not be aware of the danger. I had also earlier overheard two of my
housemates say she was in the girls' bathroom on the second floor, crying
her eyes out.
"So, I grabbed the person who was responsible for her crying her eyes out
in the first place - Ronald Weasley - and dragged him off in search of her,
once we reached the second floor.
"Just as we reached the second floor... Well, watch for yourselves."
Memory-Harry faded away again and up in the same space began the
memory of that incident, starting with the two boys running down the
corridor towards the bathroom.
It caught the sound of Hermione screaming in terror; the two boys
running into the bathroom; a quick plan to try and get Hermione out of
there and out of danger; Harry managing to scramble up on the troll's
back and shove his wand up its nose; Ron levitating the club and
dropping it on the troll's head, knocking it out; and the teachers turning
up a few seconds later. It ended there.
Memory-Harry popped back up and said, "And that's how we became
three."
There was a slight pause while he let that cogitate before moving on.
"This next one is a detention Hermione, Ron Weasley, Draco Malfoy and I
received after the first two and I were helping a friend out late at night.
Draco Malfoy received his because Minerva McGonagall justly realised he
had to also be out of his common room past curfew to have seen us to
dob us in to her.
"At that point I thought McGonagall might not be as dumb as most
wizards and witches had already proven to me they were. However, her
detention proved she actually was as dumb as I think most magicals are,
after all. And this is what happened."
The image changed into the four first years with Hagrid and his dog,
Fang, going into the Forbidden Forest to find what was killing the
unicorns; them splitting up under Hagrid's orders; Harry and Malfoy
coming across 'something' feeding on the blood of an injured unicorn; it
attacking them; and the immediate aftermath with the centaurs, before
fading away.
"Now, colour me wrong," said Memory-Harry. "But, I was under the
impression the Forbidden Forest was, in fact, forbidden. So, what the
bloody hell was going through the minds of the staff of Hogwarts to have
the school gamekeeper, a man no longer permitted to use a wand, take
four eleven year olds with little to no magical education and trudge
through the Forbidden Forest... at night... and going after something
dangerous enough to injure or kill unicorns?
"Is it any wonder that, by then, my opinion of adult magicals left a lot to
be desired? Even back then, as far as I was concerned adult witches and
wizards are stupid!"
"Professor McGonagall told us, while we waited in the antechamber off
the Entrance Hall before our Sortings, that our Houses would be like our
families. If that's the way families treat each other in the wizarding
world, I find myself relieved I'm an only-child orphan!"
Pausing for a sigh, he continued, "Moving on! We now come to a few
days short of the end of the school year. This is what had most people
wondering what had happened to Quirinus Quirrell. And, what the
bloody hell was down that out-of-bounds third floor corridor.
"We start from just after Hermione, Ron and I have entered that corridor.
We were under the mistaken impression Severus Snape was trying to
steal what we'd already learned to be Flamel's Philosopher's Stone being
protected in that corridor."
Memory-Harry faded away. The next scene was of the eleven year old
versions of Harry, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger entering the so-
called out-of-bounds third floor corridor of the castle.
It showed Hermione using a first year unlocking charm, Alohomora, to
unlock the door. The Cerberus, asleep while a magical harp played itself
in the corner. Harry moving the Cerberus's foot off the trapdoor and Ron
opening it. The three of then dropping down the resultant hole. And
landing in the Devil's Snare.
Hermione then telling them to just relax and they'd drop through. The
three dropping through one by one and coming out underneath it, before
moving on to the room of flying keys. Harry taking one of the brooms
aloft and catching the right key before the rest suddenly started chasing
him. Him flinging the key into Hermione's hands and her unlocking the
door with it. The three of them then ducking through the door and
slamming it shut just in time to hear the keys ram the door on the other
side.
Next came the chess-set. The memory showed portions of this with
Memory-Harry stepping in and saying only portions of the game would
be shown as it would take too long. Ron getting knocked off the knight
and landing, unconscious, on the floor. Harry checkmating the opposing
king. Both rushing to Ron's side. Hermione telling Harry he was
breathing and, therefore, alive. And both going on.
As that memory faded away Memory-Harry then stepped forth again and
explained, "Now, at this point, we're now down to two. However, I want
you all to remember that, at this point, only one spell has been cast - the
first year Alohomora charm. It took no advanced magic. This is
something that every witch and wizard that's read the first year Charms
book could have done. Every student, who was in Hogwarts at the time,
could have done this."
He faded out and the memory continued. Harry and Hermione crossed
through the room with the unconscious or dead troll in it. Then stepped
into the room with the potions puzzle.
Hermione then quickly figured out the puzzle, picked up the right potions
vial and offered it to Harry. Her telling him he was a great wizard and
urging him to go on while she went back. She also showed him which
vial to drink to go back. Took a swig of it herself and walked back out
the way they walked in.
"And now we're down to one," said Memory-Harry.
In the memory Harry then chugged down the vial Hermione had given
him and stepped through to go on.
Then it showed Quirrell standing in front of the Mirror of Erised and
Harry trying to sneak about. Him being spotted and Quirrell binding him
with an Incarcerous charm. Quirrell and Voldemort discussing things.
And Quirrell unwrapping his turban and turning about.
Back in the arena, and though Harry had warned them to remain silent,
there were quite a few horrified gasps coming from the now very
attentive audience.
Real-Harry lowered his book and glared about, silencing them all again,
before returning to his book.
By then, Memory-'Quirrellmort' had grabbed Harry and stuck him in front
of the mirror.
Next came the grappling. Quirrellmort screaming as Harry's hands began
to turn him to ash. Harry getting outside his grip before returning and
laying his hands on the possessed man again. And Quirrell finally
collapsing and dying.
Almost immediately afterwards, the wraith of Voldemort rose from the
body and charged Harry. And the memory going blank.
Memory-Harry returned to the image and said, "So, as you witnessed, I
killed Quirinus Quirrell. Yes, he was possessed. Yes, it was by the shade
of Voldemort. And, yes, a possessed person is basically a walking corpse
that just hasn't died yet. The moment Quirrell allowed Voldemort to
possess him, he was a walking dead man. But, that still does not mean I
didn't kill him.
"Now, lets go through those supposed traps that were... hardy-har-har...
meant to stop a dark wizard getting their hands on the Philosopher's
Stone. The first door was locked by a simple lock able to be opened by a
simple first year Alohomora charm. So, any and every student in the
school could get past it.
"Then we have Hagrid's part of the sequence; the Cerberus. The Cerberus
could be put to sleep by playing music to it. And, wouldn't you know it,
Hagrid gifted me a flute the recently previous Christmas. Sound fishy? It
did to me.
"Next was the Devil's Snare. Easily bypassed by simply relaxing. That was
obviously Pomona Sprout's part. And easy enough to understand how to
get past when I discovered our resident Herbology prodigy, Neville
Longbottom, was told by Albus Dumbledore to tell Hermione how to not
get caught by it.
"Then comes the room with the flying keys, with a door that couldn't be
unlocked by an Alohomora Charm. This was obviously Flitwick's
contribution. And it begs the question: If his door couldn't be opened by
an Alohomora charm, why didn't they use that same anti-Alohomora
charm on the first door? Hmm?
"Plus, two brooms were also left in the room to assist in me, a prodigy
seeker, being able to capture the right key.
"Next; the giant chess set. And, wouldn't you know it, Ronald Weasley is
a prodigy in chess.
"Next came the troll. And the three of us already knew how to deal with
one of those from when Hermione was nearly squished by one back on
Hallowe'en.
"Then came the logic puzzle with the potions. And, Hermione Granger is
a prodigy with logic puzzles.
"If you can't figure out that this all seemed highly suspicious you're all
even bigger idiots than even I thought.
"Now, you could say this was all coincidental but, as a famous muggle
novelist was quoted as saying, 'Once is happenstance, twice is
coincidence, but three times is enemy action'. And here we have six such
events. What does that say for the happenstance coincidence divide,
hmm? No. It's clear this was all a set-up
"This next memory occurred three days later. It is the evening before the
Hogwarts Express departs Hogsmeade to return students to London and
I've only just woken up after being unconscious since the wraith of
Voldemort attacked me."
The next memory was of Harry waking up in the Infirmary, Madam
Pomfrey telling him how he gave everyone 'such a fright', and
Dumbledore walking in a few moments later.
Dumbledore tells Harry he didn't 'really' kill Quirrell, and why. And of
what supposedly happened to the Philosopher's Stone. They share a few
sweets before Dumbledore leaves and Harry is released.
"Right," said Memory-Harry popping back up. "There I was. I'm eleven
years old - almost twelve. I've just killed someone. Dumbledore tells me I
shouldn't worry about it because the man was going to die, anyway. I've
just killed someone and Poppy Pomfrey, the school healer, has scolded
me for frightening everyone.
"Now, I'm going to be blunt. If you don't like the language, too bad. But...
are you naffing kidding me?!"
"At the very least, Pomfrey should have been organising for me a mind
healer, so I could come to terms with what has happened. And
Dumbledore should have been calling in the DMLE. A man has just been
killed, for naff's sake!
"I was never interviewed by investigators of the DMLE, as should have
happened with the death of someone; I was never handed over to a mind
healer. Nothing... except for what happened that night at the Leaving
Feast."
Memory-Harry faded away and a memory of Dumbledore standing to
make last minute announcements at the Leaving Feast started. It show
him about to award the House Cup to the House with the most points,
Slytherin. However, he stopped and began to award last minute points.
And then the awarding of those points, which led to the House Cup being
won by Gryffindor.
The memory faded and Memory-Harry popped back up.
"Did you all get that? Dumbledore award me, Hermione Granger, Ron
Weasley and Neville Longbottom with the most ridiculous amount of
points. Fair enough for what Neville did, but it should still never have
been that many points. But he awarded us other three for flat out
breaking school rules!
"And he awarded me points - for killing a man!
"I'm sure you can all see there's something mighty fishy going on here."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Amelia Bones leaned forward from where she'd been watching both
Harry's pensieve presentation and Dumbledore. She leaned over to
Dumbledore and said, "In case you haven't already figured it out for
yourself, Albus, you're under arrest. When Mister Potter completes his
task and you award suitable points I'm taking you, him, Minerva
McGonagall and Poppy Pomfrey in to the DMLE interrogation rooms for
what looks like is going to be a very long chat."
Dumbledore internally sighed but kept his mouth shut. He knew he was
in deep enough trouble, as it was.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After letting his last comments sink in for a long moment, Memory-Harry
continued. "Now, my first year, as you've just seen, had my life at risk on
a number of occasions. First: And what I didn't show you was Quirrell
jinxing my broom during the first Quidditch match, and me nearly falling
to my death from a hundred feet up in the air. Second: That bloody troll
incident. Third: Our staff-mandated night-time excursion into the
Forbidden Forest. And fourth: Quirrellmort trying to kill me when we
three eleven year olds seemed to be the only ones who could deduce
someone was making a play for the Stone that night.
"That's four threats to my life in my first year, alone. And that's ignoring
the fact that Dumbledore had hired a Voldemort-possessed teacher - stop
naffing flinching every time I say his name, you naffing retards! - hired
Voldemort to teach at Hogwarts for the entire school year. And thereby
being a constant threat to me, especially, for all but my last three days at
school for that year.
After Real-Harry took another long glare around the stands, Memory-
Harry continued.
"Right!" he said. "That was first year - the 1991-92 school year. Let's
move on to the fun and games of second year - 1992-93.
"September and October 1992 was peaceful. I was looking forward to a
quiet year. The only downer that year to that point was Dumbledore had
seemed to think it was good idea to hire that utter fraud, Gilderoy
Lockhart, as our replacement DADA Professor. If any of you dunderheads
had read his books, as I did before I'd even started at school that year,
and had figured out the timelines he used it should have been as clear to
you as it was to me that there is no possible way the man could have
accomplished what he said he'd accomplished.
"In three different areas he purported himself to be in two different
locations in completely different parts of the world. Secondly, he wrote
he'd even vanquished a werewolf simply by punching it on the nose, a
zombie by sprinkling salt on it, and other completely laughable supposed
feats!
"That the man wasn't, even by then, already discovered to be a complete
fraud just goes to show how collectively stupid wizards and witches truly
are!" he then sighed.
"But, I digress! Everything was going as I expected it to when - wouldn't
you know it? - it was Hallowe'en again.
"Stupidly, I found myself being dragged down to a room in the dungeons
to attend the 500th Deathday party of the Gryffindor house ghost, Sir
Nicholas 'Nearly Headless Nick' de Mimsy-Porpington, instead of
attending the start of the Feast. It was after we'd left the party and were
making our way back to the Gryffindor Tower we came across what
happened right outside the same bathroom Hermione was crying in
exactly a year earlier, when she nearly got herself squished by a troll's
club.
"The floor was covered in water, Caretaker Filch's cat, Mrs Norris, was
hanging from a wall sconce by her tail - we thought she was dead - and
there was writing on the wall directly below her. It said, 'Enemies of the
heir, beware'
"Moments after we arrived there, Gryffindor and Ravenclaw students
came up from the Feast and were making their own ways back to their
dorms.
"Malfoy, the MisSorted Gryffindor who wears green trim, was with them
for whatever reason - seeing as his common room is supposed to be in the
dungeons and there's no real reason he should have been on the second
floor - and cackled out about how mudbloods would be next. Always
opening his mouth before he engages his brain, that boy. Then relies on
his godfather, Severus Snape, to pull his nads out of the fire for him."
Surreptitiously looking over the top edge of his book, Harry could see
quite a few were snickering at the clearly now angry blonde ponce.
"Of course, Caretaker Filch showed he lacks logic as much as a proper
wizard or witch by immediately accusing me of killing his cat.
"But, as Ron, Hermione and I were first on the scene, for most people,
that meant we were guilty of whatever happened. And Dumbledore
dragged us three, the Mrs Norris catcicle, Filch, Minerva McGonagall and
Fraud Lockhart off to Lockhart's classroom and office to investigate
matters further. Of course, Severus Snape also managed to invite himself
along, as he usually does.
"The way Snape always seems to be hovering around Dumbledore,
inviting himself or being invited into meetings he has no right to be
involved in, I've come to think of him as Dumbledore's shadow brought
to life. Either that, or he secretly lusts after the man and follows him
around like a love-sick puppy. But, maybe that lust is actually the other
way round," and shrugged.
"Anyways, after poking and prodding the Mrs Norris catsicle for a while
and Lockhart rambled on with his nonsense, Dumbledore eventually
declared she wasn't dead, only petrified.
"However, what we have come of that was the whole school now have it
in the back of their minds I was responsible for the attack.
"A week later, Colin Creevey was the next to be petrified. Watch what
happened, that night, in the Infirmary."
"I also remind you, for those who were there, that was the day I had the
bones in my arm vanished by 'Fraudhart'. So, for the entire duration of
that day, from shortly after lunch until the next morning, I was under the
direct supervision of Madam Pomfrey in the Infirmary. So, there's no
possible way I could have been the one who attacked the boy."
The memory started with Harry lying awake in his bed. Dumbledore
backs into the room wearing his nightclothes. McGonagall was facing
him, also walking in. Between them they had a petrified Colin Creevey.
And, once they'd dumped the boy on a bed and he'd opened Creevey's
camera, Dumbledore confirmed the Chamber of Secrets had been opened.
Memory-Harry returned. "Did you all catch how Dumbledore, after he'd
opened Creevey's camera and saw the insides were all melted, said it
meant the Chamber of Secrets had been opened? Why would he say that?
That he did meant he knew what the monster was in the Chamber. He
had to have! Otherwise, the melted insides of the camera wouldn't have
meant anything to him.
"Oh, and just so you know, a basilisk is the only creature that could do
that to the camera. Yet further proof Dumbledore knew the monster was
a basilisk.
"Which then brings us to Lockhart's aborted Duelling Club. The first and
only meeting of that club. The one where it became known, even to me,
that I'm a parselmouth.
"Watch what happened."
The next memory showed the duel between Harry and Malfoy, with the
ponce using Serpensortia to conjure a snake - a Black Mamba - one of the
most deadliest snakes known to man; Lockhart's stupidity in enraging it;
its moving to attack Justin Finch-Fletchley; Harry unknowingly using
parseltongue to stop it and everyone's reaction to it.
"Now, here we see a simple example of the stupidity of wizards and
witches," explained Memory-Harry. "Wizard logic: Harry Potter is shown
to be a parselmouth, everyone knows that Voldemort was a parselmouth,
Voldemort was evil, therefore Harry Potter must be evil. It completely
ignores the fact that Merlin was a parselmouth, so was Paracelsus, and
parselmouths are revered in other parts of the world because
parseltongue magic is proven to be best suited to healing magic - think
Paracelsus and his works.
"Using that same logic we must accept that Minerva McGonagall's
animagus form is a dog. Using the same Wizard logic: Minerva
McGonagall's animagus form has four legs and a tail, everyone knows
dogs have four legs and a tail, therefore Minerva McGonagall's animagus
form is a dog. Stupidity, dressed as common sense, is still stupidity!
"For those who do not know what I told that very venomous Black
Mamba, I told it to stop and not attack. That's why it backed off! What
was I playing at, Finch-Fletchley? I was saving your naffing life, you
moron!
"That then led to almost the whole school turning against me. I was being
bullied left, right and centre.
"Now, bullying is a crime in the non-magical world. But, by the actions of
the staff of Hogwarts, that does not appear to be the case in magical
Britain. Every single one of the students - apparently except for
Hermione, Ron and the Weasley twins - forgot I was laid up all night in
the Infirmary when Creevey was attacked only a couple days earlier; so,
it could not have been me. Hell, pretty much the lot of you saw
Fraudhart vanish the bones out of my arm and that it would mean I'd be
in the Infirmary. Idiots!
"Within a day of the fiasco of the duelling club, Finch-Fletchley is
attacked and petrified. He's the second student to have been done so. It's
now three days before the Christmas break.
"Of course, because it's the day after it's discovered I'm a parselmouth and
I'm clearly now a Dark Lord, everyone pretty much accuses me of doing
it. The bullying ratchets down, but now people are scared of me.
"Things go as you would think for the next few months. Then, in early
May, Hermione and Penny Clearwater are attacked and petrified.
Immediately afterwards, Lucy Malfoy somehow convinces by unanimous
decision of the School Board to have Dumbledore removed as
Headmaster.
"And, at the same time, Malfoy also convinces Fudge to have Hagrid
carted off to Azkaban. His reason? He has to be seen to be doing
something.
"That's three major events all on the same day, so let's visit them one at a
time. First, the petrification of Hermione and the Clearwater lass finally
has everyone believing I'm not the one who's doing the petrifying. It
could be because I was down at the Quidditch pitch for the entire time in
front of a great many people, who could all provide me alibis; or, it could
be because no one would believe I'd attack my best friend, Hermione; or
a combination of both. Frankly, I didn't and don't care one way or the
other. It, at least, stopped the bullying and fear of me. It's a pity they
didn't think about where I was when Creevey was attacked.
"The second was the sacking of Dumbledore. Later, after what happened
in the Chamber of Secrets, I learned that it seems Lucy Malfoy extorted
the rest of the School Board to go along with him in sacking Dumbledore
as Headmaster. Frankly, I really don't give a toss about that, but you
might want to look into it, Madam Bones.
"And the third was Hagrid getting carted off to Azkaban. Now, I'm not a
lawyer, I'm not a legislator and I'm not a law enforcement official.
However, it really gets in my craw how a person can be sent to Azkaban
without even the decency of a trial. In the non-magical United Kingdom,
from whence wizarding Britain was born, it is a breach of the Magna
Carta to do such. And the Magna Carta was enshrined in law before
magical Britain effectively seceded from the non-magical United
Kingdom. As such, unless the Wizengamot has overturned the Magna
Carta since seceding, then it is still law.
"So, if that is the case, then the Minister broke one of the founding
precepts of modern law by having Hagrid incarcerated without a trial. To
me, he kidnapped the man; and was aided and abetted by Lucy Malfoy in
the act.
"You might want to look into that, too, Madam Bones. But, please don't
take this as a direction on my part; only a suggestion."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Up in the VIP box, Madam Bones muttered, "Oh, don't worry about that,
Mister Potter. I fully intend to."
She glanced to her left at the Minister and quietly said, "You and I will be
having a long talk too, Minister."
Fudge, already worried, blanched and started to sweat.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
2. Singing, Another One Bites the
Dust
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 Two - Singing 'Another One Bites the Dust'
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
"Three weeks later to the day, it's the twenty eighth of May," continued
Memory-Harry. "Ron and I had just managed to work out what was going
on from all the various clues."
With a snort he corrected himself, "Well, not really. I figured it out, with
Ron still trying to drag me off to play chess and otherwise skive off doing
homework.
"The main one was that very day finding a torn page from a book in
petrified Hermione's hand that described basilisks. Under that, in her own
neat script, was written one word - Pipes.
"Ron had also just discovered his little sister, Ginny, had gone missing;
and he was frantic to get my help in finding her. We were down on that
same second floor corridor outside that same bathroom when we saw
another message had been written below the Heir of Slytherin message,
'Her skeleton will lie in the Chamber forever'.
"Ron panicked, of course. So would you if you'd just discovered
something like that about your own baby sister. At least he'd finally
decided to put in some effort to figure out what was going on. He'd found
his motivation. To me, it was far too little; far too late.
"However, just like the previous year, we were determined to take the
matter to an adult witch of wizard. I wanted to give McGonagall the
benefit of the doubt and get her help. Maybe this time she'd do the right
thing. However, Ron forced on me the choice of Gilderoy 'The Fraud'
Lockhart.
"When we ran to and burst into the office of The Fraud, he was in the
process of packing with the intention of running away as fast as he could.
So, yes, The Fraud could now be known as The Cowardly Fraud.
"However, since he claimed to be this all-powerful vanquisher of dark
creatures, as written in his novels - sorry, texts - we were having none of
that. We forced him to come down to the Chamber with us. And I had a
pretty good idea where it was.
"The final clue that gave me the probable location was that, when the
Chamber was last opened in the early 1940s, a student was killed. Her
name was Myrtle. You know her today as the ghost, Moaning Myrtle.
"We then headed for the very same girls' bathroom, once again. Once
inside I found a carving of a snake on one of the taps in the circle of sinks
in the middle of the floor.
"A quick whisper of parseltongue, and I had the entrance open.
"With The Cowardly Fraud going first - whether he liked it or not - we
slid down the pipe entrance all the way to the bottom. We were now
deep under the school and likely under the lake.
"With wand tips lit we walked from the bottom of the pipe in the only
direction we could; through a long cave.
"Partway along, we came across a shed snake skin. It was about fifty feet
long.
"While hurriedly discussing what to do next, The Cowardly Fraud had a
moment of bravery and lunged at Ron stripping him of his wand. How
about that. For the past twenty minutes, The Cowardly Fraud couldn't
even take hold of his bollocks enough to jump a twelve year old until
then.
"Fraudhart them had us both at wand point and began bragging about
how he was going to claim he would write a new book about this, claim
he was unable to save Ginny from the basilisk, but had rescued the two
of us. Then he attempted to cast the only charm upon us he was quite the
expert at - the Obliviation charm.
"The trouble for him was, Ron's wand was broken and held together with
Spellotape. The Obliviation charm backfired on him, and threw him
across the cave. However, the attempt also managed to bring down the
roof of the cave on us.
"After Ron and I dived in opposite directions to avoid all the falling rocks
we ended up on different sides of the cave-in that now filled the cave at
that point.
"Only I could go on, while Ron would work at clearing some of the rocks
away enough for me to get out once I got Ginny. Fraudhart was barely
lucid and didn't even remember his own name; so, he was no help.
"And that brings us to the next important memory. This one is going to
have quite a number of shocks. If you have a poor constitution I suggest
you quickly, but quietly, leave right now. Once I start the memory I have
no intention of stopping, restarting or pausing it. If you miss anything,
too bad. You should have been paying attention in the first place.
"Right. Here we go."
Memory-Harry faded out and the memory opened with twelve-year-old
Harry walking up to the massive stone door protecting the Chamber of
Secrets. Him opening it, and walking inside. Having a look about as we
walked deeper within. Finally seeing and rushing up to the unconscious
form of Ginny Weasley lying on the floor at the base of the very large
statue of who everyone assumed was Salazaar Slytherin and foolishly
dropping his wand on the way. Him trying to wake her. The nearly
corporeal form of Tom Riddle walking out of the shadows and picking up
his wand.
Then the whole discussion, where 'Tom' reveals himself to be both Tom
Marvolo Riddle and Voldemort - which had many in the audience
gasping in shock or try to cry out in disbelief. Riddle's true bloodline.
More outcries of disbelief.
Real-Harry, once he felt the audience had become noisy enough, glared
at the general audience, put his book down and stood.
He roared out, "Who's magic am I getting the Goblet to strip?"
That silenced the audience again.
He glared about for a few moments longer, and retook his seat on the sun
lounge, picking up his book as he did so.
Meanwhile, the memory went through Riddle's bragging, how the diary
was leeching Ginny's life force, and Harry's defiance.
Finally, Riddle called forth the basilisk.
That had just about everyone in the audience scream out in fearful shock.
Real-Harry, again, surged to his feet to glare about, this time with his
wand in hand. And, again, he got almost immediate silence.
Memory-Harry's running to avoid the basilisk. The arrival of Fawkes with
the Sorting Hat in his claws that he then dropped in to Harry's arms; and
who then attacked the eyes of the basilisk. The blinding of the basilisk.
Harry finding the Sword of Gryffindor in the Sorting Hat. Harry fighting
the blinded basilisk with the sword. Harry killing the basilisk while also
being bitten by it. And the basilisk thrashing its head about in its death
throes before finally dying.
The return of Fawkes, a dying Harry being saved by Fawkes's tears and
Riddle trying to blast the bird away with Harry's wand. Harry then using
the broken fang of the basilisk he pulled out of his arm to repeatedly stab
the diary. Near-corporeal Riddle being blasted apart. Ginny waking. And
the two of them leaving.
When the memory ended, Memory-Harry returned and quietly said, "I
told you it would be shocking."
Giving that a long moment to settle, he continued, "Before I give you the
highlights you should know that wasn't the last time that evening my life
was in peril."
After he knew there'd be a few more gasps, and were, he continued,
"After I helped Ginny out of the Chamber, we returned to the cave-in.
Ron had managed to clear away enough rocks for the two of us to
scramble through.
"Once on the other side, Ron and his sister had a bit of a heartfelt reunion
while I checked out Lockhart. He was still out to it and seemed to only
have memories up to when he was a small child. He thought he was still
a small child.
"Fawkes returned to us and, using his flame-travel powers, soon saw the
four of us back up in the girls' bathroom on the second floor.
"Now, instead of taking us direct to the Infirmary, Fawkes took us back to
Minerva McGonagall's office. Inside were McGonagall, Dumbledore and
the Weasley parents.
"At this point, the adults should have thought to themselves, 'They could
be injured. We should see to their health, first.' But, no. No, we started to
get questions barked at us about everything; as if their getting
information was more important than our health.
"For those who don't yet understand, that's known as 'child neglect' and is
a crime. At least, it's a crime in the muggle world.
"By now I'd become pretty inured to just how stupid the magical-raised
could be. They just... don't... think.
"More and more questions were being asked - more like, demands for
information. Even when they learned I'd been bitten by a basilisk and
showed them the healing wound, not one of these so-called responsible
adults immediately dragged me off to the Infirmary. No, them getting
immediate answers was clearly more important than my health.
"Well, fuck you very much! I've well learned my lesson from that. Both my
Headmaster and Head of House truly don't give a shit about me."
"However, Dumbledore, at his supposed magnanimous best, did decide to
give both Ron and me two hundred points, apiece; and special awards for
services to the school. Whoop-de-friggin'-do!
"From what I've read up on what past holders of the Order of Merlin
achieved to get them, it wasn't hard to figure out slaying a thousand year
old basilisk to save a young pre-teen witch's life ranked pretty high up in
comparison. But, was one even considered? Fuck no!"
Giving a disappointed sigh and letting that settle for a long moment, he
continued, "As I mentioned earlier that wasn't the only threat to my life,
that day. Nor was it my health being ignored by the adults who should
have known better. No, the next direct threat came that evening in the
Deputy Headmistress's office and then immediately outside in the
corridor. Watch."
The memory showed Harry and Dumbledore still in McGonagall's office
when Lucius Malfoy slammed the door open and strolled in as if he
owned the place. Dobby was at his heels.
After the exchange of veiled threats masked as pleasantries between
Malfoy and Dumbledore, Malfoy stormed out of the room.
Harry grabbed the diary back off Dumbledore, pulled one of his shoes off,
ripped his sock off, stuffed it in the diary, and pulled his shoe back on his
sockless foot.
Next part was Harry, out in the corridor, forcing Malfoy senior to take
back the diary; him then forcing it into the hands of Dobby; Harry
indicating to Dobby to open it and Dobby discovering he'd just been
handed clothes by his master, thereby freeing him.
Malfoy, discovering what Harry had done, pulled his wand on him. About
to curse Harry, by snarling out, "Avada―" and Dobby banishing his now
old master down the corridor.
The memory then ended with Memory-Harry putting in an appearance.
"And there you have Lucy Malfoy in the process of attempting to curse an
unarmed twelve year old boy with the Killing curse." His voice dropped
into a full sarcastic snark. "What a naffing hero!" And returned back to
what it was. "From that, I easily understand how his son turned out to be
such a... doofus."
Real-Harry did not need to look into the stands to know Malfoy junior
would be red with rage, but unable to act upon it as he wanted. His fear
he just might lose his magic, no matter how slim or unlikely, stayed his
hand and tongue.
"Now, a review of the year," continued Memory-Harry. "Dumbledore hires
a man clearly incompetent and unqualified for the position as Professor
of Defence Against the Dark Arts. Even the Voldemort-possessed Quirrell
was a better choice than that. The idiot teaches us nothing. Well, what he
teaches us has nothing to do with the subject, at any rate. I don't think
we really needed to know what hair products and teeth whitening
potions the popinjay used.
"Filch's cat got petrified by, at that point, an unknown assailant. Because
I'm one of the first on the scene, I immediately get the blame.
"That then starts me being bullied by the majority of the school, including
the passive-aggressive shit the teaching staff and the caretaker aimed at
me, for the next eight months.
"A week later, Creevey is petrified while I have an ironclad alibi being
laid up in the Infirmary under Pomfrey's care. The same ironclad alibi
ignored by both students and staff less than two weeks later.
"Next it's discovered, even by me, that I'm a parselmouth. From that
everyone immediately and erroneously assumes I'm evil. Refer back to
Filch's cat.
"Finch-Fletchley is attacked and I'm blamed for it. Refer back to Colin
Creevey and me simultaneously being in the Infirmary less than two
weeks earlier.
"A half year break, Hermione and Clearwater are petrified while I'm
down at the Quidditch pitch. This, once again, proves it couldn't have
been me. However, this time the populace of the castle finally figure that
out for themselves. All the evidence was there conclusively proving I
didn't do it, but it took the petrification of my best friend for them to
finally take that bare moment needed to work out it wasn't me.
"Morons!
"Three weeks after that Ron and I force Fraudhart down into the entrance
to the Chamber.
"We get separated and I go on. I face, yet again, the spirit of Voldemort
trying to come back to life. I battle a one thousand year old gi-normous
basilisk in battle. And I save the life of Ginny Weasley.
"Fawkes helps the four of us back up into the school proper. Before we
even get a chance to go see to our injuries in the Infirmary Dumbledore,
McGonagall and Arthur and Molly Weasley begin to interrogate the shit
out of us.
"After over an hour, Dumbledore finally states Ginny needs to visit the
Infirmary. Mister and Missus Weasley leave with Ginny to go and do just
that; and take Ron with them. In other words, Harry was bitten by a
basilisk - which I had only just gotten through telling them about - but,
according to all the adults there, fuck him! He doesn't need to go to the
Infirmary. Nor does the fraud, Lockhart, who managed to almost
completely Obliviate himself all the way back to his young childhood.
"Still before I can finally get to the Infirmary, Lucy Malfoy turns up. I
manage to trick the idiot into freeing his house elf. So, in return, he tries
to hex/curse me with the Killing Curse. The schmuck gets smacked down
by his now ex-house elf, in saving my life.
"That evening those who were petrified, including Mrs Norris, are
unpetrified.
"It's now two weeks to go until the end of term. Dumbledore decides to
cancel exams. Personally, if I was a fifth or seventh year supposedly
about to sit my OWLs or NEWTs, I'd be ropeable. There was no notice he
was going to do this. He gave no one a chance to disagree. He just did it.
Talk about an abrogation of his responsibilities to the students!
"Finally, we're sent home for the summer. And that brings to a close
second year.
"Oh, and just so you know, I never did get sent to the Infirmary to have
Madam Pomfrey take a look at the basilisk bite. Obviously, Albus
Dumbledore is that brilliant a wizard he never had to take even the
apprenticeship for healing to be determined a fully qualified master
healer. And, even then, didn't need to inspect the wound to declare me fit
and healed.
"Albus Dumbledore, at the time, claimed himself to be my magical
guardian, Madam Bones," said Memory-Harry, looking as if he was facing
the VIP table in the stands. "That he knew I'd been injured by a bite that
kills, and never did anything about it, is a crime. It's neglect of a child
under your care. As Professor McGonagall is supposed to be my Head of
House, the same charge could be levelled against her. The same charge
could also be levelled against both of them for the professor-student
relationship."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Up in the VIP section, Madam Bones muttered, "Already noted, Mister
Potter."
Outside the champions' tent, but between it and the gate into the arena,
Barty Crouch Junior, Polyjuiced as Alastor 'Mad-Eye' Moody, was getting
quite worried. As far as he was concerned, Potter was taking his own
sweet time in getting his egg and being done with it. Now, he had to wait
him out; just like everyone else was doing. His problem was, he was
quickly running out of on-hand Polyjuice and he had no idea just what
Harry was doing.
Moody's anti-poison potion flask, that he now used to carry around the
Polyjuice potion, was too small to carry more than about ninety minutes
worth. That time was rapidly approaching and he was almost out.
His problem: He couldn't leave before Potter did or it would look
suspicious.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Back in the arena, while Real-Harry continued to lounge on the lounger
while pretending to read a book, Memory-Harry was ready to move on.
"It's now another summer at Durzkaban - where I was worked harder
than a house elf. When not forced to work I was locked into my room
with bars on the window, fed insufficient food to feed a three year old
through a cat-flap in the bottom of the door and... well... you get the
idea. Vernon's sister, whom I unlovingly refer to as 'Marge the Barge',
pays her somewhat annual visit.
"Marge the Barge has a pet supposedly prize-winning bulldog named
Ripper. She's trained it to attack me pretty much on sight. I have the
scars on my lower legs to prove it.
"During dinner - which, though I cooked, I was not allowed to partake of
it much - The Barge just kept insulting my parents. She, the fat obnoxious
bitch that she is, claimed that my father was a drunk who should have
been locked away long before I was even born, and my mother should
have been put to death because she was obviously unable to breed
anything worthwhile. No second guesses for who she meant by breed.
"And, from that, I had one of the strongest bouts of accidental magic I've
ever had. I caused her to inflate like a balloon. She drifted out the door
and away into the night.
"Of course, I knew what would happen if I remained. Or, at least I thought
I did. The first part would be my fat uncle again attempting to beat me to
death. The second, would be ignorant naffwits from the Ministry turning
up to snap my wand.
"So, I fled. Both in fear of my life and fear of losing the only part of my
life that mattered - my life in the wizarding world.
"I quickly grabbed my cloak, my school trunk and the very few and
meagre muggle possessions I own, plus Hedwig's cage. Hedwig's my owl.
I sent her off telling her to find me later. And, dragging my trunk down
the stairs and out the front door as quickly as I could, I took off into the
night.
"Accidentally, I summoned the Knight Bus and used that to go to the
Leaky Cauldron. There, I met for the first time Cornelius Fudge. How the
Hell he knew that would be where I was heading, I have no clue. But, he
clearly did.
"He told me I wasn't in trouble for what had happened, but I was to stay
at the Leaky for the remainder of summer. He mentioned something
about Black, but I was so relieved not to have to return to the Hell that
was the Dursleys I wasn't really paying as much attention as I should.
"The big advantage of staying at the Leaky, though, was I now had weeks
to stay in the wizarding world without the constant threat of Dumbledore
watching every move I made. And I made very good use of the time.
"The next day after arriving at the Leaky I went directly to Gringotts. And
there I learned just how much of a thief Dumbledore was. And just why
he was making such a big effort to keep me away from the wizarding
world when not at Hogwarts, and clueless of my true heritage.
"From the goblins I learned the so-called Leader of the Light was, in fact,
my Ministry-appointed magical guardian. It was the first time I'd been
told.
"Yet another question: Why didn't anyone tell me before that? Apparently
all the teaching staff of Hogwarts knew, as did all the sitting members of
the thrice-damned Wizengamot of November 1981, plus everyone who
read the Daily Prophet of the next day. And not one of them bothered to let
me know Albus 'He-Who-is-Above-the-Law' Dumbledore was my magical
guardian? Really? Personally, I find that both hard to believe and suspect
magical compulsions not to tell me, in play.
"From the goblins I learned the old bastard was then using that authority
to drain the Potter accounts dry. I learned of my parents' wills - which
Dumbledore, using his authority as Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot,
had sealed - and their express wishes for dispensation of their assets and
me. They were blatantly ignored.
"I learned that my true and rightful magical guardian, the one who swore
the Godfather's Oath before both my parents and Dumbledore himself,
was in fact Sirius Black. The same Sirius Black who had been thrown into
Azkaban, without even a naffing trial, at the express orders of then
Minister Bagnold, Director of the DMLE Bartemius Crouch Senior and -
you guessed it - Albus frigging Dumbledore!
"Are you starting to see a pattern here? I bet not."
"It quickly became obvious to me Dumbledore wanted Sirius out of the
way so he had control of me and my assets. However, by this time I was
not surprised at just what Dumbledore seemed to be up to. You'll learn
more of just what steps Dumbledore is, or was, willing to go in a little
while.
"Oh - and, Madam Bones - I have the full goblin-certified records of
everything to hand to you once I'm finished here. Have no fear of that."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Up in the VIP box, Dumbledore closed his eyes, groaned and slumped his
shoulders forward.
Amelia Bones viciously grinned at his back. The young Mister Potter,
whatever his reasons, had just well and truly destroyed Dumbledore's
reputation. The old man would be very lucky to escape a period of long
term incarceration in Azkaban for this. Merlin, she thought the boy was
leading up to evidence that would see the old codger forcefully tossed
through the Veil.
He also seemed to be destroying not a few other reputations, while he
was at it. Minerva McGonagall, Filius Flitwick, Pomona Sprout, Severus
Snape and Rubeus Hagrid would also be answering rather direct and
pointed questions of their own roles; especially McGonagall and Hagrid.
If he kept it up, Hogwarts might well have to close its doors for the
foreseeable future.
That he had decided to use a situation where he had both a large
audience and no one could lift a finger to stop him or risk their magic,
she thought, was astounding.
She quietly muttered, "The boy is more Slytherin than any Slytherin I
know."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
"Anyways," continued Memory-Harry, "I was being told Sirius Black, the
Azkaban escapee, was loose and looking to find me to kill me. After
reading he was both my godfather and had taken the Godfather's Oath, I
knew the second part of that wasn't true.
"I also knew that, while he had escaped Azkaban, he was not a convicted
felon. As such, and according to law, all he did was escape from illegal
incarceration. And that, I assure you, is not an illegal act. Check your
own laws and records for proof of what I'm telling you."
After a pause to allow that to sink in, he continued, "After my three
weeks of freedom in Diagon Alley, I was now better informed of just
what was going on. And it was also time to return to Hogwarts.
"On the first of September we, of course, boarded the Express back to
Hogwarts. We had our usual visit from Malfunction Malfoy and his two
human bookends looking to make trouble before we even left the
metropolitan area of Greater London. Then we settled back to relax for
the rest of the journey.
"Of course, as most of you know, we were boarded by dementors. I had
no idea why they had such an interest in me, but one of them entered our
compartment; where it proceeded to suck all the happiness out of us.
"Luckily, Professor Remus Lupin was also in the compartment, and he
drove it off before it could suck my soul out, which it was looking to do.
"Kind of ironic, isn't it? The dementors were supposed to be there to
protect us, especially me; and yet, at its first opportunity, one of them
immediately attacked me. The dementors are supposed to be under the
direct control of the Ministry. Therefore, as the living embodiment of the
Ministry, I hold Minister Cornelius Fudge solely and completely
responsible for that.
"And that was only the first of three times the dementors tried to snack on
my soul that school year."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
It was Cornelius Fudge's turn to groan and slump forward a bit. He'd
worked hard to make sure news of the attacks by the dementors had been
hushed-up in the media. If it got out that one of the dementors attacked
the 'Hero of the Wizarding World', Harry Potter, and that they did it due
to something he caused to happen, he knew his career would be over.
Now that Potter had made it very public, it wouldn't be long before it
also became public he'd hushed-up the attacks immediately after they
had happened.
His career was over; and he knew it.
Madam Bones, from where she sat, looked across to Fudge and saw him
slump forward in defeat. She smirked. She, too, knew the man's career as
Minister was over.
The words of a muggle song of a muggle singing group, of which she was
a secret fan, echoed through her mind. 'Another one bites the dust'.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Meanwhile, Memory-Harry had continued. "For the most part, my third
year - last year - was a great deal less life-threatening than the first two.
However, there were a few notable exceptions to that through the year.
"The second attempt by the dementors to suck on my soul came in early
November, when the dementors used the cover of low clouds to come
onto the grounds of Hogwarts and over the Quidditch pitch. That time, it
was about a half-dozen that attacked me. Their attack rendered me
unconscious and I fell from my broom from a height of about three
hundred feet.
"I was saved by an Arrest Momentum charm from serious injury, if not
death, from the fall.
"In mid-December I'm finally 'informed' - if you can call it that - that
Sirius Black is supposed to have double-crossed my parents and led
Voldemort to our hiding place in Godric's Hollow. I had to pretend it was
the first time I learned of that, so as not to alert Dumbledore I already
knew of that particular lie.
"The reason I did not want Dumbledore to know I knew of that will
become apparent later in this presentation.
"And, yes, it was a lie. I know people believe it to be true. However, it is
not. My parents, Sirius Black and Peter Pettigrew pulled a fast one over
everyone. They made it look like Sirius was the Fidelius charm Secret
Keeper, but it was actually Peter Pettigrew. And Dumbledore, being the
one who cast the Fidelius, knew it was Pettigrew and not Sirius.
"And that means Albus Dumbledore knew damned well - or at least had
direct knowledge of - the fact Sirius Black is innocent of the crimes to
which he was unjustly dumped into Azkaban... and hasn't said one
bloody word of it to anyone, let alone someone who could have done
something about it. Hell, as Chief Warlock, he is well positioned to do
something about it, himself - and hasn't.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Mightily frowning in barely concealed fury, Madam Bones leaned
forward to whisper-snarl in Dumbledore's ear. "At the end of Mister
Potter's little presentation, as Director of the DMLE, I'm formally
suspending you as both Chief Warlock and as Britain's representative on
the ICW - which means your position as Supreme Mugwump is also
suspended - and banning you from sitting on the Wizengamot until such
time as my investigations into Mister Potter's... allegations... are
concluded.
"You can, of course, appeal my decision. However, Cornelius Fudge will
also be suspended from his position as Minister of Magic; so, he will be
unable to aid you. Your only option will be to take the matter to the full
Wizengamot; and I doubt they'll want to aid you when all this hits the
Daily Prophet and the WWN by this evening at the latest.
"If I can manage it, I'll also be standing you down as Headmaster. I
believe I might have enough already with what he's already told us. But,
more won't hurt. And I don't think he's done yet - not by a long shot."
Unable to do anything to interrupt the Potter boy's presentation and what
he felt was a very well-executed character assassination, Dumbledore
could only give a slight pained expression and close his eyes. He already
knew that, if Harry gave away any more secrets - including his role in
Sirius's escape from the tower the night he was supposed to be executed
by Dementor's Kiss - there would be no chance of the Wizengamot voting
to return him to his positions.
'Why the Hell didn't I back the boy and rule his admission to this now
clearly be-damned Tournament illegal when I had the chance?' he
thought. 'I just had to use his entrance as yet another method to draw out
Tom. Foolishness!
'Well, it's clearly coming back to bite me on the bum now.'
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Having paused a few moments to take a sip of something from a glass
that looked like water, Memory-Harry continued. "Things happened as
they happened for most of the rest of the school year.
"And, finally, it's June once more. Sirius Black, apparently, finally makes
his move and kidnaps Ron Weasley - not me - by dragging him out of
Hogwarts's grounds by way of a secret passage to the Shrieking Shack.
Well, he was actually trying to get the rat out Ron Weasley's hands - as
that was his real target - but Ron wouldn't release the rat, so Sirius took
them both.
"That secret passage, seeing as he was the one who made it, Albus
Dumbledore knew full well about. In other words, Albus Dumbledore left
in place a secret passage he, himself, made - and also knew Sirius Black
was aware of - and did nothing about blocking Black from using it.
"Consider that, too, won't you?
"This is what happened in the Shack when Hermione and I, again not
able to find a professor to help and having to go ourselves to rescue our
friend, burst into the Shack with wands drawn."
Again Memory-Harry faded away to be replaced with the memory
described.
Harry and Hermione entered the secret passage under the Whomping
Willow, having to dodge the branches of the tree because they didn't
know how to stop the swinging of the branches by whacking the knot on
the trunk; down the dark, rough-hewn passage to the basement of the
shrieking shack; and quietly making their way up the ladder and gently
entering the ground floor cupboard through the trapdoor.
Once inside, they heard voices - one was Ron's, whining. Quietly, they
made their way to one of the front rooms from where they they heard the
voices originate.
Peeking inside, they saw Ron sprawled on the floor with his back against
a wall. He was cradling Scabbers - who appeared to be trying to fight to
get away - while one of his legs appeared to be broken. A man was
pacing back and forth in the middle of the room, appearing to rant at
Ron while calling him Wormtail.
He was wearing horridly torn and dirty vertically-striped robes. His hair
was long, dirty and unkempt, as was his long untrimmed beard. And he
appeared both emaciated and of unsound mind. Worst still, he was
waving Ron's near-new wand about. All up, he was clearly a dangerous
individual.
Harry and Hermione both glanced at one another before both, together,
stepped into the room. Harry immediately cast a disarming hex at the
man to get Ron's wand off him. It worked, and Harry immediately caught
it in his off-hand as Black dived towards Ron.
What followed was almost a Mexican stand-off. Ron was on the floor
cradling the rat. Black, as they now recognised him to be, had
immediately moved to use Ron as a shield while arguing with Harry and
Hermione how he was innocent.
Black then went into his history and the history of what happened in
Godric's Hollow on that fateful night.
Next to enter was Remus Lupin. He also held a wand on Black until Black
indicated the rat, still struggling in Ron's arms, and stated the rat was
Peter Pettigrew.
Not too long afterwards, Black again had Ron's wand and, together with
Lupin, cast the animagus forced-reversion charm on the rat as it tried to
escape.
They'd no sooner got Pettigrew untransformed and pleading for his life
from Harry that Snape entered and divested almost everyone of their
wands.
Eventually, Snape was overpowered and the small group began to make
their way back to the castle.
That's where that memory ended and Memory-Harry returned.
"On the way back to the castle, Pettigrew managed to escape. In the
kerfuffle Lupin had to flee, possibly chasing after Pettigrew.
"However, we weren't safe yet. On my direction, Hermione levitated Ron
and raced with him back to the castle. I went after my godfather, Sirius
Black. I finally caught up with him down by the edge of the Black Lake.
And, there, we were attacked by dementors. This was third time I'm
attacked by them that I alluded to earlier."
Memory-Harry faded away and the next memory was of Harry and Sirius
fleeing dementors and being attacked by them down near the Black Lake.
Sirius almost got his soul sucked out, with Harry almost unconscious
himself, but both were saved by the appearance of what Harry thought
was the ghost of his father in his animagus form. It was a massively
powerful Patronus; and Harry passes out.
Harry then wakes up in the Infirmary to news Sirius was locked in
Professor Flitwick's office, and Fudge was ordering in the dementors to
suck out his soul.
Ron is unconscious but both Hermione and Harry try to tell Fudge the
truth of what happened. However, Fudge accuses them of being
'confounded' that is, cursed with the Confundus charm - and refuses to
listen to either before then storming out.
Dumbledore then gives them the hint about the time turner and how
many turns of it should do for what they needed to accomplish, then
begins to leave before hesitating just outside the door.
Hermione shows Harry the time turner, loops the chain over both their
necks, turns the time turner to go back three hours and they disappear.
The memory fades away before Memory-Harry reappears. "As you can
see, 'Fumbling Fudge' accused us of being confounded and refused to hear
any more of what happened. By law, he was required to take the matter
to the DMLE, specifically to Amelia Bones as Director of the DMLE, and
didn't.
"Plus, you also saw Dumbledore send a thirteen and fourteen year old off
on yet another adventure, as if we hadn't already had one that night.
"Once back in time the two of us moved to free Buckbeak and hide him
away in the Forbidden Forest for later. You'll see why in the next
memory. Then we headed for a spot where we could watch the
Whomping Willow and wait for our now-younger selves to once more
emerge from the underground passageway. We were there to try and
catch Peter Pettigrew after he managed to give our younger selves, Sirius
Black and company the slip. Because we did not know in the first time
through that Pettigrew had managed to escape after all, we figured that if
we caught him again the second time through it would not cause a
temporal paradox.
"Watch what actually happens."
The new memory showed everything that happened right up to Harry
and Hermione coming up on the small lake from the other side just as the
Dementors began to bombard 'Previous' Harry and Sirius.
'Current' Harry was expecting the ghost of his father to arrive and save
them. However, realising it was actually him on the second go through
that saved him on the first go through, he cast the massive Patronus
driving all the dementors away just as 'Previous' Harry collapsed
unconscious next to his godfather.
Already knowing 'Previous' Harry and Sirius would end up back at the
castle and safe for Harry, but locked in the tower for Sirius, the 'Current'
Harry and Hermione tried everything they could to track down
Pettigrew. However, they had no luck and rightfully suspected the
traitorous little man had reached the edge of the wards and apparated
away.
Harry had originally thought of ending the memory there, but decided to
show the rest of it.
The next scene was of Harry and Hermione, with Buckbeak's help, going
to the castle to rescue Sirius from the Charms Master's office via the
window. And Sirius then flying away after first dropping the two teens
off on the astronomy tower. And the two teens making their way back to
the Infirmary. And, finally, Dumbledore ushering them inside before
locking the door.
When that memory faded and Memory-Harry returned he said, "Now, you
may be sitting there believing Hermione and I have broken the law by
freeing an escaped convict after he was again caught. However, you'd be
wrong.
"For Sirius to have been properly considered an escaped convict he would
have had to have been convicted. As he was never tried, he was never
convicted. As such, he was not an escaped convict. Instead, Sirius
escaped illegal incarceration; on the second time we aided him in that.
"The law states quite clearly that a person arrested of a crime must,
within one month of their arrest at the latest, be given a trial. If at the
end of that month they have not been tried, they must be released. The
Ministry did not do that. In effect, after the thirty days had expired,
Sirius Black had been kidnapped by the Ministry. All he did was what he
was legally allowed - even encouraged - to do. He freed himself.
"He did nothing wrong or illegal by escaping his illegal incarceration.
And Hermione and I did nothing wrong or illegal by aiding in his second
escape from illegal incarceration. If anything, Cornelius 'Fumbling' Fudge
again abused his authority as Minister by kidnapping - not just the person
known as Sirius Black - but, the rightful Lord of the Noble and Most
Ancient House of Black. And then compounded his crime by bypassing
lawful procedure and attempting to murder Sirius Black by having him
kissed by Dementor. That would class it as attempted assassination.
"Hermione and I, with Buckbeak's help, saved him from that attempted
murder - that attempt to kill him in cold blood.
"I certainly hope the Ministry's aurors will take that into consideration
should they foolishly think that arresting either myself or Miss Granger
for that is warranted. For the both or either of us I will thoroughly enjoy
seeking lawful recompense from any auror so involved through the
correct legal channels."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
From where she was sitting in the VIP box, Bones glared at a completely
wilted Fudge and snarled, "He's right, you stupid shit. You had him in
custody and still tried to have him Kissed. That is definitely attempted
murder; and adds yet another major crime to the list I'm already
compiling against you."
Fudge could only cower away from the irate Director of the DMLE. He
now knew he was definitely not going to be saving his job. He now
doubted he'd be escaping his own sentence to Azkaban.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Unaware of Bones's quiet berating of the soon-to-be ex-Minister, Harry
continued, "After that, Hermione and I raced back to the Infirmary. We
arrived at the doors at almost the exact moment the original of us time-
turnered out. Dumbledore immediately let us in and we scuttled back to
our beds.
"Less than five minutes later..." he paused and smiled. "Well, see for
yourself."
Memory-Harry faded out and a new memory began. This one started as
Memory-Harry's explanation cut off.
It showed Snape storming in, in a foul mood, with Fudge and
Dumbledore on his heels. Fudge looked confused and Dumbledore looked
somewhat amused.
Snape stormed over to Harry's bed and, with spittle flying out of his
mouth, began to berate a 'bed-ridden' Harry. Snape was accusing Harry
and Hermione of 'somehow' getting Sirius free. That he was right was
quite irrelevant. He really had no evidence to support his claims.
After Dumbledore asked Pomfrey if either teen had been out of bed she
appeared scandalised and stated they weren't. Then Snape, now even
clear to him that he had no evidence to support his claims, wheeled
about and stormed from the room once more.
Fudge then stated to Dumbledore he believed Snape was mentally
unbalanced before then complying with removing the Dementors from
the school boundaries. The both of them then left.
And the memory ended.
Memory-Harry returned and said, "Of course, with Sirius's rightful and
recognised exoneration of any guilt in the murder of my parents, the
murder of the twelve muggles and the murder of Pettigrew, I would have
been free to stay with him over summer. However, as Pettigrew escaped
because of Snape's idiocy - or deliberate sabotage, it matters not which -
Dumbledore yet again forced me to to stay with my abusive muggle
relatives.
"Did you also notice that Snape said not a word about him also seeing a
very much alive Peter Pettigrew? Snape is a Master Occlumens, Fudge
would not have been able to claim the man had been confounded if he'd
spoken up. But, no; Snape never said a word about it when he knew the
truth.
"This time my summer in Surrey wasn't, yet again, somewhat of a Hell on
Earth. I lied to my relatives and told them that my 'escaped convict of a
mass-murdering godfather', Sirius Black, insisted I keep in contact with
him to let him know how I was getting on. That threat was enough to
ensure I wasn't abused by any of them as badly as I had been in the past.
"I was forced by Dumbledore to remain with my muggle relatives for
almost eight weeks - and it was forced, as I truly had no desire to be there
and believed I had nowhere else to go - until I was picked up by Arthur
Weasley and his boys and was taken to their home, The Burrow, in Ottery
Saint Catchpole about a week after my birthday."
Memory-Harry paused for a moment before he continued. "I stayed with
the Weasleys for the last few weeks of the summer break. And, yes, as
everyone no doubt knows by now, I did attend the World Cup. By now,
everyone has a... belief... as to what happened a couple hours after the
Cup finished.
"As per usual, your belief has been skewed by outside forces; forces, that
don't want you to know the truth. The Ministry don't want you to know
the truth because they'd rather you be ill-informed and happy, than
properly informed and worried. Here's what happened according to my
memories of the event."
Memory-Harry faded out and the next memory started. Just as Memory-
Harry attested, the memory showed what happened after the Cup from
the point of Harry being woken to when they finally returned to the tent.
Then returned to Memory-Harry.
"And that brought us up to returning to here, Hogwarts, on the First,"
said Memory-Harry.
He paused for a long moment before his expression turned almost feral as
his posture shifted until he stood more upright, more proud. And he
smirked.
It gave him an appearance none of them had seen of him before. It was
quite pureblood in appearance, the way he stood. Those who had met
James Potter while he was alive immediately recognised it. Here stood a
true Potter.
From where he still sat in the VIP and judges area and unable to do
anything, as soon as he saw the shift in Harry's demeanour, stance and
saw the expression on the boy's face, Dumbledore felt a moment of
prescience as dread passed through his veins. And he shuddered in fear as
to what it meant.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Back in the arena Memory-Harry 'looked' up to the VIP stand and spoke
in a voice that exuded confidence, authority and power. "Madam Bones,
if you haven't already guessed, now is the time to keep your attention
focussed on Dumbledore. He's about to hear information that will show
him he has greatly underestimated me. The information you are all about
to hear, especially him, will show just how badly I've been
underestimated by everyone. The information I'm about to impart upon
you all will completely change your world-view of both myself and
events that have surrounded me.
"Many of you will have a hard time believing what I'm about to tell you;
and, via memories, show you. At this time I remind you that I - or,
rather, Harry down there..." and gestured to where Real-Harry was
apparently still reading a novel as he relaxed on the sun lounge, "...
Swore a magical oath on his magic, his life and his very soul that what
memories you are shown through this pensieve are a true and accurate
account."
Again Memory-Harry paused for a long moment.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Meanwhile, up in the stands, everyone remained completely silent.
Though they'd now been sitting there for over two hours, no one wanted
to leave. They all instinctively understood that what they were about to
learn would be true; and, would indeed, shake the foundations of their
beliefs.
Even though Potter had threatened them with stripping them of their
magic if they so much as made too much noise, they now no longer
cared. No one wanted to miss what would happen next.
Very few gave any thought any longer to there still being a Hungarian
Horntail dragon at the other end of the arena. The dragon was now lying
in wary repose, curled up as close as it could get to its nest while keeping
an eye on the little human wizard at the other end with its magical
device showing scenes of different things. Soon after it entered the little
wizard made no moves towards it or its eggs, so it made no aggressive
moves back. It would conserve its energy for if it would be needed later.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Memory-Harry held the smirk and the apparent stare at the VIP stand for
a long couple of seconds before he began to speak again.
"'Everyone knows' is a term I hear far too many wizards and witches say,"
he said. "Everyone knows what befell the Potters in Godric's Hollow on the
evening of the thirty-first of October, 1981. Everyone knows the Killing
Curse rips the soul from the victim, while also leaving no mark upon the
victim's body. Everyone knows Sirius Black betrayed them, led He-Who to
their cottage, then went on to kill Peter Pettigrew and a dozen muggles a
few days later. Everyone knows―"
He gave a snort and said, "But I know that everyone is wrong!
"I've already shown you evidence that Peter Pettigrew is alive... or, was at
least alive on the ninth of June, earlier this year. At that same time I also
showed you that Sirius Black is completely innocent of the crimes for
which he was dumped into Azkaban without even a trial. So, that shows
you quite a significant portion of what you believe to have happened that
night in Godric's Hollow - and what happened a few days later regarding
the supposed death of Peter Pettigrew and those muggles - is wrong. You
now know that what 'everyone knows' is wrong. It is a lie!
"Now for the second point I raised; that 'everyone knows' the Killing Curse
rips the soul from the body.
"Well... news flash, people: that's not true, either."
Memory-Harry gave that a while to sink into the consciousness of 'his'
audience before he continued. And, just as Harry thought it would, it
caused a mass gasp of shock and surprise among those watching from the
stands.
"You, see," he began again, "What the Killing Curse does is strip the mind
of every piece of knowledge. It wipes the mind bank - including all the
autonomic systems. The brain forgets to send the information it needs to
run the automatic biological systems; the heart to pump, the diaphragm
to cause the lungs to regularly inflate and deflate, the stomach and
intestines to process food and waste, the consciousness to receive
information from the five senses, etcetera. Without the heart beating,
without the lungs pumping, the body dies.
"In pure essence, the Killing Curse is nothing more than a very high
powered Obliviation charm. That's why the Killing Curse, just like the
Obliviation charm, leaves no physical mark on the body.
"And it's that knowledge that leads to the answer - the riddle, if you will,
that has plagued the wizarding world since that horrid night - as to why I
managed to survive being hit with the Killing Curse."
Again he paused and smirked, before aiming that smirk directly at the
VIP seats.
"You see," he began as his smirk widened into a grin, "I'm immune to any
and all mind-controlling magic; including the Killing Curse, the
Confundus Charm, other Compulsion Charms and... the Obliviation
Charm."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Up in the stand Dumbledore gave a physical start, which had Bones again
firmly jab her wand tip into the back of his neck. He didn't even feel it.
'Oh, shyte!' he thought, as all colour drained from his face and he began
to feel quite sick and faint.
He now knew what the Potter boy's plan was. Though loathe to, he had
to admit it was brilliant.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
3. The Truth About Memories
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 Three - The Truth About Memories
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Still smirking in the direction of the VIP stand, Memory-Harry continued.
"You've now seen all the information about what has happened over the
past three years that is otherwise public information; if anyone had
bothered to go and look for it," he said. "Now, I'm going to show you
memories that hold information that Dumbledore - your so-called Leader
of the Light - has worked hard to keep hidden. If you haven't already
figured it out, your so-called Leader of the Light isn't as 'light' as he
would have everyone believe.
"First, we go back down the memory lane of my memories, back to when
I was a small child. Then, we'll work our way forward again.
"This first memory was from when I was about five years old. But first, as
you don't know who all the 'players' are, I'll set the scene for you.
"The overweight fat middle-aged male muggle is my Uncle, Vernon
Dursley. The skinny horse-necked middle-aged female muggle is my aunt,
Petunia Dursley. She's the older sister of my mother, Lily Potter née
Evans. And the overweight male muggle child is my cousin, Dudley
Dursley; who is often called Duddikins, little Dudley-Wudley and other
pet names.
"I give you full warning," he firmly stated. "This will be difficult for you
to watch. If you have a weak fortitude - stomach - you might want to
block your ears and turn away, or be violently ill."
He gave them a moment before he said, "Let's begin."
Memory-Harry faded out and a memory from when Harry was about five
years old began to play. The scene was of the lounge at 4 Privet Drive.
Harry was cowering on the floor with Vernon towering over him at his
full height; he was wielding a leather belt, angry and shouting. Petunia
and Dudley were standing in the doorway to the dining room. Petunia
was scowling at Harry while Dudley watched with glee.
Harry was pleading about how he didn't do it. That, whatever it was, was
not his fault.
Vernon was shouting at him, calling him a freak and brandishing the
belt, before he suddenly began thrashing Harry with it with his full
weight behind each swing. The beating went on until Harry stopped
writhing about and seemed to have fallen unconscious.
Then Vernon flung the belt to the side and began kicking the small boy
hard enough to bodily lift him from the floor and throw him partway
across the room. It would be considered a vicious beating on anyone, let
alone a small child.
After a long few minutes of that, and when Harry appears unconscious,
Vernon dragged him over to the cupboard under the stairs by his hair,
and bodily threw him within before slamming the door shut; which then
slammed back open again as the latch didn't catch.
There was only a long moment as Vernon turned to look at his family, his
chest heaving with the results of the obvious exertion he put into the
beating. Petunia gave a haughty sneer and was about to turn away as
Dudley looked positively joyous at what he'd witnessed.
Suddenly, there was a crack of apparation as Dumbledore appeared in the
middle of the lounge. He had also apparently side-along apparated Poppy
Pomfrey, the school resident medi-wizard with him. As the Dursleys
reeled back in shock Dumbledore appeared thunderous, while Pomfrey
appeared confused.
"Poppy," Dumbledore firmly said, "You'll find young Harry inside the
cupboard under the stairs."
With a gasp of horror, Pomfrey quickly hurried to the small cupboard,
drawing her wand at the same time.
A quick duck down to her knees and she was then levitating Harry out.
Levitating him no further than out onto the floor just outside the
cupboard door she began her diagnostics.
Meanwhile, Dumbledore was berating Vernon. "You disappoint me,
Dursley." Spinning to glare at Petunia he said, "As for you, Petunia - as I
have had to repeatedly remind you - Harry is of your blood! He is your
only sister's son. Your responsibility is to his safety. When are you going to
remember that?"
The scene suddenly paused and Memory-Harry quickly faded in. "Did you
catch that? Did you catch what Dumbledore said? He said, 'As I have had
to repeatedly remind you' - with emphasis on the 'repeatedly'. And listen
to how, by their own words by both male adults, it is clear there was a
number of times this sort of discussion was held in the past.
"That means Dumbledore had to have gone to the Dursley residence on
quite a few occasions before what you're currently watching. And, in this
memory, I'm only five years old."
Again Memory-Harry faded out and the paused memory returned.
Suddenly, it restarted.
Neither Dursley replied until Vernon snarled, "Then take him! We don't
want him here! When are you going to remember that?"
Dumbledore's mien took on a pained expression before he more quietly
replied, "And I've repeatedly told you the boy needs to remain here for
the blood wards to work. If the blood wards fall then you will no longer
remain safe from... as you put it... freaks like me."
Vernon was about to angrily snap his next retort when Pomfrey piped up.
"Albus, he has a great many injuries; not the least of which is three
broken ribs and a severe concussion!"
"Do your best, Poppy," replied Dumbledore.
"I'll need to get him back to Hogwarts," she began.
"No," Dumbledore almost snapped back. "He must remain here."
When a horrified Pomfrey went to argue back he continued, "He must
remain here for his safety. Heal him as well as you can and his magic will
fix the rest."
"Albus!" she gasped back. "He's just a child!"
"Nevertheless, Poppy, he must remain here," replied Dumbledore. "Heal
him the best you can and we must be leaving."
Clearly horrified by what she was hearing, Pomfrey healed young Harry
as best she could.
By the time she was finished, clearly magically much weaker from the
effort, Harry was quietly watching her work while keeping an eye on the
others. He never made a peep of sound from his injuries, even when it
was apparent he was in a great deal of pain.
When she was done, Dumbledore magically forced Harry and his
relatives into a group in the middle of the lounge floor.
Then he stunned Pomfrey before turning his wand on the four residents
of Privet Drive. That had many in the audience gasp in shock.
A quick swipe of his wand and he called, "Obliviate!"
Once it appeared everyone was under the charm he said, "Young Harry
was suitably punished by being locked back into his cupboard. I warned
you, yet again, not to take things too far. There will be no further
punishments for this incident."
Then he levitated Harry back into his cupboard.
He took a quick look about the room, bent his wand to Pomfrey,
levitating her upright, before tucking her into his side with his off hand
wrapped around her. A quick twist and he apparated away.
Then the memory ended with Memory-Harry putting in another
appearance.
"There," he sighed. "Memory over. Have no fear that I'll show you another
like that. However, that's only because I do not believe many of you will
be anything but either unconscious or vomiting your insides up by the
end of them, if I didn't. I know they're horrific.
"I'll also let you know that what you just saw was chosen because of how
average it was for how I was treated there. There are quite a few times I
was beaten almost as bad as that, and about an equal number of times I
was beaten worse than that. They number well over a dozen.
"What I also want you to consider of what you just witnessed is that what
you saw was of my memories. And, I also want you to consider that the
only way I could have that as my memory was for me to be conscious the
entire time. I was awake for the entirety of that. In other words, I was
feigning being unconscious when I was thrown into the cupboard."
That had quite a few audible gasps of shock from the audience.
"It was something I figured out when I was younger than that," continued
Memory-Harry, as if he hadn't heard it. "If I appear to be unconscious
then the beating wouldn't be as bad. Vernon thought a beating wasn't as
effective if I wasn't awake to... enjoy it.
"As you saw, Dumbledore was fully aware of how I was being treated by
the Dursleys. And, as he claimed magical guardianship over me, it was
his responsibility to ensure I would not and wasn't treated like that.
"Dumbledore not only did nothing to stop the beatings, he also modified
the memories of everyone - he thought - so the Dursleys had little idea all
their beatings of me were known about by Dumbledore. If the Dursleys
had known, even once, that Dumbledore was directly monitoring every
situation, as he clearly was, then I believe I never would have been beaten
as much as I was.
"So, in case you're all as stupid as I think you are, I'll explain it to you.
Albus Dumbledore is blatantly guilty of the crimes of child endangerment,
child abuse physical by proxy, child abuse psychological, child abuse
psychological by proxy, child neglect, child neglect by proxy and a host
of other despicable crimes relating to a child. And he did all this while
acting as my supposed Wizengamot-appointed magical guardian, while
Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, while Headmaster of Hogwarts -
where he's in charge of almost four hundred other children - while
Supreme Mugwump of the ICW and while everyone believed him to be
the Leader of the Light."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Up in the VIP section, where she still had the tip of her wand pressed into
Dumbledore's neck about an inch behind his left external carotid artery,
Bones was fuming. One minor piercing curse, let alone a blasting hex,
and the old man would be dead in only a few seconds, if that.
However, even she was paying little to no attention to that. What Harry
had just shown down on the floor of the other end of the arena, had her
blanch. When he stated how it was his memory, and that he had to have
been conscious to actually have it, once she realised he was right even
had her at the point where she wanted to do nothing more than to turn
her head to the side, bend forward and vomit. It was only through a force
of her own indomitable will she did not succumb. Many in the audience,
including some within the VIP section, weren't so lucky. She could hear
them retching from where she sat, and smell the results only moments
later.
Finally, she leaned forward and whisper-snarled into the old man's ear,
"Try something, Dumbledore. Please, try something. Just one little twitch
is all I need. Just give me the excuse I need to blow your fucking head off;
right here, right now. With the evidence Mister Potter clearly has for me
no court would ever convict me."
Dumbledore refused to even breathe, so still he sat.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
"But!" continued Memory-Harry, instantly dragging everyone's attention
back to him. "But... I did not show you that memory to show you to what
despicable lengths my so-called uncle would go when I displayed
incidences of, as he put it, my freakishness. I showed you that memory to
show you to what despicable lengths Dumbledore would go to make sure I
lived there!
"That shows you why Dumbledore had no problem forcing me to go back
there during the summers between my first, second, third and fourth
years of Hogwarts. Plus, it shows you Dumbledore is that despicable he
would use a memory modification charm on both muggles and on a five
year old wizard who he'd only just been told was suffering from a
concussion!"
"In my possession are another more than dozen memories of mine that
show Dumbledore turning up... sometimes bringing Pomfrey with him,
sometimes not... berating the Dursleys for their behaviour, healing me or
having Pomfrey do it, Obliviating everyone and leaving again. So, it
wasn't a one-off incident you all witnessed. I also remember there being
times when Vernon actually did beat me unconscious and my waking up
some time later with all, or almost all, my injuries healed. Once I learned
what magical healing was like, I recognised that's what had happened
during those times.
"You also need to understand that, at the time, I had no idea it was
Dumbledore or Madam Pomfrey that were apparating in after Vernon
went too far and beat me too much. All I knew was that an old man
called 'Albus' with long white hair and beard, who wore what looked to
me like a gaudy dressing gown, would arrive out of thin air with a sound
like a gun shot. Sometimes he would bring a lady a little older than my
aunt and uncle who dressed in what appeared to be an old style nurse's
uniform, and sometimes not. I also quickly realised the lady in the nurse's
uniform - 'Poppy', as the old man called her - wouldn't recognise me from
one visit to the next. She also acted as if she was meeting me for the first
time.
"I knew from when I asked a teacher at school, that's muggle primary
school, what the word 'Obliviate' meant. The closest I could find in the
dictionary was that it meant to erase from existence, to wipe clean. And
that told me the old man, 'Albus', was wiping Pomfrey's, my aunt's,
uncle's and cousin's memory clean; and trying to do the same thing to
me.
"If he was wiping everyone's memories away, I quickly realised that it
would be a bad idea to let the old man know that I could remember both
of them from their previous visits. The old man would wave that stick of
his at us, firmly call out 'Obliviate!', a light-blue light would shoot out of
it and hit us, I'd feel all wooly-headed for about the next one or two
minutes, then everything would come flooding back."
Again, Memory-Harry smirked towards the VIP stands. "And, by then, I
had already become a good enough actor to fool the old man. It was
something I never stopped doing. As you will see a little later."
Memory-Harry gave a snort of amusement before he changed the subject.
"About a week before my eleventh birthday I received my first
acceptance letter to Hogwarts. But, I couldn't accept; because, as soon as
the letters began to arrive, Vernon was collecting them and burning
them.
"And, yes; I said 'them', meaning 'plural'. I received one on the first day,
one on the second day, three the day after that, the next day I received
twelve, on the fifth day I received twenty four, on the sixth day - the
Sunday - about thirty to forty arrived, and on the seventh day well over
one hundred arrived. At one minute past midnight the next morning,
Rubeus Hagrid turns up to hand-deliver my invitation letter.
"Now, think about that; wizarding mail is delivered by owl. Think about
how many owls had to have been flying into the muggle world to deliver
mail to me; especially on the sixth and seventh day. Think about how
many owls that would have to have meant were waiting just outside -
perched on branches, fences and the like - to deliver that mail; each with
a letter in its beak or tied to its leg. Would that not be a breach of the
Statute of Secrecy? And this was forced, knowingly, to occur under the
direction of Albus Dumbledore.
"That's yet another crime willingly committed by the so-called Leader of
the Light. And this time it was breaching the law set in place centuries
ago to protect the wizarding world.
"Anyways," he sighed, "Hagrid collects me on the evening of the tenth
day, we head for Diagon Alley the next morning, my eleventh birthday. I
learn about having a trust vault at Gringotts, get some galleons out to
buy my school supplies and shop.
"As soon as we're finished, Hagrid hustles me off to the Underground and
sends me back to the Dursleys.
"For the entire month of August the Dursleys - all three of them - pretend
I don't even exist." Memory-Harry gave a long, drawn out sigh of bliss
and added, "It was won-der-ful!
"And, why did they leave me alone?" he asked. "It's because, this time
they had kept their memories of just how close the wizarding world was
watching me." He sighed. "I was then left to wonder just how much of
that abuse I suffered I wouldn't have suffered if Dumbledore hadn't kept
Obliviating the Dursleys."
Coming back to himself he continued, "However, during that time I was
not idle. Hagrid had told me a little bit about the truth surrounding my
parents and their deaths, a fair bit about Hogwarts, and very little about
anything else. But one of the nuggets of information he did share with me
had to do with the Houses of Hogwarts. And I made sure to grab a book
on Hogwarts and another on recent wizarding history from Flourish and
Blotts while I was there.
"So, during the month of August, while the Dursleys were ignoring me, I
read. I read about the four Houses and of how the students are sorted
into each. I read how the method by which students are sorted was based
on that young witch's or wizard's character - and grew quite concerned. I
knew I was destined for Slytherin if I didn't figure out a way to change it.
"Oh, yes," he suddenly said. "Based on what Hagrid had told me, and after
meeting Draco Malfoy in Madam Malkin's that day Hagrid took me to
Diagon Alley, I had already reached the decision I did not want to end up
in Slytherin.
"And why did I decide I didn't want to end up in Slytherin?" he
rhetorically asked. "Not just because of what Hagrid had told me about
my parents; and not just because of the behaviour of Draco Malfoy,
either. No. It's because of the ideals each of the Houses are supposed to
prize the most."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Up in the Slytherin section of the stands around the arena, Draco Malfoy
scowled back. Because of his own focus, glaring in hate back at Harry, he
was unaware many of his housemates took their own moments to glare at
him.
While he didn't think Potter was worthy of being a Slytherin, there were
many more of Slytherin House who would have been quite proud to have
him in their House. And they all now knew Malfoy was partly responsible
for him not being there.
Well, that's what they thought - for now.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
"And, why did I believe I was going to end up in Slytherin, you may ask?
It's because of my upbringing. Anyone who understands child psychology
- that is how a child grows to think based on their home life - will
already know that a child that is raised in the sort of home environment
in which I was raised would make perfect little Slytherins.
"A child raised in a similar environment to the one in which I was raised
would grow up cunning, sly, secretive, would employ guile, almost
instinctively negotiate for a better position in life, plan moves in advance,
consider risks in advance. In other words, as I said, a perfect little
Slytherin. Without their knowing they did it, the Dursleys raised me as a
perfect little Slytherin - a true Slytherin.
"I figured that out weeks before I arrived at Hogwarts, within hours of
cracking open the book on the history of the school. So, I had to bend my
mind to figuring out how not to be sorted into Slytherin, as I should have
been.
"As the story goes, Slytherin cherished those who employed cunning and
guile to achieve their ends. These days many think that also means
ambition; it does not. At least, not alone. All four founders cherished
ambition, not just Slytherin. Therefore, the Hat does not take how
ambitious a new student is to determine into which House the child
would be sorted. So, I did not have to worry about the Hat considering
me ambitious.
"I began to plan. First, I had to think about what the two words, 'cunning'
and 'guile', actually meant. For those who do not know, the definition of
'cunning' is the employment of a skill in a shrewd or sly manner; and
'guile' means crafty or artful deception. Once I had those definitions I
knew how I could argue my way out of being sorted into the House of the
Serpent.
"You see, by the very definitions of 'cunning' and 'guile' I knew I had the
means in which to argue the best House for a true Slytherin was to be
sorted into any House but Slytherin." He paused to give a chuckle. "Think
about it. How guileful is it to be sorted into Slytherin when you're a true
Slytherin? Where's the craftiness?... the insidious cunning?... the artful
deception? A true Slytherin would do everything they could not to be
publicly labelled as such."
That had most of the students in Slytherin, together with the alumni of
that House, who had come down to watch the task almost all collectively
scowling in annoyance.
"On the First of September I bumped into the Weasleys at Kings Cross.
Hagrid, for all his good intentions, had forgotten to tell me how to get
onto Platform nine and three-quarters. With only a few minutes until the
train left the station - and me in a near panic - that's when I heard Molly
Weasley doing her best to break the Statute of Secrecy. Whether that was
out of malice aforethought, ignorance or just plain stupidity, I do not
know. On the muggle side, she was crying out to her own children in a
shrill voice words along the lines of, 'Look at all these muggles! What's
the number of the platform again, dear?' And a ten year old Ginny
Weasley calling back, 'nine and three-quarters, Mum!'"
With a sigh, he continued, "Irrespective of the probable breach of the
Statute, Molly Weasley gave me the knowledge of how to get onto the
platform. If it wasn't for her I'd have never found the platform in time, if
at all.
"Once on the train, Ron Weasley found me in a compartment on my own.
When the subject of Houses came up, he then gave his very biased
opinion about them. It was from that conversation, added to what I'd
heard from Hagrid back on that day in the Alley, that I had my answer as
to where I would try to convince whoever it was that did the sorting,
where I was to be sorted. Remember; I still did not know the sorting was
done by a magical talking hat that could read minds.
"It was while on that train ride I finally learned of the full identity of
'Albus', the old man with the long white hair and beard. I got a Chocolate
Frog card of Albus Dumbledore. I had finally learned that the old man
who kept trying to wipe away my memories was also the same old man
who would be my new Headmaster. I almost panicked, right then and
there.
"We arrived at Hogwarts, received a talk from Minerva McGonagall -
where she effectively lied to us and told us our House would be like our
family - and were then escorted by her into the Great Hall.
"As the Hat gave its little tale expressed in doggerel verse, I learned how
the Hat would sort me. And I also physically breathed a sigh of relief
when I learned it would not relate what it would learn out of my mind to
anyone.
"Almost immediately after the Hat was placed on my head it wanted to
sort me into Slytherin. 'In Slytherin you would be great, you know', the
Hat said to me. However, I was determined to go to the one House where
a true Slytherin would never be expected to be sorted - Gryffindor.
"For those of you who were there and remember that night, that's why
my sorting was one of the longest in history. It took me almost the entire
time I was under the Hat for me to convince it to sort me into the House
of red and gold. Finally, it recognised my determination, ceded to my
wishes and sorted me into Gryffindor. I have never had to argue for
something I wanted so hard in my life!
"Now, you might wonder why I chose Gryffindor; and not another House
such as Ravenclaw. The answer is quite simple. When people are
presented with evidence of something they expect, they never question it.
If I had been sorted into Hufflepuff or Ravenclaw, questions would have
been asked of why. I'd have been questioned about my sorting, questions
would be asked of others who would also then ask me directly. However,
as people expected me to be sorted into Gryffindor, no one wondered
why; and, therefore, no one asked why."
With a smirk on his face, he gave that a moment to sink in; and for the
audience to understand what he'd done.
"So, here I was, a newly minted Gryffindor who was expected to be a
Gryffindor, while all along I was really a Slytherin in disguise." He gave a
low, almost evil chuckle.
"From then on it was easy. I just had to behave pretty much like I was
expected to behave. And just bide my time while trying to stay under the
radar, as the muggles would say, until I finished my schooling." He gave
another snort of amusement. "Like, that was ever going to happen."
"Basically, from day one in First Year I figured out Ronald Bloody
Weasley was going to prove to be nothing but an anchor around my neck.
However, I had to 'allow' him to hang around me because, if I'd broken
things off with him, Dumbledore would have come sniffing around to find
out why.
"From what I've now come to believe, though I have no evidence to
support that belief, the first meetings with Weasley at Kings Cross Station
and on the Hogwarts Express were somewhat engineered for me and
Weasley to meet; and for us to become friends. However, after arriving
here at the school, I quickly learned that boy is nothing but an indolent,
bigoted, gluttonous git."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Up in the stands - where he was sitting near Hermione, but not next to
her - Ron Weasley flushed with anger. It did not help that his housemates
sitting near him were now attempting to slide away from him, as if he
was diseased.
'Dumbledore's gonna be pissed!' he thought. 'Bloody Potter.'
It had not occurred to him, and likely never would, that Dumbledore had
far bigger problems than worrying that his little spy on Potter would now
be pretty much worthless; or, that he had ever truly been of worth.
Hermione was staring at her best friend in awe as he systematically tore
down the staff of Hogwarts. As she had been with him for all of the
events he spoke about since his arrival, she knew she was in the unique
position to know precisely what he was talking about.
Now that Harry had effectively already torn down Headmaster
Dumbledore and Professors McGonagall, Snape, Moody and Hagrid, she
wondered what was coming next.
She even spent time paying a little attention to the aurors who were
heading off as Harry brought to light more truths. It was no challenge for
one with her intellect to deduce they were being sent off to arrest people
- all of which were those aforementioned.
And she knew Harry wasn't done yet.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
"My second major misdirection was something I had to employ while at
the Dursleys. I had to show myself to be academically somewhat below
average," he explained.
"Dudley was a pretty piss-poor student. And, if I ever brought home
marks that showed me to be a better student than Vernon and Petunia's
little angel, I would get punished. Because, according to them, it meant I
had to be cheating.
"So, by the time I started at Hogwarts, I was very good at being able to
write my assignments, answer my tests and similar to score just behind
my fat baby whale of a cousin. As I figured out Weasley seemed
determined to keep me performing sub-par academically, it was easy for
me to shape things to seem like I just went along with it. After all, I still
didn't know if the incident involving Weasley meeting me on the
platform at Kings Cross and Dumbledore's behaviour towards me were or
were not somehow linked.
"Because she's been such a good friend, and thought she was trying to
help me with studying better, I owe Hermione Granger a major apology.
It took me a little while to determine that, unlike Ron Weasley, Hermione
Granger honestly did have my best interests at heart. Weasley, just like
pretty much everyone else in the wizarding world, sees me as 'The Boy
Who Lived'. Hermione sees me as 'Just Harry'. And, I have to say, I love
her for it."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Hermione dropped her head in embarrassment and blushed. It was the
first time her friend had actually shown he truly cared. And, to have done
it in such a public environment, had her feel deep joy inside.
It was not until that very moment that Hermione Granger realised she
just might love Harry Potter.
But, while Harry loved Hermione, he thought he loved her like a little
brother loved his big sister; not the romantic sort with which Hermione
thought she might love Harry.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Memory-Harry had only paused for a few moments before he began
again. "About a month after I started at Hogwarts I managed to track
down a book on Mind Magics. And that led me to tracking down a book
on Occlumency.
"Both books I asked a seventh year 'Puff to check out for me, who was
happy to do so. My explanation for her was that I didn't want my 'lazy'
friend questioning me on why I was reading up on the subject. I was
having a hard enough time dodging the git's constant begging of me to
play chess and or skiving off with him, instead of studying.
"As for Ronald Weasley, here was a boy who was the sixth and youngest
son of a family of seven children, whose family was not that flush with
money, whose family had to work hard to save enough money to put
together the tuition needed to send him and his siblings to Hogwarts,
whose family did so in the belief of ensuring him the best chance at a
good future, and who spends almost the entirety of this... gift... doing his
level best to get out of studying and, instead, want only to talk and read
about Quidditch and play chess.
"In other words, Ron Weasley's family have worked damned hard, and
continue to work damned hard, to send him to the supposed best school
of magic in magical Britain to give him an excellent start in life. And his
way of thanking them for their effort is to deliberately piss it all away." He
then sighed as if in disappointment.
"I wonder what their reaction would be if someone were to actually go
and tell them the truth of their youngest son's behaviour in school," he
continued. "Mind you, that's exactly what his school Head of House,
Minerva McGonagall, is supposed to have done. I bet she's completely
ignored that part of her responsibility, and not."
If Minerva McGonagall was within hearing range she'd have almost died
in embarrassment. However, as she was already being 'detained' by
aurors outside of the arena while they awaited further orders from their
boss, she was not aware of Harry's words.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
"I've already shown you what should be known to anyone of what
happened in my first year, the 1991-92 school year. But there's more only
myself and Dumbledore know. That is, what Dumbledore thought only he
knew, due to his judicious use of memory charms.
"It was in late October, shortly before Hallowe'en, I figured out Quirinus
Quirrell was being possessed. At the time I did not know the identity of
the malevolent spirit inhabiting him; though, I had a pretty good idea.
"So, I had to make a difficult decision. That decision was whether or not
to tell Dumbledore the information about Quirrell, and thereby risk him
discovering I wasn't as dense as he thought me to be; or, keeping Mum
about it, thereby risking the residents of the castle to actions Quirrell or
his spirit 'hitch-hiker' might launch against them.
"To me, the answer was obvious. It was time to do what was right for all,
rather than just what was right for me."
Again Memory-Harry faded away to be replaced with a memory of Harry
running along the corridor that led to the Headmaster's gargoyle
guardian.
With barely a pause, Harry almost shouted the then current password to
the gargoyle, who leapt to the side to allow Harry ingress. Harry
practically bolted up the upwardly rotating stairs.
Almost slamming the Headmaster's door aside, Harry barrelled in before
coming up short and looking around, almost in awe.
"What brings you up to my office, young Harry?" twinkled a slightly
smirking Dumbledore.
Snapping out of his stunned reaction, Harry quickly made his way to the
Headmaster's desk at the other end of the room. "Headmaster! You need
to know! The students are in danger! Professor Quirrell is being possessed
by, I think, Voldemort's ghost!"
Dumbledore frowned as if the news was terrible. However, he drew his
wand and said, "I'm very surprised you figured it out so quickly, Harry
my boy."
As Harry appeared to gape back in what appeared to be his own shock
Dumbledore drew his wand on him, the Headmaster continued, "It's too
early for you to learn that."
As Harry continued to stand there, his expression slowly changing to one
of great anger, Dumbledore lifted his wand and cast at him.
"Obliviate!" the old man snapped out. And the light blue charm zipped
from his wand to Harry's chest.
As Harry's expression seemed to go blank and his eyes glassy-eyed,
Dumbledore said, "You and I had a short talk about how well you're
fitting in to Hogwarts' life, Harry. You have no interest in wondering if
Professor Quirrell is being possessed. However, you believe Professor
Snape may be trying to get into the forbidden third floor corridor to get
what is being protected there."
As Dumbledore lowered his wand and quickly slipped it back into his
belt, he rose as Harry's relaxed expression regained liveliness and his eyes
seemed to clear.
As Dumbledore walked around his desk, he said, "Thank you for coming
to see me, Harry my boy. I'm glad you're fitting in and enjoying yourself."
"Errr..." said Harry, before he seemed to think of how to reply. "Thank
you, Sir."
"Excellent," said Dumbledore. "You may go. And don't worry so much
about Professor Snape, my boy."
Harry gave a little nod before he quickly left.
Once he was back past the gargoyle he suddenly stopped and seemed to
stand still for a long moment. Suddenly, he spun back to stare at the
gargoyle with an expression of great fury on his face.
And the memory ended, bringing Memory-Harry back.
"So, as you witnessed, Dumbledore both knew of Quirinus Quirrell's
possession, knew that possession was by the shade of 'Voldemonkey', and,
when I raised the issue with him expecting him to put the students first,
tried to Obliviate me of the knowledge and further used the Obliviation
charm to try and redirect my thoughts to it being Severus Snape going
after the Philosopher's Stone. He did not want me knowing the truth.
"For you parents of students and actual students in the audience, if you
haven't already figured it out, Albus Dumbledore deliberately put the
children of magical Britain at great risk. He did it both knowingly and
intentionally. That's premeditated child endangerment times as many
students as were under-aged at the time who resided in the castle. Each
case is, of course, a crime punishable by the loss of every position of
authority he holds, at a minimum; and a long-term stay in Azkaban, if
not execution via the Veil, at a maximum - for each.
"And that, of course, does not count the illegal obliviations."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
From where they were all sitting parents, students, Ministry personnel,
journalists, others who had an interest in watching the first task, staff of
the visiting schools and even the few remaining Hogwarts staff who were
in attendance and had not otherwise been taken into custody spent at
least a few moments staring at Dumbledore in both fear and anger.
From where he was still sitting with Madam Bones's wand firmly jabbed
into his neck, Dumbledore did not need his great wealth of experience to
know, without any doubt, that his tenure as Headmaster was now over;
as were his roles as Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot and Supreme
Mugwump of the ICW. Nor, at the moment, was he able to see any
strategy he could employ that would keep him out of Azkaban.
He knew representatives of the wizarding world's news media were also
in attendance; and that what young Potter was doing would be the lead
news stories on both wireless and in the printed news press by that
evening, at the latest. He had no hope of stopping it happening. He'd
need to be out of the clutches of the DMLE well before either made it all
public for him to have any hope, no matter how slim, of effecting that.
And, with the amount of information Harry was making available and
knew Bones would be asking him about, he would be lucky to be out of
her clutches by the next afternoon at the earliest; if he was out of her
clutches, ever again.
'Merlin's balls!' he mentally cursed. 'The Daily Prophet, at least, will
parade this story for weeks!'
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Chuckling with a laugh that sounded almost evil, Memory-Harry
continued. "Of course, stupid me, I kept trying.
"Oh, not that time," he corrected. "I meant at other times over the past
three years.
"I, again, tried to get the old bastard to act when I complained directly to
him about the way I was being illegally treated at the beginning of second
year, when I figured out it was a basilisk even before Hermione did,
when I told him - yet again - about how the Dursleys treated me, and all
the rest of the times I kept going to him. On just about each and every
occasion he attempted to Obliviate me and redirect my thoughts away
from what I knew to be the truth.
"For second year that includes: He knew the exact moment when the dark
artefact that compulsed a student to release the basilisk, Slytherin's
supposed monster, was brought into the school; he knew who the student
was; he knew it was a basilisk petrifying the students; and he knew a lot
more than just that."
"You'll also recall when earlier I told you I ran from my summer prison of
Durzkaban after blowing up 'Marge the Barge'," continued Memory-
Harry. "And how I spent the next three weeks in Diagon Alley.
"You'll also recall I told you about how Dumbledore has been stealing
from my inheritance.
"What I've already told you, though, wasn't all of it.
"When I went to Gringotts and explained the situation to them, the
goblins immediately wanted to go after Dumbledore for everything he
had. However, I begged them to hold off. At first, this surprised them;
and they thought me weak. However, once I explained why, they were all
for it and just as willing to go along with my plan.
"You see, I like to read muggle crime fiction. I'm a big fan of that genre.
And one of the things I learned from reading those books is that, if you
want to find out what happened to evidence, you 'follow the money trail'.
I had the goblins hold off from acting by suggesting they wait for the
next time Dumbledore accessed my accounts and made moves to steal yet
more gold from me. And the goblins, through use of their own magics,
placed tracking charms on the gold before it left their lands.
"From that they were able to track it. The monies went into quite a
number of different accounts, both in the wizarding world and the
muggle world. Most of it went into Dumbledore's private accounts he had
set up using others to set them up for him. A very small amount went
into the account of one Molly Weasley under her maiden name of
Margaret Prewett. Another small amount went into a Barclays account -
that's a muggle bank - under the name Vernon Dursley - that's my Uncle,
who always claims I'm a financial burden on them. But, most of the rest
of it goes to the same bank under the name 'White Bumblebee
Enterprises'; 'Albus' is Latin for 'White' and 'Dumbledore' is an old-
fashioned term for what is today known as a bumblebee. Therefore,
'White Bumblebee Enterprises' easily translates to 'Albus Dumbledore
Enterprises'.
"While Harry, down there," said memory-Harry, gesturing to where real-
Harry was still lounging, "Is trying to come up with ideas how to
complete his task, the Goblins are currently in the process of recovering
all the gold that has been stolen by Dumbledore from the Potter vaults.
By the time they're finished, they assure me, Albus Dumbledore will be
close to being completely broke and bankrupt. Plus, they're also
recovering the money from both Vernon Dursley and Molly Weasley."
That had quite a few of the audience shocked to their very magical cores,
and they could already tell Harry wasn't done yet.
"However, gold is not all Albus Dumbledore has stolen from the House of
Potter," he continued. "He's also stolen family heirlooms and artefacts.
These, too, the goblins are tracking down.
"And, finally, should Albus Dumbledore venture onto goblin soil before
matters between he, the House of Potter and the goblins are resolved, he
shall consider his life forfeit. The goblins are very much hoping to
introduce old Albus to one of their security dragons - up close and
personal like."
He laughed; cackled, really.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Again, Dumbledore groaned. That money was meant to be his retirement
fund. He was planning on retiring as soon as he had vanquished Tom, for
good.
He also knew that, once the goblins recovered all the money from his
accounts he'd been carefully taking from the boy's, he'd be close to flat
broke. His robes cost quite a lot. And that, once Molly learned of the
money missing from her own maiden family account, she'd be coming
after him with that screech she called a voice.
He really didn't know which would be worse.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
"Moving on to third year. Dumbledore knew Sirius Black was innocent,
he knew the school wards in his standard configuration for them would
not keep the dementors out but did know he could easily adjust said
wards so they couldn't come in, he knew Black knew about at least one of
the secret tunnels under the wards and he knew Black would use at least
one of them to come into the school. But, I do not know for sure if he
knew Ron Weasley's pet rat, Scabbers, was actually the animagus form of
Peter Pettigrew, or not," continued Memory-Harry, not in the least bit
interested in Dumbledore's thoughts. "That's something for the DMLE to
ask him.
"Now, for this year. The intent wards of Hogwarts are such that Albus
Dumbledore is completely aware that the person pretending to be
Professor Alastor 'Mad-Eye' Moody is, in fact, not. That person is actually
Barty Crouch Junior under the effects of Polyjuice Potion. The reason why
he is not dead is because his own father, who was Director of the DMLE
at the time and is currently sitting among the judges, switched his son
with his terminally-ill wife using - you might have guessed it, but I very
much doubt it - Polyjuice Potion, to smuggle said son out of Azkaban."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
From where she was sitting, Amelia heard the gasp and look of shocked
terror that suddenly broke out on Barty Crouch Senior's face, and
immediately stunned him as the man suddenly shot to his feet looking to
flee.
Before she could say anything, Rufus Scrimgeour, who had returned to
standing at her shoulder, said, "Magical suppression 'cuffs and portkeyed
to a nice cell at the DMLE; yes, Ma'am."
Bones gave a slightly amused snort that her imminent order was quoted
to her before she could utter it. She added, "And send someone to stun
and arrest the fake Moody."
"Yes, Ma'am," nodded Scrimgeour as he sent another auror off to go and
do just that as he moved towards Senior.
Her rising to extraordinary heights trust in the young Potter boy now had
her not even questioning if he was wrong or not. Senior's reaction was
more than enough to confirm it for her.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
"Dumbledore was also aware my name was very likely to come out of the
Goblet as a fourth competitor, or just as the representative competitor for
Hogwarts," continued memory-Harry. "He knew it, because he knew
Barty Junior, Polyjuiced as Alastor Moody, was very likely going to
confound the Goblet to spit my name out. That's why he put up nothing
more than a simple age line as the security for the Goblet.
"And, yes, Madam Bones, I have copies of each and every memory of
those events," he said.
From in the stands, Madam Bones gave an almost snort-like grunt of
acknowledgement.
Memory-Harry then seemed to give a sigh before he stood up straight and
practically barked, "Right! That's the history lesson complete.
"And... it also marks the end of the entertainment."
Memory-Harry then turned to 'look' to where Real-Harry was still
lounging back on the banana-lounge. "Alright, Harry..."
When Real-Harry didn't seem to notice Memory-Harry was supposedly
now addressing him, Memory-Harry tried to 'gain his attention'. "Harry."
No response.
"Harry!"
Still no response.
"HARRY!"
Real-Harry almost jumped off the lounge in surprise before his head
snapped to look at Memory-Harry. "Hunh?"
Memory-Harry smirked and said, "Your turn."
As if suddenly understanding, Real-Harry suddenly said, "Ah!"
The final memory winked out.
He quickly stood, tossing his novel into the ex-Army echelon bag. Then
folded up the portable lounge, also stuffing that into the bag.
Once he was done, he then pulled the rack of empty vials out,
deactivated the pensieve and began pulling the strands of memory out,
dropping them into vials one at a time.
That took a few minutes.
Meanwhile, the audience - who still hadn't broken up and left - quietly
sat and talked among themselves while keeping one eye on Harry as he
worked.
Once all the memories were removed from the pensieve he then packed
both it and the plinth on which it stood into the bag. Finally, he dropped
the rack of full-once-more vials on top before zipping the bag closed.
Then he stood up and looked around, as the audience returned to once
more silently watching him.
With a cheeky grin, he then looked to blow on the tips of the fingers of
his right hand before then rubbing his thumb over the balls of them. With
a large overly done gesture to be sure everyone saw him do it he snapped
his fingers. Instantly, the bag disappeared in a flash of white light.
He then drew his wand and pressed the tip of it to his jaw. "Sonorus."
Looking about with his cheeky grin he said, "I bet none of you have yet
worked out how I'm doing that, have you?"
When he received no answer he gave a chuckle.
"Well, that was the entertainment for you while I sat and figured out how
I was going to complete this task," he said, his voice again carrying across
the arena. "I'd actually figured out a number of possible ideas by about
halfway through it. But, I thought you might like to see the end of it
before I shut it off.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
With everything now cleared away Harry stood tall and proud while
smirking at the audience, but mainly at the VIP box.
"As you now know," he began. "I think most witches and wizards are...
not just daft... but daft morons.
"So, in order to complete this task, I considered the straightforward
approach first. I mean, the approach that should not work because it's so
obvious."
Removing the wand tip from his jaw line he dropped it into his pocket,
for the moment.
He then held his left hand, palm upwards and out to his side. Then he
pointed his right index finger at it before, with the similar gesture as
before, snapped his fingers.
With yet another flash of white light, the golden egg disappeared from
the dragon's nest and appeared on his left palm, as if it apparated there.
Taking his wand out of his pocket again, he placed the tip back to his jaw
and said, "Hunh! How about that? The organisers of this task were as big
a bunch of daft morons as I thought.
"However, you all probably think I cheated or something to get the egg.
So that you know I didn't, I'll put it back and try a different method."
Tucking his wand under his left armpit this time, he again snapped his
fingers and the egg disappeared from his hand before immediately
reappearing on the nest. The dragon didn't notice either the time it
disappeared or the time it reappeared. It was still somewhat dozing.
Plucking his wand from under his arm he returned it to his jaw. "Let's try
a simple fourth year charm."
He then aimed the wand towards the dragon's nest. "Accio golden egg!"
he firmly intoned.
Nothing happened. Again, he used the Sonorus.
"Hunh!" he exclaimed. "Since the first idea worked I'd thought that one
would too. Maybe wizard-kind aren't as daft as I thought.
"Let's try a switching charm. That's a third year Transfiguration charm."
He bent down and picked up a pebble, holding it on the palm of his left
hand, which he held palm up as when Dobby used elf magic to
translocate the egg there a little earlier.
"Permuto!" he called, first indicating the egg before then indicating the
pebble.
Surprising the audience but not surprising him so much, the egg suddenly
appeared on his palm. Though, he did almost drop it when it did, as he
truly did not expect it to work.
Returning the wand to his jaw he sighed, "Well, I had such high hopes I'd
not be disappointed by the organisers of this event. Sadly, they've proven
themselves to be daft, just like the rest."
Tucking the wand back under his left arm he again snapped his fingers.
And, again, the egg appeared back in the nest; before returning the wand
tip to his jaw.
"Well, that was a simple third year transfiguration charm," he sighed
again. "Let's make it a little more difficult by seeing if using only first year
charms will accomplish the task. Professor Flitwick taught us these in our
first year."
With the pebble still on his palm he pointed to it with his wand and
intoned, "Nomen Harry's Pebble. That's named it. Gluten! That's made it
capable of sticking to the next object it touches. And... Wingardium
Leviosa!"
With his wand guiding it, Harry levitated it down the length of the arena
until he guided it to touching the very top of the egg.
As soon as he cancelled the charm the pebble dropped only a fraction of
an inch before contacting the top of the egg, and affixed there.
With a smirk he again pointed his wand at the egg. But, this time, had his
mind's eye firmly on the pebble, Harry's Pebble, that now stuck to the top
of the egg.
"Wingardium Leviosa!" he again intoned. And the pebble, with the egg
firmly glued to it, levitated.
Then it was only a matter of using his wand to guide it, before he flew it
slowly back to his hand.
As soon as he dropped it onto his palm he returned his wand-tip to his
jaw. "Three first year charms," he said. "I find myself soooo disappointed.
I actually thought this was supposed to be, and was going to be, a
challenging event for seventh years. That even a first year could
accomplish it - with little danger to themselves - is, quite frankly,
disappointing."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
More focussed on what he was doing than anything else, Harry had no
idea the other three champions had been standing at the Champions'
entrance to the arena, along with the dragon handlers, since before the
first hour of his 'presentation' had even passed.
As Harry demonstrated how to accomplish the task with no more than
first year charms Cedric Diggory, the supposed Hogwarts Champion,
almost sulkily said, "He's making us look like idiots."
Durmstrang Champion Viktor Krum, muttered, "He's making everyvun
look like idiots.".
"Non," sighed the Beauxbatons Champion and part-Veela, Fleur Delacour.
"Ee's doing what we should 'ave thought of do-eeng. We made ourselfs
look like ee-dee-ots."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Though not as disappointed as he professed to be, with his egg in his
hand Harry was still a long moment before he said, "Still, as I now have
my egg and all I need to complete the task is to step out of the enclosure,
I should bid you, as they say in France, 'adieu'.
"However, that will not give you leave to harass me in any way, shape or
form. I remind you that, even though a task will not then be under-way,
interfering with me can still be viewed as interfering in the Tournament.
And I will look very... poorly... on that.
"As I said at the beginning of my little presentation, I am no longer in a
forgiving mood. Secondly, I've given you all ample evidence I am not the
Harry Potter you thought me to be. As I no longer have to play a role, I
will no longer do so. You have all been warned; and it is the only warning
you're ever going to get."
Dropping his voice to an almost-snarl he declared, "It is time for you all
to learn it is very unwise to... fuck with a Potter."
As Harry turned to walk back out of the arena with the egg tucked under
his off-arm, he heard the voice of Madam Bones using a Sonorus.
"Mister Potter!" she called out.
Harry stopped and turned back, with his head cocked just so it was clear
he was listening. "It's Lord Potter, now. After having been declared of-age,
by being forced into this Tournament, I've taken up my Lordship."
"My apologies, Lord Potter. Please wait for me just outside the entrance
to the arena," she instructed him. "I do not want to see you harm anyone
as, like you, I think they just might be too stupid to take your threat
seriously."
Harry gave a slight bow to her, knowing she said that as much to protect
him as protect those who truly were too stupid to realise they were no
longer dealing with the Harry Potter they thought they knew.
And, with that, he strode from the arena. He could see the five dragon
handlers rush in while giving him strange looks; and the other three
champions, plus Madam Pomfrey, waiting in the entrance for him.
"Lord Potter," called Madam Bones yet again. "You need to be awarded
points."
Again stopping and turning to her, he again cast the Sonorus on himself
and said, "No, I really don't. There's nothing in the rules of this Merlin-
bedamned tournament that states I have to be here for any points
awarded to me. And, further, since you've not figured it out yet, I really
couldn't give a damn about points, anyway.
"If you feel I have to be awarded points, award me a single, solitary, one
point each. After all, it did take me about three hours to accomplish my
task; when the three real champions all did it in a few minutes, each."
And, with that, he strode from the arena.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
4. Investigations Begin
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 Four - Investigations Begin
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
As Harry finally walked out of the arena, Amelia cancelled the Sonorus
charm she'd been using to talk to him and turned to the judges. "You
heard the young man, award him one point," she firmly ordered them.
"And do that right now."
With the exception of Dumbledore and Crouch, as the judges collected
themselves they each indicated a single point each.
When they were done, Amelia then said, "One point for you,
Dumbledore." And fired off one point using Dumbledore's own wand.
"And, one point for you, Crouch." And fired off another one.
As soon as that was done she firmly said, "Right! Albus Dumbledore,
Bartemius Crouch Senior and Cornelius Fudge - you're all under arrest."
Scrimgeour smoothly said, "I believe Mister Crouch is still stunned
unconscious, Madam Bones."
"Then tell him he's under arrest when you wake him up in his cell back at
the DMLE," she firmly ordered. "In the meantime, I want the following
taken into custody, if they're not already as they bloody well should be:
Minerva McGonagall, Pomona Sprout, Severus Snape, Filius Flitwick,
Poppy Pomfrey, Rubeus Hagrid and - of course - Barty Crouch Junior.
"Then, once we have them back at the DMLE, I want a team of three to
go to Lord Potter's home, arrest the two Dursley adults and bring them
back to the DMLE. Then send teams to arrest Lucius Malfoy and Molly
Weasley.
"While you've sent teams off to do that, a want a team of no less than a
dozen aurors sent back here to take charge of the students in the Great
Hall. We've just taken into custody the entirety of the senior staff of the
school and we need more responsible adults to keep an eye on them.
"Get that done now."
"Yes, Ma'am!" barked Scrimgeour.
"In the meantime, I need to get to Lord Potter and get those memories off
him."
"Yes, Ma'am," replied Scrimgeour, a little softer.
As Scrimgeour indicated two other aurors he'd already called up to the
VIP box to step forward and take those into custody who were already
manacled but still there, Amelia stayed for only a moment to ensure
Dumbledore was firmly under the effects of magical suppression 'cuffs
and a reintroduced silencing charm before she quickly left the stand to
head around to the champions' entrance.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
As Harry headed for the entrance with his wand in his right hand and
'his' egg tucked under his left arm like he was carrying a rugby ball, he
could see the looks on the faces of the other three champions. Their
expressions were an interesting mix of awe, anger and not a little fear.
Poppy Pomfrey had just moved up to stand with them.
Harry simply gave them all a nod before he stepped up next to them and
watched the dragon wranglers remove the somewhat sleepy Hungarian
Horntail out of the arena.
After a long few seconds Diggory softly said, "Merlin, Harry!"
"Not what you expected of me, was it?" Harry quietly asked back, not
even bothering to look at his fellow Hogwarts student.
It was a long moment before Diggory replied, "No... it wasn't."
That seemed to break the tableau, when Krum asked, "Vhat made you
fink uff using furst year charms, Mistur Potter?"
"Using the basics, because I've already come to realise just how daft
magic users, in general, are," replied Harry. "I thought about, if I was
responsible for organising this event, what would I need to block being
used to force competitors to actually have to go and collect the egg by
hand? Then thought, knowing how moronicly daft most witches and
wizards truly are, actually trying them first. I'm quite disappointed,
though not really surprised, that the only charm they seem to have
blocked is a direct summoning charm - the 'Accio'."
It appeared Delacour was about to say something when Madam Pomfrey
said, "Be that as it may, Mister Potter, I need you to come into the
Infirmary tent to be checked over―"
"That is not going to happen, Poppy," interrupted Madam Bones, who had
just come striding down from the competitors' tent, tailed closely by
another auror. "I can assure you, the only thing Lord... not Mister... Potter
may be suffering from is from being glared at by the audience. He went
nowhere near the dragon."
"Nevertheless, it is my job―" huffed Pomfrey before she was again cut off
by Bones.
"Not for the foreseeable future, it's not," disagreed Bones as she stepped
in close. "Madam Persephone Pomfrey, while you are not under arrest at
this time, I am taking you into custody while certain allegations are
investigated."
"What?" asked a shocked Pomfrey.
"You're being taken into custody, Poppy," said Amelia. "While not being
placed into magical suppression 'cuffs at this time, you'll be allowed to
remain free of them if you follow the directions of Auror Fitzmichaels
here." And indicated the young female auror who stood just behind her.
"What? Why?" asked a clearly shocked and somewhat fearful Pomfrey.
"Due to Lord Potter's... history lesson during his task," replied Amelia, "All
those who were mentioned are being taken into custody until we know
for sure they're not guilty, or otherwise involved in, what's been going
on."
"I assure you―" blustered Pomfrey.
"... Of nothing, for now," interrupted Amelia, yet again. Without waiting
for Pomfrey to say another word, she gestured for Fitzmichaels to take
the witch into custody.
Stepping forward, reaching out and taking Pomfrey lightly by the elbow
of her wand arm with her off hand, Fitzmichaels calmly said, "This way,
please, Madam Pomfrey."
As a thoroughly confused Poppy Pomfrey was being led away, Amelia
finally turned to Harry with a somewhat pained and exasperated
expression on her face. Harry just grinned back.
"I believe you have something for me, Lord Potter," she reminded him.
"I do," he nodded, his expression turning serious. Glancing to the
competitors' tent he indicated it and said, "Perhaps, if we duck into the
tent?"
Giving her own nod she indicated for Harry to precede her. "After you,
Lord Potter."
Harry gave a slight snort of amusement but led her over to the tent.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After first asking her if she'd figured out how he 'summoned' his 'bag of
destruction', then sent it away again, all with a snap of his fingers; then
doing the same thing with the egg; he sigh in disappointment at her
when she couldn't figure it out.
"Madam Bones, I have given you all the clues you need," he began.
"Firstly, the object I'm focussed on either appears or disappears in a flash
of white light, only. Secondly, I snap my fingers. Thirdly, I do not utter
an incantation or use a wand; so it is highly unlikely it is I who is casting
a spell.
"Now, with that knowledge, think of what creatures do the same?"
When she glared at him with a mild look of frustration he finally relented
and told her, "Was it too hard to figure out it was a house elf?"
She then looked back at him with dawning shock. So much, it caused her
monocle to fall out of her eye and drop to her breast on the length of its
thin gold chain.
As she was clearly embarrassed by the answer - after all, she had house
elves of her own - Harry said, "Don't worry that you didn't figure it out. I
doubt any one of those who watched me do it figured it out, either."
She stared at him for another long moment before she gave a grunt, gave
herself a bit of a shake of her head and said, "I want those memories."
Chuckling a little, Harry turned to look down to his left and called,
"Dobby!"
With a very muted crack the devout little house elf appeared next to
Harry's side. The elf was clearly very happy to have been called and was
almost bouncing on his little feet in joy.
"It worked, Master Harry?" he asked.
Harry lightly laughed and replied, "It sure did, little buddy. Not one of
them figured it out."
"Yes!" the little elf declared before he gave a little fist pump in the air.
Before things got out of hand, Harry gave the elf his instructions. "Dobby,
I need you to bring me that rack of memories I had you sort for Madam
Bones, plus the documented evidence of Dumbledore's monetary
shenanigans the goblins gave me. She needs them."
Without a word, Dobby popped away only to return a few moments later
with a large rack of vials, a thick sheaf of parchment and immediately
offered it to Harry. This rack was far larger than the one he used in the
arena. Each vial contained a strand of memory and was labelled with
what the memory covered.
Offering it to the woman he said, "All sorted and labelled, Madam Bones."
Carefully taking it she looked through them before asking, "Lord Potter,
could you have your elf put them on the desk in my office?"
"Of course," he replied, before turning to elf. "Dobby?"
"Yes, Master Harry," replied Dobby, before he disappeared with the
documents and the rack.
When both had gone, she sighed and softly said, "I can't believe you used
a house elf like that. And I don't believe I didn't realise that's what you
were doing."
Harry gave a snort and said, "You, like pretty much everyone in the
magical world, have 'house elf blindness'. They're always there, so you
think nothing of them and the powers they wield. And you've forgotten
that the wizarding anti-apparation wards of Hogwarts don't bother them
in the slightest. Sorry to be so blunt about that; but, it's true."
She gave her own, more lady-like, snort and bobbed her head once in
acknowledgement. "True. It is that obvious, we barely think about it."
"Anything else?" he asked. "I've just spent a few hours mainly sitting on
my bum while being warily watched by the meanest breed of dragon of
all, I didn't have much of a breakfast and I'm now quite famished. I'd like
to go and eat; and, I daresay, you have a ton of work awaiting you in
your office."
"My Masters and Seniors can handle the initial interrogations and
investigations," she replied. "Besides, I haven't had a chance to talk to my
niece yet." Then she grinned and almost coyly asked, "Care to escort an
old lady up to the Great Hall?"
With a grin of his own, Harry offered his elbow and replied, "I'd be
honoured, my lady. And I don't consider you old."
And the two left the tent to head up to the castle.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
As soon as they exited the tent it was to see a great mass of people
waiting outside. Clearly, they were all waiting for him. They'd also just as
clearly been blocked from entering by two aurors who'd been standing,
facing out, just outside the tent flaps.
Madam Bones immediately stepped in front of Harry and glared at the lot
of them. "Unless you have specific business with me," she said, "I expect
the lot of you to leave, immediately."
That had almost all of them show various expressions ranging from
surprise to happiness to hate. But, with the exception of a few, they all
began to disperse. Most of them were students and they headed for the
castle.
Turning to one of the aurors who'd blocked the entrance, this one a
witch, Madam Bones said to her, "Be between us and those students.
Make sure they don't stop before they enter the castle."
"Yes, Ma'am," nodded the auror before she moved ahead and started
chivvying the stragglers ahead of her.
That left about half a dozen still waiting. These included: Rita Skeeter
and her photographer, who was busy snapping photos; but were now
both holding back; Karkaroff and Maxime, the Highmaster and
Headmistress of Durmstrang and Beauxbatons, respectively; and
Hermione and Ron.
Ron looked angry and Hermione looked worried.
Eventually, Hermione's patience wore out and she dashed to Harry to
wrap him in a hug. "Oh, Harry!" she cried. "What you had to go through
with those horrid Dursleys! You should have told us! We'd have
understood.
"And... what the Headmaster was doing... I'm glad Madam Bones's people
arrested him and took him away. I can't believe I was in awe of that
man!"
To stop what he knew was quickly turning into Hermione-babble he
placed a vertically-held finger to her lips and made shushing sounds.
"Shhh! Hermione, stop."
When she seemed to stop and backed off with a bit of a frown, he said, "I
couldn't tell you. While Dumbledore's attempts at obliviations failed on
me, they would have worked against you. And I didn't want to see you
lose your memories."
Finally Ron had also had enough and he came almost stomping over.
"You just had to get the Headmaster arrested, didn't you?" he snarled.
"And McGonagall!"
As he approached, Harry pushed Hermione away slightly and out of the
path of Weasley, then changed hands with his egg to his left hand. As
soon as the boy was close enough, Harry simply balled his right hand
into a fist next to his hip and slugged him one with a right cross, right in
the jaw. It was enough to set Weasley on his bum.
As Weasley went down with a half strangled yelp, Madam Bones quickly
stepped in and berated him; "Lord Potter!"
"Sorry, Madam Bones," he replied, not in the least contrite. "But the little
shit richly deserved it."
"Be that as it may, Lord Potter," she returned. "I cannot, however, let go
the fact you assaulted that boy." She seemed to pause for a moment
before she said, "As the boy is otherwise not harmed, I shall consider
your assault a case of 'Simple Assault' and fine you a total of ten galleons.
Expect to receive a fine by owl mail within the next seven days."
"Understood," he replied with a nod.
Meanwhile, Weasley continued to sit on his bum on the grass, one hand
on the ground behind him for balance while he rubbed his jaw with the
other. He was looking at the two talking, with shock.
"He hit me!" he suddenly blurted.
Finally turning her attention to Weasley, Amelia said, "Yes, I saw. That's
why I've fined him ten galleons."
"Though I can certainly understand why you hit him, Harry," said
Hermione. "It was still wrong to do so."
"Yes, thank you, Hermione," nodded Harry, barely glancing to her. "As
you heard, Madam Bones was just getting through telling me that. As she
is the Director of the DMLE and it's her job to do so, I didn't need you to
tell me, too."
Hermione blushed in embarrassment but didn't offer another word. She
knew Harry's words were a mild rebuke.
"Now, Lord Potter," said Amelia, getting things back on track. "I believe
you were escorting me to the Great Hall."
"Yes, I was," said Harry, moving back alongside her and once more
offering her elbow.
As the two headed for the castle, Hermione broke out of her shock and
embarrassment and hurried to catch up.
It was a good few seconds before Weasley realised he was getting left
behind and scrambled to his feet and stormed after the three of them.
"Bloody Potter," he grumbled, though he did keep his distance, this time.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Upon walking into the Great Hall, the first thing Harry noticed was the
distinct lack of teaching staff. Of course, the first thing Amelia noticed
was her niece rising from the middle of the Hufflepuff table and heading
towards her with a puzzled smile on her face. And both noticed how
quiet the population of the Hall got as they'd walked in. All eyes were
directed towards the two of them.
"Well, that's unusual," muttered Amelia, as she moved to hug her niece.
"I think it'd be safe to say that everything about this day is unusual," said
Harry.
She smiled back at him over her niece's shoulder as she hugged her.
Susan piped up and said, "I'm so sorry for how everyone's treated you,
Harry. It's clear to everyone now you didn't put your name in the Goblet."
Harry just gave a nod back and then moved to the Gryffindor table,
sitting at the end as he'd been doing since the morning after his name
came out of the Goblet. Hermione sat with him, just as she also had since
that same morning.
As they sat, Amelia was walking to the head table to speak with the few
remaining members of staff, while also talking with her niece who'd
accompanied her. As she had informed him during their walk up to the
castle, none of the senior staff members remained at the castle for the
foreseeable short future. With the exception of History of Magic and
Astronomy, all other teaching staff were teachers of elective subjects; and
History of Magic didn't count as Cuthbert Binns was a ghost. And that
made Aurora Sinistra, though one of the youngest Professors, still one of
the most senior in authority still remaining.
As Hermione sat she asked, "Are you now going to tell me what's going
on?"
"No," he replied. "At least, nothing further than what you learned during
the task."
She looked a little hurt at that response.
"Sorry, Hermione," he quietly said. "But, this is all now a DMLE
investigation. It'd be best if you remained ignorant of anything else, for
the time being. If I remember correctly, I'm not allowed to talk about it
anyway."
She gave a combined annoyed and disappointed sigh before she lowered
her eyes and nodded back.
"It's not that I don't trust you, Hermione," he said to soothe her. "But
there are certain requirements of a DMLE investigation that are ironclad.
And witnesses colluding with one another is a big no-no."
Her eyes snapped up to stare at him in shock. "We would never―"
"I know," he said. "However, even the possibility of that is enough to
constrain the both of us from talking about the information I brought to
light during the task.
"That doesn't mean we can't talk about anything else, though. There's
nothing wrong with that."
"Oh," she said in understanding. She seemed to think for a few moments
before she asked, "So, your egg? What's that about?"
Giving a nod and smile back, he replied, "According to that idiot,
Bagman, it's supposed to contain a clue to the second task. That is, of
course, if there actually is going to be a second task."
Confused, she asked, "Whatever do you mean?"
"Hermione, look around you," he replied. "How many of Hogwarts's staff
weren't arrested... sorry, 'taken into custody'... by Madam Bones's aurors.
"Think about it," he said as he held up his hand with his fingers spread.
Then he started counting off, "They've effectively arrested the
Headmaster, Albus Dumbledore; the Deputy Headmistress,
Transfiguration Mistress and Head of Gryffindor House, Minerva
McGonagall; the Potions Master and Head of Slytherin House, Severus
Snape; the Charms Master and Head of Ravenclaw House, Filius Flitwick;
the Herbology Mistress and Head of Hufflepuff House, Pomona Sprout;
Professor of Care of Magical Creatures and Keeper of the Keys, Rubeus
Hagrid; and the school healer, Poppy Pomfrey.
"Besides Poppy Pomfrey, because she wasn't involved, and besides
everything else they've been a party to, the rest are all in trouble for what
I showed regarding the traps on the third floor corridor when the
Philosopher's Stone was here; and probably a bit about second and third
year, too. All of them are just as guilty as the others for deliberately
endangering the students of the castle at that time. Madam Bones's
people will be wanting to talk to them about that. Of course for some of
them, such as Dumbledore and McGonagall, there's a great deal more of
which I made clear Madam Bones and her people are going to want to
know about. That includes Poppy Pomfrey."
Hermione looked horrified and was about to ask her next question when
Madam Bones and her niece separated, with Susan returning to her table,
and stepped up to the podium. "Listen up!" she barked.
That had all four tables immediately shut up.
"So that you're aware of what's going on," she said. "The following
members of Hogwarts staff have been taken into custody by the DMLE to
answer certain questions relating to Lord Potter's revelations during the
first task: Albus Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall, Severus Snape,
Pomona Sprout, Filius Flitwick, the person who was masquerading as
Alastor Moody, Poppy Pomfrey and Rubeus Hagrid. I have also just been
informed that the real Alastor Moody was found locked in a multi-
compartment trunk in the DADA office, where he has been since before
school started this school year.
"As such the number of staff remaining is insufficient for the school to
carry on with normal operations. And, as such, classes are cancelled for
the foreseeable future."
When the noise levels rapidly rose she loudly snapped out, "Be quiet!"
The rising noise suddenly shut off again.
"When I speak, you listen," she snapped. When no one interrupted again
she continued, "Under my authority as Director of the DMLE, I've
declared the entire grounds of Hogwarts a crime scene. That means, until
I state otherwise, I am in charge. All decisions regarding this school are
mine to make."
After giving that a long moment to be 'absorbed', she continued. "As I am
in charge there will be no acting Headmaster or -mistress... or Deputy.
There will also be no Heads of Houses. I and my aurors are, temporarily
at least, filling all of those roles.
"I am also very aware of just how much rule-breaking and troublemaking
was allowed to go on. That stops right now.
"Fighting will now be seen as 'Assault'. That means all parties involved
will be arrested and taken to one of my holding cells. Depending on the
severity of the trouble-making you could find yourself in the same
accommodations. Severe enough rule-breaking or trouble-making - at my
discretion - may very well see you immediately suspended and sent home
in disgrace. I am not a forgiving person and my aurors are to act the
same. This is the only warning you will receive on that.
"Next: No one is to pressure Lord Potter on the information he brought to
light during the task of the Tri-Wizard Tournament. Lord Potter is now a
prime witness in the criminal prosecutions I have no doubt will evolve
out of what he shared with us today. If you hassle Lord Potter about any
of it he is to immediately inform me or one of my aurors. You will then
be arrested and a charge of witness tampering may well be levelled
against you. A conviction of witness tampering can see you sent to
Azkaban. At the minimum, after you are questioned as to what you
thought you were doing, you will find yourself suspended and sent home
on the spot. Again, this is the only warning you will receive.
"Now, I was going to sit and have lunch with my niece before heading
back to my office, where I'll be immediately starting official
investigations. However, I now believe I will not have time for that. And
there'll be no trying to pump my niece for information, either. That, too,
will be looked upon very unfavourably. If you bother her about it, you
also might find yourself suspended and sent home. Actually, if you bother
anyone about it, you'll probably find yourself suspended and sent home.
"Enjoy your lunch. I suggest you then make use of your now otherwise
free time from classes with self-study. My aurors will be keeping an eye
on all of you."
With that she stepped away from the podium and made her way to the
Gryffindor table and straight to Harry.
"Lord Potter," she said. Before Harry could verbally acknowledge her she
added in a clear and carrying voice, "What I said up there is true. If
anyone questions you about your revelations you are to immediately
inform one of my aurors. Understand?"
"Yes, Ma'am," he immediately and just as clearly replied.
"Good," she nodded. "At some time over the next couple of days I'll have
one of my aurors come and collect you. Once I've had time to go through
those memories you provided I'll need to talk to you about them. Is that
alright?"
"Yes, Ma'am," he replied. "That's fine."
She then turned her attention to Hermione and asked, "The same goes for
you, Miss Granger, as with Lord Potter. Is that alright with you?"
"Yes, Ma'am," she replied. "But, aren't I supposed to have my parents with
me if you want to talk to me?"
"You're over fifteen, aren't you? I believe you had a birthday a couple
months back?" asked Amelia.
"Yes," replied Hermione.
"Then, no. It is not required unless you're being questioned where you
might find yourself being charged," explained Amelia. "You are not
someone I'm currently looking to charge."
"Then, can I at least have Harry there?"
Surprised at the question, Amelia glanced at Harry, who nodded back
that he was okay with it.
Turning back to Hermione she replied, "That will be fine. However, he
will not be able to answer any questions for you. He will have to remain
silent. Am I understood?"
"Yes; thank you," she replied, quite relieved.
Giving a short nod, Amelia said, "Very well. Now I need to say goodbye
to my niece." And left to head across and to the Hufflepuff table.
As soon as she left earshot, Hermione turned to Harry and said, "Thank
you for agreeing to come with me if... when... I get taken to the DMLE."
"You'll be fine, Hermione," he soothed her. "You've done nothing wrong
and you're not the target of her investigations, anyway. She'll just want to
hear your 'take' on what you were involved with that I've included in my
memories I've given her."
Hermione nodded, looked relieved and then turned away with a
somewhat pensive expression.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Amelia had no sooner walked out the door when Malfoy sauntered over
to the Gryffindor table with his two ape-shaped bookends, Crabbe and
Goyle.
"So, Potter," he drawled with a sneer. He didn't see an auror suddenly
peel off from the wall not that far away and approach from his side. "You
seem to have managed to do what no one else has done and gotten rid
of―"
That was as far as he got before the auror pushed bookend number one
out of the way and firmly placed his hand on Malfoy's shoulder.
Malfoy's head spun about it shock.
"I do believe Madam Bones just got done telling everyone to leave Potter
alone," drawled the auror. "Do you want to be the first suspended and
sent home in disgrace?"
Malfoy appeared to try and shake the hand off his shoulder. But the auror
merely tightened his grip.
"I asked you a question, lad," the auror more firmly stated.
"Let go of me!" Malfoy practically squealed, still trying to shake the auror's
hand off.
Instead of doing so, the auror then reached out with his other hand and
snagged Malfoy by the wrist. A quick twist and Malfoy's wand arm was
now twisted up behind his back.
Malfoy gave a strangled little yelp as the auror manhandled him into a
police-style 'compliance' hold.
"Again," snapped the auror. "Do you want to be the first person sent home
in disgrace?"
"No!" yelped the ferret.
Then the auror simply marched him back across the Hall to the Slytherin
table before he gave him one last shove. Malfoy staggered forward two
steps, spun about and glared back.
"The next time you cross the Hall with the intention of bothering Lord
Potter," snapped the auror, "You will be arrested and taken to the DMLE.
You should expect to be suspended from Hogwarts at that time."
Malfoy spluttered a moment and then bawled, "When my father hears of
this―"
The auror rode right over him and snapped back, "Threatening an auror
in the course of their duties is an automatic stay in Azkaban. You want to
watch what you say to me... boy."
That shut Malfoy right up.
"As for your father, you can be most assured that he'll 'hear about this', as
you put it," the auror continued. "As you're under-aged, we're bound by
law to immediately notify him when we arrest you."
The auror then glared back for a few moments to make sure his message
was received, before he spun about and stalked back to 'his' spot standing
with his back to the wall.
Harry and Hermione watched the entire thing, surprised. It was the first
time, that Harry could recall, when an adult actually moved to protect
him from the blonde ferret.
What neither teen knew was that the warning of the auror's actions were
received by the entire school collection of both students and remaining
staff; including Weasley.
He'd been about to confront Harry himself just as Malfoy made his play.
Seeing what happened to Malfoy actually managed to get through
Weasley's head enough to make the boy reconsider his actions.
'I'll wait until we're in the Gryffindor tower,' he thought.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
With no more 'entertainment' during the midday meal, and no classes
afterwards, Harry and Hermione finished their lunch in peace before
heading back to the Gryffindor tower. Harry needed to change out of the
'Gryffindor champion' robes Dumbledore had practically forced on him,
and Hermione wanted to make a start on even more homework.
They'd just entered and split, with Harry going up the stairs to the boys'
dorms and Hermione going up the girl's, when more of their House
entered the common room through the Fat Lady portrait that protected
the entrance. They'd followed the two up, but had kept a 'respectful'
distance. The aurors with them had ensured that, at least.
Neville had made sure he led the pack and, as soon as he dashed in
through the door to the fourth year boys' dorm, spun about, slammed the
door closed and leaned hard up against the back of it.
Looking up from where he'd only just begun changing, Harry asked, "You
alright, Nev?"
"Yeah," replied the dark-blonde-haired boy. "Just making sure you can get
changed in peace."
Realising what Neville was talking about, Harry looked to his year-mate
with surprise. "You'd do that for me? Thank you."
Just then the door seemed to shudder as something hard hit it from the
other side.
"I'll be out in a minute!" Harry called out loud.
That stopped the hard banging on the door. Neville, at least, appeared
grateful.
Harry smiled at him before he returned getting changed. "Remind me to
teach you the Colloportus charm, Neville. It seals the door to the frame."
"Errrr... thanks Harry," replied Neville. "But I don't think I have the power
to cast it."
Harry knew the other boy did have the power, but held his tongue for
now.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Once Harry had changed into 'civilian' garb - wizarding civilian clothing
of a quality Neville had not seen him wearing before - Neville gave a nod
and asked, "Ready?"
"As ready as I'm going to be," replied Harry, giving himself a mental kick
to brace himself for what he suspected was going to be an ambush of
questions from his housemates when he made it down to the common
room.
Before moving, Harry looked to other boy with a firm countenance and
said, "When we've got time, you and I need to talk, Heir Longbottom."
At first surprised by the direct look and use of his formal title, Neville
looked back for a long moment before he seemed to slump a little and
replied, "Yeah, we do."
With that he backed off from the door before turning around and
gripping the handle. Once he was sure Harry was right behind him, he
opened it and stepped out with his wand drawn.
He might not consider himself more than just above a squib, magically,
but he was also determined to ensure he had Harry's back.
Surprisingly, once he opened the door there was no one waiting right
outside.
"Hunh!" he said, before leading the two of them down the stairs.
As Neville, who was only a half pace ahead of Harry, stepped off the last
step it was for Harry to see the very big surprise of no one saying
anything. However, the reason for that was immediately identified as two
aurors who stood with wands drawn and their backs to the wall either
side of the exit through the back of the portrait.
As Harry walked in he looked quizzically at both.
Knowing he would be asked why they were there, the older of the two
said, "Madam Bones wanted to make sure no one, including your
housemates, were going to bother you and pressure you for information,
Lord Potter. As such, we'll be keeping an eye on you."
Harry thought about that for a moment before he said, "In that case, let
her know I appreciate it when you next speak with her."
"Will do, Lord Potter," smirked the auror.
"I take it you re-informed this lot that trying to... let's say... press me for
information would be viewed as witness tampering? And may very well
have led them to unwillingly discovering what the inside of a DMLE
holding cell looked like?" asked Harry.
"No," smirked the auror. "Same idea, but as it related to the inside of an
Azkaban cell."
"Ah!" exclaimed Harry. "Then, again, thank you."
The auror merely nodded back with the same smirk.
Harry turned to his erstwhile housemates and said, "All the information
that I provided, couched as 'entertainment' while I figured out how to
complete the task, was my memories I swore on my magic and life was
true."
With a flick of his wrist he had his wand in his hand and snap-raised it to
cast before anyone even realised what he was doing. "Expecto Patronum!"
he firmly intoned.
Appearing almost as if his wand bucked in his hand, the Patronus mist
leapt out of the tip of his wand and immediately formed into the almost
solid appearing, silvery-ghost, corporeal shape of his father's animagus
form of a buck deer. It then stood on the floor, about eight feet in front of
Harry, appearing to look about for threats.
A few moments later it appeared it didn't see any and spun about to stare
at Harry, waiting.
Harry softly said to it, "Thank you, Prongs. You may go." And the
Patronus fizzled away.
With the Patronus now dissipated, Harry continued, "As pretty much all
of it also implicated a number of staff members of the school in the
commission of crimes, Madam Bones has taken copies of those memories,
plus others, to start her investigation into said staff members and said
others. As such, I have become her primary witness for the Wizengamot
in proceedings she is very likely to bring against those staff members and
others. This, she explained to you all in the Great Hall.
"I also have little doubt most of you are wondering why I did it. If you
don't know, then no amount of me explaining it to you will improve your
understanding of it. If you do know, then I obviously do not need to
explain it to you. Therefore, there is no need for me to say anything.
"If you do not like that, I do not care. If you don't know, then ask
someone who does know why I did it; because you will get no answer
from me. The only people in this tower who currently hold my respect are
the two aurors you see standing over by the entrance, Heir Longbottom
and Miss Hermione Granger. Maybe someone else will have the patience
with you to use little enough words, and speak slowly enough, for you to
get some measure of understanding."
He was about to leave when he turned back and said, "Oh! If you're
wondering why I don't give a shit about your questions - or you, for that
matter - I remind you how almost all of you treated me up to now for this
year. And I remind those of you who were students here two years ago of
how you treated me during that whole Heir of Slytherin nonsense. You
may have forgotten, or thought I had forgiven you, but I have not of
either."
That was apparently enough for Ron. He blurted, "But, you had the
Headmaster and Professor McGonagall charged!" The boy had finally
gathered up his courage enough to try to berate Harry.
Before Harry could verbally cut him down, though, the same auror spoke
first. "He did not, Mister Weasley. This is not the MaCUSA, magical
America, where citizens can have someone charged. Here, the citizenry
can only file a complaint. It is only Madam Bones who can file charges.
"I also remind you that Lord Potter did not even file a complaint. He only
played for you, if you were in the audience, memories through a
pensieve.
"It was Madam Bones who, off her own cognisance, is now filing those
complaints and converting them, on the spot, to charges.
"I'll also inform you that she would not do that unless she was very sure
of the crimes being committed, who committed them and her chances of
securing convictions of the people being so charged.
"As a fully qualified auror with years of experience, I can assure you it is
my opinion that both Albus Dumbledore and Minerva McGonagall, to
name the two you mentioned, are guilty of numerous crimes. Neither
deserves your support, and you're either a fool or an idiot if you do."
Weasley bristled at the verbal slap down, "But... he's Dumbledore!"
"That is utterly irrelevant," the auror immediately snapped back.
Weasley grumbled about it under his breath for a couple seconds before
he suddenly spun away and stomped up the stairs to the boys' dorms in a
right royal snit.
Watching him go, the auror looked at Harry and said, "I can now see why
you seemed so relieved you'll now be able to completely break off your
friendship with that boy."
Harry shrugged back with a grin on his face. "I don't believe he ever was
truly a friend. His friendship of me was more a selfish act on his part. He
wanted to be known as the best mate of the famous Boy-Who-Lived.
Losing that is what's got him so snotty."
It had been Harry's intent to only wait long enough for Hermione to
rejoin him before heading for the 'Come and Go Room' Dobby had shown
him. That was soon after it became too uncomfortable to stay in the
Gryffindor Tower after his name came out of the Goblet. However, with
the two aurors seemingly permanently stationed in the common room to
make sure he wasn't bothered by his own housemates, he felt it was safe
enough to remain. So, he found a seat on one of the spare couches and
relaxed.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
When she re-entered the common room from the stairs leading to the
girls' dorms while wearing an angry scowl on her face, Harry was about
to ask Hermione what was wrong when she practically snatched him by
the hand and said, "We're leaving!" before trying to drag him towards the
portrait hole.
Knowing it was best not to try and impede her when his real best friend
got like this, he merely aided her in dragging him to the door by not
resisting. He'd ask her what the problem was when it looked like she
wanted to talk about it.
She never noticed either auror standing against the wall either side of the
portrait hole until both shifted to bar her way.
Almost barging right into one she suddenly pulled up, short.
"Oh!" she exclaimed, suddenly noticing both for the first time. "Sorry! Is
there sometime wrong?"
"You are attempting to take Lord Potter from out of here against his
wishes, little miss," firmly replied the lead auror. "We will not allow that."
As Hermione seemed to appear stunned and confused, Harry stepped a
little further forward and explained, "It's alright, auror. She's gets like this
when someone has annoyed her and she wants me to go somewhere
private where she can rant at me about it. She has no intention of
harming me."
The auror gave him a nod of acknowledgement before he turned back to
Hermione. "Is that true, little miss?"
"I―" she stuttered to answer before she immediately blushed in
embarrassment and dropped her head. "Yes," she softly and quietly
replied.
The auror again gave a nod before he said, "Part of the duties of the
aurors currently assigned to the castle is to make sure Lord Potter is not
bothered by staff or students about matters soon to be before the
Wizengamot. And part of our duties is to otherwise see to his safety."
Snapping her head up to stare at the auror in horror she'd been suspected
of such a thing, Hermione exclaimed, "I would never―"
"She wouldn't," Harry quickly agreed. "It's very rare she wants to rant at
me about something I've said or done; it's almost always about someone
else. I'm happy to be that sounding board for her, at those times."
Hermione immediately spun to face him with a look of shock on her face.
Then her expression immediately reverted to one of embarrassment
before she cast her eyes down again.
Ignoring the young girl's clear embarrassment the auror said, "Then we
shall follow." And stepped aside to allow them to continue the final step
to the portrait hole.
As soon as they passed through back into the outside passageway
Hermione stopped a few paces further on before turning to Harry again,
and leaned in a little to speak quietly with him. "I was going to take us
to... you know... that room. But―" Then flicked her eyes towards the
aurors, who had followed them out.
"For now, we'll use the abandoned classroom we used until we find out if
we can trust them or not," he firmly stated.
Hermione seemed to give a firm nod of agreement before leading them
off. She'd been referring to a hidden dueling room they'd discovered
through the Marauders' Map.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Amelia had only just walked into the bullpen for the DMLE when she was
almost besieged by aurors all asking for her immediate attention.
She quickly stuck two fingers into her mouth and used them to blow a
piercing whistle. That shut everyone up.
"Right!" she huffed. "I'll have the currently available Master Aurors join
me in my office. The rest of you, find something else to do until the
Masters and I figure out what we're going to do next."
Walking into her office she was joined by Rufus Scrimgeour and the
others.
Finally sitting behind her desk she moved the rack of memory vials
Potter's elf had dropped there earlier to one side, sighed and turned her
gaze on her deputy. "Alright, Rufus; let me have it."
Without a word and pulling a clipboard from under his arm, the Master
Auror referred to it and replied, "Albus Dumbledore is in Interrogation
Room 1. Minerva McGonagall, Severus Snape and Filius Flitwick are in
Interrogation Rooms 2, 3 and 4, respectively. Pomona Sprout, Poppy
Pomfrey and Filius Flitwick are in Interview Rooms 1 to 3 respectively.
"Interrogation Room 5 now holds Vernon Dursley while Interview Room
4 holds Petunia Dursley. That makes all Interrogation and Interview
Rooms full, for the first time I've ever known. Young Mister Dudley
Dursley, the teen son, is apparently away at a private muggle school; a...
Smeltings' School for Favoured Sons, I believe. He is not due to return
until the second week of December.
Amelia nodded and said, "We may not need to talk to him about the
treatment of Lord Potter, but we'll need to talk to him about the results of
the twin trials of his parents if both end up being incarcerated."
"Yes, boss," replied Scrimgeour. "Standard procedure, then.
"The Minister, Barty Crouch Senior and Junior and Rubeus Hagrid are in
holding cells until we have Interview and Interrogation rooms free," he
continued. "Besides Hagrid, I hope you don't mind but I think we can
hold off on the interviews of those four until we get the Professors and
the Dursleys dealt with. And aurors have not yet been sent out to arrest
Lucius Malfoy or Molly Weasley; as we lack both the staff and
accommodations for them if they were brought here."
"No, I think you've called it right. We need to get what professors we can
back to the school as soon as possible. Who's doing each of the
interrogations?" she asked.
"Dumbledore is currently in his Interrogation Room with a single auror.
We're not doing the interrogation, yet, as we want him to sweat for a
while," he replied. "The Senior Auror watching over him, Flamebright,
has been told that if he allows the old coot to convince him of anything
he'll be the occupant of Dumbledore's cell before the day is through."
Amelia gave an amused snort and said, "Leave him in there for another
hour, then tell him we've had to put his interview off while we
investigate other findings of his alleged crimes we've just recently
discovered. That should make him sweat a little more."
"Yes, boss," he replied with a small smile.
"What about Snape?" she asked.
"The healer's found he's managed to dose himself with anti-Veritaserum
from somewhere," he explained. "We need to purge him of that or those
before we can begin."
"Ah!" she said. "Of course. He's a half-blood, isn't he?"
"Yes, Ma'am," he replied. "The healer recommends a good six hours
before we begin to interview him. I suggest returning him to a holding
cell, for now."
"Make it so," she said. "And the others?"
"I've made a start on McGonagall," said another Master Auror. "I had to
stop when she... errr... burst into tears. And I've decided to suspend the
interrogation until she's... managed to compose herself a little."
"How long's it been?" she immediately asked.
"About ten minutes?" he replied.
"Give her another five and then get back in there," she ordered. "I don't
care if it makes you uncomfortable, or not. We need the transcript of that
interrogation so I can discover if there's yet more charges to throw at that
old fool, Dumbledore."
"Yes, Ma'am," he immediately replied, checking his muggle watch.
"Who's interviewing that fat child abuser, Dursley?" she asked.
Scrimgeour frowned back with a pained look and said, "He was making
so much noise about how we're nothing but freaks and how he refused to
recognise our authority we had to hit him with a silencing charm and
hope he tires himself out. That was about... ten minutes ago."
Amelia gave another small snort of amusement before she said, "Nice
trick. Go in there once every ten minutes and try again. Each time he
starts to rant and rave, silence him again and walk out. Then try again in
another ten minutes.
"Sooner or later he's going to tire himself out enough you're going to be
able to get the information out of him we need."
The auror gave a pained look and replied, "Yes, Ma'am."
Amelia just grinned back and asked, "Who's next?"
"Flitwick," Scrimgeour immediately replied. "Actually, he's been the
easiest of all, so far."
"Oh?" she asked.
"He was quite happy - almost relieved - to give us the information we
asked for," he replied as another of the Master Aurors placed a completed
interview recording scroll on her desk.
Quickly scanning through it she asked, "So, his only excuse was because
he was asked to?... Ah! He feared for his job if he didn't do it."
"Yes, Ma'am," he replied. "He was also offered the job of Professor of
DADA twice and turned it down both times. Though Dumbledore keeps
brushing it off when someone raises it, he knows... according to him...
that the DADA post has a curse on it; and he didn't want to be the next
victim."
"The only person willing to offer him a job when he retired from the
International Duelling Circuit, because he's considered a half-breed, was
Dumbledore," said Amelia, still scanning through the document. "He
feared for his livelihood and only chance of earning an income."
"Yes, Ma'am."
"Right," she sighed. "Inform him he's being charged with accessory to
commit child endangerment and neglect, give him the usual 'don't go
anywhere' spiel, that he may yet be facing further charges and will likely
be standing trial in the not too distant future. Then release him.
"He's also permitted to return to Hogwarts but is stood down as Head of
House for Ravenclaw until this matter is resolved; and, even then, it's
highly unlikely he'll be able to head the House again. And, at all times
while at Hogwarts, he will be monitored by the aurors I've had cause to
be stationed at the school."
"Yes, Ma'am."
"Next?" she asked.
"With Flitwick released I'll have room to move Pomona Sprout into an
Interrogation Room. Then one of us will be interviewing her," he replied.
"The last one is the 'iffy' one - Poppy Pomfrey."
"I hope you had a DMLE-certified healer in with her while speaking with
her," she warned.
"Yes, Ma'am; Master Healer Pockridge," he replied. "Because those
memories of Lord Potter showed she was the subject of at least one
obliviation - and very likely quite a few more - we began with treating
her with kid gloves.
"However, it is the healer's opinion we had to stop as it appears she's also
been placed under some sort of compulsion regarding Lord Potter. Either
that, or she's found some way around her healer's oath."
Amelia frowned and asked, "How do you figure that?"
"When she gave Lord Potter his first physical, once he reached Hogwarts
in 1991, she found evidence of long-term mistreatment. Instead of
immediately reporting it to us, as her Medi-witch's Oath demanded, she
only reported it to Dumbledore. And she does not seem to understand
that she's broken the law in doing so.
"Apparently Dumbledore informed her and convinced her that, as he was
Chief Warlock, she had done her duty of reporting it to the authorities.
He's also given her a direct order that any more such information
regarding Lord Potter was only to be reported to him. Something about
how he was 'protecting the reputation of the wizarding world's young
hero'. Personally, I think it was more a... 'covering his own arse'
situation."
She gave a snort of annoyance at that. "That he told her she would be
reporting to him in his capacity of Chief Warlock, means I can add
charges against him for abuse of authority of that position."
Recognising her silence was permission to continue, Scrimgeour went on.
"According to our healer, he believes Poppy Pomfrey is so tied up in
compulsions and obliviations she should be immediately in-patiented into
Saint Mungo's, so they can then help her get through those compulsions
without it also meaning the loss of her magic due to the breach of her
Oath."
Amelia sat back, allowed her monocle to fall from her eye and brought
her off hand up to massage the bridge of her nose.
A few moments later she sat back up, re-affixed her monocle and said,
"Right. Have her taken to the DMLE secure ward at Saint Mungo's and
have our healer see to her being treated. If it turns out she truly was not
acting contrary to the law off her own volition then we won't be charging
her. However, once she's well enough to supply it, I want her full co-
operation in bringing charges against Dumbledore and the rest of the
staff."
"Yes, Ma'am," said Scrimgeour, making a note on his clipboard.
"Alright," she said. "Continue with the interrogations, as discussed. In the
meantime... which of our aurors has the best short-term memory?"
"Errr... I think that would be young Auror Second Class Tonks," he
replied.
Nodding back in agreement, she asked, "She on duty?"
"No, Ma'am," he replied. "However, she came in not too long ago because
she thought she could help."
"Where is she now?"
"In with the Dursley woman stopping her from doing something stupid,"
he replied. "She's also monitoring a Dicta-quill that's writing down
everything the woman has said."
"Replace her with another female auror and send her to me," she ordered.
"Anything you think I've missed?"
"Sirius Black," he replied. Then immediately stepped forward and handed
her a long roll of parchment. "Your written authority to remove the 'Kiss
on Sight' and 'Dead or Alive' orders. It's amended to only approach him if
safe to do so and to inform him he's to immediately hand himself over to
await proper trial if an auror comes across him."
"Ah, yes," she said, unrolling the parchment.
As soon as she read it, she gave her senior-most auror a smile and
immediately affixed both her signature and stamp of office to it, before
then re-rolling it and handing it back. "Execute it, immediately," she
ordered.
"Yes, Ma'am," he replied.
"Anything else?" she asked.
When no one else said anything she said, "Then, you have your orders.
You'd best be about it."
Once her senior staff filed out to get on with the interviews and
interrogations and to move Poppy Pomfrey to Saint Mungo's, she drew
out a great sheaf of parchment and put it on her desk. Then she began to
'head' the top of each sheet with the same words as appeared on the
labels of each memory strand vial.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
5. Hermione's Wake-Up
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 Five - Hermione's Wake-up
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Amelia Bones was only about a third of the way through writing down
the headings on what would become a written record of notes relating to
each memory when there was a knock on her door.
"Come!" she barked.
Marching in and coming to a halt almost exactly five feet in front of her
ultimate boss's desk, Nymphadora Tonks quickly snapped off a salute and
almost barked, "Auror Second Class Nymphadora Tonks reporting as
ordered, Ma'am!"
"Sit down and relax, Auror," said Amelia, barely glancing up.
Auror Tonks hesitated a moment before she stepped forward and sat on
one of the two office chairs sitting before Bones's desk.
As she did so, Amelia rose and walked to her office credenza. Opening a
hidden draw in what looked like fixed wainscotting she drew out a
pensieve and returned with it to her desk, placing it in the middle but to
one side.
Once it was placed she returned to her seat and looked to the young
auror.
"Auror Tonks, I've been informed you've the best short-term memory and
observational skills in our current cadre," she said. "I have need of those
skills, right now."
When Tonks attempted to sit up even straighter than she already did,
Amelia had to bury her desire to smirk back. She knew the promising
young auror before her knew it was a compliment.
"You and I, Auror Tonks, are going to go through all these memories, one
by one," she explained. "Then, after each memory is completed, we're
going to come out of the pensieve and write down everything we saw of
note; especially all the crimes that have been committed. Understood?"
"Yes, Ma'am," Tonks instantly replied. "It's similar to one of the exercises
we did in the Academy, when memories were taken of crime scenes."
Amelia had forgotten they did that. And that they did that just for this
sort of thing. But, she wasn't going to let the young auror sitting before
her know that.
Nodding, she said, "Yes; this is going to be just like that. And you also
need to know that some of these are going to include incidences of child
abuse, including vicious beatings. Do you think you have the stomach for
that?"
With a firm and resolute countenance, Tonks immediately replied, "Yes,
Ma'am."
"If you need a break at any time, let me know," instructed Amelia. "I
won't think any less of you if you do. I daresay I'll be looking for breaks,
too. And I've been at this a lot longer than you."
Tonks stayed resolute and replied, "Yes, Ma'am."
Nodding once in recognition she'd heard her, Amelia started with the
vials that began one month before the start of the school year in 1991.
She thought she'd get to all the beatings and the like once she and her
young auror became comfortable working so close to each other and
within the pensieve.
She had no idea there were also beatings between Hogwarts' years. That
would come as a shock.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
As soon as Hermione found the abandoned classroom they'd been using
to ready Harry for the first task - or, at least that's what she thought they
were doing - she almost forcefully shoved Harry into a chair before
beginning to pace in front of it while ranting away.
She never noticed the two aurors followed them in and, again, stood
either side of the door.
"I can't believe those two... two... witches!" she snarled. Spinning about to
stare at Harry she asked, "Do you know what they did and said to me as
soon as they caught up with me in our room?"
"Of course not, Hermione," he calmly replied. "I was―"
"You weren't there!" she interrupted. "That cow, Brown, had the
audacity... the sheer gall... to demand I tell her everything about you and
what you'd done.
"When I refused, she and Patil drew their wands on me and... and...
threatened me!"
As soon as the senior auror heard that he glanced to his junior female
partner, who was now looking back, and flicked his chin in the direction
of the door. The junior auror gave a curt nod and ducked back out of the
room.
Hermione didn't notice, but Harry did. He just didn't let on he did as he
knew what that suddenly disappearing auror was about to do. He felt
Hermione might react very badly if she heard about it before it was all
over and done.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
That afternoon the staff of Hogwarts who had been taken away by aurors
of the DMLE, began to return. First back was Filius Flitwick, soon
followed by Pomona Sprout and Minerva McGonagall together, with a
very morose Rubeus Hagrid following not too far behind.
Those who did not return were Albus Dumbledore, Severus Snape, Barty
Crouch Junior, the real Alastor Moody and Poppy Pomfrey. The first
three were being held in cells within the DMLE while Alastor Moody and
Poppy Pomfrey were sent to Saint Mungo's.
At dinner that evening, those who'd returned except Minerva
McGonagall, joined the student body and other staff in the Great Hall for
their evening meal.
Just before the meal commenced, however, Filius Flitwick rose to stand
on his chair and called for silence to make an announcement. The aurors
who stood at the wall seemed unable to make a decision on whether or
not to stop him; but, in the end, did not interfere.
"Students," he quietly began. When the noise dropped right down he
continued to quietly speak. The nature of the magics of the Hall ensured
his voice flowed right to the other end.
"I have an apology to make to you all," he said. "For those of you who
were at the first task, specifically Lord Potter's task, you witnessed a great
deal of his memories played in that projector pensieve he used. To the
best of my own memory and irrespective of his own oath to its truth, it
was the truth.
"I... currently face charges relating to my part in setting up those so-
called traps in the third floor corridor back in 1991; that is, from the
memory Lord Potter played where he and his two friends had to get past
them to save the Stone from being stolen by a possessed Professor
Quirrell."
That had a few students, especially in Ravenclaw, gasp in surprise and
begin muttering between themselves.
"I'm also facing charges for not protecting students, as I'm required to do
as a professor, from the dangers and treatment they faced or underwent,"
he continued, "To that end... I have learned that young Miss Lovegood of
my own House - or, what was my House as I do not believe I'll ever have
the honour of being the Head of it again - has been horribly mistreated
by, especially, her own housemates. That ends right now.
"One thousand points from Ravenclaw for the bullying behaviour of the
entire House!" he firmly declared.
That caused the House, as a whole, to gasp in shock. The same surprised
gasps were coming from many others. Those blue gems that had
somewhat filled the Ravenclaw House point counter immediately
emptied out, leaving it completely bereft of points.
"Any and all things that have been taken without authorisation from Miss
Lovegood - and, indeed, any other student - are to be returned by no later
than 8.00am tomorrow morning. If Miss Lovegood does not report to me
that all... all... of her personal possessions have been returned to her, then
the DMLE will begin their own investigations. This is the decision of the
current Acting Headmistress and Director of the DMLE, Madam Director
Amelia Bones.
"Once that happens I have been informed the thieves will be prosecuted
to the full extent of the law. Anyone then caught having stolen anything
from anyone will be immediately suspended. If they are then found guilty
of thievery, they will also be immediately expelled on the spot. They will
not be permitted to return to Hogwarts - ever. You have been warned."
Then, without allowing the matter to be discussed, he called for the
house elves to serve the meal.
Hearing the professor specifically ask the house elves to serve, Harry
wondered, 'How long will it be until―'
"What did he mean by 'house elves'?" Hermione suddenly asked.
Harry mentally groaned and berated himself for tempting fate, like that.
He already had to calm his best friend down once when she learned both
Lavender Brown and Parvati Patil were put through an interrogation by
the aurors into what they thought they were doing making demands of
her at wand point to provide information about him.
After being taken away for a period of time, both young witches returned
to the Gryffindor tower shaken and in tears. Both then warned their
housemates that questioning either Harry or Hermione about anything
would be at their peril. The aurors did not lie.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
That evening, though she and Tonks were not able to get through all the
memories Harry supplied her, Amelia believed she already had enough
evidence to call for the trials of all of the individuals arrested. And, using
her authority as Director of the DMLE, put out the official call for an
emergency sitting of the Wizengamot in judicial, trial, form. It was for
one of the few reasons she could put out the official call.
It was from those memories, especially the first ones, where she figured
out just how Harry had made it look like the pensieve memories were
interactive. They weren't, of course; he'd just set up the memories to
appear as if they were.
'Clever boy!' she thought, with a smirk. "That was a nice bit of 'theatre'."
Of course, having now arrested the sitting Minister of Magic and
outlining the charges he would face, she had to include that information
in the call. She knew, though, that the call would only come as a shock to
a small minority of the sitting members, as she doubted there would be
many who had not actually been at the task to see it for themselves, had
not already heard the news either directly off the WWN or through other
means - such as personal spies within the Ministry, including her own
department.
A clear example of that was when, during a short break when Amelia and
Tonks stopped to take stock, the Minister's dumpy little 'pet'
Undersecretary, Dolores Umbridge, barged into her office. Before Amelia
could even begin to ask her what she wanted the little woman began
making demands and issuing threats. She demanded the immediate
dropping of all charges and the immediate release of 'Cornelius', or those
aurors who had 'overstepped the bounds of their authority' would soon be
'taking his place in that cell'.
Amelia heard out her first lengthy demand before she decided to ignore
her, turned to look at her now open door and barked out, "Will someone
please get in here and get this bitch out of my office?"
While Umbridge gaped back, utterly stunned that someone publicly spoke
of her like that in her presence, it took a few moments before an auror
finally, though tentatively, stepped through her door. It was Senior Auror
Kingsley Shacklebolt.
Before Shacklebolt even got a chance to ask a question, Amelia fired an
order at him. "Shack; get that..." she said, indicating Umbridge with a
short 'point' of her chin, "... the Hell out of my office! If she so much as
makes a single sound before you throw her arse out the door, you are to
immediately throw said arse into a cell and charge her with deliberate
interference of a DMLE investigation!"
"Yes, Ma'am!" Shacklebolt snapped back before marching the couple of
steps to Umbridge, gripping her wand arm tightly with his off hand and
forcibly dragging her from the office.
Umbridge, still too stunned to adversely react, was dragged out of the
office without uttering another sound. She did not return.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Also released that day, but in the early evening, was Cornelius Fudge. He
was given the same warnings about trying to flee the country and
ordered to go home and remain there until he was called for trial. He was
under house arrest.
Mentally beaten he did not try to argue against it. Instead, he did as he
was told and went directly home; using the auror's floo in the auror
bullpen once given leave to do so. He had no desire to go out into the
'public' areas of the Ministry building, just yet.
He'd just flooed into the welcoming parlour at the Minister's Official
Residence - one of the major perks of the job - when he was confronted
by Umbridge, who was apparently waiting for him.
"Oh, Cornelius!" she simpered, waddling towards him with her hands
fluttering about. "I tried to beg that horrid Bones woman to release
you―"
At first, Fudge was shocked to find the woman there. But, as she spoke,
he began to lose his temper. Interrupting her, he barked,"Why are you in
my home?"
Stuttering to a shuddering halt Umbridge gaped at him. "But, Cornelius!"
"How dare you let yourself in without my permission! Get out!" He
roared, "Get out of my home!"
With only a long second of hesitation, due to the shock her 'beloved'
Minister yelled at her, she finally hurried around him to the fireplace
while giving him a wide berth. A quick dash of floo powder, a last look of
surprise back at a still furious Fudge, and she was away.
Almost as soon as she was gone, Fudge appeared to almost deflate on the
spot.
He knew he really shouldn't have yelled at her like that, but her standing
in his home uninvited really annoyed him. It was as if she really didn't
care about his privacy.
He stood ruminating on that for a few seconds longer before he went to
the ward book and scratched her name off the list of those automatically
permitted through the wards.
Before then putting the book away he decided to clean the entire book
out of allowed witches and wizards. And removed quite a few other
names, including Lucius Malfoy and Albus Dumbledore.
No one would be automatically allowed through, except for himself. He
had no idea that, by doing so, he'd just saved his own life.
Once he returned the ward book to its secret niche he then returned to
his desk, drew forth a fresh sheet of parchment, quill and ink, sighed and
began to write his resignation from the office of Minister of Magic. It was
either that, or wait a mere day or two before he'd be tossed out of the job.
He had no doubt of that.
As soon as he finished writing the resignation letter and sending it to his
own - now 'ex' - office staff, he ordered the Ministerial Residence elves to
begin packing his personal effects and moving them to his secret 'bolt
hole' escape home on the Isle of Mann.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Harry had taken time to explain to Hermione the symbiotic relationship
between witches and wizards and house elves, but she still leapt to the
false conclusion they were slaves, as he expected.
Once the earnest debate between the two of them wound down for the
moment they were soon joined by Fleur Delacour, the Beauxbatons'
champion and - Harry had learned - Veela.
"Monsieur Potier," she said, to gain Harry and Hermione's attention.
Looking up, Harry, pleased to have been interrupted, asked, "Yes,
Mademoiselle Delacour?"
She gestured to the seat opposite and asked, "May I?"
"Of course," he immediately replied. "It was rude of me not to have
offered you a seat already."
As the Beauxbatons witch stepped over the bench opposite, to then sit
daintily thereon, he asked, "What can I do for you, Mademoiselle
Delacour?"
"Well," she smirked, "Can you first introduce your friend?" And gestured
to a slightly scowling Hermione.
"My apologies," he immediately returned. "Mademoiselle Delacour, this is
Miss Hermione Granger." Then turning to Hermione, he said, "Hermione,
this is Mademoiselle Fleur Delacour."
Reaching over with her hand held for a woman's handshake, Fleur said,
"Please, call me Fleur."
"Hermione," said Hermione, taking the hand and giving it a curt shake.
Hermione barely masked her irritation her discussion with Harry was
interrupted.
Recognising and used to how other non-Veela witches would sometimes
interact with her, Fleur chose to ignore it. "Thank you," she said.
Turning to Harry, she said, "Now, Mister Potier―"
"Harry," Harry firmly interrupted.
"'Arry, then," she said, with a slight nod back. "And, please, call me
Fleur."
Harry gave a nod back.
"'Arry, I came to offer you an apologee," she said. "Actually, two
apologies."
"Oh?" he warily asked.
"Oui," she replied. "I owe you an apologee from the night your name
came out of zee Goblet of Fy-air. I made a... disparaging? - yes,
disparaging - remark about 'ow you were just a leetle boy. Zat was both
rude of me and uncalled for. For zat, I apologize.
"And, secondlee," she said, cutting Harry off before he could respond. "I
also owe you an apologee for today. It was my oreeginal belief zat your
way to... acqui-air your egg and complete your task was a direct...
beleettling of we ozzer champions. I now know zat was not zee case. For
zat, too, I apologize."
Harry heard her out and thought about how to respond before he actually
did. The real Harry was not as 'knee-jerk' as the Harry he had been
playing until today. And he now had to remember not to be that 'false'
Harry he'd been playing for so long as a role.
Eventually, he gave a nod and said, "Both apologies are accepted in the
spirit in which they were given, Miss Delacour."
She hesitated a moment, expecting Harry to say more. But, when he
didn't, she gave a slight nod and said, "Zank you."
Again, she hesitated before she added, "I hope zat you would now
considair me a friend."
"If you wish," he replied.
She again hesitated before she said, "I shall leaf you to your meal." Then
rose, stepped back over the bench seat and made her way back to the
Ravenclaw table.
Once she'd left hearing range, Hermione quietly said, "You could have
invited her to join us, you know."
"I could have, yes," he replied. "However, just because she apologised
does not mean I've yet forgiven her for her remarks. Give me at least a
day to come to terms with that, alright?"
Hermione nodded and said, "Alright, Harry. Now, about these house
elves―"
"Hermione," he firmly cut her off. "Clearly, me explaining the relationship
between house elves and wizard kind is not getting through to you. You
must either accept what I've told you and drop it, or you adopt your
normal modus operandi, go to the library and check out a book or two on
the subject. No matter how much you try to convince me that house elves
are slaves, you will not succeed; because I know they are not. Therefore, I
believe I'm done with this subject."
Though she initially recoiled in shock that Harry had cut her off, she
rallied and said, "Alright, Harry. I can do that. And when I learn that
house elves are, indeed, slaves?"
With a frustrated sigh, he said, "As I know you will not discover that,
your question is moot. Will you drop it when you learn I'm right?"
Sadly, she said, "I don't know."
"Then I'll make it easier for you to understand, Hermione," he firmly said.
"I will not allow you to continue to 'brow beat' me about any subject. And
that includes about your erroneous opinion on the status of house elves.
"If you harp on about it any more, you will be putting our friendship at
risk."
When Hermione appeared shocked by what he said, he continued,
"Remember, Hermione; the Harry you thought you knew was only a role
I was playing to hide who I truly am. As there is no longer a need to, I
will no longer be playing that role. You need to understand and accept
that.
"I - that is, the real Harry - likes you when you're not trying to force me to
comply with your oft-times unreasonable demands. You need to figure
out whether or not you like the real Harry. And you need to come to
terms with that if you don't."
Hermione thought hard about that before she quietly, even meekly,
asked, "Do you think I'm going to like the real Harry?"
"If you're able to somewhat curb your demands of him; yes," he replied.
"It's up to you."
She sighed and gave a nod back. She just hoped the real Harry was
someone she really liked. She had no idea what she'd do if he wasn't. She
knew Hogwarts would become a lonely existence if she didn't.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Also returning home that evening was Molly Weasley. She was brought
back by her husband, Arthur.
As soon as they had both stepped through into the living room at The
Burrow, the Weasley family home in Ottery St Catchpole, Arthur was
straight into asking his wife his own questions.
"Alright, Molly," he began. "First, I'm invoking Head of Family privileges
and command."
Molly turned to him in shock. "Arthur?" she worriedly asked.
"I know the gist of what you told the aurors when they interrogated you,
this afternoon. But I want the truth out of you, without any dissembling."
When he saw she understood he asked, "Were you on the muggle side of
Platform nine and three-quarters at Kings Cross for Ron's first year at
Hogwarts waiting for young Harry Potter to arrive?"
"Arthur, what a horrid thing to say," she tried.
"Answer me!" he barked. "Were you on the muggle side of Platform nine
and three-quarters that year waiting for young Harry Potter to arrive?"
"Yes," she fearfully exclaimed. "Dumbledore alerted me to how young
Harry might not know how to get onto the platform and asked me to
keep an eye out for him," she replied, somewhat fearful.
"Has he ever asked you to wait there for any other student?" he
demanded.
"No, just young Harry," she immediately replied.
"And that hasn't rung any ward-alarms for you? That he's only ever asked
you to assist young Harry?
"No," she replied.
"And why did you break the Statute of Secrecy in the process?" he asked.
"I thought, if he heard me mention muggles and have Ginny mention
Platform nine and three-quarters, it would attract him to us."
"And why didn't you cast a muggle Notice-Me-Not charm on yourself and
the kids before you did that?" he pushed.
"I didn't think it would work!" she cried.
"It would have," he snapped back. "So, because Albus Bloody Dumbledore
asked you to, you just decided to go ahead and breach the Statute of
Secrecy, is that it?" he demanded.
"Albus said it would be alright and no harm would be done!" she wailed.
"He lied, you stupid woman!" he snapped. "No one, not even Albus
Dumbledore, has the right to breach the Statute of Secrecy for something
so inane as making it easy to have a little boy find them on a busy muggle
train platform!"
He gave that a moment to sink in while his wife dropped into a kitchen
chair and sobbed.
"It's not as if members of the Obliviation Squad could be brought in and
fix it all up easy-peasy, either," he continued. "You were on a train station
and trains are coming and going with great regularity. By the time
Obliviators could get there to Obliviate everyone, hundreds would have
already left either out the doors and away on foot, or in cars, buses or
cabs, or on anywhere up to half a dozen different trains going in different
directions. There is no possible way the Obliviators would have found them
all!"
"That means, Molly, you are damned bloody lucky that nothing about you
yelling about 'all these muggles', or having Ginny yelling about 'Platform
nine and three-quarters', made it out into the wider muggle world. If it
had you would now not have a clue as to your real identity as you would
have had your wand snapped, your magic bound, been obliviated of all
knowledge of the magical world and been tossed out into the streets of
muggle London!
"You know this! It's one of the founding laws of our world! There are not
that many crimes that are more heavily dealt with; and that includes the
Unforgivables!
"If word had gotten out from that station into the muggle world because
of your actions, the kids would now not have a mother, Ginny would
have been sent to Muriel's because I wouldn't have been able to look after
her and a host of other things I don't want to think about.
"You should consider yourself damned lucky the only punishment leveled
against you is a hefty fine. A fine of such... volume... I'm going to have to
approach as many family and friends as possible to accumulate enough
money to pay it!"
"We don't take charity!" she wailed.
"Fine!" he glared back. "Then you'd best start showing me where
everything is in this house for me to keep it clean and running. Because,
if we don't seek help in paying your fine, we won't have enough. And that
means... you are going to Azkaban for five years."
Molly burst into fresh wails and sobs. Arthur left her to it, not in the least
interested at that time in providing her comfort.
"Next," he firmly said, "Tell me about the money that was being
transferred from Lord Potter's vaults to one in your maiden name."
"I thought it was coming from Albus," she sobbed. "I had no idea it was
coming from young Harry's vaults."
"You just got through telling me we don't accept charity," he said. "So,
what was he paying you for?"
"He told me the money was from a scholarship fund specifically set up for
pureblood families," she explained. "However, it had to go into a vault
under my maiden name because House Weasley due to House Weasley's...
status... was not eligible to receive the funds."
"uh-huh!" he said, not sounding convinced. "I thought you just got
through telling me we don't accept charity."
"It's not charity, it's a scholarship," she immediately disagreed.
"It's not a scholarship, it's theft!" he yelled.
That had Molly sobbing again. Whether it was because she was truly
sorry about what she'd done or because she was unhappy she'd been
caught, Arthur did not know and also found himself not to care.
Not willing to belabour the point, Arthur dropped it and moved on. "The
aurors have also ordered you... and, by extension, the rest of us
Weasleys... not to have anything to do with Harry Potter, until further
notice," he growled. "That means there will be no inviting him to stay
with us, here; there will be no sending him Christmas or birthday
presents; there will be no having the children do it for you; and, above all
else but not limited to it, there will be no sending him any Howlers! Have I
made myself perfectly clear to you, Molly Weasley?"
"Y-yes, Arthur," she sobbed.
"Now," he said much more calmly, "I have to go and write the children to
let them know they are to stay away from Harry Potter, or else, for the
foreseeable future. And that 'or else' will include being disowned from
this family.
"We'll wait until he deigns to contact us! That is, of course, if he ever
does."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
The day was not a short one for Amelia. Though she often worked back,
just to get all the parchmentwork that would pile up completed while the
department was otherwise cleared down to a skeleton watch crew, this
would be one day when she would have to work back and day-to-day
parchmentwork wasn't going to get done.
The interrogations and interviews were held and completed. Those
interviewed and not facing charges were released. Those interrogated and
charged, but weren't considered flight risks, were conditionally released.
But Dumbledore and Snape, due to the severity of the crimes they were
facing, were taken down to the cells and incarcerated. So, too, were both
Vernon and Petunia Dursley.
Once that was dealt with, aurors were sent out to confirm information
the department had collected as a result of those interrogations and
interviews. This would mean further interviews, but of people who would
not necessarily be facing charges.
As they wanted to interview the rest of the staff of Hogwarts and there
was quite a few of them, a small team of aurors went to the school with a
couple of Dicta-quills. They then pulled each staff member not previously
interviewed or interrogated aside and interviewed them as to what they
knew of what Lord Potter had shared. Those interviews then led to a few
more charges being filed against especially Dumbledore, McGonagall and
Snape.
The new problem was the 'clamouring' of the media. Within hours of
starting the interrogations and interviews the number of journalists all
wanting to know the latest information began to build right outside the
auror bullpen. Amelia had already had to detail two aurors off to ride
shepherd on them to ensure they did not interfere in the work the rest of
her aurors were madly working through. Just a little while ago, she had
to detail yet another onto the task.
However, she was finally ready to deal with them.
Walking out to the bullpen, as soon as the journalists saw her they began
yelling questions at her. Used to the effect, she calmly walked to her
podium she had aurors set up for her earlier and waited until the noise
died down again.
Those journalists experienced with dealing with her knew she would say
nothing until the questions and shouting died off; and quickly let their
younger and newer fellows know it.
Once the noise died off she began. "Good evening," she said. "At
approximately ten a.m. this morning, Mister Harry Potter stepped into
the arena of the first task of the Tri-Wizard Tournament at Hogwarts
School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. He was the fourth and final
competitor to do so.
"It was expected he would simply complete the task, irrespective of how
difficult it was, just as the competitors before him did. However, Lord
Potter entered the arena with his own intentions in mind."
She then covered exactly what Harry did and how he did it. And then
told them why.
Then she explained the actions she and her aurors took based on the
information Harry had provided, together with who was taken into
custody and who was, eventually, released.
And, finally, she told them the information relating to the charges and
against whom they were filed was now subject to an information
blackout 'to protect the reputations of both the witnesses and the
accused'.
"Then what information can you tell us?" demanded one miffed reporter.
"I've just spent half an hour providing you that information," she snapped
back. "Were you not listening?"
The journalist looked away and scowled as the next quickly got their
question in. "Madam Bones, is it fair to target Albus Dumbledore when he
helped rid us of the Dark Lord?"
"We are a society of law," she replied. "And no one, no matter what
they've accomplished in the past, is excused from obeying those laws.
"I allege that Albus Dumbledore has broken so many laws that Lord
Potter helped bring to light, I have no choice but to hold him in custody
until he faces justice in the form of a full sitting of the Wizengamot. It
will then be up to the Wizengamot on what penalty or penalties he shall
face. It is not for anyone bar the full sitting of the Wizengamot to
determine whether or not he is guilty of some or all of the charges he
faces."
"As you've arrested both the Chief Warlock and the Minister," called
another, "Are you looking to clear the way for your own ascension into
the top tiers of our government?"
"That question is so stupid it does not even deserve a response," she flatly
retorted. "However, I know you'd take that as affirmation.
"I have already told you that we are a society of law that not even Albus
Dumbledore, no matter what hat he's currently wearing, job he's
currently doing or his history is exempt from. The same also applies to
the Minister.
"Further, I am the Regent of the Noble and Ancient House of Bones and
the Director of the DMLE. That's more than enough of a job for anyone,
including me."
Another journalist immediately piped up. "Madam Bones, do you believe
you'll successfully prosecute these cases?"
"The prosecutor will likely be Rufus Scrimgeour," she replied. "And,
before you ask, I will not be adjudicating the trials. The Chief Adjudicator
has already been notified of the cases that will be brought before her.
And preparatory documents for all the trials will be sent to her in
advance."
"And what will your role be?" he immediately asked.
"Whatever the Chief Adjudicator tasks of me," she replied. "If and when
necessary I will otherwise provide aid to Prosecutor Scrimgeour."
"Can you give us any specifics on the charges filed against any of them?"
asked a rather earnest appearing female journalist.
Instead of shooting the young woman down, as was her first instinct,
Amelia instead thought about it and replied, "It is both against DMLE
policy and a breach of privacy to tell you specifics. However, if you were
at the first task of the Tournament you'd have a pretty good idea what
many of those charges will be."
Shifting her attention from the one young woman to the gaggle at large
she said, "Now, you'll need to excuse me. While my aurors and I have
completed the initial interviews and interrogations there is still a great
deal more work to do. And I need to get back to it."
Without waiting to see if the journalists would allow her to leave, and
knowing they otherwise wouldn't, she turned and walked back to her
office. Those who hadn't had time to get in their questions tried shouting
them to her as she left, without success.
They knew they wouldn't get their answers, as she never answered any
question once she determined the doorstop 'interview' was over, but they
always tried anyway.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
At Hogwarts, Hermione Granger was having her own issues. The first was
discovering that her favourite professor, Minerva McGonagall, and the
man she near-idolised, Albus Dumbledore, were not deserving of her
favouritism or idolisation after all. And the second was being forcefully
informed, by the boy himself, that he, Harry Potter, was not the boy she
thought he was, either. It had all been a carefully crafted persona the boy
wore to hide the truth about himself.
That he did it, not to hide from her but from Albus Dumbledore, was
beside the point. She knew she shouldn't take it as a personal affront as
she fully understood why he did it, but it still hurt a little. The Harry
Potter she thought she knew wasn't real; just as the Harry Potter that was
supposedly written about in those fanciful tales about his childhood
wasn't real either.
That had been well-driven home when she tried to convince him that
house elves were, in fact, slaves. That he then coldly informed her that
she had no idea what she was talking about and then directed her to go
to the library to learn the truth for herself, had also hurt. When she then
tried to trick him into freeing the elves he'd bound into slavery once she
read the truth and would inform him of such, he dismissively told her she
would find no such thing and, therefore, her demand was pointless.
Of course, she immediately went to her 'haven', the library, and used her
research knowledge to find all the information the library contained on
the little creatures. She was determined to prove Harry wrong.
However, what she found astounded her. Harry was right. The elves
weren't so much slaves as they were a symbiotic creature that shared of a
witch's or wizard's magic to sustain themselves and, in return, provided
services to the witch or wizard. And, further, the house elves could not
take that magic unless a minor bonding ritual was completed first. If
Harry, as she had demanded, released the elf, the elf would be unable to
access that life sustaining magic and would slowly wither away and die
after first going insane. She was horrified to realise she'd practically
ordered Harry to kill the elf, Dobby.
"He was right!" she whispered to herself, appalled. "Oh, Gods! He was
right!"
She needed to track him down and immediately apologise.
Once she'd reached her decision she quickly put all the books she'd taken
off the shelves back in their rightful places on those shelves before
hurrying off. She was in a hurry to apologise, but that did not mean she
would not see to the rightful re-shelving of 'her' precious books first.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
What Hermione didn't know was that Harry was under his invisibility
cloak and was watching her. He even heard her whisper to herself before
she hurriedly starting putting books back onto their rightful places on the
shelves.
As the cloak was able to be folded up into a very small package, Harry
kept it on his person at all times ever since he'd once caught Weasley
going into his trunk and taking things.
He'd also figured out that the cloak was also the third Deathly Hallow
and knew the story. As Death was unable to find the third brother until
he'd removed the cloak from himself, he knew Dumbledore had to have
done something to it to allow the old man to see through it; as he clearly
did the night he was under it in Hagrid's cabin when Fudge and Malfoy
turned up to arrest the big oaf.
As soon as he'd figured that out, and after binding Dobby to himself, he'd
had the elf inspect it. Dobby had found a few charms on it anchored to
new stitching.
Having the little elf unravel the stitching, Harry had taken to carrying
that thread around, so the old man would not know it had been
discovered.
Once he'd discovered, or Dobby had discovered, that particular tracker-
come-beacon, he had the little elf scan the rest of his property. And what
a veritable panoply of charms the little elf found. Mail redirection, anti-
scry, listening, confounding and anti-muggle notice-me-not jinxes;
trackers; beacons; blood-based magics and others even Dobby did not
recognise. After having Dobby muffle the listening charms, Harry then
explained what he needed the elf to do.
Everything, except the anti-scry charm, was removed from Harry's
personal property and transferred to a few inanimate objects Harry had
then taken to carrying about on himself. He'd already figured out that, if
he appeared to be free of them, the Headmaster would both want to try
and figure out why and replace them. However, moving them to
inanimate objects, meant he was able to leave them behind when he
wanted to accomplish something without the old man knowing he had
'slipped his leash'.
One of those occasions was when Harry visited the goblins between
second and third year. He'd left those objects back in his room in the
Leaky Cauldron to ensure Dumbledore thought he'd not been in to see
them.
Now he'd done the 'Big Reveal', as he called it, he'd watched Hermione
head for the library and, while she was otherwise busy, headed out to the
lake edge and banished those objects as far out into the water as he
could. The only one he'd retained was the anti-scry ward; as Dobby had
assured him it stopped everyone, including Dumbledore, from scrying his
location. He wondered if the old man had stopped to think if it would or
not.
It wasn't until a few moments after tossing them into the lake he realised
he should have kept them and handed them over to Madam Bones. They
were, after all, evidence of one of the 'crimes' of which he believed the
old man guilty.
'Oh, well,' he had thought to himself with a mental sigh. 'She has more
than enough to convict the old bastard, as it is.'
Now he watched as Hermione, his real best friend, discovered he was
right and began to pack up. Knowing she would immediately seek him
out, he beat a hasty but silent retreat back to the Gryffindor common
room. He also knew the aurors would have already figured out he hadn't
gone for a 'lie down' as he'd told them and were currently scouring the
castle looking for him. He needed to get back to the common room and
give them time to tell him off for disappearing on them before Hermione
returned.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Making it back to the common room, and getting told off by the aurors as
he thought he would, it was less than ten seconds later that Hermione
entered and, as soon as she saw him on 'their' couch, headed to join him.
Sitting down she only glanced at him before averting her eyes downward
and saying, "Sorry, Harry."
"Alright," he said. "What are you sorry for?"
"You were right about the house elves. They're not slaves," she quietly
replied.
"Uh-huh," he quietly agreed.
"No 'I told you so's?" she asked.
"Nope," he replied. "No need."
She seemed to think for a long few moments before she almost
plaintively asked, "Have I always been that bad?"
"Yes," he immediately replied.
When she winced he added, "You have this bad habit of accepting things
as fact based on what you know from the muggle world. The magical
world is not the muggle world, Hermione. There are many things in the
wizarding world that have no contemporary in the muggle world. The
issue of house elves and how they're symbiotic creatures is just one of
those."
"But, it just seems so wrong!" she practically whined.
"It would be, if it weren't for the need of house elves to bond to stay
alive," he said. "Plus, you also need to stop thinking of house elves as
people. They're not."
"They might not be human, Harry," she argued; "But they are people.
They're just a different sort of people to humans."
"Yes; different," he shot back. "As in not the same."
"But, they are a people," she said. "They're intelligent. They can speak.
We can speak with them. They're capable of higher thought."
"And where do you draw the line regarding intelligence, Hermione?" he
asked. "If not at house elves, what about: goblins, trolls, giants, centaurs,
chimpanzees, bears or even dolphins? Where do you draw the line at what
constitutes 'speak'?"
"I..." she stuttered, "I - don't know."
"Look," he said, trying to explain. "You were raised with wholesome
Christian values in a modern British society - a modern muggle British
society. In that society the next creature down on the list of intelligence
is dolphins, followed by chimpanzees. And no one considers them
people."
With a sigh he added, "This is not modern muggle British society; this is
wizarding Britain. And it is effectively ruled by those whose
understanding of muggle British Society is what they've seen out the front
windows of the Leaky Cauldron, or what they've seen at Kings Cross
Station, or what they've seen out the windows of the Hogwarts Express.
Even then there are a great many who've not even seen that.
"Wizarding Britain, as a society, is closer to... say... Iran. Except, instead
of it being a theocracy, as it is there, it's a... magi-ocracy. At least, that's
the closest I could come to as an example. Those who have had magic in
their families the longest, rule. Understand?"
Though she looked almost stunned at Harry's explanation, she replied,
"Errr... yes; I think so."
"Good," he firmly stated with a short nod of his head. "Because, your oft-
times negative attitude to certain 'traditions' of the magical world offends
those raised in this world. And, it's not that they don't know any better,
either. It's that they detest someone, like you, coming into their world and
trying to force them to change. That attitude is no different than Muslims
coming to Britain and trying to force everyone to start obeying Sharia
law."
She thought about that for a few long seconds before she adopted a glum
expression and asked, "Is that why some, like Malfoy, treat me so
horribly?"
"That's part of it, yes," he replied. "But, Malfoy would still hate you,
anyway. They've been raised on stories of muggleborns having somehow
figured out how to steal magic from purebloods. Losing their magic
scares the Hell out of them, so they hate muggleborns."
"But, that's just stupid," she frowned. "Where's their evidence?"
"No one ever said it was logical," he shrugged. "People hate what they
fear, Hermione. The only way to fight that is to prove that muggles can't
steal magic."
"That's impossible," she firmly stated. "You can't prove a negative."
"I know," he smiled. "That's why the issue has never been resolved."
She thought about that for a few moments before she sighed, "But, still...
I almost forced you to kill Dobby by accident."
"No, you didn't," he disagreed.
She frowned and said, "But, Harry; you just got through convincing me
that, if you'd freed Dobby, it would have led to him dying. And I almost
forced you to free him."
"Yes, to the first part; no to the second," he replied. "You would have tried
to force me to free to Dobby. But, there's no way I'd have done that."
Turning more fully to her he continued, "I knew the truth, Hermione. You
might have continued to try to force me to release him; however, you'd
have not succeeded. Actually, the only thing you would have succeeded
in doing is, by pushing too hard, leading me to decide our friendship
wasn't worth it and immediately terminating it."
Hermione looked back in near heart-stricken shock, unable to verbally
form a word in response.
More softly he added, "I know it's going to take you a little while to come
to grips with the new reality of just who 'Harry Potter' is, Hermione. And,
I'm prepared to give you that little while. However... once again... I am
not the Harry Potter you thought me to be. The quicker you come to an
understanding of that the less problems you're going to face coming to an
acceptance of that."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
It was while Fudge was ordering the last of the packing during the early
hours of the morning he was alerted by ward alarm to the attempted
unauthorised entry of one Walden MacNair. Knowing the man was both a
'reformed' Death Eater and also on the 'payroll' of one Lucius Malfoy,
Fudge was fully aware of what the very likely reason was of MacNair
attempting to enter his, for the moment, home; especially during the
early hours of the morning.
Against DMLE orders to remain under house arrest he immediately
grabbed his secret and illegal portkey to his bolt hole, and portkeyed
away. He'd much rather be a wanted man than a dead man.
Once he was at his bolt-hole home he'd owl 'that blasted Bones woman'
why he took what action he did and hoped by Merlin she'd not charge
him any further for it. At least, if she accepted his excuse, he'd at least
not get the 'Wanted' tag applied to his name. He knew his order to have
any escaped prisoners of Azkaban 'Kissed on Sight' was still on the books
and he didn't want it to apply to him.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Dumbledore had spent the night in the DMLE holding cells 'knowing' he'd
lost everything. He was so depressed over the whole incident he hadn't
even thought to call his 'friend', Fawkes, to rescue him. He also had no
idea his 'resident' spy and potions master was in the cell two down from
him and also bemoaning his fate.
From what the boy had caused to be made public, besides him losing
everything, apparently the goblins had discovered the truth about the
monies and artefacts he'd removed from the boy's vault and had already
recovered it all. His 'retirement fund' would have been stripped bare, as
he knew there was less in it than the total he'd taken from the boy. It
took a lot of money to bribe members of the School Board and the
Wizengamot to make sure he stayed on as Headmaster, Chief Warlock
and Supreme Mugwump. Through Fudge, Malfoy had been trying to
wrestle those positions out of his grasp since that man ascended to the
Head of House Malfoy on the (very suspicious) death of his father.
Now, even if he still had the gold available to him, he knew he'd not be
keeping those positions. He'd now be Mister Dumbledore, once more. He'd
not been Mister Dumbledore since well before the war with Grindelwald.
Since the late 1920s he'd been at least Professor Dumbledore. And that
was seventy years ago.
There was nothing he could do about that. Young Harry had well and
truly fooled him these past few years and, as attested by the questions the
Bones woman had asked him during his second interrogation, had
provided her even more evidence of his illegal acts through those blasted
memories of his. He'd used his best skills at dissembling interlocution and
she'd fallen for none of it. Every time he tried to lead her away from the
truth by leading her to make false assumptions, his usual method, she'd
simply demanded he directly answer her question or be ready to be dosed
with Veritaserum. She allowed him no 'wiggle' room, whatsoever.
He'd miscalculated when he'd demanded to be released or charged,
because she did just that - charged him. It was only a couple hours earlier
when she'd informed him his trial was already being arranged and he
would not be released until that trial and, even then, only if they
somehow found him innocent of all charges. Even he knew the chances of
that currently rated at 'highly unlikely'.
In order to try and get some level of control of 'the message', he needed
out and to be in contact with the media. That, though, was not going to
happen. While he was being held in isolation people, especially the
media, were in control of the information and were acting both without
his guidance and ability to get ahead of things. As such he could not offer
rebuttal.
It was maddening!
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Over at Riddle Manor, the current hiding place of the recently 'partially
reborn' Dark Lord Voldemort, said Dark Lord was trying to use his very
undersized and weak arms to read that morning's copy of the Daily
Prophet.
He had seen what was reported about the Potter boy's 'play' of the first
task and couldn't make heads or tails of why he did it. It confused him as
to the boy's motives and that was a situation he was uncomfortable with.
From the articles, the way Potter went about it demonstrated a very
cunning Slytherin mindset. He had a firmly captive audience and,
apparently, no time limit. And then used both that captive audience and
unlimited time to utterly destroy the reputations of the senior staff of
Hogwarts - especially that of that muggle-loving fool, Dumbledore - the
Minister of Magic himself, plus two Directors of Ministry departments.
The only thing he couldn't figure out was why. Nor did he know what the
boy's actions would mean for his plan to have him at the graveyard the
following June. For now, he'd wait and see what the fallout was going to
be from the boy's actions; then make what changes to his plans he
needed.
The paper already told him he'd lost young Barty as his on-the-scene spy.
That meant Barty would also not be in a position to replace the portkey
on the Cup to whisk the boy away from under the very crooked nose of
Dumbledore, let alone organise for the boy to be the first to reach the
cup. However, the end result did not actually need the boy to be taken at
the completion of the third task; he just found the almost poetic justice of
the concept had appealed to him.
Barty wasn't that much of a loss as, due to the inherent danger of his
task, the information about why he was at Hogwarts was protected by
both a Fidelius and a compulsion charm. No, young Barty would not be
'tattle-telling' anyone his true mission. Instead, he'd be telling them about
how he was the sole planner and instigator of the Potter boy's name
being submitted. He'd be telling anyone who pressed him for information
he'd done it in order to see the boy killed through not being skilled or
powerful enough to survive.
However, if they forced on him Veritaserum or some other truth telling
potion or compulsion charm, the Fidelius and Veritaserum would conflict
and cause young Barty to lose his life. They might suspect more to the
story, but would not have the evidence to act. Instead, how he managed
to get free of the prison in the first place would be promoted. In that
way, Voldemort hoped the DMLE would be... misdirected... into
investigating only that and not the plan for Potter now they had a 'red
herring' to follow.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
At Hogwarts Minerva McGonagall had spent the time since her return to
the castle, including deep into the night, in personal reflection.
After taking her breakfast in her rooms the next morning she finally
decided she now needed to speak to someone and used her floo to
contact her best friend and fellow professor, Filius Flitwick.
Taking a deep breath to steel her fortitude she dashed a pinch of floo
powder into the fireplace. "Hogwarts, Charms Office," she firmly called.
Kneeling as soon the flames turned green and sticking her head within,
she tentatively called, "Filius? Are you there?"
Stepping into sight from the side, Flitwick quietly but firmly said, "Step
through, Minerva." The way he worded it sound almost like an order.
However, with her mind elsewhere, McGonagall didn't recognise it and
simply stepped through.
Almost relieved she stepped in and almost immediately stepped out into
her friend's office. "Thank you for seeing me, Filius," she said.
As she was talking, Flitwick was walking around his desk to sit in his
elevated office chair. Then gestured to one of the chairs opposite and
said, "Take a seat, Minerva." Again, he used that flat commanding voice.
As she was already moving in that direction, unconsciously led by
Flitwick heading for his desk chair, McGonagall again didn't recognise
the lack of warmth in her friend's voice.
"I need... we need... to apologise to Mister Potter, Filius," she began. "I
hadn't seen just how bad we've let that boy down until it was all laid in
front of me by Amelia's aurors―"
"Stop, Minerva!" Flitwick snapped out, raising his off hand in the
international accepted stop gesture of a flat hand with fingers together
raised vertically with the palm facing out.
It immediately silenced McGonagall, who stared back in shock.
Knowing he now had her full attention, Flitwick continued to stare at her
for a moment longer before, still using the same quiet but firm voice,
said, "You do not need to apologise to Mister Potter, Minerva; you just
want to apologise to Lord Potter. And, even then, it's for selfish reasons."
When McGonagall looked to be about to respond in defiance with hackles
almost visibly raised, Flitwick's expression hardened and almost appeared
as if he was going to growl back. Finally recognising the expression for
what it was, McGonagall's whole attitude immediately changed and she
almost cowered back into her seat in fear. "F-Filius?" she plaintively
asked.
"The entire staff of this school have failed that boy, Minerva," he said,
returning to the same flat commanding voice. It was a voice McGonagall
now recognised as issuing from someone who had their occlumency
shields at maximum in order to control their emotions. Once she
recognised it, it was then easy to deduce that the emotion her long-time
friend was trying to control was anger.
Continuing, he said, "For some - such as Bat and Septima, who have no
direct contact with the boy - it was because they weren't carefully
watching. And no one could, or should, expect them to given that there
were other staff in more direct contact.
"For others - such as me, who does interact with the boy as one of his
teachers - we weren't watching and were not alert for anything wrong, as
we bloody well should have been.
"Then there's you," he snapped, with his anger starting to again bleed
through his barriers. "You were supposed to be the boy's Head of House.
Let alone also being the Deputy Headmistress it was your responsibility to
ensure the boy, as with all other students, was safe. You failed!
"From the boy's memories I also came to the realisation you were
partially responsible for the boy being placed into the supposed care of
abusive muggles. That makes you guilty of child endangerment and child
abuse by proxy. That you did it in collusion with Albus Dumbledore and
Rubeus Hagrid adds the charge of conspiracy. And that was all within
hours of the boy becoming an orphan.
"That you did it while Deputy Headmistress, irrespective of whether you
were acting in that role at the time or not and that it was crimes against
a child, makes you now ineligible to hold a position of authority over any
child, let alone as a professor over students at this school.
"Until I was made aware of the level of abuse that's been hurled at the
boy, even before he entered Hogwarts and was systematically abused
here, I held both you and Dumbledore in high trust. Obviously, I was a
fool to do so. My trust in either of you became less than floating dust in
the shaft as of the moment I learned of it."
Lifting a finger into the air and pointing it at her to highlight his point,
he continued, "Have no doubt, Minerva McGonagall, you failed that boy
and, in the process, failed yourself. From that I firmly believe you're going
to lose your job because of it. Then, because of my clearly misplaced trust
in you and the old man, I believe I'll be losing my position as well.
"At the very least we're both going to be reduced to only professors. I
already know I'm going to be losing Head of House status; and you're
going to be losing both your Head of House status and Deputy Head
positions."
Dropping her eyes as they began to moisten with unshed tears,
McGonagall softly asked, "Perhaps if I can talk to him and apologise?"
Flitwick immediately replied, "Before you managed to say more than one
word you'd be arrested again and charged with witness tampering. Then
you'd lose your professorship, as well... if that's still on the table."
As McGonagall hung her head further in shame, Flitwick sighed and more
softly said, "Actually, Minerva, I don't know if you're going to survive
this, let alone remain a teacher.
"From what I've learned you were with Dumbledore and Hagrid when
young Harry was pretty much literally dumped on the doorstep of his
muggle magic-hating relatives. That, on the death of his father only a few
hours earlier, he became the titular Head of a Noble and Most Ancient
House at the time... as Dumbledore had no right to take the boy away
from his rightful guardian... means you were an accomplice in the
kidnapping of such a Head. And that could easily mean - should you be
found guilty, of course - you're bound for a trip through the Veil or a
kissing date with a dementor."
That she hadn't even twitched at mention of being executed, though she
did squirm a little, meant McGonagall also realised the chance of her
being executed was quite possible.
Finally, she looked back at her old friend with an almost pleading look
on her face. She was wearing her heart on her sleeve.
"What do I need to do?" she practically begged. "What can I do? I'd hoped
that... by at least apologising to the boy... it probably won't stop me
being sentenced... but, it's still the right thing to do."
"That may be," he replied with a single nod back. "However, this has all
now become an ongoing DMLE investigation. And that means you are not
permitted to approach him in any way, shape or form. I've no doubt that,
like me, you were warned not to do that by the aurors."
She nodded back.
"Then you cannot approach him to even apologise," the half-goblin firmly
stated. "If you do, you harm your own defence. And that means any
possibility of you escaping execution is reduced."
"I need him to know," she softly but just as firmly stated.
"Then, we shall raise it with the aurors and ask them first," he returned.
"We will not, however, approach him directly."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
A/N: Okay... That's five chapters to start things off. I wanted to get the
First Task and the beginning of investigations out of the way. I'll be
looking to post each successive chapter no further apart than once a
week. Sinyk
6. Augusta's Smackdown
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 Six - Augusta's Smack-down
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
That morning during the mail bomb, Harry received a letter from Amelia
Bones informing him of the punishment levied against Molly Weasley for
her 'egregious breach of the Statute of Secrecy' back on the first of
September, 1991, at Kings Cross Train Station.
When he saw the amount of the fine he let out a low whistle. That was a
lot of galleons. He just hoped Arthur could afford it, or raise enough
money to pay it. If he didn't, Molly was heading for Azkaban until he
either could pay it or she'd served at least twelve months of
incarceration.
The letter also informed him that, if any of the Weasleys gave him a hard
time about it and an auror wasn't nearby to witness it, he was to
immediately report it to her or one of her aurors. And it would be dealt
with.
He gave a sigh, folded it up and put it in his pocket. Though it would
have been something he'd have done in his fake persona, he knew it
wasn't his place to inform the Weasleys of the DMLE order.
"Who's the letter from, Harry?" asked Hermione.
"The DMLE and it's none of your concern," he replied, before turning to
her. "Please, don't ask."
Hermione gave her own sigh, looked down to her plate and nodded.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After he felt he'd finally gotten through to Hermione about the house
elves - he hoped - the previous night, Harry went in search of Neville. He
found the boy in the House common room reading a book on, it
appeared, plants of the Mediterranean.
"Neville," he called, getting the other boy's attention.
"Yeah, Harry?" asked the other boy, setting his book aside.
"You and I need to talk," he replied. He gestured to the common room
door and said, "Mind stepping outside with me and going for a walk?"
Giving a firm nod back, the other boy said, "Sure, Harry." And set his
book onto the alongside side table and stood; heading over.
Leading the way outside and down the corridor a bit, Neville followed
and remained silent until Harry began to speak quite a few dozen feet
away from the common room entrance. "Neville, I need you to answer
some questions I have, honestly and without quibble. I do not need nor
want excuses, just explanations. Can you do that for me?"
The only thing that made Neville pause before giving an automatic
response was the intensity of his friend's questions and the look of
seriousness on the other boy's face. He was a moment before he firmly
stated back, "Yes, Harry."
Harry only gave a firm nod before he turned to look more directly at his
dorm mate's face. "Both of us have been at this school, as dorm mates, for
a little over three years now. In that time you could not help but notice I
have been dressed in little more than hand-me-down rags, I've been
clearly undernourished and I have scars on my body a normal child,
wizard or muggle, should never have.
"The Houses of Longbottom and Potter are supposed to be allied. So, my
question is, why have you never said anything about that? Why have you
not at least raised it with me?"
Neville, Heir Longbottom, knew to his very bones this was a very
important question and required a very well-considered response. He
knew this question would come one day and knew the alliance would
hinge on his answer. Therefore, above any other questions that might one
day be asked of him, he had thought long and hard about how he would
answer this one.
With conviction, he looked his mate directly in the eye and firmly but
quietly replied, "The day I first saw you once you'd returned to wizarding
world, the first of September 1991, I knew something was wrong
concerning you. Yes, I noticed you were scrawny and appeared underfed.
I also noticed your clothing appeared oversized and, as you put it, hand-
me-downs. That, alone, worried me.
"That night I wrote to my Gran about you and what I noticed. I sought
her advice. However, before she replied back and that very night, I then
saw you for the first time in only your briefs and noticed the scarring; so
I sent a second letter the very next morning about that, too.
"Less than an hour later I received a letter from Gran at breakfast,
answering the first letter, where she told me I was not to do or say
anything unless you directly asked. She told me it was not my place to do
so."
Neville turned to look away, clearly ashamed at that, and sighed. "I was
angry when I read that."
Turning to look back with an expression of both remembered anger and
frustration he continued, "But I was hoping her response to my second
letter would change her instruction. It didn't.
"Her response to my second letter arrived the next morning during the
normal owl delivery time. I'd eagerly opened it, expecting just such a
change. However, she again instructed me to do and say nothing."
Neville had stopped walking at that point. His eyes had lost focus, staring
at the floor a dozen feet ahead of him; his whole body stood tense with
fists clenched as his magic began to manifest in a slight aura about
himself.
Harry stood a few feet away to the side and carefully watched his friend.
He now knew it was not his friend's fault he'd never spoken up when he
knew he should have. But he also knew the other boy had to work his
way through it on his own.
"I couldn't believe, she told me that," Neville almost spat. "I tried, again
and again, to convince her I had to step in and talk to you about it, or at
least coming and talking to you about it herself; but she kept telling me
to stay out of it. Eventually, after about our tenth time of me writing her
and begging her to let me step in she wrote and told me 'No' and that I
was to immediately drop the subject.
"I was furious, but she's Regent and I couldn't go against her. However, I
definitely gave her a serve about it at Yule that first year. Even then,
though, she wasn't moved. She just dug her heels in, refused to discuss it
any more and told me the matter was closed until you raised it."
Harry thought about that for quite a while before he gave a nod to
himself and said, "Then, please inform your grandmother, Regent
Augusta Longbottom of Longbottom, that I, Lord Harrison James Potter
of Potter and rightful Head of the House of Potter, hereby inform her that
as long as she remains Regent of the House of Longbottom the long-
standing alliance between our houses is hereby suspended for cause. And
that said cause is a direct result of her failure to act when informed of
obvious problems relating to then-Heir Potter by Heir Longbottom and
when repeatedly encouraged to do so by Heir Longbottom.
"Lord Potter considers her lack of action as a direct betrayal of the
principles of the alliance, if not the actual wording. And, therefore, sees
her lack of action as a betrayal of the House of Potter."
Neville froze in place and stared at Harry in shock. "You... you―"
"Yes, me, Neville," said Harry. He hadn't raised his voice. He'd just spoken
in a quiet voice without much inflection and without even anger or
vindictiveness. His voice was just firm.
"Gran's going to kill me," Neville near-moaned.
"The fault does not lie with you, Heir Longbottom," Harry disagreed. "The
fault lies entirely with her. She did not act as she should have done; as
you tried to get her to allow you to do.
"What you tried to do was the right thing; what she did was not. She
should be thankful that, due to your response to my question, I did not
dissolve the alliance completely; only suspended it."
"She's not going to see it that way," Neville shook his head and sighed.
"Then send her to me and I'll deal with her," said Harry. "You honoured
the alliance by letting me know as soon as you could; at the earliest you
were restricted to by your Regent. That is, you told me as soon as I asked
you about it. And you were straightforward and honest with me.
"Your Regent... your Gran... is the one entirely at fault. As I've now
explained, if I had thought you had somehow or for some reason decided
to keep me ignorant, I would have immediately terminated the alliance
in its entirety. She should be thankful that, by your words and actions, I
have only suspended it. And then, I've only suspended it until such time
as she is no longer your Regent.
"If she wants me to remove the suspension she'll need to step down as
your Regent and allow you to take up the Headship of your House. I will
not remove it until then."
"Oh, Merlin!" the other boy moaned. Suddenly he squared his shoulders
and looked more fully into Harry's eyes. "I shall contact Regent
Longbottom at my earliest opportunity and ensure she is informed of
your decision."
Harry smiled back and said, "Good man! And, if you need my help in
writing down exactly what words you should use, find me and I'll help.
"After all, we definitely do not want her to have the wrong impression,
do we?"
"No, we do not," replied Neville, a lot more serious about it than Harry
was about asking it.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Heading for lunch, as soon as Harry walked into the Great Hall he
noticed there were a couple of new faces sitting at the head table. They
seemed to be waiting and watching for something.
As soon as it appeared pretty much all students were sitting at the House
tables, quietly eating and or discussing who was sitting at the head table
among themselves, one of the two, an older gentleman, rose from his
chair and made his way to the lectern Dumbledore often used for his
announcements.
By the time he arrived behind it and looked about the Hall, most students
had quietened right down, with only a low murmuring coming from
those still softly talking between themselves while keeping an eye on
him.
"Students!" he quietly but firmly began, before pausing as the remaining
noise dimmed down to almost silence. "Students. For those who do not
know me, I am Bartwinkle Creston. And I am the Chair-wizard of the
School Board of Governors."
He gave that a few moments to sink in before he continued. "Like the vast
majority of you, I'm sure, I was shocked at the information Lord Potter
brought to light during his attempt at the first task of the Tri-Wizard
Tournament yesterday. There was so much information, in fact, that
many of us, including myself, have not had time to... reconcile... what we
learned with what we thought we knew. However, of what we've now
come to know is true, it is sufficient for the Board to determine that we
will be allowing, without dissent, the DMLE to complete their full and
ongoing investigations before we reach a final determination as to what
changes need to brought in here, at Hogwarts.
"However, that does not mean we are not going to act on what we
already know.
"First, Madam Bones's assuming Acting Headmistress of Hogwarts for the
duration of the investigation is supported by the Board, irrespective of
her assuming control of the school and its grounds as part of her remit as
senior investigator of the DMLE investigation of crime on the grounds.
Albus Dumbledore and Minerva McGonagall are suspended as
Headmaster and Deputy Headmistress, respectively.
"Second, all Head of House positions are suspended for the duration. And
- until such time as we, the School Board, are satisfied - such positions
will not exist. Even then, changes are very likely to occur.
"Third, all staff charged or otherwise under investigation by the DMLE
have their positions as Professors of Hogwarts suspended until such time
as they are cleared by the DMLE to resume their positions. Even then, as
with the Head of House positions, changes are likely to occur.
"Fourth, as many professors are currently under investigation - and as
many are therefore suspended and, as a result, are not legally permitted
to teach - all classes are hereby suspended until the Board gives the word
they may recommence. Therefore, letters are being sent to your listed
guardians asking if they would prefer you to be sent home for the
duration; however long that may be. That period may be anywhere from
a few days to a few months.
"For those guardians who would prefer you to be brought home, the
School will be paying for portkeys for you to both be sent home and for
you to be called back once classes recommence. We will not be using the
Hogwarts Express for this."
The man then took on a pained countenance with his eyes closed for a
few moments before he opened them and then directed his gaze towards
the Gryffindor table. It was only a short moment before his eyes laid
upon those of Harry.
"Lord Potter," he solemnly said. "On behalf of the School Board of
Governors you have my and their deepest apologies. We should have kept
a better eye on the Headmaster and staff of the school and we did not.
Like everyone else, we were swayed by the honeyed words of Albus
Dumbledore not to take a closer look at what was going on. That ends
now.
"From this moment forth the Board of Governors of Hogwarts School of
Witchcraft and Wizardry will be keeping a closer and constant watch
over the school; to ensure for ourselves and the wizarding community at
large that nothing like what has happened over the past three plus years -
and even before that - will ever happen again. No longer will the
Headmaster or Headmistress, whoever they may be, have... carte
blanche... to act without all such actions being subject to Board overview
or review. You have our word."
Harry thought about that for a few moments before he gave the slightest
of shrugs and a simple nod back. Creston seemed satisfied with that and
turned back to the greater Hall.
"And, finally, on behalf of the Board of Governors of Hogwarts School of
Witchcraft and Wizardry I apologise to our visiting guests from
Durmstrang Institute and Beauxbatons Academy of Magic. You came for
what should have been a friendly competition between our three schools.
And, instead, have quickly found yourselves embroiled in what I believe
would have to be the greatest scandal our school has seen in its entire
one thousand year history.
"At this point I do not know if the Tournament will be allowed to
continue 'as is', will be completely modified to get it over with as soon as
possible - considering the binding magical contract enacted by the Goblet
of Fire - will be deferred until a later date or will simply be cancelled
outright. That decision has not been made and will not be made until we
have further information.
"Therefore, we must ask both schools' champions to remain at Hogwarts
until that decision has been reached. Accordingly, both schools' other
guests are also welcome to remain."
With what appeared to be a firm nod to himself, together with a clear
relaxation of his shoulders of the stress he must've been under, Creston
finally said, "That is all. Thank you." And stepped away from the podium.
He returned to sit with the other adults at the head table.
Of course, that now became the topic of discussion among the students.
Hermione wanted to speak about it with Harry, but he wasn't interested.
"But, Harry," she begged. "This is important."
"I agree," he replied. "However, you and I discussing it will make not a bit
of difference in whether or not it occurs. As such, I see it as a waste of
time when I have other, more important, matters I need to deal with."
"Like what?" she asked.
Again, Harry could see she wasn't being nosy, just usually curious. So he
didn't shut her down.
"I have House business to discuss with Neville and quite a few other
students who are Heirs of other similar Houses," he replied. "And, no, it's
not business I'll be discussing with you. This is business of the Houses of
Potter and Black with their allies; and not for discussion by others not of
those Houses or allied Houses. Sorry."
Again, Hermione seemed surprised by the answer and not a little
disappointed. "This is yet another facet of the 'real' Harry Potter, isn't it?"
she asked.
"Yes," he replied with a firm nod. "I am Harrison James Potter, Lord of
the Noble and Most Ancient House of Potter and named Heir Presumptive
of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black. As such there are certain
alliances and business dealings of both Houses that are privy only to me,
other Heads, Heirs or members of those Houses and our allies. I simply
cannot discuss much of any of it with you without each of their
approvals."
With another sigh of acceptance, she gave a nod and looked away. More
and more it was becoming apparent her best friend, Harry, would be
moving in wizarding social circles she, as a simple muggleborn, would
not be able to join. That then had her thinking how Lily Potter, another
famous muggleborn and the mother of her best friend, actually did move
in those circles. And that was because she had married the Head of one of
those ancient families. Which then led her to a subject she had spent only
a little time upon before: Was her future to be the next, as she'd once
thought, Missus Potter; and now knew to be Lady Potter?
Looking around the various tables and mentally going over plans on who
he needed to speak to and in what order, Harry never noticed his best
friend's face suddenly turn scarlet in embarrassment and look away,
thinking about her future.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After Harry assisted Neville in writing his letter to his Gran, the Regent of
the House of Longbottom, Harry then discussed with the other boy who
else he needed to approach about not providing assistance to him when it
was obvious he needed it right from the first day of first year.
"I know you've spoken with Regent Bones, Harry," said the other boy,
"But have you spoken with Susan, Heiress Bones, about her own lack of
action? I mean, she's one of those who've been wearing one of those
badges."
Harry gave a bit of grunt and replied, "Not yet. She's also one of the ones
who bad-mouthed me during that whole Heir of Slytherin thing in second
year."
"When she was twelve, Harry," argued Neville. "Do you really want to
hold her to blame for that?"
"But, you're suggesting I hold her to blame for this year when she's
fourteen?" he argued right back.
"Yes," Neville firmly and immediately replied. "At twelve we're still pre-
teens and it's between four and five years before we take up our
Headships if our father's are dead or... otherwise indisposed. At fourteen
it's half that.
"In a little over two years Susan will be the Head of the House of Bones. I
cannot see her aunt not educating her, as I was, in what would be
required of her."
Harry thought about that for a long moment before he asked, "Do I have
a right to talk to her about it?"
Confused, Neville asked back, "What do you mean?"
"Well, I know the Houses of Potter and Longbottom are in alliance, but I
don't know about the rest."
Neville looked in dawning shock and asked, "You really don't know, do
you?"
Harry frowned back and snapped, "I wouldn't have bloody asked if I
didn't."
A little sheepish Neville replied, "No... no, you wouldn't have. Sorry." And
sighed. "Then I shall explain."
"Please," said Harry.
"The Potter-Longbottom Alliance is called that, but that's because our two
families formed it and lead it. It's also called that because our two
families are the most powerful, as both Houses are Noble and Most
Ancient.
"However, there are a number of lesser powerful Houses who have joined
in. Those are the Noble and Ancient Houses of Pones, Greengrass,
MacMillan, Marchbanks and Ogden; and the Ancient Houses of Abbott
and Davis. There's more, but they're even further down than the Ancient
Houses. The only ones who do not currently have a representative on the
Wizengamot is Abbott and Davis. And I haven't included some even lesser
families who have asked for 'membership' because they really don't bring
much to the table.
"In Hogwarts, especially in our year, are the Heirs and Heiresses of most
of those Houses. They are: Daphne Greengrass, Earnie MacMillan,
Hannah Abbott, Sue Bones and Tracey Davis; not including you and me.
The Heirs for Marchbanks and Ogden are grown and already graduated.
"Does that help?"
Harry thought about that for a few minutes before he asked, "And have
you approached those other Heirs and Heiresses and asked why, for the
past month, they've been hanging shit on me?"
"They haven't, Harry," replied Neville. "Sue and Hannah both did not
know those disgusting badges would change to saying 'Potter Stinks'
when you came close to them, or on command from Malfoy. They both
thought they were just supporting Cedric. As soon as both found out
what those badges said in full, they immediately removed them.
"Neither Daphne nor Tracey wore them right from the start, because both
thought them gauche. But it did take me a while to get Ernie to remove
his. It wasn't until I pulled rank as a part of the Alliance before he
complied. And he was pretty unhappy I did that."
"Hmmm," mused Harry. "Do I need to go and talk to them? To repri―"
Cutting him off, the other boy quite firmly replied, "Now that you've
officially recognised the alliance, you definitely should; if for no other
reason than to let them know you're now aware of it, at least.
"I also think you need to lay down the law with them all. That way, we're
both now doing that. I still get treated like the supposed squib most
thought I was. However, together, they'll have no choice but to knuckle
under."
"The only reason you keep being referred to as a bloody squib is because
you're using your father's wand!" Harry snapped. "If you had a wand that
was properly attuned to you, you wouldn't be having so many bloody
problems!"
As Neville gaped back at him, Harry gave a nod and said, "Now that
we've written your Regent, we'll do just that... talk to the other heirs, I
mean.
"Oh, and the issue with your wand is yet another thing that's annoying
me about your grandmother. I take it she's the one who pretty much
ordered you to use it?"
Neville, still a little stunned at Harry's remarks, simply nodded back
wide-eyed.
"Then, that will be fixed with all due haste," Harry growled.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Harry was just going to approach each of the other heirs in the Potter-
Longbottom Alliance and demand their presence in a vacant classroom.
However, Neville said it needed to be done the 'right' way; and that was
to send them each an owl with a formal notice demanding their
attendance at a specific time and place.
So, now that the letter to Regent Longbottom had been sent using
Hedwig, the two wrote the demand letters for Daphne Greengrass,
Earnest MacMillan, Susan Bones, Hannah Abbott and Tracey Davis under
their titles of 'Heir(ess) of'. Each heir was required to meet the two of
them in the antechamber off the Entrance Hall, where they'd all first
congregated the night of their sorting.
Because the mail was internal and he didn't want it delivered in the Great
Hall by the owls anyway, nor wanted it to wait the full day, the others all
received their summonses by 'house elf express'.
The meeting was set for that very afternoon, immediately prior to the
evening meal.
Harry also called on Dobby to provide a table with seven chairs to be set
up in the room just before the time of the meeting. And the two boys,
plus Harry's auror detail, were in the room and waiting as the first of the
others arrived.
Harry and Neville both remained in their seats with Harry's auror detail
standing up against the back wall and sufficiently well apart they could
not be taken out by one curse or hex.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
The first in through the door was Earnie MacMillan, accompanied by
both Sue Bones and Hannah Abbott.
As soon as he stepped within, not even holding the door for the two
ladies first, MacMillan snarled, "What the bloody hell do you think you're
doing, Potter?!"
Ignoring the question, even the rudeness of it, Harry firmly ordered,
"Take a seat, MacMillan."
"But, before you do that," said Neville. "Perhaps you should think about
holding a chair for the ladies, first."
MacMillan ignored the verbal jab and order and snapped back, "I don't
have to do anything either of you tell me to."
"Very well," said Harry, still with a calm voice but with his eyes reflecting
his anger. "I shall be writing your Lord immediately on the conclusion of
this meeting and informing him that the House of MacMillan is hereby
excommunicated from the Potter-Longbottom Alliance due to his heir...
you... being a rude and obnoxious self-aggrandising little prick to both
Potter and Longbottom."
Harry gave that a moment to 'sink in' before he then snapped, "Now, get
out! This is a meeting of the heirs of the Potter-Longbottom Alliance, who
currently attend this school. And you no longer meet that condition."
MacMillan stood there gaping back in horrified shock. "You... you can't
do that!"
Both Bones and Abbott, who were standing right behind MacMillan,
where also staring back at Harry in shock.
"I might only be fourteen years old, MacMillan," growled Harry. "But,
that does not mean I am not the Head of the Noble and Most Ancient
House of Potter; and, as such, one of the two people who head this
alliance. The other, Frank Longbottom, is currently indisposed; and as
such cannot rule against me. Therefore, whatever decision I make
regarding membership of the alliance is absolute.
"So, for the final time, get out! And don't let the door hit you on the arse
on the way out. You are no longer welcome here."
"You can't!" Macmillan pleaded. "My grandfather will likely kill me if you
do that! At the very least he'll disown me!"
"Not my problem. You were given opportunity to rectify your behaviour
by Heir Longbottom - and failed to do so," Harry snapped before he
barked, "Now, GET OUT!"
MacMillan paused for all of five seconds while he and Harry stared at one
another, before his face morphed from shock to an expression of
combined anger and fear. Then he spun on his heel and stormed out the
door just as Greengrass and Davis entered. He was even rude enough to
knock Davis slightly aside as he exited.
"What was that about?" asked Davis.
"Because of the very recent rude behaviour of Heir MacMillan towards
Lord Potter and Heir Longbottom," explained a slightly awed Neville,
"Harry... sorry, Lord Potter, Head of the Noble and Most Ancient House of
Potter... just excommunicated House MacMillan from the alliance."
Both Davis and Greengrass also gave expressions of surprise. However,
Greengrass's expression, due to her clear use of Occlumency, was little
more than a cocked eyebrow.
"On the conclusion of this meeting I'll be writing to Lord MacMillan,
explaining precisely that," explained Harry.
"In the meantime," he added, "Ladies; please sit." And gestured to the
chairs around the table.
As Greengrass moved to a seat, along with the other three, she said, "So,
the Lion of Gryffindor bares his claws once more. I do believe I'm going
to like this Harrison James Potter."
"It's about time, Potter," said Davis.
Harry's expression suddenly changed to guarded and he quietly said,
"Please, sit."
None of those there mistook the seeming request as anything but the
order it actually was. They all sat and looked back with expressions
ranging from angry to uncertain in how to act.
"Alright, Potter," Greengrass eventually said. "You've got us all here. Now
what?"
"I want answers," said Harry. "And you people are going to provide them.
Plus... be aware... if I believe you're quibbling, being untruthful or I
simply do not like the answer I receive, getting your own Houses kicked
from the alliance is the least of your worries."
That had them all, except Neville, sit up straighter and focus. Neville
knew he'd already passed this 'test'.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After speaking with the other heirs and getting the answers he wanted,
though he was unhappy with many of them, Harry didn't declare any
other House excommunicated or similar. Instead, he demanded of them
all to recognise they had done him wrong. Then, once they'd formally
recognised they had done him said wrong, demanded of them they
inform their Heads of House they provide unconditional support in his
endeavours from that moment forward.
However, he did declare that the House of Bones was going a long way
towards providing that support through the actions of Regent Bones,
Amelia, in her role as Director of the DMLE.
They each now had a far better understanding of just how badly they'd
let down the House of Potter. And it was drummed into them they were
not to allow it to happen ever again.
It was just as they were about to break up when a house elf popped in,
took one look at them all and popped out again.
"Fluxy?" Neville quietly asked the space where the elf had stood for only
a few seconds.
Next thing they knew the door was flung open and in strode a quite irate
Madam Augusta Longbottom, Neville's regent.
Neville moaned, "Oh, Merlin!"
"Mister Potter," she practically snarled. "I want a word with you." She
then looked to everyone else in the room and barked, "The rest of you
can get out. Now."
"Freeze!" Harry instantly barked right back, louder.
That brought the other heirs, except Neville, to an immediately halt when
they were practically jumping up ready to run out the door.
Swivelling his gaze back on the Longbottom matriarch, he snarled, "How
dare you! We are just finishing up with an important meeting that has
taken me quite some time to organise. If you want to have a word with
me, you will ask... politely... and wait until I have time for you.
"If you cannot wait less than three minutes until the end of this meeting,
say so right now; and I'll send formal notice to all the important parties
to let them know the Potter-Longbottom Alliance is hereby immediately
and irrevocably terminated!"
As the two stared one another down, the others gaped back in shock
between the two.
After a long moment that felt, even to Harry, as if an hour had passed
while the two stared at one another, Augusta finally 'blinked', threw her
nose in the air in a haughty fashion and more quietly said, "I'll wait
outside."
Then, not even waiting for Harry to acknowledge her words, spun on her
heel and stormed back out of the room.
As the door closed behind her those remaining, including Harry and
Neville, let out a collective sigh of relief.
"Sorry about that," said Harry, a lot quieter this time. "I suggest we meet,
once more, one month from today. I'll let everyone know of the time and
place once the time approaches."
As the others continued to pack away what few things they had out and
began to leave in pairs, Neville was also about to leave when Harry
motioned for him to stay.
"You're going to need to remain, I think," said Harry. "I know your
grandmother will probably not want you to, but I'm asking you to
remain."
Neville gave a slight shudder, but firmed up and nodded.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
With Susan the last one out, Harry followed her to the door and looked
outside.
He saw Madam Longbottom standing in a foul mood and watching the
door.
He gestured to her to come in and, without even waiting for her to
acknowledge him - let alone hold the door for her - turned and walked
back to his seat alongside Neville.
It wasn't until he'd turned away from the door to head back to his seat he
saw the two aurors still standing quietly along the wall behind where
he'd sat.
He sat down as the woman re-entered the room. Again, she entered irate.
"Neville," she snapped. "Leave! And the two aurors can leave with you."
"If Neville leaves, so do I," Harry immediately riposted, placing a calming
hand on Neville's arm as the other boy almost shot to his feet. "It is
obvious this meeting is as much about him as it is about us.
"As for the aurors, they're here at the command of Madam Bones,
Director of the DMLE. They're most definitely not going anywhere, no
matter how much you bluster about it."
While holding Neville's arm down, he glared back at the woman daring
her to countermand him.
After a very long ten-plus seconds of staring, each trying to dominate the
other, Madam Longbottom finally sniffed, "I need to speak with you...
alone."
"No... you don't," he disagreed right back. "You want to speak with me,
alone. You don't need to, at all."
Again she stared back without saying a word. Harry could see she was
quite used to this silent intimidation tactic working. The pity for her was
it had no effect on him. And he couldn't care less.
Eventually she all but snarled, "I have delicate House business of matters
between the Houses of Longbottom and Potter to discuss with you. You
don't want other witnesses listening in."
"Do not presume to tell me what I do and do not want, woman!" he
snarled back.
That stumped her, as she stood there clearly frustrated and unsure of
what to do next.
Finally, she all but snarled back, "You will not be forcing me to relinquish
my position of Regent for the House of Longbottom."
"Fine," he simply replied. "Then I shall inform the Heads of Houses for
Greengrass, Davis, Abbott, Bones and the others that the long-standing
Potter-Longbottom Alliance is terminated. If that was all you came to tell
me you could have simply sent me an owl.
"As for you, I'm done with you. As I explained in my letter to you, I
consider your actions in blocking Heir Longbottom from rendering me
assistance, when he realised I desperately needed it and wanted to give
it, as an act of betrayal. As I explained in Neville's letter to you, I have no
intention of being part of an alliance where the representative of one of
the senior Houses involved could be party to such an action.
"I was well prepared to not terminate the alliance if you recognised your
despicable actions for what they were and stepped down. However, as you
have stated you won't, then I feel I have no choice left to me but to
terminate that alliance.
"Good day, Regent Longbottom. You have my permission to leave now.
This audience is at an end and I'm done with you."
The Longbottom grand matriarch stood there quivering in rage and, yes,
not a little fear. If it became known, as Harry had intimated, just why he
was terminating the alliance, she was done as a political powerhouse.
The other Houses of the alliance would immediately act. The least action
of which would be applying significant force towards her to relinquish
control of the House of Longbottom to another Regent or directly to
Neville through emancipation. She did not know if Harry also knew that,
though it was likely he did from his words and actions, so she tried
another tack.
A lot calmer and more respectful this time she asked, "If I stand down as
Regent will you withhold your announcement?"
"You had your opportunity and you squandered it," he immediately
snapped back.
"Harry, please," begged Neville, softly speaking up for the first time since
his grandmother entered.
It was clear the other boy was pleading for his House not to be so
publicly ridiculed, as would be the result of Harry carrying through on
his threat. It was then Harry realised Neville would also be publicly
humiliated if he went through with what he said he would do.
With his teeth gritted in frustration at his own 'saving people thing', as
Hermione called it, coming to the fore he took a few moments to clamp
down on his emotions.
Eventually he growled out, "Fine!" After a quick glance to Neville, he
stared back at Augusta and said, "Because Neville tried to do the right
thing, even though you blocked him at every opportunity, I give you this
one last chance."
When the woman, though her own Occlumency was clearly in use,
appeared to sag in relief a little, he again spoke. "However, there are
conditions.
"One: You will immediately take Neville to Ollivander's and get him his
own wand. His father's wand, which you've been forcing him to use, is ill-
suited to him. That is the reason he struggles so much in the wand-based
classes. The wand is fighting him. Remember; the wand chooses the
wizard, or witch. You have apparently forgotten that.
"Two: You will render all assistance to Amelia Bones in her efforts to see
Albus Dumbledore and his lackeys convicted of the crimes she has filed
against them concerning me - plus that fumbling fool, Fudge, and Barty
Crap Senior. You will use your current and soon to be no longer authority
as Regent Longbottom to force the Lords and Ladies of the Potter-
Longbottom Alliance to also support and aid her in her efforts.
"And, three: You will then step down as Regent. I don't care what excuses
you use to do so. I don't even care if you announce I forced you to do it.
But, you will do it.
"I grant you this extra opportunity to head off me terminating the
alliance only because your grandson, and rightful Lord Apparent of your
House, has begged me to. Even with that, this is your last chance. So, am
I clear and will you comply?"
She stared back for a long few moments until she seemed to reach a
decision. Then she slowly, but barely, gave a single nod back. Her eyes
never left his.
"I will have your verbal acquiescence," he growled.
Her eyes flashed with anger for a flicker before she hissed, "Yessss... Lord
Potter."
"Good," he snapped. "Your verbal acceptance of my demands is noted. In
that case and based on your acceptance of my demands, as long as you're
complying and continue to comply, I'll withhold informing the other
Houses I'm terminating the alliance."
Snapping his gaze away from hers he turned to Neville and said, "I'll see
you this evening, Neville. Your grandmother is taking you to Ollivander's
to get you a properly matched wand right now. Something she bloody well
should have done before your first year."
Harry heard the other boy sigh in relief before he, Neville, then turned
and stood.
"Grandmother," he said, brushing down his robes. "Shall we go?"
After the two Longbottoms left the room, one of the two until now silent
aurors behind Harry let out a clear breath of relief.
Without even turning to see which of the two it was, as it really didn't
matter to him, Harry smirked and said, "That's what happens when you
piss off the rightful Lord of a Noble and Most Ancient House."
Standing himself, he glanced to the two aurors and said, "Alright, you
two, I think it's time for dinner."
Without waiting for acknowledgement, he simply strode out the door;
head held high and with a light smile on his lips.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
That evening Neville returned to the Gryffindor common room with an
expression of pleased wonder on his face. As soon as he saw Harry, who
was also there, he ducked over and wrapped him in a hug.
"Thank you!" he quietly whispered into Harry's ear before backing off and
showing his new wand.
In a clearer voice he said, "Cherry wood and unicorn tail hair; twelve
inches."
"It works better for you?" asked Harry.
Without replying Neville spun slightly to the left and whipped his wand
out to point in the general direction of a couch. "Wingardium Leviosa!"
he firmly but still quietly intoned.
Suddenly, one of the throw pillows on that couch shot up into the air and
smacked hard into the ceiling with a 'foomph!' sound. A bare moment
later Neville released the charm and the pillow fell back to land with a
muffled thud back on the cushion of the couch.
He spun back to grin at Harry.
What the boy didn't see was the expressions of shock on the faces of his
housemates. Harry just smirked back, as he wasn't anywhere near as
surprised as the other housemates clearly were at his sandy-haired
friend's magical power.
"I told you," he smirked. "You have far more power than that wand you
were forced to use otherwise demonstrated. It was holding you back,
quite significantly."
A little more serious, Neville returned, "Yeah. When I levitated that
rickety chair of Ollivander's off the floor, expecting it to only hover a
little, it shot up, smashed into the ceiling and broke apart.
"Right then Gran could see that she'd done wrong by me. I could see she
was clearly ashamed. She spent the short trip back here profusely
apologising."
"So she bloody well should have," Harry firmly nodded. "And more. Now
you're going to have to learn to back off on the force you use when
pumping your magic to cast a spell."
"Yeah, that's what Ollivander and Gran said," the other boy grinned.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
The next morning Harry checked to see if Dumbledore and/or Snape had
returned and discovered they apparently had not. He was pleased with
that.
That meant, so far, he'd have another day of being free of Snape's vitriol
and Dumbledore's attempted obliviates and manipulations. He had little
faith, yet, of the Wizengamot actually getting it right and putting both
men on trial, let alone getting convictions. But, so far, signs were that it
was going to happen.
If Snape did return and said one bad word against him, however... well,
Harry already knew exactly what he'd be doing in return. He'd 'end' the
man in such a way that he couldn't be touched for doing it. He'd use the
life debt.
As he sat at breakfast with Neville, with Hermione sitting on the other
side still clearly a little unsure how to deal with 'new' Harry, the mail
owls came streaming in.
Besides his copy of the Prophet, Harry was unsurprised to see quite a
number of owls headed in his direction.
'Ah!' he thought, 'The wizarding public are now making their collective
move.'
What began as a 'super-parliament' of various breeds of owls all trying to
deliver to him at once, had his housemates either side scrambling out of
the way. But, not Neville or Hermione.
Hermione began by sending paralysing charms at each of the owls but
was near gobsmacked when Neville, with a firm wave of his wand and a
cry of "Stupefy!" knocked them all out. Those still in the air dropped to
either the table or the floor on either side almost as one.
While Neville blushed at what had just happened, Hermione stared at
him in shock while Harry quietly chuckled and started levitating the
birds off the floor that had landed there and up onto the table. Hermione
joined him but Neville decided to stay out of it in case he did more harm
than good.
"Nice shot, Nev," Harry smirked after he gave the boy a long few seconds
to come to terms with what had happened.
Neville just blushed even harder and looked away. But Harry still saw the
hint of a pleased smirk on the boy's face.
Once all the owls were on the table, Harry began releasing them of their
loads.
What surprised him - and quite a few others who had also seen them -
was that Neville had also managed to paralyse the few Howlers mixed in
with the rest of the mail.
Harry set them aside and vanished them.
When each owl was released of its load Hermione began to take it aside,
cast a finite on it and allowed it to fly away.
"My God," she exclaimed, after reviving the third bird on the third
attempt. "I don't know what Neville did, but it's taking me quite a bit of
power to wake these owls up again."
Again Neville looked pleased - embarrassed, but pleased.
"Gods!" Harry muttered after trying his first. "Hermione's right, Nev. You
really knocked these out! How about just casting a finite over them all for
us, yeah?"
Blushing so much he looked as if he had third degree sunburn, Neville
turned back, raised his wand, paused a moment and firmly intoned with
a swish of his wand, "Finite!"
The remaining owls suddenly woke and began righting themselves before
flying off with indignant hoots, barks and ululas.
"Damn, Nev!" Harry exclaimed. "Remind me to never get you angry with
me, if you can wield that much power."
Harry said it loud enough that, since they were being watched by the
majority of the Great Hall, a great many people heard the remark. That
was deliberate on Harry's part. He wanted as many people to know of
Neville's 'new found' power as possible, just to ensure they no longer
looked upon him as a squib.
However, that was no longer going to happen anyway. They'd watched
him both freeze all the birds with one massive petrification charm, before
then waking them all up with one massive Finite.
With all the owls now freed of their loads and sent on their way, Harry
moved to check said loads. He had been surreptitiously casting detection
charms on them already, and had found a few that were quite suspect.
Now, though, any charms that were on them seemed to have been
negated by Neville's cancelling charm. Surprisingly, that included the
remaining Howlers he'd not yet vanished.
The few remaining Howlers that were there before the cancelling charm
were now reduced to nothing more than ensorcelled parchment. The
parchment was still Howler parchment, but it was all now deactivated.
"Be careful," he said, as Hermione reached to start opening them. "We
don't know what manners of trickery the senders have included."
They found their first one when he opened one and found it to contain
undiluted bubotuber pus. He was just thankful when he'd also discovered
the charm that would have had it explode and send bubotuber pus over
the person opening it to have been deactivated.
"Alright, stop!" he immediately commanded, as Hermione reached for the
next one. "Some of these appear to have been booby-trapped."
Hermione snatched her hand back away as if she'd been burned and
looked at Harry in shock.
He turned to one of the aurors who'd taken station behind him and said,
"I think you need to call Madam Bones to come here. As I've just
explained to these two, some of these appear booby-trapped. That would
be a direct attack upon the Head of a Noble and Most Ancient House.
And that makes this..." he indicated the pile of mail with a wave of his off
hand, "... A criminal matter."
The auror's expression turned grim and almost thunderous. He gave a
firm nod back and pulled out his auror badge. He gave it a tap with his
wand and whispered into it before returning it to a pocket within his
robes. "I've let her know to make all haste here."
As Harry nodded back, in a clear voice the auror said, "I need everyone to
move away from this area. This is now a crime scene." And he and three
other aurors moved in to clear everyone away.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Madam Bones turned up in mere minutes accompanied by a team of
whom she immediately explained to be 'departmental cursebreakers'.
Harry returned, "I had no idea the DMLE had cursebreakers."
She smiled and said, "People tend to forget the Misuse of Muggle
Artefacts Office is part of my department. We use them there, plus share
them with the Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes."
As they were talking, the cursebreakers were going over the mail and
quietly speaking between themselves as they systematically worked
through it all. Eventually, one of them pulled out a floating portable
Dicta-quill and parchment pair, activated it and began muttering to it as
he worked.
Finally, they appeared done. And the one not working with the Dicta-
quill turned to Madam Bones and said, "Five Howlers, one loaded with a
modified explosive curse set to activate when the letter was opened and
would then spray undiluted bubotuber pus over the hands of the person
who opened it, plus a few other minor hexes and curses. Only the second
and some others listed would be considered significantly harmful."
Her expression turning irate, Madam Bones snapped back, "I want to
know the identity of whoever sent anything that was harmful, even if you
don't consider it significant. This was an attack on the Scion and Head of
a Noble and Most Ancient House. I want the culprits in my holding cells."
Both cursebreakers, already with grim expressions, turned back to try and
identify magical signatures.
A mere couple of seconds later they looked about and said, "Who
deactivated these?"
"Neville Longbottom cast a massive Finite over pretty much all of it,"
replied Harry. "Miss Granger and I did the same with only a couple of
them."
"I need to analyse your magical signatures," said the cursebreaker.
"What do you need us to do?" asked Harry.
"Cast a Lumos and hold it," he replied.
Harry immediately did just that. And both cursebreakers then cast their
own magics over his wand tip.
"That will do," the first one said. "Who's next?"
"That would be me," replied Hermione, stepping forward.
As Hermione cast her own Lumos Harry called Neville forward.
Neville stood up straighter and stepped confidently up.
As soon as the cursebreakers were done with Hermione, Neville cast his
own Lumos. It lit up bright enough to almost blind everyone.
"Woah, Lad!" exclaimed the other cursebreaker. "Back off on the power a
bit, yeah?"
Again Neville blushed a little before he did just that. And his light
dimmed a fair bit.
Once the cursebreakers had somehow managed to get the magical
signatures of all three, the first said, "Anyone else?"
"No," replied Harry. "I'm pretty sure we were the only three."
The cursebreaker gave a firm nod back and both returned to scanning the
mail again.
It took a little while with Madam Bones, the aurors, Harry, Hermione,
Neville and pretty much everyone else watching, but the cursebreakers
stepped back and lowered their wands. "I think we got it all," said the
first one as the second one deactivated the Dicta-quill.
"Good," said Madam Bones.
The second one then dried the ink on the Dicta-quill parchment before
rolling it up and handing it to Madam Bones without a word.
"Right," said Bones, once the cursebreakers were clearly done. Gesturing
to one of the aurors who had accompanied her, she indicated the pile of
mail and instructed her, "Get all this gathered up. It's coming with us."
As the auror stepped forward with wand raised to do just that, Madam
Bones turned to Harry again and said, "After we go through it all and
remove that which is offensive or charmed, I'll organise for you to have
the remainder returned."
"Not a problem," said Harry. "I doubt there's anything in that lot I want,
anyway. I didn't recognise any of the owls."
Madam Bones gave a nod back and asked, "While I'm here, has there been
any instances of people... whether they be students, staff or anyone else...
who've bothered you?"
"Nothing you need to concern yourself about," he replied.
She frowned back and said, "You did not reply with a 'No'."
"The only incident of note was only relating to the Potter-Longbottom
Alliance," he replied. "As such, it's House business. Nothing for you to
concern yourself with as Director of the DMLE. Susan can bring you up-
to-date with Alliance business when you're not wearing your DMLE
robes."
She glanced towards one of her aurors who'd been in the castle on shift
before she arrived. Harry didn't see what the auror had to say to her, but
she didn't react. When she turned back she said, "Very well. Then I'd best
get back to the office. My people and I have work to do relating to that
mail."
Before she had a chance to turn away, Harry asked, "Any news you can
share with me relating to what I brought to light during the first task?"
She hesitated a moment before she replied, "Not yet, Lord Potter."
"Fair enough," he replied. "Thank you."
She gave a nod and again turned away, ready to head back out. As she
walked away she checked to make sure her contingent were following
before heading back to the doors and out.
She did, however, stop for a few moments with her niece, who was
waiting for her back near the doors of the Great Hall.
With the excitement of the mail now over, others in the Great Hall turned
to discuss it with their fellow students while again casting surreptitious
glances Harry's way.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
7. Daft Aurors and Interviews
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 Seven - Daft Aurors and Interviews
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
That evening, one of the aurors who still maintained a watch over Harry
informed him and Hermione both that an auror would be taking the both
of them to the Ministry to be formally interviewed as witnesses to what
had happened over the past three-plus years, the next morning.
Harry was looking forward to it, but Hermione was becoming somewhat
of a frazzled mess. He had to take her aside to help her calm down before
she made herself sick with fretting about it.
Again in a classroom just down from the entrance to the common room,
this time with Harry dragging Hermione down there, he firmly sat her on
the edge of a desk while he stood in front of her, frowning and with arms
crossed. Both ignored the quiet tailing aurors, this time.
"Hermione," he firmly said. "You need to calm down. You're making
yourself sick with all this worry―"
"But, Harry," she cried, "What if I mess things up? What if I say the wrong
thing and get everyone in trouble? What if I say something that's going to
see Headmaster Dumbledore... or, worst still, Professor Snape... get away
with what they've done? What if―"
"Hermione!" he firmly cut in. "You're not going to do any of those things."
"But, Harry―" she tried again.
"Stop!" he snapped back. "You're not going to do any of those things,
because none of those things are your concern.
"What you're going to do is simply answer the questions put to you. It is
not your responsibility to ensure you say nothing that allows someone
who deserves suitable punishment from receiving said suitable
punishment. That is the job of Madam Bones and her aurors, first; and
then the Wizengamot, second."
Before she could say something else, as she clearly appeared to want to
do, he continued, "I know we have learned not to trust those in authority
since we entered the wizarding world three years ago. However, that has
only been to do with the adults here at school, the Minister, and his...
handler... Lucy Malfoy.
"We have no reason to doubt Madam Bones or her aurors. So far, over the
past few days, she's done everything I've expected her to do when doing
the right thing - and more. As for the Wizengamot, they've also not yet
done anything that would lead us to believe they'd do anything but the
right thing; Albus Dumbledore, as Chief Warlock and his machinations,
aside."
As Harry had continued, he could see Hermione begin to slump her
shoulders and look down, embarrassed by her actions.
"I know you're worried you might say the wrong thing," he more calmly
said. "However, you cannot say the wrong thing if you simply answer the
questions put to you honestly and fully. If you think something is
important, tell her... or 'he', if it's a male.
"I really cannot see how you could possibly say anything that could harm
the case or cases against anyone if you simply tell the truth. And I will
not think less of you if, by some miracle, you do manage to say
something that harms Madam Bones's cases.
"The only way I can see you truly harming her case or cases is if you lie.
And, if you do that, you and me are done; our friendship will be over."
That had Hermione lift her face to stare back at Harry in shock bordering
on outrage. "I would never!" she exclaimed.
Harry was pleased to see and hear the modicum of outrage in her
expression and her tone.
"I didn't think you would," he calmly explained. "I only said that our
friendship would be over if you did. As our friendship is as strong as
ever, shows I don't believe you would."
That had Hermione shoot up off the desk to wrap him in a 'Hermi-hug'.
For Harry, that signified she'd both accepted the truth of his words and
would no longer doubt herself; at least, on this issue.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
The next morning had another, though smaller, parliament of owls make
it's way to Harry. Again, Harry stepped back and allowed Neville to cast
his wide area stunner over the lot.
However, when the other two stepped forward to being unloading the
owls of their loads, he said, "No; stop."
When they both hesitated, he said, "This time, I want the loads checked
for harmful packages before we release them from the owls. If they're
harmful, the owl can identify the sender; understand?"
By then, one of the aurors came up on them. "Step back, please,
everyone. Again, this is a declared crime scene." Then she turned to
Harry and said, Madam Bones has already been contacted and I expect
her on her way."
Harry immediately explained why he said the owls were not to be freed
of their loads until each package was checked. That way, they knew
which owl carried which load.
The auror nodded almost negligently as he worked.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Directly after breakfast a team of four aurors - two males and two
females - turned up to escort the two to the Ministry. They were escorted
off the grounds by way of the main gate and, once outside the wards,
directly side-along apparated to the auror apparation point inside the
DMLE.
Harry, for one, was thankful; as it meant they had bypassed the public
areas of the Ministry. And that meant not also being stared at by both
Ministry workers and the public at-large.
Once inside the DMLE they were directly escorted to an interview room
by one each of the male and female aurors.
They'd only been there a minute or two when they were also joined by
another male-female auror pair. This time, both sat on the opposite side
of the table to the two chairs at the table Harry and Hermione were
seated in.
After quick greetings of 'Good morning's across the table between the
four, the female auror got right to the heart of the matter.
"Lord Potter, Miss Granger," she began, "I'm Master Auror Constance
Hammer. You may address me as 'Connie'."
After both teens nodded back, she then introduced her partner. "And this
is my partner, Senior Auror Beauregard Fleming."
"You may call me, Beau," he smiled. "Everyone does."
That had both teens smiling back.
"Here's how this is going to work," said Hammer. "When dealing with
children we normally provide them with a glass of water that contains a
squeeze of lemon, plus a very mild calming potion and similarly mild
truth potion. It's not Veritaserum, so no need to worry about that."
Harry knew of Veritaserum; but only knew it to be a strong truth potion,
nothing more.
"We don't normally use it on adults as we believe adults are more than
capable of remaining calm and understand the need to be entirely
truthful. They understand the consequences when they aren't. Therefore,
their water only contains the light lemon flavour.
"For you two we'll leave it to you as an option. However, I recommend
you choose to have the potions as they'll stop you from worrying about
what you say. Further, it means there is less chance of your statements
being disregarded in court.
"Which would you prefer?"
After a glance at each other, both teens turned back.
Harry said, "So long as we do not delve off the subject matters I raised
during the first task - and you do not go too deep into my personal life - I
have no complaints about taking both potions."
"Same here," Hermione immediately added.
"I understand your concerns," said Hammer. "However, while the second
is a truth potion, unlike Veritaserum it will not force you to answer. You
can also state you do not wish to answer the question. That will be the
truth and, therefore, it will not be unacceptable to the effects of the
potion."
After both teens glanced at one another again, Hermione was first to
answer.
"Then I have no problem taking either potion," she firmly stated.
"Me neither," added Harry.
Both aurors nodded back with pleased expressions.
"In that case..." said Hammer. She turned her head to the side and looked
down a little. "Locky!"
A little house elf almost silently popped into place. "Yes, Miss?"
"Water with both potions, please," Hammer immediately ordered.
Without a word the little elf popped away again. A long moment later
and it was back, together with a silver tray holding a carafe of ice water
and two inverted tumblers.
"Thank you, Locky," said Hammer.
With a small smile, Fleming asked, "Alright, who wants to go first?"
"I do, please," Hermione immediately replied. Turning an embarrassed
glance to Harry, she added, "Sorry, Harry. But, I really need to get this
out of the way before I barf."
Harry just smiled back, gave a sheepish shrug and replied, "That's fine,
Hermione. I don't mind."
"Very well, Miss Granger," said Hammer. She indicated the tray and said,
"You'll want to drink about half a glass of that to start with. Then you can
sip from it as often as you like."
As Hermione reached for it Harry could see her hands shaking. As could
the two aurors.
Fleming simply reached out, flipped a tumbler over to be right side up
and poured her half a glass of water.
Hermione carefully lifted it and - after a couple of steadying breaths -
drank the entirety of it in one hit.
When she turned to look at Harry, he could see she was a bit
embarrassed by that. He smiled back, just reached out and silently patted
her thigh.
"It's alright," he said.
Meanwhile Fleming was setting up a large Dicta-quill in front of himself.
Once he was ready he turned to Hammer and nodded once.
Hammer just gave a slight clear of her throat and began. "Interview of
Miss Hermione Granger in Interview Room One at the Department of
Magical Law Enforcement on Friday, twenty fourth of November, 1994,
at 9.30am. Interviewer, Master Auror Constance Hammer. Dicta-quill
operator, Beauregard Fleming. Also present are Senior Auror Prusilla
Proudfoot and Master Auror Thaddeus Pickwhistle. Master Auror
Pickwhistle is senior officer of this interview."
She then turned to Hermione, who was now clearly a lot calmer and
gently smiling back. It was clear to even Harry that the potions were
having a positive effect.
"Miss Granger―" continued Hammer.
"Hi!" Hermione immediately and brightly returned with a smile,
interrupting the auror.
Hammer smiled back and repeated, "Miss Granger, for the record, please
give me your full name and date of birth."
"Hermione Jean Granger. Nineteenth of September, 1979," Hermione
promptly replied.
"Confirmed," said Hammer, after checking off a sheet of parchment she
had before her. "Do you give this interview of your own free will?"
"I do!" replied Hermione
Hammer gave a small nod and then got into the meat of the interview.
"Let's do this as chronologically as possible," said Hammer. "In your own
words, Miss Granger, please describe for us what happened at Hogwarts
School of Witchcraft and Wizardry - from here on referred to as simply
Hogwarts - on the afternoon and into evening of the thirty-first of
October 1991. I believe there was an incident concerning a troll."
"During Charms class that day, I was trying to help a fellow class and
housemate, Ron Weasley, in how to successfully perform the levitation
charm, Wingardium Leviosa, when..."
With a break after the first hour, Hermione continued with her interview
right through to the day of the first task. Hammer asked for further
information along the way.
When she'd finished Harry was surprised to discover it near enough to
lunch that Hammer decided they'd break for lunch before continuing.
The four aurors escorted both teens to the DMLE-only cafeteria and
remained with them the entire time.
Once they'd eaten and taken a short break in the water closets, also
escorted by aurors of their own genders, the two teens were escorted
back to the interview room.
This time it was Harry's turn and Hammer and Fleming switched roles.
Harry opted for the same potion-laced water.
Harry's interview went much longer and they took two breaks as they
started back as far back as Harry remembered his time with the Dursleys.
While speaking, he was surprised by just how much he remembered. And
was somewhat surprised the potions allowed him to recall it all without
concern or embarrassment. It seemed there was one form of mind-based
magics that affected him, after all; potions.
Then again, maybe it only did because he was a willing recipient.
Something to test for another time.
By the time he was finished, his throat felt quite raw. And he was offered
a potion that immediately soothed it.
"What was that?" he asked, after drinking it.
"A throat healing potion, Lord Potter," Fleming replied. "You're not the
first, and I very much doubt you'll be the last, who has come away from
an interview with a sore throat."
When the effects of the potion in the water wore off about thirty minutes
after the interview concluded he was shocked to discover it was going on
to 5.00pm.
"Sweet Merlin!" he exclaimed. "It's almost dinner time! And, damn, I need
to use the little boys' room!"
The four aurors chuckled and Hammer added, "I thought you might. You
managed to get through almost half a gallon of water during that."
It was only after he said what he said that he realised Hermione hadn't
berated him for his language. He turned to her and could see she'd been
crying for a while but hadn't very recently. Her eyes were bloodshot and
red-rimmed and her cheeks were puffy with tear tracks on them.
"I'm sooo sorry you went through all that, Harry," she hiccuped
"Hermione," he firmly said. "Not your fault; hear me? I do not blame you
for the least of it. You did your best and I lo― appreciate it a great deal."
After a quick trip to the loo for both teens, they were soon escorted back
to Hogwarts in reverse of how they got to the Ministry.
Thankfully, it appeared Hermione hadn't noticed his slight slip of the
tongue.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
As they were walking back from the gates of the castle, Harry quietly
asked Hermione, "Now that the interview is out of the way... are you
going to take the School Board's offer of returning home until classes are
back on again?"
She was a long few moments of clearly thinking it through before she
replied, "Do you... think I should?"
"I think you should do what's best for Hermione Granger," he instantly
replied.
"What about you?" she asked.
"Well, I'm definitely not going back to Privett Drive!" he replied. "I think
I'll just stay here."
"No... I mean... What do you think of the idea... ummm... what do you
think of the idea of coming and staying... with me?" she tentatively
asked.
Her offer surprised him; enough that it made him think for a bit.
Suddenly stopping, which caused everyone else to stop, he turned
Hermione to face him full on. Her expression was one of disappointment
as she looked at the ground.
He said, "Sorry. You caught me by surprise there."
That brought her eyes back up to meet his.
"If that's what you want..." he began. "If your offer is genuine and not one
that a friend would say but expect to receive a negative answer to... and
you ask your parents first and they reply with a yes... then, yes, I think I'd
like that."
The smile that bloomed on Hermione's face was contagious. It had him
smiling as well.
He heard a quiet snicker from one of the female aurors, but chose to
pretend he hadn't heard.
Now all excited, Hermione grabbed him with both her hands by his
offhand elbow and started to almost drag him to the doors of the castle.
"Oh, Harry! Of course they're going to say yes! I've been writing my
parents about you since the night of the troll. And they've already said
that they want to meet you. That day in Flourish and Blotts was nowhere
near long enough! What better way to get to know you than for you to
come and stay with us for a while. Can I borrow Hedwig?" she said with
a rush.
Harry chuckled back and replied, "Of course you can. I know I don't give
her enough work to do. So, I know she'd love to take a letter to your
parents."
"I'll write as soon as I can get back to the tower so I can collect
parchment, ink and a quill. How quickly do you think Hedwig can get to
Wimbledon and back?"
"Wimbledon?" he asked.
"That's where I live, Harry," she replied. "About a stone's throw from the
Wimbledon All England Club."
"I thought you lived in Croydon," he said.
"No, I said I lived near Croydon," she corrected. "I say that so people don't
know just how wealthy my parents actually are. Wimbledon is an
expensive area to live."
"Ah!" he said, as they continued to walk. A long moment later he asked,
"Hang on. Isn't Wimbledon one of those areas where housing is like over
a million pounds per?"
"Yes," she simply replied without explaining further. "That's why I know
you coming to stay with us for a while will be no imposition," she added.
"We live in a three story detached that's really four floors as the semi-
underground area is also used. There's plenty of room. You'll even have a
bedroom with an ensuite, all to yourself; which is what I've got. You just
won't have the huge dressing room I've got that I've had Dad convert to a
study for me.
"I'm on the second floor, which is the top floor, while you'd be in the
guest room on the first floor across the hall landing from my parents
room, which is directly under mine. That's the main guest room. There's
another two guest rooms on the same floor as me but neither has an
ensuite. They have to use the main bathroom on that floor."
"Whoa, Hermione," he laughed. "Let's not count our chickens before
they're hatched, alright?
"Why not wait to describe everything once... if... your parents agree."
"They'll say it's alright, Harry," she said, still dragging him along. "You'll
see."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Once back in the castle Hermione finally let go of Harry's elbow and
almost ran back to the Gryffindor Tower.
As soon as she was out of earshot one of the aurors said to him, "She sure
has a lot of energy, doesn't she."
"She becomes quite focussed once she has a problem she wants to solve
and devotes almost all of her energy to solving it," he replied. He
gestured after her and added, "This focus is kinda the norm for her. It's
good to see after having to go through those interviews."
It was left to Harry to thank the aurors for escorting them to and fro to
the Ministry so, by the time he got back to the Gryffindor common room,
Hermione was well into writing her letter to her parents.
As soon as he stepped into the room she looked up from where she was
writing her letter at one of the very few study tables and gestured him
over.
"I hope you don't mind Harry," she said, "But, there's been a fair bit
happen over the past few days that's radically changed. And I want to let
my parents know about all that and why I'll be coming home a lot sooner
than expected, before I drop on them the request to bring you home with
me."
"It's your letter and your parents, Hermione," he shrugged. "I doubt a
couple of extra sheets of parchment in a letter is going to bother Hedwig
in the slightest. She often brings me my copy of the Prophet, remember?"
"Oh, yes," she replied, not even looking up from her writing. "I forgot
about that."
Due to the time, Hermione continued to write her letter home while they
sat at the Gryffindor table in the Great Hall for dinner. And both teens
headed directly to the owlery from the Great Hall to send the letter out
through Hedwig.
Harry could tell his Snowy was more than happy to take the letter as
Hermione carefully tied it firmly to her leg.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Of course, with her letter 'slash' request now winging its way to her
parents, Hermione began to fret again. And that began, as far as Harry
could estimate, before Hedwig even reached the horizon. This was easy
for Harry to determine, as it was just as easy for him to determine back at
the Ministry. She was using her top front teeth to nibble on the inside of
her bottom lip.
"Relax, Hermione," he said to her. "Even if they say no, I won't mind."
"I'm not worried about that, Harry," she returned. "I'm worried my
parents are going to think you're my boyfriend."
"Oh?" he asked. "Am I that repugnant?"
"No-no-no!" she blurted. "That's not what I meant."
"Then what did you mean?" he asked.
"I meant... I'm worried what my father might do or say to you if he thinks
you're my boyfriend."
He shrugged back and said, "He'll probably say what all fathers of teen
daughters say. 'You hurt my little girl and they'll never find the body.' Or,
possibly, 'You even think of poking what's between your legs between my
daughter's legs and I'll cut it off with a rusty knife... if you're lucky.'"
Hermione looked horrified.
Harry just grinned back and said, "Don't worry about it, Hermione. I'm
not. It's just the sort of thing fathers say to their daughter's boyfriends.
I'm expecting it."
"But... but... we're not boyfriend and girlfriend!" she whined.
"I am a boy and I am your friend," he returned. "I dare say that'll be close
enough for your father. And maybe your mother, too."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Back at the DMLE Madam Bones had just finished skimming through the
statement of Lord Potter - she'd read Miss Granger's later, as it mainly
was really only a supporting document to Lord Potter's - and set it aside
with a sigh. Connie Hammer and Beau Fleming were seated opposite in
her 'guest's' chairs.
"And both drank the potion-laced water?" she asked.
"They did," replied Hammer while Fleming simply nodded. "Lord Potter
even managed to polish off almost a half gallon of it. He spoke for quite a
while."
"And every word supported one hundred percent what he made public
during the first task," added Fleming.
"I simply can't believe the atrocities those Dursleys committed upon that
boy and yet he still turned out to be wonderful young man," said
Hammer.
"Have you ever heard of the quote: 'Nature versus nurture'?" asked
Fleming.
"Yes," replied Bones while Hammer looked a little confused. "The
argument goes, I believe; how much of a person's personality can be
attributed to their inherent nature as opposed to how they were nurtured,
raised?"
"Indeed," nodded Fleming as Hammer seemed to have at least somewhat
understood. "However, it's even more than that. When they talk about
nature they're even going as deep as the cellular level; what muggles
refer to as 'genes'. It's that level that determines things like eye colour,
hair colour, optimum height and weight, that sort of thing. Nurture goes
to the environment in which a child is raised, warm or temperate
climate, the country they were raised in, all the way down to siblings,
guardians, schooling, etcetera; and includes behaviour directed toward
him or her.
"If nurture was the dominant effect, then there's no way Lord Potter
would not have turned out to be a new Dark Lord; irrespective of what
Dumbledore would have us believe. It would also explain what Lord
Potter meant when he said he should have been sorted into Slytherin and
argued with the Hat not to sort him there.
"If nature were dominant - which I think has been proven in Lord Potter's
case - then, no matter how poorly he was raised or badly treated, he's a
Potter; and the Potters have always been inherently good people.
"Lord Potter has a strong sense of 'Noblesse Oblige'; the responsibility of
the peerage towards the commoner. Miss Granger often referred to what
she called Lord Potter's 'Saving People Thing'. Lord Potter has a strong
sense of doing what is right, even at the cost of his own welfare. I think
that is a combination of his own sense of righteousness being paired with
his poor sense of self worth brought about by how the Dursleys treated
him.
"From everything I've learned of this matter so far, Lord Potter has been
raised in a very specific way that will lead him to ultimately sacrifice
himself to save others. Dumbledore's actions have created a teenager, to
date, who is simply waiting for the time when he will get to carry out
that act. And, I'm sorry to say, I believe it was deliberate on
Dumbledore's part."
"That was my intuitive belief, as well," replied Bones. "As it was Lord
Potter's. However, it's nice to have it confirmed by a Master Mind
Healer."
"You should also know that Lord Potter was correct in positing that
magical children raised in an abusive environment will often be sorted
into Slytherin. However, that is the case for children whose psyche
manages to survive being raised so. Those not so lucky will often be
sorted into Hufflepuff, as they fear confrontation and try to hide in the
shadows."
"I remember a couple of children like that when I was in Hufflepuff,"
Bones almost absent-mindedly muttered.
Coming back to herself and sitting up straighter she asked, "Was he also
right about matters such as the traps they had to get through in First
Year, the whole basilisk fiasco and everything else?"
"I believe so, yes," he nodded. "Just as Lord Potter believes, those traps
were way too simple to stop a skilled wizard, let alone a Dark Lord. They
were clearly set up to test him and his friends; but, more importantly,
him. Nothing else makes any sense.
"As for the basilisk I can see no situation where Dumbledore could not
have known there was one in the school the first time it was brought up
into the public areas. That was the night of Hallowe'en, 1992, when
Filch's cat was petrified.
"And, as for the students who were attacked and petrified, they could
have been woken within a day of their petrifications. Mandrake
Restorative Draught is kept in stasis in every medical centre I know of.
Hells, we even have it here in the DMLE Infirmary. I know for a fact
there's currently a dozen doses of it sitting in stasis in the potions cabinet.
"No, Dumbledore wanted those students kept petrified so they wouldn't
let anyone know too early that the monster was a basilisk."
"When do we go to trial with all this?" asked Hammer, who had been
quiet for most of the talk.
"We start in three days - Monday morning," replied Bones.
"In what order?" asked Hammer.
"Fudge and Umbridge, then the staff of the school, we'll slot the Dursleys
in there somewhere and, finally, Dumbledore," she replied. "I want Fudge
and Umbridge out of the way so they don't interfere with the other trials.
And I want to have Dumbledore last, as I'm hoping there will be more
evidence that comes to light from the trials of the other members of
staff."
In the past day and a half they had managed to get out of Fudge just how
much Umbridge was involved in what he'd been doing. And that she had
been blackmailing him, on the side.
"I'm going to put forward all the evidence that I now have on the old
man. I want to make sure that even the most die-hard of Dumbledore's
supporters on the Wizengamot learn exactly the type of man whom it is
they support. I want there to be such a preponderance of incontrovertible
evidence there is no possible way the old man is going to escape justice."
"What about Sirius Black?" asked Fleming. "The man is clearly innocent."
"That's being dealt with," she replied. "I have Shacklebolt and Tonks
looking for him."
"Tonks?" asked Hammer. "A bit young, isn't she?"
"Yes," nodded Bones. "However, what makes her special for this is that
she's of Black blood and a second cousin of him. She remembers 'Cousin
Siri', as she called him, with fondness. And, apparently, that fondness was
returned.
"If Shacklebolt and she find him it may be the trigger that has him
surrendering to them, rather than fighting them off and or running away
again."
"Have you asked Lord Potter if he knows how to get hold of him?" asked
Fleming. "I didn't specifically ask him that, but I'm pretty sure he likely
knows how."
Surprised, Bones replied, "I... hadn't thought of that. I'll send him an owl
and ask."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
The next morning, while Hermione had not heard back from her parents
yet, Harry received a decent sized letter from Madam Bones. In it she'd
covered what was happening regarding the upcoming trials and such.
In two days they were starting with Cornelius Fudge and Dolores
Umbridge. If they had time they'd then start on the Hogwarts staff. Since
he'd effectively and willingly admitted to any and all wrongdoing, the
first of the staff to be tried was Filius Flitwick. Harry was surprised they'd
be starting the trials so soon.
Her letter stated he would be required to attend all the trials, though she
knew he'd get bored pretty quick. If he didn't he might find himself
approached by an auror who was there to immediately take him to the
trial of the moment. And that was only if a member of the Interrogation
panel - the judges - specifically demanded his presence for a short time to
answer questions.
However she also assured him, as he'd already provided authenticated
memories and statement, the likelihood of that occurring was low. If he
was so summoned he'd be provided a Law Wizard to advise him before
he even took the stand to give verbal evidence.
Turning to a hovering Hermione he said, "The trials start the day after
tomorrow - Monday. First up are Fudge and Umbridge. And, if they have
time, they'll be followed by Flitwick."
"That's Minister Fudge, Senior Undersec... Oh, to hell with it," she said.
"Fudge, then Umbridge, then Flitwick. When are the others?"
Harry laughed. It was the first time he could recall since he'd first met the
girl that she had not insisted on people being referred to by, as she saw
it, their proper titles. It said a lot to the state of things she now chose to
not use them for the adults concerned.
"After Flitwick, the next day it will be Hagrid, Sprout, McGonagall, Snape
and Dumbledore in that order. Madam Pomfrey, from what Madam
Bones alludes to here, will not be prosecuted at this time so long as she
co-operates fully with the DMLE and satisfactorily answers all their
questions. However, it's very likely she's going to lose her Medi-witches'
credentials."
"But, why?" she plaintively asked. "If Dumbledore's been Obliviating her
left, right and centre she's really not at fault for any of it."
"According to Madam Bones her mind's been too badly compromised," he
replied. "Plus, she also apparently asked to be allowed to retire and move
to one of the colonies. She's utterly mortified Dumbledore was able to do
to her what he did. It seems she's lost complete faith and confidence in
herself."
Hermione sighed and nodded. "That makes sense, I guess."
"Of course, there's also Sirius's trial to slot in there somewhere," he
continued, returning to the letter. "She has a Senior Auror by the name of
Shacklebolt and an Auror Second Class by the name of Nymphadora
Tonks on the case of finding him. She's also asked if we have some way of
finding him."
Confused, he looked at her and asked, "Haven't these people got a lick of
sense? Just send him a bloody owl! How do they think I get in contact
with him?"
Harry heard the auror standing closest behind him suddenly groan in
dismay.
When both teens turned to look at him he was staring back at Harry and
shaking his head in exasperation. Without a word he then cast an almost
silent Patronus and said to it, "Madam Bones, Potter suggests sending an
owl to Black."
The Patronus, a small bear, then galloped out through the wall, heading
south.
Harry just snorted in amusement and said, "Really? Is everyone in magical
Britain that daft?
"Won't he have up owl redirection wards?" asked Hermione.
"Any and all wards, including an owl redirection ward, can only be set up
on a place - a fixed position," he replied. "As Sirius is on the move, he will
have no such ward set where he is; unless, of course, he's passing through
one at the time."
Turning to the auror again, he asked, "You realise that, since you can cast
a corporeal messenger Patronus, you could also send him one of those,
right?"
The look of pain on the auror's face was, in Harry's book, 'priceless'.
Not waiting for a reply, Harry turned back around, Hermione was only a
fraction of a second behind him.
"That's daft," she muttered.
That's when Harry caught out of the corner of his eye a second corporeal
Patronus gallop out through the wall.
"They're also forgetting they could use a house elf to take a message to
Sirius, as well," he snarked loudly enough for the auror to hear him.
"Oh, for Merlin's sake!" the auror exclaimed.
Neither teen bothered to look, they just smiled at each other.
That had a third messenger Patronus sent.
Realising she had another issue to raise, Hermione asked Harry, "Any
word on when classes are going to start again?"
Surprised at the question, though he knew he really shouldn't be based
on the girl's personality, he replied, "Well, a lot of it depends on which
staff members find themselves cleared of the charges; somewhat cleared of
the charges, but ordered to give up their teaching positions; flat-out
dismissed by the School Board anyway or even incarcerated. Only the
first of those will see them returned to teach. Based on that I cannot see
more than one or two, if they're lucky, returning to be professors.
"For the rest, they'll need to source and contract replacements. According
to this, Madam Marchbanks of the WEA - that's the Wizarding
Examinations Authority within the Ministry - has been tasked with
immediately finding replacements for all the positions, just in case. She's
now working with the School Board to recruit those replacements.
"Well, if she's not now, she will be starting as of Monday."
"That could take months," she whined.
"It could," he shrugged. "But that's only to have all the positions filled.
They may choose to recommence classes if they have... say... all bar two
positions filled. We don't know.
"Actually, I wouldn't mind having someone like Madam Marchbanks
come and teach here for a while," he added. "I dare say she has a great
deal of knowledge she could share with us. She's one of the very few
people I know of who's actually older than Dumbledore.
"Plus, she apparently thinks rather poorly of our so-called esteemed
Headmaster. That puts her as someone I believe I can like, right there."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Having just arrived and now sitting in her office, even if it was a
Saturday, this time more closely reading Lord Potter and Miss Granger's
official statements and taking notes, the Patronus of a small sun bear
leapt into her room through the wall.
It spoke with the almost ethereal voice of one of her aurors; one she
knew to be currently stationed as one of Potter's bodyguards, "Madam
Bones, Potter suggests sending an owl to Black." Before it faded away.
Giving her own groan of exasperation, the Director of the DMLE set aside
the statements she was reading and notes she was taking and practically
face-palmed herself before she pulled a sheet of parchment before her,
together with quill and ink, and set to writing.
A few seconds later, a second sun bear Patronus entered the room from
the direction of the first.
"From Potter again, a messenger Patronus should also reach him."
That time she definitely face-palmed herself and groaned. "Damn. Bugger.
Shit. Damn!" she vehemently muttered.
It took her a good ten to fifteen seconds before she could return to her
writing.
Then the third Patronus entered.
"Potter also just suggested using a house elf to take Black a message."
"Oh, for Merlin's sake!" she more vehemently sighed, unknowingly
echoing her auror's own remark. "This is getting ridiculous!"
Once she'd finished writing she pushed the rune stone button on her desk
that would summon her personal aide to her.
When the young woman entered Bones said, "If they're in, please send in
Shacklebolt and young Tonks."
The aide softly said, "Yes, Ma'am." And walked out, closing the door
behind herself again.
Two minutes later, there was a double knock of knuckles on her door
before the door opened and both aurors walked in.
"Yes, Ma'am?" asked Shacklebolt in his deep baritone. As senior auror of
the two, he spoke first.
"Have either of you thought to send Black an owl asking him to come in?"
she asked.
The look of surprise on both faces before they sheepishly glanced at one
another gave her the answer. "No, Ma'am," they both replied.
Looking sternly at both, trying to wilt them with her eyes, she then
asked, "Do either of you know how to send a messenger Patronus?"
"Errr... yes, Ma'am," replied Shacklebolt as Tonks silently shook her head.
She then waited to see if it would twig to them what she was getting at.
The looks from both of sheepish confusion told her they didn't.
"If you can cast a messenger Patronus, have you thought of sending Black
one of those?" she sarcastically asked.
That was the first time she'd ever seen a black man blush in
embarrassment.
She knew she shouldn't be hard on them. After all, even she hadn't
thought of that communication option. She was just dirty on herself for
not thinking of it; and having a fourteen year old school kid, who wasn't
even in his OWL year yet, reminding her of it.
"On top of that," she snapped, "What about giving a note to a house elf
and having the house elf deliver it?"
Again, both aurors blushed back.
With a sigh, she handed the sheet with the letter she wrote to Black to
Shacklebolt and said, "Send this to him using an International owl. The
man might not even be in the country, at the moment.
"Then, once you've done that, send him a messenger Patronus and a
house elf with a written message."
"Errr... yes, Ma'am," he quietly replied. And both exited again.
She muttered to herself, "We're looking like complete idiots before this
young man. And it's our own bloody fault."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
That morning's Weekend Daily Prophet was again filled with the
happenings regarding what Harry had caused to make known; just as it
had been for the past few days. However, little of it was of any real
substance.
Information contained in the newspaper alluded to a lot, but it was
practically all 'hearsay'. And it was also clear the reporters writing the
stories were getting quite frustrated with how well Madam Bones was
making sure the information leaks were being kept to as small a
minimum as she could manage. They were attacking her for it.
As such many of the student body were trying to figure out ways to
approach Harry to get information. And he was quite thankful the aurors
stationed in the castle, especially the two he always seemed to have
specifically guarding him, were keeping those approaches to a tiny
fraction of what he could have expected.
Now the students were getting sneaky in their approaches.
As the two teens were slowly heading back to Gryffindor Tower tailed by
Harry's two bodyguard aurors, they'd just walked out of the Great Hall
when one of the Slytherins in the year above them, Scarlett Lympsham,
approached and offered to teach him about what it meant to be a Lord of
a Noble and Most Ancient House. In return, all she asked for was, 'the
occasional titbit of information he'd be willing to share to someone who
was going out of her way to help him'.
The female auror shadowing him at that moment gave a firm clear of her
throat and frowned at the girl. Lympsham immediately backed off and
said, "I only meant information otherwise available to the public, of
course."
Before the auror could scoff back, Harry said, "Heiress Lympsham, I
thank you for your offer. And I may take you up on it once the current...
unpleasantness... is suitably dealt with. However, for now, I must decline.
Please pass on my respects to your grandfather, Lord Lympsham, when
next you have opportunity to communicate with him."
With the bare twitch of her left eye showing she was surprised by his
response and his intuitiveness in 'suggesting' it was her grandfather who
pushed her to approach him, she replied, "Of course, Lord Potter. I shall
do so and look forward to the time when I may assist." Then she gave a
slight curtsey before heading off again.
However, while her tone and expression was pleasant, Harry knew she
was somewhat miffed he'd so handily discounted her; or that he'd
immediately guessed it was her grandfather and Lord of her House who
encouraged her to approach him. After all, she'd appeared to have gone
to some effort to make herself visually appealing to get her way. For the
first time he'd seen her since they first bumped into each other a few days
after he first entered the school - and she'd sneered at him, looking down
on him as if he was beneath even her contempt - she was not wearing a
buttoned up blouse with a school tie. Instead, she was wearing 'civilian-
wear' with a blouse that had a neckline low enough he could see down to
between her bra-encased breasts, together with a loosely-pleated skirt
that ended above the knee. As she spun away to leave he saw how it
flared out, displaying her legs quite nicely.
Hermione, who was with him at the time, softly exclaimed, "Well! I...
never!"
He turned to her with amusement on his face and twinkling eyes. "The
single ladies of the castle have now had it pretty much driven home to
them that the Harry Potter they thought they knew was only a mask. And
that the real Harrison Potter is a Lord of a Noble and Most Ancient House,
single and... I hope... quite attractive."
"Quite attractive, are you?" she scoffed.
Harry laughed, reached out, grabbed her and dragged her in close to lay
a big hug on her.
After an initial exclamation of shock at being suddenly grabbed and
hugged, Hermione was a few seconds before she relaxed into it.
It was a long few seconds more before she declared, with a voice muffled
by his robes, "It's going to take me a little while to get used to you
actually being more the touchy-feely type than I thought you were. Well,
not touchy-feely; more... willing to initiate physical contact with someone
else."
Still grinning, he turned his head a little and kissed her on her forehead.
"Hermione Granger; my slave in the chariot."
She gave a snort of amusement before pulling away again. "I guess I
shouldn't be surprised you know that reference and what it means."
As they continued to walk, heading up the stairs, he said, "I'm not
surprised it was a Slytherin who was the first to approach that way; or
that it was an Heiress of a Noble-ranked House. Once the rest of this lot
get their minds around just what type of person Harrison James Potter
truly is, that's going to happen more and more often."
"What do you mean?" she asked, curious.
"I'm the Head of a Noble and Most Ancient House," he shrugged. "That
puts me at the top of supposed wizarding society here in Britain. In a
way, you can class me as someone around the level of Marquess in the
muggle world. Next are the Noble and Ancient Houses - Earls, Noble and
Elder Houses - Viscounts, non-noble Ancient Houses - Barons and non-
noble Elder Houses - Baronets. After that you have the 'higgledy-piggledy'
of other Houses, who've earned a Life peerage on the Wizengamot -
Esquires. The Magical House of Malfoy wants to be one of those, but is
really not."
Hermione had stopped without a word to say she was going to and Harry
had walked on a bit before he realised she was no longer beside him. He
turned back, curious as to why she'd stopped. She was looking at him in
stunned shock.
"Hermione?" he asked.
"You're... you're... a Marquess?!" she stuttered out, that last bit in a high-
pitched squeak.
"No," he immediately replied, gesturing her forward again. "Actually, a
better representation would be 'Marcher Lord' since Marquis is really the
French equivalent. While Marcher Lords no longer exist in the muggle
world, the wizarding world had already separated from their muggle
cousins by then and the Potter holdings are mainly located in the south
of Wales."
"Plus, as I said, I really only called them that so you had some idea as to
the ranking system of the Houses in wizarding Britain. I could, of course,
have used military ranks, but the Houses are more about hereditary
peerages than military ranks. The major difference between Wizarding
Britain and the United Kingdom is we do not have a monarch. Well, not
one that's recognised, at any rate."
Frowning she asked, "What do you mean by that?"
"I, for one, happen to believe Her Majesty, Elizabeth the Second, is our
liege monarch whether in muggle or wizarding Britain or not," he
shrugged with a small smile. "But, that just might be me coloured by my
muggle upbringing."
"It probably is," she quietly sighed.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Sirius had actually arrived back in wizarding Britain late on the evening
of the 23rd of November. As soon as he'd learned from Harry his name
had come out of the Goblet of Fire, he immediately made the decision to
leave the unplottable Black 'holiday' island in the southern part of the
North Atlantic near the Azores and made all haste back.
He knew, though, that Harry didn't know that.
He'd also tried to get in to watch the first task, but the security was so
tight he knew he'd be caught for sure if he made the attempt.
Instead, he'd headed back to 'his' cave out the back of Hogsmeade and
used the last couple of days since then to gather intelligence. Almost
immediately after the first task he'd learned from the Daily Prophet just
what had gone on. It was all over the front page... and the second... and
the third! Actually, it was all over the front page for the next few days.
From that he'd also learned that Harry had reported that he, Sirius, was
innocent; and that both the Minister and the Chief Warlock had received
irrefutable evidence of such and not acted as they should have done. The
paper also covered the arrests of Fudge, Umbridge, Dumbledore,
McGonagall, Snape, Sprout, Hagrid, Pomfrey, Barty Crouch Senior, Molly
Weasley and Lucius Malfoy. To add insult to injury, it also reported that
the person who posed as that year's DADA Professor, Alastor Moody, was
actually a supposedly dead Death Eater, Bartemius Crouch Junior. He too
was also arrested at that time.
'Twelve people arrested!' he thought. 'Of them, the Head of the
Wizengamot and Headmaster of their premier school, the Head of the
Ministry and his Senior Undersecretary were included!'
"And this was all because of Harry?" he muttered.
He'd been living in the now 'refurbished' cave for just over a week, still
collecting intelligence, when the Patronus form of a lynx cat appeared
out of nowhere and leapt into the mouth of the cave.
It so badly startled the crap out of him he had his ill-gotten wand raised
and pointing back at the Patronus before he even realised he had reacted.
However, his hand shook so badly it would be pure luck if he'd actually
managed to get a spell off, let alone hit anything.
While he was trying to get his hammering heart and shakes back under
control the lynx spoke in a deep man's voice.
"Black. Auror Shacklebolt. We know for a fact you are innocent. We need you
to turn yourself in so we can give you the trial you should have had and clear
your name."
As the first one faded away a second one jumped in of the same Patronus
form. And the voice continued.
"I swear on my magic, if you turn up at the Three Broomsticks at noon on any
day I will ensure your safe transport to the Ministry to await trial. Leave a
white rose on a table and I'll know you accept."
As he took time to calm down again, even choosing to chug one of his
on-hand calming potions to quickly achieve it, he began to calculate the
risks involved and how to minimise them.
It took him hours to think about it - he really had nothing better to do at
the moment - while he thought it through.
And that's when the Ministry owl glided in and alighted on the ground in
front of him.
After a puzzled frown he checked to ensure there were no illicit, or
otherwise unwanted, charms on either the bird or its letter before he then
used a charm to drop the letter away from the owl.
As soon as the owl was free of its load, it moved to perch on a rock
nearby.
Again frowning, he cast more detection charms over the letter and only
found the one - a standard mail package shrinking charm. He quickly had
that cancelled and the letter unshrunk. There were no other charms.
Carefully opening the letter he realised it also contained a blank sheet of
parchment and a self-inking quill. Both had been wrapped inside the
letter.
Setting them aside he began to read...
~ # ~
Lord Sirius Orion Black III
of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black
Lord of the House of Black
Lord Black,
I, Amelia Susan Bones, swear on my magic I mean you no harm. I further
swear I am ready to give you that trial you were denied and, if you hand
yourself over to one of my aurors, they are under orders not to harm you and
to bring you before me with all alacrity. As I write, so I swear, so must it be.
I have tasked two aurors specifically with finding you and bringing you in
unharmed. One is Senior Auror Kingsley Shacklebolt; and the other is your
cousin, Auror Second Class Nymphadora Tonks.
If you find them before they find you, I beg of you, hand yourself in!
We know you're innocent of the crimes for which you were unlawfully tossed
into Azkaban, Lord Black. Together, we will right this wrong.
If you would prefer we come to you at a place of your choosing, please use the
attached quill and parchment to write me and let me know. The owl has been
ordered to remain to allow you to mail back. Otherwise, please simply order it
to return to the Ministry.
Sincerely Yours,
.
Madam Director Amelia Bones
of the Noble and Ancient House of Bones
Director of the DMLE
Regent of the House of Bones
~ # ~
Shocked yet again, Sirius simply sat there unsure of what to do. Did he
go ahead with the 'white rose' concept? Or, did he write to her and have
her or someone else meet him at a place of his own choosing, as she
suggested?
He also found himself completely believing what he'd been sent. He
already knew Ami Bones was a witch of her word and had no doubt she'd
do her best to keep him safe and see to him getting the trial he needed.
The question was: Was her best going to be good enough to keep him
alive? He knew there were forces out there that would like nothing better
than for him to reach a state of 'dead' before he even had a chance to
walk into that courtroom.
He was certain Malfoy would be one of them. And had the financial
capital and incentive to organise it.
What to do? This bore some deep thinking. Plus, knowing the trials of
Fudge and Umbridge, at least, were starting the next morning, he knew
he'd need to do what he was going to do pretty quick. Or, he'd have to
wait until after the trials and move then.
But, if he did turn himself in either that afternoon or the next morning,
would they be able to fit his trial in before or during the trials of those
already organised, anyway?
He spent quite the few hours more thinking on it. And, suddenly, he had
an idea. As far as he was concerned, his idea was both brilliant and
worthy of being titled one of the most brilliant and daring pranks of all
time.
It would definitely be one for his memoirs, if he every got a chance to
write one.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
At Riddle Manor 'Babymort, the homunculus' was having another
tantrum, though mainly in his head.
There was a great deal going on in the wizard world at that moment and
he was effectively out of the information loop. The only information he
was receiving was via the Daily Prophet and Pettigrew. And, as far as he
was concerned, neither was a reliable source of information.
He already knew that one of the two of his minions currently aware of
his existence and location was once more behind the walls of Azkaban.
The other, Pettigrew, was a poor choice of servant. His only redeeming
quality was his animagus ability and form. That he was a common brown
rat allowed him to infiltrate places very few could hope to enter.
However, besides his animagus ability and loyalty to him, he had very
few redeeming qualities. And being a representative of his powerful self
wasn't one of them.
"Wormtail!" he called.
When Pettigrew scurried in, he tentatively asked, "Yes, Master?"
"My potion!" snapped Riddle. "And be quick about it!"
Oh, how he wanted to cast the Cruciatus curse on the fat little sniveller.
But, he couldn't. He needed Pettigrew to have a steady hand while
making him his potions. And the Cruciatus curse would rob the man of
that.
It was so annoying trying to be the most powerful dark lord the world
had ever seen and yet be forced to use such pathetic whelps for lackeys
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
8. The Court Cases Begin
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 Eight - The Court Cases Begin
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
The next morning, right on 8.00am, a rather nondescript man walked
into the offices of the Auror department at the Ministry of Magic carrying
a small bouquet of white roses and a wide smile on his face.
He approached the counter and immediately rang the little bell placed
there for someone who wanted to make either a complaint or an enquiry.
Though it was a Sunday and most of the aurors were off for the day, he
was approached from the other side of the counter by a young wizard
auror.
"Yes?" asked the auror.
"Good morning!" replied the man. "Could you please ask that dear, sweet
lady who Heads the Department if she's got time for a very dear friend.
And please let her know I bring with me a bouquet of her favourite white
roses."
"It's a Sunday. What makes you think she's in?" asked the auror.
"Oh, she'll be in," the man grinned. "She has plenty of court cases she
needs to prepare for, for her not to be in."
The auror frowned and hesitated a moment before he gave an almost
imperceptible shrug, then walked away towards the Director's office at
the back of the 'bullpen'.
The man, Sirius under a glamour, watched as the young auror walked up
to the door of what he remembered to be the Director of Department's
door and knocked. A moment later, he walked in.
Sirius surreptitiously drew his wand and held it with only the tips of his
thumb and index finger before himself by the middle of the shaft as he
laid the roses on the counter off to one side. So far, besides the young
auror, no one had paid him the least amount of attention.
About five seconds later there was a short, sharp klaxon sound and the
doors leading back out slammed shut. Sirius just stood there with his
hands up and wand still held with thumb and index finger of his off hand
and a grin on his face.
Like little meerkats, what few aurors were in the bullpen shot to their
feet and were looking about, with their wands drawn.
Then the office door slammed opened with Bones storming out with her
wand held ready and a determined scowl on her face. The young auror
was right behind her, also with his wand at the ready; a little scared, but
backing 'The Boss'.
She took one look at Sirius and strode towards him. "Don't. Move!" she
quietly but firmly ordered.
"I have no intention to, Ami my love," he grinned as she still strode
towards him.
Once she was about ten feet short she stopped and said, "Gently now...
place the wand on the desk."
As he complied, Sirius whined, "But I thought it was my turn to be the
auror when we played, sweetheart!"
"Be silent!" she barked. With a glance at the young auror she said, "Auror
Williamson. Handcuff him."
"Ooohhh... kinky!" grinned Sirius.
"I said, be silent!" she snapped at him again.
The auror was quick to duck around the counter and, by the numbers,
affixed magic-inhibiting manacles to Sirius with his hands behind his
back. Sirius made no move to hinder the young man.
Once manacled, Bones ordered, "Bring him! We're going to Interrogation
Room 2."
As Sirius was led through the bullpen, he called out to the still watching
on-duty aurors, "Next time we're playing 'Haughty Healers and Wicked
Medi-witches'!"
That's when Bones hit him with the threatened silencing charm.
As he was practically frog-marched through the bullpen and out another
door, one Sirius knew led to the interrogation and interview rooms, he
turned back to Bones and pouted at her. However, the twinkle of mirth
didn't leave his eyes.
"Shacklebolt, Tonks and Robards!" barked Bones. "With me! Bring a
Dicta-quill with you!"
After only a short walk past two doors, one opposite the other on either
side, Sirius was hustled into an interrogation room. Once he was
manhandled by the young auror into a seat, his cuffs were transferred
from behind his back and threaded through the ring in the table top,
before they once again secured him by his wrists.
Then the young auror stepped back awaiting his next order.
A moment later Robards led in Shacklebolt and Tonks, with Tonks
carrying a Dicta-quill.
Bones turned to the young auror and said, "Alright, Williamson; you're
done. Thank you. And not a word of this to anyone."
The young auror gave a single nod and left without a word.
Then Bones, still staring at Sirius, asked, "Are you willing to undergo
interrogation under Veritaserum?"
"Yep," he immediately replied. "Actually, I think I'd have to insist on it."
She then glanced at Tonks and said, "Tonks. Set up the Dicta-quill. I take
it you have qualified competence in its use?"
"Yes, Ma'am," replied Tonks, as she set to work.
Then she glanced at Shacklebolt and said, "Shack, go get a vial of
Veritaserum."
"Yes, Ma'am," replied the burly dark-skinned auror before he ducked out
and away.
Then she turned her full attention back to Sirius and asked, "What are
you using; Polyjuice or a simple glamour?"
"Glamour anchored by a rune stone," he immediately replied. "You'll find
it on a cord around my neck."
"Gawain," she quietly said.
The Master Auror quietly moved around behind Sirius and, feeling the
back of his neck which Sirius aided by bending his head forward, found
the cord and pulled it off over his head.
As it cleared Sirius's skin his form seemed to shimmer a little as the
glamour dropped away.
Tonks let out a gasp from where she was now monitoring the Dicta-quill
"Sirius!" she quietly exclaimed.
"Hello, Nymmie," he grinned at her. "Look at you, all grown up."
She scowled back and said, "Don't call me that. I prefer 'Tonks'."
"Even for me, your favourite cousin?" he grinned.
"Even for you," she scowled.
"What in Merlin's name possessed you, Black," asked Bones, "Just to walk,
bold as brass, up to my auror counter to turn yourself in?"
"Well, after all the different ways you sent me messages," he replied. "I
thought you really wanted to see me. So, here I am!"
"I wanted to keep the fact we were trying to capture you, rather than sic
a Dementor on you, quiet," she sighed.
"And you still have," he impudently grinned back. "The only people who
currently know who I am are you, dear little Nymmie here, Robards
and... probably... Shacklebolt."
Shacklebolt took that moment to walk back in. As soon as he spotted
Sirius in his unglamoured form he stopped, blinked once and walked over
to Bones while keeping an eye on him. He handed her a small vial.
"For the record," she said. "Senior Auror Shacklebolt has just returned
from the auror department apothecary, where I sent him to collect one
vial of Veritaserum. He was just returned with that vial and I now hold it
in my hand. I confirm that the seal is unbroken and the vial untampered
with. It is vial number three fifty two."
Turning to Shacklebolt she handed it back and said, "I return it to Senior
Auror Shacklebolt for him to administer the recommended three drops
onto the tongue of our Interviewee, Sirius Orion Black the Third of the
House of Black."
Shacklebolt walked around the desk to stand just behind Sirius. He then
cracked the seal and looked to Sirius, "Are you willing to tilt your head
back and stick out you tongue, Black?"
Sirius didn't say a word. He just did it.
After the three drops were administered, Sirius pulled his tongue back in,
tilted his head back down and smacked his lips.
After a long few moments Bones spoke again. "I now begin an informal
interrogation under Veritaserum of Sirius Orion Black the Third of the
House of Black..."
The interview only lasted for a few minutes. At the end of it, Bones dosed
him with the counter-agent herself. As Sirius began to shrug off the
effects of the powerful truth potion, he looked at Bones and grinned.
"So, Ami," he said. "About that trial."
"First things first," she said. "Shack; remove his manacles."
As Shacklebolt stepped forward with a specially designed ward stone key,
she went on, "Now we need to find somewhere to stick you until I can
arrange a trial for you."
"I'll ask Mum if he can stay with us," piped up Tonks. "Neither my Mum
or Dad ever thought he was guilty. So, it won't take me much to convince
them he's been interviewed under Veritaserum and found innocent."
"Check with them," said Bones. "Go use the floo in my office."
Tonks immediately left.
"In the mean time..." She looked back to Sirius. "Will that rune stone on
that cord return your glamour if you put it back on?"
"It will," he nodded.
"Gawain. Give it to him," she ordered.
The elder auror immediately handed it back. And Sirius slipped it back
over his neck before dropping the stone down the front of this robes.
A moment later his form blurred for a moment before he was again the
man who had appeared at the front counter less than a half hour ago.
"Good," she stated, once the change was complete.
Turning to her junior auror, she said, "Gawain; take the Dicta-quilled
statement, make two copies of it, put the original and one of the copies
on my desk. Black gets the other. Not a word of this to anyone. Tell
Tonks the same, but it excludes her parents.
"Shack; the same ban applies to you, too. Not a word of this to anyone."
Finally, she turned to Sirius and said, "You'll be following me to my office
and remain there until Auror Tonks returns. Got that?"
"Yes, Madam Bones," he more formally replied. It was now clear she was
going out on a limb for him and he'd not carry on with the prank because
of that.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
At Hogwarts, as Monday morning's breakfast was winding to a close, the
owls entered as per usual. As soon as they began to glide down from the
owl windows high in the rafters Hermione was focussing all her attention
on trying to spot Hedwig through the illusion of the blue sky with small
puffy clouds of outside.
As usual, Harry was the first to spot her, but he remained silent to let
Hermione think she spotted her first.
"There!" she cried, seeing the owl and almost jumping out of her seat in
excitement.
Of course, Hedwig knew where to find her 'pet', Harry, so was already on
a gentle banking glide coming in over the head table, when Hermione
first spotted her.
Expecting it, Harry watched as she landed with a light touch down
between the plates in the middle of the table before Hermione. And
immediately offered her leg.
Hermione was so nervous in trying to untie the bow that held the muggle
paper envelope to Hedwig's leg that she nearly caused the bow to knot so
badly it would need to be cut off. Harry had to reach over and gently
untie it himself. And Hermione quickly scooped up the envelope.
Of course, she was so busy trying to rip the envelope open to get at
reading the note from her parents she completely forgot to reward
Hedwig for doing a good job. And the bird let her know it.
"Prek!" barked Hedwig, glaring at the bushy-haired human.
Hermione gave a start, blushed and quickly offered the bird two strips of
bacon. "Sorry, Hedwig. I was so excited I forgot about you."
Obviously that didn't impress the bird, as she simply snatched the two
strips of bacon out of the girl's fingers and flew off without an
acknowledgement.
Harry chuckled and said, "You'll have to apologise better than that to her
if you expect her to carry any more mail for you."
"They said yes!" Hermione suddenly exclaimed. "Mum and Daddy are
both looking forward to properly meeting you and said you can stay for
as long as you like.
"The only thing they want to know is when they can expect us; and do
they need to go to Kings Cross Station to pick us up.
"I'll have to write back to them to tell them we'll be arriving by portkey
in the house, direct. And explain what a portkey is, I suppose. So, they
won't need to pick us up.
"Plus, we don't know what day we'll be arriving, as I don't think much
will be decided until we know the results of the trials. And those are
going to take a few days, at least."
"Woah, Hermione," Harry tried placating her. "I know you're excited. But,
as you said, we don't know when we can leave or how we're going to get
there yet.
"I suggest writing to them again and telling them we hope to know the
when and how in a few days. And that the 'how' will very likely not
require them to pick us up from anywhere, as the magic used should see
us delivered right to their home.
"If the trials go as quickly as I think they will, then the 'when' will likely
be within the week."
"This time, please also ask your parents if they are also willing to house a
few aurors for the duration I'm there. I cannot see Madam Bones
rescinding her order for aurors to shadow me at all times, just because
I'm no longer in the castle. And it wouldn't be fair to them to be shut out
of the house. If necessary, I'll pay for their lodgings with my own funds,
so your parents are not out of pocket."
"Oh, sorry," she said as she blushed. "I didn't want to worry you about it...
and I already figured aurors would follow us there... so I included that in
my first letter. But I'll add that you'll pay for their lodgings as Daddy did
ask about that and I was going to ask before sending my response. There's
an unused servants' quarters on the lower ground floor they can use."
The female auror standing behind them this time gave her throat a little
clear to gain their attention. When both teens turned to look, she said,
"Thank you, Miss Granger. That would be far preferable to standing out
in the cold all night; especially if it is raining."
Hermione sent her second letter off early that afternoon. And Harry
included an attached letter thanking them for the 'invitation' and assuring
them he had more than enough money to pay for the lodgings of the
aurors and himself for while he was there.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
That evening, as soon as she arrived home, Andromeda Tonks found
Sirius sitting in the kitchen nook chatting with their only house elf, who
was busy trying to cook dinner.
As soon as he saw her, Sirius rose from his seat with a smile on his face
and was immediately knocked back into it when she practically tackled
him a massive hug.
"Gods, Sirius!" she exclaimed, holding him tight. "It's good to see you
alive!"
"Hello Andi," he smiled back.
She stepped back and gave him a good once-over with her eyes before
she seemed to switch into Healer mode. "Let's see. After I give you a full
physical... and you won't be fighting me on that... I can already see you're
in desperate need of nutrition and muscle building potions, a teeth repair
potion and probably Skele-grow to go with it. However, all that is going
to have to wait until after the physical."
"Andi―" he tried.
"Hush!" she demanded. "Don't argue with your Healer."
"And who decided you're my Healer?" he asked.
"I did, of course," she replied. "Don't argue."
Dragging him with her off hand into the lounge she quickly conjured an
examination table complete with padding and ordered, "Hop up and lay
down."
With a sigh, Sirius complied. But she noticed it took a fair bit of effort on
his part to comply.
Once he was lying down she pulled her Healer's wizard-spaced bag before
her she'd brought home with her and started pulling things out.
First came a long sheet of parchment with an Auto-quill and wand.
Setting that up she used the wand to begin carefully scanning him. The
quill was zipping along writing things down.
Once she was finished with her scan she had to wait quite a while for the
Auto-quill to finish. And stood watching it finish with a frown on her
face.
Sirius used the opportunity to sit back up again, swinging his legs off the
side of the table.
"Well?" he asked.
"In a moment," she almost distractedly replied.
She began muttering, "Nutrition, muscle-rebuilder, teeth-rebuilder, Skele-
grow, vitamin enhancer, diet enhancer, dementor exposure restorer... no,
a mild wit sharpener... I'll have to wait on the dementor exposure
restorer until after your trial... and a memory restorative draught."
Looking at him directly she said, "For someone who's spent eleven years
in that hell-hole, plus another fifteen plus months on the run, you're
looking pretty good."
"I've been self-medicating for some of that time on the run," he replied. "It
wasn't much, but I did what I could with what I could find."
With an almost thunderous expression she snapped, "With the amount of
damage your body's taken that was bloody dangerous!"
"I had no choice!" he snapped back. "What else could I have done?"
"You could have come and seen me!" she growled.
"Not when your daughter's an auror, I couldn't," he sighed.
She stared at him for a long few moments before she changed the subject.
"When's your trial?"
"No idea," he replied. "Bonesy's going to have to fit it in around the trials
she already has going on. I think she's going to slip it in between two of
the high profile ones."
"Yours will be a high profile one," she put.
"Yes, but she doesn't want wind of it getting out right up until I'm
brought into the courtroom."
"Did she give you any idea of about when that is likely to happen?" she
asked.
"Tomorrow, I think," he replied. "She's going to try and slot it in
immediately after Fudge and Umbridge."
With a nod she said, "Then there's little I can do in the time before then.
However, I can at least get you halfway presentable for your trial."
"That... would be for the best, I think," he sighed.
She wrote a few things down on another sheet of parchment and called
her house elf. "Benny!"
With a pop the elf appeared at her side. "Yes, Mistress?"
Handing the elf the parchment she ordered, "Take this to Mister Tattings
of Twillfit and Tattings and tell him it's somewhat of a rush order. I want
to be picking it up no later than ten a.m. tomorrow morning."
"Yes, Mistress," the little elf replied taking the piece of parchment, giving
a little bob of respect and popping away.
"Twillfit's, Andi?" asked Sirius.
"Since Uncle Arcturus passed, you are the Head of the House of Black,"
she firmly replied. "When you walk into that courtroom you will be
dressed the part, even if I won't have time to get your health up to
scratch."
"I was disowned," he frustratingly returned. "There's no way―"
"Unlike me, you were never disowned, Sirius," she replied, cutting him
off. "Aunt Wally, blasting your name off the family tapestry, had nothing
to do with it. No matter how much that old harridan demanded it, I
know for a fact Uncle Arcturus refused to do it."
"How do you know that?" he asked, quite curious.
"Just because Uncle Arcturus was forced into the position of having to
disown me, did not mean he no longer talked with me," she replied. "He
and I kept up both a correspondence conversation with the occasional
secret meeting, where we could talk directly.
"According to him it was his opinion I was one of the few family
members he had left that he felt he could both respect and trust. You
were also on that very small list."
"I... didn't know that," said a very surprised Sirius.
She smiled back and said, "I dare say there's a lot you don't know.
However, now that you are Lord Apparent, we need to get you cleaned
up, made healthy again and brought up to date with the business of the
family."
Casting a critical eye on his cousin, he asked, "Did Arcturus manage to
bring you back into the family, before he passed?"
"No; he couldn't," she replied. Not looking Sirius in the eye she said, "He
told me he hoped you would when your innocence was finally proven
and you took up the Lordship."
Giving a firm nod back he said, "Then it will be the first thing I do as
soon as I don the ring."
Looking at him more directly, she softly said, "Thank you"
After a moment, she appeared to straighten herself up, mentally refortify
herself and said, "Now. Though we cannot do much about your health
between now and your trial, it does not mean we cannot make a start on
that.
"The first thing you're going to do is take a bath. No offence, cousin
Sirius; but, you stink."
He just gave a snort of amusement.
"While you're bathing, Benny should return and we'll have a set of decent
robes for you to wear. We've kept those robes of Ted's that he can no
longer wear due to increasing a bit of girth... shall we say. You're of
similar height that what height difference there is will be unimportant.
What you're wearing will be burned.
Sirius gave a second snort of amusement when Andromeda referred to
her husband's gaining of weight as increasing his girth.
As he was about to head to the bathroom, he asked, "Who sits as proxy
for Black on the Wizengamot? By rights it should be Cassiopeia."
"No one," she replied. "Lucius Malfoy has convinced Fudge his son,
Draconis, is the next Lord Black. And then had himself installed as Regent
for the House of Black."
Sirius spun on the spot just as he was about to walk out of the room. His
expression quickly morphed from shocked surprise to fury. "He what?!"
"You heard me," she scowled. "Lucius Malfoy is currently sitting the Black
seat as Regent. However, Gringotts has not given him access to the Black
vaults in his self-claimed role, because they know damned well he is not.
And Malfoy has kept that quiet from the Ministry."
"That will be the first thing I rectify at my trial," he all but snarled.
"Yes, but because he has claimed regency and it therefore allows him a
seat on the Wizengamot when he otherwise would not hold one, have no
doubt that he will be pressuring the Minister to have you 'Kissed' at the
first opportunity," she explained. "It also explains why the order for
dementors to be sent out from Azkaban to hunt you down and 'Kiss' you
exists. And why Bartemius Crouch Junior was not 'Kissed'; but, instead,
just returned to his cell.
"That is why it is imperative you being given a trial is to remain a secret
right up until you walk into the chamber for your trial."
"And that is why Bonesy sent me to you to be put 'on ice' until the trial,
rather than kept in a holding cell in the auror department," he nodded. "I
wondered why, but was just happy she didn't choose that option."
"That is why," nodded Andromeda.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Also that evening, as soon as he was able to separate himself from
Hermione, Harry quickly drafted a letter to send to his Account goblin in
Gringotts. He had a warding job he wanted to done, 'toot sweet', and
wanted the best erected he could get while also considering the
environment in which they were to be erected.
He also wanted it done in secret, with even the occupants not aware of it
happening. And the goblins were the only ones who would do that. Gold
was gold and it was none of their business if the humans would be
disagreeable or not.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
The next morning and very shortly after breakfast, Harry and Hermione
were approached by four aurors, two of whom he recognised, just as they
were leaving the Great Hall.
With a quizzical frown, he asked, "What's going on?"
"I'm Master Auror Robards," said Robards. "Madam Bones has requested
your presence at today's trials, after all. We're your escort."
"Just me?" he asked.
"No, Lord Potter," he replied. "Miss Granger, as well."
After Harry glanced at Hermione for a moment he turned back and
sighed before looking at his current two auror shadows. "You recognise
these four?" he asked.
"Yes, Lord Potter. They are who they say they are," replied the senior of
the two.
"Very well," he said, turning back to Robards. "Well, it's not as if we've
got anything better to do."
Robards smiled and gave a nod. "Then, let us be off," he said, indicating
the main doors.
"Not yet," said Harry. "Both of us need to change out of our everyday
wear before we go. It would be unseemly to appear in the Wizengamot
chambers in anything but our best."
"There's no need―" started Robards.
"... To hurry there," Harry cut in. "I know. Give us fifteen minutes and
we'll be ready to go."
Robards gave a sigh of minor frustration before he nodded.
And both teens hurried up the stairs to the Gryffindor Tower. And both
were back down in just under the time Harry gave them to get changed.
Both were wearing wizarding robes for their gender, with Harry wearing
quite good quality robes. Harry also knew the robes Hermione was
wearing was her only set of non-Hogwarts robes.
"Ready?" asked Robards, as soon as he saw them come down the stairs.
"Yep," replied Harry.
"Then, let us go," he said. "We're now running a little behind schedule."
"Then you should have allowed for that in your scheduling, shouldn't
you?" Harry shot back.
Robards chose to ignore the question.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Before the trials started, the two teens were taken to Madam Bones's
office. There, she explained that she was unable to develop sufficient
evidence to see Lucius Malfoy face trial.
"We all know he's guilty," she agreed. "However, yours is the only
testimony containing any evidence against him. And, while you're
obviously quite the clever young man, you were still only twelve years
old at the time he tried to cast the Killing Curse at you. His stated reason
for that, by the way, was just to scare you. He claims he was never going
to do it. And, under wizarding Britain law, threatening it is not the same
as actually doing it.
"However," she continued, "I have sufficient evidence to have him
removed from being a sitting member of the Wizengamot for prejudicial
behaviour. I informed him he either voluntarily stepped down from that
body, or I would take him to trial and have him permanently stripped
from ever being allowed to sit upon that body, anyway. I think I had
enough for that.
"As he still has the dream of the Magical House of Malfoy being elevated
to Noble status within his lifetime, I know he would not want to
jeopardise that. I made it quite clear it would not happen if he tried to
force the issue and still try to demand sitting on the 'Mot; I'd charge him,
anyway."
"Damn!" scowled Harry. "However, he could still try to force it later, once
he felt sufficient time had passed and you wouldn't then be able to push
for his trial, anyway."
"Nope," she smiled. "I forced him to make an oath he would not try to sit
on the 'Mot until the House of Malfoy was elevated. And let him think
there was still a chance of that. I'll be making damned sure there isn't."
"So, he's decided to play the 'long game' and wait, rather than force the
issue and risk losing everything," he sighed. "At least he's showing the
Slytherin mindset his son utterly lacks."
"Just so," she agreed with a nod.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Because of the secrecy surrounding Sirius turning himself in, not even
Harry was made aware his Godfather's trial would be that day. Actually,
the only people who knew of it were Sirius himself, Amelia Bones,
Gawain Robards, Kingsley Shacklebolt, Nymphadora Tonks, Andromeda
Tonks - who was now his self-appointed healer - and Ted Tonks, who
would be acting as his Law-wizard for the trial. That was until that
morning, moments before the trials started and Harry and Hermione had
already left to be taken down and 'snuck' into the chamber. Then she'd
summoned the aurors who would also be in the courtroom into her office
and briefed them.
Having already met Edward 'Ted' Tonks on a couple of occasions
previously and his opinion of the man now impressing him even more,
Sirius had decided he would both accept the man as his Law-wizard for
the trial and - unknown to anyone else just yet, including the man
himself - would be retaining the muggleborn wizard as his Law-wizard of
Record for the House of Black at the immediate conclusion of the trial.
Sirius had no idea who was the current Law-wizard of Record for the
House of Black, but knew whoever it was hadn't done their job by
ensuring he received a trial in the first place. He suspected Malfoy's
interference in that.
The first trial up that morning was of Cornelius Fudge, as expected. Harry
and Hermione were escorted in just as the Members of the Wizengamot
filed in.
Three days previously, Madam Bones herself sent the owl to Fudge
informing him of his trial. In that notice she also informed him that if he
didn't turn up in person before 9.00am that morning, precisely, then he
would be tried in absentia. And, as such, would not have opportunity to
speak in his own defence.
Further, if he didn't turn up and was found guilty of any of the crimes for
which he'd been charged, then he would be considered to have escaped
lawful custody. Then reminded him that it was he, on his own authority,
who ordered the dementors out to hunt down Sirius Black and
immediately apply him with the 'Kiss', just because he had 'escaped
lawful custody'.
She expected it was enough to ensure the man was in court and she was
right. When the current Chief Adjudicator, Madam Augusta Longbottom -
who still had not stepped down as Regent for the House of Longbottom -
banged her gavel and called for 'The accused, Mister Cornelius Fudge' to
step forward, a similarly portly man to him almost reluctantly came
forward from the very full visitors' gallery.
"And, who are you, Sir?" she asked.
"Minister Cornelius Fudge," he replied. "I've taken Polyjuice to ensure I
safely arrived before someone tried to murder me... again."
"Again?" asked Longbottom.
"Someone tried to enter my home, without invitation, the night of my...
arrest... six days ago," he replied. "I informed Amelia by owl I was then
immediately moving to a safe house known only to me for my own
safety."
When Longbottom turned to Amelia, the stern woman nodded back and
replied, "I was so informed."
Turning back to Fudge she said, "Very well. Take a seat." And indicated
the accused's chair with its golden chains. "At least you have enough
honour to come here today."
Though he looked at the chair with some fear, Fudge manned-up and sat.
As soon as he did, the chains leapt to life and firmly bound him to the
chair. He gave a quiet yelp and slightly jumped when they did.
Fudge's trial then went through quite quickly. Each of Harry's memories
were displayed, as they were in the first task, of Fudge's behaviour
regarding being informed of Sirius's innocence. Together with other
memories the man himself reluctantly submitted. The trial was quickly
moving ahead.
Harry and Hermione were not asked to give testimony, but were ready to
do so if they were. They'd already been told they'd be there for each trial
those memories were shown, just in case. They sat together off to the side
apart from the general public and the media. They were watched over by
two aurors, Robards and Hammer, who kept their eyes scanning the room
looking for trouble.
It did not pass the notice of either teen that they were right alongside a
door that led out of the chamber, but not out to any public area they
knew of. Harry suspected it was through to the Members' area behind the
tiers.
When the charges were read out it was clear the man was not unaware of
them. He then immediately pleaded guilty to all bar one. That one dealt
with the acceptance of bribes. Fudge's Law-wizard was clearly under
orders not to fight the charges too hard, only the evidence given for the
taking of bribes and only seek to clarify matters when he felt evidence
was skewed.
When directly asked why he pleaded not guilty to the charges of
accepting bribes, he said he did not see them as such and firmly believed
them to be donations for each of his re-election campaigns as they arose.
However, he pleaded guilty to failing to report evidence that suggested
Sirius Black was innocent. But tempered it with saying, while it was three
teenagers who stated that without providing their own evidence, a
Master Occlumens informed him he believed the three to be under the
effect of Confundus charms. And a second wizard later told him he
believed the same.
When asked who those two were, he replied, "Severus Snape was the
first; and Albus Dumbledore was the second."
That led Harry to almost snarling in anger. Hermione just gave a sob and
leaned on Harry's shoulder, softly crying. It was apparent that Fudge's
testimony just drove another nail into the coffin of her respect for the old
man.
Unknown to him, she'd still held out hope that Dumbledore's actions
were either unintentional or misconstrued. Fudge's evidence burned that
forlorn hope away.
"You were aware, were you not, that at the time you ordered the
dementors to be brought in to administer the 'Kiss' to Sirius Black that he
was already back in custody," pressed Longbottom, "And that he was also
the Lord Apparent of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black?"
Fudge gave a visible gulp and began to shake a little. "It... had not
occurred to me, at the time."
"Considering you held the highest political position in magical Britain at
that time, I find that very difficult to believe," she glared back at him.
"However, we have no proof, either way, on whether or not you're telling
the truth."
"Ignorance of that is not a defence, Chief Adjudicator Longbottom,"
Prosecutor Scrimgeour piped up.
"No, it is not," nodded Longbottom. "However, if he truly did not know, it
offers explanation."
"And, yet, proof was available to him," argued Scrimgeour. "While those
under-aged cannot be asked to give a vow as to the truth of their verbal
remarks, they can give memories."
"Memories can be tampered with," argued the Defence Law-wizard.
"Only by those who are, themselves, Master Occlumenses," Scrimgeour
argued right back. "And, if you argue they are Master Occlumenses, then
you must also accept they could not be under Confundus charms. You
cannot argue both."
"Alas, such memories were not offered at the time," he argued back.
"Nor asked for."
"Enough!" snapped Longbottom. "This argument will lead nowhere."
The court case wrapped up soon afterwards after almost an hour and a
half.
The sentence was the immediate and permanent stripping of Fudge of his
position as Minister, being able to hold any position within the Ministry
ever again, being able to sit upon the Wizengamot in any capacity ever
again, fined a total of one hundred thousand galleons and sentenced to
Azkaban's light security wing, dementor free, for five years.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Next up came Umbridge. The stupid woman tried to bluster her way out
of her own trial citing she was acting under her authority as Senior
Undersecretary. And that what she did was because of matters the court
was both not privy to and could not be told.
Longbottom immediately shot that down by stating, "If you do not tell us
those reasons then they cannot be used by you in your defence. That has
been a precept of law for centuries."
Her Law-wizard tried to argue her case was special and should be exempt
from that precept due to her position, but failed to sway the Members.
Even when he demanded a vote for it, which he'd lost, he still tried to
argue for it. It took Longbottom having to tell him that if he continued to
push for it he'd be ordered from the chamber for hindering the trial
before he finally shut up about it.
It was then quickly clear to all that it was now clear to him he'd lost the
case right at that point. From then on he was arguing for leniency.
However, the Members were not in a lenient mood. She was sentenced to
ten years in Azkaban in medium security and led from the chamber in
chains still demanding she was in the right and the Members were wrong.
Looking to the Members, Harry could see many of them were both
relieved and or a little smug about her getting her comeuppance. Harry
suspected that many of those she blackmailed were sitting in those tiers.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Once Umbridge was led out Longbottom ordered, "Bring in the next
accused!"
Everyone expected it to be Barty Crouch Senior. However, that's not who
came in.
Instead, yet another wizard stepped down from the visitors' gallery and
walked forward. He appeared quite thin. He was also accompanied by
another man at his heel. This one was a little more stocky.
It wasn't until he was walking forward, turned and winked at where he
knew Harry was sitting with a smirk, that Harry realised who the slender
wizard was.
'Sirius!' he thought, in shock.
It was Hermione's gasp that alerted him that she knew who it was, too.
"Harry," she whispered to him, "Do you know who that is?"
"I do now," he whispered back. "Now, please be quiet and don't give the
game away. This should prove interesting."
Looking around, Harry could see that all the aurors had tensed up, with
many already having their wands out and were closely watching
everyone and everything.
"Bartemius Crouch Senior?" asked Madam Longbottom.
"No, Ma'am," he replied, before reaching up and removing the rune-stone
'necklace' from about his neck.
As soon as the stone cleared his skin, his form blurred a little before
settling on Sirius's normal form. Unlike the last time they saw him,
however, he was wearing robes of the finest cut and materials, plus his
robes showed the Black family crest on his right breast. "Sirius Orion
Black the Third," he continued.
That had near pandemonium in the chamber, both from within the
Members' tiers and the visitors' gallery.
Bones immediately fired a cannon blast charm and bellowed, "Be silent!"
That she obviously also pumped her magic into amplifying her voice a
little was a given, as Harry could not believe someone could be so loud
without magical or technological help.
That, pretty quickly, had everyone settle back down again.
"Aurors!" she called, more quietly. "Anyone who doesn't settle down
immediately when ordered to do so is to be escorted from the chamber,
unable to return!"
As aurors began to move, everyone immediately went silent. No one
wanted to miss this, so the threat was a 'biggie'.
Once she had quiet again, Madam Longbottom firmly asked, "And just
why do we have Sirius Black stepping forward as an accused?"
"Because the man has never had a trial," replied Bones. "He was
summarily tossed into Azkaban, thirteen years ago, without one. Today,
we are rectifying that gross miscarriage of justice."
That had murmurs again rising both among the Members and the visiting
public.
Sirius calmly walked forward and was about to sit in the chair when he
stopped and said, "For this moment and before I take a seat I will first
inform you I have both a wand and a portkey on my person.
"My wand is in a holster on my left wrist and a portkey in the form of a
bracelet is on my right wrist." And carefully moved his arms out and
away from his body.
Kingsley Shacklebolt immediately stepped up behind him and relieved
him of both. Then, before stepping away, scanned him.
Looking up at Bones he clearly said, "There are no other magical devices
on his person, Ma'am."
"Very well," said Longbottom. "Please take a seat, Mister Black."
"Actually, as I have not yet be found guilty of a crime, you should be
addressing me as Lord Apparent Sirius Black of the Noble and Most
Ancient House of Black, Chief Adjudicator Longbottom," he firmly
corrected. "Or, Lord Apparent Black in the short form."
She gave a nod back and said, "Lord Apparent Black, then. Please take a
seat."
With his own nod back, Sirius sat in the chair. The chains, almost lazily
this time, wrapped about him. The wizard with him stood just behind his
left shoulder.
"For the record," he said, before anyone else could speak. "I swear on my
magic and my life I do not now carry on my person any portkeys or other
magical foci. In effect, I am unarmed. As I say, so I swear, so shall I be
judged."
He gave a slightly muted flash as magic accepted his oath.
'Clever,' thought Harry. 'Now no one can curse him and use the excuse
they thought he was going to attack them or use magic to escape.'
As he sat, Madam Bones handed Madam Longbottom a sheaf of
parchment.
The gentle-wizard with Sirius then said, "Law-wizard Edward Tonks,
acting for the defence."
As she read through it Longbottom stated, "For the record, I have just
been handed by Madam Director Amelia Bones of the DMLE what
appears to be a Dicta-quill-taken testimony of Lord Apparent Black taken
in the presence of both Madam Bones and three of her aurors. According
to the testimony, Lord Apparent Black gave the testimony while under
the effects of Veritaserum given with his permission."
Turning to Madam Bones she asked, "Do you, Madam Bones, so attest
that this testimony was, indeed, taken both by a properly functioning
Dicta-quill and while Lord Black was under the effects of Veritaserum?"
"I do, Chief Adjudicator," replied Bones.
Longbottom then gave the documents a swish with her wand and
suddenly copies of it flew to each sitting Member.
Turning to Sirius she asked, "Lord Apparent Black, do you, of your own
free will, assent to the use of Veritaserum being used upon you at this
time and in this place?"
"I do, with conditions," he replied.
"And your conditions?" she asked.
"That such questions directed to me are only asked by yourself, Madam
Bones and Law-wizard Tonks," he firmly replied.
"I can accept those conditions," she replied. "In that case, bring forth a
sealed vial of Veritaserum."
A rack of vials was quickly produced, checked for tampering and a single
vial taken to Sirius. Auror Fleming was the one to administer the
recommended three drops, which Sirius willingly accepted.
After the test questions were asked they got right into the relevant ones.
Twenty minutes later those Members who didn't already know, together
with the visitors, were left stunned and appalled.
Sirius was proven under Veritaserum not to be the Potters' Secret Keeper
on that fateful night; Peter Pettigrew was proven to be the Secret Keeper
as he verbally gave Sirius the Secret - which, unlike if it was written
down, could only be done by the Secret Keeper; Pettigrew had also
verbally given the Secret to Albus Dumbledore - which meant
Dumbledore knew it was Pettigrew, not Sirius, who was the Secret
Keeper; Pettigrew escaped that street in Manchester by sending a blasting
curse at a gas main, which killed the muggles; he willingly cut off one of
his fingers to leave it behind as evidence purporting he was also blown
up by the gas explosion, but escaped; and that he escaped from Azkaban -
not to kill Harry Potter, but to protect him, as he had evidence Pettigrew
was at Hogwarts in his animagus form posing as the pet rat of a young
boy from Gryffindor.
That took quite the while to explain and, by the end of it, the
Veritaserum was wearing off. Sirius was also quick to alert Madams
Longbottom and Bones of that fact, too.
After a long few moments and a long sigh, Madam Longbottom said, "I
think we've heard enough to prove Lord Apparent Black's innocence. Any
objections against us immediately moving to the vote?"
"I object!" called Caracticus Nott, one of those Death Eaters who claimed
he was under the Imperius curse while serving Riddle. "It is obvious
Prisoner Black has taken a counter-agent to Veritaserum. And, therefore,
he has been spouting nothing but lies."
As people jumped up in arms as to his gall in stating such, Madam
Longbottom had to bang her gavel a couple of times to restore order. As
soon as she got it, but before she could say anything, Sirius piped up.
"I Sirius Orion Black the Third, swear on my magic and my life I have
taken no such counter-agent to Veritaserum. As I say, so I swear, so
should I be judged!"
Again, there was the muted flash of light signifying the oath as given and
accepted.
"As I'm still alive, I'm obviously telling the truth," he snapped back.
"Yes... well," said Madam Longbottom. "That puts paid to that."
She then turned to Nott and said, "And one more remark out of turn from
you, Lord Nott, I will both evict you from these proceedings and
encourage Lord Black to sue you for slander!"
Nott immediately fell silent, but fumed in his seat.
When the wizard shut back up Madam Longbottom then called the vote.
It was a very clear majority, almost three quarters of those present, that
voted Sirius not guilty.
And only a few of the dark Houses, including Parkinson and Nott, who
voted him guilty.
As soon as the vote was decided, Madam Longbottom then said, "Lord
Apparent Sirius Orion Black the Third of the Noble and Most Ancient
House of Black, having been found not guilty by a clear majority of the
Wizengamot of all charges this day, you are declared not guilty. You are
free to go."
"Aurors," called Madam Bones. "Release Lord Black of the chains. He is a
free man."
As soon as they did so, he stood, closed his eyes and took a deep
cleansing breath before turning to look in Harry's direction with a
twinkle in his eyes and a wide grin on his face.
"Further," called Madam Bones. "The 'Kiss on Sight' order against Lord
Apparent Black for the dementors is hereby immediately and
unequivocally revoked. Further, all dementors not having already been
returned to Azkaban are to also be immediately recalled directly to that
place.
"Auror... Sampson; go, right now, to the Department for the Control of
Magical Creatures and see to that immediately. The first order is to have
been removed and the second invoked by no later than thirty minutes
from now."
"Yes, Ma'am," nodded one of the younger aurors before he spun about
from his place along one of the walls and hurried from the room.
"Chief Adjudicator Longbottom," called Tonks. "As Lord Black was
unlawfully incarcerated for twelve years, plus had to suffer for a further
year on the run while dodging dementors sent to suck out his soul, it falls
to Ministry to compensate the man. The defence claims the sum of one
hundred thousand galleons per year pro rata for that insult and the harm
he has received.
"Further, the defence demands Lord Apparent Black be recognised by this
body as the rightful godfather of Lord Harrison James Potter, as per the
wishes of his parents. Lord Apparent Black, as per the parents' wishes of
Harrison James Potter, was supposed to be the rightful guardian of the
then infant Harrison James Potter on their passing. A position the
defence believes was usurped by Albus Dumbledore, when it has now
become known Albus Dumbledore knew Lord Apparent Black was then
the infant Harrison James Potter's rightful guardian, magical or
otherwise."
"So ordered," stated Madam Longbottom. "You are aware, are you not,
that since Lord Potter's name came out of the Goblet of Fire for the Tri-
Wizard Tournament that he has been recognised as an of-age student
and, therefore, an emancipated minor?"
"The defence is aware that Lord Potter has been declared of-age; not an
emancipated minor," he stated back. "He cannot, legally, be both."
Harry knew that but was thankful this Tonks man made it a matter of
Record. He wondered what Longbottom was trying to accomplish by
having him recognised as an emancipated minor and not of-age. She was
up to something there, as she scowled back for a moment.
"In that case, Lord Apparent Black, unless there is anything further, you
are free to go," she said.
"There is one piece of business I have before this body that I consider
most urgent, Madam Longbottom," said Sirius.
"Oh?" she asked. "And what might that be?"
Turning to the Auror Shacklebolt, who had taken his wand earlier, Sirius
asked, "My wand, please?"
After the auror quickly checked with Madam Bones he had permission to
return it to the man, Shacklebolt silently handed it back.
"Thank you," said Sirius, turning back around.
Immediately holding the wand in the grip to give oath, he said, "I, Lord
Apparent Sirius Orion Black the Third of the Noble and Most Ancient
House of Black, hereby remove Lucius Abraxas Malfoy from unlawfully
holding proxy, or claimed regency, of the Seat of Black; and demand he
no longer hold that role, from this very moment forth!"
With Malfoy out of the way, at the moment, no one sat the Seat. Malfoy
did not sit a Seat in his own right, because the House of Malfoy was not a
Noble one, as he often tried to publicly state.
"Done," declared Longbottom.
"Now," continued Sirius. "Who sits as regent or proxy for the House of
Potter?"
He watched as all eyes in the Members' tiers swivelled to stare at Elphias
Doge, who was staring at Sirius in shock.
"Elphias Doge," asked Sirius. "Do you currently claim regency or proxy for
the House of Potter?"
Doge blanched, nodded back and replied, "Albus Dumbledore, as Mister
Potter's magical guardian, appointed me as proxy with him as regent."
The man seemed to have suddenly broken out in a cold sweat.
"Since I was never convicted of a crime that would require it, I was never
stripped of being the rightful guardian of Harrison James Potter and I
never appointed Albus Dumbledore as Regent of the House of Potter in
my stead," Sirius argued right back. "Therefore, Albus Dumbledore was
never in a position where he had any right to claim Regency or appoint
you as Proxy for the Seat of Potter.
"Added to that," began Sirius. "As Lord Potter has been declared of-age,
he no longer needs a regent. And it is also now his right to name his own
proxy. You know that and shouldn't have even taken that seat today. Step
down."
Doge seemed to slump in his seat - or, rather, Harry's seat - for a moment,
before he rose and made his way down the stairs and out of the tiers. He
didn't even look at Sirius or in Harry's direction.
Sirius then asked Madam Longbottom, "A moment of the Wizengamot's
indulgence, Madam Longbottom, while I confer with Lord Potter?"
Madam Longbottom immediately snapped, "No."
"I call for the vote," Bones immediately cut in.
Longbottom was obviously still very angry with Harry, hence her refusal.
Luckily, Bones knew that. That's why she called the vote to decide.
Clearly the call made her even more angry. "Very well," she snapped. "All
those in favour of the indulgence?"
More than half raised their wands.
"Those against?"
Only a few were raised.
Still with a moue of annoyance and anger, Longbottom turned back and
said, "You have five minutes, Lord Black."
As soon as the decision was announced, Harry stood up from his chair
and made his way to Sirius, who then immediately laid a big hug on him
for a moment, and Tonks.
Stepping back, Sirius quietly asked, "Any ideas on who to name as your
proxy, Harry? Or, would you prefer to take the seat yourself? It would
mean taking at least one day off school a month to attend the
Wizengamot if you want to take the seat yourself."
Harry thought about it for a few moments before he said, "I do not know.
Can I defer the decision until the next meeting of the Wizengamot?"
"That's actually a wise decision," said Tonks, while Sirius smiled.
"I think so, too," said Sirius. "However, I think it might be a good idea to
give your proxy, temporarily, to Madam Bones. It will be one more vote
that will fall against Dumbledore and his lackeys in their trials."
"Good idea," said Harry. "Alright, do that."
Again, Sirius smiled and said, "Thank you, Harry. You can return to your
seat."
As Harry did so, Sirius spun back to the Wizengamot and said to Madam
Longbottom. "Thank you for the indulgence, Madam Longbottom. I do
not need the full five minutes.
"At this time, I name as proxy for the Seat of Black, Madam Andromeda
Tonks of the House of Tonks and soon to be reinstated to the House of
Black. And further, as true named guardian of Lord Potter and under
direction from Lord Potter, I name as proxy for the Seat of Potter Madam
Director Amelia Bones of the House of Bones and Director of the DMLE."
"Very well," she said. "Is Madam Andromeda Tonks here?"
Standing up from the visitors' gallery, Andi Tonks stepped down and
came forth.
"You may take your seat in the Seat of Black," said Madam Longbottom.
As the woman did so, Longbottom continued, "Let the record reflect that
the new Proxy for the Seat of Black is Madam Andromeda Tonks of the
House of Tonks; and the new Proxy for the Seat of Potter is Madam
Director Amelia Bones of the House of Bones and Director of the DMLE.
"Turning to Sirius again, she asked, "Anything else?"
"No, Ma'am," he replied. "Thank you to the Wizengamot for finally giving
me the trial I should have had within a month of first being held in
custody in November of 1981. Better late than never, I suppose."
Then he spun away and went to sit with Harry and Hermione. He
conjured his own seat there as he approached. However, he need not
have bothered.
Turning to Bones, Longbottom asked, "Do we have the next ready?"
"I believe we should break for lunch," replied Bones. "That will give my
aurors time to go to Hogwarts and bring back the next two after
Bartemius Crouch Senior - Rubeus Hagrid and Filius Flitwick."
"They're half breeds, both of them," snapped Nott. "I say we just toss them
into Azkaban."
"Lord Nott, we just got through finding a man to be innocent, who was
tossed into Azkaban without a trial," sighed Bones. "Do you want to see
the Ministry pay out yet more galleons in reparations should they later be
found innocent?"
That shut the man up again. And again he sat back in a funky sulk.
"We break for one hour for lunch," declared Madam Longbottom. And she
banged her gavel once on the bench before her. That had her then rise
and begin to walk out, followed by the other Members. They walked out
while quietly chatting between themselves.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
9. Flitwick Plays Hardball
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 Nine - Flitwick Plays Hardball
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
During lunch, where the two teens, Sirius and Ted Tonks were invited to
dine in the DMLE cafeteria at the insistence of Madam Bones's aurors and
at Sirius's own insistence, Harry and Hermione went through the facts of
what had happened over the past few days and where they knew the
Daily Prophet had printed untruths. Ted and Andromeda Tonks also sat
near them, but left the three to chat quietly among themselves.
Harry was surprised Andromeda had not joined the other Members in the
Members' own dining room, but quickly realised she and her husband
rarely managed to enjoy lunch together. Ted worked normal office hours
out of his office and Andromeda worked shifts at Saint Mungo's.
Because they were also trying to eat at the time and neither would speak
while their mouths were full, it took almost the entire hour for the two
teens to go through it all.
Sirius did unknowingly help them with that, as he spent time just
absorbing and thinking about what they'd told him after each answer
before asking the next question.
As the hour was coming to a close, he gave a pained sigh while looking at
Harry and said, "You're right. From what you've told me Dumbledore's
been setting you up. I have no idea why, though."
"It's like he's... trying to without letting on he's doing it... preparing me for
something big," said Harry. "And I believe it has to do with Tom Riddle.
You know he believes Riddle... he who you know as Voldemort... will
return, don't you?"
Harry saw both Hermione and Sirius give a slight shudder when he
mentioned the name Voldemort. And knew, on Sirius's behalf at least, it
had to do with how Riddle had set up a Taboo on the name 'Voldemort'
when he was at the height of his powers prior to October 1981.
"So," sighed Sirius. "Dumbledore's definitely guilty of at least a great deal
of which he's been charged."
"Yes," replied Harry. "But, more than that, I believe he's guilty of all of it
and a great deal more."
Hermione nodded.
"When's his trial?" asked Sirius.
"Last," replied Harry. "Madam Bones believes she's going to discover more
evidence of crimes he's committed during the trials of those who've gone
before him. That, of course, includes all the Professors and other
Hogwarts staff whose trials are this afternoon and tomorrow, at least."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After the hour break everyone returned to the chamber.
As soon as Madam Longbottom was settled she banged her gavel and
declared, "This session of the Wizengamot sitting in judicial review is
once again in session.
"Bring in the next accused!"
Next up was the person they expected immediately after Umbridge -
Barty Crouch Senior.
Bones started with the most important of the charges against him, first -
breaking his son out of Azkaban. And, if that wasn't the nail in the coffin
that dealt his doom, the next matter was him repeatedly using one of the
Unforgivables, the Imperius curse, on that son.
Madam Longbottom gave him the opportunity to plead guilty to both
charges before they started on the evidence.
He did.
"As you have pleaded guilty to both breaking your son out of Azkaban,"
said Madam Longbottom. "And have also pleaded guilty to the multiple
use of an Unforgivable, I believe there is both no need to delve further
and only one course of action open to us.
"I now call the vote. That vote will be for not guilty of all charges or
guilty of either charge. It matters not which as they both carry the same
sentence, life in Azkaban.
"All those in favour of guilty, vote now."
Again more than three quarters voted.
"Though it means little difference," she said, "All those in favour of not
guilty, vote now"
Only a few wands lit. Surprisingly, they were from the hardcore neutrals
who believed Crouch's services of playing hard-ball with the DEs during
his tenure as head of the DMLE should mean something.
"Having voted," she said. "Mister Bartemius Crouch Senior, the
Wizengamot overwhelmingly finds you guilty. As per sentencing
requirements for a crime of this magnitude, you are to be incarcerated in
the medium security wing of Azkaban for the rest of your natural life.
"Aurors, shackle him and take him away."
Crouch was then immediately shackled and led from the room. He almost
had to be dragged he was sobbing so much.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Next led in through the doors was Rubeus Hagrid. He was not in chains
or manacles as he wasn't deemed to be a risk.
He was led to the accused chair, which had to be magically enlarged, and
sat upon it. The chains almost lazily draped themselves over him.
After the charges were read, which included conspiracy to kidnap the
heir of a Noble and Most Ancient House and endangering children at
Hogwarts with Fluffy, he asked how he plead.
"Guilty," he immediately replied in a dejected manner. "Bu' only becuz,
since it were Dumbledore 'oo tol' me ta do it, ah didn't think ah'd done
anything wrong."
"Guilty with mitigating circumstances," said Longbottom. "Accepted.
Madam Bones you may commence your case."
First, Bones started by submitting to evidence the testimony Hagrid gave
the day he was arrested. And stated he gave it under Veritaserum.
Then she began by questioning him, again under Veritaserum as he
wasn't a pureblood he wasn't exempt from being forced to take it. And
started with the night Harry's parents were murdered by Voldemort and
his role within it, before moving forward to the traps on the third floor in
the 1991-92 school year and his part within that too.
Surprisingly, she then went back a few years and asked him questions
relating to the death of Myrtle Warren, the now ghost of Moaning Myrtle.
And his role in that.
A court-appointed Law-wizard, who had offered himself as defence
Counsel, then asked him about his direct part in the girl's death and why
he was believed guilty of it.
It turned out he wasn't, but he was unable to properly defend himself
against the charges at the time. That was why he'd found his wand
snapped and ordered not to be allowed to cast magic from that day forth.
Then Bones said, "It is not the prosecution's intent, at this time, to see
Mister Hagrid incarcerated as we believe he was faithfully acting under
what he believed to be the lawful orders of Albus Dumbledore, his boss.
The law-wizard added, "It is the defence's request, also at this time, for
Mister Hagrid to be returned wand privileges. As this latest evidence has
now shown the truth of the matter, we do not feel he was justly found
guilty of facts that led to the death of the minor witch, Myrtle Warren;
which is what led to him being incarcerated and his wand snapped at the
time."
"The prosecution has no problem with that," returned Bones. "However,
we do feel strongly that he never be allowed to be in a position of
authority over a child, ever again."
Madam Longbottom thought of that for a few moments before she
declared, "If Mister Hagrid is found innocent of the crimes for which he
sits before us today; then we shall vote on the request for his wand
privileges to be reinstated. The second part is irrelevant if his guilt is
decided in the first part.
"Secondly, because of the nature of the crimes committed against and
relating to Lord Potter, we shall vote first for his innocence and then for
his punishment if he is found guilty.
"Are there any who wish to ask questions, or shall we move on to the
votes?"
When she again received no comment, not even from Nott, she said,
"Very well. Those voting for guilty, do so now."
To Harry, it appeared a little less than half voted for guilty.
"Those who vote for not guilty, do so now."
Again, a little less than half voted. Apparently, the rest had abstained.
When the tally was given, those who voted not guilty won through - just.
Harry could see Hagrid slump forward in relief.
"Very well," said Madam Longbottom. "A minority has voted for your
innocence. Therefore, you are free of that matter. We shall now vote on
whether or not wand privileges shall be return to you.
"Those who vote 'yes' for the return of wand privileges, do so now."
Again, less than half voted in favour.
"Those who vote 'no' for the return of wand privileges, do so now."
This time a clear majority voted against.
"I am sorry, Mister Hagrid," said Madam Longbottom. "Wand privileges
will not be returned to you at this time."
"Tha's alri'," he quietly said. "Ah'm now used ta not 'avin' a wand."
"You are free to go, Mister Hagrid," she said. "And, accordingly, you are
free to return to Hogwarts as Groundskeeper. However, you are not to
ever be in a position where you are an authority over children, ever
again. That includes being the one to take the first years across the lake
on their first night in the castle. Understood?"
"Yes, M'm,' he replied.
The chains then dropped away and he, quite dejectedly, rose and made
his own way out of the chamber.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Once Hagrid exited, Longbottom turned to Bones and asked, "Do we have
time for one more?"
"This one, we do," she replied. "This person immediately and without
equivocation offered a plea of guilty to all charges in advance. They are
already quite repentant."
"Then it should be a quick one," declared Madam Longbottom. "Bring in
the accused."
Harry thought it would be Professor Flitwick, he was right.
As with Hagrid, Professor Flitwick was not led in wearing manacles.
Instead, he calmly walked in with the two aurors assigned to him merely
following him along without even laying hands on him.
He directly headed to the accused's chair, which had been altered to his
stature between the time Hagrid left and he arrived, and sat upon it. The
chains, just as with Hagrid and Sirius, lazily draped over him.
Harry was beginning to suspect the chains were not just magically
enchanted to wrap around the accused, but also in such a way as to
imply the innocent or guilt of the person sitting on the chair.
Once he was sitting he was told he would be taking Veritaserum.
"I'm sorry, Madam," he quietly replied. "But, as a part goblin, I'm
somewhat immune to its effects. However, after studying it, I believe four
drops, rather than the regulated three, may in fact work on me as I'm
only part goblin."
"If you are willing to take four drops, then I cannot see any reason for
you not to take such," said Madam Longbottom.
"Auror," said Madam Bones. "Four drops, if you would."
Fleming replied, "Yes, Ma'am. Four drops." He then stepped forward and,
as Flitwick willingly tilted his head back and stuck his tongue out, the
four drops were administered.
They waited the recommended time and then asked him the verification
questions. Harry was surprised to learn he was actually 104 years old.
Madam Bones then read out the charges against him, of which there was
only two. One for child endangerment through placing one of the traps
on the third floor in Harry's first year and one for failing to stop the
ongoing abuse of a student through ongoing bullying - Luna.
"For the record, Mister Flitwick," said Longbottom. "How do you plead?"
"To my absolute shame, guilty to both charges, Ma'am," he immediately
replied. "On my return to the castle on the evening following the first
task in the Tri-Wizard tournament, I immediately moved to end the
bullying of Miss Lovegood. However, it does not forgive me for not
stopping the bullying as soon as I became aware of it, other than
reporting it to Headmaster Dumbledore."
"You will have the chance to speak in your defence later, Mister Flitwick,"
said Longbottom. "For now, your plea of guilty to both charges is noted.
"Madam Bones, you may begin."
After first submitting Flitwick's interrogation transcript, Madam Bones
moved on to both Harry's and Flitwick's own memory strands; which, as
with all others, was shown in a solicitor's projective pensieve to the
court.
After that, a Dicta-quill transcribed statement from Luna Lovegood was
submitted.
"As you can see from Miss Lovegood's statement," said Bones. "She never
once reported the bullying to any member of staff. She appears to believe
it was the fault of fanciful and invisible creatures that made her fellow
housemates behave the way they did. It is the opinion of a DMLE
authorised mind healer that Miss Lovegood is still suffering from the
effects of the death of her mother, when she was nine years old. The
woman died in her arms and Miss Lovegood appears to suffer some
measure of guilt in not being able to help her."
"Has she since been offered help in that area?" asked Longbottom.
"Yes, but her father is unable to afford it."
Harry silently vowed he'd both look out for her and pay for it, as he
utterly despised bullies.
"Very well," said Madam Longbottom. "You may continue."
"The Prosecution rests, Chief Adjudicator," replied Bones.
With a nod back, Longbottom then turned to Flitwick. "Mister Flitwick, as
you do not seem to be represented by a Law-wizard, it is now your turn
to offer evidence in your own defence."
"The only defence I offer, Chief Adjudicator, is included in my testimony,"
he replied. "However, to repeat what I have written so the other Members
may know of it, I make you aware of the following..."
He then went on to describe how he was unable to find work after he'd
retired from the duelling circuit and how Albus Dumbledore was the only
person to offer him work. Then he described how, in 1991, Dumbledore
stated he would fire him if he did not go ahead and assist with setting the
traps on the third floor corridor after he first baulked at doing it.
However, Dumbledore had also promised him that no student would be
able to get into that corridor, let alone through to the trap he had set up
and he had trusted the man.
Next he told of how he was aware of some bullying going on in the
school and, when he first came across it, issued punishment. However,
when he raised the issue of the constant ongoing bullying by the majority
of students in his own house against one student with the Headmaster,
Dumbledore told him he was to leave it alone.
"He told me it would build character in the girl, to rise above it," said
Flitwick. "And I am ashamed I didn't act against the Headmaster's order
and deal with it, anyway."
At the beginning of this school year he also wanted to offer assistance to
'Mister Potter', but the Headmaster forbade him doing that, too; citing
that the Tri-Wizard Tournament specifically forbade it and that he would
risk his magic if he attempted it. However, once he found out from a
reading of the contract that Mister Potter, due to his name coming out of
the Goblet could not then be considered a Hogwarts' champion, he knew
he could offer Harry assistance. But, by then, it was too late. That was
only two days before the task.
"That concludes the evidence I submit, Chief Adjudicator," he finished.
"The defence rests."
"Very well," said Longbottom, giving a firm nod back. "Under my
direction we shall vote on three issues.
"The first is only for guilt or innocence and we will vote each separately.
If found guilty for either or both, we will then vote for punishment of
each guilty verdict. Please remember that a vote of guilt in any crime
against a child could very well mean that Mister Flitwick will
immediately lose his job as a professor at Hogwarts."
She gave that a moment to sink in before she said, "In the first matter, the
setting up of a dangerous trap within the school in the 1991/92 school
year, those voting for guilty please vote now."
About a third voted.
"Those voting for not guilty, please vote now."
About half voted. Harry could see the professor would be declared not
guilty of that charge.
"In the second matter, failing to act to protect a student under his care
from harm within the school in the 1992 to present school years; those
voting for guilty, please vote now."
Again, about a third voted.
"Those voting for not guilty please vote now."
Again, about half voted. Harry could see the professor would be declared
not guilty of that charge, too.
"I move for another vote, Chief Adjudicator," said one of the Members,
rising in place.
"Oh?" asked Longbottom. "And what would that be."
"Given what has been made clear this day, I move for a vote to be taken
as to whether Filius Flitwick be allowed to remain a Head of House or
banned from such a position forevermore."
"Very well," she replied. "I can see the wisdom of that."
"In this new matter, losing his Head of House position due to a loss of
trust, those voting the affirmative please vote now."
This time, a little over half voted.
"Those voting for the status quo, with Mister Flitwick retaining his Head
of House position, please vote now."
And, this time, less than half voted. The professor would be losing his
Head of House position.
Turning to look at the professor, Harry could see it was what the little
Charms Master expected.
"Mister Filius Flitwick, it is the decision of this court that you are
declared not guilty of the charges laid against you. However, this court
has also found that your forsworn guilt is sufficient for you to lose your
position as Head of Ravenclaw House. A position you will never be
allowed again. Are we clear?"
"Yes, Ma'am," he quietly replied. "Thank you. I shall do my best to
recover my honour by never again falling under the sway of Albus
Dumbledore to divert me from what is right."
"Very well," she said. "Aurors, you may release him. Professor Flitwick,
you are free to return to the castle to return to your position of Professor
of Charms."
As the chains were released and the professor stood, he bowed to the
Wizengamot and, without another word, strode from the chamber. He
looked in no one's specific direction as he left.
"That's sad," said Sirius.
"Yes," said an equally sad Hermione.
"It was well-deserved punishment," Harry firmly retorted. "He did as
Dumbledore told him to, even when he knew it was wrong. He placed
keeping his job over the safety of the students. For that alone, the man
does not deserve your commiserations."
"You would have rather seen him fired?" asked a surprised Hermione.
"Hell, yes," he firmly replied. "The man is a Charms Master of incredible
skill. Plus, he's taught at least two full generations of students who have
passed through the school.
"While he stated he believed only Dumbledore offered him a job, that was
back over twenty years ago. Things have changed since then. Now, two
generations of Hogwarts students know exactly who he is and what he's
like. There is no way, for the last decade or so at least, he'd have been out
of work for long."
Hermione sighed and softly said, "I guess you're right."
Flitwick's trial was the last of the day. And Longbottom said they'd be
recommencing the next morning with Pomona Sprout's and Severus
Snape's. Depending on how long they both took, they would be followed
by Minerva McGonagall and the Dursleys.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Before they left for the day, Sirius took Harry aside to explain a few
things to him.
"Alright, Pup," he began. "Here's what you need to know. First, I'll be
staying with the Tonkses for a while. I'll very soon be bringing Andi and,
through her, her daughter back into the House of Black as recognised
daughters; and Ted as a recognised spouse of a daughter of the House of
Black."
Harry gave a nod back but refrained from saying anything, knowing
Sirius had more to tell him.
"Secondly," continued the old dog, "I'm appointing Ted Tonks as the Law-
wizard firm of Record for the House of Black. No idea who it is now, but
I consider them useless if they did nothing to ensure my freedom back in
November 1981.
"Third, while you're still going to be a named Heir of the House of Black,
I'm sliding you down the line a bit. I'm naming Andi as my immediate
Heir, then her daughter, then you. Got that?"
"Yeah, sounds good," Harry replied.
"Fourth, Andi's scheduled me for some pretty intense potions to aid me in
healing as quick as possible. So, I won't be able to visit you in school, but
I'll be available via owl. Plus, I need to collect a pair of mirrors from my
old family home in Kings Cross. They're communication mirrors and will
allow us to talk one-to-one any time you feel the need to contact me.
Again, Harry nodded.
"Fifth, during the next few weeks I also have to find time to get into
Gringotts to collect the Lord's ring for the Noble and Most Ancient House
of Black and don it. Then I'm going to need to make a start on getting the
House finances back up to scratch."
"Yeah, that's important," agreed Harry. "The goblins have informed me
how much work I've got to do with them to get the House of Potter
finances up to scratch, too."
"When I can, I'll help you with that," offered Sirius.
"Thanks, that'd be nice."
"In the mean time, keep your head down," said Sirius. "And I apologise, in
advance, I won't be able to come in to witness the trials tomorrow. I don't
think I'll be able to move much once those potions begin to kick in."
"That's alright, Sirius," Harry was quick to say. "The quicker you get your
health back up to normal the sooner we'll be able to spend more time
together."
"My thoughts, exactly," nodded Sirius.
Just as they were about to part, with Andromeda clearly wanting to get
Sirius back to her place, an Unspeakable turned up and said, "Lord Black?
A moment of your time, if you would? It's vitally important."
After a quick glance at Andromeda, Sirius said, "Sure!" Then he turned
back to Harry and said, "Take care of yourself, pup. And don't get too
angry if the trials don't go as well as you hoped."
"I will. Thank you, Sirius," replied Harry, returning to his auror escort,
who were waiting off with Andromeda and Hermione.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
On his return to the school, Flitwick headed direct to his office. There, he
pulled out a flagon of goblin ale and poured himself a healthy measure.
Then he sat back in his office chair and went over all his past actions
relating to Dumbledore, the rest of the staff, the students of what was his
own House and the student population in general.
Once he'd mentally reviewed everything - and pretty much polished off
that, plus one other, mug of ale - he pulled a long sheet of parchment
before himself and began to make a list.
This list would be the foundation of how he behaved as a Professor, a
man and a goblin from that point on.
He worked until McGonagall knocked on his door. But he wasn't finished
by a long cast.
"Come!" he barked.
When McGonagall opened the door and tentatively walked in she then
quietly closed the door behind her.
"How did it go?" she quietly asked.
"I was lucky," he replied. "Because I pleaded guilty right from the start,
I've managed not to both be sent to Azkaban or be fired. However, I've
been stripped of my position as Head of House Ravenclaw. That last, I
believe, is because I didn't act to protect Miss Lovegood from the in-
house bullying that she's been subjected to for the past two plus years; as
I bloody well should have, Dumbledore's orders be-damned"
"You'd have been fired," she said.
"Then I should have been fired; or rather, quit first!" he snapped back. "I
dishonoured myself by putting my job before the welfare of the students.
No matter what Dumbledore says... if he manages to come back to the
castle... that will never happen again!"
That last bit was said with a quiet snarl.
McGonagall was quiet for a few long moments as she stared at her
colleague. Then she said, "I've just been informed my trial will likely be
tomorrow afternoon. Pomona and Severus are in the morning."
"I figured as much," he replied.
After a second long pause, she asked, "May I ask what you're writing
down?"
"I have been mentally reviewing my behaviour as a professor over the
past couple decades and have decided I have a lot to change in my
behaviour and actions to have any hope of recovering my honour," he
replied. "I'm writing down what will effectively be what I'll be changing
of that. It will apply to my interactions with the Headmaster, you if
you're still here, the Heads of Houses, the rest of my colleagues and the
students.
"No longer will I allow either the Headmaster... or you, if you manage to
retain your position as Deputy Headmistress... to dictate actions on my
part that are contrary to my own personal sense of honour. If necessary, I
will declare honour duel on whoever tries it.
"From this point forth I will be placing the safety of students above even
my own. If the Headmaster even so much as suggests otherwise, he and I
will be facing one another on the duelling piste.
"He will likely win. However, I will definitely hurt him before he takes me
down. If he's not already been removed from his position by then, the
disgrace of having to kill me in a duel should then be enough to see him
removed.
"At least that way my honour will be restored. If it takes the sacrifice of
my life to achieve it, so be it."
To say McGonagall was shocked at her colleague's words would be a
major understatement.
"So, Minerva McGonagall," he asked, "Are you going to pull your lips off
old Albus's arse and start doing the right thing? Or, are you going to keep
doing the easy thing... the wrong thing... and find yourself very soon
getting up close and personal with the dementors of Azkaban?"
"I..." she began, before she didn't know how to continue.
Flitwick gave her a long few seconds to finish answering before he said,
"If you can't figure out the answer to that question by the time your trial
starts, I guess I should be saying goodbye to you, Minerva. You won't be
returning to the castle."
Unsure of what else to say, she just quietly left again. Her eyes were
again filled with unshed tears. However, if he'd seen them he wouldn't
have cared. He knew the fault of her actions lay entirely on her own
shoulders.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
On their own return to the Gryffindor Tower, both Harry and Hermione
were almost immediately besieged by students wanting to know the
results of the trials.
Before their auror escort even managed to step forward to intercede,
Harry had already lost his temper.
"Fuck off!" he shouted and glared at them all.
When they, almost as one, immediately shut up and reeled back in shock
he snarled, "You lot have no right to make even a single demand of me or
Hermione. With the exception of Hermione you all turned your backs on
me when my name came out of the Goblet of Fire - or, worse, accused me
of being a cheat.
"What, in Merlin's name, is going through that sludge you lot collectively
call your brains that leads you to believe you can, not only expect me to
tell you what happened at the trials, but have any right to demand of me
I tell you?
"If you want to know what happened during today's trials, you can wait
to find out from what's written in tomorrow morning's Daily Prophet. Of
course, a lot of that is going to be misleading bullshit; but, I really don't
care."
He suddenly realised this was exactly the right opportunity to accomplish
something else he was looking forward to - withdrawing from Quidditch.
Unknown to anyone else, he actually hated the sport. Especially since he
was never asked if he wanted to play, in the first place.
"It seems the only way for you lot to get it through your heads you are
not to bother me is to punish you for it. Therefore, I, Lord Harrison James
Potter, hereby withdraw my services from the Gryffindor House
Quidditch Team, the Lions. As I say, so I swear, so let it be written."
After he gave the muted flash of light signifying an accepted oath, he
glared at them all. There were quite a few gasps of shock directed back at
him. And said, "Good luck winning the Quidditch Cup, next year and
beyond, without me on the team."
Then he spun about and stormed out again. Hermione hurried behind.
As they left, one of the aurors firmly sneered, "You really are all
Gryffindors, aren't you? Always charging in, without thought of the
consequences of your actions.
"There will be no further warnings to leave them alone, from this point
forth. From this point forth, if you bother either of them, you will be
immediately arrested and dragged to a holding cell in the DMLE in
handcuffs. We don't care how old you are; we don't care if you're a
pureblood, halfblood, muggleborn, squib or muggle; and we don't care if
you're eleven or one hundred and eleven; next time, it's the handcuffs and
a quick trip to the DMLE. Leniency given because of your age is now at
an end. The Department is sick and tired of its warnings being ignored."
Meanwhile, Harry was storming down the grand staircase and along
corridors. Hermione and the lone auror had to hurry to keep up with
him. Somewhere along the line, a second auror joined the lone auror and
Hermione to follow him.
What Harry didn't realise, and wouldn't have cared if he did, he was both
effusing a little magic through an aura and had an expression on his face
that promised a swift and brutal death to anyone who stopped him. He
was also carrying his wand in his hand pointing towards the ground that
was occasionally spitting out sparks as it waved slightly back and
forward as he stormed along.
Anyone he came across immediately and rapidly placed themselves with
their backs to wall and a look of fear on their faces as he passed and that
included two of the Professors.
Eventually, he exited the main doors of the castle and headed for the
lake's edge.
Once near there and about thirty feet from the large boulder right on the
water's edge, he stopped.
Then, with a roar of frustrated rage, he began casting at that boulder.
Amazing Hermione and the now three aurors behind him, his wand arm
moved almost in a blur of wand movements. Curse after curse was fired
at that 'poor' boulder. Pieces and chips flew off it in all directions.
On and on he went. He cast bombarding, piercing, exploding, repulsing
and many more. Each curse was barely, if that, a second after the
previous. And each and every one of them was cast silently.
But he didn't just stand still and cast, either. He was on the move for the
entire time; dodging, weaving, side-stepping and spinning about. Always
in motion. For those watching it almost appeared as if it was a dance, so
fluid were his movements.
After more than two minutes he finally stopped. Still coiled and ready for
action he stood there, feet spread and his weight evenly balanced on the
balls of his feet. The only sign of exertion was that he was currently
breathing heavy and was covered in a light sheen of sweat. No one who
watched what he'd done and or how he currently stood had any doubt
that Harrison 'Harry' James Potter, right at that moment, was one very
dangerous individual.
Even Hermione - who, like the aurors, stood back and watched - had no
doubt that 'her' Harry was dangerous. However, she was comforted in
knowing, without a doubt, he would never unleash that sort of force
upon her. Nevertheless, she was still unwilling to step forward just yet.
The large boulder, after that vicious display of power, had been reduced
by over a third of its mass.
What Harry did not know, nor would he have cared if he'd known, was
that his display of power had been witnessed by quite a few people
besides Hermione and the aurors. Aboard the Durmstrang ship the rails
on the side closest to him were lined with students and staff of that
school. And, over near the Beauxbatons carriage, those who wore the
powder blue were outside of that carriage and had also been watching.
As for Hogwarts students and staff, many he had passed had followed at a
'respectable' distance as he made his way from the Gryffindor Tower to
outside. Plus, there were also Hogwarts students who were outside on the
grounds at that time who were also watching.
No one of any of the three schools made a sound. They were all, to the
witch or wizard, completely and utterly stunned silent.
After thinking it was over and Harry was beginning to calm down,
Hermione was about to carefully step forward when he gave a second
roar and recommenced his attack on the boulder.
This time the casting was just as quick and just as powerful as the first
time. However, this time it only went on for about thirty seconds.
And, just as quick as it started, it stopped again.
This time he again stood still while heavily panting from the exertion.
But, after about ten seconds, he simply screamed, "Fuck!" before he
dropped to the ground and sat on his bum, still staring at the boulder.
A good five seconds after that, Hermione carefully walked forward and
sat next to him. However, she made sure a good two feet separated them.
The three aurors stayed back and well out of hearing range.
But one did softly but emphatically mutter, "Sweeeeet Merlin."
Neither of the other two, with the missing one having joined them,
responded.
Hermione waited another five to ten seconds after she sat down before
she quietly asked, "Feel better?"
He just gave an annoyed grunt in response, not even looking at her.
After another few seconds pause and, trying to make light of the
situation, she asked, "What did that poor rock ever do to you?"
He gave a snort of annoyance and replied, "It just made a suitable target.
Would you have preferred I made the Gryffindor common room that
target, instead?"
"Of course not," she more confidently replied. "I thought you would have
chosen to vent your anger on the target dummies in the dueling room,
instead."
"With the amount of power I was putting into my casting I would have
rendered them irreparable within seconds," he replied. "I think I'm going
to need them at some time in the future; and did not want to deny myself
their use."
She gave a nod he didn't see and said, "Wise."
Then she said, "If you think you're done reducing that rock to stone chips,
you're going to need to take a shower and change your clothes. You're all
sweaty."
Turning a wry grin to her he asked, "Not one for the scent of 'Eau de
Sweaty Teen Boy'?"
"I like your normal scent," she replied. "I like the smell of your mint
toothpaste and the light lemon scent of your soap when you're fresh out
of the shower. I don't think much of the scent of your shampoo, though."
He gave a tired chuckle and said, "Then you shall have to help me find
one that has a smell you like, won't you?"
She smiled back and said, "We can do that when you come to stay at my
place."
Noticing the boy-wizard had finally calmed down, the senior of the three
aurors still standing back took a deep breath and walked forward. "Lord
Potter?"
When both teens turned to look at him, he continued, "Now that you've...
vented your ire, perhaps it is time to return to the castle? You seem to
have drawn quite the audience." And gestured about.
Turning his attention to where the auror gestured, and seeing the number
of people who were watching, he looked back at the auror, gave a
sheepish smile and said, "Oops?"
That had all three aurors grinning back. And the first said, "I happen to
think it's a good thing. I very much doubt anyone's going to be bothering
you from now on. It'll make our job much easier."
After another snort of amusement, Harry wryly replied, "Anything to
help."
A moment later he climbed to his feet and held out his hand to help
Hermione back to hers. Once both were again standing he said, "I guess I
better go back to the Tower, shower and change."
Turning back to frown at the boulder he said, "But, perhaps I should first
repair the damage I did to this poor rock."
"No," the auror quickly said. "Leave it. It'll stand as testimony as to why it
is a very bad idea to bother you. It is, after all, only a rock."
Harry thought about it for a few moments before he gave a bit of shrug
and said, "Why not?"
Then, still holding hands with Hermione after helping her up, something
the girl was not going to let him know about as he didn't seem to realise,
he led the way back up the grassy slope to the main doors of the school.
As he neared the stairs leading within, those who had come outside to
watch him in action or were too late and only saw the results of his
actions, quietly stepped out of his way. Not one of them said a word.
That was something he was grateful for.
As they headed back up the stairs, one of the aurors quietly said to the
other two out of hearing range of the two teens, "Did you see the
expressions of those kids who were of dark families? They looked like
they were going shit themselves."
That had the other two smile back.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After walking back in to the Gryffindor common room, he stopped and
glared about practically challenging everyone to say a word to him. After
a long moment he turned and said to Hermione, "Give me about ten
minutes to shower and change?"
She gave a nod back and replied, "Alright Harry. I'll wait. I'm just going
to get changed, myself."
Once he was gone up the stairs she looked about at all the silent
housemates in the room and said, "Gee whiz; are you people stupid.
Harry was right when he said he believed almost all witches and wizards
where daft morons. Less than twenty minutes ago you people proved it."
Then she went and got changed, herself. She wanted to be out of the
'finery' she was wearing and into more comfortable... muggle... clothes.
Just after she ascended the stairs to the girls' dorms a large gaggle of
Gryffindor students entered and began to tell the others there what they
had witnessed Harry do to the large boulder on the edge of the lake.
That had quite a few rethinking any idea of approaching either of the two
teens. It was well-known Harry would do so much more to someone who
annoyed Hermione, than himself. And quite a few of those who were in
the common room that had not seen what Harry had done to the boulder
quickly made their way out of the tower and down to the grounds to see
for themselves.
Within the hour everyone, including Filch, had learned of what Harry
had done to the lakeside boulder because he was angry with his
housemates. No one, any longer, doubted his power. And the same could
be said for both the Durmstrang ship and Beauxbatons carriage
occupants.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
That evening, Flitwick waited pretty much until all the students of
Hogwarts had entered the Great Hall for dinner before he rose to stand
on his seat.
"Students!" he called.
That had the Hall quiet down pretty quickly. There'd be very few there
who did not know what he was likely to want to say.
Once the noise died right down he more quietly, but still with enough
volume to reach the other end of the Hall, said, "Students... Many of you
would be wondering what happened at today's trials. I'm sure you will be
given a more in-depth analysis of them in tomorrow morning's Daily
Prophet. However, I'm prepared at this time to give you an overview.
"The first trial of the day was of our Minister, Cornelius Fudge. Or, I
should say now, our ex-Minister. Mister Fudge was found guilty of the
crimes of abuse of authority as an officer of the Ministry, exceeding his
authority as a Minister, and a few others. He was found guilty of all
charges bar one. And that one they only gave a finding of no finding;
meaning they did not find him either innocent or guilty of the charge. As
punishment he was fined one hundred thousand galleons, stripped of his
position as Minister, banned from ever holding a position within the
Ministry ever again and sentenced to seven years imprisonment in the
light security wing of Azkaban. As such, elections for a new Minister will
soon be held.
"The second trial was of Madam Dolores Umbridge, Senior
Undersecretary of Magic to the Minister. She was sent to Azkaban for ten
years for her troubles.
"The third trial was a surprising one. When everyone expected the next
trial to be that of Bartemius Crouch Senior, instead it was for Sirius Black
who stepped forward."
As the noise in the Hall rose with shocked exclamations and quiet
chattering among the students he fired a cannon blast charm in the air.
"Please, students; be quiet so I can get through this so the meal can begin.
If you want to discuss what you've heard, do it after the meal has been
served."
Again, the noise backed right off.
When he felt it was quiet enough he continued. "Evidence that
immediately came to light in Lord Black's trial was that he never received
a trial in the first place. He was summarily tossed into Azkaban without
one. If they had given the man a trial back then, there is no doubt in the
minds of anyone who attended he would never have been tossed into
Azkaban in the first place. Instead, just as he was this time, he would
have been found innocent of all charges.
"It was found that the real betrayer of the Potters and the true Secret
Keeper was Peter Pettigrew. Further, it was also proven that Peter
Pettigrew is still alive and is, currently, still at-large. An arrest warrant
has been issued for his arrest and it is expected he will be stripped of his
Order of Merlin, Third Class.
"Lord Black was immediately released, given financial compensation of
the sum of one hundred thousand galleons per year pro rata from the
time he was incarcerated until today, making it just over one point three
million galleons he will be paid, was officially recognised as Lord Potter's
godfather and the person who should have rightfully been raising him all
this time and is believed to be in the care of a Master Healer, who is
nursing him back to full health."
Quite a few students turned to stare at Harry when they heard that.
Harry just glared back, daring anyone to say anything.
"After a one hour break for lunch the next trial was of Bartemius Crouch
Senior. He had previously confessed to assisting his son, Bartemius
Crouch Junior, in escaping from Azkaban within months of his first being
incarcerated there; and the repeated use of the Unforgivable Imperious
curse on that son since that time and until as recently as the Quidditch
World Cup. For the multiple use of the Unforgivable alone, they decided
they did not need to hear any further matters raised against him and
immediately sentenced the man to life imprisonment in the medium
security wing of Azkaban.
"Following that, our own Groundskeeper, Rubeus Hagrid, faced his own
trial. Though he did not fight the two charges against him, even going so
far as to being completely up front and honest with the aurors during his
questioning, he was not found innocent, but faced no punishment due to
he having no intent to break the law. Though the orders Hagrid was
given by Dumbledore were illegal and he should not have carried them
out, he did not know that. As such the Wizengamot chose not to punish
him with a conviction. However, Hagrid has now been banned from ever
holding a position of authority ever again. That means Hagrid will never
be eligible to act as minder if a student is ordered to serve a detention.
Further, that means he has lost his position as Professor of Care of
Magical Creatures.
"And finally," he continued, before he gave a sigh. "Was my own trial."
He paused a few moments before he said, "As with Hagrid I did not fight
the charges against me; and I also freely and honestly aided the DMLE in
their enquiries. Furthermore, I also aided the Wizengamot during the
trial by providing added information I knew could harm my defence but
felt honour-bound to provide, nevertheless.
"I was found not guilty of the charges laid against me―"
That had the Ravenclaws make quiet exclamations of happiness, before
he quickly shut that down.
"... but the Wizengamot also decided that, due to the poor choices I have
made in carrying out my duties as both a Head of House and as a
Professor, I was to be stripped of the position as Head of House for
Ravenclaw. I was thankful, though, that I was not also stripped of my
post as a Professor; though, personally, I believe I should have been.
"This will give me opportunity to regain my honour; my honour, which I
must honestly judge, has been greatly harmed this past few years. There
have been times over this past many years during my time as a Professor,
let alone as Head of House Ravenclaw, I have wanted to issue severe
punishment to a student or students for incidences I strongly felt
warranted such. However, the Headmaster - wrongly, I feel - overruled
me. If he somehow manages to escape what I believe is his own richly
deserved punishment and returns to the castle, he will never be allowed
to do that again.
"As example of that... Miss Cho Chang, Miss Marietta Edgecombe, Miss
Amanda Brocklehurst, Mister Michael Corner and Miss Shirley Fawcett...
stand!"
When the five tentatively rose to their feet, wondering what was going
on, Flitwick continued. "You five are the five main culprits in the bullying
and other harm that has befallen Miss Lovegood. You are also the five
main instigators in the theft and damage of Miss Lovegood's property.
On the evening of the first task of the Tri-Wizard Tournament I informed
you all... the whole House... that all of Miss Lovegood's missing property
was to be return to her by 8.00am the next morning. You've had four
days... rather than just the overnight I gave you... to comply and you
have failed."
Turning to one of the aurors along the side walls, one he knew to be a
senior auror, he said, "Senior Auror; the five Ravenclaw students
currently on their feet are thieves and have caused physical harm to
another student. I hereby make formal complaint to you of their actions
and, as much as I can in my diminished capacity as a recognised
Professor of this school, demand they be removed from this castle. What
you do with them after that I couldn't care any less about than I do now."
As the five stood there in shock before three of them burst into tears and
another, Mandy Brocklehurst, fainted, five aurors moved forward to take
them into custody.
As the five were led out in manacles, with two needing to be practically
carried out, Flitwick remained standing there with a firm countenance
and stance - even if it was while standing on the seat of a chair.
Once they were gone he continued. The pain for Ravenclaw House was
not over yet.
"It is the responsibility of the House Prefects to monitor the students in
their House and in the common areas for actions contrary to being a
student of good standing. In that responsibility is also included the
requirement they be above reproach in their own actions.
"That a student in their House has suffered repeated and ongoing bullying
almost since her first day in this school over two years ago is utterly
intolerable. That not one of Ravenclaw's Prefects spotted it and either
dealt with it directly or reported it to me or one of the other members of
staff is completely unacceptable. All Ravenclaw Prefects are to stand up
right now."
All six did. And all looked rather ashamed.
"As my last official duty as Head of House Ravenclaw, you're all fired!"
the Professor firmly stated. "Miss Quirk," he called to one of the little
First Year 'Claws. She stood and looked at him. "Miss Quirk, please go to
each of our now ex-House Prefects and take their Prefect badges from
them. Then bring them up here to me."
With a short bobbed curtsey she quickly went around the table, collecting
them as she went, before hurrying up to silently hand them over to the
professor.
As she held them out to him from the other side of the head table he said,
"Just place them on the table please, Miss Quirk. And return to your
seat."
She promptly did both.
As the small girl hurried back, he said, "I'll shall be informing my
replacement as Head of House Ravenclaw why I've taken that action, if
they don't already know, and be recommending none of you ever be
offered the position again. You clearly do not deserve it. Now, sit your
butts back down."
All six, looking very dejected to the point three - two girls and a boy -
were silently crying, sat without a word.
"I will not be elevating any student to be their replacements. Instead, I
will leave that up to my own replacement. However, even if I did choose
to elevate six replacements, I doubt very much I could find a Ravenclaw
at the moment who would not have also deserved to lose their badge if
they'd already held one. They, too, could not have missed the very public
bullying of Miss Lovegood as it was going on. As such I determine them
to be Accessories to the crime."
He stood there for another long few moments before he more quietly said
in a dejected manner, "I was once proud to be considered a Ravenclaw.
You lot have taken that from me. Because of your collective actions I now
find myself ashamed to be considered a Ravenclaw alumnus. Shame on
you!"
He then dropped back into his seat and double clapped his hands. The
tables immediately filled with food.
While their table filled with just as many delicious foods as the rest of the
House tables, the Ravenclaws appeared to barely even touch any of it.
The only ones who did were quite a few of the youngest two years and
Luna Lovegood. Quite a few only sat there for a few minutes, not
touching anything, before then quietly standing and walking out of the
Hall. Over a quarter of the table did that within the first five minutes.
Some more did it within ten.
As the first group left, Hermione quietly said, "That's so sad!"
"That's so deserved!" Harry argued back. "Again, it would not have been
necessary... and, yes, I think it was necessary... if the damned Professors
had been doing their jobs in the first place. The treatment young Miss
Lovegood has received from her housemates should have been dealt with
within the first couple of months of her first year. It should never have
been allowed to drag on as long as it has."
What had happened had no effect on Harry's own hunger or diet.
After giving it a couple hours for his meal to settle, Harry was in bed and
asleep well before curfew. It had been a stressful day that also included
him expending a significant amount of magical energy out at the
lakeside. Therefore, it came as no surprise to Hermione and Neville when
he declared he was heading for bed so early.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
The next morning Harry was up and again dressed in fine clothing. He
knew the aurors would be returning soon after breakfast to take him and
Hermione to the Wizengamot chambers, as he was warned they would do
so the previous day.
Earlier to rise than normal, he rushed to the owlery to send a letter to his
account manager at Gringotts, then had to wait about half an hour before
Neville and Hermione both came down at the almost the same time,
Neville first. His letter to Gringotts, he did not want Hermione to know
about until they'd accomplished what task he set for them and he had a
chance to tell her.
They both wished him a good morning, as he did for them, before he
asked, "Ready for breakfast?"
"Oh, yes," Hermione brightly replied. "I expect we'll receive a response
from my parents today."
Neville just smiled.
As they exited through the portrait and walked down, Harry could see
Neville was now carrying himself with a much more upright carriage. For
the moment, gone was the once shy boy. Now, he carried himself with a
confidence that was severely lacking before. Once again they were 'tailed'
by two aurors, who had been waiting in the common room for them.
Harry was quite happy to see the changes in Neville. 'And, to think,' he
thought. 'All it took was for the boy to have his own properly matched
wand and, just once, stand up to his grandmother. That woman has a lot
to answer for.'
As they walked into the Great Hall there was only a bare moment where
eyes turned to them before those already within returned to their
breakfasts or chatting with friends. It appeared things were calming
down again; the still to happen court cases, aside.
He thought and was hopeful he was right his 'big reveal' during the first
task was finally starting to get that 'yesterday's news' feel to it.
What he'd been ignoring for the past few days was Ron Weasley. Since
the time the boy had flat-out accused him of having the Headmaster and
Minerva McGonagall arrested he was expecting the boy to just be biding
his time, before keeping his mouth shut got just all too much for him and
he decided to let fly with his anger again.
Ron was never an early riser, no matter how much of a glutton he was.
Over the past three years, if it wasn't for Harry waking him up, Harry
doubted the boy would ever have woken up in time for breakfast.
However, since the night Harry's name had come out of the Goblet, it
seemed someone else was waking him up. So, he asked Neville about it.
"Seamus," replied Neville. "However, I think Dean's woken him up on a
couple of occasions, too."
"You've not?" asked Harry.
"Nope," Neville emphatically replied. "As far as I'm concerned, him
getting up in time to have breakfast before heading off to classes is his
own responsibility; not mine."
He turned and smirked at Harry and quietly said, "I think Seamus and
Dean have just about had enough of him, though."
"Oh?" asked Harry.
"Yeah, according to them he's becoming harder and harder to wake up,"
replied the sandy-haired boy. "According to Seamus, he tried to wake him
three times and Dean tried twice. Weasley just mutters something like―"
"Just five more minutes, Muuuum," Harry cut in, perfectly mimicking the
redhead.
Neville snorted in amusement and said, "That; plus he's told Dean to 'piss
off' twice.
"I think that's it for the both of them. They've tried to help him out and,
him treating them like that? I don't think it'll be much longer before no
one goes to wake him."
"As you said, it's his own responsibility to rise on time," said Harry. "I've
already washed my hands of him."
"Me too," said Neville.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
10. Three Professors & the
Dursleys
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!
A/N: Quite a few readers have given their view that this Harry is being a
bit of a... well, let's face it... self-righteous prick. To put it bluntly: At the
moment; yes, he is. He's been able to 'unbottle' the real Harry Potter for
the first time ever. He wants and is demanding vindication. So, people
are getting a piece of his mind whether they want it or not.
I also remind you it's only been about a week since the First Task. Try to
at least give him a couple of weeks to get it out of his system. He will
soon settle down, I promise. He's not perfect and, besides this one, has
certain personality/character faults. They will become apparent later.
And, fair warning, some might even make you cringe.
Chapter Ten - Three Professors and the Dursleys Face Justice
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
When the owls streamed in Hermione was as quick and eager to spot
Hedwig as she was two days previously. However, the bird was
practically already on the table before she spotted her.
"Hedwig!" she exclaimed.
As she reached for the bird, Hedwig gave a little hop to the side but still
remained within reach, and turned her head away. At least she still held
her leg out, though.
Harry just snorted in amusement.
This time, though, Hermione was immediately ready with three strips of
bacon for the owl and was handing them over as soon as she had the
letter untied from Hedwig's leg. She also made sure she was also holding
all three pieces together, so the owl could take all three at once.
With a quiet "Prek!" Hedwig carefully took all three before flying off
again.
As Hermione was opening the envelope, Harry said, "I think she's
forgiven you now. Either that or your bribe was enough to buy you her
forgiveness."
"Uh-huh!" she distractedly muttered in response.
Harry was pretty sure she hadn't even heard him as she was avidly
reading her letter already. And he watched as her expression went from
slightly worried to blooming into a wide grin.
Looking to him and almost bouncing in her seat in excitement she
squealed, "Mum and Daddy are happy to have the aurors stay. And they
agree that the servants' quarters would be perfect for them. The only time
that gets used is when we have a large family gathering at home,
anyway. And that only happens about once every few years, if that. And
there's nothing like that planned for the foreseeable future."
While Hermione had practically said all that rapidly and in one breath,
Harry had long since gotten used to her talking that way. So, he
understood every word she'd said.
"Sounds good," he nodded. "They still only know we're going to be
turning up there 'soon', though, right?"
"Yeah," she replied. "They understand why, though. But, it would be nice
to give them some sort of idea of when that is likely to be."
"Well..." he began. "Both Professor Flitwick and Hagrid were allowed to
return... but, Professor Flitwick did say, and we saw, that he fully co-
operated with the aurors both in their interviews with him and during
their court cases. On the other hand, though, we have no idea about
whether or not Professors Sprout or McGonagall co-operated any, or will
during their trials. And we know Professor Snape won't... nor, probably,
will Dumbledore.
"But... we also have to consider that Professor McGonagall, as Deputy
Headmistress, is far more responsible for what's been going on for the
past few years than the other Professors. And Dumbledore even more
than that.
"As for Severus Snape... well... he's just an out and out... sorry... prick!
And, no, I won't apologise for referring to him like that. So, I cannot see
him returning.
"In a nutshell, I think Professor Sprout will return, I think Professor
McGonagall will return... but, like Professor Flitwick, she'll lose her
position as Head of Gryffindor House and, added to that, I think she'll
also lose the Deputy Headmistress position. I think Dumbledore's going to
manage to escape a sentence in Azkaban, which I think he richly
deserves, simply out of respect for his previous accomplishments. But I
cannot see how he could possibly manage to hold onto any of his other
positions."
Neville asked, "What about Madam Pomfrey?"
"I don't think she'll be returning," Hermione sadly and immediately
replied. She was a bit hesitant to add more but eventually did while also
blushing a little. "I had to go to the Infirmary to get some... ummm...
potions I needed. And there was a new healer there, who had packed
away all Madam Pomfrey's personal things and was setting up his own."
Harry frowned and asked, "Why did you need to go to the Infirmary?
Nobody attacked you, did they?"
Blushing even more she quickly replied, "No! Harry. It... ummm... had to
do with... women's issues."
"Oh," he softly said, also starting to blush a little. "Sorry I asked."
"No, you were worried about me," she said. "I understand that and am
grateful you care enough to ask."
"Women's issues?" asked a confused Neville, before his eyes suddenly
widened and he quickly looked away while blushing. He quickly
muttered, "Sorry!"
"Anyways..." said Hermione, quickly trying to change the subject. "You
were describing when you thought we could go visit my parents."
"Oh, yeah," said Harry, breathing a quick sigh of relief. "Without a Head
of House for at least three of the Houses, possibly four, added with no
Deputy Headmistress or Headmaster and also missing a DADA Professor,
Potions Professor and CoMC Professor, I don't think classes are going to
be starting back up as soon as the trials are finished.
"Therefore, I think that once the trials are done with, we should ask to be
allowed to go to your folks' place, then. If we anticipate Professor Sprout's
trial will take about as long as Professor Flitwick's and Severus Snape's
trial is going to run about half as long again, I think those two will be
cleared up before lunch tomorrow.
"Then the afternoon will be Professor McGonagall and the Dursleys. Hers
will be shorter than Snape's but longer than Sprout's, because they'll be
including what happened on the night my parents died and me being
dumped at the Dursleys. She was there when that happened.
"They'll then either start Dumbledore's immediately after that or wait
until the next morning, tomorrow morning. I have no idea how long that
one will take, but it should last at least the whole day. However, it might
run well into the next day, too.
"I don't think there's any other trials we need to worry about. So, I think
we can plan to leave in two days, or maybe three. How does that work
for you?"
"Yeah," she replied. "That'll put us towards the end of the working week.
Mum and Daddy will be at work, but I think we're old enough to take
care of ourselves until they get home; don't you?"
"Yeah, I think we can find something to do," he replied. "Maybe we can
go shopping, so I can buy some decent muggle clothes."
"Oh, if we're going to do that then we're going to have to wait until Mum
gets home, possibly even the weekend" she grinned. "That's something
Mum would love to do with us."
"If you want," he shrugged. "Then maybe you can show me around the
neighbourhood."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Right on time the same four aurors as the previous day turned up to
escort the two of them to the Wizengamot chamber.
However, this time, they were joined by Neville, who asked to tag along.
Robards just shrugged his shoulders and said, "No skin off my nose. Three
is no different than escorting two." Looking at him directly he said, "But,
like these two, if one of us tell you to do something, including something
like diving into mud, you will do it. Am I clear?" Then stared at the boy
until he responded.
"Umm... yes Auror," Neville replied with a little head bob. "Understood."
Robards simply gave a nod back before he turned away again. "Time to
leave," he quietly said.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
As with the previous day the now three were sat on seats on the main
floor of the chamber next to the door leading out of the room to where
Harry now knew led to the Members' private area. From the door sat
Harry, then Hermione, then Neville. Today, the two aurors standing
guard over them were Robards and Hammer; for this session, at least.
When the Members' filed in Longbottom turned to look in Harry's
direction as she sat down. And this time she saw Neville sitting there. She
immediately beckoned one of the aurors over and quietly leaned over her
desk to ask him something, gesturing towards Neville.
That auror then asked Robards a question and then returned to
Longbottom, before saying something to her. Longbottom didn't look
happy, but she didn't say anything after that.
Instead, she banged her gavel once and called, "Bring in the accused!"
Pomona Sprout was led in and, again not wearing manacles or chains,
was led directly to the defendant's chair. Again the chains draped lazily
over her.
Her case went in a very similar direction as Flitwick's. However, she
made no comment about Veritaserum other than to give her assent to the
use of such.
Her case ended up even shorter than Flitwick's as it did not also include
the issue of bullying of a single student supposedly under her care.
When the vote was called she was found not guilty of all charges but,
different to Flitwick's, she was not stripped of her Head of House
position. Instead, she was warned that she was very lucky to have
escaped punishment and further warned that, if there were any further
incidences on her part in risks to the student body, she would be both
summarily sacked and could expect a stay in Azkaban.
A very relieved Pomona Sprout was able to walk out of the court a free
witch, okay to return to her duties at Hogwarts including as Head of
House for Hufflepuff. At that moment it meant she was now the senior-
most staff member of the school.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Next led in was Severus Snape. However, he was led in wearing full
chains on both his wrists and linked to similar chains on his ankles. The
ones on his ankles clearly allowed him only very short steps; so he
entered with more of a shuffle than a walk. He was almost forced into the
chair of the accused and this time the golden chains also tightly bound
him in place.
His trial, as with the previous, immediately started with Madam Bones
handing over a Dicta-quill taken statement made while Snape was under
the effects of Veritaserum. However, Madam Bones also said Snape had
to be forced to take it, with the use of auror grade charms to hold his
mouth open and stick out his tongue.
She further claimed the interrogation was made under duress of the
defendant and he fought them the entire way.
"Further, Chief Adjudicator," she went on to say, "Due to his status as a
Master Occlumense and his determination not to co-operate with us in
our questions and deliberations, I recommend four drops of Veritaserum
if you wish to question him any further today."
Longbottom only appeared to be listening with half an ear as she scanned
through the interrogation transcript. "Then, let it be four drops; so
ordered. But, not yet."
After she scanned through the transcript herself, Longbottom made cause
for copies of it to distribute to all Members, just as she did the previous
day.
"I've got to learn that spell," muttered Hermione.
Neville, who'd heard, whispered back, "It's a feature built into the Chief's
desk. I also think there's an 'echo' of it built into the Scribe's desk, so the
Scribe can do the same thing. Gran told me about it."
Once the copies had been distributed Longbottom looked back at Snape
for a moment before she said, "Madam Bones, the charges, if you would."
Once they were read out she then turned to Snape and asked, "Severus
Tobias Snape, having heard the charges laid against you this day, how do
you plead?"
"Not guilty!" he snarled back.
Thus began quite the long trial. Snape was charged with various crimes,
less than half of which were related to his position and behaviour as both
Professor and Potions Master at Hogwarts.
But the nail in Snape's coffin, as far as Harry was concerned, was when it
became public he was the one that directed Riddle towards the Potters.
For Neville, it was finding out he had also directed Riddle at the
Longbottoms and would have gone after the Longbottoms next if he
hadn't been stopped by what happened at Potter Cottage.
At that point, Augusta Longbottom called an immediate halt to the trial.
She'd banged her gavel so hard Harry felt she was surely about to snap
the handle of it.
While everyone could see her sit there in complete fury for a long few
moments, she finally snapped out, "My... apologies. However, I feel that,
given this... given Mister Snape's recent testimony of how he'd directed
that sociopath at, not just the Potters, but also at my son, his wife and my
grandson... I believe I have to recuse myself from being Chief Adjudicator
for this trial from this point forward. I have too much of a vested interest.
As she rose from her seat, still staring in heightened anger at Snape, Lord
Miles Ogden stood and said, "I'll do it. So far, it seems, I have no such
vested interest."
Longbottom spun on her foot and stalked over to the Longbottom seat,
before she sat with a thump. And Ogden moved down to sit at the Chief
Adjudicator's seat.
That ended up being the only change and he ordered Bones to continue
with the Interrogation.
When it was learned, by his own words, Snape had used the three
Unforgivables on numerous and various occasions while serving as a
Death Eater, there was really only one sentence he could be given. With
an overwhelming majority vote, Severus Snape was sent to Azkaban for
life in the maximum security wing. He'd be joining the likes of the
LeStranges, Rookwood, Avery and the recently returned Crouch Junior.
When he was led out of the chamber, still in restricting manacles and
chains, he walked out without a word and with his head held high.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
While almost everyone who'd witnessed that had no real appetite for
lunch, a break of one hour for the midday meal was still called. The trial
had taken that long.
Rather than join them in the DMLE cafeteria, Neville went and had lunch
with his grandmother in the Members' private dining room. However, he
rejoined them just before the hour was up and the Members all returned.
He was waiting for them as the two teens were brought back to the
chamber.
As soon as they sat, Neville leaned across and, in a voice barely above a
whisper, said, "Gran told me Professor McGonagall's up next. She's really
not looking forward to this one."
Using the same volume, Harry firmly said back, "Whatever befalls her as
a result of this trial, Neville, is entirely her own damned fault."
"But," tried Neville, "It's Professor McGonagall!"
"Yes," he agreed. "However, she's also Deputy Headmistress Minerva
McGonagall. And, in her role as Deputy Headmistress, she is partly
responsible for ensuring the proper behaviour of, not just the students,
but also the staff - including herself; and, sure as hell, that includes
Severus Snape.
"The piss-poor behaviour over the last three years, plus the start of this
one, that I caused to be brought to light of the staff of Hogwarts is partly
her responsibility. It was partly her job to stop it; actually, it was partly
her job to see to it not happening in the first place. In that, she clearly
failed. She refused to do her job. Today, she has to answer for that."
When Neville paused for a few moments deep in thought and then gave
an almost negligent little but firm nod and sat back, Harry knew the
other boy understood.
When Minerva McGonagall was called in to sit as defendant, like Filius
Flitwick and Pomona Sprout before her, she was not led in wearing
chains. However, she appeared to be the most dejected of them all.
Without a word to anyone, not even looking about at anything but the
floor before her, she was guided to the accused's chair. One of the
escorting aurors even had to gently guide her into sitting upon it. When
the chains draped over her and pulled a little tight, she barely flinched.
For McGonagall's trial Ogden remained in the chair as Chief Adjudicator.
A look at Madam Longbottom's face showed why. Longbottom was
looking at McGonagall with sadness.
As Harry had expected, McGonagall's trial went a fair bit longer than the
trials of the other Professors except Snape's. It even went almost as long
as Snape's. Partly, that was because they included what happened on the
night of the first of November, 1981, when she was part of the party of
three that dumped him, Harry, on the doorstep of the Dursleys.
A memory was then played. Harry knew the memory wasn't his and it
was explained it was her memory. He was just surprised she had given it
for viewing in the court pensieve, as it clearly painted her in a poor light.
However, he was not surprised by what it showed.
Once it played through and the memory faded away, Ogden then said out
loud to everyone in the chamber, "If there is anyone who still believes...
after witnessing that... that Harry Potter was ever sent by Dumbledore to
live in a big castle with plenty of servants and lived a high life, then
they're clearly an idiot."
Looking at McGonagall directly he asked, "Knowing the Potters as well as
you did... and that you clearly had witnessed the poor behaviour of those
muggle Dursleys... why, in Merlin's name, did you allow the boy to be left
there?"
"Albus said it was the safest place for him and that he would be able to
grow up without the fame that would surround him," she replied.
"Yes, we saw that part of that conversation in the memory," he said.
"However, that does not explain, after you witnessed the behaviour of
those muggles, why you seemed to agree with him and left the boy there,
anyway."
"Because Albus said..." she tried again before Ogden firmly cut her off.
"Albus Dumbledore is not a God!" he snapped back. "So... what you're
telling me is that you left the boy... an infant... in what was clearly
shaping up to be an abusive home, because Albus said so with empty
platitudes and some nonsense about a scar behind his left knee.
"The only thing you are telling us with that remark of yours is that you
are quite willing to allow Hell to rain down upon a baby all because
Albus said you were to do so!"
McGonagall didn't even raise her head to respond.
After a long few moments, Ogden said, "Well, Madam McGonagall, it is
the belief of this court that you should witness a little taste of just what
hell that boy went through at the hands of those muggles."
Harry immediately stood and grabbed Ogden's attention. "Excuse me,
Chief Adjudicator."
"Mister Potter?" he asked.
"Lord Potter," Harry immediately shot back holding up the back of his
right hand to flash his ring.
Ogden had the honour to immediately blush in embarrassment. "My
apologies, Lord Potter. You wished to say something?"
"No, sir," Harry replied. "I ask permission to be allowed to leave for this
and wait outside until you are done showing those memories. And, I
further ask that anyone not of age or of stout constitution also be allowed
to leave for the duration."
Ogden gave a couple of quick blinks back before he said, "I... think that
would be wise. But, I'm going to go further."
Turning to look at the wider chamber he said, "What is included in these
memories is not for the faint of heart or the young and are deeply
personal for Mis... Lord Potter. All but those who do not have current and
actual business in this chamber are to leave for the duration."
After the chamber cleared a fair bit, with many of those wishing to stay
who wanted to see and weren't allowed grumbling about it the entire
way, Ogden started the memories.
Harry was just thankful he was able to remove himself, Neville and
Hermione from the room.
"You didn't need to do that, Harry," said Hermione. "I think we all could
have stomached watching it."
"That had nothing to do with it, Hermione," he replied. "I just don't want
to be looked at with pity from my schoolmates. And, as few people as see
any of that the better, as far as I'm concerned."
"Oh," she quietly replied. "I... didn't think of that. Sorry."
It was more than fifteen minutes later the visitors, plus the three teens,
were allowed to re-enter.
McGonagall was now openly sobbing in her seat.
When the trial finally finished Ogden called for the vote. She was found
guilty of all charges.
However, the vote to incarcerate her, lost. There was no other vote, and
Harry wondered why until Ogden returned his determination.
"Madam Minerva McGonagall," he began. "After the discovery you had
been potioned with a mild obedience potion, it is the determination of
this court that you not be incarcerated for your actions against Lord
Potter and the students of the school. However, your stated wish you be
allowed to quietly retire and return to your ancestral home is also not
accepted.
"Instead, you are hereby and immediately fired from all your positions at
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. And that you be banned
forevermore from holding a similar teaching position, or any other
position that places you in a position of authority over children.
"You are free to leave. However, you may not even return to the school to
visit or recover your personal effects. A house elf will be organised to
return to you your personal effects from the school, once you have found
a place to settle. Should you ever return to the grounds of the school, for
any reason, you will be arrested for trespass; and we shall not be so
lenient."
As Ogden banged his gavel to signal the end of the case, two aurors
stepped forward and removed the chains that bound her. Then they had
to pretty much drag her from the chamber. She was still quietly crying.
As she was led out, Harry could hear Hermione also quietly sobbing. She
wasn't the only one in the chamber so moved.
After her decades of service to the school, McGonagall had become
almost an integral part of the institution. For her to be dismissed so, was
somewhat heartbreaking for many. Harry, though, was not so much.
"Well," sighed Harry. "That means the school is now down a Deputy
Head, Heads of House for three of the four Houses and Professors for
Transfiguration, Potions, Defence Against the Dark Arts and Care of
Magical Creatures. If all goes as I do not expect tomorrow, then we'll also
be down a Headmaster.
"I cannot see those positions being filled enough in the near future for us
not to be allowed to leave the school for a time."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
The next trial was of the Dursleys. Harry was surprised to see Marjorie
Dursley also led in. When they were brought forward to the now three
defendant's chairs with their golden chains, Vernon was clearly trying to
yell and bluster; as was Marjorie, his sister. However, there was no
sound. The Dursleys were under a silencing charm.
Vernon and Petunia were charged with ten counts of child abuse
physical, ten counts of child abuse psychological, ten counts of child
neglect, ten counts of abuse of a child of a Noble and Most Ancient House
and ten counts of neglect of a child of a Noble and Most Ancient House.
Marjorie Dursley was charged with five counts of child abuse physical,
two counts of child abuse psychological, three counts of failing to control
an animal under her care, two counts of unlawfully directing an animal
to attack and five counts of abuse of a child of a Noble and Most Ancient
House.
After the charges were read out, Harry gestured for Auror Hammer to
lean in close and asked, "Why ten?"
"Because ten is the number determined to mean that there is more than
that, but they simply choose to stop at ten as proving any more is, by that
time, pointless; the sentence is the same," she replied.
"Ah!" he nodded. "Thank you."
She gently smiled at him, gave a nod and moved back to her position.
When it came to the point Ogden was calling for memories to be
displayed in the pensieve, Harry again stood and asked for that part of
the trial be a closed session. Ogden was quick to agree.
Turning to the aurors Ogden said, "Aurors; clear the chamber of non-
essential personnel. As per Lord Potter's desire, this part of the trial will
be a closed session."
Again, there was much grumbling and kvetching from the visitors.
However, they left just as quickly this time as the last.
This time they were out of the chamber for a little over half an hour.
When they returned Ogden, who was looking quite pale and a little shaky
- he wasn't the only one who appeared so of those who'd remained - said,
"I apologise to our witnesses and visitors. I did not expect the time you
would be locked out would be as long as it was. However, we who sit in
judgement had to take a five minute recess to... recollect ourselves so we
could continue. We have only just returned."
Hermione gave a direct look to Harry that simply displayed one big
unasked question. However, Harry just gave a small shake of his head
and refused to say anything.
Ogden then looked with a stony countenance on the Dursleys and said, "I
am about to have our aurors lift the silencing charms placed on you, so
you may speak to me. This is to give you opportunity to refute, rebut or
clarify any of the evidence that has been presented this day.
"However, if you attempt to use the opportunity to hurl abuse at anyone...
then you will be immediately re-silenced and it will be determined that by
your actions you have chosen not to refute, rebut or clarify."
Staring at all three he gave that a moment to be understood by all three
before he indicated one of the now stony-faced aurors that stood behind
the accuseds' chairs, "We will start with Marjorie Dursley. Remove her
silencing charm, but be ready to reapply it should she be abusive."
When the auror gave a nod, swished his wand at 'Marge the Barge's' back
Ogden said, "Marjorie Dursley you may begin."
"Who the Hell do you freaks think you are?" she barked. "As soon as..."
That was as far as she got before the auror, almost at the same time
Ogden gestured to him, reapplied the silencing charm. Marge continued
to try and yell and bluster, but did it in silence.
"Miss Marjorie Dursley," said Ogden. "By your language and tone you
have been determined to have neither refuted, rebutted or clarified any
of the evidence presented against you. Your case rests."
He then turned to Vernon and said, "As you witnessed what happened
with your sister, we said how we would act and did precisely that. She
attempted to abuse the opportunity presented her, to her loss. As with
her, as with you.
"Remove his silencing charm, but be ready to reapply it if he becomes
abusive."
Harry had expected him to become just as abusive as his sister as soon as
the charm was removed. However, it appeared Vernon was not as stupid
as Harry thought him to be. The few moments he had between Marge's
attempt and his own had affected him.
When the silencing charm was removed he sat for a few moment before
he said, though still angrily, "My wife, my sister nor I are fr... are wizards
or witches. As such, we are not of your world. As such, how do you dare
to presume to try us for our actions?"
"You had within your home an under-aged wizard," replied Ogden. "As
such, your home, while muggle, was also considered a wizarding home.
That means you come... or 'came' now... under our laws."
"The boy was forced on us!" snapped Vernon right back. "We were not
willingly housing him. That fre... that mongrel... Fumbledork, or whatever
the Hell his name is, forced us to take him.
"Time and time again we tried to get him out of our house. We demanded
the old man remove him and he refused us. We even tried to dump the
brat at a home for wayward children; but he was back that same
afternoon. That's one of the times Fumbledork threatened us...
THREATENED us!
"We told him, over and over again, we did not want the boy in our home;
but, he ignored us every time. He even carried on as if it was our fault the
boy had to stay with us!"
"Time and time again we even tried to get through to that pub that's
supposed to be the gateway through to your shopping area; but couldn't!
We tried to get in so that we could tell at least one of you what
Fumbledork was doing, so that something could be done. We had no way
to contact you to let you know. I think Fumbledork even made sure of
that because, when Petunia's sister was a student at your school, she
could see the pub and get in. And we were provided no other way to
contact you.
"He just kept saying things like, 'You disappoint me, Dursley. The boy is
your family. You need to learn to... forgive!'
"Forgive what?! My wife and I had plans to be a nice, respectable middle
income, middle class family. It would be her and I and our two children.
But he stole even that from us. Because he forced the boy on us he denied
us the chance to have another child of our own!
"Your own police-folk... auras... told us it was because of those blood-
thingies on our house that rendered my wife sterile. You and your...
magic... made it so my wife could no longer have any children! Your
freaky powers stole that from us!
"As for those memories you played in that projector-thingy, do you not
know what we were doing? The only way for us to get Fumbledork to
come and speak with us to try and get him to take the boy away, was for
us to hurt the boy enough that he had to show up!
"And, yes, we knew he was taking our memories. We knew because,
while he could take our memories, he had no idea we had recording
equipment of our own in place that recorded everything! It's called a
video camera! Just like that projector thing of yours could play, it records
live image and sound. We recorded everything. Then, when the old man
left again and one of us saw a little red light that showed us the video
camera was recording, we knew we had been recording something and
didn't remember it. Then, we'd simply connect the camera to our telly
and watch it all! So much for your memory-stealing magic you use on us!
It no longer works!
"Oh, and just so you know and can panic about it, our government is in
the process of installing that same video recording technology right
across the country in all public areas. That means, if even one of you
think you can hide what you've done by stealing our memories, it's not
going to work because it will have been recorded on equipment your
magic does not work against!
"And they've been installing those cameras in public areas for years. So,
there is no possible way our government doesn't have recordings of what
you people have been doing to us folk."
"He lies!" screeched one of the witches Harry thought to be from a dark
family. That had even more people up in arms.
Harry could see that Ogden appeared both confused and even a little
frightened. So he stood and fired his own cannon blast charm.
That had people suddenly shut up and gawk at him. And in the silence he
called, "Chief Adjudicator Ogden!"
That snapped the old wizard enough out of his shock he banged his gavel
a couple of times getting complete silence.
Still looking to Harry he asked, "Lord Potter?"
Harry held his wand in his hand across his chest and said, "I, Lord
Harrison James Potter, swear on my magic and my very life that what my
uncle, Vernon Dursley, has told you about the government program of
installing video recording equipment in muggle public areas throughout
the country... is completely true.
"But, what he has not informed you is that similar video recording
equipment has been installed in many private businesses and homes also
throughout the country.
"As a matter of fact, this is also occurring throughout the world. The
United Kingdom is only in the process of catching up with government
and businesses in other parts of the world.
"Further, it is my understanding that within the next twenty years there
will not be a public area within any built-up area of the United Kingdom
that will not have these cameras installed.
"As I say, so I swear, so let me be judged!"
After he gave the recognisable flash of magic he held his wand out to the
side and pointing up before he cast. "Lumos!" His wand tip lit. "Nox!" And
the light was extinguished.
"Ask any young muggleborn or -raised in this room and they will tell you
the same thing. So that the government cannot be accused of spying on its
citizenry, it has been readily admitted by them and they even regularly
update the citizenry of their progress.
"Gone are the days you can send the Obliviation Squads out into the
muggle world to remove memory evidence of muggles witnessing magic.
While that may work in some areas - because those areas do not yet have
those cameras and other equipment installed - that is no longer the case
in many other areas, if not most areas. And I know, for a fact, one of those
areas where the cameras are installed is across muggle London."
Harry didn't notice her stand but Hermione stepped forward, "He's right,
Sir," she said to Ogden. "I am Hermione Jean Granger and I am a
muggleborn and -raised. My parents never denied me information when I
was growing up in a muggle home. And I was even allowed to read the
muggle world's newspapers. Plus, in the muggle school I attended from
aged six through almost to my twelfth birthday, I had access to all the
books in the school and local public library. And I was a very regular
visitor to both.
"And, I can tell you and will swear my own oath to its truth if necessary,
those cameras are going up everywhere. They're attached to the sides of
buildings and aimed down whole streets, they're integrated into traffic
lights, they're mounted on walls or on the ceiling within buildings, they're
aimed down at intersections, they're even and often hidden in plain sight
by making them look like part of what they've been attached to. So, if
you spend the time to look about to see if you can spot one aimed
towards you, you'll often miss seeing them.
"But, it won't matter if you find them and destroy them, anyway. First, as
soon as one is destroyed, the government will know of it immediately
and have someone out there to repair or replace it within the day.
Secondly, the video image the camera takes is not even in the camera.
The recording can be anywhere up to ten, fifteen, or further miles away
from the camera. And it moves there at near the speed of light.
"If you're sending out witches and wizards into the muggle world to
Obliviate people, all you're doing is often making matters worse for
yourselves. I strongly urge you to stop doing it."
"Errrr... thank you, Miss Granger, Lord Potter," said Ogden. "Please return
to your seats."
Hermione gave a nod, turned around and walked back to her seat. Harry,
however, stayed for the moment and said, "As the person harmed by the
Dursleys, which is the sole reason they are here today, I request the right
to speak in evidence before their sentencing."
Ogden gave a nod and said, "Then I shall call upon you, once more,
before we pass judgement."
"Thank you, Sir," he replied with a short bow before he returned to his
own seat.
Ogden gave a big sigh before he turned back to Vernon.
"My... apologies for the interruption, Mister Dursley," he said. "Do you
have anything further to add?"
Vernon, who appeared a little confused that Harry had come to his
defence was a few moments before he continued. "All we want from you
now is for you to leave us alone. Stay away from us! And just make sure
the boy... nor anyone else!... can be forced on us again. Especially by that
old Fumbledork fellow. We don't want anything to do with you."
He then gave a defeated sigh and said, "You're little more than bullies,
you know that? We have no way to defend ourselves from you. And you
just... run roughshod over us. That Fumbledork fellow, when we
demanded he take the boy away, just stood there and practically laughed
at us. He was smirking, damn it! Our opinion, our wants, our needs,
meant nothing to him. It was if we meant nothing to him. Please, just
leave us alone."
After Vernon was silent for a few moments and only sat there with his
head hung down, Ogden asked, "Mister Vernon Dursley, does that
conclude your statement?"
"Yes."
"Very well. Since you maintained a decent civil behaviour without the
silencing charm in place, I will not have cause for it to be replaced," said
Ogden. "However, that is conditional on you remaining civil."
Vernon just nodded without even looking up.
When Ogden turned to face Petunia, Harry also looked more directly at
her and could see that she'd been crying.
"The same offer and warning applies to you, Missus Petunia Dursley," said
Ogden. "Remove her silencing charm but be ready to reapply it if she
becomes abusive."
Based on her husband's behaviour and words, Harry didn't expect her to
be abusive and she wasn't. Instead, she quietly agreed with everything
her Vernon had said and even said Harry - not the boy or the freak, but
Harry - had told the truth about the cameras and the camera they had in
their home that proved they knew Dumbledore had been removing their
memories. However, she added that she only remembered less than a
quarter of the memories that had played in the projector pensieve. And
those ones were the latest ones.
Then she added her own statement that all she ever wanted was to be left
alone and how she absolutely despised Dumbledore for putting up the
blood wards that robbed her of her ability to have another child after
Dudley. It had come very close to causing her marriage to fail.
During her own testimony she also added how many times she
remembered trying to get into Diagon Alley - she remembered the name -
and couldn't. And had taken Harry there to see if Harry could get her
through whatever it was that blocked her.
That led Harry to remembering one of those times.
She also spoke of how the only idea she had that her sister had been
killed was by a letter, signed by Dumbledore that had been left in Harry's
baby basket on her doorstep.
"The old man didn't even have the common decency to tell us to our
faces," she angrily snapped. "He just told us as in writing with a 'by the
way, your sister is dead' in his letter. We didn't even know how she died
until Harry told us once he returned from his first year at Hogwarts,
almost eleven years later. And we had no way of finding out."
Besides the video camera, that was also something Harry didn't know.
By the end of Vernon and Petunia's statements Harry could tell the whole
demeanour of the Member's, including Ogden, had changed. It had gone
from a sense of them wanting to toss the three of them straight through
the Veil as soon as the trial finished, to actually stopping and thinking
about what to do with them.
After asking Petunia if her statement was completed, and her nodding
back, Ogden turned to Harry and said, "As promised, Lord Potter, the
final remarks before sentencing come from you."
Harry, who had been thinking hard about what to say, quietly stood and
moved closer to the middle of the floor. However, he stayed well out of
arm's reach of the Dursleys - all three of them. Old habits died hard.
"Thank you, Chief Adjudicator Ogden," he began. "I remind you all of the
following facts. Firstly: to the best of my knowledge the only person my
aunt and uncle, Vernon and Petunia, have physically harmed with
everything they have done is me. However, I cannot say the same for
Marjorie Dursley. I do not consider the woman a bigot because she
simply hates, berates, verbally attacks and even sics that foul little beast
of a dog of hers onto everyone, irrespective of their background unless
they're named Dursley. So, please do not judge my aunt and uncle on the
behaviour of Marjorie Dursley and vice versa.
"Secondly, what my uncle said about how the only way they could
contact the magical world was by knowing Dumbledore - and I happen to
like the name Fumbledork, by the way - would turn up if I was beaten to
see me healed? That, too, makes a lot of sense. I mean, think about it. As
they have testified, they could not go to Diagon Alley. I doubt, very
much, they know how to find Saint Mungo's or the Ministry of Magic; as
they've never had cause to be shown either. They cannot get to
Hogsmeade or Hogwarts. They do not have access to a floo. They do not
have access to portkeys. They cannot apparate and, even if they could,
they do not know where to apparate to. They do not have an owl, nor can
they purchase one because they couldn't get into the Alley. They do not
own house elves, nor could they purchase one for the same reason. And
they do not know where any other magical lives. So, they had no way to
contact anyone in the magical world. All, that is, except Dumbledore;
and, even then, only by triggering Dumbledore's little blood monitoring
trinkets that were illegally attached to my health and well-being."
Holding his arms out to his side in a major shrug gesture he turned on
the spot. "How... else... would they have contacted him or any other
magical?"
Turning back to the Members he asked, "And, how was this possible? How
was Dumbledore able to do this? It's quite simple." Jabbing his index
finger at various Members he said, "Because you let him! And, you! And,
you! And all of you who sat on those seats back in November of 1981.
The law was on your books as to what was and is supposed to happen
regarding the dispensation and handling of an orphaned wizarding child.
It's even more specific when that child is the heir of a Noble House, let
alone a Noble and Most Ancient House. And, yet, you all decided... just
because Dumbledore said so... 'You know those laws we're supposed to
obey? Fuck 'em! Let Dumbledore deal with the little brat; because it
means we won't have to!'
"So, that all means that, while you're in the process of deciding the fate of
my aunt and uncle - I really couldn't care any less than I do right now
what you do with 'Marge the Barge' - remember this: You, too, should be
sitting down there being sat on in judgement of your own actions
regarding my being sent to the Dursleys.
"As the victim here, I'm telling you I do not want to see them gaoled. I
do, however, want to see whatever these blood wards that are on their
property, plus any others, be immediately removed if they haven't
already. And I want them to be granted their wish that they not be
bothered with any witch or wizard in the future. To that end, I want a
Wizard Notice-Me-Not placed on their property and for it to be
monitored by the DMLE and, any witch or wizard who manages to get
past that Notice-Me-Not ward, find themselves immediately transported
into a DMLE cell so the aurors can deal with them; and that includes me.
"Thank you, Chief Adjudicator, for the opportunity to speak." Then he
spun on his foot and stalked back to his chair and quietly sat down again.
No, Harry did not want the Wizengamot to decide the fate of his
relatives. Harry wanted to decide their fate, himself; but not until he'd
taken plenty of time to look back on his 'incarceration' at Privet Drive
without being swayed by his temper and anger. He'd deal with them, in
his own way, once he'd completed his schooling.
It took about five to ten seconds before Ogden seemed to shake himself
out of his shock and say, "Errr... Thank you, Mister... I mean Lord Potter."
The end result was Vernon and Petunia, plus Dudley as he still lived
there, got exactly what Harry wanted. But Marge the Barge was taken
back home, had her memories of the magical world Obliviated, but also
had all her bulldogs euthanised, so she could never again sic them on
anyone - and that included her prize hound, Ripper.
Aside from the chamber, Madam Bones also later informed him that
Marge's attitude was readjusted so that she would never again have any
desire to raise or breed any animals.
While Harry was somewhat ambivalent about the Dursleys not being
fully punished for still beating him, even though he now understood why,
he never mentioned the psychological abuse they heaped on him. He just
wanted them out of his life and he out of theirs.
No, the reason he spoke up for them and not-so-subtly laid the blame for
their treatment of him on Dumbledore, was because he knew
Dumbledore to be the greater threat. The more he could get it into the
minds of the Wizengamot 'it's Dumbledore's fault' the better, as far as he
was concerned.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
As expected the combined Dursleys' trial was long enough that it was
then too late in the day to move on to another. Therefore, the closing of
the Dursley trial meant the three teens, after first being escorted to see
Madam Bones for an informal chat, had the three walking up the path
from the Hogwarts gate to the castle as dinner approached.
From the time he had spoken seemingly in defence of his relatives he
could see that Hermione wanted to talk to him about it. She finally could
hold on no longer and asked just after they walked in through the gates.
"Harry," she tentatively began. "Why?"
"Why what?" he asked back.
"Why did you say you did not want the Dursleys punished," she pressed.
"After what they did to you... and you even made it known during the
first task... why?"
"Because, as both Vernon and Petunia said, most of their behaviour
towards me was as a direct result of Dumbledore forcing me on them.
Yes, they didn't have to treat me that way. But, I also recognise they
would not have had any chance to treat me that way if it wasn't for
Dumbledore forcing me on them.
"I've now read my parents' Wills. In it is included a list of those to whom I
should have been handed to for them to raise me and the Dursleys were
not on that list. And the only reason I wasn't handed off to one of them is
because Dumbledore directly and deliberately interfered, by blocking
their Wills from being... ummm... probated, I think is the term."
"It is," she nodded.
"Right. So it was because Dumbledore interfered I went to the Dursleys,
even against their own wishes, and was then... not treated all that well."
"From the looks on the Wizengamot Members' faces when we re-entered
the courtroom I think you're downplaying a lot of that by saying you
'weren't treated all that well', Harry," she said.
"And that's my choice," he returned.
While walking she gave him another of those direct looks, but didn't push
it.
Neville finally spoke up and asked, "So, your strategy then was to have
most of what the Dursleys did to you blamed on Dumbledore?"
"Not just Dumbledore; but, yes," he nodded. "Don't forget; I also blamed
the Wizengamot Members for letting Dumbledore do it in the first place.
They ignored the law that was in place, for a reason, and just decided to
let Dumbledore deal with me.
"If they had refused Dumbledore simply by citing the law, then
Dumbledore would have had no choice but to hand me over to the people
who should have rightfully raised me. I just never mentioned that might
not have been the right idea, either."
"Who was first on the list, Harry?" asked Hermione. "That is, if you're
willing to share."
She'd learned from him cutting her down about asking questions she
shouldn't a few days earlier.
Harry thought about it for a few moments before he softly replied,
"Neville's parents."
That had Neville almost trip over his own feet, so great was his surprise.
"Really?!" he squeaked.
"Yeah, Nev; really," he quietly replied. "Don't forget; your parents and you
weren't attacked until five days after what happened to my parents. I
should have been with you, by then."
"I..." the boy stuttered. "Wow."
Hermione had gone quiet and, when Harry looked at her, he could see
she was furious but keeping it to herself. He knew she was processing
what she'd learned.
Neville didn't appear as angry, but Harry could see the boy was still quite
perturbed by what he'd heard.
"You and I should have grown up as brothers," he eventually said.
"Yes."
"Dumbledore's a bastard," the boy finally said.
"Yes."
Hermione never said a word to tell him off for his language.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
That evening's meal had Professor Flitwick again stand and given an
announcement at what the determinations had been as a result of the
trials.
"That means the following," he said. "Professor Pomona Sprout will be
returning to teach classes and also managed to retain her position as
Head of House Hufflepuff. Both Severus Snape and Minerva McGonagall
will not be returning. Severus Snape has been sentenced to Life in
Azkaban, while Minerva McGonagall was sacked and allowed to
immediately retire to her home in the Scottish Highlands. She has been
forbidden from ever holding a teaching position, again.
"That means we are down the following: We do not have a Deputy
Headmistress, or Head of three Houses. We are also down Professors to
teach Transfiguration, Potions, Care of Magical Creatures and, of course,
Defence Against the Dark Arts.
"Professor Sprout, the only current Head of a Hogwarts House - and,
therefore, the current most senior member of staff - is, at this moment, in
talks with the School Board as to how we proceed from here. Both her
and I believe we do not have the capacity to recommence classes in the
near future. And that is what she will be telling them.
"After speaking with Madam Bones and Madam Marchbanks of the
Wizarding Examinations Authority about the situation as it stands, those
who wish to take up the School Board's offer to be allowed to go back
home in the interim we recommend you give your names to any of the
current teaching staff. That staff will then hand those names in to
Professor Sprout, who will liaise with the School Board to organise two-
directional single use portkeys between the school and your home.
"For those who do not know, Albus Dumbledore's trial will be tomorrow.
His will be the last of the staff who have faced trial.
"If, by some chance, he manages to hold on to his position as Headmaster
- which many of us seriously doubt, based on the information that has
come to light - that will be yet another position that will require being
filled before we can consider ourselves, once again, a school. The School
Board and the Wizarding Examinations Authority will be working on the
problem of finding enough qualified staff to fill the vacant positions; but
it is going to take them time."
A senior Hufflepuff raised their hand.
"Misterrrrr... Blenkinsop?" asked Flitwick, seeing the hand.
"Yes, Sir," said the student. "For those of us with plans to head home, I
think many of us need to tell our families when we are likely to start
arriving. Can you give us some idea?"
"A fair question," replied Flitwick. "At this time, it is likely we will begin
sending folks home as tomorrow or the next day. When each of you will
be able to head home is unknown at this time. The main reason for that
is we need to know how many of you will be wanting to head home, as it
will determine how many portkeys will need to be made."
"Wouldn't the number be reduced if some of us can organise with our
parents to come and pick us up from here?" the student added. "I mean,
that will then reduce the number of portkeys, would it not?"
Harry gave a snort of amusement at both the question and the expression
of shocked embarrassment on Flitwick's face.
Flitwick looked at the student in surprise for a long moment before he
said, "If I was able to award points, Mister Blenkinsop, I'd be awarding
you twenty right now. I'll pass that suggestion on to those who are
currently making the decisions.
"For those wishing to head home and will be submitting their names,
please also include if you'll be needing a portkey or not."
From where he was sitting on the end of the Gryffindor table with
Hermione and Neville, Harry gave a sigh of disappointment and turned to
his best friend. "They're really that daft, aren't they?" he asked.
"Hunh?" she asked. "Why do you think they are now?"
"When we get back to the common room I'll pull out parchment, ink and
quill and write down a list," he replied. "Then, you'll see what I mean."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After dinner and they returned to the common room, Harry did precisely
that. While he was writing down his list, Hermione was drafting yet
another letter to her parents.
Once he was done he handed it to her.
~ # ~
How to get Students Home
As portkeys can only be made to go through the wards of Hogwarts by the
Headmaster or Headmistress of the day, all portkeys made will need to be
made to operate from outside the Hogwarts wards. That means they cannot be
activated until the student is outside the Hogwarts gates. Therefore, other
means should be employed.
1. Students whose homes have an active floo connection can floo straight
home from a professor's office.
2. Students whose families have a house elf can be picked up by their family's
house elf.
3. Students who live nearby each other can share a portkey. (The Weasleys,
Luna Lovegood and Cedric Diggory are examples of that for Ottery St
Catchpole; however, all three homes would also have an active floo
connection.)
4. Students can also take the Knight Bus if they're prepared to pay for the trip
(and suffer the hair-raising ride). This includes muggleborns and the muggle-
raised.
5. Almost all students over the age of 17 have their apparation licences and
can apparate home from outside the wards.
6. Have the students all floo to a central location outside of Hogwarts and
floo, apparate, be portkeyed or be side-along apparated direct from there.
(Leaky Cauldron or the Ministry atrium, perhaps?)
~ # ~
Hermione read through the list, groaned and appeared as if she wanted
to bang her head on the desk before her.
She quietly handed the list to Neville, who had joined them at the table.
When he read through it he gave a snort of amusement and handed it
back to Harry. "If I didn't already have plenty of examples from you
before, that list demonstrates, quite clearly, why you think witches and
wizards are daft."
"What are you going to do with it, Harry?" asked Hermione.
"As he said Professor Sprout was busy, I'm going to give it to Professor
Flitwick," he replied, starting to rise from his seat.
"Can you give me a few minutes to finish writing to my parents so I can
join you?" she asked.
"You're intending to let them know we'll be there likely within about two
to four or so days, right?" he asked.
"Riiiiiight," she carefully replied.
"Well, that time scale might be radically shortened if Professor Flitwick
passes on my recommendations to the School Board et al," he replied.
"Therefore, don't you think you should wait to finish it until after we've
talked to him?"
Hermione slumped her shoulders, sighed and began packing away her
materials again. "You're right," she quietly admitted.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
11. Dumbledore's Legal Strategy
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 Eleven - Dumbledore's Legal Strategy
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After the three teens packed up - Neville had also been writing a letter to
his grandmother, with information he wasn't able to speak to her directly
about - they headed back out the portrait hole and made their way down
to Professor Flitwick's office.
As soon as Harry knocked on the door they heard a barked, "Come in!"
from within. And Harry opened the door to lead the other two, plus
Harry's two auror shadows, inside.
Flitwick looked up from his desk, frowned and asked, "Mister Potter,
should you be here?"
"Your trial is done and dusted, Professor," he replied, walking forward.
"As such, the need for you to remain apart from me has ended."
The Professor immediately glanced to the two aurors behind the three,
who must've indicated Harry was right because he simply nodded his
head before turning back to Harry.
"In that case, what can I do for you three?" he asked.
Harry took the step forward to the edge of the professor's desk and,
across it, handed him the sheet of parchment.
As soon as it was apparent he'd read it through he dropped it onto the
desk before him, sat back, raised his off hand and massaged the bridge of
his nose with his fingertips and with his eyes closed as if in pain.
A few moments later he removed his hand, opened his eyes and sat
forward again.
"Mister Potter," he began. "Why were you never sorted into Ravenclaw?"
"I take it you weren't at the First Task?" Harry asked right back.
"No," he replied. "I was teaching a class, at the time."
"Well, during the Task I explained that the Hat was almost adamant I be
sorted into Slytherin. However, I successfully argued that a true Slytherin
would never allow themselves to be sorted into that House. After all,
where's the guile?
"Further, I successfully argued for it to sort me into Gryffindor because
that was the House everyone expected me to be sorted into and, therefore,
no one would question it. A move worthy of a true Slytherin, yes? But,
what I didn't explain was that the Hat saw me as having the qualities of
all four Houses and would have been a credit to whichever House I was
sorted into; including Ravenclaw.
"I did not choose Ravenclaw because I did not want Dumbledore via
Severus Snape trying to rifle through my mind trying to discover why I
didn't end up in Gryffindor. Because I went into Gryffindor he did not
question it; and, therefore, did not have Snape try to rifle through my
mind trying to figure out why."
With a direct frown at Harry he asked, "Even on the night of your sorting
you knew you could not trust the Headmaster?"
"Correct," he nodded. "The memories I showed during the Task of
Dumbledore coming to where I lived at the Dursleys and Obliviating
everyone made me very wary of the old man years before I even set foot
in the castle for the first time. That was something else I said and showed
during the First Task."
"I see," he replied. "I was not informed of that."
"You had other things to worry about," said Harry.
"Indeed," replied the Professor a long moment later. Then, gesturing
down to the parchment Harry wrote his 'list' upon, he said, "I'll see that
this gets to the School Board with all haste, Mister Potter."
"Thank you, Professor," he replied. "At this time, though, I would like
permission for Hermione to be able to leave Hogwarts tomorrow evening
for her home at the conclusion of Dumbledore's trial. I am also informing
you I will be going with her as her parents have been nice enough to
invite me to stay with them for the duration of the break."
"You need your guardian's approval to leave the school, Mister Potter,"
said Flitwick.
"No, Professor, I do not," he disagreed. "As I have been forced to
participate in the Tri-Wizard Tournament I have been declared an of-age
wizard. That means I am an adult under wizarding Britain's laws; not
even an emancipated minor.
"My Godfather's law-wizard agrees, as do the goblins of Gringotts."
Holding up his right hand and baring the back of his fingers he said,
"They would not have given me my Head of House ring, if they did not."
With a look of surprise, Flitwick said, "That means... you're now Lord
Potter."
"Yes, Sir."
"Then, my apologies for not addressing you as such," he stated.
"No need, Sir; but, accepted," replied Harry.
"Nevertheless, Miss Granger is going to need the approval of her
guardians to leave," he said.
"I already have it, Professor," she replied.
"Very well," he said. "Then, I take it you'll be leaving directly from the
Wizengamot chambers?"
"Yes, Professor," replied Hermione.
"Then I shall see you when school recommences, Lord Potter, Miss
Granger," he said with a little nod. "What about you, Mister
Longbottom?"
"I haven't discussed it with my Gran yet, Sir," replied Neville. "However, I
know she's been busy with the trials, so haven't bothered her about it."
"Then let me know, one way or the other, once you do discuss it with her,
Mister Longbottom."
"I will, Sir," he replied with a small nod.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
As soon as they walked out with one of the aurors closing the office door
behind them, Hermione started into Harry, "Harry! I didn't plan for us to
go home tomorrow evening! I haven't even sent them a letter telling them
we'll be there within the next few days!
"I mean, even if I send Hedwig... Oh! I need to borrow Hedwig again―"
"Hermione! Stop!" he interrupted. "If we head to the owlery right now and
you finish your letter there, letting your parents know we're coming,
Hedwig will arrive in plenty of time before we do."
"Excuse me, Lord Potter?" asked one of the two aurors.
Turning, Harry asked, "Yes?"
"It would have been appreciated if we had more notice than
approximately twenty four hours," replied the auror.
"Sorry, but I think it's necessary," said Harry. "I really have little faith in
the Wizengamot actually sending Dumbledore to Azkaban, as I firmly
believe he bloody well should be. Therefore, he will have to be
immediately released as of the close of his trial.
"As he will be, that means he's going to head directly here, to Hogwarts.
And, I can guarantee you, he's immediately going to be seeking me out. I
believe I can also guarantee you one of the first things he's going to do, if
it isn't immediately seeking me out, is tossing you lot out of 'his' castle.
"Actually, that second one will be the first thing he does so that he can
then get me somewhere alone so he can both berate me and say things
like; 'Harry my boy, I'm so disappointed in you.' or 'Harry my boy, that
was a truly unwise thing to do, showing everyone those memories.' or
'Harry my boy, you must give up this nonsense and hand back your
Lordship. You're simply not ready for the strain and you should
immediately make me your master... I mean, Regent... again.'
He gave a snort and explained, "That's why I need to be gone before he's
even released by the Wizengamot. I need to be rushed out of the chamber
and away before he has any chance of getting anywhere near me.
"And that's why it is my intent to head directly to Hermione's place direct
from the chamber. That way, he won't have a chance to waylay me."
"Alright, I can see that," said the auror. "However, that's all he can do. He
cannot stop you from heading to your friend's place."
"Really?" he snorted back. "As Headmaster, he controls the castle. And I
mean everything about the castle. How hard do you think it would be for
him to have you lot all immediately bounced out and new wards erected
that will block you from returning and me from being able to leave?"
The two aurors glance at one another before they turned back to Harry.
The one who had been speaking said, "I'll alert Madam Bones you'll be
leaving for Miss Granger's home directly from the chamber on the
conclusion of Dumbledore's trial."
"Thank you," he simply said.
Turning back to Hermione he said, "Now, I believe we were heading for
the owlery?"
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
The next morning's Daily Prophet contained all the information Professor
Flitwick made known to the students the previous evening, but also
included what happened to the Dursleys.
Further, it also included a great deal of what Harry had said about his
relatives and how it had probably saved them from a likely lifetime stay
in Azkaban; which, as muggles, meant it wouldn't be long at all.
One Prophet reporter stated it showed Harry to be weak, while another
stated he had great courage and showed compassion to those who had
abused him so. None of them understood it was because he couldn't care
less for his relatives and only used the opportunity to show Dumbledore in
a bad light on the eve of his own trial.
However, both reporters and the other couple, who were there to write
similar or aligned pieces, did take Harry's bait and wrote about how
Dumbledore had practically set them up to fail. Then took it further and
wrote about how a great deal of the evidence that had been presented
across almost all the cases, including Cornelius Fudge's, had reeked of
Dumbledore's influence - and not in a good way.
But there was also a long article on the second page of the paper,
referenced on the front page, about Dumbledore and his achievements. It
was also joined by the Editorial, which paid lip service to his
achievements before it laid out all the things Dumbledore had done that
had already come to light in the trials leading up to his own, before
concluding with the Editor's opinion.
~ # ~
[...]
Based on the information laid out above - and we have very little doubt this is
not the totality of the wrongdoings for which Dumbledore is guilty - we cannot
see how the old man can escape a substantial prison sentence. A review of
previous sentencing for such crimes, if added together, already exceed what
would be considered a best guess of Dumbledore's remaining years of life.
However, the Wizengamot often jamb such determinations all together to be
served concurrently. This means if the most Dumbledore is sentenced to serve
time in Azkaban for one of the crimes for which he has been accused is, for
example, seven years; then that will be the totality of the time for which he
will be incarcerated.
Once a determination is reached regarding guilt, the Wizengamot all too often
take into consideration both extenuating circumstances - such as the person
committing the crime was under some form of duress at the time - and other
contributions the wizard or witch has made to the wider wizarding world.
In Albus Dumbledore's case he is, to start with, attributed as having rid
wizarding Europe of one of the darkest dark lords in recent history - Gellert
Grindelwald. Against that is that Albus Dumbledore's alleged crimes are
mainly purported to have been against young Lord Harry Potter, the Boy-
Who-Lived, who is attributed to having rid wizarding Britain of the latest dark
lord, He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named.
It is our opinion those two cancel each other out. We hope the Wizengamot
agrees.
~ # ~
After reading the editorial, Harry handed the newspaper off to Hermione
and pointed to both the article and the editorial.
While she began to read those he checked the package he also received
from Sirius via an owl he didn't recognise. And then just assumed it
belonged to the Tonkses.
It carried to him a package that held a small hand mirror with a note
explaining both how it worked and how to activate and deactivate it.
He'd try it out once they were away from watching eyes.
As he was finishing up reading, a little fretfully Hermione asked, "Harry,
how are we going to take our trunks with us today? I mean... we should
be taking them home with us."
"It's already organised, Hermione," he gently replied. "Dobby will collect
them and deliver them to your home almost as soon as we leave here."
What he didn't mention to her was that the little elf was also going to
stop off with them somewhere along the way and go through both to
ensure there were no tracking or similar charms on them of any of their
contents. The little elf had been making sure Harry's trunk and
possessions were kept clear, but not Hermione's. He'd be doing that
before he delivered her trunk to her home.
He also had not told her that, using a school owl, he'd already been in
contact with the goblins about security wards on a muggle home. As soon
as he had Hermione's address from her - and was surprised to realise he
didn't know it before - he alerted his account manager of it and the
goblins had secretly been by the home to put up all sorts of wards and
permanently affixed charms. Those included intent-based wards and
charms, an anti Dark Mark ward, an anti Dumbledore ward based off the
old man's magical signature (which the goblins would never admit to
having), an outside fire suppression charm, a charm that hid whether or
not magicals lived within the home (which meant they could cast magic
within the home and not fall afoul of the Decree Against Under-aged
Sorcery) and a few others. All Harry knew was it was very close to being,
if not was, the most protective charms and wards that could be placed on
a muggle home without breaking wizarding law.
Then, once Dobby took both trunks to her home, he was going to go
through the home and make sure there were no wards or charms on the
place that shouldn't be there. Dobby had already been to the home and
was aware of what wards and charms were already on the property and
would know if there were any alterations or additions. He was the
magical being who led the goblins to the property by way of carrying a
portkey beacon into the home with him that Harry's account manager
had fashioned for him.
"I still―" she began. "I'm sorry, Harry; but, I'm still not comfortable with
the idea of house elves being bonded in what I see as a slavery bond with
witches and wizards."
"That's fine, Hermione," he replied. "It shows you to be a good person. So
long as you now realise trying to get me to release Dobby is not going to
work - and that Dobby is the happiest he's ever been in his life serving
me - we won't have a problem. Again, Dobby is one of the most well-
treated house elves, ever. He assured me of that."
She gave a nod back showing she understood and agreed.
Turning to Neville, he asked, "So, Nev; heard from your grandmother,
yet, on whether or not you're heading home for the duration?"
"Not yet," he replied. "I intend to hold back after the trial and talk to her
about it."
"Good," he said. "And, while you're at it, please inform her my patience
with her is running out concerning her still sitting on the Wizengamot. I
know and understand it was wise for her to still sit the Seat of
Longbottom for the trials, but I expect someone else to be sitting that
Seat come the next General Meeting of the Wizengamot."
"I will," nodded the other boy. "But, thank you for not pushing her to give
it up before the trials."
"That's alright," he replied. "As I said, I understand."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
"And... wheerree... do you think you're going, Sirius Black?" asked Andi
Tonks.
She was standing in the doorway of Sirius's room at the Tonkses house,
leaning on the frame. Sirius was dressed in 'work' robes and was sitting
on the bed just slipping on his shoes when she asked.
Looking up, he said, "I have an errand to run. It's something to do with
why the Unspeakables needed to talk to me a few days ago."
"You are not yet fit enough, let alone well enough, to go gallivanting
about the place on errands," she growled.
"This is only a short one, I promise," he said. "Actually, they only need me
to do a little job for them, with no risk or exertion to myself, and then I'll
be right back. I promise."
"What've they got you doing?" she demanded.
"I can't tell you," he replied. "I'm bound by an oath."
"You're the Lord of a Noble and Most Ancient House," she snapped.
"You're not supposed to be making such oaths!"
"Normally, I'd agree with you," he sighed. "But, I assure you, this one was
important to give."
Andi glared at him for almost a minute more until Sirius stood up. "How
long will you be gone, this time?"
"No more than half an hour, tops," he replied.
She gave a grunt and said, "You told me yesterday you'd only be at
Gringotts for a couple hours. You were gone almost the entire day!
"Then, when you got home, I had to practically carry you up here, where
you immediately collapsed in exhaustion and dropped off to sleep so
deeply you were practically unconscious!"
"Andi," he sighed, walking to and checking his dress in the mirror
provided. "That was not... my... fault! The Black family accounts were in
an appalling state. As you're well aware, I had to bring a lot of the work
yet to do on them back here, which is what I promised I'd do.
"But there was also the parchmentwork required to bring you back into
the family, recognise Ted as a family member spouse and recognise
Nymphadora as a daughter by blood.
"Oh!" he said, suddenly remembering something and turning to her. "If I
didn't mention it before, I've also officially named you at Gringotts as
Heiress Presumptive Black. Congratulations."
"You what?" she barked.
"Named you as Heiress Presumptive Black," he repeated. "'Dora is next
after you if you predecease me."
"Si-ri-us..." she growled.
"It's done, Andi," he firmly stated. "Don't argue with me on this. As Head
of House it was my decision to make."
When it was clear she wouldn't argue with him on it - at least, not right
then - he continued. "Then I also completed and submitted the
documentation to dissolve Bellatrix's marriage due to her not producing
two heirs as required, reclaiming the dowry, reclaiming her familial
stipend paid to her since her incarceration, terminating the stipend and
then disowning her.
"Then there was the work related to Narcissa. By the conditions of the
marriage contract she was supposed to produce at least two children
within the first ten years of her marriage. As far as I'm aware, there's only
one - Draconis. However, the contract could not be terminated due to
breach of contract because, according to the goblins, she has produced
two children. If that's the case, where's the other? I have the goblins
looking into that.
"Then, once the goblins have worked their end, I'll hand the matter over
to Ted. If he or she's dead, I want the matter brought before the
Wizengamot as a case of infanticide. If he or she's alive, I want him or
her tracked down. If he or she's not with family, somewhere - and or
they're anywhere near unhappy - I'll be collecting them and raising them
myself."
"And if they're a squib?" Andi asked.
Sirius immediately shot her a dark look and snapped, "That will not
worry me. Actually, it's what I'm already suspecting to have occurred."
Andi gave a nod and said, "If they had a second child and it's disappeared
with no mention of it in the Daily Prophet? That's my belief, too." She
more quietly added. "And, I'm sorry I asked."
Sirius paused and thought about that for a moment before he gave a
grunt and returned to what he was doing; checking himself over in the
mirror, attaching his wand holster to his forearm and pocketing those
things he would be carrying with him. "You need to think better of me,
Andi. I may have been born a Black but, like you, I'm not like the Blacks
of old."
"I know," she said. "However, you know as well as I how he or she will be
treated in the magical world. If he or she's in the muggle world, it might
be kinder if they remained there."
"Something to decide if we're right and Narcissa birthed a squib and sent
them to the muggle world," he said.
"If she gave birth to a squib I cannot see Cissy allowing Lucius to kill the
child," she said. "I just can't see it."
"I will be finding out, one way or another," he declared.
Sirius left not long afterwards. He was meeting with the Unspeakables in
an off-site location near the Black Townhouse.
The off-site location was chosen so no one in the magical world would
see Sirius with the Unspeakables and wonder why.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Again, all three teens were picked up by the aurors and escorted to the
Wizengamot chambers. But, unlike the previous day, today the chambers
were packed to capacity.
Right on 9.00am Ogden, who was back in the chair as Chief Adjudicator
for the trial, banged his gavel.
When he thought about it, Harry figured Longbottom didn't take the
chair because she probably thought as he did; that Snape didn't lie when
he said he gave Dumbledore the details of the preplanned attacks on both
the Potters and Longbottoms in October, 1981.
"Bring in the accused!" called Ogden.
Harry was hoping to speak with Sirius before the start, but the man
hadn't turned up before the prearranged start of the trial. He was a little
worried but, now that his godfather had been cleared, he knew it had to
be an important matter that kept him away.
Dumbledore was escorted in wearing full magic-inhibiting chains just as
Snape, Crouch and Umbridge before him wore. However, unlike those
three he was not wearing DMLE prison robes.
He was also without his floppy hat that Hermione once compared to a
'doctorate' cap, his glasses and the little gold rings that normally held his
beard as if in a ponytail. It was the same outfit he wore to the First Task.
When he was firmly 'shuffled' to the witness chair he stopped and fought
back when the aurors tried to force him to sit in it. "Is this truly
necessary, Miles?" he asked, as if he was disappointed in the man.
"Yes," replied Ogden. He didn't expound on that simple one word answer.
Finally, the aurors were able to manhandle Dumbledore into the chair
and the chains firmly bound him. Unlike those before him, the aurors did
not remove his manacles or chains.
"Miles, this is intolerable!" Dumbledore grouched.
"Firstly, Mister Dumbledore, you will properly address me as Lord Chief
Adjudicator Ogden or just Chief Adjudicator Ogden," Ogden shot back.
"Under no circumstances are you permitted to address me by my first
name. Under no circumstances did I ever give you leave to address me by
my first name.
"You, Mister Dumbledore, are currently Albus Dumbledore, the accused. I
am showing at least a modicum of respect for you by addressing you as
Mister Dumbledore.
"If you don't immediately change your tired old tune and start paying the
proper respect for the Members of the Wizengamot... let alone everyone
else... your disrespect and lack of co-operation of these proceedings will
be noted and I will simply address you as 'the Prisoner'. Am I clear, Mister
Dumbledore?"
"Quite," Dumbledore quietly replied.
"Good," Ogden firmly returned. "Now, where is your law wizard?"
A man then stepped forward from the back of the chamber and said,
"Chief Adjudicator."
"Mister Tofty, why aren't you up with Mister Dumbledore?"
"He attempted to fire me and, when he discovered he couldn't, refused
any and all assistance I could provide him," replied Tofty. "If he does not
wish to avail himself of my services - or, apparently, the services of
another - there is very little I can do."
"I see," said Ogden. Turning to look down at Dumbledore he asked, "Is it
your intention to sit trial without representation?"
"I have no need of one," replied Dumbledore. "As Chief Warlock I have, of
course, sat as Chief Adjudicator myself, from time to time. I believe I
have the skill-set necessary to successfully defend myself against any
ludicrous charge filed against me."
Harry heard Hermione quiet say, "What an arrogant idiot."
He didn't think there was any doubt others would be of the same
sentiment. He was of the same mindset, after all.
Ogden gave a snort of amused disbelief and said, "That is your
prerogative." Then turned to Bones and said, "Madam Bones, we will hear
the charges."
Bones then caused quite a few sheets of parchment to be distributed
among the Members sitting the Wizengamot, that day. And there were
quite a few copies flying about as very few seats were vacant, due to it
being Dumbledore who was on trial.
Dumbledore piped up and said, "I believe I will also need a copy of that,
Miles... I mean, Chief Adjudicator."
"And how will you be able to read them or even hold them, Mister
Dumbledore?" asked an amused Ogden.
"Well, I'll have to have my spectacles and hands released, of course."
Ogden turned to Bones and asked, "Why doesn't Mister Dumbledore have
his glasses, Madam Bones?"
"They were found to have been enchanted, with one of those
enchantments being a portkey that was created while Mister Dumbledore
was in some control of the wards over the Ministry, Chief Adjudicator,"
replied Bones. "As such, he is not permitted them.
"And his hands will not be unbound as he is known to be quite capable in
the use of wandless cast magic."
"Ah!" said Ogden before he turned back to Dumbledore. "As explained,
your glasses will not be returned due to the portkey on them and your
hands will not be unbound due to your skill in wandless casting.
Therefore, handing you a copy of the charges laid against you seems
quite pointless.
"However, if you wish to... rethink... your co-operating with your
appointed law-wizard, then Mister Tofty will be able to both hold and
read the list of charges."
Dumbledore grumbled a bit about that but replied, "In that case, as you
are being unreasonable, Ezekiel may step forward and hold the charge
list for me."
Ogden looked at Tofty and gave him a nod, and the man came forward to
collect a copy of the charges.
Harry guessed the man already knew what they contained as he only
glanced through them.
Again looking to Bones, Ogden said, "Madam Bones you may read the
charges and commence your case."
As the charges were slowly read, Harry was stunned at just how many
there were. They included charges that Harry had not even thought
about. However, they also included charges that had obviously arisen as
a result of the previous trials, as Harry suspected would occur.
It took the stern Director of the DMLE almost five minutes to read them
all out.
When she was finished no one said a word. The entire chamber was
silent.
It remained so for a good few seconds before one of the Members, Harry
didn't know who it was, laughed and said, "Merlin! That must be a new
record for the number of charges one person has ever faced!"
That had a few chortles and snickers of nervous laughter before Ogden
banged his gavel once and said, "Irrespective of the number of charges
Mister Dumbledore faces, I believe Madam Bones will be addressing each
and every one of them..." He turned a smirk to Bones.
"I am well prepared to do precisely that, Chief Adjudicator Ogden," she
firmly replied. "We're going to be at this for a while." Her face did not
show one flicker of amusement.
That shut all the sounds of amusement up.
Harry thought Bones would start her case by starting with the events of
the night of the thirty-first of October, 1981, in a chronological order.
However, she started well before that date, and things weren't as
chronological as they were with other cases.
Instead, she addressed each case point with a collection of evidence for
each, before moving on to the next.
Harry would not presume to think himself an expert of wizarding case
law, even after having sat through over half a dozen cases over the past
few days and carefully watching each and every one. But, he quickly
recognised what she was up to.
Madam Bones was making sure everyone knew what laws Dumbledore
broke and provided the evidence to demonstrate it. Then she'd move onto
the next one. However, after a while he could see she was grouping them
into logical allotments.
Each time she proved where Dumbledore had broken a law, she finished
her evidence by stating, "I believe I have now successfully proven Mister
Albus Dumbledore breached the law of section 'whatever', part
'whichever', of Wizarding British Statute 'whatever' of 'whenever', which
states, 'blah'."
Then she would move onto the next one by stating, "I now move to the
charge of 'whatever'."
Tofty was trying his best to defend his client. He tried to argue that some
matters offered into evidence could not be accepted as they amounted to
little more than hearsay. That is, statements given by others who weren't
given Veritaserum or gave oaths as to the veracity of their statements,
were not present for the entirety of an event and therefore had a skewed
perception of it, it might not have been Dumbledore involved but instead
was someone under a glamour or Polyjuice potion, or similar. He tried to
argue that other evidence could not be accepted as it was given by
minors - Hermione and Harry - or by people who were not considered
proper witches or wizards - Hagrid and Flitwick - and was resoundingly
berated for his attitude regarding that second one.
When the issue of Harry being collected by Hagrid and denied Sirius's
guardianship of him, Dumbledore argued that Hagrid 'clearly
misunderstood the instructions he was given, which is understandable as
Hagrid is a half giant.' And added that Hagrid had never informed him
that Sirius arrived at the Potter cottage after he did and he was,
therefore, unaware of it. That was clearly an attempt to escape being
found guilty of 'Kidnapping the Heir Apparent of a Noble and Most
Ancient House', which would have meant the Veil for the old man, right
there.
In his mind, Harry went through all the times it was Hagrid that
interacted with him and could see what Dumbledore had done. It was
clear to Harry that, over the last decade and a half at least, the old man
had set Hagrid up to take the fall should his machinations ever come to
light, which they had.
"Son... of... a... bitch!" he quietly exclaimed.
Turning to Hermione he asked, "Hermione, are you currently carrying on
you parchment, ink and a quill? Please say yes."
Without even replying she simply reached into her robes and pulled out
just that before handing it over to him.
Harry wasn't even surprised she had them.
He quickly cast a copying charm on the parchment to multiply the
number of sheets she'd given him and set to writing.
Half listening in to the trial he was quickly jotting down notes. He was
determined Hagrid wasn't going to get screwed over by Dumbledore, as
the old man seemed determined to do to save his own skin.
He hated the wizarding public media. And, though he'd not listened to
much of it, he wasn't too fond of the wizarding wireless either. Both
seemed to think 'news' was the journalist picking and choosing what facts
they wanted to report and then giving their own spin on what really
happened; even if that spin meant the reader or listener was led to a false
conclusion.
However, while he also thought Hagrid was even more dense and daft
than the average witch or wizard, it did not mean he was going to let the
gentle half-giant get roasted in either media as a result of Dumbledore's
claims at his trial.
No; Harry was, for the first time ever, going to give a statement to the
press. But, to ensure no journalist could claim they misheard him when...
not if... they misquoted him or misattributed something said to him, he
would be giving them that statement in writing.
Then, he would warn them if they tried such a stunt he would be quite
willing to sue the arses off them. He hoped it would be enough to stop it
in its tracks. If Rita Bloody Skeeter was there, he'd be telling her she
could soon expect a visit from his 'legal team'.
As the trial progressed it more and more appeared Dumbledore would
not be found guilty of the major ones, except for the multiple obliviation
attempts on Harry.
Even the charms and curses placed on staff and students found were of
magical signatures that did not quite match Dumbledore's. When an
expert on magical signatures was sworn in and asked if it could still be
Dumbledore who performed them, he replied, "It could be. But it would
mean Mister Dumbledore would have to have cast them with a different
wand than the one he carried."
Bones asked, "Is there any other way to tell?"
"Sorry, no."
"And, if we find that wand?" she pressed.
"Then, yes," replied the expert. "Definitely."
However, Harry knew damned well no one would be finding that wand.
It wouldn't even take a Fidelius charm to hide it, even though a Fidelius
charm was well within Dumbledore's capabilities - as demonstrated by
him placing that charm on the Potter Cottage in 1981. He merely had to
put it somewhere in a hidden cubbyhole. No magic needed. His
Occlumency skills would block anyone trying to get the knowledge of its
location from his mind.
One thing Harry did know, though, was that the wand had to be in
Hogwarts, somewhere. And he further suspected it had to be somewhere
near the Headmaster's office, if not within it.
If he had the opportunity he was going to track the damned thing down.
"What about Dumbledore's magical signature with magic cast
wandlessly?" she asked.
"The magical signature of the charms is not a match with that, either."
Then Harry had the thought that the 'wand' that modified Dumbledore's
signature might not be a wand at all. At least, not in the traditional sense.
His study of wand-lore, trying to make sense of why he had a wand that
matched Riddle's when they were two completely different people,
allowed him to think of the problem in a lateral manner.
The 'wand' - or, rather, the magical foci used to focus one's magic and
direct it - could actually be anything and any size. All that was needed
was for the core to be some part of a magical creature capable of
channelling the expressed magic; and the container, that which
surrounded the core, to be of a non-magical organic material. He knew
other materials capable of being made into wands included bone, shell,
teeth or fangs, horn, tusk, hardened carapace or even stiffened animal
hide as such examples. Plus, the organic container could only be
lacquered and polished using organic non-magical material. The
connection between hand and magical core had to be completely organic.
Any non-organic material would interrupt the flow of magic.
As such, the magical foci could truly be of any size with only two true
limitations: First, too large and the witch/wizard could not wield it; and
second, too small and the witch/wizard would burn the core out in very
short order.
It was for the second reason, Harry had learned, that some witch/wizards
carried a one-shot disposable wand on their person that was truly quite
small. He'd read of the examples of a witch who had two, they were
wooden pins used in her hair; and a wizard who had one inside a fake
finger on his off-hand.
He'd thought of Dumbledore using one-shot wands, but realised that
could not be true in this case as the curses and charms that Bones was
trying to pin on Dumbledore all bore the same magical signature; and
that meant the same wand.
Could Dumbledore have made his own? Easily. He had access to two of
the most common cores, the tail feathers of a phoenix and the tail hairs
of a unicorn. But, if he made his own, the aurors couldn't even question
old Ollivander or any other wandcrafter if they'd sold a wand to the old
man. Even then, with Dumbledore often heading off overseas to ICW
meetings, he could have purchased one in any country and wearing any
glamour.
After the arithmancy expert on magical signatures was sent on his way,
Ogden called for a break for lunch. No one argued against it.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
When they were again escorted into the Auror's cafeteria, Harry was
practically accosted by Sirius, who was there and apparently waiting for
him. The man basically laid a massive hug on him.
Finally getting free of the hug, Harry asked, "Where the bloody hell have
you been? If you weren't here, the first thing I was going to do is pull out
my mirror and call you."
"Off on a small job I couldn't and still can't tell you about," replied Sirius,
while he was then hugging Hermione, though not so much.
"Hunh?" asked Harry.
"Let's just say I had a job that people that no one speaks about needed my
help with and leave it at that, for now," his godfather mysteriously
replied with a 'I know something you don't know' grin.
Harry rolled his eyes at the man and said, "Fiiiine. We'll talk about it
when you can. In the meantime, are you here for the rest of the trial?"
"Sorry. No," replied Sirius. "Andi's come down hard on me for not resting
up while I'm on that potions regimen she's got me on."
"Oh," replied Harry. "You told me about that in that letter you sent me.
Sounds awful."
"Well, you'll be on your own soon. So, prepare yourself for that,"
explained Sirius.
"What? Why?"
"Because, Pup, knowing the Potters as I do... did... there is no way you
should be as small and skinny as you are. And the only way that could
have happened is if you've been suffering from malnutrition. And Andi
agrees.
"So, after the trials you're going onto a similar potions regimen."
"That's something I wanted to talk to you about," said Harry. "The way
Dumbledore's trial is going there's a pretty good chance the old man is
going to get let off with little more than a legal smack on the wrist. Even
if he isn't I've been invited by Hermione's parents to spend some time at
their place.
"Therefore, Hermione and I are leaving for her place right on the
conclusion of the trial. As a matter of fact, Dobby should have already
popped both of our trunks and other effects, including Crookshanks, to
her place. The aurors are getting us there under escort; and then a couple
of them will stay with us in Hermione's parents' place for the duration."
"Alright," nodded Sirius. "That sounds like a good idea. I'll let Andi know.
But, just so you know, she wants you on a potions regimen to build you
up to what should be your correct height, weight and fitness before you
get too old for it to have optimum effect.
"If I know Andi, she'll be organising with you... and Hermione's parents,
of course... to come to Miss Granger's place on a daily basis to give you
those potions."
Harry sighed and said, "You do realise, don't you, that once she decides
what potions I should be on she can simply get a house elf to deliver
them?"
"Errr... no," blushed the old dog. "That never occurred to me."
"I think I can bet it never occurred to her, either," Harry blandly replied.
"Tell her to call for 'Dobby' if she needs potions shuttled back and forth."
Hermione tried to hide her smirk and was mostly successful. Watching
Harry demolish the 'logic and practicality' of witches and wizards,
especially purebloods, had begun to be quite amusing to the girl.
One of the two aurors with them at the time, one of the ones often with
them, quietly sighed loud enough for both teens to hear him. That nearly
had Hermione outright laughing.
Sirius saw her, knew she knew something he didn't and thought he might
have been the butt of a subtle joke by Harry. However, he couldn't figure
it out and, therefore, believed he must've been mistaken.
"Ooooh-kay," he said. "Could you also ask Hermione's parents if I can
visit?"
"Of course," replied Harry. "You and me have a lot of catching up to do."
"Thank you," replied a very grateful Sirius.
With the amount of gratitude Sirius had put into those two simple words
Harry knew the man, the person who should have raised him and they
both knew it, truly was grateful.
A few minutes later Sirius had to leave citing if he didn't return back to
the Tonkses' place soon Andi would hunt him down and drag him back
there by the 'short hairs'.
"Though, I suppose I could hang around a bit," he mused. "She's currently
busy today."
"Sirius, she's busy because she's currently sitting your Seat on the
Wizengamot," explained his godson. "So, if you're thinking of coming in
to watch part of the trial she's very likely to see you."
"Ah, yes!" sighed Sirius. "I didn't think of that."
"Plus, is there anyone at the Tonkses' who's going to realise you're not
there and tell cousin Andi?"
"Nope," Sirius happily replied. "Nymphadora is busy with auror duties
and Ted's at his office doing some work for me."
"The Tonkses don't own any house elves who are likely to dob you in?"
"Oh," replied a suddenly dejected Lord Black.
Harry face-palming himself set Hermione's giggles off.
"Hey!" whined Sirius.
The same auror seemed to take pity of the recent 'escapee' from Azkaban
and explained, "Don't worry about it too much, Lord Black. Your godson
seems to have this innate ability to see what everyone else is missing.
And, by that, I don't mean things hidden by magic. I mean he sees
answers to problems no one else has thought of and problems where no
one thought one existed.
"He's been making us all look like complete idiots for a little over a week
now.
Sirius looked at him with a confused expression.
With another sigh the auror explained, "Here's an example of what I
mean: It was Lord Potter who suggested we send you an owl to contact
you. He then saw one of my colleagues send a messenger Patronus to
Madam Bones suggesting we send an owl to you. He'd never seen a
Patronus used that way before; but, within moments, asked why we
didn't send one of those to you.
"Then, after my colleague immediately sent a second Patronus to Madam
Bones relaying that idea, he then asked why hadn't anyone sent a house
elf to you carrying a note.
"The aurors had been trying to track you down for more than a year. We
had our best minds on the problem for that whole time and your godson
told us three different methods to get in contact with you, with the first
and third also giving us a way to tag you with a locator, within only a
few moments.
"I assure you, when the rest of us found out about it, we all felt like
idiots. And, I've been reliably informed, so did Madam Bones."
"Ask Harry to show you how he completed the first task in that pensieve
of his, some time," suggested Hermione. "He made the organisers of the
event look like complete idiots then too. And he did it publicly,
explaining what and why he was doing what he was doing at the time."
"Sirius... dear godfather..." said Harry. "Getting back to the original
point... just because you won't be able to talk to me live, does not mean
you won't be able to talk to me direct. You're the one who sent me one of
those wonderful mirrors, right?"
"Oh, yeah," he replied. "I did do that, didn't I?"
Harry had to struggle not to face-palm himself again, but did groan.
The auror gave a snort of amusement. "See what I mean?"
"And, yes, I do want to see how you did in the first task," added Sirius.
Ignoring the auror's question.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Once Sirius had left to head back to the Tonkses, Harry placed the
parchment he'd been writing upon on the desk and rewrote the material
he'd already written down into more of a statement form.
He gave it a heading, then wrote a single paragraph opening statement
for it, then began writing down the facts about matters he knew to be
true and how he felt Dumbledore had been trying to pass the blame for
certain matters onto Hagrid or others...
~ # ~
[...]
It is my belief, based on many months, if not years, of thought on this matter,
that Dumbledore specifically had me picked up from the cottage at Godric's
Hollow so he could later claim, as he did today, that Mister Rubeus Hagrid
must have misunderstood his orders; and blamed Mister Hagrid's status as a
half-giant for that misunderstanding.
Irrespective of Dumbledore claiming he didn't order Mister Hagrid to deny
handing me over to my rightful guardian and godfather, Sirius Black, it is very
clear Dumbledore already had in place the steps to dump me at the Dursleys.
He had Minerva McGonagall at the Dursley residence already, to keep an eye
on them. And, as per her own trial evidence, he admitted to her it was his
intention to leave me there, all along.
In this example, if I'm correct, what Dumbledore did is called 'blame-shifting'. I
consider it a cowardly and despicable thing to do. He knew the Wizengamot
would want someone to blame; so, often during his trial he verbally pointed his
finger at Rubeus Hagrid so many would not point their fingers at he,
Dumbledore, where I believe the blame truly lies.
Consider this: Of all the members of staff at Hogwarts at that time, excluding
Binns who no one really considers a member of staff anyway, only Hagrid is
banned from using a wand with Filch unable to use one. Mister Hagrid was
sent and did not arrive all that long after the attack on the Potter cottage, so
Dumbledore must have known the Potter cottage was or had just been
attacked. And yet Dumbledore sent only Mister Hagrid; the only one from off
his staff, besides Filch, who could not magically defend himself. Why didn't
Dumbledore go himself? Why didn't Dumbledore take others with him? Was he
willing to sacrifice Mister Hagrid based on a guess that there was no longer
Voldemort or a Death Eater or two there? The 31st October 1981 was a
Saturday night only two months into the new school year. The school was
fully staffed at the time. Therefore, he had plenty of people to call on within
the castle who could accompany him. And, yet, he did not.
Consider this too: If Mister Hagrid was so poor at following Dumbledore's
directions why, on 30th July 1991, did he specifically ignore Hogwarts written
procedures concerning who must be sent to pick up muggle-raised for their first
visit to Diagon Alley, by having Mister Hagrid collect me from my relatives to
(re)introduce me to the wizarding world; and not one of the four Heads of
House, as he was rightfully required to do? The 30th July 1991 was a
Tuesday. For Hogwarts, it was also the summer break, so there were no classes
on. Three of the four Heads of House were out on that day and days either
side of it visiting the homes of muggleborns and raised and escorting them for
their first times to the magical world. Why, of all such children before and
since in recent years, was I not escorted by a Head of House? Why Mister
Hagrid, specifically? Was it yet another opportunity for Dumbledore to blame-
shift onto Mister Hagrid?
Many wizarding Britons admire Dumbledore to the point of veneration. But, is
he worthy of it? What came out during his trial today shows he isn't. Most
recent wizarding History in magical Britain is written by Bathilda Bagshot. Did
you know the Bagshots were both neighbours and close family friends of the
Dumbledores in Godric's Hollow? Using that relationship, did Dumbledore ask
Bagshot to write about him in a better light than what the unvarnished truth
would show?
Do not be like the mindless sheep I think most wizarding Britons show
themselves to be. Do not just accept something as true just because of one
source. Do not just accept something to be true because someone tells you it is
- even me. Think! Doubt! Question! Research!'
Lord Harrison James Potter
~ # ~
Harry managed to get that written down just in time for the two teens to
return to the chamber. He had planned to leave the end open so he could
add to it during the rest of the trial. However, he felt he'd written enough
for the journalists that day and would write another for the next day if
something new popped up in the second half of the trial.
After folding it he wrapped another sheet of parchment around it and
wrote upon it, 'Madam Bones, would you mind making copies of the included
statement and handing them to the journalists who'll be 'laying in ambush' for
you out the main doors of the chamber? I'd rather not deal with them and be
delayed long enough for Dumbledore to get hold of me (if he gets off, as I
suspect he will) if it's all the same to you. HJP.'
Just before they rose to return Harry remembered something that had
him curious. He turned to the non-chatty auror, the one who was closest
to him, and asked, "Is there a Notice-Me-Not field over where Hermione
and I are sitting? I only ask because I've noticed I'm not getting stared at,
like usual."
Seemingly surprised by the question, the auror replied, "As a matter of
fact, there is. It's there for your protection."
"I'm not complaining about it," he was quick to say. "If anything, I'm
grateful. I just wondered."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Just after they walked in, Harry handed the parchment to the 'chatty'
auror and asked him to hand it to Madam Bones before the trial
restarted. He was happy to do so.
He momentarily wondered about the names of the aurors but realised
they came and left so often he'd be constantly trying to learn and
remember names, so ignored it for now. There were, after all, currently
more important things to remember. He'd make an effort once they got to
Hermione's home.
As Harry and Hermione sat there as Dumbledore was brought back in -
and again was sat in the chair fully manacled - he watched as Madam
Bones opened the parchment and read the statement.
He could see her eyes widen in enough surprise her monocle fell out to
dangle on its chain.
Then she turned to stare in his general direction, paused a moment and
nodded once. And then turned to look at Dumbledore with a smirk.
'Oops!' thought Harry. 'I may have just given Bonesy more ammunition to
aim at Dumbledore. If that's the case I may have to rewrite what I want
to inform the vultures about.'
However, she didn't immediately attack him with that information, as he
thought she would.
After Ogden gave her the go ahead to continue she turned to Dumbledore
and said, "Mister Dumbledore, I now turn your attention to the events of
the 1991/92 school year.
"We already know a mountain troll was let loose in the castle on the
evening of Hallowe'en that year and we have seen pensieve memories of
both Quirinus Quirrell entering the Great Hall announcing its presence to
one and all, plus the battle with it by Lord Potter, who ultimately
defeated it.
"Who did you task with informing the DMLE of that event?"
"As it was only a minor issue... after all, no one was truly hurt by the
event... after discussing it with staff it was decided there was no need to
bother your busy aurors about its occurrence," replied Dumbledore, again
adopting a friendly, though condescending, tone. He even chuckled a
little. "I believe Professor Snape also made good use of the carcass in his
potions classes."
"Really?" she asked. "A troll is considered a Class 2 dangerous creature.
The law is clear that such incidences are mandatorily required to be
reported to the DMLE. It is against the law not to. I also remind both you
and the Members that, as Chief Warlock at the time, you were fully
aware of that requirement.
"Which specific members of your staff informed you that you should not
report the matter to the DMLE?"
"The discussion was just that, a discussion," he replied. "After all―"
"Mister Dumbledore," she cut in. "I asked you for the identity of the
member of your staff whom you've already stated as testimony you
discussed the matter with, informed you not to contact the DMLE. I
would have that name, please."
"I believe it may have been young Quirinus... Professor Quirrell, I mean."
"I see," she said, clearly disbelieving him. "As Lord Potter was the slayer
of the beast, how much did Hogwarts, through you or through any other
avenue, pay Lord Potter for the carcass?"
"I believe young Harry―"
"Lord Potter!" she barked.
"Quite," he said. "I believe... Lord Potter... did not request payment for
the carcass."
"Ah!" she said. "Well, since you claimed magical guardianship of the then
under-aged Lord Potter, how much did you, as that magical guardian,
claim from yourself, as representative of Hogwarts, for the carcass?"
"I felt that young... sorry, the then young Lord Potter would be quite
happy to donate the proceeds of the carcass to the school, thereby
assisting his fellow students. I know young Harry well enough to know he
would have made such a modest commitment to the school."
As she looked at Harry for a moment, he shook his head with a frown on
his face before she turned back.
"You are in error, Mister Dumbledore," she said. "I now currently sit in
proxy for the Seat of Potter and have communicated with Lord Potter on
this matter. He has informed me he most certainly would not have made
such a modest commitment. At that time Lord Potter was unaware of the
full holdings of the House of Potter, as his supposed magical guardian...
you... had not informed him of them. Instead, he was only aware of his
trust vault at the time.
"Therefore, Lord Potter will be requiring restitution from Hogwarts for
the full value of the carcass. At the then rates for such a fine specimen,
that value is thirteen thousand two hundred galleons.
"He expects payment, promptly. After all, you've had more than three
years to make payment. Tarry not or he, through me, shall be expecting
interest payments. Such interest payments will then be backdated to the
31st October 1991."
Dumbledore spluttered indignantly but couldn't say anything else.
"A Miss Hermione Granger, twelve years of age at the time, was also in
the bathroom at that time. She was even there when the troll first
entered. What counselling did you arrange with a qualified mind healer
for both children - plus the rest of the student body, who were initially
frightened by Mister Quirrell's announcement? After all, an eleven year
old child had to fight a Class 2 magical creature without adult support in
defence of his friend."
"Both children were fine," he again chuckled. "They headed for their
common room to join their friends and housemates to enjoy the rest of
the feast."
"Mister Dumbledore," she snapped. "Again, I am finding myself truly
disgusted with you finding it humorous that the children at Hogwarts
were in danger. Need I remind you that my own niece, who was also a
first year Hogwarts student at that time, was also present in the castle?"
"No, of course not, Amelia," he said, acting contrite. "My apologies."
"That's Madam Bones, to you, Prisoner Dumbledore!" she snapped.
"Again, my apologies," he said.
"'Again, my apologies'... who?" she asked.
"Madam Bones," he quickly amended.
She gave him another glare before looking back down at her notes. As
she had learned in the morning session, Dumbledore quickly conformed
when he was called 'Prisoner Dumbledore' instead of 'Mister Dumbledore'.
"I direct you back to my last question," she said. "I asked you which
qualified mind-healer did the children see. I need that name, please."
With a disappointed sigh he said, "No one was harmed, Madam Bones.
Therefore, I saw no need for one. Madam Pomfrey, our school healer,
was available for those who felt they needed to see someone; as were
their Heads of Houses."
"You saw no need?" she pressed.
"Yes. As I said, Am- Madam Bones."
"And when did you pick up your qualification as a mind healer?" she
asked. "I have no record of it."
"I have been the Headmaster of―"
"I did not ask about how long you've been Headmaster, I asked you of
when did you pick up your qualification as a mind healer. Please answer
that question."
Another sigh. "I have not. However, I believe my tenure―"
"You have confirmed for us you are not a qualified mind healer," she
interrupted. "That is all I asked. That being the case, Mister Dumbledore,
you breached the rules of Hogwarts, plus the law of wizarding Britain, by
not immediately bringing in a mind healer to address any latent issues
surrounding mental trauma of all those children under your direct care -
especially the then Mister Potter and Miss Granger."
Looking to the Members, she said, "I believe I have now proven the
charge of Failure to Provide Proper Psychological Care for a Magical
Minor - two hundred and eighty seven cases - in regards to that incident."
"Next," she said...
And on it went.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
12. The Grangers
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 Twelve - The Grangers
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
The result of Dumbledore's trial showed there was still far too many
people on the Wizengamot that, according to Harry, thought the sun
shone out of Dumbledore's arse.
While he was found guilty of some of the minor infractions, and the one
major infraction of continually attempting to Obliviate Harry - that could
not be argued away by anyone - Dumbledore escaped a prison term.
Instead, he at least lost his position of Britain's representative on the ICW,
which meant he lost the Supreme Mugwump position with it, and lost the
Chief Warlock position to go along with that, too.
Harry thought that meant he'd still be on the Wizengamot; but,
surprisingly, he was not. It seems, as only a head of a Minor House, he
only occupied the Seat of Potter as regent, which he had then passed on
to Doge as proxy when he became Chief Warlock, and no longer held any
other Wizengamot-eligible authorities.
Further, he received a fine for the attempted illegal obliviations. He
received no gaol time for it because, as Harry showed in his memories,
they did not 'stick'. Which meant they were only 'attempted' obliviations
and not 'actual' obliviations. He was still fined a hefty financial penalty,
though.
Harry's memories of the obliviations Dumbledore sent Poppy Pomfrey's
way those times at the Dursleys had to be discounted because of two
significant points, both of which Dumbledore - not so funnily enough -
pointed out. First, the magical 'signature' of the obliviations was not,
supposedly, Dumbledore's. And, second, the old man 'could have' been
someone either under Polyjuice Potion or glamour. It was also he who
'noticed' that the wand the Dumbledore in memories was using was not
the wand that 'everyone knew' was his own - it visually lacked the berry
ridges down it's length.
Harry gave a sigh and said, as an aside to Hermione, "At least Bones will
now know what the secret wand Dumbledore's been using looks like."
She silently nodded back.
When it came to his position as Headmaster of Hogwarts, Ogden was
rather scathing of the man about that, too. Apparently, only the School
Board could sack a sitting headmaster and, added to that, Dumbledore
also held tenure as a professor. For the past twenty plus years he had
been the only 'Professor', besides Binns, who still held a tenure-ship as all
the rest had either retired or died in the interim. And Binns's was defunct
due to his legal status as a ghost.
Harry found himself quite disgusted with the entire Wizengamot and
thought them either corrupt, ignorant of their own laws or - as he'd been
thinking all along about nearly all witches and wizards - daft morons; or,
closer still, a combination of all three.
Many in the galleries were quite incensed about the 'light' penalty
Dumbledore was given and were shouting abuse and obscenities at the
Members. Quite a few seemed satisfied with the outcome, but most
seemed to sigh in defeat and quietly left.
Then, even before the chains were removed from Dumbledore, the aurors
ushered the two teens out via the auror's exit. Neville remained as he'd be
talking with his Gran
They were quickly whisked away from the Ministry building and out into
the muggle world.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
At the completion of the trial, as arranged, Harry and Hermione were
escorted by aurors out and to the Granger Residence.
It was getting a little late in the day and Hermione was worried her
parents would be worried. However, when they got there, Hermione had
to let them in with a key she had in a 'fob' pocket of her purse she was
carrying with her.
As soon as she opened the door, she was pulled back and away from it as
two aurors went in first.
One of the other two, a female auror who had grabbed her and pulled her
aside, said, "Let us search the place first, Miss Granger. Constant vigilance
and all that."
Meanwhile, the fourth auror stood with his back to the door, but far
enough away that the two teens and the female auror were between he
and the door.
A few minutes later, one of the aurors who first went in came back to the
door and quietly said, "It's clear, except for a sleeping half-kneazle in a
bedroom on the top floor."
"Crookshanks," said Hermione. "He's mine; but, where's Hedwig?"
"On her way, no doubt," shrugged Harry. "She should be here soon. She
might already be out hunting."
Hermione immediately led Harry and the aurors through to the
downstairs area and the servants' quarters - which Harry was surprised to
see had its own small combined kitchenette lounge, two bedrooms with
shared ensuite and external entrance that opened on the side of the house
to a small set of stairs leading up to the side yard.
"This will be like heaven compared to some of the bodyguard jobs we've
had to endure," muttered one of the two female aurors looking about in
surprise.
"I take it you're all experienced with muggle homes?" asked Hermione.
"Yes, Miss Granger," replied the senior auror, a male. "All aurors, as part
of their training, have to spend about a month living non-stop in the
muggle world. We stayed in a... motel?"
"Motel, yes," nodded Hermione. "It's like a hotel, only with better access
for vehicles. And the motel units often have their own kitchenettes, like
we have here in the servants' quarters."
"Yes," muttered the auror.
Next up, Hermione took Harry by the hand and led him upstairs. She
explained which room should be his, but there was none of his effects in
it, before heading up to the top floor.
She immediately showed him her room, then took him across the landing
to see the other two 'non-ensuited' guest rooms - there was a 'communal'
bathroom leading off the landing at the back side of the house. In one,
they found Harry's effects.
"Ummm..." muttered the girl. She seemed undecided.
"You suggested your parents might want me to use the guest room on the
next floor down, right?" he asked. "The same one with the master
bedroom?"
With a sigh of relief, she replied, "Yes, Harry. I think it would be for the
best so Daddy doesn't worry you'll try to sneak into my room at night to...
'have your wicked way with me'." Then blushed.
"Trust me, Hermione," he said. "If I ever snuck into your room... and I'd
never do that, by the way... there would be nothing 'wicked' about it."
One of the female aurors laughed and said, "Oh, to be a teenager again."
That had both teens blushing. The auror just laughed again.
To break through his embarrassment, Harry led the small party back
down to the second floor.
When he walked into the guest room there, he called Dobby.
"Master Harry, Sir?" asked the excitable little elf. "What cans Dobby be
doings for the Grea... I mean, Master Harry, Sir?"
Kindly, Harry replied, "Dobby; thank you very much, for moving both
Hermione's and my things from Hogwarts to here. But, I need you to
move my things from the floor above into this room and ensuite."
When the elf frowned, Harry was quick to say, "I've now decided I like
this room better, because it has its own ensuite bathroom."
That perked the elf up and he eagerly replied, "Yes, Master Harry, Sir!"
A quick two seconds of popping away and popping back and all Harry's
things were now in the room or ensuite, depending on the item.
Harry took a quick look around and said, "Good job, Dobby. Now, did
you find any tracking charms or the like?"
"Yes, Master Harry, Sir! Dobby be findings many tracky charms and
others on much of Master Harry's Miss Grangy's thingsies. Dobby stripped
them all away likes Master Harry, sez."
"Were there any charms or the like you left on Miss Granger's things you
thought should remain?" he asked.
"Onlys things like charms for... auto-updating... a book," then the little elf
blushed and looked away. "There was potions in Miss Grangy's things but
theys be still in bottles. Dobby not touch them."
Hermione gave a little 'Eep!" sound and bolted out of the room. Harry
heard her through the door as she ran up the stairs. The female auror
with them hurried after her, possibly thinking something was wrong.
"That's excellent, Dobby," said Harry, otherwise ignoring the 'rampaging
hippogriff' sound of Hermione running up the stairs. "Very good job. How
went the search of the property?"
Again the elf immediately perked up and replied, "Dobby be finding a
wardy before goblin-folk and their wizards turnses up. It be an alert ward
to see if a wizard or witch be on the property. Dobby also be fnding a
listening charm on... muggle thing with curly-cord. Dobby take that
away, too!"
'Telephone,' he immediately thought. "Good job again, Dobby!"
Thinking about it, he realised he had nothing else for the elf to do for
now, so chose his fall-back order. "In that case, you're free to find work
for yourself or rest, as you need or desire."
With a short bow and a happy smile, the little elf popped away again.
"Wards?" asked the quiet of the two male aurors with a cocked eyebrow.
"Yes," replied Harry. "All legal as far as wizarding law applies. One is an
intent-based ward for muggles that will... redirect the thoughts of
muggles with ill-intent towards the occupants of this home to another
property. That's the only one that actually applies to muggles. The
second, layered a yard inside that, is an intent-based ward for wizards. If
they approach with ill-intent it will immediately stun them as soon as
they set foot on the property. There's another that is now keyed to
Dumbledore's magical signature - please don't ask me to explain that one -
that will immediately stun him, irrespective of his intent.
"For both of those Dobby has been instructed to transport the twits direct
to the DMLE bullpen, where he is then to explain to any auror in the
room why they were stunned and brought there. I can order him to
deliver them to one of you, if you like, instead.
"No," the auror disagreed. "Have him leave them in place and alert one of
us to the wizard or witch and we'll take it from there."
Harry gave a nod and continued. "The next ones are just a fire retardant,
rather than fire-proofing ward, and an alert ward that informs me and
Dobby if someone steps over the ward line. Of course, if they're here with
ill-intent it will only alert us that they tried. If they make it to the front
door and ring the bell we'll know they're here and have no intention of
harming us. Plus, there's an inner ring of two that are the anti-portkey
and anti-apparation wards."
"That's it?" asked the auror.
"As far as I'm aware, yes," nodded Harry. "I cannot see the goblins setting
up any other wards without being paid for them. And none of them know
who they set up the wards for; only my account manager."
Harry did not mention the ward that blocked the use of magic used in the
home being detected by the Ministry. That was because it also interfered
with 'The Trace' that tracked under-age magic use. But, unlike the
Fidelius charm that did it as a side-effect, this one did it deliberately. He
might now be exempt, but Hermione wasn't.
"Why the Dumbledore specific one?" pressed the auror.
"Because I have no doubt, whatsoever, that the old man is going to turn
up here within the next day or two with the intent of trying to force me
to return to Hogwarts," Harry emphatically replied.
"He's been ordered to stay away from you," frowned the auror.
Harry just laughed and adopted a Dumbledore tone of voice. "Ah! Harry-
my-boy! I'm sure, once Amelia comes to her senses, she will completely
understand why it was necessary for me to escort you back to Hogwarts.
You are, after all, in danger when you're away from the protection of
Hogwarts or your loving family's home."
That had the auror again cock his eyebrow. But, this time, he also
smirked. In a droll voice, he said, "Nice impression."
Wryly, Harry smirked back and said, "With the amount of times that man
has demanded I speak with him in private... read: Obliviate the shit out of
me... I've come to develop quite the understanding of his inflections,
intonations, manner of speech and the bullshit he spouts to get his own
way."
That had the auror openly grin.
As they were about to head out and back downstairs, Harry held him
back for a moment.
"Please don't tell Hermione or the Grangers anything about the wards.
Especially, how much they cost," he begged.
"You had them erected without their permission?" he asked, again
frowning.
"I shall talk to them about it, this evening," promised Harry. "Just not the
cost. And I had it done early because I knew Dumbledore would be here
before I could get their permission, then contract the goblins to get it
done, and then actually have it done."
"Then, I won't press the issue," he said. "The law concerning permission
was brought in to stop witches and wizards from stealing muggle
properties. There's no intent on your behalf to do that here."
"No," replied Harry. "Thank you."
The auror just gave a simple nod back and they all headed back
downstairs again.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
As the teens with their auror escorts arrived at Hermione's home,
Dumbledore was arriving at Hogwarts. As far as he knew, the school 'day'
had just completed and dinner was not scheduled for an hour.
He had headed directly to the school as soon as he recovered his wand,
spectacles, portkeys, money pouch and other effects that had been
removed from him before he was first tossed into a holding cell. He was
not prepared to wait any longer at the Ministry to discover new
information before he departed, because a pack of journalists was
hounding him as soon as he stepped out of the DMLE secure area.
As per his norm he flooed directly to his office, so he missed learning
from anyone - staff, students or even the visiting schools - about the loss
of a lot of his staff. The aurors had refused to inform him and he didn't
want to come across in public not knowing what was going on
concerning something he, as Headmaster, should be aware.
His first order of business was to immediately head to his private
apartment to bathe and change. He'd been forced to wear the same robes
for the past week and they were now both dirty and, he detected, reeked
of unwashed man scent. He would be ordering the house elves not to
bother cleaning them, just burn them.
He had the opportunity to change while he was in custody, but was only
offered 'prison garb'. And feared his robes would be taken away and 'lost'
before his trial. It was something he would not put past Bones doing, as
him wearing prison garb at his own trial would put the image in the
minds of the masses that prison garb is what he should be wearing. It's
what he'd have done in her place.
Thankfully, each day there was at least one auror who was willing to cast
cleaning charms on his robes. But cleaning charms could only do so
much. Clothing needed a proper wash to actually be properly clean
again.
As for bathing he was restricted to washing using the sink in the cell he
was 'assigned'. But at least the aurors provided him a small cake of soap
and a towel once a day to accomplish that. However, again, 'hand'
washing was insufficient compared to a proper bath or shower.
Today he would be taking a cleansing shower followed by a good long
soak. A quick Tempus charm showed he had at least an hour before
dinner, but wanted to assemble his staff before heading down to the
Great Hall. The only member of staff he knew he'd lost was Severus
Snape and that was only because one of the junior aurors snarked at him
about it. That junior auror was immediately berated and sent from the
holding cell area, never to return.
After a ten minute shower and thirty minute soak, he quickly dried and
dressed before returning to his office.
The portraits had all tried to ask or demand answers from him as to
where he'd been for the past week as he passed through on the way up to
his apartment and he ignored them, as he often did. However, his return
had them all arc up again.
"Be silent or I will silence the lot of you!" he barked. "I have urgent work
to do and I will not be interrupted in that." He hadn't even bothered to
look up to the portraits when he said that.
He quickly wrote out short 'requests' to each senior staff member, Head of
House, and called a house elf to immediately deliver them.
The elf popped away with all three notes - none for Slytherin - but
returned shortly with one of them.
When Dumbledore frowned at the elf and accepted the note off him, the
elf said, "Perfessor MacKitty no longer a perfessor, Perfessor Long
Whiskers."
Dumbledore frowned even more and curtly dismissed the elf before he
burned the short note and vanished the ashes. He wanted no evidence
that could come to light at a later date that he'd sent a note to
McGonagall
Five minutes later Sprout and Flitwick walked in together. Both did not
appear happy to see him.
"Hello, Headmaster Dumbledore," both said.
"I find myself surprised to see you back," Flitwick quietly added. Of the
two he looked the least impressed, even a little angry.
"My... trial..." Dumbledore growled, "Ended only a little over an hour ago.
I needed the intervening time to recover my property from the DMLE and
come back here before taking a much needed bath and don a fresh
change of clothes.
"How is it you managed to escape a prison sentence?" asked Sprout. The
direct question wasn't even couched in polite phrasing.
"There was no evidence of me committing a crime which would warrant
such," he said, starting to calm down. "The whole exercise was a
complete waste of time."
"No, it wasn't," she disagreed. "A great deal of information came to light
that needed to come to light."
Ignoring their remarks and tones he got to what he felt were the
important facts. "I know Severus was unfairly sent to Azkaban. And I
know Minerva appears to have quit. Who else have we lost?"
Both stared at him in disbelief for a long few moments before Flitwick
gave a grunt of either annoyance or amusement - it was always difficult
to tell with goblins - and replied, "You really have been out of the loop,
haven't you?"
Annoyed, Dumbledore snapped, "That does not answer my question."
"No, it doesn't, because your two points clarifying your belief of what you
thought the position was, rendered your question moot," replied Flitwick.
"To quickly bring you up to speed, then.
"Severus Snape was not unfairly sent to Azkaban, as you put it. At the
least, the man willingly admitted to multiple uses of the Unforgivables
against victims. And don't argue he had to do so, because three of those
times that came to light were when he was not accompanied by another
Death Eater.
"He also admitted to being a willing Death Eater and declared he had no
interest in being redeemed. The way he worded it, it sounded like he was
amused you were trying to do so. It was clear he had no faith in you
because you failed to uphold your end of 'the bargain', as he put it, by not
saving Lily Potter.
"And Minerva did not quit. Minerva begged the Wizengamot to allow her
to quietly retire to her clan lands in the highlands of Scotland instead of
being sent to Azkaban, herself. However, they didn't allow her to retire,
they fired her and then permanently banned her from ever returning to
the castle, or holding any other teaching position. They did not even
allow her the opportunity to return to the castle to say goodbye, or
collect her personal effects. She had to send us a messenger Patronus and,
later, a letter.
"It is because of that we two are very surprised you were not locked up,
let alone were able to return to the castle."
Dumbledore gave a grunt of annoyance and otherwise ignored the jab.
"So, until I can get Minerva reinstated I've lost two of my Heads of House
with one of them being my deputy..."
"Wrong, again, Headmaster Dumbledore. You're still making false
assumptions," Flitwick cut in. "You've lost three of your Heads of House.
Part of my own punishment was the Wizengamot ordering me stripped of
my position as Head of House Ravenclaw. It, like Minerva's, is a
permanent ban. I am now only the Professor of Charms."
"I'm the only one to hold on to my Head of House position, Headmaster
Dumbledore," Sprout quietly said. "And they're not the only positions
currently vacant due to court-ordered terminations."
"Oh?" Dumbledore quietly asked. Both 'subordinates' could see the man
was close to losing his temper, but didn't care.
"Rubeus Hagrid has lost his position as Professor of Care of Magical
Creatures, but was allowed to retain his position as Groundskeeper,"
replied Sprout with that same flat voice. "However, even then, he too has
been permanently banned from ever holding a teaching position again, or
being in authority over children. That means he cannot even be
responsible for children serving detentions, nor can he lead the first years
from the Express to the castle. You'll need to find someone else to do that
job from now on.
"And you most certainly can never again send him to pick up the muggle-
raised from their abusive relatives and take them to Diagon Alley to pick
up their supplies.
"Poppy Pomfrey was not charged, as she was found to have been under
the effects of loyalty potions and the victim of multiple obliviations that
you know about that, apparently, reacted badly with her oath as a medi-
witch once she was finally freed of them. She has to spend time in Saint
Mungo's during her long road to recovery, but she has already made
these couple of decisions.
"One: she will never return to serving at Hogwarts, ever again. Two: If she
ever returns to Hogwarts she has filed patient orders that she is to be
immediately stunned and taken to Saint Mungo's, where she is to undergo
an immediate scan for mind altering potions and obliviations. Three:
Without any doubt, whatsoever, she wants you dead. I doubt, very much,
she is the only one.
"When I visited her she was very creative with describing the ways in
which she could kill you off without any blame being directed her way.
And, even if it was, she has the perfect alibi. Someone messed with her
mind; therefore, she cannot be held responsible for her actions."
Dumbledore had been about to berate her for her language until he
realised both Professors before him had entered with their wands drawn
and had yet to put them away. And, secondly, neither had addressed him
as 'Albus'; both were addressing him as 'Headmaster Dumbledore' and
only 'Headmaster Dumbledore'.
Instead he'd brought his occlumency barriers up full and was otherwise
analysing every communication they sent his way. Even their body
language gave every sign they were expecting him to attack either or
both of them at any moment. And it took him the blink of an eye after
realising that to next realise that's exactly what they wanted him to do.
He was not going to do that.
Flitwick then took it up from there. "As you would be aware from the
First Task, the person purporting to be Professor Alastor Moody - you
know, Headmaster Dumbledore, the man you claimed to be a personal
friend of many decades, so should know each and every one of his
mannerisms and little idiosyncrasies? - proved to not be Alastor Moody,
after all. The real Alastor Moody was found locked in a multi-
compartment trunk in his office and is currently recovering from his
ordeal at Saint Mungo's."
Sprout said, "I visited with him when I visited Poppy, Headmaster
Dumbledore. I will not repeat the language he used, but I assure you the
name Albus Dumbledore now sits a fair way up on his personal 'People I
Owe a Visit' list. From the sounds of other names on that list, it is not a
nice one to be on.
"So, of course, we are also down, yet again, a Professor for Defence
Against the Dark Arts. Alastor refuses to return to - or, should I say, start
at his position as - DADA Professor."
"But filling the position of Professor for Defence Against the Dark Arts
should not be such a continuous problem from now on," said Flitwick.
"We were visited by individuals from the Department of Mysteries yester-
evening. They would not tell any of us why they were here but, after a
quick request by myself, they found and removed the embedded curse
that was on the position. I was also told it was quite easy to find and
remove and they wondered out loud why you'd never removed it,
yourself. And secondly, without being asked this time, they banished
Cuthbert Binns on to his... 'Next Great Adventure', as you would put it.
"In total we are down a Deputy Head, three Heads of Houses, the
Transfiguration Professor, Potions Professor, DADA Professor, History of
Magic Professor and CoMC Professor. The Board, working with Saint
Mungo's, have already appointed a replacement for Poppy. That
happened within two days of the First Task."
That angered the old man enough for him to comment. "I... hire and fire
staff, not the School Board."
"That is incorrect, Headmaster Dumbledore," Sprout corrected. "The
actual ruling states the current Head, whether they be Headmaster or
Headmistress, hires and fires staff. At the time, you were suspended and
not legally recognised as a Headmaster. And, using the fact she was in
effective control of Hogwarts by declaring the entirety of it as a crime
scene, by law Amelia Bones declared herself Acting Headmistress. By that
same evening the School Board ratified that by proclaiming her
Headmistress pro Tempore.
"Madam Bones then used her authority as Headmistress to appoint the
new on-staff medi-wizard for Hogwarts. His name's Peter Robinson. As
soon as it was apparent Poppy would not be returning, he was offered
and accepted the permanent position. His contract is such that you
cannot just fire him. Your decision has to be valid and must be ratified by
the School Board. He is also in a position to overrule you on any and all
medical grounds."
"Getting back to the point of vacant positions, Headmaster Dumbledore,"
said Flitwick, "There are other members of staff who are also considering
their own positions at Hogwarts. Quite a few were not happy to learn
what you... sorry, someone... did to Poppy and Minerva.
"As you have... however... escaped your own incarceration sentence, you
should expect further vacancies to appear."
"Who?" Dumbledore snapped.
"That information was provided me in confidence, Headmaster
Dumbledore," Flitwick firmly replied. "I intend to keep that confidence."
Knowing pushing to be provided that information would get him
nowhere, Dumbledore bit his tongue and didn't. But, even with his
Occlumency barriers up full, he was still rapidly approaching the point
he'd still lose his temper.
"Next item," said Sprout. "With so many missing Professors, especially
from the core subjects, the School Board made the decision, supported by
the Acting Headmistress, to suspend all lessons until enough Professors
were available to recommence the absolute majority of classes.
"Because of that, with Madam Bones's permission as then Headmistress
pro Tempore and the authorisation of the School Board... reached, I
believe, in a unanimous decision... the students have been offered the
opportunity to return to their homes until classes are able to restart. The
School Board will be deciding when that date will be. There are quite a
few students who have accepted that option and have already left. That is
especially apparent for those students who are of-age and do not need the
permission of their parents or guardians. Many more will be leaving
today or over the weekend now that their permission slips from their
parents or guardians are arriving."
"No!" Dumbledore snapped. "I will not allow this!"
"The decision is not yours to make, Headmaster Dumbledore," said
Sprout. "The decision has already been made and is already being
implemented."
"Has Harry Potter claimed to have received permission from his
guardian?" the old man demanded.
"You appear to have forgotten, Headmaster Dumbledore, that you
lawfully declared Lord Harrison James Potter as of-age," she snapped
back. "As the contract of the Tri-Wizard Tournament stated that only of-
age students could compete... a contract you co-signed, I believe... the
moment you told him he had to compete in the Tri-Wizard Tournament
you declared him of-age.
"Therefore, Lord Potter did not need a signed permission slip. He
authorised himself to leave. And, I believe, he has already departed."
When Flitwick was about to confirm Harry had left, Dumbledore surged
to his feet, lean almost completely over his desk and all but screamed at
Sprout, "You stupid bitch! Do you realise what you've done?"
Before the second sentence even finished leaving Dumbledore's mouth,
Flitwick snapped his fingers. Instantly, a house elf appeared next to his
right hand with his goblin-forged battle-axe.
"Harry Potter is never to be allowed―" was as far as Dumbledore got
before he caught the movement out of the corner of his eye of Flitwick
leaping to his feet with what was clearly a heavy martial weapon in his
hand.
Immediately shutting up, Dumbledore instinctively leapt backwards
before ending up tripping over his own office chair and landing in a heap
behind his desk.
By the time he hit the ground, Flitwick was standing on his desk with one
of the blades of his heirloom double-headed battle-axe buried at least five
inches into the wood of the top of the desk, right where the blotter would
be. Flitwick was leaning on the haft of it and leaning right over
Dumbledore's edge of the desk with a look of total fury on his face.
Dumbledore was shocked into silence. His heart was hammering away in
his chest and he realised he had just soiled himself.
And into that silence that appeared to stretch on for minutes, but was
only a few seconds in real time, Flitwick snarled down at the old man, "If
you ever speak to a member of staff like that again, let alone a student,
you won't even have time to apologise as I will have already killed you!
"Have I made myself perfectly and profoundly clear to you, Albus
Dumbledore; you conceited, self-praising, hubris-riddled, monomaniacal,
desiccated old smear of garbraek snot?"
Looking up at Flitwick from where he was uncomfortably sprawled on
the floor, Dumbledore was reminded of just why the little, normally
placid, Charms master won seven straight International Dueling
Championships. It wasn't his size or his knowledge, it was his heritage.
Goblins, contrary to their small stature, were incredibly fast. It mattered
not whether it was with their feet, their bladed weapons, or their wands -
as normally in Flitwick's case. If a blade-bearing goblin got within ten to
fifteen feet of you and that goblin was focused on killing you, your
chances of survival were less than that of a stunned cow within the same
distance of the maw of a dragon. The dragon, after all, might not be
hungry.
Dumbledore knew at that moment he may as well have been a muggle
for all the good his vaunted Elder wand would do him. Before his hand
even managed to pass a quarter of the distance from its current location
to where his wand was tucked into his belt, he would be dead.
"Y-you would then be causing your own demise, Filius," he tried. "You
are, after all, only a half-breed."
That's when Sprout also leaned over the desk from her side to look over
at Dumbledore. She calmly rested a hand on Flitwick's shoulder and gave
her own vicious smile at the old man. "Actually, Filius Flitwick of the
Wick Clan of the Goblin Nation is my named champion," she explained.
"His heritage, therefore, becomes irrelevant - as you well know. Only my
own is relevant.
"And, Albus Dumbledore of the Minor House of Dumbledore, I am a
pureblood of the Elder House of Urquhart; while you are, after all, only a
half-blood."
"I.. I'm―" he tried.
Interrupting him she magnanimously said, "Oh, don't bother apologising
for your boorish, uncouth behaviour, Dumbledore. No one here any
longer believes a word out of your mouth. Therefore, any apology you
attempt to make will likewise not be believed."
Still glaring down at Dumbledore with a glare so filled with imminent
death showing the old man still expected the Charms master to attack
him anyway, Flitwick snarled, "Heed my words."
He then snapped back up straight, gave the haft of the axe a powerful
flick of his wrist loosening it in the wood, then yanked it out before he
spun about and jumped off the other side of the desk away from
Dumbledore.
Dumbledore next heard in a falsely pleasant voice from Sprout, "Don't get
up, Headmaster Dumbledore. We'll see ourselves out. Toodles!"
Dumbledore waited until he heard the office door slam shut behind his
two senior Professors before he began to struggle to his feet.
As he did so he remembered he needed to go and change his robes. He
now stank of his own fæces.
"Albus, are you alright?" asked the portrait of Headmaster Everard.
Dumbledore ignored it and quickly went through his private door and up
to his apartment.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After Dumbledore disappeared through the door, slamming it shut behind
him, the Sorting Hat chuckled and said, "There goes one very frightened
and very unhappy manipulative old man."
From the walls, Headmaster Fortescue said, "The idiot allowed his temper
to overrule his common sense. Did you notice he never even noticed
Flitwick and Sprout constantly addressed him only as 'Headmaster
Dumbledore' and not as 'Albus' for about three minutes? That should have
been clue enough for him."
Headmistress Derwent added, "Plus, the way they were sitting, plus that
they had their wands drawn, plus a lot more than that. Flitwick was also
holding his wand in his off hand, right from the start!"
"They were baiting him," snapped one Headmistress portrait,
Merriweather.
"No, they weren't," said Phinneas Black. "They were expecting trouble and
were prepared for it. Very Slytherin of them."
"He's right," said Everard. "There was not one thing either of them said
that could be considered 'baiting'. They directly answered his questions,
as he asked them. The only part of that you could consider baiting was
they didn't 'sugar-coat' what they reported."
"What about their remarks like 'someone' harmed Poppy, that's why she's
not coming back?" asked Merriweather.
"That one I'll give you," said Black. "However, they know it was Albus
who at least constantly obliviated the woman because of Mister Potter's
memories. Those obliviations, alone, brought the woman into conflict
with her oaths and, therefore, harmed her. Was it that much of a stretch
to also figure out it was Albus who potioned her with loyalty potions?"
Fortescue said, "Did you like that trick with the battle-axe? That was
obviously prearranged."
Even the dour Black chuckled at that one. "Finger snap. The elf is right
there holding it out to him. Then he moved."
"Not seen a goblin in battle mode before, Phinneas?" asked another
portrait.
"No," he replied. "I knew, from my family history, that they were
unbelievably fast for such small folk. But, even then, I had no idea how
fast."
"And, just think, Filius Flitwick is only a part goblin," said the same
portrait.
"Agnetha is correct," said the portrait of Dilys Derwent. "Goblins in battle
are a fearsome thing. And it's not just because of their ability to wield
their weapons; it's because of just how fast they move."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
While Harry was being a 'sticky-beak' on the 'ground' floor; the main and
public floor of the house that contained the office, parlour, formal dining
room and a combined kitchen informal dining room; the aurors seemed
to be setting up extra wards and the like both within and without the
house.
The servants' quarters, media room, laundry with adjacent toilet, another
guest room, a few other rooms plus the garage itself were all on the lower
ground floor, almost basement.
Hermione came down while he was 'exploring' and headed immediately
to the telephone wall-mounted in the kitchen above the bench that
separated the kitchen from the informal dining room. Before he was able
to reach her to ask why she'd run off so suddenly earlier, she'd already
lifted the handset off the telephone cradle and was dialing a number it
looked like she'd read off a whiteboard tacked to the wall alongside it. It
had a list of names with associated telephone numbers.
Instead, he diverted to the kitchen and began to check out what cooking
equipment, implements and the like were available before then moving
on to the fridge/freezer and pantry. He'd already decided he would cook
while he was there. It was something he was good at, enjoyed when he
knew his cooking was appreciated and would be a way he could pay back
the Grangers for their hospitality. He didn't think either Granger parent
should be 'forced' to cook for what had become triple the number of
mouths to feed as it would be if it was just Hermione and her parents.
A quick peruse of the three food storage areas and he was already
compiling a food shopping list in his head.
He tried not to listen in on Hermione's call but it was obvious, even to
one not trying to overhear, that she was talking to her father and letting
him know they'd safely arrived and were settling in.
When she hung up she turned to Harry and said, "Mum and Daddy are
running a little late but they'll be here together about 6.30. Daddy said
we should order something in."
Harry brightened up at that, grinned and said, "Nope! I'll whip something
up!" It was just after 5.15.
Hermione frowned back and said, "You don't need to do that, Harry."
"I want to," he said. "It was about the only chore I had to do at the
Dursleys I actually enjoyed. I'm also quite good at it."
Hermione looked uncertain; whether that was because she didn't know if
he could actually cook well or if it was because she didn't want him
doing chores, he didn't know.
"Relax, Hermione," he soothed. "Trust me."
When she nodded back he grinned and asked, "Now, what sort of meals
do you normally eat while you're at home?"
"I... don't really know," she replied. "I was often more focused on study
and getting homework out of the way than on the food on the plate."
"Now that's just sad, Hermione," he mock scolded her. "Cheffing, at the
level I do it, is an art. And it is experienced and enjoyed by tasting or
dining on the resulting gastronomical delight.
"I'll just check the pantry, fridge and freezer again to see what your
parents have. That'll give me an idea as to what sort of foods they like to
eat."
"Plain English fare, Harry," she quickly said. "But Daddy enjoys the
occasional Indian or Thai dish.
"Any food allergies?" he asked.
"No, just keep sugar to a minimum," she replied.
"By that I take it you mean processed sugar," he said. "Don't worry, any
sweeteners I add will be natural sugars."
"If you're sure," she hesitantly said. "If you don't know where something
is, ask me. I'm pretty sure I've got a fair idea in which cupboard, drawer
or shelf you'll find it."
"I'll be fiiiiine," he said, already beginning to pull food out of the fridge
and freezer.
"Ooh!" he suddenly said, looking down at a frozen bag of chicken pieces.
"This'll do. I hope you like chicken!"
"Errr... yes?"
That armful of fridge and freezer ingredients went on the bench. Then he
moved over to the pantry. "Now, spices," he muttered.
Hermione left him to it and went to check that the aurors were set.
However, she had to return to the kitchen only a moment or so later
when she heard Harry's raised voice and what she thought was a small
child's.
When she got there it was to see Dobby standing in the middle of the
kitchen floor with a frown on his face, his arms crossed and tapping one
bare foot on the floor. He was staring at Harry who was just as fiercely
staring back.
Harry was also clearly stating to the elf that he was cooking dinner that
night and Dobby could like it or lump it.
"Ooohhh-kay," she said. "What's going on?"
Before Harry had a chance to answer her, Dobby cut in first. "Master
Harry Potter, Sir, be cooking! Cooking be house elf's job. Master Harry
Potter, Sir, not be letting Dobby do his job! Master Harry Potter, Sir, be
too wonderful a master to be doing menial house elf work!"
Holding a plastic bowl in one hand and a plastic net bag of what looked
like onions in the other, Harry was gesturing with both. "Calling what I
do by the plain term of 'cooking' is like calling Picasso a painter, or
Michaelangelo a stone carver. I chef!" he declared.
"Chef be just fancy word for cook," stated Dobby.
"The elf is actually arguing with his Master?" asked one of the aurors that
had come up behind Hermione.
As Harry looked ready to retort in objection to Dobby's slur on his skills,
Dobby turned to look at the auror and snippily said, "Master Harry
Potter, Sir, be giving Dobby orders that order Dobby to tell Master Harry
Potter, Sir, when Master Harry Potter, Sir, be being an idiot. Dobby only
be carrying out Master Harry Potter, Sir's, order."
That was enough for the auror. He burst out laughing and retreated.
Hermione, trying to hide her own smile and failing, said, "Alright, you
two." Turning to Harry she said, "Dobby is only doing what you ordered
him to do. And Dobby clearly believes he's a better cook than you."
"Not a chaaance!" declared Harry.
Turning to Dobby she said, "And... Dobby. Harry thinks of cooking...
cheffing... as something that he enjoys doing. And seems to believe he's a
better cook than you."
Dobby just looked at her with an expression of sincere disbelief.
"Why don't the two of you work together and see if you can each teach
something to the other?"
Harry was the first break. "Fiiiiine!" he grouched.
"Dobby can cook?" the elf asked.
"Dobby can help," Harry firmly returned.
"Then we have an agreement," declared Hermione. "Now, stop arguing
and get on with it."
Without letting either have the chance to retort she spun on her heel and
hurried out of the room.
As soon as she was out the door she ran down the stairs to the lower
ground level, out the back door through the laundry, onto the outside
patio and let loose with one of the most long and cleansing laughs she'd
had in a long time.
It was only as she was managing to get control of herself again that she
realised there was an auror standing outside with her. The auror was
looking at her in amusement.
"Feel better?" the auror asked.
"Oh, yes," she blushed, wiping her eyes. "I know Harry seems to often lose
arguments with his mail owl, Hedwig. But to see him lose an argument to
a house elf is just hilarious." And broke into laughter again.
"I heard about the house elf, but losing an argument with a mail owl?"
asked the auror. "How is that possible?"
"Oh, Hedwig will brook no nonsense from Harry," she giggled. "If he's so
much as a single second late with treats or bacon when she believes she
deserves it, she lets him have it. Mind you, I've been on the receiving end
of that, too.
"I actually think Hedwig thinks Harry is her pet; not the other way
around.
"However, the important thing I think I learned of all that is that Dobby
truly is not Harry's... property. It's more of a friend and partner
relationship, pretty much identical to the one he shares with Hedwig,
than a master and slave relationship. I'm rather relieved to have
discovered that."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
When the Grangers arrived home they drove in almost together in both of
their cars - matching BMWs. They used a remote to open the double
garage door as they approached and pulled in alongside each other.
Hermione heard the sound of the electrical garage door mechanism and
called out to the rest of the House, "Mum and Daddy are home!"
As they exited and locked their cars Monica, closest to the interconnected
door from the garage to the entry Hall under the stairs, waited for her
husband to join her. By habit, whenever they arrived together Wendell
entered first.
"Princess!" he called. "We're―"
That was as far as he got before he realised someone had just poked
something pointy into the side of his neck - and froze.
He heard his wife give a gasp of shock from behind.
A moment later, Hermione walked around the corner from the stairs
leading up to the main floor of the house and stopped in shock herself.
Looking at his daughter Wendell calmly asked, "Princess? Why is there
someone poking what I assume is a wand into my neck?"
Hermione's expression immediately turned into a frown while staring at
the auror that had a wand on her father. "Auror?" she growled.
"You confirm that these two individuals are your parents, Miss Granger?"
asked the male auror.
"I do," she firmly replied. "The fact they had possession of and used one
of the remotes for the garage door confirms it. Magic wouldn't work to
open the door that way; it would fry the circuits."
The auror immediately withdrew his wand and said, "Then, my
apologies, Mister and Missus Granger."
Wendell turned to look at him and asked, "I take it you're one of these
auror-people that are going to be one of our guests for the time being?"
"When on shift; yes, sir," replied the auror.
Wendell stared back for a few moments before he gave a short sharp nod
and said, "Then I'm glad to see you're on the ball and don't accept things
without checking."
As Wendell stepped further into the hallway Monica, looking a little
shaken, stepped in behind.
Hermione's expression instantly turned to one of relief before then
turning to one of delight. She then quickened her steps forward and, as
she hurried, said, "Hi, Mum, Daddy!" And hugged both.
"Well, that was a little shocking," said Monica, as she started to settle
down again.
"Sorry," she apologised to both of them. "I really should have shown them
photos of the two of you."
"We saw them, Miss Granger," said the auror. "Polyjuice and glamours."
"Oh!" said Hermione, realising. "Of course."
"How many of these quite lethal looking young men do we currently have
here?" asked Wendell.
"Two, at the moment," replied the auror. "There's currently myself and a
female partner. We stand four to five hour shifts and rotate with a larger
team."
"Oh?" asked Hermione. "What happened to the other two?"
"They're currently back at the DMLE, but are on call."
"Harry's going to be disappointed, he's―" she began before she realised
something important. "Oh! I forgot! Harry's decided to cook for us,
tonight. That is, he and Dobby have cooked for us, tonight.
"And you haven't had a chance to meet him, yet. I think they're both still
in the kitchen."
Taking them by the hands she led them back to the stairs and up to the
dinette and kitchen. The young auror quietly followed along.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Harry had been keeping an eye on the time and, when Hermione called
out her parents were home, he turned to Dobby and said, "Show time in
about ten minutes, I think."
"Yes, Master Harry," said Dobby, moving to quickly set the dining table
for eight: Mister and Missus Granger, Hermione, Harry and four aurors.
Unlike the dinette table, which had seating for six, the formal dining
table had places for eight. And that's where Dobby was setting up.
Harry was pulling the warming plates out of the oven and set them on
the bench, which Dobby then moved to the table as he was putting the
table settings in place. Dobby also already knew where the cutlery was
stored in the top drawer under the bench at the open end and quickly
had those set. Next went napkins folded into little triangular 'hats',
followed by the glasses.
While Dobby was setting Harry was finishing up moving food from pots
and pans to serving dishes, being careful not to allow any splashing. And
used things like a sprig of parsley to garnish the centre top of the dish.
When Wendell and Monica walked into the dinette it was to see Dobby
pop away with two of the dishes as Harry was checking on a dessert dish
in the oven. Both were stunned.
"What, on Earth, is this?" asked Monica.
Harry whipped about, while still holding an insulated oven mitt in one
hand a large spoon in the other.
It took him only a moment to spot the familial resemblance between
Hermione and her parents. "Hi!" he grinned. "Sorry. Been a tad busy."
He placed the spoon and mitt on the bench, wiped his hands on an apron
he found hooked on the inside of the pantry door and was wearing, and
came forward to shake their hands.
"I'm Harry," he said with a big grin. "Harry Potter."
"Errr... Monica," said Monica, seeing the teen boy before her wearing her
flower print apron she wore when she wanted to do something quick in
the kitchen and was wearing nice clothes. She indicated Wendell and
said, "This is my husband, Wendell. We're Hermione's parents."
"Figured as much," he grinned. "Nice to meet you both. Dinner's being
served right now, if you're hungry. If not, I guess we can place warming
and stasis charms over it all and eat a little later."
Knowing her friend was speaking a little quickly because he was nervous,
Hermione started to giggle. "Harry, I didn't know you suited a flower
print. It looks quite fetching on you."
He blinked once to her in confusion before his eyes suddenly widened
and he looked down. he quickly untied it and tossed it onto the bench
while blushing. "Sorry. Sorry."
That had both adult Grangers also chuckling. "Don't worry about it...
Harry," said Monica. "That's what it was there for."
"Did you say dinner's ready?" asked Wendell.
"Yes!" Harry immediately brightened. "Hermione told me when you said
you'd be home. And I figured you'd rather not eat take-out if you could
help it. And I'm a pretty good cook. So, I figured I'd show my
appreciation by cooking you dinner!
"Well, I had to let Dobby help, too. Hermione made me. So, I was able to
chef it up a bit more than I normally would. But, anyway, thank you for
inviting me to stay, I really appreciate it."
"Errr... you're welcome," said a stunned Wendell.
"Oh! Where are my manners!" Hermione suddenly exclaimed. "Mum and
Daddy; this is Lord Harrison... Harry... James Potter of the Noble and
Most Ancient House of Potter. Harry; these are my parents, Doctors
Wendell and Monica Granger."
"Wendell and Monica," Wendell smoothly cut in.
"Harry," Harry immediately replied.
"Lord?" Monica asked.
"Errr... yeah," Harry blushed. "It's a magical thing. But, anyway, shall we
go and eat? Dobby would have everything in place by now."
Wendell immediately spun to look at the dinette table, only to see it quite
bare.
"In the formal dining room," said Hermione, starting to lead the way.
"There was supposed to be eight of us here."
"There's not?" asked Harry. "Who's missing?"
"Apparently only two of the aurors are here, at the moment. The other
two went back to the DMLE," she replied over her shoulder.
"Oh, sorry," said Harry. "Then I've cooked too much."
Before Monica could tell him not to worry about it, they'd walked into
the dining room. And the presentation looked stunning.
All three Grangers came to a sudden stop.
The table, normally bare to the polished wood, was covered in a crisp
white table cloth that draped down just right. The table was laid out with
eight full place settings, plus glasses. The two small candelabras were lit.
And spaced down the middle of the table were tureens, serving plates,
serving dishes and two gravy boats, all covered.
"Wow!" exclaimed Wendell.
As they walked in, Harry spotted 'the problem' and called, "Dobby!"
When the little elf appeared, he said, "Apparently, there'll only be six for
dinner tonight, Dobs; not eight. Sorry."
"Of course, Master Harry," replied the elf. A snap of his fingers and two of
the settings, along with two of the chairs, vanished. Another snap of his
fingers and the two chairs and settings now remaining down each side,
where there once was three, were evenly spread out." And popped away
again.
From where he was looking down at where Dobby stood, Wendell asked,
"That was a house elf, right?"
"Yes, Sir... Wendell," replied Harry. "That was Dobby. He's bonded to me.
It was my fault he was freed from his previous master and, when I found
out he was dying because of it, I asked if he wanted to be bonded to me
to save his life. Moments later, he was."
Indicating the table, he asked, "Shall we?"
Hermione looked to the auror who was still tailing them and said, "Call
your partner. Unlike at Hogwarts, you're eating with us."
The auror looked about to argue, took one look at Hermione's stern
expression, gave a single nod and disappeared.
As the Grangers and Harry moved around the table, both aurors re-
entered.
Harry was surprised when Hermione seemed to take charge and directed
folks where to sit. It clearly amused her parents, though.
Sitting eventually became Wendell at the head of the table away from the
kitchen; then clockwise, Harry, Hermione, her mother at the other end,
the male auror and then the female auror to Wendell's right.
As soon as they sat, Harry indicated each serving dish, plate or tureen
and explained what it contained, then indicated the condiments. "Dobby
and I have prepared 'chicken pieces in orange and honey sauce'; dry
roasted potato, sweet potato, carrots and onion quarters; and steamed
green peas, beans and shucked corn. I've included extra orange and
honey sauce for the chicken for those who prefer more, butter tabs for
the corn, soft honey for the carrots, mint sauce for the peas and beans
and chicken gravy.
"For desert we kept it rather simple as Hermione told me I was to keep it
simple. So, we've only prepared a thickened egg and vanilla custard
baked in a pan pastry with your choice of a dollop of thickened
unsweetened cream or ice cream. Dobby will serve that when we're
ready."
While everyone else looked at the dishes in awe they watched as the
covers on each of the dishes suddenly vanished with elf magic. Only
Wendell and Monica were surprised to see that happen.
Hermione asked Harry, "Why isn't Dobby eating with us?"
"He told me eating is a private thing for house elves and begged me not
to order him to eat with us," he replied. "I didn't have the heart to order
him to, but did tell him he was to make sure he ate enough and well. I
don't want to see him going without."
Hermione looked like she was going to argue about it; but, seeing the
expression on Harry's face, didn't push it.
Seeing that no one had started reaching for the food yet, Harry looked to
Wendell and said, "Sir, as Head of this House, it is by your command that
we can eat."
"Oh!" said Wendell snapping back to himself. "Please, everyone; help
yourselves." And immediately put action to word and reached for one of
the dishes of chicken.
The looks Wendell and Monica gave each other across the length of the
table around the candelabras had both knowing they'd now had a lot
more to talk about than they originally thought they would.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
A/N 1: Away from the castle, now Harry calms down. See? I said he would.
A/N 2: Minor edit update to include why Poppy's obliviations weren't
legally recognised.
13. Wendell, Monica and Sirius
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!
A/N: Now comes the explanation for the 'odd' punishments for the
professors. Malfoy's will be better explained later.
Chapter Thirteen - Wendell, Monica and Sirius
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
As Harry knew would happen and also knew that was why Hermione sat
him to her father's left, Wendell was asking some rather subtle questions
about his relationship with Hermione. However, he wasn't getting much
help from her in answering them as she was getting similar questions
from her mother.
The two aurors answered questions when asked, but seemed to spend
most of the time being amused watching the interplay between the two
muggle adults and the two magical teens.
Both aurors knew very well what the two adults were trying to learn and
both teens seemed utterly unaware of it.
During a break in the 'interrogation' the female auror, the senior of the
two, said across the table to Harry, "Just so you're aware, Lord Potter,
we're not supposed to dine with you. And we're certainly not supposed to
dine together. At least one of us is supposed to be standing guard."
"Senior Auror Standish, right?" asked Harry.
"Auror First Class, My Lord."
"Thank you," he nodded. "Well, while you're supposed to be my
bodyguard - and that's not something I ever agreed to, just so you know -
you're also Doctor and Doctor Grangers' guests.
"On top of that, I know you and your... contingent... have thrown up
plenty of your own wards and alert charms since well before I started
cooking and both inside and outside the ones I had caused to be erected.
Whether you're eating or just standing and watching will not make a
skerrick of a difference in whether or not you'll be ready if trouble comes
a-calling."
"Wards?" asked Wendell, just beating out Hermione to the question.
"Yes, Sir... Wendell," Harry replied before the auror could. "Which
reminds me. Before coming here I organised with my account manager at
Gringotts to organise a team of Ward Masters to come and place wards
and charms on your home that will greatly reduce the chance of a
magical attack being successful against you.
"On top of that, there is a ward that will redirect the attention of any
non-magical who comes to your home with the intent to cause mischief;
such as breaking and entering, burglary, swindling, that sort of thing.
Sorry, but that was about the strongest sort of wards I could have
installed on your home that did not get me in trouble with magical law."
"What are the other wards; the ones against magicals?" he asked.
"There's an alert ward that will let me know if a magical attempts to
attack your home, one that will stun a magical that tries to attack your
home... and Dobby will alert the aurors if that ward catches someone...
one specifically erected to stun Albus Dumbledore if he tries to come to
the home, a fire retardant ward on the outside of the home and two
wards that will block anyone from using two forms of magical travel that
can see them suddenly arrive, for instance, right in the middle of your
daughter's bedroom - that sort of thing."
"Anti-portkey and anti-apparation?" Hermione immediately asked.
"Yep," he replied. Looking back to Wendell he said, "You actually won't
have any inkling they're even active until someone tries to attack or
illegally enter. And then Dobby or one or all of the aurors, if they're still
here at the time, are suddenly going to move real fast!"
"How long will these wards remain in place?" pressed Wendell.
"The ones the aurors erected this afternoon are only temporary. It
depends on the amount of magical power they pump into them and, even
then, a determined mischief-maker can break through them pretty
quickly. However, the aurors who put them up will know as soon as he or
she tries; hence the reason for them.
"The ones I had caused to be put up are permanent. Or, are permanent
until you ask me to have them taken down.
"Which leads to a formal question I must ask you," said Harry. "Do you
have a middle or more names?"
"Yes, it's Marcade," replied a slightly confused Wendell. "Why?"
"Because I need to ask the question using your full name," replied Harry.
Sitting up straighter, placing his cutlery on the table before him and
looking fully at Wendell with quite the serious expression, he asked,
"Wendell Marcade Granger of House Granger, do I, Harrison James
Potter, Lord of the Noble and Most Ancient of Potter, have your
retroactive permission to have erected upon your home wards to see to
the protection of you and yours as long as you and or they reside in this
home?"
Not knowing why, but also knowing he had the right to say no, he
replied, "I, Wendell Marcade Granger of House Granger, do so permit."
Then looked shocked at Harry.
Harry grinned back and said, "Magic's determined you would allow it so
gave you the words to respond in the affirmative. If you wanted to say no
it would have given you those words to say, instead. I also think it proves
you're not as much a muggle as people seem to think. You'd have to have
at least a little magic for the magic of the request to have had an effect
upon you."
"Why was that important?" he asked.
"Because magical law actually states I wasn't supposed to do it without
your permission," replied Harry. "However, I knew we were pressed for
time to receive your permission before we would be arriving here. If I'd
waited, then it would have taken about three to four days from now
before they could be erected. And I think Dumbledore, at least, is going
to try turning up here to take me away before then. Plus, I promised the
senior auror who was here earlier that I would ask for your permission
this evening and not wait."
The female auror looked to her partner and said, "Not a word."
"No, First," he immediately replied.
"To whom?" asked Monica, of the auror.
"Anyone else bar those in the aurors who have the need to know," she
replied. "By our laws, Harry had actually committed a crime doing that.
But, based on the nature of what it was, he would very likely have only
received a substantial fine, rather than be convicted to serve time in our
prison."
Harry again grinned and said, "There's actually a loophole in the law that
states no wizard or witch may do it. By me contracting the goblins to do it
I skirted around the law, but not the intent of it. Secondly, the law
actually states I have to have permission to do it, not that the permission
has to be in advance."
The female auror sighed and said to Harry, "I really wish you would stop
doing that. You seem to have developed this annoying habit of making us
all look like idiots."
Hermione snickered and said, "You've only just noticed?"
"Auror Standish is new to having to follow me around," grinned Harry.
The auror wryly said, "That's because others before me have begged not
to do it any more, because they were sick and tired of Lord Potter making
them feel stupid."
Even Harry chuckled at that one. "I'm sorry, I just can't help it.
"These wards you had installed to protect us. How much did they cost? I
already know the goblins don't do anything that doesn't make them good
profit."
"A hell of a lot less than I consider the lives of you, Monica and Hermione
to be worth," Harry replied.
"I notice you didn't include your own in that."
"I'm protected because you're protected," he replied. "But, yes, the wards
are up to protect me, too. They're up permanently to protect you and your
wife. You're important to Hermione and, therefore, important to me."
"And you still haven't told me how much they cost," Wendell pressed.
"No, I haven't," Harry shrugged. "However, I really don't know how much
they cost because it wasn't an important consideration when I organised
them. I instructed my account manager to get the best that a muggle
household could have and he did just that. My only contribution to that
was to ensure there was a personal ward installed that blocked Albus
Dumbledore from being able to get onto the property no matter what
method he tried.
"Has Hermione ever told you that Albus Dumbledore has a phoenix?"
"Yes, I believe she has."
"Well, a phoenix can get through any ward. It has a form of magical
travel that is simply referred to as flame travel. Dumbledore needs to
only be in contact with it for it to flame travel him near instantly to any
location on the planet. And that includes through any ward," explained
Harry.
"So, what I did was convince the goblins to erect a field inside a ward
that, if Albus Dumbledore appears within it, will instantly stun him
unconscious. And, while he remains in that field, he cannot be enervated.
The only way he can be woken again is for him to be taken outside that
field. In that way Dumbledore cannot enter this home with any intention,
let alone ill-intention, and remain conscious."
"He's that dangerous?" asked Wendell. "I thought he was supposed to be
the Headmaster of your school. And was also supposed to be the Leader
of Light?"
"Yeah, he's had everyone fooled for far too long," scowled Harry. "I seem
to have the ability to be immune to any memory altering magics. Albus
Dumbledore did not know that and for many years has been using
memory-altering charms to cover up his wrongdoings; including trying to
use them on me.
"I saw the opportunity to bring to light a great many criminal matters
and took it," nodded Harry. "Even I, at the time, had no idea just how
much of an effect it would have. I also made sure that the Director of
Magical Law Enforcement was an honoured guest to the event and not-
so-subtly suggested she bring a whole slew of aurors with her. She
trusted me enough to do precisely that.
"At the end of my... task... ten people had been arrested and a further two
were being hunted down to be arrested. Albus Dumbledore and the then
Minister of Magic were two such individuals who were led away in
magical-suppression handcuffs. Others included the Deputy Headmistress,
who was the one to come here to talk to you about your daughter going
away to Hogwarts, Minerva McGonagall, and all three other Heads of
Houses at Hogwarts.
As a result of the trials Minerva McGonagall, Deputy Headmistress, Head
of Gryffindor House and Mistress of Transfiguration, lost her job and is
banned from ever working in a position of authority over a child ever
again; Filius Flitwick, Head of Ravenclaw House and Charms Master, lost
his position as Head of House but remains a Professor of Charms; Severus
Snape, Head of Slytherin House and Potions Master, was sent to prison
for life; and only Pomona Sprout, Head of Hufflepuff House and Mistress
of Herbology, escaped with only a stern warning.
"Other Professors taken away were Rubeus Hagrid, Professor of Care of
Magical Creatures, who lost his job as a Professor but retained his
position as Groundskeeper; the Professor of Defence Against the Dark
Arts was found to be a fake named Barty Crouch Junior and an unknown-
until-then escapee of the prison and was immediately sent back there;
and a few days ago experts from the Ministry came in to do something
secret and, while there, banished the ghost of Cuthbert Binns, Professor
of History of Magic, on to the afterlife. The school medi-witch, Poppy
Pomfrey, was found to have been suffering under repeated obliviations,
had her memory modified and was dosed with loyalty potions supposedly
keyed to the Headmaster. She's quit; and I don't think she will be the only
one.
Wendell frowned a little in confusion and said, "The punishments meted
out to each of the professors and your relatives seem... quite odd."
"Uh-huh," said Harry.
"They were... unbalanced," he explained. "I can see why this Mister
Hagrid fellow only just skipped out of suitable punishment; and why the
Deputy Headmistress was sacked without gaol time; but the other
punishments did not seem to meet them for their severity."
Harry gave a nod and said, "Severus Snape's was obvious. What he did
merited a lifetime imprisonment - just for the use of the Unforgivables.
The use of such, even once, is supposed to be a lifetime sentence to
Azkaban. That he used them multiple times..." And shrugged.
"Hagrid's punishment was, I think, appropriate. However, because it was
proven he was not guilty of the death of Myrtle Warren back in the
1940s, I think continuing to deny him wand rights was unfair. Further, I
think he should have been compensated for that travesty of justice. That
was his blood status as a half-giant unfairly having an effect on the vote;
politics interfering with judicial process.
"McGonagall's punishment was also, I think, apt. If it wasn't for her being
under a mild loyalty potion I believe she should have also gone to prison
for her crimes. Her being under that loyalty potion is, I think, what saved
her.
"I think Flitwick saved himself his own prison sentence because he was
very contrite and offered the early plea. He even provided them further
evidence against him. That, plus he's also well loved by practically
everyone. He has just that sort of personality."
Adopting a look of disgust, he continued, "Now comes where politics
interfered with the judicial process.
"Pomona Sprout should have also been dismissed as a Head of House. She
might not have been a part of what happened to young Luna; however,
she did nothing to stop the bullying and other crap that was directed
towards me, both during second year and the beginning of this year. She
was also responsible for one of those traps during our first year.
However, she's a pureblood of an Elder House; Urquhart. And, yes, blood
status does play a role; no matter how much people try to deny that.
"Then there was Dumbledore. And this is where it became even flat-out
obvious, even to those I consider daft morons, that politics interfered
with due process. The reactions of those watching from the visitors'
gallery were proof enough of that. Dumbledore, having been involved in
politics for a great many years, knows where a great many secrets are
buried. He also has a great many 'welded-on' supporters in the
Wizengamot, who see him as the so-called 'Leader of the Light'. For them,
it matters not a jot what laws the man breaks; if he did it, then he must
have had a good and 'light' reason for it. And it is not for us lesser beings
to question him on it.
"No," he shook his head, "I was not surprised Dumbledore didn't get sent
to gaol. He was punished by the permanent loss of his positions on the
ICW and as Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot. Plus, with what Chief
Adjudicator Ogden said, I think they also wanted to fire him, by banning
him, from his position as Headmaster of Hogwarts. They couldn't do that
because, apparently, the man has permanent tenure there."
Wendell said, "And is proof the concept of keeping the judicial and
legislative branches of government separate is a very good one."
Harry could only nod back. "Yes, Ss... errr, Wendell."
"Damn!" muttered Monica. "You really went to town, didn't you?"
"Yes... Monica," he replied. "It is because of that great culling of staff that
Hogwarts cannot currently operate as a school. It has led the School
Board to allow students to go home for the duration; that is, until they
can hire new staff to fill all the vacancies. That's how Hermione was able
to come home."
Dessert was soon served by the simple expedient of Dobby banishing the
used cutlery and crockery and replacing it with a serving to each of a
section of egg custard in pie pastry. The custard was firm enough to stand
without oozing away. Two serving tureens were placed in the centre of
the table with whipped unsweetened cream and scooped vanilla icecream
balls.
This time the two Granger adults weren't so surprised.
With his own serving of egg custard pie and a scoop of icecream, after a
large spoonful of it was tasted Wendell finally flat-out asked, "Harry, are
you and our daughter a couple?"
With his own full spoon already half-way to his mouth, Harry froze for a
moment, before he returned it to his plate. "Errr... No, Sir... I mean, no
Wendell. Hermione and I are just the best of friends."
"Just?" asked Hermione.
Harry was thankful he saw the small smile curling up the ends of her lips.
"Well... not 'just', I suppose," he replied. "I currently think of Hermione
as... well... my sister doesn't quite fit the mold either, I guess. But... it's
more than that."
Confused, but clearly thinking about it as he looked off into the distance
he was a long moment before he replied, "For quite some time now I can't
see my life without her a part of it. She's more 'family' to me than my
own relatives. She was the only one there for me when my name came
out of the Goblet of Fire; and I'm including the staff in that. Plus, she was
there for me over that whole Heir of Slytherin nonsense in second year.
"She's... like... she sees me... not the 'Boy-Who-Lived'...not Lord Potter...
not the son of James and Lily Potter... me. She tells me off when she
thinks I'm going to or have done something wrong and congratulates me
when I've done something right. She knows my flaws, but it doesn't turn
her away from me. She accepts me for who I am; and not what other
people think I am."
What Harry didn't see as he talked, because he was still somewhat staring
off into the distance, was the reactions on the faces of the three Grangers.
Hermione was staring at him in shocked awe while she slowly blushed
almost scarlet. But the two Granger parents were staring at each other,
only allowing their gazes to occasionally glance at the two teens, while
listening with various expressions flittering across their faces. Monica
was smirking at her husband while Wendell's went from almost horrified
to pained acceptance. Which had Monica's smirk turn into a grin.
Turning to look at the girl sitting beside him he looked her right in the
eye and said, "Meeting you was the best thing that's ever happened to me,
Hermione. I'm sure I would have died before―"
That was as far as he got before Hermione dived at him to hug him hard
enough it knocked them both off his chair and over to land on the floor
beside Wendell's own.
"Oof!" he exclaimed.
Wendell merely glanced down to his side before bringing both elbows up
onto the table to cradle his head in his hands. Then he just sighed.
The two aurors just glanced at one another and grinned.
Monica leaned over to look down the side of the table to the floor for a
long moment before she sat back up straight, openly grinned at her
husband again and continued to eat the delicious dessert Harry had
prepared, ignoring everything else for a while.
Harry laid on his back for a few moments, wondering why the girl chose
that moment to practically attack him. He knew he'd been giving her a
bit of a hard time over the past week and a half, just to get through to
her he wasn't the 'old' Harry she thought he was, so couldn't figure out
why she waited until now.
Hermione laid with her head on his chest, her arms around his neck, her
chest on his tummy and the rest of her body draped over the on-its-side
dining room chair. Then sniffled.
"H-Hermione?" asked a confused Harry. "Why'd you attack me?"
"I'm not attacking you, you clot!" she replied. "I'm hugging you."
"Oh," he quietly said.
"Hermione, dear," said her mother. "I think you should let Harry up so he
can finish this wonderful dessert he's made for us."
"In a minute!" she sobbed back.
Monica gave herself a firm nod and quickly set to finishing her plate. She
knew she needed to.
"Princess," called her father. "Please let the boy up."
Hermione laid there for a few moments more before she softly cried,
"Okay."
As she climbed up, while looking away at the wall, Harry just laid there.
When she found her feet and while still not looking at anyone she quickly
ran from the room.
Monica gave a sigh and quickly swallowed the last mouthful on her plate
before she used her napkin to dab at her mouth. "Excuse me," she quietly
said. "Delicious meal, Harry." Then rose to her feet and left the room,
chasing after her daughter.
Wendell looked up, dropped his elbows off the table and, after a glance
at Harry, returned to finishing his dessert.
"She hugs really hard," Harry quietly said as he began to climb to his own
feet.
Righting his chair, he looked about and asked, "Where'd she go? And
Monica?"
When it didn't look like Wendell was going to answer, Auror Standish
replied, "The ladies have just gone to talk for a bit, My Lord. Nothing for
you to worry about."
"Oh," he replied, sitting back upon his chair again. "Well, I hope they at
least liked dinner."
"Harry," said Wendell, cleaning his plate. "I know they liked it. I can tell
you for myself it was one of the finest meals I've ever had the pleasure of
eating."
Harry blushed, looked away and quietly said, "Thank you. I'm glad you
liked it."
"Where did you learn to cook like that?" asked Standish.
"I had to... I cooked for my relatives all the time while at the Dursleys,"
he replied. "It was the one chore I enjoyed doing."
Wendell heard the aborted response and it twinged his child abuse
sensors. Looking more directly at the boy he asked, "You must have spent
quite some time doing it to get that good. How long have you been
cooking for?"
Harry shrugged a little too nonchalantly, Wendell thought, before the boy
replied, "For almost as long as I can remember. Petunia taught me the
basics, gave me a stack of cookbooks and, once she could trust me not to
set the house on fire, told me to get on with it."
After finishing his plate and noticing Dobby had already banished
everything else to the kitchen, he said, "I'd better go and make sure
Dobby has eaten and isn't working too hard in the kitchen."
Dabbing his own lips with a napkin, he softly said, "Excuse me," rose and
left for the kitchen.
Just as the aurors were about to rise as Harry walked out, Wendell
gestured with his hand for them to stay sitting. They did.
When he knew Harry was far enough out of earshot, he turned to them
and asked, "These Dursley relatives of his. Tell me something has been or
is being done about them. I'm trained in looking for cases of child abuse
and it's not hard to tell that boy has been abused."
"They faced trial a couple of days ago," replied Standish. "What they did
to him I won't repeat. However, the only reason they weren't sent to
prison on the spot amounts to a number of reasons. First; Albus
Dumbledore dumped Lord Potter on them as an infant and didn't give
them any opportunity to refuse. Second; the magics Dumbledore set up
on the property to protect Lord Potter rendered Petunia Dursley sterile.
Third; it appears he cast extra magics on them so they couldn't return
Lord Potter back to magical world. And, each time they found a way to
get him out of the house, Dumbledore would turn up and put the child
back. Fourth; he pointed out to the members how, since they breached
the law in allowing Dumbledore to even take him, the members
themselves were partly responsible for what befell him under their so-
called dubious care. And, fifth; Lord Potter begged the Wizengamot to
allow them to go home, put a stop to Dumbledore's actions and put up
protections from wizards and witches, including him, on their property so
Dumbledore cannot put him back there, or even go himself. He also
reminded the Members of the Wizengamot that the Dursleys are the last
blood family he has left.
"Actually, that last was really the only reason. As Lord Potter said,
politics plays a major role in the judicial process. Because it was he who
practically demanded it, they accepted it. Everyone now feels they owe
him a great deal so, since he didn't want them gaoled, they weren't.
"He also said that, now he's of-age, he cannot be forced back into their...
care... ever again. He reminded them that, because magic had taken any
chance Petunia Dursley could have another child, that was a pretty
significant punishment. And, as he was the only one they hurt, his
request held a lot of sway with the Members, who were all feeling quite
guilty. They agreed with his demand and 'sentenced' them to that."
Scowling a little, Wendell said, "It shouldn't have mattered. It was child
abuse; they should have been gaoled."
The auror could not disagree and, instead, chose to remain silent.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
When Harry entered the kitchen it was to find it spotless. "Dobby!" he
called.
The little elf immediately popped in and asked, "Yes, Master Harry?"
"Did you do all the dishes, Dobby?"
"Of course, Master Harry," replied the elf.
Harry sighed and said, "You didn't have to do that, Dobs. I came in to the
kitchen to do them, myself."
Dobby again crossed his arms and looked sternly back. "Master Harry
Potter, Sir, already tooks Dobby's cooking work. Master Harry Potter, Sir,
not be taking Dobby's dishes work, too!"
Harry rolled his eyes and said, "Fiiiiiiine. I didn't like doing the dishes,
anyway."
Looking around he said, "Well, it looks like everything's done. I think I'll
just start on the tea."
"Dobby already be makings the tea," replied the elf. "Dobby tooks tea up
for Master Harry Potter, Sir's, Miss Grangy and Master Harry Potter, Sir's,
Miss Grangy's Doctor-Mum. Dobby abouts to take tea for Master Harry
Potter, Sir's, Miss Grangy's Doctor-Dad and Master Harry Potter, Sir's,
auror bodyguards."
Harry screwed his eyes together and had to massage his brow while
thinking that lot out. "You know," he said. "Calling them all that is going
to get very confusing, very fast."
Thinking a bit he said, "Alright, Dobby; new orders. The names you're
giving everyone is simply too confusing for me. For the time being you
will address Hermione Granger as Miss Granger, you will address
Hermione's dad as Mister Granger, you will address Hermione's mum as
Missus Granger and you will address the aurors as simply 'Auror'. If you
know their surname you may append that to the title 'Auror'. Got all
that?"
"Yes, Master Harry, Sir," replied Dobby.
"Now, tea for myself," he sighed.
"Master Harry Potter, Sir's, tea will be on the dinings table when Master
Harry Potter, Sirs, gets back there."
Flinging his hands up in exasperation Harry walked out and back to the
dining room. When he got back it was to find the two aurors gone, but
Wendell still sitting at the end of the table. There was a fresh cup of tea
before him and another before where Harry sat. Between them was a
small pitcher of milk and a sugar bowl.
Harry returned to his seat, sat down and made himself a cup of tea just as
he liked it - a dash of milk and two sugars.
"That was quick," said Wendell.
"That sawn-off little munchkin of a house elf of mine beat me to it," he
grumbled. "Then he up and told me off for 'trying to take his work' off
him."
Wendell looked at him in amusement for a few minutes and asked, "You
like to do the dishes?"
"No," he grumbled back. "But, I got them dirty, I should clean them up."
"No, Harry," disagreed Wendell. "In this house we share the chores. For a
start, if you cook, you never do the dishes. On top of that, while it was
very nice of you to cook dinner, you're a guest here. You don't have
chores.
"Now, if you truly enjoy cooking, then I'll talk to Monica about it and, if
she agrees, you can continue to occasionally do so. However, it's not
something you need to worry about. Alright?"
Harry nodded back and said, "Yes, Sir... Wendell."
"Good. I'm glad we got that out of the way. Next point; we're very happy
to have you here as a guest. You have done so much for this family just
by being a good friend to our daughter. You may not know this, but
Hermione didn't have any good friends before she met you."
When Harry looked confused by that, he added, "It's true. Anyone her age
she tried to make friends with only ever thought of her as someone to do
their homework for them, someone who made them feel stupid because
she comes across as too smart, or thought her too bossy.
"Before we met you we thought you might have fallen into one of those
categories. That red haired friend of yours certainly does. However, it's
clear you do not."
"Ron Weasley is certainly no longer a friend of mine," Harry frowned. "He
never was. He used to report on what I was doing to Dumbledore. I even
think Dumbledore paid him to do it."
"I don't think he was a friend, either," agreed Wendell. "But learning he
was effectively a spy against you? That's a little sickening."
Harry nodded.
"What Hermione is having a little trouble with at the moment, is that the
'Harry' she thought I was, was only a... façade... I surrounded myself with
to protect myself and my secrets from Dumbledore. She's now 'met' the
real Harry and is having some problems putting the fake Harry and the
real Harry into context. I also had to come down a little hard on her to
get her to start rethinking who I am."
Wendell frowned and asked, "What do you mean?"
"The Harry she thought she knew was not much of an 'achiever'. That is,
it didn't look as if I applied myself as well as I should. In that, I'm sorry to
say, I deceived your daughter into thinking I was not as smart as I am. I
would deliberately write my assignments to be... adequate. Hermione
would demand to review my assignments, which I would let her do, and
she would make some changes to improve them, which I would mostly
incorporate. It did not harm my persona to allow her. However, real
Harry is pretty much on a par with her when it comes to cleverness and
smarts.
"I hated that Hermione thought she had to help so I would consider her
worthy to be a friend. I've even told her numerous times she didn't have
to, but she'd insist and I was feeling deeply guilty for hiding the truth
from her. She never had to do that, but 'fake' Harry needed to hide until
he could strike back - that was at the First Task.
"However, irrespective of the difference between fake Harry and real
Harry, my feelings for Hermione are no different. She does not know it,
but her friendship has been my 'emotional rock' that has kept me both
anchored and centred. I would not have made it to the First Task to bring
everything to light if it hadn't been for her. I probably would have lost
my 'nana somewhere around the middle of second year.
"I owe that girl so much - for being my friend, for being my rock, for just
being there - I could spend the rest of my life and my entire fortune
towards her happiness and still not repay her for both what I said before
and for the fact I deliberately tricked her. That's why coming down hard
on her over the past week has been so hard."
Wendell sighed and asked, "Why couldn't you have told her before now?
She'd have kept your secret."
"Because Severus Snape is an expert at the magical art of Legilimency,"
he explained. "It is a skill that allows him to see into a person's head and
see their memories and read their surface thoughts. If he'd seen what she
knew about me, or read her surface thoughts about me, he'd have
immediately taken that information to Dumbledore."
"If that happened, Dumbledore would have wiped her memories of it and
then tried to use other methods to take my memories. If he couldn't, he'd
have used potions to enforce my loyalty to him. And may have even used
those same potions on her. Those are the sort of potions he used on
Poppy Pomfrey. I couldn't let that happen to her."
"You did it to protect her," nodded Wendell.
"And myself," added Harry.
"What about if this Snipe character had used Legilimency on you?"
"It's another mind magic," he replied. "I seem to be significantly immune
to that, as well. I don't know how, but suspect to the point of belief it has
something to do with my mother's blood protection she placed on me;
because any book that was any good in the school library on the subject
of either Occlumency, the magical art that protects the mind, or
Legilimency has been removed to the Restricted section. No guesses for
who ordered that. Eventually, I had to go and buy my own from a shop
in Diagon Alley.
"However, I still couldn't do it. I think it's that same protection from mind
magics that's stopping me learning Occlumency, which is of course
another mind magic."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Harry and Wendell had 'retired to the parlour' when Monica came back
down leading Hermione.
Harry took one look at the girl and was on his feet, looking at her with a
scowl on his face. Looking directly at her, he asked, "What's wrong?"
"Nothing," she replied, shaking her head. "Mum and I just needed to talk."
"You've been crying," he firmly said.
"I've not been crying because I've been hurt, Harry," she carefully said.
"I've been crying because I'm happy."
Harry stared back for a few moments, trying to figure that one out,
before he gave a single nod and said, "Well; alright, then." And sat again,
still keeping an eye on Hermione.
Turning back to Wendell he said, "Now, I've also promised my godfather,
Sirius Black, that I would ask you if he could come visit me while I'm
here. One of those trials that I - and Hermione too, I suppose - mentioned
that occurred over the past week was his. Madam Bones pulled a 'shoofty'
and snuck his trial in between the ones publicly announced. He's finally
been found innocent of the crimes for which he was dumped in Azkaban
prison, without a trial, in the first place. And he can now move on with
his life."
"He's truly innocent?" asked Wendell.
"Innocent? Heavens no!" Harry chuckled, beginning to relax again. "But
he's definitely not guilty of any of the crimes they pegged him with. No,
Sirius likes to portray this image he's a 'bad boy'; but he's not committed
a crime beyond something like failing to register something."
Both Granger adults looked at one another for a moment.
"He can visit," said Monica. "I take it he just wants to catch up?"
"That and he also wants me to visit his Healer; who also happens to be
his cousin and, to some degree, mine," replied Harry.
"Why does he want you to visit a Healer, Harry?" asked Hermione.
"Because he knew my parents and my size, compared to theirs, concerns
him," replied Harry. "He's right to worry. The Durs... I didn't eat well
while I was with my relatives."
"Harry, you have nothing to worry about telling my parents or I how they
treated you," she said. "They didn't feed you well, did they?"
"Not really, no," he replied.
"Madam Pomfrey should have... Oh," she said suddenly understanding.
"That's one of the reasons why Dumbledore had her on loyalty potions,
isn't it?"
"And one of the reasons she came all too close to breaching her medi-
witch oath," he added. "Yes; that was my logical conclusion, as well."
"Have your godfather bring her here, if he can," said Wendell. "If either
had any ill-intent towards you, those wards you had erected would stun
them, wouldn't they?"
"Yes, they would," he nodded.
"Then, have them come here," said Wendell.
"More and more I actually like the idea of these wards," said Monica.
"Thank you for having them erected."
"You're welcome," smiled Harry.
"Harry," said Hermione, bringing his attention to her. "How much did
these wards cost? They had to be expensive."
"As I said to your father, I really don't know," he replied. "But, it doesn't
matter to me, anyway. I've got far more money than I could spend in ten
lifetimes.
"I've got so much it actually makes me a little uncomfortable. And, if I
can put a little of it to what I consider important, then how much it costs
me is irrelevant."
"You're avoiding the question," she declared.
"Yes; I am," he shot back.
"Hermione, that's enough," Wendell firmly stepped in. "It's not your
concern."
Hermione stubbornly stared at her father for a long moment before she
sagged in defeat. "Sorry," she said.
"As I told you at Hogwarts, Hermione," said Harry. "There are things I
need to do, simply as the Lord of a Noble and Most Ancient House as one
such example, you cannot be privy to. My business dealings, unless it
relates directly with you, is one of them.
"I don't mind you asking the odd innocent question, because I know your
'curiosity to learn something new' strongly drives you; but, when you
know I'm deliberately avoiding answering a question, you need to accept
that and let it go."
"Sorry, Harry," she said again.
And Harry could see she meant it. "You're forgiven," he smiled.
As things settled down again, Harry pulled out his communication mirror
to call Sirius.
"Padfoot," he whispered across the glass.
A long moment later and his own reflection was replaced by his
godfather's visage. And Hermione moved to sit beside him.
"Hiya, Pup!" said Sirius. "How goes things at the Grangers?"
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After speaking with his godfather and letting him know he and Hermione
had safely arrived he passed on the Granger's permission for him to visit.
"Good," said Sirius, "Let them know I very much appreciate it."
Harry looked to the Grangers to see both Wendell and Monica nod back.
Looking back down at the mirror he said, "They heard."
"Let them know I'll be over first thing in the morning," said Sirius. "You
and I have quite a few things to talk about. I also promised you I'd let
you know why I was late to the trial, this morning. That's part of it."
"Got a time in mind?" asked Harry.
"Eight thirty suit you?"
"Eight thirty would be fine," he replied. "Was Cousin Andi very upset with
you for being out so long?"
"No," he replied. "As I said, she could see me from the Black Seat and I
indicated to her I was heading back to her place right then.
"It was also her who let me know Dumbledore escaped a prison sentence
when she got back. She was right ropable about that."
"How did that happen?" asked Hermione, leaning in.
"Dumbledore's welded-on supporters in the Wizengamot managed to get
to a few others, of course. It was enough for him to escape the prison
sentence but not enough for him to escape losing his positions as
Supreme Mugwump and Chief Warlock. There was quite a bit of back-
room dealing going on there."
"That's what I figured would happen and happened," nodded Harry.
"Anyway, we can talk more about that tomorrow morning," said Sirius.
"I've got parchmentwork I need to get through dealing with the House of
Black finances I promised the goblins I'd get back to them as soon as
possible; and then Cousin Andi's going to dose me to the gills on
restorative and healing potions that're going to knock me out for the
night."
"Then you'd best get onto that," smiled Harry. "I don't envy you."
"No need," laughed the old dog. "She's still quite determined to get your
health up to scratch, too. Mirror off!"
And the mirror faded back to a normal reflection.
"So, wizards and witches do have a way to contact others without using
owls," said Wendell.
"These are one of a kind," said Harry, waving the mirror a bit. "Actually,
that should probably be two of a kind - the one I have and the one my
godfather has. They're something my father, godfather and two friends
created while they were at school, so they could stay in contact with one
another while one of them was in detention. That happened a lot."
"If your godfather could remember how they did it he should market
them," said Hermione. "He'd make a fortune."
"He already has one," Harry grinned. "But, yes; I can see what you mean.
I'll suggest it to him. It might be just what he needs to firmly re-establish
his relationship with Moony. And Moony doesn't have a fortune, so it
would be a way to help him without Moony getting on his high-horse
about charity."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
When Hedwig hadn't turned up that night Harry was getting a little
worried about her.
That worry was relieved the next morning when, just as they were sitting
for a breakfast cooked by Harry, she came swooping in with his
morning's copy of the Daily Prophet. Harry was quick to relieve her of her
load and offer her two slices of trimmed bacon; grilled, rather than fried.
"Prek," she softly barked.
Harry just nodded to her as she plucked them from his fingers and flew
back out.
"That sounded like she was trying to talk to you, Harry," said Monica.
"Probably," he shrugged. "I don't understand Snowy Owl, so she can be
saying anything from 'Thank you' to 'It's about bloody time, you ignorant
human!'. How would I know?"
That had all three Grangers bursting into laughter. Somewhere in there
Hermione still managed to fit in a, "Language, Harry."
He was also surprised to see a second owl also come swooping in. This
one went to Wendell. It, too, was carrying the latest morning copy of the
Daily Prophet.
Seeing Harry's surprise, Hermione smiled at him and said, "Daddy
subscribed. He likes to know what's going on in the world his daughter is
now a part of."
"He knows a lot of what's written within is rubbish, right?" he asked.
"I do," replied Wendell, still chuckling but now unfolding his own copy to
read it. "I've had the skill of being able to read between the lines for
many years."
Of course, the lead story was on Dumbledore's trial. Harry read through it
and was pleased to see his 'letter' was quoted in a few places. But, even
better, it was quoted accurately and not even out of context.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Right on time, Sirius was 'Dobby express' apparated to the path
immediately just inside the gates of the property.
Dobby immediately popped away leaving Sirius to walk to the front
porch on his own.
The two aurors moving fast to the front door alerted the others to guests.
Seeing one of them almost run to the door, Monica asked, "Guests?"
"That'll be Sirius," replied Hermione, checking the time on her watch.
Harry walked into the parlour, waiting for him to come in, with a grin on
his face.
When he saw his godfather about to speak, once he was close enough to
speak without raising his voice, Harry got in first. "You forgot you didn't
know the co-ordinates, didn't you?"
Sirius gave a pained look and said, "You could have told me."
"Actually, no, I couldn't," he replied. "I'm not skilled in Apparation, so I
only know what co-ordinates are supposed to be, not what they are.
"However, I will admit that I could have asked one of the aurors on shift...
but, where's the prank in that? Think of it as a lesson to remember to find
out, in future."
Sirius pouted for a moment before his face broke out in a grin and he
chuckled.
Walking forward the rest of the way he grabbed Harry in a hug. "Alright,"
he said. "I deserved that." Holding Harry back out at arms length he
asked, "How about inviting me in and introducing me to everyone?"
Leading the way back into the dinette with Sirius in tow, he walked into
where everyone, bar the aurors, were waiting. Monica and Wendell had
rearranged things at their surgery to have the day off. It was a Friday.
Looking to the Grangers, Harry gestured to Sirius and said, "Everyone,
this is Lord Sirius Orion Black Number Three, Lord of the Noble and Most
Ancient House of Black, a.k.a 'Padfoot', a.k.a my godfather, a.k.a. 'Hey
You', a.k.a. 'The Mutt', and names it's impolite to use in present
company." Looking to Sirius he said, "Sirius, you know Hermione. And
these are her parents, Doctors Wendell and Monica Granger."
Sirius gave Harry a light clip to the back of the head, meant more in
warning than anything else, and walked forward holding his hand out to
Wendell. "A pleasure to meet you, Sir. Call me Sirius. You have a lovely
daughter and I cannot fathom what possessed you to allow my smart-alek
reprobate of a godson into your home."
Grinning back, Wendell accepted the offered hand and shook it. "My
daughter begged me to and he's actually proven to be quite the polite
young man. And call me Wendell."
Sirius widened the grin and completed the handshake before offering his
hand to Monica. Expecting a handshake, she was surprised when he
accepted her hand by the fingers, brought her knuckles to his lips as he
bowed forward, and very lightly brushed his lips on them before gently
releasing them again. "A great pleasure to meet you, too, Ma'am. Please,
call me Sirius, handsome, darling, whatever."
Hermione rolled her eyes where Sirius couldn't see her, but both Wendell
and Monica could.
Also grinning, Monica said, "It's nice to meet you, too, Sirius. I'm Monica.
And welcome to our home."
Stepping back, Sirius said, "Seriously, though; thank you for allowing
Harry to stay here. I'm much more comfortable with him out of
Hogwarts, at the moment. I don't trust Dumbledore one whit of a moment
of time not to try something I'd definitely disagree with.
"Which reminds me," said Sirius spinning to look at Harry. "You and me
need to talk."
"Yeah, you owe me an explanation as to why you were late, yesterday,"
nodded Harry.
"That forms part of it, yes," his godfather agreed. "But, there's a lot more
than that I need to tell you about."
Harry noticed that his godfather was being quite, well, serious. It was not
something he knew to be the man's normal default behaviour.
"Well, if you don't have anywhere to hurry off to, it can wait a bit," he
replied.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After a shared cup of tea with the Grangers and Sirius getting to know
one another, Sirius asked for somewhere private to talk to his godson.
Wendell directed them to his office on the same floor and left them to it.
Hermione looked like she wanted to join them but Sirius told her, "I'm
sorry, Hermione; but, for this bit, I need to speak with Harry alone. When
we're done with that we'll come out and rejoin you."
Hermione gave a sad nod to which Harry gently smiled back.
"Don't forget; we need to take you shopping, this morning," she reminded
him.
"I remember," he replied with a smile, before following Wendell and
Sirius from the room.
In the office and sitting across the desk from one another, Sirius
immediately got down to business. "Firstly, what has Dumbledore told
you about why you and your parents were attacked back when you were
a baby?" he asked.
"Nothing," Harry immediately replied. "Except that my parents were
fighting against Riddle, but had to go into hiding as he'd targeted them."
"Did he say why?"
"No," he replied. "And no matter how hard I pushed to learn more he
wouldn't tell me."
Sirius sighed and said, "Well, then; I will."
Harry sat up straighter so he could better learn what he was about to be
told.
"Back a few months before you were born, a prophecy was given. I don't
know the details of it because it's stored inside what's known as a
prophecy orb in a section of the Department of Mysteries in the basement
of the Ministry of Magic.
"The only people who can touch the orb - and, therefore, hear what's in it
- are the people who it involves. One is you, and the other is 'the Dark
Lord'. Dumbledore knows what's in it because, according to the little card
that identifies the orb, the prophecy was spoken to him by the person
who gave the prophecy."
"If that's the case," said Harry. "Then anyone can know of what the
prophecy said just by Dumbledore telling them."
"Yes," nodded Sirius. "But, can you see him doing that? Especially after
you just told me you've already asked him why Riddle is after you and he
refuses to answer?"
"No," Harry frowned. "So, how do I get to hear it?"
"You need to go down to the Department of Mysteries and ask," Sirius
immediately replied. "I need to organise with you and them a time when
you can do that."
Harry thought about that for a few moments before he said, "When we
can, I think."
"I agree," said his godfather. "But, it's already been fifteen years. There's
no need to go running there right now. It can wait a couple of days, or
even weeks, at least."
Harry gave a grunt and nodded back. "Yeah. It's not as if it changes
anything, does it?"
Once he saw that Harry would agree, Sirius told him what he actually
wanted to tell him about.
"This has to do with why Riddle is still managing to be on this plane of
existence; why he hasn't passed on to his... Next Great Adventure,"
explained Sirius.
The way Sirius emphasised it, Harry even heard the capitals.
He gave another nod and Sirius began to tell him a tale of his morning
the previous day.
He spoke about how he met, as previously arranged, a team of
Unspeakables who needed to get into the Black Townhouse, which was a
property of the Blacks on Grimmauld Place in South London.
"It's actually the place where I grew up and ran away from, when I was
sixteen," he said. "I ran to the home of your grandparents, Fleamont and
Euphemia Potter, and your father's when he was a child. They welcomed
me into their home with open arms, as they said they would if I needed a
place to escape to. But, that's a story for a different time. This is about
the Black Townhouse.
"You see, from basically a year or two after I... left, my mother was in the
house on her own except for a house elf named Kreacher. When my
mother died quite a few years ago, the house elf decided to serve her
portrait she had painted in her place. However, as you know, a house elf
slowly begins to die if they're not properly bonded. And Kreacher bonded
himself to the portrait. The only magic sustaining him was the wards on
the property, which was nowhere near enough.
"So, Kreacher used as little magic as possible to draw out his service to
my mother's portrait. As a result, the townhouse has fallen into bad
disrepair. In a nutshell, it's now a dump. But, it's still protected because
the wards on it are still strong.
"As I'm the Lord Black the Unspeakables needed me to get into the
property. They could have got in by brute-forcing their way in but, as the
property is in a high density muggle residential area, they'd have had to
breach the Statute of Secrecy while doing so. And even the Unspeakables
are leery about doing that.
"Once I was declared innocent they knew that I, as Lord Black, could
simply let them in."
"Why'd they need to get in?" asked Harry.
"They believed there was an artefact in there that forms one of the
reasons how Riddle is still about and causing mischief," replied Sirius.
"They were right. And they found it."
"They intend to destroy it though, right?" asked Harry, a little worried.
"Yes, Pup," his godfather was quick to assure him. "I believe they would
have done it by now, too."
"Does that mean that Riddle's gone now, too?"
"No. Riddle created, at least, more than one of these things," replied
Sirius. "They found another in the school when they went there a couple
days ago."
"Oh, I remember that," said Harry. "That is, I remember them visiting.
They removed a curse from the DADA position and banished Binns."
Sirius gave a single nod and said, "They also found another one of these
artefacts in a small town in northern England up near the border with
Scotland, another inside a vault in Gringotts and they believe that diary
you had to deal with at the end of your second year at Hogwarts was yet
another."
"Merlin!" groaned Harry. "How many of these bloody things are there?"
"No idea," replied Sirius. "That's something they wouldn't tell me. All they
told me was 'a few'.
"An answer that's about as useless as tits on a bull," grimaced Harry.
Sirius gave a short snort of amusement at the analogy, as he'd never
heard it before. "Quite. But, I told them I was going to tell you what I've
now told you. They weren't bothered by it because, since you'd already
come across one and destroyed it... that diary... they want you to let
them know if you come across any more. And definitely don't tell
Dumbledore about it."
"Oh, that's never going to happen," Harry firmly stated. "The 'telling
Dumbledore' bit, I mean; not the telling the Unspeakables."
"I knew what you meant, Pup," Sirius lightly smiled.
Harry thought about that for a few moments before he asked, "Does them
not being upset about you telling me this have to do with that prophecy?"
"That's my guess," nodded his godfather. "Nice deduction."
"Then I also guess we'll probably learn the answer to why when we hear
that prophecy," nodded Harry.
Neither of them yet knew there was now a mild charm on them both not
to go in and listen to that prophecy, just yet. The Unspeakables placed
the one on Harry that day they attended the school; and the one on Sirius
was placed just the previous day. Another was placed on Dobby not to
remove either.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After recovering from his 'ordeal' the previous early evening, Dumbledore
rose that morning with a determined plan. He was going to go visit his
loyal deputy - or the witch who was supposed to be his loyal deputy - and
convince her to work with him to convince those who needed convincing
to overturn the ruling of the Chief Adjudicator at her trial.
As he knew the woman to be an early riser he needed to get down to
breakfast early so he could be on his way as soon as possible. So he was
up and ready for the day, walking through his office and down the stairs,
timed to be in the Great Hall the moment the breakfast was scheduled to
begin.
He could have eaten his breakfast in his rooms, as he did his previous
evening's dinner, but knew he also had to put in an appearance in the
Great Hall to show the staff and students he was back and in charge.
At that time of the morning, only the early risers were present. But it
would be enough for the word to quickly get about.
Striding into the room from the Professor's entrance behind the staff table
with his head high, he quickly made his way to his wooden 'throne' and,
immediately after taking his seat, quickly looked about.
At that time there were only about a quarter of the Ravenclaws who were
usually awake and down by this time; a handful of Slytherins; a few
Hufflepuffs; unsurprisingly, no Gryffindors; and only two Professors,
Sprout and Babbling. Sprout was always an early riser, who liked to get
an early start in her greenhouses, and Babbling, the Ancient Runes
Professor, stated her mind was sharper in the morning if she made an
earlier start to her day.
"Good morning," he almost cheerily nodded to the two professors,
determined not to let what happened the previous evening dampen his
mood or become more widely known. His greeting was met only with
blank, semi-hostile stares from both before he turned his attention to
building himself a decent Hogwarts breakfast. It was far better fare than
he had 'enjoyed' for the past week and a bit.
'Once I get things back to rights, they'll come around,' he thought,
ignoring the looks he received from them. 'If not, I can always fire them.'
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
14. Wendell Shocks Harry
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!
A/N: Quite a few reviewers - of the reviews I manage to read, at any rate
- mention about Harry's immunity to mind magics and ask why isn't he
immune to the Unspeakables' charm on him. I remind you of this: Just
because Harry believes he's immune to all such magics it doesn't mean he
is. Plus, the Unspeakables also know about the so-called immunity. Don't
you think they'd have taken that into consideration?
C'mon, peoples! Authors expect you to figure some things out for
yourselves; otherwise we spend all our time explaining the story instead
of telling the story.
Chapter Fourteen - Wendell Shocks Harry
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
The breakfast turned out to be such a welcome after his long stay in a
holding cell, Dumbledore actually stayed a little longer than he planned.
It wasn't until the mail owls all streamed in that he realised how late it
was and was quick to leave again.
However, this time he left by way of the main doors into the room, so the
students could see him and know he was back. That way was a little
longer to get back to his office so he could apparate out to McGonagall's
ancestral lands in the Scottish highlands, but the walk helped to get his
blood pumping and his mind sharpened.
Almost as soon as he walked into his office he apparated out. He never
noticed the owl-delivered scroll, sealed with red wax and stamped with
the Hogwarts Seal, sitting on his desk with the rest of his 'redirected'
mail.
He appeared a long moment later on the outskirts of a small Scottish
settlement that was the home village of the Stewart Clan, Minerva
McGonagall's ancestral clan seat. He had to apparate in quite a distance
out as the village was, like most such magical settlements in Scotland,
under one massive anti-portkey anti-apparation ward schema, to name
two of the wards over the area. Only those of Stewart blood could
portkey or apparate directly into the village. He knew her small home to
be among the private residences just beyond what could passably be
called the Village Square.
As he walked in and made sure he did not seem threatening at all, quite a
few of the Highlanders of Clan Stewart stopped to watch him for a few
moments before then deciding to ignore him and get on with what they
were doing. He was, after all, only a Sassanach - an Englishman.
It was almost twenty minutes before he was through the centre of the
village and out into the homes on the other side. And half that time later
he was at the front gate of McGonagall's home.
Barely pausing in his stride, he opened the gate and walked up the short
path to her door.
A firm but polite knock on her door and he waited, mentally reviewing
what he needed to talk to her about and his plan for getting her back into
the castle as his deputy, once more.
Almost before he realised it, the door was yanked open by the very witch
he wanted to see. However, it was instantly apparent she would not be
welcoming him.
Minerva McGonagall stood there with an expression of great fury on her
face and her wand in her hand.
"Minerva?" he politely asked. "Whatever is the matter?"
That triggered it.
McGonagall immediately launched into screaming and verbally cursing
him in a combination of Gaelic Scottish and English Scottish before she
started flinging curses and animated transfigurations at him. If it wasn't
for her opening with invective first, he knew she'd have likely killed him.
"Ye glaikit bludy buggerin' auld rockit!" (You stupid bloody buggering old
fool!)
Her wand whipped up and she cast a banishing charm at him. One he
didn't have his own wand out and ready to defend against. The curse sent
him flying backwards, back to and through her front gate.
"Ah lost mah jab, fur ah trusted ye!" (I lost my job because I trusted you!)
she screamed as she stalked out the door and after him.
Then she began to transfigure various rocks and garden decorations into
almost fantastical beasts she then sent after him.
"Tha thu dad ach fèineil, suas Sasannach fhèin le delusions fèin airidheachd!"
(You're nothing but a selfish, up himself Englishman with delusions of
self entitlement!) she screamed.
By then he'd managed to get himself to his feet, drawing his wand as he
did so, just in time to destroy and banish away the animated
transfigurations.
"Bi falbh còmhla riut! Chan eil riamh dorcha mo gan rithist, tha thu geal-
whiskered wanker!" (Begone with you! Never darken my stoop again, you
white-whiskered wanker!)
The next few attacks came by way of curses, followed up by the
transfiguring of some other piece of detritus out of the 'street' that
attacked him from behind. He'd managed to spell swat the curses aside
but was nearly bitten on his leg by the tin lion that came at him from
outside his peripheral vision. He was lucky it only managed to get a 'bite'
of his robes.
He banished that but had to dive out of the way of her follow up 'grey'
curses she'd sent at him while he was dealing with the lion.
She screamed at him, yet again, "If ye ever come 'ere again ah will demand
Chief 'Amish declare blood feud oan ye 'n' yer brother!" (If you ever come
here again I'll demand Chief Hamish declare blood feud on you and your
brother!)
As Dumbledore rapidly retreated back the way he'd come, he was glad
the woman had stopped at her front gate. He knew that if he attacked her
in the settlement, the wards based on ill-intent against a member of the
Stewart Clan would quickly deal with him. She had once told him that
any outsider acting with ill-intent in the village quickly found themselves
stunned, bound, waking without any magical item that was on their
person and in the only secure cell they had - the settlement's short-term
gaol.
Once he was far enough away from her he felt safe enough to turn
around so he wasn't dodging backwards, he was met by hostile stares of
those who'd come out of their homes to see what was going on. Of the
adults they, too, had their wands out and were glaring at him. He could
see mothers chivvying their children back into the homes or away from
the street between the buildings.
"Errr... Good morning," he tried to cheerily say. "It seems my good
friend―"
That was as far as he got before one of the burliest of the men standing
there and frowning at him took a step forward, raised his off arm and
pointed to Dumbledore's right. "Th' ward line's closest tha' wey," he
growled.
"Ah, yes," replied Dumbledore. "But the apparation point is that way."
And gestured with his own hand behind the man.
His face turning from frown to anger, the man firmly pointed in the same
direction again and said, "Wance ootside th' wards ye kin donder aroond."
(Once outside the wards you can walk around.)
Not wanting to push it in a place he had no hope of being able to
properly defend himself if the villagers developed a mob mentality,
Dumbledore sighed and quietly said, "If you wish. I am disappointed you
feel it necessary to force one of such advanced age as I to make such an
unnecessary trek."
When the man was unmoved, Dumbledore gave him another
disappointed look, turned and made his way up a bisecting lane-way in
the direction the man indicated. He didn't need to turn around to know
he was being closely followed to make sure he didn't deviate from the
direction he was forced to take.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
If Dumbledore had chosen not to try and rush things and took his time to
first contact his ex-deputy via floo or owl, he would have at least checked
his mail. That scroll with the red seal of Hogwarts upon it that sat in the
middle of his desk was a missive sent on behalf of the Chair-wizard of the
Board of Governors of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry,
Bartholomew Creston. It was to inform him that an emergency
Extraordinary Meeting of the Board had been called for the Board to
discuss what to do from there with he, Dumbledore, unexpectedly not
being incarcerated as a result of his trial. And that he was required to
attend.
That meeting was scheduled only ten minutes after he apparated out.
But, even then, with the advantage of near instant travel through the floo
or via apparation or portkeys, that was hardly a problem.
That meeting went ahead, as scheduled.
Dumbledore did not like the Board entering the grounds of the school
and holding their meetings there as 'they could cause disruptions in the
students' days' (read: they could find out about something he didn't want
them finding out about), so he came up with an excuse to get them out.
During Riddle's reign of terror, he had what he needed - student security.
So, the meetings had been moved from Hogwarts to a boardroom set
aside for them at the Ministry. He just never let them back.
As the Board waited past the appointed time before carrying on with the
business of getting the meeting started, Dumbledore still had not turned
up.
The chair-wizard, Creston, after starting the meeting finally said, "Well,
he's either just being 'Dumbledore', or he's being arrogantly rude. You'd
think, with the disruptions Lord Potter's actions have caused the school,
he'd put in the effort to want to help resolve them. I say it's time to vote
on whether we want to keep him as Headmaster or not."
"I so move," said one of the Board members, Thistlethwaite.
"And I second," another immediately said.
"Very well," said the Chair-wizard "I need a formal motion."
Thistlethwaite said, "I move that, 'Due to the actions of the current
Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Albus
Dumbledore, that the position of Headmaster hereby be deemed vacated.
And that the School Board of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and
Wizardry immediately seek to fill that vacancy with all haste.'"
"I second," another immediately stated.
"I'll accept that motion as two as I believe we need to vote upon the first
before we vote upon the second," said the Chair-wizard "Therefore I
accept that the first motion be, 'Due to the recent actions of the current
Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Albus
Dumbledore, that the position of Headmaster hereby be deemed vacated.'
Member Thistlethwaite, do you so move?"
"I so move," declared Thistlethwaite.
"And I so second," said the original seconder, Paulson.
"Accepted," declared the Chair-wizard. "Do I have a speaker against?"
When he was again greeted with only silence, he said, "There being no
speaker against the motion I move to the vote."
The result was a unanimous decision to declare the position of
Headmaster vacant, effectively removing Dumbledore from the position.
"With the motion agreed, we now move on to the second part," said the
Chair-wizard "'That the School Board of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft
and Wizardry immediately seek to fill the vacancy of Headmaster of
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry with all haste.'"
"I so move," declared Thistlethwaite.
"And I so second," said Paulson.
Again, there was no speaker against and the vote was unanimous 'For'.
"Then let us now move to discussing candidates and filling that position,"
said the Chair-wizard
Of course, it is very rare that a matter comes before the Board where the
decision is not already known. And filling the position of Headmaster/
mistress was no exception. Lady Griselda Marchbanks, also in attendance,
was the Board's chosen successor.
However, that was not because she was the best of a bunch. No, she was
the only one who could fill the position at short notice. And she and the
Board all knew it. With the dismissal of Dumbledore, McGonagall, Snape
and Flitwick - the only ones, except Sprout who flat-out refused it, who
had the qualifications to ascend to the position - they had to either go to
a retired member of staff who had at least Head of House experience, or
seek a competent replacement from overseas. Marchbanks, as a retired
Head of House (Ravenclaw), plus adding to that experience as the Head
of the Wizarding Examinations Authority within the Ministry for the past
two plus decades, was the only one both available and willing to take the
role; albeit reluctantly. She was even, for a time before McGonagall was
ready for the role, Acting Deputy Headmistress.
Another member immediately said, "I move that, 'Lady Griselda Anne
Marchbanks, currently of the WEA, be considered for the position of
Headmistress of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and be
immediately confirmed into that position."
"I second," said another.
The chair-wizard immediately looked to Marchbanks and asked, "Lady
Marchbanks, do you accept being considered for the role?"
"Of course I do, Bart," she snapped back. "It's been about all we've talked
about for the past three days."
"Griselda," the Chair-wizard sighed. "You know we have to do this by the
numbers and exactly by procedure, or Dumbledore will use it as way to
have it overturned."
"Very well," she grumbled. "I so accept."
"Thank you," he said. "With the acceptance of the nomination for the
position of Headmistress of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
by Lady Griselda Marchbanks, do we have another?"
No one made a sound.
After leaving it for a good five seconds, the Chair-wizard said, "Being no
further nominations for the position of Headmistress or Headmaster of
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, I seek a mover of a motion
for Lady Marchbanks to be accepted in the position of Headmistress of
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry."
Another member who had remained relatively quiet to this point, a
wizard well-known for his leanings towards the Light, stated, "I move
that, 'Lady Griselda Anne Marchbanks, currently of the WEA, be accepted
and appointed to the position of Headmistress of Hogwarts School of
Witchcraft and Wizardry, effective immediately."
"I second the motion," said another Light witch.
"Do I have a speaker against?" asked the Chair-wizard. When he was
again greeted with only silence, he said, "There being no speaker against
the motion I move to the vote."
With yet another unanimous decision in the affirmative Lady Griselda
Marchbanks became Headmistress of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and
Wizardry as of that moment - Headmistress Lady Griselda Marchbanks.
"Congratulations, Headmistress Lady Marchbanks," said the Chair-wizard
"On behalf of the School Board of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and
Wizardry I bid you success in your role and look forward to hearing from
you of the great strides you are making in bringing our school back to a
fully functioning educational entity."
The entire Board rose and applauded her. Marchbanks sat there, took it
and grumbled about 'uppity youngsters'.
Moving on to the position of Deputy, the School Board were unsure of
who to appoint to the position at that time, but knew it would not be
Dumbledore or Flitwick. They considered offering the position to Sprout,
but decided to leave it to Marchbanks to figure out whom that would be.
Less than fifteen minutes later and as planned prior Marchbanks flooed
into Sprout's office and, accompanied by the Herbology Mistress, walked
from there to the Great Hall. They were met by most of the staff still in
attendance, who had been contacted earlier by Sprout by notes delivered
by house elf and told to be there. Missing were Dumbledore, Trelawney,
Hagrid and Filch.
There were quiet groups of students in 'street' clothes sitting in small
groups at the four House tables all wondering why most of the remaining
teaching staff bar Dumbledore, Trelawney and Sprout but including the
new medi-wizard, had gathered in a group behind the head table.
When they saw the little elderly witch who used a cane slowly walk in,
accompanied by Sprout, they knew something was in the wind. Many
knew the little witch to be Lady Griselda Marchbanks of the WEA, so
knew something big was about to occur.
Marchbanks, after quickly greeting the staff, stood at the head table at
the Headmaster's position and quietly declared, "I, Lady Griselda Anne
Marchbanks, having been appointed to the position of Headmistress of
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, hereby take up that
position effective immediately. As I say, so must it be, so let it be
written."
There was a tremendous flash of light of a powerful just-taken wizarding
oath that centred on the little witch. And the castle seemed to shudder
just a little. The latter was almost unnoticeable to those not in the room
at the time. It was unnoticeable to those who were almost blinded by the
flash of light.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
While the trip from the apparation point to McGonagall's home took him
almost thirty minutes, the trip back was almost an hour and ten. It was
even longer for Dumbledore than it could have been, due to him starting
to feel the effects of McGonagall's attacks upon his body. He knew he had
to have at least bruised his tail bone and possibly his right ankle. If he
didn't want to further injure himself he had to walk carefully and,
therefore, his pace and length of stride were slowed and shortened.
All up, from the time he first arrived to the time he began to approach
the apparation point it would be almost two hours
From where he was trudging towards the apparation point from almost
ten minutes away, a particular sensation shot through Dumbledore's
body. The effect caused him to stumble so badly he almost fell flat on his
face. He had just felt the wards of Hogwarts shift away from him as if
ripped from his soul.
Utterly shocked to his hand-knitted woollen socks, Dumbledore regained
his balance and stood there for a long moment, horrified. "No!" he
exclaimed.
Then he put on a burst of speed and almost ran the remaining distance to
the apparation point. It took him almost three minutes to reach it, rather
than the ten it would have taken at his current pace.
He barely paused before he apparated out and away, only to feel himself
bounce off a powerful ward and end up sprawled on the cobbled path
just outside the front gates of Hogwarts. Both the collision with the wards
and the undignified landing hurt.
Stunned almost unconscious, it took him a moment to realise what had
happened and, slowly but painfully, rise to his feet. He'd just bounced off
the wards of Hogwarts. And that confirmed what he dreaded; he no
longer had control of the wards of the school.
"No!" he again exclaimed in horror.
He whipped his wand out and began casting diagnostics on the wards,
wanting to believe there was something wrong with them, rather than he
losing control of them. However, the diagnostic results all came back the
same. The controller of the wards was now someone else, not he.
He had no idea he'd been seen by some of those in Hogsmeade, or that
he'd been cursing up a storm as he waved his wand at the wards.
In the castle, Marchbanks had quietly said a few words to the rest of the
staff and organised a meeting for later that day in her office, before
leaving through the Professor's entrance and making her way towards
said office. She had some 'cleaning up' to do.
However, she'd only made it a small partway there, a couple minutes,
when she felt the wards inform her someone powerful had just tried to
apparate into the school, but crashed into the wards.
She stopped for a moment in her walk, smirked to herself, turned around
and began to walk to the Entrance Hall; her cane, tapping away each
second step. Estimating the distance and paces of the individuals
involved - her and Dumbledore - she knew she'd make it there in plenty
of time to greet him as he walked in through the main doors. His distance
was almost five times greater than her own. She knew there was no need
to hurry.
Albus might think he was a master of the craft of always looking like he
knew what he was doing, but she'd perfected it before he'd even attended
Hogwarts as a 'Firstie'.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After the minor injuries he sustained in the Stewart Village, followed by
the 'rude' bounce off the Hogwarts wards, Dumbledore was now limping
a little more. However, he was ignoring the pain in his 'dignified haste'
from the gates to the main doors of the castle. After all, he convinced
himself, it wouldn't do for the students to actually see him running.
It wasn't as if he could, anyway. That three minutes of running from
where he felt the wards ripped from his control to the apparation point
outside the main entrance to the village had winded him enough he
couldn't have run the distance from the gates to the doors if he'd tried.
And it would leave him panting in over-exertion as he walked in through
the doors if he'd succeeded. Not a good look.
Finally reaching the doors and ignoring the looks he was receiving from
the students who were outside at that moment, he strode in with his head
high and posture erect.
Marchbanks was waiting for him in the middle of the Entrance Hall. She
stood there, leaning slightly on her ever-present cane, smirking at him as
he walked in.
"Good morning, Albus," she said. "It's about time you got back from
wherever you went. Were you not aware you were required by the
School Board to attend an emergency Extraordinary Meeting, this
morning?"
"Griselda?" he frowned. "Why are you here? And I don't have time to
pander to the whining of the Board, this morning. I have far too much
important and urgent business to attend."
"Oh?" she asked, as it appeared he was about to turn away and head
towards 'his' office. "And what sort of important and urgent business took
you away from what should be your duties to the school? After all, you'd
already been away for a week. I'd think your duties in the school would
be far more important than anything outside of it."
"If you must know," he snapped, "I went to see Minerva to see if we could
come up with a way to get her reappointed to her proper post as Deputy
Headmistress.
"Now, if you'll excuse me, I have things I need to do."
"I will not excuse you, Albus," she returned. "As Headmistress, I need to
speak with you about what, if any, role you will continue to play in this
school."
With a start of shock he stared at her. "What?" he exclaimed.
"You heard me, Albus," she smirked. "If there's a problem with your
hearing then that is something we'll have to take into consideration―"
"I am the Headmaster of Hogwarts, Griselda," he snapped.
"No, Albus, you are not," she calmly replied. "Your failure, whether
through arrogance or inattention, to attend the emergency meeting of the
School Board was the last straw for them, as they say. You have been
removed from the post as Headmaster and I have been appointed in your
place."
"No, damn it!" he snarled. "I will not allow this! They have NO RIGHT!"
Then he spun on his heel and stormed off, towards what was now his old
office.
Snickering under her breath, as she knew where the man was heading
she turned to serenely follow along. Again, she knew there was no hurry
as Dumbledore would not be able to get into the office until she allowed
him to.
Immediately on the switching of the wards to her, the gargoyle that
guarded the office stairs entrance would now only respond to her until
she set a password with it that would allow the staff and anyone else to
enter.
A couple of minutes later the old man stormed down the passage way
that was the last until the gargoyle. As he approached, he snarled at it,
"Sugar Quills!"
However, it didn't move.
Now having to stop before it, he snarled, "I said, 'Sugar Quills', blast it!"
Again, the gargoyle didn't move.
"Blood Pops!... Lemon Drops!... Ice Mice!" he finished with a yell.
Finally, after the morning he'd had let alone the previous evening in that
very office, he snatched his wand out of his belt and cast an overpowered
blasting curse at the base of the statue.
A split-second later he was unconscious, lying sprawled on the floor
about ten feet back from where he'd stood when he'd cast. The last thing
he saw was his curse reflected back at him.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Approaching about two minutes later, Marchbanks hobbled forward until
she stood looking down at the old man lying so undignified on the floor.
His wand was in the passageway a little apart from him, obviously
released from his hand as he dropped.
Merrily cackling to herself, she summoned his wand off the floor and into
her hand before she dropped it onto his chest.
"May I have a house elf, please?" she sweetly called.
With an almost silent pop one stood almost to her side. "Whats can Nippy
bes doing for new Headmistress lady?" it asked.
"Nippy, is it?" she asked.
"Yes, Headmistress lady," the elf replied with a small bob.
With a pleased smirk at the elf she indicated Dumbledore and said,
"Would you please pop Albus, here, to the Infirmary and into one of the
beds there? Place his wand on the bedside table and inform the school
medi-wizard he stunned himself trying to curse the gargoyle to the new
Headmistress's office."
"Yes, Headmistress lady," the elf replied with another short bob before it
and Dumbledore disappeared in a flash of elf magic light.
Chuckling to herself again, Marchbanks looked to the gargoyle and said,
"I am Lady Griselda Marchbanks, new Headmistress of Hogwarts School
of Witchcraft and Wizardry. By tradition, I demand access to the spaces
beyond you so I may take up my duties.
"The new password shall be, 'May I please pass'."
The gargoyle gave a short nod and stepped to the side. As she then
stepped through the stairs beyond began to ascend, carrying her aloft.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After his meeting with Sirius, Harry escorted him back to the front door
and away before going to find Hermione. She was waiting for him with
Monica in the dinette.
As soon as he looked in, she looked up at him and asked, "Ready to go
shopping?"
"Yep," he replied. "Where's your... Wendell?"
"He won't be coming," replied Monica. "He used the excuse he needed to
go back to the surgery to catch up on office paperwork. It's the one he
often uses when he doesn't want to go anywhere."
"Why not?" he asked, confused.
"Because, at his core, my husband is a coward," she replied.
Harry thought that was a bit harsh, but that it also wasn't his place to say
anything so didn't. It didn't seem to bother Hermione. If anything, she
smirked at her mother.
Less than two minutes later they were downstairs, out through the
connecting door to the garage and into Monica's BMW.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Three and a half hours later, Harry came staggering in through the same
door in deep shock.
Not even feeling as if he had the energy to get up to his room, he made it
as far as the upper ground floor before he collapsed on one of the
armchairs in the parlour and groaned.
Hermione and Monica had followed him in and up and looked at him
with matching smirks.
"Whatever is the matter, Harry?" asked Hermione, overly sweetly. "You
look as if you've gone five rounds with a hippogriff."
"You two are evil," he moaned. "It was inhuman what you two made me
do!"
That had both Granger ladies openly grin back.
He'd just closed his eyes in bliss at being able to just sit and relax for a
while when Monica said, "Why don't you go up and change into a set of
those clothes you just bought. Wearing transfigured clothes from
wizarding robes can't be all that comfortable.
"I'm still being bossed around?" he whined, starting to sit up straighter. "I
thought turning Harry into a dress-up Barbie doll was done with!"
Not waiting for a response he groaned as he rose to his feet and trudged
his way to the stairs. If he'd looked back he'd have seen the current
female auror stationed with them suddenly fade into view as a
disillusionment charm faded away. And all three ladies grinned at one
another.
"Put on the light green collared T-shirt, black jeans and trainers, Harry,"
Hermione called up the stairs. "And grab the dark green V-necked
sweater if you're a little chilly!"
Once they heard Harry's door shut up the stairs, all three broke out into
laughter.
"He's right," grinned the auror. "You two are evil."
"Oh, diddums!" giggled Hermione. "He's just a boy. It's in their nature to
complain about clothes shopping."
"Tea?" asked Monica.
"Yes, please," said Hermione. "You'll be joining us ladies, Henrietta," she
added to the auror.
"Well, I suppose Tomas will be alright on his own," she replied. "He is,
after all - as you put it - just a boy."
With the three laughing they went to the kitchen.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
In her new office, Marchbanks set to work. First, she had the elves clear
out all of Dumbledore's personal effects and take them to the private
apartment of the Transfiguration Professor. Then had the elves collect her
own from her private residence where they were already packed and
waiting and put them in their place.
Once everything was as she wanted it, she went down the stairs to the
office.
As with the Head's apartment, she had the elves clear out all of
Dumbledore's personal effects, including Fawkes's roost, and had them
moved to the Transfiguration Professor's office next to the same
apartment. And was surprised when a lot of things remained she thought
were the old man's personal effects.
A quick call for an elf and asking for an explanation, she was told that
none of what was left was actually the Headmaster's personal property.
"It belongs to the school?" she asked.
"Not all, Headmistress lady," replied the elf.
"What doesn't?" she asked. "And do you know who it belongs to?"
The elf then indicated various things around the office and to whom they
rightfully belonged. She was shocked. She had no idea that, according to
what she'd just learned, Dumbledore was such a thief.
"Alright," she sighed. "The possessions that rightfully belong to each
person, I want you to clearly label with a name for that person. I then
want you to create for me a written list of the lot. And, finally, you can
shift it to secure storage. Then I am to be the only one to know where
that is and I am to be the only one to be able to have you bring
something back out of it.
"After it's all done, come and give me the list and let me know it's done,"
she instructed. "But, not a word about this to anyone else, got that?"
"Yes, Headmistress lady," the little elf replied before it popped away.
Suddenly, all the items that had been identified as belonging to others
also quickly flashed away.
Less than a minute later the elf was back and handing her a scroll, she
asked it to wait. Unrolling it she found a detailed list with items
rightfully belonging to six different individuals of more than two dozen
items. Well over half of them belonged to Lord Potter, mostly books.
Rolling it up back up with a sigh, she placed it in a pocket of her robes
and then set about, with the help of the elves, reorganising the office. She
needed that done before she could move her own office furniture,
supplies and items in.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
More than half the castle away, Dumbledore suddenly woke to find
himself staring at an amused medi-wizard with a wand in his hand. He
was lying on a bed in the Infirmary.
"What happened and who're you?" he immediately demanded.
"In order, you were delivered by an elf to the bed here, unconscious due
to a reflected Bombarda curse, I believe," replied the wizard. "And,
secondly, I'm Medi-wizard Robinson. I'm the new medi-wizard for the
school."
"Where's Pomfrey?" Dumbledore demanded.
With the smile on Robinson's face suddenly dropping away, he stared
back and replied, "She's in Saint Mungo's and quit. I replaced her. I
believe you were told that, last night."
As Dumbledore struggled to sit up, Robinson said, "I wouldn't do that, if I
were you."
"You don't get to order me around," Dumbledore snapped back. "Where's
my wand and glasses?"
"As the school medi-wizard, when it comes to the inhabitants of this
school I most certainly do get to order you around when it comes to your
health," he replied. "My word is law in matters of health. It's in my
contract.
"As for your wand and glasses, if you looked, you'd see they're on the
bedside table."
Quickly picking up his glasses, donning them and then grabbing his wand
- the same wand that hadn't worked right for him since he'd recovered it
from that infernal Bones woman - he hopped off the side of the bed and
staggered as he tried to take a step.
"I did warn you," said the medi-wizard. But he didn't reach for him to
help steady him. As far as Robinson was concerned, if the old fool
wouldn't do as he was told then whatever injuries he sustained falling
over after being told not to get out of bed were his own damned fault.
Dumbledore snarled something unintelligible back, braced himself up
and made his way from the wing without even bothering to thank the
man.
As he walked he felt his energy returning. He also noticed he no longer
felt the pain in his half-twisted ankle, in his left hip near his tailbone or
right shoulder he'd developed as a result of Minerva's 'unwarranted
attack', getting bounced off the wards or landing on the cobblestones
outside the main gate. So, the medi-wizard had at least healed him.
Arriving back at the gargoyle, Dumbledore demanded entrance. The
gargoyle ignored him.
As he stood there, fuming, it was some seconds later before the gargoyle
suddenly stepped aside.
"About time," he harrumphed
Not even waiting for the stairs to raise him he climbed them to the top.
And then tried to open the door.
"Try knocking!" he heard firmly called from within as he drew his wand
to magically unlock the door.
With his temper again ratcheting up, he knocked and then tried the door.
Again, that didn't work.
Then he heard, "Come in, Albus!"
This time, the door opened for him.
He'd made it only a few steps within when he noticed the major changes
and stopped dead in his tracks.
Seeing him suddenly stop and appear shocked, Marchbanks called from
where she was sitting behind the desk, "What's the matter, Albus?"
He couldn't even call it his desk as that desk was not the one she was
sitting behind where his desk should sit.
"Do you not know where to find your office?" she smirked.
"This is my office," he snapped. "What have―"
"No, Albus," she grinned back, speaking over him. "This is my office. I
told you back in the Entrance Hall, when you were being rude then, that
you're not the Headmaster any more.
"As I'm in need of a new Professor of Transfiguration, you hold a mastery
in the subject and have already taught it once before, that's your job for
the moment."
"And I told you, Griselda," he snarled. "I'm not surrendering the post of
Headmaster.
Standing up straighter and appearing quite pious he said, "I have tenure.
I cannot be fired."
She openly laughed at him. "Oh, Albus," she chortled. "That's quite
amusing."
When he appeared confused in his anger, she explained, "You have tenure
as a professor; not as Headmaster. You've not been fired from Hogwarts.
You've been replaced as Headmaster. You're currently welcome to take
your place as Professor of Transfigurations or quit. For the moment, that
choice is yours.
"Trust me; very careful research was conducted to ensure we were right
in this."
"We?" he carefully but more quietly asked.
"We, Albus," she confirmed. "The School Board wanted to make sure to
what limits they could go to get you out of control of Hogwarts. That's
when it was discovered your tenure only applies to your position as a
professor, not your position as Headmaster.
"Your position as Headmaster only occurred after you convinced old
Headmaster Dippet and the then School Board to no longer offer tenure
to professors. Your new position as Headmaster, therefore, did not fall
under the clause of tenure you held as a tenured Professor of the time.
"As such, they could remove you from the post of Headmaster. With
Minerva no longer permitted to teach, that freed up the post of Professor
of Transfiguration for you. That's the position you're now, once again,
filling.
"You'll find your personal effects already in your apartments and office."
With a gesture of dismissal, she added, "You may go, Albus. I have a
great deal of work ahead of me." Then she chose to ignore him.
Feeling impotent in his internalised rage, Dumbledore spun about, ready
to head out the door again. His own recollection of the rule regarding
tenure-ship showed she was right.
"Oh," she said, just as Dumbledore reached the door. When he spun back
to glare at her she said, "And don't think you'll be offered Deputy
Headmaster or Head of Gryffindor back, either. As your tenure-ship
doesn't apply to either of those positions, I have in mind others for those."
With a silent snarl of rage he stormed from the office, not even bothering
to slam the door behind him. He just left it open.
Marchbanks gave a flick of her wand and the door closed and latched.
Then let loose a full-throated laugh for someone of her age. It came out
as a cackle.
"Was that absolutely necessary?" asked one of the portraits in a chiding
voice. None of them had spoken until that point.
Glancing up she saw it was old Eupraxia Mole. The one, she remembered,
who never spoke to Dumbledore.
"Yes, dear," she replied. "Albus needs to learn his place. If I tried to be
gentle about it he'd just pretend I didn't say anything, ignore me as he
would usually try to and fill the air with platitudes. He needs a firm
hand."
Phinneas Black said, "If I remember correctly, you were a Slytherin, were
you not?"
"Ravenclaw," she replied. "You're thinking of my sister. I was also Head of
House for Ravenclaw for a while and Acting Deputy Headmistress for a
time, too."
"Pity," he said. "Your move with the School Board was worthy of a
Slytherin."
"Just because one was not sorted into that House, does not presuppose
one was not worthy of that House, dear," she smirked. "I simply did not
want to be in the same House as my sister, at the time. And the Hat
acquiesced to my wish."
"All too true," the Hat suddenly said from off its perch on one of the
shelves. "And I still say you would have been a great Slytherin."
"Oh," snorted Phinneas in amusement. "A true Slytherin, then."
She didn't bother to reply and neither did the Hat.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Later in the morning, in the clothes Hermione had 'ordered' him to wear,
Harry felt he had finally 'recovered' from the horrifying experience of
being taken clothes shopping by the Granger women. That was also when
Wendell returned from his and his wife's dental surgery.
Harry immediately took him aside, glared at the man and asked, "What
did I ever do to you?"
Wendell grinned back and asked, "I take it shopping did not go well?"
"Oh, it went well enough," he grumbled. "For the ladies, that is. For me,
I've never felt so much like an... an... object... as I did today.
"They treated me like a 'dress up doll'. 'Try this on, Harry.' 'Hold your arms
out while I check to see the fit, Harry.' 'Take that off and try this colour,
Harry. That colour doesn't suit you.' 'No, Harry, not that. Try this,
instead.' 'How do those pants feel in the crotch, Harry?' 'Slowly turn
around, Harry. I want to see how well those look fitting your bum.'"
By the time he'd ranted out, Harry was looking a little morose while
Wendell was trying... and almost succeeding... not to laugh.
"It's not funny," Harry moped. "They also don't seem to understand that, if
Cousin Andromeda gets her hands on me and has me taking potions that
are meant to fix my size and weight, all those clothes aren't going to fit
me any more within a few weeks. Then we're just going to have to do it
all over again.
"When I tried to tell them that buying that much clothing was just a
waste of money, Hermione said, 'If you have that much money you can
think the cost of erecting expensive wards on my parents' home was
insignificant, then you have more than enough to buy two full
wardrobes.' I think she was actually using the opportunity to punish me
for something I did that wasn't wrong for me to do!"
That was it for Wendell. Harry's all-too-accurate impression of his
daughter broke the dam that he was struggling to maintain to hold his
laughter in. He was now leaning against the wall, trying to hold himself
up, as he was letting forth with great gales of laughter. He even had tears
flowing from his eyes.
Harry crossed his arms and stood there, staring at the man, both annoyed
and not a little hurt by his host's amusement at his earlier 'predicament'.
"Oh, God!" Wendell managed to get out after a good deal of seconds.
"Tha... that impression of Hermione was bloody hil-ar-ious!" And lost
himself to laughter for a little while longer.
Harry gave a huff of annoyance and headed outside onto the back patio
to mull over his thoughts.
When he thought it over in his own mind he could see how it looked
from Wendell's point of view. If something like that had happened to
someone like Neville, he'd probably be laughing his arse off, too.
Wendell found him outside about ten minutes later.
Sitting in the other half of the pair of patio chairs of which Harry was
sitting on, he said, "I'm sorry, Harry. I should have warned you."
"Warned me?" he asked.
Nodding, Wendell replied, "I know what Monica is like when it comes to
clothes shopping and I knew Hermione was turning out similar. I should
have joined you so I could rein them both in.
"I didn't because... well, I wanted you to experience what it was like."
Curious, Harry asked, "Why?"
Wendell thought how to answer for a bit before he said, "I wanted to see
how well you'd handle it."
Harry's expression of curiosity deepened into puzzlement. "Hunh?"
"Harry," his host kindly said. "For someone who is obviously incredibly
smart - you had to be to pull off your fake persona for so long at such a
young age and not have anyone figure it out - on one subject, at least,
you're also not a little dense."
"Alright," Harry gave a slow nod, still confused. "What am I missing?"
"It's not your fault, mind," said Wendell. "By the sounds of it... and from
what little the aurors, you and Hermione have let slip... you were abused
while under the supposed care of your relatives."
Harry's expression immediately turned to one Wendell would call
'guarded'.
"And that's one example of what I'm talking about," he continued,
ignoring it. "You never refer to them as your 'aunt and uncle'; you refer to
them as 'my relatives' directly, or 'the Dursleys' indirectly. You refer to
your cousin as 'their son'; while referring to your distantly-related
relatives on the Black side as your 'cousins'. You've even hinted obliquely
at how they've treated you, almost slipping up and telling us some of the
horrid things they've done to you.
"So, let me ask you directly, did or have they ever shown you love?"
Relaxing a bit, Harry thought about it and replied, "I saw them say they
loved each other many times."
"And by your answer I'm also hearing that they never directed that love
towards you."
Harry frowned and Wendell could see the boy also defensively curl up.
"No."
"The fault for that lays entirely with them, Harry," Wendell gently said.
"Denying a child love is simply another form of child abuse; one that's
emotional, in nature.
"Why it's considered child abuse and not just neglect is because the child
learns how to recognise love directed to them by others by the love
directed to them by those who are supposed to care for them. And it's
from experiencing that love that they learn to love back.
"What you also need to understand... and accept... is that there are people
who do love you, right now. I have no doubt that your parents loved you,
very much. After all, they gave their lives to protect you so that you
could live.
"But, there are people, in the here and now, that also love you. Your
godfather, Sirius, is clearly one of those. And... so is my daughter."
Harry was beginning to think of his relationship with his godfather and
the man's focus on him when he heard Wendell mention Hermione. It
was such a shock he tried to whip around so fast to look at the man he
almost toppled himself off the chair.
Managing to unconsciously catch himself in time he stared, almost
horrified, at his friend's father.
"I thought so," said a satisfied Wendell. "You didn't know."
"No!" blurted Harry. "W-we're just friends!"
"You're lying to yourself, Harry. You just don't realise it," Wendell firmly
stated back. "You don't see it because, as I said, you lacked love being
directed at you as a child. Sirius loves you, Hermione loves you and I
dare say there are others I don't know about yet.
"Don't try and deny it; try and accept it. Don't just think me wrong until
you've given yourself time to seriously think about it.
"You're a smart young man. Analyse it, then reach your conclusion.
Otherwise, all you're doing is leaping to a conclusion before you've
analysed the evidence. Isn't that something you accuse those in the
wizarding world of doing? Leaping to conclusions based on opinions
rather than confirmed facts?"
When Harry didn't answer, but appeared to be deep in thought, Wendell
said, "I'll leave you to it." He then rose from his seat and returned inside.
Wendell didn't know if Harry heard him or not because the boy-man
didn't react. But he knew, somewhere in the young man's mind, that he
did.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After finally going to his 'new' office, the one that was his back until he
became Headmaster in 1969, Dumbledore walked in and sighed. All his
personal effects from out of his office were now in there. The larger items
were standing on their own; the smaller items were all in open-topped
boxes. Even his desk from out of his... the Head's... office was there,
having replaced Minerva's. So was his chair.
After a long and disappointed sigh before drawing the Elder Wand out of
his belt, he began rearranging things back to how he preferred it. The
desk was moved to allow light from the window not to fall directly on
the desktop, his office chair tucked in behind it. This then necessitated
the moving of the shelving.
Next he moved his small tables into places he wanted them and placed
chairs either side of one. He'd often sit on those chairs at that table with
a friend, just to discuss matters. With the office being somewhat smaller
than the Headmaster's office some of his little tables that used to only
have trinkets placed on them had to be removed completely.
Once the furniture was laid out he then began to empty the boxes of their
contents onto the desk, the shelves and the occasional tables.
As he worked he soon realised he was missing what he considered some
of his things. Most of the important books were gone; so were other small
items he'd acquired over the years. But, more importantly, so were the
little trinkets that were monitors he used to monitor young Harry - his
health, his mental state, even the scrying device he could use to find the
boy if he was to ever 'disappear' that was based on the boy's blood.
He became so focused on his 'Harry Potter' monitors missing, the reason
for why the items, including the others, were missing never crossed his
mind.
Angrily, he called for an elf. It arrived with a small pop of displaced air.
"Yes, Perfesser Whiskers?" it asked.
"It's Head... damn it," he began. "Where are the rest of my personal
effects?"
The elf quickly looked around and replied, "Theys be in Perfesser
Whiskerses apartment."
Snapping his gaze to the door leading into the apartment, he took the few
steps needed to reach the door, opened it and entered.
After his eyes quickly swept the room he yelled, "Elf!"
"Yes, Perfesser Whiskers?" the little elf asked. It was standing in the
doorway.
"I mean the rest of my things from out of my office!" he snapped at it.
"Headmistress lady said to elveses to bring all Perfesser Whiskerses
thingsies to Perfesser Whiskerses new office. Elveses dids that."
"There were things in my office that are not here!" snapped the old man.
"Where are they?"
"There were thingsies in Headmistress lady's office that were not
Perfesser Whiskerses thingsies," replied the elf. "Headmistress lady told
elveses to puts them elsewhere and only Headmistress lady to know.
Headmistress lady told elves not to tell."
"Bring them to me," he ordered.
"Headmistress lady be tellings elveses not to brings dem to anyone else
but Headmistress lady," replied the elf. "Elveses be obeying new
Headmistress lady, not Perfesser Whiskers."
"Damn it!" snarled Dumbledore. "GET OUT!" he bellowed.
The little elf popped away without another word.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
15. Ward Testing
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 Fifteen - Ward Testing
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Noticing the time was getting on to lunch, Harry re-entered the house
and went into the kitchen. He didn't know if Wendell had eaten yet and
was very sure no one else had, either. So, set to making lunch.
Cooking helped him think. It's what he used to do while at the Dursleys.
The Dursleys left him alone while he was cooking, so he could use that
time just to figure things out.
He found himself standing there for a few moments trying to clear his
mind of what Wendell had told him so couldn't think of what to make.
"Dobby!" he softly called.
"Yes, Master Harry?" asked the elf.
"Help us out, Dobs," he replied. "I can't think of anything to make for
lunch. Wendell's got me all confuzzled over something."
Dobby took a long look at his master and said, "Dobby will cook. Master
Harry Potter, Sir, be in no fit state to be cookings now."
"Master Harry Potter, Sir, be needing... damn it. I need to be cooking at
the moment, because I need to think about something. And cooking helps
me do that," explained Harry. "I tell you what; how about you be head
chef and I help? That way you can teach me something."
"Dobby cannot be havings Master Harry Potter, Sir, helping Dobby," the
elf firmly replied. "Wizards not be helping house elveses; house elveses be
helping wizards. It be not right, other way 'round."
Harry sighed, stood there and massaged the bridge of his nose. Taking his
hand away he said, "Fine! You cook or make lunch and I'll go find
something else to do."
"Thank you, Master Harry!" declared the elf, happy he wouldn't have his
master in the way when he was trying to do his job. Then got right to it
as Harry walked back out of the kitchen trying to think of something else
to do.
As he walked out and into the main part of the house he almost collided
with the senior male auror currently stationed there. "Sorry!" he blurted.
"No, My Lord," replied the auror. "My fault."
Harry was about to disagree when he just shook it off and asked, "Where
is everyone?" And negligently gestured.
The auror looked off into the distance for a moment before he looked
back and replied, "Mister Granger is in his office, Madam and Miss
Granger are up in Miss Granger's room on the top floor."
"Hunh!" said Harry, giving a verbal nod. "Thank you."
The auror gave a small smile and a nod before he moved off downstairs
towards the servants' quarters, while Harry headed for the stairs heading
up.
He'd go see the two ladies and hoped he wasn't interrupting something
important.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Hermione and her mother were chatting and had been catching up with
what was going on with the wider Granger and Puckle families - Puckle
was Monica's maiden name. However, that's only what Hermione thought
was going on. Monica was subtly trying to work out just how in love her
daughter was with the 'messy, raven-haired boy with those enchanting
green eyes' who was their current guest.
To that end, she also had her daughter telling her stories about the boy.
She was using the words and terms her daughter used about him,
together with her expressions, to gauge that.
She'd finally developed a very good idea when there was knock on the
door.
"Come in!" Hermione called. It was, after all, her room.
The door gently opened to see Harry standing there. To Hermione he
looked a little confused. Then, when he looked at her, he appeared
slightly more confused.
"Harry?" she asked. "What's wrong?"
He gave himself a little shake, smiled at her and said, "Nothing, really. It's
just something I need to figure out for myself.
"I just thought I would come up to see if you ladies had anything
interesting to do."
"Don't you usually cook when at home and fly when at Hogwarts when
you need to figure something out?" she asked.
He gave a nod and replied, "Yes, but I can't fly here and I just let Dobby
toss me out of the kitchen. He's cooking lunch, by the way."
"You could always study," she suggested.
Harry looked back in shock for a moment before he suddenly grinned,
snapped his fingers and said, "I knew there was something I needed to do!
I'll be right back!"
He suddenly spun about and ran across the landing from the doorway
and down the stairs.
Hermione looked at her mother and was about to say something when
she heard Harry come running back up the stairs again.
He burst in through the still open doorway, holding a book. Excitedly, he
walked across the room and handed it to her.
Taking it she read the cover, 'Occlumency for Beginners'
"Occlumency?" she asked. "What's that?"
"Occlumency is the magical mind art of sorting out your thoughts and
memories, as well as protecting your mind from a Legilimencer," he
replied. "As well as improving your ability to retain memory of what you
read, see, hear or experience it gives you significant protection from
someone using Legilimency against you."
"What's Legilimency?" she asked.
"Legilimency is the magical mind art that grants you the ability to... enter
someone's mind to view their memories, scan their surface thoughts and,
in extreme cases, interfere with their ability to think," he replied.
"Severus Snape was a master at it. And Dumbledore used to use him to
spy on the minds of people, especially those around me; including you."
Both women appeared horrified.
"He could do that?" squeaked Hermione.
"That would be an invasion of privacy," said an offended Monica.
Harry nodded back to both with a serious expression on his face.
"What about Dumbledore?" Hermione hesitantly asked.
"From all the experience I had of the man, it's not something he ever did
to me," he replied. "I think he couldn't. Being able to become a
Legilimencer is not something anyone or everyone can do. And I have no
idea how Snape was able to develop it.
"I only know Snape can do it because he tried it on me, right from the
start - in that first potions class we had with him in First Year. That's why
he was staring at me so much.
"Every time I felt him trying it would cause my scar to hurt; and he tried
quite a few times, especially when he was with Dumbledore in
Dumbledore's office with just me. But, when I was in Dumbledore's office
without Snape there, or when I met Dumbledore anywhere else, I never
felt that pain.
"I think it's part of my mother's blood protection she placed on me that's
blocking it. And why I think I'm immune to the Obliviate and Killing
curses."
"Which is why you think Dumbledore can't do it," she added.
He grinned and nodded back before he said, "Snape's ability as a
Legilimencer is one of the reasons why I think Dumbledore kept him
around."
Looking down at the book and brushing her hand in a caress across the
cover, she asked, "Have you read this?"
"I've read it, yes," he replied. "However, I can't do it. Again, I think it has
to do with my mother's blood protection. As I said, it's another form of
mind magic."
"And you're immune," she added.
Again, he nodded.
"Thank you," she quietly replied, looking back to him.
He grinned and said, "You're welcome."
"Thank you, Harry," said Monica. "I don't like the idea one of these...
Legilimencers... could read my daughter's mind."
Setting the book on her bedside table, Hermione turned back and said,
"Now, you wanted something to do. How about, after lunch, we go for a
walk around the neighbourhood a little, so you get a feel for the place?"
Surprised by the idea, Harry replied, "That would be nice, thank you."
Stepping back he said, "In that case, I'll leave you ladies to your chat. I
have something I need to ask Sirius."
"You forgot to ask this morning?" asked Hermione.
"You could say that," he smiled.
He'd only just made it out the door when Dobby popped in beside him.
"Lunch is served, Master Harry," he said.
"Thank you, Dobby," he replied before turning back to the door.
"Ladies, I don't know if you noticed but Dobby just popped up to let us
know lunch is ready."
"Excellent," said Monica. "I'm starved!"
Hermione just rolled her eyes.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Walking into the Great Hall in a new set of robes due to the damage to
the set he wore to the Clan Stewart village - stalking in, really -
Dumbledore ignored everyone and made his way directly to his chair at
the head table. However, on arriving there he realised his chair was now
no longer 'his' chair. And it had been removed, anyway.
Marchbanks was now sitting at what used to be his place on a chair with
a more comfortable-shaped back, with no armrests; not one that was
straight-backed like his own. And was showing a weakness of fortitude by
sitting on a large cushion, to boot!
He had been a little delayed as he had stopped a couple of Gryffindor
students to find out if they knew where young Harry had gone when he
left the school. One of them had told him they thought the boy had gone
to stay with Miss Granger, as the two had been inseparable since the First
Task - and they'd also heard Neville Longbottom tell someone else, but
didn't mention who.
As he looked at Marchbanks, she noticed and said, "Good afternoon,
Albus." Then indicated a chair quite a few away from her own. "As
Professor of Transfiguration, your seat is down there."
Moving to a chair only two separated from hers, he said, "I can sit here."
"Can, yes," she replied. But, as he began to reach for it to pull it out and
away from the table so he could sit on it, she added, "However, that is
the seat for the Head of Ravenclaw. And you, Professor Dumbledore, are
not that person.
"You may sit on any seat that is not my own or the three either side of
me, so long as no one has already chosen that seat for themselves. The
closest either side of me, for the time being, are reserved respectively for
the Headmistress and Highmaster of Beauxbatons and Durmstrang. The
next two either side of me are for the four Heads of Houses. Left to right,
they are Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff and Slytherin; the same
current order as the four house tables.
"Oh! And Hagrid, due to his size and weight, has the special chair on the
end on my left. Same as he did when you were Headmaster; and
Professor Flitwick has the special chair two to the right of Professor
Sprout, due to his diminutive stature.
"Now, please do go and sit down. I wish to return to my lunch and being
brought up to date as to the happenings of the school by Professor
Sprout." Then she turned away from him to her right to return to her
lunch and discussion with Sprout.
Angered by the rebuke and brush-off, Dumbledore had little choice but to
stomp off towards her left down near Hagrid's chair. He sat in the one
next to the half-giant's. However, Hagrid was not currently there.
No one was currently sitting near where he chose to sit.
Finally turning his attention towards the house tables, he was shocked to
see just how few students actually remained. More than three quarters of
the Slytherin students were missing, half of the Hufflepuffs, about a third
of the Ravenclaws and about two thirds of the Gryffindors. Looking along
the Gryffindor table he even saw that the Weasley children were missing.
However, even more annoying for him, was that Harry Potter was
missing. A second quick check and he saw that Miss Granger was not
there, either.
He thought, 'That was right before I foolishly allowed my temper to
escape my normally tight rein.' And frowned to himself.
'Everything was humming along exactly as planned,' he thought as he
began to build a lunch plate for himself. 'Right up until the point young
Harry entered the arena for the first task. Then everything turned into
dragon dung.
'How had I missed it?' he wondered. 'How had Severus missed it?' And
then remembered that Severus had told him the boy seemed to have
natural Occlumency barriers.
'Not Occlumency barriers,' he thought, 'Barriers that existed because of
the soul fragment of young Tom that resides in the boy's head.' He'd
already figured out that it was the soul fragment that was blocking any
Legilimency attempt on the boy, similar to how a werewolf's mind was
protected by the inner wolf.
That's how they both came up with the idea of using Legilimency on
young Ronald and the Granger girl. If they couldn't get Harry's thoughts
and memories from him, they'd get them second-hand from the youngest
Weasley boy or the girl.
It was not until the First Task he realised the boy was also keeping
secrets from the both of them. He suspected that part of that was because
he'd figured out that Molly, the foolish woman, had set in place her own
plans for the boy. She too, it seems, was after the Potter fortune. That
was something else he'd missed; but the boy, it also seemed, hadn't.
After finishing his meal he quietly left the Hall to return to his apartment
in the Transfiguration corridor. Now that his new office and apartment
had been set up and, as he had no classes to teach or assignments to
mark, he was left with nothing to do within the school for the moment.
'Time to go talk to young Harry,' he thought. 'He needs to see reason and
return to the safety of the school.'
He quickly checked his effects and found his private notebook, charmed
so only he could open it. He flicked through it to the back where he had
the addresses of certain people. One was the muggle address and
apparation co-ordinates of the Granger girl. He quickly refreshed his
memory of them both.
Using the floo in the office after first setting his password for it, he flooed
out to the Leaky Cauldron. And, as soon as he stepped out of the floo at
the other end, apparated away.
Moments later and for the second time that day, he found himself
smacking hard into an anti-apparation barrier. Then everything went
black.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Harry and Hermione were both checking to make sure they had
everything they needed for a walk around the neighbourhood when there
was a deep, reverberating two-tone sound of two gongs being struck.
The male auror who was with them snapped out an order. "Go into the
servants' quarter's parlour and stay there! Do not come out until you're
told to!"
Then, with his wand already drawn, he headed for the front door. The
other auror, the female, had already reached it.
Seeing the stunned look on Hermione's face, Harry immediately grabbed
her by her upper arm, to drag her along if necessary, and charged
through the parlour into the transverse rear hallway, down the stairs and
through to the servants' quarters as directed.
"Harry!" Hermione exclaimed, as she was being dragged.
Ignoring her, he didn't let her go until they entered the quarters.
As soon as they were inside he released her arm and drew his wand,
ready to defend the both of them, if necessary.
"Harry, you didn't have to drag me," she complained.
Both Granger parents, hustling in not a few moments later, looked to
both teens and gave relieved expressions.
"Maybe not," he replied to the girl. "However, you were just standing
there looking shocked and surprised. We might not have had time for you
to snap yourself out of it. I wasn't prepared to gamble with your safety
like that."
"I take it that was one of the wards," said Wendell, before Hermione
could retort.
"Yep," replied Harry. "Someone just tried to apparate onto the property.
By the dual tone we heard, I think it was Dumbledore."
"If it was, wouldn't he have been stunned?" asked Monica. She had moved
to stand with her daughter. Because he was looking at the door he didn't
see her hold a finger to her daughter's lips when it looked like she was
going to get angry with Harry.
"He should have been stunned," replied Harry, still looking at the door.
"However, we've not been able to test them yet to make sure. I think you
can consider this a... 'test in the field'."
"I think you mean 'field test under actual conditions'," muttered Monica.
But Harry could see she was only voicing her thoughts because she was a
little worried.
Three minutes later, which felt like over an hour, one of the aurors
announced themselves outside the door before they opened it and walked
in. It was the young male and he had a smug smirk on his face.
"Dumbledore?" asked Harry.
"Dumbledore," he nodded. "We found the old man laying on the footpath
just inside the front gate. He was, as you'd expect, knocked out cold.
"It also appears he managed to bang himself up a bit when he landed.
He's got a dislocated shoulder - his left shoulder. Your house elf was
standing over him looking ready and willing to hex him into next week."
"He's a little protective," muttered Harry.
"After we sent a message off to Madam Bones about it, my partner
portkeyed with him direct to the DMLE," continued the auror. "She'll be
back after Dumbledore's been handed over and she's given a report of the
incident. In the meantime, we can expect a replacement for her to arrive
within a minute or two."
The auror suddenly stiffened and looked off into the distance, as did
Harry. He, too, felt the alert. Coming back to himself the auror smiled
and said, "That was quick. They're here."
As the four followed him out of the servants' quarters, now the auror
detail temporary break rooms, there was a knock on the front door.
He spun to them and said, "For a moment or two, please wait here. As I'm
on my own I want to take that extra precaution."
"We'll wait," said Wendell.
The auror opened the door with his wand at the ready while using the
door frame as a protective barrier, saw who it was, smiled and invited
them in. Harry immediately recognised Master Auror Robards.
"Folks," smiled the Master Auror.
Coming around Robards, the young auror, Auror Cassidy, made the quick
introductions. "Master Auror, this is Doctors Wendell and Monica Granger
and their daughter, Hermione; together with Lord Potter.
"Doctors Granger, Miss Granger and Lord Potter, this is―"
"Master Auror Robards," finished Harry. "Nice to see you again, auror."
"And you, Lord Potter, Miss Granger," he replied before looking to
Wendell and Monica. "Nice to meet you, folks. My first name is Gawain."
"So, Brian was telling us..." started Monica.
'Brian!' thought Harry. 'That's the young auror's name!'
"... That Mister Dumbledore was injured in his... collision?... with the
wards." she continued.
"Collision is a pretty good word for it. He dislocated his shoulder,"
nodded Robards. "Our Healer had him to rights with that in only a
moment. Popped it back while he was still stunned; then healed the
bruising."
"I certainly hope they're not going to just wake him up and release him,"
said Harry.
"Not happening, Lord Potter," said Robards. "You can expect an important
visit, very soon, so arrangements can be made or changed."
"Well, after all this excitement, I think I'll put the kettle on," said Monica,
turning and heading for the kitchen.
"Hermione and I were just about to head out for a walk around the
neighbourhood," said Harry.
"I'd rather you not do that, at the moment," said Cassidy.
"As would I," added Robards. "As I said, I believe you'll be receiving
visitors soon."
Harry gave a sigh and muttered, "Fiiiine!"
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Just as suddenly as the previous time that day, Dumbledore woke with a
start to notice he was lying flat on his back with a healer or medi-wizard
leaning over him with wand drawn.
"He's awake," said the healer, pulling away.
"Of course, I'm awake, you blithering idiot," muttered the old man, trying
to sit up.
"I'll thank you not to abuse my staff, Mister Dumbledore," snapped a voice
Dumbledore immediately recognised and hated - Bones.
"Ah, Amelia," said the old man, swallowing his desire to snarl at the
woman.
"Pris-on-er Dumbledore," she shot right back, deliberately drawing out
and emphasising his 'title'.
As Dumbledore swung his legs to sit on the edge of the bed he realised he
wasn't on a bed, after all; it was a bunk. He was, yet again, in a cell
within the DMLE. And, again, he was missing his wand, glasses and
portkeys.
With a sigh he quietly asked, "Why am I back here?"
"Criminal Trespass," she replied.
"You are in error, Amelia," he said.
"Am I, Prisoner Dumbledore?" she asked back. "That's peculiar, Prisoner
Dumbledore, because you were found stunned unconscious at the scene of
the crime."
"Then someone has been playing games, Madam Bones," he declared. "I
was on my way to visit the family of a magical ward of mine when it
seems some foul chicanery has been involved."
"And what foul chicanery would that be, Mister Dumbledore?" she
politely asked.
"Someone has erected an illegal anti-apparation jinx or ward around her
home," he replied. "It will need to be investigated, at once."
"Very well," she said. "And what is the name of this magical ward of
yours, around whose home you believe an illegal anti-apparation jinx or
ward has been erected?"
"Her name is Miss Hermione Granger, muggleborn," he replied. "A
student of mine."
"Well, that's surprising," said Bones. "On a multiple number of levels."
He frowned at her and asked, "Oh? Because someone would erect an anti-
apparation ward around the home of a muggleborn under-aged student?"
"Nope," she said. "It's surprising for the following reasons: One; there is
no record of you being the current magical guardian of anyone, any
longer, Professor of Transfigurations, Albus Dumbledore. Two; Miss
Hermione Granger's magical guardian is Madam Minerva McGonagall.
Three; according to the first two points, you had no business being there.
Four; there is an anti-apparation ward on the home of Miss Hermione
Granger, but it is not illegal; it is there with the permission of the owner
occupiers of the home. Five; your arrival point for your apparation was...
rudely... well within the property boundary. And, six; and this is the one
which changes your charge from simple Trespass to Criminal Trespass,
Lord Potter was also on the property at the time and you were warned
during your very recent trial what would likely happen should you
bother Lord Potter. You, crashing into the wards on a property in which
he was in, setting off alarms all over the place, means he was bothered.
"In the short time you've been back in custody, I've already heard from
Lord Black, who had a monitor on the wards. He's pressing charges
against you. I also have an appointment with Lord Potter; who, I've no
doubt, is also pressing charges against you. And I'll be speaking with
Doctor and Doctor Wendell and Monica Granger who, as owners of the
property, I've no doubt will also wish to press charges against you.
"Oh, and just so you know, I'm always looking to the safety of our Lords
and Ladies as it's part of my job description. To that end I made enquiries
into the backgrounds of both Doctors Granger.
"Doctor Wendell Granger is what the muggles call a Justice of the Peace;
or 'JP', for short. That gives him the authority, in the Queen's name, to
issue what is commonly referred to as a 'bench warrant'. That is, he has
the authority to issue things such as a Warrant of Arrest. He can have
people arrested with the weight of the crown backing him. Theoretically,
he can order Master Auror Scrimgeour, for instance, to go to Parkinson
House, enter without permission to do so from the Parkinsons and arrest
Lady Parkinson. Not even myself or the Minister has that right. However,
because his authority comes direct from the crown, he does! He also has
the authority of Low Justice and can sit in judicial review any case or
matter that can have a criminal conviction with a punishment of up to six
months in gaol.
"In other words, since the crime is Trespass, Magistrate Granger can have
you arrested, charged and brought before him; where he can then convict
you and have you tossed in prison for six months. And it's all completely
legal and above board... you twit!
"And Doctor Monica Granger is what is known as a Commissioner of
Declarations; or 'CD', for short. That's a title Doctor Wendell Granger
automatically has as a Justice of the Peace. That means, in both their
cases, any legal document they sign is automatically seen as a sworn
statement.
"You, Albus Dumbledore, in one foolish move, have managed to not just
kick over the legal version of a doxie nest, but have then proceeded to
stomp all over it.
"So, make yourself comfortable," she smirked at him. "You're going to be
here for a while. If Magistrate Granger... not Doctor Granger... is of a
mind, he has the legal authority under the crown to have you tossed in
Azkaban for six months."
Then stood to leave.
As she walked out, while accompanied by her people and blatantly
chuckling to herself, Dumbledore closed his eyes, leaned back against the
wall to which the bunk was bolted and sighed as if in pain.
Dumbledore knew the Grangers were well-to-do as their daughter never
needed access to the Hogwarts Muggleborn Assistance Fund. But he had
no idea they had such legal authority, as well.
The background that was developed on each student included the
student's parent's names, muggle nobility titles (if they had one),
addresses, ages, occupations and whether or not there were other
children, together with their ages and schooling.
Reviewing her file in his mind he recalled seeing the letters 'JP' after
Doctor Wendell Granger's and 'CD' after Doctor Monica Granger's names,
but thought they were related to academic qualifications or professional
associations, as such letters usually were. It was never thought to include
what other qualifications they had, as it had never occurred to anyone
that it might be important. Well, it clearly was, as in this case.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
A short while later Auror Cassidy again stiffened and stared off into
space. Then he smiled and looked back at the Grangers and Robards. He
said, "The Boss and troops are here."
Robards had been using the 'opportunity' to begin to familiarise himself
with improvements in modern muggle homes, by asking questions of the
Grangers. It had been a while since his last refresher course on moving in
the muggle world and he believed 'a wasted opportunity was wasted
time'.
Cassidy immediately moved to the door and opened it before using the
wall and frame to peek around it and out with his wand in his hand and
ready. It would not do to mess up procedure when a Master Auror was
watching you, no matter how secure you felt in your protections.
Once he'd satisfied himself as to the identity of those outside he swung
the door open and stepped out.
When he returned he was leading two more aurors, then Madam Bones,
then another three aurors - six, in total.
"We're going to need seats," said Harry.
"No need, thank you," said Bones, gesturing to him with a wave off.
"Aurors, Ward Masters, you know what you need to do."
All but two of the aurors that accompanied her all quietly said, "Yes,
Ma'am." And went back outside.
Before he had a chance to ask, she explained to Harry, "They're checking
the wards again to make sure they're all in good working order.
Dumbledore's quite the powerful wizard and he hit them with significant
force."
He nodded back.
She then turned to Wendell and Monica and said, "Magistrate Granger,
Commissioner Granger..."
That had both Granger parents give a start of shock.
"Officially, I am Lady Regent Amelia Susan Bones of the Noble and
Ancient House of Bones, Director of the DMLE. As Director of the DMLE
my title is simply 'Madam Bones', but you may call me Amelia."
"Wendell and Monica," said Wendell, gesturing between himself and
Monica. "May I ask how you come to know those titles? I didn't think
magicals paid all that much attention to the muggle world."
"I wouldn't have known if I hadn't looked into your background," she
said. "Part of my remit is the safety of our world's Lords and Ladies, even
if I'm theoretically one of those. And I looked into your backgrounds
when I learned Lord Potter was going to be staying here for a while."
"I see," nodded Wendell. "But, you should know, that title only applies on
the very rare occasions I sit the Bench. And, even then, I sit with at least
one but usually two others. In such situations, I'm addressed as 'Your
Worship'. Every other time I'm simply and informally, Doctor Granger."
"And I'm never addressed as 'Commissioner'," Monica smoothly
continued. "It's a title that's appended in writing. That is, in writing or
signing specific documents; in such situations, I'm Doctor Monica
Granger, Commissioner of Declarations. And Wendell is Doctor Wendell
Granger, Justice of the Peace."
"Justice of the Peace?" Harry suddenly asked. "Vernon applied for that
once. He felt it would raise his standing in the community to be able to
append JP to his name. He was knocked back because he failed the
psychological testing he had to undergo as part of the training for it."
Turning to Madam Bones, he continued, "For about half of the cases that
the professors and those others who sat to be tried before the
Wizengamot, in the muggle world they would have sat before a Bench of
two or three JPs. Wendell may well have been one of those two or three."
Wendell clarified, "As long as none of them deserved a conviction that
included a stay in prison over six months for any one charge, or multiple
convictions for any two or more charges that exceeded one year total,
then yes. Any cases that we find deserves greater punishment, we're
required to pass up to the Crown Court. In your case, I believe, that
would be the Wizengamot sitting in judicial review."
Seeking clarification, or simply trying to press Wendell to act, Bones
asked, "So, you can sit your Bench for Dumbledore and have him serve
up to six months prison at Azkaban for trespass?"
"No, for two reasons," he replied. "One; it's against me. I'd have to recuse
myself. And, two; sitting such a Bench would have to be with at least two
magistrates - the Chairman and one or two Wingers. You'd need at least
one more JP to join me."
When Bones looked disappointed, he grinned and said, "However, I can
issue a Warrant of Arrest. I don't know how it would apply in your world
since your Wizengamot and Ministry don't seem to care one whit about
the Laws of the Crown in the muggle world, but it will still be a valid
legal document. Under our law you can then hold him for seventy-two
hours while you and your people investigate."
She gave a shark-like grin back. "I think I can make that stick. Your
authority comes direct from the Queen, does it not?"
"Not quite," he smiled. "My authority as Justice of the Peace comes by
way of the Lord Chancellor in the name of the Sovereign. And, yes, she
eventually signs off on it. He's also the only one who can take it away
again; but only once he's sought advice from the Chief Justice and has
the Queen, again, sign off on it."
"Close enough," nodded Bones.
"What would also interest you to know is that Justices of the Peace were
created pursuant to a proclamation by then King Richard the First in the
Twelfth Century," explained Wendell. "The first official Act determining
the positions of Justices of the Peace was the Justices of the Peace Act of
1361 almost two centuries later. Therefore, it predates your Statute of
Secrecy of 1689... which has effectively and illegally seceded your world
from ours... by over three hundred years. As such, unless it has been
specifically stripped away, it should still be a law on your books."
Madam Bones gave a pained expression, let her monocle fall the length of
its chain and brought her off hand up to pinch the bridge of her nose to
massage it with her eyes winced closed.
Wendell looked at Harry with a grin. While nothing was said between
them, Harry knew the man was thinking, 'You're not the only one who
can make magicals look like daft morons with hardly any effort.'
With a sigh, Madam Bones said, "A simple 'yes' would have sufficed."
Harry was quietly chuckling, almost giggling really.
With a second sigh, she dropped her hand, opened her eyes, looked to
Harry and quietly said, "That's quite enough out of you, Lord Potter."
"Sorry," he grinned. And belied he wasn't by laughing.
"Back to the point," she said, looking back to Wendell and choosing to
ignore Harry. "If you issue a Warrant of Arrest for Dumbledore's attempt
to breach your wards, can it include that requirement that allows me to
hold him for seventy-two hours while I 'investigate'? I may not be able to
get the Wizengamot to otherwise properly punish him, but I think sitting
another seventy-two hours in one of my holding cells could be considered
punishment enough for this particular occasion."
"That, I can do," he said, rising with a wide grin. "As I said; while I can't
try his case, I can issue the Warrant. Come with me to my office."
By the time she left about thirty minutes later, Madam Bones had her
signed arrest warrant together with a signed complaint of Trespass
against the old man, had her aurors make sure the wards were still stable
and undamaged and left behind a third auror to raise their standing auror
complement from two to three.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After lunch, when she informed the staff she would be holding a staff
meeting an hour later in the faculty 'break' room immediately behind the
Great Hall, Marchbanks left the Hall to return to her office to collect her
notes for the meeting.
"I expect to see everyone there," she'd declared. "Even Argus Filch."
She'd just turned away and had taken a few steps from the table when
she turned back and said, "And someone please tell Albus if they see him.
He's 'bolted' again." Then turned back to continue on her way.
Back in her office she had collected her notes and made a few more about
what she wanted to talk to the entire staff about when the flames in her
fireplace turned green with a whoosh. A moment later she saw the face of
her friend, Amelia Bones, in the flames.
"Gris?" asked Bones.
"Amelia, dear," she called back. "Do you wish to come through?"
"Yes, please."
She gestured with her wand towards the fireplace and said, "It's open!"
Barely a couple of seconds later Bones stepped through and turned to her.
"Gris," she said.
"What brings you to be visiting an old lady with a look of such
seriousness on your face?" asked Marchbanks.
"Dumbledore's currently, once again, in one of my holding cells," replied
Bones.
Marchbanks sighed, put down her quill from where she was holding it
while writing her list of topics, sat back and said, "Tell me."
"Almost an hour ago, he tried to apparate into a property that's the home
of one of your muggleborn students - Hermione Granger," explained
Bones. "He has a pretty fair idea that's where Lord Potter is currently
staying. He's right.
"What he didn't know was that Lord Potter caused to have set up wards
on the property. And those of my aurors, who I've detailed off to
bodyguard him for the moment, have added temporary and further alert
wards to those."
"That would have come as a shock," smirked Marchbanks.
"Dumbledore tried to apparate right into the property and smacked into
the wards pretty hard," Bones grinned back. "He dislocated his left
shoulder in the process."
Marchbanks cackled and said, "That's the second time, today, he's
smacked into a set of wards while trying to apparate in."
"Second time?" asked Bones.
"He tried to apparate directly into the castle from wherever he got to this
morning; very soon after he must have felt the wards shift from him to
me and tried to apparate back," she explained. "It left him bruised and
battered. Our medi-wizard had to heal him up."
Bones laughed.
When she calmed down again she said, "Well, Lord Potter was being
quite clever with having those wards erected on the Granger residence.
He had the wards erected one yard in from the property boundary."
"That's different," said Marchbanks. "What made it clever?"
"One of the problems we've always had about charging people with
trespass who've tried that sort of stunt before, is that we can't charge
them because the wards blocked them from actually trespassing. It's not
illegal to attempt to trespass.
"By setting the wards up one yard in Dumbledore actually had to cross
that one yard before he hit the ward. Therefore, he actually trespassed."
Again, Marchbanks cackled. "My!" she wheezed. "That is actually clever.
"Do you think Lord Potter realised that you would be able to charge
someone with trespass if he set the ward up one yard in?"
"There is no doubt in my mind that he knew," grinned Bones. "That boy
has been spending the past almost two weeks making the rest of us look
like idiots."
"So I hear," she smirked.
"Anyways," said Bones. "Taking a leaf out of Lord Potter's book, I'm here
to ask you to do something for me."
"Oh?"
With a grin Bones said, "I need you to tell me, to tell Albus, you're not
happy with him and you'll be having words with him about his
behaviour, together with the fact he's not at the school where he should
be, once I release him on Monday after lunch."
"Amelia, dear, what a dastardly thing to do," grinned Marchbanks. "Very
well. Madam Bones, when you next talk to Albus, please tell him I'll be
wanting to have words with him, immediately after he's released by you
on Monday afternoon, about his behaviour. I'm not happy he won't be
here in the school, come that morning, where he's required to be."
"Thanks, Gris," said a happy Amelia Bones.
"Now, perhaps you can tell this old lady how it is you're going to manage
to hold him until Monday afternoon?" asked the older witch. "If I recall,
you're supposed to release him within twenty four hours for such a trivial
offence."
"Ah!" said Bones. "Well, you see, Miss Granger's father, Doctor Wendell
Granger, is also what's known as a Justice of the Peace. In the muggle
world he has the authority by the Queen to dispense low justice. But,
more importantly to this issue, he has the authority to issue Warrants of
Arrest.
"As part of asking if he wouldn't mind giving me one related to Albus, he
included in that warrant the authority for me to hold Albus for up to
seventy-two hours while I investigate matters. He was happy to comply."
"And you were able to use that because the Granger residence is in the
muggle world," said Marchbanks. "Very clever, dear."
"Thank you," smirked Bones. She never said anything about how it was
covered under a Thirteenth Century law because that could draw things
out too long to explain. And she was busy.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Back at the DMLE a little later, Madam Bones walked into Dumbledore's
cell and grinned at him.
As he rose, he said, "Finally here to release me, are you? It's about time."
"Nope!" she happily replied.
Unrolling the 'scroll' he didn't see in her hand until then, she glanced at it
and said, "I have here a Warrant of Arrest for one Albus Percival Wulfric
Brian Dumbledore, signed by a duly appointed and authorised officer of
Her Majesty's courts. It also grants me the authority to hold you for
seventy-two hours, while I carry out and complete my investigations into
your actions relating to your alleged Trespass of the property of one
Wendell Marcade Granger and Monica Temperance Granger.
"Further, I also have here a formal sworn affidavit from Doctor Wendell
Marcade Granger stipulating a formal complaint against you for trespass
of property. Lord Potter, acting as magical guardian, has co-signed it."
While rolling both back up together again she grinned and said, "Take a
load off, Albus. You're going to be here for a while."
"I bounced off the wards!" he snapped back. "Therefore, I did not
trespass!"
"Ah, but that's where you're wrong," she retorted. "You see; in setting up
the wards, whoever did it was being very clever. They set the wards you
bounced off one yard in from the property boundary. And, since you just
confessed to bouncing off the wards, that means you had to have entered
the property. Thank you for that, Albus."
The wide grin Bones was now directing at him had Dumbledore sigh and
drop back down to sit on the edge of the bunk. 'Who, before, had ever
thought to set their wards well inside their property boundary? Everyone
always set them out at the boundary or slightly beyond,' he thought.
'That's bloody clever... bugger it.'
"And, just so you know, Dumbledore," she said. "I've also informed your
boss, Headmistress Marchbanks, that you're currently my guest and will
not be returning to Hogwarts until Monday afternoon after lunch, at the
earliest.
"She is not happy with you, at the moment. She's told me she'll be having
words with you come Monday afternoon."
'Which means she has grounds to... reprimand me for not being present
for this afternoon and half the day Monday,' he thought with another
mental sigh.
He barely even noticed Bones leaving again.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Marchbanks walked into the faculty break room 'fashionably' late; not as
long as Dumbledore's usual ten to fifteen minutes, but just under five.
She walked directly to the head of the table, conjured a cushion for her
seat, and carefully sat down.
Once sitting, she placed the card file she had filled with her notes for the
meeting before her, pulled out of it blank parchment and ever-full quill
and set both aside.
After readying herself she finally looked to her staff. Looking around the
table she mentally checked off the names that she had on a list before
her. Four were missing. Of course, one of them was Dumbledore.
"Where are Sybill Trelawney, Rubeus Hagrid, and Argus Filch?" she
asked.
"Hagrid has locked himself in his hut and won't come out," said Sprout.
"I tried to talk to Argus," Charity Burbage, the current Muggle Studies
Professor, finally replied. "He said... ummm..."
"Out with it, dear," said Marchbanks.
"He said he has no time for such nonsense," she finished.
"I see," Marchbanks nodded. "And, Professor Trelawney?"
"Passed out drunk in her rooms," huffed Sprout.
"You're sure she is drunk?" asked Marchbanks.
"I am," said Sprout. "The rest of the staff can back me on this; the witch is
an alcoholic who can polish of around three bottles of sherry a day.
When awake, she is is rarely, if ever, sober."
The rest of the staff nodded.
Marchbanks gave a nod and said, "Then we shall excuse her from the
meeting. If what you say is true then she will be out of the castle by the
end of the day. I will not have a drunken sot teaching classes. I have
enough other positions I need to fill; one more won't hurt."
Picking up her quill she then wrote two quick notes on a sheet of
parchment before tearing it in half between them.
"May I have an elf, please," she quietly said.
With a slight pop of displaced air one appeared next to her left. "Yes,
Lady Headmistress?"
Handing the elf the first note she said, "Please give this to Rubeus Hagrid,
down in his hut." Then handed the second note over. "And please give
this one to Argus Filch."
The elf gave a nod, said, "Yes, Lady Headmistress." Before it gave a bob
and popped away again.
She then wrote a third note, tore the bottom half off it, folded the top
note and called for another elf.
When it popped in she said, "Please deliver this to Sybill Trelawney. If
she's asleep, wake her by any means necessary and make sure she reads
it. I find tossing one out of bed and dousing them with cold water to be a
good way to wake someone who's been drinking too heavily."
"Yes, Lady Headmistress," the elf replied before it popped away again.
Looking down the length of the table at the staff who were present, she
said, "As you heard, each of those notes went to Rubeus Hagrid, Argus
Filch and Sybill Trelawney. When I call a staff meeting for a specific time
and state that all staff are to attend, I mean it.
"The only people that are excused from such meetings are Medi-wizard
Robinson - but only when he has a sick patient in his Infirmary that
requires constant care - you, when you are patient under bedridden
medical care, or when people are away from the castle on authorised
leave.
"Both Mister Hagrid and Mister Filch have just been informed, in writing,
that if they are not here within five minutes of those notes being sent
then their employment will be terminated, effective immediately, on the
completion of that five minutes. They are to then be out of the castle by
the end of the day.
"Sybill Trelawney has just been informed she will present herself to me in
my office in two hours or she will have been fired, effectively
immediately, and is to be out of the castle by the end of the day."
That had a few of the staff gawking back in shock.
"We will now wait for that five minutes for Misters Hagrid and Filch to
arrive before that time expires before we start the meeting," she declared.
"While we wait for them "said Flitwick. "May I point out we are also
missing Albus Dumbledore?"
"Albus Dumbledore left the grounds without my authorisation," she said.
"He then went to the property of a muggleborn student. As he is not
Headmaster, Deputy Headmaster, Head of the student's House or was
even invited there he attempted to trespass the property.
"He was arrested and taken to the DMLE, where he currently sits in a cell.
I have been informed by Madam Bones that he will abide there until
Monday afternoon while they investigate the criminal complaint that was
filed against him by the owner residents."
While some staff seemed shocked, Flitwick wasn't one of them.
"Good," he said, quite emphatically.
Sprout had a pleased smile on her face.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Three minutes later, Filch came stomping in with Hagrid on his heels.
Filch appeared angry while Hagrid was quite morose.
Filch stepped up to the table and, before sitting down at one of the
vacant seats, demanded, "What is the meaning of this?" And waved the
note in his hand. "I've never been to a staff meeting before! Why are you
making me attend now?"
"Mister Filch," Marchbanks sternly but calmly replied. "You will watch
your tone with me, or I will fire you; right here, right now."
After a few moments of him visibly calming himself, she added, "When I
order all staff to attend a meeting, I expect all staff to attend unless
otherwise instructed by me. You are, for now, a member of this staff.
"However, if you address me like you just did ever again, I will fire you
on the spot. I am not just the Headmistress of this school, I am also your
direct boss and employer. Show me respect, or I'll show you the door."
When she saw he got it and understood, she said, "Now, sit down."
As both he and Hagrid sat, with Hagrid sitting in the oversized chair that
was at the table specifically for him, she turned her attention to him.
"What I just told Mister Filch also applies to you, Mister Hagrid.
Understood?"
"Yes, 'Eadmistress," he mumbled. Luckily for Hagrid, one of his mumbles
could easily carry the length of the table.
Once everyone was settled she pulled another sheet of parchment in front
of her, glanced down at it for a moment and said, "Now that all of us who
could be here are here, I'll open this meeting with an introduction of
myself for those who do not know me very well.
"I am Lady Griselda Marchbanks. As well as being the Head of the
Wizarding Examinations Authority - a position from which I've taken a
leave of absence - I am the new Headmistress of Hogwarts School of
Witchcraft and Wizardry."
She then went on to explain her background, with a focus on academia
and her past as a Professor of Charms and Deputy Headmistress at this
very school. It was Flitwick who replaced her as Professor of Charms.
"Next," she said, "We are currently short a number of staff positions. Most
of these need to be filled before we can return to providing our students
proper tuition.
"We are currently in need of Professors for the core subjects of Potions,
Defence Against the Dark Arts and History of Magic. And a professor for
the elective of Care of Magical Creatures. I may be adding a Professor in
the elective subject of Divination to that list by the end of the day. I
intend to reintroduce, as soon as possible, the class Introduction to the
Wizarding World for our muggle-raised students. So, we need a Professor
for that subject, too.
"If you have any suggestions of candidates that I or the School Board
could approach, I would welcome them. The floor is yours."
Hesitantly at first, but gaining traction, names and reasons were given to
her. Horace Slughorn was one ('He may be convinced to come out of
retirement. He also made an excellent Head of House for Slytherin while
he was here.') and on it went.
For the next half hour they submitted, discussed and argued candidates.
When the names started to slow down, Marchbanks said, "Thank you. I
expect each of you to spend some thought on who else might be suitable
to be approached over the coming days. If you can think of someone,
please do not hesitate to let me know.
"Next issue is the positions of Deputy Headmaster or -mistress and the
Heads of the Four Houses. Currently, we only have one of those positions
filled - Pomona Sprout for Hufflepuff. I know many of you may or may
not have coveted the role of one of those positions; so, if you wish to
submit your name for consideration, now is the chance.
"I'll also inform you that length of service as a Professor will play no part
in whether or not I would consider you worthy of the post. The post will
also be in an 'Acting' capacity until I consider you have proven yourself in
that role. Anyone not willing to publicly submit their name now, I will
consider unworthy."
It did not surprise her when Bathsheba Babbling spoke up, first.
"I would like to be considered for the role of Head of Gryffindor," she
firmly stated.
"Noted," said Marchbanks. "Next?"
Septima Vector gave a nod and said, "I would be honoured to be
considered for the post of Head of House Slytherin."
"Noted," said Marchbanks, adding Vector's name to her new list, with
Slytherin in brackets after it."
"Though it will mean four female Heads of House," said Aurora Sinistra,
"I'd like to submit my name for Head of Ravenclaw House."
"Noted," said Marchbanks. "Anyone else? Just because I've received three
names of one each for the three Houses does not presuppose I'll not
consider anyone else for those positions or others."
"What about if Dumbledore wishes to be considered for one of those
posts?" asked Babbling.
"Albus Dumbledore has already been considered unsuitable for any role.
He currently holds the role as Professor of Transfigurations because he is
the last staff member to have tenure and I've got nowhere else to put
him."
"In that case, I'd like to also be considered for the post of Deputy
Headmistress," said Babbling.
"Noted," smirked Marchbanks. "Anyone else?"
When no one else seemed willing to put their name forward she said,
"Thank you to those who applied for Acting positions as Heads of House
and Deputy. You will have my decision by the middle of next week.
"Next..."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
16. Another Horcrux is Found
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 Sixteen - Another Horcrux is Found
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Harry was in his room trying to focus on studying, just for something to
do but not being very successful about it, when an elf popped in with a
note, handed it to him and left again.
Opening it, he saw it was a short note from Madam Bones informing him
Dumbledore was now staying in custody and would not be released until
Monday afternoon after lunch.
Setting aside his book he happily left his room and went downstairs. He
found Hermione in the kitchen talking to Dobby.
"Hi!" he said.
As Hermione turned to him, Dobby popped away.
"You're suddenly chipper again," she said. "What's caused that?"
He handed her the note and let her read it.
Finishing, she looked at him with a grin and said, "So, Dumbledore's 'on
ice' for the next three days."
"Yep!" he nodded. "Which means, we can go for our walk."
Hermione's face fell a bit and she hesitantly asked back, "Can we delay
that until tomorrow morning?"
Confused, Harry frowned and replied, "I don't want you to think I'd force
you to do such a thing, Hermione. So, if you want to simply delay the
walk, take a walk with me tomorrow or simply cancel it completely,
that's fine."
Relieved, she smiled back. "Thank you, Harry. Dumbledore's attempt to
get in past those wards you had set up has me a bit spooked. Now, I'd just
like to talk with my Mum for a bit. It's been ages since we had a decent
chance to catch up for a 'girl talk' session."
"You don't need to explain it to me, Hermione," he gently smiled. "It's
alright."
After he left, he wondered again what to do. That's when he decided he
should be writing some letters while he actually had the chance.
Heading up to his room and checking Hedwig was available - she liked to
sit on a branch of a tree in the Grangers' back yard - he pulled out his
spare parchment, quills and ink, carried it to the small desk in the room
and pulled the chair to sit.
Mentally going over what and to whom he needed to write, he set to
work.
His first letter was to his Gringotts Account Manager. After Sirius had
told him he had taken material back to the Tonkses to work on there, he
thought he should ask his account manager if he could do the same.
Knowing the goblins appreciated brevity, he wrote accordingly.
~ # ~
Account Manager Tinderwick
for the Noble and Most Ancient House of Potter
London Branch
Gringotts
Tinderwick,
In order to more rapidly bring myself up to speed with the accounts of the
Noble and Most Ancient House of Potter, please cause to have copies of the
financial records of the House set aside for me for the relevant fee, of course.
I shall endeavour to collect them, or have them collected on my behalf, and
complete what documentation I previously caused to be uncompleted when last
we met. Once completed I shall see to its return to you with due haste.
I include a drop of my blood on this parchment to prove my claim.
.
Harrison 'Harry' James Potter
Lord of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Potter
Heir Tertiary of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black
~ # ~
After he finished writing it, he read through it before he signed it. Then
he used a penknife the Weasley twins had given him to poke the tip of
his ring finger on his off hand; deep enough to draw a drop of blood.
That drop he then allowed to drop onto the parchment next to his
signature.
Done with that letter, he turned to the window to find Hedwig sitting on
the window ledge looking at him through the glass.
As soon as he opened the window she immediately glide-hopped onto the
desk and turned to him.
After offering her an owl treat - accepted - he tied the folded up
parchment to her ankle and let her go.
Once she'd flown off he made a start on his second letter. This one to
Neville.
~ # ~
Neville Francis Longbottom
Heir Apparent of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Longbottom
Longbottom Hall
Nev,
Hermione and I arrived safely at her home in Wimbledon.
It's a huge place I'd put on a similar scale to a small manor house. Six
bedrooms, four with ensuite bathrooms; a small set of quarters for servants,
though the Grangers employ none; all spread across four floors. The servants'
quarters are currently being used by the aurors Madam Bones stuck me with
as a break/rest room. Of course, there are also the kitchen, laundry, parlour,
entertainment room, an office for Wendell and Monica, small library, that sort
of thing.
Hermione's room sits on the top floor and is comparable in size to our dorm at
Hogwarts. Connected to that she has her own ensuite bathroom and a small
room that her father converted for her to a study room. In there she has a
small desk with four bookcases; one of which her father added lockable doors
to so she can put her Hogwarts books in and lock close (in case anyone but a
Granger tries to peek inside). Of course, all bar the 'Hogwarts' bookcase is
over-full with books also stacked on top of them.
I'm in a guest room down one floor on the same floor as her parents' master
bedroom. Yes, I have my own ensuite, too. It's not as big as Hermione's, of
course, but I'd say it would be about three-quarters of the size of our dorm. So,
to me, it's huge!
Hermione's parents, Wendell and Monica, are wonderful people. They've made
me feel completely welcome. But they do ask a lot of questions. I think that's
where Hermione gets it from.
Both are what are known in the muggle world as dental surgeons. That means
they are Healers who focus pretty much entirely on fixing teeth - there are no
teeth repair potions in the muggle world. But, I've also found out they have
'after hours' jobs as well.
Wendell is what is known as a Justice of Peace. That means he can make
decisions of a legal nature. He is something like a Chief Adjudicator, but only
for cases where the punishment does not exceed a fine or six months
imprisonment. Anything requiring more punishment than that he has to refer
on to a higher court.
And Monica is a Commissioner of Declarations, which means she can sign and
or witness legal documents that require someone 'of good standing' to sign or
witness. That then makes the document an 'official' document as it pertains to
muggle law.
As for me, I'm really enjoying it here. I've never felt so relaxed living in
someone's home. And I'm including The Burrow in that.
I hope, for your sake, your grandmother allowed you to return back to
Longbottom Hall for the duration of the school being closed. Which is why I've
addressed this to Longbottom Hall, even though I know Hedwig will find you
no matter where you are, and have not been made you stay at Hogwarts. That
would suck without everyone there or something to do.
If not and you're bored out of your mind, as a suggestion only you might want
to ask Professor Sprout, now that she's been released by the DMLE to return to
the school, if you can help her out in the greenhouses. I know you love that
sort of thing and she might like the company.
Hoping you are well,
Your Friend,
.
Harrison 'Harry' James Potter
Lord of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Potter
Heir Tertiary of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black
~ # ~
Again checking it over to make sure he made no mistakes, he grinned in
pleasure and signed it simply 'Harry P'. It was quite a long letter and he
hadn't meant to write it so long. But, once he started, felt like writing as
much as he did. The previous couple of days had been full of new things,
so he had quite a bit he could write about.
Once done he'd send it once Hedwig got back.
Sitting there for a little while he then thought about to whom else he
could write.
That's when he had a thought. He really needed his own law-wizard and
he only knew of one. And, since he was 'family', thought to write to him
to ask him to take the job as his law-wizard; or recommend someone else.
~ # ~
Mister Edward Tonks
Law-wizard
.
Mister Tonks (or should I be addressing you as Law-wizard Tonks?),
I found myself quite impressed with how you defended the case of my
godfather, Sirius Black, in his trial a few days ago. It was also impressed upon
me that I may very well need to retain a law-wizard myself.
As well as being my godfather's law-wizard of choice, I ask that you also
consider to be mine.
I have no idea if I have one already or not and, if I do, then they haven't done
a decent job of letting me know that. So, if you consent to be my law-wizard
of choice - or whatever the title would be - then your first job will be to fire
whoever it is.
If you do not believe you will be able to be my law-wizard due to some conflict
of interest or some other such legal requirement, I ask that you help me out by
letting me know of other law-wizards that you trust and who could do the job.
Thanking you in advance for your consideration of my request,
.
Harrison 'Harry' James Potter
Lord of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Potter
Heir Tertiary of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black
~ # ~
Harry didn't know the man's address other than Sirius said 'the Tonkses'
place' whenever he mentioned them. So, knowing Hedwig would be able
to find him no matter the address, he left it blank.
'No, hang on,' he thought, giving himself a mental face palming. 'I can ask
Sirius via the mirrors'.
Setting the letter aside, he collected the mirror from where he left it
downstairs on the coffee table in the parlour and returned with it to his
room.
Sitting back at the desk he held it in his offhand and whispered across it,
"Padfoot". Then waited.
A few seconds later the mirror blurred for a moment before Sirius's
smiling face appeared. "Miss me already?" he asked.
"I have a couple of questions for you," said Harry
"Cast," replied his godfather. That was the wizarding world version of
'Shoot'.
"Firstly, do you know if the House of Potter has a law-wizard of choice?"
he asked.
Sirius immediately frowned in confusion for a moment as his eyes
seemed to lose focus. Snapping back he replied, "They must have. All
Houses at our level do. However, I cannot for the life of me remember
who it was. Secondly, the official term is 'Law-wizard of Record'."
"Well, it doesn't matter who it was," said Harry. "Whoever it was is soon
to be fired, anyway."
"Probably wise," said Sirius.
"Next, is Mister... is Ted Tonks now your law-wizard of choice... of
Record, I mean?" he asked.
"Yes, actually," replied Sirius. "He agreed to that a couple days ago."
"If he's your Law-wizard of Record, can he also be mine?" next he asked.
Sirius shrugged and replied, "I can't see why not."
"I'm writing him a letter," explained Harry. "I'll ask him myself. Which
brings me to my next question, how do I address him and what's his
business address?"
Surprised, Sirius replied, "Hang on a minute and I'll get his business
card." Then his mirror got put down face up on something - Harry could
now see nothing but ceiling in the mirror - as he heard his godfather
rummaging through parchment.
He was back a few moments later as the mirror got picked up again.
"Here it is," said Sirius looking at something 'off mirror'. Edward Tonks,
Law-wizard. 15B Diagon Alley. London."
Harry quickly wrote that down on a scrap of parchment before he
returned to looking at the mirror. "Thanks for that, Sirius."
"Anything else?"
"No, I think that's it," replied Harry.
"My turn, then," said Sirius. "I know about Dumbledore's attempt to get
into the Granger's home. I've let Madam Bones know I'm adding the
weight of the House of Black to pressing charges against the old man for
trying that."
"Really?" asked Harry, surprised by both pieces of information. "Thank
you. I'll give that information to Wendell and Monica."
"Actually, I'd like to do that myself," said Sirius. "I'd like to come and visit
you early this evening, just to make sure for myself that everything's
alright. But, if I don't bring Andi with me this time, she'll skin me alive."
"Come and bring her," Harry immediately replied. "Wendell and Monica
have already told me you both have permission to come over to visit.
They both also know cousin Andi's a Healer."
"Got a time for me?" asked his godfather.
"Ummm... be here at... 6.15pm. And expect both of you to stay for
dinner," he replied. "Dress is casual slash office work clothes. They don't
stand on ceremony here."
Sirius nodded and said, "I'll let her know."
"If there's a change to that, each of us will immediately let the other
know in advance, right?" asked Harry.
"Yeah, pup," replied Sirius. "Will do."
"Anything else?" he asked.
"Nope! See you at 6.15. Mirror off!"
Transferring his scrawl of Ted Tonks's business address to his letter to the
man, Harry made sure it was dry before setting it aside with the other
letter waiting to be sent.
However, if Sirius was coming over with cousin Andi, he'd just hand it to
her and ask her to pass it on.
Then he went looking for Wendell and Monica; or either.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
As the two hour mark since she'd sent her note to Trelawney passed,
Marchbanks waited a further fifteen minutes. On exactly the fifteen
minute extra mark she summoned a house elf.
"Where is Sybill Trelawney, at this time?" she asked.
"She be in her tower, Lady Headmistress," the elf promptly replied.
"Is she up and dressed?"
"Yes, Lady Headmistress."
Indicating the chair sitting ten feet in front of her desk and facing her, set
there for when Trelawney was supposed to have arrived on time, she
firmly ordered, "Go get the woman and pop her into that chair. Right
now, please."
"Yes, Lady Headmistress," replied the elf with a short head bob before it
popped away.
A few moments later, Sybill Trelawney appeared in the chair before her
desk and promptly fell out it. Then vomited on the floor.
Marchbanks frowned at her and vanished the vomitus.
"Get up, Miss Trelawney," she firmly ordered.
Trelawney groaned and slowly moved to her hands and knees before
using the chair to try and stand up. She wobbled a fair bit and, not even
letting go of the back of the chair until the last moment, dropped into it.
"W-where am I? W-why am I here?" she querulously asked, peering
around through her overly large and thick spectacles
The reek of sherry was like a miasma about her.
"You are in my office, having been brought here by a house elf on my
specific instructions," replied Marchbanks. "You are drunk."
"Sherry helps me to open the inner eye to the wonders of the second
sight," the witch slurred. "Without it I am unable to provide true depth to
my predictions, the cards are not as clear, the crystal is murky."
"I do not care," said Marchbanks. "It is a breach of the code of conduct for
Professors to be inebriated during school hours. Personally, I believe it is
a breach of personal ethics for a professor to ever be so effectively
intoxicated.
"As such, I do not even need to give you a warning for your conduct. You
are fired. Your employment as a Professor at Hogwarts School of
Witchcraft and Wizardry is immediately terminated for cause."
As Trelawney sat there, stunned and now feeling even more sick than a
few moments ago, Marchbanks called for a house elf.
"Yes, Lady Headmistress?" asked the elf as soon as it popped in.
"Please go up to the Divination Tower, pack up Miss Trelawey's personal
effects into a trunk and bring it back here," she directed. "Miss Trelawney
is no longer a staff member of Hogwarts."
"But... what am I to doooo?" whimpered Trelawney. "Where am I to go?"
"You claim to be a Seer," said Marchbanks. "Employ your gift and figure it
out."
The elf was back a few seconds later with a tan trunk with brown trim
and an overly large handbag.
"Is that all of it?" asked Marchbanks.
"Yes, Lady Headmistress," nodded the elf.
"Thank you," she said before turning to face Trelawney again.
Indicating the trunk and bag she said, "There are your personal effects.
You may use my floo to leave. I do not want you staggering like a
drunken prostitute through the corridors of this school on your way out."
Heartbroken and sobbing, Trelawney left via the floo about fifteen
seconds later. Her destination was the Leaky Cauldron.
"Good riddance," muttered Marchbanks.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
When Harry went downstairs to the main floor he couldn't find anyone,
but did hear the sound of a television showing a football match from
down on the lower ground floor.
Heading down there, he found Wendell watching a game on the telly in
the media room. One of the aurors was also in there and looking at the
telly in some level of shocked confusion.
Harry quietly asked him, "Not seen a television before?"
The auror blinked once before turning to Harry. "Seen one, yes," he
replied. "Not one as big as this, though. Or seen this game Doctor
Granger's watching."
"It's called football," said Harry. "It's also called 'soccer' in places like the
United States - MaCUSA. It's one of two national sports the British
muggles focus on and is about par with the magical world focusing on
Quidditch.
"This one is played across the winter half of the year; while the other,
cricket, is played across the summer half."
"Oh, bloody hell, Ref!" Wendell suddenly exclaimed, quickly leaning
forward in his armchair, staring at the telly. "That was a blatant trip!
Yellow card, the wanker!"
When the screen focused more closely on the referee having a verbal go
at the so-called tripper, it was to see the man suddenly snatch a yellow
card a little bigger than a playing card out of his breast pocket and hold
it up showing it to the sideline.
"Yes!" exclaimed Wendell. "That's what I'm talking about!" Then he leaned
back again.
"See?" smirked Harry. "Like Quidditch."
When the programme broke for an advertisement, Harry came around
the armchairs until he could be seen by Wendell.
Seeing him, Wendell looked up and asked, "Come to watch some football,
Harry? Take a seat."
"Actually, I've come to let you know Sirius is bringing cousin Andi, the
Healer, to come and see me this evening. I hope you don't mind but I
suggested they come for dinner. I'm sure I can stretch it out so there's
enough for everyone."
"Actually, Lord Potter," the auror spoke up. "We aurors are going to have
to beg off, if you don't mind. Shift change this evening is at that time."
"Then it sounds like you've cooked more than enough," said Wendell.
"They're both more than welcome for dinner."
"Thank you," said Harry. "In that case, I need to get back to the kitchen
for a bit, just to check on how the roast is coming along."
"Have fun!" said Wendell, just as the programme restarted. His attention
already back on the screen.
As Harry was heading up the stairs he heard Wendell cry, "C'morrrrnnnn
Gunners!"
Harry wasn't a fan of the game. But, that was because he never had the
chance to be a fan. He could only watch television while at the Dursleys
when the Dursleys were out. And, even then, he found far more
interesting things to watch. He was a fan of documentaries.
Of course, he was never allowed to go to a game, either.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After checking the roast - it was coming along splendidly - he decided to
preheat the oven for the cobbler pie and start preparing the vegetables.
Once he was done peeling and cutting he prepared a baking tray, using a
thin layer of cannola oil in the bottom of it - he never used lard or
cooking fat when baking vegetables, if he could help it - and laid within
it the carrots, potato, sweet potato and onion wedges on that thin layer.
Once satisfied, that went under cling wrap with a stasis charm to stop the
vegetables drying out.
Satisfied the oven would now be hot enough, in went the cobbler pie.
Cleaning his hands and wiping them on the little hand towel Monica had
hanging from the door handle of the pantry, he turned back to look about
the kitchen and frowned at the now dirty dishes - the cutting board,
peeler and vegetable knife. He hated leaving them, but he'd promised
Dobby he wouldn't do the dishes.
Giving a muted nod of satisfaction to himself, muted because of the
dishes, he called Dobby to clean up.
The elf popped in, looked at all the dirty dishes, grinned at Harry and
said, "Thank you, Master Harry!" And set to work.
Harry rolled his eyes, sighed and left to head back upstairs.
His earlier efforts at letter writing had got him in the mood to write
more.
"The twins next, I think,' he thought. 'Then I think I need to write to
Angelina, Alicia and Katie to apologise to them for rudely pulling out of
the Quidditch team. I hope they understand I said what I said in the heat
of the moment. But, I stand by my word.'
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Harry was partway through writing what was probably his fifth draft of a
letter to the twins when his mirror vibrated.
So it wouldn't leak everywhere, Harry put the quill down with the tip on
a scrap of parchment. Then he picked up the mirror and said, "Padfoot."
And the image cleared.
"Slight change of plans, Harry," Sirius immediately said. "Andi asks if Ted
can come, too."
"Sure!" said Harry. "I'll check, of course. But, if you don't hear back from
me, he's more than welcome.
"I think he and Wendell might hit it off, too. With Ted being a law-wizard
and Wendell being a Justice of the Peace they can compare issues of
dealing with the law between the two worlds."
"Next, if you have dinner scheduled for six-thirty, Andi wants to know if
we can arrive earlier," said Sirius. "She wants to examine you before we
all sit to eat."
"How much earlier?" he asked.
"At least half an hour before dinner," replied Sirius. "She wants about ten
to fifteen minutes to examine you, plus the extra time to discuss with you
your treatment."
"That'll be fine, too. Best make it... quarter to six? Dobby can set the table
and serve tonight," he replied. "I'll let the Grangers know of both the time
change and the extra guest for dinner."
Sirius grinned and said, "No 'Dora, though. I think she's on duty with the
aurors, tonight."
"That's alright," said Harry. "I'll meet up with her another time. Besides, I
don't want to impose too much on the Grangers with having four guests.
Sirius appeared concerned and asked, "Are you sure it's alright to bring
Ted?"
"As I said, I'll ask," said Harry. "Right now, as a matter of fact. If it's a
problem I'll mirror call you right back."
"Alright. Thank you, Pup."
"Not a problem," returned Harry. "Mirror off!"
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
It turned out it wasn't a problem. Wendell said he was even looking
forward to speaking to someone who was the magical world's equivalent
of a solicitor. He actually wanted to know why wizarding Britain didn't
have JPs when it was a law on the books from well before the Statute of
Secrecy was implemented.
Just to have the chance to try it, Harry cast a messenger Patronus with
the message 'Wendell's looking forward to talking law with Ted'.
He was pleased to see his stag give a nod and charge off, so assumed it
worked. He promised himself to check with Sirius when he arrived.
Noticing the time, Harry quietly exclaimed, "Shhhyte! I need to get the
veggies on!" And scrambled to pack up what he was writing and hurrying
downstairs.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Right on 5.45pm Harry and the aurors stiffened as they felt multiple
magicals cross the ward boundary. He was in the kitchen, at the time,
giving a last check of the roast and the browning of the vegetables. He'd
also just put the shucked corn and green peas to steam on the stove.
"Dobby!" he called.
"Yes, Master Harry?" asked the elf.
"Right," said Harry. Indicating each he said, "The lamb is practically
ready, the veggies are browning in the oven but are essentially cooked,
I've just put the peas and corn in the steamer on the stove and the
cobbler pie is done and set aside.
"I haven't made the lamb gravy yet, so that's your job. And the table still
needs setting. There'll be eight for dinner, tonight. The aurors aren't
joining us."
The elf gave a serious nod back and said, "Dobby be taking cares of it,
Master Harry. Yous go an' greet your guests."
"Thank you, Dobby," he returned, stripping off Monica's flowery apron
and making sure he was presentable.
He never noticed Dobby using elf magic to disappear a stain off his hip
where he must've nudged something. It was probably when he 'hip
bumped' the wall oven drop door to knock it closed. A bad habit he'd
picked up.
He'd just left the kitchen when he heard the knocking on the front door.
However, with the aurors in the house, none but them were permitted to
open it if there was a magical known to be in the visiting party. So he
had to wait back with the Grangers.
When the Tonkses and Sirius came into the parlour, Sirius made the
introductions. Surprising Harry after seeing him in action in 'court', Ted
was actually quite affable. Andi, however, appeared relaxed but it was
evident to Harry at least that she was a great deal more focused.
After handshakes and where Wendell matched Sirius's first introduction
to Monica and kissed the back of the knuckles of Andi, which pleased
her, the woman wasted no time in focusing her attention on him - Harry.
"Lord Potter―" she said.
"Harry," he shot back.
"Not this time," she shot back herself. "Lord Potter, is there a room I can
borrow so I may examine you?"
"Yes; but, before you do..." he spun to stare at Wendell and said, "Doctor
Granger; because of it being discovered Madam Poppy Pomfrey was
under loyalty potions and never even realised it, may I please have your
permission to have Healer Tonks here quickly examine your daughter,
Hermione, for traces of loyalty potions and the like?"
"Harry!" exclaimed the girl. "There's no need―"
Surprised at the question, Wendell's eyes widened for a moment as he
heard Monica gasp. He immediately and firmly replied, "You do."
Harry spun back to Andi and said, "Hermione first, please."
"You suspect?―" she began.
"Yes," he firmly replied. "And for the same reason. Hermione's been by
my side, almost since my first day in the school."
"Harry, I'm not under any sort―" Hermione tried again.
Andi had already spun towards her and, in quite the firm voice, said,
"Miss Granger..." cutting Hermione off. "As there is a reasonable chance
you may be under such a potion based on evidence already gathered, as a
Master Healer I am legally within my right to ignore your permission and
simply examine you. The examination will not be invasive and, as with
all such examinations, will be covered by my Healer's Oath. Please, come
with me."
"Sorry, Hermione," Harry said a little contritely. "But, it won't harm you
and I wouldn't put it past Dumbledore to have tried."
"Better safe than sorry, sweetheart," said her mother. "Isn't that what you
told me, yesterday?"
Hermione looked to her mother for the moment as if the woman had
stabbed her in the back. Eventually she gave a huff and snapped, "Fine."
"My room," said Harry. "It's closest and has its own bathroom, if you need
it."
Hermione gave him a glare and stomped off towards the stairs.
As Andi followed, Monica called, "Next floor up, first door on the left."
Once they'd gone upstairs, Wendell sighed and asked, "Harry, you don't
really think―"
"Not one hundred percent, buuut..." he replied, then shrugged.
Everyone was a little tense for the next ten minutes until Andi came back
down, alone. Monica, seeing her alone, immediately shot up the stairs.
Looking directly to Wendell she asked, "Doctor Granger, a moment of
your time?" Her expression was quite closed but her eyes showed anger.
Wendell took one look at her face, glanced to the stairs and without a
word indicated for her to follow him. He went out the door that exited
into the rear hallway, with her following.
As they walked out, Sirius quietly asked Harry, "What made you
suspect?"
"Pomfrey," he quietly replied.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Monica led Hermione down the stairs a minute later, as Wendell and
Andi walked back in through the other door. Wendell appeared a little
upset, but Harry was thankful it wasn't directed towards him.
Hermione was shaken but seemed otherwise okay. She immediately came
over to Harry and hugged him. "Thank you, Harry," she quietly said.
"I take it there was something there, then?" he asked.
"Traces of a mild loyalty enhancement potion," she replied. "Very old."
"Do you want to tell us who?" he asked. "Or, would you prefer not to?"
She hesitated only a moment before she replied, "Healer Tonks said it
was for two people; one with white hair and another with red hair."
"Dumbledore and, probably, Ron... or, Missus Weasley," said Harry.
"That was our thoughts, too," she said. "As the traces were only in my
fatty tissue now, they no longer have any effect on me. It's just
knowing―"
"Yeah, I get that," he said.
"Harry," called Wendell. When Harry glanced to him he said in a clearly
grateful voice, "Thank you."
Before Harry could respond Andi got in first.
"Lord Potter," she said, just as firmly as her expression reflected. "I'm now
invoking Master Healer privileges on you, this time. Upstairs."
"Cousin Andi!" he mock exclaimed. "Inviting yourself into my... boudoir?
And in front of your husband, to boot!"
Harry felt Hermione relax and give a little snort of amusement. Relaxing
her a little was his intent.
Andi redrew her wand, but wasn't pointing it at him, for the moment.
"Get!" she firmly ordered.
As Hermione stepped away to give him freedom to move he gave her
lower back a quick rub before he walked towards the stairs.
"We shouldn't be too long!" he declared. "After all, I am only fourteen!"
He heard his godfather give his own snort of amusement. As he climbed
the stairs he looked back at a now following Andi and, with a slightly
warbling voice, loudly begged, "Please be gentle! It'll be my first time!"
"Upstairs, you scoundrel!" she barked.
That was it for Sirius, at least. Harry heard the old dog give a quick bark
of laughter, but also heard a couple of nervous chuckles and giggles from
others. He was thankful one of them was from Hermione.
Once the two had climbed the stairs, Wendell said, "You know all that
was for our benefit, don't you?"
Ted grinned back. "Of course."
Looking to his daughter, Wendell closed the gap between them and gave
her a hug of his own. "If I ever get my hands on that old―"
"You'll have to wait your turn," said Ted. "I'm led to believe the line is
quite long."
Hermione quietly said, "Healer Tonks... Andi... said the potions were
designed to enhance my loyalty towards Dumbledore and Ron. She also
said that the traces were old, probably dating all the way back to first
year.
"I think they were used to... cement... my loyalty to him and friendship
with Ron. It was probably discontinued once he believed my loyalty to
them both was established."
A little brighter, she said, "But, at least the examination also showed I
wasn't under any other potion or charm that shouldn't be there."
"Shouldn't?" her father immediately asked.
"Yes, Daddy," she returned, while blushing a little. "Shouldn't."
He was about to push until he saw the direct look with slight smirk his
wife gave him. And, knowing that look, decided he didn't need to know,
after all. That 'look' promised him she'd answer; but, once she did, he'd
realise he really didn't want to know, after all.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Up in Harry's bedroom and current examination room, Harry was lying
on an examination table that had been conjured from his desk chair. And
he only knew that because he'd immediately noticed upon entering his
chair was missing.
"Hop up and lie down on your back," she'd said.
As Harry made himself comfortable, Andi was setting up her parchment
and auto-quill system.
"Nice trick with that nonsense coming up the stairs," she said, as an aside.
"Hermione was upset and people were a little tense," he said. "The
muggles have a saying, 'Laughter is the best medicine'. I thought it would
help."
As she worked, she said, "We have it too, but it's potion instead of
medicine. And, you were right."
Once ready she stood to his side and said, "I need you to lie still. The
better you hold still, the more accurate the scan."
"Yes, oh great and wonderful Healer lady," he said. "I am but your―"
"Shut up!" she distractedly snapped.
Harry shut up.
As he watched her she had her wand over his feet and was slowly casting
as she moved up towards his knees. As she paused there a moment she
glanced to the auto-quill and parchment for a moment before continuing.
Her gestures now seemed more assured.
As she worked higher she was frowning a little and Harry saw when she
paused a little at his left knee. That was the one his uncle Vernon broke
when he was little. Her frowned deepened a little before her expression
suddenly switched to closed off. Then the casting began to again travel
'up', with her gestures almost subtly a little more firmer.
When her gestures reached his hips and hands her expression darkened as
she cast extra over both his hands. Her eyes were flashing with anger
again and she'd started to purse her lips.
She stopped when she reached his inside right forearm and appeared
shocked to her very toes. It was where the basilisk bit him. She quickly
cast a rapid series of charms over the area, paused, checked the
parchment, looked him in the eyes and moved on. Since telling him to
shut up she'd not said a word; either by incantation or conversation.
As she continued to move up her eyes were again thunderous with her
making even firmer wand movements. Harry could now see her grip on
her wand was almost white-knuckled.
Finally she reached his head. A flick of her wand and his glasses
vanished. And she was carefully scanning his eyes. Then she moved up to
the scar.
Almost instantly she froze. And Harry saw her expression, at first
puzzled, suddenly morph into fury. She whirled to and stared at the
parchment as the quill wrote upon it.
Once the quill stopped she stared at the parchment for a long moment
before she suddenly spun back and very quickly cast a series of long
wand movements over his scar again. Harry even felt his scar prickle a
little when she did that.
She took half a pace back and let fly with loud invectives. "I'm going to
kill that whiskered fucking arse. Just he wait until I get my hands on him.
Dead man walking, he is!
"That's it!" she declared, spinning about and starting to head for the door.
"I'm gonna rip his fucking beard off and strangle him with it!"
As it became clear Andi was storming out, ready to carry out her 'deed'
right at that moment, Harry muttered a quick, "Shyte!" quickly scrambled
off the table and made to chase after her.
By the time he got to his feet, she'd already gotten the door open and was
crossing the landing heading for the stairs.
"Help!" he yelled, running after her.
"I'm gonna practice all those Black curses on him I was taught growing
up!" she declared. "Fucking geriatric, brain-addled―"
The top of the stairs was as far as she got before Harry tackled her by
way of his right shoulder into her waist and carried her the extra two
paces along the landing, to then slam her by her back into the wall next
to the twin doors into the master bedroom.
He'd just accomplished that when he heard feet thundering up the stairs.
"Let go of me, child!" Andi practically screamed at him. "Dumbledore
needs to die and I'm the one who's going to have the privilege of doing
it!" She was weakly beat on him and kicking him a little, though half-
heartedly.
"Not going to happen, Andromeda," he loudly declared, weathering the
thumps and kicks she rained on him and just holding her in place.
"What the hell?" said Wendell.
"Help me stop her!" called Harry. "She wants to go kill Dumbledore!"
"Ummm..." said Wendell.
"Andi!" exclaimed Ted.
"Andromeda Venus Tonks née Black!" Sirius suddenly barked. "Heiress
Primary of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black!..."
Harry felt Andi suddenly freeze in place.
"... You will cease this unworthy behaviour, immediately, and CALM
DOWN!" continued the firm and loud voice of Sirius.
"My Lord!" she immediately returned. "Yes, My Lord!"
Harry then felt Andi relax a little where he was holding her and her
hands then come to rest on his upper back, side by side.
"Alright, Pup," said Sirius. "You can release her, now."
Harry hesitated a little before he slowly relaxed his grip on her about her
waist. He felt her drop about four inches to the floor when he did so. He
had no idea he had her up off her feet.
Thankfully, to him, she didn't try to suddenly attack him or break past.
Once Harry backed off a pace and a took a step to the side, Sirius asked,
"Now, Andi; what happened?"
She suddenly tensed and began trying to both yell and choke on her
words at the same time.
"Andi!" cried Harry. "Healer's Oath!"
She instantly stopped, took visible control of her emotions again and
more calmly replied, "I'm sorry, My Lord; I am not permitted to tell you
due to my oath as a Master Healer."
Turning to Harry, he asked, "Lord Potter?"
"She found something that both horrified and angered her to do with my
scar," he replied. "However, she was clearly quite upset about something
even before that."
Sirius glanced between the two and asked, "Harry, can you permit Andi
to tell me? It'll require your verbal assent."
Harry looked around at basically everyone, even all three aurors who
were standing on the landing with them, and replied, "In private." Then
gestured to his bedroom and said, "Back in my room. Just us three."
Sirius gave a firm nod and said, "Fair enough." Turning to look at
everyone else, he declared, "Alright! Fun's over! Harry, Andi and I will be
down in a few minutes."
Wendell was the first to react. He turned to everyone else and said,
"Alright, folks; this is now an issue of private medical information and
none of us need to know. Back downstairs, please." Then started shooing
people down.
Harry heard Hermione put up a bit of complaining about how she told
Harry what had been done to her, but she obeyed.
One of the aurors held back and repaired the wall where Harry had
rammed Andromeda into it. It had left a 'dent' in the plasterboard.
As Wendell was following everyone else down, making sure they didn't
stop and try to come back up again, Harry walked back into his room. He
wanted to know what that parchment said, especially the last couple of
lines.
Without touching it or the hovering quill, he read, 'Soul fragment. Possible
attempted possession. Possible Horcrux ritual. Identity: Tom M. Riddle.'
'Oh, shit!' he thought.
As he heard Andi and Sirius come in he whirled to them and said, "Close
and lock the door. And throw up your best privacy wards."
As Sirius gave a nod back and turned to do just that, Andi said, "Step
away from that, Lord Potter. Most of that you won't understand,
anyway."
As Harry moved away from it, Andi deactivated the quill and set it aside.
Then she picked up the parchment and re-read at the least the bottom of
it.
With a sigh she leaned back onto Harry's desk and waited until Sirius had
finished with the wards.
Once he was done, he turned back with a very concerned look on his
face.
"Alright," said Harry. "Master Healer Tonks, I, Lord Harrison James
Potter, hereby give you my permission to tell Lord Sirius Black what you
discovered while examining me. As I say, so let it be written."
With a muted flash between Harry and Andi she relaxed even more.
"I'll start with the worst," she said. "Harry has a soul fragment embedded
in the skin or against the cranium behind that scar of his.
"I'm unsure if it's because of an attempted possession that failed and then
left the fragment behind, or if it's because someone tried to make his scar,
for whatever reason, into what's known as a Horcrux."
Sirius gave a major start of shock and drew a gasp.
Visibly getting himself under control, he looked to Harry and asked,
"Remember when I told you about those... 'artefacts'?"
Harry nodded.
"They're called Horcruxes," replied his godfather. The man was looking
quite grim.
Harry closed his eyes and propped himself against the examination table.
"Damn!" he firmly muttered.
"You've come across one of these before," said Andi to Sirius. She worded
it as a statement, rather than a question. "How?"
"I can't tell you that," replied Sirius. "People we don't speak about have
me under an oath of my own."
"But, you clearly know what one is," she said.
He nodded.
"The identity of the fragment is a give-away, too," said Harry. "Tom M
Riddle."
"Oh, bloody Hell!" Sirius muttered while screwing his face up in
emotional pain.
"You know him?" asked Andi.
"Yeah," said Harry, when it didn't look like Sirius would. "Tom Marvolo
Riddle is the birth name of the one everyone refers to as 'You-Know-
Who', etcetera."
Andi blurted in horror, "If that's the case, then―"
"Then he's still... 'out there'," Harry completed. "Yeah, he is."
He waited a bit. And, when he saw that she'd processed that, he said,
"That's how he came to be possessing Quirrell in my first year and a first
year Gryffindor student in my second."
"Andi," Sirius gently called to her. "No one must know! Those who don't
speak have made this subject an Official Secret of Wizarding Britain."
"Bugger that!" she exclaimed. Glancing at Harry she looked back at Sirius
and declared, "I'm getting that thing out of him!"
Sirius declared right back, "You'll get no argument from me on you doing
that!"
"Me neither," said Harry.
"The question is, how?" asked Sirius.
"That's my job," said Andi. "I happen to know the cursebreakers of
Gringotts come across them occasionally; and very occasionally one of
them manages to get him or herself possessed by one.
"I'll contact one of their Master Healers, who I know has already dealt
with one such case and find out how he got rid of it. We'll find a way."
"Sounds like a plan," said Harry. "I'm happy with that."
Looking to Sirius he said, "This is one of those... artefacts... I'm not going
to be telling the Unspeakables about."
"I don't blame you and neither am I!" Sirius vehemently shot back.
"They're just as likely to toss you through the Veil of Death than try to
find a way to get it out of you."
Harry nodded and said, "Right. We have a plan for that." Turning to Andi
he asked, "What's next on the Healing Harry Potter Programme?"
"That circle-shaped scar on your upper right forearm," she replied.
"How?"
"Basilisk bite from a one thousand year old basilisk out of the Chamber of
Secrets, followed by three or four tears willingly provided by a phoenix
dripped directly into it about three minutes later," he immediately
replied.
"Then there's not much I can do about it," she said. "Nor, I think, do I
want to.
"The basilisk poison, neutralised by phoenix tears, has now provided you
a significant level of protection against most poisons which are a venom
or contain a venom of some form - snake, dragon bite, spider, doxie, you
name it. However, for that protection you'll have to put up with the scar."
Harry nodded and said, "Then I'll keep the scar; it doesn't bother me.
Next?"
"I also need to update your medical files to include how you're now
protected against such. There are some healing potions that contain a
venom of some form; which means those potions will either not work,
will be diluted or will be contra-indicative... will work against... your
health."
"Fair enough," he said. "Next?"
And they worked through it.
Andi had initially thought they'd only need a half hour. In the end, they
spent over an hour, closer to an hour and half, on Harry's medical issues
before returning back downstairs.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
When they came back down, Wendell asked, "That bad, huh?"
Harry shrugged and smiled back. "It looks like I'm going to be on quite a
few potions for a while."
"Quite a few?" asked Sirius. "Harry's going to be carrying around his own
mini-apothecary for a while. Then reached out and ruffled his hair.
Harry sheepishly grinned back.
Hermione, no longer able to contain herself, asked, "What was all that
about earlier?"
"Hermione!" her mother instantly scolded her, but the girl appeared
defiant.
"There's some dark magic associated with my scar that Dumbledore
should have had removed immediately after he had Hagrid pick me up
from Godric's Hollow," he replied. "I'm lucky in that it's remained
contained there."
Indicating Andi, he continued, "Andi got upset because it might well have
not. And, if that was the case, it might have caused me great harm."
Andi gave a snort and muttered, "Damn that goat-raping buggerer,
Dumbledore."
That's when Harry noticed Nymphadora Tonks was there, too. He hadn't
noticed her before because she was in auror uniform.
"Tonks!" he exclaimed. before he noticed Ted and Andi also look at him.
"I-I mean... Nymph-"
"Don't you dare say it, Lord Potter!" she barked.
Harry heard Andromeda sigh and exasperatedly say, "Really,
Nymphadora!"
The girl appeared to sulk a bit, but glared back. Harry was instantly
reminded of Hermione. It was the same look Hermione had just given
when she was being defiant with her own mother.
"Well, I just can't call you 'Tonks'," he replied. "Not considering the
company we're in. Nym or Dora?"
"Dora," she sullenly muttered back.
"Dora, it is!" he declared. "So, what brings you here? Are you one of our
on-site aurors, this evening?"
Before she could respond, Monica replied, "No, Harry. You miscounted."
Turning to her he asked, "Hunh?"
"You said eight for dinner?" she smirked. "Try counting."
Harry immediately counted heads and realised his mistake - three
Grangers, him, the two Tonks adults and Sirius; that made seven.
"Oops!" he sheepishly returned. "I overcooked again, didn't I?"
"When we found out Andi and Ted's daughter would be home on her own
- and being reminded of just how fast magicals can get about the place - I
invited her," she explained.
"I've heard about your cooking," said an eager Tonks. "I'm looking forward
to it."
"Well, we're late to sit to eat," said Harry. "If everyone can move into the
dining room I'll go to the kitchen...
Dobby suddenly popped in, looking at Harry. "Dobby already be serving,
Master Harry."
Harry looked at him for a moment before he turned back and said, "As I
was saying, if we can all move into the dining room..."
That had people chuckling.
And Dobby popped away again, with a satisfied smirk on his little lips.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
17. The Weasleys
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 Seventeen - The Weasleys
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
With eight sitting down to eat, the table didn't need to be stretched or
chairs be conjured. So seating was comfortable.
Seating went clockwise: Wendell, Andromeda, Harry, Tonks, Monica,
Sirius, Hermione and with Ted on Wendell's right.
"Alright, Harry," said Wendell, as they all sat. "Tell us what we've got."
Indicating the dishes, Harry replied, "Slow-cooked roast lamb in a water-
based herb sauce; roasted potato, sweet potato, carrots and brown onion
sprayed before final baking with a very light cannola oil to give them
crisp; steamed shucked corn and peas; with lamb gravy. For dessert, it's
my own invention; pear cobbler in a pie flan with a rolled oats crumble,
with your choice of thickened unsweetened cream or vanilla ice-cream
dollops on top to cut through the sweetness for those who prefer their
desserts with less of a sugary bite."
Tonks turned to look at him in awe and asked, "You cooked this?"
"Yep," he smiled. "I found that I'm pretty good at it. Before I got my
Hogwarts letter I was going to see if I could apply for an apprenticeship
as a chef when I got older."
"Please, help yourselves," smiled Wendell remembering the wizarding
custom, while also reaching for one of the serving tureens.
After her first cut and bite of lamb Tonks quietly moaned. When she
swallowed her mouthful she said, "Merlin! The lamb just dissolves in your
mouth!"
She then very quickly sampled the rest before turning to look back at
Harry, again in awe. "Marry me!" she begged.
Scandalised, her mother exclaimed, "Nymphadora!"
Ted snickered.
"What?" Tonks innocently asked back. "I can't cook like this!"
Harry laughed and said, "Now you see why I had aspirations of being a
chef when I grew up."
Monica glanced to her own daughter and saw the slight frown she was
giving the Tonks girl. Her eyes twinkled with mirth as she watched.
It was lost on Hermione, though. The girl didn't see it; but Wendell saw
both his ladies' reactions.
As the meal progressed, Ted and Wendell fell into an animated discussion
about the differences in law between the wizarding world and muggle
just as Harry thought they would; Monica was quizzing Sirius on the
Noble and Most Ancient House of Potter, with specifics of Harry's
parents; Hermione was talking across the table with Tonks about working
in the Ministry and as an auror and why aurors were now conflicted
about serving a duty or two in the Granger home (the conflict was due to
feeling like idiots on one hand against the opportunity for a delicious
meal on the other); and Harry was talking with Andi, jumping subjects
between healing and cooking techniques.
When the dessert was served the Grangers went for the unsweetened
cream while Harry, Sirius and the Tonkses went for the ice-cream. Then
Tonks also added a dollop of cream, because she wanted to sample both.
One of the subjects raised was Harry finding out from Sirius that Lady
Griselda Marchbanks of the WEA had been appointed Headmistress.
"How'd they manage that?" asked Harry. "I thought they couldn't fire
him."
"The Wizengamot couldn't fire him, dear," said Andi. "But, the School
Board found a way around that."
"Well, they didn't actually fire him," said Ted. "Just replaced him.
Dumbledore is the only remaining member of staff who holds tenure.
However, his tenure only applies to being a professor.
"So, they removed him from the post of Headmaster, declared it vacant,
invited Griselda Marchbanks to fill the post, ratified that and she's now
Headmistress.
"Dumbledore's back to being a normal professor; of Transfigurations, I
believe. And Griselda has no plans on even allowing him to be Deputy
Headmaster or a Head of House."
Sirius added, "When he came here earlier today and tried to get in, he
had actually left the school without authorisation. Apparently, Lady
Marchbanks is unhappy with him about that. And was even unhappier
when she found out he won't be able to return to the castle until after
lunch on Monday; which means he'll have missed the morning, too."
"But, with no classes on―" said a confused Hermione.
"Irrelevant," he grinned. "He's required to be at the school on time and
during school hours unless given leave to be otherwise. Even if classes
aren't on at the moment, he still left the school during school hours
without authorisation from the new Headmistress. He's in trouble with
her for that."
Harry was snickering and said, "Therefore, he's now either simply
'Professor Dumbledore' in the informal; or 'Albus Dumbledore, Professor
of Transfigurations' in the semi-formal. He must really hate that."
"Worst than that," grinned Sirius. "He's lost control of the wards of the
castle. Marchbanks wrested control of them from him, plus the
Headmaster's... Headmistress's... office and apartments.
"From what I've been able to find out, he was away from the castle trying
to go visit Minnie - where she's now back living in her family village in
the highlands of Scotland - when the wards were stripped from him. He
quickly tried to apparate back to the castle and bounced off the wards.
"When he bounced off yours it was the second time that day he'd hit
wards and bounced."
Harry outright laughed, but he wasn't the only one.
The Granger adults only appeared amused at the laughter.
Wendell asked, "I take it it's a 'big thing' to bounce off wards?"
"As well as being rude? Try it with some wards and it'll kill you," replied
Sirius, turning serious. "He was lucky neither set of wards were set to kill.
That's why he was so battered and bruised after hitting the wards here.
He'd only just recovered from his attempt at the castle a couple hours
earlier."
"I just had these ones set to stun," explained Harry. "He dislocated his
shoulder when he landed on the ground from bouncing off the wards. The
wards didn't do that."
"The poor Headmaster," said Hermione, a little sadly.
"No, Miss Granger," Andi firmly rebutted. "That's the lingering effects of
the potions speaking. You need to accept that everything that has... and
likely will... befall that old man is entirely his own fault and cause.
"His own behaviour has caused him to lose his multitude of positions, just
as it has for quite a few others who had fallen under his sway. His own
arrogance had him trying to apparate into the castle when he knew he
couldn't when he felt the wards shift away from him; and when he tried
to apparate into your home, here.
"If he had any respect for you and your family he would have apparated
to the path outside your property line and walked up to the door and
knocked, just as we did and Dora did later. It is the height of ill-mannered
rudeness to do otherwise. The fact he felt himself above such is arrogance
in the extreme."
When Hermione sadly nodded that she understood, Harry said, "I'm
actually looking forward to what will befall him yet.
"After all the manipulative things he's tried against me I feel Kismet must
be a god or goddess, after all."
"Harry, that's not nice," said Hermione.
"Hermione," he said back. "After finding out what he did to you, what he
did to me, what he did to a whole lot of others, do you expect him not to
be punished in some way? He escaped what I firmly believe is a very
well-deserved prison sentence―"
"As do I," said Andi, while Sirius nodded.
"... So proper punishment has to come to him some other way," he
continued to explain. "If he is not punished then he will go on believing
himself to be in the right."
"It is the foreknowledge of what punitive action will or should be taken
that should sway man from taking unjust action which would be met
with such. If it does not, then that punitive action becomes the righteous
reaction and must be dealt," said Wendell. "If the punitive action is not
delivered when the unjust action is taken then the strength of the law is
weakened.
"It's one of the precepts I learned when studying to be a JP."
"That's quite profound," said Ted.
"Which proves I did not come up with it," smirked Wendell.
That had both men, and quite a few others, laughing.
Looking across the table, Harry could see Hermione now understood.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Soon after dinner and with the thanks of the Tonkses for a delicious meal
- and the thanks back of the Grangers for the alert regarding the potions
issue with Hermione - the Tonkses soon walked out the door, down the
path and apparated away.
But, before she left, Andi told Harry she'd have what potions he needed
to take delivered to him by house elf the next morning, together with
instructions on when to take them and how often.
Harry didn't remember until the very last moment to give Ted his letter,
so raced upstairs, grabbed it, and returned with it before handing it over.
"I was going to mail this but, when I found out you were coming over, I
delayed sending it to hand it to you," he explained. "Please consider it
and let me know when you can."
Ted quickly read it, gave him a nod and said, "As soon as I can, Lord
Potter."
Sirius informed Andi he'd be along in a little while and hung back to talk
to Harry.
"Now, Harry," he said, turning to his godson. "When Andi looked like she
was going to tear off and hunt down Dumbledore, why did you choose to
physically restrain her?"
"How else..." he began to ask when it dawned on him. "Oh, damn."
"You're legally an of-age wizard, Harry," he gently reminded him. "That
means you're legally allowed to use magic outside of school."
Harry sighed and said, "I should have either petrified her or tied her with
an Incarcerous." He also only remembered then that the property had a
ward that blocked 'The Trace' and he'd forgotten that, too.
"Exactly," said Sirius.
"My only excuse is that I'm not used to being able to do that," he sighed.
"Something to work on, then," said his godfather. "I'd recommend you
start performing little bits of magic about the place while you're here."
"I'd thought of that before but, with Hermione not being allowed, I didn't
want it to seem like I was rubbing her face in it," he explained.
"No, he's right, Harry," she piped up. "You need to get into the habit. I
understand."
Harry nodded to her and said, "Thank you." But also swore to tell her
about the ward, so she could cast magic, too.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
The next day was a Sunday so, if it was like the Dursleys, it would be a
very laid back day. He had no idea what times the Grangers would
awaken but, if Hermione developed her habit from her parents, then
they'd not be sleeping in, either. So he was up early to try and beat
Dobby to the kitchen.
He already knew he was wasting his time as he knew Dobby knew when
he woke. However... maybe... he'd one day catch the elf flat-footed and
beat him to the kitchen.
Harry had just walked into the kitchen to see how Dobby was getting on
with breakfast - already started, so he lost again - when he noticed
Hermes, Percy Weasley's owl, sitting on the window ledge looking at him.
'Of course the damned bird would aim for the kitchen,' he thought. "It's a
Weasley owl.'
He grabbed an owl treat from out of the container left on the fridge,
moved over to the dinette and opened the window there. And Hermes
flew in before alighting on the dinette table.
Harry removed the letter that was apparently for him and gave the bird
the treat. It immediately flew out, again.
"Damned bird is as 'stuck-up' as its master,' he distractedly thought.
After first checking to make sure it was for him and not Hermione he
unfolded it, sat at the table and read it.
~ # ~
Harrikins!
Mum asked Ron to send you a letter inviting you to come and stay with us for
the break. With the Durlays locked up she thinks you have nowhere to stay.
Don't know why.
But Ron refused. The git. He's now de-gnoming the garden and isn't allowed
back in the house until dinner.
So, we said we'd write to 'Poor Harry' and let him know he's invited.
You ready?
You're invited to come stay with us for the break that has no end in sight!
Yay!
There, done.
Of course, we know you're probably with Sirius, catching up with one another
and getting to know one another all over again, but that's Mum for you.
To save us from Mum's shrill voice claiming we never sent you the invitation
because we never heard back, please do us the righty by writing back.
We'd appreciate it.
F & G
~ # ~
With a snort of amusement he thought, 'Typical twins.'
He refolded the note and put it in his pocket. He'd show Hermione when
she came down for breakfast.
And, as if he'd called her down just by thinking about her, he heard her
bare feet trying to both run down the stairs and be quiet at the same time
so as not to disturb her parents.
She almost gaily bounced into the room a few seconds later. "Good
morning, Harry!" she chirped.
"Morning, Hermione," he said.
"What's for breakfast?" she asked.
"I haven't had a chance to check," he replied. "I'd just walked into the
kitchen when I spotted Percy's owl, Hermes, sitting on the windowsill,
staring at me as if I'd done something wrong.
"Hermes?" she asked, abandoning looking at what Dobby was preparing
and coming around the kitchen bench.
Harry pulled the letter back out of his pocket and handed it to her. "The
twins somehow convinced him to loan them his owl. I suspect their
mother's shrill voice in that."
As she read through it, she frowned. "So, Ronald's still being a git. And
they think you're with Sirius."
The venom she put in the name 'Ronald' pleased him.
"Yep, to both," he replied. "And I'm kinda happy with everyone thinking
I'm with Sirius. Less chance of people turning up here uninvited, that
way."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
A little later in the morning Harry was back in his room when he learned
Andi was back at the Grangers; even though he'd already felt the ward
that alerted him to there being a magical on the property. When she was
let in by one of the aurors of that morning, Dobby popped in to inform
him she was there.
Setting aside his current letter, he went downstairs and found her talking
with Monica and Wendell in the parlour.
"Good morning," he smiled. When he saw the rack of potions she was
carrying he snarked, "You're a little tall for a house elf."
The look she gave him had Monica snickering at him.
"That's enough out of you, scamp," Andi sternly said.
Harry impudently grinned and gave a shrug back. "I have to find my
amusement, somewhere."
After she rolled her eyes at him she gestured for him to come forward.
"I've just been discussing with the good doctors here your treatment," she
explained.
When she showed him the potions and how the vials refilled after it was
taken each time, she explained, "When it no longer refills it means that
particular course is complete. Hear me well; it is not complete until it no
longer refills. Got me?"
"Errr... yes?" he replied.
After another pointed look he sighed and said, "Yes, Healer Tonks."
Then she used a charm to copy the instructions and handed him one. He
took one look at it and blanched. "No way!" he quietly exclaimed.
"Yes way!" she shot back. "Or, you're coming home with me, where I can
keep an eye on you and make sure you take them."
"He will," said Monica, who also turned 'that look' on him.
'Jeez!' he thought. 'What is it with older women and that look. Or, is it
just mothers?'
"Fiiiiiiine!" he sighed. "I'll be the good little wizarding Head of a Noble and
Most Ancient House and take my medicine."
"Good boy," said Andi, as if there could be no other answer.
"When do I start?" he asked, defeated.
"Now," she replied. Handing the rack to Monica she pulled two out and
said, "Down these. You might want to take the blue one first. It tastes
worse and the green one will help wash the taste out."
Harry gave her his own 'I'm only doing this because you're making me'
look, uncorked the blue one and downed it. Wrinkling his nose at the
taste, he then uncorked and downed the green one. At least this one had
a slight minty taste to it.
Taking them back she said, "Now watch." And dropped both, re-corked,
into the rack in their right places. A few moments later, they both slowly
refilled.
"See?" she asked.
"Yes, Ma'am," he quietly replied.
"Good," she nodded. Turning to Monica she said, "I'll leave these in your
capable hands. I need to head off because I have a shift starting soon at
Saint Mungo's."
"Take care," said both Grangers. Harry just gave her a nod.
She was gone a few seconds later.
With a sigh and another look at the rack, Harry said, "I'll be back up in
my room writing letters."
"And I'll put these on the bench in the kitchen," said Monica.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
He was only partway up the stairs as Hermione was coming down. "Who
was that?" she asked.
"Andi," he replied. "She came to personally deliver my potions."
"She's gone again?"
"Yep. Had to get to Saint Mungo's to start a shift."
"Where're the potions?" she asked.
"Your mother's putting them on the kitchen bench," he distractedly
replied.
"Thank you," she said, continuing down.
As he continued up, Harry frowned for a moment before he leaned over
the bannister to call to her. "And don't go playing with them!"
"I won't!" he heard her call back.
When Harry re-entered his room it wasn't to write more letters, as he'd
told the Grangers and Andi. Yes, he had been writing letters, but most of
the time he spent analysing his relationship with Hermione and the rest
of the girls at school, as Wendell suggested.
He had been going through each of the girls he actually had anything to
do with and thinking about how he felt around them, if they actually
meant anything to him, did he actually want to spend any more time
with them, if he thought they'd want to spend any more time with him,
did they see him as just Harry, that sort of thing.
And, no matter how many other girls he thought about while building his
list, there was only one girl who fit the bill of 'girlfriend material'.
"Hermione," he sighed.
'Face it, ya git!' he thought. 'You're in love with your best friend. And not
as a "big sister", either.'
But, how did he tell her? And, if he told her, would it ruin what they now
had? Was it worth the risk? What if she would be appalled by the idea?
But, maybe she wasn't. According to Wendell, she loved him back. And,
he was her father and should know, right?
He didn't know the main variable, so couldn't logically solve the problem.
Did she, or would she, love him back?
He sat at the desk and leaned back on his chair while fiddling with his
quill. His list, now written, laying on the desk before him.
He'd once heard Vernon say to Petunia, "Always make a list when you're
trying to work something out, Pet. It makes it much easier. The trick is
working out the important categories. That's hard."
He found it actually worked. It was not something he expected, truth be
told.
Eventually, to clear his mind before he next analysed his list, he decided
to finally finish his letter to the twins. His letter had to be carefully
written because, if any other member of the family got hold of it, he
didn't want them learning anything important he wouldn't want them to
know - especially Ron and Molly.
~ # ~
Fred and George Weasley
The Burrow
Ottery St. Catchpole
Devon
Hi guys,
I know you've probably been wondering, 'What happened to Harry Potter to
make him so different?' So, I thought I'd let you know more of what's going on.
As I said in the First Task of the Tri-Wizard Tournament, the Harry Potter
everyone thought they knew wasn't real. It was a personal façade I created
well before I started at Hogwarts to hide the real me; to protect the real me.
When people in the wizarding world think of 'Harry Potter', they think of all
different possibilities. For example, some think he's some mythical child hero
they read about in a fictional book (or books) about his life and his
adventures. Some think he's nothing but a fraud, a liar and a cheat. Some
think he's this small, scrawny, underfed, innocent little boy, who turned up at
Kings Cross Station wearing what amounted to little more than rags. Some
think he's a 'Dark Lord Slayer', ready to go out and kill the next one who pops
up. Some think he's a Dark Lord himself, waiting for the opportunity to strike.
Some think he was Dumbledore's personally-trained replacement. And a very
small few had no idea what to think of him.
Of all those, the last is probably the most accurate. They, at least, reserved
judgement.
I am, in reality, Lord Harrison 'Harry' James Potter, Lord of the Noble and
Most Ancient House of Potter, Heir Tertiary of the Noble and Most Ancient
House of Black, Member-in-waiting of the Wizengamot, by right of blood 'One
of the Seven'. I am the only born child of James Charlus Potter and Lily Marie
Potter née Evans. I'm also, Marauder-wise, son of Prongs, godson of Padfoot,
honourary nephew of Moony and once-honourary nephew of the since
Marauder-disowned Wormtail (Pettigrew). And known, Marauder-wise, as
'Prongslet', 'Pup' and 'Cub'. A war orphan.
Now, think about that name I wrote at the top of the previous paragraph.
That's my true name with the diminutive of my first name included in quote
marks. Now think of what name came out of the Goblet of Fire? See the issue?
My real name did not come out of the Goblet. Therefore, I am not required to
compete.
However, Albus Too-Many-Middle-Names Dumbledore, Igor Karkaroff,
Olympe Maxime, Barty Crouch Sr and Ludo Bagman all said I had to
compete. In that room at that time were also Cedric Diggory, Victor Krum,
Fleur Delacour, Minerva McGonagall, Severus Snape and the one everyone
thought was Alastor Moody, retired Master Auror - adults all. Of those, I
know for fact Albus Dumbledore, Barty Crouch Sr, Minerva McGonagall and
Severus Snape all knew my real first name is Harrison, not Harry. I'm also
pretty sure that Ludo Bagman also knew that and Karkaroff and Maxime
probably did, too. And yet, not one of them said that, as the name was not
Harrison Potter - or, better still, Harrison James Potter - the contract forcing
me to compete was void.
Not one of them stepped forward to say something along the lines of, "Now,
wait a minute. His name's not actually 'Harry Potter'."
Instead, something else happened that even I did not foresee at the time.
Albus Dumbledore had claimed 'magical guardianship' of me. We three, as do
practically everyone else now, know that he actually wasn't - it was Sirius
Black. However, Albus Dumbledore was registered at the Ministry as my
magical guardian, legally; even though magically it was Sirius Black.
I now remind you of what Dumbledore said when he first announced the Tri-
Wizard Tournament coming to Hogwarts on the evening of the 1st September.
He said, in part, "Only those who are of-age are allowed to compete."
In that ante-chamber off the Great Hall after my alter-name came out, he
said, "I'm sorry, Harry. But, I'm afraid you must compete."
He was then backed up by the others. Not one stepped forward to say, "No" -
except Snape. When pressed, Ludo Bagman, Barty Crouch Sr, Igor Karkaroff
and Olympe Maxime all individually agreed.
Therefore, on that night, the following legal entities all verbally and
individually declared me of-age: My legally recognised magical guardian, the
Supreme Mugwump of the ICW, the Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, the
Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the Highmaster
of Durmstrang Institute, the Headmistress of Beauxbatons Academy of Magic,
the Director of the Department of International Magical Cooperation of the
Ministry of Magic and the Director of the Department of Magical Games and
Sports of the Ministry of Magic.
Of all those, I actually only needed the first one to declare it and the third and
fourth to agree. That they all resided inside the body of one wizard, Albus
Dumbledore, is irrelevant. Because, legally, he is (was) four different people;
three of whom each had the authority, with the backing of the other two. That
all those others were there and agreed was, as the muggles say, 'icing on the
cake'.
So, because I was declared of-age on that night, I instantly became a full adult
under Wizarding Britain law; with all rights and responsibilities of an adult
under law. I cannot even be considered to 'only' be an emancipated minor
because of the legal definition of 'of-age'. As such, as the then Heir Apparent
of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Potter, I also instantly became a Lord
of a Noble and Most Ancient House, One of the Seven.
In a written conversation with my account manager at Gringotts, carried out
through letters carried back and forth for security and speed of travel by my
loyal house elf, the Goblins agreed. Immediately on their agreement, I snuck
out of the school - even though, as a supposed champion, I was lawfully
allowed to come and go as I pleased - and went to Gringotts to complete the
necessary parchmentwork, take up my Head of House ring and make a start
on the massive backlog of House business parchmentwork that awaited me. A
lot accumulates in almost fourteen years.
Now to bring you up-to-date with recent happenings.
I know some of this has been reported in the Daily Prophet, but I also know
how much of a 'smotherer' your mother is when it comes to 'her kids' being
kept up-to-date with what's going on in the wider world. I would also be very
doubtful if you haven't read it since you've been home, anyway.
Sirius Black, aka my godfather, aka 'Padfoot', aka 'Snuffles', aka Lord Sirius
Orion Black III of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black, has taken up
his Headship and, even though I no longer have any need of one, is now my
Acting Regent. He and I are now 'catching up on lost opportunities'.
Hermione has informed me she has learned she was under a loyalty potion
that dates back somewhere at either end of first year or the beginning of
second year. It was keyed to Albus Dumbledore and your brother, Ronald. On
learning of it she was at first shocked, then appalled, then furious. Now, she's
joined what I'm sure is a very long list of individuals who, if they get the
chance, will kill Albus Dumbledore. Little Miss 'You Must Respect Authority'
Granger is gone; now, she's Miss 'Screw You! You Wrinkle-Arsed,
Manipulative, Potion-Dosing Wanker!' Granger. Fair warning, guys: Don't piss
her off.
While I no longer consider Ronald a friend, I do you two; so, you'd best let
him know - or not. I've warned you, so I'm free of guilt if he falls afoul of her.
The same sort of guilt Ronald should be feeling in not telling me a week in
advance that I'd be facing a dragon in the First Task, as your brother Charlie
bloody well told him to.
Sirius has also kept me apprised of what's happening at the school, as has
Madam Bones.
Dumbledore has been ousted as Headmaster. As he holds tenure as a
Professor, the only member of staff still there that does, they can't get rid of
him completely until he does something so egregious against the school that
they can terminate that tenure. But they could, and did, boot him all the way
back to 'just' a Professor.
Lady Griselda Marchbanks has been appointed Headmistress. She's the lady
that normally Heads the Wizarding Examinations Authority. She was once
Acting Deputy Headmistress, before Minerva McGonagall ascended to that
position. And was also Head of Ravenclaw House, before Filius Flitwick
ascended to that position. She is not only this little thing who walks with a
cane, she is a powerful little witch. Do not expect her to be as forgiving as
Albus Dumbledore regarding your pranks. I have been informed she will not
hesitate to hand you over to the DMLE if you harm someone with one or
without. She's also not adverse to using that cane of hers as something the
Irish call a 'shillelagh' - a long-handled cudgel. I've been told even sitting Lords
have found themselves whacked across their shins with it when she felt they
deserved it.
McGonagall's gone, completely, never allowed to even visit. Flitwick has lost
his position as Head of Ravenclaw House - due, in part, to the bullying that
Luna Lovegood has suffered - and is never allowed a position above simple
Professor ever again. Snape's gone, prison for life. Sprout has managed to
retain her positions, the only one of the senior staff to do so. Hagrid is back to
being only the Groundskeeper and Keeper of the Keys and no longer CoMC
Professor; and is forever banned from another position in charge of children,
including leading the first years from the train to the castle over the lake.
Binns has been exorcised, finally. Pomfrey, after finding out Dumbledore had
dosed her with loyalty potions (like Hermione) and been Obliviating her, came
all-too-close to losing her magic through breaking her oath as a medi-witch, so
has quit.
If you think I'm the slightest bit sorry to have been the trigger that started all
that happening, you are - like I've been calling a lot of wizards and witches, of
late - daft morons.
I did not 'set' any of them up to take a fall, as some I've heard about think and
have said. Each and every one of them, with the exception of Poppy Pomfrey,
made their own choices and they were the wrong ones. I just brought it into
the light of day. Now they're paying the price for those wrong choices.
Therefore, for each of them, it's their own damned fault.
I have no idea when classes are going to recommence - and, therefore, the
school returns to being a school again - but I've been assured Headmistress
Lady Marchbanks will be working hard to see that happen as soon as possible.
Just don't expect it to be until after the Christmas break at the earliest.
As for the invitation to come and visit, I don't think that would be wise due to
Ronald's recent behaviour and my actions leading to your mother being fined
for breaching the Statute of Secrecy back on 1st September, 1991. However,
thank you, anyway.
Now that I know Dumbledore will still be a professor at the school, even if it's
in a much diminished capacity, I'll be in talks with Lord Black and others as to
whether or not I'll ever be returning to Hogwarts. As an adult, I have no legal
requirement to. However, I do wish to complete my education. That may now
very well be through private tutors. It's not as if I cannot afford them.
Because of her feelings towards Dumbledore, I'm in negotiations with
Hermione's father about her joining me. As my best friend, bar none, I'm
determined to protect her.
Take care, you two.
Harry
~ # ~
Because he wanted to make sure the twins received the letter and it
wasn't first intercepted by Molly, Harry called Dobby. He felt safe doing
so as Hedwig was already out delivering a letter to Angelina Johnson, in
which he apologised for what he said about quitting the Gryffindor
Quidditch team. But, stood by his decision.
"Yes, Master Harry?" asked Dobby.
Harry handed him the letter and said, "Sorry, buddy. I need you to act as
an instant delivery mail owl again."
He handed him the letter and said, "Can you please put a charm on this
so only Fred or George Weasley can read it and deliver it into their
hands? They should be at The Burrow. Just don't do it until one or the
other is alone, or the two are together alone. Got that?"
"Yes, Master Harry," replied the elf. "Dobby understands." Before he
popped away.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
At The Burrow, Dobby had handed Fred the letter from Harry and the
twins had read it together.
"What do you think?" asked Fred. "Do we tell Mum about the letter or
show it to her?"
"I have a better idea, my slightly more daft brother," declared George.
"Let's take it down, call a 'Burrow' meeting of those here and read it to
them."
"Capital idea, my uglier brother!" replied Fred. "That way, we get to see
the expressions on their faces as they hear what Harry has to say."
"Brilliant!" cried George. "We can switch off reading a paragraph each so
we can take turns watching their expressions!"
"Also brilliant!" cried Fred. "It will take time, though. Harry sure wrote a
lot."
"Do we have anything better to do?" asked George.
"Nope!" grinned Fred. "Lets!"
And the two dashed upstairs and down, knocking on bedroom doors as
they went. At each door they yelled, "Meeting in the kitchen!"
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After everyone at the Burrow at that time assembled around the kitchen
table, demanding to know what the twins thought they were doing
calling a meeting, George brandished the letter from Harry.
"We have, here, a missive most massive," he declared.
"A note most notable," added Fred.
"Written by the personal hand of..."
"Lord Harrison James Potter of..."
"The Noble and Most Ancient House of Potter!"
"What?" asked Molly, quickly wiping her hands clean of baking flour.
"I thought we were clear," said George.
"It's from Harry," said Fred.
Molly immediately rounded the table and plucked it from George's
fingers.
"Hey!" they chorused in indignation.
However, before she even had a chance to read it, the whole text
immediately blurred until it was illegible.
"It has a secrecy charm on it," she grumbled, thrusting it back into
George's hands. "You're going to need to read it to me."
"That was our plan," said George.
"Until you snatched it away," said Fred.
"Don't be rude!" she snapped back. "Now, read it to me!"
The two glanced at each other with both thinking, 'And she calls us rude?'
With the text back to rights, George cleared his throat and began to read.
"To Fred and George Weasley, The Burrow, Ottery Saint Catchpole,
Devon. Hi guys..."
Fred began, "I know you've probably been wondering, 'What happened to
Harry Potter to make him so different?' So, I thought I'd let you know
more of what's going on."
Then George took over again.
As they each read, the other watched the rest of the family. Sitting at the
table was Ron, Percy and Ginny with Molly at the counter and Arthur
having just entered, wondering what was going on, hearing the boys
read, quietly finding out from Ginny it was a letter from Harry and then
just as quietly taking a seat to listen. Bill and Charlie were both out of the
country again.
As they read they had to stop at one point when ordered to do so by their
father, who was getting sick of hearing Ron muttering snarky comments,
and said to him, "You will keep your opinions to yourself, or you can go
and wait for me in the shed to come and deal with you."
Ron immediately clamped his lips shut, folded his arms across his chest,
scowled and shut up for the rest of it. Even listening to a letter from
Harry being read aloud was better than the alternative.
Fred finished the last line with, "Harry."
The table was silent for a moment before Molly shrilly stated, "He can't
just quit Hogwarts! What about his education!"
"He said he's looking at hiring private tutors for him and Hermione,
Molly," said Arthur. "Therefore, he's considering his education."
"Hogwarts is the premier school of magic in the world," declared Percy.
"He won't get that with tutors."
"Hogwarts is nothing at the moment except a... a... boarding house!"
declared Ginny. "Where's the education?"
"And that's Potter's fault," sneered Ron. "He's the one who had everyone
arrested and taken away."
"Ronald!" snapped Arthur. "Stop speaking like a... daft moron! It's thinking
like that is why Lord Potter is of the opinion the rest of the wizarding
world are such!"
"He explained what happened in the letter in extensive detail," said
George. "You were obviously not paying attention or refusing to listen."
"Do we need to read the relevant parts back to you? Slowly?" asked Fred.
"Pausing after each sentence to see if you understood?" asked George.
"Boys; that's enough!" snapped Molly.
"Is it?" asked Percy.
The fact he'd just 'back-chatted' his mother had immediately shut
everyone up. Percy never did that.
"Whether he likes it or not, whether he understands it or not, Ron must
accept the fact the boy he knew as Harry Potter had everyone fooled as
to who he really was - including the man who used to be Headmaster of
his school, Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot and Supreme Mugwump of
the ICW," quietly said the boy. "And he managed to do it before he even
started at Hogwarts. Which means he did it starting back to when he was
ten years old or earlier.
"Do any of you have any idea just how incredibly smart you would have
to be to pull something like that off? He was in close contact with
Dumbledore, more than any other student I've known including the Head
Boys and Girls, for over three years. And the man never once had any
clue.
"It's no wonder he thinks the rest of us 'daft morons' because, compared to
him, we probably are!
"To top that off, the boy is the Lord of a Noble and Most Ancient House
and Heir Tertiary of another. He is 'One of the Seven', so is his godfather
and he's friends with the Heir Apparent of a third, Heir Apparent Neville
Longbottom, that we know of at least!
"It is also well-known that almost immediately after the First Task of the
Tri-Wizard Tournament, Lord Harrison James Potter - at fourteen -
swooped in and wrenched control of the Potter-Longbottom Alliance
right out of the hands of Dowager Lady and Regent Augusta Longbottom
of Longbottom, a powerful political heavyweight that the Dark Houses
fear for good reason.
"With that control he then dragged the Heirs of the allianced Houses who
attend Hogwarts into a private meeting and effectively laid down the law
with them. When Heir Secondary Ernest MacMillan apparently got upset
about it and verbally abused Lord Potter in that meeting, Lord Potter did
not hesitate one moment in kicking the entire House of MacMillan out of
the alliance due to the insult - made in private. And then proceeded to
make sure that news was very publicly known.
"And Ron, here, wants to insult him? He wants to verbally abuse him?
Publicly?"
Percy gave his mother and father a moment to absorb all that before he
quietly asked, "Knowing, as you now do, the following facts: One, the
Harry Potter you thought you knew was a lie; two, he is now a full adult,
with all the responsibilities and rights of such; three, he clearly knows
and understands the law and he apparently demonstrated that knowledge
during the First Task; four, he is now the Lord of a Noble and Most
Ancient House, one that makes him 'One of the Seven', and the Heir
Tertiary of a second of the same rank; five, he has already shown he
knows how to wield that power by wrenching back control of the Potter-
Longbottom Alliance right out of the hands of Augusta Longbottom, with
no effort at all; six, he knows Charlie told Ron to tell him the First Task
involved getting past a dragon and Ron didn't tell him, putting his life at
risk; and seven, he knows that whole thing on the First of September in
1991 at Kings Cross Station was a set-up and, apparently, has known that
all along - do you really not think he knows that, if Ronnie-boy here
continues to insult and or verbally abuse him, he has the right by our
laws to kill him? Seriously?
"If you want Ron to live past the first twenty four hours he's back in
Hogwarts castle when classes restart, if Lord Potter is also there, then
you'd better do something about his behaviour and attitude - fast!
"If you don't believe me..." He then indicated the family clock, where
Ron's clock hand was pointing to 'In Danger'. "Look there!"
Molly's eyes snapped to the clock where her eyes verified for her that
Percy spoke true. She blanched.
"Awww... That'd be right!" Ron loudly complained, not even looking at
the Clock and leaning forward a little. "Harry-Bloody-Potter writes a
letter and everyone jumps to do his bidding! Can't you see―"
That was as far as he got before his mother's open right hand connected
with the left side of his face so hard it knocked him completely out of his
seat and onto the floor. She'd had to lean all the way across the table
from where she was standing to reach him; but the table wasn't that
wide, just long.
Into the deafening silence following the loud 'crack' of palm meeting
cheek flesh, followed by the sound of Ron crashing to the floor, Molly
quietly said, "Arthur; take Ron out to the shed. Keep him there until you
are informed his clock hand no longer points to 'In Danger'. If that means
you have to decide that Ron will be taken to Muriel's, where he will
remain until she manages to get it into his head why it's a bad idea to
upset the Nobles, then so be it. At that time you can also inform her, in
Ron's case, corporal punishment is a valid teaching tool."
"That... is a damned fine idea, Molly," Arthur just as quietly said.
He then turned to look down on the floor where Ron lay, rubbing his
cheek with unshed tears filling his eyes. The hand-print from his mother's
hand was already blooming red on the skin of his face, in detail.
"Ron," he said. "Go out to the shed and stay there... Right now... I will be
out to join you and start to deal with you, in a few minutes."
"B-but―" started Ron, before his father rode right over him.
"NOW!" bellowed Arthur.
Ron scrambled up off the floor and, nearly tripping over his own robes in
the process, bolted out the back door; flinging it open, causing it to
bounce off its stop and swinging back nearly shut as he ran.
A few seconds later, Molly quietly - almost plaintively - asked her
husband, "You don't really think Harry would―"
As he looked back at his wife with a worried expression, Arthur merely
pointed to the clock.
None of their other four children present said a word, except Percy. As
quietly as he spoke before, he said, "Your five youngest children were all
sitting at this table. Of that five, only Ron's was pointing at 'In Danger'.
Of that five, only Ron seems intent on upsetting Lord Potter.
"It could be for another reason, of course - one we are all unaware of.
However, if after Dad has spent time with him in the shed his clock hand
suddenly moves back to 'At Home' with the rest of our hands, you will
know.
"If after that his hand again moves to 'In Danger', then it is likely he is
again thinking of upsetting Lord Potter."
Arthur looked to his eldest still living at home and pridefully said, "I can
see why you've been moved from International Magical Cooperation to
the Minister's Office."
"Actually, I'm currently on loan to the Wizengamot Administration
Services, at the moment. They needed more wands to take care of the
massive amount of work brought on by the dozen trials that've just
happened," replied Percy. "But, thank you." He was pleased to receive the
recognition.
"That experience across multiple departments will stand you in good
stead," smiled Arthur. "It'll get you moving up the ranks in no time, if
that's your desire."
"Thank you, Dad," blushed the young man. "That was my thought, too."
Arthur sat there for a few more moments finishing his tea. With a sigh,
he finally said, "Well, now that I've calmed down a fair bit, I'd better go
deal with Ron."
He rose and slowly left out the back door.
Ron's clock hand moved back, for the time being, about five minutes
later.
Molly saw it happen and sighed. She sent Arthur a messenger Patronus
telling him that.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Once he'd eaten his lunch and taken his potions, after being reminded,
Harry gave that a little while to settle in by reading more of the Weekend
Daily Prophet; before he returned to his room to go over his 'list'.
Once he'd checked everything through yet another time, he gave a sigh,
decided the Hat allowed him in Gryffindor for a reason, 'manned-up' and
went looking for Hermione.
Finding her about to make her own way up to her room, he asked, "Care
to take a walk with me? We've been pretty much cooped up inside for―"
"I'd love to!" she suddenly interrupted. Then smiled at him.
Relieved, he said, "Great! I believe you wanted to show me the
neighbourhood?"
With a smile back she said, "We'd best let the aurors and Mum and Daddy
know. Come on." And grabbed him by the hand, leading him out of the
kitchen.
Finding Monica first, she said, "Mum. With Dumbledore 'on ice', he's not a
threat at the moment. So, Harry and I can go for our walk. I want to
show him where I went to primary school."
She smirked and said, "I'll let the aurors know."
After both teens raced upstairs for Hermione to grab a cardigan and
Harry to grab a 'hoodie' - it was a little chilly outside - they quickly ran
back downstairs again. And met two aurors waiting for them at the door.
Harry sighed and said, "No need for you to tail us with Dumbledore out
of the way. We need a bit of privacy to talk."
Hermione gave him a curious look while the aurors glanced at one
another. The senior said, "I think that'd be alright. How long do you think
you'll be?"
Harry didn't know but Hermione replied, "About an hour, I think."
The senior gave a nod and said, "If you're any longer than an hour and
fifteen, we'll come looking for you."
"Thank you," said Harry, grateful and with a relieved little sigh.
The junior auror held the door for them and they passed through.
Harry said, "See you soon!" And they were walking up the path to the
front gate.
Before they'd even reached it, the Senior Auror said to his female partner,
"Follow them under disillusionment, Weston. If they don't get into
trouble, don't let them know you're there. Step in if they do, but only if
it's something they can't handle."
The female auror gave a nod, quietly said, "Will do," then raised her
wand to tap herself on the top of her head and faded out.
To the male auror, a moment later the door looked as if it pulled itself
shut.
He then went looking for the Grangers, finding Wendell in his office.
"Dumbledore's currently locked up so Lord Potter and the young Miss
have gone for their walk," he explained. "They don't know, but Auror
Weston is tailing them under a disillusionment charm."
Wendell gave a relieved smile back and said, "Thank you."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
As they walked down the street outside of Hermione's home, while Harry
was trying to think of what to ask her and talk to her about, Hermione
beat him to it.
"I suppose you were wondering what Dobby and I were talking about,
yesterday morning," she said.
"No, actually," he replied. "I'd actually forgotten about that. And I don't
mind if Dobby talks to you, or if you talk to him. If Dobby feels I need to
know of what you talk about, he'll tell me."
"Even if it breaks a confidence of mine?" she asked.
"Yes," he replied. "Because he's bonded to me, he must answer to me. It's
the nature of the symbiotic bond."
She thought about that for a moment and said, "I wanted to know more
about the bond. How it is that he is able to tell you off, like he did our
first night home."
"Because I ordered him to," said Harry. "For the past little over three
years I've had you telling me off when you knew I'd done something
wrong, or when you thought I was going to do something wrong. But, you
also explained why you believed or felt that way. I might not have
always agreed with what you said, but I appreciate both the care you
demonstrated by doing so and giving me a different viewpoint.
"However, house elves are bred and raised... and it is enforced by their
bond... to do exactly what they're told by their masters; those to whom
they're bonded. There are a few exceptions to that rule, and one of them
is killing a human, but it's generally a pretty absolute rule.
"Just before I bonded with Dobby I told him I had some pretty firm rules
that he had to obey. And that I was not going to bond with him without a
change to the wording of that bond. Dobby agreed to them.
"The first thing you should know about our bond is that I bonded him to
me, not as a servant, but as a loyal friend with servant being only
secondary to that. But, what neither of us knew would happen, was that
it made Dobby significantly magically stronger. It's been years and he still
looks like he's one step away from bouncing off the walls with magical
energy. He told me it feels as if he's fizzing with magic; whatever that
means.
"Now for the orders I gave him right from the start: First, he is not
allowed to punish himself for any reason. Second, if he's done something
wrong or made a mistake with something he's to come to me to talk
about it and we'll figure out how to fix whatever it is or was between us.
Third, he is to make sure he stays healthy and doesn't overwork himself;
and I included working until he was exhausted in that. And fourth, if he
thinks I'm being an idiot about something he was to tell me and not put
up with my complaining about it. That last one was what you saw.
"I've also been working hard with him on his diction and how he refers to
me. I ordered him to call me 'Harry' but he said he couldn't because it
was against some Code of Life house elves live by. The way it was
explained, it sounds almost religious. I then argued if he had to call me
'Master' then he was to call me simply 'Master Harry'. He slips up with
that every now and again and appends 'Potter Sir' to it. But, I've at least
got him to stop adding 'Great' or similar words to the front of it."
"He told me he's not happy that you stopped him doing that," she smiled.
"He thinks everyone should know just how great his master is."
Harry blushed and said, "Yeah, but it's embarrassing!"
"Is the Great Master Harry Potter, Sir, blushing?" she teased.
He stopped and turned to her with an almost horrified expression on his
face, before he blushed so deeply it looked like he had third degree
sunburn.
She freely and gaily laughed with that high tinkling laugh she had, before
slipping her hand into his elbow and saying, "Come on. I wanted to show
you where I went to school, remember?"
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
18. Betrothal Agreements
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!
A/N: Made some grammatical corrections to previous chapters. (Thank you
Alix33 and a couple others.) Now we see how much of a manipulator Monica
can be. On that, while Harry hates it when people manipulate him, we also get
more of a taste of how much he can be considered a hypocrite here on for a
little while.
A/N2: 'Missus Landringham' is a gift for Alix33. She'll know why. *grin*
Chapter Eighteen - Betrothal Discussions
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Back at the Granger house, with the two teens out of the way, Wendell
hunted down Monica. She was going around the house with a small
watering can and checking to see which plants needed watering, only to
find they'd all been done.
With a sigh she thought, 'Dobby.'
"Hi love," he said.
"Dobby's watered and trimmed all the indoor plants," she half-heartedly
complained.
"House elves are apparently quite handy," he smiled.
"And annoying when you're looking for something to do," she smiled
back.
"How'd your talk with Hermione go, yesterday and this morning?" he
asked.
"She's clueless," she sighed. "It's clear she loves him. But, she seems to
think it's the sort of love one has for a little brother. I think she's wrong
and she's lying to herself so she doesn't get hurt."
"And he thinks he sees her as a big sister," he added. "I even had to talk to
him about considering his feelings for her so he can get over the problem
of not recognising love those Dursley people beat into him."
"They're both clueless," she grumbled.
"Here I was, thinking I'd have to keep an eye on the pair of them just so
they wouldn't go running off to find somewhere behind a closed door,
and neither thinks like that," he said. "On one hand, I'm relieved. But, on
the other, it's disappointing."
"She's fifteen, 'Dell," she frowned. "And he's fourteen. They should both be
wanting to hump away at each other like rabbits!"
He blanched and said, "That's one image I really didn't want passing
through my mind."
"I didn't say they should be doing it," she smiled. "I said they should be
wanting to do it."
"Errph!" he shuddered.
She laughed a similar tinkling laugh to Hermione.
"You know how the wizarding world is about a century behind ours,
right?" she asked.
"Sometimes it looks even further than that," he returned. "However, I
understand what you're getting at."
"Well, during my talk with Hermione I found out that Harry's parents
married right out of school. That means they were eighteen," she
explained. "So did that Ronald boy's parents, so do a lot of magicals.
"For many in the magical world Hogwarts is a place parents can send
their children so they can interact with other children and find their
future spouses. She even told me there are some children that are
betrothed in marriage contracts, similar to our nobility, before they even
arrive at the school."
"That sounds..." he tried.
"Like about one to two centuries out of date; at least, socially?" she
finished. "Yeah, it does. But, what did we just determine?"
"That they're one to two centuries behind our world," he nodded, seeing
what his wife was getting at.
"Now, think of this," she continued. "If wizarding adults tend to marry
soon after they finish school, and that age puts them at or about
seventeen to eighteen years of age, how old did you say Hermione was
again?"
With a start he breathed, "Bloody Hell!"
"Next issue," she said, moving on while her husband was trying to get his
head around the idea his little princess could easily make him a
grandfather within five years. "She told me their school doctor... medi-
witch... was under some form of loyalty potions and compulsion charms.
"When I pushed her on those she told me about more. Love potions are a
fact of life for witches and wizards. Soon after she got to the school back
in 1991, the medi-witch warned all the girls about them and how to spot
signs of it in themselves and those they were friends with. And, if they
thought themselves or their friends were under one, to immediately bring
it to her attention. And yet, she was discovered to have been under a
similar one; and no one noticed a thing. We also now know Hermione
was under a mild one back in 1991/92. That has me worried."
Wendell was deep in thought.
"Moving on," she said. "We both also know the wizarding world has two
hierarchies. There is one based on blood status and one based on House
status.
"The one based on blood status, starting at the top, goes pureblood,
halfblood, muggleborn, squib and muggle. The one on House status goes
Noble and Most Ancient, Noble and Ancient, Ancient, Elder, Minor,
Magical, Unhoused and Disowned.
"There's a third but it's not as important compared to the first two. It goes
Lord, Lady, Heir Apparent, Heir Presumptive, other Heir, Member and
those who don't fit in any of those categories.
"As a muggleborn and Unhoused, Hermione sits right down the totem
pole on both the first two; while Harry, as Lord of a Noble and Most
Ancient House, even though he's also a halfblood, sits about as close to
the top as it gets. There's only six people in their society that could be
higher and they're all pureblood Lords. Sirius is one of those. And
Hermione tells me another is currently a permanent resident in their
hospital and is highly unlikely to ever recover. His son is a good friend of
them both and is due to the inherit the title when he turns seventeen in a
little under three years. That leaves four."
"So, what are you looking to achieve if you're telling me all this?" he
asked.
"Don't bite my head off for the idea," she carefully replied. "But, I want to
know how you feel about the idea of Hermione being better protected?"
"I'm all for it, of course," he replied. "Why?"
Taking a deep breath she screwed up her courage and explained, "I want
to talk to Sirius about floating the idea of Harry and Hermione becoming
betrothed to one another."
"What?!" he loudly exclaimed. "Y-you want to give our daughter―"
"No!" she firmly and immediately cut in. "A Betrothal Agreement, from
what I can gather, is a promise statement. However, it can also be written
with escape clauses. That's the first important part.
"The next is, when a witch or wizard is in a Betrothal Agreement, both are
protected under the auspices of the senior House. In this case, that would
be Harry's; the Noble and Most Ancient House of Potter. To interfere in a
Betrothal Agreement, including dosing one or the other or both with
mind altering potions or charms, is considered interfering in the private
practices of a House or Houses. At the level of Harry's House, that could
see you executed; so, people are going to very wary of trying such a thing.
It would protect them both!"
"I don't believe this!" he declared.
The voice of the current senior auror on their 'detail', Senior Auror
Horatio Cummerbatch, was suddenly heard to say, "Believe it, Doctor
Granger." He was quite firm.
Spinning to the door leading to the kitchen, Wendell looked at him in
shock. "Horatio? You mean, she's right?"
"Yes, Sir," replied Cummerbatch. "It's actually quite a clever idea, too."
"But, what if Harry..." began Wendell before he stuttered to a stop unable
to find the right words.
"A formal Betrothal Agreement is not a licence to have sex, Sir," replied
the auror, walking more fully into the room. "A Betrothal Agreement is a
statement to the other Houses, plus individual witches and wizards, that
these two... in this case, Lord Potter and your daughter... are, not just off
limits to any form of courting, but most especially what your wife was
describing.
"As your wife said, they can include clauses that allow the Agreement to
be dissolved. It can be as simple as either party saying, 'I hereby dissolve
our Betrothal Agreement' for it to be ended. For your own piece of mind
you can also include a clause that states you can say, 'I hereby dissolve
the Betrothal Agreement between Hermione and Harry' for it be ended."
"That's all?" asked Wendell, still doubtful.
"Yes," nodded Cummerbatch. "But, a Betrothal Agreement must include
stipulations, just as any contract does in the muggle world. Normally,
they would includes things like, 'The bride must produce at least one
male heir within thirty-six months of the date of the union and another
heir, whether male or female, within seventy two months'; or 'On the
bonding of the marriage the House of Potter agrees to pay bride price of
ten thousand galleons to the Head of the family of the bride and fifty
thousand galleons on the birth of the first heir of the House of Potter
resulting from the union'.
"It can also include business arrangements, as these usually do. 'As of the
date of the union the House of Potter agrees to loan House Granger, at
the interest rate of zero point one percent calculated yearly, the sum of
two hundred and fifty thousand galleons. Such loan to be repaid in full,
together with the interest, within five years to the day'. That sort of
thing."
Narrowing his eyes in suspicion at the auror, Wendell said, "It sounds like
you have experience with these."
Cummerbatch smiled and replied, "They're quite common in our world,
Sir. They're practically mandatory at Lord Potter's level."
"His... parents?" asked Wendell.
"It is not known for sure by the wizarding world at-large," shrugged the
auror. "But, it is believed so, yes. However, it is also believed that they
didn't enter a Betrothal Agreement until after Lord James Potter
proposed, if they did. And that was also after both reached of-age.
"Like your daughter, Lady Lily Potter was a muggleborn. The trial
showed that her parents passed soon after she graduated from Hogwarts.
However, as she was 'Unhoused' she did not need her parent's permission
once she was of-age, anyway. And, by then, Lord James was also both of-
age and rightful Lord of the House of Potter. So, he could sign such an
Agreement off his own authority, too.
"If there is anyone who could truthfully tell you whether they entered
such an agreement or not, it would be Lord Black. Before being Lord
Potter's godfather, he was Lord James Potter's supposed best friend. They
attended Hogwarts together in the same year. So, too, did Lady Lily
Potter née Evans."
The auror stood there for a moment before he said, "I'm sorry. I shouldn't
have intruded on your conversation. We're taught not to do that and I'd
be hexed into next week if The Boss ever found out. I'll leave you to it."
And, with that, spun around and strode out the door.
Wendell stood thinking about what he'd been told for a long, long
moment before he looked at his wife and asked, "Could it be that
simple?"
"What I was going to suggest was, we speak with Sirius... Lord Black...
when he next drops by," she replied with a smile. "The only thing I ask is
that we discuss it... as adults."
He gave a firm nod and replied, "We'll do that. But, we'll do it away from
the kids, first."
"Good," she said. "I don't want to discuss it in front of them yet, either."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After being shown Hermione's old primary school through the security
fence - especially the library, of course - the two headed for the local
small shopping district.
Harry used the opportunity to 'pick up some things' from the supermarket
for the pantry, fridge and freezer at the Grangers that were either lacking
or he felt he needed to contribute to. In Hermione's mind, though, Harry
had basically bought a week's worth of grocery shopping.
Once out of the shops, Harry led Hermione into the back lane-way
behind the supermarket and, checking by looking about first, called
Dobby.
Dobby popped in, saw the bags Harry and Hermione were carrying and
popped away with them.
"That's so useful," said Hermione. "I first thought we'd have to carry them
all back ourselves and was dreading what my arms and hands were going
to feel like well before we got back."
Once back out on the street the two slowly made their way back to the
Granger house.
And Harry finally screwed up his courage enough to ask what he
desperately needed to, but still feared to, ask.
"Hermione," he began. "How do you know if you've fallen in love with
someone?"
That stopped the girl in her tracks. And her stopping caused him to stop a
step later and turn back to look at her.
She gawped back at him. "W-what?"
"How do you know if you've fallen in love?" he simply asked.
"I... what? I... don't know," she replied.
With a sigh he muttered, "Pity."
"W-why do you ask?" she asked a little fearfully.
Looking away and blushing a little he quietly replied, "Your dad said he
believes I've fallen in love with... someone; but, because I never
experienced love as a child growing up, I don't know what to look for to
determine if I've fallen in love or not."
"He said that?" she squeaked. 'Oh, no!' she thought.
"Yeah," he almost morosely replied. "I spent a long time thinking about it,
analysing it, and I can see his point."
"And... as a result, you think you're in love with someone?" she carefully
asked.
'I've lost him!' she thought. 'Oh, Merlin! I'm in love with him!... Where did
that come from?'
"Yeah," he sighed. With a gesture he got them both moving again as they
continued to walk up the path of the street that would take them back to
her place.
"Can I ask who?" she asked. "If you want to tell me, that is."
Inside she was thinking, 'Whoever it is, I'll help him any way I can. But,
I'm going to hate it.'
"It's the one person I know who cares for me, not who I am to them, not
who I could be for them, not who they think I am," he replied. "Oh. And
they're also female; just in case you thought I might've batted for the
other team."
'Cho?... Possibly,' she thought. 'Katie?... Maybe... Ginny?... Merlin, no!―'
Screwing up her courage to hear her doom, she said, "It'll help if you stop
beating about the bush and tell me who we're talking about, Harry."
"At risk of our friendship being irreparably harmed," he said. "And please
believe me when I say I really, really, really hope that this doesn't hurt
our friendship―."
"Harry―" she almost growled.
"You!" he suddenly blurted. Then cringed away, expecting 'Mount
Hermione' to erupt.
That brought the girl to another sudden halt.
Again taking an extra step when she suddenly stopped again, but also
stepping away in case she was going to hit him. He stood looking at her,
blushing and expecting her to hit him.
She was again gawking at him.
"H-Hermione?" he tentatively asked. "Y-you're not going to hit me, a-are
you?"
Suddenly, her jaw snapped shut and she dived at him. That drove them
both to the ground.
"Oof!" he exclaimed, hitting the ground. He felt lucky his head hit the
little grass strip between the path and the curb of the road.
"Oh, Harry! Oh, Harry! Oh, Harry!" she was babbling.
The female auror following them, Auror Second Class Weston, wanted to
check the time right then but couldn't. She'd just have to try and figure
out how long it was between now and when they got back to the house.
There was a betting pool someone in the 'bullpen' was going to win.
Harry, though, was confused. Hermione was apparently trying to crush
him to death with one of her hugs, while also trying to wrestle with him
on the ground, all the while crying into his pullover 'hoodie'.
"Ummm... Hermione?" he asked.
Suddenly, everything stopped for a few moments. Hermione had stopped
her babbling, wrestling and sobbing.
Again suddenly, she sat up on his upper thighs with what he quickly
realised were her bits and had both her hands pressed flat on either side
of his upper chest.
With a serious expression on her face she firmly asked, "Do you know
how badly you scared me? I was going through my mind wondering who
it was! Cho, Katie, Ginny, even Lavender!"
"Sorry," he quietly said. "I was trying to build up the courage to let you
know it was you. You're not really angry with me, are you?"
She stared at him for a long moment before she said, "No. I can never
stay mad with you."
Harry relaxed in relief.
"However," she said. And he tensed up again. "Don't you have a question
you should be asking me?"
Confused, he lay there thinking about it, not wanting to ask the wrong
question.
"Ummm... y-you're... okay with that?" he carefully asked.
"No, you git!" she snapped back and then actually did hit him lightly on
the chest.
Harry felt devastated. She didn't like him loving her. She didn't love him.
"That's the wrong question!" she snapped again. "You're supposed to ask
me if I would be your girlfriend!"
"Oh," he said, confused, before he understood what she meant. From the
sudden swooping drop into the depths of despair his heart soared in joy.
"Oohh!"
"Well?" she asked.
Neither teen had moved to stand up from the ground. Harry was still
laying on his back on the footpath with Hermione sitting on his thighs
with her hands on his chest.
"Hermione Granger," he more formally said. "Will you consent to be my
girlfriend?"
"Yes!" she immediately and gaily cried, before diving forward and
mashing her lips to his.
They were like that for a few long seconds, with Hermione crushing his
lips with her own, before both teens heard a loud and pointed throat
clear, "Huh-hmm!"
Hermione sat up straight again and both teens turned to the sound. Harry
noticed on the other side of the front fence of a property they were
passing, a little old lady wearing a wide brimmed straw hat, threadbare
dress, light unbuttoned cardigan, wearing gardening gloves and holding a
pair of garden scissors in her right hand.
"Oh! Hello, Missus Landringham!" said Hermione to the woman.
Harry could see the woman had obviously been kneeling in the garden
along her low brick front fence and both of them had missed her. He
could also see she was trying to put on a stern expression while trying to
hide the fact she was happy for them. Her eyes were twinkling.
"Miss Granger," said the woman. "A young lady does not sit on her young
suitor - on the ground, mind - and then try to bruise his lips with her own!
It is unbecoming!"
Hermione blushed and said, "Ummm... Sorry, Missus Landringham." Then
she slowly climbed to her feet.
Before Harry could move, the old woman then cast her stern gaze on him
and said, "As for you, young man; don't you think you should be
escorting Miss Granger home so you can ask her father if you may court
her, first?"
Harry blushed scarlet before he scrambled to his feet. "S-sorry, Ma'am!"
he exclaimed.
Then he quickly grabbed Hermione by the hand and tried to run back to
her house while dragging her behind.
"Harry!" screamed Hermione within the first half dozen steps, as she was
dragged along. "We don't need to run! Slow down!"
That brought Harry to an almost stop before he squeaked, "Sorry!"
Out of earshot, the old woman's expression turned into a smile. "Tch! The
children of today. No sense of the proper proprieties!" she wistfully said.
Then she giggled, before she dropped back to her knees and returned to
her trimming.
'Wait until the bridge club hear about this!' she thought, cutting away a
particularly misbehaving branch. 'Right on the outside path in front of
my roses!' Then she giggled again.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
As soon as they got back into the house - Hermione almost dragging
Harry inside, this time - she ran off looking for her mother.
"MUU-UUM!" she two-tone called up the stairs.
Then was startled when her mother's voice called from her left in the
parlour. "Don't shout, Hermione!"
The girl first whirled on locating where the voice came from before she
then whirled on Harry and demanded, "Go find Daddy!" Then dashed into
the parlour.
Standing there, Harry blinked a moment before he decided talking to her
father was not something he wanted to do, just yet. Instead, he headed
for the kitchen.
'I'd best go make sure Dobby's put all the groceries away, first,' he
thought. 'And, hopefully, he's not started preparing dinner yet.'
He also knew the chances of Dobby not putting the groceries away, or
that the elf had actually started dinner already considering the time, had
nothing to do with it. Was he avoiding talking to her father? Of course
not!
Then used the time to consider what he would be cooking for dinner that
evening. He was muttering various recipes as they passed through his
head while he was head down and bum up in the ice chest.
Happy as a niffler in a Gringotts vault, Hermione found her mother
reading through some documents on a lounge.
She practically leapt onto the armchair opposite and stared at her mother
with a big grin on her face.
When Monica looked up in surprise, she saw her daughter sitting on the
chair opposite, the biggest smile she'd ever seen on her face, her eyes
figuratively, if not practically, sparkling and behaving as if she was a
hyperactive six year old on a sugar high dosed up with cochineal red
food dye colouring forced to sit still.
That was something Monica well-remembered from back in the girl's first
week ever of school - muggle primary - when another child had shared a
bag of 'Red Frogs' lollies with her.
It had taken hours for the girl to burn through the sugar and dye and,
when she did at the dinner table, fell face-first into her mashed potatoes
instantly asleep.
Wendell was chuckling so hard he was useless and it was left to Monica
to wipe her daughter's face clean of her dinner with a face cloth before
carrying her upstairs to her room, which was then the room Harry now
had, and putting her to bed.
Setting aside the documents she was going over, Monica made sure her
features were under control before turning to look once again upon her
daughter. "Hermione dear, you look as if―"
"Harryaskedmetobehisgirlfriend!" the girl blurted before her mother even
had a chance to reach anywhere near the end of her own sentence.
Mentally slowing down what her daughter actually said, Monica was a
few moments before she calmly said, "I see. And what was your
response?"
"Isaidyes,ofcourse!" The expression on Hermione's face implied a second
sentence - 'Are you stupid?'
Forcefully smothering the snort of amusement that tried to escape and
nodding, Monica packed away the documents into a neat pile on the
coffee table between them. She was using the time to properly school her
emotions and expression. She didn't want to let on she both expected it
and very much wanted it. Finally, she said, "Let's go into the kitchen,
make a cup of tea, take it out onto the back patio and talk about it."
Rising, while Hermione popped to her feet like a 'jack-in-the-box', Monica
led the way. However, they were interrupted in their intent before even
leaving the parlour when Dobby popped in and said, "The Great Master
Harry Potter, Sir, be... 'cheffing'. Dobby be bringings you tea out to patio."
Then popped away again.
"Uh-huh," muttered Monica. "Out to the patio, then," she said with a nod.
By then and in the kitchen, Harry was well on his way into preparing
dinner.
He was well into it when Dobby popped in and began making up a
service of tea.
"What're you up to, Dobs?" he asked.
"Missus and Miss Grangy be havings tea on the patio, Master Harry,"
replied the elf.
Harry gave a nod, left the elf to it and returned to what he was doing.
Thirty minutes later he called Dobby and explained what he was doing
and why.
"If I miss anything before something else has come up, would you mind
taking care of it for me, Dobby?" he asked.
"Of course, Master Harry," replied the elf.
"Thank you," he sighed. "Now, where would I find Wendell?"
"Mister Grangy be in his office, Master Harry," replied Dobby.
"Thank you," said Harry, standing up straight as Dobby popped away
again.
Bracing himself for the... confrontation... Harry headed to the office.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Finding Wendell in his office as he knew he would be - Dobby knew
where everyone he considered part of his household to be at any given
time - he knocked on the door before entering. The door was open.
Wendell took all of about two seconds to realise something was deeply
worrying the boy.
Gesturing to the seat opposite his desk, he said, "Come in and take a load
off, Harry."
Watching the boy as he seemed to move cautiously forward before
sitting, Wendell realised the boy was apparently somewhat afraid of him.
"What's the problem?" he asked.
"Errr... there's no problem!" the boy was quick to reply. "That is... I don't
think it's a problem... I think it's wonderful!... But... Ummm... You..."
Then he sighed.
Wendell wasn't going to push the boy to hurry up because he knew, from
experience, that more often than not it actually slowed things down. So
he just waited for the boy to get to what he needed to say.
"I thought a lot about what you said... you know, when you said I needed
to analyse my feelings."
Wendell nodded, starting to get an inkling as to what the boy was on
about. If he was right...
"And I reached a rather surprising... and I mean that in a good way," the
boy was quick to say. "I mean... I figured out that... ummm... that... I'm-
in-love-with-your-daughter." Then winced.
Clearly, Harry expected to be yelled at, but Wendell wasn't going to do
that. Instead, he calmly said, "It's about time you figured that out."
Giving a start of shock and gaping back like a stunned mullet at the older
man, Harry ineloquently returned, "Hunh?"
The expression of shocked confusion on the face of the young man, who
often appeared wise beyond his years, amused Wendell enough it had
him smiling, almost grinning, back. "Harry, I think you and Hermione
were the only two people in this house who did not know that before
dinner the first night you were here was concluded. And, yes, I'm
including the aurors who've come and gone in that."
"You... knew?" asked Harry.
"Yes," Wendell immediately and simply stated back.
"Is that what..." Harry stated but stopped, unsure what to ask.
"Is that what that discussion I had with you out on the patio was all
about?" asked Wendell. Then, not waiting for Harry to respond, replied,
"Yes."
With Harry still confused, having no idea this was how this conversation
would go and having no idea where to go from here, Wendell gave him a
moment to think about it before he said, "I take it you've come in here to
ask if you can date my daughter?"
When Harry again gaped back in shock at how well Wendell had sussed
out what he'd come in for, Wendell chuckled and said, "My answer is
yes."
Then, when Harry immediately appeared relieved, Wendell asked, "Have
you asked her, yet?"
"Errr... yes," Harry softly replied. "When we were out for our walk."
When Wendell nodded, Harry continued, "There was this little old lady
out working in her garden, I think she was trimming her roses next to the
front fence... I never noticed her and I don't think Hermione did either, at
the time, because she must've been kneeling... but, when I asked
Hermione and she said yes... Oh, she said yes, by the way..." he said,
glancing up for the moment. "Well, she... the little old lady, that is... I
think her name was Missus Landringham?..."
Wendell immediately pictured the woman and remembered her as
someone who had once brought his daughter home when she was a little
girl and some bullies had picked on her on her way home from primary.
"Well," continued Harry, rambling. "She said something about how
Hermione had tackled me to the ground and how it was improper for
Hermione... that's when she said yes, by the way... how it was improper
for Hermione to behave that way. Then she looked at me and told me...
well, reminded me, really... that I had to come and ask you if I could court
your daughter... and, well―"
"And here you are," nodded Wendell.
"Errr... yes," replied Harry.
"Well," said Wendell, "I've already said yes, so that's out of the way."
Harry nodded back.
"But, there are rules."
Harry braced himself up, took on a serious expression and nodded once
back.
'There's that young man, wise beyond his years, again,' thought Wendell.
"Rule One: I know the two of you are likely to argue to the point tears are
going to flow, at some times; but, if you ever hurt my daughter to the
point she feels she has no choice but to run home to her Mum and
Daddy, I will hunt you down and they'll never find your body."
Harry looked horrified. "I-I'd never―" he spluttered.
Wendell immediately raised his hand in a stop gesture, which
immediately shut Harry up again.
"I never said you would, Harry," explained Wendell. "These are rules I'm
laying down so that you know them and I know you know them."
When Harry calmed back down and nodded a few moments later,
Wendell continued. "Two: While in this house you will never be alone in a
room with my daughter with the door closed. Actually, you can expand
that to be, while boyfriend and girlfriend you will never be alone in any
room with my daughter with the door closed.
"Three: Between the hours of 10.00pm and 7.00am, each of your rooms
are off limits to the other.
"Four: At all other times you will never enter the room of the other
without being specifically invited. And, again, the door is to remain wide
open. Don't forget to knock first if the door is closed.
"Five: Hands will never wander to inappropriate areas on the other.
"Six: 'No' means 'Hell, no! Not going to happen!' And you'll never push it.
"Seven: You'll never use any form of potion or other magic on my
daughter unless it is to protect her from harm. And, even then, it will be
with her freely given prior consent. That's something the two of you will
need to discuss in advance.
"Eight: If you believe she is under such a potion or charm or whatever
from someone else, you will immediately take her to get medical
attention. Once you've done that, you will then use your authority as a
Lord in your world to see that the person or persons who did it to her are
justly punished.
"Nine: My daughter is our greatest precious gift to Monica and I. You will
pro-actively, actively and reactively do everything in your power, and
beyond if necessary, to protect her from harm.
"Ten: If you discover that there's a problem and you don't know how to
deal with it, come and see me, Monica or... if you prefer... contact your
godfather to talk it over. While you are wise beyond your years and have
been declared an adult, you are still a fourteen year boy.
"Got all that?"
Harry was thinking hard and eventually replied, "I'm probably going to
have to review this memory in my pensieve; but, I think, for now, I've got
it."
Wendell smiled back, picked up a sheet of A4 paper off the desk blotter
in front of him and handed it over.
Harry accepted it, flipped it right way round and saw that it was the
same ten rules in printed form. It was headed with the title, 'The Ten
Rules for Dating My Daughter'.
Looking back in shock, he squeaked, "You knew?"
"I told you, Harry," replied Wendell, "Everyone in this house, bar you and
my daughter, knew you loved each other. I'll also add your godfather and
the Tonkses to that list. It was only a matter of time before you two
figured it out. I also already guessed it would happen within a day or two
after that talk we had; and you asked her to be your girlfriend."
"So, you prepared for it," said a surprised Harry.
"Working on writing down that," said Wendell, indicating the paper now
in Harry's hand, "Is what's occupied me for the past couple of days."
"Now," he said. "I believe your godfather and I need to talk. Monica was
informing me of something in your world that has to do with what
happens when two young people form a relationship.
"A Betrothal Agreement?" Harry exclaimed, once again shocked out of his
mind.
"Very good, Harry," smiled Wendell. "I'm led to believe one is important,
as it will protect both you and Hermione from... interference in your
relationship.
"Don't worry. As you're now an adult in your world and as you're also the
Head of your House, I'm assured no one but you can enter you into such
an Agreement," he said. "I just want to talk to your godfather about it as I
intend to wrack his brains about how one is laid out. I have a daughter to
think about - a muggleborn, Unhoused daughter."
"Ah!" said Harry, again calming down. "I didn't think of that. I'll contact
him by mirror in a little while and ask him to stop by tomorrow. I'm sure
Cousin Andromeda will let him out of her sight for a little while for this."
"Thank you, Harry," nodded the father of his now girlfriend, before the
man seemed to want to return to whatever else he was doing in the office
before he'd turned up.
"Thank you, Wendell," he replied, standing and making his way out. He
was holding the sheet of paper in his off-hand as he left.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Meanwhile, Monica and Hermione were talking out on the patio. At first,
Hermione was talking a mile a minute and Monica was just listening and
trying to make sense of it all.
Finally, the girl calmed down enough Monica was able to ask her
daughter the how, the what and the when.
She then got the story from her daughter what Harry told Wendell, but
from Hermione's perspective.
"I was sooo worried," Hermione said. "It wasn't until he said he thought
he might be in love with someone and wanted to ask me something that I
realised I loved him!
"I thought he was going to ask me for help in asking another girl - I
would have, of course - I'm his friend and that's what friends do for each
other. But, I felt like he might as well have kicked me in the guts for how
bad it made me feel."
"Buuuut―" urged Monica.
"But, he was trying to screw up his courage to ask me if I would be his
girlfriend. It made me just so happy! I felt like I was going to float up into
the air and away, right there! That's when I knew I had to say 'yes'."
Then she sighed while staring off into nothingness.
'She's smitten,'' thought Monica. 'No doubt about it. It's about time and
this will make things easier.
'Wendell will be talking with Harry about calling his godfather to come
visit. No need to worry Hermione about it. We'll let her know when it's
practically a done deal.'
Looking to her daughter she firmly said, "Now that you two have finally
recognised your feelings for one another, there are rules you're going to
need to follow."
Hermione instantly blushed and looked away. "Mu-uum!" she whined.
"No. Listen!" her mother pressed. "Your father will be giving Harry a
similar set of rules―"
Hermione immediately looked horrified. "B-but that could scare him!
He's... his relatives―"
"Hermione. Stop!" her mother firmly interrupted. When the girl did she
continued, "You know very well your father and I are trained in how to
handle children, even one's as mature as Harry, who were the victims of
child abuse. Your father is not going to do or say anything that is going to
send Harry running for the hills; and you know it.
"As I told you, you and Harry seemed to be the only two people who have
passed in and out of this house over the past few days who didn't know
you two loved each other. It was only a matter of time before you two
figured it out."
"Harry told me Daddy told him he needed to analyse his feelings,"
explained Hermione. "I thought it was for another girl."
"Nope," said Monica. "Therefore, we've had a couple of days of discussing
it and working out how we were going to handle it. And remind me to
send a thank you gift to Missus Landringham for sending Harry to your
father as soon as he got back."
Hermione just looked worried.
"He'll be fine," said her mother. "Now. Back to the subject of rules―"
"Mu-uuum; I know the rules," she said.
"And I'm going to go over them and sharpen them up a little," her mother
firmly stated. "You and I have already discussed how you're on birth
control potions and why. And, as I said at the time, I can see the wisdom
of that. However, just because you're on birth control, does not give you
licence to have sex."
Hermione blushed again and muttered, "I'm not ready, anyway."
"Maybe not," said Monica. "But, your body is. And you know there are
certain chemical reactions that will drive you to want to - 'Nature's
imperative'. It will be up to the both of you to ensure you retain enough
power of will to overcome it. And your knowledge of you being on birth
control may warp your thoughts into thinking there'd be no
consequences.
"Your father and I... mainly me, I guess... have worked hard to instil in
you the responsibility and courage to stop before things get... out-of-
hand."
"I don't know if Harry―" tried Hermione.
"That is not our, or your, responsibility," said Monica. "That is the
responsibility of his godfather. And Wendell will be telling Harry to
invite him over so they can talk."
Shocked, Hermione squeaked, "Daddy and Harry are going to talk
about―"
"No. Your father is telling Harry to invite Sirius over so Sirius can talk to
Harry about that," her mother corrected. "Your father and Sirius need to
talk about something else. It's a business issue."
"About what?" she asked.
"A business issue, Hermione," Monica firmly stated. "You know better than
to ask questions like that. If Sirius thinks you should know, he'll tell you."
Hermione blushed at the rebuke, this time; rather than in mortification.
The nature of her father being a JP and her mother being a CD meant
there were both business and law issues she was not allowed to be privy
to - and she'd forgotten that.
"Sorry," she muttered. "I've been away for so long, so often..."
Monica nodded and said, "You're forgiven. The reminder was more than
enough."
Of course, Monica also felt a little bad about it because she was using the
nature of their 'after hours' jobs to keep something from her daughter.
That was not a little dishonest of her.
"Next," she said. "Your father raised a little girl to almost twelve, when
she suddenly disappeared into a different world. After that, he saw her
for two months during the middle of the year, if that; then two weeks
over Christmas; and two weeks over around Easter. Because of that, he
hasn't had much of a chance to... internalise... that the eleven year old
little girl he helped raise is now a fifteen year old young woman, wise
beyond her years. That's why he slips up every now and then and calls
you, 'Princess'.
"So, the idea of you kissing... and being kissed back... by a fourteen year
old boy he also knows is recognised as an adult, is rich and famous and is
politically powerful might be a bit much for him to see, for now."
"I've only kissed him like that once," she blushed. "That was when he
asked me to be his girlfriend and, even then, Missus Landringham
interrupted us."
Monica laughed. "So you told me," she grinned. "But, I told you that so
you can... save your father the dyspepsia... of seeing his little princess
effectively snogging with her boyfriend."
Hermione grinned back and said, "I can see that... yeah. Alright, I'll make
sure we don't do something that upsets Daddy's senses."
"Thank you," her mother said. "Next..."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Harry had gone back to his room and pulled out his mirror. He sat there
looking down at it for a moment as he thought about what he wanted
and needed to say to the man.
With his mind still a little fuzzy from his asking Hermione to be his
girlfriend and then talking to her father - who then up and surprised him,
too - had him hesitating.
'Right,' he thought. 'Another list, first.'
Setting the mirror aside he pulled parchment and quill before himself and
uncapped his ink bottle.
When he finished the short list of subjects, thought about if he needed to
talk about more than that and not thinking of anything relevant for the
time, he picked up the mirror again.
"Padfoot", he called.
A few moments later Sirius appeared. "Prongslet!"
"Hi."
Sirius took a long look at Harry's face, and asked, "Aaaaaallll-right!
What's going on?"
"I'm going to tell you some big news, then I'm going to tell you some
surprising news, and then I'm going to ask you to do some research for
me," he replied. "After that, I need you to come visit with us tomorrow."
Sirius gave him a long look as a smirk suddenly appeared on his face.
"Finally asked her, did you?"
"Yes," he replied, before he realised. "Wait. What? You knew? Damn!
Wendell said you did, but I don't think I believed it."
Sirius laughed and said, "Settle down, Pup. You asked her. What did she
say?"
"I was surprised," he replied. "She said, 'Yes'. Then she tackled me to the
ground and kissed me so hard I think she bruised my lips."
Sirius laughed and then asked, "I take it that was the big news?"
"Yeah, but it doesn't sound so big for you," said a slightly dejected
godson.
"It's still big news, Pup," replied Sirius. "What's the... surprising news?"
"He knows about the wizarding world's Betrothal Agreements, Sirius," he
quietly replied. "He wants to discuss the subject with you."
"He does?" asked a shocked godfather. "Then... wow! That is surprising
news. How'd he find out?"
"No idea, if you didn't tell him," he replied. "If it wasn't you, then it must
have been Hermione. And, if it was Hermione, I'm wondering...
"Oh!" he suddenly exclaimed. "Of course! Malfoy and Parkinson."
"Pardon?" asked Sirius.
"Back in First Year, I remember Hermione asking, in general terms, why
Parkinson - Pansy Parkinson, that is - was fawning all over Draco
Malfoy," he explained. "Ron said something about 'They must be in a
Betrothal Agreement, I guess.' And a few other not very flattering things,
but that's beside the point. And, that got Hermione asking more about
them.
"She then must have told her parents all about them in one of her letters
home, or when she was home talking to them."
"Seems the likely scenario," nodded Sirius. "But, since he does, it's going
to make things a great deal easier."
"Easier?" he warily asked.
"Easier," his godfather immediately and firmly replied. "Harry, you're a
Lord of a Noble and Most Ancient House. As such, you really need one.
Especially, since Hermione is a muggleborn."
"So, I take it my parents had one?" he asked. "That was going to be my
next question, by the way."
"Yes," replied Sirius. "Your father had one drawn up, with your mother
sitting by his side as he had it done, once they decided to make their
engagement public.
"But, I want you to also remember that both of your parents were of-age
when they did it. Because Hermione is not, it is up to her magical
guardian to complete one in her stead."
"And, who'd be hers?" he asked. "I thought it'd be Dumbledore. But, as
he's no longer headmaster―"
"As a muggleborn student attending Hogwarts, if she didn't already have
one by default, it devolves to her Head of House," explained Sirius.
"However, that was Minnie McGonagall; and she's now gone. I'd have to
look it up, but it could still be her since her magical guardian could be
identified by name, rather than title. If it's by title then, since there's
currently no Head of House for Gryffindor, it would devolve to the
Deputy Head. As there's no Deputy Head at the moment, it then devolves
to the Head. That would mean her magical guardian would be Lady
Griselda Marchbanks."
"That's―" he began.
"Hold your horses, Pup," his godfather interrupted. "Just a minute. There's
something else you need to know."
When Harry nodded, he continued, "I've had Ted looking into what's
needed to have magical guardianship transferred from one person to
another without the current magical guardian having any say in the
matter. And I had him doing it with Hermione... and this matter, truth be
told... in mind.
"Your ructions across the hierarchy of Hogwarts have presented an
opportunity. As Minerva McGonagall has now been found to be guilty of
crimes against children, she is no longer eligible to hold a magical
guardian position. So that covers the chance she was Hermione's.
"Secondly, if it was by title, then without a current Head of House for
Gryffindor or Deputy Head in their stead it has likely devolved to
Griselda. And Griselda would never refuse to allow a transfer of magical
guardianship to another if she believed the muggleborn's parents wished
it so of their own free will.
"Even if she does, it can be lawfully argued that Hermione's parents
effectively signed over magical guardianship to Minerva McGonagall and
no one else. Therefore, they would have the right to choose another if
they so chose. And the current magical guardian would not even need to
know until it was done."
"Well, I certainly hope you intend on discussing this with Hermione's
parents, first," Harry huffed.
"Of course," said Sirius. "Talking to her father about Betrothal Agreements
gives me the perfect opportunity to talk to him and Monica about her
magical guardianship.
"Now, what's the... research you want me to do?"
Harry was a moment glancing at the written list before he looked back
and said, "I'd like you to have a look at what hardcore Betrothal
Agreements are in the Black records. Only those you can share, of course.
I want Wendell and Monica both to have a full understanding of just
how... vicious... some of them can be. Forewarned is forearmed."
Surprised, Sirius said, "I'll see what I can find. You might also want to
write an authorisation for me to look into the betrothal records for the
House of Potter, while I'm at it. Write it down and have Dobby deliver it.
Then I'll head for Gringotts and go through the records of both Houses,
there."
"Good idea!" he grinned. "And, since my parents are deceased, see if you
can find that one, too. Since it's a modern one between a Lord and a
muggleborn it will be a perfect example."
"You got it," nodded Sirius.
"You've got time, too," said Harry. "Tomorrow's a work day, Monday, so
both Grangers are going to be at work until after 6.00pm."
"Only the one day, huh?" asked Sirius. "My! You must be eager!"
"Sorry," he blushed. "It's just... I don't know how long it's going to take
you... And I just wanted to warn you that for the next five days they
won't be home until after six. Plus, Wendell asked for it to be tomorrow."
"Home alone with the delectable Miss Hermione Granger," Sirius mock-
sighed. "Can you two be trusted?"
"Alone?" he snorted, before wryly adding, "Hardly. Not with three aurors
watching over us."
Sirius laughed. "I'll get it done."
"Thank you, Sirius," Harry said gratefully. "I really appreciate this."
"That's fine, Pup. That's what a godfather is for," smiled Sirius. "However,
since Andi's going to go off at me about gallivanting all over the country
again; when she finds out, I'm telling her you made me do it! Ha! Mirror
off!"
As Sirius's image blurred away to be replaced by his own, it was a
moment for Harry to realise just what his godfather had done.
'Bastard!' he thought in humour. And chuckled. 'Oh, well. All she can do
is tell me off.'
Then he pulled a fresh sheet of parchment before himself so he could
write Sirius his authorisation for access to the Potter family records at
Gringotts.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
19. Dobby Jumps In
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 Nineteen - Dobby Jumps In
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Harry was up early as he wanted to be up when both adult Grangers left
for work. He was surprised when they didn't leave until almost 8.00am
and asked about it.
"Harry, we're dental surgeons, not ordinary dentists," explained Monica.
"On a Monday morning we have a nine o'clock start at the hospital to go
over the surgical programme for the week. Then we do rounds, then we
have an early lunch. We finally start operations at just after lunch.
For Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday we tend to follow a schedule
starting at 8.00am of rounds, surgery, lunch, surgery, post-op and wrap
up with a couple hours, if necessary, spare. We also try to fit speaking
with referred patients in among there when we can. Some surgeries are
long, some are short. That gives us the time to see new patients. Friday is
paperwork, review and self study of new techniques and the like in our
field.
"Ah," he said. "That's why you were able to cancel your day, last Friday,
at such short notice."
"That's why," she smiled with a nod.
As Hermione joined them, having just come down, Wendell stood up
straight and said, "Now, you two..."
Harry focussed his full attention on him.
"I've spoken with the aurors and they'll be keeping an eye on you," he
firmly said. "So, no funny business while we're not here. Got it?"
"Dah-deeee!" Hermione whined, while madly blushing.
"Yes, Sir," Harry immediately and firmly replied. "I have your trust and
will not abuse it."
"I know, Harry," he replied. "I'm just invoking 'Father's Prerogative' by
warning you."
"Yes, Wendell," said Harry, more relaxed.
That the senior auror had told him the aurors wouldn't step in, even if
the two decided to consummate their relationship in the middle of the
parlour floor, was beside the point. He'd talked to them.
"Sorry, Sir," the auror had apologised. "But, we're here to ensure the
safety of Lord Potter and... now that he and your daughter are soon to be
in a Betrothal Agreement, from what I hear... she's included in that too.
"Under our law; they are both over thirteen years of age, there is less
than a two year age gap between them, Lord Potter does not hold a
position of authority over your daughter and, if it happens, they would
both be consenting. As such, we would be required to simply give them
privacy."
"Understood. Thank you, auror," Wendell had replied. He had what he
needed, anyway.
"A reminder, Sir," said Harry. "My Lord Black is likely to pay us a visit,
this very evening, after the sixth hour past noon."
While Hermione gave him a funny look for his formal language, Wendell
smiled and replied, "I well remember, Lord Potter. Thank you."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
With Wendell and Monica out for the day, both teens spent more time
together.
At her request, Harry began to educate Hermione better on the roles the
Houses played in wizarding British society. It had started with her asking
why he had used the formal language he had used with her father that
morning.
"At that moment I wasn't 'Harry' speaking with your 'Dad' about 'Sirius',"
he explained. "I was acting as Heir Tertiary and Agent for Lord Black of
the House of Black, speaking with Doctor Wendell Granger, Justice of the
Peace, concerning a business matter between Lord Sirius Black and
himself. It was not my place to be familiar in the role I was playing. Your
father understood that."
She firmly said, "I need to learn this."
"Yes, you do," he agreed. And smiled back.
That led to Harry getting what books he had on the subject out and
looking for what ones he needed to teach her.
"At some stage we need an excursion to Diagon Alley," he said. "Now that
we're out of school, I can spend time having a browse and looking for
books like this. The last time I was there I had snuck out of the school
and time was limited. And most of that was taken up with what I had to
quickly accomplish in Gringotts."
He started with an overview of the Houses and which was what.
"I know this, Harry," she exasperatedly said.
"I'm sure you do," he reasonably said back. "However, I don't know that
you know everything I'm trying to teach you, so I have to go over it in
case there's something important you should know that you don't.
"However, at least your prior knowledge of a lot of it will make most of
this go faster. We can quickly skip through what you know, as a sort of
revision, and focus on what you don't when we find something you
don't."
She gave a minor harrumph, but didn't object. "Fine."
"Wasn't that my signature response?" he teased.
She gave him a look and said, "Why do you think I used it?" And smirked.
He chuckled and the two teens got on with it.
While Hermione knew all the 'ranks' of the Houses she wasn't so sure
about the terms relating to the Heirs. "Why Heir Primary, Secondary and
Tertiary, while they also use Heir Apparent and Presumptive?"
"Apparent and Presumptive are sub-ranks of Primary," he replied. "Heir
Apparent refers to the heir that will ascend to the Lordship unless they
predecease the Lord, or they're Disowned. An Heir Presumptive can be
dropped down the line of succession by someone born who would
become the Heir Primary.
"For example, Andromeda is currently Heir Primary of the House of
Black... or, rather, Heiress Primary. But, she can lose the position by
Sirius becoming a father by blood; which makes her an Heiress
Presumptive. That son or daughter would then be Heir or Heiress
Primary. If it's a girl she would be Heiress Presumptive because Sirius
could then have a boy, who would then be Heir Apparent, while the girl
moved down to Heiress Secondary.
"With each child Andromeda would also drop back one, with
Nymphadora and me also dropping back one as well. In the
aforementioned order, on the birth of the girl she'd drop from being
Heiress Primary to Heiress Secondary. And on the birth of the boy, she'd
drop back from being Heiress Secondary to Heiress Tertiary. And so on.
"However, below Heir or Heiress Tertiary we're simply known as an Heir.
Clear, so far?"
Hermione nodded, "That makes more sense than what I read."
"And, what about the heirs of the House of Potter?" she then asked. "Do
you have any? What with you being the last of your line, I mean."
Harry smiled and said, "I wondered when you'd ask. There is no one of
the main Potter line left. I'm the last. Therefore, we had to go up the line
until we found someone who carries Potter blood today, off a cadet line.
To do that we had to go all the way up to my Great Grandfather's
younger brother. He was one of the first aurors in what became known as
MaCUSA. Then we came down that line until we found someone still
alive.
"The next in line is someone in America who, when the goblins
researched them, has shown himself to be a bit of a scoundrel. Therefore,
I've ensured he's not been informed of his status. And he will only be
informed if something happens to me before I've married and had
children of my own.
"However, I've identified him as Heir Presumptive of the Noble and Most
Ancient House of Potter with Gringotts so, if I should die without
progeny, the Ministry cannot seize the Potter fortune; as they would, if I
didn't. I'd rather the scoundrel have it than the Ministry seize it.
"He may not be of the main line but he's still a Potter by blood. A
condition has been set in place that means he'll have to change his
address to a British one, though. That is, he'll have to move to and live in
magical Britain."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
While Harry and Hermione were sitting at the dinette table going over
the 'who's who' of the nobility of wizarding Britain and nibbling away at
the remains of their lunches, Amelia Bones was walking into the holding
cells area at the DMLE.
After first ensuring herself the old man was sitting on his bunk and was
well away from the door, she nodded to the auror with her to open it. As
soon as he did she immediately stepped inside.
"Finally," the old man muttered as a barely audible sigh.
"Mister Albus Dumbledore," she said. "I find I have sufficient evidence to
charge you with trespass. However, I'm going to hold onto the charge, for
now, and stick it in my drawer in my desk in my office.
"There it shall remain... until you again break the law. Because, I know
damned well you will."
"If you're done, Am- Madam Bones; I believe I'm free to go," he quietly
said.
"I have a message for you, first, from Headmistress Marchbanks - your
boss," she smirked. "It is now 'school hours'. You are expected to leave
this place and head immediately and directly for Hogwarts. You are not
to deviate from that order. You are not to stop off anywhere along the
way.
"She expects you to be stepping into her office in no more than fifteen
minutes from now; so you'd better hustle."
"That gives me insufficient time to shower or change," he grumped.
"She knows that," she said. "She wants to make sure you're back in the
castle and report to her before you'll get to do that."
Stepping aside she added, "Now you'd best get a move on. One minute of
that fifteen has already gone."
Already dressed, he only had to pause long enough to pick up his wand,
glasses, money pouch and ring portkeys, sign for them, and be on his
way.
Back at the castle by way of the public floo system in the Ministry lobby
direct to his office, he then knew he had to immediately head to his...
Marchbanks's office. It would take him almost the entirety of the time he
had remaining.
As he walked up to the gargoyle about thirteen minutes after he walked
out of that infernal cell and was about to ask it to step aside for him, it
did it anyway. And that proved to him that the woman was monitoring
him as he made his way to her office.
Walking up the stairs he knocked on the door, waited barely a moment,
then opened it and walked in.
The new Headmistress - and, Merlin, did he hate that - was sitting at her
desk waiting for him.
"Come in, Albus."
As he approached the desk he saw no chairs before it. This meant he was
going to have to stand.
Once he stopped about ten feet shy of the desk, she said, "You left school
grounds without authorisation early on Friday afternoon, Albus. That will
never happen again.
"You are now the last member of staff who has been informed that, if
they leave the school grounds during a school day without my
authorisation, it will be grounds for dismissal.
"Your tenure has certain conditions in it that allow me to fire you. One is
bringing this school into disrepute; another is conduct unbecoming of a
faculty member. You did both by trying to trespass upon the property of
a young, female muggleborn student and getting yourself arrested in the
process.
"That behaviour reflected badly on me, the school and your fellow staff
members. That's called bringing the school into disrepute, Albus.
"So, this is one of your final warnings before I fire you. If something
similar happens again, I will fire you." She then gave him a wave off
gesture towards the door and said, "You may leave."
Powerless at the treatment and what he felt was disrespect he was being
shown, Dumbledore bit his tongue and kept silent as he spun about and
stormed from the room. Again, he never bothered to close the door
behind himself.
Marchbanks was waiting to flick her wand to close it, anyway.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Back in his Professor of Transfigurations office and private apartment,
Dumbledore was unable to take a long soak in a bath, this time. The
apartment only had a shower. So, he took a half-hour shower, making
sure to scrub himself clean.
The robes he wore was yet another set he had to throw away. He felt, as
he had to wear them for three straight days, he'd never get them truly
clean again.
Properly cleaned and dressed, he called for a house elf to bring him a
decent meal as he sat at his desk and sat back.
Now stuck in the castle, especially on and during 'school days', he had to
figure out a way to get to Harry Potter and get the boy back inside the
castle as well.
That's when he hit on an idea. He couldn't go to young Harry, so why not
bring the boy to him! It also had the bonus of killing two birds with one
stone. Getting the boy brought to him would get the boy back in the
castle, too.
Finally deciding to do it, Dumbledore pulled out a sheet of pre-charmed
parchment he had created a stock of in case he ever lost control of the
wards, his quill and an ink pot. He took a few minutes to draft the letter
in his Occlumency-enhanced 'mind's eye' then set to writing.
Once he was done and had signed it with a flourish he realised his
mistake. He'd signed the damnable thing with his old titles.
"Blast!" he muttered, before he began to rewrite the letter on another pre-
charmed sheet of parchment.
Done, he lightly blew it dry. Then he drew his wand and worked to make
a minor modification to the portkey charm. As he'd cast the original with
the Elder Wand while it was still bonded with him, it took him a fair bit
of power to adjust it.
After taking a deep breath and lightly dabbing his handkerchief over his
forehead to absorb the moisture he'd generated there adjusting the charm
on the parchment, he folded it as was proper and turned to Fawkes.
"Fawkes," he firmly said.
As the bird looked at him, he held up the letter and said, "I need you to
take this to young Harry Potter. Off you go."
Fawkes stared at him for a long moment, let out a threatening screech
and flamed away. The letter was still in Dumbledore's hand.
Expecting the bird to flame back in within a moment, it was over ten
seconds before Dumbledore lowered his hand. Fawkes had not returned.
"Gods damn it!" he snapped to the air. "Blasted bird!"
He jumped to his feet, strode out of his office and made his way to the
owlery.
'Maybe it's better to use an ordinary school owl for this, anyway,' he
thought as he strode along, letter still in his hand. 'It may take longer to
get him, but Harry won't instantly recognise Fawkes and be wary.'
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
In the Department of Mysteries at the Monday morning 'Fire-side' - a
name for which whose history was lost to the annals of time - the
Unspeakable Section Leaders gathered in the largest meeting room to
verbally report to their superiors and the others what the sections would
be focussing on for that week. Some were surprised to see Scimitar attend
with none of 'Management' being surprised to see him there.
At the end of the usual reports, Croaker said, "You've noticed, by now, we
have a new Section Leader - Scimitar. Scimitar leads a small team
working on a 'Deep Secret' project. Scimitar?"
The Unspeakable stood and said, "As Croaker stated, this matter is
classified Deep Secret. its code name is 'Spectral Threat'.
"It has been discovered that one Tom Marvolo Riddle, better known as
Lord Voldemort, is still with us."
After waiting for the sudden susurrations of noise to cease, what would
be loud exclamations of shock anywhere else, he continued, "It has been
discovered Riddle... as that is his real name, that is how we address him...
employed the use of soul magics in the form of the creation of Horcruxes.
Worst still, he has created quite a few of them."
"That's crazy!" said one. "One, alone, is enough to warp the mind. To
create multiples―"
"We're aware," nodded Scimitar. "Nevertheless, that is exactly what he has
done. My team and I have already located and collected four of them and
are aware of a fifth that was destroyed around June of 1993."
"Sweet Merlin!" one of the others softly exclaimed.
Continuing, Scimitar said, "There is another issue related to this matter
and it involves Harry Potter; or, as he is now more properly known, Lord
Harrison James Potter. Due to the disruptions Lord Potter has recently
caused..."
That earned him a few snickers, even though they were nervous in
nature.
"... Amelia Bones has assigned Lord Potter a rotating protection detail.
This is mainly because of the threat 'White Beard' represents to the young
Lord. We have been urging her to continue with it.
"Thankfully, we have a deep agent within the DMLE already assigned to
Lord Potter's detail and hope to get at least another... if not another two...
assigned to that detail within the coming weeks."
"Why is he important to this?" asked one.
"That you do not need to know about," Croaker jumped in and replied.
Scimitar gave the man a nod and turned back to the group. "This
information has been provided you for two reasons," he said. "First, for
your sections to be vigilant of the employment of soul magics. However,
they are not to be informed of why. Second, that Lord Potter is now a
DoM Protectee... you know what that means... and he is not to be aware
of that. That operation is also Deep Secret and is code named 'Knight's
Shadow'. Lord Potter's codename is now 'White Knight'."
A DoM Protectee would be watched over by agents of the DoM - usually
individuals, working alone. That he was not to be aware of it meant that
the DoM agents would be doing so in hidden surveillance. And that their
job would be that much harder, due to the DMLE protection detail.
Subtlety would be the name of the game. Having at least one person
'inside' made things easier; but, more would be better.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After it looked to Harry that Hermione was beginning to flag under the
rapid flow of information, he checked the time using a Tempus charm
and realised they'd been at it, including a short break for lunch and while
Harry ate snacks, for almost five hours.
"I think we should leave the nobility lessons there, for the moment,
Hermione," he said. "I think we should focus on something else for the
time being."
"Kissing?" she asked.
He laughed, walked around the table and took her into his arms. Pausing
only a moment to make sure it was alright, he ducked his head forward
towards hers with his head tilted slightly to the left as she did the same.
Already, they'd figured out a left tilt, rather than a right tilt, felt more
natural for them both.
After a lingering kiss they slowly broke apart.
"I can get used to that," she grinned.
"Me too," he happily said.
"But, not in front of Daddy," she firmly clarified. "I promised Mum."
"I know," he sighed. "You told me."
"And now I'm reminding you."
Giving her another kiss, he pulled back and walked back around the
table.
Sitting down again he said, "There's an idea I have that I want to talk to
you about. It's become even more important for me to talk to you about,
since we're now boyfriend and girlfriend."
"Oh?" she asked, intrigued.
"With Dumbledore escaping a prison sentence," he began. "And the
Wizengamot and School Board not able to get him out of the castle yet,
I've more and more come to realise I do not want to go back to Hogwarts.
It's too dangerous for me."
Frowning in worry, Hermione asked, "But, what about your schooling?"
"There's plenty of options, Hermione," he replied. "I can go to one of the
schools in Europe, such as Beauxbatons Academy of Magic; I can go to
the main school in the United States, Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft
and Wizardry, which I've discovered is modelled after Hogwarts; I can go
to a completely different school in another part of the world; I can hire
private tutors and study at home; or I can hire private tutors elsewhere in
the world. I have plenty of possibilities open to me.
"However, now that we're boyfriend and girlfriend, your opinion is even
more valuable to me. And, don't forget, whichever I choose, you're
welcome to join me."
Hermione's first instinct was to try and tell him, 'No!' However, she held
her initial reaction back and decided her boyfriend needed her to think it
through. So, that's what she did.
After a long moment she started. "Well, I can't fault you for believing it
would be dangerous for you going back to Hogwarts. And, you've got the
money to go to a school outside of the country, or even hire private
tutors. However, not returning to Hogwarts means not seeing friends
again."
"Friends?" he pointedly asked.
"Valid point," she nodded. "I guess the only ones still there that could be
called 'friends' are Neville, Ginny and the Twins. Or maybe even just
Neville, really. You know he never turned his back on you, don't you?"
"Yeah; and he probably would have become an even better friend if it
wasn't for Ron and his own grandmother interfering," he agreed. "But
Ginny, to me, is just a 'fan girl' and Ron and the Twins' sister, who I
rescued from the Chamber. I have nothing in common with her and I
know she wants me to be 'The Boy-Who-Lived' for her. I can't ever do
that."
"I don't like the idea of you going overseas to go to school," she said. "And
I don't think my parents will be happy for me to go, either."
"You'd be surprised about that," he disagreed. "I don't think they're happy
about you going back to Hogwarts. They're now well aware of just how
dangerous it's been there. And the ructions I've caused in the school staff
might well have been the last straw for them."
"You don't have your own place, at the moment," she tried. "So where are
you going to stay and where are you going to get the private tutors
willing to tutor you? And where would they do it?"
"In order," he began. "I do have my own place. The Goblins told me about
it. I just haven't been there to see what condition it's in yet. If it's non-
habitable at the moment, then I'll simply buy another place and live
there. As for willing tutors; I'm the 'Boy-Who-Lived', remember? I don't
think they're going to be hard to find. And, where? I'll either find and buy
a remote place and use that, or I can come to some other arrangement
with them. Nothing's insurmountable when you have the gold to throw at
the problem."
With a sad sigh she said, "You're right. All options are open to you if you
have the gold; which, you do."
"I'm actually more worried about the pros and cons that aren't gold
based." he explained. "The big 'con' of private tutelage is that we won't
get to mix with children our own age. The big 'pro' is that we will be
taught at the pace we can learn. We won't be held back. That means we
can learn what we need a hell of a lot faster."
"We can get our OWLs earlier!" she exclaimed.
"Exactly," he grinned. "Another 'pro' is; with the two of us we won't feel
as lonely as we would have if either of us had lone tutoring. But a 'con' is;
we won't have access to the massive Hogwarts library."
"You like the idea of private tutors, don't you?" she logically guessed.
He nodded and said, "Another 'pro'; you won't be effectively blocked from
seeing your parents for a whole term, term after term. You'll be able to
visit with your parents - and maybe even they will be able to visit you -
as often as you or they want."
"You've practically got me sold on the idea, already," she sighed. "But I'll
miss the Hogwarts library."
"Then I'll buy one," he replied. "As long as I can find a place to buy that'll
have enough room, I'll build the shelving and racks for one and stock it by
buying lorry-loads of books from every wizarding bookshop in the
world."
She smiled and said, "I don't think you need to go to that much trouble,
Harry; but, it's appreciated."
He shrugged and said, "Well I can at least buy a copy of every available
different book in Flourish and Blotts. I also know there's lots of antique
books in the Potter documentation vault, too."
She laughed. "Alright. You've practically got me sold on the idea. Just
give me time to think it over. I might have other problems with it I can't
think of right now."
"We don't have to make a decision right now, Hermione," he lightly
chided her. "I doubt, very much, we're going to see Hogwarts re-open
before Christmas... New Years, even."
With a firm nod she mentally put that idea aside and asked, "Alright.
What's next?"
"Well, now that I know Lady Marchbanks has taken over as Headmistress,
together with Dumbledore being back in the school, I think I need to
write a letter to her to let her know a few things," he replied.
"What sort of things?' she asked.
"Dumbledore used to use the ghosts, house elves and portraits to spy on
everyone," he replied.
"He what?" she exclaimed.
"Used to use the ghosts, house elves and portraits to spy on everyone," he
repeated. "I figured that out, I think, in second year."
"How?" she asked.
"How what?" he asked right back. "How did he use them or how did I
figure it out?"
She gave him a look and replied, "Both!"
"Well, the first part is quite simple, if you think about it," he replied.
"Ghosts can move freely about the castle. They can get anywhere and
everywhere. When you think about it, you probably even said things near
one of them you wouldn't have said near a living person. However, they
are freely able to verbally communicate with us.
"House elves are the same with a couple of added advantages; they can
elf-pop - apparate - anywhere, including through wards, including inside
Hogwarts. And they have this ability they call 'fade', which is a far
superior version of a witch or wizard's various disillusionment charms.
We could have a house elf standing on the table between us right now,
who popped in to right there directly from the Headmistress's office, and
we'd never know about it. Elf-pop and elf-fade are just... that... good.
"Now, how difficult would it be for such an elf to then have been sent by
old wrinkle-nuts to pop in under fade, carrying a long sheet of parchment
and an ever-ink quill and for it to write down what we say that it will
then pass on to Dum-dum-bore?"
"Oh, Gods!" she moan/whined.
"Now the portraits are a little different―" he began.
"No; stop," she interrupted. "I think I've got the idea."
When Harry just gently smiled back, an expression she was coming to
learn meant 'real' Harry was truly sorry he had just destroyed your world-
view, she just sighed.
"And, you think Dumbledore did this at Hogwarts?" she asked.
"I know Dumbledore did this at Hogwarts," he corrected. "There were a
couple of things he said to me he couldn't have known by having been
told either directly by a human, or having it read from their minds by
Snape. It took me about a year to narrow it down to the elves, portraits
and ghosts by saying little things when no one was with me to a ghost or
a portrait, or even just saying it in my bed as if I was pretending I was
talking to my parents out loud as if they were there.
"For example, I know one time when it must've been an elf who told him
something when I sat in my bed, late at night, and pretended to talk to
my parents. I said how all the crap I had to put up with as everyone
called me the 'Heir of Slytherin' was making me seriously consider
running away. The next day Dumbledore summoned me to his office and
told me how Hogwarts was 'the safest place in all of wizarding Britain'
and how 'the children' were just being children and would soon realise
how silly they were being. He said he told me that because he could 'see I
was feeling very troubled about it and worried I might do something
truly foolish'."
"That was the one that confirmed a house elf was watching and listening
to me at the time. It then had me later confirm the ghosts and portraits
were also watching."
Slumped in her seat a little, Hermione sadly said, "Wow. That's just...
that's a little sickening."
She suddenly blanched and looked back at Harry in not a little horror.
"That means..."
"That means?" he pressed.
"That means... almost everything we went through, he knew about in
advance! He knew about the basilisk well before you went down into the
Chamber... hang on, he'd have known it was Ginny! He also had to know
it was Sirius coming into the castle in third year!"
"Hermione," he gently said. "You know Albus Dumbledore, as
Headmaster, had control of the wards. I'm sure you would have read
about that in 'Hogwarts a History'. Think about it, for a moment!"
"Yes, that's what it says," then stared at him in shock again. "He had to
have known a dark artefact, the diary, was brought in and, highly likely,
by whom on the first day of the school year."
"Correct."
"And he had to have known it was Sirius Black; and that he was on the
grounds and when; because of the ghosts, portraits and house elves."
"And the wards," he added. "Plus, he deliberately left a way for Sirius to
bypass the dementors and get in."
"Huh?" she asked.
"The tunnel from the Weeping Willow to the Shrieking Shack.
Dumbledore built it to give a way for Remus Lupin to be removed from
the school to the shack on the nights of the full moon," he explained. "He
couldn't have not known Remus's three best friends didn't also know
about it - one of them being Sirius Black. However, he made no move to
block it when people thought Sirius was heading for Hogwarts. What
does that tell you?"
"Oh, Gods!" she moaned. "How have I been so blind? How did I not figure
that out, myself?"
"Because you hadn't considered Dumbledore was capable of
Machiavellian machinations," he explained. "So, you didn't go looking for
such moves or ill-intentioned motivations.
"I knew what sort of man he was from before I even entered Hogwarts.
So, I was looking for them. That then made it easy to find them.
Dumbledore was so assured about his image as the so-called Leader of
the Light he didn't consider the possibility someone would go looking and
could find evidence of the truth behind his actions.
"Secondly, that loyalty enhancement potion was probably having a
more... deleterious effect on you, at the time.
"And don't go thinking I'm blaming you for not figuring any of this out,
either. For all I know... for all we know... you might have figured it out
about the tunnel, for instance, and gone to Dumbledore with it. Then he
Obliviated the knowledge of it from your mind and added a termporary
compulsion redirecting your thoughts elsewhere before you could say
anything to me."
Hermione, even more dejected, sighed while looking at the tabletop
between them and nodded.
Harry made his way back around the table, sat next to her and kissed her
again. Pulling away, he softly said, "Understand, Hermione Granger, I do
not consider you culpable in any of this. I know that if you could have
told me, you would have told me."
Relaxing a fair bit, she kissed him back and smiled. "Thank you, Harry.
But, I can't help feeling I let you down."
"You didn't," he immediately shot back. "I know you didn't."
Again moving back to his own side of the table he was sitting down as
Hermione said, "We should write to Headmistress Lady Marchbanks and
let her know how Dumbledore used the house elves, the portraits and the
ghosts to spy on us. Unless she's countermanded that order, they might
still be doing it."
Harry grinned and said, "Well done, Hermione! Now that's what I call
thinking logically!"
Happier, Hermione pulled a fresh sheet of parchment across, uncapped
her ink pot again and picked up her quill. Harry would not tell her that
he'd said that exact same thing just before he started telling her about
Dumbledore using them as spies. He wanted her to have the 'victory' of
coming up with it, herself.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Later, with Harry working in the kitchen preparing dinner, Hermione sat
at the dinette table and took notes as he talked.
Coming at the subject he knew Sirius would be coming to talk to Wendell
about after six, he spoke about the concept of the laws that were in place
for the Noble Houses. Then gave a few examples.
"Hang on," she said. "If someone publicly insults you, as you're the Head
of the House of Potter, that would also be seen as an insult on the House
of Potter."
"Correct; because I am the physical embodiment of the House of Potter,
irrespective of how many Potters there are alive."
"And, at your level... the level of the House of Potter, I mean... such an
insult can lead to you challenging someone all the way up to a duel to
the death and no one can do anything about it?"
"Other than try to talk me out of it? Correct."
"But, what about Malfoy?" she asked.
"Malfoy thought himself the Heir Primary - Heir Presumptive - of the
Noble and Most Ancient House of Black. And further thought that, with
Sirius currently being hunted down by the dementors, he thought it was
only a matter of time before he became outright Heir Apparent. That put
him on par with me.
"However, what slipped his little mind after the First Task was that,
during the First Task, I proved my claim as Lord Potter, not Heir Apparent
Potter.
"Now that Sirius has been cleared and has basically stripped the little
ferret from the line of succession of the House of Black, if we return to
Hogwarts you will notice an immediate and significant change in the
little... tosser's attitude towards me. He's gone from what he thought as
him being the Heir Presumptive of the Noble and Most Ancient House of
Black, to only the Heir Apparent of the Magical House of Malfoy. That's a
huge drop in stature."
He gave a snort and added, "Actually, now that me being a Lord of a
Noble and Most Ancient House has had a chance to 'sink-in' into their
daft little moronic minds, you'll notice a significant change to how all the
students treat me - except, maybe, Neville."
"Why Nev... oh," she said. "Because he's the Heir Apparent for the Noble
and Most Ancient House of Longbottom, which means he's really only
one 'rank' below you."
"While that's true," he agreed. "I meant, Neville always treated me as a
fellow Heir Apparent. I just never completely realised he was doing it."
When he saw she understood he said, "Now, there's a way someone can
go from almost near the bottom of the... political food chain... to almost
the very top in one swift move. Do you know what it is?"
"You mean 'Betrothal Contracts'," she firmly replied, happy she knew the
answer to that one.
"Betrothal Agreements," he returned. "An Agreement does not become a
Contract until the conditions of the agreement that would change it to a
contract are met in full."
"'Agreement' is just a soft word used for people afraid of the word
'contract'," she said. "At least, that's what Mum and Daddy say."
"In the muggle world and in almost all situations in the wizarding world,
they'd be right," he nodded. "However, Betrothal Agreements are more a
combined promissory note and list of conditions needed to make a
contract come into effect. To save issues, the Betrothal Agreement is
written in such a way that it becomes the Betrothal Contract once the
agreement conditions are met."
"What sort of conditions?" she asked. "What was contained in the
Hogwarts library, when I tried to delve deeper, only said in general that
it would be matters of importance between the two Houses of the
betrothed."
"In other words, a Dumbledore answer," he said. "Answered the question
without providing any useful information."
"Exactly," she said.
"Examples, then," he said, then stopped peeling potatoes to think about it.
"Leaving out listing the definitions used first... a condition could be...
'Upon the evening prior to the date of their union, the prospective bride
must be confirmed by a certified Healer to be a virgin'.
"If that condition is found not to be... confirmed... then the wedding will
not take place and the Agreement will lapse. That is, it will not become a
Contract."
"A virgin?!" Hermione asked a little shocked.
"It's just an example, Hermione," he gently said. "It doesn't necessarily
have to be part of any Agreement. Think about how backwards and out-
of-date the wizarding world appears to be when compared to the muggle
world.
"Another could be... 'The aforementioned betrothed groom must attain at
minimum three NEWTs of Outstanding level in any three subjects as
graded by the WEA... And such attainment must be within twenty four
months beyond the prospective groom's seventeenth anniversary of his
birth'.
"That way, if the groom-to-be proves himself to be a dum-dum, then the
family of the bride-to-be can void it."
"I see," she mused. "That... kind of makes sense. I don't like that bit about
being a virgin, though."
"As I said, it was just an example and one that was often included to
ensure the prospective bride didn't turn into a... let's face it... 'doorknob'
for all the boys at school."
"Doorknob?" she asked.
"Everyone gets a turn?" he replied with a grin.
With a huff of stifled amusement, she grumped, "I noticed you didn't
choose to say the groom had to be a virgin."
"Out-of-date, male-dominated society, remember?" he returned. "Besides,
the bloodlines are important to the Houses. It would not do for the new
'Lady' to suddenly give birth to what the 'Lord' believes to be his Heir,
only to discover later the child is not his by blood.
"That's happened in the past and led to both the death of the 'Lady' and
the infant and blood-feuds between Houses. Not a good thing to go
through."
She nodded and said, "I can see that."
"But, even the Contract can later be voided due to conditions not being
met," he went on. "Sirius has told me he's used a clause in the Betrothal
Contract between Bellatrix LeStrange née Black and Rodolphus LeStrange
to void theirs. Their Contract stated that an heir had to be birthed as a
result of their union within five years and a second within ten. It's now
been more than ten years and there hasn't even been a first one."
"So, what does that mean?" she asked. "They have to get divorced?"
"Nope. Voiding the contract was the divorce; or the wizarding world
equivalent of it." he simply replied.
"But, back to the original point about sudden elevations due to Betrothal
Agreements," he said. "I found out my Dad and Mum entered one around
the time they became engaged. In one swift move my Mum went from
being 'just a jumped-up muggleborn' to the 'Lady Presumptive Potter'. As
the betrothed of the then current Lord Potter, she was seen in wizarding
society as that. That she was a muggleborn no longer had any meaning,
as her position as 'The Betrothed of Lord Potter' trumped it."
"Wow!" said Hermione. "That's just... wow!"
Harry smirked to himself. Hopefully, he'd cemented the groundwork for
her father to talk to her about the Betrothal Agreement he knew her
father and Sirius would be discussing that evening. He just didn't know
her parents didn't want her to know about it until it was effectively a
'done deal'.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Harry timed things with dinner to sit down to eat at just after 6.00pm.
The Grangers arrived home at 'five to' and an almost fretting Wendell
asked, "Is he here, yet?"
Harry noticed the very slight jab Monica gave him to his kidney area
from behind him. And definitely noticed Wendell instantly school his
features better.
"No pureblood of high standing would ever consider being early, unless
they were specifically invited to be so," smiled Harry.
"What'd you kids get up to, today?" asked Monica, quick to change the
subject.
"I've been tea- We've been working to improve Hermione's understanding
of wizarding Britain culture," he said.
"It's alright to say you've been teaching me, Harry," chided Hermione "I
don't mind and it's true."
"Nothing inappropriate?" asked Wendell, but Harry noticed the twinkle.
"Daa-deee!" Hermione instantly whined.
Harry firmly replied, "No, Sir."
"What sort of things were you teaching, Harry?" Monica smoothly cut in.
"The differences between the different levels of the Heirs of the Noble
Houses, information on wizarding contracts and the subtle differences
between them and the ones in the muggle world, how I was able to figure
out some of the things Dumbledore was up to while we were at Hogwarts
and how magic played a part in contracts, oaths, vows, that sort of
thing," he replied.
"Harry's a good teacher," said Hermione. "He made it so that the
information was better understandable and the reasons why the
wizarding world do things like that a certain way."
Then her expression clouded over as she added, "And I found out
Dumbledore used the house elves, the castle's ghosts and the portraits to
spy on the students. That was upsetting.
"Then we wrote a letter to Madam Marchbanks, the new Headmistress, to
let her know Dumbledore had been doing that; so she could order them
all not to do that any more."
As she hung up her and Wendell's coats in the main floor hall closet,
Monica muttered, "That... man..."
"She'll be able to do something about it?" asked a concerned Wendell.
"Yep," replied Harry. "As Headmistress, they all now answer to her. All
she has to do is tell them and they have to obey. That's how Dumbledore
got them to do it, in the first place."
They'd all just moved out of the hallway, with Monica heading for the
kitchen, when there was the sound of a big bore motorcycle engine
approaching from up the street. Then it sounded like it pulled into the
driveway.
With a frown, Wendell was about to head for the door when one of the
aurors walked in and said, "Wait here a moment, please." Then he
signaled to one of the other aurors, already inside, to follow him out.
"That's unusual," Harry muttered. Then his eyes widened in delight.
"Sirius's recovered his motorcycle from Hagrid!"
He was about to dash out, irrespective of the wishes of the aurors, when
they came back in leading Sirius.
"Hi everyone," he cheerily greeted.
Harry noticed both aurors were frowning at his godfather before both
ducked back out the front door again.
Harry stepped forward to give him a quick hug, with Hermione following
behind for one of her own.
"What's for dinner?" Sirius immediately asked.
Harry immediately asked right back, "Those potions make you ravenous,
too, do they?"
"You betcha," replied Sirius, grinning away. "One of them is an appetite
stimulant. It practically forces you to take in fuel for the other potions to
do their work on everything else."
"I was wondering why I'm so hungry, so often, now," said Harry.
"Well, if you feel hungry, eat," his godfather immediately ordered. "As I
said, it's necessary."
Harry nodded and said, "I'll go check on things in the kitchen."
He'd only managed to take a step when Dobby popped-in in front of him.
"Dobby be taking over now," he declared. "You has visitor."
"Do-obs!" he sighed.
"Cheffing be done. Now be servings," the elf defiantly declared back.
He probably wouldn't mind so much if he didn't also hear snickering
coming from behind.
"Fiiiine!" he grouched.
Turning back, he pouted towards his still snickering godfather and said,
"Well. If everyone's hungry?"
They were just all sitting down when the current senior auror said, "Lord
Black, I'm sorry to tell you that I'm going to have to notify the Misuse of
Muggle Artefacts Office about your... 'moty-cycle'."
"Go for it!" said Sirius, not fazed at all. He didn't even stop readying
himself for the meal.
"You realise it's illegal to enchant such an item, do you not?" the auror
pressed.
"Yep!" he readily admitted.
The auror frowned back and said, "You... aren't upset about that?"
"Nope!" he grinned. "It's just a fine. I'll pay it."
"Fight it!" Harry immediately cut in.
Sirius looked at him and said, "It's just a fine, Harry. I'll pay it."
"No; fight it, please!" said Harry.
"Why?" asked his godfather.
"Because, as a rightful Lord, I can stand as your co-law-wizard and defend
you." he replied.
"You want me to fight it and have it brought before the Wizengamot, just
so you can co-defend me with Ted?" asked Sirius, a little confused.
"Nope!" Harry happily replied. "I want you to fight it so I can show the
Wizengamot just how much a bunch of daft morons they are! This is an
easy win."
The auror gave a pained look and said to Harry, "You're going to get me
fired."
"Nope!" Harry was practically bouncing in his seat in excitement. "And, if
they try to, I'll happily defend you in the Wizengamot against that, too!
You, auror, is what is known as an 'Instrument of the Law'."
Wendell gave a sudden short bark of laughter. "He's right!" he declared.
Then turning to the auror he said, "If it's anything like our police, your
job is to uphold the law; not to be Magistrate."
"He means 'Chief Adjudicator'," Harry clarified for the auror.
"At my level," the auror wryly returned. "We're also expected to
determine whether or not a legal matter should be pursued, or even be
passed up the chain of command."
"Then, pass it up, dear boy," declared Wendell. "If Lord Black has broken
the law... as you believe... then, you're in the clear."
The auror gave a sigh and turned to Harry. "Lord Potter, why is it you
believe you'd win such a matter?"
"Sorry," he piously declared. "As co-representative for Lord Black, I must
decline to answer on the grounds it may be prejudicial to the successful
defence of my client."
Hermione whacked him on the arm as Wendell again gave a bark of
laughter. He was joined by Sirius. Hermione and Monica just grinned.
Still chuckling, Sirius said, "Alright, Lord Potter; if I'm charged, you can
work with Ted and co-defend me."
"Yes!" replied Harry with a fist pump added for good measure.
The auror gave a pained sigh and said, "I'm going to regret this. I know I
am."
"Jut do everything by the book," suggested Wendell. "If you do that, no
one can legally blame you if the matter before your bench goes sideways
on you. You did your job; so that means, either the law or the bench
failed in theirs."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After dinner Wendell, Sirius and Harry went to Wendell's office and sat to
talk.
Monica stayed out to talk to Hermione. Her excuse was, she wanted to
talk to Hermione more about her day and her relationship with Harry. In
reality, she didn't want the girl spending too much time wondering what
the three were talking about behind closed doors in the office.
Sometimes, her daughter was much too smart for her own good and
needed to be distracted.
Two hours later they came out.
Hermione immediately asked Harry, "I thought it was about business
between Daddy and Sirius."
"Not quite," replied Harry. "But, what needed to be talked about has now
been talked about. Sirius and Ted will write up the papers and Sirius will
bring them back tomorrow to talk about again."
"You're talking about a contract of some form," she frowned.
"We're talking about House business of some form," he shot right back.
Then immediately asked, "What do you know about having a House
created?"
Blinking in surprise at the question, she frowned in concentration for a
long moment before she replied, "I didn't find anything on that. I didn't
know it was possible."
"Then how did you think the Houses came into existence in the first
place?" he asked.
She looked back in surprise again before she said, "I hadn't thought of
that."
"Something we may want to talk about tomorrow, then," he declared.
"I need to go check my History of Magic text," she stated before she ran
up the stairs.
Monica smirked at him and quietly said, "Nice diversion. You didn't say
that's what you, Wendell and Sirius were talking about, but you've led
her to believe it was."
"Have I?" he asked. "I was merely setting up a subject to discuss between
us, tomorrow."
Monica's smirk turned into a grin before she said, "Once she finds out
what's been going on, she's going to be angry with you."
"Meh!" he shrugged. "She's going to be angry with all of us, anyway. At
least, this way, she won't be worried about what's going on."
Monica nodded.
"Besides," he added. "It's been an ongoing project of mine to get her not
to keep asking what the wizarding world see as inappropriate questions.
And I've already warned her that, instead of just outright telling her off
for it, I'd try and divert her first. If that didn't work, then I'd tell her off
for it."
"She'll still be angry with you," she warned.
"And I'm accepting of that," he replied. "It's not my place to tell her that...
this... is going on. It's Wendell's and yours. I just have to respect that; and
I do."
Harry was hoping to speak with Sirius, Wendell and Monica about the
idea of he and Hermione getting private tutors. But, due to the now late
hour, decided to put it off. After all, there was likely almost a month
before they had to go back to Hogwarts.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Due to their hour earlier start, breakfast the next day was even earlier.
Hermione didn't join them, this time, but Harry was there for the
Grangers.
Immediately following Hedwig and the Daily Prophet owl, in came an owl
Harry didn't recognise. It landed in front of him and held out its leg with
an attached letter for him.
"Hello," he said, as he reached for it; owl treat at the ready.
The bacon was for Hedwig.
Suddenly, Dobby popped in on the table and loudly cried, "No, Master
Harry!" Then grabbed the letter himself.
With a twist, swirl and what looked like an implosion, Dobby and the owl
disappeared.
"What in Merlin's name?!" the auror with them cried, jumping to her feet
as her wand shot into her hand.
She quickly waved her wand over the area and yelled out, "Dawkins!
Patterson! Get in here!"
As the other two aurors ran into the room, the Grangers and Harry were
already on their feet and backing away.
"Portkey signature!" declared Charlotte Watkins, the female senior auror.
"A damn powerful one!
"Damn! Where?" said Dawkins, coming forward, raising his own wand
and gesturing with it.
"Dumbledore!" he suddenly growled.
Dumbledore, not having access to his second secret wand where it was
stashed behind a painting in the apartments of the headmistress, had
created - or, rather, adjusted - the portkey with the Elder wand.
No one heard Hermione running down the stairs until she hit the last set
between the first floor and the main floor. After the rapid series of
thumps on the stairs and a few moments for her to run between the stairs
and the kitchen she came charging into the room with her wand drawn
and slid across the polished floor in her bed socks. She crashed into one
of the aurors before she was able to arrest her motion, stand up straighter
and scan the room.
Harry took one glance at her standing there facing him in a see-through
short baby doll nightie and tight bed shorts, nearly choked on his own
spit and quickly spun away from her, coughing.
'I saw her nipples!' he immediately thought, trying to clear his airway.
The third auror, Henrietta, took one look at him, then at Hermione,
smirked and conjured a robe about the girl's shoulders.
Wendell and Monica both saw Harry's reaction, and turned in time to see
the younger female auror, Henrietta Patterson, conjure a robe about their
daughter's shoulders. Monica was at an angle to see why, but Wendell
was not.
"Hunh?" asked Hermione, confused by the robe.
As the other two aurors continued to track the trace of the portkey,
Monica pointedly and lightly cleared her throat, drawing her daughter's
attention to her, cocked an eyebrow and pointedly stared at her
daughter's chest before lifting her eyes back.
Hermione looked down, coloured and quickly drew the edges of the robe
closed by pulling them tight and overlapping them and belting it with the
sash provided. "Oops!" she quietly said to her mother while madly
blushing.
That had her mother smirk again. Wendell frowned at her before glaring
at Harry's back, who was still turned away. His blush could be seen even
on the back of his neck. Wendell had figured it out.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
20. Letters and Albie
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 Twenty - Letters and Albie
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Dumbledore was just about to rise from his desk to head to the Great
Hall, after he'd heavily warded his new office to stop Harry Potter from
being able to leave again when he turned up, when the portkey began to
arrive five feet in front of his desk.
With a pleased little start he quickly sat back on his office chair and
adopted a mien of pleasant but firm statesmanship. 'Perfect timing,' he
thought.
With a massive twirl the portkey finished arriving. But, instead of Harry
Potter standing there, there was the owl he sent and a house elf holding
the letter, who'd just released the owl.
As he jumped forward to his feet in shock from his chair, the house elf
glared at him, snapped its fingers and he found himself flung back into
the wall behind his desk as if banished.
By the time he managed to climb back to his feet from where he landed
sprawled on his side against the wall, the house elf was gone. Only the
owl remained as it flew about the ceiling of the room, looking for a way
to get out.
"Nooo!" he cried.
Yet another plan for that boy suddenly going up in smoke. This time,
interfered with by a house elf, of all beings!
With a cry of rage he snatched his wand out of his belt and sent a
blasting curse at one of the few armchairs he'd managed to get into the
small room. It shattered into bits as splinters of wood and wire bounced
off the walls and bookcase, with stuffing flung into the air of the room. It
was his favourite chair, other than his now gone 'throne' from the Great
Hall.
Glaring back at it and slamming his Occlumency barriers closed he had to
take a few moments to get his breathing back under control before he
called for an elf.
"Clean that up!" he snapped, viciously gesturing to the now pile of scrap.
As the elf banished the remains of the chair, he stormed out of the room.
The owl used the opportunity of the open door to fly out after him.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Back at the Grangers, as those around the dinette were calming down,
there was a crack of displaced air as Dobby appeared back on the table.
He was still holding the letter.
"Dobby!" Harry exclaimed in relief.
As everyone whirled on him he was a moment before he held out the
letter to Harry. "Dobby be sorry, Great Master Harry Potter, Sir," he
quietly said. "Dobby did yell at Master Harry Potter, Sir, when Dobby
sees Master Harry reach for magicked letter. Dobby had to stop Master
Harry from touching bad magicked letter."
"Dobby, it's fine!" said Harry. "You did a very good job!"
"Dobby, I take it you rode the portkey all the way to its destination?"
asked the senior auror, jumping in.
"Yes, Miss Auror Watkinsy," replied Dobby. "Dobby be taken by magics to
old Perfesser Whiskerses new office in Hoggywarts. Dobby not stay,
though."
"No, that's fine," the auror was quick to assure him. "By old Professor
Whiskers I take it you mean Professor Albus Dumbledore?"
"Yes, Miss Auror Watkinsy," replied Dobby.
"Thank you!" she happily replied. "Gotcha!" she then quietly but firmly
exclaimed.
"Dumbledore caused this?" asked Wendell.
"Yes," replied Watkins. "Dobby's confirmation as to the destination
confirms our identification of the magical signature on the portkey trace.
"I'll need to notify Madam Bones, immediately. Well, as soon as she gets
into her office. That'll be in about―"
"Thirty five minutes," Dawkins immediately added.
Watkins used a levitation charm of some form to take the letter from
Dobby's hand before dropping it into an evidence bag Patterson was
holding out and open.
"And that's the physical evidence," said Watkins.
She then turned to Dobby, who was still standing and looking dejected on
the table, before she said, "Dobby, don't look so sad. You did a very, very
good job."
"Dobby did yell at Master Harry Potter, Sir," the elf firmly replied. "Dobby
must be punished."
"No," Harry firmly replied back. "Dobby did his job. Dobby protected his
master. Dobby will not be punished for that, ever."
With hope, Dobby looked up and said, "Thank you, Master Harry."
"There is no need to thank me for doing what is right, Dobby. It is I, who
should be thanking you. So, thank you."
Dobby looked stunned before he said, "No, no! Master never need to
thank Dobby―"
"And, as I told you before, if you did something I would thank another
person for, I'll be thanking you as well."
Monica smoothly cut in and asked, "I take it the excitement's over?"
"Yes," replied Watkins. Turning to Harry she said, "I think we'll be
checking all mail heading for you, from now on."
"Yes, Ma'am," he replied. "And I think I'll go back to using detection
charms on everything again."
"If you know them, you should be using them," she sternly told him.
"Yes, Ma'am," he replied. "But, what I want to know is how he managed
to get a portkey to activate within here. That should not have been poss...
oh, wait."
"Wait?" asked Watkins.
Harry sighed and looked a little pained before he replied, "I asked the
goblins to set up anti-portkey wards that would stop a portkey getting
into here. I didn't ask them to set up a ward that stopped them going out."
"It should have still stopped that," she frowned. "However, Dumbledore is
powerful enough... and the portkey trace certainly appeared powerful
enough... Dumbledore might have suspected an anti-portkey ward and
overpowered it."
Dawkins said, "We'll need to check the wards." Then left to go and do
exactly that.
"That done, we need to head for work," said Monica.
Turing to Harry she said, "Harry, can I speak with you a moment before
we go?"
"Yes, Ma'am," and blushed again.
As they stepped into the kitchen and before Harry could say a word she
said, "Listen to me, Harry."
When he nodded back, she quietly said, "I know what you saw when you
first saw Hermione come into the dinette."
Harry immediately deeply blushed again and tried to speak around his
suddenly dry throat.
"Shh!" she firmly said.
When he stopped trying to talk, he looked away.
"What happened was an accident," she firmly said. "Hermione forgot we
had guests, or forgot how she was dressed. Either way, it doesn't matter.
"Then, when she crashed into the auror, your attention was immediately
drawn to her. You then got an 'eyeful'."
"U-ummm―" he stammered.
"Hermione knows what happened and doesn't blame you for it," she
explained. "She knows she was at fault and I know she's already accepted
blame. Expect her to apologise to you for it."
"Sh-she really doesn't need to do that," he tried. "I... umm... I know it was
an accident, too. She heard trouble and came down with her wand ready
to help. I-it would just embarrass us both."
"You're a good boy, Harry," she gently said. "You saw there was a
problem with her dress and you immediately averted your eyes. That
shows you have respect for her."
"Can we... not talk about this any more?" he almost whined.
She grinned and said, "Now that I've said what needed to be said, yes."
When Harry seemed to sag in relief she said, "Have a good day. But,
when Hermione apologises to you, let her. She'll feel she needs to. Then,
once she does, you can both drop it. Alright?
"Yes, Ma'... errr... Monica."
"Good," she firmly stated. "Time for Wendell and I to go to work. We'll be
back home about the same time as last night."
Then she left.
With a sigh, thankful she'd left, he leaned back against the kitchen
counter and thought about what he'd seen. And then tried not to.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Wendell awaited Monica near the door to the garage downstairs, holding
her coat for her. As soon as he saw her, he readied the coat before
helping her into it, then held the door open for her, not saying a word.
As soon as they stepped in, Wendell closed the door behind them and
turned to her. She was already turned about to look at him with a firm
look on her face.
"'Dell; calm down!" she firmly said, before he had a chance to say
anything.
"He ogled our daughter's―" he tried.
"He bloody well did not!" she snapped over the top of him. "Hermione
rushed downstairs and charged into the room. Her crashing into the
auror drew his eyes to her to check and make sure she was alright.
"As soon as he saw that her top was translucent - not transparent - he
immediately... and I'm talking quicker than I thought his reflexes should
be... averted his eyes to the point he spun completely about so his back
was to her," she firmly stated. "He did everything he could to make sure
he wasn't looking at what he felt he shouldn't be looking at. He did
nothing wrong and everything right."
"But that still means he had to look down to see―" he tried.
''Dell; your daughter is a pale-skinned Caucasian. She doesn't topless
sunbathe, so the skin of her breasts is as pale as it gets. She also has dark
areolae―"
When Wendell gave a start and tried to back off, she immediately
snapped. "No; you need to listen."
When he calmed down, still fuming a little but also uncomfortable, he
gave a little nod. But he wouldn't say a word.
Seeing it, she continued, "She has dark areolae about the size of double
florins with almost too tiny to be useful nipples, also dark. But that last
has to do with her age, as you well know.
"When she came charging into the dinette her breasts were also bouncing
a little because, like me, she doesn't wear a bra to bed. So, whether it was
just adrenalin or the fact her nipples were rubbing on the inside of the
material, they had hardened. And were, therefore, jutting out."
"Mo-on!" he whined. "This is my daughter you're describing to me!"
"Just a sec," she shot back. "So, Harry caught the flicker of movement out
of the corner of his eye, caught sight of your daughter crashing into the
auror - who was otherwise busy and never visually noticed a thing - and
movement under her translucent top drew his eyes to follow it. That was
purely instinctive on his part.
"And, I remind you, as soon as he realised what happened and what he
was looking at, in less than a second he was already spinning away. As I
said, that's bloody quick reflexes.
"Harry did not 'ogle' Hermione, as you put it. If anything, he proved to be
incredibly chivalrous. Can you possibly tell me, at his age, you'd have
done better?"
Slumping against the door-frame, Wendell quietly replied, "No."
"Then, stop with the nonsense!" she demanded. "I'll also point out that
Henrietta also immediately saw the problem and conjured a robe for her."
Grumbling a bit, he said, "You make it hard to be a righteous father when
you keep getting so bloody logical on me."
"I know, dear," she smiled. "That's because, all too often, being a
righteous father is illogical."
He sighed and said, "How about we travel in one car, today? We're both
leaving work at the same time and, on the drive, we can talk more about
this... Betrothal Agreement."
"I'd like that," she replied with a nod.
"But, this evening," he declared, stopping as he was about to head for the
driver's side door of his car. "You will talk to our daughter about what
she wears to bed."
"I intend to," she replied. '... not,' she thought.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
As the Grangers pulled out of the driveway, Hermione was watching from
the window of the parlour. When she saw they were both in the same car
she didn't bother to wait for the other to also pull out.
She wondered what the delay was all about but thought it would be her
mother laying down the law with her father. She knew he'd been upset.
While her mother was talking with Harry in low voices in the kitchen,
her father had glared at her and told her in one single clipped sentence
she and her mother would be talking about her state of dress, that night.
Knowing she needed to apologise to Harry she went looking for him. He
wasn't in the kitchen and suspected he'd gone back up to his room.
Quietly, she made her way up there.
Finding the door open and seeing him sitting at the desk side-on to her,
she could see he was holding his communication mirror and staring at it.
She could also see it wasn't active.
Standing in the doorway she quietly said, "Harry?"
When she saw him immediately snap his head around and saw her, then
immediately blush before turning to look away again, she knew she had
to get through this or it would become an issue between them.
"Harry; please look at me," she quietly said.
She watched him stiffen and give a little firm nod that he probably didn't
even realise he made before he turned to look at her. "Good morning,
Hermione," he quietly greeted her.
"Good morning," she returned. Then gave a small smile back.
"I..." he tried, before looking down at the ground. "I'm... I saw―"
"I know what you saw, Harry," she quietly returned. "And I'm sorry I
embarrassed you."
When his eyes snapped up to hers he looked shocked. "I... ummm―"
"I shouldn't have come down dressed like that," she said. "I heard the
aurors shouting and thought something had happened. Well, it did, but I
didn't need to come down without being properly attired, first."
"No," he disagreed. "I mean... you heard danger and you reacted. That's a
good thing. Sometimes, it may mean your life taking time to make
yourself presentable. Your instincts were good. Don't apologise for that.
"Yes, if you have time, then you need to appropriately dress. But,
sometimes you may not have a choice."
He hesitated a moment, sighed and said, "Your mother told me you'd
apologise to me for... what happened. And that I was to let you. But, I'm
sorry, too. I looked at your..." Then he blushed, looked away and waved
his hand at her.
As Harry talked she'd managed to get her own blush under control. He
was being sweet. But that didn't mean she couldn't tease him a little to
get him to relax.
"My what, Harry?" she smirked and asked. "You can say it."
"Your..." Blushing further, he muttered, "Lady parts."
'Lady parts?' she thought. 'This will not do.'
"My breasts, Harry," she firmly returned. "But you see them covered all
the time. Just as you see the breasts on other girls.
"You'll have to be more specific," she pressed.
"Damn it!" he muttered. "Alright. I saw your... nnn-darker bits."
"Darker bits?" she asked. "Do you mean my areolae?"
Confused he asked, "Arri-what?"
Surprised he didn't know, she replied, "Ar-e-o-lae. It's the plural form of
ar-e-ol-a."
Carefully, she walked slowly forward until she was well inside the room
and only about five feet from him. Though he didn't shy away she could
see her close distance was now making him just a little uncomfortable.
He still couldn't keep his eyes on her. She stopped.
"The areola is the dark circle of skin that surrounds the nipple," she
explained, causing him to give just a little jump at her word use. "It can
come in all different colours from normal skin tone, which makes it
almost unnoticeable, to the darkest of browns.
"The skin tone can also change when it's cold, or overly warm, usually
does when you're pregnant... or when you're aroused."
As she was talking she could feel herself flush a little and her nipples
harden.
"Mine, when I compare them to other girls, are a tad darker than the
medium. That is, of course, when I'm talking about other Caucasian girls.
Parvati's are significantly darker than mine; but, that's because she's
Indian and has swarthier skin. Sophie's and Fay's are a little lighter while
Lavender's are lot lighter."
She gave that a moment before she continued, "In the centre of that area,
but sometimes a little lower than centre, sits the nipple."
That had Harry give a silent start again.
"Nipple, Harry," she said. "Nip-ple."
When he still appeared to be a little uncomfortable she said, "Harry, the
nipple is an important part of a woman's body. We latch our babies onto
them. It's through them that they draw milk from the mammary gland
within the breast. Try thinking of them as a function and you might be
more comfortable thinking about them, at all."
He blushed again, but at least kept trying to look at her instead of
looking away. That made it look like his eyes were darting about the
place, but she knew he was trying.
Getting a little frustrated she demanded, "Harry, look me in the eyes for a
minute."
She saw him take a deep breath, clench up a little and firmly turn his
eyes to stare directly into hers.
"Do you trust me, Harry?" she directly asked.
He nodded back.
"And I trust you, Harry," she said. "It's because of that trust we have in
each other that I trust you will not do anything inappropriate with or to
me; understand?"
"Yes," he firmly said.
"Good, because I'm going to do something you are not to stop me doing,"
she said. "You are just going to sit there and I know you won't do
anything inappropriate. Do you understand?"
"Yes," he repeated.
She turned to look at the doorway for a second to make sure there wasn't
anyone there. There wasn't. And turned back. As she turned back she
made sure to catch Harry's eyes with her own.
Giving a nod she reached up and untied the sash around her waist of the
conjured robe.
When it looked like Harry realised what she was doing, his eyes suddenly
widened.
Just as his eyes started to dart away she quickly snapped, "Look... me in
the eyes, Harry. Hold the gaze."
As the sash dropped away she raised both hands and slipped the
shoulders off, letting the robe drop to the floor.
Harry now looked as if he might be hyperventilating, but his gaze into
her eyes held firm.
"Alright Harry, this is the important part," she said with earnest
seriousness.
With her own heart hammering in her chest in excited fear she let her
arms cross her torso to grab opposite sides down low of the material of
the baby doll nightie short top. And paused.
'Yes, I'm nervous, damn it,' she thought. 'However, this should help get
him through this. But, that's really only an excuse I'm using... I've thought
about showing a boy my tits for so long... especially, Harry...'
Suddenly, she yanked upwards with both crossed arms crossing her face
at the forearms, as the bottom of the baby doll nightie top came with
them. Barely a second later, she was lowering her arms out either side
with the top dangling in her left hand.
'Gods!' she thought. 'I'm bare-chested in front of a boy!'
A moment later, 'Why isn't he staring at my tits?'
'Oh! I told him to lock his eyes with mine and he's doing it through sheer
willpower!'
Screwing up her courage she smiled and said, "Well done, Harry. I
thought, for sure, you'd look." Then she softly said, "Now, look at them,
Harry. But, no touching!"
When she left about fifteen minutes later, she had used her own breasts
to show Harry all the relevant parts. Even going so far as to press her left
breast out flat to show the slight ridge that denoted the edge of the
internal mammary gland.
When he started to relax and began asking questions back she was happy
to answer them. He even said he thought the nipple would be bigger.
"It will get bigger; they will get bigger," she replied. "Every girls' breasts
develop differently. Some girls' breasts even develop differently from each
other. For some, it seems their nipples develop first and then the rest of
the breast seems to follow along. That means they can have decent-sized
nipples and areolae before they're past an 'A' cup. For me, it's my nipples
that are the slowest. A year ago they were still the same as a little girls. I
was worried I was going to develop breasts with no real nipples, until
they finally started to grow."
"What size..." he tried.
"At the moment, I'm an average 'B' cup but, if genetics hold true, I'll end
up an average to slightly large 'C' cup."
"How big would that be?" he asked.
She thought about it for a moment before she replied, "Henrietta's size."
"Henrietta?" he asked.
"She's the younger of the two female aurors currently watching over you."
"Oh," he replied. "Sorry, I'll have to see if I can figure that out when I see
her next. I wouldn't have a clue how big she is, at the moment. I've not
noticed."
Hermione gave a little laugh and said, "Anyway. I'd better get up to my
room to get dressed before the aurors come looking for us." Then asked,
"Understand better now?"
"Yes, thank you," he brightly said and smiled.
She quickly pulled her baby doll nightie back over her head and slipped
the arms through the armless sleeve holes. Then picked the robe up off
the side of the bed. She'd moved it there earlier when she became a little
worried he might make a grab at her. She didn't want it tangling her feet
if she had to hurriedly back off.
He didn't, though. He kept his hands to himself, as she knew he would.
Slipping the robe back on and re-belting the sash she leaned forward,
placed her hands on his shoulders and kissed him on the cheek.
"You have a call to your godfather to make," she said, standing up. "But,
not a word of this to anyone, including him."
"No, this was private," he firmly agreed.
She gave him a smile and walked to the door. Just as she passed through
she smelled the scent of a perfume, looked to the thick carpet, looked up
and smiled.
As she closed the door a bit she quietly whispered, "Come up to my
room." And poked with a finger into the midriff of the person she knew
to be standing there.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Harry sat at his desk again, again with the mirror in his hand.
He felt deeply honoured that Hermione would show him her breasts like
that; and even went over, for him, how they worked and developed.
But, now he needed to make a mirror call. He needed to tell Sirius what
happened at breakfast.
When Sirius answered it looked like Harry'd just woken him. "Wha?"
"Sorry, I just woke you, didn't I?" said Harry.
Sirius gave his head a shake and said, "If it's important, you're forgiven."
"Dumbledore just tried to abduct me using a mail owl delivered auto-
portkey," he immediately said.
Sirius was a moment before his eyes widened in shock. And a few
moments later his face morphed into fury. "Yeah. That's important
enough. Tell me what happened."
Harry described what happened, how Dobby intercepted the letter, which
was then when he realised it was a portkey by it activating as Dobby was
portkeyed away instead; and how the aurors were very quickly right
there.
Then he went over their investigations into the trace of the portkey
signature, Dobby popping back, he handing over the letter that was the
auto-portkey to the aurors and Dobby telling them where the portkey
took him.
"The aurors now have a copy of the outgoing portkey trace, the actual
portkey used and Dobby's verbal statement," he concluded. "Then,
Madam Bones was also informed."
"Right, anything you missed?" asked Sirius.
"Nope," he replied.
Sirius nodded and said, "Leave this with me. I'm going to see Bonesy and
have this dealt with! You know, trying to kidnap one of the Seven is an
offence of such magnitude it can easily see the culpable party tossed
through the Veil."
"I've got no problems with that," said Harry.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Up in her room Hermione had waited only a moment after spinning
around and staring at the door until a now visible Henrietta Patterson
walk in.
"How did you know?" asked the auror.
"While you were using a disillusionment charm, you forgot about the
scent of your perfume," explained Hermione. "That alerted me to the fact
you had very recently been there, or that you were still there. The second
clue and the one that alerted me to you actually still being there was the
impression your boots made in the carpet."
Patterson sighed and said, "If my bosses heard I'd forgotten about those
two details―"
"They won't from me," smiled Hermione. "But, I need to know, what are
you going to tell anyone else about what you saw?"
"Nothing," Patterson immediately replied. "It's not our job to stop either
of you from even deciding to 'bonk like bunnies' on the table in the
dinette. We'd only step in if either of you was non-consenting to what
was going on. And it's not our job to tell your parents anything, either.
"If you thought us a risk of telling your parents when you get up to
something you felt they might not approve of, you might decide to give
us the slip. That's a security issue. Therefore, we don't discuss it and we
don't tell anyone about it."
"Thank you," sighed Hermione.
Patterson gave her a nod and smiled before she said, "What surprised me
the most was that Potter did not get up and try and fondle your girls.
That showed a lot of willpower."
"Harry's too much the gentleman to do that," she immediately replied.
"Though, I admit, I had worried about it."
Patterson gave another smile and a nod before she said, "I'll leave you to
getting dressed." Then turned and left the room.
Turning to her bureau, Hermione began to pull clothes out she'd be
wearing after her shower. She never closed the door.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
When Harry returned downstairs he looked to the senior auror and asked,
"Can you make a copy of the letter Dumbledore sent me?"
The auror frowned but warily replied, "I... can..."
"Can I have one, please," he said. "If the old man's actually written
something, I'd like to know what it says."
The auror gave nod and pulled the evidence bag out of her pocket. She
then simply created a copy of the entire thing and handed the copy to
Harry.
Harry was quick to remove the letter and vanish the bag. He didn't need
or want that.
Carrying it into the dinette, he sat at the table and read it. It only took
him a couple of minutes.
~ # ~
Mister Harry Potter
c/- Doctor and Doctor Granger
Granger Residence
Wimbledon
Harry my boy,
This letter should have been a portkey that would have brought you directly to
my secure care. If you're currently reading this it means it, somehow, failed.
Harry, it is very important you immediately return to the safety of our
wonderful school. Outside of the blood wards I painstakingly placed on the
home of your loving aunt and uncle you are at risk of serious harm unless
you're under the wards of Hogwarts.
I cannot stress this enough with you. You must return to dear Hogwarts
immediately.
With you staying at the parents of Miss Granger, you have placed her and
them in extreme danger. Those who wish to do you harm will not hesitate in
harming them in trying to get to you. Please do not be so careless of their well-
being by remaining there.
I know you may not think well of me at the moment, but I have always had
your safety at the forefront of my mind. The wizarding world owes you so
much and I feel it is my duty to ensure your safety.
On a second matter, as a champion in the Tri-Wizard Tournament your
attendance is mandatory at the Yule Ball. This event will be held, as the name
suggests, on Christmas night.
There is now only a little over two weeks until that night and you need to be
prepared for your role in it. As a representative of the school, you will be
upholding the honour of Hogwarts. A poor performance on your part, not only
will be widely published in the wizarding press and on radio, but will also
reflect on Hogwarts.
For both your own urgent safety and the honour of Hogwarts, as your true
friend I must urge you most strongly to come home to the castle with all due
haste.
Yours,
Professor Albus Dumbledore
~ # ~
As he finished, Harry was at first stunned by the man's audacity, before
then laughing to himself to the point he was almost crying.
'Oh, Gods!' he thought. 'This is just tooooo funny!'
When Hermione came down carrying her bookbag, ready to learn more
about wizarding British society, he grinned and handed her the letter.
"Read this, if you would," he smirked as she sat at the table and took it.
"Then take note of the words he used - especially his choice to use and
what he used as adverbs and adjectives."
As Hermione read through it, she began to frown. Once she was done she
scanned back through it and began to mutter, "That... manipulative...
old... so-and-so!"
He nodded back with a grin and said, "He can't seem to get it through his
head that his little tricks of phrasing and the like, whether written or
verbal, just don't work on me."
"So, what are you going to do?" she asked.
He gave a grin and replied, "Retaliate in like manner, of course!"
"You're going to send him an auto-portkey?" she asked.
"No, but thank you for the idea," he said. "A portkey made by anyone but
the Headmistress won't work through the Hogwarts wards."
"Then, how did Dumbledore manage it?" she asked.
"I'd say the portkey was already made," he said. "But, that's just me. No,
my idea is to respond to his letter using the same word-trickery he tried
to employ. However, I intend to go way over the top."
She laughed and said, "You're incorrigible, you know that?" Then she
smirked and pulled her bookbag across the table top towards herself. "I'll
get parchment, ink and quill out."
However, she'd no sooner readied the stationery when the auror with
them at the time, Cassidy, gave a start and did that peering off into the
distance thing. "Visitors," she muttered.
Already knowing not to follow her, both teens waited in the dinette.
As the auror walked to the front door they heard the knock.
Less than fifteen seconds later she walked in leading Madam Bones and
two more aurors.
'Her bodyguard,' thought Harry.
Hermione immediately rose from her side of the dinette opposite Harry
and moved around to his side. Harry slid across to the next chair to give
her room.
Madam Bones smoothly slid into the seat Hermione had just vacated.
"Lord Potter, Miss Granger," she said.
"Good morning, Madam Bones," Hermione politely replied for them both.
"I take it you're here because of the portkey incident, this morning?"
"Indeed," said the woman. "Because there was an auror present in the
room at the time, I don't need to ask either of you for a copy of your own
memories of the event. I'm just here to let you know I'm already
investigating."
"Lord Black contact you yet?" asked Harry.
"He has," she nodded. "He's... quite upset."
"It's alright to say he was ready to blow his top," smiled Harry. "He was
right ropable when I finished my call with him."
"As your godfather, he wishes to press charges against the culprit," she
said. "As you're now an adult in your own right―"
"I wish to also make a formal complaint," replied Harry. "And, yes, I'm
aware of the possible result of a successful prosecution against him."
"Whether or not I have a chance at a successful prosecution, as you put it,
is not for you to worry about," she said. "That's my concern."
When Harry gave a short nod back, she said, "I'll take the complaint now;
but, I've already begun my investigation. The complaint just makes it
official."
Again a Dicta-quill was produced and Harry verbally gave his complaint.
He never mentioned Dumbledore by name as the one he was making a
complaint about, but did mention that his bonded house elf reported
directly to him that the portkey deposited him into Dumbledore's
presence at Hogwarts.
When he was done, the Dicta-quill was packed away and the now
completed statement was properly signed by Harry and witnessed by her
and Senior Auror Charlotte Cassidy.
'That's her name!' thought Harry of the current senior female auror
currently overseeing them.
With that aside she then flat-out asked, in the presence of the aurors
concerned no less, "Do you have any issue with how the aurors on-site at
the time handled the situation?"
"No, Ma'am," he immediately replied. "I was an idiot. Since I've been
staying with the Grangers over the past few days I've felt so safe that I
forgot to take some basic safety precautions. The first being, I didn't cast
detection charms over the letter, as I should have. That won't happen
again."
"An auto-portkey is not something you should have to worry about,
either," she said. "However, there are other possible attacks that can
come by way of mail owl. For that reason, a mail owl redirection charm
is being placed on you.
"That charm will have the mail redirected to the on-site senior auror. And
the on-site auror will scan it to ensure it safe before handing it to you."
Harry frowned and said, "I don't like mail redirection charms.
Dumbledore had a damned strong one on me from the time he had me
grabbed from Godric's Hollow right up until I had it timed to be removed
immediately following the First Task.
"That's why I never received any mail from people who just wanted to
send a letter to 'The-Boy-Who-Lived'."
"Oh, Gods!" Hermione suddenly exclaimed. "Why did I not think of that?"
"Why didn't anyone think of that, Hermione," replied Harry, "Would be
the better question.
"Think about all those students and staff at the school," he suggested.
"And not one of them made mention of how little mail I received? No. I
think Dumbledore probably added something like a confusion ward
concerning the issue of my mail into Hogwarts's wards... among other
things."
Bones immediately slid the still blank sheet of parchment Hermione had
pulled out earlier and slid it over in front of herself. Then picked up the
quill, also sitting there ready, and dipped it into the pot. "You don't mind
if I borrow this, do you?" she distractedly asked.
"Not at all," replied Hermione.
As Bones wrote she asked, "What else do you think Dumbledore might
have done to the wards?"
"How is it that no one asked, nor told their parents about, how Quirrell
suddenly disappeared?
"How is it no one told their parents about the danger on the third floor
corridor in first year, that students were warned right from Dumbledore's
own mouth in a public statement at the end of the Welcoming Feast,
would lead to their dying a most horrible death if they went there?
"How is it that no one told their parents about the Chamber of Secrets
issue - the message daubed in blood on the wall, the petrifying of Filch's
Cat, Nearly-Headless Nick, Justin Finch-Fletchley, Colin Creevey,
Hermione and Penny Clearwater that occurred at various times through
that year?
"With all these dangerous events that have occurred at the school over
the past three plus years... at least... why weren't there parents or
guardians coming to the school, writing letters to the Daily Prophet,
reporters coming and demanding information, that sort of thing?
"Four hundred students and not one of them, or a member of staff, said a
word about it outside of the castle walls? I smell something fishy going on
and we're not near the sea.
"Madam Bones, did your ward and niece - the rightful Heiress Apparent
of your House - not tell you about any of this? Or, at least write to you
about any of this while she was there?
"If she didn't, why not? Does she not know what your duty is as Director
of the DMLE? But, if she did, why did you not act on it? Think about it."
Harry paced his 'questions' so he wasn't hitting her with too much, too
fast. But could also see her frown more and more as she quickly wrote."
"I'm stupid, stupid, stupid!" said Hermione as she leaned her head on
Harry's shoulder to hide her face. Sitting up straighter, she firmly
declared. "I have been so blind! How am I supposed to hold the so-called
title of the 'Smartest Witch of Her Generation' when I didn't even suspect
any of this?"
"Ea-sy, Hermione," said Harry, putting his arm around her and drawing
her back to his side. "No one else, apparently, thought anything of it,
either."
After she finished and set the quill aside, Bones sat back and massaged
the bridge of her nose. Then sighed. "All very good questions, Lord
Potter."
He replied, "It's because of those points, I can only deduce... extrapolate...
that the only thing it could be is a ward on Hogwarts."
A moment later, he gave a slight start and exclaimed, "Oh! Another
point."
She was quick to take up the quill again.
"'Harry Potter' is supposed to be this great hero to many. He's also the last
of his line and would be One of the Seven when he reached of-age; if he
lived that long - a Lord of a Noble and Most Ancient House.
"If all that is the case, then he... me... should have had all the birds
looking to snag a future Lord, let alone the supposed hero of the
wizarding world, fawning all over him; especially from the magical-
raised purebloods and halfbloods. That kinda happened on the Hogwarts
Express when they 'womaned-up' and hunted me down. But, at the
castle? Not a one. I know they didn't do it with Neville Longbottom,
either; with him being a pureblood Heir Apparent over me being a
halfblood. What gives?"
"Not one?" she asked.
"Not. One," he replied. "Now, at first I suspected the Weasleys of going
around me and blocking anyone who even looked like wanting to get to
know me better. But it would have meant Ronald had to be co-ordinating
it. However, it didn't take me long to realise he's just not that smart; and
he's lazy, anyway.
"His trying to steer me away from anyone wearing green was illogical
bigotry, rather than keeping possible friends from me. And he didn't take
long to be accepting of Hermione being around me.
"The only conclusion I can reach is potions, charms and wards; or a
combination of those. Then again, I only have a third year wizarding
education boosted with self-study."
"Yes; it's for me to investigate," she firmly said. "And, believe me, I will!"
"With Dumbledore no longer in control of the wards of the school - and it
now being Madam Marchbanks - you shouldn't have that much difficulty
convincing her to have experts give the wards a 'once-over'," he
suggested. "I honestly shudder to think what might be in them; and also
what should be, but isn't."
"And I was thinking I was going to have such an easy day, today, when I
got up," she muttered. "All the trials were out of the way and a week
past... things were calming down... a week until the next meeting of the
Wizengamot..."
"I'd apologise," said Harry, wryly. "But, I'm not responsible."
"No," she sighed. "No, you're not. They just all seem centred on you."
"They also seem centred on Dumbledore," he returned.
She smiled and said, "Point."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After Madam Bones left with her two aurors the other three spread out
again. Harry, by now, was certain they were moving about under
disillusionment charms. He knew he'd smelled that young female auror's
perfume a couple of times when he was sure she hadn't been in the room
for quite some time. But, so long as the males weren't spying on
Hermione in the nude or something, he'd not press the issue. He didn't
care one way or the other if the females were spying on him.
It was about an hour after Madam Bones left, while Harry and Hermione
were writing drafts of letters to Dumbledore in reply to his 'portkey letter'
to Harry, that Sirius dropped by.
He found the pair of them laughing themselves half-silly in the dinette.
Happy to see his godson not freaked out about the 'kidnapping attempt',
as he called it, he smirked and asked, "What's so amusing?"
Hermione replied, "Harry's drafting a letter back to Dumbledore, using
Dumbledore's own word tricks, to reply."
Concerned, he asked, "Is that wise? Writing back, I mean. The man did
try to kidnap you."
"Your 'kidnap' is his 'getting under the protection of the wards of the
castle'," replied Harry. "You know that's what he's going to argue."
"And 'kidnap' also implies 'ransom demands'," added Hermione. "Think
about it; if there was no ransom demand, can it be successfully argued
that he attempted to kidnap?"
Shocked, he asked, "You don't think he tried to kidnap you?"
"Oh, he did!" replied Harry. "But, it's easy to see what his defence strategy
will be."
"Even with all the evidence gathered," said Hermione. "Madam Bones is
still going to need to prove his attempt was more than his 'My only
concern is the safety of our newest Lord'. And, 'He's currently residing in
a muggle home. Just how safe do you think it could possibly be?'
Understand?
"He doesn't need to prove innocence; he only needs to provide doubt. If it
cannot be proven, beyond doubt, his intent was to kidnap; then you're not
going to be able to secure a conviction."
Standing in the doorway, Sirius sagged against the door-frame and
sighed.
"Damn!" he vehemently muttered.
Noticing Harry writing again, he asked, "So, what have you got so far?"
Harry grinned and handed it to him.
~ # ~
Albus Dumbledore
Tenured No-Longer-Respected Professor
Manipulator-at-Large
ex-Headmaster of Hogwarts
ex-Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot
ex-Supreme Mugwump of the ICW
ex-Leader of the Light
ex-Whatever else you wanna throw in there
(Hidden) Dark Lord
Albie-old-boy!
Many thanks for the disappointing and surprisingly rude attempt to kidnap
me, this morning. It made for an interesting start to the day. I hope you
thoroughly and in good humour enjoyed the visit from my house elf. He,
though, thought your hospitality was dreadful.
Not even the offer of a nice cup of tea? Really, Albie? Such poor manners!
You should be ashamed of yourself. You need to work on that.
I must say, though, the aurors were less than impressed. But, at least you were
kind enough to give them a chance to put their investigation skills to the test.
That was nice of you.
I think they would have preferred it if you'd at least asked first, though. They
might have made other plans and your interfering with their day ruined those
for them. That was rude of you. Tch! I'm so disappointed in you, Albie.
And you did it while wearing your title as 'Professor', too. How will the honour
of dear old Hogwarts survive such a besmirching? But, to be fair, it's not as if
you have any other title you could use, is there? Of course, there's still 'Mister'.
Maybe you should try that one the next time you come up with one of your
Troll-brained schemes.
Or, maybe we'll soon all be lucky and the title will become 'The Late'.
Well, lucky for everyone else, I suppose. The rest of us will all be singing and
dancing in joyful celebration in the street on that wonderful night. My, the
Obliviators will probably be even busier than the night my parents took care of
Tommy-boy for you. With all your experience at it - Obliviating staff,
Obliviating my relatives, attempting to Obliviate me - you could probably give
them plenty of pointers.
Oh, wait! You won't be there. Oops! My bad.
On to your error of belief I have to attend some cockamamie Yule Ball in
Hogwarts on Christmas Night.
Pftftftftftft! (That's as close as I can come in writing the sound of a big
raspberry being blown in your direction.)
Really, Albie? Is that the best you've got? Have you really reached such a low
point of written cognitive discourse you now resort to poorly concealed threats
couched within the adverbs and adjectives of admonitions?
Oh, Albie! I am, again, so disappointed in you! Tch, Tch, Tch! You need to
learn to accept, Albie! It's For the Greater Good!
Alas! I have other plans for the evening of Christmas.
I'm actually going to be spending Christmas with the people I now consider my
true family. It would be rude of me to hare off to 'Good Ol' Hoggy Hoggy
Hogwarts' to be at an event I really have no desire to even think about, let
alone attend. And you don't actually want me to be rude, do you Albie? What
sort of message would that send?
But, do not despair. I shall advise Hogwarts's new Headmistress, Lady Griselda
Marchbanks (and isn't that such wonderful news, Albie?), that I shall not be
attending for her to have plenty of time to make other arrangements. I'm sure
she'll be able to weather any criticism that comes her way. After all, she's
currently managing to weather through the criticism that she has a
manipulative, conceited, up-himself, Dark Lord for a Professor soon to begin
teaching there. That Lord Harrison James Potter, Lord of the Noble and Most
Ancient House of Potter, has sent his apologies should be a bit of a doddle for
her.
However, with all your worldly wisdom and experience, perhaps you can
actually be of assistance rather than the minor annoyance you've been.
Perhaps you can help me with advice regarding a well-earned Christmas
present I've been considering for my house elf friend. I'm thinking of giving him
a pillowcase with the following motto on it:
Yay though Dobby be walkings thru the office of bad 'Perfesser Whiskers';
Dobby be not afraid.
For Dobby be the biggest, baddest 'female parental figure' fornicator in the
room!
What do you think?
Looking forward to your next communication only via owl post, I am,
.
Harrison J. Potter
Lord of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Potter
Heir Tertiary of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black
Godson of 'Padfoot' of the Marauders
Boyfriend of Hermione J Granger
All-Round Wonderful Bloke
"It's so great to be me!"
~ # ~
By the time he'd finished reading it, Sirius was laughing so hard he was
sitting on the floor trying to hold himself up from falling over. His face
was red from lack of air and he had tears in his eyes.
He finally managed to get enough air into his lungs to gasp, "Oh, Merlin!"
before he lost it again.
Harry was smirking at him. "Dobby," he called.
"Yes, Master Harry?"
"Would you mind getting a Calming Potion for Lord Black?" he asked. "He
appears to need one."
After the Calming Potion from who-knows-where, Sirius grinned at his
godson and said, "For the love of Merlin; don't change a thing! It's perfect!
Sign it and I'll send it using my new owl, Sable."
"Sable?" asked Hermione.
"Yep," he replied. "She's a dark-feathered Spotted Eagle Owl. She looks
mean as all get-up, but she's a softy.
"It should be enough for Albus not to think about using her in some way
to get to Harry. Besides, he's not seen her before."
"I know it's funny," said Harry. "But, do you really think it's perfect? I
thought I could make some improvements on it yet."
"No!" Sirius was quick to reply. "Leave it, just as it is! Perfection cannot
be improved upon, Pup."
Harry gave a shrug and gestured for it back. He simply signed it, 'Harry
P.' Then included a triple of 'X's' after it as kisses so Dumbledore couldn't
fiddle with it.
Sirius took one look at the signature, gave another bark of laughter and
said, "Alright! I was wrong! Perfection can be improved upon!"
"Now," said Harry. "I've got a job for you; or, probably, Ted to do..."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
21. Betrothed
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 Twenty One - Betrothed?
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After her own breakfast, where she spotted a clearly unhappy Albus
Dumbledore sitting sulking in his seat as he glared about at the few
students still remaining, Griselda Marchbanks made her way back to her
office.
Dumbledore had left a frightful mess of the documents and records and
she was slowly working her way through it.
Like Dumbledore before her, she preferred her mail to be delivered to her
office and not at breakfast. She felt that reading mail at the table was
disrespectful.
Carefully sorting through them - most were congratulations she was still
receiving from various folks - she found one semi-formally addressed to
her from the young man who initiated all these changes, Harry Potter; or,
better still, Lord Harrison J Potter, as it was addressed.
She broke the seal with her wand tip and unfolded it.
Reading through it she was at first perturbed by what she was reading,
then outraged.
'Did he?' she thought. 'Dare he? Yes, he bloody-well would!'
"Damn, the man!" she snapped.
Turning to her side where she preferred house elves to attend her, she
firmly called, "Elf!"
When one popped in she immediately asked, "Did Albus Dumbledore,
while Headmaster, ever ask you and or the other elves to spy on any
student?"
"Yes, Lady Headmistress," the elf immediately replied.
With a thunderous frown that frightened the elf, she asked, "Any
particular student or students?"
"Yes, Lady Headmistress," the elf replied. "Elveses being ordereds by
Perfesser Whiskers to spy on the Great Mister Harry Potter Sir, Mister
Harry Potter Sir's Miss Hermy Grangy and Mister Harry Potter Sir's Mister
Pi- Rronn Weasy."
"Anyone else?" she demanded.
"No, Lady Headmistress."
She thought a bit and muttered, "Time to flip the wand on that son-of-a-
squib."
Looking back at the elf she said, "How did you report to Dumbledore
what your spying discovered?"
"Perfesser Whiskers would have elveses come to him, here at night, when
he beings alone. We reports then."
Scowling, she ordered, "From this moment forth, the elves are to no
longer spy on any student for anyone. If anyone gives you such an order
you are to immediately report the matter to me, even if I'm not alone.
"Also from this moment, you are to use the same orders Dumbledore gave
you to spy on the students to spy on him, instead. And report to me the
same way he ordered you to report to him. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Lady Headmistress," replied the elf.
"Now, find the ghost of... Sir Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington and tell him
I want to see him in my office, immediately."
"Yes, Lady Headmistress," replied the elf, before it gave a bob and popped
away.
Then she turned her chair to stare at the portraits. "Did Albus
Dumbledore, while Headmaster, ever ask the portraits to spy on any
student?"
While the portraits of the past Heads gave indignant huffs and splutters,
the portrait of Dilys Derwent gave her own huff and replied, "We do not
report on the matters of previous Heads, Griselda."
"Fine!" she snapped "Did anyone ever successfully order the portraits to
spy on any student?"
The portraits all muttered among themselves before Derwent replied,
"Yes. But, we cannot identify that person."
"It's irrelevant," she snapped back.
"From this moment forth, the portraits are to no longer spy on any
student for anyone," she ordered. "If anyone gives any portrait such an
order it is to be immediately reported to me, even if I'm not alone.
"Also from this moment, the portraits are to use the same orders,
whoever ordered them to spy on the students, to spy on Albus
Dumbledore, instead. And report to me the same way he ordered to be
reported to him. Do you understand?"
When Derwent seemed to refuse, Black gave a chuckle and replied, "Yes,
Griselda. It shall be done."
"Good. Make sure those orders are disseminated throughout the castle
within the day!" she ordered.
"It shall be done," he repeated.
While she waited for the ghost of 'Nearly-Headless Nick' to arrive, she
sorted through more of her mail.
He arrived about five minutes later.
"You wished to speak with me, My Lady Headmistress?" he politely
asked, floating into the middle of the room.
"Sir Nicholas," she said, in greeting. "Did Albus Dumbledore, while
Headmaster, ever ask the ghosts of Hogwarts to spy on any student?"
"Yes, My Lady," he replied.
"Damn and blast it all!" she snarled. "From this moment forth, the ghosts
are to no longer spy on any student for anyone," she ordered. "If anyone
gives any resident ghost such an order it is to be immediately reported to
me, even if I'm not alone.
"Also from this moment, the ghosts are to use the same orders
Dumbledore ordered them to spy on the students, to spy on Albus
Dumbledore, instead. And report to me the same way he ordered to be
reported to him. Do you understand?"
"Yes, My Lady," he immediately replied. "We ghosts of Hogwarts were
never comfortable with the order the scoundrel Albus Dumbledore gave
for us to spy on those three students. It was sickening.
"I will be most pleased to pass on your directive to the ghosts of
Hogwarts. It will be... satisfying to 'turn the table', as they say, on that
old... man."
"Good. Thank you," she quietly said.
Sir Nicholas gave a courtly bow that only dropped far enough his head
didn't tip off, before withdrawing again.
Now she had a letter to send back to the young Lord Potter. She would
write his reply first of those she would be writing that day.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After Sirius left the Grangers' he headed directly back to his temporary
home at the Tonkses'.
He was still trying to do his best not to go out too often as he knew Andi
would get upset with him. However, as he'd previously explained to her,
sometimes there was no help for it. This was one of the times he had to
go in person.
However, after reading Dumbledore's letter and Harry's response for it, he
didn't want Harry risking his magic. Not when he could probably do
something about it.
He walked into the Tonkses' lounge and used their floo to floo-call Ted.
"What can I do for you, Sirius?" the law-wizard asked. "Nothing the
matter, is there?"
"I found out, today, that there's supposed to be a Yule Ball at Hogwarts
this year," he replied. "I need to know a couple of things. As they're all
legal issues, I need you to chase them up for me."
"Let me guess," said Ted. "You want me to get hold of a copy of the
contract that concerns the Tri-Wizard Tournament, see if Harry is
actually bound by it, see if he actually has to attend this Yule Ball and see
if I can get the boy out of it; both the Ball and the contract."
"Got it all in one," replied Sirius. "I'd suggest targeting Ludo Bagman and
getting it off him. The man is both a wuss and supposedly co-wrote it."
"How much do you want me to lean on him?"
"Go four-chaser press," replied Sirius. "Even use Harry is now One of the
Seven, his godfather is One of the Seven and, if Harry even gets a
nosebleed from any event related in any way with the Tournament, Lord
Black will be declaring full-on blood feud with him, his family, his
friends and the families of his friends."
Ted gave a low whistle. "The man's going to wet himself!"
"I don't care," replied Sirius. "So long as he gives you a full copy of any
and all contracts related to the Tournament, I don't care if he then runs
naked down the middle of Diagon Alley in terror. It'll only demonstrate
it's not a good idea to upset the House of Black."
"I'll get it done today," nodded Ted.
"Next job," said Sirius. "Though, this one can take you a few days."
"Go on," nodded Ted.
"I... or, rather, Harry... needs someone to go to take a look at three
different wizarding items to check on and write down something."
"And what would those be?"
Sirius listed the items off, what information he needed off them, where it
should be able to be found on two of the items and where it should be
able to be found regarding the third.
Ted looked at what he had written in confusion for a moment before he
gave a bark of laughter. Chortling, he said, "I now know what Lord
Potter's defence strategy is going to be in your possible case of Violating
the Misuse of Muggle Artefacts laws."
"You mean―"
"Yep!"
Shocked, Sirius said, "That's―"
"Brilliant!" cut in Ted. "Yep!"
"He's going to make them all look like idiots!"
"Try... 'daft morons'," suggested Ted. "After all, he seems to have made a
habit of that, of late.
"Plus, I'm going to add another such item to the list. But, that's because he
clearly doesn't know of it."
Sirius laughed. "What is it?"
Ted told him.
"You're kidd... no; wait! It is, isn't it?"
"Yep!" replied the law-wizard; and laughed.
"Thanks, Ted," Sirius chuckled, before pulling his head out of the flames.
'My godson is a genius!' he thought, still chuckling. 'Prongs would be so
proud! So would his mother, too, I suspect.'
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
When Andi arrived home from her early shift, she took one look at Sirius
madly working through documents while still chuckling about the 'prank'
his godson was going to pull on those 'stuffed robes' on the Wizengamot
and barked, "Sirius Black!"
Being focussed on what he was doing and thinking, Sirius hadn't heard
the floo or her arrival. Besides, as this was also her home, she didn't
announce herself.
He almost leapt out of the chair at the table he was working at and gave
a high-pitched yelp of surprise.
Trying to stay seated, while also spinning about immediately after getting
the whoopies scared out of him, had Sirius fall off the chair and land in a
heap on the floor. Parchment was scattered.
Quickly climbing back to his feet while his heartbeat raced, he glared at
her. "Damn it, Andi!"
"You, Lord Black, are supposed to be taking it easy!" she snapped.
"I'm just doing parchmentwork!" he grumbled back. His heartbeat starting
to drop back.
"Oh?" she asked. "So you didn't go rant at Bones before you yet again
visited your godson, this morning?"
"Oh, that," he quietly said.
"Yes, that!" she replied.
"Dumbledore tried to kidnap him, Andi!" he near-whined. "I had to go
and make sure he was okay and not stressed-out about it."
"Your mirror's broken, is it?" she asked.
"I needed to see him for myself," he muttered.
"If you don't stop gallivanting about the country while you're supposed to
be relaxing as those potions you're on are working, I'll have you
Incarceroused to your bed!"
When Sirius decided silence was the better choice than wielding his
lordly power, he just pulled a face instead.
However, Andi wasn't buying it. She barked, "Stop trying to look like a
'whipped puppy'!"
Shaking it off he said, "If it makes you feel better, I've now got Ted
'gallivanting about the country', as you put it, in my place."
"Good!" she returned, a lot quieter. "It's why you hired him. Maybe I
won't have to tie you to your bed, after all."
"How did you find out?" he asked.
"Healer's network," she replied. "We Healers keep each other informed of
certain interesting happenings. Lord Black getting upset at the Director of
the DMLE in the DMLE is an interesting happening."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Just before heading for lunch, Ted made a couple of floo calls to certain
individuals who would be able to collect the information he needed
about those particular items he and Sirius had discussed, together with
Lord Potter's suggestions on where on the items they would be likely to
find the specific information he was after.
A third call went to a contact in the Ministry, who would be searching
Ministry records for the correlating information held there.
The gold it would cost him for the information to be collected and sent to
him would be less than the cost it would be to his client for him to collect
the information himself. And was, therefore, a valid expense.
He was still occasionally chuckling to himself about the audaciousness of
the young Lord Potter's plan as he headed out for lunch.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
With a comfortably full tummy after a fine lunch at yet another client's
expense, Ted then made his own way to the Ministry. It was time to talk
to Bagman.
In the lift he even rode it with the contact he was currently working with
and, as per usual, they never said a word to each other.
Ted only needed to travel one floor to the Department of Magical Sports
and Games, so was first off.
Unlike the DMLE, the DMSG Director's office was connected direct to the
publicly-accessible hallway outside the lift foyer; a hallway hung with
posters of Quidditch matches and teams. It certainly made it easier for
Ted to just walk in. Which is exactly what he did.
Being only a small department, one of the smallest in the Ministry,
Bagman did not rate a private secretary - an undersecretary. Instead, he
usually handed his secretarial work to one of the staffers in the Official
Gobstones Club or Ludicrous Patents Office offices. One of them was,
more often than not, sufficiently bored enough to do the work without
quibble.
As such, there was no undersecretary blocking Ted's way direct into
Bagman's office.
"Bagman," he said with a bit of feral smile.
Bagman, the wuss he was, saw the expression on the face of Wizarding
Britain's top defence lawyer and blanched.
This was not a man to annoy, even if he was a muggleborn. Besides,
scuttlebutt had it the new Lord Black had brought him, through his wife,
into the House of Black when he brought the wife back into the family of
her birth.
"M-Mister Tonks," he nearly got out without stammering. "W-what can I
do for you?"
Ted saw and heard the fear and his grin widened. 'Too easy,' he thought.
"Bagman," he said again as he walked forward to stand before the desk.
"You have something you're going to give me a copy of."
He'd even neatly sidestepped the chair that was for a 'guest' on his side of
the desk. He wouldn't be sitting it, of course. He wanted the man to have
to continue to look up to him. Dominance: Lesson One.
"A-and what would that be?"
"You're giving me a copy of the contract for the Tri-Wizard Tournament,
plus all associated documents relating to the rules and requirements for
competitors, judges, the schools and the Ministries involved," he replied.
"I can't do that!" Bagman blurted.
Ted frowned deeper. "I'm disappointed to hear that, Mister Bagman. Have
you and your wife made out a legal Will and Testament, yet?"
"W-why do you ask?" Bagman squeaked.
"Well, perhaps I shouldn't tell you," he mused. "But, Lord Black did not
tell me it was confidential―"
"W-w-what?"
"Well... it seems Lord Black of the Noble and Most Ancient House of
Black is most upset that his godson, Lord Harrison James Potter, Lord of
the Noble and Most Ancient House of Potter, is... embroiled... in this
farce of a Tournament. He is, you might even say, furious!
"Lord Black was so furious in his ranting to me about this... he has told
me in no uncertain terms that, if any injury above so much as a nosebleed
were to occur to his godson, Lord Potter, he would be declaring blood
feud on those involved, their families, their friends and even the families
of their friends.
"I would... dislike... having to return to Lord Black and tell him that
Mister Ludo Bagman of the DMSG was not forthcoming in providing me
with the documents I'd asked for that may save his godson from that...
nosebleed."
"Oh, Merlin!" Bagman whimpered.
"Also, Mister Bagman, you're the Director of a Department. Has not the
Ministry's own law-wizards already informed you that anyone involved in
a contract must be given a copy of the contract and related documents?
Did they not also inform you that failure to hand over those documents
could see the Ministry in all sorts of strife with the law? I could easily
argue before the Wizengamot that due to your... blatant negligence... the
contract regarding the Tri-Wizard Tournament is to be immediately
voided. The upper tier of the Ministry... especially whoever will soon be
the new Minister... would not be happy with you, if that came to pass."
Bagman was now so scared he couldn't even utter a sound.
"Now, Ludo good chap; those documents, please... Now."
Scrambling and almost toppling his chair and himself to the floor,
Bagman shot to his feet, spun to a filing cabinet behind his desk and
worked feverishly to pull out all relevant documents.
As he stood there, staring back, Ted thought, 'Oh, it's so good to be me.'
It took him almost a full minute, of which approximately three quarters
of that time was lost due to his shaking and clumsiness, before Bagman
had a haphazard stack on his desk.
Once he was done he stood as far back from his own desk as could while
still having the desk between him and the law-wizard.
"Is this all?" asked Ted in a lazy drawl.
"Y-yes! That's all of it!"
"Do you mind if I make a legally-sanctioned copy of it?" same lazy drawl.
"N-no! Please!
Ted smiled back and, with a twist, swish and crossward flick of his wand,
had an identical pile sitting alongside the originals.
Slipping his wand back into his wrist holster, he casually reached forward
and picked up the copies.
Standing back up straight he tucked it under his off-arm, smiled at
Bagman and said, "Thank you, Ludo. I'll let Lord Black know you were as
helpful as you could be."
Then he gave a very slight head nod at the man and saw himself out.
As he closed the door behind himself he heard through the door the
sound of Bagman crashing to the floor. It made him smile.
'Sounds like he clipped his chair on the way down,' he thought. 'Fainting
at his age...' "Tsk!"
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Sirius returned to the Grangers' for his second business meeting with
Wendell at just before six. Even though Andi was upset about it, she
knew this was yet another meeting Sirius couldn't skip. But, she at least
lost some of her anger when he took Ted with him.
The Grangers were running a little late and had called ahead to let
Hermione and Harry know they would be.
"With Wendell and Monica running a little late I'd like to run something
past you, Sirius."
"Then, lead the way," said his godfather.
So, Harry grabbed their two guests and Hermione to take them into the
office.
Once inside and sitting around the desk, Harry told them what he and
Hermione were thinking of doing regarding their schooling.
"Attending a school overseas or hiring private tutors―" mused Sirius.
"Is there any legal reason, or any legal reason that can be employed
against us, that would force us to attend Hogwarts?" asked Harry.
"The contract of the Tri-Wizard Tournament is the only thing there could
be," replied Ted. "I picked up a copy of it just after lunch, today. And I'm
currently going through it and the associated rules."
"I thought there might be some dusty old law that said something like, as
the Heir of one of the Seven I would have to attend there," explained
Harry. "If there is such a law, Dumbledore will know it and will use it.
Guaranteed."
"If that's the case, then if you decide you want to switch to a different
school or go with private tutoring and Dumbledore then sticks his beak
into it, we'll handle it and counter it," replied Ted. "Me trying to counter
any move Dumbledore might make in advance regarding that is pretty
much impossible; because we don't know what he might try to use. It
would be akin to trying to 'argue the negative'."
"Well, the reason I ask is because you're currently going through the Tri-
Wiz contract," explained Harry. "If I am actually bound by the Goblet,
then I'm bound by the contract. But, the contract would not just bind me,
it would bind all the 'other' signatories - including Dumbledore."
"Oh, I see where you're coming from now," nodded Ted.
"For example," said Harry. "The contract might say there can be only one
champion from each school. Diggory's name came out of the Goblet first;
therefore, he's the recognised Hogwarts Champion. Where would that
then leave me?
"Actually, thinking of that, can I even be a Hogwarts student, if that's the
case?"
"That's a valid legal argument," said Ted, a little surprised. "I'll have to
look."
"Getting out of Hogwarts semi-permanently, if not permanently, is a good
idea, Pup," said Sirius. "With Dumbledore back there..."
"That's our concern, too," said Hermione. "And Harry says he could easily
afford tutors."
Sirius laughed and said, "He could build his own school, if he wanted to.
And it still wouldn't put much of a dent in the Potter fortune."
"Oh, something else that's been playing on my mind," said Harry. "Do I
own any property and can I live there? Can I make it my permanent
address? As I'm no longer living at the Dursleys, I currently don't have a
permanent fixed address.
"For instance, I'm led to believe the Potter cottage in Godric's Hollow has
been... claimed... by the Ministry as a monument. Did they have a legal
right to do that? Were I, or have they, paid me for it? Do I have a manor
and it's yet another thing everyone has forgotten to tell me about?"
"Of course the Potter family has property, Harry," Sirius immediately
replied. "What made you think you don't?"
"The goblins never raised it with me when I last had a chance to go there
and see them about my finances," he replied. "Then again, I'm still
waiting for them to get back to me with the response to a letter I wrote
them asking them to collate all the parchmentwork I needed to do to
bring the finances out of stasis, or whatever state it's currently in, ready
to be picked up."
"Lord Potter," said Ted. "Write me an authorisation... actually, I'll write up
the authorisation... for me to go into Gringotts to go into the Potter
documents' vault to see what's there.
"Besides looking for the documents on what property you own, while
there I'll see if there are other documents you need to know about now.
After that, I'll visit with your account manager and see if he's already had
some of the documents collected and collect those from him, too.
"Depending on what records I find regarding the Potter Cottage in
Godric's Hollow, I'll have an answer for you regarding the transference of
Title Deed of the cottage from you to the Ministry. If they just took it
without paying for it... well, the Ministry's going to receive a rude shock.
"Then I'll get the lot to you and you can go through them. Oh, and since
I've forgotten to tell you until now, I'll be happy to act as Law-wizard of
Record for the House of Potter."
As Ted spoke Harry's smile grew wider and wider. By the time he
finished, Harry was grinning. "Thank you, Mister Tonks. I'd appreciate
that. Please work out with Sirius your retainer and another of your first
jobs for me will be seeing you get automatically paid that direct from
Gringotts right from the start."
As the others talked, Ted pulled out blank parchment and an ever-full
quill and began writing up the authorisation form for Harry to sign.
"I'm glad you're considering private tutors, Pup," Sirius quietly said as Ted
worked. "You being in the same place as Dumbledore..."
"Yeah," he returned.
"Oh!" Sirius suddenly but softly exclaimed. "Ted figured out what your
strategy is, regarding me possibly being charged for having my enchanted
motorcycle. I think it's brilliant! Ted does, too!"
"Well, if you've figured that much out," grinned Harry. "Then I need you
to track down the purchase documents and ownership papers for it, if
you know where you can lay your hands on them. I trust you actually
bought it?"
"Of course!" Sirius huffed, slightly offended. "It cost me a great deal of the
entire year's worth of my then allowance to buy it, too!"
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Late in the day, an Unspeakable walked into Scimitar's team 'bullpen' and
handed him a short report before walking out.
Reading it, he frowned and said to the others, "White Beard tried to
kidnap the young knight with an auto-portkey, this morning. His house
elf caught it in time and avoided the young knight from being abducted.
Monocle's been informed and acted. The watchers didn't need to
intervene."
"Stupid old git," muttered one. "Is he trying to get himself tossed through
the Veil?"
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
When Wendell and Monica arrived home, Hermione once again had to
leave the office. When her daughter looked annoyed, Monica said, "Come
on, Hermione. Let the menfolk have their super-secret men's business
while we ladies talk."
When she saw the looks that passed between her mother and father, she
misunderstood the reason and assumed it was because of her accidental
somewhat 'semi' nudity of that morning in front of her boyfriend.
With a quiet sigh she rose from the chair she'd been sitting on and
followed her mother out.
They went to the dinette, where Dobby seemed to have anticipated their
needs and had a serving of tea waiting for them.
Though somewhat reluctant to sit, Hermione did so. She knew she'd not
be escaping this conversation.
"How was your day?" Monica immediately asked, picking up the small
jug of milk for her tea - no sugar, of course.
Knowing her mother's usual 'circle the problem before addressing it' style,
Hermione was having none of it, this time.
"Once Harry and I talked about the fact he'd seen my tits through my top,
this morning... pretty good," she replied.
Monica gave her that 'mother' look and said, "There's no need to be
crude, dear."
"Sorry," Hermione blushed and looked down, as she added her own milk
to her tea.
Picking up her own teaspoon she began to stir it, "I just didn't want us
avoiding the elephant in the room until you felt we were both
comfortable talking about it."
Monica sighed while slowly stirring her own tea. She then used the time
of lifting the cup to her lips and talking a sip to think about how to go
from here.
"You deeply embarrassed him," she simply said. "And, angered your father
when he figured out what happened."
"I... reacted without thinking it through," said Hermione. "I heard the
shouting downstairs, thought we might have been under attack or
something, grabbed my wand and ran down.
"I didn't stop to think about what I was wearing because, this time of year
at Hogwarts, I'm usually wearing something less... transparent."
"I figured as much," her mother nodded. "And I've been thinking about
how to stop it from happening, in future."
"I'm not going to be hot in bed just―"
"I'm not saying you should start wearing something else to bed," Monica
quickly cut in.
When it looked like her daughter was going to hear her out, she said, "I
want you to start getting into the habit of hanging your dressing gown on
the hook on the back of your bedroom door.
"Seeing it there as you think of leaving your room should be enough to
have you reminded you need to don it before leaving your room."
Surprised at the simple idea, Hermione could only say, "That's actually a
good idea. I'd not considered that."
"I am capable of them," her mother wryly returned.
Lightly blushing again, her daughter said, "Sorry. Being surrounded by
'daft morons', as Harry would say, in Gryffindor Tower day in and day
out has left me rather jaded about the intelligence of those I'm normally
associating with."
Monica nodded and then immediately flipped straight to the next point.
"What did Harry say to you when you spoke to him about it? I take it you
apologised to him?"
Hermione gave a snort of remembered amusement and said, "He thought
he'd done the wrong thing."
"I know."
"It took me ages to convince him he'd done nothing wrong."
"I'm not surprised."
"He was embarrassed, yes; but, not for himself," she explained. "He was
embarrassed for me."
"I figured as much."
"While I've come to understand he's a great deal more intelligent than I'd
been thinking he was for the past three years, when it comes to a
woman's body he's utterly clueless!" she continued.
"What do you mean?"
"Well, in order to get him past his embarrassment of what happened,"
explained Hermione, "I talked to him about the make up of a woman's
breasts. You know, the biology behind them. I had him start thinking of
them and how they relate to their function, rather than as sex objects."
Monica was surprised by the concept and sat back in contemplation of
what her daughter had said. 'Clever girl,' she thought.
"What made you think of going that route?" she asked, curious.
"When I finally got him talking to me... instead of being so tongue-tied he
couldn't get a word out... he said, 'But, I saw your darker bits'."
Her mother cocked an eyebrow and smirked, "'Darker bits'?"
Hermione blushed, nodded and took her own sip of tea to try and cover
it. "When I asked, 'Do you mean my areolae?' He was clearly completely
confused by the term."
"Ah!" said her mother, understanding. "And, Hermione being Hermione,
you launched into somewhat of a lecture about the breast, its various
parts and its function in the cycle of reproduction."
"Yeah," she replied. "It took a bit, but he finally started asking questions
back."
"Like?"
"How he thought the nipple would be bigger," she blushed. "I think he
was thinking in comparison to a baby's mouth; or a pacifier."
"And?"
"I explained breast development and compared mine with the breast
development of other girls," she replied. "He's genuinely curious without
being... crude about it."
"I remember when you asked me about your own," smiled Monica.
"And his questions were along the same lines, without the worry I had,"
she added.
"Oh, yes," said Monica, remembering. "Your nipples. How are they, by the
way?"
"Growing," she replied. "They're at least double the size they were a year
ago. I'm just thankful the areolae aren't growing, as well. I'm comfortable
with them the size they are."
Monica nodded, pleased for her daughter. "Now, once you got past that
hurdle, what did you talk about?"
"First, we wrote a letter back to Dumbledore," she smirked. "Sirius
dropped by to check on Harry just as we finished it. When he read it, he
was laughing so hard Harry had to get Dobby to get a Calming draught
for him."
As she continued, the two ladies sat back and talked about the day they
each had. Of course, she never admitted to her mother she'd bared her
chest to Harry while explaining those parts. It wasn't yet time to do that.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
In the office the proposed Betrothal Agreement had been pulled out and
the three men and one boy-adult read through it and discussed what
changes, if any, needed to be made.
Sirius said, "This is good work, Ted. Everything I think should be in there
is there."
"Same," said Harry. "Are you sure how all either of us have to say to the
other is, 'I now declare the Betrothal Agreement between us, void' is
sufficient for the agreement to still be a valid document?"
"Lord Potter," Ted mock-sternly said. "I've been at this sort of thing for
well over a decade. I know what I'm doing."
"Sorry," he blushed. "I just want to make sure someone... cough
Dumbledore cough... can't come along later and declare the agreement is
invalid because some legal 'T' was failed to be crossed, or 'I' dotted.
"This is to protect Hermione and, if someone does manage to harm her in
any way, I want to be able to bring the full weight of the House of Potter
down upon them as if the very Gods themselves decided to smite the
idiot."
"It protects you, too, Harry," Sirius was quick to add.
"But I'm not agreeing with this to protect me," he firmly said back.
Wendell was carefully reading, yet again, the full text of the document.
Employing all his reasoning as a JP, he could find no subterfuge or other
trickery going on. There was no over-the-top 'legalese' in use. If anything,
as a legal contract, the document was quite plainly written. There were
no spaces of gaps where other words could be inserted later, or unhidden
if they were there already - as the 'drafter' and 'otherwise uninvolved
party' Ted had already given a magical oath to that effect. It was all
above board.
Ted had also brought along similar Betrothal Agreements he had drafted,
without names or families included to protect confidentiality, and this
one reflected well against them. The agreement was both ironclad, to
stop interference from outside parties, and had easy escape clauses for all
parties involved. He especially liked the clause for each of the kids where
it said, 'In the case of incapacitation of Miss Hermione Jean Granger to
the point where she is unable to speak the words to dissolve the
agreement if that is her desire on her own behalf, that responsibility then
falls upon Wendell Marcade Granger.' An almost duplicate was also
written for Harry with Sirius as the devolved.
He was, however, uncomfortable with the line, 'If the aforementioned
betrothed enter into a consenting sexual relationship before the union,
where both willingly enter the relationship to the point where consenting
penile penetration of the vagina occurs and results in pregnancy, then the
agreement is considered binding and becomes the contract. Both parties
must then proceed with all due haste to the union. Such union must
occur before the birth of the child or children resulting from the
pregnancy.' But, he could also reluctantly see the wisdom of that and
knew it was there to protect his daughter.
Indicating it to Ted he sighed and said, "That section makes me feel as if
I'm giving my daughter permission to have sex."
"I doubt it would surprise you how many fathers of witches feel the
same," replied Ted. "However, as the father of a daughter, I can tell you
that's a line I'm making damned sure is in her Betrothal Agreement, when
it comes.
"I'm not saying Harry is the sort of young man who would otherwise take
advantage of your daughter, or who would not do the right thing if
Hermione falls pregnant before they marry... if they marry... but that
condition has needed to be enforced in the past against both reluctant
grooms and reluctant families.
"Similar situations without Betrothal Agreements occur in the muggle
world, do they not?"
"Yes," Wendell firmly nodded back. "I've all too often had to sit cases
where a father has not done the right thing by the mother of his new
child and had to put in place enforced pecuniary measures on the father,
just to get him to help pay for the raising of the child, or children."
"Then your problem is one of a father having difficulty considering his
daughter as... someone capable of sexual acts," said Ted.
"Yes," Wendell almost whined.
"How you internalise your acceptance of that is up to you, Sir," said Ted.
"My legal advice is to include the condition, as stated. And my advice as
a father is to do your best to forget you ever saw it." And wryly smirked
back.
Wendell thought about it for a long while but realised he was only
putting off the inevitable.
With a sigh he said, "Well, I can see nothing that needs to be removed or
edited, or needs to be added."
Ted gave a firm nod back and said, "Then we have an accord. All that's
left to do is to sign it."
"No," disagreed Wendell. "We've got one more thing to do, first. I know
it's not a legal issue for your world; however, my daughter needs to be
made fully aware of this before I'll sign. I don't want her to later blame
me for entering her into such an Agreement without her prior
acceptance."
Sirius gave a nod and said, "I'll get them. I take it you want Monica in
here, too?"
"This idea started with her," he replied. "So, yes. She can shoulder some
of my daughter's... wrath."
"I know you want to get this over with, Wendell," said Harry. "But I think
we should have dinner first.
"Once Hermione is told about this, she's going to freak, call us all names,
finally start to calm down, then demand a long and detailed explanation."
"Yes, she would, wouldn't she?" said Wendell. "Very well. Though I'd
much prefer to get it out of the way, I can see that's probably a very good
idea."
Turning to Ted he said, "I hope you don't mind staying for dinner first?"
"Nope," smiled Ted. "Any excuse I can find to enjoy one of Harry's meals,
I'm going to take."
All bar Wendell realised he was speaking easy to relieve the light tension.
He did figure it out later, though.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
As dinner was winding down and they were finishing dessert, a
particularly delicious crème brûlée served in ramekins, Monica was
describing the comeuppance of a particularly up-himself patient.
When it appeared everyone was done, Sirius almost formally said,
"Doctor and Doctor Granger, Miss Granger, would you please accompany
Lord Potter, Mister Tonks and I to Doctor Wendell Granger's office? We
have news for you."
When Hermione stared back in shock, Monica's expression slowly turned
into a smirk. "Thank you, Lord Black," she replied, rising. "That is
agreeable."
When Hermione's head whipped about hard to stare at her mother, her
shock deepened. "Whaa...?"
"Come, Hermione," said her mother. "You're about to discover what these
secret evening meetings have been about. Just, please; just don't lose your
temper and take at least a moment to think about what you're hearing."
Hermione rose and followed after her mother, with the menfolk quickly
and already rising. With Sirius leading the way the womenfolk followed
the menfolk to the office. She was now both completely confused and not
a little worried.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
"A bloody Betrothal Agreement?!" she screeched, leaping to her feet from
the chair she had only moments ago sat upon. "Have you lot lost your
bloody senses!? Is that what all this has been about?"
"In order; yes, no and yes," replied Harry.
Standing there gaping like a fish, incredulous at what she'd just heard, it
dawned on her that her mother must have also known of this. She spun
on her and screeched, "You're in on it!"
Her mother frowned back and firmly said, "Hermione! That's enough."
As she stood there still shocked to her socks, Harry walked over to her
and firmly said, "Hermione, I trust you. Do you trust me, as you
previously stated?"
Clamping her mouth shut as she visibly reined her temper in she
venomously asked, "Why?"
"To put it simply; to keep you safe," he replied.
"Safe for you, you mean," she snapped.
"No, safe for you!" he firmly rebutted. He gave a sigh and said, "Think it
through, Hermione! Stop reacting in outrage and think!
"Do you honestly believe your parents would be involved in something
like this, concerning you, if they don't think it benefits you? Do you think
that poorly of them you would think otherwise?"
Now confused again because she could see the logic of his argument, she
replied, "At the moment... I don't know what to think. But... a Betrothal
Agreement?"
"Then, in such a situation, shouldn't you be trying to gather more
information so that you can then figure out the answer?" he asked. "We're
trying to give you that information, but we can't if you're not willing to
listen!"
Confused and wanting to be angry, wanting to rage at them all, but also
wanting the information as to why they would consider this, she stood
there for a few moments trying to figure out what to do.
Monica, seeing the problem, took charge. "Hermione; sit down. You will
listen. You will not 'back-chat'. You will gather information, as Lord
Potter suggested. Then you may rant and rave at your father and I, if it's
still your desire to do so. BUT... you will not be rude to our guests."
Hermione glanced down at her mother, back to Harry, to Ted and
Wendell, back to her mother and snapped, "Fine!" And dropped herself
back into her chair before folding her arms across her chest in a huff and
glaring at anyone she noticed looking at her.
Her mother gave a nod and a smile clouded by tension at Harry. Harry
gave a satisfied nod, before returning and sitting back in his own chair on
the other side of Ted.
"Excellent," said Ted. "That went as I have come to expect."
Hermione just glared even more at him, but didn't say a word.
Monica gave Ted a wry smile before turning to Hermione. "Alright, dear;
I'm going to start to tell you what's going on because, believe it or not,
this all started as a result of something you've told me."
When Hermione looked back in surprise, Monica smiled and said, "Don't
seem so surprised. As I reminded you earlier I do pay attention, you
know."
When her daughter gave her a very brief but silent head nod, she
continued, "It was you, who first told me about Betrothal Agreements.
And it was you, who first told me about the Houses and the treatment of
muggleborns..."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After a good hour, Hermione began to calm down to the point she could
see exactly why her parents had reached the decision to do this, why
Sirius also thought it was good idea and why Harry was willing to
'subject' himself to one to protect her.
Knowing she was going to lose this argument over half an hour ago, she
was still digging her heels in anyway. "It's my choice!" she declared.
"Legally, no," replied Ted. "By our laws, the laws you willingly subjected
yourself to by consenting to attend Hogwarts, it is your magical guardian's
choice."
"I don't have..." then she stopped, frowning. "Do I have a magical
guardian?"
"Yes," he replied. "Every child in Wizarding Britain has a magical
guardian. For those who have a magical parent, or are already existing
wards of at least one magical, it is that person who remains their magical
guardian when they attend Hogwarts.
"For muggleborns, their magical guardian is their Hogwarts Head of
House, once they are sorted into their Houses. Until that time, it is the
Head of the Office of Wizarding Children's Services at the Ministry.
"Because of Lord Potter causing staff at Hogwarts to be fired or otherwise,
there currently is no Head of your House, Gryffindor. Therefore, by rights
the guardianship passes to the Deputy Head of the School. You would
then think that, since there is no Deputy Head, it would pass to the
current school Head, Headmistress Lady Marchbanks.
"However, the law does not specify that. It only states that in the
instances where there is no Head of House for guardianship purposes, the
Deputy Head fulfils that role until the position of Head of House is
refilled.
"At present, your Magical Guardian is still listed as Minerva McGonagall.
However, both that she is no longer Head of your Hogwarts' House and
the Wizengamot have ordered she is not to be in authority over a child
ever again, that then means you do not have a magical guardian. And yet,
the law states you must have one.
"So, that puts you currently in a 'grey area' within the law. A grey area,
Lord Black here is asking you if he can fill."
Sirius gave a nod to Ted and said, "Hermione, Harry has discovered
something regarding the law that has everyone who now knows of it,
worried.
"Basically, by the Hogwarts Charter, Minerva McGonagall should never
have held the position of a Head of House and as Deputy Head at the
same time. It was a breach of the Charter.
"If someone like... say... Lucius Malfoy had figured that out for himself,
he could have gone to 'his good friend' the Minister, Cornelius Fudge, and
made a... shall we also say... contribution to the man's re-election
campaign fund; then more gold changes hands with members of the
School Board and, before you know it, he's appointed Head of Gryffindor
and, therefore, your magical guardian.
"With that authority he could then have all the muggleborns of that
House signed off into unbreakable Concubine Bond Contracts and sell them
off to the highest bidders. He'd have made a small fortune; and you, my
dear, would now be forced through a magical binding to... provide
pleasure to someone like Olaf Goyle."
When Hermione paled and started to shake a little, she quietly
whispered, "Nooo."
Harry quietly said, "It would be a completely legal way for the Death
Eaters to own you and all the other Gryffindor muggleborns as sex slaves,
Hermione. It would then take time for the light family Seats on the
Wizengamot to gather enough votes to get the law rewritten to put a stop
to it. However, by then it would have been too late for you and the
others, who would have also been caught in the trap.
"Part of the reasons that started your parents looking into this was to
keep you safe," he firmly stated. "But, even we were worried when I told
Sirius and Ted I suspected the existence of that particular loophole. Ted
confirmed it, today.
"I've just never verbalised, or even written down, that suspicion because I
didn't want to go giving people 'ideas'. And, because I couldn't go and do
the research myself into the laws regarding magical guardianship, I had
to hold off doing anything about it.
"The laws regarding this have been on the books for centuries. I was
trusting in the fact that no one seemed to have even considered the
possibility before now, to keep everyone safe until I could act; and have
others I could trust act on my behalf."
Getting her shock and fear under control, Hermione looked to the adults
and asked, "What do we need to do?"
Sirius gave a firm nod back and replied, "First, I need to become your
magical guardian. Then, as your magical guardian, with it being co-
signed by your father in case anyone quibbles about it, I sign the
Betrothal Agreement here on your behalf―"
"I want to read it first," she cut in. "But, as long as Mum and Daddy are
okay with it, I think you should at least become my magical guardian.
"While you're doing that, I'll read the Agreement. I want to know what
you're all getting me into."
Ted smiled and said, "That's quite wise of you."
Half an hour later, with Sirius as her magical guardian, Harry and
Hermione were betrothed.
"Now, Miss Granger," said Sirius. "As of me signing the magical guardian
documents you became a daughter of the Noble and Most Ancient House
of Black, with all the rights and responsibilities as a member of my
House. My only order to you as your Lord is that you are to remember
that your behaviour now reflects on me."
"Me, next," said Harry. As Hermione turned to look at him, he said,
"Hermione. As you are now my betrothed, you have now become the
Lady Presumptive of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Potter. As
such, you are to remember at all times that your behaviour now reflects
on both the Noble and Most Ancient House of Potter in general; and on
me, personally."
"Wow!" she quietly said in not a little awe. "I felt that. Both times."
"Good," said Ted. "It means both the magical guardianship and the
Betrothal Agreement have been accepted by magic. It's always nice to
hear confirmation I've properly done my job."
Shortly after, the meeting broke up, with Ted and Sirius both heading
back 'home'.
After they were gone and the remaining four were in the foyer before the
front door, Hermione whirled on Harry and firmly said, "I saw that line
about me getting pregnant, Harry. This Agreement does not mean you get
to have sex with me."
As Wendell nearly choked on his own spit and Monica grinned at her
husband's reaction, Harry immediately and seriously replied, "I wouldn't
dream of it."
She was about to say he was allowed to do that and possibly add that she
hoped he would, but noticed her father's reaction and wisely held her
tongue.
Monica sweetly asked, "Alright there, 'Dell?"
Wendell just muttered something unintelligible and stalked up the stairs.
It was quite late.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
A/N:
Fans of mine know this is not something I normally do. However, through my
occasional perusal of 'reviews' I've come to the conclusion I need to include a
large note concerning the psychological profiles of my characters.
I'm doing this because I believe people are getting confused with keeping
separate the identities of canon characters and how JKR writes them, with the
'fanon'ised characters as written by other authors (and even me in my other
stories) and how the characters are portrayed in this story.
Harry
In canon he's portrayed as an alpha personality with forced beta tendencies.
Such tendencies, I believe, are what was caused by his being raised by the
Dursleys. An example is, he's willing to go down into the Chamber of Secrets
and rescue Ginny Weasley. However, when he tries to tell Dumbledore of how
he's treated by the Dursleys when Dumbledore tells him he has to go back to
them, he caves. Dumbledore's alpha personality swamps his own, forcing
Harry to submit and making Harry come across as meek. It is this part of
canon where Harry tends to frustrate the readers and, I further believe, is a
leading example of why there is so much fanfiction written where Harry
stands up for himself.
In this story, he portrays being the above but, in reality, almost all of the
meekness is part of the facade. Harry can stand up for himself, but faked the
beta tendencies when interacting with most of Hogwarts. However, he still has
a lot of problems; almost all of them psychological and related to emotion.
This makes him an actual omega personality type.
Due to his upbringing his emotions have developed in a forced-repression state.
He can look at thinks quite clinically, but has a lot of difficulties looking at
things emotionally. That was what that talk with Wendell out on the back
patio was all about, hinting at that difficulty. This has led, in some regards, to
him developing a more logically driven personality. (You'll see more of it later
in the story, especially relating to sex as an act.)
His 'good' behaviour regarding the adult Grangers, for example, is almost
entirely due to respect developed through logic. He respects them because
they've proven, through becoming surgeons and holding other important
positions in society, they should be looked up to and admired for what they've
accomplished and continue to accomplish. This is why he was immediately
subservient to them when he arrived at the Grangers'. They deserve his respect
and he willingly gives it.
Amelia Bones is another that fits in this category in Harry's mind by becoming
Head of the DMLE. However she is hindered, in his eyes, by being a witch
(who, as a magical, have in general shown Harry they're all daft morons). So
have Ted and Andi. Sirius, however, is seen is an overgrown child doing his
best to be an adult.
Hermione
I see Hermione as a beta/gamma striving hard to be an alpha. She does this by
over-achieving with her 'field of battle' being academia; knowledge.
On her field of battle she's a dominant alpha, challenging all-comers to
attempt to knock her off her earned pedestal. Take her away from that
environment, she tends to fold like a house of cards against any challenge;
except in rare situations where she loses her temper (as we all do). Prove your
knowledge in an area exceeds hers, though, and she immediately backs down.
For example, Harry knowing more about house elves and their bonding than
she. That's the beta personality coming to the fore. She then endeavours to
know even more about the subject than you, so she again becomes the alpha in
that subject.
This is why, in my opinion, she instinctively and reactively tends to try and
move any confict to one where it's one related to academia/knowledge. For
example, when the issue surrounding Harry catching a glimpse of her breasts
through her baby-doll nightie reared its head, she confronted the issue by
making it clinical and educational. It was just as much her comfort zone as
Harry's in that situation.
That situation, by the way, was to start leading Hermione towards coming to
an understanding of the real mind-set of Harry; and his utter cluelessness
when it comes to understanding 'girls' and the social and personal interactions
with same.
I see Hermione as originally being an alpha but, due to the ongoing bullying
she suffered as a young child, being forced back into a gamma personality
type.
Sirius
A complex character. I see him as a sigma personality type trying hard to be
an alpha for the sake of Harry.
I've portrayed him almost as I see him in canon, but with improvements due to
him obtaining his freedom and getting proper medical treatment.
Wendell
A true alpha with Gryffindor tendencies. The epitome of the knight in shining
armour mindset. With Wendell, what you see is what you get. Easy to like.
Monica
An alpha with Slytherin tendencies. In many ways she has the 'dark side' of a
sigma personality. Where Wendell is more 'confront you full on', Monica
stands back, analyses you and acts with cunning. She's a manipulator, but not
in the evil manner of Dumbledore. Her manipulations are to shape things for
the betterment of her family while also holding to moral and ethical standards.
She not-so-secretly espouses the belief that 'behind every great man stands a
better woman' and is content with being Wendell's 'foil' when and as he needs
one. She is also actively trying to shape Hermione into falling into this role.
Neville
An alpha who has been forced-repressed into becoming a beta similar to
Hermione. However, he has lacked until now the 'confrontationalist' mindset
Hermione has developed.
Very soon a massive change in Neville's life will occur, which will lead to the
boy's alpha tendencies coming back to where they should have been from the
start.
Harry has been subtly trying to drag the 'inner Lion', the alpha Gryffindor, out
of Neville since first year; seeing Neville for who he should truly be, based on
his own life experiences. He recognises himself in Neville and feels a kinship
with the boy for that. It explains, in part, why he's so angry with Augusta
Longbottom for her handling of the boy.
Andromeda
A straight-up alpha Slytherin, who really should have been in Gryffindor. She's
displayed no guile, but does display cunning. However, her cunning is more to
do with doing what is right, rather than what is easy; making it a Gryffindor
trait. I believe, if she hadn't been raise a 'Black', she'd have never gone
anywhere near Slytherin House.
I think she was more of a 'legacy' Sort into Slytherin, rather than that she
displayed more Slytherin traits over Gryffindor.
Ted
How much more of a beta Hufflepuff with alpha tendencies do you need than
Ted Tonks? Hard working, loyal, confident in himself and his abilities. Is it no
wonder someone like Andromeda fell for him?
A rock-solid character it would be hard not to like.
Ron
A flat-out gamma personality with sigma tendencies who wants to be an alpha,
but won't get off his arse and work hard to achieve it. Instead, he employs the
bad side of the sigma personality type to attempt to manipulate things his way.
He believes an argument can be won by s/he who can shout the loudest, or is
simply more determined to be right even in the face of all evidence to the
contrary. This comes from his mother. When that doesn't work he then works
to cut his opposer down with his words or not-so-subtle actions.
He has self-entitlement issues and, instead of bettering himself by lifting
himself up by his own bootstraps, employs tall poppy syndrome tactics in
cutting others down to his height. He's bigotted, lazy, slovenly and host of
other unpleasant traits.
He sees people as tools to help or work for him to make him better, or as
enemies that stand in his way on his path to achieving that. That makes him
somewhat like Voldemort, but without the intelligence, guile and power to back
it up.
Until recently, he saw Harry as a tool to better his position in society without
having to put in much effort. When Harry's star waned with his name coming
out of the Goblet, he saw Harry as becoming a liability to his desires, so tried
to separate himself from the boy by getting him out of the way.
He's a Gryffindor because he lacks sufficient cunning, let alone guile, to be a
Slytherin and lacks sufficient loyalty and willingness to put in the effort to be
Hufflepuff; and he's the complete opposite of a Ravenclaw. However, he also
lacks the 'nobility' of righteousness needed to be a true Gryffindor.
Ron is the epitome of someone who has none of the traits of any of the four
Houses; but the Hat had to stick him somewhere due to its limitations, so into
Gryffindor he went.
Conclusion
*sigh* Anyways, that's most of the 'main' story characters, for now. I hope it
gives readers a better idea of just what subtle changes I'd made to the psyches
of each of the main characters for this story.
Yes, they're somewhat damaged. I find it shows them to be more 'human' and
more interesting. For a start, a Harry that's just 'perfectly pure alpha
Gryffindor' is way too unbelievable and, quite frankly, I find it somewhat
boring. Foibles, weaknesses and failings add character.
22. Oh, Snap!
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!
A/N: Quite a few reviewers - of the reviews I manage to read, at any rate
- mention about how there's no sign yet of Daphne or Fleur. I take you
back to the Author's Notes in Chapter One: This story will move slow; a
lot will happen in a short amount of time. To prove that point: When
Harry wakes up at the top of this chapter it will be the morning of the
ninth of December; it will have only been fifteen days since the First Task.
Just how fast is the boy supposed to move to bring the other two into it?
Sheesh!
Chapter Twenty Two - Oh, Snap!
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
When he woke from yet another good night's sleep, Harry was hoping
that the day would have nowhere near the drama of the previous day.
Today though, when he finally made it down to the dinette, the Granger
adults were already up, dressed and eating breakfast.
Harry checked to ensure the dinette window was open for the Daily
Prophet owl and Hedwig before checking to see what was for breakfast. A
'Full English' cooked 'lite', as he referred to it - there was no fried food as
what would have been fried was poached or grilled, instead. Poached
egg; grilled tomato, bacon and breakfast sausage; mashed potato 'cakes'
and some tinned spaghetti. Harry had taken quite some time to explain
the how and why for the food to be cooked that way to Dobby. But,
Dobby immediately understood and didn't have a problem with it,
anyway.
Harry went for two slices of toast with a poached egg on each slice, two
tomato halves and two sausages. And that would only be his first helping.
While it made him feel somewhat like he was channelling Ron Weasley,
he knew it was the potions that were causing this. He was now also
eating a small meal between breakfast and lunch, another between lunch
and dinner and would come down and 'mooch' food at about 9.00pm
before he went to bed to sleep.
He'd just taken his first bite when the owls came in. He knew it was a
matter of pride for Hedwig to deliver the paper to her master first; and
living at the Granger residence was no exception. She ducked in through
the open window about half a yard ahead of the other bird.
Harry was only surprised to see her because it meant she'd been able to
'bull' her way through the mail redirection charm that was back on him
again. Or, maybe it had something to do with how she was his familiar as
well as mail owl. It didn't matter.
Harry was not as quick as usual to free his familiar of her load before
handing her a couple strips of bacon. He first cast a short string of
detection charms on her load - even if it was her delivering it, even if it
was the Daily Prophet. She gave a pleased 'Prek' sound, anyway, took her
'due' in bacon strips and flew out to go land in her tree in the backyard.
Mayhap his familiar was also concerned with how he needed to reduce
chances when mail arrived for him.
Getting the conversation back to where they were before the owls
arrived, Monica asked, "You were saying about your plans for today?"
"Ah, yes," said Harry. "I was hoping for some mail from certain people so
I could go through it with Hermione to show her the various differences
between common and informal, but..." And shrugged.
"It's all going to the aurors now, right?" asked Monica.
Now he felt like an idiot. He'd just gotten through thinking how Hedwig
had managed to get past the charm, while also forgetting the charm
would redirect all his other mail.
"Oh-kay," he sighed. "I just had my own 'daft moron' moment."
"Pardon?" she asked.
He explained. He didn't try to make any excuses about his thinking,
either.
"Ah!" she grinned. "Yes; I see what you mean."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
As the Grangers left for work in separate cars again, the senior auror on
shift at that time, a male, handed Harry his owl mail.
There were two letters, this time; one from Neville and one from
Marchbanks.
For no other reason than it was the one on top, he opened Neville's letter
first.
~ # ~
Harrison J Potter
Lord of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Potter
c/- Hermione Granger
Granger Residence
Wimbledon
Harry,
Thank you for owling me and letting me know you safely arrived at
Hermione's home. With four aurors escorting you I wasn't worried, but
confirmation is always nice to receive.
Though I was not sure whether I wanted to come home or not, Gran told me
to. So, home I came.
I wish I had thought of offering my help to Professor Sprout, as you suggested,
before then. I might have been able to use that as an excuse to remain at the
school. I don't know if it might have worked, but it was worth the try.
At least at home now I can work on my own greenhouses. I dislike having to
rely on our house elves to do it for me. I know they can do it, but I prefer to be
the one who works them so I can pick up any problems that look like coming
up and deal with them before they become a problem.
Gran is still very upset with you being, as she put it, 'disrespectful of his
seniors'. I know you weren't and I appreciate you weren't. I finally got my own
wand out of it. Now with my own wand I'm able to do a lot more magic with a
lot less power. And I'm having fun out the back of the Hall going back over all
the charms and transfiguration spells we learned and practicing them.
Gran tried to stop me doing that. But, I firmly reminded her I wouldn't have to
if I'd had my own wand from the start. She didn't bother me about it after
that.
She also 'ordered' me to inform you she has found a Proxy to sit the
Longbottom Seat on the Wizengamot. But, she's not told me who that will be.
I'm worried about it, because I think it might be my Uncle Algie. He's the one I
told you about who first shoved me off that jetty in Blackpool, where I nearly
drowned, and then dropped me out of one of the upper windows at the Hall.
I really don't want him in the job, but it seems I have no choice in the matter.
Gran does not want to let go of control of the House and she knows Uncle
Algie will do as she tells him. At least that's what I suspect.
The next Wizengamot meeting is next Tuesday and Uncle Algie will be taking
the Seat then.
Anyway, I hope you're having fun at Hermione's and you're keeping out of
mischief. Please also be aware Headmaster Dumbledore is back at the castle.
But, he's not Headmaster any more, just a normal professor. Watch your back,
Harry. But I'm sure you already are.
Your friend,
Neville
Neville F Longbottom
Heir Apparent of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Longbottom
~ # ~
By the time he'd finished reading the letter, Harry was furious. He'd
specifically told that blasted woman he didn't want to see that
infanticidal git anywhere near the Longbottom Seat; and that's who she
goes ahead and puts there in her place?
'Right!' he thought. 'She's had her warning. Time to get serious!'
"Sirius," he quietly muttered. "I know it's going to upset Andi but he's...
No, she wants Sirius to stop gadding about so, now she's back in the
Black family, she can go and do the search in his place."
"What are you muttering about?" he heard in Hermione's voice from
behind.
Snap-spinning about, he saw it actually was Hermione.
"Woah!" she said, taking a quick step back. "I hope that anger's not
directed at me!"
Squashing his emotions back under control with his eyes closed, he took
a deep breath, released it and opened his eyes again. "No." he flatly
replied.
As she came forward, she asked, "Do you mind telling me what's got you
all hot and bothered, then?"
Instead of answering as he knew he'd lose his temper again, he snapped
out his hand with the letter in it and offered it to her.
Taking the now crumpled and unfolded sheet of parchment, she read it
through.
"Augusta Longbottom wants to put a man who 'accidentally'..." he sneered,
"... almost killed her grandson and ward, Heir Apparent Neville Francis
Longbottom of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Longbottom, onto
the bloody Wizengamot!" he snarled.
"It says here, Neville only suspects it," she said.
"There's no reason for Augusta not to tell her grandson who it is unless it's
to keep me from finding out about it," he snarled. "Plus, Neville is a day
older than me and due to take the damned Seat for himself on the
seventeenth anniversary of his birth. That's less than three years!
"And that stupid, bloody Rosier-born woman is playing games with the
Seat of the family she married into that will soon belong to my friend and
peer.
"More and more, I suspect she's effectively committed Line Theft by a
legal channel that sits in the grey area. At the least, she's committed
temporary Line Theft, even if that's not an actual crime!
"Well! The bitch is going to rue the day she decided I was not worth her
effort and decided I'm now nothing more than jumped-up boy, who
should let the experienced adults run things in his place!"
"Harry," she quietly said. "You need to calm down and tell me what the
prob... no, I can see that. But, I can't see why it's such a big deal to you."
Harry whirled on her again and stared at her for a few moments before
he gave a huff and said, "The next lesson from me to you is on the big
two alliances - the Potter-Longbottom Alliance and the Black Alliance.
You need to know both because, besides now being a representative of
families in leading roles of both, it'll give you the context of why I'm
incensed."
"Alright," she quietly replied. "That sounds like it will be enjoyable―"
He gave a snort of amusement and turned a wry grin on her. "Only you,
Hermione, would think studying political and social alliances could be
enjoyable."
"I enjoy learning something new," she returned. "And this is something
new."
As Harry stood there, deep in thought of what he was going to do, she
said, "How about you talk to me about something else for a minute or
two. That should help."
"Hunh?" he asked, having been distracted. "Oh! I received two letters
today." And whirled back to the table.
Picking up and holding up the letter he received from Marchbanks, he
said, "I also received a letter from Lady... I mean, Headmistress Lady
Marchbanks."
Looking at it in his hand she could see it didn't appear to have been
opened. It had been, though - by the aurors.
"Have you even read it, yet?" she asked.
"Errr... no," he replied.
"Then, how about we do," she suggested. "It should be in answer to the
letter you sent her yesterday about the house elves, ghosts and portraits
spying on the students."
Surprised, he said, "Actually, you're probably right."
Then pulled out a chair again and sat before opening the already-broken
Hogwarts seal and opening the letter up.
Reading through it, he found Marchbanks confirmed that 'someone' had
been using the house elves, ghosts and portraits to spy. But also said it
was only three students; he, Hermione and Ron. And the last two only
when they were with him, Harry.
She'd now ordered them to stop doing that and report to her if anyone
tried to give any of them a similar order. The letter made it clear there
would be no spying on students while she was Headmistress.
"I'm not surprised on either main point," shrugged Harry.
Hermione thought, 'That's disturbing. But, at least the change of subject
has calmed my Harry down again... My? Where'd that come from?'
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Harry wasn't the only one receiving a letter that day that angered them.
At Hogwarts, Dumbledore had been to breakfast before returning to his
office. As he expected, his mail was waiting for him. One of the perks of
being a professor was having your correspondence delivered direct to
your office, rather than to the high table at breakfast. Only his copy of
the Daily Prophet was delivered there; not even his copy of the Quibbler.
A quick shift through it all and he found one addressed to him in Harry
Potter's handwriting.
Excited for news on the boy, he brushed all the rest aside and quickly
opened it.
Eagerly beginning to read, his first reaction was a spike of anger at the
address block on the top of the letter. However, his anger continued to
rise as he read. Not even having considered clamping down on his
Occlumency shields before reading and with his focus on the letter, he
wasn't consciously aware of what was happening.
The more he read, the angrier he got. Then, as he reached the bottom of
the letter and read the final line, his anger released in a great burst.
Jumping to his feet and flinging the offending parchment away across
and over the desk half-crumpled, he screamed his anger to the room. As
he did so, he snatched his wand out of his belt and began firing curses of
all sorts at the parchment, only to miss each time.
He'd cast his fourth or fifth curse, pretty much all of them borderline
dark, when Fawkes finally decided he'd had enough.
With a mighty scream of his own at Dumbledore's back, he severed the
bond between them and disappeared in a flash of white-hot flame, almost
plasma. The quick flash, lasting only a split second, was still hot enough
to reduce the perch to slag, sear the back of Dumbledore's robes and
frizzle the back of his long hair almost to a buzz-cut. The light of it was
so bright it was as if many camera flash bulbs had gone off at the same
time.
It was also hot enough that, if it had lasted any more than the tiny
fraction of a second it did, would have instantly set everything in the
room afire. Instead, just about everything was at least slightly scorched
with the parchment on the desk either side of Dumbledore that had felt
the direct blast was crisped without catching fire. His desk chair, having
been closer to Fawkes at the time, had all the polish on the back, side
closest and top edges burnt. It left the chair smelling of burnt polish with
faint wisps of smoke rising off it.
The letter Dumbledore had just received from Harry was now on the
floor about five feet in front of the desk and had been protected from the
flash by the desk, itself.
As for Dumbledore, the moment Fawkes brutally severed the bond it
knocked the old man unconscious. The flash of the heat combusting and
expanding the closest air around the bird, knocked the now unconscious
man forward over the desk, bending at the waist; before the weight of his
legs and hips, almost hanging off the side of the desk, dragged him
slowly back until he collapsed in a heap behind.
The house elf that was standing invisibly in the corner over near the door
leading back out into the classroom and watching all this unfold was
instantly, though temporarily, blinded by the bright light and drying of
his corneas and had to call for help over the bond to other elves to come
help him. He was lucky he wasn't standing closer at the time. His
blindness might have become permanent.
Once the elves collected their injured compatriot and rushed him off for
treatment from healers of their own kind, one returned to take note of
what happened.
Knowing the new Headmistress would not want anything touched, he
gave a nod to himself and elf-popped to her office.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Marchbanks had only just returned to her own office - she had about the
same distance as Dumbledore to travel, but she was about two thirds
slower due to her need to use a cane, much shorter legs, and less spry
nature - a house elf popped in.
"Yes?" she asked it.
"Lady Headmistress," it replied. "Bevvy must be tellings you old Perfesser
Whiskers is... un-con-shus.
Cocking an eyebrow at the elf, she asked, "And, do you know how that
happened?"
"Yes, Lady Headmistress," it replied with much sadness. "Firebirdy
Fawksie did breaks his bond with Perfesser Whiskers. It be sad."
With both eyebrows now raised in surprise, she exclaimed, "Well, well!
Old Fawkes finally had enough, did he? Well, it's about damned time!"
Looking back at the elf she said, "I do not want the room touched until I
get down there and confirm things for myself. Am I clear?"
"Yes, Lady Headmistress," it replied. "All elveses know not to touch
Perfesser Whiskerses office."
"Thank you. You have done well in letting me know immediately. You
may go," she said, giving a little 'shoo' gesture with her cane tip.
As the elf popped away, she gave a little cackle to herself, turned around
and exited the office again. She knew she need not hurry. After the
severing of such a bond the old fool was going to be unconscious for
hours, at least. Then, be bedridden for at least a day.
As the door closed behind her, the portrait of Headmaster Black laughed;
loudly and gleefully.
From nearby, the portrait of Headmistress Mole scolded, "Really,
Phinneas."
That had the other portraits begin discussing this new development.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Harry had run upstairs to bring his mirror down with him and sat at the
table with it in the dinette alongside where Hermione remained waiting
for him.
"Now that you're officially part of the House of Black, plus my betrothed,
it now means you're allowed to know more of what I'm up to," he said by
way of explanation for why he was making the call in front of her.
"I didn't know that would happen," she frowned.
"You weren't told because... let's face it... you're addicted to learning new
information," he replied. "I didn't want the idea that you would learn
about what I'm up to to be an influence on your decision. That would be
me, playing on your desires. And that would have been manipulative."
"Hmmm..." she said, smirking at him a little. "And scaring Hell out of me
about how a magical guardian could effectively 'sell' me, didn't?"
"That was not my call," he firmly replied with a frown. "I wanted you to
make the decision on your own, decide you'd go through with it, go
through with it, then we'd tell you. But your Dad didn't want to leave
anything to chance."
"He was protecting me," she quietly said.
"I know," he said. "But, I still thought it was unfair."
She was a few long moments of deep in thought before she said, "He
currently knows me better than you, Harry."
"I know," he replied. "But―"
"Harry," she said, getting him to focus on her more fully from where he
had slightly looked away out the window. "He was right."
"Hermione," he said just as seriously back. "The scare would have only
meant you had Sirius as your new magical guardian. It did not mean you
needed to enter into the Betrothal Agreement."
She frowned and again thought for a few moments before she shook her
head. "No. I've had all night to think about it, now. I even dreamed of it.
I'd have delayed it with the excuse I needed more time. Then delayed,
delayed and delayed more.
"By the time I finally decided to go through with it, it might have been
too late. We don't know how long it's going to be until the new
Headmistress picks a new Head of House for Gryffindor. And the new
Head of House would probably already be in place, by then. And then
might not have been agreeable to release magical guardianship of me to
Sirius. It was too big a risk.
"Now that it's been done, I'm kind of relieved I don't have to worry about
it any more. You know what I'm like when I've got a big decision to
make. I procrastinate until I've worried the matter to the bone. Getting it
done last night means I'll not be worrying about it."
"Just remember," he said. "Don't say them now because it will activate
that clause; but, all you need to do is say that line to me and the
Agreement is terminated and voided on the spot."
"I know," she softly smiled. "Who's idea was that, anyway?"
"The wording of the clause was Ted's," he replied. "But, I was insistent on
it, or some other form of it, being included. Your father was very relieved
when he heard me demand that.
"I respect his protectiveness of you, you know? He seems to have found
the perfect balance between being this knight, who stands before you
ready to defend you against all ill-intentioned comers, while also letting
you go off and find your own way.
"I hope I'll be half as good as he is at the role of being a father when it
comes my time to be one."
That earned him a long, gentle lips-to-lips kiss.
With her eyes sparkling a little she gave her throat a little clear, nodded
with her chin to the mirror and softly said, "Call your godfather."
With a quick change of posture on his part, she watched him change from
sweet and loveable Harry into the powerful, young man she knew him
now to be and then give a firm nod. She liked it.
"Padfoot."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Marchbanks was in the process of trying to unravel the security and
privacy charms Dumbledore had on his office door when she suddenly
stopped and sighed. 'Idiot,' she thought of herself.
"Hogwarts," she firmly called. "As Headmistress and for medical
emergency purposes, I need immediate access to the office of the
Professor of Transfigurations. Please remove all security charms and the
like from the door."
She almost felt the magic take effect.
Giving herself a firm nod, she stepped forward and twisted the door
handle. And the door opened inwards.
"Tch!" she clucked.
Stepping inside she took a moment to look about and saw the damage
caused by the forced severing of the bond. Looking directly at the golden
perch the phoenix had sat upon as she continued into the room, she
thought, 'That must have been very hot to have done that.'
Reviewing her memories of what she'd read of other severed phoenix
bonds, she realised she was seeing pretty much exactly what was
described.
'Yep,' she thought. 'Severed bond.'
As she closed the distance between her and the desk, ever mindful of
where she placed the tip of her cane lest it catch a crack of loose stone or
something, she saw the half-crumpled sheet of parchment. And
immediately recognised the writing upon it. 'Lord Potter,' she thought.
Drawing her wand, she summoned it up to her hand, took a closer look at
it to confirm it was Lord Potter's handwriting and slipped it into her
pocket.
Once she reached the desk, she rounded it and saw the results of the
searing flash upon the desk, chair and parchments. And that's where she
found the old fool.
He was almost folded in half and, with the burn damage on the back of
his robes and hair, appeared as if he'd stood too close to a fire with his
back to it. Seeing how close he must've been standing to the bird when
Fawkes severed the bond, she knew he was.
"Idiot," she muttered. "Was it you receiving a letter from the young Lord
that had you do something that caused Fawkes to sever the bond, Albus?"
She knew she wasn't going to receive an answer to that question until the
next day, at least.
"May I have an elf, please!" she called.
"Yes, Lady Headmistress?" the elf immediately asked when it popped in.
Tapping Dumbledore's prone and half-folded form with her cane tip, she
ordered it, "Take this old twit to the Infirmary and inform our medi-
wizard that he was standing too close to the site where his phoenix
severed its bond with him, would you?"
"Yes, Lady Headmistress," the elf bobbed.
Two flashes of white light later, one where the elf stood and one where
Dumbledore lay, and the room was empty of anyone but her.
Giving the room another once-over she then gave a huff and made her
way back out the door again. She shut it closed behind herself but didn't
bother with locking it or re-warding it.
Then made her way back to her office. Step tap-step. Step tap-step.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Once Harry had spoken to Sirius about what he'd planned regarding his
'problem' with Augusta Longbottom, his godfather asked to speak with
'the newest member of the House of Black'.
Hermione had voiced her reservations about Harry's plans but knew not
to interfere.
Finishing up the call, Sirius told her, "Just remember; you can ask to
borrow the mirror off Harry at any time and talk to me. If you don't want
him listening in, just tell him. He'll understand."
After she glanced at Harry, who nodded back, she turned back to the
mirror and said, "I will and he does."
"Good," replied her new magical guardian. "Mirror off!"
With the call now terminated she said, "You play for keeps in the Noble
and Most Ancient Houses."
"Yes," he agreed.
"Do you think she'll find out?" she hesitantly asked.
"I plan on her doing so," he replied.
"You don't think you'll get in trouble for it?"
"I will, to some degree," he replied. "However, as this is business of the
Potter-Longbottom Alliance, no one but the other alliance members are
going to do much of anything about it. Even then, only the Longbottom
matriarch can do anything.
"They may wail and gnash their teeth about it; but, in the end, they can't
do a thing to stop me - even her. The charter of the alliance has me
permitted to do this.
"Besides, if I'm right... and I'm pretty sure I am... it's going to neuter her
power on the spot."
"And Neville's going to think you're the next coming of Merlin," she
added.
"Not at first, no," he said. "But, he'll forgive me later... I hope."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Back in her office yet again, Marchbanks carefully made her way to her
desk and sat behind it. She popped her cane into the little bracket she'd
already permanently transfigured from a broken quill and affixed to the
edge of her desk that was made to hold it in place.
Pulling the half-crumpled sheet of parchment she'd picked up off the
floor in Dumbledore's office, she laid it on the desk and cast a charm on it
that removed all wrinkles and fold marks. It even removed its 'rolled-up
state' memory.
With it perfectly flat she carefully read it. And, as she read, she began to,
at first, chuckle. Then she began to lightly laugh. Finally, she was
cackling away.
'The young Lord Potter is proving to be both a font of information and a
very amiable young man. But, his humour is just delicious.'
He certainly made her day interesting.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
It took making the mirror call to Sirius for Harry to fully accept the idea
that he and Hermione were betrothed. Before then, it had been just a
concept to him - a mind exercise. Now, it had become more real.
He turned to her and asked, "How well have you gone over the copy of
the Agreement Ted left for you?"
"I've read it through a couple of times, now," she replied. "I've also taken
notes. However, I'm not ready to discuss it through, yet."
"That's fine," he shrugged. "We don't have to go over it at all, if you don't
want to."
Yeah... umm... listen," she stammered a little. "That clause about us, you
know, progressing a sexual relationship..."
"Yes?" he asked.
"I know what I said right after the meeting, just after Sirius and Ted left,"
she replied. "But, at some stage, I would consider the idea of progressing.
Just... not to the point I'll become pregnant, alright?"
"That's fine," he replied, blushing away. "We already kiss. Each stage will
come as it comes."
Before things could get uncomfortable again, even though he appreciated
the way she got them through the previous day's uncomfortableness, he
changed the subject.
"I promised I'd also teach you more about the matters relating to the
alliance," he said. "For this, you need to understand that this can never be
discussed where anyone can overhear it."
When she gave a nod back he called Dobby.
"Yes, Master Harry?"
"Can you go and collect my folio of the documents relating to the Potter-
Longbottom Alliance, please?"
"Yes, Master Harry; right away."
Before either teen could say anything, the little elf popped the folio onto
the tabletop in front of him. It was a little thick, measuring about an inch
deep as it lay flat on the table. It was also about fourteen inches tall and
eleven wide
The folio appeared made of hardened leather tied with a red ribbon and
had the words Potter-Longbottom Alliance in gold embossed lettering
where you'd expect it to be for it to be a title.
Undoing the bow that held the ribbon knotted closed, Harry stripped it
away before opening the 'cover'.
When Hermione pulled parchment and quill over to take notes he firmly
said, "No, Hermione. I'm sorry, but you can't take notes about any of this.
If you did, those notes would have to be included in this folio when I tied
it shut again. Therefore, it's kinda pointless."
She gave a grimace back, but nodded.
"Now, you're getting to see this because of the betrothal," he explained.
"But, it has an odd sort of spell involved on it that is a powerful privacy
charm related to the House of Potter. Magic, as does the House of Potter
magic, currently sees you as the Lady Presumptive of the Noble and Most
Ancient House of Potter. That's why you can currently see what's written
here," he indicated.
Hermione looked at the top sheet and could, indeed, read it, "Potter-
Longbottom Alliance Charter," she muttered.
He smiled back and said, "Exactly. Now, you were concerned about how I
could get in trouble for what I've asked Sirius to do some research on..."
He flicked through the document until he hit on the section he wanted. A
quick peruse through it and he found what he was looking for.
He slid it across so she could properly read it and said, "Read that. Not
out loud, please."
As she read through it her eyes widened in surprise. "That's―"
"That's what grants me the authority to do what I'm going to do," he said.
"It's also what granted her the authority to get me out of Dumbledore's
grasp - and she flat-out refused to do it. That's why I have no qualms
about doing what I'm going to do.
"Besides, if I'm right, it's definitely the right thing to do for Neville. I just
hope Andi or Sirius can find the right one. If she or he does, then my
chances of accomplishing this will be almost guaranteed."
For the next few hours Harry stepped Hermione through the alliance and
the role, as a Betrothed to the Lord of one of the two founding Houses,
she had to play.
"But, the House of Potter is not part of the Black Alliance," he explained.
"As current Heir Tertiary I know a little about it. But, most of what I knew
was stripped from my mind by a similar privacy charm when Sirius
named cousin Andi as Heir Presumptive and, again, when he named Dora
as Heir Secondary not long afterwards.
"As a magical guardian to the Lord you're probably allowed to know an
even smaller amount than I. But, I can't tell you; that's Sirius's job and
you're going to have to speak to him about it. There's that privacy charm
again. Understand?"
"Yes," she nodded. "It makes a lot of sense."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After a break for lunch the two teens were trying to work out what to do
next when a house elf popped in carrying a package.
Holding it out to Harry, he said, "This bees for you, Sir."
Indicating the dinette, Harry said, "You can put it on the table, thank
you."
With a snap of its fingers of its other hand the little unknown elf popped
the package right to where Harry wanted it.
"Don't touch it until I've scanned it all, Hermione," he told his betrothed.
"I won't," she agreed.
"Thank you," Harry told the elf after he turned his attention back to it.
"Who are you and whose elf are you, anyway?"
"Benny be Benny," replied the elf. "Benny be proud to be servings House
Tonksy."
"Very well," replied Harry. "Thank you for your service. You may go."
And the little elf disappeared with yet another snap of its fingers and
flash of white light.
Harry cast what detection charms he knew over the package, with every
one of them coming up clean. He was now aware the package did not
contain a mind-altering charm or portkey component. It also didn't
contain a poison or was dosed with an illicit potion.
As the house elf couldn't lie to him and it didn't appear to have been
tricked by anyone else to give him the package, he used his wand to
charm it open and slide the contents out.
They were, as expected, documents. The top one he immediately saw was
written in Ted's hand.
Picking it up he read through it.
"It's from Ted," he muttered.
After all the usual falderal, the section of the body that was most
important said...
~ # ~
Included are the details of the records held by the Ministry relating to the
items you asked your godfather to research for you. A task he gave me to do.
I've also included the details from off the items from where you said they
would likely be located on each device.
Further, I have included the same material on a fourth, similar, item.
~ # ~
After verifying the signature as Ted's, Harry knew the risk now associated
with the documentation was so slim as to be virtually non-existent.
He quickly started to sort the information out. As he did he said, "Alright,
Hermione. You can help me sort this lot out, if you like."
"What is all this?" she asked.
"Evidence to present in Sirius's case if the aurors press forward with
charging him regarding his motorcycle," he replied.
"Oh, that," she said, understanding, before taking a closer look at the
documentation she was sorting through. When she quickly realised what
she was looking at she asked, "Wait... Is this about what I think it's
about?" And tapped the document she was holding.
"Yep," he grinned.
"And there's a law against doing this?" she asked.
"Yep," he again replied.
"Well, it's no wonder you're confident you'll win the case!" she declared.
"Uh-hmm," he replied. " I now need you to pair the Ministry documents
with the information Ted's managed to dig up on each. That way each is
one section."
"From that, I need to make some telephone calls."
As the afternoon wore on, Harry used the White Pages telephone book to
hunt down who he needed to talk to. He sat on a stool he'd pulled out
from under the dinette side of the breakfast counter and 'let his fingers do
the walking' while Hermione shuttled documents back and forth from the
counter to the dinette table.
Working in reverse chronological order he already had the information
on the first item before moving onto the second. He also received an
earful from the PR woman at the manufacturing company, who wanted
to know who was trying to set her up for a prank.
When Harry finally convinced her he was 'writing a book' on the history
of that type of item, the woman began to tell him enough information
that proved to Harry that the folks in the 'Obliviator Headquarters' office
at the Ministry were... just like every other witch or wizard... daft
morons.
Moving onto the next one took a bit more work as the company that
manufactured the item had long since gone out of business. However, he
was able to track down an enthusiast of the history of the devices who
related to him a not-so-dissimilar tale to the previous woman.
Harry thanked the man and hung up.
When Hermione read what he wrote, she disbelievingly exclaimed,
"You're kidding!"
"Nope."
"That's... that's..." she tried.
"Yep."
The next item - the one Ted added - was going to be, in some ways, risky.
He needed information from a huge government department that was
currently going through privatisation of its main asset.
However, the frazzled public servant on the other end of the phone call
couldn't have cared less Harry was asking the questions he was, but gave
him a similarly weird story to the first two.
Hermione shook her head in disbelief of what she'd read from his notes
and said, "When you go public with this, people in the Ministry are going
to get fired, arrested, charged, gaoled, fined or any combination of
those!"
"Not my problem," he replied. "I'm not the one who wrote the laws. I'm
not the one who blatantly and outrageously defied them. I'm just the new
uninvested Lord who is going to be defending my godfather, the newest
uninvested Lord, from a stupid law."
"I don't think it's stupid, so much," Hermione disagreed. "Just... so poorly
written as for it to be impossible not to breach."
The final item was the biggest of them all. Harry also had to ring another
muggle government department to find out the history of it. However,
this time he would have to go into their offices and pay a fee to collect
any records on it held there.
He took down the details he needed and where to go to collect the
information and would be sending that back to Ted to organise. Either
that or the aurors would need to be prepared for a day trip into muggle
London. And he didn't want to do that as it would tip-off the aurors what
he was up to.
Hermione had told him that she'd been told the previous day that the
aurors on their detail were not permitted to speak about what Harry or
the Grangers were up to with anyone else not already on the detail. But,
surely, one of them would let something slip out at the wrong moment.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Later that afternoon and at Hogwarts, about an hour after Harry finished
making his calls just in time for when most government office workers
think about heading home for the day, Dumbledore finally woke up in
the Infirmary.
As soon as he saw the ceiling and smelled the scent of the wing he knew
exactly where he was. But he also smelt the scent of burnt hair over the
top of it.
Looking down at his beard, all seemed in order; so he couldn't figure it
out.
He'd no sooner woken up and was sitting up when the new medi-wizard
walked in from his office and he felt a light waft of breeze on the back of
his neck.
"Good afternoon, Professor Dumbledore," he said.
"What day is it?" Dumbledore immediately demanded, reaching around to
the back of his neck.
Shocked at what he felt he cried, "My hair!"
"Yes, it is!" the Robinson returned. "And I'm feeling pretty chipper; thank
you for asking. As for―"
"Don't be flippant and answer the bloody question!" snapped the old man.
"Well, if you must know it's about fourteen hours before you're free to go
on Thursday morning; tomorrow morning. And, as I was saying, as for
your hair, it appears your now ex-phoenix did it to you with a great flash
of heat. It's that, we suspect, which burnt the back of your hair off, singed
the back of your robes, charred your office desk chair, and a few other
things.
Spotting his wand on the bedside table he picked it up and cast a quick
Tempus charm.
4.30pm
With a grunt of annoyance he realised he'd been out for about eight
hours.
"Why wasn't I enervated?" he demanded.
"You were unconscious because your now ex-familiar decided to sever the
familiar bond with you," replied Robinson. "We do not enervate people
who have been knocked unconscious because of a severed bond. It's
unsafe.
"Instead, we allow them to wake naturally - which is what happened with
you.
"Now, since you've naturally woken and had your questions answered,
I'm afraid you need to lie back down. I need to monitor you for the first
twenty four hours of the severed familiar bond to make sure of the
stability of your health."
"Go to Hell!" snapped the old man. Then he hopped off the bed and
stormed from the room.
'Does that man not know of any other mode of travelling by foot other
than storming about the place?' thought the medi-wizard. 'Cranky old
bastard.'
Returning to his office, the medi-wizard made an internal floo-call to the
Headmistress.
As it connected, she asked, "Yes?"
"Dumbledore just woke and, as I told you he would, he treated me
appallingly and stormed out," he replied.
"Very well," she said. "Ready his bed for him again and, in a few
moments, he'll be returned to it by a house elf. As soon as he arrives,
secure him to it and tell him I'll be along shortly to speak with him."
"Yes, Headmistress," Robinson replied.
Pulling his head out of the flames and allowing the call to disconnect, the
medi-wizard walked back out into the Infirmary, stood at the foot of the
bed Dumbledore had so recently vacated, readied his wand to cast and
waited.
About five to six seconds later there was a flash of white light and
Dumbledore was back and flat on his back on the bed.
Almost before the old man had any idea he had been popped back to the
Infirmary by a house elf, he was already securely tied to the bed with an
Incarcerous charm. His wand was summoned out of his hand a bare
moment later.
"What...?" asked a very surprised Dumbledore. A moment earlier he was
'walking' towards the grand staircase to climb up to the floor of his office.
"Welcome back, Professor," said Robinson.
"Wh-what is the meaning of this?" Dumbledore spluttered. As soon as he
tried to move to hop back off the bed he realised he was tied down.
"Damn it! Release me at once! Do you not know who I am?"
"You are Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, apparently," replied
the calm medi-wizard. "A significantly disgraced former Headmaster of
this school and now a simple tenured Professor. You are also my patient
and, until I or Headmistress Marchbanks says otherwise, you will remain
my patient.
"Besides, the Headmistress is coming here to talk to you about your
behaviour of late. Each time you are here you are offending me with both
your curtness and tone. You have been and are being quite rude.
"Now you are going to lie there, shut up and wait for the Headmistress to
arrive or I will be forced to gag you by way of a silencing charm over
your bed."
"Now, see he―" was as far as Dumbledore got before the threatened
silencing charm was placed.
When Marchbanks walked in about five minutes later, it was to see
Robinson checking his stocks of potions in the wheeled portable potions
cabinet while Dumbledore was trying to rant through a silencing charm.
She had to smirk to herself at the sight.
Toddling up to the side of the bed she stood there until Dumbledore shut
up and glared at her. Then she removed the charm.
As soon as she did, Dumbledore yelled, "How dare―" And received, for
his troubles, the cast of the Filthy Mouth charm on him. A charm
perfected by some parent well over a century earlier for washing a child's
mouth out with soap if the parent deemed the child deserved it.
She immediately recalled the time, back when Dumbledore was a child
and she babysat him, his sister and baby brother, she used it on him
when he'd back-chatted her.
He almost instantly began spitting soap suds and liquid soap out of his
mouth and spluttering as he cleared it away.
With soap suds still 'decorating his beard and moustache around his
mouth he stared at her in shock.
"Remember the last time I cast that charm on you, Albus?" she asked.
"What did I tell you back then?"
When Dumbledore scowled and refused to answer, she threateningly
raised her wand.
"Don't ever back-chat you again, or I can expect another dose," he
hurriedly replied.
"Exactly," she said. "That was almost a century ago, but I keep my word,
Albus."
When he refused to look at her any more, scowled and turned away she
chose to ignore his behaviour. As long as he wasn't trying to speak when
she was speaking, or just interrupt her, she was happy with that.
"Now, Albus," she firmly said. "I have made it a condition of employment
here that, regarding the nature of the health of the staff, the staff are to
obey, without complaint, the orders and directions of the medi-staff. I
made sure you knew this when you returned to the castle from your most
recent stay in the holding cells of the DMLE.
"It seems I've had to come down and remind you of that. That is not
something I will countenance without issuing punishment. If you do it
again I'm going to dock your pay a fine. If you do it too often you will
reach the point with me I'll know I can successfully take the matter to the
School Board to have you fired; tenure or not.
"Now you can, of course, get out of that bed," she continued. When he
looked ready to accept she went on to shoot him down. "All you have to
say is, 'I quit my tenure as a member of staff at Hogwarts, effective
immediately'. As you won't be a member of my staff, neither I nor medi-
wizard Robinson can order you to remain a-bed in this Infirmary.
"However, unless you state that, you will follow the directions of medi-
wizard Robinson as if they were an order from Hecate herself. Have I
made myself perfectly clear to you this time, Albus?"
Dumbledore looked for any possible way he could get around the
directions she gave him and could find none. She'd even given him a way
to get off this infernal bed, but it would mean he'd also be immediately
tossed from the castle. And he needed to be here.
"Yes," he all-but snarled.
Good," she replied. "Further, if I hear any further complaints from medi-
wizard Robinson that you've been rude to him, as well as writing down
that infraction to add to my list I'm compiling for reasons to fire you for
the Board, I'll yet again dock your pay. Have I yet again made myself
perfectly clear to you, Albus?"
"Yes," he more clearly stated.
"Your current orders from medi-wizard Robinson relating to your health
is for you to remain in this bed until, I believe, about breakfast time
tomorrow morning. Follow them!"
With a swish of her wand she vanished the ropes.
When the old man didn't try to rise but, instead, folded his arms and
practically pouted, she made a short little 'hmm' sound, turned about and
walked back out of the room.
Dumbledore remained on the bed smelling of burnt hair, crisped robes
and sulking.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Closing out another day, Scimitar received his next report from the
watchers.
"Well, well!" he told the others. "The young knight has entered into a
Betrothal Agreement with the Bookworm. And a report from Hogwarts
has it that the phoenix severed its bond with White Beard."
"White Beard no longer has access to phoenix-travel?" asked one. "Thank
Merlin for that!"
"Yeah," replied Scimitar. "That's news the 'big-wigs' are going to be right
pleased about. It means ongoing research into blocking that form of
magical travel can be scaled back for the time being. Thoughts on the
BA?"
"It's a brilliant move," said their strategist. "It means the young knight's
managed to turn the Bookworm pawn into a queen. It further protects
him from her being used against him."
"Agreed."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
While Dumbledore thought he was putting up and projecting a good
image for the student body, he was accomplishing anything but.
In the Slytherin common room the few remaining students, mainly first
and second years who couldn't go home because their parent or parents
were away overseas or similar, were paying attention. To outward
appearance they were disinterested or just mildly amused. In reality they
were approaching the point they were cheering Potter on.
They knew who was responsible for everything that was befalling
Dumbledore. And they were in both surprise and awe at the Slytherin-
like strategy and style the Potter Lord was employing to deal with the old
man. But, now finding out from a senior year that the old man's phoenix
had severed its bond with him over something Potter did to him? That
was both information gold and left them all fearful Potter would turn his
ire upon them next.
While the Slytherins were employing their cunning and sneakiness to
acquire the information, the Hufflepuffs were gaining it through a
different kind of sneakiness. They simply turned 'puppy dog' eyes on their
targets of choice, made themselves look pitiful and harmless and said
please - the evil little bastards. Their usual targets being the Ravenclaws
or the staff.
When they found out what the old man had done to a lot of people,
including their very own Pomona Sprout and Poppy Pomfrey, the loyalty
of the badger brought forth its fierceness at an attack upon their own.
Dumbledore now represented a clear threat to the Cete and needed to be
dealt with before any other badger fell before him. Cedric Diggory
managed to rally the Cete sufficiently to have those 'forced' to remain at
the castle work together to gather information. 'Know Thy Enemy!' they
now declared. And were, as one, cheering Potter on.
The Ravenclaws were simply so inquisitive and so embarrassed over the
'Lovegood Scandal', that they needed to do something to lift their image
among the other Houses. No longer was Hufflepuff seen as the worst
House to be in by the others but Hufflepuff; theirs was. So they began a
campaign to lift the image of their House by offering assistance to the
staff at every opportunity available to them.
Plus, the Ravenclaws were often approaching the remaining staff seeking
something to study or read. And through contact with the staff, were
asking for various pieces of information, here and there. The 'Claws
weren't being subtle about it like the Slytherins either. They didn't
believe in subtlety. That information was brought back to the Nest and
collated. The image it was painting of Dumbledore had them all cheering
Potter on.
In Gryffindor, the remaining members had fractured into three factions
too small to be effective in any way. The first were those who at first
hated Harry Potter for getting their Head of House and Headmaster
arrested; then embarrassed when they found out what the two had done
(or should have done and didn't) to him, others, or the school in general;
then angered with both, but mainly Dumbledore, for making them
believe in him when he never truly earned it. The second agreed with the
first, but that didn't stop them from hating Harry Potter for bringing it all
to light; while the first wanted to apologise to him. The third were those
who always and still supported Harry Potter as they 'knew' he couldn't
possibly have done anything wrong; and were now smirking at the other
two in 'justified arrogance'. The third group also consisted of the small
'fanboy' and 'fangirl' contingent, of which Harry was aware and hated
with a passion.
However, irrespective of all of the above about their fractured House, all
three were united in one goal; Albus Dumbledore must be taken down.
He was a remaining embarrassment to the House. To that end those
capable of sneakiness used that ability, those capable of using their wiles
used that, those capable of brashness used that and they all gathered
information of their own.
It effectively meant that there was not one person in the school who was
fooled by Dumbledore's 'public' behaviour and the false bonhomie and
elder statesmanship he still tried to project. And, by that evening,
everyone knew Fawkes had severed his bond to the old man and, likely,
why.
Many owls were sent out to family and other contacts that day and
evening. One even winged its way to Harry.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
That evening at the Grangers was a quiet one and much welcomed by the
residents. They all even managed to be in bed early.
Down in the servants' quarters, which the 'residents' rarely thought about
now due to the magics employed on that part of the house to somewhat
mask it, the third auror of the rotating detail was checking the ward
monitors and alerts for any tampering - there was none.
The Grangers might have been horrified and deeply embarrassed at the
sheer amount of remote magical monitoring that was going on but, to the
aurors, what they didn't know about wouldn't embarrass them. Their task
was to keep Potter and his now betrothed safe. However, there were no
sight or sound monitors on the master suite or either Hermione's or
Harry's. The only ones in any of the three suites were monitors to detect
if there appeared anybeing or anyone besides them.
While the aurors on the protection detail wouldn't speak about personal
details of Potter and the Grangers, things like Potter and the Granger girl
entering into a Betrothal Agreement was not just a personal issue, but a
security issue as well. That information was passed up the chain and
modified orders came back down. Potter was still 'The Protectee', but had
now been joined by Hermione Granger as 'The 2nd Protectee'. The teams
immediately and accordingly adjusted.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
23. Corina, or is it Charlotte?
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 Twenty Three - Corina, or is it Charlotte?
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Because of the early night in the Granger household, even Hermione was
down for breakfast with her folks that Thursday morning.
"Good morning, Princess," said her father, surprised to see her there.
"Have a good sleep?"
"Yes, thank you," she was quick to reply. "I slept like a log."
Harry, as had now become his norm this past week and a half and
everyone was used to it, had loaded himself up a large plate full of
carbohydrates and protein and was quickly 'getting it into him'. As such,
he was often quiet during almost the entirety of meal times now, as he
wouldn't ever consider speaking with his mouth full.
Therefore, it was a good fifteen to twenty seconds before he swallowed
what was in his mouth and gave her his own greetings. "Good morning,
Hermione," he said.
As she'd chosen to sit next to him, she smiled, leaned over, kissed him on
the cheek and replied, "Good morning, Harry. What's the plan for today?"
Her father only gave a slight frown at her actions but didn't say a thing.
She'd come up with what she thought was a workable strategy and was
employing an old metaphorical anecdote on him. She was using the 'Frog
in the Pot' trick; slowly increasing the amount of public affection she was
showing Harry and hoping he would sometimes return, to inure her
father to seeing it.
Her mother had agreed with her it was a sensible strategy, but not to
push it forward too fast.
Harry gave a shrug and replied, "I want to see if anything comes from
Ted regarding documents I asked him to collect for me from the goblins
regarding House business. I should be receiving them today. As Lady
Presumptive for the Noble and Most Ancient House of Potter, you're
allowed to know the gist of them, at least."
"Another thing covered by those family secrecy charms?" she asked.
"Pardon?" asked Wendell. "Lady Presumptive? Family secrecy charms?"
"Yep," replied Harry. "Part of the nature of the Betrothal Agreement
means Hermione is now my spouse presumptive. As my House is a Noble
one and I'm the Lord of it, that makes her the Lady Presumptive. As my
House is also a Most Ancient one, that makes her, in total, titled the Lady
Presumptive of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Potter.
"Formally, she is now known in the wizarding world as, Lady
Presumptive Hermione Jean Granger of the Noble and Most Ancient
House of Black and the Noble and Most Ancient House of Potter - or, is
that the other way 'round?"
He shrugged and added, "I'll have to ask Sirius which way 'round those
are supposed to go, but I think I'm right."
"Jeez-us!" Wendell quietly but vehemently uttered.
"As for family secrecy charms, there are matters known as family secrets,"
continued Harry. "To protect them, there are certain magics used to keep
them secret. With magic accepting the Betrothal Agreement, Hermione
can now see and remain aware of some of those related to the House of
Potter. That Sirius is now her magical guardian means she can also now
see and remain aware of some that are related to the House of Black."
"And if the Agreement is cancelled?" asked Monica.
"Then the information she will learn that are Potter family secrets she
will forget," he replied. "The same for Black family secrets if the magical
guardianship is cancelled. She will remember she once knew them, but
won't remember what they actually are."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
When the Daily Prophets were delivered, Harry shared his with Hermione.
One of the first stories they saw and read related to Dumbledore losing
his bond with Fawkes.
"Oh, my!" exclaimed Hermione. "Apparently, it happened just after
breakfast, yesterday. I wonder what happened for Fawkes to finally do
it."
Harry thought he knew and grinned. "I think I know."
"Well?" she asked. "Are you going to share?"
"My response to his portkey-letter attempt to kidnap me would have
arrived in that morning's mail bomb," he replied.
Hermione's eyes widened in surprise and she asked, "You think he read it,
did something that finally had Fawkes decide he'd had enough and
Fawkes severed the bond?"
"Yep!" he happily replied.
Hermione let loose with her clear tinkling laughter. "Oh! That's just
precious!" And laughed out loud again.
"Care to share?" asked Wendell, amused. "What letter?"
Hermione thought, 'Mum must not have told Daddy about it.'
"I managed to get a-hold of a copy of the letter Dumbledore sent me that
was that portkey," explained Harry. "In it, the old fool wrote about how
he still considered me his friend, I was being disrespectful, I was placing
you folks at risk by being here, I was placing myself at risk by being here,
things like that. It was a letter sent with the intention to send me on a
massive guilt trip and go running back to the safety of the castle, begging
forgiveness.
"What Dumbledore has forgotten is that the 'Harry' he thought he knew
was that persona I'd created as a façade to fool him. The real 'Harry'
doesn't fall for those shallow tricks."
Hermione took over. "So, Harry wrote Professor Dumbledore a reply. In it
he used Dumbledore's same tricks; and even some of the same language,
including the condescension. But, Harry took it right over the top, just to
demonstrate back he knew what Dumbledore was doing and was trying.
"When Sirius came over a little while later to make sure Harry was okay
after the kidnapping attempt, Harry'd only just finished the final draft.
Sirius read it and, by the time he'd finished reading it, he was laughing so
hard he couldn't stand up. Harry had to get Dobby to get him a Calming
draught."
Harry grinned and said, "Sirius declared it perfect, not to change a thing
and said he'd send it using his new owl, Sable, to deliver it; so
Dumbledore wouldn't recognise Hedwig."
"That letter would have arrived yesterday morning."
"Keep a copy of it?" asked a grinning Wendell.
"No, but if I know Sirius," replied Harry. "He's definitely kept a copy of it.
Ask him for a copy of it when next you see him."
"Oh, I'll definitely be doing that," chuckled Wendell.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
As he expected, Harry received correspondence from Ted, alright.
However, it was a great deal more than just a simple letter.
It was a letter that arrived as a covering letter for a shrunken package.
The aurors had unshrunk the package in their work of ensuring there
were no harmful hexes, charms, potion-lacing or anything like that going
on. And brought him the whole lot.
The auror carrying it placed the stack on the end of the table away from
where they were sitting and quietly said, "A package arrived from you,
Lord Potter. It is believed to be from Law-wizard Tonks." Then quietly left
again.
Wendell gave a low whistle at the size of the stack, turned to look at
Harry and said, "I don't envy you."
Harry shrugged and said, "Almost the entirety of that, I suspect, is going
to be just archived House business material I need to be aware of. It's
when all the financial portfolio stuff arrives that I know I'm going to
quickly develop quill cramp and a headache.
"The accounts have been in stasis for far too long. So there's going to be a
lot of work to bring the financials back up to something I'd be
comfortable with. However, the goblins are taking care of most of that
and I'll just need to sign off on it for it to be done."
Aren't you going to look at it?" asked Hermione.
"It can stay there until after breakfast," he replied with a shrug.
Another letter, handed up by one of the aurors who'd first checked it out,
was from one of the Gryffindor students who'd remained at the castle. It
was from young Colin Creevey.
In it, Creevey confirmed Fawkes had severed the bond with Dumbledore
and that Dumbledore was laid up in the Infirmary.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Dumbledore was finally released by Robinson just before the start of
breakfast.
"I'm giving you an 'early mark' because you've behaved yourself," the man
had said. "You should have enough time to go and bathe and change first.
You still smell of burnt hair and scorched clothes."
Dumbledore gave a grunt and muttered, "Thank you." Before quickly
rising and hurrying out.
The reason for the early mark was because Robinson wanted to join his
fellow staff members for breakfast, instead of watching the old man
continually glaring at him. And the house elves could strip the bed and
clear the air while the wing was empty.
The enforced 'convalescence' had given Dumbledore time to mentally go
over plans of what to do next, though. And he'd made good use of the
time.
Straight after breakfast he'd be contacting that pompous twit, Barnabus
Cuffe. He was sure the man would want to know that Harry Potter had
refused to attend the traditional Tri-Wizard Tournament Yule Ball at
Hogwarts.
Young Harry's assassination of his character was almost complete - but,
not quite. And Harry was not the only one who could use the media and
its power to his advantage.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After Wendell and Monica left for the day, the two teens returned to the
dinette. However, before Harry could sit down, Hermione grabbed him,
spun him to face her and landed a powerful kiss on his lips while she
quickly relocated her hands. One, she wrapped around his lower back;
the other, she used to hold his head in place by the back of his skull.
As sheer pleasure flowed through Harry, following on the heels of the
shock he experienced when she first suddenly grabbed him, he found
himself holding her in a similar fashion and kissing just as hard back.
When she opened her mouth a little and licked his lips it shocked him
enough he almost broke the kiss. But, upon opening his own mouth, he
understood what she was trying to do. And the pair stood like that for
what felt both like a bare fraction of time and an eternity.
When they finally separated, he whispered, "Wow."
"Yeah," she whispered back.
"What brought that on?" he asked.
"Well, seeing as you're now my betrothed... or, I'm yours... I wanted to
properly kiss you to see if it was something I could come to like doing."
"And, was it?" he asked.
She grinned and replied, "Definitely."
He grinned back.
They needed to get to work, so he leaned in and gave her another quick
kiss before he pulled back and said, "I think parchmentwork awaits. Shall
we get to it?"
She smiled and released him, then sat down as he slid the pile of
documents across the tabletop to be between them and away enough
they could both reach it and pull documents forward off the top to go
through it all a piece at a time.
First up was a summary of what was contained.
"Alright," he sighed. "Ted's put the property documents on top. It's what I
asked him to focus upon."
As Harry pulled each down and went through them, Hermione quickly
rose and raced upstairs to collect her parchment, inks and quill from her
room.
By the time she returned he had a mental list of the first five properties
and had the thin stacks of each laid sideways on top of the one before.
When she plonked back down next to him he indicated the modified
stack and said, "Well, looks like I won't need to buy a home for myself."
As Hermione wrote and Harry read, even out loud at times, he discovered
that Potter manor, 'Pottermore', still stood. Dumbledore had intimated it
had been destroyed the one time he asked if he owned a 'big home' like
other Ancient Houses.
Thinking back over that conversation he realised the old man had not
actually said the manor had been destroyed, only that it had been
attacked. Then said the Death Eaters tended to burn such properties to
the ground to deny it to the descendants.
He also made no mention that Harry owned quite a few other residential
properties, either. Probably because Harry asked if he owned a big home
and not other residences.
'Bastard,' he thought. 'A clear example of how to tell a lie while telling
the truth.'
Once they'd gone through the stack of records relating to properties, the
two stopped.
Harry actually owned quite a few with nearly all of them currently rented
out.
Of the one's not rented and specifically marked never to be leased or
rented out, there were three.
They were Pottermore in Merlin's Bridge, Pembrokeshire, Wales; Lily's
Retreat in a town called Cokeworth, Warwickshire, England; and the
Potter Cottage in Godric's Hollow.
The accompanying note from Ted informed him the man was already
making plans to find out just what the hell the Ministry thought it was
doing by claiming Potter Cottage as a national wizarding monument.
"Cokeworth ring any bells with you, Hermione?" he asked. "I thought
that'd be a purely muggle town, considering it's a heavy industrial area in
that part of England."
"Not Cokeworth, no," she replied. "But Warwickshire also includes the
town of Stratford-upon-Avon... and that's the birthplace of William
Shakespeare."
"Hmmm..." he muttered. "There's something about the name of that town
that's jigging my memory a bit, but not enough for it to come to the
surface."
"Perhaps it has something to do with your mother," she suggested. "After
all, the name of the property is 'Lily's Retreat'."
"Could be..." he muttered. Then gave a shrug and said, "No matter. It's not
important for now. I'll let the matter percolate through my subconscious
and see if it takes a bite."
"On to what next?" she asked.
"The rentals and leases," he replied. "I want to go through them and see
what's there. I want that stuff all listed out because I want to compare the
properties to the incomes for the Potter accounts. "
As Harry put the information on Pottermore separate, the two teens
moved onto the rental properties.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After yet another long shower, Dumbledore had to then resort to
trimming what was left of his long hair on his head right back to a very
short cut. The house elf he'd called had brought him another, who had
professed - confessed, really - knowledge of cutting hair.
However, he was definitely not willing to lose his beard and was thankful
the flash of extreme heat had not damaged it in anyway, though it did
frizzle a few stray hairs out wide and near his left ear; which was also
singed a little.
Properly trimmed he was able to attend the Great Hall for the latter half
of breakfast. And, yes, he heard the sniggers coming from some of the
students towards his new haircut. At least he was able to cover most of it
with one of his large hats.
The robe he was wearing when it happened, however, was yet another
victim to what had befallen him of late. That now made four sets
destroyed - intolerable.
'I'll have to go see Mister Twillfit as soon as I can,' he thought. 'I need to
think about replacing some of my wardrobe.'
'Actually, that would be sufficient reason for me to need to leave the
school for a time,' he smirked. 'Griselda cannot deny me the opportunity
to replenish clothing I have recently lost.'
Following breakfast he returned to his office and transferred his thoughts
regarding using the Daily Prophet onto parchment. Once done, he looked
upon his handiwork and smiled.
'This should do it,' he thought. 'Now to contact young Barnabus."
With his sheet of parchment in hand he turned to the floo. He might not
be able to leave the school, as it was during school hours, but that didn't
stop him from making floo-calls. He made his floo call to the offices of
the Daily Prophet. 'And with school not even running it's clear Griselda is
just using it to keep me contained. Who does she think she is dealing
with? A little Firstie?' he thought.
It took him about twenty minutes, but he was finally put through to
Cuffe. However, Skeeter was also there and she was waiting with her
Quik-quotes quill at the ready. The expression on her face of eagerness
was a little off-putting.
Clearly, he'd been given the run-around for a few minutes until Cuffe
could have his prize journalist on hand to 'take notes'.
"Good morning, Barnabus," he pleasantly greeted the man. Not even
waiting for a greeting in return he said, "Miss Terri Teaske, please wait
outside. And no listening charms or, should I say, bugs. That would be
rude."
Giving a jump in surprise Skeeter's - Teaske's - hungry grin instantly
changed to shock. She'd forgotten Dumbledore would know her true
identity. The fact he'd greeted her by it, when he'd not done that in
almost two decades, sent a message of warning she well understood.
Then the mention of listening 'bugs' was also a warning that did not pass
notice either.
Not even looking at her boss, Skeeter/Teaske snatched her Quik-quotes
quill out of the air, stuffed it in her overly large handbag and hurried
from the room. Cuffe was on his own, after all.
"Dumbledore!" snarled Cuffe. "How dare you!"
"How dare I what, Barnabus?" he pleasantly asked back. "I merely wished
you a good morning and asked Miss Teaske to wait outside while we
conversed. Of course, as a journalist of Miss Teaske's... ability, I did not
want to impugn her journalistic integrity by having her forced to keep
silent about what confidential matters I wish to discuss with you. Her
waiting outside while we spoke saves her that conflict."
Grumbling under his breath Cuffe demanded, "Well? What do you want?"
"I wanted to pass on some rather disappointing information regarding
matters of importance to our society," replied Dumbledore. "All in
confidence, of course."
"Yes, yes," snarked Cuffe. "Get on with it, then."
"Well, being only referred to now as a mere professor of a school, not
necessarily any particular school as it really doesn't matter, does it?" he
asked. "But, as a professor, I find myself quite disappointed our illustrious
school, the crowning jewel of wizarding Britain's education system, will
not be putting in a good showing when the Yule Ball is held here... there,
that is... on the night of Christmas.
"When even Harry Potter has decided he won't be attending, what sort of
message does that say to our visitors from overseas? Very few of the
students―"
"Wait... what?" asked Cuffe. "Potter's not attending the Yule Ball?"
"Well, his not attending is just one example, of course," he replied. "With
the School Board having already sent most of the students home, there
will be a great many who won't be attending, won't there?
"No; I fear―"
"Are you sure about Potter not attending?" demanded Cuffe, again cutting
in.
"Well, as sure as I need to be," he replied. "Now, as I was saying―"
"No, no!" interrupted Cuffe, suddenly standing up. "I'm afraid something
very urgent has come up. Sorry, Albus... if that is who you really are...
but, I must be going."
"Oh, dear," he replied. "Well, needs must, I suppose. I shall leave you to
it."
Withdrawing his head from the flames, Dumbledore climbed back to his
feet with a smirk fixed on his face. Satisfied with a job well done, he
returned to his desk to continue with his developing plans to regain all
that he had lost - and more.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
While Dumbledore was busy in his office with his manipulative
shenanigans, another meeting was taking place in the Headmistress's
office. She had called Professors Sprout, Babbling, Sinistra and Vector to
her presence by the simple expedience of sending a house elf with a note
to each.
As they each arrived, she greeted them, gestured to a chair before her
desk and asked them to wait until the last one arrived. The last to arrive,
Sprout, was just asked to take a seat.
As soon as Sprout sat she saw who else was present and knew her new
'boss' had made her decision regarding Headships of the Houses.
"Thank you for joining me, Professors," said Marchbanks. "If you do not
know why I have asked you four to join me then you are undeserving of
the positions you are being offered.
"Straight up I'm informing you all, with the exception of Pomona, that
your application for the acting positions as Heads of your respective
Hogwarts Houses is accepted. I am going to announce those
appointments at dinner, even if it is to a nearly vacant Great Hall. Your
appointments will become effective as of that announcement.
"Of course, they will be Professor Babbling as Acting Head of Gryffindor,
Professor Sinistra as Acting Head of Ravenclaw and Professor Vector as
Acting Head of Slytherin. If either of you three... or even you, Pomona...
want to withdraw, let me know now; otherwise I'll be going ahead with
those announcements, this evening."
When no one seemed anything but pleased it was a moment before
Babbling asked, "Headmistress... about the Deputy Head slot?"
"Still being discussed, dear," replied Marchbanks. "That's one post I will
not fill without discussing the matter with the Board. After all, I could
drop dead at any moment." And smiled back.
Babbling couldn't help but smile along with her. She nodded and replied,
"Thank you."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After going through records relating to share holdings in the wizarding
world, with Hermione and he switching out with taking extensive notes,
they decided to call a long break. It was nearly lunch time and Harry was
yet again hungry.
Rising from the chair and taking a few long stretches, he said, "Well, I
feel like making lunch. How about I prepare something that'll―"
"Uh-hmm," he heard a little verbalised throat clear from the end of the
kitchen counter.
Turning it was to see Dobby standing there, arms crossed, one foot
tapping and scowling back.
Hermione gave a snort of amusement.
"Dobby?" asked Harry.
"Master Harry be workings hard on wizard things, he does," snipped
Dobby. "Master Harry be doings Lordy works. Now Master Harry be
wantings to be takings house elveses, Dobby's, works again. Master Harry
not be takings Dobby's work. It be being unfair!"
Raising one hand to push his glasses higher up his face and massage the
bridge of his nose with his thumb and fingertips, Harry developed a
pained look.
"Master Harry and Miss-tress Herm'nee be tellings Dobby what theys
wants and Dobby be gettings it for them," declared the little elf.
When Harry turned a hopeful look on Hermione she laughed and said,
"Oh, no! He's your elf. You have to tell him if you're going to deny him
the chance to work."
"Hermione―" he whined.
"Nope!"
With a sigh, he turned back to Dobby and sulked, "Fiiiine!"
Dobby's scowl instantly turned to a satisfied smile as his arms dropped
away and he shifted to stand evenly on both feet.
"We need some brain food, Dobby. That is, something that won't sit
heavy in the stomach. Fish... salad... I know!"
Turning to look at Hermione he asked, "How does a fish burger sound?"
"No, but a salad roll with a couple of kippers on the side sounds good,"
she replied.
"Sounds good to me , too," he smiled.
Turning back to the house elf he said, "Dobby..."
With a look of glee on its face, the little elf chirped, "Right away, Master
Harry, Miss-tress Herm'nee." And ducked back into the kitchen.
She missed it the first time, but she caught it that time.
"Mistress Herm'nee?" she asked, confused.
"Oh, yeah," he replied. "I forgot about that. Since you're now my
betrothed, the elves will treat you as the Lady Presumptive of my House.
That means, to Dobby and all other house elves, you're now also part of
the House of Potter. To Dobby, you're no longer Miss Granger, but
Mistress Hermione."
"Are there any more little surprises, like that, included in what being
your betrothed means?" she asked.
"Probably," he replied. "If I knew or remembered what they were I'd have
already told you, though."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After eating lunch and taking a short walk out and about the backyard
talking about friends and acquaintances, what they might be up to, the
weather, and other things, the two teens returned inside and to the
parchment work. So far, they'd not even gotten about a third of the way
through it. It was back to it, they headed.
The afternoon was quiet, with the two working steadily through the
documents of the House Ted seemed to think Harry needed to know
about.
With a sigh, Harry finally sat back and asked, "If this is what Ted thought
was important enough to send now; what is the rest of it going to look
like?"
Hermione chuckled and asked back, "You're asking me?"
He took a look at the clock on the wall above the dinette and said, "Dang
it! We've been at this all day. I say it's time to give it up for the day and
come back to it at another time."
"Me, too," sighed Hermione. "It's all very interesting, but... Well, there's
just so much of something you can learn or study about in one hit before
it switches from being interesting to becoming annoying or boring."
"Right," he decided. "Time to pack it up."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Dobby suddenly popped by Harry's side holding Harry's communication
mirror. It was buzzing.
Reaching for it, Harry said, "Thank you, Dobby."
The elf gave a nod and popped away again.
"Padfoot."
When the image faded in to Sirius's face, Harry was about to say
something when Sirius spoke first. "I've just received an owl from
Moony."
"He finally decided to contact you, did he?" he asked.
"Uh-huh," replied Sirius. "He's sent it from Italy, of all places. He's letting
me know he's on his way back."
"He's in Italy?" he frowned.
"That's where he says he was," shrugged his godfather. "Obviously, he
found work there."
"Does he also explain why he's not bothered to contact one of us before
now?" he asked.
"He was in the muggle world," replied Sirius. "He only re-entered the
wizarding world there for the night of the full moon.
"Recovering from that he managed to pick up a copy of L'Annunciatore,
magical Italy's wizarding newspaper. That's when he found out about all
the happenings going on over here since that day.
"He sent an owl that same afternoon and it's taken two days to get here.
In it he states he was immediately making his best time to get back to
wizarding Britain."
"Uh-huh," he muttered.
Sirius frowned and said, "You don't seem too happy to hear that, pup."
Harry shrugged and replied, "When he finally turns up and you go to
meet him, ask him why he never told me anything about my place in the
world or anything more than things like... 'You have your father's sense
of humour', 'Your mother was pretty good at potions', 'You have your
mother's eyes', things like that. He never once said things like, 'You are
the Heir Apparent of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Potter', 'You
don't need to live with the Dursleys because you own quite a few of your
own homes', or how about, 'You don't need to accept the way Professor
Snape treats you because the man owes you a frigging life debt'. You know,
those sort of things."
"He never told you anything?" asked a very shocked godfather.
"Nothing of importance, no," he replied. "That's why I haven't cared the
man hasn't contacted either one of us before now. It was clear to me,
almost right from the start once I figured out who he was sometime
within the first couple of months of third year, Dumbledore told him to
keep me in the dark about my heritage and that's exactly what he did.
"I have no problem with you renewing a relationship with him, Sirius.
Just don't expect me to. He's your friend; he's definitely not mine."
"Yeah," mused Sirius. "I can see that. I guess him and I have a lot of
talking to do. If he doesn't have an excuse beyond 'Dumbledore told me
not to', then we're through, too."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After the two had managed to get everything packed up and Harry asked
Dobby to move the lot up to sit on the floor next to his desk, Harry
cleaned the dinette table of teacup rings and other manifestations
showing the surface had recently seen some hard use. He felt he should
do it because Dobby had already made them lunch when he wanted to do
it. As far as he was concerned, if the elf didn't want him cleaning, then
the elf should let him cook when he wanted to.
Once cleaned he placed the cleaner and cloth on the counter and decided
to take another walk in the garden before making a start on dinner.
Unknown to him, Dobby went ahead and cleaned the dinette table top
clean again, anyway; and polished it.
Harry'd already thought about what to cook for dinner and decided on
cooking a pork-based Chinese dish for that night and probably a
traditional fish dish the next, Friday.
While Hogwarts had plenty of good and nutritious food with plenty of
choices when one sat down to a meal, with the exception of the sort of
dishes that had been added because of the two visiting schools, the
selections were entirely 'English' in nature. They didn't even include
traditional Scottish or Irish dishes.
Though he'd not cooked Chinese before, he'd read plenty of books on it.
He once tried to prepare a French dish for the Dursleys and received a
beating for it.
"We don't eat Froggy food!" he was told. "You wasted all that good food
turning it into muck!"
So he restricted himself to preparing food that had all the appearance of
plain English fare, but he'd greatly improved on the standards by the use
of cooking techniques, herbs and subtle spices.
Here, though, he knew he could cook what he wanted so long as he was
very sparing on the sugar. And never used processed sugar. 'Sweeteners'
weren't allowed either. "Harry, saccharin has been found to produce
cancer in rats. If you're going to use a sweetener, use raw sugar or sweet
fruits."
Looking through the cookbooks Monica had on a high shelf above the
microwave 'nook', he found what he was looking for.
A quick shopping list jotted down on a handy notepad with string-
attached pen and he went in search of the aurors. He needed to take a
trip to the shops.
Besides, it gave him the excuse to restock the Grangers' pantry, fridge and
freezer. He felt, he'd been eating enough for almost three since he started
on his potions; and that didn't include all the guests, such as Sirius and
the Tonkses, that had been dropping by for dinner or other meals over
the past near-week. As a result, he believed it was his job and
responsibility to replace all the food.
Grabbing his muggle wallet, as opposed to his wizarding purse - it was
easier to keep the two currencies separated that way - he found one of
the aurors down on the lower ground floor and let him know his plans.
"It's just a short walk," he told the auror. "It should take thirty minutes,
there and back, tops. And most of that is going to be actual shopping."
Not waiting for the auror to respond, he then went looking for Hermione.
He met her coming down the stairs as he was going up.
"Shopping trip!" he declared.
"Pardon?" she asked.
"Shopping trip!" he replied. "Wanna come with? I have to pick up
groceries. With the amount of food I'm eating... plus, all the guests...
we're getting a little low."
"Oh, grocery shopping," she smiled. "Harry; when talking to a female, you
need to be more explicit."
He just waved it off as a nothing and asked, "Coming?"
"Alright," she replied. "Let me get my purse."
"No need. I'm got plenty!" he declared.
"Then let me at least get my coat," she said. "You should probably put one
on, too. It's getting quite chilly out there."
"Okay," he chirped, before dashing the rest of the way up the stairs they
were standing on to go to his room.
The young female auror, who had turned up at the base of the stairs
while they were talking, said, "He is as excited about shopping for
groceries as you or I would be about clothes."
Hermione just smirked back and wryly said, "I noticed."
With her having further to travel, Harry was waiting in the entrance
foyer with the auror when Hermione came back down from her room. It
appeared he was arguing with her.
"What's going on?" she asked.
"Auror Cassidy, here," he replied, "Is of the opinion she needs to
accompany us."
"Then let her," shrugged Hermione.
"Aren't you getting a little sick of the constant over-watch the aurors are
putting on us?" he asked.
"No, not really," she replied. "It's nice to have someone around my age -
even if the aurors are at least four years older than us - to talk 'girl talk'
with."
He sighed and said, "Fiiiine."
While he was helping Hermione to don her coat, she'd carried it down
with her rather than donning it upstairs, Cassidy changed into
mugglewear by the simple expedience of pulling her auror robes off over
her head. Underneath, she was wearing a hood-less well-worn
windcheater, jeans and trainers.
Plucking a 'scrunchie' that matched the windcheater out of the fob pocket
of her jeans, she used it to tie her shoulder-blade length hair back into a
ponytail. Then she transfigured her auror robes into a plain brown calf-
length duster coat and donned it without buttoning it up. It was cold out,
but not that cold.
After helping Hermione don her coat, a similar style to the auror's
transfigured one, he asked the auror, "Do all the aurors wear casual
muggle clothes under their robes?"
"Nope," she replied. "Just most of us on this detail. Most wear wizarding
casuals."
"Hunh!" he softly exclaimed. "And your bosses don't get upset?"
"On this detail it's encouraged," she replied.
Now ready, the three made their way out and to the shops, with
Hermione immediately taking Harry's hand. Auror Cassidy held right
back to give them privacy. But remained close enough to be 'there' if
something unexpected happened.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After a floo-call from Ted, Sirius flooed to his office.
"What've you discovered?" he immediately asked.
"The goblins got back to me with the information on the suspected
Malfoy child," Ted immediately replied. "They've hit a dead end."
Sirius immediately frowned and asked, "The child's dead?"
"No, no," Ted was quick to correct. "I meant... they reached a point where
they couldn't find any more leads - the trail died."
"What do they have, then?" he asked.
With the investigation file open before him on his desk, Ted quickly
checked his overview notes and replied, "There was certainly a child
born. Her name is, or was, Corina Cephei Malfoy; born the tenth of
August 1982; at home at Malfoy Manor. The midwife and her assistant
have been Obliviated of all knowledge of it. All official records have been
'disappeared'; including all records of the child from Saint Mungo's
archives."
"10th of August 1982?" asked Sirius, grinning. "It sounds like old Lucy
was celebrating being free of Voldemonkey by bonking his wife and it got
her pregnant."
"Yes, there were quite a few births around that time," smirked Ted. "It
may very well be the reason the Malfoys chose a home birth.
"Anyways, continuing," he said, "The goblins, however, have their own
records regarding the births and deaths of the Heirs of the Houses. Their
records show she disappeared at about two months of age. This is
confirmed by Lucius Malfoy informing the Gringotts Account Manager of
the Magical House of Malfoy that they were to destroy the life-stone for
the girl. The account manager informed him it would be done, as he
didn't want to lose the account. However, as you probably know, they
never do such a thing.
"The goblins, having not destroyed the stone, have informed us she is still
alive - it still glows. It is for that reason they accepted the challenge and
efforts to find her.
"They know she should be of age to have received an invitation to attend
Hogwarts in 1993, yet one was never sent. Therefore, it stands to reason
she is no longer within the Hogwarts catchment area.
"They sent their requests for assistance out to the other Gringotts offices
across the world, yet have not received any hint she may have been
picked up by her coming in for an inheritance test or the like."
"Damn," snarled Sirius.
Ted then leaned forward with a wide grin on his face. "Now, this is where
what I've done since comes in. I took the information the goblins gave me
and started my own search. This time, in the muggle world off the back
of their search in the magical world. I contracted a muggle organisation
that specialises in finding 'missing persons'. They focussed on countries
where English is the dominant language, first. They also focussed on
going to a country as far away from England as they could get. They
started in New Zealand and worked west.
"A girl of her approximate age and what she might look like currently
attends a school in Perth, Australia."
Sirius suddenly sat forward in anticipation. "I take it she's a close
resemblance?"
Ted handed him a candid photograph taken from some distance away. It
was a head and shoulders shot.
The young girl looked approximately twelve years old, had the black hair
of the Blacks and a mix of the facial features of the Malfoys and Blacks
combined. He couldn't quite pick up her eye colour but it appeared to be
the pale blue that often arose in the Malfoys, with the cheek structure of
the Blacks. She appeared to be smiling at someone.
"She looks happy," mused Sirius.
"From all reports, she is," replied Ted. "Her current name is Charlotte
Claire Wilkins. Her first two names are as a result of the initials found on
the baby blanket in which she was wrapped. She was raised with the
nickname 'Charlie', but prefers 'CeeCee' because of the initials. Her
adoptive parents... yes, her record shows she was adopted by a muggle
couple... have kept both the clothes she was wearing when found and the
blanket and apparently have shown her the initials, which were
embroidered into the blanket.
"Her parents adopted her through the Department for Child Protection -
DCP - of the Western Australian muggle state government. Their reports
have the child being found abandoned just inside the main doors of the...
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, also
known as Saint Mary's Cathedral, in the city of Perth.
"The date ties in with what we know of the disappearance of the Malfoy
girl-child.
"Her foundling name was 'Mary', named after the cathedral in which she
was found, and months of frantic searching for the baby's parents were
undertaken by the muggle authorities. It was a very public media story of
the time, which helps to explain how the organisation I contracted to find
her apparently did so as quick as they did. She still has a case number
with the Western Australian Police - muggle aurors - as such cases are
never closed unless the birth mother, at least, is found or her
whereabouts are known.
"The Wilkins came by her as they were listed with the DCP as emergency
foster parents for infants with special needs. They are: Stephen Anthony
Wilkins, a senior office worker within their Department of Transport; and
Dorothy Anna Wilkins née Grimes, a housewife who was also once a
paediatric nurse. Both muggles, of course.
"After two years of her being in their care, they applied for and were
granted permanent foster care of her. After five years, they applied for
and were granted adoption.
"The Wilkins already had two other children at the time. A boy, Patrick
Harold, now nineteen and studying engineering at the University of
Western Australia; and another girl, now seventeen and in her final
weeks of muggle high school. She has plans on attending university, like
her older brother, but studying nursing, like her mother."
"Wait... wait..." said Sirius. "If she's healthy, has magic and obviously
appears to be of both Malfoy and Black blood... why, in Merlin's name,
did Malfoy dump her halfway around the world?"
"That's what confused us and made us think she wasn't the one... until we
saw the muggle medical records," replied Tonks. "She was found to have
been born with cataracts in both eyes, rendering her almost completely
blind, and was also discovered to be almost completely deaf. Both were
genetic defects, so wizarding healers couldn't do anything for her.
"However, the muggles could. As a result of the muggle public campaign
to find her parents they also let it be known she had cataracts that
rendered her blind and that she had a hearing defect in both ears. From
that a massive... outpouring... of sympathy was directed towards the
infant girl from the local muggle community; even across the country. A
lot of people sent in financial donations towards her care.
"At that time, muggle Australia had just re-entered into a universal health
care scheme called Medicare. That meant all muggle Australians were
now eligible for free basic health care.
"However, that would not have been enough. So, in stepped a...
consortium, if you like... of highly qualified specialist healers. An eye-
specialist, who was one of the country's leading experts on corrective eye
surgery, travelled over from the other side of the country to lend his
expertise. He quickly determined the problem and, within hours, she was
operated upon at their Royal Perth Hospital. The operation was
successful in that the cataracts were removed. She's apparently never had
a problem with her sight since, except for the need to wear prescription
sunglasses in bright light.
"As for her hearing, another birth defect and yet another surgical
procedure rectified that. It was something to do with her ear drums being
underdeveloped; as in, they hadn't formed properly while she was still a
foetus. She underwent a... Tym-pano-plasty... to repair both ear drums.
Something about a graft being used to repair them. Later tests have
shown she has about ninety-five percent of her hearing back."
"Damn!" said Sirius. "The muggles have gotten that good?"
"That was over ten years ago, Sirius," replied Ted. "They've gotten even
better since."
Sirius distractedly nodded. "If she was born blind and somewhat deaf,
and our Healers couldn't fix it, then it's no wonder Malfoy would want to
get rid of her."
"Plus, it adds to the likelihood this young girl is the missing Malfoy Heir
Secondary," added Ted. "Now, we just have to prove it."
"And we have to decide what to do with this information, once it's
confirmed," said Sirius. "I really don't want Malfoy finding out about it.
There's no telling what he'd do."
"An almost as big problem is what to tell Andi," said Ted. "This girl, if
we're right, is her biological niece. If she finds out about her, there's a
strong likelihood she'll immediately head down there to get her."
"You're not permitted to tell her," Sirius immediately stated. "Only you
and I are to know anything about this until I deem it right for her to be
made known to anyone else."
"Thank you," said a relieved Ted. "The client confidentiality clauses will
now protect me from her finding out from me. But, I certainly hope
you're not even going to think about doing that until at least one of us
talks to the girl and her parents, first."
"No," said Sirius. He thought for a few moments longer and asked, "You
firmly believe she's happy where she is?"
"Yes," Ted instantly replied. "However, I still wish to go ahead with
confirming her true identity. All we need is a drop of her blood."
"And, how are you going to get that?" asked Sirius.
"That I'm leaving up to the experts," he replied.
"So long as these experts don't also learn who she is, I've got no problem
with that," said Sirius.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
With shopping complete - and Hermione stunned with the amount of
food Harry bought - the two teens were walking back from the shop
while talking between them.
Cassidy had even used the opportunity to purchase some items for
herself.
"Harry, I want to speak with you about how much you're spending on
groceries," said Hermione.
"Your parents are providing house-room for me and this... coterie of
aurors, who're apparently determined to keep an eye on me," he said.
"While I'd probably shrug it off if it was just me, it's unfair for your
parents to pay for the food.
"If your parents say anything about it, I'll tell them the same thing. So,
don't worry about it, alright?"
"Alright, Harry," she said. "And, I can understand your argument. I just
thought... since I invited you to come and stay―"
"To come and stay," he emphasised. "Not eat you and your parents out of
house and home."
"Alright," she sighed. "I won't argue. But you're not eating us out of house
and home, as you put it. The Grangers might not be in the same leagues
as the Potters or the Blacks; but, we're well-off enough."
"Thank you," he gratefully replied.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Scimitar had just received the daily briefing from the watchers. Looking
to the team he said, "Nothing unusual from the young knight's watchers.
The knight and the Bookworm went out grocery shopping."
"That, in itself, makes it unusual," smirked one of the cursebreakers.
"Hardy-har-har," said Scimitar. "However, we have news from elsewhere."
That had the team listening.
"The Black Healer, Tonks, tried to get into Grimmauld," he said.
"Any idea why?"
"None," he replied. "However, she is not considered a threat. It may
simply be because it's the home in which she grew up."
"She's also the Healer-of-Record, at the moment, for the dog, the knight
and the Bookworm," added another. "She's watched, because of that."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Harry's 'make-do' Chinese that night was well-received by those who ate
it. It might not have contained nothing but traditional meats and
vegetables, but it definitely had a Chinese flair to it. He eventually
decided to call it 'Chinglish Fusion'.
Sitting for dinner that night were the Grangers, Harry and two aurors. It
was earlier he found out the aurors played a wizarding version of rock/
paper/scissors to see who would miss out. The loser missed out. So,
Harry quietly had Dobby set aside a serving of both the dinner and the
dessert put under stasis for the unlucky auror who missed the 'Harry
Potter Dining Experience'. But, Dobby was already doing just that. As it
made his master happy to think he came up with the idea, he didn't say a
thing.
Well, at least with word getting out that 'Lord Potter' wasn't as much into
proving everyone to be a 'daft moron' at the moment, those in the auror
department who had once begged off watching over him were now
begging to get back in again. So said Auror Cassidy, while they were in
the supermarket and purchasing groceries.
For dessert he went 'Australian' and made an Australian multi-layered
tropical fruit 'trifle'. However he left out the alcohol and, instead, just
used rum essence. So the adults wouldn't be concerned, he made sure to
tell them in advance the background rum flavouring was just that,
flavouring brought on by the essence - no alcoholic content.
"How'd you get the jelly to do that?" asked Monica.
"I baked the sponge and made the jelly yesterday," he said. "Today, I
pulled the jelly out and crumbled it - that's the secret - then stirred in the
strained tinned fruit. With the cake I trimmed the edges off where it was
in the pan - one of those little 'cheffy' things - sliced it, soaked it in the
juice from the tins together with the essence and just layered as I went -
cake, jelly, custard, cake, jelly, custard, cake and unsweetened cream
topping mixed with block chocolate crumbled to an almost powder. Then
just garnished it with sliced fresh fruit and sprinkled some of the
powdered chocolate over it. Simple."
"Simple, for you," she smiled.
When she saw Harry blush a little she didn't comment again.
"However you did it, it was simply divine," said Hermione.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
When Marchbanks stood to make her announcements regarding filling
the vacant Heads of House roles, the only one who wasn't happy for them
was Dumbledore. While on the outside he was showing he was pleased
for them, inside he was scowling in hate at Marchbanks as she invited the
three new Heads of House to stand.
Her announcement proved he was now even further away from
recovering the position of headmaster of 'his' school. If she was successful
in appointing a Deputy Head that wasn't he, there'd be four people
between he and his beloved Headmaster's office - Professor, to Head of
House, to Deputy Head, to Head. Intolerable!
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
That evening, while Andi was back on shift at Saint Mungo's, Sirius went
to the Black Townhouse on Grimmauld Place. She'd let him know she
couldn't get in, which Sirius knew she couldn't as he'd locked it back
down again after he and the Unspeakables had been through the place.
That was his plan.
Walking in, he remembered yet again he was going to purchase at least
one new house elf to get the place cleaned again. When he'd had to kill
Kreacher that meant that what little work was being done was no longer
being done. Or, maybe he'd ask his godson if Dobby might want to do it
in his spare time as a 'reward'.
Setting his thoughts aside he moved through to the library to begin his
research.
"Mind magics... curses of the mind..." he muttered.
He might not like the place, but this was for his godson and his godson's
friend.
Two hours later, after nearly magically exhausting himself getting past
various magical booby traps, curses, protections and the like. He thought
he might've finally found the book he needed. This would be the fourth
time he'd had the thought, though.
After checking it for even more traps, he stood back and magically pulled
it from the shelf using a simple Accio. The book yanked out off the shelf
and flew towards him. A quick sidestep to avoid it and the book bounced
off the wall behind him before falling to the floor, where the cover
flipped open.
'No curses or the like,' he thought. 'We're good, so far.'
More scans showed no other magics on the book other than a simple
preservation charm and a Book-plate charm that would have the book
return to the shelf if left out of it for more than twenty four hours. As the
Rightful Lord of the House he was able to strip that second one away. He
saw no harm in the first one remaining.
Picking it up with his off hand, just in case, he flipped through it. He
already had a very good idea what he was looking for. Now all he had to
do was find it.
Ten minutes later he was reading through the definition of a particular
curse, his smile slowly widening as he read.
'Counter-curse?' he thought. A quick check, 'Yes!'
He'd do a jig if he didn't think there just might be a curse waiting to go
off for 'dancing in the library'.
Snapping the book shut with his off hand, he dropped it into a left hand
pocket of his robes - one he'd already layered in protections - and made
his way to the floo.
Just before he left he checked to make sure the floo pot wasn't charmed -
it was - stripped the hex away and dashed some powder into the
fireplace.
"Tonks House," he firmly called.
When the flames turned green from a successful connection he checked
to make sure it, too, wasn't cursed - it wasn't - then put the residence into
lock-down again, with the lock-down timed to activate five seconds after
the floo shut off. And stepped into the flames.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
24. Harry Discovers He's a Daft
Moron
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 Twenty Four - Harry Discovers He's a Daft Moron
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
The next morning's Daily Prophet carried as its lead story, 'Lord Potter
Thumbs Nose at Traditions'. And went on to say how an 'unidentified
informant' inside Hogwarts reported that the new Lord Potter stated he
would not be attending the traditional Yule Ball held for the Tri-Wizard
Tournament. A tradition that dated back over five hundred years.
After reading it, he passed it on to Hermione to read and said, "So,
Dumbledore's made his next play."
"Besides the obvious, what makes you think it's Dumbledore?" asked
Wendell.
"I haven't sent my letter to Headmistress Lady Marchbanks, yet; where I'll
be telling her I'm not attending," he replied. "Therefore, the only one
besides us and Sirius who know, is him. And he's the only one at
Hogwarts."
Wendell asked, "What about the aurors?"
"They wouldn't tell," said Hermione. "They know that, if they let slip
something like that, Harry'll get you to throw them out.
"Which means, they'll be stuck to guarding him outside... in the cold... in
the wet and snow... outside the property boundary."
She shook her head and added, "No, they won't risk that happening. The
comfort they get for being indoors is too good a perk to pass up."
"Dobby," Harry suddenly called.
When the little elf popped in he asked, "Yes, Master Harry?"
"Can you get me my communication mirror, please?"
"Right away, Master Harry." And he was gone again.
A moment later the mirror appeared on the table in front of him.
"Thank you, Dobby," he called into the air.
Picking it up he was about to call his godfather when he realised what
the time was. "Ummm..." he uttered. "I think I should wait for a bit. Sirius
is a late riser and there's not much he can do, at the moment, anyway."
Then changed his mind. "No. I should tell him before Ted leaves for work
for the day. He'll want Ted to get onto this, right away.
"Padfoot."
When the mirror cleared Sirius was already up. "I've read it," he
immediately said, before Harry even had a chance to let him know.
"Ted woke me and we've been discussing it."
"The plan?" he asked.
"Ted's going straight from here to his office to look up the relevant
wizarding law statutes, then heading over to the Prophet offices to, as he
puts it, 'ream 'em all a new one'," replied Sirius. "He'll be there within the
hour."
That made Harry feel all warm and fuzzy.
"Thank you, Sirius," he said. "And thank Ted for me, too. He has my
blessing to act as Law-wizard of Record for the House of Potter. If he
wants to he can tell them Lord Potter will forgive them if Cuffe and
Skeeter are either both publicly sacked with the reason printed in
tomorrow's paper, or a full and unequivocal retraction that does the
same."
Sirius gave a bark of laughter and said, "He heard. He seems to be
relishing the legal 'bloody nose' he's about to give them."
After a quick look off to the side, Sirius barked with laughter again and
said, "Yeah, he is."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Not having to worry about the remarks in the Daily Prophet this time
around, Harry relegated it to the back of his mind. He knew he'd get
updated reports on what was being done either directly from Ted or from
Sirius.
That left him able to concentrate his thoughts on filling his stomach. The
potions seemed to be making his hunger worse. However, he realised it
was because his stomach was growing, whether normally or magically, to
allow him to take more food in.
As he shovelled more food into his mouth he thought, 'Is this what Ron is
always going through? No wonder no one can get his attention while he's
eating.'
"How long do those potions have to run, Harry?" asked Monica, watching
him.
"No idea," he replied, when next his mouth was empty. "But I hope the
hunger ones end soon. This is embarrassing, having to eat this much."
"Well, you're definitely filling out," she said. "You're also growing
upwards. Any idea how much taller you are now?"
"No," he replied between mouthfuls. "But, I know my father was about
five foot eleven and my mum was about five foot ten. I think I was about
five foot... four?... when I arrived here."
Hermione gave herself a nod and said, "Stand up, Harry" And rose to her
feet, herself.
When Harry immediately followed suit, breakfast be-damned, she stood
close and looked him in the eye.
With a frown she said, "Yeah, you'd have been about five four to five five.
I remember I slightly looked down to look you in the eyes. Now I have to
look slightly up. Soooo, I'd guess you'd now be about... five... eight?"
"Three plus inches already?" he asked. "You sure?"
"Edge of the door, dear," her mother said to her.
With a look of surprise, Hermione said, "Of course!" Then she grabbed
Harry by the arm and dragged him over to the door leading from the
dinette to the back hallway.
Pulling it shut a little she maneuvered him until he stood with his back to
the edge of the door. "Stand up straight," she ordered.
Harry did as he was told, placing the back of his head against the edge of
the door as he did.
Hermione took careful note of where he would come to on the frame and
said, "Alright, Harry. You can step away now."
As he did and turned around to look, he could see the edge of the door
had inch-separated marks on it. Hermione was holding her finger at a
point about a third of the way up between five foot eight and five foot
nine.
"Wow," he said. "That's well over three inches in... how long?"
"A little over five days," said Hermione. "Sunday morning would make it
a week."
Monica said, "At that estimation of your original height at that time, I'd
estimate you'd probably be at about five inches in a week. You're growing
like a weed!
"No wonder you're eating so much, the calories needed for the body to do
that sort of growth must be above the mid thousands. I think you need to
consider increasing your intake of soluble fats and unprocessed sugar."
"I'm already eating five meals a day and often coming back downstairs in
the early evening to make myself a snack!" he almost whined.
"Andromeda said if you're hungry, you're to eat," she firmly retorted. "So,
do so!"
Harry sighed and softly said, "Yes, Ma'a... err... Monica."
"Now, come back and finish your breakfast," she said. "And, if you're still
hungry, eat some more.
"And don't think I haven't noticed you've restocked the pantry, fridge and
freezer again," she scowled. "You don't need to do that."
"On that subject I must respectfully disagree," he firmly said back, sitting
down at the table again.
"Harry―" she tried.
"No, Monica," he just as firmly replied. "This is my contribution to the
efforts you and Wendell have gone to, to let me and my unwanted auror
followers into your home. Please don't fight me on this."
Her and Wendell exchanged some micro-expressions between them and
she turned back to Harry. "Fine. But I didn't expect you to do any of that
when we invited you."
"It's my contribution and, since you weren't expecting it, gift," he replied,
more relaxed.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
In Hogwarts, Dumbledore was sitting at the staff table gleefully reading
through the article on the front page of the Prophet. Of course, that glee
was masked behind a look of concern he was projecting for others to see.
His problem was there was one person at the head table, that morning,
who knew that expression was a lie. And, after reading the article herself,
wasn't happy.
Leaning to look around Babbling and Sinistra, who were now sitting in
their respective Heads of House seats, she used her wand to hit
Dumbledore in the side with a very mild localised banishing charm. In
effect it was a rude 'poke', used when you wanted someone's attention
and weren't being polite about it. She had gotten very good at it when
she was still a professor, herself, and a student wasn't paying the
attention to her they should have at the time.
When he flicked his head around to stare at her in surprise, quickly
morphing into a frown, she crooked a finger at him in the recognisable
sign of 'Come here'; which was also considered impolite.
Rising and frowning even more at her behaviour, he approached her
behind the chairs. "Really, Griselda," he scolded.
Looking back she simply said, "As soon as you have finished your
breakfast, you are to go to my office and wait for me there. And it's
Headmistress Marchbanks to you... Al-bie!"
Shocked, Dumbledore was, for a moment, speechless. Finally, he said, "As
you wish." Before turning his back on her and returning to his breakfast."
'Albie?' he thought. 'She's never... Potter!'
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
A little over an hour later, Ted was striding up Diagon Alley on his way
to the offices of the Daily Prophet organisation. Not even hesitating he
walked in and straight up to the reception desk.
"Good morning," he said to the young witch behind the counter-desk.
"Please inform Mister Cuffe that Edward Tonks, Law-wizard, is here to
see him."
"Mister Cuffe is a busy man. You'll need to make an appointment," she
said, as if by rote.
She hadn't even looked at him.
"Inform Mister Cuffe he talks to me, or I go see the Board of Directors and
talk to them, instead," he shot back. "They, at least, will not refuse to
speak with me."
She finally looked directly at him for the first time, hesitated a moment
and said, "Please wait here." Without waiting for Ted to say anything
back, she rose from her chair and walked out through a door in the back
wall behind her desk.
Five minutes later, she was back. "Please follow me," she said in an
almost bored drawl.
Walking behind her through the door, she led him through and almost
directly up a flight of stairs. She then turned and walked through a set of
cubicles that were obviously for reporters, as some were there. He even
recognised some of them.
Finally, she came to an office at the front of the building that obviously
overlooked the Alley, knocked thrice and stepped through.
When it appeared she was going to close the door behind herself, he
neatly stepped through behind her and to the side.
He was in Cuffe's expansive office. The man was sitting behind his desk
trying to look important.
As soon as Tonks saw him he turned to the young witch and said, "Thank
you, you can leave." And just stared at her.
The witch stared back for a moment before turning to Cuffe. Though he
didn't see it, he knew Cuffe had silently dismissed her, too, as she turned
back to him, scowled and walk out. She quietly closed the door behind
her.
Turning back to Cuffe, he then noticed Skeeter was also in the room
sitting in a chair off to the side. Her Quik-quotes quill primed and ready
to go.
He stared at her for half a moment with an Occlumency-flattened
expression and quietly snapped, "Get out."
Skeeter looked to Cuffe, who then said, "Now, Ted... I can call you Ted,
can't I? Miss Skeeter is―"
After first noticing him as stepped into the office, Ted hadn't turned his
attention to Cuffe at all. He continued to stare at Skeeter. Calmly, he
drew his wand and held it pointing out and away from his body. It was
that movement that suddenly shut Cuffe up.
Still staring at Skeeter, Ted said, "I said... get out."
That was enough for Skeeter. She snatched her lime green quill out of the
air and bolted for and out the door. Without the Quik-quotes quill magic
holding it in place, the parchment the quill was poised over fluttered to
the floor.
Now turning his eyes to Cuffe, Ted reached across and shut the door
closed Skeeter had left open in her haste to leave.
He then stood staring at Cuffe for a good ten seconds, waiting for the
man to appear to be on the verge of speaking.
As soon as he saw the man draw a breath and begin to open his mouth,
he quietly said, "You're an idiot."
"W-what?" spluttered Cuffe.
"Are you deaf as well as stupid?" he asked. "I said, you're an idiot."
"Now, see here!" spluttered the portly editor.
"You, you idiot, have upset not one, but two Lords of Noble and Most
Ancient Houses," said Ted, still using that flattened and soft voice. "You
have upset two of the Seven. One of them is also close friends with two of
the rest of the Seven. Four of seven makes a majority."
He then remained silent until it looked like Cuffe was going to speak
again and again jumped in first. "I've been doing some checking, Barny.
Those four, between them, own more than fifty percent of this
organisation."
Pulling a set of documents out of an inside robe pocket, Ted looked down
at them for a moment and said, "Yes. More than fifty percent."
Cuffe was now pale and shaky.
"I also have here the written authorisation to decide what to do with
you," he quietly said. "What do you think I should do with you... Barny?"
Cuffe spluttered and seemed to come up with an idea. "I-I-I... claim
freedom of the press!" It was a bad one.
"How lovely," Ted sneered. "I counter it with freedom of the shareholders.
That is, the freedom of the shareholders to fire your arse. Got anything
else?"
"The information I received was rock solid!" he tried. "I have a
responsibility to the people of wizarding Britain to report―"
That Ted immediately barked a short, sneering, mocking laughter shut
the man up again.
"You have a responsibility to the people of wizarding Britain?" he
sneered. "Puh-lease... you know damned well I know that's a cauldron full
of shit. Your responsibility is to the shareholders; no one else. You know I
know that.
"As for your first point, your rock solid information? Your own... sorry...
my client's own newspaper, which you're the editor for... for the
moment... reported in-depth the crap, lies and manipulations Dumbledore
was doing. How you could sit there and tell me you're information is 'rock
solid', as you put it, when you know the man is a lying, manipulative old
toss-pot, is beyond me."
When Cuffe appeared he didn't know what to say next, Ted sneered,
"Well?"
Cuffe was frantically trying to come up with something that would get
him out of what was now clearly a mess and couldn't think of anything.
When he saw Cuffe sigh and deflate, Ted knew he had him.
Cuffe quietly said, "What do I need to do?"
Ted smirked and said, "Pull out a quill and parchment and takes notes of
what I'm about to tell you. Those notes will then form the basis of how
you're going to handle this to the satisfaction of your shareholders.
"If you do not do exactly what I'm about to tell you to do, I'm going to go
through every back copy of the Prophet until I find at least one hundred
people who would have the legal right to sue you and your journalists for
slander and libel. I'm sure it will not take me long to find one hundred
witches and wizards who could not afford to go after you and would now
relish the opportunity to do so.
"I will then represent them in a class action suit against you and each
individual journalist who was involved in writing those slanderous and
libellous remarks about them. You'll also notice I did not mention they
would be going after the Daily Prophet media organisation; just you and
your journalists.
"If I make that public, then Lord Potter will own the Daily Prophet media
organisation almost outright within hours," he all but snarled. "I cannot
see your other stockholders tolerating that. They will either dump the
stock in fear of the value dropping, fire your bum, or both.
"Lord Potter will then buy up all the shares, thereby gaining majority
shareholder-ship on his own, then he will fire your arse if it hasn't
already been fired. Then he will print the retraction.
"Either way, that retraction is going to be printed."
Cuffe stared back in not a little fear.
"The question you need to decide for yourself is... do you want to remain
Editor or not? And the only way for that to occur is for you to print the
retraction first."
"Now, are you ready to take notes?"
Shaking and trying hard not to, lest he cause his quill to leak ink all over
the parchment before him, Cuffe replied, "Y-yes."
"Good. First, you are going to print the retraction about your story that
slandered Lord Potter in this morning's paper. As part of that retraction
you are going to write you made assumptions based on the information
provided you from a manipulative, lying old man. You will not
specifically name him. After all, we don't want to see you sued for
slander by him, do we?"
"Second, you are..."
When Ted walked out twenty minutes later, he was internally smirking.
He never actually said he had the authorisation of the majority of
shareholders, just that the Houses were 'friends', which was true enough.
He also knew Harry and Sirius both would not hesitate to make a swift
move on purchasing any shares that hit the market because of the
information the Editor and journalists were going to be sued, got out. He
would even be the one getting it out.
'Oh, it's good to be me,' he thought. 'Hot and successful in her own right
wife, successful and powerful daughter already making her rise in the
auror corps, a successful business of my own that now has two of the
Seven as House clients with two more Noble and Ancient Houses as
clients as well. It's all good.'
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Still not having been informed of the password to his old office,
Dumbledore was forced to wait for over ten minutes after he arrived at
the gargoyle before Marchbanks turned up, slowly hobbling along the
passageway towards him.
As soon as she was close enough, he asked, "Really, Griselda. Was it
absolutely necessary to force me to wait for quite so long?"
"Unless you have a cure for old age, Albus; yes," she snapped back. "I'm
not as spry as I used to be, you know."
Of course, Dumbledore knew that, no matter what he said in response to
that, he'd be on defence; so he wisely kept silent.
As the Headmistress, Marchbanks did not need to use the password to
gain entrance. She just looked at the gargoyle and it hopped aside for
her.
When Dumbledore looked like he was going to stride forward and onto
the stairs, Marchbanks whacked him on the closest shin with her cane.
As Dumbledore reactively gave a yelp and jumped back, she firmly said,
"Ladies first, Albus."
Now wanting to hop on one foot and massage his shin where she'd struck
him, he suppressed that desire and scowled at her back as she began to
ascend. He followed her a few seconds later.
Once inside and behind her desk, she made Dumbledore stand before it
like a naughty school child while she settled herself.
Once ready she turned her attention to him and said, "I'm adding yet
another black mark to your record, Albus. Did you think me that stupid I
would not work out it was you who gave that report about Lord Potter
not choosing to attend the Yule Ball to the Prophet?"
"I'm sure I don't know what you mean," he indignantly shot back.
"Really," she drawled. "So you deny you both knew it was going to be
Lord Potter's intent not to attend, or that you are the so-called staff
member of Hogwarts who informed the Daily Prophet of this?"
"How the Daily Prophet find the information they do is no longer my
concern," he huffed.
"I notice you didn't deny either of those points, Albus," she said. "Try
again."
"I will neither deny nor admit, Griselda," he snapped. "I am not on trial,
here."
"Trial? No," she agreed. "You are, however, being asked by your employer
if you had any role to play in the Daily Prophet getting wind of Lord
Potter's desire not to attend the upcoming Yule Ball. The Yule Ball, I
might add, which will likely not be going ahead, anyway.
"And you are to address me directly as 'Headmistress Marchbanks' or
simply 'Headmistress'. I have not given you leave to address me as
anything else.
"Now, answer the question I put to you; do you deny you both knew it
was going to be Lord Potter's intent not to attend, or that you are the so-
called staff member of Hogwarts who informed the Daily Prophet of this?
"If you do not give me a direct answer to that question, then I will accept
it as being both you being blatantly disrespectful of senior authority and
a negative response in both cases."
Dumbledore stood there, frustrated. Eventually he replied, "No."
Marchbanks sat there staring back for a long moment before she said, "An
honest answer. Just so you know, Albus. I'm fully aware Lord Potter
informed you of his intent not to attend the Ball. I'm also fully aware
that, until that article appeared in this morning's Daily Prophet, no other
member of my staff was so aware other than myself.
"As I know I did not inform the Daily Prophet of Lord Potter's intent, that
left only you."
"As such, Albus, you have yet again brought disrepute onto this school.
As you know, that's one of the clauses by which I can terminate your
tenure. That's yet another entry for my file on you I can present to the
School Board to show why I have done so, when I do so.
"You are dismissed. Get out."
Dumbledore glared back for a moment before he spun about in fury and
stormed out.
This time Marchbanks almost, but not quite, slammed the door into his
back as he stormed through the doorway.
"Idiot," she muttered.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After breakfast and the Granger adults had left for the day, Harry had
just called Dobby to bring down the stack of House documents Ted had
delivered when Sirius mirror-called him. This morning, he had his mirror
on him when he came down for breakfast.
"Padfoot," he said to the mirror.
When it cleared Sirius immediately said, "You were right. I found it in the
Black library."
"Counter-curse?" Harry immediately asked back.
"Yep," grinned his godfather now waving the book in front of him.
"What about the two portkeys?" he asked.
"Being organised."
"Then all that's left to do is have them delivered and activated," said
Harry.
Switching to a worried expression Sirius asked, "Are you sure you don't
want to wait until Longbottom inducts her brother into the Longbottom
Seat as Proxy?"
Harry thought about that for a moment and instead of making a decision
he asked, "Heard anything about when your trial is likely to be?"
"Yep. Tuesday morning immediately prior to the Wizengamot General
Meeting," he replied.
"In that case, we'll see if the goblins of Gringotts are willing to allow the
use of their time chamber for this," suggested Harry. "If they are, then
yes. I don't want that man in the Longbottom Seat for long if she
successfully gets him into it.
"Mind you, I don't think getting him into the Seat is her play."
"Why not?" asked Sirius.
"Because I think her play is to try to get him into the Seat and not
succeed," he replied. "I think she wants me to successfully block it, so she
can then claim she needs more time to find a better, more suitable
candidate.
"The problem for her is, I know that's her play and I also want it to
succeed. That way she thinks she's won against me.
"Oh, and I'm going to have to let Madam Bones know I'll be taking my
Seat immediately after your trial for the beginning of the day; and why.
"'Uncle Algie' is going to find himself being arrested instead of inducted.
"Toss my god-brother off a bloody pier and drop him out a window, will
he? Let's see how he likes two charges of 'Attempted murder of an Heir
Apparent of a Noble and Most Ancient House' rammed down his throat."
"Ah!" said Sirius. "Now I understand why."
Harry nodded.
"If you're done?"
"Yep," he replied.
"Then let me talk to my magical ward," said Sirius.
Harry passed Hermione the mirror. Then, as she talked with Sirius, he
pulled parchment, ink and quills to himself.
'We need to replenish our stationery supplies,' he thought. 'We're getting
far too low. And isn't that a surprise, considering we'd be using a fair bit
in our classes at Hogwarts during this break if school was still on.'
He started to get to work on writing a letter to Madam Bones. That one
he'd have delivered by one of the aurors.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Procrastinating about the work of the House of Potter sent to him by Ted,
Harry then started to draft a letter to Neville. He needed to make sure
Neville thought he was being a friend and not just being a git by having
his 'Uncle Algie' arrested.
In the workout draft he laid out some paragraphs to use. One on why he
felt someone who would do what his 'Uncle Algie' did to him needs to
face justice for doing it. A second on how, no matter what happens, he
considered Neville his god-brother
~ # ~
I have some great news I wish to share with you. You're one of the very first
outside of the Potter and Granger households to be informed of this. Hermione
and I are now betrothed through a formal wizarding Betrothal Agreement.
Yay!
If you're wondering why her parents, muggles, would go along with something
like this when the muggle world hasn't had such agreements for over two
hundred years, the next will put it into context.
Fundamentally, the BA was drafted to protect Hermione from harm. During
an examination by a Master Healer, it was discovered someone with white
hair had dosed her with a loyalty enhancement potion back in, by the looks of
it, our first year. It scared her when she found out and freaked her parents out
a bit.
The BA was drafted by my new Law-wizard of Record, Ted Tonks (you may
remember him as Lord Black's Law-wizard at his trial). To make it legal, Lord
Black first became Hermione's magical guardian with the blessing of her
parents. Then the BA was signed, with even Hermione's father co-signing it.
That way, no one can quibble over it.
Even though the BA was conceived to protect Hermione, I want you to be the
first of our friends to know that I've finally woken up and realised I love her
with all my heart. And she's now confessed she's loved me for even longer.
Damn, that's soppy - but it's true!
Next issue: You may find me soon doing some things you don't agree with,
Neville; or that might upset you. But I beg you to always keep in the forefront
of your mind, when you think I'm working against you, things are not always
as they seem.
If you haven't had a chance to yet, I want you to read the Potter-Longbottom
Alliance Charter. It lays out how the alliance Houses will aid each other. It
also states in what situations the other Houses are to provide that aid. It is
very important to what will soon be going on. It will help you to understand
what I'm doing is for you, not against you.
I know you're going to worry. And I'm deeply sorry for that. But our Houses
are greater than us as individuals and, therefore, I must do what I must.
You will understand within a few days. At first you may want to kill me -
however, I promise you with all my magic, by the end of it you won't.
~ # ~
After he finished that part of the body of the letter he'd send Neville, he
passed it on to Hermione to read. She had already disconnected her call
with Sirius.
"You know that's going to make him worry even more, don't you?" she
asked.
"Yeah," he sighed. "But I'm hopeful that the longer time of worry will
make the shorter time that's to come less stressful for him."
"Maybe," she said. "But your apology at the end of it better be long and
heartfelt. When do you plan to send it to him?"
"As soon as our plans are set and I have confirmation from the goblins,"
he replied. "But there's more I need to add, yet. I just don't know what."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
The two finally moved on to the pile of documents from Ted and were
working through it right up to lunch. Of course, Harry stopped twice to
refill his growling stomach, each time Hermione heard it. He was
prepared to ignore it, but she wasn't.
"Eat, Harry," she urged him. "The sooner you're up to correct health, the
sooner you're through the potions and the sooner you won't have to
worry about them any more"
She then turned to the side a little and called for Dobby.
"Yes, Miss-tress Herm'nee?" he asked.
"Something for Harry to eat, please," she said. "Something he can hold in
his off hand to eat while he goes through the documents."
"Yes, Miss-tress Herm'nee," replied the eager little elf. "At once!"
"I could have made something myself, you know," he grumbled.
"Not without stopping going through these documents, you couldn't," she
retorted. "However, if it's a break you wanted, you don't need the excuse
of wanting to cook to take it."
A plate of quarter-cut sandwiches appeared next to his left hand. And a
second appeared next to her right.
"Looks like you're munching while reading, too," he smirked.
She just moved her plate closer to be between them and said, "Maybe."
As she expected, Harry wolfed his own down and eyed hers, which
weren't touched yet.
Smirking to herself, she said, "Go ahead, Harry. I didn't want them in the
first place, remember?"
That plate emptied quick-smart, too.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
It was while he and Hermione were again taking a walk around the back
yard when Harry had his epiphany, as he later called it.
"Oh, for the love of Merlin!" he suddenly exclaimed, startling Hermione. "I
am such a twit!"
"Harry!" she suddenly exclaimed in shock at his own sudden exclamation.
When Harry spun to look at her, wondering what was wrong, she had a
hand lightly to her chest between her breasts.
"What?" he asked
"What do you mean, what?" she shot back. "You scared the life out me!"
"Oh!" he sheepishly replied. "Sorry."
"What was all that about?" she asked.
"Oh, yeah," he replied. "I've just realised I've been 'infected by the
wizarding daft moron virus'."
"P-Pardon?"
"The daft moron virus!" he repeated. "I've turned into a daft moron!"
With a snort leading the way, she asked, "Ohh-kay. What's led you to
believe that?"
He replied, "I've been thinking we need to ask the aurors to allow us to
go to Diagon Alley to buy some more stationery supplies."
"Yes?" she asked. "And?"
"We don't need to go, if that's all we're going for!" he explained, throwing
his hands up. "House elves can be sent to buy that sort of thing for you!"
"Oh," she said, understanding. Then she grinned. Then she began to
laugh.
"It's not funny!" he declared. "I'm infected!"
That just made her laugh even harder. And made him sulk a bit.
"Harry," she patiently said. "I didn't think of that, either."
That made him feel better but not happier. "I just didn't see it," he
grumbled.
"When we get back inside you can send Dobby to Diagon Alley as soon as
you want. However..."
"However?" he asked, starting to lead the two of them back to the back of
the house.
"How about we make a list of things for Dobby to buy us before you send
him," she explained. "I'm sure there's more than just 'stationery' for him to
buy."
"Yeah, and that's the other problem," he grumbled as they reached the
back door.
As he held it open for her, she asked, "What's that?"
Stepping in after her and closing the door, he replied, "Think of how
those in the wizarding world buy their groceries. Do you remember
seeing a grocery store in the Alley?"
"Errr... no," she replied, stopping to turn to him with a confused
expression.
"Exactly!" he exclaimed. "There isn't one there!"
Going back upstairs to the main floor and into the kitchen, he called,
"Dobby."
The little elf popped in and asked, "Yes, Master Harry?"
"Dobby, when you were with the Malfoy's, did you do the food
shopping?"
"Yes, Master Harry," he replied. "That was beings one of Dobby's works he
shared with Peggy."
"How do you do it?" he asked. "I mean, where do you go to buy food?"
"There beings a muggle shop being run by squibbies," replied Dobby. "All
elveses go there."
"So, if I was to give you a shopping list," he asked. "You'd be able to fill it
by buying what I've listed?"
"Yes, Master Harry," replied the elf. "Does this mean Master Harry is
going to be lettings Dobby doing shopping work now?"
"Most of it, yeah," he sighed.
Dobby grinned excitedly back.
"I'll have a list for you within the next few days," he almost morosely
sighed.
"Yes, Master Harry!" exclaimed Dobby, before he popped away again.
Hermione was now sitting back at the dinette, turned away from him.
But, she wasn't fooling him for one moment. The shaking of her shoulders
meant only one thing. She was laughing at him and trying not to show it.
"I am a daft moron!" he firmly declared to the world - well, at least the
kitchen. "However, I shall not embrace it! I shall overcome it, by doing
better. I shall strive to rid myself of this infection with all my heart and
mental... acuity. And I shall succeed!"
Her tinkling gay laughter did nothing to make him feel any better.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
During an afternoon tea break, Sirius called Harry.
Because Harry was stuffing his face yet again, Hermione had to answer
the call.
Sirius took one look at his godson, hurrying to clear his mouth of food,
and laughed.
As he swallowed, Harry scowled. "Stop it. You know I can't help it."
"I know, Pup," replied Sirius. "But, that doesn't mean I can't laugh about
it, does it."
Hermione leaned in and said, "Harry's grown about three to four inches
taller in the past few days!"
Unsurprised, Sirius gave a nod and said, "By my estimation he's got some
more growing to do yet, kiddo."
Hermione grinned and nodded. "Any reason you decided to mirror call
us?" she asked.
"Yeah," he returned. "Harry?"
As Hermione angled the mirror better for him, Harry was quickly trying
to swallow another mouthful.
"Don't swallow on my account!" declared his godfather, before laughing a
little again.
Harry scowled back.
"Listen," said Sirius. "The goblins have agreed to the use of their time
dilation chamber. However, they need to go no later than the early hours
of tomorrow morning for it to have a reasonable chance of being done on
time for Tuesday morning. Recovery time is needed."
"Shhhhhyte!" he muttered. He thought for a few moments, reached a
decision and said, "Alright. Do it."
Sirius then went on to define what terms the Goblins wanted for use of
the chamber, plus the secrecy oaths they insisted be a part of that. The
price was a 'biggy', but not financial. It related to a boon Gringotts owed
the House of Potter.
"Understood," said Harry. "And, I agree to the terms."
When Sirius nodded back, he continued, "I need to get one letter off to
Neville and want the goblins to take a letter into the chamber with them
for me.
"So, I've now got some writing to do. I'll send both letters via Hedwig, as
soon as I can today. I'll have her go to you first, before flying on to
Longbottom Hall."
"Sounds like a plan," agreed Sirius. "I think this is actually going to work."
"Once you found that curse and counter-curse I'd figured, right then, this
was going work. It was just how we were going to go about accomplishing
it that was the major variable.
"All that's mainly left to do for the rest of us is watch it happen."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Straight after the mirror call and finishing his 'snack', Harry pushed all
the Potter documents to the other end of the table and out of the way.
Then brought across his draft of text for the letter to Neville. That had to
be completed, as did the second one.
The two of them added what they could to 'help' Neville through what
was about to happen. But, couldn't flat out tell him because they all knew
his grandmother would immediately step in and block it.
He was about to ask Hermione to rewrite it so all the crossed out and
moved sections were rectified when he realised he had to write it because
it had to be in his hand.
He had her make a start on writing up paragraphs for the second letter
on one sheet, while he wrote paragraphs of another section on another
sheet.
Having a bit of a brainwave, he called, "Dobby."
"Yes, Master Harry?"
"Do I own, or do you know where I can buy, a Dicta-quill?" he asked.
"Dobby be goings to check Potter vaults," declared the elf before it
popped away.
Even though both teens were 'antsy' about the success of Harry's plan that
began its practical component that night. Once it was decided to go
ahead, Harry began to calm down while Hermione's worry ratcheted up.
"Hermione," he tried, when he saw her worrying at her bottom lip with
her teeth.
"Hunh?" she asked.
"The decision is made," he said. "I know you're worried, but the time for
worry is now past. I'm as confident as I can be that this will succeed."
With a pop, Dobby returned. "There be no Dicta-quills in Potter vaults,
Master Harry," replied the elf. "But Dobby be knowings where he can
borrow one."
His expression turning into a smirk, Harry asked, "And do the current
owners know you'll be borrowing one?"
"Theys will not be knowings Dobby be borrowings one if Dobby can gets
it back to thems today," replied the elf, confidently.
Giving a snort of amusement, Harry said, "Fair enough. However, I don't
want to borrow it, just yet... Actually, yes; go get it."
"Harry?" asked Hermione.
"I'll dictate the main body of the letter, the history, as a statement,
Hermione," he replied. "That way I can get it done in time. Otherwise, I
don't think I can tell them everything they need to know before the time
chamber activates."
"What do you consider everything they need to know?" she asked.
"Everything I know about what's going on," he firmly replied. "I will not
keep anything from them."
When Dobby popped back a short while later, because of recent
experience in watching one set up and used, Harry quickly had it set up
and working.
With a nod of satisfaction, he erected a muffling charm about himself and
the quill, closed his eyes to get his thoughts in order and began to firmly
speak. It took almost two hours and he ended up with over sixteen feet of
Dicta-quill filled parchment.
Somewhere along the line, Dobby had kept him supplied with tea. But his
throat was still a little hoarse by the end of it.
Stopping the quill he turned to Hermione and asked, "How'd your part
go?"
Sliding over what she'd done, Harry realised she'd decided to write the
letter as a separate document to the statement Harry made. The
statement would then be an 'attachment' to the letter.
With a nod and a smile back he said, "Good idea."
Folding both into envelopes and writing just the addressee's name on
both, Hermione called, "Dobby."
"Yes, Miss-tress Herm'nee?"
Holding both letters out to him, she asked, "Can you please deliver both
these to Lord Black at the Tonkses Home?"
"Yes, Mistress Herm'nee," he replied with a short bob, taking the letter
and popping away.
Turning to Harry she said, "As you said, faster than an owl. And there's a
certain level of urgency for this."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Because he was busy dictating his message, Harry didn't have time to
cook dinner that night as 'cheffy' as he wanted. So, in the end, he just
went for fast and tasty - Fish 'n' Chips - always a good British staple
because it was quick and easy to prepare.
However, he did dress it up quite a bit with Dobby's help. This 'Fish 'n'
Chips' for chips included normal potato, sweet potato and carrot sticks.
And the fish included sole, squid rings, onion rings, little chunks of
octopus and crab sticks; all battered. Adding to that went a light tossed
salad, a vinaigrette for the salad and home-made tartare sauce for the
fish.
Dessert was a simple bread and butter pudding.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
As dinner wound down Monica asked the two what they 'got up to'
during the day.
"Well," said Hermione, with a slight smirk on her lips. "We spent quite a
bit of it going through the Potter family documents; which we're now
more than halfway through."
With her smirk widening, she added, "And Harry determined just after
lunch that he has been, as he puts it..."
Harry groaned and hung his head.
"... 'Infected with the wizarding daft moron virus'!" And laughed.
Watching her daughter laugh as Harry hung his head in apparent shame,
Monica smirked and asked, "And what led him to believe that?"
"Because I completely forgot about something in the wizarding world that
is as obvious as the sun rises in the east," replied Harry, as Hermione
continued to chuckle.
With a sigh he explained, "The wizarding world needs groceries, right?"
With a confused frown, Monica nodded back.
"Therefore, there has to be a shop to buy them from, right?"
Nod.
"However, there is not a grocery shop, or any similar shop, in Diagon
Alley."
Nod.
"So, how do wizards and witches buy groceries?"
"Those with house elves send the house elves to do the shopping," replied
one of the aurors. "Those without use a mail order system. For urgent
needs, there's a small store in Godric's Hollow that accepts both
wizarding and muggle currency."
"Uh-huh," said Harry. "I didn't know about the second part, but I did
realise about the first only today. That was my 'daft moron' realisation
moment.
"Instead of having to go and do the grocery shopping myself, having to
convert wizarding currency to muggle currency ahead of time just to
shop, I... finally figured out I could have had Dobby doing the shopping
for me using wizarding currency."
Wendell gave a snort of amusement but otherwise kept quiet.
"According to Dobby, there is a large grocery store run by squibs where
the elves can do the shopping on behalf of their masters and mistresses. It
just never occurred to me that was the likely answer; when it should
have, because I know damned well there is no way someone like Narcissa
Malfoy, for instance, would be caught dead in a grocery store."
That had the table laughing or chuckling away.
Chuckling, Wendell said, "Well, it's good to know the Great Harry Potter,
Sir, is as mortal as the rest of us."
Harry just groaned as the table laughed.
"That's a good thing to now know anyway, Harry," said Hermione.
"Hunh?" he asked.
"What do you think is going to be the reaction when someone like Lucius
Malfoy finds out the food they eat is bought from squibs?" she asked.
"And that it's the same food eaten by 'dirty' muggles?"
That surprised the table. Harry gawped at her. "Hermione! That's evil!"
"That's something I'll fire back at Malfoy the younger if he ever gets
snotty with me again," she smirked.
"Ouch!" he exclaimed with glee. "I wonder if Hogwarts buys their food
from the same store, or even one very similar."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
25. The Snatch and Immediate
Fallout
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 Twenty Five - The Snatch & Immediate Fallout
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
During the early hours of Saturday morning, 12th of December, a team of
six beings entered the Janus Thickey Ward, Ward 49, inside Saint
Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies. They were all so thoroughly
disillusioned they didn't even leave behind a ripple of air, the most
common method by which the disillusioned were spotted, as they
traversed the corridors of the hospital through to entering the ward.
Once inside the ward the patients, except two, were subjected to a
Somnulus sleeping charm that put them into a deeper sleep.
While two were accomplishing that task, two more were searching for
and temporarily disabling monitoring charms without alerting whom
those charms were connected to. Once done, they set about erecting a
privacy field over the entire ward. Again, this was temporary.
With those done, both of the second two dropped their disillusionments,
which had the rest drop theirs.
It was now clear the group of six was made up of four goblins and two
wizards.
Both wizards moved to the beds containing the parents of Neville
Longbottom, Frank and Alice Longbottom. Both immediately scanned
both adult Longbottoms, getting readings appearing as wisps of magic in
the air over the reposed patients.
Once complete both glanced at each other with one nodding to the other.
The second withdrew a sheet of parchment from his matt black robes,
read over it for a moment and drew his wand. He was the one standing
between the beds of the two over the form of Frank Longbottom, believed
to be the most harmed of the two.
Another last check of the parchment and he began to cast. It didn't take
long.
As the wand movements finished and the incantation was correctly
muttered, a soft sickly purple glow appeared to cover the rightful Lord of
Longbottom from head to toe. When it sank into his skin both wizards
waited and watched.
After a long few seconds, Frank opened his eyes and croaked out the first
sound to exit his lips in almost fourteen years. "Whhaa...?"
With a firm nod, the wizard who'd just cast the charm, counter curse, on
Frank then turned and cast the same one on the wife, Alice.
As the same sickly purple colour sunk into her form, her response was
almost immediate. "N-nn-nnn-eeh-vvv-lll"
With the two almost matching satisfied smirks the second of the two, the
one who did not cast the charms, stepped forward and placed a small
copper disk, one each, onto the chests of both Longbottoms, as the other
turned to the goblins standing nearby and said only one word, "Success."
The senior most goblin immediately said, "We proceed as planned."
That had all four goblins immediately come forward.
The two who had used magic to bypass the monitoring wards
immediately set up a powerful Notice-Me-Not field around both beds
keyed to all those who were not of their group of six. The other two split
to one each and placed a gnarled hand onto an arm of a Longbottom.
Then the final two did the same on the other side of each patient.
And, finally, the two wizards stood at the foot of each bed and grabbed
hold of an ankle.
"Activate!" one of the goblins firmly stated.
And just like that, all eight suddenly disappeared from the ward, together
with both beds.
Because the monitoring charms had been temporarily bypassed, the
activation of a portkey within one of the wards of the hospital was not
noticed. No alarm sounded or alert went out.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Waiting in the restricted portkey receiving area of Gringotts deep inside
the bank, Sirius was pacing back and forth in worry. The four goblins
standing with him were watching him in amusement. Two of them were
holding a portable stretcher each. To a goblin, a worried wizard was
hilarious to watch.
Knowing not to enter the large circle in the middle of the room, Sirius
was on about his ninth circle of it when there was soft gong sound. A
moment later, there appeared a bright flash and the feeling of displaced
air.
As Sirius quickly stepped back and out of the way, he was elated to see
that the counter-curse had obviously worked. If it had not, the four
goblins and two wizards would have returned without the two
Longbottoms.
The two Longbottoms were immediately levitated off the beds and the
two beds were portkeyed away, back to the hospital. The two with the
stretchers then paired up with one of the others without and manoeuvred
them into place below each patient.
He had been told the two portkeys to return the beds were made from a
single short white thread of cotton each. They wouldn't be noticeable
when it was discovered the Longbottoms were no longer in the beds in
their wards.
The temporary bypasses back at the ward all faded away less that five
minutes later as if they were never there.
With the beds out of the way, and the patients now lowered onto the
stretchers, Sirius stepped forward again to check on each of them. Once
he was sure for himself both were okay, he handed the letter Harry had
given him to give to the Longbottoms to one of the healers and said, "This
is a letter for them. It is to be given to them when at least one of them is
conscious enough to read and understand it."
The healer nodded and said, "It will be done. Now, if you'll excuse me, I
need to get these two into the time dilation chamber."
With that, both wizard Healers, six of the eight goblins and both still
barely conscious Longbottoms were hustled out of the room.
One of the two goblins remaining said to Sirius. "Time for you to leave."
And handed him another small portkey.
Sirius took it and disappeared from the room a moment later.
The other goblin remaining looked to his 'partner' and said, "Stupid
wizard."
"That's an oxymoron," said the first.
They both laughed as they made their own way out of the room.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Harry had taken his mirror to bed with him and had it next to his pillow.
He didn't think he'd be able to sleep until he heard back from Sirius, but
he fell asleep anyway.
When the mirror stated to insistently vibrate, though, he was instantly
woken.
Grabbing the mirror in his hand and quickly sitting up, he turned on his
bedside lamp and whispered, "Padfoot."
A moment later Sirius appeared in the mirror and quietly said, "Both the
counter curse and snatch and grab were a success. Both are barely
conscious and nowhere near lucid yet. But, both are now with the
Gringotts healers and under time dilation."
Harry breathed a sigh of relief, before he firmly whispered, "Yes!"
After speaking with Sirius to get a few more details out of him, including
that Sirius had given his letter for Frank and Alice to the healers going in,
when Sirius had a little bit more important news to give him.
"I've also been informed that written messages can also be passed in to
them through some contraption they've got," he said. "I think it might be
based on what's known as a Vanishing Cabinet, but it only goes one way.
"That means messages can be passed in to them but they can't pass
messages back. At least it's something."
"Good to know," said Harry. "I have a feeling I'll now be sending through
a couple of messages each day to keep them up to date on what's
happening out here in real time."
"My thoughts, too," said Sirius.
Once the call ended, Harry softly called Dobby and had him deliver a
pre-written message to Hermione.
~ # ~
Hermione,
Both parts successful. Both now in Gringotts.
Cry havoc! And let slip the dogs of war.
Harry
~ # ~
He thought she'd appreciate the Shakespearean reference.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Augusta Longbottom was sound asleep in her bed soon after dawn broke
when one of the Hall's house elves woke her.
"Mmm? Yes?" she asked.
"Mistress 'Gusta," said the elf. "There beings someones from Saint Mungy's
wizard hospital in floo. They says it be urgent."
Frowning and starting to rise, she asked, "Did they say what it's about?"
"Only that it bees urgent," replied the elf.
Frowning, she continued to rise and said, "Thank you, Fluxy. Please let
them know I'll be down in a moment."
"Yes, Mistress," the elf replied before popping away.
Getting up and pulling a long housecoat over her bedclothes, Longbottom
slipped her feet into her house slippers and made her way downstairs.
When she arrived in the welcoming hall it was to see the floo still active
and a face within it.
"What is this about that's so urgent for you to contact me when the sun
has barely risen into the sky?" she snapped.
"Madam Longbottom," replied the female face. "On a routine bed-check of
the wards at first light, this morning, it was discovered that your son and
daughter-in-bond were not in their beds. A quick check of the ward,
followed by a more extensive check of the hospital, has determined that
they are no longer within Saint Mungo's.
"They have, without even tripping any of the wards or alarms,
disappeared. It is Saint Mungo's policy to―"
"Enough!" she snapped. "I've heard enough. I'll be there within the half
hour. If you have not found out any more information than they have
'disappeared', heads are going to roll!"
With a flick of her wand she rudely terminated the call, causing the
young lady at the other then to be ejected from her end of the floo call.
Careless of that, she quickly strode from the room and hurried up to her
dressing room.
In her haste to dress and leave for the hospital she never even thought of
her grandson, sleeping in his own room further along the wing from her
own room.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
At Hogwarts, Dumbledore was early for breakfast because he'd forgotten
it was a Saturday. His intention was to arrive 'in his glory' and stride to
his place at the head table. He did so love to make an entrance.
However, with the late start for breakfast on Saturdays, he arrived almost
right at the start and was one of the first to arrive. And, now that he was
there, he couldn't very well leave and come back later. That would be far
too obvious. So sit to eat, he did.
When the owls came in for the morning mail bomb, what few owls there
were of course, his copy of that morning's Daily Prophet was almost
dropped into his half-finished bowl of bran cereal.
Wondering what sort of letter's the Prophet received in anger at Potter's
withdrawal from the Ball, he almost missed the main story on the front
page. He only stopped to look at it because of the name in the headline;
'Heartfelt Apology to Lord Potter'.
"What?" he muttered, quickly flipping back to the main page and reading
the article.
As he read he was at first in disbelief, then accepting shock, then into
anger before finally hitting rage.
"Blasted, buggering bastard!' he thought of Cuffe. 'The man's flat-out
back-stabbed me!
'How... the hell... am I supposed to regain everything I've lost, when
everything I do is turned back on me! Potter is just not this smart! This
has to be agents working behind him, goading him on!'
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Harry was just glad it was a later start that morning than it was for the
previous four. He'd have missed breakfast with the Grangers if it wasn't.
Getting down at a little after 8.30am he only just beat Hermione down.
"Sleep well?" ask Monica, as she almost always did first thing in the
morning.
"Yes, thank you," he replied, as Hermione walked in.
"Morning, princess," her father said while reading the Prophet.
That's when Harry noticed his own copy of the Daily Prophet was sitting,
folded and ready, in his usual place.
"Hedwig let you take her delivery?" asked Harry.
"Yes, she was quite polite about it," replied Monica. "She always is when
she deals with me."
"It's just you and, sometimes, me she has problems with, Harry," said
Hermione, just before she had to smother a yawn.
Picking it up as Dobby deposited a large breakfast in his place setting, he
saw that the retraction was printed right as the lead story. That surprised
him. He expected it buried somewhere back within the 'section' news on
tips of 'new' household charms for the harried home, the latest gnome
repellent or doxie infestation killer.
That it was the lead story meant Ted must've really scared Cuffe witless.
As expected, the story was both an apology to Harry for 'being led astray
by a manipulative, lying old man they once respected' (Dumbledore) and
not 'properly verifying the information provided by their sources before
going to print'.
However, it now left him in a bit of pickle. If he still didn't go to the Ball
then the information would have been correct. However, he really had no
desire, as he'd written in his letter to Dumbledore, to be anywhere near
it.
When he voiced his concerns to Hermione, it was Wendell who'd come
up with the solution.
"Write a letter to the Daily Prophet and inform them that, since they'd
already pilloried you in their supposedly great publication for not
attending the Ball when you didn't even know if the Ball was still going
to be on or not, you decided to go ahead and make alternative plans," he
suggested. "After all, if you were already in hot water for something
you'd not yet done, why not be in hot water for actually doing it?"
Monica then added, "Then thank them for making the decision so much
easier for you."
Harry gave a snort of amusement and said, "You two are evil. But... I love
it!"
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
At the same time, but days later under time dilation, Frank and Alice
Longbottom were now awake and at least reasonably conscious. And both
were still terribly weak. Both were lying in modern hospital beds that
were only far enough apart for one reasonably slender person to walk
between them. And both were now reclining propped up in their beds
with thick pillows used to hold them up.
When a Healer in Gringotts healer robes walked in, Frank immediately
asked in a croaking voice, "Where are we? What's going on?"
"Good morning," the Healer replied. Placing a small potion vial on each
of their bed tables next to their hands, he replied, "That's a calming
potion. If either of you feel yourselves getting upset, you are to
immediately take it. We don't want you undoing the repair work we've
been putting you through to get your health back up."
"Enough of the Healer-speak," said Frank. "Answer the bloody questions!"
After first giving Frank the 'You're being a naughty boy' look, the Healer
replied, "You are currently in a time dilation chamber inside Gringotts,
London. You have been in a curse-induced near comatose state for a very
long time. You feel as poorly as you do now because of that.
"You were brought here under orders from Lord Harrison Potter, using
his authority for providing aid to a member House of the Potter-
Longbottom Alliance for one House to provide aid to another,
approximately four to five hours ago in real time.
In case that surprises you, Lord Potter attained his majority at the age of
fourteen."
"Fourteen?" exclaimed Alice. "Lord Potter... You mean little Harry?"
"Yes, Ma'am," he replied. "Lord Harrison Potter. Because of inaction
directed towards you being healed by the Regent of the House of
Longbottom, Dowager Lady Augusta Longbottom, Lord Potter had you
quietly and secretly taken from Saint Mungo's and brought here. Because
of her inaction to date, she was not informed.
"You had been in the Janus Thickey Ward of Saint Mungo's for over
thirteen years. In that time, other than keeping you comfortable, nothing
worthwhile had been done to rectify your condition. Lord Potter, once he
attained his majority only a few months ago, stepped in and quietly made
arrangements. We had you cured of the curse within minutes. And have
been bringing you slowly back to full health since then.
"Under time dilation it has been just over two days. Outside, it has been a
tad over four hours. Time dilation is running at twelve to one. For every
twelve days in here, one day will pass outside. The set time for the time
dilation is three days, or seventy two hours. In that time we will have
attained thirty-six days dilated.
"In that time we will be bringing you both back to full health so that,
when you leave here, you'll be able to walk out on your feet and fit for
what you will face. Someone will be waiting for you when you exit at the
end of that time to see to your immediate needs.
"You are both to take the calming potion now, please," he said.
Both Longbottoms were visibly agitated. And both realised they were, so
took the potions.
Once the healer saw it was taking effect, he then handed Frank the large
thick envelope he had in his hand.
"I'm led to believe this is a letter from Lord Potter, where he explains to
you what is going on and why he has taken the action he has," said the
healer. "I'll leave you to go through it and be back in about thirty minutes
with your breakfasts."
As he watched the man walk back out of the small room they were in,
Frank broke the seal on the envelope and slid the parchment within out.
Carefully, he began to read the top page.
"Thirteen years, Frank?" asked Alice. "Thirteen Years?"
"I know, Alice," he replied. "I'm hoping this letter will give us the answers
to that. It's certainly thick enough."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
At Saint Mungo's, Augusta Longbottom was currently in the Director of
Hospital's office tearing verbal strips off the man.
"I don't care for your excuses!" she screamed, red in the face. "My son is
supposed to be in your care! He and his wife! It is your responsibility to
keep him... them... safe! I bloody well pay you enough to do so!"
The three-quarter frazzled man sat behind his desk with his wand out and
held below the bottom edge of his desk - just in case. "Madam
Longbottom," he tried, "As I've assured you over and over again, we are
doing everything we can and could do to find out what happened.
"The aurors are currently going over every inch of the ward and
surrounding areas to find out how it is your son and daughter-in-bond
could have disappeared from a secure ward.
"My staff and I are not forensic investigators. That is why we immediately
called in the DMLE. We believe your son and daughter-in-bond were
taken by person or persons unknown―"
"Of course they bloody were, you stupid twit!" she yelled. "What? You
expect anyone to believe they could have suddenly been cured and
decided to sneak out?
"Ward 42 is supposed to be the second most secure ward you have here!
Everyone knows only the DMLE dangerous prisoner ward is more secure!
And yet, through your incompetence, you still allowed someone to come in
and kidnap my son!
"He's One of the Seven. That means, in case it hasn't occurred to your pea-
sized brain or it's just leaked out your ears, whoever took him and his
wife is looking towards a very quick trip through the Veil! And so will
whoever aided them, in whatever capacity!"
"There is no need for threats or name calling, Madam Longbottom," he
firmly replied. "I have been patient with you until now because I
understand how upsetting this is―"
"Upsetting? Upsetting?" she screamed. "I'm absolutely bloody terrified for
my son and his wife and furious this even happened in the first place.
Upset passed by an hour ago!"
He quietly sighed. It was going to be a very, very long day.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
At Longbottom Hall, Neville was getting worried. He'd come down early
to breakfast and knew to wait to say good morning to his grandmother
before he headed out to the greenhouses that morning. He knew that if
he didn't, he'd receive a bollocking from her.
However, when she didn't turn up, he asked the 'inside' house elf, Fluxy,
to go check on her.
The little elf immediately replied, "Mistress 'Gusta not be ins the Hall,
Master Neville. Mistress 'Gusta be out."
"She went out?" he asked, surprised. "When?"
"Mistress 'Gusta be leaving bouts halfway 'tween sun up and brekky,"
replied the elf.
Frowning, Neville quickly calculated and realised she'd been gone since
just before he rose.
"Did she say where she was going?" he asked.
"No, Master Neville," replied the elf.
Wondering whether to wait or head out to the greenhouses to occupy
himself, that's when a dark-feathered Spotted Eagle Owl came swooping
in. The Merlin bedamned thing look vicious, but it acted placid enough.
It even held its leg out for him.
Neville was quick to free it of its load and even passed it a slice of bacon
and an owl treat to see if it preferred one over the other. It turned its
nose up at the owl treat but willingly plucked the bacon out of his fingers
before flying out again.
As soon as he watched the owl fly out he turned his attention to the
letter. He recognised the handwriting on it, immediately.
'Harry,' he thought. Muttering to himself he said, "I wonder why he's now
got another owl. Maybe its Hermione's."
Quickly opening it he began to read. Breakfast was done and his
grandmother wasn't there, so she couldn't tell him off for reading at the
table.
Like Harry's last, it was a long one.
'Betrothal Agreement?' he thought. 'Someone with white hair, eh? How
not to be subtle, Harry-style... Ted Tonks? Yeah, I remember him... 'Bout
time you figured it out, Harry... The Charter? I'll have to remember
where... What the bloody Hell?...
'Okay, if Harry's writing to me about not getting worried, he must know I
immediately would about something... so, what's going on?'
Neville sat there and tried to think it through, as Harry told him to do
before they left Hogwarts.
'"If you're having trouble with that, write it down," he'd said. "When you
can see the problem with your eyes, sometimes it helps you see the
answer."'
"Fluxy!" he called.
"Yes, Master Neville?"
"Can you bring me parchment, quill and ink, please?"
"Yes, Master Neville," replied the elf.
A few moments later, the required writing material was on the table next
to where his plate was, which disappeared at the same time.
Bringing it before him he began to write in short sentences, laying out his
thoughts.
When he finished he had a fair idea what to do.
"Fluxy," he called.
"Yes, Master Neville?"
"Do you know where my grandmother is right now?" he asked.
"Yes, Master Neville," she replied. "Mistress 'Gusta be at Saint Mungy's
hospital. She be seeing hospital big-man in his office on top floor."
"Is she hurt or injured in any way?"
"No, Master Neville. She just beings really, really angry."
'Right,' he thought. 'Harry was right. Now, why was she angry with
someone at the hospital?'
Rising he muttered, "Time to go read the Charter and what it says about
aiding a House. Maybe the answer is there."
As he strode from the dining room and determinedly headed for the Hall
office, he thought, 'You're being overly circumspect in telling me what's
going on, Harry, but providing me clues. That's not like you and I need to
know why.'
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
At Gringotts, Frank continued to read the letter Harry sent him as he ate
his breakfast.
The covering letter was only that; a letter that just hoped he was doing
well and referred to the 'attached'. He was reading that 'attached' now.
He wasn't the only one. As he'd read each sheet he'd passed it over to
Alice, who then read it for herself.
They were only partway through the 'history lesson' when they had to
take a break. They were put through an hour of in-bed physical therapy,
then given a series of questions to answer about their own backgrounds
to check their memories, more physical therapy and finally they could
get back to Harry's letter before dinner.
"I can't believe this," said Alice. "Dumbledore put Harry with the Dursleys.
With the Dursleys, Frank!"
"I know," he replied, still reading. "I read it before you, remember?"
"But, why would Dumbledore do such a thing?" she plaintively asked.
"An even better question is, why would Mum allow it?" he asked right
back.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
"I can't keep this from them, Harry," said Hermione. "I just can't."
After setting up the Christmas decorations on the upper ground floor,
that morning, the two were now sitting outside on the play-set 'jungle
gym' Hermione once had a great deal of pleasure playing on when she
was a little girl. For many years now, though, it remained unused - until
today. The two were sitting on side by side swings, just rocking back and
forth.
"Hermione, you know there are things that my House is going to be
involved in you cannot tell anyone. And by 'cannot' I mean just that; not
that you're not permitted," he explained. "This is a project of the House of
Potter and the House of Black working in an unofficial alliance. If you
tried to tell anyone you would just choke on your own words. If you tried
to push through it, you risk losing your magic."
"Then I need you to tell them," she firmly said. "I never thought I'd be
required to keep something like this from my own parents. I feel kind of
evil, Harry. I feel like a criminal."
Harry sighed and said, "Alright. We'll go tell them. But they need to
know, first, that there's a specific document, the alliance Charter, that not
only allows me to do this, it pretty much requires me to do this."
Hermione's obvious relief told Harry he needed to do this. However it
also told him he could not involve her in something like this again. At
least, not until she'd shown she'd be more comfortable with it.
When they returned indoors Hermione asked her parents to come sit with
them in the dinette, that they had something to tell them. As soon as they
sat, Harry threw up a privacy charm so any listening aurors would not
hear what was said.
He then called Dobby, had him bring him his copy of the alliance Charter
and make teas for them all.
Once ready he indicated the book and told the Granger parents what it
was and that he couldn't open it in their presence without the approval of
all other alliance charter members.
"Then why ask Dobby to bring it?" asked Wendell, a little confused.
"So that you're aware of its existence," he replied. "Now, this is what
Hermione feels you need to know..."
He told them about the section within the Charter that requires all
members of the alliance to provide succour to all other alliance members
in certain circumstances. He explained how the other of the two named
Houses, Longbottom, had at that time a warhorse matriarch of a Regent
because the rightful Lord and Lady of the House were incapacitated.
He then went on to explain how it was his duty and responsibility, as per
the Charter, to step in and act in the best interests of the House of
Longbottom, whether the Regent of the House wanted it or not.
"My responsibility is to the House by way of its Lord," he explained. "Not
its Regent. Plus, after a long time considering the issue - years - I've come
to firmly believe that the Regent, the current Lord's mother, has been
deliberately not trying to find ways to cure her son and daughter-in-bond;
but, especially, her son.
"I believe she quite likes the idea of being the Head of one of the Seven
and doesn't want to let go. It's a big step up from her House of birth, the
Rosiers - who are only an Ancient House."
"So you believe she's deliberately keeping the Lord of the House in
hospital and untreated so she can remain in charge?" asked Monica.
"Exactly."
"Isn't there anything you can do?" asked Wendell.
"There is and I've done it," he replied.
That's when he explained exactly what had happened the previous night.
He also explained how the Healers sent from Gringotts had the Lord and
Lady awake, but barely, within moments. And how, once they knew they
could be healed, they were snuck out of the Hospital and into Gringotts's
own in secrecy.
"You kidnapped them," frowned Wendell.
"No," he firmly replied. "As I said earlier, the Charter not only tells me I
should act, it directs me to actually act. If I did not also firmly believe the
Regent would not try to block me, I would have just had the healers heal
them in situ and left things alone. But, I'm also responsible for the safety
of the House, which is why they were removed from that location to a
secure treatment centre."
Wendell sat back, thought a moment and asked, "And this was completely
legal?"
"Absolutely," he replied. "However, Madam Longbottom is going to go
spare when she discovers it was me who did it."
"How will she know?" asked Monica.
"Because, I'm also going to make sure she knows it was me," he replied.
"Well, it would be better to state I'm going to make sure her grandson,
my friend, knows it was me and that his parents are safe."
"That's a big risk," said Wendell. "She might try to kill you."
"No, but she will try everything else," he disagreed. "Having me arrested,
having me censured by the Wizengamot, reporting to the Daily Prophet
I've kidnapped her son and daughter-in-bond, that sort of thing. She will
try everything in her power to force me to hand them back over to her.
"The problem for her, though, is it won't work. Besides me being legally
in the right in this, where they are now is under a lock-down that will
not release until the early hours of Tuesday morning. They're under time
dilation. Which means, after seventy-two hours of outside time - three
days - thirty six days are going to pass inside the chamber. When they
come out they're going to be healthy, hearty and hale.
"Then, if I'm right and I believe I am, Augusta Reeves Longbottom née
Rosier is going to have to face the wrath of her Lord. She will be brought
to task for all the things she has done in the name of the House of
Longbottom that weren't in the best interests of the House of
Longbottom, after all."
"Does this endanger my daughter?" he asked.
"No, not at all," he easily replied. "No pureblood, which Augusta
Longbottom is, would ever think of interfering in a Betrothal. Even during
the height of war, that was a definite no-go area for all."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After the previous day's 'up', today was a 'down' day for Ron Weasley.
Yesterday's Daily Prophet had Harry Bloody Potter being torn apart by the
newspaper. Today, they were all on their knees begging his forgiveness
and blaming some old white haired git for telling them lies.
"Hey, Mum?" he asked. "In the Prophet, where it says some manipulative
old white haired git told them lies about Potter, who do you think they
were talking about?"
"They were talking about Albus Dumbledore, Ron," she replied, not even
looking up where she was cooking extra bacon. "I would have thought
that would be obvious."
"And it's Lord Potter, Ron," said Arthur. "The young man has attained his
Lordship now. You have no right to just call him 'Potter'."
As Ron sat there moping, the hand associated with his name on the clock
clicked back to 'In Danger'. This time with a loud 'Dong!' sound. The hand
had been charmed so the adult Weasleys would know if it moved to point
to the wrong spot on the clock.
His mother spun on the spot and screeched, "RONALD BILIUS WEASLEY!"
Ronald, half-terrified, stared back in fear and his clock hand immediately
moved back to 'At Home' with a 'Ding!'
"Ron," sighed his father. "If you don't get that jealousy, resulting anger
and foolish determination to open your mouth and say what you shouldn't
under control by Christmas, you're going to your Aunt Muriel's the very next
day. Am I clear?"
"Yes, Dad," he mumbled.
"Louder, son!"
"Yes, Dad," he quickly and more clearly stated.
"If paddling your behind until it is redder than your hair won't fix it,
maybe your Aunt Muriel will be able to."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After figuring out his grandmother was upset about something relating to
his parents, Neville had been hanging either about or in the welcoming
hall of the Hall, waiting for her to get home.
When she finally arrived back, after having been away for almost two
hours, Neville was just walking back into the hall.
Standing just inside the doorway, he waited for her to clear herself of
soot before he quietly said, "Grandmother."
Turning on him, Neville could see she was still angry and, yes, even a
little frightened. That expression suddenly disappeared. "Neville," she
said. "Good morning."
'Wow; those Occlumency barriers went up fast,' he thought.
"How were things at... ummm... well, how about that?" he quietly said. "I
don't know, because you never actually told anyone where you were
going. Actually, you never told anyone you were going anywhere at all."
Snapping her head to stare at him, she snapped, "Don't take that tone
with me, young man."
"You left here without telling anyone, especially me, you were even going
out," said Neville. "You just disappeared. Not a word, not a note, not even
giving the house elves a clue as to your destination, why you'd be there
or when you were likely to return.
"I'm not the one who needs to apologise for their tone, grandmother. I
was moments away from contacting the DMLE and reporting you a
missing person. And I'd have been right to do so."
Augusta tried to glare her grandson down, but failed. Since he'd acquired
his own wand and found out it was her intransigence about him using his
father's wand was almost completely the reason behind his poor showing
at school for the first three years, he had started showing a lot more
backbone. She knew he knew she failed him miserably in that.
She sighed and more quietly said, "You're right, Neville. I should have at
least let Fluxy know to let you know where I was going, so you wouldn't
worry when you rose."
He gave a nod and walked further into the room. "You're worried and
angry about something, what's going on?" he asked.
"Come into the office, Neville," she said. "I have news." And strode past
him, heading for said office.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
At the Grangers, Wendell walked into the dinette, where the two teens
were yet again, and said, "Come on; we're going out for the day."
"Where?" Hermione immediately asked.
"It's a surprise," he said. "Dress warm, though. Jeans, jumpers and jackets;
that sort of thing. I need to go let the aurors know."
As Wendell walked back out the two quickly packed up what they were
working on and set it aside, making sure to cap the ink bottle so as not to
let it dry out.
Once the dinette was tidied, the two quickly made their way upstairs to
change - Hermione was, at that time, wearing a skirt and thick stockings.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
An hour later, Neville was out in his greenhouses. Working with the
plants had also allowed him to focus and think. And that's what he now
needed to do.
As he began re-potting a series of seedlings he was cultivating, he was
thinking. 'Is this what you were trying to hint at, Harry?' he thought. 'Did
you have something to do with the disappearance of my parents?'
The only thing his grandmother could tell him was that they were both
alive and, apparently, well. Before coming home she had gone to
Gringotts and confirmed their stones were still glowing. So, whoever took
them, was caring for them.
'That hint to read the section in the Charter about providing aid to the
other alliance houses certainly pointed to it. But, to what end? Did Harry
know how to cure them and didn't want his grandmother to interfere?
Did he fear for their lives if he just told Saint Mungo's how to do it?
Maybe he did it because he didn't believe Saint Mungo's would believe he
knew how to do it.'
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
The surprise for Harry and Hermione was a day at an amusement park in
the southern London outer 'suburbs'.
It hadn't taken Wendell and Monica long to work out Harry had never
been to one. And, even though the weather was chilly, the park had
remained open an extra couple of weeks longer than anticipated due to
the unseasonably warm weather.
This was the last weekend it would be open before closing until March,
so the Granger parents took the opportunity while it was there.
Taking both cars due to the aurors, Harry was in a car with Monica and
two of the aurors on their detail, today. Hermione was in the other car
with her father and the third auror.
It wasn't until they were on the road and off that Harry looked about and
realised he was the lone male in a care with three females. And he had a
right to be concerned.
Almost as soon as they hit the road, not even reaching the end of the
street on which the Grangers lived, Monica asked, "So, Harry; what else
did you and Hermione do besides 'write letters and go through Potter
family documents' all week?"
"Nothing improper, if that's what you're hinting at," he immediately and
comfortably returned. "No hands wandered where they shouldn't have, or
anything like that.
"I know it might sound all fuddy-duddy, but the both of us just don't... I
mean, we're not looking for an excuse to find a broom cupboard or the
equivalent. The odd kiss, holding hands occasionally, that's what we're
comfortable with."
"That wasn't what I was getting at, Harry," she wryly returned. "But,
thank you for saying so."
In a lighter voice she said, "I was simply asking to ensure the two of you
did not just do the equivalent of office work for the entire week. You're
on break. You should be making the most of it."
"Sorry," he sheepishly returned. "I guess we're both aware that, at this
moment, we should be at Hogwarts, attending classes and studying. So,
yes, we have been spending a lot of time doing office work, as you put it.
But, we've also taken a couple of walks outside, weather permitting."
"You should be making use of the break," she said. "Besides going to the
shops to do a grocery run, have you been far out of the house?"
"No," he sighed. "The idea of having... the aurors with us - and neither of
us having much in the way of close friends, besides ourselves - there's
really been no desire to go and visit anyone."
"Well, Wendell and I would like it if you found somewhere occasionally
to go while we're at work. Are you sure you can't contact some of your
school friends and pay them a visit?"
Harry thought about it for a while before he said, "I really should pay a
visit to some of the Heirs of the alliance. There's Susan Bones, Daphne
Greengrass, Tracey Davis, Hannah Abbott and Neville Longbottom on
that list. Plus we should, maybe, visit the Weasleys; but that is dependant
on how Ron's going to behave himself while we're there.
"We also need to let them all know that Hermione and I are now
betrothed. I was just holding off because of... what's going on leading up
to the Wizengamot meeting on Tuesday morning."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
The day at the amusement park was, as far as Harry was concerned,
brilliant!
While he was not afraid of heights due to his playing Quidditch, the idea
of being flung about in a roller-coaster where he had absolutely no
control of the movement was a little thrilling - and deafening. Hermione
had one hell of a set of lungs on her and could reach quite the high note
when she screamed.
He much preferred the more leisurely rides, where they could cuddle
against one another. Of course, when one of the aurors smirked at them
while they were doing it, they used the excuse they only did so because it
was cold. It was also clear the auror didn't believe that for one moment.
The 'fast food', though, he felt he could have done without. It felt like he
was eating almost ninety percent fat and oil. It did not sit well in his
stomach and he was glad to have found somewhere that sold fresh fruit.
That apple had done a lot to settle his stomach again.
While the day had turned out overcast, it did not rain. So they did not
have to experience that bane of the amusement park day. And finally
decided to head back to Wimbledon when the light was starting to get a
little too dim.
As they arrived home too late for Harry to cook, Dobby cooked dinner
that day.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
The two Longbottoms had been under time dilation now for seven days
of dilated time. They were both up and walking around and had been
allowed to explore the small set of rooms that made up the chamber.
However, they were both still far too weak to remain out of bed, or at
least sitting, for too long. Both also had modern recliner chairs, so they
could feel like they were out of bed when they needed to rest.
Their hospital beds had since been transfigured into a single standard
queen-sized double but, at nearly hip height, was still a bit high for their
liking. However, at least it meant they were sleeping together again. For
the first time in thirteen years they could lie together and cuddle.
While they had been taking their potions and doing their exercises they
were now much more focussed on regaining their health than they might
have otherwise been. Since reading Harry's letter the two, once both got
their anger under control, had almost both living in a state of perpetual
simmering rage ever since - and not aimed at Harry, either.
No. There were many targets of their rage: Severus Snape, for his
treatment of their son in Hogwarts; Albus Dumbledore, for what he put
everyone through; Augusta, for her treatment of their son almost since the
day she'd become his guardian; Algernon 'Uncle Algie' Rosier, for trying
to kill their son twice; Sirius Black, somewhat, for doing something so
damned stupid as to get himself arrested and tossed into Azkaban;
Minerva McGonagall, for proving to be a failure as Head of House and
protecting their son from Snape; the other alliance members, for failing
to uphold the Charter; Remus Lupin, for not being there for Harry when
he should have been; and the Wizengamot, in general, for failing to do its
job.
They both knew what an incredible gift they'd been given by the young
Potter Lord, Harry, and the incredible cost this time dilation chamber
must be costing him and Black. They knew enough to know what costs
were likely to be involved.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After dinner, knowing the Longbottoms would now be up and about and
wanting news, Harry and Hermione wrote them a letter.
~ # ~
Lord Franklin and Lady Alice Longbottom,
By now you should be up and somewhat about. At the rate of approximately
two hours 'outside' for every day 'inside', we estimate just over a week has
gone by for the two of you. For us, it's been barely fourteen hours. It's now
early evening on the same day I, Harry, organised for you to be taken from
Saint Mungo's.
So far, word has not gone public that you've disappeared from the hospital.
However, I've no doubt both Augusta and Neville would know by now. My
heart aches that he will currently be in a state of high anxiety over your
disappearance. And I'm truly sorry he has to go through that for the next
couple of days.
I also don't know if he'll ever forgive me for doing this, but I know him getting
his parents back hale and healthy makes it all worth it for me, for us. If, at the
end of this, you believe the alliance should be terminated or the Charter
rewritten, the House of Potter understands and will support you.
Though I know by now you've read the rather large 'report' I sent you as
background of what's been going on in the wizarding world since you've been
otherwise indisposed, I think this time I'll tell you more about your son from
the point of view of a friend who shared a Gryffindor boys' dorm with him for
the past three plus years. And Hermione will be adding points, too.
The first time I met your son was when this young nearly twelve year old
muggleborn girl flung open the door of my compartment on the Hogwarts
Express on 1st September, 1991. She was helping another 'little firstie' look for
his missing pet toad, Trevor.
It was actually he who introduced me to Hermione, the girl, because she had
forgotten to introduce herself. (Ouch! She just smacked me on the arm!) So, in
a way, Heir Longbottom introduced Heir Potter to his later-to-be betrothed.
Once we got to the castle and while we were in the antechamber waiting to be
taken into the Great Hall for the Sorting by McGonagall, as an aside Neville
said to me he felt extremely lucky he even got invited to attend the school.
Even back then it was very clear the boy grew up believing he was little better
than a squib; his own House and relatives had been demoralising the boy that
much. He even said he'd be very happy to even be chosen to be a 'Puff. And
believed he had no chance to be a Gryffindor.
Imagine his surprise when, very soon after the Hat was placed on his head, the
Hat called out, "Gryffindor!" He was so surprised and pleased he immediately
dashed to the Gryffindor table before McGonagall had a chance to pluck the
Hat off his head first.
Thinking back to that night, I like to think I had a hand in Neville ending up in
the House of the Lions because, back in that antechamber when he said he
didn't feel he was brave enough to go into Gryffindor, I said something along
the lines of, "You're eleven, Neville. Just how brave do you think however or
whoever does the sorting thinks you need to be?" I know it made him think
about that.
After I convinced the Hat to put me in Gryffindor, too, we became dorm-
mates. We even sleep in beds next to each other.
One thing to know about Neville is that he, like me, is a 'neat freak'. His and
my combined area in the dorm is a clean oasis in a sea of teenage boy mess.
It's another thing we have in common.
By the end of the first week it became very apparent Neville is a prodigy when
it comes to Herbology. To Hermione's unearned sometime chagrin it is one of
the few subjects she is consistently beaten for top marks. Neville absolutely
whoops her bum in it! (Ouch! I just got unfairly whacked on the arm again.)
She claims their unofficial competition in the subject helps them both.
I know that Professor Sprout has had her eye on directing Neville towards a
Mastery in Herbology. And I've not interfered with that, because I know it's
Neville's dream, too. The joy on his face when he's working 'up to the elbows'
in manure, re-potting or whatever, is heart-warming. Fair warning: I would be
quite upset with you both if you were thinking about trying to steer him away
from the subject.
However, while Neville is a prodigy at Herbology, when it comes to Potions
he's his own worst enemy. I know that sounds odd, in that both Herbology and
Potions should be quite integrally linked, but it's true. And the reason is
obvious to anyone who saw the two together in the same classroom for more
than about five seconds - Severus Snape.
Neville is going to need to start learning about Potions right from the
beginning. Severus Snape's constant belittling and harassment of him has led
Neville to be terrified of the subject. He has often been hurt by failing and or
exploding potions. So he needs to be gotten over that before the real teaching
of him of the subject of Potions can begin.
If Snape had not been such a bastard, or McGonagall had done her job of
protecting her 'cubs', the situation would not have evolved into the mess it
currently is. It is for that reason I recommend Neville receive personal tutoring
in the subject. Actually, I think we should both have personal tutoring in the
subject. Neville was not the only target of Snape's vindictiveness.
[...]
Hermione and I send you our love and support. Please use this time to get your
health, strength and magical abilities back up. When you come out, there's a
lot of work that'll be waiting for you both. The first of which, of course, is to
hug your son on Tuesday morning.
Lord Harrison and Lady Presumptive Hermione
~ # ~
When both agreed the letter was done, Harry called to Dobby to deliver it
to the time chamber via the goblins.
"They must be going spare!" sighed Hermione.
"I know," replied Harry. "It doesn't change the fact, though, that this is
necessary."
"That letter is going to both relieve them of some of their worry, and
anger them quite a bit," she said.
"I know," he replied. "However, in their robes, I think I'd rather know
than not."
"Agreed," she sighed.
After checking the clock she declared, "It's late. Time for bed."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
26. Neville Gets Smart
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 Twenty Six - Neville Gets Smart
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Upon waking on the morning of their tenth day under time dilation,
Frank and Alice had only just moved to their 'recliners' when one of their
two Healers, the physiotherapist one, walked in with a smile on his face.
"You've received mail," he said.
Receiving the letter, Frank glanced at it and said to Alice, "It's from the
young Lord Potter - Harry. This was obviously sent on the evening of the
first full day outside; so, don't expect much."
Frank quickly opened the letter to find 'don't expect much' was wrong. It
might not have been anywhere near as long as the previous letter, which
gave them a background on everything relevant that had happened since
they'd been attacked, but it was long enough.
As he started to read he said to Alice, "He's timed it at fourteen hours
after we were taken from Saint Mungo's. At least, that was the time when
he started to write.
"Looking at the length I'd say it took him... and Hermione... about
another one to two hours - half a day to a full day of time in here."
Alice patiently waited for him to read the single sheet letter by browsing
through old copies of the Daily Prophet that had been brought in with
them. A full month's worth had been brought in.
She read with her attention only partially on the Prophet article she was
trying, and failing, to read and recall. Her real attention was actually on
her husband's facial reactions to what he was reading. Pride, anger, joy,
consternation, amusement all flittered across his face. He even chuckled a
few times.
When he'd finished he sat back with a look of concerned relief on his face
before he then passed the letter to his wife.
"He's given us a long background on his friendship and interaction with
Neville," he said, handing the letter over. "Plus, much more."
Without a word, Alice eagerly accepted the letter and began to read.
When she finished, she set the letter down on the low table between their
recliners.
"Frank?" she asked.
"Yes, dear?"
"Young Harry is to get anything he wants - forever," she firmly stated.
"Yes, dear," said Frank, still reviewing the letter in his mind and in full
agreement.
"As for your mother..." she almost snarled, spitting out the last word.
"We will be going with the young Lord Potter's plan," he firmly returned.
"He deserves our support in that. And mother deserves the... very loud and
verbal public spanking she's receives from me, with it."
"Good," Alice firmly, almost viciously, agreed. "Then, when we get her
back to the Hall, she gets another one from me."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Though Harry now knew Dobby had somehow tagged him with an elvish
monitoring charm he couldn't locate or dispel, he still tried to beat the
little elf down to cook breakfast. He quickly and quietly dressed, not even
bothering with a shower first, before racing as silently as he could down
to the kitchen.
He hadn't beaten him yet, but considered the challenge of doing so not
yet ended. He also knew Dobby, though he wouldn't say anything,
thought it hilarious.
He was greeted by a smirking house elf, who stood in the middle of the
kitchen floor with its arms crossed looking up at him while holding a pair
of kitchen tongs. He heard the sound of sizzling bacon, smelled waffles
being cooked and saw a pot containing scrambled eggs on the stove,
among others.
When he sighed, that smirk on the elf turned into a mischievous grin.
He took a quick trip around the various dishes being prepared, checking
them - even the tea was currently steeping - and turned a resigned pout
on his elf. "Fiiiine," he sulked.
Not saying a word and not altering his expression one whit, Dobby just
pointed with the pair of tongs towards the dinette.
As Harry walked out past the counter he said, "I could always fire you,
you know!"
He and Dobby both knew the threat was an empty one. And Harry never
threatened 'clothes'.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Harry had been about to sit at the small table before he decided that,
since his plan didn't work, he'd go and have a shower now. He knew
Dobby would simply put everything under stasis until everyone was
ready for breakfast.
What he didn't know was that Dobby decided to go ahead and pop food
down to the aurors in the servants' quarters. He'd been doing it since the
first day, anyway.
All the aurors knew that, if they had a shift at the Grangers that occurred
across the breakfast period, they'd get a 'Dobby' breakfast. Now none of
them ate before starting their (early) morning shift. Even those going off-
shift got a breakfast before they left. The same also happened at lunch.
And the lucky ones got a 'Potter' dinner if they were on the evening shift.
Unknown to the Grangers, their servants' quarters had become something
of the place to be if you were a member of the Potter Protection Detail,
as it was now known.
Unbeknownst to the core of the PPD the common room in the 'Quarters',
as it was known in auror-speak, was also becoming known to the 'higher-
ups' in the DMLE. Rumours, by their nature, have a chance to get around.
The PPD were bragging to their fellows and their fellows were grumbling
about it.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
As they were sitting for breakfast, all four 'official' residents were just
finishing when Monica asked, "What are everyone's plans for the day?"
"A lazy one," Wendell immediately replied.
Hermione said, "I don't have any." Then turned to Harry and asked,
"What about you?"
Harry shrugged and replied, "I like Wendell's idea."
"No working on Potter House documents?" she asked.
"Nope," he replied. "All work and no play..."
Hermione looked at the dinette window and suggested, "It looks to be a
fine day, outside. We could go for a walk?"
Monica suggested, "What you two probably don't know is that Sunday
trading restrictions have been significantly lifted as of this year. Almost
everywhere, bar a few small privately-owned stores, now open from ten
'til four in Wimbledon Town Centre and twelve 'til six in London."
Hermione perked right up. "Really?" she excitedly asked.
Monica smirked and replied, "Really."
Hermione immediately swivelled to stare at Harry with a pleading
expression.
He took one look at the expression on his girlfriend's face and knew he'd
already lost. "Fiiiine," he sighed.
"Yes!" she exclaimed, before jumping forward to kiss him on the cheek.
It said something for their developing relationship that Harry didn't blush
to the roots of his hair when she did that. His cheeks only coloured a
little.
Hermione wasn't watching Harry's reaction, though. She was watching
her father's. And he didn't even blink at seeing his daughter kissing her
boyfriend on the cheek.
Monica noticed though. She covered her smirk by taking a sip of her tea.
"I want to be at the Town Centre as the stores open, Harry," declared
Hermione. "We need to see about getting you some new clothes."
When Harry gave a pained look and was about to protest, she verbally
rode over the top and said, "Don't go giving me that look, Harrison James
Potter. Those pants we only just bought for you are already too tight in
the waist. And you're starting to show ankle and wrists outside of the
cuffs."
With a sigh he said, "Fiiiiine. But... we'll only be getting a few items. And
only long pants and shirts. I'm just going to have to get even those
replaced within a week or two, if that."
She nodded and said, "Plus a couple of jumpers and a coat. I can live with
that... for now."
As Harry looked a little dejected, she turned her attention to her mother.
"Wanna come with?"
"No, dear," she replied. "I'm sure you can handle it."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
When the Weekend Daily Prophets were delivered the lead story was the
disappearance of the Longbottoms from the Janus Thickey Ward at Saint
Mungo's.
The story had broken.
"The shops open at ten, right?" he asked Hermione.
"Yes," replied Monica. Hermione was focussed on reading the article 'over'
Harry's shoulder.
"Then I need to write a letter to Neville before we go," he stated. "There's
time."
As soon as breakfast was done and the dishes banished away by Dobby,
the Granger adults moved off to do what they wanted to do, while the
two teens collected their stationery supplies. This time, Harry pulled his
out, rather than Hermione always pulling hers out.
He quickly had a letter written for Neville.
~ # ~
Neville,
Hermione and I have read the article in this morning's Prophet. We both hope
you're doing alright and coping.
The article states they were taken from their beds and no one else was hurt.
That implies whoever did this had no intention of hurting anyone - otherwise
they would not have gone to the trouble of taking such precautions as they
clearly must have done.
As your parents were taken and not harmed where they lay, also indicates
there is no intention to hurt or harm them. I mean, really, why take them if
the intention was to harm?
That, itself, is good news.
To ensure yourself they are okay, my suggestion is to sight their life-stones in
Gringotts. It will let you know so you do not need to worry as much as you
likely are now.
I've already lost my parents. Therefore, I really cannot comment on what sort
of fear that will lead a person to. However, Hermione tells me that it would be
a nightmare she does not wish to contemplate.
If their life-stones still glow you must hold to the hope they will soon be
returned to you safe and sound in the very near future. I can see no other
outcome.
Harry
'Sometimes, when it is the most darkest, a line appears to guide the way.'
~ # ~
Hermione read it and asked, "You're not adding my name?"
"No," he replied. "I don't want you involved in any of this other than me
referring to you in passing. At the moment you are the Lady Presumptive
of the House of Potter. You are not a full member of a member House.
And, therefore, you are not fully protected by the Charter.
"I do not wish to give Rosier any avenue by which she can take a shot at
me. And that includes her trying to use going after you as a way to get
me."
When he saw she wasn't going to argue, he called, "Dobby."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Neville hadn't slept well, the previous night. He worried about his
parents and he worried Harry had something to do with it.
That morning he and 'Gran' had a quiet breakfast, each lost in their
thoughts. Neither ate that much as their stomachs were churning with
worry.
When she finished her own breakfast, Augusta rose and muttered, "I'm
going to the hospital and, from there, to the DMLE. Stay out of trouble."
And left without another word or waiting for her grandson to respond.
About five minutes after she left and just as he was thinking of going out
to greenhouses to work to calm himself, a house elf he recognised as
belonging to Harry popped in.
It asked, "Mister Neville, Sir?"
Neville frowned in curiosity at it before he replied, "Yes. You're Harry's
elf, aren't you?"
"I be Dobby," replied Dobby. "Dobby beings honoured to work for the
Great Master Harry Potter, Sir; as his personal elf."
"Why are you here?" asked Neville.
Dobby pulled the envelope Harry had given him to deliver out of a
hidden pocket of his pillowcase and offered it. "Master Harry be askings
Dobby to be delivering letter to Mister Neville."
A little surprised, Neville accepted the letter and said, "Thank you."
Dobby popped away again without another word.
Quickly checking the envelope over, he noticed it was addressed to him
in the scrawl Harry referred to as his handwriting whenever he was
quickly writing anything.
Undoing the flap, he quickly unfolded the letter and read it.
By the time he was finished he was full of different emotions. He was
grateful Harry had seen fit to write him and figured out using a house elf
to deliver the letter got the letter to the recipient almost instantly. Clever,
that. And he could see the wisdom of checking the life-stones - which his
grandmother had already told him she'd done. He also appreciated his
logic of them not being hurt where they lay implied the intent was not to
hurt them at all. So, something else was going on.
However, the last line of the letter, below the signature, confused him.
Harry was not one, as far as he knew, to write such... wishy-washy...
circumlocution.
"Sometimes, when it is the most darkest, a line appears to guide the way,"
he muttered in confusion. "What, in Merlin's name, does that mean?"
After a long few moments, he still couldn't figure it out.
With a sigh, he muttered, "I need to go work on something in the
greenhouses."
He got up and strode from the room, the letter still in his hand. As he
walked outside, he stopped to fold it and slipped it into his robes before
continuing on.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Harry was thankful that shopping wasn't anywhere the exhausting
experience it was when he first arrived at the Grangers. True to her word,
Hermione only made him purchase a couple of new pairs of jeans, three
long-sleeved shirts, a jumper, a windcheater and a coat.
On the walk back, she said, "We'll have to let the aurors also know you'll
need to be going into Diagon Alley tomorrow to be fitted for new robes
and other wizarding wear."
"Whaaat?" he exclaimed.
"You have court on Tuesday morning, Harry," she replied. "You don't
want to be turning up to represent your godfather in robes that show
ankles and wrists, do you?"
Harry sighed and quietly replied, "No."
"Good," she firmly said. "I didn't want to have to argue with you about
this. You'd have lost, anyway."
"Damn it," he grumbled.
Once he'd got home he mirror-called his godfather and told him the
injustice his betrothed had put him through and was going to put him
through again the next day in Diagon.
Sirius had no sympathy for him. Instead, he was all for it.
"Tell her I'll be stopping by after breakfast," he said. "We'll go into Diagon
Alley, together. You're not the only one who needs to buy new robes. I've
been on similar potions, remember?"
"What are you, part girl?" Harry exclaimed in shock. "It's clothes shopping,
Sirius!"
"I'm aware, Pup," his godfather chuckled. "She's also right. The clothes
maketh the man, Harry. Your mother told me that, once. She was just as
right. I used to pick up more birds when I was dressed as a proper Heir
than in jeans, open-collared shirt and motorcycle jacket - my preferred
attire of choice.
"If you don't dress like the proper Lord you want everyone to believe you
are, the Members aren't going to take you seriously."
"Damn it!" his godson grumbled.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Wanting to relax for a bit after the 'ordeal' of clothes shopping. Harry
grabbed his bookbag from where it was currently hanging from the back
of one of the dinette chairs from earlier that morning and pulled out
parchment, ink and quill.
With them on the table he was quickly into yet another letter to Frank
and Alice.
~ # ~
Frank and Alice,
Well, the story's broken. It was in this morning's Daily Prophet. You two made
the main story on the front page. Congrats!
Secondly, it's now been about sixteen days for you two. By the time you get
this you should have reached eighteen days. Congrats for that, too. You're
halfway through.
Now that I know the story's broken I was able to send a letter to Neville. To
get it there faster, I used what I term 'house elf express'. In other words, I gave
it to a house elf to deliver. That way it got there in a matter of seconds, rather
than hours. Why use owls?
To help him not panic so much, I reminded him you both have life-stones in
Gringotts and that he should go check them. I also spoke about how, if
'whoever' took you wanted to do you harm, they'd have just harmed you where
you lay. After all, it's not as if you could defend yourselves at the time. Why
take you unless 'their' intent was to keep you alive?
I know it's going to make him stop and think. It's what I've been constantly
quietly encouraging him to do since First Year and actively encouraging him to
do since the First Task of the Tri-Wiz and we were all still at the school. Don't
just accept things at face value. Think about it, first; really think about it.
Neville might not be a Slytherin. He might not want to think strategically or
connivingly. But, as I told him back at school, he's 'supposed' to become the
Lord of his House and take Seat on the Wizengamot in less than three years. If
he didn't start to learn to do that - to look for hidden meaning and agendas -
they were going to, as the saying goes, 'eat him alive'.
I know he's taken that to heart. So I also know he's going to have read what I
wrote and be worrying at it like a dog with a bone, because some of it is not
written how I would normally write. And he's going to wonder why.
If I'm right, he's going to figure it out either late tonight (our time) or
tomorrow morning at the latest. He's going to figure out I had something to do
with your disappearance.
Then he's going to have to face a dilemma. That dilemma is whether or not to
tell his 'Gran'.
He might not know which way he'll decide, but I do. He will show her the
letter and explain to her how he 'figured' out I'm partly responsible for you
going missing. I know he'll do this because, even with our friendship, he has a
strong sense of both family honour and respect for those in authority.
But, that's okay. He'll be right to tell her.
Then Augusta, the Slytherin she is, is going to 'figure out' I took you to stop her
putting 'Uncle Algie' in the Longbottom Seat as Proxy. She's going to believe
I'm holding you hostage somewhere. I want that misdirection.
Augusta's problem is, while that might be the sort of thing a Slytherin would
do, it's not the sort of thing a Potter would do. As I said in my first letter to
you, I might have supposed to have gone into Slytherin, but there was a reason
the Hat allowed me to go into Gryffindor. I'm more a 'front you full on' sort of
guy, than to do something so mean and dirty.
In reality, I want Neville to figure it out. I want him to know that, even with
his Slytherin grandmother with her decades of political shenanigans under her
belt, he discovered the truth first. And I also don't want him to worry about
you any more than he has to. If it saves him even one day of worry, it's worth
it. He knows I would never harm you.
I was going to use her trying to install Algernon into the Seat to 'out' the
mongrel as having already tried, twice, to kill your son. But, I've now had
longer to think about it and believe you would want that dubious honour for
yourselves. I think it would hold more weight if you were to go after him as
Lord Longbottom in defence of your Heir Apparent, than me as someone who
is obviously in conflict with the supposed Regent of your House.
I'll leave the choice of whether or not the man faces justice for what he did, to
you. I strongly feel you have the greater right and I will abide by your
decision.
Work hard, you two. Get fit and get ready. When you come out during the
early hours of the morning on Tuesday, there will be only a few hours until
Sirius's trial before the Wizengamot. That's going to be fun - not for the
members, but for everyone else who'll be watching.
Right after that is the general meeting of the Wizengamot, when I believe
Augusta's going to try to install Algernon.
That's when I think you should make your move.
Harry
Oh, and Hermione sends her regards.
~ # ~
While he'd been writing, Dobby delivered to him yet more quarter-cut
sandwiches. He hadn't even noticed he'd been eating them until he
reached for one and realised the plate was empty.
Hermione, who had been reading his letter over his shoulder as he was
writing the last two short paragraphs, smirked at him and whispered in
his ear, "Want more sandwiches, Harry?"
He frowned, grumbled a little under his breath about evil witches and
almost sulkily replied, "Please."
She gave a short and light laugh and called, "Dobby."
"Yes, Miss-tress Herm'nee?"
"More sandwiches for the 'hungry beast', Dobby," she snickered.
"Yes, Miss-tress Herm'nee," replied the elf.
Harry was just going to ignore the sandwiches, which appeared a few
moments later, but... they looked so goooood...
Dobby took the letter to Gringotts a few minutes later. After he left,
Harry looked at the wall clock in the kitchen and realised his estimation
of their having reached the halfway mark was going to be pretty
accurate.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Neville had been inside, seen his grandmother talking to his Great Uncle
Algernon, her brother, and left again. He didn't like the man one bit. He
was the man who had tossed him off a pier in Blackpool and then later
dangled him out a top floor window at Longbottom Hall by his ankle
before actually dropping him. If it wasn't for the fact he experienced a
sudden bout of Accidental Magic, he'd have died.
Harry was right. The man should have stood trial for both events. He
was, after all, the Heir Apparent of a Noble and Most Ancient House.
That his grandmother did not pursue the matter was quickly becoming a
bone of contention for him.
Instead of remaining in the Hall he returned to the greenhouse and
summoned Fluxy there.
"Fluxy," he called.
"Yes, Master Neville?" it asked.
"I shall be having my lunch out here, Fluxy," he said. "Please organise it."
"Yes, Master Neville," replied the elf with a little bow. "But you alreadys
be missing lunch. Fluxy makes you some sandwiches."
His late lunch of sandwiches appeared on a plate next to his main
workbench only a few minutes later.
As he ate, he pulled Harry's letter of that morning out of his pocket and
gave it a second read. He knew there were clues to some other, hidden,
message contained in what Harry wrote, but he still couldn't figure it out.
He also knew he would. He just needed time for his mind to put the
pieces together.
However, if he couldn't figure it out by that evening, he'd send Fluxy to
Harry with a short letter telling him. But, that was a last resort. And he
wasn't ready to throw in the potion neutraliser yet. This was something
he knew Harry thought he could accomplish. And, if Harry thought so, it
must be right.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
When Frank and Alice received Harry's letter - Alice reading first this
time - she said to Frank, "Harry thought we'd receive this one right on
about the halfway mark, Day eighteen. He got that right."
Frank smiled back and continued to use the wand blank he was given to
practice his spell casting. They'd been given them a few days ago, when
the Healers thought they were now ready to begin mock-duelling.
The two had been practicing with them, as often as possible, ever since.
They were even starting to remember spell chains they'd developed
together and used while as aurors fighting Death Eaters. But, those chains
were more coming as a result of muscle memory - that is, their hands and
wrists flowing from one spell into another without conscious thought -
than mental memory. Each time one of them reflexively performed a
spell chain they'd mentally forgotten about, they stopped to write down
what they remembered of the movements, then the identity of the spell
from the movement and muttered incantation. It was a back-to-front way
of doing things, but it was working for them.
They'd both also been told by their physio-Healer that, if they were able
to go through a mock-duel for a minimum of three minutes, they would
be given actual wands. The wands might not be their own, but at least
they were real wands.
What they didn't know, until they were actually handed them about two
hours later, were they were very close to their originals.
When Alice, looking in wonder at the wand in her hand, asked, "How?"
No one failed to understand the question was actually, "How did you find
a wand that so closely resembles my own; and how did you know what
mine was?"
"Apparently Lord Potter found out from your son," replied the main
healer. "Your son was using Frank's to start with. So, he knew what it was
- Oak and dragon heartstring. On finding that out, he asked him if he
knew what his mother's was. Neville told him - Birch and unicorn tail
hair.
"From that we acquired wands that closely matched those two
descriptions from a wand crafter."
"Well, they're a bloody good match!" declared Frank. "Mine may even be
a better match to me than my own!"
"Mine might, but I don't think so," replied Alice. "However, 'tis damned
nice to have a wand in my hand, again."
"Hear, hear," muttered Frank.
He looked to the Healer and asked, "And this was young Harry's... Lord
Potter's idea?"
"Yes," the healer replied. "Bloody good one, too.
"Now for the second part," he continued. When both were looking at him
he said, "He's also arranging for your own wands to be collected from
Longbottom Hall and brought down here to be waiting for you as soon as
you leave. Lord Black will be meeting you outside and waiting to hand
them to you.
"Don't ask me how he's going to accomplish that, because I have no idea.
But, with what he's accomplished so far, I have no doubt he's going to
pull it off."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Early that evening at the Department of Mysteries, Scimitar was sitting
before his boss's desk.
"You're sure it was the young knight?" he asked.
"Yes," replied Croaker. "One of our paid informants among the goblins
informed us and another confirmed it. The dog was waiting for them
when they arrived and it's been paid for by the young knight direct from
his vaults and via a boon the Goblins owed the House of Potter."
"Bloody hell! A boon?"
Croaker nodded.
"So," said Scimitar. "He figured out the Longbottoms were not suffering
from overexposure to the Cruciatus, but were under a curse. That curse
was likely put on them by the Mad Bitch. He had Black find the book in
the Black library. Black found it and the counter-curse.
"With that information and knowing the old dragon would block him in
the name of the House of Longbottom, he organised for the Longbottoms
to be secretly removed from Mungo's and taken to Gringotts.
"And you're saying they've gone in to the Gringotts time dilation
chamber?"
"Yep," replied Croaker. "They're due out during the early hours of
Tuesday morning. That'll give them just enough time to be brought up to
speed and readied for the fuddy-duddy meeting, which'll start with the
trial of Black for breaching the Misuse of Muggle Artefacts Statute."
"The young knight's going to make a big play with the Longbottoms
either just before or during the meeting," he suggested. "But, what?"
"Our analysts think it is highly likely he's going to have the Rosier woman
publicly and resoundingly slapped down by her son. It's quite clear he
truly hates the woman for what the Heir Apparent of the House has had
to go through under her dubious regency," Croaker replied with a shrug.
"Personally, I think they're right."
"Un-believable," muttered Scimitar. "Are we sure this boy is only
fourteen?"
"Marked as his equal," replied Croaker.
Scimitar winced.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Neville was all set to give up and send Fluxy to Harry with a message
when, while he was doodling with his quill and ink on a parchment in
the greenhouse he was currently within, he realised what he was doing.
Looking down he saw that he kept drawing two lines, one after the other.
A pair per line before moving down and doing the same thing again
about half an inch lower.
Eyes widening, he quickly snatched the letter from Harry out of his
pocket and read it again.
Sometimes, when it is the most darkest, a line appears to guide the way.
"That should be 'light', not 'line'," he muttered "'Sometimes, when it is the
most darkest, a light appears to guide the way'. That makes much more
sense!
"So... 'line' is the key."
He then looked over the letter and realised Harry had underlined two
parts of different areas in the letter.
"'You do not need to worry' and 'they will soon be returned to you'," he
muttered.
Eyes widening again in shock he reread them more clearly for himself,
"'You do not need to worry, they will soon be returned to you.'
"Mer-lin!" he exclaimed. "He did it! Bloody hell, Harry took them!"
He quickly looked around to make sure he hadn't been overheard. His
heart was pumping away in his chest in shock. He quickly started to pack
away his tools and notes to run inside, before he suddenly stopped.
'Wait!' he thought. 'Harry knew I'd figure it out. He probably hoped I'd
figure it out before now and I was just too stupid to. So, why did he want
me to know?'
Slowing down and putting things away properly, he continued to think it
through.
'Harry's not evil. He didn't do this because he's dark. It was also him who
told me to read the...' he stopped again. "The Charter," he whispered. "It's
about 'aid'!"
'But, could I dare hope he's found a way to cure them?... No... He's good,
but not even Harry's that good... No... This is about aiding the House of
Longbottom... He did say in his letter the other day that he would do
something that was to aid the House... and that I'd probably not like it...
so, no cure, then.
'So. The next question is; how did taking Mum and Dad from Saint
Mungo's in secrecy aid our House?'
He returned to the Hall a little later, still full of questions floating
through his mind. He also debated whether or not to tell his
grandmother. However, he was trusting in his friend and fellow alliance
partner-Heir to do right by him, his parents and his House.
He'd sleep on it, tonight. However, if he couldn't figure it out by
tomorrow morning, he'd go to his grandmother. She was still, after all,
Regent. As Heir Apparent he had a responsibility to the House -
friendship with Harry or not.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Even though he had a restless night, Neville was up early, dressed and
waiting down in the dining room when his grandmother entered. She
didn't look like she'd slept well, either.
After she sat at the head of the table and gathering his Gryffindor
courage, Neville said, "Gran, last night while I was in my bed trying to
sleep, I kept thinking about a letter my friend, Harry, sent me."
As she was sitting down she almost angrily said, "What makes you think I
want to know anything that boy has sent you?"
Knowing that was Harry's demand of her to relinquish the Seat on the
Wizengamot talking, and that she was as worried as he about his parents,
he said, "Gran, this is important."
Taking the letter out of the inside pocket of his robes he said, "You need
to read this. Once you have I'm going to tell you something about it."
Almost snatching the letter out of his hand, she read through it,
frowning.
"And?" she said, trying to hand it back to him.
"Gran, look at the last line. The message at the bottom. Does anything
seem wrong about it to you?"
She read it and snorted. "I think the stupid boy meant to say 'light'," she
sneered.
"But he doesn't, does he?" said Neville. "Look at everything he wrote in
that letter. Does it seem to you he'd get a line like that wrong and not
notice it?"
Frowning deeper, Augusta read through the message more carefully.
"Alright," she said. "I'll give you that. But, it obviously means the boy
must have added it after he probably had to rewrite the letter a half
dozen times or so."
He was beginning to lose his temper with her. His lack of sleep had his
irritation spiking and temper frayed as quick as her own.
"Gran, stop it!" he snapped. "Look at the letter. He didn't write 'line' by
mistake. He meant it!"
"Neville!" she exclaimed, scandalised by the way her grandson was
speaking to her.
"He said 'line' because it was a hint, Gran!" he snapped. "He said 'line'
because he's referring to the two parts of his letter where he used lines!"
Again, Augusta returned to the letter. This time to read it more closely.
Irritated with his grandmother, he said, "He's saying, 'You do not need to
worry, they will soon be returned to you'. What does that tell you,
Gran!?"
He watched as his grandmother's face went from confused and irritated,
to white with shock, to red with rage.
"That... little... bastard!" she exclaimed. "He's responsible for taking my
son! He's responsible for taking your father from us!"
Before he had a chance to say anything she was up, out of her chair and
striding for the fireplace with Harry's letter in her hand.
After she left the room, he sank back into his chair with a sigh and sadly
muttered, "And my mother, too, Gran."
As he heard his grandmother yelling into the fireplace to 'Amelia', he
knew she had called Amelia Bones at home.
"Gods, Harry," he muttered. "I'm sorry about this. I know you sent me that
coded message so I wouldn't sorry so much, but House is House."
At least he now knew they weren't taken by Death Eaters, or something,
to be held for ransom.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After being woken by a floo-call from a very irate Augusta Longbottom,
Amelia Bones decided she was up and she may as well head into work.
'That woman might like people to think she was 'light' but she was, when
riled, as dark a grey as it gets before being considered 'dark' outright,' she
thought. 'Damn it, Potter! What in Merlin's name have you done?'
Once in her office, having flooed directly into her office over the secure
floo connection between her home and work offices, she walked out her
office door and into the bullpen.
Immediately finding the 'duty senior auror', the magical equivalent to a
police 'desk sergeant', she asked her, "Who's on the PPD, right now?"
The senior blinked back once, surprised to see her boss already there, and
looked down at her records. "Flamebright, Standish and Patterson" she
replied.
Bones frowned for a moment in thought and asked, "Which Seniors or
above are here, right now?"
"Shack was floating around a little while ago," she replied. "He was being
tailed by Newbie Tonks, as usual. I don't think there are any others 'In',
yet."
"Actually, those two will do," said Bones. "Track them down and send
them into my office."
As Bones turned away to head back to her office, the Senior Auror firmly
replied, "Yes, Ma'am."
As Bones was reviewing her file on the missing Longbottoms, a Lord and
Lady of a Noble and Most Ancient House definitely rated her attention,
Shacklebolt and Tonks walked in.
"You wished to see us, Ma'am?" asked Shacklebolt. Tonks was standing
half a pace behind and on his left, as she should.
Bones looked up from what she was reading and said, "We're going to the
Grangers' - Golf Romeo. I had the Longbottom Regent on my floo, this
morning, claiming she has proof Lord Potter kidnapped her son and
daughter-in-bond."
"With the PPD in place?" blurted a surprised Tonks. "How'd he do that?"
"That's what we're going to find out, Auror Second Class Tonks," she
grimly replied.
Tonks blushed when she heard both the unsaid mild rebuke from Bones
and saw her senior partner turn to frown at her. 'Oops,' she thought.
'Must learn to keep mouth shut. Gonna get yelled at later by Shack for
that one'
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
The Grangers, including Hermione this time, had just sat down for
breakfast when an auror raced upstairs from the lower ground floor,
barked, "Stay there!" and ran for the door.
"This'll be the aurors coming to question me about the Longbottoms," said
Harry. "Remember. I've done nothing illegal and you are required by the
covenants of the Potter-Longbottom Alliance to not speak of it."
"We won't lie, Harry," said Wendell.
"I'm not asking you to," he replied. "But, unless you're directly asked,
don't volunteer any information."
When the three Grangers nodded back it was just in time for Bones and
four aurors to walk in. Harry remembered two being part of their normal
contingent of aurors stationed there to watch over him; plus young
Tonks, Dora.
"Good morning, Madam Bones," he said. "I think Dobby's made enough
breakfast if you haven't―"
She rode over him saying, "This is an official visit, Lord Potter."
"That doesn't mean you don't get to eat!" he said, acting offended.
"Wouldn't this be a little early for you, anyway?"
"I was woken, this morning, by a very irate Regent for the House of
Longbottom," she almost growled.
"Ah!" he said. "Firstly, let me remind you all that you are currently under
protective wards erected for the purpose of protecting the Grangers and
myself against ill-intent.
"Madam Bones, you need to calm down. I cannot help you and answer
your questions if you don't. You're going to trigger the wards!"
Watching the expressions on the faces of the aurors as he also watched
Bones visibly rein in her temper, he saw that all of them had forgotten
about the wards he'd told them were on the property.
'Morons,' he thought.
When she locked her temper down, Bones firmly asked, "Did you kidnap
the Longbottoms?"
"No," he immediately replied.
When that confused her she looked to the Grangers.
What she saw had her turn back to him. "You're lying," she snapped.
"No, I'm not," he calmly replied. "Would you like me to give a magical
oath to that effect?"
"Then why do the Grangers look like they think you are?" she asked.
"Because they know I'm being... what's the word?"
"Prevaricating," supplied Monica.
"Yes!" declared Harry. "That's the word I was looking for. I'm
prevaricating."
Bones raised a hand to massage the bridge of nose. But, she was
scrunching her eyes so much it didn't shift her monocle out.
"Explain!" she snapped.
"I'm not your tutor in the subject of English comprehension, Madam
Bones," he replied. "Nor am I your instructor in the art of asking the right
questions. I'm the person who, almost as soon as you spotted me, you
decided to interrogate.
"Now, if you wanted to discuss with me what it is you wish to talk to me
about, I'm happy to do so. But, you'll need to lose the attitude, first."
Bones stood there staring back for a few moments. 'He's right,' she
realised. 'I did. And we did forget about the wards, too. That was stupid.
'We also forgot this is the young man who, as a child, completely and
utterly had everyone fooled for years - even Dumbledore. And has made
a constant habit of making the rest of us look like... daft morons.'
She gave a mental sigh.
"Good," he immediately said. "Now, if Regent Bones would like to take a
seat, I'll tell her something she seems to have forgotten about the Potter-
Longbottom Alliance Charter."
'Aaaannd... he picked up the exact moment when I realised I had to
capitulate,' she thought.
With a grunt, she indicated one of the spare chairs and asked, "May I?"
"Regent Bones may sit," he replied. "Madam Bones was offered hospitality
and decided she was going to be rude. She can stand."
'Now he's making me choose between my titles. But, I need those
answers. Stupid, stupid, stupid.'
Her decision was obvious. She had no choice but to sit. She also knew she
had to change her approach. She did both.
"Alright, Harry," she sighed as Dobby put a cup of tea before her. "How'd
you do it?"
"How'd I do what?" he asked right back.
"How'd you kidnap the Longbottoms?"
"I've already answered that question. I didn't."
When it looked like she was starting to get frustrated again, he said,
"You're operating under what appears to be a whole whack of
assumptions, Regent Bones. You need to get them out of your head before
you're going to get anywhere near where you need to go."
She stared back for a few moments before she firmly asked, "What
assumptions?"
"Let's start with the two that immediately arose based on your first
question. This is also the point at which you lost, by the way," he said.
"One: You are operating under the assumption the Longbottoms were
kidnapped. Where is your evidence of that? And, before you say
something utterly moronic like, 'Well they must've been, how else would
they be gone?' I'll just say, 'Lack of evidence to the contrary, does not
constitute proof of claim. A lack of evidence is just a lack of evidence,
nothing more.'
"Two: Your question put to me was one of clarification, which assumed a
second point of claimed evidence where such evidence has not been
established; that I kidnapped the Longbottoms.
"Now, I'll help you out, Regent Bones, with correcting those two
fallacious points put to me as an interrogatory with the actual facts.
"First: The Longbottoms were not kidnapped. They were taken under
signed authority of the auspices of the Potter-Longbottom Alliance, where
it states in precise terms why and how one House must provide aid to
another. And the law, as you should well know, supports me in this.
"Second: Using the auspices of the Charter as aforementioned, I had the
Longbottoms removed from Saint Mungo's so that they may receive far
superior care than they were, until that time, subjected.
"Third: Because this is an issue relating to the alliance, I cannot talk about
it with Madam Bones of the DMLE as you well know. I can, however, talk
about it with Regent Bones of the Noble and Ancient House of Bones, a
member House of the alliance."
He paused a moment and called, "Dobby."
Surprised by Dobby's foresight, Harry saw his copy of the alliance
documents appear on the table before him.
"Thank you, Dobby," he called.
Looking back to Bones he asked, "Do you wish to discuss that with me,
Regent Bones?"
Bones sat there and listened as the young man sitting in front of her
utterly and irrevocably tore her case apart. And there was nothing she
could do about it because she both needed answers and he was right.
She also knew he was right about the section within the Charter because
she had spent many hours reading it over and over again, so that the
House of Bones would not fall afoul of it under her regency.
She then sighed and quietly said, "Now I know how everyone else felt,
when you made them feel like idiots."
"That was not my intent, Regent Bones," he said. "I've just had to put up
with, over the past three-plus years, people making somewhat baseless
but incorrect assumptions about me and mine. And I'm no longer willing
to put up with it from anyone. Even someone, such as you, whom I
greatly admire."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After the Grangers knew Harry wasn't going to be arrested after all, they
soon left and headed for work.
Meanwhile, Madam Bones sent her aurors off to get them away from the
table, while Regent Bones decided she was going to sample a Dobby
breakfast for herself. She was hungry, after all. She didn't get a chance to
eat before she left home, that morning, and would likely not be eating for
hours yet if she didn't.
Once the table was cleared from everyone bar Harry, Hermione and
Bones, Harry threw up a small area silencing charm.
As she swallowed her first mouthful, Bones asked, "Alright, Harry; where
are they?"
"I'm not going to answer that question, Amelia," he replied. "One, it is
pointless for you to know because, where they are right now, no one can
get in or out of. And, two, if word got back to Regent Longbottom as to
their location she would try to get them. If she did, it could cause such a
magical catastrophe it will likely kill quite a few people, herself and them
included."
"What treatment are they receiving?" she asked.
"Family secret," he immediately replied. "However, I have complete faith
it will be successful."
"You believe you can cure them?" she demanded.
"Not me," he returned. "But, I believe the treatment they're currently
undergoing will be making their lives a lot more comfortable," he replied.
"I doubt, very much, they'll ever get back their full health. It's been far
too long now for that."
"Who's treating them?" she tried.
"Medical personnel under non-disclosure agreements," he replied.
With a little head shake added in, she disagreed. "Medical non-disclosure
agreements don't work that way. They're meant to stop the medical
personnel discussing anything to do with the patient with anyone else."
"This one works both ways," he replied. "The medical personnel wanted
protection of anonymity from, especially, Regent Longbottom.
"And, Regent Bones, you're straying far too close to an interrogation,
again."
"I need answers to these questions," she frustratedly retorted.
"No, you want answers to your questions," he disagreed. "There's a
difference. You have all the information you need already. You've had
that since I told you I had the Longbottoms taken from Saint Mungo's
under the auspices of the charter of the alliance for their care.
"You know I'm both legally in the right and about what's happened with
the Longbottoms. Right then, your investigation ended.
"Everything else has been you just sating your curiosity and having
answers ready for when Longbottom goes on her next rant. That is not
my concern. However, I've also been doing my best to help you through
allaying your fears and providing you answers to your questions; but I
will not betray the trust of others to provide them to you when such
would be such betrayals."
By the time she left, Madam Director Amelia Bones felt both frustrated
and powerless. Harry had neatly countered everything she threw at him
with the aplomb of someone both thrice his age and assuredness he was
in the right. The bugger of it was, he was.
He then turned around and, without even being asked, gave her a
magical oath he had told her the truth for the entirety of the 'discussion'.
So, she didn't even have the option to decide he'd lied, which would have
allowed her to continue to investigate. He'd neatly taken that away from
her.
If she pushed now, she'd be interfering in the lawful practices of one of
the major alliances. And that... was 'not allowed'. As Regent of Bones,
however, she knew the 'whys and wherefores' but couldn't use that
information as Madam Bones of the DMLE. Madam Bones of the DMLE
had to keep her nose out of it, which meant the DMLE had to keep their
collective noses out of it.
It was the first time in her life that the dual roles of Regent and Auror, let
alone Department Director, had come into conflict and she didn't like it
one bit.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
27. Handling the Fallout
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 Twenty Seven - Handling the Fallout
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Knowing the Longbottom regent was going to fly off the broom handle
when she found out she'd be closing the case and why, Bones wanted that
discussion to be where she could retreat from when she wanted to.
She went back to her office, took her notes with her she'd taken during
the 'discussion', not interview, with the young Lord Potter and collated
the lot into the 'Longbottom Kidnapping' file - which she'd now have to
name the 'Longbottom Disappearance' file, damn it.
'He was damned right about that, too,' she sulked to herself. 'We leapt to
a conclusion because no other conclusion was thought to exist. That was
wrong.'
With a sigh, she grabbed both Shacklebolt and Tonks and two other
aurors to go with her to Longbottom Hall. She wanted the back-up in
case the Longbottom regent got 'wand happy'. Before they left she told
them to spread out in the room once they were inside and she was
talking with the woman.
"Don't forget," she firmly stated. "While Augusta Longbottom is in her
seventies, this is the woman who handily defeated Bellatrix LeStrange,
her husband, her brother-in-bond and Barty Crouch Junior all at the same
time. She is not to be underestimated.
"If she draws her wand and even appears about to attack, she is to be put
down... hard. Am I clear?"
Four 'Yes, Ma'am's were her answers.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After Bones and company left, Hermione almost bounced out of her seat
like a jack-in-the-box.
"That was..." she started. "That was... scary and brilliant all at the same
time!"
"That was me being a smart-alek, Hermione," he said. "I... basically,
belittled her. And I did it to put her on the back foot right from the start.
I did it to take the wind out of her sails before she could get going and
ask questions I really didn't want to answer. It was incredibly impolite
when she's been nothing but supportive of me. It was similar to what I
did to you on the day of and the first few days immediately following the
First Task."
"You were also right in saying she was being rude when she came in here
and almost immediately started to interrogate you," she shot back. "No,
she started it. You were just defending yourself by going offensive."
He sighed and said, "Tomorrow, after the Wizengamot meeting, I send
her a gift by way of apology. Hell; I want to actually go and apologise to
her in person."
"Well," she said, "For the time being, I need to call Mum and Daddy and
let them know you weren't taken away in handcuffs."
And she immediately skipped over to the phone.
"And I'd better contact Sirius and let him know, too," he said, rising to go
and get his mirror.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Arriving at Longbottom Hall by way of apparation and walking up to the
door, Bones and her four escorts were shown into the welcoming hall.
Longbottom was already up and pacing.
Neville saw who it was and quietly left the room. However, he only went
as far as just outside the door.
"Well?" snapped Longbottom. "He has my boy... and daughter-in-bond,
doesn't he!"
"He had them removed and taken to other Healers," replied Bones. "He
claims―"
"I don't care what he claims!" she shrilled. "Where are they? I'm want
them back in their beds in Saint Mungo's before lunch!"
Bones sighed. This was going to take a while.
"If you stop interrupting me I'll be able to tell you what's going on, Regent
Longbottom," she firmly said back.
"No! I... will tell you... what's going on," snapped Longbottom. "You will
take me... right now... to where my son is! And I will personally escort
him and his wife back to their beds!"
"I cannot take you to where they are because I do not know!" said Bones,
getting irritated. 'Now I know why he wouldn't tell me,' she thought.
"Now, if you'll―"
"Why, in Merlin's name, not?!" barked Longbottom.
That was it for Bones. "You... Augusta Longbottom... do not get to
interrogate me... I am trying to give you information you want and you
demanding information piecemeal will not get you it!
"Now, be quiet, hear me out, then ask your questions. Understand?"
"You will answer my bloody questions as I bloody want them answered!" By
then, Longbottom was almost screaming, again enraged.
But, Bones held her ground. Every time Longbottom screamed at her she
simply shut up, waited for the woman to stop yelling and started back to
what she was saying before Longbottom interrupted her.
It took ten minutes before Longbottom realised she was doing it and
finally shut up to hear her out. All the time, she stared daggers back.
Finally, Bones asked, "Now, what questions do you have for me?"
"I take it the Potter boy has been arrested?" she demanded.
"As I've already explained, he has not because―"
"Why the bloody hell not?" she yelled.
"As I have already explained, he has not because he has used the auspices
of the alliance Charter to act. As such I―"
"I want him arrested and Veritaserum poured down his throat until he
tells me everything I want to know!"
"As I have already explained, he has not because he has used the auspices
of the alliance Charter to act. As such, I cannot arrest him. The Charter is
clear in that he has the right as an alliance Charter member to come to
the aid of another House―"
Arrest him! Arrest him NOW!"
"As I was saying, The Charter is clear in that he has the right to come to
the aid of another House when it is seen and proven that a House
requires such aid. Lord and Lady Longbottom were not being treated at
Saint Mungo's, because the hospital had already given up on them.
"As such, he states he has family magics that can aid them towards their
recovery―"
"I don't care what he says! I want my son back!"
Amelia sighed and tried again... and again... and again.
Finally, Longbottom demanded, "Where's the Potter boy now? If you
won't get the information I want out of him, then I will!"
"Lord Potter is under protection under very strong wards that will do you
harm if you try to get to him. You are not getting anywhere near him!"
snapped Amelia. "And, if you try, my aurors will stop you, you will be
arrested on the spot and you will spend the next twenty four hours in one
of my holding cells."
"Get out!" Longbottom finally screamed. "Get out, NOW!"
'Thank you,' Bones thought to herself, grateful for the opportunity to
leave.
Without another word, she immediately signalled her aurors, spun on her
heel and walked out. The aurors waited for her to walk out of the room
before following her, one at a time.
From behind the door frame, Neville quietly walked away, heading
upstairs to his room. He needed to think.
He'd barely reached the door when Fluxy popped in next to him and said,
"Mistress 'Gusta wants you to see her in the welcoming hall." The little elf
was clearly terrified
Neville nodded and said, "Thank you, Fluxy. I'm on my way."
'Damn,' he quietly thought.
As soon as he stepped in through the door, before he even had a chance
to ask his grandmother what she wanted, she spoke first.
"Neville," she snapped. "Where would I find the Potter boy, at this
moment?"
"I do not know," he replied. "He no longer lives with his Aunt and Uncle."
Both true statements, in and of themselves. But, quite misleading.
'There's no way I'm telling her he's staying with Hermione,' he thought.
'Harry's already told me about those wards there and I don't want to see
her get hurt.'
"You've been writing to him," she glared. "Where do you send those
letters?"
"I send them via Hermione Granger, a House- and year-mate. And, no, I
do not actually know where she lives. I just know it is in an area
somewhere just south of London."
"That's useless to me!" snapped Longbottom. As she spun away again, she
snapped, "You can go."
Shaking his head, Neville walked back out.
He had a letter to write.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Monday morning's 'fire-side' within the Department of Mysteries was a
slightly more raucous affair than normal - for Unspeakables, that is.
Instead of the quiet murmurings of people speaking quietly to one
another, voices were at almost normal volume. That is, until Unspeakable
Croaker walked into the room. Then it was almost instant silence.
"I'm jumping in first concerning a major happening," he said. "As some of
you know, the young knight engineered the taking of the near-comatose
Longbottoms from Mungo's. They were taken to Gringotts and placed
within their time dilation chamber, together with a team of Healers. One
of them, the team leader, is an expert on curse damage; his second is an
expert on physiotherapy for the long-term bedridden.
"We are aware that, before they were taken into the chamber, both
Longbottoms were discovered to have actually been under the effects of a
mind-related curse; not long-term Cruciatus damage, as previously
thought. The curse had been lifted off both before they were taken into
the chamber.
"We also now know the chamber was set for a one to twelve ratio. That
is, for every two hours outside time, a full day will pass inside. The time
dilation is expected to begin to terminate at or about 4.30am on Tuesday
morning. It is expected to take half an hour for the time dilation effect to
completely terminate.
"The young knight will have the dog standing by as they come out. They
are now expected to be completely healed and healthy."
That had a few mutterings from the Unspeakables, making it the
equivalent of shouts of outrage or jubilation.
"The timing with regards to the meeting of the fuddy-duddies is not
coincidental, either. Our analysts agree it has been timed so that the
Longbottom two, now known as Leo and Lisa, will have a couple hours to
be brought up to date with what has been going on while they have been
in seclusion before the start of the second trial of the dog.
"We also know that the young knight has been often sending them letters
passing them via the VC magics the goblins employ. We have not been
able to sight them, but believe he is sending them updates. He's been
sending them in via house-elf.
"Just this morning we have learned the young knight informed Leo's heir
he was responsible. The old dragon now knows and is likely to be on the
warpath. We know she cannot get to him at Bookworm's, but he intends
to go shopping for new robes today in Diagon.
"We will have agents on sight in case the old dragon finds out before his
shopping is complete. If she does and makes it there before the young
knight leaves, she is to be incapacitated and warned off.
"Next?"
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Harry knew Neville had to be quite guilt-ridden about telling his
grandmother about his letter. That was not something that he would
allow to continue. He hadn't been working on the boy as hard as he had
to get him to stand tall and proud for all that work to be wasted.
So, he'd send a very short note to let his friend know he wasn't upset with
him.
Then he snorted at the simplicity of it and pulled a small off-cut of
parchment to himself.
~ # ~
Nev,
I know and it's okay. You did the right thing. I'm actually proud of you for
making the decision you did. Remember first year, when you stood up to us for
the first time?
However you can, even if your grandmother tells you 'No', be at the
Wizengamot on Tuesday morning. You're going to love it.
If your floo's blocked, the Knight Bus is a wild ride. At the tall red box, go
inside. Lift the handset and hold it to your ear. The telephone number is
'magic' (62442).
No code, this time.
Harry
~ # ~
"Dobby," he called.
"Yes, Master Harry?" asked the elf.
'Damn,' thought Harry. 'His elf-popping is getting almost silent.'
"Letter for Neville, Dobby," he replied, handing over the letter. "Again,
give it to him only when he's alone."
"Yes, Master Harry," replied Dobby, before he popped away again.
With that letter sent, he began to make a start on his next update letter to
Frank and Alice.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Harry was only just making a start on his letter to Frank and Alice when
Sirius turned up.
As he walked into the dinette, he said, "Morning, Pup! Ready to do some
shopping?"
Harry sighed and said, "As ready as I'm going to be, I suppose. Let me call
Hermione―"
"No need," she called as she walked in behind Sirius. "I'm here."
She was excited.
Sirius turned to her with a wide grin. "Hello, my little darling," he
cheerily said before opening his arms wide for a cuddle.
Hermione was quick to duck in and accept.
"Oi!" said Harry. "Hands off my betrothed, Black!"
As Sirius chuckled back, Hermione blew a raspberry at him. That just had
Sirius laughing even more.
"No respect," Harry mock-grumbled. "That's what I get. No respect, at all."
Ignoring him, Hermione pulled away from Sirius and said, "I'll get the
aurors."
"As you said, Miss Granger," said 'Henrietta', walking in. "We're here and
ready, too."
Rising, Harry sighed again and said, "Alright. Let's get this torture over
and done with."
"In a tick," said Flamebright. "First, we're putting a glamour over you."
"No need," said Sirius. "I brought my necklace." And held up the rune-
stone-on-cord necklace he'd used leading up to his trial.
He slipped it over Harry's head, as Harry guided it under his shirt. He
never felt the change but Hermione's gasp of surprise told him it was
working.
"How do I look?" he asked.
"Different, but not too different," she replied. "Dark brown hair, rather
than black; blue eyes with green fleck, rather than startling green; your
scar's gone; but just about everything else is the same."
"That's deliberate," said Sirius, looking at Harry. "I tuned it to only
change just enough so you no longer looked like a close relative of 'Harry
Potter'. Everything else needed to be the same so, when you're getting
fitted for robes in Madam Malkin's, the measurements will be right."
Flamebright muttered, "Those should be illegal."
"It's a family heirloom," said Sirius. "Therefore, outside the scope of any
law that would be against it."
Flamebright just gave a harrumph and left it.
Turning back to Harry, Sirius said, "For the duration of this excursion,
your name is 'Hadrian'. Got it?"
"Yeah, got it," replied Harry.
"Clever," said Hermione. "Close enough to his true name without people
wondering."
Surprising Harry, who expected side-along apparation, they were
portkeyed from just inside the front gate to the top of the Alley.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Neville was sitting in his room at his personal desk drafting a letter to
Harry to apologise, trying to find the right words, when Dobby popped in
and quietly handed him a letter.
"From Harry?" Neville asked.
"Yes, Mister Neville, Sir."
Dobby popped away again before Neville could even thank him.
As quick as Neville read it he almost slumped back in his seat in relief.
Harry knew how he must've felt and wrote him to say he was okay with
it.
'Thank Merlin!' he thought.
Then he started to think about Harry's suggestion he go to the
Wizengamot meeting in the morning. He'd already planned to, no matter
what his grandmother said, but he'd also given him another way he could
get there without using the floo - just in case his grandmother had
blocked it.
'He remembers me telling him she used to do that when I was younger,'
he mused. 'Thankfully, she no longer does it. But, damn, Harry! That you
remembered something I told you back in first year...'
At that moment he knew his grandmother was at the Ministry. She'd said
something about going to the offices of the Wizengamot Administration
Services to change something on the next day's 'docket' - whatever that
was. And Neville was quite happy to see her go.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
In Madam Malkin's, Harry was going through the 'indignity' of being
measured-up for new robes with Hermione and the young female auror
watching. At least he wasn't alone, though. Sirius was standing on his
own measuring pedestal, right alongside, going through his own
uncomfortable moment.
'At least the two male-aurors are outside,' he thought with a sigh. 'Then
again, maybe they have the same aversion to clothes shops that I do.'
Hermione and Henrietta were almost negligently bickering over what
colours he should wear. He thought the young auror was just doing it to
rile Hermione a bit, because she liked to tease.
"One set in black with green trim," said Hermione. "It's the colour that
best suits him."
"And one in deep, deep red with gold piping," added Henrietta.
"Hadrian is not a Gryffindor, Henri'," Hermione firmly stated.
"Just for contrast, dear," said the auror.
Harry was thankful all three aurors were not wearing their auror robes
for this trip, because they'd have definitely stood out. It would be a sign
saying, 'Hey, look here! It's Harry Potter wearing a disguise!'
It was also what he'd told them before they agreed to take the damned
robes off and transfigure them to something 'civilian'. That was when
they finally understood. Morons.
Harry asked, "And what colours should Lord Black have, ladies."
Anything to change the subject from him. His godfather could look after
himself.
"Black with silver highlights for the more formal," said Henrietta, right
away.
"Agreed," said Hermione. "And a mid grey to dark grey with black trim
for the more... 'businessy'... occasions. Add some nice fine black filigree
to match the piping."
"Damn, girl!" exclaimed Henrietta. "That would look fan-tas-tic!"
Of course, Sirius was all for that; especially if it was a young and hot
looking witch who thought it - Henrietta, of course; not Hermione. That
would be wrong. He was happy to buy both. And, because he did, he also
bought what the girls recommended for Harry, too."
Finally free of the measuring pedestal, Harry was told by Madam Malkin
the clothes would be ready in a few hours.
Sirius spoke up and said, "I'll send a house elf along to collect them in
four hours then; in case you come across a problem or two."
"That would be fine, Lord Black," she replied with a nod.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
At the same time and at the Ministry, Longbottom was just walking out of
the WAS offices. She'd been in there to add an addendum to the next
day's proceedings. She fully intended to have the first item of business,
even before Black's ridiculous trial, the Wizengamot forcing the Potter
boy to release the information regarding the location of her son and his
wife.
She'd no sooner reached the lifts to head back out when an inter-office
memo in the form of a flying parchment aeroplane flew by. She never
noticed the parchment aeroplane as there were constantly hundreds of
the things during Ministry office hours, flying throughout the building.
People experienced with the place no longer paid them any attention
unless one landed on their desk, which meant it was for them. However,
this one was a memo from the witch responsible for writing up the
agenda for the Wizengamot, to 'Acting Madam Minister Amelia Bones'
informing her of the change. As such and as the WAS was on the same
floor as the DMLE, it never even had to enter the lift with Rosier.
As soon as Bones received it, noticed who it was from, she immediately
read it. With the Meeting the next day, WAS memos had priority. And, as
soon as she read it, she was out of the office and heading to the WAS to
talk to the Agenda Secretary, in person.
'Not a chance, Longbottom,' she thought, somewhat furious at the
audacity of the woman. 'Not a snowball's chance in Hades.'
Before Longbottom had even passed through the security gate and into
the atrium proper, the agenda was already being changed back; with no
mention of the Longbottom Regent's intent to have Lord Potter
questioned remaining anywhere on the agenda, let alone as the first item.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Once the two teens and their 'entourage' returned to the Granger
residence, Sirius was about to leave again without even walking inside
when Hermione asked him to stop by for a few minutes.
Once they were inside, she rounded on both 'menfolk' and said, "Sirius,
tomorrow you will wear the grey. It will look good on you and make you
appear as if you were a businessman and not the hooligan you try so hard
and so often to portray yourself to be."
Before Sirius even had a chance to say anything other than simply blink
in surprise, she had already rounded on Harry.
"And you will be wearing the Black with green trim," she declared. "It
will show you to be the Lord you are and contrast nicely with what Sirius
will be wearing. On top of that, the green trim will hint at your cunning
and intelligence and resonate with most of those stuffed robes, who
attended Slytherin while at Hogwarts."
Harry blinked back while Sirius snickered in amusement. "As my lady
commands," he said before he deeply bowed.
She ruined it by smacking him on the top of the head.
That had Sirius laughing at him until she glared at him. He immediately
shut up.
When she headed off with the stack of new stationery, Sirius quietly said,
"Damn, Pup! She's turning out to be as scary as your mother was!"
Changing the subject, Harry asked, "What time is Ted getting here?"
"As soon as I get back. We then come back, together."
Sirius had told him earlier Ted would be coming over to discuss final
changes, if any, for the strategy for the trial the next morning. Harry
thought they were all set, though. However, if Ted wanted to discuss it,
he wouldn't quibble about it.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Harry had only just returned to writing his letter to Frank and Alice when
one of the aurors, Senior Auror Flamebright, informed him that Madam
Bones was coming to pay a 'friendly' visit. She had news.
"Please don't go making her look like a... daft moron, this time?" the man
almost whined.
"I won't,' smiled Harry. "This morning was just to 'wrong-foot' her. She
needed to be knocked off her wonky-headed thinking, so I could actually
talk to her."
She arrived only fifteen minutes later. This time she only came with one
auror in tow; one Harry didn't recognise.
"Lord Potter," she greeted him.
"Madam Bones," he smiled. "Or, am I again speaking with Regent Bones,
this time."
"The former," she said, taking a seat at the dinette opposite him.
Her easy manner and the fact she immediately took seat told Harry she
wasn't angry with him, this time.
"How can I help?" he asked.
"I'm just here to inform you that Regent Longbottom had just visited the
WAS about an hour and a half ago - the Wizengamot Administration
Services. She attempted to have the agenda for tomorrow's meeting of the
Wizengamot changed so that the first agenda item to come up, even
before Lord Black's trial, was her demanding of the Wizengamot to
demand off you the location of her son and daughter-in-bond.
Harry gave a snort of amusement and said, "They don't have the
authority."
"I'm aware," she drolly replied. "However, it's just a 'heads up'. If she tried
that, once she sees the actual agenda, she's going to demand an
emergency motion be immediately heard."
"As she has not the grounds for it, I hope you'll be immediately calling a
Point of Order and calling her to task for it."
"Of course," she replied. "However, it will get the members talking about
it. The other allied Houses won't want to get into the middle of this."
"They won't have to," he replied. "I have this strong feeling... you could
call it a premonition... this will be resolved well before we even break for
lunch."
That had her suddenly freeze in place and stare intently at him for a good
five seconds.
"How do you know that?" she asked in a flattened voice. "What aren't you
telling me?"
"In reverse order," he replied. "There's a lot I'm not telling you. I am the
Lord of a Noble and Most Ancient House, after all.
"And, as I said, you could call it a premonition. If you don't believe in
that sort of thing, you might even consider calling it a hunch."
"And this... hunch... of yours," she said. "It tells you this matter for which
she's angry with you will be resolved before lunch tomorrow?"
"I'm sure of it," he replied. "However, I do not want her to know that."
"Why not?" she demanded.
He smirked and said, "Because I do not want her to run and hide from
justice - lawful justice. And, before you get worried, I do not mean
someone's going to deal with her in a way you, for instance, would not
approve of.
"As a matter of fact, this will be a joyful occasion for everyone - except,
possibly, a few Death Eaters. Even her... for about a minute. Then she is
going to feel both elated and terrified at the same time. Her behaviour
towards her grandson is coming home to roost."
She stared at him in shock for over ten seconds before she quietly
breathed, "Merlin! You've cured them!"
"Cured them, Madam Bones?" he innocently asked. "To use a Dumbledore
expression, 'I'm sure I don't know what you mean, Amelia'."
"Bloody hell!"
"Now, do you know if she is going to try to install someone into the
Longbottom Seat as Proxy?" he asked. "And, if so, who?"
"Sorry? What?" she asked, still shaking off her shock. "A... proxy?"
"Yes," he replied.
"Then, no," she replied. "There was, until recently, a line item in the
agenda she was going to install her brother, Algernon Rosier, into the
seat. But, that's since been removed."
"Good," he said. "There's a couple... of people, that is... who will want to
talk to you about him, when they get the time and the chance. Just... get
ready to charge that bastard with two attempted murder charges for
attempted murder of an Heir Apparent of a Noble and Most Ancient
House."
"What do you know about some attempted murders?" she demanded.
"Legally, I don't know anything," he replied. "All that could be considered
what I know is hearsay. And, as such, it isn't evidentiary. It's only what
I've heard has happened from someone else.
"I've been trying to encourage that person to speak out about it, as he's
also the alleged victim. However, I can foresee there's a couple of people
who will talking to him about that, too.
"I'm sure they'll convince him to speak out about it with you within very
short order. Then, you will have your case. It could have something to do
with the Heir... allegedly... being tossed off Blackpool pier when he was a
toddler and... allegedly... dropped from a third floor window, head first,
only a couple of years later."
"And just why did you not tell me this, this morning?" she asked, with an
ominous hint of danger showing.
"Because your next stop was going to be at Longbottom Hall," he replied.
"As I said, I do not want that woman to know what is going on until it is
time for her to know what is going on."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After Bones left, Harry was finally able to return to his letter to Frank and
Alice.
He knew this might even be the last chance he had to write to them, so
he was going to make sure they knew everything right up to the point
he'd be sending them the letter.
Again, he'd just pulled it before him when Sirius returned with Ted in
tow.
Not wanting to show them he was disappointed they were here, he again
slid the letter to the side.
"Sirius, Ted," he smiled.
"Pup," said Sirius.
"Lord Potter," said Ted.
"Teh-ed," he whined. "It's 'Harry' for my friends, remember?"
"This is official law-wizard business, Lord Potter," Ted immediately and
easily countered.
As Sirius and Ted moved to the dinette, Harry was just about to go and
get Hermione when she walked in.
"Just in time," Sirius smiled at her.
"Shall we get started?" asked Ted.
Harry gave a nod and pulled out his stack of defence arguments for
Sirius's case the next morning.
"You know all this depends on the behaviour of Regent Longbottom, don't
you?" he asked.
"Only on when it gets started," said Ted. "If necessary, you leave her to
me." And grinned a shark-like grin.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Once Ted and Sirius left again, Harry returned to his letter. This time
Hermione stayed to help.
However, her first 'help' came in the form of asking Dobby to make some
sandwiches for Harry.
When he was about to ask her how she knew, she smiled and said, "Your
stomach's growling again, Harry."
Then she seemed to have a bright idea and ordered him, "Harry, go stand
by the door again. Today marks the end of the first full week you've been
on those potions."
After he was measured he came in at just over five foot ten.
She gave a nod and said, "Mum was right. Five inches for the week."
He gave a sigh and replied, "Then, if I haven't stopped growing in height
already, I should be stopping soon."
"That's a good thing," she agreed. "However, we don't know what else the
potions have still got to do. For all we know, your height will be only the
first thing to have reached your proper potential. We don't know how
much more work it has to do on your internals."
"Way to kill the mood, Love," he grumbled.
She was about to add some encouraging comments when she realised
what he'd just said to her. And she stopped. He'd called her, 'Love'.
Now she was a feeling all 'gooshy' inside.
Harry was shocked when Hermione suddenly grabbed him and hugged
him in a 'Hermi-hug' of old, before she then backed off a little and
planted a big, tonsil-searing kiss on him.
When she backed off due a lack of air and need to breathe, he gasped,
"Wow! I like those sort of congratulations!
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Amelia Bones had returned to her office and thought long and hard about
what the young Potter Lord had told her when she paid him her second
visit.
The more she thought about it, the more she was sure the young man had
actually managed to accomplish it. That is, he had found someone who
could cure the Longbottoms of their permanent near-comas that had
resulted from their being tortured for so long under the Cruciatus curse.
And they'd done it.
That's why he had them grabbed from Saint Mungo's. There was no way
the staff at the hospital would have let anyone but their own staff treat
one of their patients. It was policy! Therefore, he had to get them out of
the hospital to get them treatment.
The Longbottom regent would never have gone along with that. Her own
behaviour over the past couple of days was proof enough of that. Even
when she was informed they'd been removed to receive treatment, she
flatly refused to allow it go on and demanded someone take her to go and
immediately get them.
As such, his action in taking them and hiding them while they got that
treatment was the only logical way he could get them help. It was the
only way he could do it without the Longbottom regent blocking it.
He also believed the Longbottom regent was completely unwilling to
release the Seat. She liked the power too much to willingly let it go.
That's why he claimed the Longbottom regent was deliberately blocking
them receiving treatment.
According to him it was a way to commit temporary Line Theft; and it
was upon a Noble and Most Ancient House. The bugger of a thing it was,
it was completely legal. She'd checked.
As Regent, the Longbottom regent had the right to block any medical
treatment a member of her House could receive if that member was
either under-aged with her as guardian, or unable to voice their own
wishes; such as the case of the Longbottom Lord and Lady. When she'd
contacted the hospital to get a report on what treatment the Lord and
Lady were receiving up until they were taken, she was informed that
information had been restricted to Head of House only on the orders of
the regent. Which made Lord Potter's claim that much more likely to be
the truth.
And there wasn't a damned thing she could do about it.
However, Lord Potter used the Charter to do so. And it, she strongly
suspected, would all come crashing down on the head of the Regent
sometime just before lunch during the Wizengamot meeting the next day.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
It was mid to late afternoon before Harry was finally able to write what
he now knew to be his final letter to Frank and Alice.
So he would time it to arrive with them at around their thirty-second or
thirty-third day, leaving them three to four days before the time dilation
chamber had completed its course.
~ # ~
Frank and Alice,
Well it's been quite the interesting morning and early afternoon 'out' here. I
also estimate you'll be receiving this letter somewhere around day thirty-two or
thirty-three in the chamber. Not long to go now, folks!
Firstly, Neville cracked the code in the letter I sent him, as I thought he would.
My first indication of that was having Amelia Bones turn up at Hermione's
place with a couple of aurors in tow. She's now the Director of the DMLE, if I
haven't already told you that.
She was there to interrogate me about your disappearance - or, as she put it,
your kidnapping. She got quite confused when she asked me, "Did you kidnap
the Longbottoms?" When I, of course, replied, "No."
Once I was able to get her to calm down and sit down, I told her I would only
talk to her as Regent Bones of the Noble and Ancient House of Bones. She
agreed.
Once she did, I told her I did remove you, not kidnap you, from Saint Mungo's
and why. I did not, however, tell her you were in Gringotts. All she knows,
even now, is that I had you taken somewhere where healing you was the
priority; whereas all Saint Mungo's were doing was keeping you sedated and
not doing a damn other thing.
I also pointed out to her where in the alliance Charter I had the right to do it.
And she admitted she'd read it and could see I was right. Which meant she
then couldn't arrest me as no crime had been committed. That had her
frustrated, no end.
[...]
I knew Neville would worry that he had somehow let me down; or that he had
turned his back on our friendship; or that he had just given up his only real
friendship for a 'guess' that might not have even be right... so I wrote him a
short note and had it delivered directly to him by house elf this morning. That
note told him I thought he'd done the right thing and that I backed him in his
decision.
I also told him that, no matter what his 'Gran' told him, he should be at the
Wizengamot session tomorrow. It would prove most interesting for him. I hope
he keeps up with the backbone I know he's developed of late and does it. I
want to see your reunion with him.
[...]
So, now Madam Bones is 'fairly certain' I've miraculously cured you and it's
'possible' you'll be turning up at the Wizengamot before lunch. Well, "first
thing" is "before lunch", is it not? Heh heh!
Now, you're going to need to prove you actually are Lord Franklin and Lady
Alice Longbottom. Otherwise, no one's going to believe you. So, I've been
coming up with ways for you to do so. After all, you could be wearing a rune-
based glamour like Sirius had been wearing while on-the-run from the law,
you could be wearing a simple glamour or you could have taken Polyjuice
potion.
All of which, except the first, would be just silly. But, hey, we're talking about
the witches and wizards of the Wizengamot. And you already know what I
think of most witches and wizards.
So, here's some ways:
1. If you have a known Patronus, cast it. Patronus forms are known to only
change after a severe traumatic experience, therefore yours might have
changed. If it hasn't, that's good evidence.
2. Houses elves know who their masters and mistresses are, even if they're
wearing glamours, hiding under invisibility cloaks, or whatever. And they are
certainly not fooled by such magics. Call your house elf or elves and have
them identify you.
3. Magical oaths and vows can do it; but, do you really want to go down that
path?
4. Take a goblin with you to perform and inheritance test right in front of
them.
5. Call your Head of House ring to yourself right in front of them.
As you can see, it's easy to prove who you really are with a bit of thought put
into it. And it's the sort of proof none of those old fogies can counter.
[...]
Ted's happy with my plan for Sirius's trial, tomorrow morning. He thinks it'll
be fun watching all those old stuffed robes get force-fed the stupidity of how
their own laws are daft, the one's they were supposed to have drafted. He
wants to watch me clearly demonstrate to them how pathetic this law, at least,
was in its design.
He hopes it will lead to a review of all other laws. More work for him, more
fun using common sense and logic to destroy wizarding laws for me. I think
that counts as a win-win situation.
[...]
Anyway, time to sign off. I need to spend time with my betrothed and just
relax for a little while. Today was quite the tiring day.
See you in a few days (your time).
Harry and Hermione
~ # ~
After he'd finished, he looked to Hermione and asked, "Think it's ready?"
"Definitely," she replied. "And, checking the time, your guesstimate about
it arriving there somewhere about their thirty-second or thirty-third day
is going to be darn close if you sign it and send it with Dobby right now."
That's exactly what he did.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Dumbledore had tried to 'obtain' permission to spend a day in Diagon the
next day to, as he claimed, rebuild his wardrobe back up. He claimed he
had lost four sets of robes in the last couple of weeks, alone, due to his
treatment at the hands of the DMLE and from losing Fawkes.
Marchbanks immediately denied him.
"You don't want to go shopping for a new selection of your wardrobe
tomorrow, Albus," she said. "You want to go to the Wizengamot meeting,
you expect to see the young Lord Potter there and you want to take the
opportunity to talk to the boy.
"I don't like being lied to by my supposed staff, Albus. Therefore, the
answer is a resounding no; you do not have my permission to leave the
school tomorrow."
Frustrated Dumbledore spun about to storm from the office, yet again,
when she said, "However, Albus..."
When he turned back she said, "Your garish wardrobe has been making
me consider bringing in, or re-establishing, a dress code for the staff.
"Back even as shortly ago as when Headmaster Dippet was the
headmaster, all staff had a dress code of base black. Certain... liberties...
were allowed among the staff with the Headmaster's blessing. However,
those liberties were restricted to styling, not colour.
"When I do grant you leave to leave the castle for the day, you might
want to think about purchasing new robes that would meet those
requirements.
"Thank you, Albus. You may go."
Horrified, Dumbledore didn't finish storming from the office, leaving the
door wide open as he'd done each other time. Instead, he quietly made
his way out and even closed the door behind himself when he did.
When she was sure he'd descended the staircase, she gave short cackle of
laughter.
The portrait of Eupraxia Mole also openly laughed.
The other portraits then discussed dress codes and when the one for the
staff had last been in effect.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
When Andi arrived home that evening she was 'dead tired'. Ted was
beginning to really worry.
After dinner, he sat her down in her favourite chair while he sat in his
own and said, "Alright, Andi. Talk to me. What's got you working all
hours beyond your normal shifts?"
"Research," she replied. "I'm doing research into curse scars."
"Curse scars," he replied. "You mean, like Harry's?"
"Yep," she replied. "Just like Harry's."
"Why is it such a big deal for you now?" he asked. "I mean, considering
Harry's, he's only bothered with it because it's the thing everyone stares
at for a moment when they realise it's the 'Boy-Who-Lived' standing in
front of them."
She was quick to reply, "It's because there's more to it than that in a lot of
cases. For instance, when it's caused by dark magic, why does the area
continue to emit a dark magical aura. The spells used are not supposed to
do that. So, what causes it?
"If we can discover that, if we can find out what causes it and can reverse
it, we are well on our way to removing the scar itself."
She hated lying to her husband this way. But, if she didn't, he'd keep
pushing for more information trying to help her. And she simply couldn't
tell him.
He gave a shrug and said, "I know magical healers are not ones to try
muggle techniques, but have you considered a non-magical operation and
excising the tissue out? Once you have the tissue that's causing the dark
magical aura out, you should then be able to employ normal magical
means to heal the resulting, though a little larger, wound."
Andi froze. Her husband may have very well just hit upon the answer.
Could that be the way?
Turning her gaze on Ted she quietly but emotionally said, "Have I told
you how much I love you, lately?"
With his boyish grin he reserved just for her, he said, "Yep; but I can
always hear it more often. I take it I might have given you a possible
solution?"
"Merlin, yes!" she replied before she leapt at him across the short distance
between them and proceeded to snog him.
Typically, Dora chose that moment to pay them a visit by walking in
through the front door without even knocking.
She took one look at them and exclaimed, "Eeeeewwww!"
As the two older Tonkses pulled apart, her dad pouted at her.
"Your timing could do with improvement," he drolly said.
"Do I need to remind you two that you currently have a live-in guest
staying here at the moment?" she asked.
When both just shrugged back she gave a huff and said, "I'm hungry."
Then went into the kitchen to raid the cold box.
Ted just chuckled. 'Kids,' he thought.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
On their thirty-second day under time dilation both Longbottoms thought
they'd not likely receive a letter from young Harry before they got out.
However, and surprising both of them, they did.
As it was handed to Frank he read it first.
The two were using the break from training, brought on by the letter, to
cool down. They'd been going at team duelling a magical target for quite
a bit and needed the rest.
After replenishing her fluids and towelling her self down, Frank handed
Alice the letter without a word. Then he towelled himself down and
drank plenty of water himself.
When she finished she looked to her husband and asked, "Harry's belief
your mother deliberately withheld treatment of us after the first couple
months?"
"I don't know," he sadly replied. "I don't want to believe it, but... it makes
a lot of sense."
"I know," she replied. "But he might also be wrong."
"He could," he nodded. "And I certainly hope he is. But, I think we need
to keep an open mind about this."
"Agreed," she said. "That was nice, what he did for Neville."
Recognising his wife was deliberately changing the topic he wasn't averse
to it.
"Yes," he replied. "He took a great risk, doing that; just so Neville
wouldn't worry any more. He's clearly a good friend to our boy."
"He cares," she sighed. "These letters we've been receiving from him and
his lady are proof enough of that."
"Three and half days left," he sighed.
"They'll be over before we know it," she returned.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After a last snack, Harry was earlier to bed than his usual. He knew he
had a very busy day the next day and wanted to be as rested as he could
be.
Before going to bed herself, Hermione was pulled aside by her mother.
"Harry's going to have a very full and busy day tomorrow," she explained.
"Even more full and stressful than what today turned out to be. He will
likely need your support."
"He'll have it as he always does, Mum," Hermione replied. "And he's
prepared. You wouldn't believe all the variables he's taken into
consideration of his plans.
"But, I will be there with him and for him. I made that decision soon after
he rescued me from that troll on Hallowe'en in first year."
As she walked down the stairs from the top floor, Monica was wearing a
self-satisfied smirk. 'Yep. My daughter's utterly smitten.'
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
28. What Muggle Artefact?
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!
A/N1: Alrighty. This is the chapter where all those folks guessing what the
research Harry was involved in, you get to learn how close you were. And,
yes, I did write it that way to give you all a 'fun game' of figuring it all out,
contrary to what others thought. I was actually surprised how close many of
you came in what reviews I skimmed through. Kudos, for that. But, I think
there was an item or two you all missed and which I included, all the same. :)
A/N2: And, yes, I've made this posting event a double. Two chapters! I
wanted to get the entire Wizengamot session out of the way before moving on
to the next evolution of the story.
Chapter Twenty Eight - What Muggle Artefact?
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
At just after 5.00am, normal time, Lord Franklin 'Frank' Longbottom and
Lady Alice Longbottom walked out of the time dilation chamber back
into the normal world. As expected, they were greeted by Sirius. He was
grinning his head off at the two of them.
Both grinned back in pleasure.
As soon as they were both out he embraced the pair of them in a 'group
hug'.
"Merlin; but, you two are a sight for sore eyes!" he declared.
The change in the two of them since he saw both was quite startling.
Gone, was the frail, elderly-appearing state he last saw of them. Both
now appeared on a par with him.
There were still strong hints of the ravages of their time while 'ill'. But,
for the most part, it was only a trace; and mainly showed as a somewhat
haunted look in their eyes. If anything, they appeared even more healthy
than he did himself.
Frank stood at about five foot eleven and roughly on par with Sirius. Due
to the training inside the chamber he was quite fit and had what was
known as a runner's physique. His hair, which was balding, thin and
cropped right back when he went in, was now back to full and healthy,
had a healthy shine and was down almost to his shoulders.
Alice, stood proud in her five foot three (and one-quarter inches! Never
forget that!) frame. Her hair was oddly streaked blonde and grey; the
blonde from before the curse, to the grey from afterwards. She, too,
appeared quite fit and toned.
Looking them both over, Sirius asked, "How, in Merlin's name, did you
two gain a suntan while in there?"
"Sunlamps," said Frank. "It's supposed to be a muggle concept. You lie on
this muggle bed thing for half an hour―"
"Frank," Alice firmly said, cutting him off. "There will be time to discuss
everything we went through in there, later."
Eyes twinkling while grinning at Sirius, Frank said, "I felt like a roast
being cooked in an oven on a low heat."
Herself looking to Sirius, Alice asked, "Harry's last letter to us arrived
four days ago. What's happened since then?"
"Alice, he sent it in only ten hours ago," smiled Sirius. "For the last six, at
least, everyone's been sleeping.
"However..." he grinned at them both and pulled from his pocket two
wands.
In shocked glee both accepted them. Both immediately felt the warmth as
the wands re-bonded with them.
"How?" asked Alice.
"Harry had his house elf sneak into Longbottom Hall about an hour ago
and recover them for you," he explained. "Two fakes have been left in
their place."
"Time for you to go, wizards," a goblin suddenly said. "Time is money and
you're wasting mine." He was offering them a portkey.
Sirius gave a nod back, accepted the portkey and turned back to the
Longbottoms. "Right. Take hold."
As they did so, he turned to the medi-staff that had gone into the time
dilation with the Longbottoms and gratefully said, "Thank you."
As they nodded and smiled back, with the Longbottoms also holding the
portkey, he was about to activate it when the goblin barked, "Activate!"
And they were gone in a flash of goblin portkey magic.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
In the Tonkses' home, Ted was sitting in his favourite chair while trying
to go through his pocket-sized carded prompt notes for the trial, later
that morning. They were a matched pair with Harry's.
He had one of the lounge curtains open to watch for the tell-take flash of
the goblin portkey, which would arrive just outside the front gate only a
hundred feet away.
He wasn't looking out the window when it happened, but the flash of
light caught his eye and he immediately looked out.
Seeing the three start to walk up the front path to the front door, he was
quickly slipping the cards into the inside breast pocket of his robes as he
shot out of his chair to stride quietly to the front door.
Only he and Andi were home, at the time, but he still didn't want her to
wake, fearful of any unusual noises coming from the main part of the
house.
By the time he opened the front door the three were just walking up the
front steps onto the porch.
"Come in and be quiet for a few minutes, would you?" he quietly asked.
"I'll just go wake Andi."
"Ted, there's no need," said Sirius.
"Yes, there is," he disagreed. "Besides, she has a 6.00am start today,
anyway. She wants to get a couple hours in at the hospital before she has
to go to the Ministry for the Meeting of the Wizengamot."
As Sirius led the Longbottoms in, Ted went to the master bedroom.
Less than ten minutes later, while the Longbottoms and Sirius were
waiting quietly on the lounge and chairs, he was leading a dressing-
gowned Andi into the lounge.
Andi took one look at them, while the three were rising to greet their
temporary hostess, and exclaimed, "Morgana's saggy tits!"
Frank laughed while Alice simply smirked back. She quietly said, "Good
morning, Andromeda."
Sirius was grinning his head off.
Andi suddenly whipped her wand out and was casting as she came
forward. However, none of the casts were offensive in nature. She was
firing off detection charms like they were going out of fashion.
"Andi!" exclaimed Ted.
"Shoosh!" she snapped, during a pause in her casting.
Going first to Frank she walked around him while still casting. When she
seemed satisfied she spun about and turned her wand on Alice. A long
few seconds later, she stepped back and said, "Sweet Merlin! It is you; it is
you both!"
"Happy?" asked Frank, a little wryly.
"How?!" she barked in shock.
"Someone figured it out and set the snitch flying," replied Sirius, grinning.
"Wanna guess who?"
Andi stood there, scowling, still quite shocked, but thought it through.
Then her eyes widened and she looked in new shock at Sirius.
"Harry?!" she exclaimed in disbelief.
He laughed, "Right in one!"
After Andi had calmed down again, she called their house elf to make tea
for them all. Then it set about preparing breakfast.
While they were talking and waiting, Ted and Sirius took turns telling
both the Longbottoms and Andi what had been going on of late. Most of
it was for Andi's benefit as Frank, with Alice's added commentary, told
them about Harry's letters to them.
"It's clear to us why he said he was supposed to go into Slytherin," said
Frank. "But, we can also tell he would have done brilliantly in any of the
four houses.
"He has the cunning of a Slytherin, the smarts of a Ravenclaw, the loyalty
of a Hufflepuff and the quaffles of a Gryffindor. He's the perfect Hogwarts
student."
While Ted and Sirius snorted in amusement at his description of Harry's
Gryffindor traits, Alice smacked him on the arm. "Be polite," she mock-
scolded him.
Andi was still coming to terms with this latest revelation.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After breakfast and Andi left for work with pleading from all four of the
others she not tell a soul about the Longbottoms just yet - she wouldn't -
Ted and Sirius talked about a slight change they wanted to make to their
plans.
"I think we should bring Madam Bones in on this," said Ted.
"And I agree," said Sirius.
Frank nodded and said, "Harry's last letter to us said he'd hinted to the
point of obviousness that we'd been cured and we'd put in an appearance
at the Wizengamot before lunch." He then chuckled and said, "He also
said that first thing in the morning was before lunch, so he hadn't misled
her."
That had even Ted chuckling as Sirius laughed.
'The question then becomes," said a grinning Alice, "When?"
Ted quickly checked the time on the wind-up kitchen clock and said,
"She's normally in the office almost right on 8.00am. As today is a
meeting of the Wizengamot, with a trial right before, I'm guessing she'll
be in at about 7.00am."
"Which means she'll rise at about 6.00am," nodded Sirius. Checking the
time, himself, he added, "In about... fifteen minutes."
"What time is Harry likely to get up?" asked Alice.
"He's an early riser," replied Sirius. "Him and his house elf have a sort of
fake competition about who's going to be first down to the kitchen to
cook breakfast... he's a brilliant cook, by the way... but, of course, the elf
always beats him."
"He cooks, too?" asked a surprised Alice.
"He didn't write to you about that?" grinned Sirius. "He doesn't cook, Ali;
he turns food into art!"
"He's very good, Alice," said Ted. "It's a privilege to be invited to dine
when he's the chef."
"Is there anything this young man can't do?" asked Frank.
"Apparently, not if he sets his mind to it, no," replied a very proud and
still grinning Sirius. Suddenly, he said, "Actually, thinking of the time,
he's probably up."
Sirius suddenly whipped his mirror out of his pocket and said to it,
"Prongslet!"
While the other three watched on, the mirror blurred for a few moments
before it cleared with Harry's face appearing. Of course, for the
Longbottoms, this was the first time they'd seen the young man. No one
had thought to send in photographs with the Longbottoms when they
went into the chamber.
"Mornin'!" Harry drawled. He appeared quite awake.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
This morning, Harry had donned his invisibility cloak to try and sneak
down to the kitchen. But, before he even managed to pass the end of the
kitchen counter, Dobby called, "Good morning, Master Harry!" He had his
back to Harry, at the time.
"Damn it!"
Dobby turned with a grin on his face; but, on turning around, couldn't see
his master at all.
"Master Harry?" he asked, confused.
He knew his master was 'right there' but couldn't see him or even sense
him. He just knew.
Suddenly, with a swish of his cloak, his master appeared, scowling back.
"Powerful magics, Master Harry!" he exclaimed.
"Yeah, yeah," his master moped, turning around and walking back out.
He knew his master wasn't unhappy or angry with him - house elves
knew these things - but it amused his master and was a little fun for him
too, so Dobby wouldn't complain.
However, it would be a cold day in the Halls of the Dishonoured before
his master ever caught him out.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Harry had only just returned upstairs with the intention of taking his
morning shower, when his mirror buzzed.
'Of course," he muttered. "Why didn't I think of that?"
Picking it up he quietly said, "Padfoot." And the mirror cleared.
"Mornin'," he drawled, trying to act cool.
"Good morning, sleepy-head!" his godfather chirpily greeted him.
Harry gave a snort and said, "You know, Padfoot; this will probably be
the only day you'll ever get up before me. So, yuck it up while you can."
Sirius laughed and asked, "Dobby beat you to the kitchen again?"
"Sawn-off little gremlin!" he mock-scowled.
As Sirius laughed Harry could also hear other laughter in the
background.
"Alright, Padfoot," he said. "Enough of the niceties. Let me see them."
"What?" mock-exclaimed Sirius. "Your dear, sweet godfather not good
enough for you any more?"
That was as far as he got before the mirror took a dizzying quick spin.
All Harry heard for a moment was Sirius exclaiming, "Hey!"
The mirror had clearly been snatched out of his hand.
Then he saw the two faces he expected to see, side-by-side. But the
changes were startling. Both were grinning in happiness.
"Lord Potter," said Frank. "It's so very good to see the architect behind our
recovery."
"Oh, pshaw!" he blushed. "I just figured it out. Sirius and Ted were the
real architects. And it's Harry, to you two."
"Not for this," said Frank. His face suddenly turned serious, though his
eyes were still twinkling in amusement. "Lord Potter, the Noble and Most
Ancient House of Longbottom is in your debt. What is in our power to
grant you, is yours."
Harry stared back for a moment in shock. Then he replied, "Lord
Longbottom, the Noble and Most Ancient House of Longbottom may
consider its debt expunged if... it raises its Heir to be an outstanding
young man and a credit to his House. As I have said, so must it be, so let
it be written."
"So let it be written," said both Frank and Alice.
Frank immediately said, "We meant much more than that, Harry."
Harry shook his head and said, "There is to be no debt, Frank. I don't
want you or your House beholden to me or the House of Potter in any
regards. We need to be equals, with our own selves being so, for the
Potter-Longbottom Alliance to be strong again."
"Very wise, Harry," said Alice.
Harry just shrugged.
Harry heard what sounded like Ted say something to the two before both
looked back at him through the mirror.
"There's been a change in plans for this morning's schedule," said Frank.
"We're bringing Amelia Bones into the information loop. We want her to
know what's going on before it happens."
"Thought you might," he replied. "That's why I gave her all those clues
yesterday afternoon. It wouldn't be fair to her, after all she's done for me,
to hit her with this... cold."
"And we agree," Frank replied. "We're just waiting for when we think
she's going to be up before flooing her - well, Ted's flooing her."
Harry checked his bedside clock and thought a moment.
Muttering out loud, he said, "It's a Wizengamot day... the trial starts at
8.00am... she'll most likely want to be in the office about an hour early...
so, I'd guess she'd be rising about 6.00am and fixing to floo to her office
at about six-thirty, quarter-to?"
Frank gave a snort of amusement and said, "Pretty much spot on. Do you
want to be here for this?"
Shaking his head, he replied, "No. It's fine. I don't want to give my auror-
shadows any indication you're up and awake. Have Sirius mirror-call me
when I can meet you at the Ministry."
There were more voices off to the side at the other end and Frank said,
"Ted will be coming by to pick you up at seven-fifteen. We'll arrange a
rendezvous with him before then."
"Sounds like a plan!" he declared. "I'll see you then."
More murmuring, then Frank said, "Alice and I are very much looking
forward to it. Mirror off."
Harry quietly gave a huff of amusement before he lobbed the mirror onto
his bed and quickly stripped to take his shower.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Breakfast started off tense for Wendell and Monica, who both knew what
sort of day it was going to be for the two teens. However, when they saw
that Harry was quite stress-free and even a little excited about what the
day would bring they, too, relaxed.
"Just remember, Harry, the basis of the Fog of War," said Wendell. "You
do not know what your enemy is up to. You only have a guess,
irrespective of how accurate it may be. And no plan survives first contact
with the enemy."
"Wow, Wendell," he said. "I'm not going to war!" Then he thought a
moment and said, "Actually, I see your point. It is a conflict. First, me
defending Sirius against the Ministry; and second, me somewhat going
toe-to-toe with the Longbottom regent."
"Exactly," said Wendell. "Two battles, with both battlefronts being the
same - the field of law.
"I'd have loved to have had the time to come and watch this Wizengamot
of yours in judicial session and then also see it in legislative session for
the comparison."
"It's not that much different than muggle magistracies, Wendell," he said.
"But, instead of a panel, there's a single magistrate referred to as Chief
Adjudicator. Any member of the Wizengamot can also ask a question and
expect it to be answered, so long as they're not declared out of order by
the Chief Adjudicator.
"At the end of the trial phase and the beginning of the sentencing phase,
the Chief Adjudicator then, usually under direction from the members,
sets up the vote and what exactly will be voted upon by the Wizengamot
in the passing of judgement."
"So you and Ted have explained," smiled Wendell. "I'd still like a chance,
some day, to see it in action."
"Once this day is done, I'll see what I can do," said Harry. "I'll even make
sure you get plenty of notice, so you can adjust your schedule.
"I'm pretty sure the next scheduled meeting of the Wizengamot is in
February. But, we won't know if there'll be a judicial sitting before or
after that, though; until closer to the day."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
About ten minutes after the Grangers left, Ted turned up.
Harry was going through his carded notes for the trial when the man
walked in, led by one of the aurors.
"Good morning, Lord Potter," he greeted him.
"Morning, Ted," replied Harry.
"All set?" he asked.
"As ready as I'll ever be," smiled Harry. He then called, "Hermione!"
"There's no need to shout, Harry," she said, walking in a minute later.
"There's excellent acoustics on the stairs."
"Is that how you do it?" he asked, staring at what Hermione was wearing.
"I thought you'd put up a monitoring charm, or something, on the front
path!"
"She looks hot!' he thought. 'I am such a lucky man.'
She blinked at him for a minute and then let out a chuckle. "That's
actually a clever idea. But, no. I tend to leave my door open so I can
listen for anything happening down in the entrance foyer. Can you set
one up for me later?"
"Yeah, if you want," he replied. "Wow, Hermione; you look great!"
Hermione looked down at her attire and gave a slow twirl on the spot.
"Henrietta picked it up for me. I like the colours and I'm told it shows...
well, it makes me look good." Then gave a little blush.
'Oh, no. I almost told Harry it makes my breasts and hips look fuller,' she
thought. 'Better be more careful, in future.'
"A-and...," she stuttered. "I knew you'd look good in that black with green
trim. I thought you'd have worn your green shirt underneath, but the
white actually looks better."
"You two ready?" Ted cut in.
"Yep," replied Harry, while Hermione replied, "Yes."
"Where are the aurors?" asked Ted.
"Right here," said the senior auror of the contingent for the morning,
walking in from back near the stairs leading down to the lower ground
floor.
"Right!" said Ted. "Then, let us be off."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After a portkey deposited them in the portkey arrival point in the
Ministry public atrium, the aurors made a sort of triangle around them -
one in front and leading, the other two behind and a little out to each
side - and led them up to the DMLE offices.
From there, they were led straight through to Madam Bones's office. All
three of their 'contingent' aurors peeled away before Ted and the two
teens entered the office.
As soon as he stepped within, being the last through, Harry saw Sirius,
Frank and Alice were all already inside. Thankfully, the office was plenty
big enough to hold them all quite comfortably. Bones was sitting behind
her desk, facing them all.
"Welcome, Lord Potter... Mister Tonks... Miss Granger," she greeted them.
"Hello, Amelia," said Ted. Turning a little to Hermione, he introduced the
Longbottoms to her.
"Hello, Lord and Lady Longbottom," she softly said, dipping a little into a
wizarding curtsey
"Enough of that... Hermione," said Alice. "I may call you Hermione, yes?"
"Yes..." she replied, hesitating.
"Alice," said Alice, walking towards her and bringing, by half-dragging,
Frank with her. "And the big lug next to me is Frank. You and Harry have
earned the right."
Hermione blushed and said, "Ummm... That was Harry―"
"Nonsense," said Alice, wrapping the girl in a hug. "We ladies know very
well the men would be lost if we weren't there to show them the way."
Frank gave a slight snort of amusement as he stepped in to hug her
himself. "It's Frank," he firmly said.
"She right," said Harry. "I was being straight with you when I said I know
I wouldn't have stood a chance during the first three years of Hogwarts if
you weren't there with and for me."
Again, Hermione blushed at the praise.
"Well," laughed Alice, stepping forward to hug him. "At least you know
that much. It's a good start."
Once everyone settled down again, sitting before Bones's desk in a
somewhat haphazard curved line. Bones looked around and shook her
head. She quietly said, "This is somewhat surreal."
Sirius snickered back.
"Oh," she suddenly said. "That reminds me..." She turned to look at the
two teens and almost formally said, "On behalf of the Ministry of Magic
and on behalf of the Noble and Ancient House of Bones, I offer my
congratulations... you two... on your betrothal. I'm sorry I hadn't
remembered to voice that before now."
Harry grinned and said, "Thank you. And your mind's been on other
matters, of late."
Hermione blushed and quietly replied a moment later, "Thank you."
Bones gave a nod back and said, "Well, Lord Potter; I believe the muggle
phrase is... 'You've pulled another cat out of your hat'?"
"Rabbit," said Hermione. "But, the context is right."
"Rabbit, then," she nodded back. "I wonder what's next in your
repertoire."
Harry just smiled back. He actually didn't really know.
"Alright," said Ted. "We don't have much time. How are we going to do
this?"
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Albus Dumbledore rose and had breakfast with the rest of the school
before retiring to his office. Once inside he warded the office apartment
set to a high degree before going to his apartment and changing.
He changed into one of his remaining finest set of robes, this one was in
fuchsia with orange trim, and readied himself for a day at the Ministry.
The wards he had caused to be erected would state for the castle's wards -
and, therefore, for Marchbanks - that he was in his apartment, apparently
taking a nap for a couple hours; before then showing him in his office,
sitting at his desk and working.
Once set, he fortified himself for his soon-to-be meeting with young
Harry in the Wizengamot chambers before the trial could even start, took
a pinch of floo powder and tossed it into the fireplace. It was quite
obvious young Harry would be there for the trial of his godfather.
"Ministry of Magic," he firmly said, before stepping in.
Barely a moment later he found himself stepping out... right into the
Headmistress's office.
"Hello, Albus," she said to the now very shocked man. "You didn't think I
would figure out what you were planning to do? Tsk tsk tsk!"
"Errr..." he stuttered, flummoxed he'd been so easily foiled. He'd forgotten
the internal floo system could be redirected by the Headmaster or -
mistress. Obviously, though, Marchbanks hadn't.
"Griselda," he calmly replied.
"Headmistress Marchbanks!" she snapped. "Alllll-beee."
Dumbledore scowled and quietly snapped, "Quite."
"Now," she said, sitting up a little straighter and pulling a file from her
desk drawer before placing it in her desk. "That'll be yet another very
naughty thing you tried I'm adding to your developing list of black marks
against you.
"You have been told repeatedly you weren't to leave the castle during
school hours without prior permission from me. And, yet, here we are
again.
"You can consider yourself in 'detention', Professor Dumbledore. Go back
to your office apartment, take down those silly wards you put up to make
me think you were still there and stay there until I call for you. A house elf
will be taking you lunch. Expect to be released some time before dinner.
"Use the time, wisely. I'll soon be asking staff for accelerated teaching
programmes for each of their classes to make up for the time the students
have been away.
"You are dismissed."
Dumbledore spun on his foot and stalked from the room without a word.
This time, like the previous time, he closed the door himself.
Just before he left, though, Marchbanks tagged him with a tracker from
behind. If Dumbledore found it, so be it. She didn't really care. But, it
would lead him to a wrong conclusion, she was sure.
Once she was sure Dumbledore was gone, she cancelled the redirection
on his floo and then had it deactivated completely.
With a nod to herself for a job well done, she gathered what she needed
for the rapidly approaching Wizengamot meeting, activated her own floo
and stepped through.
Because she knew none of the other professors would aid him, the only
way out for the old man now was walking out through the front gate.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Just before the start of the hour of 8.00am - an hour earlier than normal
due to the following general meeting - everyone involved in what was
soon to happen from Harry's 'side' were in place.
The Longbottoms were sitting under DMLE-approved glamours next to
Hermione and closest to the stairs leading down onto the floor. Harry,
Ted and Sirius were on the main floor already and ready to go. Bones had
gone into the back area to be with the other Members. And Andi had
turned up, not seen the Longbottoms because the glamours were already
in place, gave Ted a quick kiss on the cheek and ducked back to join the
Members. She looked almost giddy with excitement, for which Ted had to
quietly, but firmly, tell her to quickly get under control.
As the clock struck two minutes to the hour, the members all filed in and
took their Seats. Augusta Longbottom had the Chief Adjudicator's seat.
As soon as the clock struck the hour, the old dragon banged her gavel
once and said, "Yesterday, I had cause to be placed upon the agenda for
today, the forced questioning of the young Lord Potter, regarding the
whereabouts of my missing son and his wife. We will be starting with
that first."
Bones immediately snapped out, "Point of Order, Chief Adjudicator. That
matter was immediately stripped from the agenda within minutes of it
appearing there, as it is not a matter for this body to discuss."
Snapping to stare at Bones as soon as she'd said, 'Point of order',
Longbottom snapped back, "Overruled! We will be questioning―"
"Point of Order, Regent Longbottom!" yelled Bones. "This body is currently
sitting in judicial review on a single matter! Now is not the time―
"It bloody well is if I decide it is!" Longbottom yelled back. "I am the
Chief Adjudicator and if I decide it will be, then it bloody well will be!"
Bones quickly stood to her feet and said, "I, Amelia Susan Bones, Regent
of the Noble and Ancient House of Bones, Director of the Department of
Magical Law Enforcement and Acting Madam Minister of Magic, hereby
call for a vote of no confidence in the Longbottom regent in her role as
Chief Adjudicator for this trial. She has already demonstrated a direct
bias against the wizard speaking as counsel for the Defendant of the case.
As such, I call for the immediate vote!"
Longbottom surged to her feet and whirled to face Bones, her wand
already in her hand and spitting sparks from the tip. "You... you―"
"Say it, and you'll be arrested on the spot!" snapped Bones.
The aurors were already moving to intercede.
Longbottom was quivering in rage, staring back at Bones.
She then screamed, "He has my son! My son! I want him back!"
"As you seem to have lost control of your senses," said Bones. "I will call
the vote. All those in favour of the motion... vote now."
Slowly wands started to rise. It took a long few seconds, but more than a
clear half voted in the affirmative.
When it looked like no more wands would be raised, Bones snapped, "All
those against the motion, vote now."
Far less than a quarter raised their wands.
Bones then snapped, "As the vote has fallen against you, Regent
Longbottom, you are hereby stripped of the Chief Adjudicator's position of
this matter. Lord Ogden, as you did just recently, would you do us the
honour?"
Ogden stood and firmly stated, "I will."
As he started to move down to the Chief Adjudicator/Warlock seat,
Longbottom stood there, unmoving, quivering in rage.
As Ogden moved to stand near her, he said, "Regent Longbottom, you
stand relieved."
She gave an almost quiet cry of her rage and stormed off to sit in the
Longbottom Seat. Unlike her normal behaviour, she almost dropped into
it with a crash of her slight frame. Then sat there staring with hate at
Harry.
He couldn't have cared less. Her claws would be stripped from her well
before lunch.
'Make yourself comfortable, bitch,' he thought. 'The next hour or two will
be the last time you ever sit in that Seat, if I have anything to do with it.'
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
With Ogden now installed as Chief Adjudicator, the trial commenced.
Bones was prosecuting as normal for a high profile case involving one of
the Noble Houses and Harry was letting Ted deal with the finer points of
law and objecting where necessary, as planned. He was after all a law-
wizard, while Harry was not.
Sirius was even happily admitting to everything, even going so far as to
talking about what enchantments he had placed on the motorcycle after
he legally bought it, brand new, from a reputable Harley Davidson
retailer just south of London.
"It's a 1981 Harley Davidson FXB 80 Low Rider Limited Sturgis Edition,"
Sirius almost excitedly said. "Sweeeet ride, it is! Had only six tenths of a
mile on the odometer; and that was put on there during factory testing.
"Muggle avoidance, impact avoidance, muggle Notice-Me-Not in flight
mode and even a temporary jet boost for those times you need to get out
of an area with all due haste!
When Bones, confused, said, "Then, I do not understand. If you have
admitted to breaching the law, why not just pay the fine and be done
with it?"
Ted, not Sirius, responded, "That will be shown as part of the Defence's
arguments, Madam Bones."
Completely confused with what she was hearing, as were all the
Members, Bones soon rested her case stating, "Though he has pleaded not
guilty, the defendant has admitted guilt in his own responses. Personally,
I'm at a loss. The Ministry rests."
Ogden shook his head and said, "Mister Tonks and... Lord Potter. The
Defence may begin its arguments."
Harry walked forward a few steps and laid his hand on Sirius's shoulder,
where he sat in the accused's chair - the chains lazily draped over him.
"Thank you, Chief Adjudicator," said Harry. "I will begin by offering fair
warning. You and the rest of the Wizengamot are about to be publicly
embarrassed. You will be embarrassed because I, with the assistance of
Mister Edward Tonks, am going to prove to you that this Statute, the
Misuse of Muggle Artefacts Statute, under which my... client... has been
charged is so ridiculously stupid as to beggar belief."
That earned him quite a few grumbles of annoyance.
"Through four examples, I will also be proving, beyond any shadow of a
doubt, that the following are complicit in outrageously breaching that
Statute themselves.
"They are: the legally defined body known as the Ministry of Magic, the
legally defined body known as the Board of Directors of Saint Mungo's
Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries, the legally defined body
known as the Board of Governors of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and
Wizardry, et al.
"Furthermore, I shall be proving that in two of the examples I will be
presenting, the legally defined body known as the Ministry of Magic,
while operating under the direction of the Wizengamot of the day,
engaged in flat-out grand larceny of not one, but two, significant muggle
artefacts as defined in the Statute, before themselves breaching the Statute
even further by wilfully and permanently enchanting said muggle
artefacts."
Harry had to stop because the noises of outrage coming from the
Members was starting to drown him out. With a smirk on his lips, he
looked pointedly at Ogden and negligently gestured to the members. That
snapped the somewhat elderly man out of his shock
Sirius was laughing himself almost silly in his seat.
While he stood there as Ogden began to repeatedly bang his gavel, Harry
was looking at the reactions of the Members. Specifically he was looking
for those who had little to no reaction.
There was Longbottom, of course, who just sat there staring holes in him;
but also Madam Bones, who was pinching the bridge of her nose with her
eyes scrunched closed as if in pain; Andi Tonks, of course, who had a 'fair
idea' what he would do; and, he noticed, Madam Griselda Marchbanks,
who was smirking back at him with a twinkle in her eyes.
He impudently grinned back at her, which had the old woman beginning
to appear to chuckle. She was even tapping the cane she was holding
upright between her legs, lightly upon the floor.
Once the noise settled with some of the Members glaring at Harry and
some now confused and angry that they were, Harry said, "Chief
Adjudicator Ogden, I must protest, most strongly, at the vociferous
interference in my defence of Lord Black. The behaviour of a clear
majority of Members, within seconds of me commencing my arguments, is
most unseemly!"
When the Members immediately got their goats up again, this time
Ogden was very quick to bang his gavel before the noise got out of hand.
A soon as the noise quietened down, this time Bones jumped in before
Harry could say anything.
"Chief Adjudicator Ogden, if I may?" she loudly asked.
Turning to her he asked, "Madam Bones?"
"May I have a few minutes to speak with... counsel for the defence while
the Members use this time to settle themselves down?" she asked.
Ogden turned to look at Harry, who immediately turned to Ted and
shrugged. Smirking, Ted gave a very gentle nod back.
Harry spun back to look at Ogden and said, "Sure! Why not? How about
Madam Prosecutor and we two converse for... fifteen minutes? Perhaps
the Members would like to take a break."
"You have ten," sighed Ogden. "We recess for ten minutes!" he called and
banged his gavel before rising.
As Madam Bones came down to talk, Harry threw up a privacy field,
which Ted enhanced with his own that made them appear murky to
anyone outside the field.
Madam Bones walked through it only seconds later.
"What, in Merlin's name, are you up to?" she sighed.
Harry grinned at Ted and asked, "Shall we show her what evidence we're
going to present?"
Ted chuckled and said, "We may as well. The trial has already started, so
there's not much she can do to stop it if we don't want it stopped."
Harry began to lay out his documented evidence in four piles. One each
for Saint Mungo's, the Hogwarts Express, the Knight Bus and the K6 red
telephone kiosk, commonly called a phone box, outside the Ministry of
Magic and acting as the public entrance.
As he did, Madam Bones walked around to see what he'd laid out.
"The first one is the evidence relating to Saint Mungo's, specifically the
building in which it resides," he began. "As you can see from the records,
both muggle and Ministry, the building is of muggle construction and
was bought from a muggle company called Purge and Dowse, Limited.
The building was purchased by the Board of Directors, muggles were
Obliviated, and the inside enchanted. That makes it an enchanted muggle
artefact, as defined by the Statute.
"The second one is of the Engine for the train known today as the
Hogwarts Express. It was built by the muggle company known as London,
Midland and Scottish Railway (LMS) founded on 1 January, 1923. It is a
Stanier Class 5 4-6-0 commonly known as a 'Black Five'. Between 1934
and 1951, 842 were built.
"In 1941, locomotive No. 5425 was severely damaged in a Luftwaffe air
raid. That train was then stolen - that's larceny, Madam Bones - by the
Ministry of Magic from the place where it was damaged. One hundred
and sixty-seven Memory Charms and the largest ever mass Concealment
Charm performed in Britain, all co-ordinated by the Ministry, were
employed in the theft. It was then moved to a wizarding site, repaired
and enchanted.
"A statement from a Wizengamot meeting of the time and found in
Ministry records was, 'Due to its Muggle origin, many pure-blood parents
disapprove of the train, but can do little about it as the Ministry has
forbidden any other method of travelling to Hogwarts.'
"That makes the Ministry of Magic complicit in the larceny of a muggle
artefact from its rightful muggle owners. And complicit in forcing all
witches and wizards going to Hogwarts to break the Statute by making
them ride the train.
"I also have here a list of all those who were involved. You'll notice some
of those names are of Members currently sitting in the Wizengamot, right
now. That means they are all guilty of the crime of Conspiracy to Commit
Grand Larceny, Burglary, a breach of the same Statute for which Lord
Black now sits for judgement, plus much more.
"And I've made no inference about the actual carriages, yet. Each of those
is also a muggle artefact, which has been enchanted.
"The third one is the stolen muggle artefact known in wizarding Britain
as the 'Knight Bus'. It was constructed by the Associated Equipment
Company, who simply used the acronym AEC until they folded in 1979.
AEC was a muggle British vehicle manufacturer which built buses, motor-
coaches and lorries.
"The Knight Bus is actually an enchanted AEC Regent III RT and is a
variant of the mass-produced AEC Regent III. It was a double-decker bus
until it was stolen sometime in the late 1930s from its rightful owner, the
Glasgow Corporation. And was originally intended to be an exhibit at the
1939 Commercial Motor Show. However, muggle police records show it
never made it there and it's listed as motor vehicle theft.
"The current Knight Bus is actually a replacement for one established in
1865 by then Minister for Magic, Dugald McPhail. He hit upon the idea
of imitating the Muggles' relatively new 'bus service'. Very soon
afterwards the Knight Bus of its day hit the streets.
"Some wizards of the time - mainly pureblood fanatics - announced their
intention of boycotting what they dubbed 'this Muggle-esque outrage' in
the letters page of the Daily Prophet. Old records of the Daily Prophet of
the time report on this."
Tapping another page, he continued, "This... is a list of the people
involved in the first... acquiring... of the Knight Bus, the first one; and I
think I can build a pretty good case against one Earnest Prang for
illegally acquiring the second and enchanting it. That's the one now being
operated by him.
"The fourth example is the red telephone kiosk - or, box - that is the
supposed public entrance of this very building. It is of muggle
construction by the British muggle Government entity known today as
British Telecom. The kiosk is known by the model number 'K6'. The
crown that decorates the lintel above the door shows it be a depiction of
Saint Edward's Crown, which means it was... acquired... after 1955,
which is when that particular crown was first used.
"The telephone inside of it, yet another enchanted muggle artefact, is an
Automatic Electric payphone model 233G built by The Gray Telephone
and Pay Station Company of Hartford, Connecticut, under contract with
Western Electric. Both are muggle companies in the USA. Western
Electric provided such phones in the United Kingdom only to British
Telecom; and British Telecom have not sold a single one of them on. That
means it, too, is stolen. It, too, occurred sometime after 1955.
"I have here a list of the folks within the Ministry who were involved in
that, including the Obliviators, the Directors of Departments who signed
off on it, including your own, the then Minister and a few others. Again,
some of those folks currently sit on those Seats before us."
Stepping back, he looked directly to her. "Now, Madam Bones, here's
your problem: Under the Statute, for which Lord Black has been charged
and you've just argued should be fined, you've now seen how over four
hundred and fifty-two wizards and witches, almost all of them working
for the Ministry of Magic or Saint Mungo's at the time, or sitting as
Members of the Wizengamot at the time, have both outrageously ignored
the Statute, for whatever reason, and most of them also complicit in the
act of larceny. Why'd they do it? Because, they didn't consider themselves
bound by it?
"If the Ministry of Magic and the Wizengamot, let alone all the rest of the
people I'll force you to go out and arrest and charge with the same and a
similar crime you're prosecuting Lord Black for, don't think the Statute is
worth them having to obey, why the Hell do you think anyone else
should?
"As you now know and could easily be provided proof of, the Statute
requires those artefacts all be stripped of their enchantments and, in the
case of the stolen ones, returned to the rightful muggle owners.
"Translating that, it means, One: You would be required to toss everyone
out of Saint Mungo's; they'll just have to find somewhere else to be sick,
dying, treated, whatever. Two: Go and get the Hogwarts Express from
wherever it is stored when not in use and strip it of all enchantments
before taking it somewhere muggle and dumping it. The students will
have to find some other way to get to Hogwarts when school starts back
up - Oh, wait, they can't! The Ministry ordered that no one can travel to
Hogwarts without doing so via the Hogwarts Express. No Hogwarts
Express means no one can go to Hogwarts. Oops. I guess the school will
need to be shut down until the Ministerial degree is rescinded. Three: Go
drag Earnie Prang's sorry arse off the Knight Bus, strip it of its
enchantments - including that ridiculous third deck - and return it to the
muggles. And, Four: go close down the public entrance to the Ministry,
strip the red telephone box and the telephone inside it of its
enchantments and give it back to its rightful owners, British Telecom.
"Now, while you're cogitating that, think of this: How many muggle
artefacts... as they are defined in the Statute... are used every day by
witches and wizards who create portkeys?
"Are you aware the motor vehicle hubcap - off a Hunter Hillman, if I know
my hubcaps well enough - we used as a portkey to get from the Granger
Residence to here, today, met the definition of an illegally enchanted
muggle artefact as per the Statute?"
"And, what about all those portkeys that were created for the Quidditch
World Cup that the Ministry organised? I know - for a fact, since I had to
use one - a very great many of them were muggle artefacts. So, everyone
in the Portkey Office needs to be arrested and charged; probably
everyone in the Department of Magical Transportation, especially the
Department Director. And everyone else involved in deciding upon and
creating any portkeys for the event.
"The ball is now in your court, Madam Bones. What do you want to do
with it?"
Bones had stood there, following along as Harry showed her clear-cut
documented proof from both worlds of all that he had talked about;
stunned silent.
Finally, she simply and vehemently said, "Oh, Merlin's wrinkled...
bollocks!"
That was it for Sirius. He'd been trying to hold his laughter in so much
until then he sounded like he was giggling and smothering it.
When Bones quietly swore, he couldn't hold it back any longer. He was
laughing so hard, if it wasn't for the fact the chair was bolted to the floor,
he'd have tipped both himself and the chair over, chains and all.
He was laughing so hard Ted had to give him one of his own calming
draughts.
Bones ignored all that as she stood there trying to forget the last five
minutes of her life.
"I hate you," she quietly said.
Starting to lose his temper, even though he knew he shouldn't as it wasn't
Bones's fault, Harry firmly retorted, "I'm not the one who was the daft
moron that wrote such a stupid bloody law! Nor am I the muggins that
has to enforce it. I'm just the schmuck who has decided he's sick and
bloody tired of stupid laws he's supposed to follow like the simple-
minded sheep that seem to make up the flock that is wizarding Britain.
"Well, this muggins has had a gutful.
"You want out of this? Fine! Here's my demands for you to dig yourself
out of this. One: Drop the case, right the hell now, or as soon as we drop
the privacy shields and CA Ogden calls us back into session. As you can
see, irrespective of you believing you have successfully argued your case
against Lord Black, you haven't and you now know it. Two: As Acting
Madam Minister, move to immediately and unequivocally suspend the
Misuse of Muggle Artefacts Statute for it being utterly worthless. Three:
Work with me to repeal the law in its entirety and we'll rewrite it to
something that actually makes sense! And, four: Get a proper bloody
Misuse of Muggle Artefacts Office and staff it full of muggleborns, who
actually have a clue. Arthur Weasley just 'tinkers' with things he has no
idea about; and Cliff Perkins, his supposed partner, is just a 'seat warmer'.
Let Arthur Head it, if you must; but, he needs to be taught what a muggle
artefact actually is.
"How say you?"
She stood thinking for close on thirty seconds before she gave a sigh,
nodded and said, "Let's do this, just as you described."
Finally, he was able to get his anger under control and sheepishly looked
to her. "Sorry. My behaviour was uncalled for. You're just doing your job
and I'm smacking you about for doing it."
When the privacy shield dropped, Members were just returning if they'd
actually gone anywhere. Most hadn't.
She stayed on the floor, sighed and looked up at Ogden. "Chief
Adjudicator Ogden, the Ministry finds itself in the position it has no
choice... but to drop all charges filed against Lord Sirius Black the Third."
"Whaat?!" he shouted in shock.
Mind you, almost the whole Wizengamot went 'bananas'.
After first walking around it, Harry just sat with his back to the Defence's
table he'd been using to show Bones all the documents, propped his bum
against it, folded his arms, crossed his legs at the ankles and, finally
calmer, smirked at Ogden.
Looking about, his eyes immediately caught those of Madam
Marchbanks. As soon as she saw him looking at her, she let go of her
cane to sit propped between her knees and quietly mimicked clapping
him while grinning back. He couldn't help but sheepishly grin at her in
return.
It took quite a while for the Members to calm down. Bones had to
eventually fire off three Cannonblast charms in rapid succession before
she got them quiet.
With Ogden banging his gavel away as the noise quietened, he was
almost the last to actually be quiet.
Once noise was down to a dull murmur, he demanded, "WHY?"
"Because, if I do not, then Lord Potter is going to present his evidence.
We cannot stop him from doing so, as he is defending his client and must,
by our laws, be given the time to do that.
"If Lord Potter does present that evidence, then that evidence will be a
matter of Record in the Wizengamot records books. If it goes in there
then the DMLE must act on evidence he presents, which proves criminal
activity.
"The evidence I now know he will present will lead to the arrests of close
on..."
She turned to look at him.
"Four hundred and fifty-two, plus all those associated with making
portkeys," he quietly said.
"... Hell! Four hundred and fifty-two people, plus approximately a
thousand more. I know approximately a third of the members currently
sitting here today will be included in that number, plus about half of my
aurors, plus about half of the rest of the Ministry.
"I'll also be forced to close Saint Mungo's hospital and toss out everyone
within - staff and patients alike - and seize the building as evidence of a
criminal act. I will also have to seize the Hogwarts Express and the
Knight Bus. And I will have to permanently close the current public
entrance of this very building.
"I... really... don't want to be put in the position I have to do that.
"If you cannot figure out why I would have to do that, you shouldn't be
sitting in those tiers."
That, again, had Members going silly in their Seats. Bones only let it go
on for about five seconds before she fired yet another Cannonblast charm
off.
"E-nough!" she barked. Then she stared at the young Dicta-quill operator
and said, "Deactivate all your quills. This part will be off the record."
When they all calmed down enough for her to be properly heard over the
noise left, she said, "I'm not telling you this as a threat; or that Lord
Potter is threatening to do this. I'm telling you this is going to happen if
this case is allowed to proceed!
"Lord Potter is required, by our own laws, to provide Lord Black with his
best efforts in defending him. The evidence that Lord Potter has gathered
from public records, both in the wizarding world and muggle, will
accomplish that.
"Therefore, he is now bound by our laws to present his evidence. The
only way we can stop it from happening is if I drop the case.
"However... the case can then only be dropped if Lord Potter and the rest
of the Defence accept the offer to drop. The Defence can refuse it. If that
happens Lord Potter will present his evidence and fifteen hundred plus
witches and wizards will be arrested; and Saint Mungo's, the Hogwarts
Express, the Knight Bus and the little red public telephone box that sits as
the public entrance to the Ministry, will all be seized as evidence of
blatant breaches of the Statute for Misuse of Muggle Artefacts.
"There is no other possible outcome!"
"Oh, Merlin's left quaffle!" moaned Ogden.
"Those were roughly my sentiments, too," she replied.
"This is ridiculous," said Caracticus Nott. "We simply rule those items all
exempt from the law and proceed from there!"
Harry immediately stood up from where he was still perched on the edge
of the desk and stepped forward. "Really?" He asked. "Then what about
the following? Kings Cross Station is a muggle artefact. You, yourself,
have been there. The Ministry created a portal located between the
existing muggle platforms of nine and ten to allow witches and wizards
to pass through to Platform nine and three-quarters. That portal, plus its
Notice-Me-Not charms and the like, mean that the artefact has been
enchanted. That's illegal under the definitions stated in the Statute.
"In the village of Godric's Hollow, Devon, a muggle war memorial
dedicated to the loss of life of muggle soldiers in muggle conflicts, as
recently as only thirteen years ago, under the direction of this very body,
was enchanted to show visiting wizards and witches the sacrifice of their
lives made by my parents in destroying the one most recently called the
Dork Lard, or some such nonsense. Therefore, it is an enchanted muggle
artefact and a breach of the Statute. And you people sat there and voted
for it to happen! That means you lot were all conspirators in breaking the
law. Blatantly!
"The building known as The Leaky Cauldron is another artefact of muggle
construction that has been enchanted, so are many of your homes. All
illegal as per the Statute.
"There are similar items in this very room, right now. Many of you have
them on your persons." He then indicated Bones and said, "For example,
Madam Acting Minister Bones has a monocle. It is of muggle
construction. I believe it would be discovered to have at least self-
cleaning, unbreakable and the like charms on it. That makes it an
enchanted muggle artefact; and, according to the law she just got through
doing her damnedest to shaft Lord Black with, makes it illegal."
"Oh, bugger!" she quietly sighed.
"I find it pretty amusing she is prosecuting a case of breaking the Misuse
of Muggle Artefacts Statute when, all along while doing it, she had on her
face a similar item.
"Madam Marchbanks has been quietly sitting up there and gently tapping
her cane on the floor in amusement. She might have purchased that cane
from a reputable wizarding vendor. However, if she does not know... for
a fact... that the cane was not sourced from a muggle manufacturer, if she
has then placed enchantments upon it she has breached the Statute."
That had the old woman laugh. "He's right, you know. And I have placed
enchantments upon it."
"Shall I go on proving what a bunch of nitwits you're all being; or, will
you shut up, crawl back into the hole from whence you emerged and let
those who have a clue talk this out? There is no 'exempting' that is going
to get you out of this. There is far, far too many items in use throughout
wizarding Britain... right now... that breach the Statute.
"Your only course of action is to suspend it, if not outright strip it from the
books of law. Your excuse to do so is that it has been proven to be both
unworkable and unenforceable in its current state. Then, the Wizengamot
is going to write a completely new one; one that is enforceable and not
such a completely daft, moronic piece of legislation.
"So, do I continue with my case or are you people going to use your
brains, decide for yourself you're in a situation of your own making that
will effectively grind wizarding Britain to an immediate halt if I continue
as I currently have to, decide that only your own undoing of it is going to
get you out of it and strip the Statute away? Or not?
"Decide!
"Once they have... Chief Adjudicator... please announce and call the vote.
If this body does not vote in the affirmative to strip the Statute away, I
stand ready to continue to defend my client - as I am required by law to
do."
After much whining, moaning and angry complaints about it, the
Wizengamot, sitting as they were in judicial review, voted to strip the
Statute from the books. They even asked Harry to provide the words for
the reasoning.
"I've already given it to you," he replied. "It is unworkable and
unenforceable in its current state."
Due to there no longer being a Statute for which Sirius supposedly
illegally broke, the case was then aborted - the Defence 'magnanimously'
allowed it.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
29. A Dragon's Comeuppance
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!
A/N: I decided to be nice and finish with the Wizengamot session in one day,
so you lot get a 'double' today. [Cue screaming in orgasmic joy.]
Chapter Twenty Nine - A Dragon's Comeuppance
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
As soon as the trial of Lord Sirius Black III was lawfully aborted, the
session ended. Harry had informed Madam Bones he believed he would
need an hour to present his evidence in support of clearing his
godfather's name. They did not even use half of that. That meant they
were now early for the actual sitting of the General Meeting of the
Wizengamot. It was barely past 9.30am and the session was not due to
start until 10.00am.
Because the Longbottoms were sitting under glamours in the visitors'
gallery, Harry had wanted to join them and Hermione there. However, he
was blocked from doing so by quite a few of the Members who wanted to
either berate or congratulate him on his case. Sirius was able to fend
most of those off for him.
He was also very thankful Bones wasn't that annoyed with him using 'her'
case to give the Wizengamot a smack-down he felt it richly deserved. He
thought it had to do with him engineering getting the Longbottoms
healed, but was happy to accept it.
Then there was the barely aborted meeting with Augusta Longbottom on
the main floor. The aurors had to heatedly threaten her with arresting her
and taking her from the chamber in magic-restricting manacles if she
continued to try to get to Harry, before she finally backed off. By then, he
had over half a dozen of them acting as a shield between he and her.
Even Sirius stepped between them.
After everything calmed down - with Longbottom storming off to,
apparently, give Bones another serve - he finally managed to get about
ten to twelve minutes of sitting with Hermione, Frank and Alice before
the start of the session.
However, even that was delayed when the reporters sitting in the gallery
hurried to the top of the stairs and then tried to use the opportunity to
interrogate him before he even set foot on the bottom step. Again, the
aurors had to step in and ultimately threaten them with being tossed
from the chamber before they stopped. And again, Sirius stepped up first
to block them. Which cut his time down to about three minutes.
That would have been just enough time for him to be congratulated and
earn a kiss on the cheek from Hermione before they had to settle down
for the start of the session. However, at that moment Neville came
running into the chamber. He was out of breath.
Harry had to stop and greet him at the foot of stairs leading up into the
Visitors' Gallery to give the boy's parents a chance to compose themselves
on seeing their son, without letting the cat out of the bag.
"Nev!" said a happy Harry. "What kept you?"
Still trying to get his breath back, Neville frowned and replied, "Gran
locked me in my room using a charm I didn't know how to break. It took
me ages to figure out a way past it."
"If you couldn't break it, then how did you get past it?" asked Harry.
Neville gave a wide grin and replied, "I did what you told me to do,
Harry. I thought, 'If I can't get out through the door, how else can I get
out?'
"I tried to get Fluxy, our indoors house elf, to pop me out, but she
wouldn't. Gran had already taken my emergency evacuation portkey
away from me, so that was out too. Then I saw the window. I tried it and
it opened."
"That would have been a bit of a jump," he said.
Neville grinned even more and said, "Nope. I took the bedding off my
bed, tied the ends of each together at the corners to make a bit of a rope,
tied one end to my bed, and used that to shimmy down the side of the
Hall.
'You forgot you could cast a cushioning charm on the ground and just
jump,' thought Harry. But, he held his tongue. His friend and god-brother
had solved the problem, so that was all that mattered.
"I'm just kicking myself it took me the better part of an hour to figure it
out and accomplish it," continued Neville. "I only managed to get out
about ten minutes ago.
"I then ran inside, used the Hall fireplace to floo to the atrium here and
practically ran from there to here."
"You made it," grinned Harry. "And well done for thinking 'outside the
box' and coming at the problem from a different direction!"
Now getting his breathing back under control, Neville asked, "Where is
everyone?"
"Well, the Members are in the area behind the Seats and getting ready to
walk back in; that includes your grandmother." He then pointed up the
stairs and said, "And Hermione and Sirius are sitting up there with a
couple of people we've just met."
"How'd the case go?" he asked.
"I'll let Hermione explain that to you," grinned Harry. "You know she'll
want to, anyway."
Neville chuckled and said, "Yeah, she will."
Moments later, even as Neville was climbing the stairs into the visitors'
gallery, the Members filed back in.
No sooner had they done so, still talking animatedly about the case that
'went wonky' and Harry's part in it, when the Herald announced the call
for the members to assemble.
As the clock struck the hour Bones, sitting as Acting Madam Minister and
Chief Warlock pro Tempore, banged her gavel and called the meeting to
order.
"New business," she declared. "First on the docket is the induction of a
New member, Lord Harrison James Potter of the Noble and Most Ancient
House of Potter."
Harry was already striding up the floor to take his place before the
defendant's chair directly in front of her.
Meanwhile, Frank was almost having to sit on his wife to stop her
jumping up and hugging their son as he walked past them to go and sit
on the other side of Hermione.
They'd just spent the last approximately two minutes watching their son
and Harry interact. And Frank had already figured out the young Lord
had done so to give him and Alice a chance to again compose themselves
after having first spotted him.
Even Hermione was leaning into them and quietly whispering, "You need
to wait only another few minutes! That's all it's going to take. Just... be patient
for a little while longer."
Sirius had moved to sit behind them and was also offering his
encouragement and urgings not to act just yet.
However, it was enough... barely.
Bones gave a sigh, knowing what was about to be unleashed, and said,
"Lord Potter was declared of-age by law and by magic on the thirty-first
of October, 1994. As he is therefore the rightful holder of the Potter Seat
on this body, he is here to claim what is his by right."
With a slight wince, she called, "Is there anyone here who wishes to
speak against Lord Potter taking his rightful Seat?"
Normally, this was simple tradition. Even those of the Dark families -
known to have served Voldemort or, before him, Grindelwald - were not
denied their Seats unless they were currently facing criminal charges or
were incarcerated.
Of course, as expected, the Longbottom regent stood. "I object!" she
firmly declared.
Though almost all of them now knew of the hate and ire she had as
recently as fifteen minutes earlier directed to the boy, they still did not
think she would do this. It was just 'not on'; not the 'done thing'.
"Your objection is noted, Regent Longbottom. Do you wish to speak in
support of your objection?"
"You know damned well I do!" she snapped. "The House of Longbottom
hereby formally objects to the Potter boy being allowed to take Seat. He
has kidnapped my son and refuses to return him. Furthermore―"
"Regent Longbottom," snapped Bones. "As has been clearly explained to
you, I investigated the matter as Director of the DMLE and found your
claim invalid! You will not cast such aspersions on Lord Potter, again!"
"I don't care about what legal loopholes he managed to come up with to
escape justice! He did it! He has my son... and his wife... and I want him
back!
"Your claim is invalid! Move on!"
Longbottom, again quivering with rage, snarled, "Very well. As Head of
the Noble and Most Ancient House of Longbottom I, Augusta Reeves
Longbottom, hereby revoke the Potter-Longbottom Alliance Charter for
actions..."
In the gallery, Frank quietly snarled and said, "That's it!"
He leaned over his wife to Hermione and firmly said to the girl, "As soon
as we're on the floor and moving forward, tell him." And gave a chin
point at Neville.
Without waiting for a response he, still holding Alice's hands to stop her
reaching out for Neville, rose and descended the stairs, leading Alice with
him.
"Regent Longbottom!" Bones barked back. "As regent of a House that is part
of that alliance, I can tell you... flat out... as regent you do not have the
authority to revoke the Charter! Stop this nonsense, immediately!"
As Frank and Alice strode forward from the stairs, across the floor and
towards Harry, Hermione turned to Neville. The poor boy was sitting
there, focussed on what was happening with and to his grandmother.
"Neville!" she quietly but firmly said, trying to get his attention. "Neville!"
Neville spun to look at her in shock.
"Harry has a message for you," she immediately said. "Merry Christmas!"
And grinned.
Sirius began moving to sit behind him to aid Hermione if the boy looked
like trying to get to his parents before it was time to do so.
Utterly confused and wanting to watch his grandmother, but too polite
not to pay attention to her. He asked, "What?"
"Very well," snarled Augusta. "In that case I, Augusta Reeves Longbottom,
hereby declare blood feud on the House of―"
"That's enough!" Frank barked out. That someone would dare do such a
thing was a surprise enough; but, Frank backed it up with a Sonorus
charm. His voice was a bellow that filled the chamber, shutting everyone
up.
Even Harry turned to see. Then had to smother his grin before he turned
back. He looked to Marchbanks and, the cheeky boy he could be, winked
to her.
She stared at him in shock. Then glanced at the two adults striding
forward, before turning a look of shrewdness on him. He impudently
waggled his eyebrows back.
Bones never said a word. Instead, she gave a sigh of relief and ordered,
"Aurors. Do not interfere! I command it."
Those aurors beginning to move forward to intercept the couple
immediately halted in their tracks, confused. Then started to move back
to their places. An order was an order, when legally given.
"Neville!" said Hermione. Dragging Neville's attention back to her.
"Hermione," he almost whined. "What? This is important!"
"So is this!" she declared. "For what is about to happen, you must remain
right here! You're going to want to run forward, but you must not until you
are called. Do you understand?"
"What?" he asked.
Augusta Longbottom, due to her rage, was one of the very first to recover
her surprise. "I don't know who the hell you think you are, but you're
interfering in the lawful practices of a Noble and Most Ancient House."
"Do you understand what I just told you?" pressed Hermione. "Do not go
forward until you're called!"
"Yes, Hermione," Neville firmly returned with a scowl. "I understand.
Now let me pay attention." And turned back.
Hermione grabbed him by his nearest hand, his wand hand, and held it.
Relieved she'd got the message through to the boy in time, she
whispered, "You're going to love this. Trust me."
Sirius was now sitting behind Neville; also ready to grab him, if
necessary.
As Frank came up to stand beside Harry, he sneered back at his mother.
"Who am I?" he sneered. "That is a very good question."
As Augusta was about to snap something back, both Frank and Alice
tapped themselves with their wands, dropping their glamours.
Augusta took one look at them both, her eyes widened in shock and even
her jaw dropped open.
Firmly and clearly he said, "I... am Lord Franklin Harfang Longbottom,
Lord of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Longbottom, your son and
Lord of your House!"
Alice chimed in, right on cue, "And, I am Lady Alice Elizabeth
Longbottom née Malone, Lady of the Noble and Most Ancient House of
Longbottom and of the Elder House of Malone, your daughter-in-bond
and Lady of your House. The person you seem to continually forget
about, or simply refer to as 'his wife'."
Hermione made sure she had a firm hold on Neville so he wouldn't jump
up and run before she said, "From me too, Neville... Merry Christmas.
Harry cured them!" She didn't even need to whisper; as there was no need.
Bedlam, pandemonium, uproar, ruckus or just plain confusion; they were
all words that could be used to describe the scene in the chamber at that
moment. The reporters in the gallery had used those words to describe
what the young Potter Lord had caused earlier during the trial. Those
would now have to be rethought; because, what was going on before
them now, put even that to shame.
It was some time before there was anywhere near peace in those tiers. A
couple of witches and even a wizard had fainted and no one noticed.
As Harry stood there, side-by-side with the Longbottoms, Frank called,
"Patronuses on three. One... two... three."
And three fully corporeal Patronuses leapt from three wands and surged
towards the tiers. As all three gambolled and played above the heads of
the Members, the Members nearly all settled down very quickly. The
positive emanations coming from the Patronuses robbed them all of their
fear, anger and even desire just to want to shout at someone. Harry's was
still a stag, but he was surprised to see Frank's was a cheetah, while
Alice's was a mongoose. Frank and Alice had learned of Harry being able
to cast a fully corporeal patronus from the letters he'd sent into the time
dilation chamber.
As the Members settled down, the three cancelled their Patronuses
"That," said Frank in a firm and authorative voice, "Will be enough of
that."
"Sir," said Bones. "As it is believed both Lord Franklin and Lady Alice
Longbottom have been rendered permanently incapacitated from the
effects of long-term exposure to the Cruciatus curse, perhaps you could
present evidence you are who you say you are."
Harry expected Augusta Longbottom to arc up and deny, deny, deny; but,
she was almost fainting in the Longbottom Seat. She was white as a sheet
and, instead of quivering with rage, was shaking in shock.
"You are aware, are you not, that a house elf bonded to a specific House
knows all of the members of that House?" he asked.
"Yes, I'm... Ah!" she said. "Of course. That would do it."
Turning to Augusta she firmly said, "Regent Longbottom. Call one of your
house elves!"
"No," she quietly said. "No." She was starting to firmly get control of
herself. "No, no, NO!"
"Regent Longbottom," snapped Bones. "We need proof. Summon one of
your house elves, or I shall do it for you!"
Augusta straightened herself up and glared back at Harry, Frank and
Alice. "I do not believe this. I do not accept this! It is nothing but a... a...
trick!"
'There she is,' thought Harry. 'Back again.'
"Very well," said Bones. "If you won't do it, then I will!"
"No!" Augusta suddenly barked. "I'll do it so this... man and woman can
be immediately arrested, together with their co-conspirator, the Potter
boy, and be taken from here in manacles! Fluxy!"
A little house elf suddenly appeared next to her and asked, "Yes, Mistress
'Gusta?"
Augusta pointed at Frank and Alice and demanded, "Who is that, really?"
The elf spun about and stared in initial shock at Frank and Alice. Then it
squealed, "Master Frank! Mistress Ali! You be awake!"
With a white flash it disappeared from beside Augusta and suddenly
appeared between and in front of Frank and Alice. As soon as it did it
snapped its fingers. Then squealed again, "Master Frank! Mistress Ali!"
With a triple flash, three more elves suddenly popped in. And then all
four were dancing about in joy calling, "Master Frank and Mistress Ali be
awake!"
Bones smirked at Augusta and asked, "Well, Regent Longbottom? Do you
need any more proof? Those are all your house elves, are they not?"
Augusta just sat there staring in tears at her son and daughter-in-bond.
"Frank?" she quietly asked.
Frank scowled at her for a moment before he turned to look at the house
elves. "Fluxy?"
The elf instantly stopped with the other three stopping only a half
moment later. "Yes, Master Frank?"
Frank held up his right hand and said, "I seem to be missing my Lord's
ring for the House of Longbottom. Do you know where it is?"
"Yes, Master Frank!" And it popped away.
A long moment later and it was back, offering the ring up on a small
cushion.
Frank plucked it off the cushion and re-donned it. As soon as it settled
everyone saw the tell-tale flash signalling the bonding of a ring with its
rightful wearer.
"Thank you, Fluxy," he said. "You and the others may go."
"Thank you, Master Frank," all four chirped before popping away.
Frank gave a firm nod at the spot where they'd stood before walking
through it and approaching Bones. "Acting Madam Minister Bones, I take
it you can verify a Head of House ring?"
"Of course, I can," she replied.
As Frank held his hand out to her, she raised her wand and cast a charm
on the ring.
It immediately glowed green.
Giving a nod she declared, "I verify the ring on this man's hand as being
the Lord's ring for the Noble and Most Ancient House of Longbottom. As
such I, Acting Madam Minister and Chief Witch pro Tempore Madam
Director Amelia Bones, recognise him as truly Lord Franklin Harfang
Longbottom, Lord of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Longbottom."
Among all the susurration that arose on that declaration, Harry heard one
wizard emotionally state, "Sweeeet Merlin!"
"Now that's done," said Alice, "We have something we consider the most
important event of all to do." She spun on her foot and stared back at the
visitors' gallery, right at Neville.
"Neville, dear," she softly said. Her voice carried clear.
That was it for Neville. He hadn't even realised Hermione had even
released his hand.
He surged up from his seat and leapt over the banister rail before him,
landing in a soft crouch on the main floor. Then he ran forward. There
was something wrong with his eyes because everything was a bit blurry,
but he didn't care.
Sirius quietly chuckled, "Wow! Look at him go!"
Just before crashing into his mother Neville skidded to a stop before her.
He was still thinking her very frail. And he was somewhat heftier than
her.
"Mother?" he tentatively asked.
She smiled, took the step forward to meet him and wrapped him in a
hug. Her head only came up to his collarbone, so she had to turn her
head to the side. His head rested on its side on hers. As tears flowed from
both, a few moments later they were joined by Frank wrapping them
both in a hug, together; his own tears were also beginning to flow.
Bones gave them quite some time. She, along with all the light families,
most of the grey and even a couple of the dark, had tears in their own
eyes. This was a reunion that was thirteen years in the making.
Harry stood back with a look of supreme satisfaction on his face. He was
very happy for his friend, but also a bit bitter-sweet.
Not able to look upon the scene any more, he turned to look up into the
tiers. Rosier was again sitting and shaking in shock, just staring at the
three in both confusion and fear.
Casting his eyes across and up one, he looked to Marchbanks. She, while
continually glancing at the Longbottoms, was staring at him in surprise
and awe. He smirked and cocked an eyebrow at her. She smiled and
nodded back.
Frank eventually gave a sniffle and stood back. While looking away he
wiped his eyes with the cuff of his robe. Then steeled himself.
Almost suddenly, he spun about. Red rimmed eyes or not, here stood a
Lord; One of the Seven... power personified... and he was angry.
He turned to look at Augusta and, with a very obvious sneer on the first
word, said, "Regent Augusta Reeves Longbottom née Rosier, you...
unlawfully... attempted to end the Potter-Longbottom Alliance. Then,
when that disgusting act failed, you were about to declare a blood feud, of
all things, on an allied House; on a man I now personally hail as the
personal hero of both myself and my Lady. You were about to end
centuries of Longbottom tradition and honour.
"Lord Harrison Potter, Lord of the Noble and Most Ancient House of
Potter and Heir Tertiary of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black,
acted with integrity, honour and the full justification of the alliance of
which we lead. I know you were made aware of that. And, yet, you still
behaved appallingly and dishonourably. You, woman, had no right to
interfere with that!
"Lord Potter was owed a boon by the Goblin Nation―"
That had a ripple of quiet gasps from the Members, at least.
"Bugger!" Harry quietly sighed. "You weren't supposed to know about
that."
After Frank gave a glancing amused smirk at Harry, he quickly turned his
glare back upon his mother. "Lord Potter called that boon due. He called
upon the Goblin Nation to loan him their time dilation chamber for the
period of three days normal time. Lord Potter expended that very
valuable boon to aid another House; a House which is supposedly your
House.
"Alice and I were taken into that chamber direct from Saint Mungo's.
While three days passed out here, thirty-six days passed within. And, as
you can see, we were healed. Alice and I, besides minor ravages of our
time while near-comatose in Saint Mungo's... where we received
absolutely no healing treatment on your orders since about eighteen months
of our first entering there... are now fitter and healthier than we have
ever been.
"The one condition the goblins placed on Lord Potter was that he not tell
anyone but a very small select few who were involved in our removal
from Saint Mungo's, where we were taken or what was happening to us.
Lord Potter honoured that requirement. Something, it appears, you need
lessons in.
"So, it now falls to me to fix your foolishness and dishonourable acts,
supposedly on behalf of the House of Longbottom, against an allied
House.
"You, Augusta Reeves Longbottom, are hereby stripped of your claimed
duties of Regent of the House of Longbottom. You are to leave this place
immediately and return directly to Longbottom Hall. There, you are to
directly retire to your rooms and remain there until I return and call for
you.
"At that time you will be required to answer questions both I and Lady
Alice Longbottom will be putting to you. That will be the person you
have either consistently ignored the existence of, or simply referred to as
'his wife'. Alice is the Lady of your House; something you are no longer. If
we are not satisfied with your responses... be prepared to be Disowned!"
That drew quite a few more gasps.
"Now; GET OUT!" he snarled at her.
Augusta Reeves Longbottom née Rosier, once-Regent of the House of
Longbottom and once unofficially counted in the ranks of the Seven,
silently rose from the Longbottom Seat in tears, quickly made her way
down to the floor and - with barely a pause - hurried from the chamber.
It wasn't until there was a quiet but heartfelt vehement mutter of "Shit!"
from an unknown Member, before Frank turned back.
"Acting Madam Minister and Chief Witch pro Tempore Madam Bones," he
called. "With my apologies, the Noble and Most Ancient House of
Longbottom hereby and unequivocably withdraws its objection to Lord
Harrison James Potter ascending to his rightful place upon the
Wizengamot."
Bones gave a simple slow nod back and quietly said, "Accepted. Are there
any other objections?"
No; of course there weren't. No one would dare.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After Harry had taken his Seat, Frank then took his.
Alice, with Neville practically affixed to her side as if with a Sticking
charm, took them both back to sit with Hermione.
Bones then stated there would be an immediate call for votes for Chief
Warlock. Until that day, most thought Augusta Longbottom a probable
shoo-in for the slot, even as Regent. However, the honour went to Lord
Miles Ogden.
Walking back up into the tiers, Neville almost yanked Hermione out of
her seat and laid a massive hug on the girl. "Thank you!" he practically
sobbed into her hair.
"Neville!" Alice quietly and amusedly scolded him.
Muffled by the boy's shoulder Hermione said, "It's okay, Lady Alice. This
one's easy to forgive."
Once Neville stepped back and wiped his eyes dry again, he sat between
his mother and Hermione.
When two reporters tried to surreptitiously slide over to ask questions,
Neville snapped to his feet, spun on the pair of them, drew his wand and
actually growled at them. He even had the curled lip quiver, flashing a
hint of teeth on the side, right.
That had both quickly scurry away again. One row back, Sirius blinked
once in surprise and then quietly snickered.
As Hermione lightly chuckled, Alice was looking up at Neville with
surprise and love.
A long glare later in warning towards the now quite distant reporters, he
carefully spun back and sat down again with a huff.
With a smile Hermione quietly said, "There's that heart of a lion Harry
keeps telling you beats in your chest."
Neville gave a little blush at the praise, but kept silent. He was too busy
holding his mother's hand, just as he'd do for almost an hour in Saint
Mungo's every chance he got. This time, though, that hand he held was a
lot more lively and a lot less frail.
After Ogden moved to take the Chief Warlock's Seat and Bones moved
back to the Seat for the DMLE, he then called for nominations for the
position of Minister. Elections would be held and the decision voted upon
at the February meeting in nine weeks. There was no January meeting.
Almost the first to do so, but definitely the first to be recognised, Madam
Marchbanks stood and declared, "The House of Marchbanks nominates
Lord Harrison James Potter of the House of Potter to the Seat of
Minister."
While Harry turned and stared at her in gobsmacked shock, to which she
smirked back, another blurted, "Are you out of your freakin' mind?"
Even Harry gave an amused snort at that.
After a couple of gavel bangs, Ogden called, "Lord Potter; do you accept
the nomination?"
Giving his head a quick shake to get rid of the shock, Harry stood,
thought about what he wanted to say and said, "While I would not state
my question in the same manner as a fellow Member stated a moment
ago..."
That earned him a few chuckles.
"... I believe I would... respectfully echo his sentiments."
A few more chuckles.
"As such, I must humbly... decline the nomination at this time. However, I
also thank the House of Marchbanks for the honour and respect it has
bestowed on me and the House of Potter with the nomination." And sat
again.
As he sat, he looked back at Marchbanks with an eyebrow cocked, slight
smirk on his lips and a slow head shake.
She, smirking back, mimicked doffing a hat to him.
There were about five nominations where the member so nominated rose
and accepted. One of them was Caracticus Nott. Harry was unsure about
the leanings of the other four. At the moment, he didn't care.
After that, the session broke with best wishes for the Yule season and
reminders the next General Meeting would be in February on the third
Tuesday. That made it the sixteenth of the month.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
As the Wizengamot began to disassemble, Bones immediately 'corralled'
Harry, Frank and Andi - freeing them from the near mob of Members,
who all tried to converge on Frank and even Harry, at the same time.
And sent her aurors to collect Hermione, Sirius, Alice and Neville to take
all seven back to her office.
Once in the safety of her DMLE office, she gave her own sigh of relief
before she went to a hidden cabinet and pulled out a bottle of muggle
scotch and a fistful of shot glasses.
Taking them to her desk she put them on the top and quickly conjured a
series of chairs. This time there were seven in total on the other side of
the desk.
"Bloody Hell!" she vehemently stated before she began to pour glasses.
Before she got to do more than that, Neville called, "Harry?"
Harry, surprised, turned to the boy. "Nev?" he asked.
Neville physically grabbed him and laid a massive hug on him even
stronger than Hermione's best. "Thank you!" he quietly stated.
Harry found himself unable to draw breath and gasped. "Nev? Air!
Breathe!"
Neville finally released him as Bones finished pouring shot glasses.
Still quietly, he said, "Harry... whatever you need or even want... it's
yours."
Bones called, "Tinker!"
With a light pop a house elf appeared. "Yes, Mistress Ami?" it asked
"Three butterbeers, please," she asked it.
Harry said to his friend, "It's what friends do for one another, Neville.
But, I'm sorry about your grandmother."
A few moments later three small bottles all appeared on the desk. Bones
first handed out the shot glasses of scotch to the other three adults and
handed the three butterbeers to the three teens.
"No, Harry," Neville disagreed, accepting his. "This goes, as I once heard
Seamus say, 'above and beyond'."
Then also added, "But, you still scared the life out of me for three days."
"Sorry," said Harry, as both boys took their seats. "I couldn't afford your
grandmother stepping in and stopping me acting. And the goblins
demanded of me I not tell where your parents were for the duration."
"But, you still placed yourself at risk of my Gran getting hold of you
before today, by hinting to me you had them."
"It saved you from worrying too much," shrugged Harry. "It was worth
the slight risk."
When the two teens quietened, Bones asked Harry. "So, Lord Potter,
what's your next trick to be?"
"Finding worthwhile Christmas presents for everyone!" he declared. "I'd
completely forgotten, until today, just how close Christmas is. Ten days!
"My mind's been busy with other matters. Now I have to think of what to
buy folks. That's going to be hard."
Sirius snorted and said, "You've had almost the entire senior faculty of
Hogwarts arrested and fired; one of them sent to Azkaban for life. You
have the Minister and his Senior Undersecretary arrested and both sent to
Azkaban for sentences in excess of five years. You argue a case before the
Wizengamot so effectively you forced them to strip an entire Statute from
the books. And engineer the healing and recovery of One of the Seven
and his Lady, in secret. A healing feat, I might add, that the best at Saint
Mungo's couldn't figure out. And now you go and say buying gifts for
Christmas is hard?"
Harry shrugged and said, "Everything you mentioned was simply a case
of applying logic to the problem. Christmas gifts have to come from the
heart. That's something entirely different.
"Besides... beside my first, I suppose... the first time I ever received a
Christmas present I remember about that wasn't one meant to insult me,
was my First Year at Hogwarts. Even then, because I was stuck in the
castle every Christmas, I couldn't go out and buy presents for anyone. I
couldn't do that until last year. And I was restricted there to what was
available for purchase in Hogsmeade.
"This is the first time I'm going to remember ever having a proper
Christmas. And I want to make it the most special ever. That includes
buying just the right gift for everyone."
"Oh, Gods!" squeaked Hermione.
She then practically levitated off her own chair and into his lap, before
then trying to kiss him senseless. No one tried to stop her. If anything,
they were deliberately looking away.
Once she pulled away a little, she vehemently stated, "This Christmas will
be the best for you, Harry. I'll make sure it is."
Sirius gave a little cough and said, "Count me in with that."
Even though she was happy to have given 'her' Harry a big kiss and
cuddle, Hermione was in no hurry to hop off his lap. Besides, Harry had
curled his arms around her and was holding her by her offside hip and
across her thighs. She liked it. She felt safe.
Neville quietly said, "It's about time, you two. Everyone else in Gryffindor
- probably in the entire castle - knew you two were going to get together.
I think you two, Ron and Ginny are the only ones who didn't think you
would.
Harry frowned and asked, "Ron and Ginny?"
Neville nodded and replied, "Ginny's had her eye on you since before she
even arrived at the school. And I'm pretty sure Ron was trying to build up
the courage to ask Hermione out."
"Ginny's a fangirl," said Harry. "You know how I feel about that."
"And, me and Ron?" asked Hermione. "Probably the laziest boy in school,
with me, someone who believes in striving and working hard? That
wasn't ever going to happen."
"I know," said Neville. "But, they seem to think it would."
Turning to Bones, Frank said, "Now that the kids have caught up. Madam
Bones, tomorrow or the next day, depending on getting things sorted at
home, I'll be bringing Neville in to be interviewed. He'll be talking about
two experiences, at least, he had as a small child that I know of. They
relate to one Algernon Rosier, I believe, attempting to murder him."
Neville looked at his father in shock. "You know about that?" he asked.
"Yes," said his father. "And it's time that man faced justice for what he
did."
"I take it this has to do with one time when Rosier tossed him off a pier
into the sea and he almost drowned?" she asked. "And a second, where he
dropped him out a window of Longbottom Hall?"
"You know about it, too?" asked Neville, now completely shocked by
what he was hearing.
"I do, young man," she replied. "But, what I have is only hearsay. I want
that interview with you about it to progress this to a full investigation.
And then I'll be interviewing your grandmother as to why she never
reported either event."
Neville seemed to shrink in on himself and quietly said, "I don't want
Uncle Algie to get into trouble."
"It's not your call, dear," said his mother. The two were sitting in chairs
and almost hard up against each other. He sat between his parents.
Alice reached around and massaged his back. "It is for the adults and the
Wizengamot to decide if there is to be any punishment or not. This is not
something you need to worry about."
"Neville," Frank softly said. "As your grandmother and guardian it was
her duty and responsibility to be your protector. It was her responsibility
to have raised this with the DMLE as soon as the first one happened. If
she had, the second wouldn't have.
"However, now that your mother and I are... back. We are now your
rightful guardians. And, while your grandmother didn't act when she
should have, we will. We're back and we can protect you. Your friend,
Lord Potter, has ensured we can be there for you."
Neville sadly nodded, but he'd... uncurled... as his father spoke. "Yes,
Dad." Then he gave a smile and looked to his father. "It's nice to say
that... 'Yes, Dad'."
Both Longbottom parents beamed back.
It was when Harry's stomach growled yet again, that Andi said, "Time for
you to go and get something to eat, Lord Potter. And don't go trying to
tell me you're not hungry, because I know you must be famished!"
When Harry turned begging eyes on her, she just scowled even more and
said, "And don't go trying the 'whipped puppy' look. Your godfather tried
that on me and it didn't work for him, either."
Sirius chuckled and said, "I did, too."
Harry sighed and said, "Well, I guess I better go and track down the
trained attack dogs Madam Bones has saddled me and the Grangers
with―"
"I'll summon them," Bones immediately cut in.
Harry sighed and nodded.
Ten minutes later and, though expecting to have to go out by way of the
atrium, Madam Bones allowed them to use her floo to the Leaky
Cauldron. They then portkeyed from there.
This time it was only Hermione and Harry heading back to the Grangers;
with, of course, three aurors.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After getting 'home' and changing into muggle, the two teens met back in
the dinette. Dobby had already begun to build a lunch for them all before
they even had a chance to change.
"Yous didn't eats you's meal at morning tea, Master Harry, " Dobby
scolded him. "Dobby now be makings Master Harry a big lunch!"
Harry gave a sigh and shrug before walking out of the kitchen and to the
dinette. Hermione had only just beaten him in there.
Once the two sat, she said, "I wonder how Frank and Alice are going to
deal with Regent... I mean... Frank's mum."
"It is not our business, Hermione," he replied. "Because it is an internal
matter of another House, especially one that is a Noble and Most Ancient
House, we don't even get to hint at asking about it."
"But, you've been doing that a lot, such as organising Frank and Alice's
treatment, since soon after you got here," she said, a little confused.
"That's because Lord Franklin Longbottom wasn't available to handle
matters himself," he replied. "Now that he is back and capable of
handling House business himself, I have to step completely away from it.
And, because I do, so do you.
"If Frank... not Alice... wants me to become involved again, he will
specifically ask me to. Not even Alice can ask me to become involved,
unless Frank loses his mental faculties or something similar again; and
she becomes Regent.
"It's an internal House matter. So, it will be handled internally."
Hermione nodded and asked, "Do you think he will disown her, as he
threatened? I mean, that's a pretty big thing."
"Possible," he shrugged. "We'll find out pretty soon, if he does. That's the
sort of thing that gets announced in the Prophet. Besides, he'll have to
notify me, as an allied House, due to the Charter that she'll no longer be
part of the alliance. House Rosier is not a member House."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Frank and Alice, not trusting apparating yet and unsure of the state of the
wards at the Hall, were given a portkey by Bones to their front gate.
As with Harry and Hermione and their escort, they flooed from Bones's
office to the Leaky Cauldron and immediately activated the portkey from
there. It took them to right outside the main gate of the property.
Only one person in the Leaky even recognised them. And that person was
stunned silent until after they'd already portkeyed away. Even after
they'd gone, that witch thought she had to have been hallucinating, or
something.
On the walk up from the gate to the Hall, Neville was quite jittery.
Alice hung back with him a bit and said, "Neville, relax. There is nothing
you can do, but allow what happens to happen. Your grandmother has a
lot to answer for regarding how you were raised, how you were treated,
what she has done with the affairs of the House and quite a bit more.
This is only to do with you, peripherally. Understand?"
"Errr... yeah, Mum," he replied. "I think so."
"What I mean is, you did not cause any of this," she explained. "This is all
on your grandmother, by her own actions."
Neville thought it through, saw where his mother was coming from and
gave a firm nod back. He didn't notice that he also shifted in his posture,
standing up straighter and walked with a stronger gait.
His mother did, though. 'Harry started this change,' she thought. 'It's up
to Frank and I to keep it going until it's there, permanently.'
When Frank walked in he felt the full wards with his senses. He frowned
and then made his way directly into the basement and to the key ward-
stone. That was the stone that was both the anchor of the wards and to
which the other ward-stones that surrounded the perimeter of the
property were linked.
Alice already knew where he was heading, so led Neville into the
parlour.
After directing him to a seat she sat close, but almost facing him. "So,
sweetie; tell me what you normally get up to around here. I've been told
you're somewhat of a prodigy in Herbology and like to work in the
greenhouses."
Neville coloured up and said, "Harry's got a big mouth."
She chuckled and said, "While we were under time dilation and
recovering, he knew we would be going a little crazy not knowing what
was going on outside. So, he sent us regular letters. For us, those arrived
about just over one a week to ten days. For Harry, that meant he was
sending them mornings and evenings.
"And, honey, they weren't short letters; not by a long cast. Think of an
assignment you'd have to do this year, fourth year; double it and you'd
get pretty close.
"He didn't write to us and say 'This is who Neville is'. He wrote and said,
'This is my impressions of Neville after having lived with him in the
Gryffindor boys' dorm for three plus years'. In other words, he gave us his
impressions of you and what he thought you were like. He did not try to
speak for you.
"What I'd like to hear is about you, from you. And so would your father.
He should be finished with the wards―"
There was a strong thrum feeling that pulsed from the centre of the house
and rapidly flowed out and away.
Neville gave a little jump of surprise. "What was that?"
"That was your father making a major adjustment to the wards, dear," his
mother replied.
A few moments later there was the sound of rapid footsteps on the stairs
from the upper floor. And Neville caught, out of the corner of his eye, his
grandmother rounding the bottom of the stairs and running as quick as
she could for the stairs down to the basement.
She'd barely got the door open and ducked inside before he heard his
father bellow. "Get back to your room, woman! NOW!"
"But, Frannnkk!" his grandmother almost wailed.
"NOW!" bellowed his father, even louder.
He heard the door flung open again and heard his grandmother hurrying
past going back the other way and then saw her hurry up the stairs. She
sounded as if she was crying.
"Gran sounds upset," he quietly and sadly said.
"She's going to get a lot more upset before this day is through," his mother
firmly stated. "But, that is not for you to worry about."
When Frank walked in, scowling, he looked to Alice and asked, "She gone
back upstairs?"
"Yes, dear," she calmly replied.
"Good," he almost snapped. "She dared to question me about what I
thought I was doing with the wards."
"Gran likes to keep firm control of the wards," said Neville. "She
sometimes does little adjustments to them, too."
"Not any more, she won't be. I've locked her out," said Frank. Looking at
Alice he said, "I was right in that you and I had been removed from the
resident's list of those who can directly access by floo, apparation or
portkey. We may have been in a coma-like state, but that gave her no
right to do that.
"I've also removed Algernon and Enid Rosier from the resident's list. They
don't even live here and she had them on the list.
"That's yet another two subjects we'll be raising with her."
Alice gave a nod and called, "Fluxy!"
"Yes, Misstress Ali? What can Fluxy be doings for you?" asked the elf.
"Can you get me my lap table from wherever it is now; and some
parchment, ink and quill?" she asked.
"Yes, Misstress Ali," replied the elf with a little bob-curtsey.
It flashed away and was back a moment later. She was holding the items
out for Alice.
Accepting them, Alice said, "Thank you, Fluxy."
The elf gave another little bob-curtsey and popped away.
She set herself up on her chair with the lap table on her lap; ink bottle in
a little 'cup' holder for it and parchment with quill on top. Frank sat
down on another chair, also facing Neville.
Frank then pulled out from within his robes a good sized stack of
parchment, already covered in writing. Neville could also see there were
what looked like quite a few clippings from what he thought must have
been the Daily Prophet mixed in with that. And he could see it was once
all folded in half, lengthwise.
"Alright, Neville," said his father, relaxing into his chair. "We've been
given quite a bit of information about what's been going on, about you,
about the school, about a lot of things.
"What I need is clarification of a lot of points. And, yes, a lot of that will
be about you. But, I'm asking those questions of you because you're the
best person to answer them.
"I'll also be asking a lot of questions of your grandmother about her and a
lot of other things. And be asking questions of people such as Lords
Potter and Black, Madam Bones, Professor Sprout, Headmistress
Marchbanks, etcetera.
"Your mother and I have a lot of things we need to catch up on, or with.
And the best way to do that is to ask the people themselves. Understand?"
"Yes, Dad," he replied.
Frank smiled back. "As good as it is for you to be able to say that; I think
it's even better for me to hear it."
Neville smiled back.
As his father asked questions, his mother was writing things down. Then,
when it looked like his mother's hand was starting to hurt, his parents
switched. Then switched back when his father's hand looked like it was
starting to hurt.
While both asked questions, they also talked a fair bit between them. One
question did not immediately follow the previous. That way, to Neville, it
did not feel like an interrogation. However, the real reason for the breaks
to talk was because the writer wasn't finishing writing down what was
being spoken.
When they'd finished, Neville was surprised to notice it was the middle to
the late part of the afternoon. They'd been at it for hours, except for a
short break while they ate sandwiches for lunch. During that time, they
asked Neville to tell them stories about his time at Hogwarts.
After a shared afternoon tea, both his parents almost demanded he take
them out to the greenhouses and show them what he'd been doing.
That was something he'd been most eager to do since he first accepted
they really were awake and conscious again. That was while they were in
Madam Bones's office. Before that, he thought he was experiencing a sort
of surreal dream while being awake.
When he'd shown them what he was doing and had 'discovered' with
Herbology, both parents were almost stunned speechless.
"Harry was right," said his mother. "You truly are a prodigy in Herbology.
I'm so very proud of you."
That had the boy blushing almost to the roots of his hair.
"Why are you embarrassed about that?" asked his father.
Sadly, he replied, "Gran wants me to become an auror, like you."
Frank frowned and firmly asked, "I don't particularly care, at this
moment, what your grandmother wants you to be. What do you want
be?"
"A Herbologist!" Neville immediately and determinedly replied.
"Then, if that is what you want to do, your mother and I will give you as
much support in that as we can," said his father.
When Neville looked in shock at them both he quietly said, "Gran says
you'd want me to be an auror."
"Your grandmother is wrong!" his mother firmly stated. "Your father and I
want you to be the best at what it is you want be. That has always been
our hope for you."
"And your grandmother knew that," his father added a little angrily.
A little while later and back inside, his mother said, "Neville, would you
like to go and spend some time in your greenhouses while your father
and I talk for a bit?
"Based a lot on what you've told us, your father and I need to discuss
between us what we're all going to do together from here. Is that okay
with you?"
"Yeah!" he eagerly replied. "I'll need to go and get changed first. I don't
want to wear my good clothes out and get them dirty. Gran gets upset
when I get any dirt on my clothes."
"That's fine, dear," she nodded. "Go get changed, head out and we'll call
you when it's time for dinner."
'Thanks, Mum!" he was about to dash out when he stopped and turned to
his father. "Is that okay with you, too, Dad?"
"Yes, of course," his father smiled. "Off you go."
As soon as they heard the sound of Neville hurrying up the stairs while
also trying to be quiet about it, Frank quietly snarled, "That bitch!"
"She's been doing her damnedest to turn him into you," said Alice a little
sadly. "That was so very unfair of her."
"As soon as he's gone outside, I'll have Fluxy call her down," he stated.
"Where shall we do this?"
"The office," she immediately replied. "You need to be sitting in the office
desk chair, as Lord Longbottom, with me beside you. She can be sitting
on a chair before the desk like a naughty little school girl called to the
Headmaster's office."
He smiled an evil little grin at her and said, "That's perfect. But, I need to
go and check the office to see if she's rearranged things to her own liking,
first. I need to change it all back, if she has."
Alice nodded and said, "You go do that now. I'll wait for Neville to come
back down."
Frank gave a firm nod back and made his way across the Hall to the
office.
When Neville hurried back down the stairs a couple minutes later, again
doing his best to remain quiet on the stairs, Alice checked him over and
said, "Like a proper Herbologist. Take care and we'll call for you when
dinner is ready."
Hesitating a moment, he quickly gave her a hug and, nearly running,
headed outside.
She sighed and made her own way to the office.
"Time for 'Mum' to answer the Duelling Master's call," she muttered.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
30. Neville Speaks Out
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 Thirty - Neville Speaks Out
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After their big lunch, Harry and Hermione decided to take a walk rather
than sit down and work on House of Potter documents. They were both
too mentally done for the day to have accomplished much.
When they found one of the aurors and let them know what they
planned, he said, "One of us will meet you at the front door."
Harry just gave a nod and said, "We'll see you there."
Now, after what appeared to have been a pretty slushy day, both teens
needed to rug up quite warm. Other than their short trips from the front
door to the portkey/apparation point and back again, they'd not often
been outside.
Then the walk, though it started out quiet, ended up being enjoyable.
Hermione hesitantly began to point out different features and even
pointed to a couple of homes where some of her old school-yard nemeses
lived.
Pointing to one, she said, "Oh; that's where Kathy Johnson lived. She was
a real cow. Used to call me the 'Buck-tooth Beaver Bookworm'."
"Well, I give her points for the alliteration, but... really?... calling
someone a buck-tooth beaver is like calling a giraffe a long-necked
giraffe, or a rhinoceros a heavy rhinoceros. And, 'beaver bookworm'?
Now, that's all sorts of wrong. A beaver and a bookworm aren't even in
the same Phylum, let alone Class. A bookworm is what is actually called a
booklouse, it's an insect for Merlin's sake!"
Hermione start to, at first, giggle. Then the giggle turned into a chuckle,
before it morphed into her high and clear tinkling laugh.
"Oh, Harry!" she laughed. "Don't ever change."
"Ha!" he said. "It's seems cousin Andi's potions are going to make that
impossible to achieve. I'm beginning to feel all... gangly! You know, arms
and legs."
"I know what you meant," she grinned. "You are, as my Mum said,
currently growing like a weed. It'll stop soon, though.
"I'm also noticing you're starting to become a lot more defined across the
chest and in your upper arms. It suits you."
Harry blushed, even in the cold. "It's a little embarrassing. I used to want
to stand out. Then, when I got to Hogwarts, I did everything I could to
hide my true self. Now, I'm going to be towering over everyone else. No
more hiding, for me."
"There's no longer a need to," she firmly said. "All your enemies, bar one,
have been effectively vanquished. Now you're free to be you."
Harry walked on silently for a while. 'There's two, Hermione,' he thought.
'Dumbledore and Riddle.'
With a sigh he then stopped before he turned to 'his' girl.
She stopped with him.
Pulling her slightly towards him so he could hold her about the waist, he
looked at her with a serious expression and said, "Hermione Granger, I
know there is that clause in our Betrothal Agreement that allows either
one of us to back out of it at any time we want.
"However, I want you to know this... I don't believe there is ever going to
come a time when I'm going to want to say that line. Unless you decide to
say it in the not too distant future, you and I are going to marry."
She stood with her own arms around his waist; now needing to be under
his, due to the reversed and still developing height difference. At first she
almost panicked, thinking he was warning her he was going to say it.
But, by the end of his clearly heartfelt confession, she felt herself falling
in love with him even further.
She simply stepped in and kissed him. She noticed she now had to tilt her
head back to do it.
When she pulled back she said, "Then, it appears we will be getting
married, Lord Potter. Because, there's no chance I'm ever going to say it,
either."
When they arrived back 'home' it was to see the garage door closing the
last few inches.
"Mum and Daddy are home," declared Hermione. "They'll be expecting
news."
She then grabbed him by the hand and dragged him the last few yards to
the front gate, before then dragging him up the path.
As soon as she dragged him in through the front door she called, "Mu-um,
Dad-dee, we're ho-ome!"
"Come into the parlour!" called Monica. "We're having tea in here!"
Walking in, still hand in hand, the two saw the couch was vacant and sat
there. Dobby popped in with a small serving of tea for them.
Once they made their own cups each, Wendell asked, "Well? How'd it
go?"
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Augusta had rearranged the office, so Frank had to take a bit of time to
rearrange it back to how he liked it. He was grumbling about it the whole
time.
After she'd shooed Neville out to his greenhouses, Alice walked in and
saw him talking to the house elves as he had two of them using elf magic
to shift things back.
"Damned woman!" he grumbled to her. "It's like she didn't want me to
ever come back here."
"She'd given up," said Alice. "We knew that. Why else order the Mungo's
staff to stop trying to find ways to heal us?"
"She'll have an excuse for it," he muttered.
"Of course she will," she agreed. "And she's probably already had to use it
a few dozen times since then, when others have made enquiries."
Once the office was reconfigured, including having the little office
trinkets his mother had put up or around the place removed, he called
Fluxy to inform his mother she was wanted in the 'Lord's Study'.
The woman walked in about five minutes later.
As soon as she entered she immediately noticed the changes and mentally
winced. The room was now almost back to how her son had it before that
night just after Hallowe'en, 1981. She also noticed her little personal
knick knacks were all missing.
Frank was sitting behind the office desk and facing her. Alice was sitting
to the side in another chair, also facing her. Her chair was almost hard up
against the side of the desk.
A vacant chair sat facing the desk and back about ten feet; obviously
hers.
"Come in, Mother," Frank firmly said. Then he gestured to the vacant
chair and said, "Take a seat."
As soon as she sat he said, "Alice and I have questions for you. You're
going to answer them as truthfully and honestly as you can. This will not
be an open discussion. And you most certainly do not get to refuse to
answer a question I put to you."
Once Augusta sat, Frank stared at her for a few moments and asked,
"Why did you not report the two murder attempts against my son, the
Heir Apparent of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Longbottom, by
your brother to the DMLE when they happened?"
Behind her now solid Occlumency shields, Augusta again mentally
winced.
"They were not attempts to murder the boy―"
Interrupting, Alice snapped, "You mean Neville. We did not name our son
'the boy'."
"My apologies," Augusta quickly corrected herself. "Yes, Neville. As I was
saying, they were not attempts to murder Neville. They were attempts
to... encourage him to use accidental magic."
"In other words, to scare the life out of him," snapped Frank. "True or
false?"
"T-true," she replied.
"And did you give permission for that man, your brother, to do that?" he
pressed.
"N-no, but I think he may have thought I did when I expressed to him my
disappointment Neville had not, at that time, expressed any accidental
magic, at all."
"And what were you doing telling anyone outside of the House of
Longbottom anything about the Heir Apparent of the House?"
"He's my brother. I trust him," she replied.
"But, not a Longbottom!" he snarled.
She dropped her eyes and sadly nodded her head.
Frank continued. "Apparently, he also dropped Neville out of an upstairs
window, here at the Hall. If Neville hadn't shown any accidental magic
when that occurred, he would have likely been killed.
"Why did you not report that attempted murder event to the DMLE?"
"Neville wasn't hurt!" she replied.
"It's called attempted murder because it's an attempt that fails," he
snapped. "When it's successful it's simply called murder!
"So, you're sitting there telling me the man who attempted to murder the
Heir Apparent of a Noble and Most Ancient House, you did nothing
about?"
"I've banned him from the Hall!" she declared.
"That's it?" he ominously asked.
"He apologised."
Frank and Alice both stared back at her with anger in their eyes and on
their faces.
It was some time before Frank finally said, "Well... since you didn't do the
right thing about that; tomorrow Alice, Neville and I are going in to the
DMLE. Madam Bones has already set aside time in her schedule for us.
She is already aware of why we are coming to see her. A case file has
already been created for it.
"Alice, Neville and I are going in to see her so that Neville can make a
formal statement regarding the two murder attempts upon him by your...
lovely... brother.
"Once he has made that statement, I will be demanding your brother's
immediate arrest under two separate charges of attempting to murder the
Heir Apparent of a Noble and Most Ancient House. We will then let
justice decide his punishment.
"Quite frankly, I wouldn't be displeased if his arse was tossed through the
Veil in the Death Chamber.
"You, too, will be questioned by the DMLE as to why you did not report
either event. It is a crime not to report an attempted murder, let alone
when it's the attempted murder of an Heir of a Noble House, as you
should bloody well know!"
Both threats were to put Augusta in a position where she was so terrified
for what could likely happen to her brother and herself, she would be less
likely to lie to the questions Frank and Alice put to her after that.
"Next," he continued. "After you knew our wishes were for our son to
grow to do what ever he wanted with his life, why have you been trying
to force him to look towards a career as an auror?"
"To honour you," she immediately replied.
"You knew that's not what we wanted for him. You knew we wanted him
to be successful at whatever profession he chose to follow... he chose to
follow. Neville is clearly a prodigy in Herbology. He also clearly wants to
be a Herbologist.
"You tried to force him down an auror track at Hogwarts to honour us?
Hippogriff crap! You were trying to force him to become a clone of me,
you lying―"
Frank had to shut his mouth to rein his temper in, so Alice took over.
"Why did you not complete what we started back in November 1981 by
forcing Dumbledore to hand the then infant Harry Potter over to the
alliance?"
"Dumbledore took care of him," Augusta replied.
"Again you lead with, as Frank said, hippogriff crap. You were the Chief
Adjudicator for the first part of his trial. You were the Chief Adjudicator
for the trial of the Dursleys. And you call that 'taking care of him'?
"The House of Longbottom was required to step in and take direct and
primary care of Harry Potter on the death of his parents. You knew this!
We had talked to you about it the very day we were attacked! You knew
we were demanding Dumbledore hand him over and you knew we were
citing the alliance Charter to do so.
"So, I'll ask the question this way... Why did you decide to bring
dishonour and shame upon the Noble and Most Ancient House of
Longbottom by not upholding the conditions in the alliance Charter?"
"I... couldn't do it!" she began to sob. "You were badly injured and no one
knew how to properly treat you. I had Neville and he was my priority―"
"You could have immediately called for succour from the other Houses of
the alliance," Frank pressed. "Greengrass, Davis, Bones, MacMillan,
Abbott, Marchbanks... the list is extensive. And yet, you did not do that!
Why not?"
"The alliance had slipped my mind, at the time," she tried. "I didn't know
if any of them could be trusted."
"That's what it's bloody there for!" he roared. "For just that sort of
situation!"
As Frank had to again rein his temper in, Alice said, "Next. We'll jump
forward until July 1991. Explain to us why it is you did not take Neville
to Ollivander's and get him his own wand. Why it is you stupidly...
irresponsibly... decided on your own, as if you had suddenly developed into
wizarding Britain's leading expert on wand-lore, that Neville would use
Frank's wand when he attended Hogwarts?"
"To honour you, Frank," she tried.
"Again with the hippogriff crap!" snapped Frank. "I don't know if you're
deliberately lying to cover your own arse; or, if you truly are that stupid
or senile!
"How you could possibly think him using my wand would honour me, is
so outrageously daft it beggars belief!"
Alice, added, "Everyone who owns a wand, including you, knows that
Ollivander claims it is the wand that chooses the witch or wizard; not the
other way around. You would have been given that same spiel. According
to Ollivander, he has used it for the near one hundred years he's been
selling wands.
"As such, you know it was wrong to force Neville to use Frank's wand. To
us, it appears you were deliberately trying to smother his use of cast
magic. And, we'll get to why we believe that, later.
"Next..."
Slowly, Frank and Alice worked together to drag the initial information
out of Augusta they wanted. It took time, but they got there.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
"So," said Wendell, "You won the case for Sirius. However, it wasn't
because your godfather had not done anything legally suspect, but
because you pointed out what would happen if you presented your
evidence. And they had to scrap the entire law from their books
because..."
"... It was proven to be completely unworkable and unenforceable in its
current state," said Harry. "Yes. I knew that... on the merits... Sirius
should be fined for what he did. However, if they were going to go after
Sirius for his legally purchased motorcycle he then enchanted, then I was
going to force the situation where they had to go after those involved in
the enchantment of some pretty important icons in wizarding Britain,
many of which were stolen."
"You didn't like the legal battlefield, so you changed it," said Wendell.
"Clever."
"They were being so outrageously hypocritical it beggared belief," he
nodded. "I just made them completely aware of it and what would
happen next if they decided to find Sirius guilty.
"That's why Ted and I were very happy that Madam Bones was pushing
and doing as well as she did in her role as prosecutor. By 'winning' her
prosecution of Sirius, she was actually strengthening our real case."
"And Lord and Lady Longbottom?" asked Monica.
"Were magnificent!" he grinned. "As expected, they're both now as fit as
they can be. Actually, they're even fitter than I kind of expected them to
be, considering their treatment over the past thirteen years. Then, when
the Rosier-bi... errr... woman stood and tried to declare blood-feud on me?
Wow, did he go spare!"
"So," said Monica. "The whole reason you couldn't tell anyone you'd taken
the Longbottoms and put them into that time dilation chamber with
healers and all is because the goblins made you promise not to tell
anyone... that is, any other witch or wizard... except a select few until
after they came out."
"Well, that and I didn't want Augusta Longbottom to find out where they
were until after they came out. If she'd found out, she'd have charged in
there and tried to get them out. If she'd done that she'd have caused
anything from the next goblin war to a cascade failure of the magics
involved, which would have caused a significant part of the land around
to... blow up.
"That last one, I suspect, is the real reason the goblins don't want anyone
knowing when they're using their time dilation chamber. They don't want
some idiot deliberately causing the cascade failure in the hope it's a big
enough explosion it'll kill them - the goblins, that is."
"But, you told us," she said. "How'd you get away with that?"
"Something to do with the magics involved, I guess," he shrugged. "The
information wasn't under something like a Fidelius charm, which would
have worked against me telling you. I think it has something to do with,
as you surmised, you being muggles.
"As for Hermione, once she became the Lady Presumptive of the House of
Potter, she became for the intent of this an actual Potter. When I asked
the goblins for the use of the chamber, I did so as an owed boon to the
House of Potter; a boon owed just as much to her as my betrothed as to
me. She just couldn't claim it."
"So, what's going to happen to this woman?" she asked.
"None of our business now, I'm afraid," he said. "With the rightful Lord of
Longbottom back at the helm it's now his problem to deal with. Even as a
partner House in the alliance, I can no longer interfere.
"Whatever he decides, though... once he makes that decision... because it
has so much to do with me, I'm expecting he'll let me know before it
becomes public," he replied. "But, it's entirely up to him to decide
whether he's going to do that or not."
Though he'd been quite mentally exhausted from the day at the
Wizengamot, Harry still tried to go into the kitchen to help with dinner.
However, this time, Dobby was having none of it and 'ordered' him out.
That night wasn't a 'Harry' dinner.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
In the Unspeakables 'Spectral Threat' team, they had been paying close
attention through the 'Knight's Shadow' team to what had been
happening with the young Knight and his 'support group' all day.
By the end of it, they were in somewhat awe of the young man. Under
the noses of his auror and even Unspeakable watchers, he had engineered
two brilliant political moves. He had a Statute that was at the heart of
wizarding British society for over two centuries stripped from the books
simply by showing how unworkable it was. Then had his second play
ready on the sidelines at the same time.
One member of their team mused, "I wonder what he's going to do next.
And I don't know whether I should be excited with anticipation while
waiting for it to happen, or fearful it will."
That summed up their general thoughts, completely.
"He had the dog's case won before he even stepped into the chamber,"
said one. "He even deliberately stepped out of Monocle's way to let her go
for it."
"He knew her arguments and questioning didn't matter," sighed another.
"She became pretty much a non-entity as soon as the CA told her she
could begin her case. All she was doing was delaying the inevitable."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Ted hadn't held back for the actual Wizengamot session. His reasoning
for not waiting back and for the fireworks to occur in the General
Meeting was for two reasons. His first was so he'd not be considered
having been involved in any of it. And his second was because he had far
too much work yet to do for the Houses of Potter and Black. His
professional ethics would not allow him the indulgence.
On returning to the office he immediately checked over the Press
Releases he would be sending out on behalf of both Black and Potter. The
first one he sent out, right away.
That one was on Sirius being cleared of the charge and why. It included
the information of the stripping of the Statute from the books and just
why that needed to happen. That second part would go a long way to
protecting both Lords Black and Potter of any negative fall-out from
forcing the stripping of the Statute from the books.
The second release would be delayed. He'd sent a young man, looking to
make a few sickles, to go and watch the session in his place. That young
man would, immediately on the closing of the session, directly come to
him and give him a quick overview of what had happened.
He did exactly that, was paid for his time and sent on his way. Ted was
satisfied he didn't even need to adjust anything on the release as
everything, in general terms, had occurred exactly as planned and
anticipated. And the second release was immediately sent out.
Neither Sirius nor Harry had requested he do it, but he'd be a poor Law-
wizard of Record if he didn't do it as a way to protect them both.
While finalising and releasing both only accounted for a small effort of
the day's work, he was also working on more.
That morning he had received an update on one Charlotte Claire Wilkins
of Perth, Western Australia. The school term had only finished on the
Friday just gone - they broke for just over six weeks over Christmas,
rather than the middle of the year. And he wanted a report on how she
interacted directly with her family.
As well as some candid photographs of the girl and them, the report was
glowing with praise for the public interactions, at least, between the girl
and her adopted family. Her adopted parents clearly loved her and she
just as clearly loved them.
The wizarding private investigator he hired also had a background in
sociology, which focussed on the family group. It was one of the reasons
Ted had hired him.
The man's report gave his views that the 'nomag-born' girl - he was never
told her real identity - was well-loved and emotionally centred. And was
unsurprised, even when considering her initial start to life was as
someone's 'discard'.
He wrote a quick report on 'Mary' to hand to Sirius. Then, satisfied, he
put the new information in with his secured file on the girl and locked it
away in his true, Fidelius-charmed, safe. There was another safe in his
office, but that was a decoy.
He next pulled out the fiscal information he was working on for the
House of Potter, specifically developing a background on the multitude of
companies in which the House of Potter held substantial shares. He'd
already determined there were three which were worrying and noted
them for his personal report to the young Lord Potter for him to check
the details he'd supplied on them.
One dealt with a combined major British-Australian company called Rio
Tinto Zinc Corporation. Over the past decade-plus, the company's profits
had dipped. However, a merger with its parent company had recently
been announced and was due to occur in less than a year. This was a
strong investment that, while it had fallen of late, was definitely going to
grow strong.
The second was a major British corporation known as the Virgin Group.
Apparently, the latest late Lord Potter thought the name hilarious and
bought a significant shareholding in the company as soon as it went to
Initial Public Offering (IPO) on the British Stock Market.
While James Potter may have bought the initial shares because he
thought the name funny, the results of that purchase were an outstanding
financial success. It would be Ted's recommendation that even more
shares in the company be purchased as soon as they became available.
But, recommended those shares be of subsidiaries so as not to trigger the
BSX's laws regarding public announcements of major share acquisitions.
One giving all appearance of going the other way was Apple
Incorporated. Over recent years they had tried to bring out superior
devices to their desktop computer systems called by the acronym PDA.
However, that was proving to be a failure and they had just entered into
an alliance with two other US companies to form what was known as the
AIM Alliance. This year, through that alliance, Apple had returned to the
desktop computer market, of all things, and just released a new desktop
computer called the PowerPC. In other words, the company appeared to
be going backwards. Ted's recommendation was to dump the stock as
soon as possible.
(Less than a decade later he couldn't believe how wrong he was proven to be
with that third one.)
With that then set aside, he pulled out the Tri-Wizard contracts and other
documents. He was pretty sure Harry's understanding of them, without
even sighting the contracts, was correct that he didn't have to compete.
However, the young man's magic was on the line and he wanted to make
sure. He might even have to have the Goblet tested to see if it was still,
or ever did, bind him to participate.
Plus, he was also looking into just who he needed to see at the Ministry
regarding who was involved in the theft of Potter Cottage from the House
of Potter.
The public Wizengamot records he'd already acquired from the WAS
showed the Wizengamot voted to 'acquire' the Cottage for use as a 'Site of
National Importance'. However, it appeared someone within the WAS
thought that meant to just take it without paying for it.
If that was the case then that person within the WAS was the
unintentional culprit. If, however, it was someone else, then he needed to
track down who that person was to begin legal proceedings. He'd be
doing that the next day.
Either way, Harry still owned the Cottage and could do with it what he
liked; even if the wizarding public-at-large got all up with their wands
about it later.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After dinner Monica took Harry aside and said, "You may not have
realised this, but Wendell and I drove past you and Hermione while you
were standing on the path down the road and kissing."
Harry immediately blushed and said, "We were... relaxing from a stressful
day at the Ministry. We decided not to tackle more of the books of the
House of Potter and go for a leisurely walk, instead."
"Oh, I'm not saying it was wrong for you to kiss," she clarified. "I just
thought I could tease you a little about it."
Still blushing, but with his blush receding, Harry gave a snort of
amusement.
Monica seemed to think about what to say. Then said, "How far have you
and Hermione taken your relationship?"
"W-what?" he squeaked.
"I asked, how far have you and Hermione taken your relationship," she
replied.
"I-I-I... ummm... just kissing?" he stammered out.
She gave a nod and asked, "Haven't tried to touch each other more than
that?"
"N-no?!" he exclaimed. "I-I... wouldn't!"
"Why not?" she pressed. "You're both teenagers in your mid teens. I would
have thought you would."
"N-no," he stammered. "I wouldn't! I-I... don't... ummm... No, I wouldn't.
Besides, H-Hermione would have to... ummm... I just wouldn't do that! It
wouldn't be right!"
Monica gave a nod and said, "Fair enough, Harry. I'm a mother and I just
wanted to make sure you weren't trying to press her to go beyond what
she was willing to do, or anything."
"Never!" he firmly declared. Still blushing, he had to turn away and find
something... anything... to do with his hands. "I need to make the cream,"
he mumbled.
"Very well," she said. "And... Harry? I'm her mother. Even though I know
Wendell and I can trust you to take care of her, we still fret; we're
allowed."
Harry just nodded, still looking away as he pulled out a bowl and hand
beater. She walked out a moment later.
'Wow!' he thought. 'That was uncomfortable.'
Monica, however, had been using a little white lie to dig information out
of Harry. She caught his little 'almost' slips in what he was going to say
and knew what it meant. What she got was what she expected and she
now knew she needed to talk to Sirius. As Hermione thought, Harry
clearly didn't really have a clue when it came to women and it was
Sirius's job as godfather to rectify that.
However, there was no chance she was going to tell her husband she was
going to tell his teenage daughter's boyfriend's godfather he needs to give
his godson 'The Talk'.
Wendell was a good man, he was a good father and he was very good at
his job as a health professional. However, she did not want to see what
would happen when his professional ethics to ensure good health,
including sexual health, came into conflict with his instinctive nature to
be a protective father to a teenaged daughter.
'It's best he not know,' she firmly thought.
Before she went to bed that night, Monica sent a message off via Hedwig
to Sirius with a request he stop by the next evening to talk to her about
something important.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After an early night and a great night's sleep, Harry rose to be the first up
- except Dobby - by just over half an hour. And he only got up when he
did because his stomach was behaving as if his throat had been cut. He
was 'starving' hungry. He even had his 'first' breakfast before the Granger
adults joined him.
As he was building his second plate for the morning, they joined him,
together. Usually, Monica beat her husband down by about fifteen
minutes. She'd have the first shower then come down to get the tea and
breakfast started. He'd jump in after she got out and had his own. Hence,
the fifteen minutes.
However, they were now starting to get used to having breakfast ready
and waiting for them. So, occasionally, they came together.
After morning greetings Monica asked, "How long have you been up?"
"About half an hour," he replied. "And, no, I didn't set an alarm, or
anything. My stomach woke me up and demanded attention."
They both grinned back.
"How much longer to go?" asked Wendell.
"Not sure," he shrugged. "But, I really want it to be over with well before
Christmas Day. This is... irritating."
Even though it was an 8.00am start for the Grangers, Hermione came
down and joined them for the last twenty minutes her parents had
remaining before they had to leave for the day. It was still after the
delivery of the Daily Prophets, though.
Harry was reading his copy without Hermione while Wendell was sharing
his with Monica.
They were discussing the articles related to the previous day - Sirius's
trial being aborted, 'The Regent' Longbottom's behaviour between the
trial and the start of the General Meeting, then the opening of the
Wizengamot meeting, Regent Longbottom's immediate 'poor' behaviour
when Harry stepped forward to take his Seat, the shocking revelation
Lord and Lady Longbottom were now both awake and looking quite well
and the very public berating of the now ex-Regent of Longbottom for her
behaviour towards a named partner member of the Potter-Longbottom
Alliance.
Of course, noticing Harry wasn't reading the newspaper, Hermione
immediately snagged his copy so she could read it, herself.
As they were rising, Monica turned to her husband and sighed, "One
more day after this, sweetheart."
"Then two and a half weeks break, just to unwind," he added.
Hermione perked up from where she was reading the paper and asked,
"Really? I thought you might have cancelled your break since... you
know... I'm here for a lot longer than just the two weeks."
"Not on your Nelly!" declared Wendell. "I've been looking forward to my
break for more than two months."
"Just because you're home for longer, dear," said her mother. "Does not
mean we still don't need the break."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
When Neville rose to go down for breakfast, he was surprised to see his
parents already up and chatting.
"Good morning," he said. When they both turned to him and smiled he
said, "I... didn't think you'd be up, yet."
"While under time dilation, once we were able to get up on our own we
also rose early," said Alice. "We were both like that for the first couple of
weeks, at least."
His father explained, "When you're stuck in bed for as long as we were,
you make the most of the day and get up as soon as you're awake.
Besides, we also had a pretty stringent exercise course we were on to get
our health and fitness levels back up."
"Gran not coming down?" he tentatively asked.
Both parents immediately frowned, and his father said, "No. Your
grandmother is to spend her next couple of days, at least, spending time
thinking about her actions over the past near decade and a half. She'll be
doing that in her suite."
Neville nodded. While he loved his grandmother, he also understood she
didn't do the best by him. That included him desperately wanting to help
Harry when he turned up at Hogwarts and her blocking that. Both his
parents were pretty upset she'd done that when he told them about it.
"Don't forget we're heading directly back to the DMLE once you've
finished breaking your fast, Neville," said his father. "Madam Bones
informs me she usually arrives at her office just on 8.00am. We'll be
meeting her soon afterwards."
Neville nodded. After talking with his parents about the two incidences,
he was no longer so reticent to give a proper statement about what
happened.
"After that," added his mother. "Your father and I need to go about
getting ourselves back to being recognised as being people of sound
mind. That means we'll need to spend some time in various Departments
within the Ministry and then on to Gringotts. I think it would be best for
you not to be with us for that."
Neville, his mouth full of sausage, gave a slight wince and nodded.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Over at the Tonkses' place, Sirius was woken by Andi. Ted had already
left and she would need to leave soon, too.
As soon as he opened his eyes, she said, "Get up, lazybones!"
"I... am the Lord... of a Noble and Most Ancient House," he declared. "I
am also wealthy beyond most people's ken. I do not need to be up before
the sun is properly up."
"You've got mail waiting for you," she said. "I think one's from your
friend, Lupin; and the other is from the Granger lass's mother, Monica."
"Huh?" he asked, sitting up suddenly.
"The letters are sitting on the kitchen table," she said. "If you want to read
them you'll need to get up and go get them. I've also told Benny not to
give them to you unless you go in and get them yourself."
He scowled at her as he swung his legs over the side of the bed, "You're
an evil woman, you know that?"
"I'm a Healer," she said right back. "Health-wise, it is in your best
interests for me to get you up and moving before the crack of noon."
Grumbling about it as Andi walked off, heading for the floo, Sirius got
himself ready for the day.
After half an hour of a long soak under the shower, he finally reached the
dining room. The letters were sitting before where his 'place' would
normally be for meals.
A quick few detection charms that proved both clear of any dangerous
charms - he, too, had learned from Harry's almost kidnapping - and he
was sitting down to open them.
~ # ~
Sirius Black III
Somewhere in England
Padfoot,
I've only just got back to wizarding Britain from the continent. I hope you've
got time to quickly catch up with me. The news I'm getting is amazing. Too
amazing to be true.
Can you meet with me in the Leaky Cauldron at 11.00am? Clearly, we have a
lot to talk about.
Moony
~ # ~
'You better believe we do, Moons,' he thought. 'You'll be starting with
answering questions about why you deliberately kept Harry in the dark
about his true heritage.'
Checking the second letter was from Monica, he quickly opened it.
~ # ~
Lord Black,
Can you please stop by tomorrow evening (this evening for you) for a private
chat?
I need to speak with you about Harry's education in one specific area where it
is clearly lacking, if you get my drift.
I do not want either of the kids or my husband to know about what it is we
need to talk about.
Dr Monica Granger
~ # ~
From what she'd written Sirius had a pretty good idea what she wanted
to talk to him about. This was a talk he didn't think he'd have to give his
godson; but was well prepared to do so.
Checking the time was only just past 8.00am Sirius had thought about
going back to bed for a couple hours. However, now that he was up, his
stomach was letting him know it was time to feed the savage beast.
With a sigh he called for Benny. He needed to eat and, by the time he
was done, he wouldn't have time to get any more to sleep in. Besides, he
hated going to bed on a full stomach.
He sighed, 'Well, at least after I eat I'll have time to think about what
questions I want to ask Moony before I get there.'
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
At the Burrow, the owl for the Daily Prophet arrived while only Arthur
and Molly were up. Therefore, only those two and Percy knew about the
happenings within the Wizengamot by the time Arthur and Percy needed
to head to work.
"But, what does this mean for you, Arthur," she worriedly asked. "If the
Statute has been stripped, what does that mean for your job?"
He sighed and replied, "I don't know, Molly. I guess I'll just have to wait
and see when I get into work."
"Try to let me know as soon as you can, will you?" she fretted.
"Of course, I will," he gently replied.
After he and Percy stepped into the floo and were gone, Molly began
waking the kids up. As far as she was concerned, it was a school day and
they should be up. It mattered not that school was not 'in session', at the
moment.
Coming down it was the twins that noticed her emotional state first.
"Something's wrong, Mum," said the first.
"What's up?" said the other.
Then both turned to check the clock. Ron's hand was on 'At Home', so
that wasn't it. And no one else's was at 'In Danger' or 'Mortal Peril'. So,
that wasn't it either.
"Just some news in the Daily Prophet, is all," said their mother.
"And?" asked one.
"Don't go keeping us in suspense, Mother," said the other.
She hesitated for a moment before she squared her shoulders, looked
back at the pair of them and replied, "It's nothing for you to worry
about."
Then spun about to organise their breakfasts.
The twins sat staring at each other for a moment before they both turned
back to look at their mother's back.
One then said, "We're sixteen, Mum."
"When do you think we're going to be―" asked the other.
"... old enough?" they finished together.
"We're of age in just over three months," said the first.
"Fifteen weeks," said the other
"And you're still treating us like little children," said the first.
"Is there some magic we don't know about that makes us instantly adults
on the first of April?" asked the second.
Molly sighed and said, "Then in a little over three months... or fifteen
weeks... you'll be allowed to know."
As Ginny walked in she asked, "Allowed to know what, Mum?"
Molly sighed and replied, "While these two will be of age in just over
three months, you won't be reaching that for three years. If I won't tell
them, I certainly won't be telling you.
"Now, are you three ready for breakfast?"
Knowing their mother was going to be inflexible about this, the twins
each knew they'd be writing to Harry and asking him, directly. He'd
know and he'd tell them.
Straight after breakfast they headed back to their shared room, set aside
their prank-making experiments and began to draft a letter to Harry.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
When Dumbledore opened his morning's copy of the Daily Prophet at the
head table in the Hogwarts Great Hall that morning, he was utterly
stunned by what he was reading.
'Harry successfully defends Sirius in a trial to the point the Wizengamot
was forced to completely repeal a Statute? What, in Merlin's name?
'Then, when he goes to take his Seat, the Longbottom woman tries to end
the alliance, one moment, before then turning around ready to declare
blood feud, the next, of all things!
'And then, to everyone's complete shock, the Longbottoms step onto the
main floor of the chamber, completely awake and healthy. And Harry's
supposed to have had something to do with it through the calling due of
a boon and the goblin's subsequent help.
'And finally, the now ex-Regent of Longbottom, that dragon of a woman,
is sent home in disgrace and Longbottom - Lord Frank Longbottom - gives
Harry a public House to House apology for the behaviour of his mother.
'Sweet Merlin above! Why am I only just finding out about this now? Why
has no one already contacted me to let me know?
'I need to be allowed to come and go from the castle, as I need. This
keeping me a... prisoner... must end!'
From four chairs away to his right, Headmistress Lady Marchbanks was
quietly watching Dumbledore's reaction to the Prophet with quiet
amusement, while seeming to be in a discussion with her two new Heads
of House for Gryffindor and Ravenclaw.
Babbling, seeing her smirking at Dumbledore, quietly checked the man
out for herself for a moment.
Turning back she said, "It appears Albus is shocked by what's in the
Prophet. Think he might need a Calming draught?"
"Albus's problem is he's now out of the information loop, as the
muggleborns would say," said Sinistra. "He always insisted he know of
everything that was going on. It must really get into his craw that he's no
longer in a position to even ask it, let alone demand it."
"I do believe you've hit upon the truth, Aurora," smiled Marchbanks. "Yes,
indeed. Albus always was one who had an almost pathological need to
know everything."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Harry had been wondering if he'd not received any mail, that day, when
one of the aurors brought it up from the servants' quarters. It was a pretty
decent stack.
Harry took one look at it and sighed. "Fan mail?" he asked.
"Not unless you believe Ted Tonks to be a fan, Lord Potter," smiled the
auror.
"Just him?" he asked.
"Just him."
He sighed again and moved the pile to the centre of the table so he could
start to look through it all. Hermione stepped forward to help as the
auror retreated.
After a little while she said, "This is all financial. Your liquid assets in the
form of gold on hand and muggle investments."
She then suddenly exclaimed, "Oh, my god!" And was looking at a sheet
of parchment in shock.
"What is it, Hermione?" he asked.
"Harry," she said, slowly looking up at him. "You're rich!"
"I'm aware, Hermione," he said. "I believe I've told you that before."
"No," she said, still looking almost in awe at him. "I mean you're rich rich.
You'd challenge Her Majesty and Richard Branson for being the richest
person in Britain sort of rich!
"And that's just your liquid assets - gold, bonds and stocks in both worlds
- not your Net Worth!"
Gently sliding over and grabbing her by the upper arms, he held her at
arms length and said, "Hermione. Once you reach the point and can
honestly say you're rich, how much above that it gets is somewhat
irrelevant.
"I could, quite literally, spend over a million galleons a year and not
make a dent in the Potter fortune. I rake in far more than that in interest
alone.
"That's why, once I realised I was way past the point I'd ever have to
worry about money again, it became just a number to me. I know some
people 'keep score' about those sort of things... such as Malfoy,
obviously... but that's not how I think.
"To me, money is just something I have that I can give to someone else
for them to give me something I want or need in return. And I have way
more than enough of it to never, ever again go without.
"I value other things more highly than simple gold. I value friendship,
love, family and things like that to have a value far higher than any
overfull vault of gold I have.
"Do you understand?"
Hermione had calmed back down as Harry talked. She was still trying to
get her head around the fact her boyfriend... her betrothed... was in the
top five of the richest people in the country. And he didn't consider it
important.
"But―" she tried.
"No buts," he firmly said. "You make me feel like I'm the richest man in
the world just by being my girlfriend."
That earned him a proper snog; and he got it, right there in the dinette.
No 'wandering hands', though.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
When the Longbottoms arrived at the Ministry, people stopped and
gawked. Neville felt distinctly uncomfortable about it.
"I think all this staring is what Harry has to go through all the time," he
muttered to his mother. "I used to envy him that. Not any more."
His mother just smiled back and said, "It'll pass before too much longer.
People just need to get it out of their systems."
"It's still uncomfortable, though," he firmly but softly stated.
He ended up glaring at anyone that gawked at them until they reached
Madam Bones's office. At least it meant he wasn't fretting about the
upcoming interview he had to give.
After a quick greeting with the Director of the DMLE. Neville and his
parents were escorted down to an Interview Room. It was actually the
same one Harry and Hermione were interviewed in only a couple of
weeks earlier.
It was also the same auror interviewers, Constance Hammer and
Beauregard Fleming; though Neville did not know that.
After being told about the mild calming slash truth enhancement potion
that was available to him, though he didn't know the two teens accepted
the offer, Neville wisely decided he'd prefer it, too.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
The previous evening, after much bugging from Dumbledore about the
subject, Marchbanks finally informed Dumbledore he could go to Diagon
Alley, that day, to replace some items from his partially destroyed
wardrobe. However, he was not to go anywhere else but the Alley.
"You're treating me like a child," he grumped.
She immediately and firmly cast back, "I'm treating you like someone
who: 'A', I really don't want here; and 'B', has been behaving appallingly
since I arrived here to be Headmistress. If you don't like it, quit! If you
won't quit, then lift your game and behave as the professional educator
and school representative you're supposed to be.
"You get to go to the Alley... only. You get to go there to buy clothes to
replace items damaged beyond repair of your wardrobe... only. I also
expect you to be purchasing your black Professor's Robes. Then you are
to immediately return here to the school. If you do not meet those
conditions, the likelihood you'll be allowed to leave the school during a
school day ever again will go from being 'possible' to 'highly doubtful'.
"Now, will you meet the conditions set, will you quit or will you simply
not go?"
"I'm going," he grumped. He really did want to replace his wardrobe of
the damaged robes.
Dumbledore left about an hour after breakfast, so as to miss the first rush
of crowds.
As soon as he was gone, Marchbanks sent a house elf off with a note to a
Ward Mastery team currently waiting at the Three Broomsticks that they
could now come to the school.
Under Madam Bones's recommendation while as Acting Madam Minister,
she organised for an expert team of Ward Masters to go through the
Hogwarts' wards to see what was there. And, if and where necessary,
update them.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After arriving early in his office to collect what documents he needed to
go forth and do battle with the bureaucrats of the Ministry, Ted was out
through the floo at almost right on 9.00am.
With his mokeskin-lined briefcase in his offhand, he made his way up to
the first floor and the Minister's Administration Office. He sought a copy
of the building assets owned by the Ministry.
After a quick peruse through it, he smiled. The Potter Cottage wasn't
listed either by name or by address; 77 Phoenix Avenue, Godric's Hollow,
Devon, England. That meant even the Ministry truly recognised they did
not own Potter Cottage. The fact many thought they did was just an
erroneous 'guess'.
His next stop was the third floor and the Department of Magical
Accidents and Catastrophes and its sub-department the Obliviator
Headquarters.
When he walked in, one of the admin personnel took one look at him and
sighed.
Coming forward, he politely asked, "What can Obliviator Headquarters
do for you today, Mister Tonks?" He already knew it was not wise to
annoy the law-wizard.
"My client would like to know more information on the work done by
your Office regarding Potter Cottage as of the night of Hallowe'en, 1981,"
Ted replied. "He is very concerned that the enchantments, after more
than a decade of being in place, might be failing."
The administration clerk gave a nod, replied, "I'll pull out the records."
And turned about to go and do exactly that.
Three minutes later he was back with the file.
Ted had a quick look through it - the admin clerk could see no
wrongdoing by him doing that - and asked, "Mind if I have a copy of
this?"
The clerk gave a shrug and replied, "I can't see any harm in that."
Ted was quick to create a legal copy of the entire file, slipped his copy
into his brief case and bid the man a good morning.
His quick perusal showed that the Obliviators had moved in within an
hour of the 'event'; cleared up the mess, memory-wise; and were back the
next day to put up wards to protect the place. The orders came direct
from the Minister's, Bagnold's, office.
And that meant he now had a complete timeline of events, as per the
documented evidence, that led to the Ministry taking possession of the
cottage.
'It was a mistake,' he thought. 'A simple one; but a mistake, nonetheless.'
Happy he had the records to back up what he knew Harry would
immediately move to do, he made his way out again.
Back in his office, he contacted Sirius by floo. And Sirius was stepping
through a few moments later.
"I was glad to see you were up," grinned Ted.
"Andi woke me," grumbled Sirius. "Now, you said you found out
something about Potter Cottage?"
Ted stepped him through the parchment-trail and said, "As you can see, it
was a simple mistake by a 'staffer' in the WAS. The Wizengamot ruled the
cottage was to be 'acquired as a historic site of National significance'.
"The staffer mistakenly thought that meant simply claim it. I think the
'Mot seriously meant purchase it and he or she misunderstood.
"The Minister, Bagnold, was quick to move in case of souvenir hunters
picking the site clean.
"That had the DMAC back at the site first thing the next morning, but the
official parchmentwork had not reached them yet. There was a high level
of urgency and they believed the proper parchmentwork would get to
them, sooner or later.
"They went to work and soon had the place secure with wards, charms
and the like.
"And that's all she wrote until now."
"So, Harry has the right to move in and simply take it back?" Sirius asked.
He was now grinning from ear to ear. If he was in his animagus form his
tail would have been wagging.
"That's exactly what it means," replied a similarly grinning Ted. "He
doesn't even need to notify anyone, because he's the rightful owner."
"Ha!" laughed Sirius. "Someone screwed up, big time!"
Ted nodded.
Sirius, still grinning, asked, "What are Harry's instructions if it was
discovered he rightfully still owns the property?"
"Send the goblins in and secure it on behalf of the House of Potter," Ted
immediately replied.
"Do it!" laughed Sirius. "I'll let Harry know."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
31. Re-warding, Taps and Pops
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 Thirty One - Re-warding, Taps and Pops
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Arriving via floo in the Leaky Cauldron, Dumbledore ignored all the
glares aimed his way, wished the room in general a good morning and
made his way out the back and through to the Alley.
He was just about to walk up the steps into Gringotts, when he noticed
the looks of glee the two 'security' goblins standing either side of the
main doors aimed directly at him.
'Oh, bugger!' he thought. 'I almost forgot. I'm currently persona non grata
in the bank.'
Instead, he smiled in amusement at both goblins and changed course. He
headed direct to Twillfit and Tatting's.
Inside, he was seen by a clerk. "Professor Dumbledore," said the young
man.
While he was shown professional courtesy by the young man, that was all
he was shown. There was no true welcome in the man's voice or
demeanour.
"I will speak with Terrence Twillfit, please," said Dumbledore. "I always
deal directly with him."
The young man gave a curt nod and went to find his boss.
Twillfit came out about three minutes later. The time wasn't long enough
to be properly considered rude, but there was a distinct lack of 'alacrity'
in his attention.
Terrence, my good man," smiled Dumbledore. "I'm in need of three sets of
robes. The full set, of course."
"Certainly," nodded Twillfit. "Any need for remeasurement?"
"No, no," replied the old man, lightly and softly chuckling. "I'll just need
to see your colour and style selections, please."
Twillfit just gave a short nod and indicated for Dumbledore to follow him
to where the styles catalogue could be found.
"Here are our latest styles," gestured Twillfit. "Of course, Madam
Marchbanks has already informed us you'll be needing three robes in the
Professor's basic black. However I'm sure―"
"No, no!" Dumbledore was quick to interject. Then chuckled again. "While
I'm sure that is the information Griselda passed to you, I won't be needing
those styles of robes. I'm looking for something a great deal more flashy
that that. I'm sure you understand."
"Well, Headmistress Lady Marchbanks alerted us you would be coming in
this morning and informed us that, due to your greatly reduced... shall
we say... financial position, you were to be supplied three sets of basic
black professor's robes before you were allowed the purchase of anything
else," said Twillfit. "Once those three sets are purchased, I'm more than
happy to see to you acquiring what else you seek to purchase. I currently
have a lovely chartreuse that's just come into stock."
Angry, Dumbledore demanded, "You allow yourself to be dictated to by
Griselda? Why!?"
"Multiple reasons I'm not at liberty to discuss with you," replied Twillfit.
"Part of that was the hint that word will be spread by the two main
alliances that we ignored her... request.
"The business we would lose far outstrips what business we receive from
you."
Without a word, Dumbledore spun on his heel and stormed from the
shop.
Twillfit just watched him go, sighed, closed the books he had opened for
Dumbledore and shook his head.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Neville's interview was nowhere near as long as Harry's, or even
Hermione's, lasting less than an hour. But, at the end of it, he felt as if a
great weight had been lifted off his shoulders.
When he told his mother that, she replied, "Because you have
unburdened yourself of it, dear. It will also no longer haunt memories of
your childhood."
As soon as they were done, the two aurors escorted the three back to
Bones's office.
As soon as Fleming passed Bones the Dicta-quilled statement, Frank
firmly said, "I'll have a copy of that, thanks."
Bones simply nodded and created a court-approved copy, before handing
it to him.
"Thank you," he said, tucking the scroll into an inner pocket. "Now, I
want Algernon Rosier arrested and charged with two counts of attempted
murder of a wizarding child; and two counts of attempting to end the line
of a Noble and Most Ancient House."
"I've already got the parchment drawn up and completed for all four," she
said. "With the statement taken under DMLE truth tonic I can now go to
the Chief Warlock and have him sign off on it. Rosier will be located,
arrested and in a cell before midday."
"Good," said Frank firmly.
Turning to Neville he said, "Now that your necessary part in this is out of
the way, how about you head back to the Hall?"
Neville winced and said, "Errr... I'd... rather not do that."
His father frowned and asked, "Why not?"
"It means I'll be there... alone... with Gran," he quietly replied.
"Ah!" said Alice. "Then what do you wish to do?"
"I'd like to go visit Harry and Hermione," he quickly replied.
"It will take time to get an owl to them―" started his mother. She
stopped when she noticed his grin.
"Alright," she carefully said. "What am I missing?"
Neville's grin widened further. "Watch," he said.
Turning back to Bones he asked, "Madam Bones, may I borrow
parchment, ink and quill?"
Quickly offering them across the desk, Neville moved closer to her desk
and used the 'public' side of it to write a quick note.
Once he was done, he passed ink and quill back, blew the note dry,
folded it and grinned at his parents.
"Dobby!" he called.
When the little house elf appeared within seconds, he offered the note to
him and asked, "Would you mind passing this note to Harry for me?"
Dobby gave a quick bob and, while reaching for and accepting it, replied,
"Dobby be honoureds to, Mister Neville, Sir."
With the note in hand, Dobby popped away.
Then Neville sat back, grinning. "Something Harry taught me," he
chuckled.
While his parents looked back in surprise, Bones raised her off-hand to
use her finger tips to massage the bridge of her nose yet again. "I'm really
beginning to hate that boy."
"Actually," said Alice. "Lord Potter wrote to us while we in the time
dilation chamber and told us he'd used that method to send Neville a
note to alert him he knew Neville was worrying and he shouldn't."
"He did," nodded Neville. "That's what made me think of it now."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After settling his betrothed down as to how much he was actually worth,
Harry finally got them started on going through the finances. Of course,
one of the first documents they read was Ted's analysis of his shares in
the muggle stock market. He gave that to Hermione to have a good look-
over before he'd be telling Ted to go ahead with his recommended
changes.
After she determined she could not tell if Ted was wrong on any of them,
Harry gave them a quick glance through, shrugged his shoulders and
signed off on the recommendations. That sign-off was set aside to be sent
back with the rest of what they managed to get through that day later in
the afternoon.
There was a short break while Harry answered a mirror-call from Sirius.
He was in Ted's office.
After a quick explanation from Ted, Harry was quick with instructions.
"Have the goblins, as soon as possible, move in and secure the property.
If it's mine I want it secured from any further damage and or vandalism.
"Then, as soon as the goblins move in to secure the property, I want
Madam Bones informed it's been done. I don't want her to be caught flat-
footed when someone alerts her to how the cottage has been secured.
Then we'll sit back until someone visiting the place reports it to the
Ministry.
"While Madam Bones might not have had anything to do with the
Ministry effectively stealing the property from me, she is still now the
Acting Madam Minister; and, as such, responsible for the actions of the
Ministry."
"It'll be done," Ted immediately replied. And grinned.
After recovering the documents on the rental properties they'd gone
through a few days earlier, Harry and Hermione then compared them
with the income the properties were generating. Each property was
making a steady profit, but Harry could see a couple of warning signals
within the documentation that Ted must've missed, due to the two piles
being dealt with separately. He recommended changes there and set that
aside.
The two teens were discussing what else to do about it when Dobby
turned up and handed Harry the note from Neville.
"From Mister Neville, Sir, Master Harry," said Dobby.
Harry immediately said, "On the table, please, Dobby. And, thank you."
Dobby popped the letter onto the table and popped away.
Casting his detection charms on the letter and finding nothing, Harry
picked it up and unfolded it.
~ # ~
Harry and Hermione,
Mum and Dad have to do quite a bit of work with the Ministry and Gringotts
to get started on getting their lives sorted out and I don't want to be at home
alone with Gran.
Does Hermione mind if I pay a visit? I don't think I've ever been in a muggle
home before and I think it'd be interesting.
Do you like how I asked via 'house elf express delivery'? I think it'll really
shock my parents that I thought of calling Dobby, when I do.
I'm currently in Madam Bones's office in the DMLE awaiting your reply.
Neville
~ # ~
Knowing it was more her permission than his, Harry handed it straight
off to Hermione without a word.
After she read it, she said, "That'd be great!" And grinned.
Harry grinned back and said, "I think it'd be best if you replied. That way
he'll know, as it's your home, he actually does have permission."
Still grinning, Hermione gave a short nod, pulled over a small blank sheet
of parchment and quickly began to write a reply. Stopping after the first
line, she asked, "How will he get here?"
"Portkey," he immediately replied.
He then suddenly had a thought.
Excitedly, he said, "No, not a portkey! I've got a better idea. Write this..."
As he dictated to her what to write, Hermione wrote it down. When she'd
finished, she looked at what was written and stared in shock.
"Harry, you know what this means?" she asked.
"Of course, I do. If it works, it'll show a huge security hole in everyone's
wards, especially at the Ministry," he grinned. "But, this will be an
excellent way to prove it to Madam Bones."
"She's going to hate you even more," she giggled. "She's going to half
panic."
"Meh!" he said with a shrug. "It's not as if I caused the problem. I'm just
pointing it out. And who else should I point it out to, if not her? Besides,
if I just told her of it, I doubt she'd believe me. This way, she'll see it
happening."
He hesitated a moment before he said, "Add a postscript, if you wouldn't
mind."
"Yes?" she asked, readying her quill.
"P.S. Harry says, please tell Madam Bones I'm sorry for her to see this
happen before I warned her. But, I don't think she'd believe me if she
didn't see it with her own eyes," he dictated. "I think that should do."
Once the note was written and breath-dried, Hermione called Dobby and
told him what was going on.
He was all for it and popped away with the note a few moments later.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Seeing Dumbledore walk into the shop, one of Malkin's shop assistants
immediately summoned her over and quietly said, "I do not wish to deal
with the old fool and, if you force me to―"
"No," Malkin just as quietly sighed, "He's my responsibility."
Madam Malkin's was a store Dumbledore would not usually be caught
anywhere near, other than to pass it by. However, needs must.
When the dumpy little woman approached him, she politely greeted him,
"Good morning, Professor Dumbledore. Here for your three sets of
Professor robes, are you?"
That question, of course, alerted him to the fact Marchbanks had also
already contacted the woman. He just didn't realise that was exactly why
she asked it.
With an initial frown at her that was immediately masked again, he
politely replied, "Yes, actually. However, I'm looking for something a lot
more colourful than just the plain black. After all, I have an image to
maintain. I'm sure you understand." And gave a light self-deprecating
chuckle.
However, she had already been made aware he would try this.
"Certainly," she immediately replied. "I'm sure we can dress it up with
some nice colour piping, or maybe something understated at the cuffs or
hems."
After hearing the first word, Dumbledore thought he was in the clear.
The follow-up, however, shut him down again.
He never saw the amusement on the face of the shop assistant, who had
moved to stand out of his peripheral vision and look to Malkin.
"Errr... yes," he quietly said.
The next forty minutes in the store were almost painful for the man who
hadn't worn anything darker than a muted pastel in almost thirty five
years.
Eventually, he left with the best he could hope for. He'd pushed and
pushed for brighter colours and larger areas but was neatly shut down
every time.
"I'm sorry, Professor Dumbledore," she would say. "That exceeds the limit
of coloured material you are permitted to have in the specifications I've
been given. I'm afraid we're just going to have to reduce that.
"No, Professor Dumbledore; I'm afraid the piping and external material
panels, together, exceed the limits as stated in the specifications. I'm
afraid you're going to need to choose between the piping and panels.
Perhaps if we use some silk to highlight, instead? Black, of course.
"I'm sorry, Professor Dumbledore, but I simply cannot exceed the
limitations as laid down by Headmistress Lady Marchbanks. She is using
fitting you for Professor's robes as a test to see if I am willing to rigidly
meet the specifications. If I exceed them, then she will inform the rest of
the staff that Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions is not an approved
retailer. I simply cannot afford to lose the business.
"I believe all clothing retailers the length of wizarding Britain have been
given the same specifications and instructions."
Frustrated at every turn he fully intended to just dump the lot into the
nearest bin until Malkin said, "I will, of course, be sending the
specifications of the robes you purchased, together with a copy of the
receipt, to Headmistress Lady Marchbanks... Why? So she knows I met
the requirements to outfit you for your Professor's robes, of course!"
Actually, that last was not an instruction Marchbanks had given her.
However, she really didn't want the man to have to return when he
returned to Hogwarts without them. She decided she'd immediately floo
the woman with what she'd said so her bum was protected from any
backlash later.
Besides, she was enjoying tweaking the man over it; especially after what
he did to Lord Potter. It was just her sense of satisfaction and 'revenge by
proxy' by blocking him at every turn that drove her on.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Neville was getting a little antsy Harry and Hermione weren't going to
get Dobby to give him a reply before his parents wanted to go. However,
before that happened, the little elf returned.
"Mister Neville, Sir," said Dobby, handing him the note.
Breathing a sigh of relief, Neville accepted the note and read it. As he did
so, he grinned and then laughed.
"I take it you can go?" asked his father.
"Yes," he chuckled.
"In that case, I'll organise a portkey for you," said Madam Bones.
Neville snorted in amusement and said, "I trust Harry."
"Oh?" she warily asked.
"One moment," he said.
A quick kiss and hug from his parents, Madam Bones then said, "Young
man, you cannot apparate or portkey out of the Ministry, unless it is with
Ministerial authorisation granted in advance. And, even then, portkeys
can only be made by certain people within the Ministry; and I'm one of
them."
Neville just grinned and said, "I won't be using a portkey or apparating,
Ma'am. Harry really is smart."
"Hermione said to tell you," and here he read direct off the bottom of the
parchment, "'Harry says, please tell Madam Bones I'm sorry for her to see
this happen before I warned her. But, I don't think she'd believe me if she
didn't see it with her own eyes'."
As Bones looked suddenly very wary, he grinned, looked to Dobby and
said, "Okay, Dobby. I'm ready to go."
Dobby immediately took hold of Neville's hand and, near-instantly, both
popped out of existence with a white-flash of elf magic.
All three adults sat stunned for a few moments before Madam Bones
quietly said, "Awww... shit!"
Frank gasped, "Sweet Merlin! Did he just do what I think he just did?"
With both elbows now on her desk while she used both sets of fingertips
to massage her brow, Bones replied, "That he just used house elf
apparation to bypass the tightest security wards in the Ministry,
including those on the Minister's office, with barely a thought? Yes...
dammit!"
Alice asked, "Would you have believed him?"
"No," she sighed. "Why would I? No one, to the best of my knowledge,
has ever done it."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Down in a Fidelius-charmed small office within the Department of
Mysteries, a junior Unspeakable charged with monitoring what was
happening throughout the Ministry was sitting back with his feet crossed
at the ankles and propped up on a desk. He saw what had occurred in the
Director of the DMLE's office, gave a start and exclaimed, "What the
Hell?!"
As he yanked his feet off the desk, he stared more intently at one of the
large mirrors before him.
"Shit!" he quietly exclaimed, before quickly activating the Dicta-quill on
the desk before him and began dictating an urgent short memo for his
supervisor.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
With a crack of apparation, Neville appeared right in the middle of the
dinette room a little apart from the table.
Hermione suddenly exclaimed, "Well! I'll be damned!"
With a sudden shout from downstairs, there was a thundering of running
feet running up the stairs leading up from the lower ground floor.
Harry had his wand out, pointed at his mate in a flash and said, "Best put
your hands up, Neville."
Neville immediately did just that as Harry grinned at him. The boy was
looking back in shock. "H-Harry?" he squeaked.
"Just saving you from―"
"Freeze! Aurors!" suddenly snapped one of that morning's auror coterie.
"... getting stunned, Nev," Harry finished.
Neville gave a yelp, but didn't move. He looked half-terrified.
As the other two aurors came running in from outside - one from out
front and the other from out the back - Harry put his wand away and
snickered.
"What the hell?" asked the youngest of the three.
"Harry?" Neville asked again.
"It's alright, aurors," said Hermione. "It's only Neville Longbottom. Harry
was testing an idea to get past the wards. It worked."
"How?" demanded the senior auror. He didn't look happy.
"Side-along apparation via house elf," she immediately replied.
"A house elf can side-along apparate someone?" asked the youngest.
"Yep!" laughed Harry.
"Please don't do that again," said the female Auror First Class. The one
who was 2IC on site.
"You might want to let Madam Bones know he's here," snickered Harry.
"Dobby 'side-alonged' him right out of her office."
"WHAT?!" asked the senior.
Harry snorted and said, "Neville... was side-along elf-apparated... right
out of Madam Bones's... DMLE office."
Neville, trying to be helpful added, "Right in front of her."
"Oh, crap!" exclaimed the youngest.
The senior pulled out his badge and appeared to be trying to figure out
how to send her a message via badge-taps, or something.
Hermione grinned. "If you can send her a messenger Patronus, try that."
The senior gave her a pained look and sent one. It looked something like
a possum or a squirrel.
Neville, who by this time had lowered his hands, watched in confusion.
"You can do that?" he asked.
"Yeah, Nev," replied a still grinning Harry. "If you can cast a Patronus,
that is."
Hermione stood and gave a still confused Neville a hug. "Welcome to my
home, Neville."
Finally giving her a hug back, Neville said, "Err... yeah. Thanks for
allowing me to come... I think."
Harry laughed.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Bones was still trying to get her head around the fact Lord Potter, with the
help of Heir Apparent Longbottom, yet another fourteen year old boy
who hadn't even sat his OWLs yet, had just demonstrated a massive hole
in their security, when the Patronus form of an opossum leapt into the
office from the wall.
In an ethereal voice of one of her senior aurors, it said, "Madam Bones,
Neville Longbottom has appeared in the middle of Golf Romeo. Straight
through the wards. We have a security issue."
As the Patronus faded away she frustratingly threw her hands in the air
and exclaimed, "No shit!"
Frank and Alice looked to one another in amusement.
Tentatively, in case he further upset the supposed Head of wizarding
Britain's security, Frank asked, "How often does Lord Potter pull stunts
like that?"
With a sigh, she replied, "With much too often regularity since the First
Task of the Tri-Wizard Tournament a little over three weeks ago. He
keeps referring to us all as daft morons; then goes and proves it by doing
crap like that.
"You saw what he did with the Misuse of Muggle Artefacts Statute
yesterday, didn't you?"
After both Longbottoms grinned and nodded back, Frank asked,
"Were there ever anti-house elf apparation wards up anywhere? Including
the cells?"
"Nope!" she emphatically replied.
"So, all those folks we used to arrest and bring back here―" he began.
"Could have simply called their house elves, if they had them, to apparate
them directly back out again," she finished. "Yep."
Alice asked, "What about Azkaban?"
Bones stared at her for a long moment in horror before she replied,
"Well... shit!"
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
As soon as Marchbanks was assured Dumbledore was out of the castle -
and, therefore, out of the way - the Ward Masters from the Ministry came
in.
They immediately set to work analysing the wards. It took them time, but
they eventually had them all.
For what was listed at the Ministry for the wards on the castle and lands
surrounding it, there were quite a few significant changes. Those added
included:
◊ - A general secrecy charm ward that subtly blocked staff and students
from talking about any event out of the ordinary;
◊ - A loyalty ward to instill loyalty towards the Headmaster or
Headmistress of the time;
◊ - An enhancement ward designed to cause aggravation between the
Houses of Gryffindor and Slytherin;
◊ - An avoidance ward directed at one individual - like Potter - that
would cause a general desire to stay clear of a person (who is also likely
to be the person);
◊ - An almost hidden link to an artefact that was currently off the school
grounds and located in the direction of London that was linked to a
location ward keyed to all those on the grounds; and
◊ - A magical power tap that was keyed to one individual - likely,
Dumbledore.
Wards that were in place, but deactivated, included:
◊ - A monitoring ward designed to monitor bullying;
◊ - An intent based ward designed to suppress bullying;
◊ - A monitoring and recording ward against dangerous artefacts;
◊ - A monitoring and recording ward against the use of dark magic; and
◊ - A monitoring and recording ward designed to block sexual assault by
stunning all involved until woken by someone carrying a DMLE badge.
When Marchbanks was given the report she was, of course, furious.
"How soon can you rectify all this?" she demanded of the Team Lead.
"With control of the wards and we can drop the full ward scheme for the
time, it can be done in mere minutes," he replied. "However, it's going to
take about an hour to prep. I'd rather have everything in place and ready,
before I drop the wards.
"Without doing that it's likely going to take us weeks. And that's beside it
putting things at risk with a ward cascade failure.
"If we do the lot together... when they drop, they'll all drop. That includes
the muggle notice-me-not and avoidance wards. Then we bring the whole
lot back up, together, as an integral set. It'll also mean that if anyone
wants to change anything by doing what Dumble― by whoever did all
this did, they'll have to take everything down again to do it. The other
way, that protection won't be there.
"However, I'd also like your permission to add to the wards if we're going
to go that far."
Marchbanks frowned and asked, "What additions?"
The Team Lead handed her a short list:
◊ - A combined monitoring and notification ward for under-aged magic
used outside of dormitories, the Great Hall and classrooms - such
monitoring will immediately be entered into a book designed to accept
them;
◊ - A dark mark notification ward keyed to the Head, the Deputy and the
four Heads of Houses;
◊ - Redoing the hidden location charm ward and keying it to an
automated map of the school - such map to be provided ASAP; and
◊ - The location charm will also be tied in with the other notification
charms.
Marchbanks read through it and asked, "When you say 'mere minutes',
how long are we talking about here?"
"Three, maybe four," he immediately replied.
Surprised, she said, "I was expecting you to tell me about ten times that
amount."
He just smiled. "That's what the prep work is for."
Nodding, she asked, "If I was to include these four you suggest we add,
how much preparation time do you need, then?"
"One hour fifteen," he promptly replied. "I've never seen that location
ward before and I want to study it. Whoever did it was bloody brilliant. I
want to analyse it because I think the Minister should be made aware of
it and what it could mean for the Ministry. I'm thinking it could be useful
for places like Diagon Alley, Saint Mungo's and places like that."
She didn't even hesitate. "Do it. You have my authorisation. Come and
see me when you need control of the wards and I'll hand them over to
you. I'll be here in my office.
"I'll also be needing a full written report of what was there that should
not have been; what wasn't there that should have been, or was
deactivated; and what you've added. I'll need it for both my records and
for the Acting Madam Minister."
"Yes, Ma'am," he replied. "However, that report would have been
provided, anyway."
With a slight bow of respect he left.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After leaving the office of Madam Bones - with the woman frustrated and
trying to figure out a way to engineer stopping house elves side-along
apparating people through the wards of everywhere, without letting the
'secret' out it was possible first - the Longbottoms began the process of
getting their lives back in order in official records.
Bones suggested only one true stop was needed and that was the
Minister's Administration Office one floor below her own. She even gave
them both her written authorisation to put 'her' staff in that office to
work on getting it all sorted out for them.
"Officially, you're still employees," she'd told them. "You were never stood
down as aurors. As such, I'm authorising my staff in the Minister's Office
to reactivate everything for you, as it should never have been deactivated
in the first place."
After Frank handed over the note from Bones to the senior Office staffer,
he read it and said, "We'll get right on that. It should all be done before
close of business, today. I'll send an owl when it's done, so you won't
have to worry about it."
After thanking the man, that allowed them to head directly to Gringotts.
They needed to find out just what his mother, as regent, had done with
the accounts.
As they walked in, they were immediately greeted by the concierge
goblin available for the Seven. He gave a short abbreviated bow to them
both and said, "Lord Longbottom, Lady Longbottom; on behalf of Axe
Lord Ragnok, we at Gringotts rejoice at your recovery. May your enemies
once again tremble in fear of your presence and gold overflow your
vaults."
"Thank you," said Frank. "If the Longbottom Account Manager is free,
whoever that is these days, please inform him we seek a meeting with
some level of urgency."
"Account Manager Irontongs expects your presence, this day, and has
cleared his schedule for you," replied the goblin. "Please follow me."
When the goblin immediately spun on his heel and began to stalk deeper
into the bank, the two Longbottoms followed.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
As the time neared 11.00am Sirius had already been into the Leaky to
check the place out for his meeting with Remus, then moved into the
Alley proper. His initial idea for a couple of elves to clean Black Manor
was shelved when he found out the initial cost and time it would take.
Instead, he contracted with a private company that combined curse
breaking and cleaning to go in and do the work. He'd then organise for a
house elf or two to be bonded that would then maintain the place.
While he was discussing that with the reps of the company they told him
they also had a subdivision of their company that would do interior
decorating as the teams worked.
"By us providing a full service, it will cut down on your costs; but, for
someone like you that we believe doesn't care so much about the cost, it
will also drastically cut down on the time," explained the sales rep. "As I
said, though, our analysts will have to go in first to give you both a cost
and an estimation of the time involved."
Sirius came away from the meeting happy to have contracted them and a
time when he would meet them at the townhouse.
His next stop was in Flourish and Blotts adults only section. He found the
book he needed and quickly purchased it.
A quick Tempus and he realised he'd have to hurry to the Leaky to make
his meeting with Remus, so hurried back up the Alley. Unknown to both
him and Dumbledore, though, he just missed the man heading down the
Alley from Malkin's and heading back to Twillfit's carrying his brown
paper-wrapped parcel of three black robes.
Once in the Leaky it was to see Remus sitting in a booth at the back,
partially in shadow and looking as shabby as ever.
With a sigh at the appearance of his friend, Sirius adopted a light smile
and casually walked over. He drew his wand as he walked, ready to erect
privacy wards.
As he slid into the seat opposite, he said, "Hi, Moony."
Surprised by the appearance of his friend, Remus's face lit up. But there
was still a strong hint of wariness in his expression. "Pads!" he greeted
back.
"Give me a minute to put up some wards," said Sirius, bring his wand up.
He did, however, notice the twitch of Remus's hand as he raised his
wand. It showed the werewolf was definitely on edge about something.
He threw up the wards - subtle masking ward that blurred their
appearance, a muffling ward that turned sound coming from their booth
into indistinguishable conversational noise and a very minor notice-me-
not ward - before turning back to his friend.
"Going for subtlety, Pads?" asked Remus. "That's unlike you."
"That's unlike what I used to be like," he corrected. "I've changed. Now,
why are you so 'twitchy'?"
Remus sighed and seemed to slump a little. "As I was passing through the
mountains near western Austria some... mongrel began hunting me. I had
to stay moving for three days and I was deep into Southern Germany and
across the Danube before, whoever it was, backed off."
Sirius winced. He hated the fact there were still those 'illegal hunters' out
there who liked nothing better than to hunt werewolves. It was great
when they decided to go after someone like Greyback, but going after his
friend was a different matter.
"Then I had to spend a few days working the docks in the Netherlands
before I could get passage across to the Isles," his friend continued. "I
arrived in Felixstowe early yesterday."
"But, you made it," he nodded.
"I made it," smiled Remus. "So, I didn't get much news in Italy that was
more than just 'general'. What happened?"
"Drinks, first," he replied. "Light ales, though. This will take a while."
Once Sirius collected the drinks and brought them back, he took a few
sips before sitting back in a way he could watch the room.
"Let me start back to the ninth of June," he began. "That's the night we
were all in the Shrieking Shack."
That then began a very long tale of what had happened, really starting
with him heading for the unplottable Island of Black in the southern part
of the North Atlantic to clear out of wizarding Britain for a while.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
The Team Lead of the Ministry ward masters was doing a final check of
the preparation of taking down the Hogwarts wards. Everything had to
be perfect as they really only had one cast at this.
Seeing something he thought not quite right he barked, "Johnson!"
A young man perked up and hurried over, "ET?"
Gesturing to what he felt was a mistake, the Team Lead asked, "What, in
Merlin's name, do you call that?"
"Ah!" said Johnson. He then went on to explain the slight differences he
made and why. It took a little while, too.
"Interesting," said ET, the Team Lead. He stared at it for a few long
moments before he said, "Yes. That will work. However, never make such
a change without getting authorisation in advance, in future. Someone
might have initiated a change somewhere else in the matrix that could
have conflicted. Do you know what would have happened if it
conflicted?"
"Errr... we... could have died?"
"More important than that, you numbskull," snapped ET. "I could have
died. If you died it would have been your own damned fault. However,
killing me would have been a true tragedy.
"I do not want to be a tale of a true tragedy. I want to live to a ripe old
age. I want to die of old age from exhaustion brought on by having too
much sex with a pair of Scandinavian identical twins twenty... even
thirty... years younger than me!
"Got me, Johnson?"
"Yes, ET," the young man muttered.
"Good!" snapped ET. "Lesson imparted and learned. Go away."
Once he had checked it for a third time he cast a quick Tempus away
from the matrix.
"Right," he declared. "I'm going to see Marchbanks and take control of the
wards. When I do, I'll send a red flare out the window. That's the signal
to activate.
"Johnson! Since you've been the clever little monkey, you get the
privilege of activating the matrix. Don't dawdle!"
"No, ET!"
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After purchasing his... Uurgh!... Professor's robes at Malkin's Dumbledore
headed back to Twillfit's to get the robes he really wanted. And that
chartreuse yellow sounded divine.
Walking in, this time he had to wait a few seconds after five minutes
before Twillfit came out to see him. It was Twillfit's way of showing he
was displeased with you.
When he finally arrived, Dumbledore smiled and said, "Terrence, there
was no need for you to get 'huffy' I had to go elsewhere to buy those
horrid black robes. If I was being forced to buy them, I did not want you
having to sell them to me to infringe upon our creative designs."
Twillfit chose to ignore all that and asked, "Do you have your receipt? As
long as I sight that I can sell you anything you can afford."
Dumbledore sighed and produced the receipt from Malkin's.
He gave a harrumph and muttered, "Cheap, worthless garbage."
"Of course," nodded Dumbledore. "I have little intention of wearing them
anywhere, but in the classroom. The less I have to, the better. I much
prefer your sartorial splendour, which is why I've come back.
"Now we can finally get on with the real reason I'm shopping."
It was while he and Twillfit were discussing what colour to pair with the
chartreuse that Dumbledore felt the ward tap at Hogwarts he had his
predecessor install suddenly release.
As Twillfit was recommending a dark forest green for trim, Dumbledore
suddenly stiffened and cried, "Noooo!"
He quickly blurted out, "Terrence, my good man. I apologise. I must hurry
back to the castle. I'll be back as soon as I can." He suddenly spun on his
foot and raced out of the clothier. He needed to get back to find out what
had happened to his ward tap.
In his haste to leave, he left his bundle of 'Malkin' robes on the counter.
As Dumbledore fled out the door, Twillfit took one look at the brown
paper wrapped bundle, stared at it with distaste and gestured for his shop
assistant to come over.
"Sir?" the young man asked.
"Send that to Marchbanks, would you, Peter?" asked Twillfit. "Add a note
that Dumbledore left it here when he suddenly and rudely took off.
There's a good chap."
With that, Twillfit left the young man to it. After all, little issues like that
were the reason he and his partner hired the man. That, plus he looked
delicious in robes that fit well at the hips, upper arms and shoulders, as a
well-tailored robe should.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Sirius was telling Remus a few of the more public stuff Harry had been
up to recently, his winning of the case for Sirius against the Ministry and
the stripping away of the Statute of Misuse of Muggle Artefacts together
with the sudden appearance of the Longbottoms right at the beginning of
the Wizengamot General Meeting, when Remus spotted Dumbledore
suddenly hurry into the Leaky.
"Hey, there's Dumbledore," said Remus, beginning to rise.
Sirius immediately hit Remus with an underpowered banishing charm,
knocking him back into his seat as the old man raced for the fireplace
just past them. And before Remus could snap at him for the banishing
charm, he hit him with a silencing charm.
A few moments later, Dumbledore barked, "Transfiguration Office,
Hogwarts!" He stepped in and was gone.
Sirius immediately lifted the silencing charm as Remus surged to his feet.
"What the hell, Pads?!"
With a sigh, Sirius said, "Sit down and calm down, Moony."
"Why?" the scarred man angrily asked.
Both knew what he meant.
"Because I cannot have Dumbledore use the excuse of bumping into me in
the Alley to stick me with tracking, compulsion, loyalty charms and the
like," he replied.
"Why would he do such a thing?" snapped Remus.
"Because he has this very unhealthy focus on Harry," he replied. "I know
why, but I cannot tell you. I'm under oath. All I can tell you about it is
that it makes perfect sense."
Moony scowled back and said, "I cannot believe Dumbledore would get
up to all that sort of nonsense."
Starting to lose his temper back, Sirius said, "And I really couldn't care
any less than I do right now that you don't!"
Surprised by the almost sudden vehemence in his friend's words, tone,
posture and demeanour Remus sat back and stared back in not a little
shock.
A few moments later, he'd calmed down enough to give a pointed look to
his friend, who had also calmed back down. "What aren't you telling me,
Padfoot?"
"It's what you haven't told me that's the issue, Moons," Sirius snapped
back.
Leaning forward and staring intently at his last remaining school time
friend, he asked, "During that near nine months you were at the school as
a Professor, why didn't you ever tell Harry about his true heritage? You
had plenty of time to do it; so, why didn't you?"
Shocked at the vehemence at the question, it was a few moments before
Remus replied, "Errr... because Dumbledore asked me not to?"
Sirius sat back and stared back in fury. And it was obvious from his
expression that the answer was nowhere near acceptable.
Remus's inner wolf was recoiling in fear.
It was a few long moments before Sirius quietly, angrily, vehemently
stated, "We're going to get you checked out by a Healer. If there's no
traces of compulsions, loyalty potions or the like in your system... then,
we're done. Do you understand what I'm telling you?"
"Padfoot! What the Hell?"
"You don't know the full story of what that man did to our boy," said
Sirius. "But, it's not for me to tell you. You clearly won't believe me."
He pulled a couple of galleons from his pocket and dumped them on the
table. "Go to the Daily Prophet and ask for back-copies of the paper. The
specific days you're looking for are the twenty fifth and twenty sixth of
November; and the week starting Monday, the thirtieth of November.
Hell, get the ones in between, too.
"You need to read them. You won't believe me, otherwise. Then, once
you've done that, talk to a few people to get their views of what
happened and contact me again. I expect to hear from you within the
week.
"Then, when I do, I'm taking you to see my cousin, Andi. She's a Master
Healer and very well trained in detecting lingering traces of potions
within your system."
Then he rose and said, "Take care of yourself until then, Remus." And
spun about and left.
Remus was left sitting there wondering what had just happened. The two
galleons remained sitting on the table for almost a minute before he
scooped them up as he rose. He made his way out to the Alley, heading
towards the offices of the Daily Prophet.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
By the time Dumbledore made it back to Hogwarts and hurried up to the
Headmistress's office, the ward master team were just completing their
work and the wards were coming back up. He hadn't even noticed the
gargoyle had immediately stepped aside for him, or what it meant.
Almost bursting into the office he saw Marchbanks and 'ET', the Team
Lead. He recognised the man, immediately.
"What the Hell have you done?" he demanded.
Marchbanks snapped right back, "Professor Dumbledore, mind your tone!"
ET smirked and replied, "The school's wards have been reconfigured.
Your power tap has been removed."
Still angry, but now also quite fearful, the old man snarled, "Do you
realise what you've done?"
"I am a Ward Master with over forty years experience," replied ET. "Of
course I know what I've done. And I resent the implication―"
"I need that tap!" yelled Dumbledore. "When Voldemort comes back, that
tap is the only way I'll have enough power to again fight him!"
"Albus Dumbledore; that is enough!" snapped Marchbanks.
When Dumbledore just glared back in fury, she practically hissed at him,
"You and I will be having a long talk, later, about you siphoning power
from the Hogwarts wards for your own ends. An act which, I will point
out, is clearly illegal."
Turning a glance to ET she said, "Though, by his own admission to
having committed this act has practically rendered the idea moot, please
check."
ET gave a nod and, like a striking snake, quickly raised his wand and
lashed out with a charm at Dumbledore.
Dumbledore, still with most of his attention on Marchbanks, was not
even prepared to fend it off. It made him immediately glow green for a
moment.
"It's confirmed," he said, still staring at Dumbledore and prepared to
react. "The power tap was, indeed, linked to Dumbledore. It was feeding
him the power."
"Thank you," she nodded, also still staring at Dumbledore; her eyes fixed
upon him just as intently as ET's. "Professor Dumbledore, you are
dismissed. Leave my office, now."
Dumbledore, his wand gripped in his hand in white-knuckled anger
where he'd suddenly drawn it from his belt without even realising it,
stared back for a few moments before he suddenly spun on his foot and
stormed out.
As he stormed out, Marchbanks snapped, "And, due to your behaviour,
your leave to attend to your shopping in Diagon Alley is now hereby
revoked!"
Ignoring her, he clawed his hands into fists and stormed out the door.
Marchbanks banished it shut and sealed it.
Not until a few seconds after he had gone did either Marchbanks or ET
relax again.
"I think you'll be leaving via my floo, Edward," said Marchbanks. "I take it
your people are waiting for you out in Hogsmeade?"
He gave a nod and replied, "They are."
"Then I recommend flooing to the Three Broomsticks and meeting up
with them there," she suggested. "And I expect a copy of that report
within three days."
"You'll have it tomorrow," he said. "You'd have it this afternoon if I didn't
have to go and talk to the Acting Madam Minister, first."
"Thank you, Edward," she nodded.
As suggested, as soon as he exited the floo in the Three Broomsticks ET
collected the rest of his team and headed directly back to the Ministry.
After he gave a verbal report to the Acting Madam Minister he'd be able
to go and celebrate with his team. The report could wait until after that.
In her office, Marchbanks carefully listed in her ongoing report
concerning Dumbledore's actions this latest 'shenanigan'. However, his
siphoning power from the castle's wards, on its own, she already knew to
be enough to fire him.
Now she just needed to consider when she would do precisely that.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
While Harry was still working through a lot of the financials regarding
the House of Potter, Hermione had taken Neville on a tour of the house.
She first took him to the top floor and showed him her suite and the
other two guest bedrooms located up there, then down to the first floor
with the Master Bedroom suite and Harry's suite. She next took him on a
tour of the upper ground floor (main floor), where they tended to spend
most of their time. And, finally, down to the lower ground floor with its
access to the double garage, the laundry, the media room and the
servants' quarters which the aurors had taken over.
Coming back up to the main floor she led him back into the dinette.
Knowing the tour would soon be over when Hermione led Neville down
to the lower ground floor, Harry had decided to pack away what he was
working on for the time being.
He had just entered the kitchen and was already arguing with Dobby
about what to have for lunch.
Harry was all set to make snacks, while Dobby was insistent he have a
proper meal.
Hermione took one look at the stance of the both of them and said,
"Harry, stop arguing with Dobby. Dobby, Harry needs a mid-morning
snack."
"Master Harry be cookings dinner," the little elf declared. "Dobby be
cookings brekky and lunch!"
"I was just going to―" Harry started, until he saw the look on Hermione's
face and the shock on Neville's. He sighed and grumbled, "Fiiiine."
"Harry, we have a guest," she said. "Between the two of us we need to
come up with how to keep the three of us occupied."
"We could always―" he stopped as he had a sudden idea and his face lit
up in happiness. "Hermione; you have a video player, right?"
Surprised at the idea, she said, "Ah! That is a good idea."
Rounding on Neville she asked, "What do you know about the muggle
entertainment medium known as 'television'?"
Neville looked back in confusion and replied, "Nothing?"
As both other teens grinned back, Harry snapped out of it and said,
"Hermione, take him down and get things set up. See if you can find
something that gives a halfway decent showing of modern muggle
Britain. I'm going to teach Dobby how to make... popcorn!"
As she began to lead Neville out again, she said, "Don't worry about
drinks. There's a small bar fridge down stairs that we use to store the
fizzy drinks in!"
As they left, Harry wheeled on Dobby and said, "I'm about to show you
something muggles snack on when they're at, what they call, cinemas. It's
really quick and easy to do and only has three ingredients - butter, dried
corn kernels and salt. The secret is in the timing and heat."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
32. Ron's Wobbly
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!
A/N: I'll also use this time to address a couple of points I noticed raised when
scanning reviews or PMs:
A. The Dursleys - Harry wants to have the 'privilege' of dealing with them and
will do so in the fullness of time. There's no hurry. That's why he made the
claims before the Wizengamot he did. He didn't want them taking his chance
to personally deal with them out of his hands.
B. The muggle Government's programme on installing the surveillance cameras
and what the wizarding world needs to do about it - It takes a lot of time to
write a proper new Bill/Statute and very few purebloods believe it, anyway.
According to people like Ogden, there are more important things to deal with,
first.
C. Dumbledore looking inept - It's been less than two months. In that time; he's
lost his power (political), all positions of authority except as a professor have
been stripped from him; he's lost his power (personality), very few people trust
him any longer and no one seems prepared to provide him any assistance; he's
lost his power (informational), he's being deliberately kept in the dark by
Marchbanks and the rest of the Hogwarts staff and his information sources
outside the school, other than via the untrustworthy information source known
as the Daily Prophet, no longer provide him any either and he can't get out of
the school and use his power of personality to regain what else he's lost; he's
lost his power (financial), with his money sources extremely curtailed he can't
'buy' what he needs to regain his powers/authorities; he maintains his power
(magical), but has lost the power boosts from Fawkes and the power tap.
Being very used to having all that and now losing it, every time he tries to get
back to his 'feet' he's being knocked down again before he can stabilise things
in his favour. Is it, therefore, any wonder he appears inept?
C. Bones (or, Things Harry has raised, but have not yet been dealt with or
have apparently been missed) - Bones is currently having to do the work of
two important positions effectively on her own, Minister and Director of the
DMLE. She's good, but even she can only accomplish so much in such a limited
amount of time. Give her time. There are things she knows she needs to get
done, but there are other things that need to get done right the Hell now! The
trouble is, Harry and his people keep hitting her with more and more to do so
she, too, is being constantly knocked out of her comfort zone and having to
scramble to achieve anything. That's why she commented to him, 'I hate you.'
There was no spite in it; just frustration. She has not (yet?) figured out she
needs to delegate more of the work of the Director onto her 2IC to give herself
more time.
D. Harry himself - He's had years to plan what he's now doing and part of that
is to keep people mentally off-balance. He did that to Hermione straight away
to get her to think things through and is now giving her time to regain her
inner equilibrium, all with a new way of thinking and new knowledge. It's
what he keeps doing to Bones and knows is being done to Dumbledore. If you
keep people off-balance they cannot formulate an effective counter. He's also
spacing out what he wants to accomplish to both keep people off-balance for
longer and also give them some time, if they scramble, to get done what needs
to get done. He's being strategic. In that way he has some measure of control;
people have to react rather than act proactively. He still has other things to
do/use yet to maintain that state. And Ted Tonks is (unknowingly?) proving
to be a godsend in helping him with that.
E. Marchbanks - She's already figured out what Harry is doing and, besides,
she thinks it's something that should have been done decades earlier. She also
thinks herself too old to get all excited/frustrated about it, anyway. If
anything, she's amused by it all. In her mind a bit of excitement, every now
and then, is good for the soul.
F. Voldemort - He knows he's vulnerable. His power (magical) is curtailed by
his 'Babymort' form; his power (informational) is curtailed to the Daily
Prophet and what Pettigrew can carefully gather; he can't risk Pettigrew to go
out and get him more information/intelligence as he needs him, else he will die
without the rat making the potion for him; and things are happening that don't
fit with what he was expecting to happen. He doesn't know who else he can
trust and knows that, if he calls the wrong follower or loses Pettigrew, he could
easily die again. And he doesn't want to risk reverting to a wraith form for yet
another thirteen or more years. As such, he's being both reticent to act and is
taking his time to gather what little information he can before he plans what to
do next. He's 'not a bloody Gryffindor'.
Anyways, on with the drama!
Chapter Thirty Two - Ron's Wobbly
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Because of the almost 'express' service in both the Ministry and Gringotts
in getting things back into order, Frank and Alice spent longer in
Gringotts than they originally planned. They took a look at the actual
finances of the House.
A quick review of the books of the House showed that Augusta had not
been a poor regent when it came to the finances. If anything, she actually
did a better job than Frank, if he was honest about it, could do.
Sitting back with a sigh he said, "So, Irontongs, there was no activity
related to Gringotts, on her part, that you would consider suspect?"
"None," the goblin immediately replied. "She did well by the House. And
was even ruthless in a couple of the business dealings."
Alice frowned and asked, "Were any of those dealings against a House in
the Alliance?"
"No," replied the goblin. "She made no financial moves that would be
considered against the intent of the alliance."
Frank finally nodded and looked to his wife. "Alice?" he asked. "Anything
else you can think of?"
"Yes," she immediately replied. "Remove her from full access to the
accounts and re-establish the stipend for her. That's missing."
Frank quickly checked and noticed she was correct.
With a nod he looked to Irontongs and said, "Recreate the vault for
Augusta Longbottom and re-establish her familial stipend to the same
amount as prior to her becoming Regent, increased by... ten percent. The
stipend is to be deposited into that vault, as per the previous
arrangement. When I release her to do so, she may come into the bank
and collect her key. That may be a while, however."
Alice, still looking at the financials, said, "There's no vault for Neville."
"What!?" asked Frank, leaning over to see for himself. Once he did he
snarled, "Damn that woman!"
Straightening back up he was a moment to centre himself again before he
said to Irontongs, "Create a similar vault for my son and Heir, Neville.
Place within it one thousand galleons. Have it refill back to the thousand
galleons annually. Make the first of December the anniversary of that."
As Irontong nodded and began to write on the parchment before him,
Alice quietly sighed and said, "Neville must have no idea how to manage
his own finances. That's yet another thing we're going to have to teach
him, fast."
Once Irontongs was ready again, Frank continued, "Next, we need to
adjust our Wills with an addendum. I want to remove the line regarding
Regency and replace it with my Heir Apparent being granted immediate
emancipation, together with self-regency of the House both actual and
fiscal. He will, as of the moment of our passing, be considered Lord of the
House."
Irontongs nodded and replied, "I'll have the addendum written up and
ready to be signed for when you next visit."
"Then, I believe we are done," said Frank, standing. His wife was only a
half heartbeat behind.
Irontongs said, "I shall have the vault key for young Heir Primary Neville
Longbottom ready by this afternoon, at the latest."
"Thank you," said both adults.
Irontongs gave a nod, closed the folder in which he was taking notes and
said, "May your ventures prove fruitful and your conquests be
overwhelming. Fare thee well."
"Fare thee well, Irontongs," Frank replied, as he and his wife made their
way out.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Dreading the meeting for almost the entire morning, Arthur Weasley and
Clifford Perkins were finally summoned to Amelia Bones's office about an
hour before lunch.
As both men entered, she was muttering something about ward masters,
smart-aleky young men and manipulative old gits.
She took a look at the pair of them, indicated the pair of chairs before
her desk and said, "Take a seat, gentlemen."
As Weasley and Perkins took seat, Bones was moving one small pile of
documents before her off to one side and bringing another pile into its
place.
As soon as both were seated she said, "Right... gentlemen... You know of
what happened regarding the Statute for the Misuse of Muggle Artefacts
yesterday, yes?"
"Yes, Ma'am," replied Weasley for them both.
"Good; Because that very statute is at the heart of what we need to talk
about today," she said.
Forty minutes later, Weasley and Perkins left the office of 'The Boss' and
returned to their own. Neither noticed the intervening distance or time
from when they left one office and returned to the other.
As both sat, Perkins finally spoke. "Merrr-lin!"
"Yeah," said Weasley. "We need to find a bigger set of offices."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Dumbledore was sitting in his office, wondering what to do next, when a
house elf appeared and dropped a package on his desk. Of course he
immediately recognised it as the package he'd forgotten on Twillfit's
counter.
On top was a note.
~ # ~
Albus,
Mister Twillfit was nice enough to forward your package you left on his
counter.
Now that you have the replacement robes you were sent to purchase, there will
now be no need for you to go to the Alley for the foreseeable future.
Headmistress Marchbanks
(NOT Griselda)
~ # ~
Screwing the note up in his hand, Dumbledore flung it across the room
and, with a snarl, fired an Incendio charm at it. He overpowered it.
In so doing he nearly set the other of his two armchairs alight in the
process.
However, he did manage to burn the slip of parchment, this time.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
On his return to the Tonkses' home, Sirius sighed in somewhat
disappointment at the end of his meeting with Remus. Though the old
man did not even know they were there, he had to resort to blocking his
'old friend' from getting the man's attention.
He wasn't yet ready to directly interact with Dumbledore. And was even
amazed the old man had not yet tried to get hold of him to use him as
some sort of 'cat's paw' or 'stalking horse' against Harry.
However, he was certain of one thing; the old man would definitely try to
use Moony that way. As a werewolf, if Dumbledore succeeded in turning
him into one or the other, Moony would not be protected by law.
He needed Remus to get those old copies of the Daily Prophet, read them
and come to the right conclusion himself. If there was any one in their
group other than Lily who could have been a Ravenclaw, it was Moony.
If he read those copies of the Prophet he would figure it out for himself.
After raiding Ted's liquor cabinet, he came away with a small glass of
muggle whiskey. He dropped into one of the chairs in the lounge, kicked
his feet forward and lounged back with the small glass in his off-hand. He
needed to figure out what to do next. He needed to think.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Arthur, still stunned with the news Perkins and he received from Bones,
asked for and received permission to 'floo home for lunch and speak with
the wife'.
As he popped out of the floo, Molly took one look at who it was and her
face fell. "Oh, no, Arthur."
"No, Molly-wobbles," he quickly said. "It's not like that."
Indicating the kitchen he said, "I can only stay for a little while, but I
have some rather surprising and outstanding news."
Once in the kitchen and with a plate for lunch before him, Arthur began
to speak between mouthfuls of food as he told her what 'Madam Bones'
had told him and his partner was to happen to his office.
"So," she said. "You and Cliff have to see to probably at least quadrupling
your Office to seven or more people. You have to find the staff to staff it
who are all muggleborn or at least muggle-raised, as they need that
grounding and understanding of muggle artefacts to properly do that job.
And you and Cliff both have to attend the DMLE auror muggle-awareness
course - both basic and advanced - within the next three months."
"Yes, Molls," he replied with a nod. "On top of that, once we get the
muggleborn staff started, one of the jobs of the new Office will be
designing a new set of muggle-awareness courses. One that, according to
Madam Bones, will have to include things like living for three days non-
stop in a purely muggle home, information on 'vidya' recordings and
cameras and things like that.
"Madam Bones is organising for a new 'Muggle Instructor' who will be a
muggleborn. That person will be working with Cliff and I to design the
new courses and will then be the new instructor for the courses.
"It's all pretty exciting. However, it seems it might just be all too much
for Cliff, as he's already said to me he's thinking about retiring. So, that'll
be another member of staff I'll need to replace."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After watching two different movies and somewhat over-indulging in
sampling both popcorn and fizzy drink for the first time, Neville was
almost bouncing off the walls in a combined excitement and sugar high
rush.
He was exuding so much magic from it Harry and Hermione had to rush
him out of the media room, lest he cause the electronic equipment to
short.
Back up in the dinette Harry was almost giggling at Neville's enhanced
'enthusiasm' for what he'd seen and tasted.
"That was a-maz-ing!" the boy was gushing and speaking overly quick.
"Who knew muggles could do that? That was like a stage play and a
portrait and a pensieve all rolled into one! Brilliant!
"Neville!" said Hermione. "You need to calm down!"
"How can anyone be calm after watching that... viewing that... doing
that... whatever!" he enthusiastically retorted. "Brilliant!"
Hermione turned her glare on Harry and softly said, "His parents are
going to kill you."
"It'll burn off soon enough," he tried, speaking just as softly back.
Neville was still practically bouncing off the walls.
"I have to come back again and do that some more!" declared the sandy-
blonde haired boy. "That was... wow!"
Harry sighed and pulled a sheet of parchment out and wrote a quick note
on it.
~ # ~
Frank and Alice
Please forgive Neville. He's 'suffering' from imbibing too much sugar and
popcorn. Think of it as a short-term overcharged Pepper-Up Potion, but
muggles call it a 'sugar high'.
When it wears off he's likely to very quickly fall fast asleep with no ill effects.
Muggles call coming off a sugar high as 'crashing'.
Harry
~ # ~
He quickly folded it and attempted to get the attention of his still very
much currently hyperactive friend.
"Neville!" he firmly said, finally getting the boy's attention.
"Hunh?"
Holding the note forth he said, "When you go home... as soon as you see
either your Mum or Dad, hand them this note, alright?"
"Yeah! Right-o, Harry!" declared the other boy, taking it and practically
ramming it into his pocket.
"Don't forget!" Harry firmly ordered.
"I won't!" he declared.
Hermione just looked at the pair of them in exasperation. But, she was
also trying not to laugh at it all.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Eventually, as Neville was finally starting to get over the effects of the
sugar and popcorn, plus the excitement of watching a movie for the first
time, a house elf popped in and handed Neville a note.
"Thank you, Fluxy!" he happily replied, taking the note and opening it.
After a few seconds he said, "Mum and Dad are back home at the Hall. I
hafta go! See ya!"
Before either Harry or Hermione could say a word, Neville held his hand
out for the elf. A moment later they were both gone with a crack.
Harry gave a snort of amusement and said to Hermione, "Well, I certainly
hope he remembers to give them that note."
"I still think they might want to kill you," she smirked.
"Maaaay-be," he replied. "However, as Frank's declared me his personal
hero, I can't see that happening."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
With Neville gone, Harry was able to return to what he was working on.
But, first, he wanted to write a few letters and get a few things happening
before he properly returned to it.
His first was instructions for Ted.
~ # ~
Ted Tonks
Law-wizard of Record
for the Noble and Most Ancient House of Potter
Diagon Alley
London
Ted,
First, I need you to look into whether or not the floo can be connected to the
home of the Grangers. Now that Hermione is both the magical ward of the
Lord of Black and the betrothed of the Lord of Potter, I wanted to see if this
would get around the law against muggle homes having the floo connected.
Second, I need you to set up an anonymous donation to pay for a mind-Healer
to help Luna Lovegood get over her mother dying in her arms and to help
Ginny Weasley get over being partially possessed by the spirit of Tom Riddle
for most of her first year at Hogwarts.
I do not want either of them or their families finding out I paid for it and I do
not want either of their families deciding the monetary donation could be 'put
to other uses'. Claim, for instance, it is from a wealthy witch who did not like
the idea two young innocent pureblood witches have suffered such mental
trauma and nothing was done for either of them.
As an aside, I got your second stack of documents you deem to be both urgent
and important enough for me to go through and make decisions. Are you
trying to bury me in parchmentwork, or something? Sheesh!
Harry
~ # ~
With the note written, Harry was going to hand it to Dobby to take, but
knew he hadn't made much use out of Hedwig for what she was designed
to be, a mail owl, for the past couple of weeks.
Rising from the dinette table he went and opened the window and was
just in time for her to glide in. Once in through the window, she
performed a tight bank to bleed off speed and landed on the table before
turning to him.
"Prek."
"Yep," he replied. "A letter to be delivered."
Walking back to the table and sitting down he was quick to tie the letter
to her leg.
"For Ted Tonks in his office in Diagon Alley, girl," he told her.
She quickly checked for herself the letter was secure, gave him another
muted Snowy bark and took off back out the window.
Thinking, he quickly checked the time and smiled.
'If I start dinner now,' he thought, 'I wonder what I can come up with?'
So much for working on House documents.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
The Unspeakables update that evening was that the Dog had met with
the White Wolf. Leo and Lisa were working on getting their
parchmentwork sorted, now they're back in the land of the living. Little
Old Lady got one up on White Beard. Apparently White Beard had been a
naughty boy and set in place a power tap on the Hogwarts' wards, among
other things. The wards are now back to what they should have been,
plus some extras, and―
"He did what?" asked their team warder.
"The White Knight decided we all needed another example of why we're
all daft morons... his words, not mine... and figured out a way to get
through practically any ward, in and out, that everyone else missed,"
replied the reporter, ignoring the warder's shock. "Apparently, a house elf
can side-along apparate a witch of wizard and, since there are no wards
I'm aware of that block a house elf apparating through them, it now
means witches and wizards can get through practically every ward."
"Oh, sweet bloody Merlin!" the warder exclaimed. "Do you know what
this means?"
"Wards to block witches and wizards from getting through via portkey or
apparation are now pretty much useless?" asked another.
"No, you git!" exclaimed the now exasperated warder. "It means... all
those pureblood witches and wizards who own house elves and are in...
say... Azkaban? Can get out whenever they bloody want to! All they have
to do is call their house elf to come and take them out!"
"Oh!" said the other, suddenly realising.
"Yeah... oh!" snarked the warder.
"That's not good."
"No, it bloody well isn't!" grumped the ward expert, who felt as if his very
world was crumbling around him. "And the Knight's not supposed to be
making people like me feel like I'm one of those daft morons of his!"
That had others snickering at their team member's heightened
annoyance.
"Well," continued the reporter, "Monocle has already been in contact with
Croaker to develop a way to block it. Croaker's not happy because, as you
know, we use a very similar method to get through wards when and
where necessary."
"And so we ward and charm masters are going to have to come up with
an idea that allows the blocking of side-along elf-popping the Knight has
figured out, while also allowing our special method of apparation
through," snarked the warder. "Merlin damn it!"
Again his fellow section members showed him their empathy for him by
laughing at him.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Harry had prepared another slow-roast, lamb this time, and talk was
somewhat lively around the table at dinner, that night.
Sirius had told them about his meeting with Remus Lupin and how it
didn't end so well; and about organising a cleaning crew for his old
family home on Grimmauld Place in Kings Cross, inner south London
proper.
"That's a pretty run down area," said Wendell.
Sirius shrugged and said, "With wizarding forms of travel and warding it
really doesn't matter what the area is like. A wizard could have a high
class mansion in the area and it still wouldn't stick out for the muggles.
Muggle Notice-Me-Nots take care of that."
Hermione asked, "Do you think Professor Lupin will read those old
editions of the Daily Prophet?"
"I hope so, yes," he replied. "He'll want to know what's going on and,
since I wouldn't tell him, he'll go read those back issues."
"Why have him read the back issues and not just tell him?" asked Monica.
"Because, he won't believe me," he replied. "He'll just think I'm trying to
prank him.
"With everything that's happened over the past three weeks I probably
wouldn't believe it either, if someone had just told me."
After dinner, Monica pulled Sirius aside into the kitchen and told him
about her fears about Harry's education.
Sirius heard her out and said, "Alright. I got your letter this morning and
I'm going to ask you a question. Don't get upset with me about it, as I'm
just doing my duty both as Harry's godfather and Hermione's magical
guardian."
When she nodded back he flat-out asked, "Is your endgame here to have
Harry and Hermione sleep together, have sex and for your daughter to
fall pregnant, so it activates the binding portion of the Betrothal
Agreement?"
Monica, at first shocked by the question, scowled and replied, "No. And I
don't know how you could think I wouldn't get upset by that question."
Sirius nodded and said, "I'm sorry, but whether or not you got upset
about it is not really my concern. My primary concern, here, is the
protection of those kids and Harry's familial legacy. However, you've
answered the questions and I believe you. I just needed to hear it out of
your own mouth."
Monica, still frowning, asked, "So, does this mean you're going to talk to
Harry or not?"
"Actually," he said, reaching into his robes and pulling out the book he
purchased earlier in the day from Flourish and Blott's, "In the short time
I've known him, it's already easy to understand he learns more by reading
about it that listening to someone else talk about it.
"Besides, I have a very well-known reputation for pranking people;
sometimes, unfairly, quite inappropriately. While the first part is true the
second is not. However, that's what I'm tagged with.
"Therefore, I'm giving him this book and will impress upon him he and I
will be talking about it once he's finished it."
Monica took the book and began to thumb through it a bit. "This is
actually... surprisingly quite informative. It is not the sort of book I
would expect to be found in the wizarding world.
"There's actually similar books in the muggle world, but this one seems a
great deal better than those."
"The purpose of this book is not to educate kids on sex," said Sirius. "It's
for kids to understand what it is and how it can lead to them being
trapped in a loveless marriage. It's to protect Heirs, like Harry, from some
witch with delusions of getting herself pregnant and trapping the heir
into marrying them as a way to lift her standing in our world; or just
putting the family of the father in a position where her family has to be
'paid off'.
"Actually, that second one is probably the main reason of the two, if I
was being honest about it."
Monica gave a huff and said, "I shouldn't be surprised. Anyway, when do
you want to give it to him? I think the sooner, the better."
Sirius gave a nod and said, "Now, then. How about you send him to me?"
Monica gave her own nod and said, "I'll go get him and send him in."
Then she stopped and said, "Actually, to keep Hermione out of this, how
about you go into the office and I'll send him there?"
"Good idea," he replied.
As the two separated, Sirius headed via the hallway into the office and
sat at the 'discussion' table and waited. He put the book on the table and
thought about how to broach the subject.
Less than a minute later, Harry came in. He appeared a little confused.
"You wanted to talk to me?" he asked.
"I do," nodded his godfather. Indicating the other chair he said, "Take a
seat."
Fifteen minutes later, Harry came out almost red with embarrassment
and had the book tucked up inside his windcheater. He quickly went up
to his room and put it there, stuffed between two of the folders of the
stuff he received from Ted. There was no chance in Hell he wanted
Hermione to see he had it.
When he came downstairs after giving his face a wash, Hermione
immediately asked, "What's up?"
"Nothing," he was quick to mumble.
Sirius, realising Harry made a poor liar for Hermione, said, "Business
between the Lord of Black and one of his Heirs, Hermione. Nothing for
you to concern yourself with."
"Oh," she replied, "Alright then."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
At just after breakfast the next morning, Harry received a letter back
from the aurors. It was from the twins.
"When you're next in contact with Misters Frederick and George
Weasley," he said. "Please impress upon them not to try to attach charms
designed to prank the recipient to their correspondence. Depending on
what it is, it can be seen as attempted assault."
Surprised, Harry said, "I'll do that."
With a mental sigh, he thought, 'Idiots. Trying to prank a Lord of one of
the Seven? That can get you discovering what the inside of Azkaban can
look like from the point of view of a prisoner as a prisoner.'
~ # ~
Harrikins,
Something is worrying Mum about what happened at the Wizengamot
yesterday. We suppose that'll be two days ago for you. And it's worrying us
that she won't tell us.
Since you should've been there, we were hoping you could let us know. Just in
case it was something that we should know about, yeah?
Hope to hear back from you soon,
Gred and Forge
P.S. Don't get upset about the donkey ears. We don't want to see you make an
ass of yourself. Ha!
~ # ~
With a sigh, he thought, 'Well, at least I know what the prank was meant
to be.'
Thinking of what to write in reply, he called Dobby and asked him to
bring down the stack of documents he was working on the previous day,
plus fresh parchment, ink and quills. With the visit from Neville very
little of it got done and he really needed to put some effort into it today.
With the documents set aside, he pulled parchment, ink and quill before
himself and began to write his response.
~ # ~
Fred and George,
Firstly, please be aware that my auror 'shadows' are still with me. They go
through my mail before I get it. That's because Dumbledore tried to slip me an
auto-portkey in a letter and, if it wasn't for Dobby grabbing it first, I'd have
been portkeyed right out of Hermione's home.
Yes, I'm staying with Hermione at the moment. But, I'm sure you guys had
figured that out ages ago.
The aurors have requested of me to ensure you two are made aware that a
prank, even a harmless one, can be seen as assault when it's directed towards
a Lord of a Noble and Most Ancient House. You also need to be made aware
that sending a wizarding prank into a muggle home can be seen as a breach of
the Statute of Wizarding Secrecy, Code 13. It, too, can lead to you getting into
serious trouble with the DMLE.
So, guys; knock it off, in future - please. I don't want to see your trying to pull
a prank on me being the reason you both find yourselves serving a bit of time
in Azkaban.
Warning delivered. No more needs be said.
Next bit of news for you. Hermione and I are now betrothed through a
Betrothal Agreement. That's something I'm surprised the Daily Prophet hasn't
picked up on yet. The reasons are quite a few and not something I or
Hermione are discussing with anyone outside of the immediate families. I can
tell you one of them is not because Hermione is pregnant, or anything. (In case
you were wondering.)
The second point of note is that Sirius Black, Lord of Black, is also now her
magical guardian.
The advantages, you should know, is so that Hermione is now protected. If
anyone tries anything to interfere with the Betrothal Agreement, such as
loyalty or - dare I say - love potions, both the Noble and Most Ancient Houses
of Black and Potter, along with both alliances, will be brought to bear on
anyone who tries. NO exceptions!
So, please don't try to aim one of your pranks in her direction, either. Sirius
has already sworn he will be very protective of his magical ward; and the
Potter-Longbottom Alliance will be the same. Anyone trying to even look with
disdain on her or the Agreement will very quickly be wishing they could find a
hole under a secrecy charm somewhere and hide.
As for what happened two days ago. For the three days leading up to the
Wizengamot meeting I was working on two projects.
The first was getting Frank and Alice Longbottom cured of their afflictions that
had them in Saint Mungo's for the past thirteen years. Yes, you read that right,
curing Frank and Alice Longbottom. Both are now healthy and hale and back
to their best. During the initial part of the meeting of the Wizengamot, Lord
Frank Longbottom took back control of the Noble and Most Ancient House of
Longbottom from his mother, Dowager Lady Augusta Longbottom. We both
then took our Seats.
This means the Potter-Longbottom Alliance will soon, once again, be a force to
be reckoned with, within wizarding Britain. Very soon the Potter-Longbottom
and Black Alliances will be working together to sort things out.
The other thing that happened occurred just before the start of the General
Meeting of the Wizengamot and is why your mother was probably worried.
That was the trial of Sirius for a Breach of the Statute for the Misuse of
Muggle Artefacts.
I and Ted Tonks, law-wizard, were the defence team for Sirius. I was actually
quite ropeable with the Ministry attempting to do that, because of the
following muggle artefacts that are also blatant breaches of the Statute and
nothing's ever been done about them. Hell, three of them were where the
Ministry itself was responsible for the breaches.
The Hogwarts Express - stolen muggle artefact. Stolen during the height of the
second world war (War with Grindelwald) from the rightful muggle owners -
by the Ministry!
The Knight Bus - stolen muggle artefact. Stolen from the rightful muggle
owners in 1939 at the beginning of the second world war from the rightful
muggle owners - by Ernest Prang under direction from, you guessed it, the
Ministry!
The current building housing St Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and
Injuries - purchased muggle artefact. Purchased from the muggle company
Purge and Dowse Ltd in 1962 - under direction from the Board of Directors of
the Saint Mungo's Hospital Fund.
A K6 Model telephone kiosk & the Automatic Electric payphone model 233G
within - stolen muggle artefacts. Stolen from the muggle Government-owned
British Telecom sometime shortly after 1955 - by the Ministry!
Those are the four I was going to present as evidence in Sirius's trial. However,
there's a lot more than that I wouldn't have presented but made the
Wizengamot aware of many of them.
Acting Madam Minister of Magic and Director of the DMLE, Madam Director
Amelia Bones wears a monocle that is of muggle construction, thereby meeting
the definition of a muggle artefact, and has been enchanted. This would have
breached the Statute.
Ex-Chief Warlock and Ex-Headmaster of Hogwarts, Albus Dumbledore wears
spectacles of muggle construction and he has enchanted them. This, too, would
have breached the Statute.
Current Headmistress of Hogwarts, Lady Griselda Marchbanks, makes use of
a muggle constructed cane, which has been enchanted. This, also, would have
breached the Statute.
The enchanted entranceway between the muggle side of Kings Cross Station
and Platform 9¾ is also such.
So, too, is the hiding of the Leaky Cauldron behind Notice-Me-Not and anti-
muggle wards.
The memorial to my parents in Godric's Hollow is actually an enchanted
muggle war memorial. That one was enchanted under the direct orders of the
Wizengamot.
And that's just some of the stuff I figured out in a single day! Later, I also
remembered about the Ministerial cars that picked us up from the Leaky to
take us to the station at the beginning of my third year - your fifth - but didn't
remember for the trial. Those, too, are illegal under the Statute (though I do
believe they were probably purchased, rather than stolen).
Because of that I proved that the Statute, in what was its current form, was
both unworkable and utterly unenforceable. So, the Wizengamot had no
choice but to strip it from the books until it can be rewritten into something
that actually makes sense. I would not have been satisfied with anything else
and would have forced Madam Bones's Head Auror, Rufus Scrimgeour, to
arrest the lot of those who were involved; including his own boss.
However, because I knew this would have negatively impacted upon certain
Ministry employees - How's your father these days, boys? - I ensured Madam
Bones will be redeveloping the Misuse of Muggle Artefacts Office and the
Statute into something that actually properly works. I'm not positive but, if I've
read the play right, your father is about to get a 'promotion' out of it.
Anyways, that's all the news I've got for you I can pass along. I hope this
alleviates your worry over why your mother is worried. I do not believe she
needs be.
Oh, and my betrothed, Hermione, says, 'Hi!'
Harry.
~ # ~
Harry was just finishing writing the letter, drying it by blowing on it and
folding it ready for Dobby to deliver it when he noticed Hermione was
reading a book.
"I haven't seen you with a school text in your hand for a while,
Hermione. What gives?" he asked.
She turned an almost evil smile on him and over-nonchalantly replied, "I
found this inside the stack of documents for the House of Potter." And
indicated the stack with one hand while closing the book and holding it
closed with her other hand.
As Harry started to develop a sense of dread, he asked, "Ummm... What's
the name of it?"
"'What a Young Wizard of Good Standing needs to Know'," she grinned.
"Oh... crap," he moaned, turning away and blushing.
"Something you want to tell me, Harry?" she sugary sweetly asked him.
"No," he quietly replied.
"Why do you have it?" she asked.
Mumbling, he replied, "Sirius gave it to me last night and said I had to
read it. He said..."
"He said, what, Harry?" she pressed.
With a sigh, he muttered, "He said he thinks my education in... stuff...
was lacking."
"Stuff?" she asked. "Harry. I want an honest answer, please. I'm your
friend and... Hell... I'm your betrothed. Do you know where little witches
and wizards come from?"
Shocked at the question, he snapped his head back around to look at her
and stammered. "Y-yes! Of course!" Then blushed and turned away again.
"Alright," she slowly said. "Do you know how they're made?"
"I... think so," he mumbled.
"Ah," she said. "That explains the book, then."
He just shrugged.
"Is Sirius going to quiz you on what's in it?" she asked.
"Yes," he quietly muttered.
She thought for a long moment, nibbling her bottom lip, and said, "Then
you really should read it, anyway. And, if you're uncomfortable talking to
Sirius about what's in it... then you should come and talk to me... as your
betrothed."
He gave a short nod and mumbled, "Alright."
Satisfied, she said, "In that case, I'll set this aside for now. You should
start reading it tonight before you go to sleep. And even when we take a
break from all this." And gestured to the documents.
Then she deliberately picked the book up and placed it on the other side
of the table. "There! We won't talk about it for now."
With a sigh of relief, it was a long moment before Harry gave his throat a
bit of clear and called Dobby to deliver the letter to the Weasley twins.
"Same as before, Dobs," he stated. "Charm it so only the twins can read
it."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Harry had forgotten that, because he was now 'homed' in Wimbledon
rather than Scotland, Hedwig took nowhere near the time to fly between
locations. This meant his letter to Ted actually arrived the previous
evening. Which then gave Hedwig plenty of time to get back and deliver
the Daily Prophet that morning.
Even so, Ted could only manage to start on Harry's requests that
morning. And he got right to it.
First, he pulled out the laws regarding the connection of floo's in muggle
homes. Then looked up what precisely was meant by a 'muggle home'.
With those pieces of law fresh in his mind he then sat back and tried to
figure out a way to legally get the Granger residence connected to the
floo network.
The main issue was that there was no way for an 'arriving' floo traveller
to know whether or not an 'unauthorised muggle' was in the same room
as the floo. Which would then be a breach of the Statute for Wizarding
Secrecy, though an accidental one. So, the way to ensure that breach
would not occur would be for the floo point to be somewhere an
'unauthorised muggle' could not be.
Secondly, there would need to be authorisation from a person in the
Ministry with authority to grant it, followed by the application to the
Floo Network Authority within the Department of Magical
Transportation.
The big problem was the definition of 'muggle home'. If he could―
That's when he had it. He quickly pulled out the official Ministerial
definition of why a home was determined to be a muggle home, even if a
witch or wizard lived there.
Then pulled out the exemptions that applied to the Noble Houses and the
Most Ancient Seven.
Reading them all, his frown of concentration slowly changed into a smile.
'Sirius,' he thought. 'You're going to love this.'
Writing down what he needed in his notes he then sent an 'Express' letter
to Sirius, 'Harry-style'. He summoned his house elf to take it and leave it
in Sirius's spot at the dining table. He knew the man had a late night, the
previous night, and would be late to rise, this morning.
That done he turned his attention to finding a way to have the young
Lovegood and Weasley lasses receive mental health assistance without it
pointing back to Harry.
He thought Harry's idea of a donation from an anonymous wealthy
pureblood witch to be both simple in approach and brilliant, so decided
to run with it.
But, how to implement it would be his problem to solve.
"Alright," he muttered. "Paying in cash from a vault won't work. Harry
wants to make sure both families can only spend the gold on the
treatment. That means I have to pay for the treatment in advance.
"So, I need a qualified mind-healer, preferably with experience dealing
with young female witches. I'll need to put them under contract. And
such a contract needs to be written in such a way the anonymity will be
maintained and with a Healer's Oath considered.
"Time to find out if a Mind-Healer's Oath differs from a normal Healer's
Oath. If it does, I'll need the wording of it. Actually, I'll need it anyway,
as I don't know if it will be the same as Andi's, even then."
Taking down his book on Healer's Oaths he flicked through it looking for
the ones that might be specific for Mind-Healer's. He, of course, had it 'on
hand' because of what those Oaths meant when a Healer was a witness
on the stand.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
The twins were again in their room and working on prank potions - what
else could they do with their time in the middle of winter when it was
too cold to play or practice Quidditch? - when Dobby popped in with a
letter for them.
First casting a detection charm of the twins' own design on the letter,
Fred then accepted it.
"Letter from Harry, Fred," he declared, opening it as Dobby popped away
again.
"I thought that was obvious, my less intelligent brother," replied George.
He was already coming around to read the letter side-by-side with his
brother.
After reading the first couple of paragraphs both, together, said, "Oops!"
Getting roughly to the fifth, Fred said, "Well, my even less intelligent
brother, Lord Harrikins is now 'hands off'. Agreed?"
"Agreed," his brother immediately replied.
After reading about the betrothal and that Hermione was now a magical
ward of Lord Sirius Black, George gave a low, quiet whistle and said,
"And so's Hermione."
"Agreed," said an equally surprised Fred. "This is going to shock the rest
of the family."
"Ginny, for a start, is going to be gutted," said George
As they read down George suddenly exclaimed, "Sweet Merlin!"
"Harry woke the Longbottoms!" exclaimed Fred.
Both looked to the other and said together, "Harry Potter is a god!"
When they turned back to the letter, it took them a little while to read
through about the stripping of the Statute and why.
"So that's why," said George.
"Yep," said his brother. "Shall we take this down to the kitchen to read?"
"Of course!" said Fred. "I'm sure the family will love to hear Harry's good
news!"
"Except Ginny," added George.
"And possibly Ron," added Fred right back.
"Ah, yes!" sighed George. "His infatuation with the lovely Miss
Hermione."
"But we still read it?" asked Fred.
"Of course!" said George.
Again knocking on doors - though, due to it being a weekday they only
needed to knock on Ron and Ginny's - the twins first charged up the stairs
before charging down again. This time, all the way to the base of them.
Walking into the kitchen, the twins plonked themselves down at the table
and, with Fred holding up the letter, both said, "Letter from Harry!"
Spinning from doing whatever she was doing at the kitchen counter,
Molly asked, "Really?"
As soon as she saw the letter in her son's hands, she immediately began
wiping her hands.
"I wouldn't bother, Mum," said Fred.
"Harry'll have just put privacy charms on it again," said George.
Molly immediately stopped and sighed. "Read it to me," she demanded.
The twins glanced at one another before Fred said, "Are you asking us to
read it to you?"
"It's a letter to me and George," said George.
"Maybe we don't want to read you our private correspondence," said Fred.
"Don't be disobedient!" she snapped, starting to get angry.
"Don't be rude!" both twins snapped back.
That shocked their mother into silence.
By then, both Ginny and Ron had joined them.
"What's going on?" asked Ginny, before Ron had a chance.
"Fred and I have received another letter from Harry," replied George.
"And Mum tried to demand we read it to her," added Fred. "Now, we
will."
"Because we planned to, anyway," said George. "And not because Mum
tried to demand we do."
"And now that everyone's who's at home is here..."
"We shall begin." they both said.
Same as last time, the twins took turns reading the letter, a paragraph
each.
After the first paragraph, before George passed to Fred, Ginny exclaimed,
"Dumbledore tried to kidnap Harry?"
As Ron blurted in anger, "Harry's at Hermione's??"
Dong!
"RON!" his mother screeched.
Ron immediately winced and, a moment later...
Ding!
Everyone relaxed again. And Fred took up.
Back to George and he and Fred exchanged a glance. They skipped the
next three paragraphs.
As soon as the first two lines of where they next took up in the letter
were read, Ginny exclaimed "Noooo!" And immediately burst into tears as
Ron exploded with rage and exclaimed, "NO!―"
Dong!
"I won't have it!" he ranted, surging to his feet. "Hermione's mine! I
planned to ask her to go out with me as soon as we got back to
Hogwarts! Bloody Potter! BASTARD! I'm gonna kill him!―"
DONG!
"RONALD BILIUS WEASLEY!" screeched his mother. She quickly ran
around the table and laid a huge smack across his face.
"STOP IT!" she screamed, red in the face.
"Look at the clock!" exclaimed Ginny, who had now stopped, frozen in
place. With tears prickling her eyes she looked horrified, staring at the
clock face.
That had everyone, including Ron, looking at it. Seeing it, Ron near wet
himself, right there.
His hand was pointing to 'Mortal Peril'.
Getting herself back under control, Molly hissed, "Ronald Weasley! Go to
the shed... right now... and stay there until your father comes for you."
As she said that, his hand moved back to 'In Danger'.
Dong!
He stared at his mother in shock until she yelled, "NOW!"
He quickly ran out the back door.
With him gone, the room settled again. Ginny, still sniffling with tears,
suddenly ran back upstairs to her room.
George and Fred glanced to one another and sat again.
Fred said, "I think we better finish reading this when everyone else gets
home."
"No," his mother sighed. "I want to know what else he has to say."
"Mother," said George, all serious. "If you want us to keep reading our
private letter from Harry to us to you..."
"You're going to need to politely ask," added Fred.
Almost instantly getting angry again, Molly managed to control it and
release it again with a sigh.
"Please read it to me," she said in a more normal voice. "I'd like to know
what else he has to say."
Both twins nodded and George took up again where he'd left off when
their two siblings jumped up.
When George read the paragraph about coming after anyone applying
potions, Molly winced. The threat of what would happen if anyone tried
was also not lost on the woman.
When it got down to what happened at the Wizengamot, she again
winced.
When Fred started with listing the four enchanted muggle artefacts Harry
had mentioned, Molly was shocked. 'The Hogwarts Express? The Knight
Bus? The others? Why did Arthur not think of those? Shouldn't he have
acted?' she thought. 'I'll have to ask him when he gets home.'
She could see exactly why Harry had chosen those artefacts and now
understood better why the Statute had been revoked.
When George, this time, started listing the items on the persons of Bones,
Dumbledore and Marchbanks, she sighed and massaged the bridge of her
nose. 'Oh, Arthur,' she thought.
But, when Fred read about how Harry knew Arthur's job might have been
in trouble and had immediately acted to ensure it wasn't, she was very
relieved.
Fred finished with, "Oh, and my betrothed, Hermione, says, 'Hi!'"
Both then said, "Harry"
Fred folded the letter back up and slipped it into an inside pocket of his
robes.
"Sorry, Mum," said Fred. "We knew Ron and Ginny might get a little
upset..."
"But, we didn't think Ron would act like that!" said George.
"Better he act like that here," said Molly. "Than he act like that in front of
Lord Potter or his Lady Presumptive, Hermione.
"At least, here, we have some hope of him getting it under control before
they meet again."
She seemed to remember where she was and who she said that to before
she seemed to shake it off and glare at the twins.
"Not a word of that to anyone!" she snapped. "And how is young Harry
getting mail through to you, anyway? All mail is supposed to come to
me!"
"All owl mail, Mum," said Fred.
"Harry doesn't use an owl to send mail to us," said George.
With that, the twins rose and headed back upstairs.
Back in their room, Fred asked, "Do you think we should write to Harry
and let him know about Ron and Ginny?"
George shook his head and replied, "That part about potions? I think it
was directed to both of them."
"And Mum," added Fred. "You didn't see her wince when that was
mentioned."
"Quite."
"So, we write to Harry... and Hermione?" asked Fred.
"Not yet," said George. "We may be seeing only what we think we're
seeing."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
When Sirius flooed Ted's office and said he'd read the note, Ted invited
him straight through.
"So?" asked Ted. "What do you think?"
"It's one way to get around the legislation," grinned Sirius.
Ted nodded and said, "Will the Grangers agree, though?"
Sirius shrugged and replied, "We can only put it to them."
"It also depends on where a floo can be put in their house," said Ted. "Do
you know if they have any fireplaces? I thought their home was central-
heated."
"One can easily be created," said Sirius.
Ted nodded and said, "Then we'd best go over there to see if there are
any suitable locations before I take this to the Ministry."
"You want to do this right under the noses of the aurors?" asked a
surprised Sirius.
Ted shook his head and said, "I just want to see if there's a suitable
location, first."
"Fair enough," said Sirius.
"Then you're going to do it right under the noses of the aurors. I'm just
putting the parchmentwork through."
He laughed at Sirius's shocked expression.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
33. What's a Quarter Inch?
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!
A/N: For all those kvetching about how only Hermione was in a relationship
with Harry at the moment, here's the chapter that holds the introduction of
what's to come in that arc.
Chapter Thirty Three - What's a Quarter Inch (Between Friends)?
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
It was the sudden quick movement of the aurors that alerted the two
teens to them having magical visitors.
Less than thirty seconds later, Ted and Sirius came into the dinette.
As soon as Ted saw the two of them working through the finance
documents of the House of Potter, he smiled. "I see why you think I'm
trying to bury you under parchmentwork, Lord Potter. You don't have to
go through all this right now, you know."
"I just want to get it out of the way," replied Harry. "The more I get done
now, the less I have to worry about needing time to get it all done later."
"Not that we mind," said Hermione, rising to give both men a hug. "But,
what brings you here, today?"
"We're looking for a suitable location to install a fireplace," smiled Ted.
Confused, Hermione asked, "A fireplace?"
"A fireplace for a floo point, Hermione," said Sirius. "If we go ahead with
getting you two private tutors instead of returning to Hogwarts, we
thought it would be a good idea. If you have private tutors off-site, I
expect you'd want to regularly come home."
"Are my parents allowed?" she asked.
"No, but Lord Black is," replied Ted. "And, as you are his ward and he
may need you to visit him so he can keep an eye on you, the only form of
travel available to you is via floo, portkey or Knight Bus. You are not
permitted to apparate until you are of age, have met the testing
requirements and have a licence; the Knight Bus is a security risk;
portkeys can only be made by certain people under licence from the
Portkey Office; leaving only the floo, which is both secure and relatively
risk-free."
"But, this is still a muggle home," said Hermione. "It was one of the first
things I looked up when I found out about floo travel―"
When she saw the twin smiles from the two adults she stopped.
"And while this is a muggle home, you can't have the floo installed,"
smiled Ted. "So, what's the answer?"
Harry gave a snort and looked to his betrothed. "Hermione," he said,
getting her attention. "If what's stopping this home getting a floo
connection is that it's a muggle home, thennnn...?"
"Make it a wizarding home?" she asked. "But, how?"
"Simple, dear," said a now grinning Sirius. "I, or another qualified wizard
or witch, simply has to own part of it."
"With Sirius owning part of it, that part becomes a wizarding home,"
added Ted.
Hermione looked shocked and started to nibble her bottom lip as she
went through all the permutations she could think of. "I... don't know if
Daddy will like that. Which part are you thinking of?"
"A part that's not been built yet," replied Sirius. "We can either build an
extension to the side of the house, or a separate construction in the
backyard. Actually, that second one is probably the better option. More
secure, that way."
"How big would it have to be?" she asked.
"Not very," replied Ted. "A telephone box would be big enough with
space expansion charms employed. Does your dad have an outside tool
shed, garage, workshop, whatever?"
"Yeah, a brick shed; but, he never uses it," she replied. Suddenly her eyes
widened, "You can use that!"
"No one else goes in there?" asked Ted.
"No," she replied. "Actually, I don't think anyone's gone in there for...
well... years."
"Then we won't even need to build anything new," said Sirius. "As long as
it's big enough to put in a large enough fireplace, it'll do 'as is'."
"Is it locked?" asked Harry.
"Ummm..." she muttered as she thought. She then gave a firm nod and
said, "If I remember correctly, it is and the key is hanging on a hook next
to the back door."
Enthusiastic for the idea, Sirius said, "Then, let's go check it out."
It turned out the key was hanging where Hermione thought it would be,
but the lock had rusted to the point the key would no longer fit.
Sirius was about to blast it off when Harry blocked him. He then cast a
Reparo at the lock; and the key then fit.
Once inside and, aside from the evidence of the rusty lock showing
disuse, it was clear the building wasn't in use because there was nothing
of any real value within. Only lots of spiderwebs and a real musty scent
filled and permeated the room.
"This will be perfect!" said an excited Sirius. "I think your father will be
happy to sell me this building when I offer him a suitable price for it."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Back up in the dinette, the four of them sat around the table as Ted
began to explain what he had to do.
Ted explained, "Once Wendell signs over ownership of the 'shed' to Lord
Black, Lord Black will need to come here and install a permanent
fireplace. Then, once the fireplace is installed, I can submit the
parchmentwork to have it connected to the floo network under Lord
Black's name."
Hermione asked, "If it's that easy to get around the law, why haven't
more people done this?"
Harry grinned and replied, "Because, they're... what?"
Hermione sighed and muttered, "Daft morons."
Harry grinned and kissed her on the cheek. "Now you're getting it."
Ted then cut in and said, "On to other matters you have me researching,
while I'm here."
That had everyone, especially Harry, focus on him.
"I believe I have an idea to carry out what you requested of me regarding
aid for the young Misses, Luna Lovegood and Ginevra Weasley," he
began. "I'll be contracting a Mind-Healer and placing them on retainer
under a pseudonym account. That Mind-Healer will be charged with
contacting both Xenophilius Lovegood, your Miss Lovegood's father, and
Arthur Weasley, Miss Weasley's father.
"From there, he or she will work directly with both young ladies. And,
because it is improper to receive information of just what they talk about,
I will only be requesting information that will not breach Healer-client
confidentiality; such as if both fathers accept the offer, the young ladies
co-operate and treatment is progressing. And then to let me know when
treatments end and why.
"That will be information proper to determining payment, not matters
breaching privacy."
Harry nodded back, knowing Ted still had more.
"Second, the important one," said Ted, as expected. "The Tri-Wizard
Tournament."
He then sighed and said, "I'm sorry, Lord Potter, I have no way to
determine whether or not you're actually bound by the Goblet. I have no
way to determine if anyone is bound by the Goblet. The magics involved
are beyond the knowledge of anyone, anywhere, that I can call upon.
"I can, however, tell you that you're not legally bound by the actual
contract. From what I can tell, none of the competitors are. And that's
because none of the competitors, including you, were given copies of the
contract within twenty four hours of 'signing' it, as required by magical
law."
"Damn!" said Sirius. "But, how does that work?"
"They're bound to the contract by the Goblet," explained Ted. "However,
that binding is not legal. As such, any... for instance... disclaimers
included in the contract that protects the Ministry from being sued if the
competitors or spectators are injured is void. That, for a start, I can easily
successfully argue."
Harry was thinking hard about it and asked, "Does the contract state
what the Tasks will be?"
"Yes," replied Ted. "The First, you already know about. It was to be held
on the twenty fourth of November and was to be collecting a false egg
out of the nest of a nesting mother dragon.
"The second is to be held on the twenty fourth of February and requires
the champions to rescue a hostage out of the Black Lake―"
Harry wasn't the only one to react to that information, just the fastest. He
surged to his feet and barked, "Like, Hell!"
As everyone got upset, Ted just held his hands in a placating gesture.
"Take it easy," he softly said. "No hexing the messenger."
As everyone else settled Harry almost snarled, "What has it said regarding
who are to be the hostages?"
"It doesn't say, specifically," replied Ted. "It says it is to be something the
competitor would miss the most."
Both Harry and Sirius growled as Hermione gasped in shock.
"If anyone comes anywhere near Hermione―" started Harry.
"It will be Alliance-wide blood feuds." finished Sirius.
Ted nodded and said, "I suspected as much. That's why I'll be going in to
see our good friend, Ludo Bagman, and informing him that if anyone is
taken as a hostage without written and signed consent of their guardians
I'll be standing ready to aid them in pressing charges of kidnapping, at
minimum, against all those involved. And also stand ready in aiding them
in seeking financial restitution against each individual organiser in any
way involved."
Sirius declared, "And tell him my threat still stands and goes double for
any hostage. Especially, if they plan on attempting to use Miss Hermione
Granger, my magical ward and Lord Potter's betrothed. The organisers do
not have my permission to use her as a hostage."
"That I can do," nodded Ted.
Moving on, he said, "The Third Task is a maze that will be filled with
puzzles, traps and dangerous creatures. The Tri-Wizard Cup will be left
somewhere within the maze and the first to grab it will be declared the
winner."
"Well, that doesn't sound so bad," said Sirius. "But, it's going to be
creatures dangerous to seventh years, so it's still going to be bad enough."
"Then I'm just going to have to do like I did in the first task," said Harry.
"Prove the organisers to be daft morons."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
During her time within the castle Marchbanks had not been idle. Yes,
she'd had to find and elevate replacements to the places of three Heads of
House and continually have to deal with an old man who simply could
not accept he was now a non-entity in matters of importance, but that
was not all she was dealing with.
Of course, she needed to get a wand grip on the sheer amount of
parchmentwork that Dumbledore had simply ignored or, against the
school rules, passed on to his Deputy. However, she also spent a great
deal of time getting the word out to qualified people she was looking for
professors.
In the past almost three weeks since she became Headmistress she had
sent her letters to the International Guilds of Transfiguration, Potions,
Magizoology (magical creatures), Magical Defence and Divination; and
the International Magical Historical Society.
However, one of the reasons the School Board were so willing and eager
to have her as Headmistress to replace Dumbledore was because, as both
a past Professor of many years and Head of the WEA since, she knew a
very great many professional educators and those seeking a start in that
field. She was both delighted and determined to put that knowledge to
use. So, she put out feelers towards those she already knew had shown an
interest in the past to become Professors.
She also planned on moving Burbage from Muggle Studies and into two
classes. One on An Introduction to the Magical World and the other being
An Introduction to the Muggle World. The first would be for the first two
years and the second would be for first year only. And she would fill the
Professorship for Muggle Studies with a muggleborn and raised.
She had already interviewed a few people who were quick to respond to
her enquiries and felt she might be able to fill at least one or two of those
positions still vacant. Driving her on was Bart Creston and the rest of the
School Board, who wanted to put out word the school would be back up
and operational as of the first day of second term, the fourth of January.
When she informed him she doubted she'd have the full staff available,
he said, "Then, so long as you have at least six of the core seven and four
of the elective five I want you to open. Parents and guardians have paid
for their children to receive an education provided by Hogwarts. If we do
not provide it we're going to have to start paying refunds and we just
don't have the gold in the accounts to do that."
She now had two days short of two weeks to track down, interview and
employ suitable candidates. And one of them was a Professor of
Transfiguration. If necessary, she'd simply make Dumbledore a Professor
without a 'school' and have him fill in if any other Professor was unable
to take a class. She just might even have him take the Introduction
classes. That was, of course, if she hadn't collected enough support from
the Board to fire him beforehand.
Across that two weeks, there was also Christmas to contend with.
The next morning's announcement in the Daily Prophet of the cancellation
of the Yule Ball was planned to be in advance by exactly one week of
Christmas Day, the date the Yule Ball was scheduled to be held.
She knew there was likely to be quite a few students who were looking
forward to it; however, with the significant reduction in student numbers
well in advance of it, coupled with Durmstrang and Beauxbatons being
happy for it to be cancelled, there was no reason for it to be held.
The Highmaster of Durmstrang and Headmistress of Beauxbatons had not
wanted the Ball in the first place, so Marchbanks's excuse she lacked
enough Professors to properly organise and host the event was welcomed
without a hint of rancour.
She also knew it was going to frustrate Dumbledore.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After leaving the Granger residence, Sirius had to head directly to
Grimmauld to meet with the representatives for the contracted curse
breaking, magical cleaning and interior decorating company.
Apparating from just inside the front gate of the Grangers' he appeared
with a light crack outside Grimmauld. The reps were already waiting for
him on the footpath outside the gate.
"Good," he said. "You're here. Shall we?" And gestured to the building.
After affirmative responses from both, leading the way he walked up the
path to the front door, removed the lock-down and led them inside.
"Alright," said the woman. "Let's go find out just how bad things are."
Following along but not saying much, the two reps, a witch and wizard,
worked their way from the basement up to the top floor and attic. Both
were casting detection charms and the like before they'd even walked in
the front door; and didn't stop once inside.
He only had to warn them twice about certain pitfalls as they were able
to spot all the others.
As they were coming down, the witch asked, "Outside, too?"
"Yes, please," he immediately replied.
Then, after trooping about out the back, they headed back out the front.
Once they felt they were done, the representatives turned to Sirius and
the witch said, "We'll have a report and appraisement quote sent to you
no later than this evening, which means you should receiv3e it tomorrow
morning."
"How soon could you start?" asked Sirius.
"At the moment?" asked the witch. "If another appraisement quote is not
accepted, even though it's a Friday, we can start as early as tomorrow
afternoon."
"Cast it for me with your best guesstimate. How much and how long will
it take?" he urged.
After the two reps looked to one another for a moment, the witch turned
back and said, "Give us a few moments, please."
When Sirius nodded he saw the wizard make a very small gesture and felt
a privacy ward go up between he and them. Then saw them talking but
couldn't hear them.
Less than a minute later the ward was dropped and she said, "Cost-wise,
somewhere between eighteen and twenty thousand galleons for the clean
out and another two to three thousand for the refurbishing and
decorating. It'll likely take us one and a half to two months, in total."
Sirius gave a firm nod and said, "Tighten those figures up, as I'll guess
you'll be doing this afternoon, and it's very likely I'll accept the
appraisement and order you to go ahead as soon as possible."
"Will do, Lord Black," said the witch.
As the two apparated away, Sirius went back and put the place back
under lock-down, before then apparating away himself.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Almost four weeks had passed since the events of Harry Potter's first task
had generated one hell of a 'storm' in wizarding Britain. And Tom
Marvolo Riddle was left with only the information he could gather from
stolen copies of the Daily Prophet and the pitiful information gathering
efforts of his now single minion, Peter Pettigrew.
Since a few days after the end of the trials, the information gathered from
the Daily Prophet had dwindled to almost nothing. There was that day
where Dumbledore had tried to besmirch the reputation of young Potter
in the newspaper, followed the next day by the Prophet having to print a
major retraction for that besmirching, but little since. It was clear that
Potter had now employed a law-wizard or -witch of some skill and was
making positive use of that man or woman. And little of any news of
substance was now appearing. Even the wizarding wireless was bereft of
any useful information.
Tossing aside yet another edition of the paper that utterly lacked any
information of substance, Riddle had realised he now had little choice
but to take a risk; a calculated risk, but a risk nonetheless. He would need
to call to his side one of his marked Death Eaters who had managed to
escape incarceration. But, which one?
He thought long and hard about who needed to be approached.
Eventually, he dwindled the list down to a single name. Someone who
could move through the Ministry at will and could still report back with
gathered intelligence.
"Wormtail!" he yelled. The sound was a high-pitched, breezy voice.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After Sirius had left, soon followed by Ted, Harry and Hermione returned
to working on the finances of the House of Potter.
They worked through the rest of the day and past lunch, with Harry only
stopping when he needed to refill his stomach.
However, soon after lunch Hermione pushed the latest they were working
on away and said, "That's it for me, I'm afraid. My head's now full of
numbers I'm getting confused over which number applies to which stocks
or which account or which property, or even if they have anything to do
with a value at all.
"Isn't there something else we can deal with?" she asked in a pleading
voice.
Harry smirked back and said, "Of course. How about some more
information on the Houses? Specifically, on how they're created?"
With almost a sigh of relief, Hermione replied, "Yes, please."
Harry chuckled and said, "Alright."
As the two then began to pack away the documents, Harry started to
explain. "You know the different ranks of the Houses; Noble and Most
Ancient, Noble and Ancient, Ancient, Elder, Minor and Magical. Leaving
out the Nobility there are five.
"Most Ancient are those Houses that date all the way back to the
Founding of the Wizards' Council. The remaining seven Houses were part
of what was known as The Thirteen. Six of those Houses have been
deemed extinct, leaving only seven. And, over time, they've come to be
known as the Seven. They are; Black, Clearwater, Flack, Longbottom,
Muldoon, Potter and Rowle."
"Clearwater?" she asked, perking up. "As in, Penny Clearwater in
Ravenclaw?"
"Yes," he nodded. "She is Penelope Clearwater of the Noble and Most
Ancient House of Clearwater. Now that I've got a better handle on just
how ambitious Percy Weasley is, I think that may well be one of the
reasons... if not the main reason... why he pursued her, is pursuing her, as
much as he did or is.
"For the others, however, it's not how many years they've existed that's
important, it's for how many generations.
"For the Ancient Houses, it's twenty one generations; which works out at
about four hundred to four hundred and fifty years. For the Elder Houses,
it's thirteen. For the Minor, it's seven. And for the Magical Houses, it's
normally three. They claim it takes three generations before your
bloodline has proven it will 'hold' and your House is recognised.
However, it also generally means it has to be three males, as the surname
rarely holds across three generations without it being males who carry
the name through."
Hermione frowned in annoyance.
"Male-dominated society, remember?" he gently teased her.
Suddenly she looked back and said, "Wait... You said 'rarely'. Why
'rarely'?"
"Because you could have a male child and, between you and your
husband, decide to give that child the surname of 'Granger'. This is done
for a multitude of reasons, but one of the main ones is to start or
reawaken another House.
"Starting a new House is a big deal in wizarding Britain. It means you are
thinking strategically along generational lines. In other words, on average,
periods of decades; the better part of a century if you accept the current
average of one generation every twenty to twenty five years."
Frowning and nibbling on her bottom lip while thinking, she suddenly
asked, "Is that why most magicals seem to marry young in the wizarding
world?"
He smiled and replied, "Yes. But, not the only reason.
"The other is because, for those who are the Heirs of important Houses
like me and mine, we can have it drilled into them... us... from a young
age that one of their main responsibilities is the continuation of the
House. And that means babies.
"Have you ever heard the term 'An heir, a spare and a daughter'?"
Again thinking hard, she replied, "I... think so. But I've no idea where I
might have heard it."
"It comes from a number of different areas, muggle and magical.
However, in the magical world it implies that when a couple marry...
especially when one of them is the heir of an important House, it is
impressed upon them they should have at least three children. That is, a
male heir, a second male heir in case of something happening to the
primary heir and a daughter who can be married off to the primary or
secondary heir of another House."
"If nothing happens to the primary heir and he goes on to have children
of his own, then the secondary... spare... heir is expected to begin a cadet
line of the House. My grandfather, Fleamont Potter, was a secondary heir
who became Lord when his older brother, Charlus, died due to an
assassination attack by Grindelwald's forces with his wife and only child
before that son could have heirs of his own."
"I see," she nodded, still thinking. "But, what happens in the case of
someone like... say... Sue Bones?"
"An interesting and, unsurprisingly, common situation these days," he
nodded. "The Noble and Ancient House of Bones has only two members
of the House remaining. Believe it or not, Susan is Heiress Apparent and
her aunt, Amelia, is Heiress Secondary even though she's older. That's
because Susan is of the direct main line and Amelia is of a new cadet line.
"Because there will be a lot of pressure to keep the Noble and Ancient
House of Bones from being extinguished, Susan will marry via a Betrothal
Agreement/Contract. In it there will need to be what is known as a Line
Continuation clause. That is, as I mentioned earlier, a clause which will
stipulate either the first or second born son will carry the name Bones.
"Now, here's where I get a little insensitive and misogynistic. Sorry, but
it's necessary to explain the 'whys' and 'wherefores'.
"Because Susan is a pureblood from a family that traces her heritage back
twenty plus generations, she would be a valuable commodity; her family
could demand a very high bride price for her. She is healthy, well-
educated, attractive, of incredibly good stock, and... shall we say... of
suitable shape to bear and rear children. As such she would normally
demand such a high bride price."
"Harry!" Hermione exclaimed. "I don't know whether to be either
horrified or disgusted with you for that."
"I warned you I was going to be insensitive and or misogynistic," he said.
Once he saw her accept what he'd said, he continued, "Now comes the
counter argument to that. Because Susan is of a Noble and Ancient House
the likelihood of her House having precedence is quite high. That means
the Line Continuation clause will very likely have it that the first male
child born of the union of her and her husband will carry the name
Bones. That then means that the husband's family name will be put off
until another child is born.
"As such there is a risk, though it is small, that the husband's family name
will not be carried on through their children. Therefore, for the family of
the husband, her value as a bearer of children to carry on the family
name of the husband drops; which has a commensurate drop in her bride
price."
"Th-that's horrible!" she exclaimed. "You make her sound like a... a... brood
mare!"
"I know," he sadly replied. "However, I've no doubt Sue has been raised
knowing that is a high likelihood for her. But, it's also not the worst of it."
"What can be worse than that?" she asked.
He sighed and replied, "Remember when Sirius talked to you about the
risk of you being sold off as a sex slave?"
She shuddered and warily nodded.
"Sirius also explained to you about concubine bonds," he explained. "If
Sue cannot attract a husband willing to forgo their family name for their
children, she may willingly choose to enter into one.
"And, no; I don't mean as a sex slave. I mean, she becomes a concubine to
the husband of another union. In return, none of her children are
recognised as heirs of the husband's House, but will be recognised as heirs
of the House of Bones. And that way Susan has met her familial
obligations to her House to continue the line."
"Oh, my God!" she exclaimed. "That's horrible!"
"Not necessarily," he disagreed. "I have a feeling that's exactly what's
going to happen and I think I know with whom."
"Who?" she asked.
"Neville," he immediately replied. "Though, I'm not so sure now."
"Why and why not?" she asked.
"Augusta Longbottom was raised as a pureblood of reasonably high
standing in a House of traditionalists. To her, things like Betrothal
Contracts, Concubine Bond Contracts and Line Continuation clauses are
not unusual. However, I don't know how Frank and Alice feel about such
things.
"Now... this is strictly between you and me... I know Hannah Abbott is
determined to snag herself one Neville Longbottom. She has an older
brother who is the Heir of the House of Abbott, so she doesn't have to
concern herself with Line Continuation clauses.
"Though Neville probably doesn't see it yet, it's easy for me to see he's
very welcoming of Hannah's moves towards him. Unless someone or
something steps in to disrupt things, I'm pretty certain those two are
going to marry soon after they graduate.
"I also know that she and Susan are very good friends. And, if what I've
been picking up from the pair of them from their body language is
anywhere near close to being one hundred percent accurate, Hannah or
her family... with Susan's complete blessing... are going to suggest to the
Longbottoms Neville also take on Susan as a concubine."
"Really?" she asked, surprised.
"Yup," he replied with a firm nod. "I do not think Neville will be against
that concept. As a pureblood and wizarding-raised by his grandmother,
the concept will not seem odd to him. Plus, I cannot see him in any way
mistreating her. He's just not the sort and knows it will be to enable
Susan to see her House continue.
"I know Frank won't have a problem with it. If anything, he will see it as
providing aid to an allied House. But, Alice might."
"You think, because she's a woman, she'd be against it?" she asked.
"No," he replied. "I think, because she's a halfblood who spent a good deal
of her childhood in the muggle world, she'll be against it. However, I also
believe she can be convinced it's a good idea. She'll just need to be
stepped through it, as I've done with you."
Again, Hermione was nibbling her lower lip and clearly thinking hard
about whatever it was she was thinking about. Eventually, she asked
exactly what Harry was leading her to ask. "And, what about you?"
"What about me?" he asked, though he had a pretty good idea what she
meant.
"Would you... consider accepting someone in a Concubine Bond?" she
asked.
"With a number of conditions, yes," he replied.
Frowning she asked, "What sort of conditions?"
It was obvious to him she was a little angry with that response. However,
he wasn't going to let it faze him. This was too important a topic.
"First, is the obvious one," he replied. "You and I are in a Betrothal
Agreement. Though it's not legally required, your opinion would strongly
influence that. If you and I marry then, without your consent, I'd never
do it. And I doubt I'd ever do it before we were married or otherwise
decided we would not."
She gave a nod and asked, "The second?"
"It would have to be to provide aid to the House of the witch and with
her prior consent."
She thought about that, seemed to accept it when she nodded and asked,
"Any others?"
"Of those witches I know there is currently only two I would consider
doing that for. There may be others, but I couldn't name them."
"And, who are the two?" she pressed.
"Daphne Greengrass and Luna Lovegood," he immediately replied.
She thought about those two and said, "I can see why you'd do it for
Greengrass; she's of an allied House, just like Susan. But, why Luna?"
"For her protection," he immediately replied. "Her father is... Let's just say
he's a couple of ingredients short of a Wit-sharpening Potion and leave it
at that. He's the only family she has left."
"And Lovegood could make a good House added to the alliance," she
added.
"Yes, but it wouldn't be the reason I'd do it."
Hermione was about to say something when there was a pop and a house
elf appeared standing next to the table next to Hermione.
"Miss Grangy?" it asked.
After getting over being startled by the sudden appearance of the elf, she
asked, "Before I answer that, who are you and why are you here?"
"I be Fluxy," replied the elf. "I be honoured to serve House Longbottom."
Then it held out a letter and said, "This be note from good Master Neville
for Miss Grangy."
She immediately said, "Put it on the table. And thank you for your
service."
With a finger snap of its off hand, the elf caused the letter to disappear
from its other hand and appear on the table. Then it popped away again.
Harry was already casting detection charms over it.
Hermione, looking at the letter, said, "That's Neville's handwriting."
As soon as Harry stopped casting she picked it up and opened it. If he'd
found anything she knew he would have immediately mentioned it.
As she read she said, "Neville's inviting us over to Longbottom Hall for
tomorrow. He wants us both to get to know his parents better and is
returning the offer to visit."
"Christmas shopping," Harry immediately returned. "How about...
Sunday? I'd like to go Christmas shopping in the muggle world on
Saturday."
"What about inviting him on Saturday and he can go Christmas shopping
in the muggle world with us?" she suggested.
Harry thought for a moment before he snorted in amusement. "Do you
really want to subject pureblood and wizarding-raised Neville
Longbottom on a trip to a muggle shopping centre on the Saturday before
Christmas?"
"Errr... no," she sheepishly replied. "I see your point."
With a grin, he nodded and said, "However, taking him on a shopping
trip to the muggle world after Christmas? That sounds like a great idea."
Pulling a small sheet of parchment towards herself, she said, "I'll ask if we
can postpone until next Sunday."
As she reached for the ink and a quill, she said, "After that, you and I are
going to talk some more about concubines and other matters."
He nodded back and said, "I've got no problem with that."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Neville was in one of his greenhouses, working on clearing out weeds
that had sprung up in pots of his recently re-potted frost mint - also
known as American Dittany - when Dobby popped in alongside him.
"Mister Neville, Sir," said Dobby.
Neville looked at him and asked, "Dobby, right?"
"Yes, Mister Neville, Sir," replied Dobby, clearly happy to have been
recognised.
"What can I do for you... or, Harry?" he asked.
Dobby produced the letter Hermione had only just finished writing and
offered it. "From Miss-tress Herm'nee, Mister Neville, Sir."
Neville gave a nod to the bench alongside him and said, "Put it on the
bench for me, please. I need to clean my hands." And reached for one of
his ever-present rags.
As soon as Dobby placed the letter on the bench he popped away again.
Once he felt his hands were clean enough, Neville picked up the letter.
"Christmas shopping tomorrow and Saturday..." he muttered. "Sunday
week?"
He thought for a few moments and called for Fluxy to bring him some
parchment, ink and a quill.
Sunday, it would be.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Arriving earlier than expected, Sirius received the appraisement quote by
way of being floo-called at the Tonkses' place. When he entered the room
the person on the other end, the wizard he spoke to when he visited the
offices of the company, greeted him.
"I have your quote, Lord Black," the man immediately said. Then it was
simply tossed through.
Sirius quickly asked, "Could you hold a moment?"
"Certainly."
As soon as he perused the quote, he said, "I accept. How soon can you get
started?"
"Sign it and send it back," the wizard replied. "As soon as I have it I can
send my team lead to your property and you can hand over the wards to
her."
"Excellent," he replied. "Excuse me while I get a quill." And left the room.
After returning and tossing the quote back through the flames, he said,
"I'll apparate to Grimmauld right now."
Less than ten minutes later, Sirius had handed over control of the wards
on Grimmauld Place to who would be the company on-site fore-witch.
Returning to the Tonkses' he was pleased to get that lethifold off his
shoulders. The place would be cleaned within two months and he only
had to pay to get it done. He really didn't want to have to do it himself.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
When the Grangers arrived home, Harry was quick to get on his mirror to
let Sirius know. He apparated in to the arrival point just inside the front
fence less than a minute later.
When he came in, he quickly corralled Wendell and the two men went
into the office.
When they came out fifteen minutes later, Sirius was almost dancing a jig
while Wendell appeared quite bemused.
Seeing Harry in the kitchen and cooking dinner, Sirius declared, "It's
done. Your future father-in-bond is a hard man to negotiate with, but I'm
now the owner of the little building out back I shall now and forevermore
call the 'Doghouse'."
Wendell, shaking his head, said, "It appears Lord Black does not truly
know the concept behind 'negotiating'."
"Why's that?" asked Harry.
Wendell snickered and replied, "He kept trying to talk the price... up."
Sirius struck a pose and declared, "Never let it be said that Sirius Black
does not pay fair value."
Before anyone could say anything else, he said, "Now, give me a few
minutes to duck out to my new property and set things in motion."
With that he strode from the room.
"What did he mean by setting things in motion?" asked Monica.
Harry replied, "He's gone out to permanently transfigure the inside of the
shed into a welcoming room with a floo."
Before he could go on, Hermione quickly said, "I want to watch this." And
hurriedly left the room.
"A... floo?" asked Monica.
"Yep," replied Harry. "It's a magical form of travel that requires the use of
a large fireplace and what's called 'floo powder'. However, such floos are
not permitted in non-wizarding dwellings; so, Sirius bought the shed out
back to use that.
"By him buying it, it's now wizarding owned. Which means, he can have
it connected to the floo network.
"Can this way be used by muggles?" she asked.
Harry thought about it and replied, "I've no idea. Though they cannot
apparate, I know they can be side-along apparated; they can use the
Knight Bus, but cannot call it; and I'm pretty sure they can use a portkey,
but again cannot activate it.
"It'll actually be interesting to see if you can use a floo, or not, without
someone using the floo powder for you first. We can test it once it's
activated by flooing from here to the Tonkses' place and back again."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Out in the 'Doghouse', Hermione watched as Sirius first completely
stripped the single room bare. And then used an overpowered cleaning
charm to rid it of everything that wasn't 'building'. He even explained as
he was working why he was doing things the way he was.
Next in went the fireplace, together with a small chimney. It was of black
marble.
"The chimney is not needed for the floo," he explained. "However, for the
floo to work properly you actually need a bit of a fire. And the fire needs
the chimney."
Then he started putting up a proper interior.
The walls were simple plain one-course brick, barely scraped of mortar
on the inside surface as the bricks were laid. To cover that he put up
battens and attached plaster board to line the entirety of all four walls.
Then went repairs to the roof, repairing any cracked tiles or the like; a
ceiling, with properly affixed light (even if it was magical); and
cornicing. Finally, he put up better window and door treatments,
blending them in with the current wood, so that the plasterboard was
properly 'edged'.
Satisfied with constructional changes to the building, he asked Hermione,
"What colours, do you think? Or, would your parents prefer it if the
inside here matched the inside of the house?"
Hermione didn't just blurt out anything. She took her time and thought it
through, as Harry had been teaching her.
Finally, she replied, "How about... Burgundy carpet, a light plain pastel
gold for paint on the walls, white for the ceiling and cornices, and
burgundy window and door treatments?"
Smirking, he asked, "Curtains?"
Shrugging, she replied, "A pastel red?"
Sirius thought about all that and waved his wand about. He started with
the white ceiling and cornicing, then the gold walls, the burgundy trim to
the window and door and finished with a deep burgundy for the carpet.
Looking around, he then changed the façade of the fireplace to a pink
tinted white marble. It fit the décor a lot better than the black tinted
marble he'd first chosen.
With a satisfied nod, he turned to her and asked, "What do you think?"
She was quite surprised. "It looks great!"
He gave a light chuckle and said, "Now comes the hard part; making it
permanent."
He pulled a set of rune-stones out of his pocket and went around the
corners of the small room, planting them into the corners as he worked.
The last one he put on the mantelpiece before then pumping his magic
into it.
He stepped back about thirty seconds later, when the five stones gave a
strong glow, and staggered a little. "Whoa!" he sighed. "That takes a lot
out of you."
Hermione held onto him so he wouldn't fall over and, confused, said,
"That looked like a lot of power needed to activate such a small ward."
"It wasn't just one ward, my dear," he returned, getting steadier on his
feet. "There were actually a few wards that all went active at the same
time."
"What wards?" she quickly asked.
"The permanency ward, as I said I would do," he replied. "Plus, a Muggle
Notice-Me-Not that excludes your parents; an alert charm that's now
linked to us two and Harry; impervious charms to the walls, the ceiling,
the window and the door; and two currently inactive secrecy charms that
I'll activate once the floo is connected and has been tested."
"What're the secrecy charms for?" she was quick to ask.
"So that anyone who arrives through the floo that isn't keyed in to the
wards will have no idea where they are. But, it won't stop them leaving
again via the floo. And the second will hide the ward stones once the full
wards are up and active.
"The impervious charms on the inner surfaces of this room will now
shrug off almost all forms of magical attack. If anything, if you cast a
curse or anything at the walls, it will reflect back at you. That is, of
course, if you don't get stunned by the wards Harry set up over the entire
property regarding ill-intent, first."
When the pair returned to the house, Sirius said he'd let Ted know to
arrange to connect the floo in the morning.
He'd said, "It's pointless sending an owl or house elf as I currently share a
house with the man."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
The next morning at breakfast Harry thought he was still eating enough
to feed his entire dorm - as long as Ron wasn't in it at the time. However,
over the past two days he felt the amount he was eating had diminished a
little.
Frowning, he stood just as Hermione walked in.
"Got a sec?" he asked her.
"Errr... yes?" she replied, unsure.
Harry walked over to the door with the inch measurement marks and
asked, "Mind measuring me again? It is Friday, after all."
Understanding, her eyes lit up and she replied, "Oh, of course!" And
moved over to join him as he kicked his shoes off, leaving him in socks.
Standing with his back and head against the door and up straight, Harry
waited for Hermione to mark the spot on the door edge. As she did, she
gave a small gasp of shock.
Ducking down and stepping away, he spun about to see for himself. Her
finger was just a small smidge below six foot. If her mark was accurate,
he stood about five foot eleven and three quarters.
"Not six foot?" he asked no one. "Well, that's annoying."
"Not six foot!?!" she asked right back, lowering her hand. "Harry... just
under three weeks ago you stood five foot five. You've shot up about
seven inches!"
"Hermione," her father gently called her attention. "Six foot is one of
those 'manly' things we men aspire to. Standing over six feet tall is one of
those things men pride themselves on."
Turning to Harry, she asked, "Is that what you think?"
"Of course," he replied, as if it was as simple as asking if the sky was blue
or water was wet.
With an exasperated sigh, she said, "I wouldn't think any less of you if
you only stood five foot three, Harry. Standing over six foot tall does not
impress me. It just makes you slightly taller than the norm. Which, by the
way, is five foot nine for a male in England. And that's for an adult.
"Don't forget, you're only fifteen. Which means you should still grow
approximately one to two inches before you reach your true adult
height."
"But it's the six foot mark, 'Mione," he almost whined.
That had Monica snort and Wendell smile.
"Really, Harry," Hermione exasperatedly retorted. "If the potions continue
to work―"
"But, that's just it!" he grumbled. "I've noticed my hunger and intake is
starting to reduce. I think the building of my body is pretty much done
with."
"For a fifteen year old, maybe," she said. "But, as I said, you'll probably
break through the six foot mark within the next six months. It is, after all,
only another quarter inch.
"Besides, weren't you complaining that the potions were still driving you
to fill your stomach?"
"That was before I knew the six foot mark was in sight!"
Almost sulking, he returned to his breakfast as Hermione moved to begin
her own after she first rolled her eyes at him. That's when Hedwig and
the Daily Prophet owl swooped in through the open dinette window.
Again, Hedwig beat the other owl only by about a yard.
As soon as Harry had cast the charms to detect harmful and ill-
intentioned magic on the newspaper, he had it opened. He immediately
saw the headline and was both shocked and unsurprised.
~ # ~
HOGWARTS CANCELS TRI-WIZ BALL
In a combined announcement that should not come as a surprise to anyone
who was paying attention, both School Board Chair-wizard Bartwinkle
Creston and new Hogwarts Headmistress Lady Griselda Marchbanks have
announced that the Traditional Tri-Wizard Yule Ball has been cancelled,
writes your loyal correspondent, Rita Skeeter.
From the announcement, Headmistress Lady Marchbanks had this to say,
"With the unconditional support of both Beauxbatons and Durmstrang,
together with the support of the School Board, the planned Yule Ball to be held
on the evening of Christmas Day has been cancelled."
Furthermore, both schools have chosen for their students to return to their own
respective schools until the evening prior to the commencement of the second
task. At that time, the Highmaster and Headmistress of the two schools will
bring their respective champions, together with a much reduced contingent of
students as witnesses, to take part in said task. We have been informed they
also plan to do this for the third task.
[...]
~ # ~
Finishing the article, Harry sat back with a sigh of satisfaction, the
newspaper gripped loosely in his hands. 'Yes!' he thought, his mind image
of himself dancing a jig of joy.
Knowing it was something big, and being impatient, Hermione snatched
the paper out of Harry's hands.
"Hermione!" her mother snapped, scandalised. "Return that, this instant!"
"B-but," she stuttered. "Harry wasn't reading it."
"Now, young lady!" her mother almost growled.
Hermione carefully returned it back to the table between Harry's hands.
Once it was back, Harry put his hand on it and said, "Hermione, would
you like to borrow my newspaper?"
Almost sulking, she glared back and said, "You know I do, Harry."
Harry just cocked an eyebrow back and again asked, "Hermione, would
you like to borrow my newspaper?"
Giving a huff of annoyance, she replied, "Yes, please."
"Since you have asked nicely, you may borrow it," he said, lifting his
hand away.
As soon as he finished lifting his hand away, she quickly, but gingerly,
took it back.
"Better!" her mother snapped.
"Hermione," he said, getting her attention again. He could see by her face
she was not just a little hurt. "Hermione, you are going to have to stop
this extremely bad and dangerous habit of yours to grab anything written
that interests you."
When it looked like she was going to say something, he firmly said, "No.
Listen!"
"Just the other day Sirius was telling me about books that are in the
Black family library at his home in Grimmauld that, if you don't take a
lot of care, will kill you in the blink of an eye. He was nearly harmed on
no less than half a dozen separate occasions, while searching for that
counter curse for the Longbottoms. And four of them would have been
lethal for you.
"There are family magics that are written down that are only available to
members of those families by blood. That means, not even people who
have married into the family are able to touch them. I don't know if the
Potters have anything like that at Potter manor, but I know the Blacks do.
"If you don't start taking care and ensuring you ask for permission first,
you are going to die an early death. Do you understand what I am telling
you?"
"But, Harry," she tried. "It is wrong to horde knowledge. Knowledge must
be shared!"
"Bullshit!" he loudly snapped. And emphasised it with a glare. "You know
better than that. Your mother and father both deal with information on a
daily basis that even they cannot share with one another, let alone you.
The stuff they deal with is backed by law. If you or they breach that then
it's a legal issue.
"In the magical world, though, it's backed by both law and magic. In the
magical world it is legal to use magic to protect family secrets. In the
echelons of magical power you now move around in, simply by
interacting with me and Sirius, you are dealing with people who can...
and have... use or used anything up to and including lethal magic to
protect their secrets. The Black family library is one of those where, if
you touch certain books you have not been given permission to touch,
you will die. And they're not labelled with warning signs.
"I do not know if there will be, but there may quite possibly come a time
when I'll have something such as the Potter Family Grimoire in my
hands. If you take it out of my hands without my express permission then
there'll be nothing I can do to save your life.
"For the sake of us all, Hermione, break that habit. I love you and it
would destroy me if you died because of a simple very foolish mistake
like that - simply because I hadn't drummed it into your head well enough
for it to take hold."
Harry got up and walked out of the room. He left behind a betrothed who
was in tears.
He knew it would upset her, he knew it hurt her, but he needed to slap
her down hard on this. He just prayed he wouldn't have to do it all that
often.
She looked to her parents with tear-filled eyes as both parents looked
back with stoical expressions.
Harry went up to his room and, for the first time in a long time, cried.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
34. The Trouble with Floos
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 Thirty Four - The Trouble with Floos
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Harry had been in his room for less than five minutes when there was a
knock on his bedroom door. He hadn't even realised he'd closed the door
when he came in.
Quickly wiping the tears out of his eyes, he called, "Who is it?"
"Wendell," came the immediate response.
"Come in," he said.
When Wendell came in Harry was quick to speak first. "Wendell, I'm
sorry about―"
Wendell was quick to cut him off. "Don't," he firmly said.
When Harry looked up at the man, Wendell didn't appear angry with
him. "You have nothing to apologise for, Harry; other than using a swear
word in front of the ladies. Even then, I feel it was warranted for the
conditions."
That shocked and confused the teen boy.
As Harry was sitting on the side of the bed, Wendell moved over and took
the desk chair. Sitting on it, he sighed. "Harry," he said, "Those sort of
curses can truly be found on books?"
"They can be found on anything, Wendell," replied Harry. "In the Black
Townhouse, which is where Sirius grew up and he found the book that
had the curse and counter-curse for what ailed the Longbottoms, they
were on a Hell of a lot more than that.
"There were curses on doorways, a grandfather clock that shot metal
spikes at you when you walked past, poisoned biting doorknobs, patterns
on the carpet that had curses on them, a tallboy that shot its drawers at
you to knock you into a wardrobe that was charmed to bash you. But,
yes, important family books are very often likely to have charms of some
sort that will deter anyone from trying to open them."
He gave a snort and amended that. "That is, it will deter someone from
touching them if that person has first cast detection charms on the book
or books before trying to open and read them. If they don't, then
whatever befalls the person who does is considered their own fault."
Wendell sighed and said, "That's what Monica and I figured. Oh, and just
so you know, Monica and I are not upset with you for being firm with
Hermione. It took us being firm with her... even more than you were...
when she was younger not to go through documents we each might have.
It actually required a couple of spankings before she finally learned not
to do it any more."
Harry very firmly said, "That is something I will not resort to. Well, for
anyone above 'pre-Hogwarts' age, at any rate."
"Good," said Wendell. "I'd have stepped in if you'd tried."
When Harry nodded, Wendell said, "Now; it's time for you to go down
and see... your betrothed. Damn, that still feels a little weird to say. You
two need to put this behind you before it festers into something more."
"I meant what I said, though," said Harry, rising. "Hermione must break
herself of the habit of picking up things, especially books, that she does
not have permission to in advance. Especially, just taking them from
someone's hand without it being offered."
"Monica will aid you in that," said Wendell, not disagreeing in the
slightest. "I've no doubt she's spent the time I've been in here talking to
you, talking to her about it."
As the two men, younger and older, made their way downstairs it was to
silence. No sound could be heard from the dinette, either.
Once both walked in, Harry stopped just shy of the table and looked to
his betrothed as Wendell returned to his seat at the table.
Tentatively and remorsefully, Harry began, "Hermione, I'm―"
Very quickly Hermione was up and out of the chair and into his arms, she
was sobbing. "Oh, Harry. I'm sooo sorry!"
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
At Hogwarts, Dumbledore was once again shocked at reading the Daily
Prophet.
'Cancelled!' he thought for about the tenth time. 'The bitch cancelled it!'
Keeping a firm hold on his temper, he turned to look at Marchbanks. It
was only moments later she noticed he was looking to her.
'Which shows she was keeping a close eye on me and my reactions,' he
thought.
He stood and walked down behind the few chairs between he and her
and stopped just shy of her chair.
Calmly he said, "Headmistress Marchbanks, I need a word with you - in
private."
"Whatever for, Albus?" she 'innocently' asked.
"It's concerning your foolish decision to cancel the Yule Ball," he firmly
replied.
She immediately frowned back. "Foolish, Albus?" she scoffed. "I assure
you, the decision was neither reached lightly nor without plenty of input
from those in authority. As a matter of fact, it was a decision reached
after plenty of discussions concerning it and the rest of the Tournament
with those in authority to do so.
"Are you saying that myself, Bartholomew Creston, Igor Karkaroff,
Olympe Maxime, Hamilton Snodway of the DIMC and Amelia Bones of
the DMLE are all foolish?" she asked. "Dear me, Albus. What a positively
slanderous thing to say."
Frowning even more right back he said, "I wish to speak with you in
private about this."
With a hard put-upon sigh, she said, "Very well, Albus. I have a very full
schedule for the rest of the school day, today. How about you come to
my office to talk about this at... 8.00pm this evening."
"I would prefer we speak now, Griselda," he almost growled.
"It's Headmistress Marchbanks, Albus," she shot back. "We've been over this
and over this. And, irrespective of your desire to speak with me in private
now, I'm finishing my breakfast. After that, I have interviews to attend."
"We shall talk as I walk with you to your office, then," he declared.
"Albus!" she snapped back, getting quite louder now. It was now loud
enough to reach the students. "I said... at 8.00pm this evening. Not a
moment before!"
Noticing how quiet it had gotten, he glanced to the students and noticed
they were all staring back.
"Very well," he huffed. "8.00pm in you office then, Headmistress
Marchbanks."
He turned and firmly strode - stormed - from the room.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Activity at the Granger residence and Hogwarts weren't the only places of
note in wizarding Britain where surprises were in store.
After having first stopped in at the Weasleys intending to be there before
Arthur had to go to work, a witch Mind Healer turned up on the doorstep
of the Lovegoods.
After knocking on the door, she waited only a short while before the door
was opened by Xenophilius Lovegood.
"What can I do for you?" he asked. "Do you have information that keys
the previous Minister in with the Rotfang Conspiracy?"
"No, sir," the witch replied, ignoring the comment. "I've come to talk to
you regarding an offer that is to be put to you regarding the mental
health of your daughter."
"Hmmm..." he replied. Stepping back to clear the doorway, he gestured
the witch in and said, "Perhaps you'd best come in and let me know what
this is all about."
She gave a single nod and replied, "Thank you." Then stepped inside.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After the two 'made up' again, Hermione tentatively asked, "So. Still want
to go to Diagon to do your shopping?"
"Yeah, actually," breathed Harry. "I do."
"Me too," she nodded.
After informing the lead auror the trip to Diagon Alley was still on, both
teens hurried upstairs to change into warmer clothing. For Harry, that
meant changing into wizarding casual. However, as soon as he tried one
of his outfits on, he realised the problem.
"Damn!" he muttered. He'd even outgrown the sizing charms he
specifically had put on the wear.
"Well," he sigh-muttered, "There's nothing for it, but to buy a couple of
outfits from Madam Malkin's"
Dressing in his best muggle casual he grabbed his wizarding currency
purse and trotted back downstairs. As he knew he would, he beat
Hermione by quite some time.
Their aurors had also congregated and were waiting next to the front
door.
Once Hermione came down, also dressed in muggle casual, they headed
out to the front portkey area and were gone.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
On arriving at the top of the Alley, Harry grabbed Hermione to stop her
running off into Flourish and Blotts and said, "First things first, Love."
Confused at what he meant, she docilely allowed him to lead her along.
And was quite surprised he took them directly into the next store along,
Madam Malkin's
"Harry?" she asked. "Why―"
Cutting her off, he replied, "It's not just my muggle wear I've grown out
of, Love. I've also grown beyond my wizarding wear, too - except for
what I wore to the trial, that is. I need a small wardrobe to replace that.
"Plus, little miss Lady Presumptive, I've noticed a distinct lack of
wizarding wear in your wardrobe. You need to be properly outfitted if
you're going to be representing me or Sirius in the wizarding world."
Before Hermione had a chance to retort as they stepped within, they
were approached by one of the store assistants. "Welcome to Madam
Malkin's how can I―" she began before she noticed who she was looking
at. "Oh, my! Mister Po... Sorry, Lord Potter; I did not recognise you."
"Not a problem," he was quick to say. "I'll be needing... two distinct casual
wizarding wear outfits. And one formal, please; just in case."
Turning to indicate Hermione, he said, "Miss Granger, here, has been
remiss in ensuring she has proper wizarding attire and will be needing
quite a few outfits, if you don't mind."
"Harry―" began Hermione.
A quick turn to her he firmly said, "Hush!" Then turned back to the
assistant and said, "For now, I think we can start with five casual outfits,
one semi-formal and one formal. Oh, and you'd best make sure my formal
matches hers. I know that's a big thing for ladies."
Hermione tried again, "Harry, what do you think you're doing?"
"Getting you properly outfitted," he replied, as if it was obvious. Then he
again turned back to the assistant and said, "By the way, this lady is the
Lady Presumptive Hermione Granger, magical ward of Lord Black of the
Noble and Most Ancient House of Black and betrothed of myself, Lord
Potter of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Potter. As such she'll need
the proper identifiers included in her semi-formal and formal attire."
"It will be done, My Lord," replied the assistant.
As the assistant turned to call over 'help', Hermione hissed at him, "Harry,
you don't need to do this."
"Really?" he smirked. Turning back to the assistant, who had just turned
back after gesturing one of the other assistants to come over, he asked,
"What would be the general view of the public in wizarding Britain, if the
Lady Presumptive of a Noble and Most Ancient House was to parade
about in muggle casual?"
"They would see it as a slight on the House, my Lord," she promptly
replied. "Both Houses."
Turning back to Hermione, he smirked and cocked an eyebrow at her.
With a huff she rolled her eyes and said, "Fiiiine!"
He grinned and asked, "Isn't that supposed to be my line?"
"I don't know what the big deal is," she grumped. "You know I don't put
on all those airs and graces."
"It's all about image, dear," said the shop assistant, cutting in. "You cannot
hope to be taken seriously, if you do not dress seriously."
"Besides," added Harry. "We're going to visit Neville on Sunday,
remember? You'll be visiting a wizarding home so you should dress
appropriately.
"Further, we will be visiting both an allied House of the House of Potter
and the Heir Apparent of the Noble and Most Ancient House of
Longbottom. It will be our first visit. As such, you need to look and dress
the part. It would be an insult to Heir Longbottom and the House of
Longbottom if you do not."
Knowing she was both out-numbered and out-argued, Hermione just gave
another harrumph and turned to the assistant, "Where do you want me?"
With a satisfied smile, the assistant led her across to the ladies' side of the
store.
"Have fun playing dress-up... Barbie-doll!" he called after her.
She performed a quick pirouette and flipped him a pair of fingers as she
spun past before continuing on.
One of the ever-present aurors, the Senior Auror of their current detail,
said, "Well, that wasn't nice."
Harry looked at her with a grin and shrugged. "Just getting some of my
own back for what she and her mother put me through a couple weeks
ago."
"No, you're really not," she smiled. "You'll find she'll quite enjoy this.
She's just putting up a protest for the sake of the protest."
"Lord Potter?"
Harry turned to the other assistant, who had just called his attention. She
gestured to the mens' side with a smirk and said, "Shall we?"
He gave a firm nod back and made his way to the men's side of the store.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After the Mind-Healer had been visiting for the past thirty minutes,
explaining why she was there, Lovegood said, "So, let me see if I have
this... A wealthy widowed witch has heard about the troubles my
daughter has gone through at Hogwarts, was appalled to learn of it and
wants to pay for her to have as long as she needs with a Mind Healer...
you... to help her through it?"
"Close," replied the witch. "The payments have already been made and
will continue to be made. All of it, including the time I've been sitting
here talking to you about it, has already been paid for. All you need to do
is let your daughter talk to me in private. It's even been paid for me to
come here to talk to her, rather than you come to my offices in Saint
Mungo's."
"Why is she doing this?" he asked.
"I was told it was because this... elderly witch... was appalled to discover
that a young pureblood witch had been so terribly treated and, since she
has nothing else and no one else for which to spend her money on or give
to, she's using it to help young witches who, she believes, need it."
"Alright," Lovegood slowly nodded. "Now, who's doing this?"
"No idea," she shrugged. "The request and payment have come through a
Law-wizard of Record... a man even I trust and is never hired by any of
the dark families... who is acting as agent for the witch. And the Law-
wizard cannot and will not tell me due to confidentiality clauses."
Luna, who'd been sitting back and out of the way, finally had something
to ask. "Are you also going to be helping Ginny?" she asked.
"Ginny?" asked the mind-healer.
"Ginevra Weasley," Luna promptly replied. "She had all these... problems
back in her first year at Hogwarts."
"I can neither confirm, nor deny, that I am assisting young Miss Weasley,"
replied the healer. "Just as I will neither confirm, nor deny, I will be
helping you if anyone other than you or your father ask."
"What about this elderly witch?" asked Xeno. "Won't she need to know?"
"Yes, sorry," replied the Healer. "As the witch, whoever it is, is paying the
bill, I will have to inform her you have accepted the offer for me to treat
Luna. However, besides the cost that is all she will ever know. She will
not be informed of how often Luna and I talk, or for how long that help
will last, except for what the cost will be.
"The Law-wizard that contacted me with the offer stated... flat out... the
witch has no desire to know any more than that. She just wants to make
sure young Luna is offered the help and hopes you and Luna will accept
it for her."
When she could see Lovegood seemed to be wavering, she said, "Even if
young Luna does not need the help offered, at the very least I can be
someone there she can talk to while you're busy with the important work
of the Quibbler."
Lovegood gave a sigh and turned to his daughter, "It's up to you,
Pumpkin. Would you like this nice lady to come around at times so you
have someone to talk to?"
"Yes, Daddy," she immediately replied. "I have a feeling it's important."
"Very well," he nodded to her.
Turning back to the healer he said, "As long as it's alright with Luna -
and, as long as you quit when Luna asks you to - I have no problem with
it."
The healer gave a small smile and said, "Then so shall it be."
Turning her attention more fully on the little blonde, she asked, "When
would you like me to next visit so you and I can talk?"
"Can you come over tomorrow morning?" asked Luna. "I'd like to show
you some of the art I've made. Daddy will be at the Quibbler offices,
then."
"That sounds wonderful," smiled the healer.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After over an hour in the clothier's, Harry was ready in plenty of time
with his three casual wizarding outfits and one formal set of robes. He
even had that done lickety-split after one of the assistants came over
bearing a swatch of deep forest green material for 'his' assistant.
Now he was over in the ladies' side and was asked to give his opinion on
some of Hermione's selections.
"I honestly have no idea," he said, scratching his head. "Can't someone
help me out, here?"
The female lead auror chuckled and said, "If you're willing to listen, then
I'll advise."
Breathing out a big sigh of relief, he replied, "Please."
With the help of the auror and the shop assistants Hermione had her five
upmarket casual witches' robes, a semi-formal robe and a wizarding
formal gown.
When Harry saw her in the last one he stuttered a bit, blushed and
quietly said, "Wow!"
Like most witchwear, it was very non-revealing compared to muggle
counterparts. However, what it did do was accentuate all the 'right'
features. All in a deep forest green it had a 'V' neck that dipped only
slightly, not even giving a real hint of cleavage. However, it had a tight-
fitted bodice with the V carrying along the bottom edge of the bodice
section that dropped from the hips on the side to the bottom of the V
almost reaching where he estimated her 'mound' would be. Then the dress
opened to a full length almost pleated skirt of the same material. The
long sleeves also had the 'wizarding' tight upper arms flaring out to the
loose cuffs. While not a lot of skin was displayed the cut and fit showed
off the assets underneath by highlighting them.
Harry was, quite literally, speechless.
The auror chuckled and said, "That's the one, Miss Granger. Take a look
at your betrothed."
Hermione took one look at Harry, blushed and looked down. This was
the first robe she'd organised so Harry would have that swatch. She put it
on again, because she wanted to know what Harry thought of it before
they left the store.
"This is perfect," she softly told the shop assistant.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After finally getting out of the clothier, dressed in one each of the outfits
Harry had just purchased for the both of them, the two teens finally got
going on their Christmas shopping. It did, though, take Harry a good five
to ten minutes to, as he put it, get his head back in the game.
With her right hand and arm tucked into his left elbow, Hermione asked,
"Do you know what you want to buy for everyone?"
"Errr... no, not really," he replied. "I figured... I'll know it when I see it."
Now used to the coterie of aurors that were always accompanying them,
neither teen noticed that their detail had grown that day. Anyone paying
attention would have noticed there were currently four aurors who
formed a somewhat tight square around the pair. They might have also
noticed there were at least half a dozen more moving through the Alley
'near' the pair, but not close enough to be thought of as 'encumbering'.
However, as we're talking about witches and wizards here, very few
noticed the second group. And there were even some who didn't notice
the first group.
Many, of course, stopped and gawked at the two teens - mainly Harry.
But there were a few brave ones, who were also of the group that didn't
notice any of the aurors or what they meant, who'd hurried forward to
touch or speak with Harry. Most of those were immediately intercepted
by the aurors.
After having to duck into yet another nearby store because of the stress
of being constantly gawked at, or of people coming over just to touch
him, Harry was angrily muttering, "This is ridiculous! How the Hell am I
supposed to get any proper shopping done if I'm being constantly
hassled?"
She replied, "We'll get through it, Love."
He gave a sigh and a nod of sadness.
Eventually, he had the gifts he wanted for Frank and Alice, Neville, the
Twins, Ted and Andi and 'Call-Me-Tonks'. Added to those he purchased
small gifts for the other alliance member Houses - Amelia and Susan
Bones; Eugene, Pauline and Hannah Abbott; Griselda Marchbanks; Miles
and Hedda Ogden; Heathcliff, Lydia, Edwin and Tracey Davis; Samuel,
Adeline, Daphne and Astoria Greengrass; and Tyler Stebbins.
He also wanted to purchase a stack of gifts for the aurors who would be
guarding them on Christmas Day, but decided to just make a bloody big
Christmas lunch for them all with a 'gift' of some form.
Finally, they retreated back to Wimbledon to a collective sigh of relief
from everyone; not the least of which was the two teens.
"That," groaned Harry, once they returned, "Was painful."
Hermione firmly said, "At least, when we go muggle shopping tomorrow,
you won't have to put up with all the gawkers."
"We, love," he sighed. "We."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
The previous evening Walden MacNair, 'executioner' of dangerous beasts
for the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures
at the Ministry, had just returned to his modest home when his wards
alerted him to someone approaching his front door.
Stiffening, as he could think of no one who would ever visit him through
such a 'muggle' manner, he cautiously dimmed his lights and just as
cautiously made his way to the door. As soon as he got there he moved so
his back was against the wall next to the door - it was steel plate
reinforced, just for this sort of scenario - and waited with his wand drawn
and held up.
He waited a full five seconds before he finally heard a solid three knocks
upon the wood of the door. Then waited ten seconds before he quickly
twisted the handle and yanked the door in and away from himself.
When there was no sudden spell fire in through the now open door, he
ducked down low and looked around the frame. His looking out from
such a low angle meant if someone was waiting for him to stick his head
out, he'd have one to two seconds to cast a curse at an enemy before they
could spot him and shift their aim lower.
Who he saw, utterly surprised him.
"You!?" he exclaimed.
Standing back about seven feet, where he'd clearly moved back to once
he knocked on the door, was someone he'd thought dead - Peter
Pettigrew.
"MacNair," smirked Pettigrew. "You'd best invite me in before I'm
spotted."
That meeting led him to this morning. He'd been told he needed to be at
a certain place at a certain time. But, the place he had to be was simply
given to him as apparation co-ordinates.
At first, he'd refused. However, Pettigrew handed him a card; on it, was
one word. It was a code word known only to him and a handful of others.
It was proof it was an order and he had to obey it.
When he appeared at the spot, Pettigrew was waiting for him. And, as
soon as he appeared, Pettigrew said, "Follow me. And, if you value your
life, do not draw your wand."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
The two teens were chowing down on lunch when Sirius turned up, so
Harry organised Dobby to prepare him a lunch, too.
As soon as Sirius sat down, he asked, "The FNA person here yet?"
"FNA?" asked Hermione.
Harry would have asked, but his mouth was full at the time.
"Floo Network Authority," said Sirius, as his lunch appeared before him.
Like Harry's and Hermione's it was a pasta salad loaded with beef chunks.
It was a dish Harry had cooked, but he also had to teach Dobby so the
little elf would not be too upset with him for cooking a midday meal.
Harry had his quickly polished off and was munching on a banana when
he noticed the aurors suddenly move again. "It looks like this might be
them now."
With his half-eaten banana in one hand he rose to make his way to meet
the person. When Sirius rose, though, Harry pressed lightly on the man's
shoulder and said, "Eat your lunch. I can take care of this."
Sirius just gave a grunt as he had food in his mouth and, for the moment,
re-sat.
When the person came in to the parlour, a witch, she was frowning.
As soon as she saw Harry she said, "Lord Potter. This is a muggle home. I
will not break the law by installing a floo connection in this muggle
house." Then spun about to leave again.
"Oi!" he barked at her, causing her to spin back. "Stop jumping to
conclusions, you stupid woman!"
As the witch stood there spluttering in indignation, he continued, "The
floo connection is not for this home. It's for the property out the back!"
She finally found her voice and said, "The property I have listed is this
home; a muggle one. I will not be installing a floo connection here."
"And I agree," he immediately shot back. "That's why I'm telling you... yet
again... the property is out the back.
"Now, come with me and I'll show you."
Not waiting for the woman to even acknowledge him, he spun on his heel
and stormed off to the stairs leading down to the lower ground floor. Her
flicker of a sneer each time she said the word 'muggle' had annoyed him.
Obviously curious enough, the witch followed. She was still muttering to
herself as she did so.
Once outside he led her to the 'Doghouse'. Indicating it, he said, "This is
where you'll be installing the connection."
Still not waiting for her, he undid the lock and led her inside. Then,
pointing to the fireplace, he said, "There."
"This is still the same property!" she declared with a huff.
Walking in through the door after he'd followed them down, Sirius said,
"No, it's not."
Then he pulled out the Bill of Sale for the little building and said, "I own
this building." And showed her the Bill.
Almost snatching it out of Sirius's hand with the hand that wasn't holding
her clipboard she'd brought with her, she glared at it as she read it before
thrusting it back. "It's still the same property!"
Starting to lose his temper, Harry snapped, "No, it's bloody not! We've
already had a law-wizard look over the same and confirm for us that, by
law, this building is now considered a wizarding property."
As one of the aurors stepped in, Sirius smirked and handed the Bill to the
auror and said, "Auror. This is a Bill of Sale for this building and the land
it sits upon. As I am now both the sole owner of this property and am a
wizard, does this make this property a wizarding owned property?"
The auror accepted the Bill, read it, looked between Sirius, Harry and the
witch and looked back at the Bill.
When he looked up again, he smirked and said to Sirius, "Very clever."
Looking back to the witch he said, "As there is, indeed, documented
evidence that this property, irregardless of its size, is wizarding owned,
there is no ban on a floo connection being installed here. You're in the
clear to install one."
"It's just a... trick!" she firmly declared. "It's just a... a... legal nonsense to
get around the law! Well... it won't work! I will not install a connection
here!"
Sirius stared at her and said, "Very well. I will need your name and under
what you believe is your authority in making that determination. I will
need that information for the Law-wizards of Record for both the Noble
and Most Ancient House of Black and the Noble and Most Ancient House
of Potter; both of which are of the Seven.
"Our Law-wizards of Record will then be filing complaints against you,
personally, your boss and the Ministry in general. I hope you're able to
afford a very, very good law-wizard of your own, because you're going to
need one.
"As you've already been informed our Law-wizards of Record have
already confirmed, as per the law... and it has also just been confirmed
by the Senior Auror, here... that there is no legal grounds by which you
can refuse to install the floo connection, you have no grounds to refuse.
"If you do not install the connection when you have no grounds to refuse,
then you have opened yourself up to being dragged before the
Wizengamot to face litigation."
Then he smiled and said, "The last time I was before the Wizengamot I
not only won the case, Lord Potter here... acting as co-defence with Law-
wizard Tonks... forced the Wizengamot to strip an entire Statute from the
books. He proved, beyond any shadow of a doubt, that the law was both
unworkable and unenforceable."
Turning to Harry, he asked, "Lord Potter; how many cases argued before
the Wizengamot have you lost?"
"None!" Harry firmly stated, crossing his arms and glaring at the witch.
The witch glared back, but it was easy to see the fear in her eyes. So,
Harry decided to go for the 'kill'.
"Back when Riddle was running about with his thugs, a lot of pureblood
homes were attacked in the middle of the night. He was able to catch
those people in their homes.
"However, that should not have been possible. While his people obviously
erected anti-apparation jinxes and anti-portkey wards to block apparation
and portkeys, they should not have been able to block those victims from
using their floos. There is no jinx, curse or ward that blocks floo travel
unless it's done from within the home.
"So, I'm now thinking, the only way for those floos to have been blocked
is by the Floo Network Authority... that's you and the people you work
with... deactivating them at those very specific times. When you then
consider the number of homes where that was supposed to have occurred
- and then consider the likelihood of the floo network having failed at
that very specific time at that one location, in each case - it is not
difficult to determine the likelihood of that happening is so remote... so
unlikely... as to lead one to conclude it was deliberate to coincide with
those attacks.
"That, therefore, means there are those within the Floo Network
Authority who were actively supporting Tom Riddle and his band of
thugs. They were probably even marked Death Eaters."
"Oh... Hell!" exclaimed the senior auror, suddenly realising what Harry
was overtly implying.
With a sharklike grin at what he'd heard from the auror, while not taking
his eyes off the floo installer, Harry continued. "Now, while Director of
the DMLE, Madam Director Amelia Bones, might not have been able to
go and root them out because the minister of the day blocked her from
doing so, that Minister and her likewise reluctant replacement are now
gone. That means, Acting Madam Minister Amelia Bones can now order
Director of the DMLE Madam Director Amelia Bones to investigate. I
cannot see Acting Madam Minister Amelia Bones not giving that order.
Can you?"
As the senior auror sighed, reached into his robes and drew out his auror
badge, Harry continued to grin evilly at the now shocked pale and
trembling floo installer.
He continued, "You should also know that, before you think about trying
anything, there are wards on this property and the property that
surrounds it that will do you harm if you try. And, if the wards activate
against you, it will be proof that your intent was to try.
"So, unless you want to also be, as an individual, a subject of the
investigation the senior auror here is about to initiate, you had best
connect the floo and do an absolutely smashing job of it. If you do not, it
could easily be seen as an attempt by you to do harm to... not one, but
two... members of the Seven, let alone the aurors often here. The first
two, alone, would mean the Veil for you.
"Within the past four weeks I have legally taken down the Supreme
Mugwump of the ICW, the Chief Warlock, the sitting Minister, his Senior
Undersecretary, the then Minister's closest non-Ministerial confidant, the
Headmaster of Hogwarts, the Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts, two
other Heads of Houses of Hogwarts, four other members of staff, the
regent for the Noble and Most Ancient House of Longbottom and the then
Director of the Department of International Magical Cooperation. A
pissant little floo installer like you, until now, I felt was beneath me...
right up until you annoyed me.
"Pissing off members of the Seven is a really, really bad idea. You do not
want to piss either of us off any more than we are, right now. Get to
work."
Sirius, with a wide grin on his face, looked between Harry and the
installer, before he more directly looked to the installer and glared,
"Well? Why aren't you moving?"
The witch 'moved'. The floo was up and active inside ten minutes.
Then the auror looked to the installer and said, "I've just sent a message
to my colleagues in the DMLE that I am about to step through into the
DMLE bullpen. I am going to arrive there in full health, am I not?"
Still shaking in fear, the installer replied, "Y-yes!"
The auror gave a nod back and said, "Wait here. I'll be back within the
minute." He then turned to Sirius and instructed, "If I am not, Lord Black,
please send a messenger Patronus to Madam Bones and let her know."
Without waiting for a response and taking a pinch of floo powder from a
container within his robes, the auror dashed it into the fireplace and
called "Auror bullpen!"
As soon as the flames turned green he stepped through and was gone.
As soon as he was, Sirius turned to the installer and pleasantly asked,
"Don't you have something for me to sign?"
Without a word she thrust her clipboard at Sirius, now not wanting to be
thought of as being reluctant or reticent to do so. She was still trembling.
Sirius casually accepted it, signed the form on it in the relevant places
and said, "Payment will be made by the end of the day." Then offered the
clipboard back.
As the witch hesitantly took it back he asked, "Aren't you also supposed
to be leaving a small bag of floo powder, too?"
She quickly scrambled for a pocket in her robes, found it, pulled out a
nondescript bag of floo powder and thrust it at Sirius, "H-here!"
Again, Sirius casually accepted it and said, "Thank you." And placed it on
the mantelpiece.
"I-I... need... to go," she stammered.
Harry firmly but calmly stated, "You are under orders by a duly
authorised officer of the DMLE to wait right here. Right here, you will
wait."
"Y-yes, My Lord," she stammered.
He smirked and explained, "We cannot have you going to your offices in
the FNA and letting your colleagues know what is about to befall them
all; can we?"
"Errrr... N-no, M-my Lord."
"While we wait," he said, "I'm going to tell you further just where and
when you utterly fucked up, you stupid little jackanapes.
"When you entered and found that the property you were to connect to
the network was somewhere related to a muggle home, every time you
said muggle, you sneered. Lord Black, here, is the magical guardian of
the daughter of one of those muggles you sneered at. She is also my
betrothed; she is the Lady Presumptive of the Noble and Most Ancient
House of Potter.
"Right there, you pissed me off; let alone Lord Black.
"Secondly, you tried to use your pitiful authority as a lowly floo installer
to cow a couple of Lords of Noble and Most Ancient Houses. Clearly, no
one has bothered to tell you that is a very bad idea. However, if you had
a lick of the sense you're obviously clearly lacking, no one should have
had to tell you it was a bad idea. That showed you to be a daft moron.
"I do not like daft morons. Daft morons are dangerous for everyone
around them. They get themselves... or, more importantly... those around
them killed.
"Thirdly, you were told we had the matter seen to by a Law-wizard. That
Law-wizard is the Law-wizard of Record for two of the Seven and, I
believe, the Law-wizard of Record for a number of Noble and Ancient
Houses. He is not a daft moron. He would not be the Law-wizard of
Record for two of the Seven and quite a few other Noble Houses if he
was.
"By you refusing to accept at least one Law-wizard of Record had already
determined the law would not be broken by the floo being connected in
this property, and that's besides the senior auror also telling you that, you
considered that Law-wizard to be a bigger daft moron than yourself. That
meant you considered those Noble and Most Ancient and Noble and
Ancient Houses to be daft morons, themselves, by taking that law-wizard
on as their Law-wizard of Record. That, too, was quite insulting.
"Either that, or you were stating you consider myself and Lord Black,
here, lied to you. Personally, I find that even more insulting."
When the auror stepped back through moments later, he was followed
through by three more aurors and Madam Bones.
Harry immediately recognised two of them that he often saw as Madam
Bones's personal guard. The third, a female auror, took one look at the
female installer and asked, "Are you the witch from the FNA?"
The witch, now pretty much crying, only nodded.
"Then, Madam," said the auror. "You're coming with me. We have some
questions you're required to answer."
That was it for the witch. She immediately burst into tears as she was
firmly guided back to the floo. She was openly sobbing her heart out and
needed that guiding hand.
She and her auror escort were gone moments later.
Chiding his godson a little, Sirius asked, "Was that really necessary,
Harry?"
Harry stared right back with a blank expression. "Yes," he flatly said. And
then vehemently added, "How dare the bitch come into the Granger's
home with that attitude."
Sirius, surprised at Harry's clear vehemence, only said, "Ah!"
"Alright, Lord Potter," said Madam Bones, drawing his attention to her.
She sighed and, with a somewhat pained expression, said, "We need to
talk."
"Figured as much," he flatly returned.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After Madam Bones and her two aurors left, muttering about how Harry
had landed yet more work through investigations onto her plate, Sirius
finished with the protections on the 'Doghouse'; one of those was a
password for the floo - 'Woof woof!'
Harry just rolled his eyes.
Sirius snickered and asked, "Well, I don't think there's going to be anyone
who's going to guess it, do you?"
"No," replied Harry. "But, isn't it a little childish?"
"Of course it is," agreed his godfather.
"So," he pressed, "What's the actual floo address and how do I use the
password?"
"Ah!" said Sirius. "You toss in the floo powder and call 'Doghouse'. Then,
once the connection is through, call 'Woof woof!' and step through. Just
don't call the password until the connection is through or the password
ward at this end won't receive it and disengage for you."
Harry shrugged and said, "Sounds simple enough."
His godfather smiled and replied, "It is." Then asked, "How're the potions
going?"
Harry immediately pulled a face and replied, "Still apparently no end in
sight."
"Yes there is," his godfather disagreed. "I discovered the last of my
potions this morning, when the vials didn't immediately refill after I took
them. Andi confirmed it for me."
Breathing a sigh of relief, Harry said, "Then, mine should only be a few
days away. That's good, because I wanted to be free of them before
Christmas."
"Just so you know," said Sirius. "I've got a professional team of people
working on the London House of the House of Black. It's a townhouse in
Grimmauld Place, not far from Kings Cross Station."
"You've referred to it before," nodded Harry. "So, finally getting it cleaned
out?"
Sirius nodded and replied, "That's what the team's been sent in there to
do, yes. They're estimating a completion date in early February."
Harry gave a low whistle and asked, "It's that bad?"
"Yep. They're also redecorating once they've cleaned it up," he replied.
"Once they're at the stage to start redecorating, they'll contact me and
we'll go through interior decoration ideas."
Harry gave a snort of amusement and said, "You may want to call on
someone who has actual taste to advise the team you're using, then. I
somewhat shudder to think what you could come up with."
"Hey!" his godfather whined, before suddenly grappling him and giving
him a 'noogie' by firmly rubbing his knuckles into Harry's scalp.
"Ow!" exclaimed Harry, wincing. "Padfoot!"
Releasing him again, Sirius said, "Now. You and I need to talk about a
very important subject. Just you and me, Pup."
Curious, Harry said, "My room?"
Shaking his head with a smirk, Sirius replied, "No. We'll be using the
office for this."
Warily, Harry said, "Alright."
Sirius then started to lead Harry to the office when Hermione
approached.
"I'm sorry, my dear," he said. "This is just Harry and me. We won't be too
long, I promise."
Disappointed, Hermione sighed and nodded. "I'll be in the dinette going
through the remaining documents."
Harry smiled and gave her a nod. "Thank you, Love."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
The 'won't be too long' proved to be a couple hours. At the end of it
Harry practically ran back his room and almost slammed the door.
Sirius, smirking slightly, found Hermione still in the dinette.
Taking a chair, he sat. Dobby quickly had a cup of tea before him.
Hermione said, "If that's what you call 'not too long' I shudder to think
what you'd think a long meeting would be."
"You'd be surprised," he smiled, stirring sugar into his tea.
"Where's Harry?" she asked.
"He's gone to think things over in his room," grinned her magical
guardian.
She looked at him suspiciously and, mindful of her words now, asked,
"May I know what you talked about?"
Sirius looked back for a little while before he gave an almost
imperceptible shrug. "I gave him 'The Talk: Part Two'."
Shocked, it was a moment before she'd regathered her thoughts and said,
"I thought that was what that book you gave him was for."
"You know about that?" he asked, acting surprised.
"Accidentally," she said. "Harry shoved it in the stacks of documents he
received from Ted. Then forgot he'd put it there when he had Dobby
bring the stack down. As he was writing a letter to the twins I was going
through the stack and found it."
Sirius smirked and said, "He told me."
Sighing she replied, "I had noticed he... didn't really seem to know much.
You know what I mean?"
Sirius just nodded.
She explained, "He seems... seemed now, I guess... to know a little, but...
well, not what I thought a fourteen year old should know. Definitely
nowhere near what I knew from before I even started Hogwarts."
Sirius continued to stare at her for a long few moments more before he
reached a decision.
"I'm only telling you this, because you are Harry's betrothed," he said. "It
is not for the ears or knowledge of others. Am I clear?"
Hermione, knowing this was important, nodded.
With a single nod back, he explained, "Harry knew the... technicalities...
of reproduction. He had an understanding of the basic... biology of the
act.
"However, except for what he'd overheard from his housemates in
Gryffindor... never a good source of accurate information... that's pretty
much all he knew. He had no idea about the subject of, for instance,
'wooing a witch'. In that, his education was severely lacking."
"Is that what you talked about?" she asked. "Just 'dating'?"
"A lot more than that, Hermione," he replied. "We were gone, after all, for
just over two hours. It's not for me to tell you any more than that.
"If Harry wants to tell you, it's up to him to do so. And you are not to
pressure him to tell you anything he's not willing to tell you.
Understood?"
"Yes, my Lord," she immediately replied. Then looked at him in shock.
"Why'd I call you that?"
Sirius smiled and replied, "That's your magic recognising I, as your
magical guardian, gave you an order. It's not, however, a magical
command. That means you can still disobey, but you'll also know you did
if you do."
A little afraid, she asked, "There's magic in the order that will harm me?"
"No," he replied. "I'd never cast such on a child. You'll know because
you'll be forced to remember that I ordered you. That way, you can't use
the excuse you forgot."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After Sirius left, Hermione worked for a little while more before she
decided to go and talk to her betrothed.
She thought, 'Just because Sirius has ordered me not to initiate a
discussion with Harry about his talk with him, does not mean I cannot
talk to him about anything else.'
Walking upstairs, she knocked on the door and waited.
Almost immediately, though, she heard Harry call back, "Come in!"
Taking a deep breath and steadying herself, she affixed a smile to her
face and opened the door.
Harry was sitting on his chair at the desk reading the book Sirius had
given him.
Noticing it, she said, "You're reading that book. Good."
Quickly snapping it shut and blushing, he couldn't even look at her.
Knowing Harry would struggle to talk about it, she decided an immediate
change of subject was necessary.
"I'm sitting downstairs working on the House of Potter documents," she
said. "How about, now that Sirius's gone, you come down and join me."
Still not looking back, he mumbled, "Sirius's given me homework to do."
"So's Ted," she immediately returned. "Besides, it looks like you and I
need to work on something together to get your mind off... whatever it is
that you and Sirius talked about." Even though she knew damned well.
He thought about that for a few moments before he nodded and put the
book away. Then he almost seemed to sigh in relief.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
35. An Aware Wolf
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!
A/N: Alrighty. A few people have commented about how they find it odd that
Harry has such a problem relating to 'wooing'/romancing the opposite sex and
other social interactions while also being quite smart/clever. This is deliberate.
As I've said and implied before, this Harry is not the well-rounded individual
you might all love; this Harry has problems. For this Harry I've written him
having an undiagnosed Autism Spectrum Disorder (High Functioning);
somewhat specifically, a more than light touch of 'Aspergers'. This mainly
manifests in his social interactions and his ability to corral his flights of
heightened emotions, especially negative ones. He 'compensates' for much of
that by being well-read and planning ahead when and where possible so he's
not so easily surprised and his responses become emotional over logical. It's
also why he's become very good at reading body language. But, romancing?
That puts him way outside his comfort zone. Human biology is clinical; dating
is emotional - two different things.
Yes, I know many of you will not like that. And many will think I'm not being
true to the Disorder. However, I also inform you I have more than one very
close blood-relative who suffer from this affliction, so I somewhat know of
what I'm writing about from having lived with it.
I hope that at least some of you will now use this opportunity to fire up a
search engine web-page and research the subject yourself. The latest research
is showing that somewhere between 1 in 65-70 children 'suffer' with this, with
a great many children going undiagnosed. With those odds, that implies about
half a dozen children attending Hogwarts have this 'affliction' - magic aside.
(Think: Luna... maybe.)
Chapter Thirty Five - An Aware Wolf
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Over at Longbottom Hall, it had now been three days since Frank and
Alice had presented themselves to the Wizengamot and proved, beyond
any doubt, they were truly Lord Franklin and Lady Alice Longbottom.
Over that three days they had managed to get to know their own son;
and the depth of the issues relating to and regarding Frank's mother,
Dowager Lady Augusta Longbottom.
They had already heard that Algernon Rosier had been arrested before
lunch that first day, as Bones had promised. And had been charged with
two counts of attempted murder of a Heir Apparent of a Noble and Most
Ancient House, Neville. However, after being told he would be charged
with the crimes, he immediately offered to make his testimony under
Veritaserum; which Bones immediately accepted.
From that testimony it was 'proven' it was not Rosier's intent to kill
Neville, only frighten him enough to trigger a burst of accidental magic.
However, he was still charged with endangerment of a minor, wilful
negligence and wilful child neglect; two counts each. He immediately
offered a plea of guilty to all charges.
As he fully co-operated in the investigations, he was released under his
own cognisance and ordered to attend court as Defendant when the trial
would be held immediately preceding the February sitting of the
Wizengamot.
Augusta had also been interviewed and required to explain why she had
not made formal complaint about the actions of her brother as they
related to the Heir of her House. She was charged with covering up wilful
child neglect, two counts, and would stand trial with her brother.
However, she refused to plead guilty and would defend herself on the
day.
After she was ordered to immediately return to Longbottom Hall, Frank
had discussed matters with Bones before he also returned.
On his arrival he went to his office and immediately called his mother to
join he and Alice in there.
When she walked in and was told to, yet again, sit on the chair before the
desk, Frank stared at her for a few long moments before he said, "Mother,
Alice and I have reached a decision regarding you."
That made the old woman sit up straighter. But, she kept her mouth
firmly shut.
He said, "It is the decision of Alice and I that you are to move in to the
Longbottom Sea Cottage in West Bay on the south coast. You will leave
this room, immediately pack and be gone from Longbottom Hall within
the hour.
"A house elf will accompany you - one of our choosing. You may not
dismiss it and you will not attempt to give it clothes. You are also to keep
the floo open so that Alice, Neville and I may enter the property as we
see fit. However, the floo here will be blocked to you having direct
access. You will only have temporary guest access and it will only be
granted on a case-by-case basis.
"I have spoken to Madam Bones about this, concerning your 'house
arrest', and she has agreed that the Sea Cottage will be that house. As
such you may not leave. If you do, the house elf assigned to you will
immediately inform me you have done so. And I will, in turn,
immediately inform Madam Bones."
"Y-you can't do this to me!" she practically begged. "I am your mother and
Longbottom Hall has been my home for almost forty years!"
"I can and I have," he firmly returned. "Your behaviour in failing to plead
guilty to the charges you are clearly guilty of was the last straw. You are
no longer welcome in Longbottom Hall unless you are specifically
summoned here to attend me. And, even then, it will only be as a visitor.
"You are dismissed."
She was gone through the floo in less than the allowed hour. As soon as
she was, the entire Hall breathed a sigh of relief. Frank was quick to alter
the wards to deny her immediate access.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After working further on the House of Potter documents, especially the
financials, Harry begged off so that he could make a start on dinner.
It was as he was happily working on whatever gastronomic delight he
had planned for that night that Hermione decided to talk to him about
sex, contrary to Sirius's order. She knew not to push him, as she was
already well aware he would quickly close off when he was
uncomfortable about something. And she knew sex was one of those
subjects he was both uncomfortable with and clearly embarrassed about.
Walking into the kitchen, she asked, "Can I help?"
Harry looked back at her for a moment before he seemed to give a tiny
shrug and asked, "How are you at peeling veggies?"
With a smile she replied, "That's about the only part of cooking I'm not
that bad at."
He quickly assembled a pile of mixed vegetables, pulled out a cutting
board and peeler, set aside a baking tray, gestured to it and said "You're
welcome to have at it, if you would."
Quickly moving to do so, she had the vegetables washed and set aside.
Then started peeling.
After the first couple of potatoes she, trying to be nonchalant, asked,
"What chapter are you up to in that book Sirius gave you to read?"
Almost tripping over his own two feet as he suddenly moved, he
stuttered, "Errrr... Ch-chapter eight, I think."
Hermione stopped for a moment to try and remember what she
remembered of the table of contents she saw within the book and asked,
"That's the one on the importance of keeping yourself clean, right?" She
knew it wasn't.
"Ummm... no," he quietly replied.
When he didn't seem to want to expand any further on his answer, she
calmly asked, "If not on cleanliness, what's it on, then?"
It was a bit for her hesitantly replied, "The... ummm... parts of a woman's
body."
"Any particular parts?" she asked.
"Ummm... the... ummm," he tried before he stopped.
"Yes?" she asked. "Oh; is it on the woman's sexual parts?"
"Yes?" he almost whined.
"You do not need to be embarrassed about this, Harry," she said, putting
the sweet potato she was currently peeling and the peeler down on the
cutting board before turning to look at him.
Harry was currently working adding diced onion into the water he was
using to slow cook the beef roast he had in the over-sized baking tray
within which the roast was simmering. Instead of using 'dripping' as Brits
seemed to always use for a roast, he used a single litre of water that
covered about a half inch deep in the pan and occasionally topped it up
with boiling water. Into that he added the diced onions and would be
almost poaching the diced vegetables Hermione was dealing with.
She softly called, "Harry, look at me."
When he finally turned to look her way, she could tell he was blushing
again.
"I'm your betrothed and you are mine, Harry," she explained. "This is a
subject you and I should be expected to talk about. Well, not just
expected; we should talk about."
Glancing her way, he swallowed and nodded.
"Good," she firmly said, "Now, if you wouldn't mind, what did you learn
about a woman's sex organs?"
As he tentatively began to discuss what he had read, all the while
occupying himself with making the dinner, he more and more relaxed
and became more open. This was biology, rather than sex. That was
precisely what Hermione wanted to happen.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
At just before 8.00pm Dumbledore stood outside the gargoyle to the
Headmistress's office and was forced to wait outside, fuming. He
remembered it wasn't that long ago he could command people to attend
him and make them wait, as he was now forced to do. It was doubly
galling it was before the same gargoyle guardian to the same office that
was once his.
Finally, as the time ticked over to 8.00pm, the gargoyle nimbly stepped
aside.
Without a word he stepped through the now revealed opening and onto
the stairs as they moved to ascend him up to the landing before the
Headmas- Headmistress's office.
Of course, he also had to knock on the door. Yet another pointed insult.
"Come in, Albus," he heard Marchbanks call from within.
As he strode in he gave his wand a gentle flick behind himself to banish
the door shut.
Marchbanks didn't even seem to be paying any attention to his approach.
'Damned annoying woman!' he thought.
She sat there, wrapping up some parchment work she was working on,
when her hearing told her Dumbledore had stopped.
Still not looking up and clear enough for the old man to hear, she
muttered, "Take a seat, Albus. I'll be with you in a moment."
She gave it another fifteen seconds before she set aside what she was
doing - reading yet another application for one of the vacant positions -
and looked across her desk at the person she now knew she could get rid
of at any time she wanted to.
She had already met with the School Board over his list of questionable
activities since his trial and they all agreed he had breached the
conditions of his tenure enough to fire him. The ward tap was the final
straw, even for them. Now, she just kept him there so that young Lord
Potter would not be so bothered by him. She'd be getting rid of him just
before it was time for the students to return.
The application she was currently reading was a Transfiguration Master's
application, one she had accepted and one she was reading over again.
The man, John Biffingwater, would be arriving at the school on Saturday,
the second of January, and be ready to begin on the Monday.
Dumbledore would not be told who he was until the Sunday.
"You wanted to speak with me, Albus?" she pleasantly asked.
"I wanted to speak with you first thing this morning after breakfast," he
grouched. Going so far as to almost slouch on the hard wooden chair that
sat before her desk, centred and back ten feet.
"And yet, as I informed you, I was too busy," she stated. "Does this mean
you do not wish to speak with me now?"
"You need to revisit your decision to cancel the Tournament Yule Ball,"
he snapped. "There's―"
"No," she firmly stated right back over the top of him.
Her immediate and firm interruption threw the old man a bit. "I...
pardon? I haven't had time―"
"I said, 'No', Albus," she repeated. "The Yule Ball is cancelled. It's done.
Now, is there anything else you wanted to speak with me about?"
He tried, "Griselda, please see―"
Again, overriding him she barked, "Headmistress Marchbanks, Al-bie!"
He winced, "Errr... quite." Shaking off the effect of the berating, he said,
"Headmistress Marchbanks, you need to be reasonable. The Tournament
Yule Ball―"
"Albus!" she suddenly barked.
When he suddenly stopped in shock and winced, she glared at him and
said, "When you said, 'You need to be reasonable', just then, you implied
by your choice of words I wasn't being reasonable. That was an insult. I
do not appreciate my staff insulting me, Albus. You will not do that
again."
"Errr... My apologies, Gri... err... Headmistress Marchbanks. I misspoke."
When she just continued to stare at him not saying a word, he finally
returned to what he was saying. "As I was saying, the Yule Ball is an
important component of the Tournament. It is planned to use the dates of
the four champions as the hostages for the champions to rescue in the
Second Task.
"So, as―"
Suddenly smacking her palm onto the desk before her, Marchbanks
stared in fury at the old man. "What do you mean... hostages?" she
growled.
"The three champions," he replied. "Well, four with Mister Potter also―"
"Lord Potter!" she barked.
Again, Dumbledore winced. "Yes... quite... Lord Potter. Well... as I was
saying... with four champions now involved, four hostages will need to
be selected for the four champions to rescue as part of the Second Task. It
was decided, quite some time ago, that those hostages would be the dates
the champions took as their partners to the Yule Ball.
"So, as you can see, the Ball―"
"Stop!" she snapped. "Shut up!"
Again, Dumbledore was brought to a sudden stop. He looked back in a
combination of annoyance at being interrupted and confused as why she
would need him to.
She glared at him for a few moments more before she quietly but firmly
demanded, "And, just what plans did you have in place to seek permission
from the legal guardians of those hostages in advance?"
Confused, Dumbledore asked, "What do you mean?"
Shocked at the stupidity of the man, she glared at him for a few long
moments before she said, "Follow me here, Albus. You would need
permission from the legal guardians of those you would choose as
hostages. How did you plan on getting that permission?"
Clearly puzzled, Dumbledore replied, "I... don't know what you mean.
Each student's Head of House, here at Hogwarts, acts in loco parentis for
all students. Why would I need permission from the guardians? I only
need it from the four Heads of House. Surely, you'd know that."
Stunned incredulous, Marchbanks could only stare at the man before her.
Her mind could not grasp the fallacy - logically, legally, morally and
ethically - that Dumbledore seemed to believe. Eventually, she just
started to slowly and slightly shake her head from side.
Once she finally realised trying to put logic to the illogical was an
exercise in futility, she sighed and said, "Albus, you've just proven to
me... beyond any shadow of a doubt... that you are, as Lord Potter claims
we all are, a daft moron."
Both surprised and clearly offended by the remark, Dumbledore gave a
small start before he huffed, "Griselda! Really―"
She barked, "Headmistress Marchbanks, you daft old fool!"
Dumbledore gave another start of surprise but, before he could respond,
she drew her wand and held it out so that the old man could clearly see
it. "From this moment forth, Albus, each time you address me by my first
name and not my title I'm going to zap you with increasingly stronger
stinging hexes. Do you understand me?"
He gasped, "You wouldn't dare!"
She cocked an eyebrow at him and smirked, "For the past two plus weeks
I've had to tell you over and over again you are to address me as
Headmistress Marchbanks. Over and over again I have also told you not
to address me by my first name.
"As you have not learned from that, I am allowed to raise the level of
discipline to the next level. I've decided that will be through the use of
stinging hexes. And, once again, if you do not like that - quit!"
As the old man sat there, clearly angry but not willing to say a word, she
said, "Now, back to our topic. The use of hostages in the second task."
"Yes," he immediately said. "As I was saying―"
"Be silent!" she snapped.
When he immediately shut up and glared back she said, "You seem to be
operating under a complete misunderstanding of what powers the
Hogwarts Heads of Houses have relating to their legal status regarding in
loco parentis.
"In loco parentis, as you otherwise seem to believe, does not give the
Heads of Houses the right to act as parents or otherwise rightful
guardians of the students at all times. In loco parentis only exists in
situations where the permission of the rightful guardians of a student
cannot first be immediately gained when it's necessary to be required
immediately. That is, in cases of emergency medical attention and the
like.
"In situations where the rightful guardians can first be approached, then
the rightful guardian's permission must first be gained. That is the case
here.
"There would have been almost two months between the Yule Ball and the
Second Task. In other words, there would have been plenty of time for
you to have sought permission from the rightful guardian or guardians of
each of your supposed hostages, before you used said hostages in the
Task.
"As such, in loco parentis does not apply. Rather, if you had used such
hostages and they were underaged, without first gaining the written and
signed permission of the guardians in advance, you would have been
guilty of the crime of either flat out Kidnapping or Deprivation of Liberty.
If even one of those hostages had been of an Ancient House or above - or,
even worse, an Heir of one of those Houses - and any harm at all had
come to the child, that could easily have meant the Veil for you, Albus.
"And... I remind you... if you had been found guilty of either one of those
crimes and the hostage was of an Ancient or above House, execution by
the Veil is the only sentence available to the Wizengamot!
"Based on the evidence, alone, I would have been one of those who
would have found you guilty, Albus."
Dumbledore just sat there in disbelief.
Seeing the expression on his face, Marchbanks gave a huff and said,
"What? Don't think it would have happened? Again, clearly Lord Potter is
right when he thinks us all daft morons, when even the so-called great
Albus Dumbledore could make such a stupid mistake."
Frowning in annoyance Dumbledore huffed back and said, "Nevertheless,
the Second Task needs hostages for the champions to rescue. That―"
"No, it doesn't," she snapped. "Listen to the bloody clue, yourself, if you
don't believe me. All it needs is something the champion would miss the
most; not someone.
"As such, there will definitely not be hostages for the champions to
'rescue'. And, as such, no need to select said hostages from their dates to
the Ball. That means the Ball does not play a part in the Tournament.
"Now, what else did you need to speak with me about?"
Dumbledore sat completely flummoxed. He really had no idea what to do
from there as his entire argument pivoted on the need for hostages.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
At breakfast, again, Harry noticed his food intake was reducing even
further. This time he only needed a little over one and a half breakfasts.
Hermione noticed and said, "Your calorie consumption is still dropping.
That must mean the amount of work still to be done within you is
tapering off."
He nodded, finished swallowing his latest bite of poached egg on toast
with a drizzle of Hollandaise sauce, and replied, "I've noticed, too. I think
it was about this same time yesterday, I first noticed that."
Interrupting during a break in their short discussion, Monica said, "As
soon as you two have finished breaking your fasts we'll head out to do
Christmas shopping."
That had the two teens nod back and immediately return to their
breakfasts.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
The mind-healer that Harry had secretly hired for Ginny and Luna had
just entered the Burrow by way of the kitchen.
Molly, annoyed, said, "She's up in her room. I'll be up to join you,
shortly."
"No, you will not," the healer immediately returned.
When Molly seemed about to disagree, Arthur stepped in and said, "She's
right, Molly. As I told you yesterday, you're to stay out of it."
The mind-healer gave Arthur a nod and said, "Would you mind escorting
me up? I've not yet been shown her room."
Arthur immediately replied, "Of course." And led her upstairs.
Ron, who was still eating breakfast after almost an hour of sitting at the
table, grumbled, "Why does Ginny get to have a healer visit? What about
me?"
Molly spun on him and almost hissed, "Were you possessed by a
malevolent spirit during your first year of Hogwarts?"
Ron just grumbled about it and immediately began filling his mouth with
food again.
"So," she demanded. "Not only are you jealous of Lord Potter, his titles
and his wealth; but, now you're jealous of the fact your sister is being
paid attention by a mind-healer because she was possessed for
approximately nine months."
As she took a couple steps forward, Ron immediately cringed away,
expecting to get hit. However, all she did was reach forward and pulled
the plate away from him. And took it back to the sink.
"You've finished breakfast," she told him. "Go out to the garden and clear
it of garden gnomes again."
"No, I haven't!" he stridently disagreed.
She spun back on him and, with a glare, snapped, "Yes; you have. Now,
get outside."
Recognising that tone and not wanting to push it, Ron got.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Completely opposite to the shopping trip of the day before, this time
Harry and Hermione were pretty much just part of another family among
the crowds - 'nobodies'. No one bothered them. Even the aurors, all
wearing suitable muggle attire, blended right in.
On returning to the Granger residence, Harry told the lead auror, "Good
job, you guys. You fit right in."
"That's because this entire detail for this trip was of muggleborns and -
raised, Lord Potter," the senior auror replied. "All four of us have spent
plenty of time in the muggle world, including dealing with the madness
that is Christmas shopping."
Harry nodded, but was surprised to learn that specific background of the
team.
He asked, "I take it the team was set up that way, specifically for this
trip? And the one yesterday was of the magical-raised?"
"Of course," replied the auror. "This is why it is important we know of
your movements as ahead of time as possible. We need that information
so the teams can be accordingly built and scheduled."
"Of course," nodded Harry. He should have thought of that and cursed
himself for not realising it a lot sooner. He asked, "You're aware we're
visiting our peer, Neville Longbottom, and his parents at Longbottom
Hall tomorrow?"
"We are," smiled the auror.
That told Harry the team that would be going with them were
experienced with acting in front of and in the homes of Lords of Noble
and Ancient Houses.
Taking his load of purchases upstairs to his room, he was just exiting
when Hermione, coming down from her own room after dropping off her
own purchases, asked, "How are you holding up?"
"Better," he sighed.
The sheer pressing of the crowds while they were out had triggered
within Harry a near panic attack. He had little idea he was as
agoraphobic as he discovered himself to be.
Showing concern, she said, "If I had known you were as uncomfortable in
crowds as you were, I'd have recommended just you and I go shopping on
a weekday, Harry."
"I had no idea how bad it's apparently gotten," he sighed. "I've never liked
being in big crowds, but that's the first time I've ever had an... event like
that."
"When was the last time you'd been in a crowd that big before?"
"Christmas shopping, 1990," he immediately replied. "The Dursleys would
take me along on all such trips to carry all the bags."
Frowning in anger, clearly aimed at the Dursleys, she said, "Being as it's
been so long since you were last in such a tight crowd, that's probably
why."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After telling Andi he needed to head to Eastern Europe for late afternoon
and first part of the evening, Ted made his way to the International
portkey disembarkation point at the Ministry.
He had decided he would be present when the blood sample was taken
from the supposed Malfoy girl.
Arriving early morning in Perth - after stop-overs in Greece, Pakistan and
Malaysia due to the distances involved - Ted arrived not too long after
dawn in the Australian Ministry for Magic in their offices under Garema
Court in Civic, the city of Canberra, the capital of the nation.
The immigration officer took his passport, did a rudimentary comparison
with his magical signature between the two and said, "Welcome to
Austrailya, Mister Tonks. Business or pleasure?"
"Business," Ted immediately replied.
"How long are ya thinkin' of stayin'?"
"Just a few hours; half a day, at most," he replied. "I only need to chase
up some legal issues for a client."
The immigration officer gave him a nod of understanding and handed
him back his magical passport. "Then enjoy your short stay, Mister
Tonks."
With his passport back in his hand Ted went up to the Portkey Office to
purchase a portkey to Perth. While an average witch or wizard has the
magical power to enchant a portkey that will take someone from one end
of the Isles to the other in Britain, the distance from Canberra to Perth
was approximately three and a quarter times longer - a hair over 3000km
or 1900ml and almost exactly the same distance between Los Angeles
and Cincinnati in the US, or 500km (300ml) further than from London to
Moscow. [A/N: Yes, folks; Australia's actually that big.] Therefore,
specialists in the Australian Portkey Office handled the making of them.
As soon as he paid for his 'fare' he was directed to a spot marked in
yellow - for Perth. He joined three others also waiting.
As soon as a fifth joined them one of the portkey officers handed them a
large bamboo hoop and said, "Everyone hook a finga!"
As soon as everyone did he tapped a vacant spot on the hoop and barked,
"Sandgropah seven!"
This time, Ted found himself arriving in what appeared to be a disused
gazebo in a small botanic park, inside a larger wide open space, just
inside what looked like a park between the city and the river's edge.
As the others moved off, with two almost immediately apparating away,
Ted looked around and saw his contact waiting for him. He was leaned
perched against the bonnet of a muggle automobile - some sort of van, in
a small carpark - looking at him with a smirk.
As soon as Ted had spotted him, the man stood up and gestured him
over.
"Mister Smith?" asked Ted.
The man gave a nod and said, "That's me. You'd be Mister Jones?"
"Indeed," said Ted.
With another nod, Smith gestured with his thumb over his shoulder and
said, "You'll need to change. Hop in the back and you'll see some
examples of what you need to wear."
Ted gave a nod and did exactly that.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
As it headed for late afternoon in the British Isles it was first thing in the
morning in Perth, Australia. Charlotte 'CeeCee' Wilkins had just been
practically dragged out of bed by her mother and told to make herself
ready for the day.
Grumbling about how it was her summer break, the girl made herself
ready.
First, it was a shower in the shared bathroom she shared with her brother
and sister - when either of them was home. Which, thankfully, was now
not so often the case with both attending, or soon to be attending,
university. Then it was dressed for the day in a light summer dress with
sandals on her feet. And out to the kitchen/dining for breakfast.
As soon as she entered the room she saw her Mum and muttered a soft,
"G'morning."
After a quick glance to her daughter while she was finishing up making
an egg white omelette for the girl, Dorothy Wilkins replied, "Good
Morning, Charlie." She said it with an almost sing-song voice.
CeeCee sighed and said, "Honestly, Mum. Do you have to do that Charlie's
Angels impression every morning? I've been home for a week now."
Transferring the omelette to a plate Dorothy smirked at her daughter and
replied, "And it was months before that, when you were here in
September, when I last did it."
Taking the omelette over to the table, Dorothy placed the plate before
her daughter and ran her fingers through the young girl's long black
locks. It was something she often did when the girl was much younger.
"Mu-um!" whined CeeCee, squirming under the attention.
Dorothy took her hand away and smiled. "You use to love me playing
with your hair when you were younger. You'd often bring your hairbrush
to me and demand I brush it for you."
Still slightly whining about it the young girl replied, "Yeah, but that was
when I was little. I'm not little any more."
Sitting at the seat opposite, her mother quickly checked to ensure her
husband wasn't in hearing range and, leaning towards her daughter a
little as if to tell her a big secret, said, "No, you're not. And I can see that
by how your boobies are beginning to grow."
That had CeeCee instantly blush, practically drop the knife and fork she'd
just picked up, cross her off arm across her chest to hide the somewhat
apparent swellings and again whine, "Muu-um!"
Knowing it might be a little unfair to tease her daughter so, Dorothy
smiled and changed the subject. "Once you've finished your breakfast you
and I are going shopping. Besides Christmas shopping, you'll be needing
to be fitted for bras."
Still blushing and not looking back at her mother, CeeCee just nodded
and tried to get back to her breakfast.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After about a thirty minute drive, where Smith told Ted more about the
girl, they pulled up down the street from the house he recognised from
the surveillance photos.
"I put a minor compulsion charm on the mother to want to take her
daughter Christmas shopping, this morning," explained Smith. "However,
I probably need not have bothered. It seems the mother was intent on
taking the daughter shopping with her this morning, anyway.
"They're heading to a muggle shopping centre called Maddington Plaza.
It's about a five to ten minute drive east from here, tops."
While they were waiting, Ted asked, "How do you get away with just
sitting on the street like this?"
"Minor Notice-Me-Not on the van," explained Smith. "Plus, it's what's
known as a 'tradie's van'. It's the sort of thing a plumber or electrician
would drive. No one ever pays attention to them in the mundane world,
or that one is in their street."
Thirty minutes later, Dorothy and CeeCee exited the house and hopped
into the muggle family car, before it them pulled out into the street and
drove off.
Smith had the van started as soon as he saw them walk out. And the two
followed the two 'Wilkins' ladies to the shopping centre.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Through the use of 'accidentally' hitting the girl in the nose with his
elbow during a sudden turn and while the girl and her mother were
separated and as Ted watched on, Smith used a previously conjured
tissue to wipe the girl's nose clean of the blood that had erupted.
As her mother then saw what happened and hurried over, Smith
profusely apologised and paid Dorothy enough money to buy the girl an
icecream by way of apology. That conjured tissue was then
surreptitiously slipped into a vial as he handed the girl a couple more.
As the Wilkins then left, Smith walked back to Ted and handed him the
vial. Ted was frowning at him. He did not like to see the girl had been
injured, even if it wasn't that badly.
"The tissue is conjured," said Smith. "As it's only a weak one, it'll fade
within the hour. That'll leave you with just the blood in the vial."
"I did not like to see the girl injured," Ted snapped.
"Then how else would you have had me get a sample of her blood?"
asked Smith, not bothered by it. "Break into her home, stun everyone and
stick a needle in her arm?
"This way, she only has a few minutes of pain and no one's the wiser."
Stepping into a public toilet, Ted used a Finite charm to cancel the tissue
and immediately placed a stasis charm on the vial.
He stepped out and quietly said to Smith, "Payment will be made, as per
usual. I may have more work for you yet."
"As always, Mister Jones, fare thee well," replied Smith.
Ted walked back into the toilet, made sure it was clear of any muggles
and apparated back to the gazebo. There'd be another portkey awaiting
him about ten minutes after he arrived to take him back to Canberra.
He arrived back in Britain during the very late hours of the evening.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After breakfast the next morning, Harry and Hermione dressed in
wizarding wear to visit Neville. Because of the aurors' determination to
accompany them, he'd had to send a letter to Frank by 'house elf express'
to let him know he and Hermione would be accompanied by aurors. And
went ahead and used the opportunity to inform the Longbottoms he and
his betrothed now had access to a floo.
Frank immediately sent a message back using the same method to let
them know both the floo address and the current password.
So, Harry was a bit excited to travel once more via the floo, rather than
via portkey. He'd not been able to practice his landings and hoped the
Longbottoms were not averse to him asking for their help in getting a
handle on it.
At 9.00am the two teens, plus two of their auror detail, plus the two
Granger adults, trooped down to the Doghouse to use the floo.
First went one of the two aurors, then went Harry. "Longbottom Hall!" he
called. As soon as the flames turned green he called the password, "The
Nine Virtues"
After the rapid spinning feeling Harry missed the timing for his exit and
shot out of fireplace to, first, land on his side before rolling onto his back
as he slid across the floor. His slide was brought to a halt by the legs of
the auror who had used the floo immediately before him and had only
moved forward about ten feet. With a cry of surprise, the auror
immediately fell back as he felt his ankles being knocked out from under
him; and landed somewhat on top of Harry.
"Oof!" Harry exclaimed, as the auror landed on him.
"What the bloody hell?" the auror muttered as he scrambled back to his
feet.
From where he still lay on the floor, Harry called, "Sorry! My bad!"
That was it for Neville. Where the boy was waiting off to one side and a
pace back from his father, he suddenly burst out in rich laughter.
"Oi! Nev!" Harry called. "Pack up laughing, get over here and help me
up."
That was when Hermione stepped out of the floo with an almost dainty
grace. She was followed by her parents, who also had no trouble.
As Frank and Alice just stood there, clearly bemused, Neville ducked
forward and took Harry's hand with his own offered in return; as the
auror did the same. As he braced himself against the pull, he and the
auror helped Harry back to his feet.
"Harrison James Potter!" exclaimed Hermione. "What is it with you and
floo travel?"
Grinning, Frank said, "I see he's inherited the Potter grace."
Alice gave a little snort and said, "I don't think even James was quite that
bad."
Finally getting himself straightened out, with the auror almost
negligently banishing him clean of soot while the other, who stepped out
last, did the same for the Grangers, Harry stood up straight, adopted an
aristocratic air and drawled, "Lady Longbottom. Thank you for the
invitation―"
Alice laughed and said, "Shut up, Harry. And come over here and given
me a hug."
He immediately adopted a massive pout, but did as he was told.
Wrapping the small woman in his arms with her head coming up to his
chin, he said, "I even practiced being a poncy git for that moment."
While Frank was hugging Hermione he chuckled and said, "Don't worry
about it, Harry. I think it was ruined by your entrance, anyway."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After the aurors spread out to check the wards and throw up their own
alert ones, Neville was quick to give the two teens a tour of the Hall
before taking them out the back to the greenhouses. After being
introduced, Wendell and Monica stayed to talk with Frank and Alice.
As soon as he saw the greenhouses, Harry gave a low whistle of surprise.
"Damn, Nev! When you have a hobby you don't muck about, do you?"
The other boy blushed and quietly said, "Actually, it's also a bit of a gold
earner for me. The plants I grow and harvest I sell to the apothecaries in
the Alley. Because of the soil I developed and use those plants turn out to
have a better potency, so I get a better price for those ingredients."
That surprised both teens.
As they were led into the first greenhouse, Hermione asked, "Have you
given Professor Sprout your soil... recipe?"
"No," smirked Neville. "However, I've sold her some to use on certain
plants in one of the school's greenhouses that really love it. She also sent
me a letter a week ago asking me to send her more."
Harry said, "I certainly hope she's paying for it."
Neville shrugged and replied, "She is. Or, rather, the school is."
Harry noticed Hermione struggling to come to grips with something in
her mind and he had a pretty fair idea what it was.
"Hermione," he said, getting her attention. "Neville's soil recipe is
proprietary information. I know what you feel about information and
sharing it, but Neville has the right to make money from his profitable
research; does he not?"
With a pained expression of acceptance, she nodded. "Of course, he does."
Neville smirked at her and said, "Don't worry, Hermione. I sell it to the
school at what is pretty much 'cost'. However, the commercial nurseries
will be paying full price to make up for it."
Wanting to change the subject, Harry looked around and asked, "So, what
do you grow in here?"
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After a long day at Longbottom Hall, where the Longbottom house elves
outdid even Dobby for a delicious lunch, the two teens returned via the
floo in the Doghouse to the Granger Residence just in time for afternoon
tea. The Granger adults had returned earlier.
With Harry's blessing, Hermione also insisted on giving the Longbottoms
the address and password to the Doghouse, so that any of the three could
visit without first having to ask.
When he heard the address and password, Frank let forth a great belly
laugh. "That has to be the work of Sirius Black," he declared.
Harry grinned and nodded. "I think he's actually thinking about using the
floo system in his animagus form."
Frank laughed again. "It'll be interesting to see if it works."
Back at the Granger residence Dobby immediately had a plate of cut
sandwiches before Harry as soon as he sat at the dinette.
Almost whining Harry said, "Dobby; I've got work to do!"
"Master Harry, Sir, needs to eat," the elf firmly stated.
As Hermione snickered at him, Harry sighed and was already picking up
the first quarter cut. Just before he shoved a corner of the sandwich into
his mouth, he muttered, "Uppity damned elf."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Earlier that afternoon at the Tonkses' place, Sirius received an owl from
Remus asking for another meeting at the Leaky Cauldron for 5.00pm that
day. At the time, Sirius had mentally shrugged and decided it wouldn't
hurt to go to find out what the man wanted.
At a few minutes to the appointed time, he stepped through the floo into
the Leaky Cauldron. Remus was already there and waiting. He had a
small stack of Daily Prophets with him and on the table before him in one
of the booths. The man did not look happy.
After first drawing his wand and sitting down, Sirius immediately erected
a set of privacy wards. He knew the chance of Dumbledore not still being
under a form of house arrest at Hogwarts was slight, but that was still too
much of a risk for him to take. He would take none that he couldn't
counter, just to keep Harry safe.
Remus sadly muttered, "Padfoot."
"Moony," said Sirius. "I take it by the stack of old copies of the Daily
Prophet you followed my advice and read them?"
Moony looked away and nodded.
'Well, here's a very unhappy man,' thought Sirius. He asked, "And?"
Remus seemed to gather his thoughts for a bit before he finally asked in a
pleading voice, "What happened to him, Pads? What happened to
Dumbledore to turn him into this... this... fiend?"
Sirius sighed. In part, he was relieved his friend had 'seen the light' about
Dumbledore and would no longer be a Dumbledorian. And, in part, he
was sad one of his friend's personal heroes had been shown to be an utter
bastard, after all.
He simply said, "Power corrupts; absolute power corrupts absolutely."
"But, Dumbledore?" moped Remus.
"Even Dumbledore," replied Sirius.
Remus sighed and asked, "How's the cub handling all of this?"
Sirius smirked and replied, "He's as right as rain. He's finally got his head
screwed on right and recognises he's in love with young Hermione, she's
also finally recognised that she's in love with him, the people he's staying
with are treating him like a long lost son and he's with family, his
personal enemies have either been or are being dealt with, he's taken up
his Lordship and he's managed to organise and accomplish getting his
friend's parents healed and woken."
Remus listened and then gave a snort of amusement. "He really has
accomplished all that, hasn't he?"
Sirius grinned and replied, "He has."
With his expression changing back to one of sadness, Remus looked down
and quietly said, "I've not just read the back issues of the Prophet, as you
recommended, Pads. I also went and got myself checked for potions and
charms like you said I should."
Sirius gave a huff and said, "Let me guess... compulsion and or loyalty
potions and or charms?"
"Potions," Remus immediately replied. "Both."
"They were keyed to Dumbledore, weren't they?" asked Sirius. He hadn't
realised it before, but Remus's claim left him feeling quite relieved.
Remus nodded. "I don't know how he managed it, as the wolf should
have blocked those. But, they... or, rather, it... was there. A single potion
that had alchemical components.
"Actually, the healer I saw said it was the alchemical components that
allowed the potion to work against the wolf. Even now I can feel it
directing me to trust the old man."
"So, it's still in your system?" asked a surprised Sirius.
"It is," Remus sadly replied.
"Then I'm taking you to see Andi," he firmly stated.
He then performed a quick Tempus and asked, "Where are you staying at
the moment?"
"My old place," replied Remus.
Sirius nodded and said, "Give me about fifteen minutes to come back and
get you. I need to see if Andi's available at the moment."
Remus nodded as Sirius rose from his seat.
He was back in less than five.
"Come on," said Sirius, not even bothering to sit. "She wants to see you,
right now."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After working for a few hours on House of Potter documents, practically
the last of the two piles sent by Ted, Harry felt the alert charm on the
Doghouse go off.
However, he wasn't the only one. As he turned to look out the dinette
window out into the backyard, he heard and saw one of their duty
aurors, a witch, hurry out the back door and quickly make her way to the
small building.
There was a moment as the auror cast a quick detection charm, before
she opened the door with her wand ready and stepped inside.
Moments later, she exited again, leading Andi and Sirius.
"Andi and Sirius are here," he muttered to Hermione.
Hermione replied, "I noticed. Any idea why?"
When he turned to her he noticed she'd risen from her own chair to look
over his shoulder.
"Nope," he replied. "All I can think of is she's noticed my potions have
changed."
As soon as the two were led in through the back door, the two teens
packed up what they were working on and made ready to receive the
two.
Monica walked in just as they were finished and asked, "Guests?"
Hermione immediately replied, "Sirius and Andi. They came in via floo."
As the two adults came up the stairs from the lower ground floor, the two
teens had finished packing up and were waiting for them.
As they walked in, Harry immediately noticed Sirius was smiling; but
there also appeared a hint of worry behind his eyes, as well. He'd
immediately turned to Hermione and gave her a hug before turning his
attention to Harry. Andi just stood back and waited. Her whole posture
showed she was concerned about something.
After his own quick hug with his godfather, Harry asked, "Alright, what's
going on?"
"Two things," Sirius immediately replied. "First, Moony."
Harry frowned and asked, "What about him?"
Andi replied to that. "He's been potioned. A loyalty and compulsion
variant very similar to what Miss Granger was dosed with."
Harry let out a sigh of relief. "So. His actions in not telling me anything
right through third year were not of his own volition."
Sirius cut in, "It's a lot longer than that, Pup. Andi found it's very long
term―"
"Over a decade, at least," she added. "However, it was certainly renewed
a little over a year ago."
Harry parked his bum on the edge of the dinette table and folded his
arms with his head down. He could hardly believe how relieved he felt
learning of that. "That means, his actions since that night were not of his
own choice."
"No," said Sirius.
"Thank God," he vehemently muttered.
"Yeah," said Sirius. "Andi's going to have to take a sample of his blood to
Saint Mungo's so they can develop an anti-potion for it. It has an
alchemical component, so a normal flushing potion isn't going to work."
"Poor man," said Monica.
Looking back at his godfather, Harry asked, "How's he taking it?"
Sirius's expression turned angry and frustrated. "Not well. Dumbledore
was one of his personal heroes.
"When I met with him the other day I gave him some galleons to go and
purchase back copies of the Daily Prophet and contact me again after he'd
read them. He did that, plus went and got himself checked for potioning
off his own back. However, he didn't get the flushing potion made as he
couldn't afford it."
"That's why I'll be making it for him," said Andi. "Besides, with the
alchemical component it'll be a bit of a challenge and I like challenges."
Hermione asked, "He's taking care of himself?"
Sirius nodded and replied, "He is. He's currently staying at, as he puts it,
his old place somewhere. He won't tell me where it is and won't let me
pay for him to stay somewhere better."
Harry asked, "What about the potion? Will it drive him to go to
Dumbledore?"
Andi stepped in and replied, "No. I've given him something that will
temporarily negate the effects until I can create the cure.
"Now, young man," she said, looking more fixedly at Harry. "I need to
give you another once-over. I'm well aware the potion regimen you're on
has changed."
Standing, ready to head upstairs, he asked, "Am I right in thinking I'm
almost done?"
She smiled and said, "Pretty much. That's why I want to give you another
health check. I want to see if you need to be on anything else, now."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
36. What to Do
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 Thirty Six - What to Do
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After she gave Harry a scan and determined he could now come off the
potions completely, Andi called Sirius up.
Once he was in the room and the privacy wards went up, she got right to
it with Harry.
"I'd been trying to wrack my brains and researched out the wahzoo for a
way to get that accursed thing out of your head," she said. "However, it
was Ted who suggested to me the way forward - muggle surgery."
Completely surprised, Harry asked, "Muggle surgery? What; he's
suggesting it simply be cut out?"
"Excised, yes," she replied. "I think the muggles refer to it as 'going under
the knife'."
"Yes," he sighed. "That's exactly the saying."
He thought about it for a little while and asked, "How're we going to do
this? I mean, it's not as if you can tell the surgeon what he needs to
accomplish."
"Actually, yes I can," she smirked. "I managed to track down a surgeon
parent of a muggleborn. And he managed to track down a... gas-passer?...
parent of a muggleborn."
"Anæsthetist," he muttered, looking at the floor while he thought. "He's
the person in the operating room responsible for ensuring the patient
remains asleep and free of pain during the surgery."
"That's the one," she agreed.
He nodded and looked back to her. "How soon can you get it set up?"
"The day before New Years Eve," she promptly replied. "The thirtieth of
December."
He nodded, sighed and said, "Do it. Are you going to be there?"
She smirked back, but Harry could see she was clearly relieved by his
answer. "You couldn't keep me away."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Coming back downstairs with the other two, Harry said, "I need to think.
I'm going to cook." And immediately left for the kitchen.
Sirius called, "Harry?"
Turning to look at his godfather, he muttered, "Hmm?"
"Can I tell the Grangers about what we discussed?"
Harry thought about it for all of a bare moment before he replied, "You'd
best. I don't think I can and they need to be aware of what it means
regarding me staying here."
As Harry turned and walked away, Sirius gestured for everyone to join
him in the parlour.
Once he, Andi and the Grangers were in, he threw up a set of privacy
wards and said, "Because of something relating to the scar on Harry's
forehead, he needs to undergo surgery."
Hermione immediately asked, "Surgery?"
"Yes," replied Sirius. "Muggle surgery."
Wendell, frowning, asked, "Why muggle? I know the magical community
has their own forms of dealing with injuries and the like. And I didn't
think it involved surgery, as we know it."
Andi explained, "There is a... magical miasma, you could say... that
emanates from Harry's scar. It's dark in some form. Therefore, we cannot
use a magical form of healing to rectify the situation. That's why we're
thinking outside the box, here, and going with muggle means."
"I take it you're going to excise the scar and whatever is related to it
through surgical means, then," he asked.
"Precisely," she nodded. "By excising the scar and some of the
surrounding tissue, it is hoped the miasma will be removed right along
with it. If it is, then we can use magical means to remove any remaining
corrupt material and heal it well enough that he won't even have a scar
left."
Monica asked, "When do you plan on doing this?"
"Wednesday, the thirtieth of December," Andi promptly replied. "He'll go
in first thing in the morning and be out that night."
Wendell said, "Monica and I will still be on holidays, ourselves, then. We
can get him there - wherever there is."
"I plan on taking him, myself," said Andi. "However, I cannot see the
harm in you coming along."
Monica asked, "Which hospital?"
"Parkside," Andi promptly replied.
That had both Wendell and Monica give a start of surprise.
"That's ours!" exclaimed Wendell.
"Pardon?" asked a just as surprised Andi. "You... work there?"
"We do," he nodded. "It's only a ten minute drive from here."
Surprised, Andi said, "Then, do you know Doctor Francis Dolittle?"
"Yes," he replied. "A plastic surgeon, specialising in facial disfigurement.
Either or both of us are occasionally brought in to consult when the issue
touches on oral and maxillofacial issues. We also do the same the other
way, when we're trying to minimise or negate disfigurement in oral
surgery."
"Well," said Andi, clearly pleased. "Then, this is going to make things
easier. Doctor Dolittle is the father of a muggleborn witch, like
yourselves. So, you can discuss issues relating to being muggle parents of
a magical with him without any problem."
That clearly made both Doctors happy.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Harry's dinner that night was, as usual, well received by all. Even Andi
stayed for it and Ted was contacted and apparated over to join them for
the meal.
Just before the Tonkses and Sirius left, Ted looked to Harry and said, "I'll
be over tomorrow to collect the documents you've done and want to
discuss other House business with you. What's the best time to turn up?"
"Any time after breakfast," Harry immediately replied. "Unless, of course,
you'd like to join us for breakfast. It's your choice."
Ted thought about it and asked, "How about soon after 9.00am, then? I
have to call into the office to get some documents first."
Harry shrugged, checked to make sure it was fine by the Grangers, who
didn't seem to be disagreeable, and replied, "That's fine."
"Good," nodded Ted. "And you say you've practically finished with the
House of Potter documentation?"
"We have," he replied.
Ted gave a nod, smiled and said, "Then I'll see you at just after 9.00am."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Dumbledore was sitting at the desk in his office and massaging his
temples. His plans for what was to come over the next few months, once
the students all returned to the school, were yet again in ruins.
He had planned to use young Ginevra Weasley as Harry's hostage in the
Second Task, irrespective of who he took to the ball. Even then, he
planned on adding a compulsion potion to see if that got past the boy's
surprising immunity to mind magics and to see if he could get the boy to
take the girl. His idea was to begin to set in place a relationship between
the two.
Already, the young redhead saw Harry as her personal knight in shining
armour and, by using her as his hostage, it would create the image in the
minds of the wider wizarding community that she was the person he
cared about the most. He had hoped it would also start Harry thinking
the same.
He had also sent a couple of letters to Molly hoping the woman would
help him. However, she'd not responded to any of them.
When he then floo called her, she abruptly cut him off and told him to no
longer bother the Weasleys.
She'd flat-out told him, "We are not your dutiful little pawns,
Dumbledore. We now want nothing to do with you. Leave us alone."
Then she had the temerity to shut the call off while he still appeared in
the flames.
That had caused him to be almost violently ejected from his own floo,
sitting him back on his butt.
After the unmasking of young Barty Crouch, he knew that Tom had set in
place Harry's name to come out of the Goblet and for Harry to be forced
to compete. Therefore, it stood to reason he wanted Harry in a certain
place at a certain time. That would either be in the Black Lake on the
twenty fourth of February, or in the maze on the twenty fourth of June. It
further stood to reason it was the Third Task, the maze, that was the
important one.
Now he just had to figure out how to capitalise on that.
When the Daily Prophet was delivered less than a half hour later, he
learned that trying to pair Harry with young Ginevra wasn't going to
work, either. That plan was snuffed out before it even had a chance to
progress beyond the old man's thoughts.
He sat back with a frustrated sigh.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After another filling Dobby breakfast, where Harry was now down to
eating a little over the same amount as Wendell, he was finally able to
read the Daily Prophet in peace without also trying to fill his stomach at
the same time.
He had gotten used to enjoying a cup of tea while reading the paper,
right up until the potions whacked him up side the head with its demand
to eat. Being able to go back to that was pleasant.
The lead story, that morning, was the breaking news of Harry and
Hermione's betrothal. Both were surprised it had taken that long.
~ # ~
BOY-WHO-LIVED BETROTHED
In surprising news, we here at the Daily Prophet have learned our young hero,
Lord Harry Potter (14) the Boy-Who-Lived, has entered into a Betrothal
Agreement with his close friend, muggleborn Harmony Granger (15), writes
your favourite journalist Rita Skeeter.
Further, we have also learned that, unusually, young Miss Granger's magical
guardian is not her Hogwarts Head of House, but is Lord Sirius Black, recently
exonerated and godfather of Lord Potter.
We are unsure why Lord Potter and Miss Granger's guardians have chosen to
enter the two into such an arrangement, but it is suspected it is to protect both
from any shenanigans towards trying to slip either an ironclad marriage
contract in future.
The Daily Prophet congratulates both children and sends their commiserations
to all the other young witches who dreamed of being the one who snagged the
Boy-Who-Lived for themselves.
More information on Betrothal Agreements - page 8.
More information on muggleborn Harmony Granger - page 2.
~ # ~
Harry gave a grunt of somewhat annoyance once he'd finished the article
and muttered, "I'll need to let the aurors know they'll need to be
especially vigilant of incoming mail for the both of us."
"Why?" asked Hermione.
He replied, "There are going to be those who are going to be quite nasty
towards you, now. That line about 'all the other young witches who
dreamed of snagging the Boy-Who-Lived' has me worried."
It was while he and Hermione were sharing the Prophet and talking about
various articles that Ted turned up.
"Good morning," he greeted them all.
With four returned 'Good morning's he turned to Harry and asked, "Have
those documents ready for me?"
Harry immediately called Dobby and had the little elf go and collect both
sets of documents from off the floor next to the desk in his room.
While they were waiting, Harry asked, "Read the article in the Daily
Prophet about our betrothal, yet?"
"I have," Ted nodded back. "I can't use it to yell at Cuffe again, though. It
was both truthful and non-insulting; other than misspelling Miss
Granger's name."
"No; but you might consider writing up a 'press release' statement,
though," said Harry. "Something from Hermione and I about how we're
happy with this. And something that threatens dire consequences on
anyone who tries to interfere."
"Good idea," nodded Ted. "I'll get that written up as soon as I get back to
the office."
When the two piles appeared on the end of the table, Harry gestured to it
and said, "That's all of it, thank God."
Ted was surprised and said, "Harry, I hadn't expected you to get through
all of it. I only expected you to be, at most, about a quarter of the way
through."
Harry shrugged and said, "I just didn't want to head into Christmas with
so much parchmentwork hanging over my head. My argument, and
Hermione agreed with me, is that it's best to get it all out of the way
before more turns up and makes the pile even bigger."
As Hermione nodded in agreement, Ted gave his own firm nod back
before he then pulled out documents from within his robes and placed
them on the table before sitting down.
Once he was comfortable he slid the documents across the table to Harry
and said, "That's the agreement with the warding and repair company to
make a start on repairing the cottage."
Harry frowned in puzzlement and said, "I thought we were going with
the goblins to get that done."
"That was the original plan, yes," nodded Ted. "However, the goblins
were being greedy little... blighters and wanted too much to do it."
Indicating the documents he said, "This company will do it for a cheaper
price and do a better job of it."
Harry pulled the documents across and asked, "When can they start?"
"Tomorrow," replied Ted. "They want it stripped of the Ministry wards
and new private wards up before Christmas. Then, straight after
Christmas, they move in and begin repairs."
Harry quickly read through them and asked, "Fidelius?"
"Yes," he replied. "They want to put the Fidelius up while they work. That
way, they won't be bothered by anyone trying to stop them."
"Smart," muttered Hermione.
Ted smiled and said, "I thought so, too."
"That's going to take some significant power," said Harry. "The Potter
Cottage is a landmark of significant interest and I doubt there'll be many
who aren't aware of exactly where it can be found. With that many
people knowing of it, the Fidelius has to work that much harder to hide
the Secret."
Hermione said, "I'm sure they'll figure a way, Harry."
With a verbal nod of acknowledgement of Hermione's remark, Harry
quickly signed the documents and initialled where Ted had marked for
him to do so, before sliding them back.
He said, "You'd best let Amelia Bones know I've claimed the cottage back
as soon as the new wards go up. We don't want her going on the warpath
to find the culprit who 'stole' it, even though it wasn't."
As Ted was placing the documents on the twin stacks of documents Harry
and Hermione had gone through, he said, "That's the plan; yes."
Then, turning to grin at Harry, he asked, "You know this is going to get
people all up in their wands about it, don't you?"
"Of course," replied Harry. "However, I don't care. They had no right to
take it from me in the first place."
Standing up Ted called for his house elf, Benny, to come and take the two
stacks and put them on his desk in his office.
"Well," he said. "That's all I needed to see you about, today. I've got a lot
more work to do in the office, yet."
Harry stood and shook the man's hand. "Thank you, Ted."
Ted smiled, gave a nod and let himself out. He was apparating back to
his office.
After he left, Hermione said, "How long, do you think, is it going to take
for the Daily Prophet to get wind of the cottage disappearing?"
Harry shrugged and replied, "About five minutes after someone goes to
the DMLE or the Acting Madam Minister to alert them. Therefore, I think
we can find we'll be reading about in... three days, max."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
At the Unspeakable fire-side, the 'Spectral Threat' section leader,
Scimitar, was on his feet and giving his report.
"For those who haven't read this morning's 'scandal sheet', news of the
White Knight's betrothal to Bookworm is now public. 'Knight's Shadow'
are tasked with aiding Monocle's people in ensuring no harm befalls
either through the post. Any and all harmful mail will be checked and, if
the sender is known, the sender will receive a... visit.
"The Black healer has been spending time communicating with a muggle
hospital concerning healing Knight's scar. She is very concerned in
making sure any corrupt tissue surrounding the scar is excised.
"We believe two points from that. First, if she does what we think she's
going to do - immediately after the patient leaves the hospital, vanish the
muggle healing bandages and use magic to completely heal the wound
site - it means she may have come upon a way to heal magical injuries
using muggle techniques."
That had the Unspeakable's healers all glance and softly murmur to one
another.
Seeing them, Croaker stepped forward and asked, "Bandage? Your
opinion on her success?"
One of the healers hesitated a moment before stepping forward,
themselves. "The concept is intriguing. It is not an avenue even we have
considered. Permission to monitor her and her efforts?"
"Granted," Croaker immediately replied. "However, you are not to risk
'Knight's Shadow' in doing so."
"No," she replied. "If she is successful, the Black healer will write a report,
anyway."
Seeing the side conversation end, Scimitar continued, "The Black
healer's... intensity... in addressing this issue leads us to believe the
surgery is not just to remove the scar. We believe, however it occurred, a
sliver or fragment of the soul of Riddle has attached itself to it."
That had a ripple of shock pass through the gathered senior
Unspeakables.
"Now, that does not mean Lord Potter is a Horcrux," Scimitar firmly
stated. "We do not see how it is possible Riddle could have completed the
Horcrux ritual before his soul attached itself to the boy's scar."
"It couldn't have," said the section leader of the Soul Magics section.
"However, that does not mean it cannot act as if it was a Horcrux."
"That the boy is free of any signs of possession leads us to believe that it
is both contained in that famous scar and can be excised as the Black
healer seems bent on accomplishing.
"If she is successful, the young Knight will not need to be tossed through
the Veil, as we initially believed he might need to be."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After leaving the Grangers', Ted apparated to his office and made sure the
House of Potter documents were sorted by his staff.
One of his law-apprentices asked, "He managed to get through all this, on
his own, in just a couple of weeks?"
"With his betrothed's help, yes," replied Ted. "Both of them are highly
intelligent. And, don't forget, he's also accomplished a lot more than this
in that time, too. The latest trial of Lord Black, figuring out and
organising the waking of Lord and Lady Longbottom... etcetera."
While the apprentices, interns and paralegals worked through it he
contacted, via floo, the company who's contract Harry had just signed to
give them their copy and let them know they could start right away.
"Lord Potter accepted?" asked the company manager on the other end of
the floo call.
"He did," replied Ted. "However, he has one request."
"Oh?" the man warily asked.
Ted replied, "That I be informed the moment the Fidelius goes up that it's
gone up. He wants the Acting Madam Minister informed immediately,
before anyone at the Ministry can then panic and go looking for it."
The man gave a grunt and nodded, "I'll do that. Probably a wise idea."
"My and his thoughts, exactly," said Ted
The man seemed to mutter about something and said, "Expect me to floo
you with that information at about lunch time, tomorrow."
Ted nodded and said, "Thank you." Then terminated the call.
He then set up the 'dot points' for the press release Harry had asked him
to write up and had one of his staff develop it into a proper press release,
while he moved onto his next task.
Next, he collected the vial of blood from the suspected Malfoy Heir that
was in stasis from his safe and headed for Gringotts.
'Time to confirm it for sure,' he thought.
Once in the bank he was sitting before the desk of the Gringotts's
Inheritance Office and handed the vial over.
It was actually against bank policy to do it without the actual person in
attendance; but the goblin, Snaggletooth, had just been handed a small
bag of gold to carry out this test. The gold would both ensure his silence
and his compliance.
After the blood was poured from the vial and into a small bottle of
enchanted ink, a quill was dipped within before being moved to a sheet
of parchment. It began to write as if by an invisible hand, similar to a
Dicta-quill.
Less than a minute later the quill returned to the ink for the final time
and stopped.
The goblin picked up the parchment, placed a small pair of pince-nez
glasses on his long nose and peered through them to read.
"Interesting," he muttered.
Looking to Ted he asked, "Were you aware the blood is of the missing
Malfoy Heir?
Ted gave a huff of pleasure and replied, "Almost certain, yes. I take it you
can confirm the blood is of one Corina Cephei Malfoy, born the tenth of
August, 1982?"
"It is, indeed," replied the goblin.
"Thank you," said Ted, standing up. Indicating the sheet, he said, "Burn
that, won't you?"
The goblin smirked back and dropped the sheet into a small brazier that
sat in the corner. It was instantly alight and burned away to ash.
"Burn what?" the goblin asked.
"Thank you, Snaggletooth," said Ted. "May you vaults fill and your
enemies perish."
"And may your business flourish," replied the goblin with a very slight
head nod of a bow.
Letting himself back out, Ted headed back to his office.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Once back in his office, Ted was going to write up a report for Sirius and
thought better. He went to his floo and flooed home.
Sirius was even waiting for him. And it appeared he'd been pacing while
he did.
"Well?" the Lord Black practically barked.
Ted smiled and replied, "It's confirmed. Little Miss Wilkins was, indeed,
born Corina Cephei Malfoy on the tenth of August, 1982."
Practically relieved, Sirius quietly but firmly said, "Yes!"
"So," said Ted. "What do you now want to do about her?"
"I don't know; so, for now, nothing," replied Sirius. "She's happy, well-
cared for, needs nothing and, above all else, is safe right where she is."
Ted gave a nod and asked, "Do you want me to keep the file on her in my
Fidelius-charmed safe?"
Sirius gave a firm nod back and said, "If anything happens to Lucy and
his brat of a son, the girl is the rightful Heir to take over the Malfoy
fortune. I want you to make sure she gets it."
Ted nodded back and said, "I'll write up the relevant parchmentwork and
have it placed in the file, ready for just such a contingency."
Back in his office, the legal intern he'd had writing up the press release
entered his office and handed him the document.
Ted made on a few changes and handed it back. "Good job," he said. "As
soon as you make those changes, get copies sent off to the Daily Prophet
and WWN, would you?"
"Yes, Sir," replied the intern, before he walked out again.
The intern, one of the two law-apprentices and two of the four paralegals
were new hires, brought in because of the increased workload, and were
proving to be 'Merlin sent'. At this rate, this particular intern, at least,
would be receiving a pay rise before too much longer.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
With the Granger adults now home and 'on holidays', with the legal and
financial parchmentwork for the House of Potter up to date and most of
his problems rectified or planned to be so soon, Harry was hoping to put
his culinary skills to the test and let himself go in the kitchen. However,
that was completely contrary to Dobby's own plans.
An hour before lunch Harry and Dobby were standing in the kitchen
arguing over 'delegation of tasks' - and Dobby was, unsurprisingly,
winning. However, that had more to do with every time Harry picked up
a kitchen implement Dobby would banish it out of his hand again.
"Do-obs!" whined Harry. "Come oooonn! You know I love to cook. It
relaxes me."
"Master Harry, Sir, likes to be flyings when he be bored," argued Dobby.
"Master Harry should go flyings."
"I can't fly here!" he argued right back. "It's a muggle home!"
"Master Harry, Sir, can be visitings his friend, Mister Neville," said
Dobby. "Mister Neville's home be wizarding home. Master Harry, Sir, can
be flyings there."
That brought Harry up short.
Thinking about it, he muttered, "You know, that's not a half bad idea."
From behind him, Hermione spoke up, "We should also see if we can visit
the other Hogwarts members of the Alliance. You did say that was
something you were planning on doing, didn't you?"
As Harry sighed in defeat, Dobby smirked at him, but stood his ground.
"Alright," he said, turning to her. "I guess we can wait until after lunch to
visit Neville. But, I'd best send an owl to the others, first. It would be
impolite to just turn up, unannounced."
"And you should ask Neville if he'd like to join you," she added.
"Another good idea," he agreed.
"I know," she smiled. "How about you go give him a floo call to make
sure it's alright for you to visit after lunch?"
Nodding, he smiled and walked up to her. Wrapping her in a cuddle he
kissed her and said, "I'll go do that now."
However, before he left, he wheeled on Dobby and said, "This argument
is not over, you horrible little gremlin! I will be occasionally cooking
lunch and you'll be letting me."
With his betrothed blushing just a touch from the kiss he unexpectedly
landed on her and not waiting for Dobby to retort, he headed out the
back to the Doghouse to make that call.
As he hurried down the stairs to the lower ground floor, Hermione sighed
and thought, 'Oh, that boy. Why does he, every time he kisses me, make
me feel all gooshy inside?'
With Harry gone and clearing her head again, she looked to Dobby and
firmly said, "You and me need to talk."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After sorting out everything he needed for his second visit to Bagman,
Ted alerted his staff of where he was going and informing them he'd be
back after lunch. Then he was out the door and on his way.
Again heading directly to Bagman's office, he knocked and walked right
in, not even bothering to wait for the invitation to enter.
As soon as Bagman looked up in shock, he immediately went white in
fear.
"M-Mister Tonks, Sir," he stammered. "W-what can I do for you, today?"
This time Ted walked right up to the desk and plonked himself into the
chair put there for guests.
"Ludo," he smirked.
That put Bagman right on edge, right there.
Noticing his effect on the man, Ted smirked even more and said, "I've
now had plenty of time to go over the contract for the Tri-Wiz. Imagine
my surprise in discovering it is the intent of the organisers... you,
Dumbledore, Maxime and Karkaroff now that Crouch has been locked up
in Azkaban... to use hostages for the Second Task."
"Errr... yes?" asked Bagman.
"Did you know that, even though the three champions and Lord Potter
may be bound by the Goblet to be involved in the Tournament, there is
no similar binding for any hostages?"
When Bagman only stared back, Ted continued, "That means no hostage
can be forced to take part."
Again Bagman didn't say a word.
"What that means, legally, Mister Bagman," explained Ted, shifting to
lean right forward, "Is... if you take anyone against their will to be used
as a hostage it will be kidnapping.
"Are you starting to understand, yet?"
Bagman spluttered and said, "Dumbledore assured us that we only need
permission from their Heads of House... their Hogwarts Heads of House,
that is... to use anyone we need to use."
Ted's smirk immediately dropped to a scowl.
"If he told you that, he lied," he flatly stated. "I have already been
informed by both Lord Potter and Lord Black that if you use Lord Potter's
betrothed as his hostage in the Task both will immediately come after
you and the rest of the organisers.
"As well as it being illegal for you to take anyone as a hostage without
their prior consent... and the consent of their guardians if they are under-
age... they both will see it as an attack on their Houses. Right there, in
front of everyone, they will both declare a blood feud on you and the
other organisers.
"Remember what I told you what would happen if Lord Potter so much as
developed a blood nose as a result of this Tournament?"
"Errr... y-yes?"
"Even worse will happen if the hostages are harmed."
Bagman immediately whimpered, "Ohh, Merlin!"
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After eating a big lunch and giving it time to settle, Harry had asked
Hermione if she wanted to join him at the Longbottoms.
"No, thank you, Harry," she was quick to reply. "You go and spend time
with Neville and flying. I don't want to be there to see you performing
dangerous stunts in the air."
Exiting the floo at Longbottom Hall with his broom in hand, and again
skidding across the marble floor on his back, Harry looked up to see a
grinning Neville.
Neville chuckled and asked, "How is it you can be so graceful in the air
on a broom and so hopelessly uncoordinated using the floo?"
"No idea," he replied, climbing to his feet before checking himself and his
broom over for damage.
As Neville stood there smiling at him, Harry asked, "Got any brooms
here, Nev?"
Frowning in puzzlement, Neville replied, "You're carrying one, Harry.
Why do you need another?"
Grinning back, he replied, "It's not for me. It's for you. It's time I helped
you get over your fear of brooms."
Frank had just walked in, heard what Harry had said and said, "I quite
agree."
Neville spun to stare at his father so fast one could be forgiven for
thinking he didn't turn, so much as apparate about on the spot. "Dad?" he
fearfully asked.
Looking to Harry, Frank said, "You'll find brooms in the broom cupboard
next to the back door. They might be quite old compared to that lovely
broom you have in your hand, Harry, but they are definitely not the
death traps Hooch had you on for your flying lessons in your First Year."
Harry grinned back and, as he began to head for the back door, looked to
Neville and said, "Come along, Nev. No time like the present!"
Almost shivering in sudden fear, Neville turned pleading eyes on his
father.
"Go on, Neville," his father commanded.
Giving the impression he was heading to his doom, the sandy-haired boy
reluctantly headed after Harry.
Surprising the boy, though, he found Harry to be a very patient and very
good instructor. By the end of the hour he was now carefully slaloming a
path around the garden beds and ornaments in the back of the
Longbottom Hall property. Though he flatly refused to climb higher than
about ten feet off the ground, he was definitely becoming more
comfortable riding the broom.
'Who knew that allowing one foot to hang while riding made it a hell of a
lot easier to learn to ride?' he thought. 'A counterweight, Harry had
called it.'
At the end of the second hour, Harry led the pair of them back to the
back patio of the Hall and lightly touched down, Neville was only a few
moments behind.
Turning his attention to the other boy, Harry grinned and said, "See? Not
all that much to it. What you need to do now is practice doing that. Then,
once you're more comfortable keeping your balance, have both feet up
and on the pegs."
Breathing a sigh of relief, Neville smiled back and said, "That was a lot
easier."
Harry, still smiling, said, "That's because you weren't forced to ride on a
death-trap of a broom that should have been burned fifty years ago for
being unsafe."
Neville nodded and led the two back inside, stopping at the broom closet
to drop off 'his' broom as he did.
"Well," sighed Harry. "I must be off. Dobby should have afternoon tea
ready by now. And I don't want him turning up here berating me for
missing it."
Neville gave a small snort of amusement.
"Now," said Harry, as they headed for the floo. "Can you write down the
floo addresses of Greengrass, Davis, Bones and Abbott and send them to
me by 'elf express'?"
Curious, Neville replied, "I can do that. Why?"
"Well, I was wondering," he replied. "Would you like to join Hermione
and me as we go and visit them? I really need to properly introduce them
to... not Miss Hermione Granger... but Lady Presumptive Hermione
Granger. I've been a bit remiss in not letting them know."
Surprised and cursing himself for not thinking of it himself, Neville
replied, "Yeah, I can do that. Expect my elf within the hour or so."
As they stopped in front of the floo, Harry smiled again and said,
"Thanks, Nev."
A dash of floo powder into the fireplace, a call of 'Doghouse', a pause of a
few moments and a call of 'Woof Woof' and Harry was gone.
Neville had just given a snort of amusement at the password used when
he heard his father behind him. "You looked like you were starting to get
over your fear of brooms out there."
Spinning about and looking at his Dad, Neville replied, "Yeah; I was,
wasn't I?" And smiled.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Harry had just walked in through the back door at the Grangers' when he
heard Hermione call, "We're in the dinette!"
Making his way up the stairs and heading for the kitchen he discovered
the Grangers had obviously not long sat down.
Hermione looked to him and said, "I was just about to send Dobby to
Neville's to let you know tea was ready."
"Thank you," he smiled. "But, as you can see, I figured it to be ready
about now."
Monica piped up and asked, "Just where is Longbottom Hall, anyway?"
Harry thought about it and replied, "Ummm... It's near the seaside town
of Skegness in Lincolnshire. You know the Longbottoms are of Viking
stock, right? Or, haven't I mentioned that?"
"You haven't mentioned that, no," said Hermione. "But I figured they
must be, considering their manor is named a Hall."
Wendell gave a snort and said, "That's about a five to six hour drive from
here. And you can step in one floo and out the other in a few moments."
As he sat alongside Hermione, Harry gave one of his little knowing
smirks and shrugged. A moment later there was a bowl of thick beef stew
before him with a crusty bread roll alongside. Just the sort of stew to
stick to your insides and the right type of bread to soak the juices of the
stew up.
With a glance at Hermione he said, Neville's sending over a list of the
floo addresses for the other junior members of the Alliance in about an
hour. Then I'll floo call them all this afternoon and see about organising a
visit with each of them for the two of us.
"Why visit them?" she asked. "Why not just write them?"
"Because, my dear sweet Lady Presumptive, I need to introduce you to
them," he replied.
With a frown of confusion she said, "I already know them all, Harry―"
"No," he cut in. "Miss Hermione Granger knows them; Lady Presumptive
Hermione Granger does not. As I said to Neville, I've actually been a little
remiss in not taking you to visit them before now, as I really should have.
But, I hope they'll forgive me considering a lot of that time was
organising and accomplishing the waking of Lord and Lady Longbottom
from their cursed states."
Monica smirked and said, "That... actually... makes a kind of sense."
Wendell, frowning, asked, "You actually have to introduce her?"
"To other Houses of the Alliance? Yes," he replied. "It's the way things are
done."
Hermione sighed and said, "I'm going to have to get dressed up in
wizarding garb again, aren't I?"
"Yes," he replied. "But, not formal, or even semi-formal. They're of allied
Houses so, like the Longbottoms, we go in upmarket casual."
"This is one of those reasons you purchased that clothing for me, wasn't
it?" she almost scowled.
He shrugged, "One of the reasons, yes."
Wendell asked, "You bought her clothes?"
Monica hadn't even batted an eye, so Harry knew she already knew about
the clothes.
"Yes," he simply replied. "As was explained to Hermione at the time... and
confirmed by the aurors who were with us and the sales assistant at
Madam Malkins... Hermione is now a representative of the Noble and
Most Ancient Houses of Black and Potter. She needs to dress the part.
"That's why Sirius and I will be buying her suitable clothing for her role
as Lady Presumptive. Neither of us believe it's something you should be
paying for." With a grin he said, "Don't sweat it. We'll leave the purchase
of her muggle wardrobe to you, still."
Wendell gave a grunt of amusement and clearly accepted the decision
while Monica just grinned back at Harry.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
At Longbottom Hall, Neville was sitting down with his parents to their
own afternoon tea.
After discussing a bit about Harry's visit, Alice asked Neville, "Feel more
comfortable on a broom now?"
"Yeah," said Neville. "I'm surprised, really. Harry was right about those
school brooms. I guess they're the real reason why I developed a fear of
them."
"Your grandmother never allowed you to ride one before you went to
school?" asked his father.
"No," he sighed. "She said it was too dangerous and I should wait until I
was taught properly at school."
His father said, "Normally, I might have even agreed with her on that.
However, it sounds as if the brooms at school are in poor condition."
"They're ancient," Neville replied. "I really don't see why they still use
them."
Frank and Alice glanced to one another before Alice said, "That's
something we'll be discussing with Headmistress Marchbanks, Albus
Dumbledore and Madam Hooch when we see them."
Frank thought for a bit before he said, "When you send your letter to
Harry with the floo addresses of the other Heirs of the Alliance who are
still at Hogwarts, I want you to suggest to him you join him when he
goes."
"He's already asked and I've already said I would," replied Neville.
Then he thought through why his father was suggesting it and realised
why. "You want me and Harry to show a unified front of the two named
Houses. Harry did exactly the same thing while we were at Hogwarts,
before Gran picked me up to bring me back here after the First Task of
the Tri-Wizard Tournament."
Frank nodded and said, "Precisely. Then, once you two... or, rather,
three... pay your respects, I'll be following up to call the Alliance together
for a meeting a couple of days after Christmas."
Neville thought a bit and asked, "Do you want me to hint at that?"
Frank smiled and glanced at his wife before looking back, "That would be
helpful, yes."
Neville felt good knowing he'd correctly guessed his Dad's intentions.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
About half an hour after they'd finished tea, the Longbottom's inside
house elf, Fluxy, popped in before Harry with a note. "From Master
Neville, Lord Potter, Sir," she said.
As he was standing next to the kitchen counter at the time, Harry
gestured to it and said, "On the counter, please, Fluxy. And, thank you."
With a snap of her fingers Fluxy magicked the note to the counter and
popped away again.
Harry immediately drew his wand and cast detection charms over the
note, finding it clear.
Opening it, he saw that Neville had come through for him. He now had
the floo addresses for the Abbotts, Boneses, Davises, and Greengrasses.
Turning around and about to call out to the girl, he saw Hermione was
already leaning on the door-frame of the dinette and smiling at him.
"Good; you're here," he said. "Neville's come through for me." And held
up the note.
About to reach out and pluck it from his fingers, she stopped at the last
moment and almost snatched her hand back. This time she asked, "May
I?"
He smiled in pleasure and offered it to her. "Yes, you may."
Taking it she quickly read through it and asked, "To the Doghouse to floo
call them?"
"Definitely," he agreed.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After placing the calls, starting with Bones, he and Hermione had the
visits lined up in short order.
They would visit with Susan at 9.00am, Hannah at 10.30am, return back
to the Grangers' for lunch, visit with Daphne at 1.00pm and Tracey at
2.30pm. As far as he was concerned that would mean a pretty full day.
After pulling his head out of the fire of the last call, to the Greengrasses,
he saw Hermione was sitting in one of the two armchairs now in the
room that sat with their back's to the door with a small side table
between them. She had a lap-table on her lap and was writing on a sheet
of parchment with a quill.
"Is an hour and a half too long or not long enough?" she asked, worrying
at her bottom lip with her teeth.
"As I said, it's more than enough," he said. "Don't forget, I've also told
them each that we'll be visiting the others throughout the day.
"Besides, I told them each almost four weeks ago we'd meet again in a
month. It had slipped all our minds that would have put the date
between Christmas and New Year. That wouldn't have been fair to any of
us.
"By going now I fulfil that desire for us to all meet again, introduce you
as the new Lady Presumptive of the House of Potter, free them of doubt
about whether to recognise you or not when it comes to gifts for
Christmas and allows everyone to not have the meeting hanging over
their head on Christmas Day."
Hermione nodded, recognising the truth in his words.
His last call was to Neville to let him know to be at their place just before
9.00am, or come over at 7.30am if he wanted breakfast with them first.
Plus, who they would be visiting and when.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After Ted had left Bagman's office, the ex-Quidditch star trembled for a
while, downed a couple of shots of firewhiskey and finally floo-called
Marchbanks.
After hearing what the man was blubbering about, she called him
through.
It took the application of a Calming draught before she could make heads
or tails of what the man was going on about.
"You have to do something," the fat man blubbered.
Marchbanks sighed and said, "I've already done it."
Perking up, Bagman asked, "What?"
"First, I've already discussed the matter with Highmaster Karkaroff and
Headmistress Maxime," she explained. "We have decided there will not be
hostages for the Second Task. They will, instead, rescue an item that is of
importance to each of them."
Bagman immediately sat back, relieved.
He sighed, "Now we just have to figure out what is more important to
them that a hostage."
She frowned at him and snapped, "Foolish man! No, we don't. Have you
even listened to the clue?"
"Of course!" he exclaimed.
She rolled her eyes and sighed, "Bagman, you're an idiot. We ask them, of
course."
"What?" he asked, before he understood. "Oh. But part of the Task is for
them to discover what it is."
"Oh?" she asked, a little snarkily. "And just where in the clue or the rules
does it say that?"
After thinking about it for a few moments he suddenly deflated and
quietly said, "Oh."
Exasperated with the man she said, "Go back to the Ministry, Ludo. And
let those of us who can think things through figure this out."
He left less than a minute later, feeling like a school boy who'd just
disappointed his favourite professor.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
With all the House of Potter documents dealt with, both teens found
themselves with little to do.
Harry asked, "So, what do we do with the rest of our day?"
With a small smile on her face, Hermione just shrugged. "Perhaps... What
do you think about the idea of going to see a movie?"
Surprised by the suggestion, Harry thought about it before he replied,
"You know what? Why not? But, is there a cinema within walking
distance?"
"Yep," she immediately replied. "Down near Centre Court Shopping
Centre, near the train station."
"How do we find out what's on, so we don't just go down there and find
it's some sappy romance, or something?" he asked.
She gave him a funny look and asked, "'Sappy romance', Harry? Really?"
He blushed a little and replied, "Well, it might be something you want to
see, but I'm a bloke. Perhaps, something like a comedy would appeal to us
both?"
She gave a snort of amusement and said, "I'll go have a look for a copy of
the home-delivered free local paper and see if it's covered in there. I'm
pretty sure it usually is."
After finding a copy, the two found the advertisements for the local
cinema and found what they wanted to watch. With matching grins, they
rose, alerted their auror detail and Hermione's parents as to where they
were going and left.
As soon as they were out the door, Monica turned to Wendell and said,
"He's finally taking her out on what I'd consider a date."
Wendell sighed and said, "He's been a good boy and not set one foot
wrong. I still worry he will, though."
Monica asked, "What movie have they decided they're going to see?"
Wendell gave a snort and said, "The Santa Clause, would you believe?"
Monica chuckled and said, "Not exactly a romantic movie, is it?"
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
It had taken a while, but Andi was standing in front of her potions station
in Saint Mungo's smiling at the potion they had just managed to
complete.
Taking a deep breath and sigh of relief, she set about bottling the potion
and setting it aside to cool.
It had taken her, the Head Potions Master of the hospital and two of his
third year apprentices to determine how to counteract the potion inside
Remus Lupin and brew the tricky counter-potion.
At first, the Potions Master was against the attempt. However, both his
professional ethics and the desire to solve the challenge brought him into
the project with his two apprentices.
"Damnable nasty thing," grumbled the Potions Master. "And you're saying
this was Albus Dumbledore?"
"It definitely points to it," she nodded, as she ladled the potion.
"Well, I'll be keeping the research notes and how the solution was
developed with hospital records," he huffed. "It's a variant of the potion
he used on Persephone Pomfrey."
"I figured as much," she replied. "It was your development of that potion
that led me to the base for developing this counter-agent."
"And this worked on a werewolf?" he asked.
"Yep," she replied.
"Good to know," he muttered.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
When the two teens returned from their visit to the cinema, walking hand
in hand, they were both laughing and generally having a good time.
Monica, first to see them, asked, "Good movie?"
"Funny," grinned Harry. "I really felt for the main character. He was
locked into a contract he had no idea he was being entered into, just like
me. However, his is for life, while mine is just for eight months. It kinda
put things in perspective."
Monica smiled back and said, "At least you took something from it, then."
Harry gave a nod and then clapped and rubbed his hands together
enthusiastically, "Anyway; time to think about what to cook for dinner."
As he spun away, he gave Hermione a quick peck on the cheek, said
"Thanks for both the idea and the company, 'Mione." And quickly left,
heading for the kitchen.
He didn't notice Hermione suddenly blush pink and look away, her father
roll his eyes or Monica smirk at his back.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
The four were just sitting down to breakfast the next morning when
Harry felt the alert of the floo and saw one of the aurors jog out the back
towards the Doghouse.
Harry, closest to the window as usual, rose in his seat enough to look out.
As soon as he saw who stepped out ahead of the auror from the ex-shed,
he smiled and called, "Dobby. One more for breakfast, please."
"Yes, Master Harry, Sir," Dobby called back.
"Who is it, Harry?" asked Wendell.
As he was sitting back down, Harry smiled back and said, "Neville's just
turned up."
Less than a minute later, the boy walked in through the door closest to
the stairs that led down to the lower ground floor. "Good morning!" he
greeted them all with a smile.
It took less than a moment for both Harry and Hermione to see the boy
now moved with an almost assured confidence. He was also dressed
wizarding casual, but of decent quality.
"Good morning, Neville," said Hermione. "Take a seat, if you would. Still
hungry?"
Sitting on the chair at the end of one side of the table, he smiled back
and replied, "According to my Mum, I'm always hungry."
Immediately a plate appeared before him with poached eggs and grilled
bacon on toast. A cup of tea appeared near his right hand, but further
back.
Monica gave a snort and quietly said, "Typical teenage boy, then."
Neville just grinned, gave a shrug and picked up his cutlery.
Hermione asked, "Everything settling down at the Hall?"
With his mouth already full, Neville just nodded back.
A little while later he suddenly perked up, swallowed what was in his
mouth at the time and said, "Oh! I meant to tell you when you came over
to go broom riding. That sweet drink and the popcorn I ate when I was
over here last time?"
When Harry smirked and nodded, he continued, "It caused me to fall
asleep right after dinner. Is that what you meant by 'sugar crash'?"
Harry laughed and replied, "Yup. I hope your parents weren't too upset
about that."
He grinned and replied, "Nope. They thought it was hilarious."
Hermione then had to explain to her parents what happened. They, too,
thought it was funny.
Once breakfast was complete and the Daily Prophet read, it was time for
the three teens to head down to the Doghouse to floo to Bones Manor. It
was 8.57am.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
37. Visiting Peers
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 Thirty Seven - Visiting Peers
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
A few seconds after 9.00am, Harry shot out of the floo into the Bones
Manor welcoming hall... and crashed into a side table.
"Ow!" he exclaimed, once he came to a stop.
Before he could do more than roll back onto his back he heard Sue Bones
lightly laughing at his misfortune. She was standing just behind the first
auror - the one who stepped through the floo ahead of Harry.
That's when Neville, followed by Hermione, followed by the second
auror, all stepped out of the floo in quick succession.
As Harry gingerly climbed back to his feet, Neville was grinning at him.
"I think I should step through first next time, Harry. Just so I can clear a
path for you for when you... arrive."
"Yeah, yeah," he grumbled, massaging the shoulder he'd collided the side
table with.
Still snickering, Sue said, "That was hilarious!"
Harry just grumbled and said, "I just don't understand it. How is it that
doesn't happen to anyone else?"
Harry then heard, "There's a trick to it, Lord Potter. You need to be
taught."
When he spun to the voice it was to see Amelia Bones standing behind a
couch.
"Sorry, Madam Bones," he said. "I did not see you there when I..."
She smirked and asked, "Landed?"
When he gave a sheepish nod back she said, "That was intentional. I
always use disillusionment when expecting guests. I'd only just dispelled
it before I spoke."
Finally shaking the embarrassment of his arrival off, Harry cleared his
throat a little and turned to Susan. "Miss Bones, thank you for allowing us
the opportunity to visit with you, today."
She just laughed again and said, "You don't need to be so formal, Harry."
""Ummm..." he muttered. "First meeting―"
"That was at Hogwarts, Harry," she interrupted him. "Remember? You
yelled at us all for failing to keep to the intent of the Alliance Charter."
"Ah!" he said, blushing a little. "Yeah... sorry about that."
"Don't be," she replied. "You were right. We did all deserve a kick in the
bum and you were the one to give it to us."
"Well," he said, "I hope the others are as forgiving as you."
"They are," she smiled. "We've been talking, since that day. We all
recognise you were in the right. And we all recognise you could have
come down a lot harder on us all.
"I know that Hannah, Daphne and Tracey have all spoken to their parents
about it. And, between us, we know that their parents are quite relieved
you didn't ask for more than you did."
Neville cut in and said, "She's telling the truth, Harry. I was involved in
some of those discussions."
As Harry nodded, Amelia cut in, "Now that you three have safely arrived,
I need to head into the office."
Then she turned to Harry and, with a slight scowl, said, "I'm still dealing
with the problems relating to having to rebuild the Floo Network
Authority. I ended up having to arrest, charge and-or fire almost
everyone who worked there."
Harry didn't bother to reply. He knew that whatever he said, wouldn't
make a difference.
She kissed Susan on the crown of her head and exited via the floo direct
to her office in the DMLE.
After she was gone, Harry perked up and said, "Now, where are my
manners? Susan..." Indicating Hermione he said, "I know you and
Hermione already know each other. But, this is Lady Presumptive
Hermione Granger magical ward of the Lord of the Noble and Most
Ancient House of Black and betrothed of the Lord of the Noble and Most
Ancient House of Potter."
Susan gave a short excited squeal and jumped forward to hug Hermione.
"Congratulations!" she exclaimed.
Hermione blushed and said, "Well, it came as a bit of surprise to me." As
Susan backed off again she frowned at Harry and continued, "It was
arranged between Harry, Sirius and my father before I even knew what
was going on."
Susan shrugged and said, "That's normal."
The way she said it had Hermione speechless.
"It's normal?" she squeaked, partly in shock and partly in outrage.
"Yes, Hermione; normal," the other witch calmly replied. "At least, it's
normal for the wizarding world."
"But... that's... that's―" stuttered Hermione.
"Normal," Susan firmly cut her off. "I understand it's not normal in the
muggle world. But, this is not the muggle world, is it?"
Hermione didn't know what to say, so just stood there.
Into the sudden silence, Harry said, "I've also told Hermione about Line
Continuation clauses and Concubine Bond Agreements and Contracts.
She's been having even more trouble with those two."
After a quick glance at Neville, Susan turned her attention to Harry and
said, "Yeah; I can understand that."
Harry had noticed the quick glance to the other boy and determined from
it he was right. Bones had her sights on Neville for a Line Continuation or
Concubine Bond Agreement/Contract, or both.
As she guided the other three to sit on couches and armchairs, Susan
looked to Hermione and asked, "Did Harry explain why such exists?"
As Hermione gave a pretty accurate rendition of what Harry had told her,
Susan had called for a house elf to serve them a light morning tea.
"So," said Hermione, winding down. "I know that besides your aunt,
you're the last of the Boneses, does this mean you'll have to enter into one
of these sorts of conditions or agreements?"
Harry winced, as did Neville, and gestured to Hermione not to ask; but
Susan both heard the question and saw Harry trying to get his betrothed
to back off. Hermione clearly did not understand why.
"First, Hermione," Susan finally began to explain, "You should know that
the question you just asked is considered quite rude in the magical
world."
That startled Hermione and she immediately blushed. "Oh! I'm so sorry! I
didn't―"
She stopped as soon as Susan raised a hand to stop her.
"You've asked and you now know," she calmly said. "However, to answer
your question, yes. I'm well aware of the need to continue the line of
Bones. Auntie made sure I've known I'd need at least one of those since I
was a little girl.
"But, please don't ask which of those is the likely choice, as that would be
even more personal, alright?"
Still blushing, Hermione could only nod while looking down in
embarrassment. "Again, sorry. I just find it all so interesting."
After finishing their cups of tea, Susan led them on a tour of the manor
and the grounds, pointing out things of interest. Harry was surprised to
discover Amelia had a rather large collection of antique auror and police
paraphernalia and was quite proud of it.
"It's one of Auntie's passions," explained Susan.
When the time was getting close the three were starting to make ready to
go when Harry said, "Thank you for allowing us to visit, Susan. And for
allowing me the opportunity to introduce Lady Presumptive Hermione. It
is much appreciated. We shall show ourselves out, yes?"
Susan smiled and said, "Actually, I'm coming with you. Hannah and I will
be spending lunch and the afternoon together, once you've gone."
Harry gave a firm nod and said, "I've noticed the two of you are friends."
"Yes," she replied. "Because of Auntie's work Hannah's Mum, Pauline, was
my babysitter right up until I started Hogwarts. I've come to see their
home as a second home."
A quick Tempus later and Harry announced, "Seconds to go until ten
thirty. Who's going first?"
Susan promptly replied, "Auror, me, Neville, Harry, Hermione, auror."
Harry didn't have a problem with it, but frowned when Neville said,
"Give us about fifteen seconds, at least, before you step through, Harry."
And grinned in amusement.
Harry gave a huff, folded his arms and rolled his eyes.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Waiting the fifteen seconds after Neville stepped through to the home of
the Abbotts, Harry calmly tossed in the floo powder, called, "Abbott's
Ford," waited until the connection was made and declared, "Hufflepuffs
rule!" Then stepped in.
This time he managed not to be flipped onto his back as he exited the
floo, but skidded across the polished wooden floors on his knees and toes.
However, that was more to do with twisting against the spin to counter it
than anything else.
As he popped to his feet he grinned and said, "Getting better!"
Looking around he was just in time to see Hermione quite agilely step
with an almost hop out of the floo as if she'd been doing it for her whole
life. Susan and Hannah were hugging one another while Neville was
moving furniture back into place he had obviously moved to make way
for Harry's 'entrance'.
Susan gestured for Harry to join her, who did.
"Harry," she said, "This lady is Missus Pauline Abbott of the Ancient
House of Abbott."
Though he knew the woman to be a halfblood and that she did not
expect the respect, as she offered her hand for a handshake with a slight
but wistful smile on her face, Harry took it, turned it over to be face
down, raised it to his lips as he bent forward and lightly placed the
gentlest of kisses to the back of her knuckles.
As he released her hand and straightened up she brought her hand to her
chest while she deeply blushed, while looking back at him in surprised
shock.
He calmly smiled and, while looking into her eyes, said, "It is a pleasure
to meet you, Missus Abbott."
"I..." she softly began. "Th-thank you." Harry could hear the deep
gratitude in her voice.
As Harry stepped away a little to his right, Susan introduced Neville; who
stepped forward and performed the same greeting.
As the woman was recovering from that, Harry turned to his left and
gestured to Hermione. He said, "I am pleased to introduce to you, Missus
Abbott, Lady Presumptive Hermione Granger, magical ward of the Lord
of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black and betrothed of the Lord
of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Potter; myself."
Again shocked, she turned to Hermione and offered her hand to her.
Hermione stepped forward and almost casually shook it. "Thank you for
allowing us to visit with Hannah in your home, Missus Abbott."
"Ummm..." said the woman. "You're welcome."
Harry, then Neville, had clearly thrown the woman for a loop.
Though Susan had then headed direct to Hannah and begun to whisper in
the girl's ear as Harry and Neville introduced themselves to her mother,
Hannah finally stepped forward. Whatever the two girls spoke about had
both of them slightly blushing.
Softly smiling at the girl, Harry greeted her, "Hello Hannah."
"Hello Harry," she grinned. Then she turned to Neville and Harry could
see the blush develop a bit more. She quietly said, "Neville."
That Neville was also blushing a little was not, when Harry
surreptitiously eyed her, lost on the older woman who'd watched the
whole thing. The slight cocking of an eyebrow, even when trying to get
her own blush under control, was obvious when he closely watched her
for her reaction.
'Yup,' he thought with glee. 'She's figured it out.'
Now he just had to talk to Frank about it and hope he'd speak with Alice.
That was one talk he did not want to have with his godmother.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
While Harry, Hermione and Susan were visiting Hannah and her mother -
her father, Eugene, was at work - Andi was meeting with Remus at St
Mungo's. She called him in only half an hour earlier through the same
method Harry used, 'house elf express' mail.
At that time, Remus was in a private room off one of the wards. He had
no idea Sirius was paying for the room and treatment, though greatly
reduced in pricing, and likely never would.
Andi was standing holding a large vial while Remus had removed his
shoes and was lying down on the single bed in the room.
He asked, "How long will this take, Healer Tonks?"
"I've little idea," she immediately replied. "However, a similar neutralising
potion was given to two others and it took just over two hours for them
to come around again. Your lycanthropy may shorten or lengthen that
time; we don't know."
Once he appeared comfortable, Andi stepped forward and offered the
vial. "All at once, Mister Lupin."
Remus accepted it, looked to her to see if he could detect any hint of
dishonesty on her face and immediately felt ashamed with himself for
thinking such. The woman had, after all, put considerable effort into
helping him.
With a snort of self-amusement he 'toasted' her with the vial and
declared, "Cheers!" And downed it one big gulp.
While Andi looked back at him in amusement, she accepted the offered
empty vial back and watched as he laid back. A few moments later he
was asleep.
As soon as he was asleep, she brought out a dicta-quill and parchment,
set them up and began running diagnostic tests over him.
While monitoring she began to speak for the purpose of the written
record. "Patient Remus John Lupin, known as Patient X11, has now taken
experimental potion xp2385. As expected he was asleep in moments.
Monitoring charms show he immediately fell into REM state. Heartbeat
steady at 65 beats per minute. Breathing deep and regular.
"Potion now dispersing throughout the body but, as expected, focussing
mainly on the brain; specifically the amygdala and the anterior cingulate
cortex. Potion is also moving into the fatty tissues of the body as
expected for attacking an alchemical-based compound. And now also
moving into the prefrontal cortex..."
Andi stayed with Remus and kept a close eye on her monitoring charms.
Counter-acting the effects of alchemical-based potions, mainly because of
the dearth of qualified Alchemists these days, was an area of expertise
she was quite happy to study. She knew there would be articles for her to
write in the future for both potions and healing journals. She was not a
Slytherin for nothing.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After visiting longer than expected with Hannah and the Abbotts, with
Neville and Hannah choosing to spend a lot of their time close to one
another, as pre-warned Susan decided to stay and have lunch with the
Abbotts while the other three visiting teens, together with the escorting
aurors, returned to the Granger residence.
As they were walking from the Doghouse back up the backyard to the
house, Hermione said to Neville, "If you wanted to stay with Hannah and
Susan at the Abbotts, we wouldn't have minded, Neville."
Though grateful, Neville shook his head and replied, "No, Dad has me
tasked with ensuring the adults of the Alliance are informed he will be
calling a proper meeting of the allied Houses soon after Christmas. As
Heir, it's my duty to ensure I do that."
Just before they stepped inside, Harry allowed Hermione to precede them
as he corralled Neville for a moment.
As the blonde-haired boy looked at him with a calm but quizzical
expression, Harry got right to the point. "How long have you been head
over heels for Hannah?"
Neville gaped back in shock for a moment before he blushed and
stammered, "Ummm... Errr―"
"It's alright, Neville," Harry was quick to assure his friend. "I don't think
anyone else but me and Missus Abbott know that yet."
This time the boy's blush turned into a blanche. "Sh-she... knows?"
"I was watching her face, today," he replied with a soft smile. "I could tell
the moment she figured it out."
Neville seemed to shrink on himself for a moment and nodded.
Harry grinned even more, though. "Neville, you should also know that
Missus Abbott only figured it out by seeing the reaction in Hannah; not
you. For your information, Heir Longbottom, Miss Hannah Abbott's
feelings for you are pretty much the same as yours are for her."
Again, Neville stared back in shock.
Harry chuckled and said, "Don't be so surprised, Neville. Hannah's smitten
with you. And I think it's something you need to come clean about with
your parents."
This time Neville looked worried, but he still hadn't said anything either
way.
Again chuckling, Harry said, "They're not going to tell you off for it.
Hannah's a good catch! That she's also the daughter of an allied House is
going to go a long way towards them being fully supportive of you and
her developing a relationship.
"Now; suck it up, Gryffindor! Let's go in and have lunch. We're expected
at the Greengrasses' at 1.00pm."
Though Neville at first was worried, Harry reminding him of his
Gryffindor roots had the boy 'man up' and nod his head back.
Harry then led the two of them inside for lunch.
However, when he tried to head to the kitchen to cook, Dobby popped in
and said, "Too late, Master Harry, Sir."
"Damn it!"
Hermione laughed.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After waking from the neutralising potion given to him by Andi, Remus
was 'spitting chips'.
It was only after he'd finally wound down from cursing and swearing at
what Dumbledore had done to him - which took a good ten minutes -
that Sirius finally entered the room to check on his friend.
Remus immediately snarled at him, "What are we going to do to that goat
raping, white whiskered, arse licking, excuse for a manipulative old
prick?"
Sirius grinned and said, "Welcome back, Moony."
"Yeah, yeah," Remus grumbled. "Now, answer the bloody question!"
Sirius smirked and asked right back, "What makes you think it's not
already being done?"
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Stepping out after Neville in the Greengrass manor welcoming room, this
time Harry only slid about ten feet on his knees off at an angle as he
exited the floo.
"Ha!" he declared, jumping to his feet. "I think I'm starting to get used to
this flooing malarkey!"
That had the others in the room all laughing as he grinned at them.
As Hermione stepped out she immediately asked, "What did he break?"
That set them all off again.
Neville did the introductions this time. He was first, as was proper,
introduced to Lord Samuel Greengrass. Then to Lady Adeline, his wife.
Harry stepped forward and shook Lord Greengrass's hand before bending
over and kissing the knuckles of Adeline's hand.
Though it was unusual, he then introduced them both to Hermione as his
Lady Presumptive. Then he moved on to kiss the back of the knuckles of
both Daphne and Astoria, her younger sister and only sibling.
"Lady Presumptive," said Daphne. "We read about the Betrothal
Agreement."
"Yes," replied Harry. "It's so she will be protected. It also has specific
clauses which will allow either of us to easily cancel it if either of us wish
to do so."
"Clever," said Samuel.
Adeline looked to Hermione and asked, "I take it, it was explained to you
what it means for your standing in our world?"
Hermione, though she blushed a little, firmly looked back and nodded.
"Yes; for all intents and purposes I'm now recognised as having the
standing of a Lady of a Noble and Most Ancient House."
Harry quickly added, "But, she doesn't need the Betrothal Agreement to
accomplish that. Hermione's also the magical ward of Lord Sirius Black of
the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black."
Samuel gave a low whistle. "That's quite a jump."
Hermione obviously thought it was a slight on her being a muggleborn;
because she frowned and almost, but not quite, snapped back, "It's for my
protection."
Samuel, realising how his words were taken, didn't take umbrage.
Instead, he was quick to apologise. "My apologies, Miss Granger. I did not
mean for my words to be taken as they were. It was merely a comment
on the unusual situation."
Harry was quick to say, "The same thing happened a decade and a half
ago, Sir, when my mother was brought into the Potter family through a
similar Betrothal Agreement."
"I did not know that, Lord Potter," said a clearly surprised Samuel
Greengrass. "I knew, of course, of the marriage of your mother to your
father - after all, I was at their handfasting - but, I did not know a
Betrothal Agreement existed between the two."
Harry gave a slight nod and said, "Discovering and reading their
Betrothal Agreement slash Contract was what aided me in the decision to
agree to a similar arrangement with Hermione."
Hermione was frowning in confusion. "I'm sorry, I don't understand. If the
House of Greengrass is one of the founding Houses of the alliance, how is
it you didn't know of the contract between Harry's parents?"
Before Harry even had a chance to think of an answer, Samuel smiled
and replied, "Just because our Houses are in alliance, does not mean we
are privy to internal House matters of any other House... or Houses."
Harry added, "That's what I was telling you about before, Hermione,
when I mention that... now that Frank Longbottom is back as Head of
House for Longbottom... it is not for us to know what he chooses to do
about Dowager Lady Augusta. It's an internal matter."
The sudden understanding was clear to see on Hermione's face when she
nodded and softly said, "Ah."
Then she thought and asked, "But, wouldn't our betrothal also be an
internal matter?"
"Good question," he smiled. "It is. However, that just means it was my
place to choose whether or not to inform the other Houses of the alliance.
I decided it was in all our interests to do so. The Daily Prophet were being
quite rude when they jumped the dueller's flag and published it."
Samuel piped in and asked, "And, just why did you decide that?"
"Because Daphne and Astoria, especially, needed to know that for when
we return to Hogwarts - if we return to Hogwarts," he replied. "I'm hoping
they can use their Slytherin skills and contacts to ensure their own
House, at least, is made aware of the betrothal as soon as possible on our
return.
"If you return to Hogwarts?" asked Samuel.
Both teens nodded, but it was left to Harry to answer. "If."
Hermione added, "With Dumbledore still there, we really have no desire
for either of us, especially Harry, to be within reach of that man."
Adeline asked, "But, what about your education?"
Harry wryly smiled and replied, "Tutors. It's not as if I cannot afford
them."
Neither teens saw the quick expression of worry pass over Daphne's face.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Ted was sitting in his office when his private floo connection activated.
"Yes?" he immediately asked.
Recognised at the other end of the call as the head of the contracted
warders for the Potter Cottage, Ted heard the man reply, "It's Barton. The
Fidelius just went up."
Suddenly a slip of parchment was tossed through.
"That's the address," Barton immediately said. "You'll want to read that."
Remembering he had contracted the company for a job, he now realised
he couldn't remember where or what the place was; only that he needed
to let Amelia Bones know of it.
"Thank you," he replied. "I'll let Bones know, right away."
The face gave a nod and withdrew; and the flames immediately reverted
to orange again.
Summoning the slip of parchment up from the hearth, Ted read the
address and felt the information slip back into his conscious again. 'Ah!'
he thought.
Rising from his chair, he walked out into the main office space of his
offices and told his secretary, "I'm going to the Ministry. I should be back
within the hour."
"Yes, sir," called the witch.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
"What the bloody hell do you mean he has the right to do this?" barked
Bones. She was both stunned and appalled at what she was hearing.
Ted, who had just recently sat in the chair opposite her desk, smirked
back. "Lord Potter has decided it is time to protect his assets and has had
the Potter Cottage placed under a Fidelius while the property is being
repaired and the ward scheme updated."
Bones spluttered, "But, the Ministry now owns the property!"
Ted slowly shook his head and replied, "No, it doesn't." And drew out the
small folio of documents that showed that the Ministry never purchased
the Potter Cottage from the Potter Holdings, as they should have done.
He then lobbed it onto Bones's desk for her to peruse.
Quickly flipping through the documentation, Bones discovered that Ted
was correct. The Ministry did not purchase the property; indeed, it
appeared they'd made a horrible mistake and effectively tried to steal it.
She now felt a new headache coming on.
Placing her elbows on the desk and massaging her temples with the tips
of her fingers, she didn't even realise she'd closed her eyes until she
opened them again and sighed.
Looking back at wizarding Britain's new most powerful barrister, she
asked, "And you're telling me this, why?"
Ted shrugged and replied, "Lord Potter did not want you to learn of this
when some panicky Ministry flunky burst into your office and declared
Potter Cottage had gone missing. He wanted you to be fully briefed on
the truth of it, so you could then prepare yourself for when... not if... that
flunky burst in.
"He's giving you the chance to get ahead of this and prepare your own
Ministerial briefing, press release, whatever. That way the public won't
go thinking you were caught 'flat-footed'."
"I can't press upon you how important it is for Lord Potter to return the
Cottage back to us?" she almost begged.
Ted again shook his head and replied, "He cannot return to you that
which you didn't have in the first place. While the Wizengamot ordered
the Ministry to acquire the cottage, the Ministry didn't do that.
"However, if you persist in pushing the concept that the Ministry did take
possession of the cottage, then you are automatically admitting the
Ministry stole it; irrespective of how accidental that was. As such, you'll
need to arrest all those who were involved in the theft.
"And, even then, as the rightful owner of the stolen property, Lord Potter
has an ironclad claim to take the property back and deal with it as he
wishes. Of course, the Ministry might then and now want to go ahead
and purchase the property, after all. But, Lord Potter is under no
obligation to sell it, let alone to the Ministry."
With another sigh, Bones leaned back in her chair and begged, "Do you
and Lord Potter have a way for me... the Ministry... to come out of this
not looking like an individual or collection of daft morons again?"
Ted openly grinned and handed her another sheet of parchment.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After spending a little more time with the Greengrasses, the three teens -
with Daphne accompanying them, this time - flooed through to the
Davises.
In a scene similar to when they flooed from Bones Manor to Abbott's
Ford, Daphne immediately sought out Tracey. And the two almost
immediately started whispering to one another.
The subject was easy to determine, when Tracey developed an expression
of shock and immediately stared at Harry. She did, however, also cast a
glance at Hermione. Though, this time it wasn't such a surprise for the
girl.
After meeting with the Davis adults, Heathcliff and Lydia, and speaking
with them for a little while, Harry joined the other four teens and was
given a short tour of the Davis Estate. Their lands were extensive.
While not a noble House, Davis was a rich Ancient House that truly
deserved the noble title. The only reason they didn't get it was because
the Davises bonded as frequently with muggleborns as the Potters; but,
unlike the Potters, did it before attaining the noble title. Their denial of
the noble title was more a smack-down because of that than anything
else.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After their visit with the Davises, while Harry and Hermione flooed back
to the Granger residence, Neville flooed directly home.
Once the two teens walked in through the back door, Harry headed
directly to the kitchen and, noticing Dobby had not made a start on
dinner, happily made a start himself. Before long he was humming a tune
he'd heard on the radio the previous night and was preparing a rack of
lamb ribs. Today he was using a sugar-reduced plum conserve with an
infusion of rosemary, firmly massaging the concoction into the ribs.
He had no idea Hermione had taken the little elf aside just after lunch
and made sure Dobby knew to 'allow' Harry to cook dinner that evening,
while Harry was suggesting to Neville he join them for a shopping trip to
the muggle world a few days after Christmas. That talk was along similar
lines to the ones she'd been having with the elf over the past week plus,
including the previous day.
Hermione walked in and asked if she could help by peeling the
vegetables again. A job Harry was happy to allow her to do.
When she saw how much plum conserve he was using she asked, "Won't
that make it overly sweet?"
"Nope," he smiled back. "The sugar will caramelise and, for the most part,
allow the flavour of the plums to come forward. The rosemary will also
act to neutralise the sugar a fair bit, too.
"I know your parents like to keep sugar intake down; but, I think this'll
still work, due to most of the sugar being burned off in the process."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After putting the dinner on to slow roast, Harry made sure his hands
were completely clean of the sticky concoction and called on Dobby to
make dessert.
Then he went and collected parchment, ink and quills and sat at the
dinette table.
He'd decided to write a letter to Headmistress Lady Marchbanks to
organise a meeting. He thought he and Hermione needed to visit her in
person to let her know of their plans not to return to the school once it
recommenced. He liked her and didn't want news of their withdrawal to
surprise the woman.
As he was writing, Hermione came and sat down beside him and was
about to read over his shoulder, when she suddenly stopped.
Instead, she asked, "Mind if I read while you write?"
He immediately turned to her with a smile and said, "Thank you for
asking. And, yes, you may."
~ # ~
Lady Griselda Marchbanks
Headmistress
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Scotland, United Kingdom
Headmistress,
My betrothed, Miss Hermione Granger, and I seek permission to meet with you
at your convenience in the very near future. We wish to discuss with you what
we are planning to do with regards to our further education.
No doubt you are aware I hold no regard for at least one of your professors,
Professor Albus Dumbledore, and do not wish to entangle myself or my
betrothed in a situation that can easily be avoided. I feel the man represents
too much of a threat to me at present.
I, accompanied by my betrothed, seek an audience with you so you are aware
of our decision well before it becomes public. We both hold you in high regard
and wish to ensure ourselves you are not tarnished as a result of our actions.
We have access to a floo.
Yours sincerely,
Lord Harrison J Potter
Lord of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Potter
c/- Granger Residence, Wimbledon
~ # ~
As he finished and sat back, he asked, "What do you think?"
She thought for a few moments longer as she reread the letter. Then
replied, "Just the right amount of foreboding, I think. Are you using
Hedwig or Dobby?"
"Too close to Christmas not to need an immediate delivery; so, Dobby,"
he replied.
After signing the letter he folded it into an envelope and called Dobby to
deliver it for him. Dobby, of course, was happy to comply.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
While she was sending off the last of the acceptance letters for new staff
at Hogwarts, Dobby popped in alongside Marchbanks's desk.
Marchbanks immediately turned to him and asked, "Hello. What brings
you here?"
Dobby immediately offered the letter and replied, "A letter for you from
the Great Master Harry Potter, Sir, Lady Headmistresses, Ma'am."
With barely a change of expression, Marchbanks plucked the letter out of
Dobby's fingers and muttered, "Thank you." Then turned away as Dobby
popped away again.
Flicking it open she used the charm to straighten and smooth the sheet
out before beginning to read.
"Hmmm," she muttered. "Expected."
She then set the letter aside and began to write a response.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
About ten minutes later a Hogwarts house elf popped in to the Granger
home next to Harry, who was still sitting at the dinette, and offered him
a letter.
"From new Headmistress Lady," said the elf.
Harry gestured to the table before him and said, "On the table, please."
As soon as the letter appeared there, he said, "Thank you." And the elf
popped away again.
Unusually, he didn't ask for the name of the elf. It was pointless as there
was over a hundred elves working in Hogwarts and they all pretty much
worked as one succinct unit. So, it was very likely that, if he received
another letter from Hogwarts, a different elf would deliver it.
A quick few detection charms on the letter showed nothing amiss, so he
quickly opened it and read.
~ # ~
Lord Harrison James Potter
Lord of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Potter
c/- Miss Hermione Granger
Wimbledon, England
Lord Potter,
Thank you for you letter.
Relating to your request, I shall be available at 9.00am tomorrow morning to
meet with you in my secure office.
The floo address is Headmistress's Office, Hogwarts. And the password for
your visit will be 'Albus is a naughty boy'.
With much pleasure I look forward to meeting with you and Miss Granger at
that time.
Lady Griselda Marchbanks
Headmistress
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
~ # ~
As Hermione walked in, Harry silently offered her the letter. And, after
accepting it, she was quick to read it.
Looking over the top of it to him as she lowered it, she said, "Her
mention of how her office is secure is telling."
"Yup," he agreed. "She was telling us Albus won't be anywhere near the
meeting without specifically saying so."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Over and down in the Department of Mysteries, Scimitar walked in to his
Section and said, "Knight's Shadow have a report for us."
That had the others all perk up and set aside what they were working on.
Referencing his note he said, "The young Knight and the Bookworm,
together with the Plant Prodigy, spent the day visiting the other heirs of
the major houses in the alliance. Ostensibly, it was to introduce
Bookworm as the Lady Presumptive of Potter.
"However, Leo used his heir to inform the others he will be calling for a
meeting of the alliance for very soon after Christmas Day."
"Any significance on that time?" asked on of the strategists.
"None," replied, Scimitar. "Apparently, the date was chosen for
convenience. There does not appear to be any other reason we can
discern.
"At the same time White Knight had Legal Eagle report to Monocle that
he's taken back Potter Cottage as his rightful property. We checked and
the place has disappeared under a Fidelius."
That had one of the Team give a low whistle.
Another asked, "He had the right to do that?"
"Yep," nodded Scimitar. "Apparently, immediately after the events of that
Hallowe'en, the Ministry moved in to secure the property. The fuddy-
duddies ordered it be acquired as a site of importance, but the Ministry
did not purchase the property."
The other nodded and added, "And, therefore, they did not own the
property. It still remained the property of the young Knight. I bet that
stung."
Scimitar replied, "Apparently, after being informed, Monocle went on a
tear through the relevant departments with a demand to explain. No
one's been able to provide her with a logical answer, other than it was a
simple mistake."
"A costly one," said another.
A third asked, "What's the fall out?"
"Very little," replied Scimitar. "Legal Eagle was merely letting Monocle
know it had happened so she could prepare for the fall out that's to come.
There's nothing she can do to stop it."
"And that's what's got her riled," sighed the third, clearly understanding.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
The Daily Prophet, the next morning, contained an article that was almost
word-perfect of the media release Ted Tonks wrote for Harry and Amelia
Bones.
~ # ~
LORD POTTER ACCEPTS BACK POTTER COTTAGE
At lunch time, yesterday, Lord Harrison Potter accepted back possession of
Potter Cottage in Godric's Hollow writes Wesley Suddershaw, political
reporter.
"I'm very thankful to Acting Madam Minister Amelia Bones for graciously
returning possession of my parents final home to me and the Potter family,"
said Lord Potter. "Being able to stand where my parents last lived is a
wonderful gift to have. I now have a better understanding of the hardship they
endured throughout the last few months of their lives."
Acting Madam Minister of Magic, Amelia Bones, said, "After a decade of
being held by the Ministry as a place of historic record, from this time forth
the true monument to the sacrifice of the Potters will be the one that sits in the
main square of the town. This is just as it should be. Lord Potter's property is
back under his rightful and lawful control."
[...]
~ # ~
After reading the article, Harry smirked and handed the paper to
Hermione.
Accepting it, Hermione asked, "She agreed with it being published?"
"She did," he nodded. "She really had no other choice."
"You know she's going to hate you even more now, right?" she asked.
"She doesn't hate me, Love," he disagreed. "That's just her frustration at
the situations that keep coming up. She's struggling to keep on top of it
all.
"However, if she was to temporarily pass off DMLE Director to Head and
Master Auror Scrimgeour so she could dedicate more time to the Acting
Ministership, she'd find she'd have the time," he explained. "It's her...
apparent unwillingness... to do that which is causing her problems; not
me, Ted or Sirius 'dumping' on her."
Hermione thought about t for a few seconds before she simply nodded in
understanding.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
At a couple of minutes to 9.00am, the two teens made their way down to
the Doghouse ready to floo through to Hogwarts.
Their auror escort for the day were only two of the three, with the other
remaining with the adult Grangers in the house.
As the appointed hour arrived, the senior of the two said to the two
teens, "Wait for me to floo back and let you know it's safe before you
come through. While I somewhat trust Lady Marchbanks, that does not
mean Dumbledore is not somehow controlling her at the moment."
When both nodded back, he dashed in floo powder and was gone
moments later.
Fifteen seconds later, he was back.
"It's safe," he declared, before he spun on the spot and again dashed floo
powder in the grate.
Again Harry waited a few seconds before following. But this time, by
whatever miracle, he only managed to stagger a little on stepping out at
the other end.
Seconds later, Hermione daintily stepped out of the floo with the second
auror right on her heels.
Hermione smiled at him over the fact he was still on his feet and said,
"You're obviously getting better, Harry."
Before Harry could respond, from where she was sitting at her desk,
Marchbanks said, "Welcome Lord Potter, Miss Granger." She ignored the
aurors, which was actually the right thing to do.
"Good morning, Lady Headmistress," both replied.
Harry added, "Thank you for agreeing to meet with us, Ma'am."
Giving a smile and nod back, Marchbanks indicated the seats before her
desk and said, "Please, sit."
When both did as the two aurors took up positions near the door and to
the side of Marchbanks's desk, she said, "I believe you have information
for me. However, I believe I am safe to assume it is that you wish to
withdraw from Hogwarts."
Somewhat surprised she'd so easily guessed, Harry replied, "Yes, Ma'am.
That is exactly what we wished to speak with you about."
She gave a small smile back, seemed to hesitate while she thought
something through and then said, "It may interest you to know that I
have already been given permission by the School Board to fire Albus
Dumbledore for breaching the conditions of his tenure.
"I have not done so, so that I can force him to remain in the school under
threat that I will fire him if he keeps stepping out of line.
"Do you know why?"
Hermione gave a gasp of surprise and replied, "You've done that,
practically placed him under house arrest, so he cannot bother Harry."
Marchbanks smiled and gave a nod. "If you can work that out, then you
should also be able to work out when I am actually going to fire him."
"The day the school re-opens," Hermione promptly replied. "That's very
clever."
Marchbanks gave another head tilt to Hermione in recognition and said,
"Precisely."
She looked directly at Harry again and said, "I felt, keeping him out of
your hair as much as possible was just a little something I could do to
thank you for bringing everything to light, as you did."
Harry gave a huff of amusement, smiled and said, "It wasn't a little
something, it was a big something. Thank you, for that."
Again, she gave a nod of acceptance. "Now that you're aware that Albus
Dumbledore will not be within the castle... or even the grounds... on the
day the school re-opens, I hope you might reconsider your unspoken as of
yet desire to withdraw from Hogwarts."
After Harry and Hermione stared at one another for a long moment,
where to Harry it was clear Hermione really wanted to return to the
school, he turned back and said, "There's still the issue of Dumbledore's
phoenix, Fawkes. I know Dumbledore can use him to flame travel―"
Marchbanks had raised her hand in a stop gesture and appeared to be
smirking. That's what stopped Harry, mid sentence.
"Fawkes has broken his bond with Albus, remember?" she simply said. "I
believe both that it was published in the Daily Prophet and that it had a
lot to do with something you sent him."
Harry groaned about forgetting about the severed Phoenix bond but, on
hearing it had something to do with something he'd sent the old git, both
teens looked back with both hope and confusion. Marchbanks withdrew
from under her desk blotter a sheet of parchment. And handed it to
Harry.
When he accepted it and turned it to read it, he recognised it was the
letter he'd sent Dumbledore after the old man tried to abduct him via
portkey.
Looking up in shock he asked, "You confirm it then? My letter caused
Fawkes to break the bond?"
She grinned and replied, "I believe it was Dumbledore's reaction to the
letter that caused Fawkes to break the bond."
Harry gave a snort of amusement and continued to look down at the
letter. That's when he remembered something. "Headmistress, do you
mind if I take a copy of this? My prospective father-in-bond wanted a
copy of it."
After Harry handed the letter back, Marchbanks created the copy and,
without a word, handed it to Harry.
"Now, without Fawkes's aid, Dumbledore cannot enter the school," said
Marchbanks.
Hermione cut in and asked, "What about the tunnels?"
Marchbanks froze, turned a direct look on Hermione and quietly asked,
"Tunnels?"
Hermione gave a nod and said, "There's the tunnel that goes from under
the Whomping Willow out on the grounds halfway between the mains
doors of the castle and the front gate. That one goes into the basement of
the shrieking shack. Dumbledore built that one back in the early 1970's.
"Then there's the one that goes from behind the hump-backed witch
statue on the third floor to the basement of Honeydukes. No idea how
long that one's been there. Or the one behind the statue of Gregory the
Smarmy on the second floor."
Harry nodded and added, "There are others. I'll spend time later today,
back at where we're staying, to write up a small report on all the ones I
know of and see to it being handed to you later this afternoon."
With a rather intense focus on both teens she gave a slow nod and said,
"That would be most helpful. Yes."
Harry said, "Consider it done."
"Harry," Hermione quietly piped up. "Without Dumbledore being able to
enter the school..."
Harry thought for a long few moments and finally said, "We'll discuss it
with your parents and with Sirius. You're still a minor, Hermione. It's
their decision to make for you."
"And if they say yes?" she pressed.
Harry gave her a quelling look and firmly replied, "Then that is
something we will discuss then."
Embarrassed, Hermione blushed and looked away. "Of course. Sorry."
She knew, but had in her excitement forgotten, she could not press this
new Harry into a hasty decision.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After spending a little more time with Marchbanks, where she told them
of many of the changes in staffing and what would be the required
behaviour of staff and students, the two teens returned via floo to the
Granger residence.
As soon as they did, Harry took Hermione aside for another 'talking to'.
"Hermione, you have to start to think about not pressing matters when
we're in public," he firmly chastised her. "You knew you overstepped
when you did it and you must curb that. Each time you do it, you make
me look weak. And, as a daughter of Black now, you bring disrespect to
Sirius each time."
With a sigh and with her eyes cast down, Hermione replied, "Sorry,
Harry." Looking back up she added, "I'm just so excited about the idea we
can return to Hogwarts, after all."
"I get that," he nodded. "But, you still need to curb your enthusiasm so it
doesn't diminish your manners, alright?"
She nodded.
A moment later she smirked, leaned in, planted a tonsil-searing kiss on
him and asked, "Am I forgiven?"
Trying to get his sudden blush under control after the near-eroticism of
the kiss, he croaked, "Yes."
As she openly grinned back in mischief he added, "You're a bad girl for
trying to distract me, like that."
"Trying?" she asked.
With a snort of amusement he grinned and replied, "Alright; actually
distracting me like that."
Steering him towards the dinette, she allowed her hand to slip into his
elbow and moved them forward. "Come - now we're likely to be attending
Hogwarts, after all - we have planning to do."
As they walked, he gave a nod and said, "And I need to pull out the Map
so I can list down all the tunnels at Hogwarts and send them off to our
new Headmistress."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
38. Christmas
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!
A/N: Dear readers, many of you are apparently upset with way Hermione is
treating Harry; he's an 'Autie/Aspie', so she needs to back off. However, what
you've not considered - because I haven't been specific about it - is Harry is
undiagnosed. High Functioning AUD (or, as it was known until recently,
Autism) is very difficult to detect, even by those who consider looking for it.
His aunt and uncle considered everything he did while in their dubious care as
his 'freakishness'; so, of course, they'd never take him in.
Now, he's a teenager. Teenagers are 'moody' and struggle with getting control
of the effect hormones are having on their bodies; 'everyone knows that'. So,
without an expert in the disorder looking Harry over, no one's spotted it. Even
then, AUD(HF) can be overlooked. While Hermione is incredibly smart, a
diagnosis of Harry is way beyond even her ken.
Chapter Thirty Eight - Christmas
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After accessing the map and writing down all the tunnels, Harry realised
there was something missing from the Map. There were no footprints
with names.
Frowning, he deactivated it and tried again. And again no names
appeared. Somehow, that function within the Map had broken.
He knew it wasn't because he was away from the castle. At times in the
past, when he was away - whether that was at the Dursleys or at the
Burrow - it had shown the names then. Now, however, it did not.
Giving a sigh of disappointment, he'd ask Sirius about it when he had a
chance. It just wasn't that big a deal to him, at the moment.
With the list of all tunnels with relevant passwords now listed out,
including the ones he knew had collapsed, he put the Map away again.
One feature might have broken, but it was still a family heirloom and a
connection to his father.
While cooking a roast dinner for that night - stuffed duck, this time, as he
had the time to make sure it was done right - Harry used the time to
think through what he wanted to talk with the adult Grangers about
concerning returning to Hogwarts.
And, when they arrived home a couple hours later, he and Hermione sat
them down in the parlour and went over what they had learned that day.
"So," said Wendell, looking to Hermione who held most of the
conversation. "In brief: This new Headmistress, Lady Griselda
Marchbanks, is going to be firing Dumbledore from his job soon after
11.00am on Sunday, the third of January; which is the time the Hogwarts
Express will leave Kings Cross Station on its trip to Hogsmeade. She
claims she already has permission from the School Board to do so, but
has held off to keep Dumbledore away from you and us. She has already
given her word she will ensure the old man cannot ever return to the
castle and its grounds, no matter how much he bleats about it.
"With that in mind you now believe the danger that existed due to
Dumbledore's Machiavellian machinations, as you put it, within the castle
are now at an end. And the changes to the school rules relating to student
and staff behaviour will go a long way towards stamping out the bullying
and bigotry that ran rampant during your first three years and the
beginning of your fourth."
Hermione replied, "In a nutshell, yes."
Wendell gave a nod and looked to Harry. "And what do you think?"
Harry was slow to respond as he was formulating his thoughts. And the
others didn't push as they all were now experienced with his 'thinking'
expression and that he took time to formulate a proper response.
"I think that Lady Marchbanks is as good as her word. However, that does
not necessarily presuppose she is correct; only that she believes she is,"
he replied. "For example: Dumbledore had nothing to do with Lucy
Malfoy planting that diary on young Ginny Weasley. Yes, the old bastard
used the opportunity it presented to him, but it was not caused by him. I
also do not believe he engineered my name coming out of the Goblet,
which caused my forced entry into the Tri-Wizard Tournament. Again, he
simply used the opportunity it presented him. I believe his plan was, once
my name came out of the Goblet, to leave me out there as bait. As such,
both those situations are situations that may still have occurred, even
without Dumbledore's machinations. The second may very likely have
still occurred, even if I did not attend Hogwarts, so that one is a wash.
"However, according to the information provided to us by Lady
Marchbanks, neither of those situations would have occurred if the
relevant ward scheme for the castle that had been deactivated and are
now up and running again had been active at the time. Further, the
reactivation of the anti-bullying wards, together with the added
monitoring wards now installed, will mean the castle has now truly
become one of the safest places in magical Britain and not just a dream
thought real.
"Then there's the other problems that have not yet been addressed. For a
start, there is very little to no proper security on Platform nine and three-
quarters, on the train itself, on Hogsmeade station or between the station
and the gates of the school. As it is very public information as to when
the train leaves Kings Cross and arrives at Hogsmeade, that is a huge
security issue that - even after everything I've brought to light - has yet to
be closed. There is not even an auror presence. That's foolishness!"
Turning to look at Hermione he continued, "That, alone, let alone
anything else, has me speaking against returning to the school. I have no
doubt, whatsoever, Dumbledore will use the opportunity of us travelling
upon the Hogwarts Express to abduct either me, you or the both of us."
He sighed and sadly stated, "They're still being daft morons about this
issue, at least."
Hermione didn't argue, as she might have done in the past, as she could
easily see the truth of his words. She looked sadly away, in tears.
Monica piped up and asked, "What about if they don't use the Express?"
Wendell, curious, asked, "Use those porta-keys, instead?"
"Portkeys," Hermione muttered.
Harry nodded and replied, "Because only the Head can enchant portkeys
that go through the wards of Hogwarts, she'd need to make a lot of them.
The power requirements would be, I think, too tiring of a witch of her
advanced age. She's even older than Dumbledore."
"Floo?" asked Wendell.
Harry frowned and gave it some thought.
Hermione beat him to the answer. "That would work, actually."
Harry nodded and replied, "If it could be done, the castle could easily
have a 'welcoming room' like the atrium at the Ministry of Magic. If it
can't, then each student with access to a floo point floos directly to their
Head of House's floo point in the castle. As it's a mid-year break there
won't be any unsorted first years to worry about, so everyone already has
an assigned House."
Nodding, he continued, "That would work, but there's still the issue of the
Ministerial Decree I brought to light in Sirius's trial. That is, the Decree
orders anyone attending the school must travel there via the Hogwarts
Express. I'll have to see Acting Minister Bones about removing that
Decree; which I'd planned to do, anyway."
Hermione added, "Even if Headmistress Lady Marchbanks doesn't want
all students to arrive that way, due to your... unusual situation... she
might be willing to allow us to arrive that way."
"Yes," he muttered. "Besides, it would work better for us if... as I believe
we should do... we arrive a couple of days after the Sunday."
"Why?" she asked.
"Multiple reasons," he replied. "First; arriving a couple of days later will
throw Dumbledore off if he's got anything planned. Second; I want to
discover how the population of magical Britain reacts if I don't show up,
as expected. Third; I want to see what happens when the remaining
organisers of the Tri-Wizard Tournament react when I don't show up. I'm
actually hoping the Ministries of Bulgaria and France force the
termination of the remaining events and kill the damned thing off."
Hermione was frowning and, when Harry finished, she said, "The
problem with that is, when it's published in the Daily Prophet the next
day, Dumbledore will immediately turn up here."
Harry gave his own frown, a slightly irritated one, right back and said, "I
had thought of that, you know. While I'm here, the aurors are here. If I
leave, they'll leave with me. And just because I turn up at the school does
not mean Dumbledore won't turn up here, anyway. You do realise, don't
you, that your Mum and Dad represent a weakness through which
Dumbledore can exploit trying to get back control of me?"
Hermione blushed and replied, "Sorry. Oops?"
He immediately grinned and said, "No fair using my own version of mea
culpa against me."
That, at least, had her smiling back.
To interrupt and get things back on point, Monica asked, "Any other
reasons for the two or three day delay?"
"Not really," he replied, turning to her. "Except, that is, how long it's
going to take for the wound on my forehead from the surgery to properly
heal, even with magical means. I had thought we might also use those
days, though, to determine if we actually want the two of us returning to
the school.
"My thoughts are: If the media lambaste me about it, I write them the
written form of flipping them the fingers and tell them they'd just made
my decision for me; and it would be that I wouldn't be returning. If,
however, they don't; then I think it's safe to say that I'm alright with
returning, after all."
Wendell said, "I can't say I'm happy about the idea of either of you
returning to that nuthouse... but, if it's what you want to do, I won't stop
you."
With a pleading look from Hermione, Harry sighed and said, "Then I shall
send another letter to Lady Marchbanks informing her we'll be two days
late. So long as the Prophet et al don't defame me, we'll turn up on the
Tuesday morning via floo."
With a pinched look, Hermione asked, "And if the Prophet does?"
He smirked and shrugged. "Well, after sending Ted to go and remonstrate
with them, I'll likely laugh at them and tell them that, if they continue to
defame me, I'll likely never return. And, when people write me and ask
me why I wouldn't... didn't... I'll tell them honestly and bluntly I'll not
return until the Prophet prints a full retraction and apology on their front
page."
Wendell gave a snort of amusement and said, "If they don't do it when
Ted goes in there and yells at them, the resultant backlash from the
public will ensure it happens."
"Yes," nodded Harry. "However, I really don't think the Prophet are going
to be stupid about this, anyway.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Just before they were about to sit for dinner, they were alerted to the floo
being used. Harry had just made it to the window when he saw one of
the aurors duck inside the ex-shed with his wand drawn.
A few moments later, as Hermione walked up behind him to look for
herself, Harry saw Sirius step out followed by Remus Lupin. Peripherally,
he heard Hermione give a gasp of surprise and mutter, "Professor Lupin!"
The calm expression on his godfather's face, together with the look of
both confusion and worry on Moony's face, told Harry that the flushing
potion Andi had been developing had obviously worked.
Sticking his head in from the hallway, Wendell asked, "Guests?"
"Yes," replied Hermione. "It's Sirius and Professor Lupin. Sirius wouldn't
have brought him if the flushing potion hadn't worked. That must mean
he's now clear of the potion."
Calling out, Harry said, "Two more for dinner, Dobby!"
"Yes, Master Harry, Sir!" called back Dobby.
With his eyes still of the approaching man, Harry heard Wendell say, "If
it's a new guest then we'll meet them in the parlour."
As the angle of the approach of the three became too steep to watch them
out the window, Harry gave a grunt and led he and Hermione into the
parlour. Her parents had already headed there.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
As soon as the two Marauder's reached the door of the parlour from the
back hallway and stairs, Wendell and Monica stood. Harry and Hermione
were already standing.
Sirius, with a big smile on his face, came over and gave Hermione a hug
before he turned back to Moony; who was standing in the doorway,
clearly a little uncomfortable and wondering whether or not to come in.
Gesturing Moony within, Harry indicated Wendell and Monica and said,
"Moony; these are Hermione's parents, Wendell and Monica Granger.
Wendell and Monica; this is Remus Lupin, also known as Moony, and
once-Professor of Defence Against the Dark Arts at Hogwarts."
That was enough for Moony to, almost hesitantly, enter and offer his
hand in handshake.
"It's nice to meet you, Mister Lupin," said Wendell, as he shook the man's
hand. "Call me Wendell. And, welcome to our home."
"It's Moony," Moony almost muttered. "And, thank you."
Then Monica greeted him with the same exchange of greeting.
It wasn't until Harry said, "I understand it was potions that made you act
the way you were acting, Moony. I'm not upset with you."
That finally had Moony relax and give an almost embarrassed smile back.
He quietly replied, "Thank you, Cub."
Moony stayed for dinner that night on Monica's insistence and was
another who was immediately shocked at Harry's skill at cooking.
Obviously the others were all watching as he took his first bite and
snickered at his expression of surprised shock.
"You can cook!" he declared on swallowing his first mouthful.
Feigning indignation, Harry asked right back, "Why does everyone doubt
that?" Then grinned to take the sting out of the words.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After their impromptu family meeting and dinner - and after Sirius and
Moony left again - Harry sat at his desk in his room and began to write
the letter to Marchbanks he knew he needed to write. In it he did not yet
include how long they'd delay from attending, only that there'd be a short
delay before they arrived.
He also included how they'd be using the time to determine whether or
not they'd actually return in the first place, let alone being late.
The information about the tunnels was included in the letter. Then that
letter was mailed using Hedwig, who was again of late giving him the
'evil eye' for not giving her work to do.
Next, he wrote letters to Neville, Susan, Daphne, Hannah and Tracey
covering pretty much the same information about how there would be a
delay before he and Hermione returned to the castle, if at all. However,
he also went more into the facts of why without actually stating just how
long they'd delay. Those he sent via what he now called 'HEED' (House
Elf Express Delivery). Dobby was happy to take them for him and do the
'mail circuit' of the other heirs.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
As breakfast wound down the next morning, Neville sent them a note via
his own house elf. He expressed his concerns about Harry's note of the
previous evening.
~ # ~
Harry and Hermione,
While I understand your reasoning about whether or not you'll continue
attending Hogwarts, I hope you reconsider any thought you may have of not
returning. For a start, I want you to also consider how this will impact the
Alliance. For example, those Houses who are part of the alliance will also be
negatively affected if you decide not to return; it won't stop Dumbledore; and I
think it's best to be at Hogwarts and under her wards than not. You've yet to
experience life as a student at the school who will now be recognised as a Lord
- the impact it will have on Malfoy, for a start, should be worth it alone just to
return. Heh!
If you decide not to attend I will support you. However, I hope you'll consider
giving Headmistress Lady Marchbanks a chance to show you that attending
Hogwarts does not have to be the threat-to-life it's been for you for the past
three years. I honestly feel life at the school will now be fantastic for you!
If you then do not feel you can remain; then, by all means, withdraw. But
you'll then be able to do it with your head held high knowing you gave her a
chance to set things right.
Your friend,
Neville
~ # ~
After reading it after Harry, Hermione handed it back and said, "He's
right, you know."
Harry sighed and nodded, "I know."
"So, we attend?" she asked.
"We do... but... we'll let her know we'll be two days late," he replied. "That
is, we'll arrive on Tuesday morning during breakfast; and she is to keep
quiet about that."
Hermione appeared relieved by the answer but asked, "I understand the
two days delay, but won't people think we're receiving special
treatment?"
"Of course they will and of course we are," he replied. "I'll be the only
sitting Lord who is a student and One of the Seven. Besides the troubles
I'm having with Dumbledore, why shouldn't I have special treatment
regarding travel; at least this once?"
While Hermione appeared about to answer or add something else,
Hedwig and a Prophet owl flew in with that morning's copies of the Daily
Prophet.
Harry was quick to relieve Hedwig of hers while Wendell relieved the
other.
As soon as he had it unfolded, Harry spotted the lead story. It was about
how Hogwarts would reopen for classes on Monday, the fourth of
January, with the Express making its trip on the Sunday, the day before.
"It's announced," he quietly said, while starting to read the article.
It was full of praise for Headmistress Lady Marchbanks and the School
Board working hard to refill all the vacant staff positions; mentioned, yet
again, how Dumbledore was now a 'simple' Professor only; included
information on the revamped ward scheme, but left out specific details
about some of what those wards were, only including general details; and
included a warning from Headmistress Lady Marchbanks about how
certain 'offences', such as assault, would be treated with the calling-in of
the DMLE to deal with the perpetrators.
After Hermione had read it, she asked, "What does that mean for those
like Malfoy and his... friends?"
Harry gave an evil little smirk and replied, "As well as coming as a great
shock to them? I'm wondering how many of them aren't going to make it
through the first week without being dragged off by the DMLE in
manacles."
Hermione gave a light laugh and said, "I'll go get parchment, ink and
quill so you can write another letter to Headmistress Marchbanks and let
her know we'll definitely be two days late."
And left.
As soon as they heard her 'charge' up the stairs, Wendell gave a very
direct and pointed look at Harry and asked, "You'll keep her safe?"
"Of course," he just as firmly replied back. "However, me coming down
on anyone is going to have to wait until someone does something stupid
before I can act. I anticipate that's going to be Draco Malfoy or one of his
'henchmen'.
"As soon as they even start to act against her, though, my wrath will fall
upon them as if Odin, himself, had decided to step in. I'll be able to do so
as both her betrothed and Heir Tertiary of House Black, of which she's
now a formally and publicly recognised daughter.
"That will then let the rest know, without any shadow of a doubt, that
messing with Lady Presumptive Hermione Granger is a very... very... bad
idea."
A letter handed to him by the aurors was official notice from the school
that Hogwarts was reopening, together with dates and times and the
notice about how the Hogwarts Express would be departing from Kings
Cross at 11.00am on Sunday, 3rd of January for the trip. Hermione
received one, too.
It was written on the Hogwarts letterhead parchment in the green ink of
the special auto-quill used by the school for mass mailings to students.
Accompanying it was a much reduced booklist of items students would
need to purchase, with an appended apology for the 'unusual' addition of
an amended booklist mid-year.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
About an hour after mail delivery, where she'd read Harry's first note as
sent by Hedwig, Marchbanks had just returned to her office when Dobby
popped in beside her and offered her another note. "From the Great and
Wonderful Master Harry Potter, Sir," he said.
With a small smirk of amusement, Marchbanks accepted the letter and
said, "Thank you, dear. You may go."
And Dobby popped away again.
Opening it, she read the 'update' note and learned 'Lord Potter and his
Betrothed' would be arriving at the school on the Tuesday morning during
breakfast - with apparent family matters to attend to first, wanted it kept
secret and wondered if she'd be kind enough to allow them to floo
directly to the school.
She had no problem with that. She too saw the wisdom of not informing
anyone of their delay, or just when they'd arrive - Dumbledore.
The letter was also a reminder that, as Harry was now a fully invested
Lord of the Wizengamot, he was entitled to the use of one of the Lords'
Quarters in the Lords' Quarters wing. He asked her to make sure one of
the Lords' Quarters was available and 'would be making use of that right
upon his return to the castle'.
'Hmmm...' she softly muttered.
Deciding to get the letter out of the way immediately, she drew to herself
a small sheet of parchment and plucked up her quill.
Ten minutes later, a letter from her acknowledging the delay and
promising to keep silent about it was winging its way back to the
Grangers' Residence. She included a portkey, which was timed to activate
at 7.30am on Tuesday, the fifth of January. And would transport both
teens direct to her office. It was a 'back up'.
House elves would be 'waiting here to take your trunks and other possessions
direct to your accommodation'.
When Harry received the note later that day via owl he and Hermione
both missed how the 's' was missing off the end of the word
'accommodation'. Their minds were already on the activities of the next
day, Christmas Day.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After dinner that evening - one that only had the four Grangers and two
of their aurors attend - the family broke up to head to their own rooms to
finalise the wrapping of Christmas presents and to make an early night of
it.
Harry didn't need to, as he'd done all his wrapping and tagging within
two days of having purchased the gifts. Instead, he organised for all those
outside of the Granger Residence to be delivered. Then called Dobby to
take them and place them with the gifts for each in their own homes.
He smiled as he knew there would be those who wondered how he'd
accomplished it, but he didn't rightly care.
'Let it be a puzzle for them to work out,' he thought. 'If they don't, they
can always ask me.'
He wondered how long it would take them to do just that.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Christmas morning was finally upon them and Harry still tried to beat
Dobby to breakfast that morning.
Sneaking in under his invisibility cloak, yet again, it was to find the little
rugrat happily working at making breakfast for the household. There
were pots on the stove, simmering; bacon and hash browns in two frying
pans, sizzling; the tea' decanted and steeping; and plates in the oven,
warming.
Without even turning around, Dobby, who had his back to him, quietly
said, "Master Harry be getting better! But, Master Harry still not be
beating Dobby!"
"Damn it!" Harry quietly exclaimed.
He shucked his invisibility cloak, bundled it up and stuffed it into his
pocket as he turned and stomped off.
As the Grangers planned not to leave the house that day, dress was very
casual. However, they at least had to dress. While they did not plan on
going anywhere, with not just the aurors in attendance they knew there
was a likelihood of folks turning up just to wish them a Merry Christmas,
if for nothing else.
So, Harry quickly returned upstairs to his room and took a shower. As it
was Christmas Day he wasn't as quick as normal. He actually stretched it
out to almost fifteen minutes between walking in his bedroom door and
walking back out again. However, even then, he was still the first down.
Making it to the dinette, Dobby quickly had a breakfast plated before him
and, knowing the 'rule' of the house was not to wait for the rest of the
household to join him at breakfast, dug in with gusto.
About halfway through his first plate he was joined by Monica, who
didn't say a word other than a quietly muttered, "Good morning... and
Merry Christmas."
Between mouthfuls Harry gave a smile and returned the compliment.
Next down was Wendell. Hermione finally came down about ten minutes
later.
"Unusual for you to be down so late on Christmas Day, of all days,
Princess," her father gently rebuked her.
Hermione blushed a little but gently smiled back. "I don't know why,
but..." she gave a little side-long glance at Harry before turning back... "I
think I've already got everything I need or want."
That had Wendell give the slightest of frowns while Monica's knowing
smile turned into a widely beaming one. Harry, still eating, appeared
oblivious.
"As soon as you've eaten we'll get into the giving of gifts," she said, taking
a sip of tea from her cup. "That is, if Harry's also already filled that
hungry beast he has in his tummy."
Pushing his plate slightly away, signalling he thought he'd eaten his fill
from it, Harry reached for his own teacup and said, "Actually, I think the
potions have finally stopped doing that to me. I think they might even
have stopped yesterday, and all this is just... 'padding'... or my stomach
shrinking back down again.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
The Grangers and Harry were just rising from the table to walk into the
parlour where the tree and the gifts were 'displayed', when Harry felt the
alert ward on the Doghouse ping four times in quick succession.
He took a quick look out the dinette window to see Sirius lead the
Tonkses towards the house.
'Who is it, Harry?" asked Wendell.
"Sirius, Ted, Andi and Dora," he immediately replied. "Ted's carrying an
armload of wrapped gifts."
Wendell gave a sigh and almost muttered, "I'm glad Monica made sure we
bought gifts for them; just in case."
Suddenly realising, he spun to the two teens and asked, "Did you―?"
"We did," Harry immediately cut in and replied. "Actually, I made sure
gifts were bought for the entire extended Black clan... including the
Malfoys... plus the Weasleys, the Longbottoms, the Boneses, the Abbotts,
the Greengrasses, the Ogdens and Madam Marchbanks to include all the
main families of the Alliance, especially those with heirs at Hogwarts.
"I also bought gifts for Remus, the aurors, the Lovegoods and a few
generic spare ones, just in case."
At first relieved, Wendell just looked back in shock at how many Harry
listed out. "Wow!" he quietly exclaimed.
That was when Sirius and the Tonkses came in.
Sirius immediately took one look at the tableau and immediately asked,
"What'd we miss?"
Harry blandly replied, "Breakfast."
By then, Wendell had managed to shake off his shock. And was quick to
greet their guests before he said, "We were just about to open gifts in the
parlour. Why don't you join us?"
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
With the conclusion of the gift-giving and opening 'celebration' Monica
was then quick to invite the Tonkses to morning tea.
Andi replied before Ted could. "We can do that, thank you. But, I'm sorry
to say, we have to be somewhere after that."
Thankfully, and as per usual, there was plenty to go around. Dobby had
cooked more than enough scones and made more than sufficient finger-
cut sandwiches.
The Tonkses left a little while later. Sirius stayed behind.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
From where he was taking a closer look at his gifts, especially the very
nice fully mechanical wristwatch the Grangers had given him as a gift
from the entire family, he asked, "Wendell, Monica; do you mind if
Hermione and I duck out for about an hour? I'd like to do a quick round
of the Heirs of the Alliance to wish them a Merry Christmas, in person."
A quick glance between the two and Wendell said, "We have no plans to
the contrary, Harry. Do as you need."
"Thank you," he sighed in relief.
Ten minutes later and after a quick change into wizarding casual, the two
were about to head out to the Doghouse when they were stopped by one
of the aurors, who was waiting at the back door for them with a frown on
his face.
One glance at the man and Harry sighed. "My apologies, Auror
Brightwater. As it's Christmas Day and I'm only going via floo direct to
the homes of my fellow Heirs of the Alliance, I did not think to bother
the aurors with this."
"That's not your decision, Lord Potter," he grumped.
With a second sigh, Harry replied, "Very well. I hope it'll just be you
accompanying us, then?"
"Nope," the man smirked. "Trainee Auror Creston will be waiting for us
out in the Doghouse."
'Creston,' Harry thought. 'Why does that name ring bells?'
Though he did not realise it for quite some time, Creston was also the
House name of the Chair-wizard of the School Board. It was Auror
Creston's father.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
The first stop for the two was, of course, the Longbottoms as partner
House.
Harry had no sooner stuck his head in the flames once the call connected,
when Alice looked at him and demanded, "What do you think you're
doing just fire-calling us, godson? Get over here!"
This time the order was Brightwater, Harry, Hermione and the auror that
was actually waiting for them in the Doghouse, Trainee Auror Creston.
About his leaving gifts for them, Alice somewhat told him off. "Harry;
you had us return to our son, giving him the greatest gift I think he could
have wanted―"
"It was," Neville cut in.
"... Went above and beyond for our House," she continued, "And you still
felt the need to give us gifts for Christmas?"
"Well... yes," he sheepishly replied. "That was all House Potter for House
Longbottom. This is Harry and Hermione for Frank, Alice and Neville."
Before Alice could tell him off again, Frank cut in and said, "Completely
unnecessary, Harry. But, appreciated."
A few moments later, with Neville practically smirking at him, the
Longbottoms gave quite the expensive, but clearly heartfelt, gifts back.
Frank presented to him an authentic copy of the Potter Family tapestry
that self-updated, plus a hand drawn artistic rendering of it on a long roll
of parchment. Harry was so moved by the gifts he was speechless, and it
was left to Hermione to thank them on his behalf.
From the expressions on their faces it was easy to tell they knew they'd
done very right by him in their choice of gifts.
A third gift was yet another photo album full of photographs of his
parents and their time at Hogwarts. Only a few were a match for the ones
in the album Hagrid had given him a couple years earlier.
Hermione received a small enameled pin she was to wear on her lapel, or
where a lapel would be if the outfit did not have one, when in public or
at official functions. "It shows you have the favour of House Longbottom,"
explained Alice. "This is our way of stating to one and all who meet you,
that you also now fall under the protection of the Noble and Most
Ancient House of Longbottom."
Harry smiled and said, "You now fall under the protection of three of the
Seven, Hermione. One would be led to think you were were trying to
collect the set!"
As the Longbottoms laughed, Hermione blushed and lightly hit him on
the arm. But her smile showed she was pleased.
Frank also urged him to hurry up and go to the Potter manor,
Pottermore. "If the family Grimoire wasn't in the family vaults at
Gringotts, that's where it'll be."
Harry promised he'd go first chance he got after Christmas.
"Well, not on Sunday afternoon," suggested Frank. "I'm calling for an
Alliance meeting on that day. I'm hosting it here and you'll need to
attend."
He then looked to Hermione and said, "You, too, little Lady Presumptive.
As the Heads meet you'll also need to meet the spouses. Through them
they'll be able to teach you how to be the Lady of a Noble House."
"Yes, Sir," Hermione immediately responded.
"Frank," he corrected.
"Frank," she nodded.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After calling for Dobby to take the gifts they received from the
Longbottoms back to the Granger residence, Harry floo-called the
Boneses to see if they were up to a quick visit.
Susan was fast to reply in the affirmative.
Having quickly recovered his emotional equilibrium from the gifts given
to him by the Longbottoms, Harry was able to calm down again and greet
both Susan and Amelia with some level of relaxed aplomb.
At least this time their gifts weren't as 'emotionally destabilising' as those
he received from the Longbottoms. But, Amelia was demanding to know
how he managed to get his gifts for them under their tree.
He smiled and said, "I asked Dobby to deliver them."
That had the older witch give an almost pained look back.
She thought, 'Yet another bloody security hole. The mischief someone
could get up to―' And quietly sighed.
Then it was on to the Greengrasses, then the Davises.
Because they were quick through the first four, Harry made the snap
decision to visit the last two Noble Houses, Ogden and Marchbanks.
Surprised to have been contacted by Harry on Christmas Day, Miles and
Hedda Ogden still welcomed Harry to their home and were just as quick
to welcome and congratulate Hermione on the betrothal.
"I know we have an Alliance-wide meeting on Sunday afternoon, but... as
it's Christmas Day... I was hoping you wouldn't be put out for an informal
visit," explained Harry. "Besides, I felt it more appropriate to meet you on
such a day in such a setting than just being confronted by me for the first
time on Sunday."
Ogden hesitated for a long moment before he gave a self-deprecating
grunt and said, "I had thought you'd be... eager... for the light to be on
you on the day. I can now see I was wrong."
Harry smiled back and said, "Thank you for your honesty, Lord Ogden.
However, I can easily see how you'd come to that conclusion. The Daily
Prophet has a... shall we say... somewhat informal relationship with the
truth."
Ogden gave a start of surprise before he suddenly let forth a great belly
laugh. After many seconds of trying to get his laughter under control, he
finally managed to gasp, "'A somewhat informal relationship with the
truth'?! Bah hahahaha!"
While he continued to laugh, Hedda had finally had enough, gave a sigh
while rolling her eyes and stepped forward, but not to Harry, rather
Hermione. "Hello, dear. Formally, I'm Lady Hedda Ogden of the Noble
and Ancient House of Ogden and daughter of the Elder House of
Bancroft. However, you can call me Hedda."
Hermione was quick to respond, "Hermione; please. I... don't know how
to properly respond to... this."
Hedda smirked back and said, "Nobody would, dear." Then, to
Hermione's shock, she stepped closer and wrapped the girl in a hug.
"Welcome to the Alliance."
As Hedda pulled away from a now slightly blushing Hermione, Harry
said, "Lady Ogden, Hermione is of the House of Granger and magical
ward of Lord Sirius Black of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black."
Having only acknowledged Harry's introduction with a slight cocked
eyebrow Lady Hedda turned back to Hermione and said, "That scoundrel
has taken you on as magical guardian? Well, there's a turn for the
grimoires."
Hermione grinned back and said, "He just needed a flea bath and a good
brushing."
That had Hedda look back in surprise for a moment before she gave a
short high pitch tinkling laugh. "How apt!" she exclaimed.
While the Ogdens gave a public façade of being slightly snooty, Harry
could see that it was just that... a façade. He could see that Hermione had
also determined that.
After chatting for a while, he floo-called Headmistress Lady Marchbanks
and asked to stop by.
She was happy to receive visitors for a few moments. And, once they
were there, happy to confirm the two teens would return to Hogwarts on
the Tuesday morning after the third of January.
The two, still with their auror detail, were back at the Grangers' less than
two hours after they left. Harry had expected it would take much longer.
However, as it was Christmas Day, everyone had visitors coming and
going, as well as paying short visits to others.
It was the norm for the day. Harry would learn later that Christmas Day
was a day in the FNA when all staff were required to put in at least three
hours work monitoring the network for problems. All new staff, that is,
since all but one of the previous had been fired. However, they were also
paid at triple the normal hourly rate for their time; so, there were few
complaints. Those who used the floo network were also charged at triple
the rate. Even later Harry couldn't figure out how, since the only real
charges they were paying were for the floo powder; the use of which
required a fee per 'bag' paid directly to the FNA.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
The rest of the day was planned to be spent quietly at the Granger
residence. Sirius was also spending most of the day there, but also let the
two teens know Remus would be over after lunch to pay a visit.
With a frown of puzzlement, Hermione asked, "What's he doing with the
rest of the day? He has family?"
"Errr... no," replied Sirius.
Hermione quickly glanced to her parents before Monica said, "If you can
contact him right now, tell him to come over now. That way he can have
lunch with us and spend the afternoon here."
Before Sirius or the two teens could say anything, Wendell looked to
Hermione and explained, "Your Uncle Robert rang me on my cell phone
to wish us a Merry Christmas, found out we're not spending it at your
Grandma's place and practically demanded we come and pay him and his
family a visit."
Smoothly, Monica took up the explanation, "It'll just be your father and I.
We told him you had plans to visit your own friends this afternoon and it
would be rude to cancel them, especially today."
Sirius did just that and Moony enjoyed lunch with them. After that, the
Granger parents left by car, leaving the two marauders to 'babysit'.
Of course, that was all the excuse Sirius needed to tell the two stories
about their times at Hogwarts and later. At first, Moony was reticent to
share and spent some of the first hour trying to get Sirius to slow down,
or even not release details he thought the two teens, especially Harry,
shouldn't know. However, within two hours even he was enthusiastically
telling the two teens stories or supplying more information to Sirius's
stories from his perspective.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Boxing Day was starting off as planned, a day to wind down from the
excitement of the previous day, Christmas Day. However, it did not
remain that way for very long.
About an hour before lunch Dobby popped in beside Harry and popped a
letter on to the table alongside his left hand.
"A letter from the twin Weazies, Master Harry," he said before popping
away again.
Frowning, Harry quickly scanned the note but didn't detect anything on
the parchment. 'Well,' he thought, 'It seems those two can learn from
their mistakes.'
Opening the letter he used the charm Marchbanks had taught him and
Hermione a few days ago that smoothed it all out.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
By late morning at The Burrow, Fred and George had definitely had
enough of the atmosphere within the home. Both Ginny and Ron were
still moping about the discovery of the betrothal between Harry and
Hermione and their mother was still up in her wand about how 'the poor
boy' was coping with all that had happened to him. Ron was supposed to
be packing to move that evening to 'Aunt Muriel's', while Ginny was stuck
in the kitchen with her mother learning how to be a 'witch of the house'.
Bill and Charlie were home for Christmas and, by mid morning, Bill at
least had had enough. He used the excuse he needed to 'attend to
something' at work in Gringotts before he took off with Charlie in tow.
He claimed both would be back for lunch, but not precisely when. Arthur
had disappeared out to his workshop almost immediately after lunch and
Percy rarely left his room.
Eventually, even George and Fred had had enough of the tenseness and
had retreated to their room. There, they quickly decided to write to
Harry and beg him to pay a visit. If anything, it would at least provide
entertainment.
~ # ~
Lord Harrikins,
HELP!
You need to come and save us from Mum! She's going all crazy-like over how
you must be getting on, what with everything that's come to light about what
Dumbledore did to you. You know how she worries and frets about you.
We just think she needs to see you to know you're actually alright. That way
she'll stop fretting so much.
Please come visit.
Gred and Forge
P.S. Bring Hermione. She's worrying about her too.
P.P.S. Watch out for Ronnikins. He seems to think Hermione was going to be
his girlfriend and is pretty pissed she won't be.
~ # ~
"Now, how do we get it to Harry?" asked Fred. "Ron will want to know
who we're writing to if we ask to borrow Pig, Pinhead won't let us use
Hermes because he's working that bird hard writing to his... girlfriend...
and Errol is likely to die of exhaustion before he's even halfway there."
Cutting in, George replied, "We send it the same way he's been sending
letters to us, of course, my dimwitted sibling."
"Oh, bravo; my uglier brother," said Fred. "Now, all we have to do is
remember the name of that crazy house elf that Harrikins now has."
George frowned in thought, quickly joined by an identical expression on
his brother's face. "Hobby?... Doggy?... Hoggy?..."
"No, my forgetful brother, it's Bobby!..." When no elf turned up he tried,
"Doddy?... Toddy?... Tobby?... Dob―"
With a snap of his fingers, George exclaimed, "Ah ha!... Dobby!"
A moment later Dobby popped in and immediately asked, "What cans
Dobby be doings for the Great Master Harry Potter, Sir's, Red Hair Devil
Twins?"
"Eureka!" declared both.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Setting aside the book he was reading on Ancient Runes, something he
finally admitted to Hermione he'd already been studying, Harry picked
up the letter and hunted down his betrothed. She was sitting in the
parlour on one of the couches with her legs tucked up while also reading.
"Hey, you," he called.
Surprisingly, she responded on the first call. Usually, at Hogwarts, he'd
had to try three or four times before he finally got her attention.
"Yes, Harry?" she asked, looking up.
Silently he just handed her the letter, then asked, "What do you think?"
After reading it, she frowned and replied, "I suppose we could go visit
them. It is, after all, one of the things you said you'd do before we got
back to Hogwarts."
Nodding, he replied, "My thoughts, too. I'm just worried about the
reaction from Ron."
"And Ginny," she added. "Still... if they do react, it's probably better it
happens at The Burrow, rather than in the Great Hall at Hogwarts."
"Good point," he replied. "At least there, I won't be put into a position I'll
have to take 'official' action. I really don't want to have to challenge Ron
to an Honour Duel."
Hermione shook her head and said, "I was thinking along the lines their
mother will also be there. I'm more hoping she'll stomp on any bad
behaviour that arises from either of them as it happens."
"Hmmm..." he nodded. "I see your point."
"So," she said. "Do we floo call them?"
Harry thought for a few moments before he gave a firm nod and said,
"We do."
After getting the okay from Hermione's parents, the two informed their
auror guard they'd be floo-calling the Weasleys to ensure it was alright
for them to visit. They'd contact them after lunch.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
39. The Alliance Meets
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!
A/N: A lot of people were upset I didn't 'punish' the Dursleys back in Chapter
10. I did not mention it then, but I've since gone back and added the line for
why. Harry intends to deal with them and their punishment, himself; after he
completes his schooling. It was an easy 'fix' I was already 'iffy' about at the
time.
Chapter Thirty Nine - The Alliance Meets
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Molly Weasley was in the kitchen clearing away the dishes from lunch
when the floo chimed the sound of an incoming floo-call.
Wiping her hands of soap suds she hurried to the floo to see who was
calling. Hurrying into the lounge she saw the face of someone she was
very relieved to see appeared quite healthy and happy dancing in the
green flames.
"Harry, dear!" she exclaimed. "Step through, right this minute! You know
you don't need to call first."
"Hello, Missus Weasley," he replied. "I'll do that. But, first, I need to make
sure it's alright with you if my auror guard and Hermione can also come
through."
"Auror guard?" she asked.
"Ummm... Yeah," he replied. "Madam Bones kind of insisted."
"You won't need them here, dear," she said.
"Not my choice, Missus Weasley," he firmly replied. "I had to kind of
promise they'd come with me if I went anywhere. They're worried about
what Dumbledore might try if I'm out from under the wards on the
Grangers' place."
With a disappointed sigh, she said, "There's really no need, as Bill has
adjusted our wards to stop that old man getting into here. However...
very well, dear. Give me a few moments to open the floo and you can all
step through."
Harry gave a nod and said, "Thank you." Then his head withdrew.
Molly removed the locks on the floo as soon as Harry's face had
disappeared.
Then, while she was waiting, she sent a messenger Patronus out to Arthur
and her two eldest, who were in his shed supposedly working on who-
know's-what, to let him know Harry and Hermione were about to visit.
She knew, however, they were probably drinking.
Seconds later, the floo flared green again and the first auror stepped out
with her wand drawn. She immediately cast detection charms about the
place as Harry then stepped out... and immediately fell over onto the rug.
Then Hermione stepped out with a second auror on her heels.
The auror looked to Molly and asked, "I detect seven wizards and two
witches, plus a ghoul, on the property, Ma'am. Does that agree with your
knowledge?"
"Errr... yes," Molly replied, as she watched Harry start to climb to his feet.
"My husband, myself and our seven."
"Thank you," nodded the auror.
As Harry regained his feet the first auror banished the soot off his clothes
as Molly stepped forward to envelop him in a hug.
"Harry, dear!" she exclaimed, trying to hug the stuffing out of him.
As she was doing so, and Harry was practically gasping for air, Arthur
and the two eldest walked in.
"Harr... I mean, Lord Potter!" he happily declared on spotting Harry.
His gaze passed over the two aurors before alighting on Hermione, who'd
suddenly found herself yanked into a three-way hug, with Harry, by his
wife. Both aurors were silently moving out and away, with one going into
the kitchen with the other remaining nearby.
"And, Miss Granger, too, I see," he grinned.
"Air!" Harry gasped. "Need air!"
Just as the second auror frowned and raised his wand, Arthur firmly
ordered, "Molly! Let the young man go! Can't you see he's having trouble
breathing?"
Molly immediately released her grip on the two teens and jumped back
as if in fright. It caused both to slightly stagger.
"Oh, dear!" she exclaimed. "I didn't hurt you, did I?"
"We'll be alright," gasped Hermione. "Just... give us a moment to get air
back into our lungs."
"Woah!" said Harry, from where he was bent over with his hands on his
thighs. "I'd forgotten you have too strong a tendency to do that, Missus
Weasley."
Standing up, he looked more firmly at her and said, "However, I must ask
you not to do that in future. It's just not right."
With a knee-jerk reaction to scoff back, Molly was able to choke it down
due to finally taking a good look at Harry's new build. She could also see
that both teens were wearing well-fitted upmarket wizarding casual. It
looked good on them both.
"You've grown, Harry dear!" she happily declared.
"Yes," he replied. "Not being forced to spend my time away from the
castle at the abusive hands of my relatives... and through the efforts of
my cousin, Andromeda Tonks, catching up with me and immediately
putting me on a regimen of potions... I've been able to recover a great
deal from the damage caused by the neglect and malnutrition I suffered
of and from their hands.
"From that, I've grown about seven inches and put on about two and a
half stone of weight. Health-wise, I'm now at, height and weight, what I
should have been; and will be from now on. I'm currently brushing six
foot tall and weigh in at just over eleven and three quarters stone - about
one sixty five pounds, or seventy five kilos."
As Harry was finishing his explanation he was also shaking hands with
Bill and Charlie, who'd stepped forward to shake his hand and tentatively
give Hermione a quick hug. Hearing footsteps above, he stepped back to
near the fireplace to where he could look up the stairwell and saw the
twins looking down over the balcony from their floor.
Both immediately grinned, as did he, and they twin-cried, "Harrikins!"
before they came charging down the stairs.
As he was turning back to look at Arthur, Harry saw the man was quietly
but firmly 'reminding' his wife that 'Harry dear' was now properly called
'Lord Potter'. Molly just gave a gesture as if flicking him away and turned
away from him. Arthur seemed frustrated.
Harry thought he'd give the man a hand.
Looking to Arthur as he heard the twins thump down the stairs, he said,
"Thank you for recognising I'm titled, Mister Weasley. It's very much
appreciated."
"You're welcome, Lord Potter," Arthur immediately replied. "But, there
should be no reason to thank me for doing what is right."
Before Harry could respond, the two twins rounded the bottom banister
of the stairs, charged up to him as if racing each other and scooped him
up in a three-way hug.
"Harrikins!" they both happily declared before they immediately dropped
him back onto his feet and stepped back. "Or, rather―" said the first.
"Perhaps it would be better―" said the second. "If we addressed you as―"
said the first. "Lord Potter!" they both exclaimed in stereo before dipping
into matching courtly bows.
Harry chuckled at their antics and said, "Well, on first meeting me for the
day, it's Lord Potter. However, after that first greeting and when in
private, I give you leave to call me Harry."
Harry heard Molly give a slight scoff so he turned back to her. "Is there a
problem, Missus Weasley?"
While Harry could see Arthur trying to surreptitiously wave her off,
Molly ignored him and said, "Surely you don't mean that, Harry dear."
While giving her a direct look he immediately and firmly replied, "I'm
afraid I do and I'm afraid I must insist, Missus Weasley. I do not just
represent myself, any more. I now represent, as Lord, the Noble and Most
Ancient House of Potter; as Heir Tertiary, the Noble and Most Ancient
House of Black; and, as a founding partner House, the Potter-Longbottom
Alliance. I have to behave and be treated, accordingly. If I don't, people
are just going to treat me like a little kid. I'm not and, really, never have
been. As well as now holding my Lordship I'm an of-age wizard, which
makes me an adult in the eyes of the law."
Molly gave a little huff, but finally gave a single nod of acceptance.
However, it was clear she didn't like it.
Hermione, recognising the situation had become a little uncomfortable,
asked Arthur, "Where's everyone else?"
Clearly pleased and relieved by the question, Arthur replied, "Ron and
Ginny are out at the Quidditch pitch and Percy's probably up in his room
either doing homework or writing to his girlfriend."
Molly sniffed and haughtily said, "Ronald should be in his room packing
for his move to his Aunt Muriel's later this afternoon."
Neither teen commented on the remark. However, both knew 'Aunt
Muriel' to be the family etiquette instructor.
Harry thought, 'If Molly hadn't been so lax in how she behaved regarding
the noble Houses, she might not have passed that bad habit onto Ron.'
"I'll just duck out and call our two youngest in," said Arthur, already
heading out the back.
As he did so, Molly tried to shepherd the two teens into the kitchen.
"If you're on nutrient potions," she declared, "You'll be needing to eat.
Come in and sit at the table while I whip you something up."
"No need, Missus Weasley," Harry disagreed. "Both of us ate quite well
before we came over."
"Harry's a good cook," said Hermione. "Together with Dobby's efforts, we
all eat very well."
Turning back, Molly looked to Harry and asked, "You cook?"
"Yep," he grinned.
"Very well," added Hermione. "There's now quite a few people who are
practically begging to come over for a meal whenever Harry's cooking."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
While Molly was still trying to herd the two teens into the kitchen
Arthur, from where he was standing just a little way away from the back
of the house, finally had the attention of his two youngest and indicated
for the both of them to join him.
When they did, he had a stern expression on his face and firmly said,
"Lord Potter and his betrothed, Miss Granger, have just come to visit. I
want you two to be on your best behaviour and come inside.
"But, before you do, I'll remind you that the Harry Potter you thought
you knew... was not the real Harry Potter. That was all an act to protect
himself from Dumbledore. He no longer needs to act like that, now; so,
he doesn't."
When he could see that both gave the impression they understood, he
gave a nod and said, "Good. When you're ready, come inside."
As Arthur walked back in, Ginny immediately turned to Ron and said, "If
you wanted any hope of not going to Aunt Muriel's this afternoon, now's
your last chance. Mess this up and I won't be seeing you again until we're
on the train to Hogwarts."
Without waiting for Ron to respond, she braced herself up, turned away
from him and walked inside.
Ron thought about it for a few moments before he muttered to himself, "I
can do this."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Harry and Hermione were sitting at the kitchen table, side-by-side, when
Ginny came in. She had a big smile on her face; but, both could tell that
happiness was not reflected in her eyes.
She practically skipped across the floor as both teens stood and she
wrapped Hermione in a hug before turning and doing the same to Harry.
"I suppose I should be congratulating you two," she said. "Fred and
George read their letter you sent them about your betrothal."
'I suppose I should be congratulating you two?' thought Hermione, as
Harry replied, "Thank you, Ginny. We appreciate that."
Hermione immediately added, "Harry and I finally realised just how
much we loved one another and decided to do something about it."
"We'd have probably figured that out sooner, if it wasn't for Hermione
being potioned by Dumbledore," Harry almost growled.
Hermione was quick to say, "Water under the bridge, Love. He's in no
position to do that to either of us again; and we're now aware of the risk
of that happening in future and will be alert for it for now on."
"Potioned?" asked Molly, as Ron walked in through the back door.
As both teens turned to look at him, Ron's expression flickered only a
moment on annoyance before it relaxed into a smile.
Hermione greeted him, "Hello, Ronald. Have a good Christmas?"
Harry didn't say a word. He just stared at the boy.
Ron, clearly uncomfortable from Harry's staring at him, ignored him and
mumbled to Hermione. "Yeah. I did."
When he didn't say anything else, Arthur looked ready to say something
to him when he finally turned his attention to Harry. "Harry," he
mumbled.
Harry just cocked an eyebrow, raised his hand with the Potter ring on it
and asked, "Have you forgotten you are to address me as Lord Potter until
given leave to do otherwise?"
When the boy turned red and appeared about to say something snotty,
they all heard a 'Dong!'.
As both teens started to turn to the sound, Ron suddenly and rapidly
blurted, "My apologies, Lord Potter."
'Ding.'
Harry looked back, paused a long moment and said, "Apology accepted,
Mister Weasley. However, know this: I do not like you. I find you to be
greedy, indolent and a bigot. I was also quite angry to discover you were
pretending to be my friend, while at the same time being paid by Albus
Dumbledore to stay close to me.
"Furthermore, your brother, Charlie... Heir Secondary of your House...
gave you specific instructions you were to warn me I would be facing
nesting mother dragons in the First Task. He informed you of that at least
a week before the Task. You did not do that. As the Task was designed for
young witches and wizards who were at least of-age and I was only just
starting my Fourth Year, meant you had to have believed I was, as your
family clock over there would state if a hand for me was on it, in mortal
peril.
"That means, Mister Weasley, through your deliberate actions you placed
the last remaining member of the Noble and Most Ancient House of
Potter in mortal peril. Effectively, you... deliberately and with
forethought... engineered a situation where you attempted to end the line
of one of the Seven through deliberate inaction. And that, Mister Weasley,
irrespective of your age, if you had succeeded would have meant the Veil
for you."
"Oh... dear!" exclaimed Missus Weasley. None of the other Weasleys
moved a jot. It was almost as if they were holding their breaths in fear.
"From now on you are to keep your distance from me. From now on you
are to be aware that angering me can get you seriously hurt.
"Furthermore, I also inform you that Hermione, as my betrothed, has
been directed not to do your homework for you, any more. Your
homework is yours to do. You may ask for help. However, if she says no;
or otherwise stops that assistance, you will respect her decision and not
press her.
"Is what I have told you, understood?"
Ron, though he looked grumpy and annoyed, eventually replied, "Yes...
Lord Potter."
Harry gave a nod and said, "Thank you."
Missus Weasley piped up and, in a chiding voice, asked, "Harry dear, is
that really necessary?"
Snapping his head to stare at her with a flat expression, he replied with a
simple clipped, "Yes, Madam Weasley."
With a dropping of her eyes she gave a pained sigh and silently nodded.
When he saw she accepted that, he gave a sigh himself and turned back
to Arthur. He added, "I do not wish to be put into the position where I
have to act to protect my House or the Alliance to which I co-Head,
Mister Weasley. However, if I am, I will act; no matter how much I might
hate to do so."
Arthur replied, "Understood, Lord Potter. Ronald will be leaving this
afternoon to spend time with the family etiquette instructor."
Harry gave a nod and said, "I hope it helps. If not me then, sooner or
later, he's going to engage his mouth before his brain... as is he usual
behaviour... let his jealousy and anger cloud his judgement, offend the
wrong person and get himself killed."
Then, turning to others, he let the tension he was feeling drain away and
said, "Sorry about that, but I truly hope you understand it needed to be
said."
A long moment later, Hermione asked, "So, how was everyone else's
Christmas?"
As a collective sigh of relief went through the rest of the Weasleys and
they began to respond, Ron quietly left the kitchen and went up to his
room. It was obvious he would not escape going to his Aunt Muriel's,
after all. That damned clock and Potter's accusations sealed it.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
The two teens ended up spending longer at the Burrow than they
intended. But, Harry was pleased to see almost all the Weasleys had
again relaxed once they realised Harry was only angry at Ron.
While it was clear Ginny was upset Harry and Hermione were betrothed,
she at least did not act appallingly about it. Instead, she held her own
counsel and tried to make the most of it.
While Harry was talking about some of the things he and Hermione had
gotten up to over the past month, Hermione had kept a close eye on her
to ensure the girl didn't try anything.
Ron never put in another appearance. Instead, he stayed in his room.
Percy, however, came down for a little while.
"Lord Potter," he said, as soon as he got a lull in the conversation. "I...
find myself having to apologise to you for what role I played in what has
happened to you since you re-entered our world. I'm sorry."
Harry immediately replied, "Apology accepted, Percy. Just... try to think
things through, in future. You need to realise and accept that those in
authority aren't always right or in the right."
Percy seemed to think about that for a moment, before he finally gave a
curt nod back and said, "Understood. And, thank you for understanding
and accepting my apology."
"You're welcome," he smiled. "Now, your father has told me you're doing
well at the Ministry, these days. But, what I want to know is; how goes
things with your efforts in wooing Miss Clearwater?"
Percy gaped at him like a fish in shock for a moment before he suddenly
blushed and replied, "A... work in progress."
Harry chuckled and said, "Then I wish you good luck with that. She'd be
a good catch."
Again, Percy blushed and mumbled, "Thank you."
"A suggestion only: As Penny is the only Heir of Charlus Clearwater, who
is the only Heir of Lord Basil Clearwater, you may want to consider the
idea of offering to accept her surname as your own if you progress to a
Betrothal Agreement. It should go a long way to Lord Clearwater
accepting you, so the Noble and Most Ancient House of Clearwater has
Line Continuation. As I understand, you would encounter difficulties in
accumulating sufficient gold to meet any bride price Lord Clearwater
might otherwise demand."
Molly gave a light scoff and said, "I don't think there's a need to do that."
Turning his attention to her, Harry said, "I have little doubt Penny will
only be allowed to wed if there's both a Contract and Line Continuation
clauses involved. I'm aware you think little of such necessities, Madam
Weasley; but, I can assure you that Lord Clearwater thinks the opposite.
"It's up to Percy and Arthur to decide if he's willing to offer such. If he
loves her as much as I believe he does, it won't be a hardship for him."
Before Molly got all up in her wand about it again, Percy said, "That is a
brilliant idea, Lord Potter. Thank you, very much. You've given me much
to think about."
"You're welcome," Harry nodded.
Percy then turned to his mother and said, "I'm only Heir Tertiary, Mum.
I'm the back up of a back up. Besides, there are three more sons after me
who can easily fill that role."
Molly was clearly miffed to hear that, but couldn't disagree. She decided
it would be something she'd talk to both her husband and third son about
after Harry and Hermione left.
A few moments later, Percy left again to return upstairs, claiming he had
a letter to write.
A half hour later, when the two then noticed Molly had left and was back
working in the kitchen, the two realised it was time to return to the
Grangers.
They gave their thanks for allowing them to visit and soon flooed back to
Wimbledon.
Once they were gone, Percy came back downstairs and said to his father,
"He's right, you now."
His father immediately asked, "You'd be willing to forgo the name
'Weasley'?"
"For Penny? Yes," his third immediately replied.
Bill chuckled and said, "You've got it... bad."
With a slight blush at his oldest brother's words, he turned to his mother,
who had turned back to look at him, "I'd still be your son, Mum. Just a
son of a different surname."
That had Molly happier.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Back in the Granger residence, they were quick to see if the adult
Grangers had returned - they had - and let them know they were safely
back.
"Any problems?" asked Wendell.
"A few uncomfortable moments," replied Hermione. "But, we were
quickly past them."
"Oh?" he asked.
Harry replied, "One was Ron Weasley. Apparently, he was leaving today
to spend the rest of his time before the third of January at the home of
the family etiquette instructor. When I spoke to the twins about it a while
ago, they told me the woman, their Great Aunt on their mother's side, is a
real dragon. Ron will not be having a pleasant time of it."
"Why's he being sent there?" asked Monica.
"Because his behaviour, whenever my name has come up since everyone
went home after the first task, has led to their family danger alert device
showing Ron's indicator moving to 'In Danger' from 'At Home'. They fear
that means if Ron doesn't change his ways, I'm going to have to take
action against him. They're right; I would."
"To what level?" asked Wendell.
"Honour duel," he immediately replied. "But, that also doesn't mean I
wouldn't raise wand to him on the spot if he tried something on
Hermione and I had to step in to stop it."
Hermione added, "Another was Molly seemed reticent to address Harry
by his title on first meeting. She's not used to doing something like that."
"I had to come down a little hard on her," said Harry, a little sadly.
"Molly doesn't abide by the traditions of the wizarding world. It's also
clear Ron's attitude has a lot to do with her attitude. His hatred of
Slytherins, in general; his blatant defiance of holding his tongue when he
should; his general behaviour; they all come from her direct influence."
"That's unsurprising," nodded Wendell.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After breakfast the next morning, Harry quickly took the floo over to
Longbottom Hall to clarify a few matters regarding the meeting of the
Alliance that would be held after lunch.
Once he was back he sat down with Hermione to talk about it.
"Dress will be business attire with House crests, Hermione," he explained.
"We floo over at 1.30pm and the actual meeting starts at 2.00pm."
Hermione frowned and asked, "Why so early?"
"Because, we have to be there as all the other guests arrive, to greet
them," he replied. "Plus, Alice wants to talk to you, beforehand, about
your role in all this.
"The guests actually arrive in quick succession, thirty seconds apart, from
1.50pm until there's only a couple of minutes to go. They start with the
Magical Houses of Fanwater, Puvingson and Shakedale; then the Elder
Houses of Bardhall, Bancroft, Dallyhatch, Sibbledotch and Stebbins; then
the Ancient Houses of Abbott and Davis; and finally the Noble and
Ancient Houses of Greengrass, Bones, Marchbanks and Ogden.
"I need to stand with Frank near the floo in their welcoming hall as they
all arrive to greet them. Neville will be there, too, as escort to escort
them to the meeting room as they arrive. For your information, the
meeting of the Heads will be in their formal dining room, while the
ladies will be congregating in the informal dining room, or breakfast
room, alongside their kitchen."
Hermione nodded and asked, "What about the heirs?"
Pleased at the question, Harry smiled and replied, "The Heir Primaries
will be in the meeting, but sitting in a chair behind their Heads and away
from the table. That's so they can learn what's going on for when it's their
time as a Head.
"The others, if there are others, won't be required to attend. However, if
they do, I'm not sure. As far as I'm aware there's only two that are
possible attendees; and those are Tracey Davis and Astoria Greengrass. I
suspect they'll be with you with the spouses."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After an early lunch, Monica practically dragged a reluctant Hermione up
to the master bedroom to help the girl get ready for the meeting.
"But, Mu-um," Hermione whined, as she was being dragged from the
room. "I just need to throw on a wizarding robe!"
"No, dear," her mother disagreed. "This is an important function for Harry
and the two Houses you are or will represent. You'll need to look your
best. And that means taking time to gussy-up."
They were followed up by the female auror who was on their detail that
day.
Harry watched them go and snickered in amusement.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
With a little under five minutes to go until they had to floo over to
Longbottom Hall, Monica finally led Hermione down to the main floor.
Harry took one look at her and thought dirty thoughts. He immediately
blushed. "W-wow!" he managed to stammer out.
Harry barely heard Monica say, "See? Told you." As Hermione blushed at
Harry's frank appraisal of her.
Finally getting some semblance of control over himself, Harry said, "The
other wives are going to turn green with envy." He never noticed his
voice almost breaking as he said it.
'Other wives?' Hermione immediately thought. So, too, did Monica. It led
the older woman to outright grin at the boy while Hermione's blush
deepened. Harry never noticed Monica's expression, as his eyes were on
Hermione or otherwise looking away in embarrassment.
Giving her throat a little clear to try and get the two teens to snap out of
it, Monica said, "I think it's time you two made your way down to the
Doghouse." Even she was now calling it that.
It was enough for both teens. However, as Hermione was about to turn
away to head for the back door, Harry stepped forward and placed a kiss
on her cheek. Then he quietly and heart-feltingly said, "I meant what I
said. They're going to be jealous of you."
When Harry turned away it was to see the female auror out next to the
door to the back hallway smirking at him. Her eyes were even twinkling
in amusement.
He had the urge to poke his tongue out at her like a child, but managed
to restrain himself.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Right on time, the Longbottom's floo activated.
As they stood waiting in the welcoming hall about twenty feet away from
the fireplace, Frank muttered, "Here come the Potter's et al."
First out was the first auror, who immediately ducked off to the side and
checked to ensure there was enough room for Harry to make his...
entrance. Even the aurors knew about it, now.
A few seconds later, Harry almost flew out of the fireplace and managed
to again skid on his knees and toes across the marble. As soon as he
stopped he popped to his feet and grinned at the Longbottoms. Alice even
mimicked clapping her hands while grinning at him.
As he was doing so, the auror cleared him of soot and moved back
towards the fireplace.
Then out came Hermione, who the auror also immediately cleared of
soot.
As the two teens moved over to the Longbottoms with wide grins, the
Longbottoms grinned back as Frank stepped forward to shake Harry's
hand before stepping across to hug Hermione.
As he pulled back he turned to Harry and said, "Much better entrance."
Harry, still grinning, gave a shrug and replied, "At least, this time, I didn't
end up on my back and knocking an auror down."
That was as far as he got before he was drawn into a hug by Alice.
"Definitely better, young Harry."
After Alice hugged Hermione, Hermione then walked over and hugged a
suddenly shocked Neville, who looked a little fearfully at Harry. Harry
just grinned at him.
After separating from Hermione with a blush, Neville stepped over
towards Frank while Alice hooked her arm into Hermione's and said,
"Come, my dear. Us ladies have much to talk about.
That seemed to be a signal for Frank, who said to Harry, "Come into the
dining room and I'll show you where everyone's to sit."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Shown into the dining room that was acting as meeting room for the
Alliance, Frank indicated the seating arrangement.
"I sit at this end," he said, pointing to the chair where the Head of House
sat. "And, you sit at that end." And pointed to the chair at the other end
of the table.
"Sitting at my right and left hands, respectively, are Miles Ogden and
Griselda Marchbanks. Sitting at your right and left hands, respectively,
are Samuel Greengrass and Amelia Bones.
"Next to Miles will be Newton Bancroft and next to Griselda will be
Heathcliff Davis.
"Next to Samuel will be Tyler Stebbins and next to Amelia will be Eugene
Abbott.
"The three in the middle, each side, are Angus Sibbledotch, Gene
Dallyhatch and Fred Bardhall; and Molly Fanwater, Phinneas Puvingson
and Hugh Shakedale.
"That means we will have full attendance. Which is actually a very good
thing, considering there hasn't been a meeting of the Alliance for over ten
years."
"What about Heirs?" asked Harry, looking for the chairs.
"As far as I know, all will be attending," replied Frank. "Except, that is,
yours."
"And I intend to keep it that way," said Harry. "The man is my named
Heir, but I don't want him to know that unless I happen to die without
progeny of my own. Besides, he lives in America."
"That's your choice, Harry," agreed Frank.
He then moved over to where he'd be sitting and tapped one of the
documents he had there. "I've also taken the step of writing up an agenda
for the meeting. However, it's not chiselled in stone. I wrote it just to be a
guideline."
"You're chairing the meeting?" asked Harry. "I ask, because I really don't
want to do it."
"Yes, I will," smiled Frank. "However you need to pay attention as, when
you host one at Pottermore, you'll be expected to Chair it."
He then hesitated for a moment before he looked to Neville and said,
"Neville; I need to speak privately with Lord Potter for a moment."
Neville immediately gave a short bow and said, "Of course, My Lord."
Gave a slightly shorter bow to Harry, walked out of the room and pulled
the door shut behind him.
Once the door was closed, Frank turned back to Harry and said, "I'll be
blunt. What can you tell me of the relationship between Neville and
young Miss Abbott?"
"Ah!" said Harry. "Neville's told you, has he?"
Frank gave a slight snort of amusement and replied, "He tried. But, he
kept getting tongue-tied and blushed so badly I thought he was going to
pass out from blood loss."
Harry gave a snicker of amusement, indicated the chairs and said, "This
may take a few minutes, at least. Shall we?"
Once Frank was sitting in 'his' chair and Harry was sitting in the chair
that kitty-cornered and would be Miles Ogden's once the meeting began,
Harry started to explain.
"Neville and Hannah are mutually attracted to one another," he said. "It
was so obvious that even Pauline Abbott saw it within moments of the
two seeing each other, when Neville accompanied me around to
introduce Hermione.
"However, what I doubt Neville knows, but I saw, was that young Susan
Bones also has her sights set on him. However and as you'd know, Susan
has line continuance issues.
"Now, from the body language of Hannah and Susan around Neville, it
was apparent to me that those two devious little Hufflepuffs have plans
that involve your boy. And it wasn't that hard to figure it out.
"It appears to me that Hannah plans on becoming the next Lady
Longbottom with Susan, due to her needing that Line Continuance
condition, becoming the Longbottom Concubine to Neville. However, it
was also obvious that Neville doesn't realise that's going on.
"After we left and returned to Hermione's place for lunch, I had to pretty
much verbally beat him about the head to get him to realise Hannah
liked him as much as he likes her. I didn't want to give him a heart attack
by telling him Susan has her sights set on him, too.
"While in his heart beats a true lion, in his head cowers a scared little boy
who was continuously told he would never be able to compare
favourably with his father. I've spent what time I could, over the past
three plus years, excising that little boy from his head and replacing it
with the lion that also resides in his heart.
"If you decide to negotiate a Betrothal Agreement with Abbott and a
Concubine Bond Agreement with Madam Bones, you need to make
Neville aware of that quite carefully. In my opinion, though, both girls
would be good for him."
Frank was smiling and nodding away as Harry was talking. When Harry
wound down, he said, "I was somewhat aware of young Hannah - and,
thank you for telling him to talk to me about her - but I was completely
unaware of young Susan. However, what you've told me makes a lot of
sense."
Then he smirked and turned to Harry with quite the devious expression.
"As you seem to be trying to guide me into negotiating a Concubine Bond
Agreement for my son, what about one for you?"
Harry sat back and sighed before he said, "My betrothal to Hermione is a
small problem with that. I don't know if you're aware of it or not, but
muggles don't have those sort of arrangements. They believe each man
should only have one wife... and definitely no concubines. They see it as
adultery.
"I have talked to Hermione about it, but I've also told her I would not
enter into one without her prior approval.
"She asked me if there was any witch for whom I'd be prepared to enter
into one and told her Daphne Greengrass and Luna Lovegood were two
possibles. And explained why."
Frank immediately said, "Greengrass, because the House of Greengrass is
an allianced House; and Lovegood, because the Ancient House of
Lovegood could make a worthwhile addition to the Alliance."
"Exactly," said Harry. "However, even if Lovegood did not want to join
the Alliance, I'd still consider her because she needs the protection the
House of Potter could offer her... at least, she did until Marchbanks
became Headmistress."
After discussing matters for a few minutes more, Neville knocked on the
door and stuck his head in. "My Lord; our other guests will begin
arriving, momentarily."
"Thank you, Neville," his father replied with a nod.
As Neville pulled his head back out and re-shut the door, Frank turned to
Harry and said, "Thank you, Harry. I appreciate what you've told me.
Again, you're proving yourself to be looking out for the best interests of
House Longbottom. Thank you."
"You're welcome," replied Harry, as both Lords rose from their chairs.
"But, I'll be honest, this is more 'Harry' looking out for the best interests
of 'Neville'. That it's also in the best interests of House Longbottom is just
the cherry on top of the cupcake."
Frank just smiled back as he opened the door to let them out.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Just before the guests started to arrive, Hermione and Alice rejoined the
'menfolk' in the welcoming Hall.
As soon as he saw her, Harry carefully checked her expression to see if
she was in any sort of distress - she wasn't. If anything, Hermione was
even more relaxed than when they first arrived.
When her eyes caught his she softly smiled and gave him a near-perfect
curtsey of a Lady acknowledging her husband Lord.
That surprised Harry; and the surprise must have been reflected in his
expression, because she suddenly and cheekily grinned back.
While that little silent communication was going on, Frank was directing
everyone to their 'places' to greet their incoming guests. Standing in a
line at about a forty-five degree angle from the fireplace, the order went
Frank, Alice, Harry and Hermione with Frank's end closest. Neville stood
a little apart and after Hermione. One of the aurors disillusioned
themselves and stood on the 'side' wall facing the welcoming party.
There was one last check with his eyes over everything and everyone
before Frank muttered, "Any moment now."
Almost before he could finish the short sentence, there was a soft whoosh
of flames and they turned green. A moment later, an elderly witch
stepped out of the flames and stepped forward - Molly Fanwater. She was
followed by her son, Hamilton.
As per protocol, Missus Fanwater - a widow of the last war - approached
the 'receiving line' at Frank's end.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
As the guests began arriving, Harry was keeping a close watch on how
they each reacted to the presence of Hermione in the receiving line,
while they seemed to be more focussed on him. He was surprised to see
there was absolutely no negativity directed towards her except from one
of the Heirs, Philip Bancroft of the Elder House of Bancroft. He'd keep a
close watch on him.
He was pleased, though, to see the very pointed look the young man was
given by his mother as they came off the line and Neville was about to
escort them away. That was one Heir, it was obvious, who was going to
get a tongue-lashing later.
Once the last guests arrived, Miles and Hedda Ogden, Harry breathed a
sigh of relief.
Alice heard and gave him a smile of understanding and reached over to
give his hand a squeeze of comfort.
"Alright," said Frank. "Let's do this."
As Alice accepted his elbow to be escorted to the dining room, Hermione
moved in to take Harry's. And the four walked to the dining room.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Just before the four reached the doors, both ladies separated and wished
their respective 'other halves' good luck. Frank and Harry entered as Alice
and Hermione headed for the informal dining room.
As they did, the light chatter that was occurring immediately quieted and
the people in the room moved to their chairs. Harry was pleased to see
that everyone had attended and all the known Heirs were attending and
moving to their 'assigned' seating.
He also noticed that Neville, while he was sitting behind and slightly off
to one side of his father, also had a Longbottom house elf bring him a lap
table. It was already loaded with documents, fresh parchment, ink and
quills. And it was apparent he would be taking notes.
The meeting opened and Frank decided that, since it had been so long
since the Alliance last formally met, they would forgo the reading of the
minutes of that meeting. No one disagreed.
He then quietly told the members he was somewhat disappointed in them
over their lack of action over the past thirteen years and expressed his
hope they'd be a lot more active from that point forward. No one gainsaid
him.
The first order of business was congratulating, from the Alliance, Lord
Ogden on attaining the role of Chief Warlock. He was clearly pleased at
the praise. But also said he could not ethically allow the Alliance undue
influence on his decision-making. That was expected.
Then came the formal advisement that House MacMillan had been
excommunicated from the Alliance due to the actions and words of the
Heir of the House, Ernest MacMillan. That had a few show they were
uncomfortable.
"Any questions or comments regarding that matter?" asked Frank.
Samuel Greengrass immediately said, "I have been approached by Lord
MacMillan, who asked of me I speak on his behalf when we all next met.
He wishes to offer private apology to Lord Potter regarding the behaviour
of his Heir, before then offering a public one.
"I said I would raise the matter so it was tabled, but not speak either for
or against."
Madam Bones piped in. "Lord Potter was in the right to boot House
MacMillan from the Alliance," she said. "I have discussed the matter at
length and in detail with my niece and, I have to say, if someone had
behaved as appallingly as Heir MacMillan behaved towards Lord Potter,
towards me, I might have taken even stronger action."
The elderly Tyler Stebbins of the Elder House of Stebbins, who had no
Heir, said, "Nevertheless, House MacMillan holds a seat on the
Wizengamot. His House represented only one of six... sorry, seven... seats
this Alliance has available to it - I'd forgotten about Amelia's seat as
Director.
"Secondly, young Ernest has always been a bit of a hothead. I'm rather
surprised he ended up in Hufflepuff, to be honest. I expected him to be
sorted into Gryffindor.
"As it was the under-aged Heir Secondary that offered offence, and not the
Lord of the House, I ask the matter of House MacMillan's
excommunication be reconsidered."
Frank immediately said, "That's entirely up to Lord Potter. Heir
MacMillan offended he, not the Alliance as a whole."
As everyone turned to Harry, he'd already been thinking about it, so was
quick to respond.
"Mister Stebbins's opinion of Ernest MacMillan's attitude is correct. The
boy is a hothead. However, I have also spent some time over the past
four weeks reconsidering the matter and my reactions to it."
He paused a few moments and continued. "Points for the re-admittance of
House MacMillan are such. One: Ernest MacMillan is a child who, from
what I've seen, has an elevated sense of his own entitlement. The past
four weeks should have taught him the error of that. Two: I was angry, at
the time, over the behaviour of the whole school towards me, not just
Heir MacMillan's. And I can see I let my own temper somewhat unfairly
dictate terms. Three: Heir MacMillan is just that; the Heir Secondary. He
is not the Lord of the House, let alone Heir Primary. Four: I could just
have easily made the same decision regarding, except for Neville
Longbottom, the behaviour of the other Heirs who currently attend
Hogwarts. He just happened to be the one who said the wrong thing at
the wrong time.
"Points Against are such. One: He is fourteen years old and should have a
logical understanding of his responsibilities to his House. So, he cannot
claim he didn't know what he was doing or should have done. Two: His
actions against me were not reactive, like the other Heirs; but proactive.
That is, he did not go along with the general consensus, at the time; he
actively even led that behaviour. Three: He has had four weeks in which
to offer apology off his own back and has not yet even attempted to do
so; nor has the Lord of his House. I do not expect to have to ask for an
apology for an apology to be offered. It should have been immediately
offered... or as soon as available... and wasn't."
He gave the members time to absorb that information before he finally
said, "I acknowledge the past four weeks have been... earth shaking... for
the magical community of wizarding Britain. And, as such, peoples'
minds have been on other matters. However, Heir Secondary MacMillan
should still have been of sound enough mind to offer apology.
"My decision is this: If Heir MacMillan... not Lord MacMillan, on his
behalf... publicly offers apology without expectation it would be accepted,
then I believe we can revisit the re-admittance of House MacMillan to the
Alliance at our next meeting."
As he was speaking, Harry was carefully watching the expressions of
those around him. He was pleased to see they all listened carefully to
what he had to say and were willing to hear him out.
After a few moments Samuel Greengrass said, "I like it. It puts the onus
on House MacMillan to act before the Alliance will react."
That had the others all agreeing, with Frank offering Harry a smile that
he could see showed Frank was pleased with him for his words.
Next came a discussion on whether they would support, as a whole, a
single candidate for the position of Minister. Harry didn't have a view on
that, so remained silent.
It was decided they would support a known and long-time member of the
Unaligned faction, Lady Jacinta Cauldwell of the Noble and Ancient
House of Ashwater. Ashwater was one of the few noble Houses that had
passed on to another family through the marrying of a daughter of the
House to another without a Line Continuation clause via contract,
Cauldwell.
After that, a few other points were raised such as recent births, deaths
and marriages within the member Houses, younger Heirs were formally
introduced and updated orders of succession within the Houses were
clarified. Then Frank raised the matter of Dowager Lady Augusta.
"Though I have decided not to disown her for her actions while acting as
guardian of Heir Longbottom and as House Regent, I have banished her
to a Longbottom holiday cottage until the legal matters surrounding her
actions are resolved. At the conclusion of that I will revisit my decision
regarding her and her behaviour. As such, she remains a member of
House Longbottom... for now."
Again, the Members nodded.
He continued, "Both Alice and I have also rewritten our Wills. If we pass
before Heir Longbottom reaches his majority, he is to be immediately
emancipated and inducted as the newest Lord Longbottom. We believe he
is now old enough to take up the Headship of the House, if it becomes
necessary. He will not have a Regent. Dowager Lady Augusta, most
definitely, will not be allowed either position of regent or guardian ever
again."
As the others nodded in recognition of his words, Harry could see it did
not really come as a shock to anyone.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Once the meeting concluded and they were rejoined by the 'spouses',
everyone remained behind to enjoy an afternoon tea laid on by the
Longbottom house elves. Harry was quick to speak with Hermione.
Off to one side, he immediately and quietly asked her, "How were you
treated by the others?"
"Very well," she happily replied. "Apparently our relationship, as it
currently stands, is by no means unusual."
He lightly frowned and said, "I thought Sirius, Ted and I had already
made that clear."
"You had," she sighed. "However, it's one thing to be told that, it's another
to actually experience it."
He gave a non-committal 'hmm', but nodded. He did then smile. "I'm glad
you're becoming more comfortable with it."
That was as far as they got, privacy-wise, before Adeline Greengrass
beckoned them over.
As they walked over, she said, "No hogging the future Lady Potter, Harry.
You get to spend all your time with her back where you're staying. Now
is the time for mingling with contemporaries."
Harry just chuckled, gave a shortened courtly bow and said, "My
apologies, Lady Greengrass. However, I find myself unable to be apart
from her beauty for more than a few minutes at a time."
"Oh, bravo!" said Lydia Davis, who'd overheard. "That'll score you 'good
husband' points."
As the other ladies snickered, Harry just chuckled back, separated from
them and made his way over to Eugene Abbott, where he was talking
with Miles Ogden.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After reminding Neville of their day of 'muggle shopping' the next day,
the two teens were finally able to return to the Granger residence before
dinner, but not in time for Harry to cook. A situation Dobby seemed a
little smug about.
"Yeah, yeah," he snarked at the elf. "Laugh it up, chuckles. But, mark my
words, there will soon come a day of reckoning!"
Hermione, ever the supporting type, laughed out loud.
Not able to cook dinner, Harry joined Hermione with her parents as they
discussed what the meeting was like. Though Harry was there he was not
there for the 'ladies' meeting. He was pleased to hear his betrothed was
fitting in well with the older ladies.
"They're just all so accepting," she gushed. Turning to Harry she asked,
"Did you know that just about all of them were in similar contracts before
they married? Only Prissy Sibbledotch, of the ladies there, wasn't.
"And Adeline was telling me they've already received offers for similar
agreements for Daphne and Astoria." Her expression suddenly darkened
and she added, "Though, the offers have all been quite insulting, she says,
and are for dark families. They're having a bedeviling time fending those
off.
"It took me only a few moments to see and figure out that both girls are
practically terrified their parents will be forced to accept one or two of
them. The one from Malfoy they keep getting hounded with has for both
girls to be effectively handed over, together with eventual control of the
Greengrass Seat on the Wizengamot. That's just so wrong!"
As Harry listened he knew he'd have to contact Samuel Greengrass and
see what he could do to help. However, he was going to have to talk to
Hermione about it, first, if he read the situation right.
Hermione's parents were also listening with some level of alarm. They
were pleased their daughter was, for the moment at least, not at risk of
such. But were horrified on behalf of the other two young ladies' parents.
Wendell asked, "What can be done to help them?"
Harry sighed and said, "The obvious one is to help get both girls
betrothed to someone who will be able to protect them. However, it can't
just be anyone. It has to be someone of high enough standing - House-
wise - in the community that it won't be seen as a slap in the face to all
those Houses who are pushing similar contracts.
"As I've previously explained to Hermione regarding a similar situation,
because House Greengrass is a Noble and Ancient House and there's no
male Heir, it's likely any first born child or children will be pushed to
take the name 'Greengrass' as their family name, rather than the name of
the father's House. That will make many reticent to offer such an
agreement.
"Of course, because there's two daughters, that problem only exists with
the first to accept an agreement. The second daughter, irrespective of the
order of birth, will then be free of the requirement to carry on the
Greengrass name.
"But, since there are two daughters, that carries with it a major problem.
Many are going to hold off until one or the other are in an agreement
with a Line Continuation clause before they make their own offers. So,
the second daughter, once the first is betrothed, is going to receive even
more offers."
Monica suddenly said, "Concubine Contracts. That's what you're hinting
at here, isn't it."
Harry nodded.
"You," she suddenly said.
Wendell frowned and asked, "What are you getting at, Mon?"
Harry sighed and said, "What Monica's figured out is that both girls can
be bound to me, at least temporarily, under a Concubine Bond
Agreement."
"Concubines?!" he angrily asked.
"They play an important part in our culture, Wendell," he explained.
"They're important to ensure bloodlines are maintained; and, therefore,
Houses."
Before Wendell could get up in arms about it again, he went on, "Daphne
and Astoria Greengrass are the last of the Greengrasses, besides their
parents, left. They are the two daughters of Lord Samuel and Lady
Adeline Greengrass of the Noble and Ancient House of Greengrass. There
are no sons.
"Therefore, they will need to marry with a Marriage Contract that agrees
to the first born son, at least, carrying the surname Greengrass. The
Weasleys aside, magicals don't usually beget more than two or three
children at most. So... for the first born, at least, to carry the name
Greengrass... there is a risk it means the father's family name will not be
continued through their union. There are a great many who will not be
willing to risk that.
"That's where Concubine Bond Agreements play an important role. It
means the father can marry and beget children through his wife that will
carry his family name, while he also begets children for the concubined
witch so she's be able to continue her line. It could also be known as a
Morganatic Marriage, in that the concubine and her offspring have no
legal claim to inheritance from the father of the children; and that
includes titles.
"It's also important to note a concubine is not looked down upon in the
wizarding world. Instead, they are somewhat revered for their... I'd say
'sacrifice', but that would be the wrong choice... 'dedication to tradition',
would be better.
"The only limitation placed on such Bonds is that the husband, or the
husband's family, is able to properly provide for the blended dual family
that will develop."
Wendell grumped, "It sounds medieval."
"Not so much," replied Harry. "In 1936, then King Edward the Eighth was
offered the concept of marrying Missus Wallis Simpson in a Morganatic
Marriage. Even after Edward abdicated and he married the woman, by
royal decree she was styled 'Her Grace', for the title Duchess of Windsor,
rather than 'Her Royal Highness', as was her true right. That was
Morganaticism at its finest."
Still frowning in annoyance, Wendell pressed, "And this is allowed in the
wizarding world?"
"It is," he nodded. "If I remember my readings right, it was brought in
when the numbers of Ancient Houses began to alarmingly fall due to the
wizarding wars in the late 1700s. They were dying out. Since they've
never really recovered, each time the concept has been raised within the
Wizengamot to be struck from the books, the motion loses. Contrarily, it's
even been expanded upon to not just include the Noble Houses, but any
House of Elder House and up."
"You're not considering taken on a concubine, are you?" he pressed.
"It's not something I'm aiming for, no," he honestly replied. "However, I
might just find myself... 'press-ganged' into it. I'm young, fit, head a
Noble and Most Ancient House, head one of the major Alliances, my
family does not have a history of fathering squibs and, to top it off, I'm
considered a hero of the wizarding world.
"I think, very soon, the Alliance is going to be pressuring me into taking
on at least one concubine. And it's likely to be Daphne Greengrass, or her
sister, or both.
"However, if it happens as I think it will, I'll make damned sure the
Concubine Bond Agreement has easy escape clauses for both parties, just
as mine and Hermione's does.
"I'll argue that the witches concerned will have sufficient protection just
from the agreement and need nothing more. Which will be true. That will
give both girls ample time to seek out suitable suitors, or Samuel... Lord
Greengrass... enough time to organise a better deal for the both of them.
I'm willing to protect them; I'm not willing to father children on them."
Wendell, still closed off, muttered, "I don't like it."
Harry immediately agreed, "You're not alone in that view."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
40. Pottermore
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 - Pottermore
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Walden MacNair was not a happy customer. It had taken him more than
a week to find where the mudblood Granger lived.
He'd first had to purchase all the necessary ingredients to create a scrying
potion to track down the location of the Potter brat. Then, when he'd
tried it, it didn't work.
After checking all his preparations he realised he'd done nothing wrong.
That meant the boy had anti-scrying wards up. That was not really a
surprise.
Next, he again brewed the scrying potion and spent considerable effort in
acquiring something of the mudblood, Granger, to attempt to scry her. To
make sure she wasn't currently out visiting someone at the time he tried
to scry for her, he waited until the very early hours of the morning.
Thankfully, it worked.
He had managed to locate her in a muggle suburb that looked, to his
pureblood senses, to be quite the affluent neighbourhood.
Now, he could have just directly approached the house. However, he did
not manage to attain the rank of Master Executioner for the Ministry by
being an idiot.
He spent quite some time staking the place out under both an invisibility
cloak and disillusionment charm, while 'camped' on the front lawn of the
house across the road.
Carefully, he cast detection charms towards the house, expecting to find
none, but was shocked to find that the house was quite well warded.
He detected anti-apparation, anti-portkey, anti-fire, magical signature-
based, intent-based, anti-(underaged-)magic detection, various and
multiple alert and even DMLE-only wards. Other than the DMLE-only and
a couple of the alert wards, the rest all appeared to be fed from a ward
keystone. If he was to attempt it, those would take time to be brought
down. However, there was another ward, obviously tied to a well-hidden
ward keystone, that made his dark mark ache when he first approached
it. That told him it was a dark mark detection ward, or something
similar.
But, those weren't his only problems he knew about. He had also seen
aurors, who were obviously some form of protection detail, coming and
going at odd times. And, his monitoring of their movements, showed him
there was always at least three on the property at all times; sometimes,
more.
However, he had another problem of which he was unaware. An
Unspeakable was standing not too far behind him, watching him, even
through the invisibility cloak and Notice-Me-Not charm he had upon
himself.
In his own mind, though, he was trying to figure out what to tell his
master, Voldemort. He was completely unprepared for the very close cast
from behind. A compulsion charm to try and get as much information as
he could, while also determining he had not yet collected enough and
being reticent to share the information he'd already collected.
After thinking about packing it up for the day once darkness began to
creep in, he unwittingly changed his mind and resettled himself to wait a
few hours more.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
As arranged, Neville flooed to the Granger Residence the next morning as
breakfast was winding down. Though he'd eaten that morning, already,
he claimed he was 'up' for a second, though smaller, serving.
When Harry turned a curious look on him the boy blushed a little and
said, "I eat early so I can spend time in the greenhouses. Plus, I... left
room for Dobby's cooking." The last bit said with a bit of a mumble.
Harry laughed and said, "No need to be embarrassed about it, Neville. I
happen to have it on good authority the aurors are now fighting for a
placement on my protection detail, just so they get the opportunity to
sample Dobby's cooking."
"And yours, Harry," said Monica. "You're an even better cook than he is."
While Harry blushed at the praise, still not used to it, Dobby also heard
and was both pleased for his master and determined to better his culinary
skills to beat said master.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Before heading out to go shopping, though, Harry had to take Neville
upstairs to properly outfit him in mugglewear. Hermione had determined
that what he was wearing didn't quite 'make the grade', as far as she was
concerned.
It wasn't until he realised he now 'outmassed' his friend, though, that
Harry discovered the other boy would now easily fit into the clothes he
purchased only a little over a week ago and he'd just outgrown.
A quick adjustment of size and Neville looked every inch the muggle. He
was dressed in dark grey slacks, black loafers and belt, a white T-shirt as
an undershirt and a black shirt. Over that went a white/grey/black
patterned cardigan and a configured knee length dark grey overcoat with
black gloves that an auror configured for him out of transfiguring an old
waist length brown coat he was wearing.
Harry was wearing dark brown loafers and slacks with dark brown belt,
together with a dark yellow shirt over a white T-shirt similar to Neville.
Then over that went a tanned jumper and his own overcoat, of a similar
style to Neville, with brown gloves.
When they came back downstairs, with Neville feeling a little self-
conscious, Monica beamed a wide grin at them both. "Looking good, you
two." That relaxed the boy, as he smiled back.
When Hermione came down she was wearing an over-the-knee length
dress in a floral pattern on light blue, with heavy stockings on her legs.
On her feet she wore a closed-toe semi-high heeled shoe of a burgundy,
which matched one of the main colours of the flowers and her purse. Her
overcoat was black; but, one of the aurors colour-changed it to a dark
burgundy to match her shoes and purse.
"Very nice," smiled Monica, giving a nod of satisfaction looking at the
three of them. "Now; where are you planning on going to shop?"
"I... really didn't have much of an idea," admitted Hermione.
Harry immediately said, "Harrods."
He didn't see the look of surprise on the Grangers' faces as he'd already
turned to the aurors and said, "I suggest a portkey to the Leaky Cauldron
and a taxi to the store from there."
"Close," smiled the senior female auror; Charlotte Watkins, again.
"Portkey to the Leaky is right, but we'll have a Ministerial car waiting for
us outside the muggle-side doors of the pub to take us where we need to
go. It's already been arranged."
"We rank a Ministerial car?" asked Neville.
"One's now semi-permanently assigned to the Potter Protection Detail,
just for these sort of issues," she replied. "Madam Bones organised it."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Once final checks were done - with the aurors reminding them, once
again, not to try to lose them and be mindful of where they were at all
times - the three, with their two aurors, headed out to the portkey point
just inside the front gate and portkeyed away. The aurors both had their
wands out and ready as the portkey was voice-activated.
As soon as they landed in the Leaky's portkey point, the aurors
immediately hustled them all out the front door and onto the street. The
car was sitting there with its engine running and the driver behind the
wheel, waiting. The car had matching car width back seats that faced one
another east/west.
Charlotte, hustled them in and, once they were settled, said to the driver,
"Harrods, I believe."
"Yes, Ma'am," the driver immediately replied before indicating to pull
away from the curb.
From where he was sitting on the passenger-side of the backseat that
faced forward - Charlotte sat in the back seat opposite facing him, ready
to step out first once they got there - Neville's head was swivelling this
way and that trying to take it all in.
"Not been out into the muggle world, at all, Neville?" asked Hermione.
"No," he replied. "Gran never wanted to, so I never got a chance to go...
come."
"Then this'll be an eye-opening experience for you," she said.
"It already is," he grinned back.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After a fifteen minute drive that took them almost right past the palace
then beyond, the driver pulled up outside of Harrods on Brompton Road.
Both Harry and Hermione were relieved that Neville was not so much
swivelling his head all about the place trying to look at everything at the
same time, any more.
When the car came to a stop in a cab 'drop' zone, the driver half turned
about and quietly said, "We're here." And indicated the store with a flick
of his fingers."
With Charlotte leading and the other auror bringing up the rear, the
three teens moved into the store.
Once inside, Hermione asked, "Where to, first?"
"Ladies section," Harry immediately replied. "I promised you I'd buy you
some nice muggle clothes and this is the best place for it."
After Hermione gave him a look, she then gave a huff and said, "Fine.
Then we're off to the men's section. You're getting a whole new
wardrobe, whether you like it or not. And, while we're there, we can do
something permanent about Neville's muggle wardrobe, too."
That was something Harry had expected so he wasn't so much worried
about it. He'd already figured that'd be Hermione's immediate
'retaliation'.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After spending quite a bit of time in both the ladies' and mens' sections of
the store, the five then moved to one of the in-store restaurants for lunch.
They didn't have to worry about bags, because Harry had also paid for
the lot to be delivered to Hermione's home address.
Next, Harry suggested they go to the electronics section, so Neville could
get a good look at just what 'marvels' the muggles used in their everyday
life.
They almost had to drag the boy out after an hour because it was clear he
was shocked almost senseless from what he'd seen. Thankfully, Hermione
was a quiet and patient teacher for him, going over just what everything
did and how they were used in the home, in business and in everyday
life.
As they still had time, to please the boy they also went into the gardening
section of the store. Again, he was stunned. He had no idea there were
things like portable greenhouses available. And the automated watering
systems clearly had the boy trying to figure out how to use them in a
wizarding home or business.
Harry took one look at Neville's focus on the demonstration model of a
quite commonly known and used black poly-pipe home-build reticulation
system that he surreptitiously bought the boy an expanded 'starter' pack
that did not include electronics. This one just screwed onto a garden tap
using a garden hose connection. He even added a few rolls of fifty metre
each 12mm tubing, a 10m roll of 6mm tubing, plus extra anchors,
connectors of each size, 'T's, elbows and various sprinklers to plug into
the system. The order would be added to the delivery order coming to
Hermione's home the next morning.
However, after a stop for afternoon tea because Harry's stomach was
growling again, they finally went to the delivery section and organised
for all the purchases to be delivered the next day.
"We'll floo you with what we've purchased for you after it all arrives,
Neville," said Hermione, just as they were walking out.
"This 'Home Delivery Service' idea is a marvellous concept," said the boy.
"I wonder why we don't have similar in the wizarding world."
"House elves, Neville," said Harry. "They make the idea somewhat
pointless."
Nodding, Neville hopped into the car, which they'd only had to wait for a
few minutes for it to arrive.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Once back at the Leaky and they were once again climbing out of the car,
Hermione asked, "Do we have time to go to Madam Malkins before we
have to be back at my place?"
When neither boy, or the aurors, said 'No', Hermione gave a firm nod and
said, "Then we can use the time left to go into the Alley. I want to pick up
a couple of modern books on nobility in the wizarding world and Harry,
now that he seems to have finished growing so fast, needs to build up his
wizardingwear."
When Harry looked about to disagree, she frowned back and said, "You
also need to replace your Hogwarts robes, Harry."
Right then Harry knew he'd lost. She was right; he did need to replace his
Hogwarts robes.
After 'delivering' the two boys to Madam Malkins and 'demanding' the
store-witches outfit Harry in new Hogwarts robes and more casual wear
robes, she took off for Flourish and Blotts.
Surprising Harry, Charlotte stayed with them while the male and a junior
auror who'd joined them had to take off to try and keep up with
Hermione.
Once Harry was properly outfitted with a very much expanded wizarding
wardrobe, with the witches declaring how much he was 'growing like a
weed', he also made sure Neville's wardrobe was suitable.
When Hermione still hadn't made it back, they went down to Flourish
and Blotts to look for her.
She was standing at a shelf scanning through a large pile of books and
trying to decide which ones she should get.
Harry just rolled his eyes, sighed, scooped them all up and took them to
the counter to pay for them. Stunned, Hermione was a few seconds
before she had to hurry to catch up, just as Harry was paying for them.
"Harry!" she exclaimed, when he took off with all 'her' books.
Once she caught up at the counter, she grumped, "I didn't need all of
them, Harry."
"But you wanted all of them," he said. "As it's easily within my ability to
grant it, I simply bought them all."
When it looked like Hermione couldn't make up her mind whether to be
angry or happy, Neville just snorted in amusement.
Hermione glared at him for a moment while Harry finalised the purchase.
Harry then turned back with the shrunken package and said, "There;
done. Let's get out of here."
"Thank you," said Charlotte. "I don't like the idea you're here without
proper protection and undisguised."
Harry smirked back and said, "Look at me. I look so much different than I
looked only a few weeks ago that anyone who 'knows' me, now won't
recognise me."
"You still have the glasses and the scar, Lord Potter," she disagreed.
"For now," he muttered.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
When they finally arrived by portkey back at the Granger residence,
Harry tried to immediately head for the kitchen to stake his claim at
cooking for that night.
As he'd already started, Dobby was having none of it.
"Damn it!" grumped Harry.
"Master Harry needs to change," said Dobby. "Master Harry be havings a
very busy day and needs to tell the Grangys about it. Master Harry
should relax."
"I should fire you and throw your mangy arse out into the street in
Knockturn Alley," Harry barked. "There, you'll be reduced to begging
hags to allow you to clean their shoes of dog turds with your tongue!"
"Master Harry be sayings the nicest things," chirped the elf. "Master Harry
be such a wonderful master!"
Stumped for a comeback, it was a moment before Harry just again
barked, "Damn it!" And stomped from the kitchen.
As he walked into the parlour, where Monica was relaxing with
paperwork spread on the coffee table before her, she said, "Leave Dobby
alone, Harry. He's doing a good job."
"He's taking mine!" he grumped. "And he knows it, too; the scrawny
little―"
Snapping her eyes to him she snapped back, "Harry."
Taking a deep breath he let it out in a long sigh. Then said, "Sorry."
She gave a nod back before turning her attention back to her papers.
"He's right, though. You need to change; or, at least get rid of the coat,
gloves and jumper."
Neville, who was still there and was snickering, stood and said, "I'd best
get home. My parents will be waiting and wondering how my day went."
Harry gave a firm nod back and said, "I'll walk with you to the floo."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After reminding the boy he and Hermione would see to his purchases
being sent over once they were delivered to the Granger residence, Harry
saw the boy off before returning inside and going up to his room to shed
himself of layers.
After disrobing of the coat, gloves and jumper, he then went ahead and
removed the rest down to his boxers and socks before redressing in jeans,
collared T-shirt and light jumper. On his feet he just donned trainers with
Velcro fasteners.
As he came out, he was just in time to meet up with Hermione, who was
coming down from her room wearing similar. On her, though, he thought
it looked much better.
As they were walking down the stairs he asked, "How do you get into
those jeans, Love? They look as if they're painted on."
Smiling at the unintentional compliment, she replied, "With practice,
Love."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Through dinner, the two teens took turns explaining their day to the
Granger parents.
"Twice, there, I thought we broke him," said Harry. "He was so stunned
by what he'd seen I thought it might have been a toss up whether he was
going to faint or run screaming in terror."
"He wasn't that bad," smiled Hermione. "He was surprised, though. By the
end of it, however, he started to be able to handle it better."
"That's why you recommended a swing through Diagon, wasn't it?" he
asked her. However, it was more a statement than a question.
Surprised, she replied, "Yes, actually. But, I did want to see you increase
your wizarding wardrobe to go along with your muggle wardrobe. And
you did need to replace your Hogwarts' wardrobe. Plus, yes, I also did
want to pick up those books. Alice and Adeline both recommended them.
"Alice, from a half-blood's perspective and first being 'elevated' to the role
of a Lady Presumptive, when she became betrothed to Frank. And,
Adeline, from a pureblood perspective, who grew up her whole life in a
Noble House."
"Nice," he nodded. "But, if you need any more and know the titles, let me
know. I can easily send Dobby in to purchase them for you."
She nodded and said, "I'd forgotten about that; Dobby being able to go in,
I mean."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
That evening, Croaker walked into the Knight's Shadow team bullpen and
said, "A problem has arisen. A known Death Eater, the Axe, has begun to
stake out the White Knight's hidey-hole."
"Damn!" said one. "Anything being done about it?"
"Eagle's managed to tag him with a compulsion charm that has him
thinking he hasn't collected enough information yet, plus another that
compulses him not to speak about what he knows until he does have
enough information."
One of the others, Crow, gave a snort and said, "That's clever. We'll have
to make note of that idea. It could come in handy in the future."
Owl asked, "Is the Axe 'sanctioned'?"
He meant, was deemed to be killed if that's what it took to ensure his
silence.
"No," replied Croaker. "Instead, we're going to put a tracker rune on him
the next time he turns up."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Their purchases from Harrods arrived almost right on the time the store
told them they'd be delivered, a few minutes after 11.00am.
After accepting the delivery, paying the driver a tip for his
professionalism and closing the door again as the man retreated up the
front path, Harry called Dobby to take the clothes and other goods and
put them in his and Hermione's rooms. "Once you've done that, can you
take the stuff for Neville over to Longbottom Hall for me, with my
compliments?"
"Of course, Master Harry," replied the elf.
Once Dobby had popped away, Harry bolted for the kitchen.
If he knew the elf as he thought he did, he would not just take the clothes
upstairs, but would also remove them of tags and the like, probably given
them a wash, re-press them and put them away.
That gave Harry some time to get into the kitchen and prepare lunch.
Chuckling to himself, he was quick to start whipping something up for
the household.
He had no idea Dobby had popped in invisibly just as Harry got started,
looked at his master with exasperation and silently popped away again.
Dobby would let his master 'win' this one, just to keep the game
interesting for him.
The elf returned to the kitchen half an hour later to the sight of Harry
humming some muggle tune while happily working.
"Master Harry being a bad master," he declared.
Harry just happily blew him a raspberry and kept working. "Better luck
next time, sawn off!"
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
When MacNair turned up on the same lawn the next evening, he had no
idea that, moments after he arrived, he was stunned, had a tiny rune
stone with a tracker rune engraved on it 'surgically' inserted into the skin
in the hollow at the base of the back of his skull, taken back to the exact
place he'd been stunned, woken, obliviated of the whole event and left.
The Unspeakable who did it, Kite, just continued to watch him to both
make sure he didn't figure out he'd been discovered and obliviated, or
didn't do anything stupid as it related to the Grangers and the White
Knight.
He also had the information the White Knight was living there, which
he'd only the previous evening managed to confirm, obliviated from his
mind, too.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
The next morning was the day of Harry's surgery.
He'd at first had a restless night. But, unbeknownst to him, Dobby had
been alerted to his master's distress in the middle of the night and had
popped in to cast an elven calming charm on him. It had worked.
Therefore, when Harry arose at 7.00am, he'd felt the most rested he'd felt
in he didn't know when.
Of course, due to the surgery he couldn't eat that morning. So, was
thankful the potions were no longer still pressing him to eat.
Dobby had even thought he'd done something wrong when Harry
wouldn't eat the breakfast he'd lovingly prepared for him."
"I can't eat, my friend," Harry gently explained. "Muggle surgery requires
the patient to be, as they call it, 'Nil By Mouth' for up to eight hours
before the surgery is due to start. As mine is only a few hours away, I'm
already under doctor's orders not to eat."
He'd no sooner finished explaining things to the elf when the Grangers
came down. Even Hermione was down early.
"While you folks eat, I'm going to be in my room, reading," he told them.
"Let me know when Andi arrives, please."
"Will do, Harry," said Hermione.
It was only a half hour before Hermione knocked on his door.
He looked up, saw her and asked, "She's here?"
"Sure is," she replied. "Ready to go?"
"Yup," he replied, rising from the chair at his desk and picking up an
overnight bag.
Hermione frowned at it and said, "You're not staying overnight, Harry.
You're coming out this afternoon."
"Very occasionally there are complications, Love," he explained. "As such,
I'll be prepared for that." And jiggled the bag he was a carrying a little.
Hermione gave a sigh, but nodded in agreement. Bracing herself up
again, she firmly said, "Come on. They're waiting for us downstairs."
Because of Andi also attending, Harry thought they might be portkeying
there. However, they actually drove in the two Granger cars. The aurors
had firmly stated they weren't being left behind.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Andi and Doctor Dolittle had the surgery timed down just right. An hour
after Harry arrived and was 'checked-in', he was on a hospital bed and
being wheeled into surgery under the affects of a medication that made
him slightly drowsy and carefree about the whole thing. He was even
'singing', if it could actually be called that seeing as how off-key he was,
something by Monty Python called 'I'm a Lumberjack'; which he kept
stopping as he had a short giggling fit.
Two hours later he was waking up in a recovery room with Tonks and
the Grangers around him. Sirius had also turned up by then and was
there and waiting for his godson to wake.
As he woke he felt the pressure on his forehead and began to reach up for
it. Obviously they were prepared for it as, as soon as his hand began to
rise, Hermione grabbed it and held it away from his head. "Don't touch it,
Harry."
Groggy, it took him a while to start to put the pieces together again.
Finally, he asked for a mouthful of water, which he got, before he asked,
"How'd it go?"
"Successfully," Andi was happy to reply. "The... dark miasma... was all
removed, as expected, and Doctor Dolittle was able to connect the
remaining tissue together with microsurgery.
"You're going to feel tight across your forehead until I can apply magical
healing to you once we get you back t the Grangers'. So, don't touch it
until I'm done."
Harry nodded and relaxed, still quite groggy.
Thankfully, there were no complications and Harry was released into
Andi's and the Grangers' care late that afternoon.
The biggest surprise for Harry was it wasn't until he was getting dressed
again that he realised he wasn't wearing his glasses. The removal of the
Horcrux had also removed his need to wear them.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
As soon as they were able to get back to the Grangers', again in the cars,
Andi carefully removed the bandages and plaster, laid him down on a
conjured healer's examination table, stunned him, vanished the stitching
and used her wand to heal the again gaping wound - removing the
stitches had allowed it to open up.
Doing it her way meant new skin formed to replace the skin that was
excised in the surgery, so Harry didn't end up with a constant feeling of
tightness across his forehead as his body adjusted to the near half inch
wide missing section of dermis.
After the skin was regrown she immediately checked to see if the area
still emanated dark energy, signifying the Horcrux was still there - it
didn't. With a sigh of relief she quietly informed Sirius, "Harry's definitely
now free of the... item."
Once he was awake again, the only requirement she had for him was to
use scar reduction cream on the site for the next week to ensure the new
skin, which was still a little pink, didn't leave a new scar. She also
promised there would be no sign of it before he and Hermione returned
to Hogwarts.
"Just so long as you remember to apply the cream twice a day between
now and then," she'd warned.
Hermione was almost bouncing in jittery happiness for him. "Without
your scar or glasses, together with your new fit build, there's going to be
many who aren't going to recognise you, any more."
Sirius said, "Hermione's right. The only true signs you're Harry Potter
now are your messy black hair and your green eyes. The only thing you
can do about your hair is to use Sleak-Ezy through it. And all that can be
done about your eyes is the wearing of coloured contacts.
"Don't you dare!" said Hermione. "While I might like to see an
improvement in his hair, I happen to love the colour of his eyes."
Harry grinned and said, "I had thought about contacts. But, I'd have only
gone that route if I still had to wear glasses. Since I do no longer, I'm not
going to wear contacts, either."
Since the parents were present, Hermione satisfied herself with a quick
kiss to the lips and not the full snogging she wanted to give him.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
For the rest of the day, Harry recovered more and more from the surgery.
However, he was getting frustrated by how much Dobby was trying to
'mother' him.
With an annoyed sigh after the devoted little elf tried to hand off on him
his third cup of hot chocolate in the past four hours, he had to tell the
little guy, "Dobby, I'm fiiiiine. All they needed to do was cut a section of
skin out of my forehead and stitch the resultant cut back together.
"Once I got back here, cousin Andi even healed that small wound. It's not
as if I've had a leg blown off, or something."
Dobby calmly heard him out and then said, "Dobby understands.
However, Dobby be cooking dinner tonight. Master Harry still bes a bit
wobbly-wonky on his feetsies." And popped away before Harry could
disagree.
Hermione snickered and said, "Oh, let him have this one, Harry. If I
remember correctly, you did take 'his' chance to prepare lunch
yesterday."
Grumpily, he asked, "And all the times he's taken mine for dinner?"
"So, he's up a few," she grinned. "Let it be. Besides, he's right. Doctor
Dolittle said you weren't to operate any heavy machinery, drive, or
anything like that for at least the first twenty four hours. In other words,
things that take constant concentration to do safely. I think we can
include 'cooking' anything as being on that list."
With a sigh he muttered, "Damn it."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Even as early as the next morning there was marked improvement in
Harry's rapidly healing wound. The deep redness and swelling had
already faded some, with the swelling almost completely gone already.
As Harry walked into the dinette, a little later than usual as Wendell and
Monica were already up, Wendell stood to cut him off just before he
could sit.
He took one close look at the healing wound and said, "That's amazing. It
gives all the appearance of more than a week having passed since the
surgery and it's been less than a full day."
"That's magical healing for you," said Harry, as he sat down at the dinette
to eat.
"Are you planning on going anywhere, today?" asked Monica.
"No," he replied. "I prepared for there to be complications from the
surgery and that I'd be longer than I thought I would be. So, I had
thought I'd possibly still be in hospital, at the moment. I'm glad I'm not,
but it also means today has nothing prearranged."
Wendell ordered, "Keep it that way. While using magical healing
techniques have rapidly increased the rate of healing you're going
through, you were still in surgery yesterday. It can take anywhere up to a
few days for the drugs you were on to be fully cleansed from your
system."
And that's exactly the sort of day Harry enjoyed. Hermione rose a short
time later and then he and her spent the time watching some television
up to lunch.
The afternoon was then spent writing letters to a few of their friends.
Hermione was now also writing to Adeline and Alice, as they had
suggested she do if she had any questions relating to the information
contained in those books Harry had recently purchased for her.
On receiving a letter back by HEED from Alice, Hermione told him, "Alice
suggests I spend time next summer at Longbottom Hall going through
specialist etiquette lessons with her and Adeline."
"Live there, or floo back and forth?" he asked.
"Floo back and forth, I think," she replied. "I mean, it's near instantaneous
travel, isn't it?"
He nodded and said, "Once I check the Potter manor to ensure for myself
it's alright, I think I'll plan on living there next summer. If you want, I can
make sure the floo is connected and operational so you can come and go
as you please."
Hermione turned a smirk on him and asked, "Harry, are you asking me to
come and live with you?"
Not panicked or otherwise upset by the idea or question, he calmly
replied, "I'm asking you to come and spend time with me during your
summer break. How long you stay there, or whether you just visit for the
occasional day or stay longer, is entirely your choice."
As it was a quiet day for the Granger household and no parties or the like
were going to be attended by them, no one was too tired to wait up for
the changeover to 1995 at midnight. They even watched the BBC
televised special that showed footage of crowds of people in Trafalgar
Square and similar large open areas, as they counted down the time.
However, the entire household was a-bed by 12.30pm, at the latest.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
The next day Harry still woke at his usual time, even though he'd been up
late. However, he was the only one. The Grangers did not come down
until just after 9.00am and Hermione was down about fifteen minutes
later.
Harry had already eaten, but was drinking a tea while reading the Daily
Prophet, as the others joined him.
Once Hermione was down, Monica asked, "What are you plans for
today?"
Harry waited a moment before he said, "I think it's high time I paid a visit
to the Potter manor. I don't know why I've kept putting it off, but... it's
time I go."
That had Hermione perk up in subdued excitement. "Can I come, too?"
"Yes, of course," he replied. But, before she could suddenly leap to her
feet and demand to go right there and then, he quickly added, "However,
it's best I go on my own to start with. I need to see if the wards are still
set to a war footing or not."
With a sigh of disappointment she asked, "How long will that take?"
"No idea," he replied. "However, it shouldn't take me long to grant access
to you, your parents and our auror shadows. Depending on how much
effort is required, I should be no more than... half an hour? I really don't
know."
"Then, as you've finished your breakfast, how about you go now?" she
asked.
He smirked at her and asked, "Eager to see your future home, are you?"
While she spluttered in half-denial half-laughter Harry could see that
Wendell didn't react at all to his remark. It seems the man had finally
accepted his little 'princess' was definitely going to marry him; it was
only a question of 'when'.
When she tried to scowl back, Harry just grinned even wider.
"Fine!" she harrumphed "Yes, I'm eager to see where you and I are
eventually going to live."
"I understand," he nodded. Quickly rising, he said, "No time like the
present, then."
As he walked off to track down an auror to let them know where he was
going, Monica looked to her daughter and said, "Don't expect some grand
mansion, love. Not every princess gets to live in a palace."
"Actually," she said, "That's what I am expecting. I've seen the Potter
family documents relating to the manor. From what I've read, the place is
going to be huge."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After convincing the Senior Auror who had leadership of his auror detail
that morning that he had to go alone to start with, Harry tossed floo
powder within the fireplace and barked, "Pottermore!".
He was worried the connection wouldn't connect, but it did. As soon as it
did he then barked the password, "Ex pura cordis!" (Latin: Pure of heart)
And stepped through.
As he was not concentrating too much on the travel through the floo, he
hesitated a moment before he exited when he arrived at the other end.
And realised he'd simply stepped out.
'Hunh!' he thought. 'That's all there is to it? Just hesitate a moment before
stepping out?' And sighed.
A moment later and a house elf wearing a grey Japanese keikogi -
incorrectly, but commonly called, a 'gi' -with a gold belt tied about his
waist and a Potter crest embroidered in matching grey silk styled on his
left breast popped in right in front of him. It stood in an aggressive stance
about twenty feet away and with its hands raised to attack.
"Why you be―?" it started to demand before it froze in shock for a
moment. Then it suddenly dropped all aggressiveness, popped forward
and began jumping up and down in front of him. "Little Master Harry!
Little Master Harry!" it practically shouted in obvious glee.
After seeing how the Longbottom elves reacted to discovering Frank and
Alice were awake, the behaviour of the elf did not surprise him. Just as it
did not surprise him when the elf suddenly snapped its fingers and four
more elves popped in, also capering about and shouting, "Little Master
Harry is back! Little Master Harry has returned!"
He gave them a few moments before he calmly said, "Alright, that's
enough."
Instantly, all five stopped and turned to look at him. All five were
showing both happiness and near adoration in their expressions.
Harry held up his ring and said, "I, Lord Harrison James Potter, Head of
the Noble and Most Ancient House of Potter, hereby lay claim to this
abode, Pottermore, the Seat of the Noble and Most Ancient House of
Potter. As I say, so let it be written."
Immediately there was a flash of magic from his ring. It was quickly
followed by a slight golden glow coming from all five elves for a
moment. They all beamed smiles back at him.
Looking down at the elves he then noticed that, while they all appeared
to be dressed identically, there was one difference. Different to the first,
who wore a gold belt, the others all wore a dark grey belt.
'Rankings?' he thought.
Looking to the first, he said, "I take it you're in charge of the elf
population of the manor?"
"Yes, Master Harry," it immediately and enthusiastically replied. "I be The
Jeeves, Willy." He then indicated the other four and said, "This be Betsy,
Raggy, Tally and Pinty." Indicating them in the same order he said, "They
be Ladies elf, Guest's elf, Ground's elf and Lower floor's elf. I be The
Jeeves. I be... Major Domo."
"Excellent," said Harry. "First things first, I need to adjust the wards so
some guests of mine can come through."
Willy gave a firm nod, snapped his fingers having the other elves all pop
away again and said to Harry, "Willy will lead you to ward stone." Then
he began to trot away.
Of course, Harry with his much longer legs, only needed to walk with a
slightly lengthened stride to keep up.
Once down in the basement, Willy showed him what he needed to do to
access the ward keystone, then what he needed to do to change the
wards and helped Harry do it.
As he'd expected, the war wards were up and active. He first scaled back
and turned off the lethal wards, then adjusted the non-lethal wards
concerning 'intruders' to immediately immobilise and stun. Next, he
added the full name of Hermione as a 'resident'; and Wendell, Monica,
Sirius, Remus, Frank, Alice, Neville, Ted, Andi and 'Call-Me-Tonks' went
into the permanent 'guest' list - with Dumbledore, whose name was down
as a permanent guest, removed.
That then allowed him to reset the permanent wards with a new
password, as well.
Into the temporary guest book he made sure the book was clear of all
other names before adding the full names of the current auror
detachment.
He knew he'd have to keep a separate list of full names of those he
suspected would often or sometimes visit set with the book, so he
wouldn't have to ask them for their full names in future. That would be
the names of the Alliance members.
When he asked Willy about another related matter, the little elf told him
there was a book only available to the Head of the House, which could
apply to the lethal wards in cases of blood feuds and the like.
He immediately asked for it and the elf indicated the hidden niche in the
brickwork next to the stone. "It's in there, Master."
Drawing it out, Harry saw there were quite the number of names actively
listed within. He recognised all of them to be who he suspected as Death
Eaters. One was Snape. However, on thinking about it, he realised he
knew a few names that weren't there; so went ahead and added them.
Tom Riddle, Lucius Malfoy, Peter Pettigrew, Walden MacNair, Corban
Yaxley, Bartemius Crouch Jr and Igor Karkaroff all joined the list of
names that included all three LeStranges, Avery, Dolohov and others.
Once done he closed the book and followed Willy's directions on how to
activate the book's changes.
Finally, with all the changes he needed to do now done, he closed back
up the hidden chamber wherein rested the stone and made his way back
up to the main floor.
"Alright, Willy,' he said, once back in the welcoming parlour. "I need to
go back to the Granger residence to round up my betrothed, her family
and a couple of aurors who have it in their heads I need to be babysat. I'll
be back soon."
"Very well, Master Harry," said the elf. "I'll let the others know."
As soon as Harry disappeared back through the floo, Willy called the
others back and instructed them to begin to get the Manor ready. "Master
Harry be bringing guests!" he declared. "Clean, clean, clean! Raggy be
helpings Pinty be preparing lunchies; and Tally be helpings Betsy be
cleanings!"
Happily, the five all popped away to work.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Stepping back out of the floo in the Doghouse, this time remembering to
pause the moment before stepping out, Harry was happy he didn't so
much as even stagger.
"Yessss!" he happily declared.
The auror waiting for him grinned and said, "I see you've figured it out."
"Yup!" he then declared. " Alright, time to go round up the troops."
He'd only just exited the little building to find Hermione hurrying down
from the back door.
As soon as she reached him she started rapidly asking questions like her
days of old. "Thank God you're safe! Is it still there? Did you have trouble
with the wards? What's it like? Is it as big as the Longbottoms'; or bigger
or smaller? Are there elves―"
"Hermione! Stop!" he barked.
That immediately shut her up and made her blush. "Sorry!" she squeaked,
looking down and away.
With a sigh of frustration and acceptance, he instructed, "Come back up
and inside and we'll round everyone up. As I hope you'll all join me to go
and have a better look, you're going to find that you'll be able to answer
most of your questions simply by looking for yourself."
"Umm... yeah," she said. "Sorry!"
Harry lead the way back up to the house and inside.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Once everyone was rounded up, the whole household except one auror
who'd remain behind, trooped down to the Doghouse.
Once inside, he reminded them, "Alright. The floo address is 'Pottermore'.
And the new current password is 'Rule Britannia'. Everyone got that?"
When no one disagreed he tossed in a dash of floo powder and was away
a few moments later. Again, he gave the short pause at the end before
almost nimbly stepping out.
Pleased with his efforts in having finally figured out 'the secret' to floo
travel, he stepped away just in time for the first auror to step through.
Then, in quick succession, came Hermione, Wendell, Monica and the
second auror.
That's also when Willy popped in.
Looking to the elf, Harry said, "Good. You're here."
"Of course, Master Harry," replied the elf.
"We have one more to join us," he told it. "I have a personal elf and I'd
like to bring him over. Is that alright with you?"
"Of course, Master Harry," replied Willy. "Will he also be the new
Jeeves?"
"No," replied Harry. "You remain Major Domo of Pottermore, if that's
alright with you."
"Of course, Master Harry."
"He'll be my personal elf, who will also return with me to Hogwarts in a
few days."
"Very well, Master Harry," replied the elf.
With a grin back, Harry suddenly commanded, "Dobby!"
Dobby arrived with the slightest of cracks a few moments later. "Yes,
Master Harry, Sir?"
Indicating Willy, Harry said, "Dobby, this is Willy. He is Major Domo of
Pottermore and otherwise known as The Jeeves. He has four other elves
under his leadership."
Turning to Willy to indicate Dobby he said, "This is Dobby. He is my
personal elf and tends to go where I go."
Turning back to Dobby as both elves were looking each other over, Harry
said, "Dobby, for ease of identity, I want you to dress the same as the
other Potter elves here; but... I want you to have a silver belt, rather than
the gold one Willy wears, or the grey ones the other elves wear. The
silver is to show you to be my personal elf. Is that alright with you?"
"Of course, Master Harry, Sir!" Dobby immediately and happily replied. A
snap of his fingers and he was wearing just as Harry described.
Turning back to Willy he said, "Sorry, I should have asked first. I take it
the gold belt, rather than a grey belt, is because of your position in the
Potter household?"
"Yes, Master Harry," replied Willy.
"No one else wears a silver belt?"
"No, Master Harry."
"Excellent," he declared clapping his hands together and rubbing them.
"Alright, you two. Willy... would you mind introducing Dobby to the
other Potter elves and bringing him up to date with the House of Potter
and what his role within the household will be?"
"Of course not, Master Harry."
A moment later, both elves popped away.
Spinning back to the rest, except the aurors, they were watching him
with amusement. The aurors had already begun to move through the
manor, casting as they went.
Wendell chuckled and said, "That was great to watch. You have skills in
leadership."
Hermione asked, "How many elves are there, Harry?"
"Here, excluding Dobby? Five," he replied. "I still have no idea how many
there are in total."
Suddenly, he realised he'd forgotten something, or simply hadn't until
then realised it. Giving his fingers a snap he declared, "I've forgotten
something. Wait a bit."
Looking off to the side he called, "Ummm... Betsy?"
The little female elf he'd been introduced to by Willy earlier popped in.
"Yes, Master Harry," she asked.
Indicating Hermione he said, "Betsy, this is Lady Presumptive Hermione
Jean Granger, magical ward of Lord Sirius Orion Black of the Noble and
Most Ancient House of Black - and my betrothed."
Looking at Hermione, he was grinning and said, "Hermione? Betsy.
Ladies elf of Pottermore. Your personal elf."
While Hermione stood there gaping like a stunned fish at him, he heard
Monica snickering in amusement slightly off to one side.
Betsy, meanwhile, dropped into a curtsey - proving, as Harry suspected,
she was female - and carefully said to Hermione, "Mistress Herm-my-oh-
nee."
Spending a few seconds glancing in shock between Harry and Betsy,
Hermione finally fixed a glare on Harry and barked, "Harrison James
Potter!"
Harry just burst out laughing.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
41. The New Year Begins
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 One - The New Year Begins
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Once Hermione had managed to calm down from finding out she now
had her own personal elf - 'And wasn't Harrison James 'Naffing' Potter
going to be paying for that little surprise, later,' thought Hermione -
Harry called on Willy to give them a tour of the manor.
What they discovered was the manor couldn't really be compared with
Longbottom Hall as the two were different types of buildings. Where
Longbottom Hall had an attic, a resident's floor, a main floor and a
basement, all on a larger footprint; Pottermore had a half-attic quarter-
owlery quarter-astronomy cum sun deck, a resident's floor, a guest's floor,
the main floor and a half-basement quarter-potions lab quarter-duelling
piste floor, on a smaller footprint. The main floor also had a 'single floor
wing' where the ceiling was about one and a half floors higher than
normal; which held a ballroom cum reception room, formal dining room
and formal office for the Head of House.
One thing that was immediately apparent, even in the welcoming
parlour, everything was 'high class high quality'. From the quality of the
ceiling fixtures all the way down to the flooring, everything screamed
'old money'; and a lot of it.
While it didn't mean all that much to Harry, as money was not something
he placed high value in, it was clear the Grangers were stunned by what
they saw; even Hermione.
While walking from one room to another with Hermione's arm tucked in
his elbow, from behind he heard Wendell mutter to Monica, "This all
must have cost a bloody fortune!"
He heard Monica just as quietly reply, "It's only occurring to you, now,
that your daughter is marrying into old money?"
He didn't hear the rest.
During the tour - while the Grangers were taking a careful look through
the Head of House's, Harry's, office - Harry had to quietly tell Willy not to
take them to the library until last. The elf complied.
The library ended up being across two floors that split with an internal
stair passing up through an open stairwell in the middle of the room. It
could be accessed through matching double doors from both the main
floor and the guest's floor.
It was huge; far bigger, by the sounds of it, than even the one at
Grimmauld Place. But, according to Hermione, on about par with the one
at Longbottom Hall.
When Hermione looked about to dash in and start taking books, Harry
had to grab her and remind her he didn't know which books she could
and could not touch yet.
"I'll have Willy make sure all the 'Potter's Only' and otherwise cursed
books are moved to the second floor," he said. "That way, you'll know
you'll be safe to touch the books on this floor until I can do something
about the curses on the others."
With a sigh of frustration, Hermione nodded and said, "Thank you,
Harry."
Once the tour inside was done, Willy took them outside to look at the
grounds. They were extensive.
Out the back, Harry noticed a Quidditch pitch in the distance and,
indicating it, asked Willy, "Is that mine?"
"Yes, Master Harry," he replied. "Master James's grandfather, Master
Fleamont, put it in."
"My lands extend all the way out there?"
"And quite a ways beyond, Master Harry," he replied. "Pottermore sits on
over one hundred acres."
Harry frowned and said, "That's a lot. What is done with it all?"
"Most of the land has been left as nature intended, Master Harry," replied
the elf. "Only the middle twenty acres or so has been cultured. Even then,
it's only the inside seven acres that is actually maintained. That is, the
land down to and including the Quidditch pitch and the lands around the
manor that have been turned to gardens.
"For generations, the Potter family has refused to do anything with the
rest of the land, as they want it to act as a natural barrier to the
encroaching muggles."
Harry nodded and muttered, "Makes sense. I think I'll keep with that
concept."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Back inside and Willy escorted them to the informal/breakfast table just
off the kitchen.
He indicated the table of eight and said, "Pinty and Raggy have prepared
a lunch for you all. We hope you'll stay to enjoy it before leaving again."
Glancing to the Grangers, who didn't seem to have a choice either way,
Harry shrugged and said, "Why not. Would you mind letting our two
aurors know they should come in here for lunch? As you suspected, we'll
leave again shortly afterwards."
As Harry was about to sit to the side, Willy almost pushed him to the
head of the table. "Master Harry as Lord must be sittings at the head of
the table."
As Harry started to comply, he turned back to see Betsy doing the same
with Hermione, forcing her to the other end. "Sorry," he said. "I'll accede
to your wishes; but, only this once.
"I'll sit at the head of the table for formal events, but not for informal
things such as this. Alright?"
"Yes, Master Harry. Of course, Master Harry," replied the elf.
Once they were all sitting, with even the aurors being somewhat
unwilling to refuse the elves, lunch was served. And it was a veritable
feast.
Apparently, Dobby had already advised the Potter elves - other Potter
elves - of both Harry's and the Grangers' preferences for food. There was
very little that didn't meet the criteria.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
By early to mid afternoon they'd left Pottermore and returned to the
Granger residence. As soon as they did, Harry was heading up to gather
writing equipment so he could write notes to be delivered to Sirius,
Remus, Andi and Ted about the floo address and password for
Pottermore.
However, before he had a chance to do so, Wendell asked him to join
him in his office.
Walking in, Wendell indicated the occasional chairs for Harry to sit in
one while he sat in the other.
Once he was comfortable, Harry could see his future father-in-bond was
thinking about what he wanted to say and was thinking of the right
words to say it.
Harry just waited the man out, as he knew he needed the time. That, at
least, he could empathise.
"Lord Potter―" he eventually said.
"Harry," he immediately came back with.
Wendell seemed a little uncomfortable, but disagreed. "Not for this," he
said before pausing again. "It wasn't until Monica and I were walking
through your home, seeing the quality and sheer size of it, that it really
occurred to me just how rich you actually are.
"Sure, being told is one thing. But, actually seeing the... produce... of
that... Well, I can say I now completely understand."
"You know that the money I have―" started Harry, but was stopped when
Wendell raised his hand in a stop gesture.
"Monica and I understand that, Harry," he nodded. "However, you and
Hermione are not Sonny and Cher. Your love cannot and would not
sustain you."
Harry gave a snort of amusement, which Wendell acknowledged with a
slight grin, but his face immediately went back to a serious expression.
"Seeing that... home of yours," he continued, "Showed Monica and I that
you'll be able to provide for our little princess far beyond what we will."
"Only monetarily," said Harry. "You provide her so much more, simply by
being her parents and giving her your love."
Wendell nodded and said, "It's nice of you to say so. However, it is easy
for us to see that you love her just as deeply as we. So that's a, how
would you put it? A wash?"
Harry only nodded back.
"I know it's a personal question, Harry. But, could you give me some idea
of just how wealthy you are?"
Harry immediately asked back, "Financially, you mean?"
When Wendell nodded, Harry replied, "I don't know the total amount
because I've never really wanted to know. However, interest- and
disbursement-wise from investments, I think the Potter accounts bring in
about three hundred thousand Galleons per quarter; or, about one point
two million galleons per year. At today's exchange rate, that's about six
point four million pounds per year.
"At the moment I have Ted and the goblins looking for further investment
opportunities; because, very little changes have occurred over the past
fifteen years and the gold has been collecting dust in the family vaults.
Gold, just sitting there, is doing no one any good.
"As I told Hermione - when she first discovered just how much, in
general, I'm worth and she nearly suffered a panic attack on learning of it
- money is not all that important to me as anything more than something
I can use to hand to someone to get them to hand me something I want.
Unlike people like the Malfoys, I don't keep score based on the bottom
number of the balance sheet. I keep score by how much good I can do for
someone else, when it's in my power to do so."
"Altruism at its finest," muttered Wendell.
Harry said, "Hermione calls it 'my saving people thing'."
Wendell sat back and looked at Harry a bit more shrewdly, "Is your...
wealth... one of the reasons you feel you're going to get pressured to take
on concubines?"
"Take on concubines; no," he disagreed. "And it's not about my wealth,
either. It's about my House - a Noble and Most Ancient one. Money only
matters in this when it comes to taking care of the needs of the concubine
if the Concubine Bond Agreement becomes a contract.
"As I said before, concubinage in wizarding Britain is about bloodlines.
The advantages, to the Alliance in this regard, is that we can use the
protections built into the laws regarding concubinage to protect the
witches concerned.
"A witch under a Concubine Bond Agreement or Contract... or Betrothal
Agreement or Contract... is 'off the market', so to speak. Further, the
concerned witch falls under the protections of both their own House and
the House of their contracted groom.
"It's only for that protection I'm even willing to... listen to others on the
matter. If they tried to force me to actually take on concubines; that is,
actual contracts; I'd tell them all to go shove it sideways."
Wendell gave a little snort of amusement and seemed to think for a
while.
Finally, he asked, "So your only interest is to protect them."
"Yes," Harry simply replied.
"If your only concern is to protect these girls and not to take advantage of
them, then I think you should consider hearing out what they want to
say."
Harry gave his own snort of amusement and said, "Up until about a year
ago, I never thought I'd hear the father of any prospective bride of mine
ever say something like that."
"A year ago?" asked Wendell.
"That's when I first learned about concubinage and how it might relate to
my house."
Wendell smirked and returned, "And, I never thought I'd ever say such a
thing to my prospective son-in-law."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After his meeting with Wendell, Harry continued with his intent to gather
writing equipment to write his notes. He took it all down to the dinette.
He'd no sooner sat and began to write when he was joined by Hermione.
She asked, "May I ask what you and Daddy talked about?"
"Concubine bond agreements," he replied. "He, too, thinks I can use them
to protect the unattached heiresses of the Alliance."
"Daddy said that?" she asked, clearly shocked.
"He did," he smirked.
"Wow," she quietly exclaimed.
He just grinned back before returning to his writing.
"And, you're writing..." she asked.
"I'm writing notes with information about Pottermore to Sirius, Remus,
Ted and Andi," he replied. "I'm letting them all know they're now listed as
permanent guests and giving them both the floo address and password.
"I also intend to write Luna Lovegood a note to let her know, if she'd like,
to join Neville in a compartment with him on the Hogwarts Express. But,
I'm not telling her it'll be for her protection on the train. And I'll be
including that information in the letter I send Neville."
"Can I ask why?" she asked.
"You can," he replied. "Regarding Luna is, I think, obvious. For the
former, it's so they don't have to ask permission to visit, to give them
somewhere they can go if they need to go somewhere due to their home
being under attack or something; and letting them know, in a roundabout
way, my level of trust in each of them.
"Being added to a Head of House's home wards is considered an honour."
"What about the wards here?" she asked.
"Those sort of wards can't be erected here because it's a muggle home," he
explained. "You have muggles visit, such as door-to-door solicitors. If
they then get bounced or otherwise harmed because of those sort of
wards, it's a breach of the Statute of Secrecy.
"That's why I had various intent-based wards erected. And, even then,
they had to be very specific. The ones that are on here are keyed to block
those intending only physical or magical harm. It means, though, those
with intent to swindle or otherwise rip off your parents will still be able
to get through if they push."
"What about Dumbledore?" she asked. "If his only intent is to take you
away, why can't he get through?"
"Because that one's a specific anti-Dumbledore ward keyed to his magical
signature. However, if he sends someone else to come and try to take me
away... I just don't know what will happen. If their intent is just to take
me away to another place of safety, they should still be able to take me
away. What I'm counting on is, if they were to try and push it when I
refuse, the intent-based wards will deal with them."
"Sounds like a very complicated balancing act," she said.
He smiled and said, "It is."
Hermione seemed to run out of questions and then offered him help
writing the notes.
"They won't take long," he said. "However, you're welcome to proof-read
them, if you want."
She accepted and she did.
Harry sent them off using HEED before going into the kitchen and
making an early start on dinner.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
The next morning, the Saturday, Andi came over with Sirius immediately
after breakfast to give Harry another check on his fading scar.
Taking Harry apart from everyone else, she scanned it and said, "Still no
sign of that dark miasma. It looks like we got rid of it. I'll need to
document that solution and write a report for the Saint Mungo's medical
board.
"While many might be averse towards muggle healing solutions, there's
no doubt it was the muggle surgery that allowed us to get rid of it where
wizarding solutions didn't, couldn't and wouldn't work."
What none of them knew was that the Unspeakables had been monitoring
the operation and, as soon as the epidermis/dermis matter had been
removed, at their first opportunity they surreptitiously removed it and
whizzed it off to Level 9 at the Ministry and their own people. They both
confirmed it contained the soul fragment of Tom Riddle and were present
when the material broke down enough for it to no longer be viable to
sustain the soul fragment - and watched it die.
"I'm just glad it's gone," he said. "I hadn't realised it until this morning,
but for the past two nights I've had the best sleep I've ever had.
"I don't know if that's finding out I had a Horcrux and it's gone; or, it's
because the Horcrux was negatively affecting my sleep."
"I'd say the latter," she agreed. "Either that, or the dark energy emanating
from the scar is what was causing you restless sleep.
"I'll also be coming over on Monday evening to give you a last check
before you head for Hogwarts. Then I'll send a copy of your medical file
to Journeyman Healer Peter Robinson, the new medi-wizard of Hogwarts,
so he has a copy of your records. I'll be asking him to report to me how
well the new scar heals, so I can add it to my report."
"Normally, I'd be upset with you about using my fame, or something," he
said. "However, since this seems to have worked and there's a good
chance it can be used to help children not be so afflicted, I guess I can go
along with it."
She smiled and said, "Don't worry, Harry. "You're referred to in the report
as 'Patient TX12'. I've only a need to verbally tell the Board who the
patient is. It's never written down. That would be a breach of healer-
patient confidentiality and I would be placing my magic at risk."
Sirius, who was listening in, said, "For your information, Pup, I'm Patient
TX11 and Remus is Patient TX13."
He immediately turned to Andi and said, "Don't worry, Andi; it was
Remus who told me he was TX13 when I mentioned you designated me
TX11. It wasn't then hard to figure out Harry, here, was TX12."
Harry looked to Andi and asked, "I take it there were ten others you've
applied experimental healing techniques on before we came along?"
She smiled and said, "I can neither confirm, nor deny, that."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Once Andi and Sirius had left again, Hermione dragged Harry up to his
room and sat him on the chair while she sat on the side of his bed.
"You... want to tell me something you don't want your parents to hear?"
he asked, once they were settled.
Hermione nibbled on her bottom lip for a few moments before she
blushed and asked, "I wanted to know how far you've managed to get
through that book Sirius gave you. We haven't talked about it since well
before Christmas and... well... you haven't come and talked to me about
it―"
Blushing and looking away he mumbled, "I've finished it."
"You have?" she asked, pleased. "Why didn't you tell me?"
"Because it's an uncomfortable subject?" he asked right back.
"Oh," she softly replied.
She seemed to think for another long moment and said, "Well, since
you've finished it and we're talking about it now... is there anything you
wanted to know? That is... is there anything you think I can clarify for
you... or, just explain better?"
"I..." he immediately started to reply before he suddenly stopped. "No...
No, I don't think there is."
He then seemed to think about it before he said, "Actually, yeah, maybe.
However, I don't want to talk about it here. Can we wait until we're not
under your parents' roof?"
"You want to wait until we're back at Hogwarts?" she asked. When Harry
nodded in response she said, "Alright. We can do that."
"Thank you," he sighed.
When she rose and looked about to leave, Harry noticed she looked a
little hurt. Without even thinking about it, he reached out, grabbed her
about the waist and pulled her onto his lap.
When she gave a little squeak of surprise as she landed and turned to
look at him in shock, he quickly kissed her long and hard. It took her
only moments to respond and kiss him just as firmly back.
When he finally pulled back he said, "Sorry. But, I want to be able to talk
to you without someone coming in during our talk and ruining things,
alright?"
"Ah!" she said. "That's why you want to wait until we get to Hogwarts."
"Yes," he grinned.
When Hermione left a few minutes later, she was more relaxed and
happy.
Harry actually didn't want to talk about it, at all. But, that did not mean
he was comfortable with the idea of talking about it, if he had to, while
her parents were nearby. He just hoped she'd not remember.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
The next morning was the start of the day the two teens should have
been getting ready to go to Kings Cross Station to board the Hogwarts
Express. They also knew it was the day that the new Headmistress, Lady
Marchbanks, would be firing Dumbledore.
The aurors had been alerted over a week ago, confirmed by Madam
Marchbanks herself, that Dumbledore would be fired that day. And there
was already word back from Madam Bones that their auror contingent
would now be expanded to a team of five until Tuesday morning.
Those aurors, though they weren't supposed to have arrived until after
breakfast, had begun to arrive in time for breakfast. Dobby had made
sure they were all fed as, unsurprisingly, none of them ate breakfast
before arriving. Only those that arrived after breakfast had eaten.
So breakfast, that morning, ended up being a more 'lavish' meal than
normal.
As they - Harry, Wendell and Monica - were finishing theirs, Monica
asked, "I wonder what made Dobby lay on such a feast."
Harry smiled back and said, "The auror contingent has been increased.
Apparently, Dobby's learned of the aurors' appreciation for his cooking,
together with some of them arriving early, and he's gone all-out for
them."
Wendell, where he was reading the Prophet and sipping on his tea,
chuckled in amusement. Monica just grinned.
Wendell then said, "Monica and I are going to miss the culinary
competition between you and Dobby."
Monica gave an amused little snort and said, "My waistline's not. I think
I've put on about five pounds at least since you two have been here. With
you not here I'll be able to trim back down again."
Harry blushed and softly said, "Sorry."
"Not your fault, Harry," she smiled. "I'm the one who... overindulged."
They were joined a few minutes later by a somewhat grumpy Hermione.
Wendell took one look at her and asked, "What's the problem, Princess?"
"I didn't sleep well, Daddy," she sighed, as she began to pick at her food.
"Why not?" asked her mother.
Hermione looked a bit uncomfortable for a few moments before she
replied, "Today's the day we should be going to Kings Cross Station. And,
I think knowing that Harry and I won't be there..."
Harry immediately twigged and asked, "It's just made it all the more real
for you, hasn't it? That we're getting special privileges by flooing directly
to the school, two days late."
She nodded with a sad expression.
"That's alright," he smiled. "You're allowed to feel that way; because, we
are getting special privileges."
When she looked surprised he'd agreed with her, he explained,
"Hermione, you're now the betrothed of One of the Seven. Sometimes,
special privileges are going to be normal for you; especially once we're
married and you're Lady Potter.
"I know you feel it's somewhat dishonest, but you need to accept it isn't.
This particular privilege is not really a privilege at all. This is a...
strategic move, more like... to ruin any plan Dumbledore might come up
with in the short term. It's for both our protections. Ask the aurors, if you
don't believe me."
"But, what about the accommodations at Hogwarts?" she asked.
"The Lords' Quarters, you mean?" he asked. When she nodded, again not
looking at him, he replied, "That's not a privilege; it's a right."
When she suddenly turned her eyes to look at him with a frown, he said,
"You heard me right; it's a right. A privilege is something that may be
taken from you; a right cannot.
"As a Lord, no matter my age, I'm entitled... entitled... access to the Lords'
Quarters. Where did you think the word 'entitled' comes from, if not from
the term 'title'?"
Still a bit puzzled, she asked, "But... didn't you ask Headmistress
Marchbanks if you could have access to the Lords' Quarters?"
He replied, "I was being polite, Hermione. I already knew Lady
Marchbanks would not refuse me, because... as I said... it's my right to
move to that accommodation. My letter requesting access was a polite
way of saying, 'Please ensure the Quarters are prepared for my arrival, as
I'll be using them.'"
Now better informed, Hermione seemed to lose that air of sadness she
had and was able to eat her breakfast. Her appetite was back.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Once Hermione was comfortably eating her breakfast, Harry indicated an
article in the Daily Prophet to her.
"Lord MacMillan has chosen today to make a public apology from the
House of MacMillan to the House of Potter," he said. And held it so she
could read it while eating.
When it was clear she was done, she asked, "I thought you said Lord
MacMillan didn't need to apologise; that it was Ernie, who had to."
"That was the instruction, yes," replied Harry, pulling the paper back.
"However, it seems Lord MacMillan was willing to exceed that
requirement by also offering apology."
"Why wait until now?" asked Wendell. "It's been five weeks."
Turning to look at him, Harry replied, "I'm guessing it's because Hogwarts
reopens today. He's giving his apology to be a... 'introduction?'... to a
public apology from his grandson, once everyone arrives at Hogwarts; or,
possibly, even on the train on the way there."
"Your not arriving there until Tuesday is going to partly destroy that
plan," smirked Wendell.
Harry grinned and shrugged back. "Only a bit. Ernest can still apologise.
He'll just have to wait a couple of days. He'll be yet someone else who'll
be sweating our non-appearance."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
At almost the same time in Hogwarts's Great Hall, Dumbledore had just
entered and sat at his 'place' at the table when Marchbanks, from her
centre place at the table as Headmistress, called to him.
"Albus?" she asked.
When he turned and asked, "Yes, Grisel... Headmistress Marchbanks?"
He'd quickly corrected himself, as soon as he saw her expression change
from a neutral expression to fury as soon as he began to address her by
her first name.
"I need you to see me in my office at 1.00pm sharp, Albus," she said.
"Don't be late. And bring with you your teaching schedules and lesson
plans, when you do."
"Yes, Headmistress," he sighed. 'Now the blasted woman wants to check
I'm prepared for classes to start. Damn her. She knows damned well I've
been the Professor of Transfiguration before and, therefore, know what
I'm doing.'
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
About an hour after they'd broken their fasts, Harry asked Hermione, "As
the old fart is going to be sacked some time after 11.00am, we won't have
a chance to go beyond the wards, here, again. Feel like taking a stroll
around the neighbourhood?"
Hermione smiled and said, "I'd love to!" Then slipped a bookmark into
the book she was reading. Harry noticed it was the one he gave her on
Occlumency, Occlumency for Beginners.
Once they'd alerted the adult Grangers and the aurors of their plan to
take a walk, both headed up to their respective rooms to don warmer
layers.
Meeting back in the entrance foyer five minutes later, it was to be
greeted by two aurors dressed as muggles and waiting for them; a witch
and a wizard.
"Ready to go?" asked the female auror.
"Yup," replied Harry, taking Hermione's hand.
The auror said, "We'll follow behind under disillusionment. We won't
crowd you, but we'll be close by in case of trouble you can't handle."
Harry smiled back and said, "Thank you."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
The two had been out on the street and were about two blocks and ten
minutes away - they weren't hurrying - when Harry noticed two
somewhat attractive muggle girls cross the road just ahead of them and
walk their way. A blonde and a brunette, both had decent shaped bodies
with fair sized boobs. Both were dressed in heavy denim jackets with fur-
lined collars over tight T-shirts, denim mini-skirts, heavy skin-toned
stockings and ankle-high boots. Both appeared about the same age as
Hermione.
He then heard Hermione mutter, "Oh, Gods," as her hand tightened in his
own.
Having a fair idea what was about to happen, Harry turned his eyes on
hers, smiled, and said, "Don't worry; we'll handle it. Just remember who
you are going to marry."
That had her relax again just as the girls got into 'range'.
"Oh, look!" snarked the blonde. "It looks like the beaver got herself a
boyfriend."
That had the brunette cackle with laughter, though it did not reach her
eyes.
Both stopped side-by-side about ten feet ahead of the two teens as Harry
felt Hermione begin to cower behind him.
In a clear voice, Harry effected a posh, almost Malfoy-ish, accent and
asked, "Hermione, dear. I believe these two prostitutes know you."
That had Hermione pop up from her cringe and stare at Harry in shock. It
also managed to stutter the two girls into stunned silence.
He continued in the same voice, "How is it you know two prostitutes?"
Then in a quiet mutter to her, said, "Address me as 'My Lord'."
Hermione blinked before she took a quick glance at both girls and
immediately looked back to Harry. Then she smirked.
In her own carrying voice she replied, "I have no idea if they are
prostitutes now, or not, My Lord. However, both these... ladies...
attended primary school in the same year as I, before I began to attend
private school."
As he was turned from the two girls, Harry maintained a straight face but
gave Hermione a wink with the eye furthest from the two.
"Of course, they are," he declared before he, gestured towards them and
let his eyes dress them up and down. "Look at how they're dressed!
Clearly, they must be prostitutes."
Turning to look at them in the eyes, he said, "Tell me... ladies... did you
become prostitutes because you enjoy sex, or was it because you're too
stupid to find a better profession?"
That snapped both girls out of their shock and both faces developed
expressions of fury. The brunette practically shouted back, "We are not
prostitutes!"
"Sorry," he said. "Please forgive me."
As both girls' expression began to relax, he said, "I meant 'Ladies of the
Night'."
When he saw their expressions again change to anger, before they could
say anything he tried, "Or, do you prefer 'Call Girls'?... No?... 'Hookers'?...
What about 'Gentlemens' Special Friends'?"
"Arsehole!" the blonde screamed at him.
"No thanks," he blandly said. "I believe in... shall we say... the traditional
entrance.
"Besides, I have no wish to pay for your services. However, I wish you
luck in your... endeavours."
That had Hermione suddenly try to bury her face into his shoulder and
begin snickering.
When the blonde began to splutter and start hurling invectives at him,
the brunette suddenly latched onto her arm and began to drag her across
the street.
"Oh, I get it!" he declared, calling after them. "You prefer to be called...
Street Walkers! Sorry! My bad! Or is that demonstration to reflect how
you're 'Escorts'? You're not offering a two-for-the-price-of-one deal, are
you? What would that be worth, anyway? Ten pounds?"
After both girls had reached the other side of the road and hurried away
down the footpath, not even looking back, Harry turned to Hermione and
innocently asked, "Was it something I said?"
She then latched onto him more fully and began to laugh and cry at the
same time with her face practically buried into the hollow of his
shoulder.
It was a few minutes before she could compose herself enough to release
him and step back.
"Damn, Harry," she giggled and sniffled. "That was just... precious."
Surreptitiously, Harry conjured a handkerchief between them and offered
it to her. Hermione clearly needed one to wipe her eyes and clear her
nose.
It was only a minute later before they were again walking along. But
about once a minute Hermione would develop a short case of the snorts
and giggles and would have to pause walking again.
When they got home, Hermione immediately tracked down her mother
and dragged her upstairs. A few seconds after she did, Harry heard her
bedroom door slam close.
That's when the female auror dropped her Notice-Me-Not charm and
widely grinned at Harry. "You... are evil." Then hurried to the back of the
house and down the stairs.
Curious, Wendell asked, "Something happen out on your walk?"
Harry shrugged and said, "Not really. A couple of girls Hermione knew
from primary school tried to start something nasty with her. Before they
got past their first scathing remark, I shot them down, pretty quick. And,
no, I didn't use magic; just words.
"Hermione's had an on-off dose of the giggles ever since. And, I think she
just wants to tell Monica about it."
Harry was right. When the two came down about five minutes later, it
was obvious both had been laughing hard as both had slightly flushed
faces, bright eyes and were grinning from ear to ear.
Monica immediately approached Harry, pulled down on his arm to get
him to bend over a little and planted a kiss on his cheek.
As he started to straighten up in shock with a developing blush, she
brushed his cheek with her hand and softly, but vehemently, said, "Good
boy."
Blushing a little, Harry just grinned back.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
As Platform nine and three-quarters began to fill with excited students
and their exasperated guardians, many were looking about to see if they
could spot Harry.
Because it was a Sunday, there wasn't so many parents dropping their
children off early so they could hurry in or back to work, so many
parents were using the opportunity as a bit of a social event. Pockets of
adult witches and wizards were shifting about, while also keeping an eye
on children who were wanting to dash off to find friends.
For the Heirs of the Alliance, they had already made plans and were
meeting in the third carriage. They all also already knew Harry and
Hermione were going to be a 'couple of' days late; so, did not expect to
see him on the platform or on the train.
As they'd arranged between them, Neville was early and had already
secured a compartment in the 'right' carriage, while his parents were on
the platform greeting old friends and catching up. His father did come on
board, though, and help him with getting his trunk into the overhead
rack with a quick levitation charm. On his father's advice he also had his
Hogwarts uniform out and set aside for changing into later. That way, he
would not need to get his trunk down to get them out.
Ready, he pulled a book titled 'Water Plants of the Mediterranean' out, took
a seat next to the door and began to read.
Next to arrive was Daphne and Tracey with Samuel following with their
trunks levitating behind him, stacked one atop the other.
"Heir Longbottom," both girls said almost simultaneously.
Before Neville had a chance to respond, Samuel then said, "Hello,
Neville."
Neville was quick to slide across the bench to give Samuel room before
then standing. "Lord Greengrass; a pleasure," he said. Before looking to
the girls and smiling. "Ladies."
Samuel levitated their trunks into the overheads for them. And then
quickly begged their leave.
With his burgeoning confidence, Neville was about to suggest they
remove a change of Hogwarts robe out of their trunks first, when he
noticed the two girls were already wearing them.
With both trunks up and secure - the girls checked - they turned to
Neville and smiled at him.
Still standing he asked, "Shall we?" and indicated the seats.
After the girls both sat, Neville sat and asked, "Any idea when Hannah
and Susan are likely to turn up?"
"No idea," said Tracey.
Looking to Daphne, he asked, "Are we likely to have any trouble for you
by sitting with me?"
Daphne answered, "As I said on the floo, not since its gone public the
Alliance has gone active again."
Susan and Hannah turned up about fifteen minutes later and were
giggling. Both were also dragging their own trunks.
Daphne used a levitation charm to lift both into the overhead racks for
the girls, which surprised Neville. "I didn't know you were that
accomplished with the levitation charm, Daphne."
Daphne smiled back and said, "I could only do it because both have
permanent featherweight charms on them. If they didn't, I wouldn't have
been able to manage it, I don't think."
Neville thought about it and asked, "What if someone had cast
featherweight charms on them immediately before you levitated them?"
That clearly surprised the girl. "I... had not considered that."
Snapping out of her surprise she looked to the two still giggling 'Puffs and
asked, "Something amuse you?"
Susan replied, "All the people on the platform. Hannah and I were
stopped three times by people asking us about the Alliance."
Then Hannah added, "And then they immediately asked us if we'd
introduce them to Harry, so they could apologise to him for their
behaviour both over the month before the First Task and anything else."
Tracey gave a snort of amusement and said, "A little late, aren't they?"
Just before the train was due to leave, they had another knock on the
door and a student ask to join them - Luna.
"Hello," she said. "I received a note from Harry Potter telling me that I
should join you in your compartment for the trip to Hogwarts. I have no
idea why, though."
"Luna, right?" asked Neville. "Luna Lovegood?"
"Yes," she almost hesitantly replied.
Rising, Neville said, "Harry wrote me and asked that, if you decided to
join us, to make you feel welcome. So, come on in."
As Luna seemed to relax and smiled back, Neville cast a featherweight
charm on the trunk and asked Daphne to levitate it up into the racks. She
was happy to do so.
Once Luna was in and properly situated, Neville explained, "Harry sent
me a note and asked me to ensure that Luna was made welcome if she
asked to join us. I'm happy to do so. But, he hasn't been very forthcoming
as to why."
Luna explained, "Lord Potter is aware of some of the difficulties I've had
in Ravenclaw, due to how some of the members of the House have
treated me. He seems to want to take me under his wing, so to speak.
"I also suspect he had something to do with the lovely lady mind-healer
who's been visiting me over the break. But, I know he won't say if he was.
I don't mind, though; she's nice company."
As Luna spoke Neville noticed she wasn't speaking as 'airily' as he
remembered her to do. She now spoke with more confidence.
He smiled at her and said, "Harry didn't tell me any of that. So, thank you
for telling me."
She smiled back.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After the train departed Kings Cross right on schedule, the six sat back
and relaxed in their compartment. They were happy to just settle back for
the journey.
It was about and hour into the trip when the door was yanked open by
Malfoy.
He did a quick look-around before he looked at Neville and said,
"Longbottom. Do you know where I can find Potter?"
"He's not on board," replied Neville. "He's made other arrangements."
Malfoy seemed to think about that for a moment before he seemed to
give a nod. Then he looked at Daphne and Tracey and seemed about to
sneer, but thought better of it. He then stepped back out of the
compartment and walked away without another word.
Neville re-closed the door.
"That was... odd," said Susan.
Neville said, "Malfoy has this bit of tradition where he tracks down Harry
on the train and tries to pick a fight with him. I don't know why he
bothers, as he's never won even one of their confrontations.
"However, I've never seen him act so polite before."
"That was polite?" asked Hannah.
"For Malfoy; yes," he shrugged.
It was a moment before Daphne said, "Malfoy is going to be a changed
boy at Hogwarts, from now on. He's learned he's not the Heir Primary of
Black, as he thought he was; his father has lost his puppet Minister and
his Lord Black, I suspect, has laid down the law with his mother.
"I also believe he's very quickly going to discover that, as a result, he can
no longer consider himself the so-called Prince of Slytherin. That title
will likely shift to Theodore Nott, because of his grandfather, Caracticus
Nott, sitting on the Wizengamot and nominating for the Ministership."
"Nott won't win," said Susan.
"No," agreed Daphne. "However, just being nominated shows the other
Houses in the Dark alliances are deferring to him. That means their Heirs
will to Theo."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Down towards the rear compartments of the train, Ron was moping.
He was very relieved he was no longer at Aunt Muriel's. However, he
only found out Harry and Hermione would not be on the train when he
arrived at the platform. The twins told him. He had to promise he'd
apologise to 'them', but they weren't here to apologise to.
After sitting for half an hour he realised sitting in the compartment on his
own was stupid. So, went looking for who else was on the train.
He found Dean and Seamus sitting in a compartment with two girls from
Hufflepuff and asked to join them. The two boys seemed reticent, but the
two 'Puffs allowed it.
Feeling grateful - not an emotion he was used to - he took a seat and said,
"Thank you."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After a short lunch, Dumbledore returned to his office apartment and
collected the information Marchbanks had demanded of him. Then made
his way to her office. He knew he was going to be a couple minutes late,
but didn't care. It was time he started regaining his rightful authority;
even if it meant taking little progressive steps to get there.
At two minutes past 1.00pm he approached the gargoyle. He was about
to inform it he was there when the gargoyle simply stepped to the side to
give him access. With a sigh of annoyance, he made his way up the stairs
and, as usual of late, didn't even bother to knock on the door before
letting himself in; as if it was his right to do so.
Marchbanks was sitting at her desk, but she wasn't alone. Sitting before
her desk was another man. One Dumbledore did not recognise.
On seeing him, Dumbledore stopped just inside the door. He looked at
the man, who had now turned to look back and realised he didn't
recognise him.
With a frown on his face, he turned back to Marchbanks and said, "I
believe I had an appointment with you for 1.00pm, Headmistress
Marchbanks."
"You do, Albus," she said. "Since you've rudely let yourself in before
knocking - a bad habit you've developed of late - you'd best come forward
and take a seat."
Frowning even deeper, Dumbledore walked forward and took the second,
vacant, chair slightly apart from the other man.
As soon as he sat and before he could say anything, Marchbanks held out
her off hand, palm up, and said, "I believe you have something for me?"
And flicked her hand in a 'hand it over' gesture.
Dumbledore, his mind on trying to figure out who the other man could
be, almost unconsciously handed her his files.
As soon as she had them she put them down before her on her desk
blotter and began to go through them.
Annoyed, Dumbledore said, "Aren't you going to introduce us, Gri... errr...
Headmistress?"
"In a moment," she muttered.
A few moments later she'd scanned through the files and gave a small
grunt of satisfaction, before closing them again and putting her hands on
them.
Looking up at Dumbledore she said, "Albus..." She then gave a nod to the
other man, who was still carefully watching him back, "... This is
Professor Jonathan Biffingwater. He comes to us by way of recently being
a professor at a day school for magic on the west coast of magical
America."
She gave that a moment to sink in as Dumbledore only deigned to give a
slight nod to the man. Biffingwater only cocked an eyebrow back and
smirked. He saw the brush off for what it was and clearly didn't care.
Giving her own snort of amusement at the disrespect, Marchbanks simply
said, "Starting today, Professor Biffingwater is the new Hogwarts
Professor of Transfiguration." It was not hard to hear the satisfaction in
her voice when she said that.
From looking almost surreptitiously at Biffingwater, Dumbledore's head
snapped back to stare at her in shock.
"Yes, Albus," she almost snarked. "It means you're fired. The School Board
gave me permission to fire you a couple weeks back. However, I wanted
to make sure John, here, had arrived before I did so."
As Dumbledore sat there, still shocked... stunned... even appalled...
Marchbanks went on to say, "You'll find you've been paid until the end of
the week, as per the requirements of your tenure-ship contract. However,
your services are no longer required and I'm demanding of you to be out
of the castle by 4.00pm, this afternoon."
He gaped for a few more seconds before he said, "I have tenure―"
She was quick to cut him off. "Had tenure, Albus. I warned you, some
time ago, I believed I had sufficient cause to void your tenure. The School
Board agreed.
"I trust you not to make a scene as you pack your personal effects and
vacate the castle. However, if you're not gone by 4.00pm, you'll be rudely
ejected from the castle and grounds.
"That will be all, Albus. Thank you."
Angrily, Dumbledore surged to his feet and glared back. "You haven't
heard the end of this!" he snarled, before spinning about and storming
from the room. Both watched him as he walked out, ready for him to try
something.
As he walked out the door, Marchbanks banished the door shut and
warded it.
Once the door closed, Biffingwater turned back to Marchbanks and said,
"Unpleasant fellow. And, what's with the colours?"
Marchbanks gave a quiet snort and replied, "An... affectation, I believe.
Otherwise, I'd have to suspect the man of being completely colour blind."
"I hope that's not the standard of dress I can expect from other members
of staff?" he asked.
"No," she replied. "I trust you received the dress standards document I
sent you?"
"I did," he replied. "It is very similar to the dress standards of the school
at which I recently taught. However, the wearing of robes is something
new."
"You have them, though?" she asked.
"I do," he smiled. "Madam Malkin was most helpful."
She gave a nod and smile back. Then handed him the files Dumbledore
had handed her only a few minutes earlier. "You'll get used to it."
After accepting the files and taking them under his off arm, Biffingwater
stood and gave her a slight bow. "I shall see if Mister Dumbledore's
programs are workable, or not. Either way, however, I shall be ready to
teach by first class tomorrow."
"Thank you, John," she said. "Don't forget; you need to be in the Great
Hall for the evening meal and announcements by no later than 7.15pm.
I'd prefer you there a little earlier, if you can manage it."
He gave her another bow as a head nod and said, "As you wish,
Headmistress."
He then turned and walked out as Marchbanks removed the security
charm on the door.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
42. Hogwarts Recommences
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 Two - Hogwarts Recommences
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
On the Hogwarts Express, Ron was finally starting to relax in the
compartment with Dean Thomas, Seamus Finnegan and the two 'Puff
girls - whose names he still couldn't remember - when the door was
yanked open by Malfoy.
"Malfoy!" Ron snarled at him, jumping to his feet and drawing his wand.
"What do you want?"
With a look of glee in his eyes, Malfoy smirked and said, "No Potter and
the mudblood, Weasley?"
That was a far as he got before he suddenly almost completely doubled
over with stomach pain.
He then had a look of painful shock on his face, before he turned and ran
off without another word.
Ron, surprised at what had just happened, heard one of the 'Puffs ask,
"Would you mind closing the door, Mister Weasley?"
When he turned to look at her, she asked, "Well? Are you going to close
the door, or not?"
Still a little shocked by Malfoy's behaviour, he turned back, closed and
latched the door and sat back in his seat. Then looked to her.
"What just happened?" he asked, confused.
She grinned back and said, "Mister Malfoy had a very sudden urge to use
the toilet. I believe he'll be occupied for a while."
When Ron still appeared confused the other 'Puff said, "Lilith doesn't like
people who use the 'M' word around her. She has a knee-jerk reaction to
hex them."
Lilith said, "Megan tends to exaggerate a little. I only save the hexes for
people like Malfoy. Him, I hit with a bowel loosening charm. He'll be in
the toilet for a couple of hours."
Finally understanding what happened, Ron grinned back and said, "That's
wicked!"
Megan said, "I don't know why your so-called golden trio puts up with
him so much. We don't."
Lilith said, "Learn the bowel loosening charm, learn to cast it
surreptitiously and silently and you shouldn't have anywhere near as
much trouble with him in future."
Ron thought about that for a moment before he leaned forward, adopted
a begging expression and pleaded, "Teach me?"
Both 'Puffs laughed, which had Ron and the other two Gryff' boys join in
a moment later.
"Alright, Mister Weasley," she eventually said. "However, you're going to
owe me a favour, if I do."
Warily, he asked, "What sort of favour?"
Still smiling from the laughter, she shrugged and replied, "I don't know
yet, but it's not going to be something that will offend you having to do
it."
He thought about that, before he gave a firm nod back and said,
"Accepted."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Ron was so focussed on learning the hex the Fourth Year 'Puff, Lilith
Moon, was trying to teach him that he didn't hear the door to the
compartment being opened.
He didn't even notice anyone was there until Dean asked, "Need
something, Angie?"
That had him looking up and seeing Angelina Johnson, shadowed by
Alicia Spinnet, standing in the doorway, looking at him.
As soon as he did, though, she firmly asked, "Where's Potter?"
"Not on the train," he replied.
Confused, she asked, "What do you mean?"
"We received a letter from him a few days ago saying he might not be
attending," he explained. "Something about he and Hermione might be
taking up the option of having personal tutors, instead."
That he didn't say it with an outward sign of jealously was thanks to his
Aunt Muriel. He was prepared to answer that question. However, he
didn't know that and he was still jealous, anyway.
"Really?" she asked, surprised.
"Really," he near-snarked.
She thought about that for a moment before she said, "You said 'might'."
"Might," he repeated.
"Does that mean he might also turn up?"
He shrugged. "I hope so."
Clearly frustrated, without another word she stepped back, pulled the
door shut, latched it and walked away.
"At least she closed the door," said Seamus, also trying to learn the bowel
loosening hex.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Immediately returning to his office apartment after having just been
fired, Dumbledore made no effort to begin packing his personal effects.
Instead, he immediately used the floo to contact members of the School
Board. Or, rather, attempt to contact them.
His intent was to get immediate support to suspend his termination, so he
then had the time to work his skills more thoroughly and get the decision
to terminate his employment more permanently overturned.
However, no matter how much he begged, demanded, attempted to
blackmail, threaten or otherwise, no one was budging. Even those he
thought he'd still have support from were refusing.
What he didn't know was that, once the time reached three thirty and
while he had his head yet again in the flames, the castle's house elves
were quickly and quietly packing his effects.
At 4.00pm, on the dot, he found himself ripped out of the floo and
magically transported to outside the school's main gates. He was then
sitting on his bum on the cobblestones of the path. His packed personal
effects joined him moments later, about him.
Shocked, he was a few seconds in disbelief before he jumped to his feet
in a rapidly building rage, shrunk his effects and levitated them up so he
could grab them and shove them into his pockets. Then he attempted to
angrily stomp his way back in through the gates, but was rudely banished
back from them to again land on his bum where he started as soon as he
hit the ward boundary.
Again, he surged to his feet but, instead of trying to stomp his way back
in through the gates again, drew his wand and began casting powerful
ward breaking charms at them.
It was as much a waste of time as it was when he lost the Headship and,
in the back of his mind, he knew it. It would take hours of work of
hundreds of witches and wizards working in concert to bring down the
wards. Even he, at his most powerful, had no chance of accomplishing it.
After a solid minute of trying and which he knew was just him venting
his rage, he eventually lowered his wand, glared at the castle where he
knew the Headmistress's office to be, turned away and stomped up the
path to the village. He'd be taking rooms at the Three Broomsticks until
he could figure out what to do next and get back into the castle.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After organising a room, Dumbledore then donned a strong
disillusionment charm and made his way to Honeydukes. There, he
silently made his way down to the basement, located the hidden access to
the underground tunnel that led back to Hogwarts and slipped within.
Once inside he dispelled the disillusionment charm and lit his wand with
a strong Lumos, light, charm. And firmly strode down the tunnel.
However, just as he reached the ward line above, he smacked into an
invisible wall - a ward. It caused him to break his nose in the collision
and send him ten feet back up the tunnel the way he'd come to yet again
land him on his arse.
Shocked, he climbed to his feet and cast his best detection charms. They
immediately returned to him the same ward signatures as the main,
above ground, wards at the gate/fenceline. Someone had extended the
wards far enough below ground to also block the tunnel.
"Gods... damn it!" he snarled in anger, lowering his wand.
With a minor healing charm to his nose first, he gave a final huff up the
tunnel towards the school and retraced his steps.
There was no point in trying the one in the basement of the Shrieking
Shack as the tunnel between there and the whomping willow was the
same depth as the Honedukes tunnel. It, too, would be blocked.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
As dinner was winding up at the Grangers, Harry looked to the clock in
the kitchen and said, "The Express should be arriving at Hogwarts about
now."
That had everyone else look, too.
Hermione, again fretting a little, asked, "Do you think people would have
already noticed we're missing?"
"The other Heirs would have, of course," he replied. "So would the
Weasleys." He then gave a snort and added, "So, too, might Malfoy and
his pet bookends."
He'd forgotten about Luna, but so had Hermione.
She gave a sigh and said, "At least Madam Marchbanks knows what's
going on."
He gave a firm nod and turned to one of the aurors sitting at the table
with them.
"If what I think is going to happen, happens, we should expect
Dumbledore trying to get in here... in about half an hour to forty five
minutes, tops."
The auror looked back, smirked and said, "Then I'm glad we'll be able to
finish dinner in time."
From the expression on Harry's face, the other auror chuckled and said,
"You timed it that way, didn't you?"
Harry suddenly sat up straight, raised his left hand as if to give a muggle
oath and firmly said, "Guilty, Your Worship!"
Wendell nearly coughed out his mouthful of cheesecake in amusement
when he reflexively snorted. And had to rapidly resort to using a napkin
to cover his mouth while looking over it with eyes filled with mirth.
While Harry grinned at him, he said, "Please, don't do that. It gives me
the sudden urge to pick up my gavel."
That just made Harry grin even more.
After a few moments he turned back to the auror and replied, "Yes; I
timed the meal so that there should be about fifteen minutes between
finishing it and Dumbledore's earliest likely time to get here and try to
get in."
Smirking back, the auror softly said, "Clever."
With his own smirk Harry shot back, "Planning."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After demanding and getting the 'best' room in the Three Broomsticks,
Dumbledore had tried to visit his brother. However, as soon as his
brother, Aberforth, saw him step in through the door the old man had to
duck a thrown metal tankard thrown at his head before his brother then
snap-cast curses at him liberally sprinkled with intervening invectives.
He immediately retreated back out the door, knowing there was no
talking to his brother when he was in this sort of a mood.
Returning to the Three Broomsticks, he then spent the next couple of
hours preparing things elsewhere, or trying to figure out what to do with
his immediate future.
As the sun was setting, he had a fair idea.
Since trying to visit his brother he'd already been to the Dumbledore
Cottage in Godric's Hollow and quickly set his personal house elf to
cleaning it. He prepared it for him moving back in with an 'unwilling'
guest. He'd had to erect certain security wards, used by the DMLE for the
temporary restraint of prisoners 'in the field', but erected overpowered
and rune-based to be permanent.
Now, he was standing just outside the small picket gate to Hogsmeade
Station, but under an invisibility charm with an overlaid Notice-Me-Not
charm so even the slight ripple in the air that was a sign of a
disillusionment charm to those trained to see one would not be noticed.
What he had no idea about was that Alastor Moody was standing under
an invisibility cloak and his own Notice-me-Not charm not far away, but
also obscured by a tree as he stood behind it. And was keeping an eye on
him with his magical eye.
With years of experience, Dumbledore knew just when the train would
arrive, as did many of the long-term residents of Hogsmeade or the
castle.
While he stood there Hagrid, riding in a smaller, single-axle buggy up
front, led the lead Thestral-drawn carriages out onto the station external
concourse, just outside the gates. The Thestrals followed along and lined
up one behind the other and three deep behind him, ready for students to
board.
Once sure the carriages were ready, the big guy moved through the gate
and onto the platform to make sure the station was clear and ready for
the Express to pull up. He had no idea just how close he had come to
Dumbledore as he walked through the gate, but did wonder why he had
the sudden scent of lemons in his nostrils for a moment.
He gave one last look about before he walked back out the gate and
made his way back to the smaller 'buggy' wagon.
A quick "gee-up!" and he was returning to the castle.
He also had no idea Dumbledore had cast a quick compulsion charm on
him to do just that; in case he had decided to stay until the students had
arrived, out of a sense of obligation. Dumbledore wanted him gone, so he
couldn't see something the old man didn't want to half-giant to see.
Hagrid was only a quarter of the way back to the castle when
Dumbledore heard the train's whistle in the distance. It signified there
was less than two minutes before the train pulled in.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
As they felt the train slow down the last few hundred feet before coming
to a stop at Hogsmeade station, Ron was grinning at Lilith Moon and
gushing with praise for the girl. He'd never been able to learn a spell -
whether it be a charm, a transfiguration or a hex - so fast before.
"Thank you, so much!" he exclaimed. 'Just wait until Malfoy mouths off to
me, again,' he thought. 'I'll laugh and say, "Toilets are that way, Malfoy".'
As he'd been thinking, the five in his compartment all moved out into the
narrow hallway and into the sudden press of humanity all trying to get
out the door at either end.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
As students started to alight and the first few hurried quickly out the gate
and towards the carriages, Dumbledore was keeping careful watch as
they passed by. He already knew he had the best position as, with the
necessity of getting out through the gate, the students had to pass
through in single file.
He watched as the prefects who'd been in the first rail car, their privilege,
also moved to ensure none of the students got up to any mischief on the
platform or as they moved out to and boarded the thestral-drawn
carriages.
As they tended to occupy the first couple cars after the prefects', most of
the first students out through the gate were Slytherins.
A lot were talking and he'd occasionally hear the name 'Potter', but the
students were moving too quickly through for him to catch more than
just snippets. All he managed to catch were what sounded like no one
could find him on the train. But, that couldn't be right; 'young Harry'
thought of Hogwarts as his home.
Still scanning the crowd with his eyes, waiting for his opportunity to grab
the Potter boy and side-along apparate him away and back to his cottage,
he missed paying attention when Longbottom and the other four Heirs of
the Alliance all passed through the gate.
Thinking that more than half of the students had already passed through,
he was beginning to get a little concerned when he finally remembered
that the Potter boy often rode in one of the rear carriages. Therefore, he'd
likely be in the last ten to twenty percent of students to pass through.
And calmed again.
When the crowd of students started to slow down to a trickle, he saw the
youngest Weasley boy walking with two other Gryffindor boys and two
Hufflepuff girls in his same year. But, the Potter boy and the Granger girl
were not with him.
Looking past them he couldn't see his quarry; so he quickly cast a
Confundus charm on the group the Weasley boy was travelling with,
dragged the boy off to the side and hit him with a disillusionment charm.
With his eyes still watching the last few students walk through, he
realised he'd missed his quarry.
Still tightly holding the youngest Weasley boy he hit him with a more
powerful Confundus and demanded, "Where's Harry Potter?"
Dazed, Ron slowly replied, "He.. wasn't.. on.. the train."
Angry, Dumbledore cancelled the Confundus, obliviated the boy of the
last thirty seconds and shoved him towards the carriages.
Then he waited for a gap between the final students still exiting through
the gate and strode onto the platform. He'd be searching the train.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Ron staggered a bit as he walked towards the carriages, blinked and
looked around. 'Where'd everyone go?' he thought.
Realising there weren't many carriages left, he hurried forward and
jumped on one about to leave.
'Why'd they leave me behind?' he wondered.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
When Dumbledore grabbed the youngest Weasley boy, Moody was about
to abandon his concealed watching of the old man and charge forward
with his wand blazing.
However, as he started to move, the old man suddenly half flung the boy
towards the carriages and stepped through the gate and onto the
platform.
Watching the reaction of the boy, he realised the old man had obviously
questioned him then obliviated him of the last minute or two before
releasing him again.
As the boy hurried to board a carriage and was therefore safe, Moody
moved to follow Dumbledore.
Of course, everyone used the single gate through the white wooden
picket fence. However, it was no hassle to approach the platform from
where the trees encroached over the backside of the platform and simply
hop over the four foot high fence there. That's what he did.
Peeking around the corner of the station house, he was just in time to see
the old man jump onto the back carriage and start to search it.
Pulling back into concealment behind the building he chuckled to himself
and went back to where he was first watching the old man and the gate.
Once he was sure the last of the students had boarded the last carriage,
and it was through the gates and moving at a fair clip to the castle, he
apparated away.
He had a report to give to the Bones lass.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Over at the Granger residence, Harry was monitoring the time with a
Tempus charm. His last was about a minute after the previous one.
Wendell was watching him with amusement and finally asked, "Isn't there
a finite amount of magic you can cast before you run out?"
Harry gave him a sheepish grin back and replied, "There is. But, I could
probably cast about a thousand Tempus charms before I'd reach the point
of magical exhaustion. Different charms and the like use different
amounts of magic. The Tempus charm uses about the lower end of
average.
As Wendell gave a nod and returned to quietly reading a medical journal,
Hermione softly asked, "Where do you think they'd be about now."
"From previous experience, they'd be riding the carriages from the
platform to the castle about now," he replied. "I'll alert the aurors to get
ready. By my guess work, Dumbledore should be turning up here within
the next few minutes."
He rose and headed for the lower ground floor.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
As Weasley entered the Great Hall, he was about to head for his 'normal'
spot when he realised Harry and Hermione wouldn't be there. Instead, he
turned to go sit with Finnegan and Thomas. He needed to find out why
they left him at the station.
As he spotted them and walked over, he was about to ask them just that
when Thomas asked, "What happened to you? One moment you're
walking off the platform with us and the next you just disappeared."
Surprised, he sat next to them and replied, "I don't know! I remember
walking off the platform with you, then I'm standing there on my own! I
though you'd hit me with a confusion charm, or something; and left me
standing there while you all took off!"
"Nope!" replied Finnegan. "Sounds like a mean prank, though." He then
looked towards the twins and asked, "Think your brothers might have
done it?"
Ron immediately glared in his brothers' direction before he turned back
and mumbled, "They might have. But, it's not the sort of thing they'd
normally do. They're all about being 'flashy' and 'noisy'."
"True," said Thomas, casting his own look at the twins.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After spending over fifteen minutes quickly searching the train from one
end to the other, with no sign of the Potter boy, Dumbledore stood on the
platform for a few minutes wondering what could have happened.
'Either the boy turned up at the castle by portkey or floo; or he's not gone
there,' he thought. 'That means, he's likely still at the Grangers.
'Even if he isn't, the aurors won't be there and I can compulse the
Grangers into doing my bidding.'
With a decision reached, Dumbledore transfigured his robes into the
height of 90s muggle fashion - for the early 1890s. A three-piece muggle
business suit with matching low profile top hat and shoes. The gold chain
leading to his pocket watch was a nice touch. However, even then, they
never wore violet-purple with indigo pinstripe.
Then he apparated away to Wimbledon
Learning from his previous error, this time he chose not to attempt to
apparate directly onto the property. He changed his apparation point to
the front lawn of the property next door. And appeared there with a light
crack.
A quick look around for any muggles that might have seen him - he didn't
see any - and he stepped through the neighbours' front gate onto the
footpath, before walking closer to the boundary fence of the Grangers'.
He stopped just shy of the corner of the property, took another quick look
around and drew his wand. Then he silently began to cast detection
charms ahead of himself.
It took him only moments to determine where the ward line was. But was
surprised when he discovered the ward was an unusual shape. It was
almost four sided with rounded corners.
He paused. 'Strange,' he thought. And then began to cast more detection
charms.
What he didn't know was there was a very faint but telling ward buried
within and between the powerful anti-portkey and anti-apparation jinx
wards he'd detected. The glow he saw from the second and third masked
the first.
That ward detected when the ward set was being analysed. And a quiet
alarm went off within the servants' quarters on the lower ground floor of
the residence.
The auror monitoring the wards was immediately alerted and tapped a
specific set of runes on the back of his auror badge that alerted the aurors
on-site to what was going on. Next, he sent the same detection alert to
the on-duty auror at the DMLE.
The aurors on-site wasted no time and began to move.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
The Granger household was quiet, but somewhat tense. All four residents
were in the parlour at the time. The aurors asked them to be together in
one room until it was time to go to bed.
The two Granger adults were reading professional journals or doing
business paperwork, Hermione was sitting on the floor trying to meditate
while she was experiencing heightened stress and Harry was reading a
text on magical combat and pretending to cast the charms and curses he
came across with a pencil and memorising them.
Suddenly an auror ducked into the room and said, "Someone's casting
detection charms at the wards."
A moment later he snatched out his auror badge and looked to the back
of it. "The magical signature is Dumbledore's."
Then he looked at Harry in surprise. While Harry had explained to the
lead auror how he came to the conclusion Dumbledore would turn up,
even they were doubtful. However, they respected his intelligence
enough to know he seemed to accurately predict these sort of events
happening.
Harry smirked back for a moment before he slid a bookmark into the
page he was reading, snapped the book shut and stood up.
A second auror, a Senior, stepped in and said, "I'd like you all to make
your way down to the Quarters, please - the servants' quarters, that is."
"We understood the reference, Horatio," said Wendell as he and Monica
stood.
Monica had to give Hermione a tap on the shoulder to break her out of
her meditation state. "We need to go downstairs, dear."
"Oh!" said Hermione. "I take it Harry's right and Dumbledore's here?"
"He is," said the auror, trying to chivvy them into moving quicker.
With all four on the move, the Senior Auror hurried out the back door,
donned a disillusionment charm and peeked around the corner of the
house towards the front, where he knew the old man's charms were
impacting the wards.
He was shocked to see him simply standing on the path, not even
masking his presence other than to wear the most godawful-coloured
muggle suit he'd ever seen and waving his wand as if conducting an
orchestra.
Pulling his head back he sighed and muttered, "What an idiot."
Tapping his badge he was soon joined by another two aurors, two
younger, one male and one female. Both were dressed muggle.
Curiously he looked at the two before he smirked and motioned both
back from the corner. Once clear, he quietly asked, "How well do either
of you know if Dumbledore knows you on sight or not."
The male shrugged while the female just shook her head. The male
quietly replied, "I was a 'Puff. He tended to ignore us. And I didn't get
into trouble while at Hogwarts."
The witch softly replied, "I was in Ravenclaw. I don't think he ever said
one word to me, directly, the whole time I was there."
Grinning even more the Senior said, "Here's what I want the two of you
to do..."
As he explained, the two junior aurors grinned.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
A couple minutes earlier, Alastor Moody was sitting in Madam Bones's
office giving his report as to his surveillance of Dumbledore, when a
young auror gave a quick knock on the door, opened it and stuck his
head in.
"Excuse me barging in, Madam Bones," he said. "But, we've just received
word from Golf Romeo that Dumbledore's just outside the wards out the
front and casting detection charms at them."
"Send the back-up, right now, via floo," she immediately ordered. The
back up already had the floo address and temporary password for just
this situation.
"Yes, ma'am," he said and immediately yanked his head out, firmly
closing and latching the door as he did so.
Bones smirked at Moody and said, "Well, well. Potter was right again."
She cast a quick Tempus, read it and added, "And only a few minutes
after he guesstimated the old man would turn up."
"That's not bad," said Moody, clearly impressed.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
In the Great Hall at Hogwarts, there was a fair bit of excited chattering
between students going on.
One of the main topics was all the new Professors, for those were who
the folk clearly were, sitting at the head table talking between themselves
just as the students were.
When it appeared that everyone who was going to arrive, had arrived,
Madam Marchbanks stood from her chair and walked around the head
table and, cane tapping away, approached the big golden eagle lectern.
She did have to transfigure a large set of steps before it, though, as she
was such a little thing. But, once she stepped up on them she could see
clearly above it and across the four House tables.
As she did, Professor Sprout used a little hammer on a chime bar and
rang it. That had everyone who was still making a bit of noise quiet back
down.
As soon as she had silence she began to speak. "For those who do not
know me because they left the school before I arrived and did not know
me from my work with the WEA, I am the new Headmistress of
Hogwarts, Lady Griselda Marchbanks. Before I worked at the WEA I was
the Professor of Charms and Acting Deputy Headmistress here.
"Now, bear with me. I have quite a few introductions to make before we
can start dinner."
Ron gave a wince and an almost sub-audible groan. Only Seamus heard
him, though.
"First," she said. "For those who do not already know, we no longer have
the services of Albus Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall, Severus Snape,
Sybill Trelawney, Cuthbert Binns, Poppy Pomfrey or Barty Crouch Junior
posing as Alastor Moody. Rubeus Hagrid is also no longer a Professor.
"That means a lot of permanent positions needed refilling.
"So, I shall introduce them all to you now. I know you won't remember
all their names, but they'll remind you as you each have classes with
them. I won't, however, cover all their achievements. Instead, I will leave
that to them.
"First, I present our new Professor of History and Deputy Headmaster,
Professor Ebenezer Goodstone."
A middle aged wizard stood and bowed to all four house tables before
sitting again, as applause sounded throughout the Hall.
"Next, I'll cover the new Heads of Houses. Please save your applause for
all four, together. Otherwise, we'll be here all night.
"For Hufflepuff, Professor Pomona Sprout remains your Head of House;
the other three are all new. For Gryffindor, we have Professor Bathsheba
Babbling; for Ravenclaw, Professor Aurora Sinistra; and for Slytherin,
Professor Septima Vector. You may congratulate them now." And led the
applause while all four stood there.
A quick gesture from Marchbanks and all four sat almost as one, which
also brought the applause to a near abrupt halt.
"I now have one re-tasked and a further six new professors to introduce.
Please hold your applause until I've introduced them all."
After giving that a moment to sink-in, she began.
"First, I need to mention Professor Charity Burbage has moved from
Professor of Muggle Studies to Professor of Wizarding Traditions, a new
course.
"Second, I present our new Professor of Muggle Studies, Professor Phyllis
Claystock.
"Third, I present our new Professor of Potions, Professor Doris Grimfield.
"Fourth, I present our new Professor of Defence Against the Dark Arts,
Professor Ian Murdstock.
"Fifth, I present our new Professor of Care of Magical Creatures, Professor
Oliver Senkinhall.
"Sixth, I present our new Professor of Divination, Professor Rebecca
Brottingwell.
"Seventh, I present our new Professor of Transfiguration, Professor
Johnathan Biffingwater.
"I'll add him in now, because he's the only other new member of staff. I
present our new medi-wizard, Journeyman Healer Peter Robinson.
"That is all the new staff we have starting with us. Please join me as we
give them all a round of applause for taking on their roles."
As all the new staff, except the new Deputy Headmaster, stood the entire
student and remaining staff population applauded them. Marchbanks let
it go on for a while.
Finally, Professor Sprout rang her chime again and everyone settled.
"That's staffing," said Marchbanks. "Now for new rules..."
Once she was finished describing them she said, "You'll find a list of these
new rules, in written form, affixed to the noticeboards in each of your
common rooms. That document is not to removed for any reason other
than under my direct order. Breach that rule and you will be suspended
on the spot... and sent home.
"I'll also announce that the temporarily suspended school Inter-House
Quidditch League is now reactivated. However―"
That was as far as she got before almost every student suddenly starting
celebrating. She let it go on for about fifteen seconds before she signalled
Sprout to ring her chime again.
When they all calmed again, she said, "Let me finish before you celebrate.
As I was saying... However, because there is only six months of the school
year remaining, the number of games is also reduced. Instead of playing
each House once... meaning three games for each House team... you'll
only be playing two of the other House teams. The draw will take place
as to which team will be playing which in my office between me, Madam
Hooch and the four Team Captains. We'll carry out that draw on Tuesday
evening.
"Finally, though the Tri-Wizard Tournament is not yet cancelled,
discussions are still being held as to if it will or will not. So, for the time
being, it is still on.
"For those who do not receive, or otherwise manage to read, a copy of
the Daily Prophet while you've all been away, you'll notice that the
contingents of both Beauxbatons and Durmstrang are not with us. Both
school representatives have returned to their schools. However, together
with their respective Headmistress and Highmaster, they will return on
the evening prior to both remaining events and stay for that day and
evening. The next day they shall leave us, once again"
"That is all. I now call on our House elves to serve the meal."
Before the students could start celebrating or otherwise making noise, the
tables immediately filled with food.
For almost all children, filling hungry bellies took precedence over
celebrating.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Dumbledore had been analysing the wards for about five to ten minutes
when he heard someone coming up behind. Quickly sliding his wand up
the sleeve of his off-arm, he turned to see who it was.
In the gloom of the early evening he saw two young adult muggles
walking towards him and quietly talking, as proper the young lady was
on the left. By the way the girl was using both hands to grip the young
man's left upper arm and kept leaning her head on his shoulder, it was
easy to see that these two were 'lovebirds' out for an evening stroll.
As if seeing him for the first time, the male of the two saw him and
grinned. As he walked closer, he pulled something out of his pocket.
Thinking it might have been a weapon, Dumbledore at first tensed and
readied to snap draw his wand, before he saw what it was and relaxed.
The man had pulled a packet of those horrid muggle cigarettes from his
pocket.
"Hey, gramps!" said the male, as he slipped a pre-made cigarette between
his lips. "Got a light?"
"Errr... sorry, no," replied Dumbledore, wishing they'd go away. He had
not even realised how close the two had approached.
As the male seemed to sigh in disappointment, he withdrew the cigarette
from between his lips and quietly said, "Oh. Damn."
Then he gave it a flick into the garden of the house next door in a high
arch.
As Dumbledore's eyes were drawn to follow its trajectory, thinking what
a disgusting thing to do, there was a sudden flash of red light and his
lights went out.
As Dumbledore slumped to the ground from a stunner fired by the female
from a range of about eighteen inches, both young aurors quickly
separated. The young witch auror flicked her wrist, causing her wand to
slip back up her sleeve into the auror quick-draw holster and reached for
her hidden magic-resistant manacles that were hanging on her belt at the
back. As she bent down to manacle the old man, the male summoned the
flicked away cigarette back to the packet, then vanished the lot, before
drawing his badge out and tapping a set of runes.
While the female was finishing manacling Dumbledore's hands behind his
back, after first bodily flipping him face down on the pavement, there
was a quick flurry of activity as half a dozen aurors came from the front
doors of the Granger residence and from down the side of the house.
Master Auror Robards was leading the pack, so to speak. He was grinning
away. After looking around to see if any muggles were watching, he
asked, "Who's idea was it to pose as a couple of canoodling lovebirds on a
midnight stroll?"
The male immediately, but softly, replied, "Senior Auror Cummerbatch's,
Sir."
Looking about, Robards quickly spotted him. "Well done, Senior. Expect a
commendation for this."
Cummerbatch smiled back and replied, "Thank you, Sir. But, Aurors
Watkins and Cupperman flawlessly executed it." Then he turned to look
at the male, Brendan Cupperman, and said, "Nice distraction trick with
the muggle cigarette, by the way."
Cupperman grinned and gave a nod.
"Alright," said Robards. "That's it for the due pats on the back for jobs
well done." Looking at the two young ones he said, "Since you two
bagged him, you get to process him. I'll let The Boss know you're doing
that. Expect her to join you while you're processing him."
"Right, Sir; thank you, Sir," said Cupperman as he and Watkins bent down
to each stick a finger on the manacles affixed to Dumbledore's wrists. A
moment later and they portkeyed away.
Robards then said, "The rest of us, inside to the Quarters for a quick
debrief. And we can let Lord Potter and the Grangers know we've got
him."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
As the aurors re-entered the house to relieved joshing between them,
MacNair, who watched the whole thing from the other side of the road in
his favourite spot under the tree of the opposite house's front yard, was
feeling quite excited. 'Dumbledore tried to break in through the wards
and was arrested!' he thought. 'I'll finally have something for the Dark
Lord!'
However, as the front door on the house was closing, there was a close by
flash of pale blue light behind him and everything went fuzzy.
A few moments later and he was blinking his eyes awake and feeling
sleepy.
'Another boring night,' he thought with a mental sigh. 'I'll never learn
anything, this way.'
A few moments later and he was quietly packing up his set up. And, a
few moments after that, he apparated away.
The on-duty Unspeakable watcher from the Knight's Shadow team, Owl,
stepped out from behind the tree and took another long look around.
When it was apparent MacNair was definitely gone for the night, she
returned to her watcher's nest and settled down.
As soon as she was comfortable, she settled into her alert state meditation
pose and began to write her report of the event and the action she took
all in her mind.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Back at Hogwarts, Neville was being questioned as to where Harry was.
He'd just smile and say, "He has important family matters to take care of.
He'll likely be along, once they're out of the way."
When anyone tried to press him for extra information, he'd say, "As I
said, he has important family matters to take care of. He'll likely be
along, once they're out of the way."
By the time dinner was finished, he thought he'd given that same
response a good dozen times.
Susan and Hannah, together with Daphne and Tracey - for those who
knew of the Alliance and knew them to be Heirs of that Alliance and
asked them - also answered the question the same way. However,
between them, they still answered the question less as many times as
Neville on his own.
Once everyone finished dinner the Headmistress had one final
announcement to give them before she released them to go to their
dorms. Because of changes to classes, new class schedules needed to be
handed out.
"Meeting the same time-frames as the second of September," she said, "All
students are to be in the Great Hall, tomorrow morning, no later than
8.00am, so new class schedules may be distributed."
After everyone rose to make their way out, the word quickly spread
among the rest of the student population about Harry (and Hermione)
being delayed. By the time they all reached their dorms, almost all of
them knew the alliance Heirs would only give that answer and that
Potter and Granger would 'likely be along' somewhat soon - maybe.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Moody was still in the office with Bones when the same auror stuck his
head in the door again. "Albus Dumbledore's been arrested and is
currently in processing. No muggles saw anything. I believe you wanted
to know?"
She smiled back and replied, "Thank you, Auror Preedy. We did."
He said, "Yes, Ma'am." And again withdrew.
Looking to Moody she started to rise and asked, "Shall we?"
Moody grinned back and replied, "Lets!"
They were very quickly in the cell area and were just in time to see the
old man guided, almost shoved, into a cell. Unsurprisingly, it was the
same one he'd been in the last two times he was in her 'care'.
Bones and Moody gave it a few moments before walking up to the two
aurors who'd brought him in. Cutting right to the chase, she asked, "Who
caught him?"
"We did, Ma'am," replied Cupperman. "Henrietta and I."
"Well done," she smiled. "He's been fully processed?"
"He has," replied Cupperman. "Henrietta and I were about to head out to
the bullpen to write up the arrest report, Ma'am."
Bones gave a nod and said, "Get it done quickly and bring it to me. I'll
should be in the cell with Dumbledore, giving him an initial interview to
start with. If I'm not there, I'll be in my office."
"Yes, Ma'am," replied Cupperman. And the two left to get on it.
Once they were on their way, Bones chuckled and said, "Eager."
Moody, who heard it, replied, "So they should be."
Turning more fully to the older and officially 'retired' Master Auror, she
said, "Come on." And walked over to the cell. After first checking through
the peep-hole to ensure the old man was visible and clear of the door, she
unlatched it and stepped within.
Dumbledore, now enervated again, was sitting on 'his' bunk with his arms
folded and a scowl on his face. The manacles had been removed.
Only his eyes flickered in her direction and he quietly said, "Amelia."
"Prisoner Dumbledore," she shot back.
With a huff of annoyance he asked, "What am I supposed to have done
wrong, this time, Madam Bones?"
"I have quite a few charges to file against you, this time, Mister
Dumbledore."
When his eyes shot to hers in somewhat surprise, she snickered and said,
"Yes, I'm aware you've finally been fired from Hogwarts. Headmistress
Lady Marchbanks advised me of the situation, earlier today."
She gave that a moment to sink in before she said, "The matters I have on
you so far this evening are: You assaulted one Ronald Weasley just
outside the gate of Hogsmeade Station. Yes, I know about that, too. And
you were caught in the act of analysing the wards on the Granger
residence. Naughty, naughty, Albus.
"With the list of new crimes beginning to pile up against you, I think I'll
have more than enough to take you trial, once more, at the February
sitting of the Wizengamot.
Dumbledore just glared back.
"So," she said. "I'm offering you the chance to have the charges dropped.
All you have to do is be honest with me and tell me why getting hold of
Lord Potter is so important to you. What do you say, Albus?"
"The information I have is so sensitive I'm afraid I cannot speak of it with
anyone except Mister Potter," he huffed again.
"You mean Lord Potter, don't you, Albus?" she asked. "Is your mind
starting to fail you and you're beginning to forget important details?"
"Yes, I meant Lord Potter," he snapped. "And, no, my mind is as sharp as
ever."
"So, you're just being deliberately rude then," she said. "That's grounds for
an honour duel, Albus."
When Dumbledore just frowned even more and glared at her, she
chuckled back.
When the old man still wouldn't say anything further she stood and said,
"Get yourself comfortable, Albus. Since you won't answer my questions,
I'm adding a charge of 'Failing to comply with the directions of an auror'."
Moody watched her back for her as she turned her back on Dumbledore
and walked out. Once she was out the door, Moody said, "You're no
longer in a position to decide what is and is not 'For the Greater Good',
Albus. You're no longer protected from due justice by hiding behind the
offices of Chief Warlock, Britain's Ambassador to the ICW or Supreme
Mugwump. When you refuse to co-operate with a DMLE investigation,
you're going to face the consequences for it."
Then he let himself out, making sure to properly lock the door behind
himself.
Dumbledore, gave a huff of annoyance, then gave a soft sigh and closed
his eyes with a pained expression on his face. 'Damnation!' he thought.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After Dumbledore's capture and assurances he'd be spending at least the
night, probably two, in the DMLE holding cells, Robards was as good as
his word by informing Harry and the Grangers the risk was over for the
time being.
The extended auror contingent were given a quick ten minute debrief,
told to note down their recollections of what happened and then sent
away. That left their 'normal' three-auror standing detail.
Once they were gone, Wendell gave a sigh and said to the two teens,
"Well, we're back to work tomorrow. So, we're off to bed. If you're going
to stay up, don't stay up too late."
A quick cheek-kiss good night where applicable - not Harry and Wendell -
the Granger adults headed off to bed.
Once they trooped upstairs, Hermione looked to Harry and said, "I'm too
keyed up to sleep. The meditation only helped up until we were sent
down to the servants' quarters. Do you know of anything we can do that'll
mentally tire me out enough to sleep?"
More comfortable with their relationship now, Harry leered back with a
cheesy grin and waggled his eyebrows at her.
Hermione looked back in shock for a long moment before she blushed
and stammered a moment.
It took her yet another moment before she suddenly stamped her foot
while glaring at him. She loudly whisper-snapped, "Harry! We can't go
doing that! What about my parents?"
Harry chuckled at her, letting her know he was teasing her.
When Hermione realised what he'd done, she girl-punched him on the
arm and said, "That wasn't nice!"
"Sorry," he said, pretending to cringe away while snickering. "I couldn't
help it. It was too funny not to use."
"Just for that," she declared, "You're now definitely responsible for coming
up with something for us to do."
He shrugged and said, "Come into the dinette and I'll make us some warm
milk. I'm told it can help you feel sleepy."
Surprised, Hermione said, "Yeah. I've heard that too."
The two headed for the kitchen only to find Dobby had overheard and
already prepared it. He indicated the dinette and said, "On the dinette
table, Master Harry, Miss-tress Herm'nee."
Not bothering about it, they both said, "Thank you, Dobby." And went
and sat at the table, picked up their cups of hot milk and talked about
what they thought they'd missed at the welcome back feast at Hogwarts.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After being yet again badgered by his dorm-mates about just when it was
that 'Harry' would be returning to Hogwarts, Neville had taken to simply
continually repeating the same answer over and over again, word for
word.
Then, once up in the Gryffindor Fourth Year boys' dorm, the first thing
the four noticed was that there were only four beds. And the others had
been better spread out.
"Hey, we're missing a bed!" declared Thomas.
"No, we're not," said Neville. "If or when Harry gets here, he'll be going
into the Lords' Quarters.
"Lords' Quarters?" asked Finnegan; muggle-raised, but halfblood.
"Yup," said Neville. "Now that it's public Harry's taken up his Lordship,
he's entitled to move into the Lords' Quarters. He'll be doing that."
On hearing Harry would be moving into what he thought would be
private and, worst still, luxurious accommodation, without thinking it
through first Ron had instantly reacted and snapped. "That'd be right!
Bloody Potter! I suppose he's going to have Hermione move in with him,
too?"
― ― ―
At that moment, Ron's hand on the Weasley family clock shifted to 'In
Danger'. 'Dong!'
Hearing it, Molly rushed downstairs from the main bedroom and hurried
into the kitchen. The time was not beyond the time the Burrow would all
be in bed and asleep.
She stared at the clock for a few moments, appalled, before she suddenly
got quite angry.
Grabbing a sheet of Howler parchment she wrote off a quick message to
her youngest son before trying to simultaneously stomp up and quietly
climb the stairs to where Errol and Hermes slept.
― ― ―
Back at Hogwarts, Neville immediately turned a glare on the red-headed
idiot, braced himself up, stalked across the room until he was right in the
face of the other boy and angrily hissed, "You will watch your mouth,
Weasley! If you don't be careful of what you say, I'm well prepared to
stand as Lord Potter's second in a duel against you! And Lord Potter has
already told me he is no longer prepared to put up with crap form
anyone; especially, coming from you!"
Ron stood in shock as the usually very placid and shy boy got in his face
and scared the Hell out of him.
"Sorry!" he squeaked.
"'Sorry' won't cut it, Weasley," snapped Neville. "If you disrespect Lord
Potter in my presence again... Harry might not get the chance to duel
you, as I'll have already done so.
"Lord Potter is responsible for the recovery of my parents from over a
decade of long term care in Saint Mungo's. As far as I'm concerned, I
stand ready to defend him to the death any who come after him. And that
includes those who verbally attack him - just like you did.
"My father, Lord of my House, has publicly named him a Hero of House
Longbottom. And that's all the excuse I'll need to kill you.
"Do it again in my hearing and I'll call you out. You'll be dead by
nightfall! Got me?"
Ron rapidly nodded his head as he was cowering back. He didn't know it
yet, but he was about to have a night plagued with little sleep. Neville
had scared him that much.
― ― ―
Quickly giving the now charged and folded red note to the elderly owl,
Molly ordered it to deliver it to her youngest son the next morning,
opened the window and sent it on its way.
Then she returned downstairs to watch how long it took for the hand to
move back. It was already back to 'At School' before she got there.
― ― ―
Back at Hogwarts Neville rounded on the other two of his dorm mates
and said, "I have answered your questions as to when Harry is likely to
rejoin Hogwarts. Just because it is not the answer you want is irrelevant
to me; it is the only answer I'm prepared to give. Don't push it!"
That had both other boys quickly nod back with Thomas adding, "Yeah,
right-o! No problems, alright?"
Neville just gave them all a final glare before he relaxed again and said,
"I'm going to bed. Have a bit of respect for others and try to keep the
noise down." Then he quickly began to get ready to go to sleep.
As Neville grabbed his toiletries and ducked into the bathroom to brush
his teeth for the night, Thomas rounded on Ron and said, "Merlin, Ron!
Are you an idiot, or something? What got into your head to do something
like that?"
Ron sagged down onto the side of his bed, sighed and said, "I don't know!
I just can't help running off at the mouth. Both Dad and Aunt Muriel said
if I don't get it under control soon, it's gonna get me killed!
Looking up and back at them, he whined, "But, I'm try-ing. It's just not
work-ing."
A few minutes later, a small beetle flew out the cracked-open window.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Over in the Ravenclaw Third Year girls' dorms, Luna was just walking in
when she was confronted by the other five, who were clearly waiting for
her.
Shirley Fawcett, one of the ones arrested and charged when Flitwick
stood and outed them in the middle of the Great Hall for being thieves,
was again leading them.
"Look," she sneered. "It's little Loony Lovegood."
"Look," said Luna, right back. "It's the stupid muggleborn girl, who is one
wrong word from me to a professor away from finding herself rearrested,
charged, taken back before the Director of the DMLE, found guilty,
having her wand snapped, obliviated of all knowledge of the wizarding
world - together with her parents and siblings - and tossed out of it on
her arse."
Fawcett stared back in shock and looked ready to faint. "Y-you wouldn't!"
she gasped.
With an expression devoid of emotion, Luna stared back and said, "I
could go right now, if you like. You, standing there in a threatening
manner and trying to intimidate me, is all I need."
Letting her gaze sweep over the other four, she continued, "It's also
enough for me to have the rest of you before our Head of House. You
four, standing with this very stupid bitch, means you are aiding her in
bullying. You can and likely would face the same punishment."
Starting to walk forward, Luna walked up close to Fawcett, who was now
starting to cringe, and said, "This is your final warning from me, Fawcett.
One more word or action against me from you... One!... and you're gone!
"What you don't seem to realise or know, a person's memories can be
extracted from their mind and placed in an object that allows others to
watch them. It's called a pensieve. Memories can be submitted as
evidence in an enquiry. My memory of this event is, therefore,
submissable as evidence. That means, whether or not you get to stay in
Hogwarts, is now in my mind.
"You and your ignorant friends will leave me alone, Fawcett. You will,
from this moment forth, treat me with respect. If you do not, the next
thing you will need to do is pack. Do you understand me?"
As Luna stood there and continued to stare the other girl in the eye,
Fawcett eventually and fearfully nodded.
Right then, Luna knew that the nice mind-healer lady had not led her
wrong. She'd told the little blonde that bullies are, at heart, cowards. If
you stand up to them, they will cower away. Fawcett was doing that
right now.
She now knew her remaining time in Hogwarts would not be the
nightmare she'd experienced for her first two and a bit.
"Good," she snapped. "Now, get out of my way."
Fawcett hurried to 'get'. So did the other four.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
43. Amelia's Act
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!
A/N: For those who receive a notice when this story is updated, please note I
uploaded an out-of-sequence chapter last Friday. It was only up for, I think,
less than a minute; however, all notices were automatically generated and
went out with the wrong title. (But, hey, at least you now know the topic of a
chapter soon coming up. :))
Chapter Forty Three - Amelia's Act
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Though they'd had a bit of a tense start to the night, the residents of the
Granger home slept well. Both teens were able to join her parents for
breakfast before the latter two had to head off to work, their first day
back after their two and a half weeks of vacation time.
Because he was eating and she was down early, Harry relieved Hedwig of
her load of the Daily Prophet and immediately handed it over to
Hermione.
"You can have it first," he said, when she looked confused. "I'm still eating
and you're better at reading while eating, than I am."
"Alright Harry, thank you," she replied, accepting it.
It appeared she had only started to read for a few seconds before she
said, "You made the front page, again."
"Oh?" he asked.
"Give me a sec," she replied, clearly reading.
A few moments later she said, "It covers: You didn't show up at Hogwarts,
me neither; you claim you'll be late due to the need to attend family
business matters; but, you've still asked for access to the Lords' Quarters;
so, you will eventually get there. Then Skeeter gives her 'opinion couched
as questions' where she asks just how many special privileges you're
going to demand before you're satisfied.
Harry snorted in amusement and said, "She's still miffed about Ted going
in there and slapping her and Cuffe down for her articles that denigrated
me. And me doing it directly right before the first task."
"It's still rude," Hermione practically growled.
Harry shrugged and said, "If I sic Ted on her and the Prophet management
for every article they write about me, then she'll be able to claim we were
picking on them.
"Let her have her little victories, like this. It's not as if anyone who's
worth knowing won't know both the truth and how petty she's being.
She's just more and more showing herself to be someone not worth
paying attention to."
Hermione seemed to think about that for a few moments before she
looked at him in pride. "That's actually quite wise, Harry. I'm liking this
new Harry a lot better than the old one, now I'm getting used to him."
Harry smiled back and returned to his breakfast. However, it was only a
couple of minutes later when she said, "Yet another article about you."
"What's it about, this time?" he asked.
"Actually, it's about the Alliance in general," she replied. "It states the
Alliance held a secret meeting at Longbottom Hall, where they were
'obviously' going over plans that may or may not include taking over the
Ministry." She gave a snort of amusement and said, "They mention that
two of the direct members are Madam Bones and Miles Ogden; the
Director of the DMLE and the Chief Warlock, respectively. And wonder if
they're... you... are planning to see your choice of Minister elected."
"Okay, wow!" he said. "What's the name of the idiot who's trying to get
him- or herself called out?"
She quickly scanned the article and replied, "A... Kate Erister?"
Harry frowned and thought about it for a moment before he said, "That's
not a wizarding name. And 'Erister' is not a muggle name I can think of
either. It must be a nom de plume."
Hermione frowned as she stared at the page for a long few moment
before she suddenly smiled. "It's an anagram for Rita Skeeter."
Harry gave a snort and said, "We'll take note of it and, if she gets too
comfortable using it, we'll hand the lot over to Ted and tell him to go to
town on her and the Prophet.
Hermione gave a nod and continued through the paper as the aurors
brought up the rest of Harry's mail.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
As her parents' cars disappeared down the street; Hermione, who had
watched them from the parlour window, walked into the dinette and
asked, "Could we go to Pottermore today?"
Surprised at the question, Harry replied, "Sure! If that's what you want to
do. I've not asked Willy to sort the books in the library out, though."
She shook her head in the negative and said, "No; though it'd be nice if
you did ask him to do that. Since we've been here we've hardly cast any
magic. And we've definitely not cast anything too powerful.
"I'm asking if we can go to Pottermore to go to the duelling room and
practice casting magic for the day."
Harry thought about it for all of about three seconds before he replied,
"That's a damned good idea. We need to get back up our casting speed,
for a start. We've got to be a bit rusty with defensive magics, too."
"My thoughts, exactly," she replied.
Rising, he said, "Then, we'd best go get changed."
Confused, she asked, "Why? I'm comfortable in what I'm wearing."
"Because it's far more likely you'll be casting both offensively and
defensively while wearing robes. Therefore...?"
With a resigned sigh, she continued the response. "Therefore... I need to
practice casting while wearing them."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
As the Great Hall filled the next morning, the first day of classes, students
were excited about returning to their educations and what all the new
Professors would be like.
Neville had risen early, eager to seek out Professor Sprout to give her the
good news his parents were being very encouraging of him for him to
follow his dream of becoming a Herbologist.
His parents had already gone, alone, to see her a few days before the end
of the year to discuss with both her and Headmistress Lady Marchbanks
about Neville's experiences in the school up until that point. And made
sure that the Professor was supportive of Neville becoming a Herbologist,
plus the issue regarding bullying would be taken care of. However, he
felt he had to tell her, himself.
Therefore, he was already at breakfast by the time the other three boys in
his dorm entered and joined him.
The other three had only just sat down when Ernie MacMillan
approached and said, "I've heard on the rumour mill that Potter is not
here. Will he be attending at some time? It's important I speak with him."
Neville, already knowing what the Hufflepuff wanted to speak with Harry
about, replied, "Heir MacMillan; he has family business he needs to take
care of, first. He should be along soon. I suspect within the next couple of
days."
MacMillan gave a slight nod of a lower ranked Heir to Neville before he
said, "My thanks, Heir Longbottom. If you see him before I, could you
inform him it is most urgent I speak with him?"
"I'll be sure to," replied Neville.
MacMillan gave another bow and quietly withdrew.
Not long after the boy left to return to the Hufflepuff table, Malfoy came
sauntering over. However, he again did not have Crabbe and Goyle with
him.
Ignoring the others, he sneered at Ron and said, "So, no Potter; eh,
Weasel?"
Before Ron, who was suddenly turning red in anger, could say anything
back, Neville said in a quite clear voice that drew attention to him from
all around, "Heir Malfoy of the Magical House of Malfoy. Have your
parents been so lax in their education of you, you have forgotten Mister
Weasley is an Heir of the Elder House of Weasley; and, therefore,
outranks you?"
Malfoy looked back at Neville in shock before he said, "Err―"
But, Neville wasn't finished, "Contrary to your belief of the past you were
Heir Primary of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black, I am aware
you are now fully aware you are not."
Malfoy's cheeks turned pink whether in embarrassment or anger.
However, he still managed to sneer and said, "I am still of the Noble and
Most Ancient House of Black―"
"I can have that rectified, if you like," Neville cut back. "I am now well
acquainted with, and on friendly terms with, Lord Black. I believe he's
looking for an excuse to have both you and your mother Disowned.
"Embarrassing him and the House of Black in public by your actions in
being rude to a senior House may just be the final piece he needs to carry
out that act. Continue on the path you are on and I'll be sure to inform
him of such."
Almost quivering in rage, Malfoy was about to say something back when
another voice cut in - Professor Flitwick.
"Mister Malfoy," he snapped.
From reddening in anger, the boy almost quicker whitened in shock
before turning to look at the Charms Master. "Ummm―"
"Mister Malfoy," he snapped again. "For your attempt at deliberately
seeking out and causing trouble with another student against the rules
relating to bullying, that'll be fifty points from Slytherin and two weeks
detention. You'll be serving it with Professor Burbage in the detention
classroom each evening from 7.30pm until 8.45pm. Leave now, return to
the Slytherin table or I'll double both!"
Malfoy stood gaping back in shock before he again reddened. "When my
father hears about this―"
"He will," snapped the Professor. "That, too, is part of the new rules
regarding bullying. Your father will receive official notice of your
detention, and why, by no later than this evening."
Malfoy, again looking a little fearful, stood staring back for a long
moment more before he angrily spun away and stormed off back to the
Slytherin table.
Once Malfoy was clear out of range, Flitwick spun to look at the
Gryffindors. Most were in shock or simply surprised Malfoy was cast
down for his actions. "Mister Longbottom," he said. "For acting in a calm
and rational matter when faced with someone looking to cause trouble,
ten points to Gryffindor."
Then he spun away and hurried back to the staff table, not waiting for
response.
Once Flitwick was up on the dais and moving to round the head table,
Finnegan asked, "Did what just happen, actually happen? Or, did I just
dream the entire thing?"
Neville chuckled and replied, "It happened. When my parents paid a visit
to the school last week, Headmistress Lady Marchbanks was apparently
quite firm in her conviction about handling bullying from that point on.
This is going to be the new normal."
Turning to Ron, who'd managed to get his wand out but hadn't cast when
Neville verbally cut down Malfoy, he said, "And that's all bullying, Ron.
That includes calling someone a 'filthy, slimy snake' or similar; no matter
how much you think they deserve it."
While happy the Professors were now dealing with the way the Slytherins
treated the Gryffindors, Ron found himself appalled it also meant the
Gryffindors couldn't mouth off to the Slytherins, either.
"But, they're Slytherins!" he tried.
"No, buts," Neville firmly stated. "All bullying."
That left Ron sulking, but it didn't impinge on his eating breakfast.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Just after 8.00am, Dumbledore was re-manacled, pulled from his cell
within the holding cells of the DMLE and silently dragged off to the
Interrogation Rooms.
The two beefy aurors who'd come to collect him, who refused to answer
any of his questions on the way or otherwise interact with him, simply
affixed his manacles to the large iron ring bolted to the middle of the
table in the room, forced him to sit in the plain wooden chair and left
him. He was sitting side-on to the door and with his face to an almost
room-wide mirror he knew to be magical one-way glass.
He'd not been treated like this since the day of the first task. All the times
he'd been in a cell since, he'd been informally questioned in his cell.
He was forced to wait for about fifteen minutes before Bones walked in
with Robards and Moody at her heels. None of them were so much as
smiling.
Dropping a thick folder of parchment she'd had tucked under her arm on
the other side of the desk before taking the more comfortable chair than
his own on that side, Bones then inscrutably stared at the old man for a
few moments. Moody stood by the door while Dawlish moved to a
position on the opposite wall to the door, just out of the old man's
peripheral vision. It was a spot known for being exactly that.
She stared at him for about a minute before it looked like the old man
had lost his patience and was about to speak.
Cutting in first she said, "You were given a direct order by me, no less, to
remain away from the Grangers' residence as you awaited trial for
unlawful trespass on that property. Last night you were caught analysing
the wards of that same property.
"I'm now formally charging you with breaching a lawful DMLE order -
again given by me, no less - by going to that property.
"As the wards on that property are not yours to analyse, nor are they
under your control, nor did you have prior permission to do such, I'm
also formally charging you with illegally analysing private property
wards not in your control.
"I also informed you, the last time I charged you, I'd go ahead and
prosecute you for them if you broke the law again. You've now done that.
Flicking open the file before her she looked down and said, "I'm adding
those two charges to the following..." And read out the charges she'd told
him before she'd charged him with, but wasn't going ahead with unless
he broke the law again.
Once she'd finished reading them, she looked back at Dumbledore and
said, "Again, I'm offering you the chance to have all those charges
dropped if you come clean with why you seem to be so interested in
getting Lord Potter under your control. What say you, Albus?"
Dumbledore kept his mouth shut with an expression of resolution and
just stared back.
When, after fifteen seconds, he still wouldn't say anything, she said,
"Fine."
Calling out, she commanded, "Bring in a Dicta-quill and Veritaserum."
Shocked, Dumbledore said, "You can't! What I know is protected
knowledge under the Wizarding World Secrets Statute."
"Not everything is so protected, Mister Dumbledore," she shot back as
both items were brought in. "I'll be sure to restrict the questions to
matters not officially recognised as covered by the Statute."
As a young auror set up the Dicta-quill on a smaller 'clerks' table off to
one side behind Bones, a DMLE-registered Healer stood with a rack held
in front of her near where the young auror was setting the Dicta-quill up.
The rack contained seven vials of clear liquid.
Meanwhile, Bones continued to stare at Dumbledore. She was carefully
watching him with a very slight self-satisfied smirk on her face.
Dumbledore had clamped down very firmly on his Occlumency.
However, she could see he was still exhibiting signs of panic. Even with
that, he still wasn't speaking.
Bones had thought the clear threat to dose him with Veritaserum would
be enough to loosen the old man's tongue. It appeared not to be working.
"Last chance, Albus," she said. "And... I do mean... last chance."
The select few of her team in the room had already been briefed as to her
plan and what she would do if it didn't work. They'd be going ahead with
the dosing.
The young auror, who'd been told to take her sweet time setting up the
Dicta-quill, had now done so and was surreptitiously watching for the
signal from The Boss that she was to announce the quill was ready. Bones
gave her that signal, a flick of her foot.
She immediately announced, "The Dicta-quill is ready, Ma'am. I stand
ready to take a court admissible and acceptable transcript."
Not even looking to the young auror, but at Dumbledore, Bones cocked
an eyebrow at the old man in query. Dumbledore just jut his chin further
forward in defiance.
She ordered, "Activate the Quill."
A moment later, the young auror replied, "Dicta-quill activated on the
second of September, 1995, at 8.17am in Interrogation Room One of the
DMLE, Ministry of Magic, Wizarding Britain.
"Dicta-quill activation is for the purpose of Interviewing arrestee, Mister
Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, citizen of wizarding Britain, of
no known fixed address.
"Present are: Dicta-quill operator, Auror First Class Samantha Fitzwallace,
qualified Dicta-quill operator; Madam Director Amelia Bones, Director of
the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, wizarding Britain; Master
Auror Alastor Moody; Master Auror Gawain Robards; DMLE certified
Healer, Master Healer Eliza Pockridge; and the prisoner known as Mister
Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore. Madam Bones is senior officer
of this interview.
"Madam Bones, you may begin."
Bones replied, "Thank you, Auror Fitzwallace."
Openly smirking at Dumbledore she said, "Mister Dumbledore; do you
recognise and accept you have been arrested and charged with the crimes
of..." and read them all out.
As the last charge was read she looked back up at him and asked, "What
say you?"
With his lips firmly pursed together in anger, it was a few seconds before
he finally replied, "I do."
With a quick single nod of satisfaction, she asked, "Do you confirm you
were offered the chance to speak in your defence regarding one or more
of these crimes before the Dicta-quill was activated and you refused?"
Again, he had his lips pressed together in a firm line, glaring back, before
he finally replied, "I do."
Another firm and single nod from Bones and she said, "I, Madam Director
Amelia Susan Bones, Director of the Department of Magical Law
Enforcement for wizarding Britain, state for the record I know Mister
Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, citizen of wizarding Britain
and no known fixed address, is of half-blood birth; and is, therefore, not
exempt from the condition in the Pureblood Statute forbidding the use of
Veritaserum on his person. I also state for the record I know the same to
no longer hold any official title that would otherwise exempt him from
the use of Veritaserum on his person."
As she spoke, she saw Dumbledore's eyes begin to widen in alarm.
Clearly, he thought her threat to use Veritaserum on him was a bluff. He
was now discovering it was not.
She then stated, "I now hereby order for Mister Dumbledore to be dosed
with Veritaserum for the purposes of receiving truthful answers for the
remainder of this interview!"
"No!" he blurted. "Ask your questions. I'll answer them!"
"Too late." she stated right back.
Turning to the Healer she said, "Master Healer Pockridge. Do you confirm
you have in the rack you are holding in your hands four vials of
Veritaserum and only Veritaserum?"
"I confirm I hold in my hands a rack containing seven vials of Veritaserum
and only Veritaserum, Madam Bones," the Healer replied in a clear voice.
"Confirmed," said Madam Bones. "Place the rack on the table before me
and draw out the sixth vial from my left."
The Healer did and said, "I have drawn the sixth vial from the rack and
state it is both sealed and is numbered vial three sixty four."
Bones then confirmed the information for the record and asked, "Master
Healer Pockridge, what is your expert opinion on the maximum number
of drops of Veritaserum Albus Dumbledore can be administered?"
As the matter had already been discussed before Dumbledore was even
brought to the Room, she immediately replied, "I recommend the
maximum number of drops of Veritaserum to be safely administered,
without harm to the prisoner, to be four. I further recommend the
maximum number of drops to be administered with a twenty to thirty
percent risk of permanent harm to Albus Dumbledore to be six."
Bones gave a firm nod and looked back to Dumbledore. "I, Madam
Director Amelia Susan Bones, Director of the Department of Magical Law
Enforcement for wizarding Britain, state for the record I order Master
Healer Eliza Pockridge to immediately administer to Mister Albus
Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, citizen of wizarding Britain and no
known fixed address, five drops of Veritaserum."
Dumbledore stared back at Bones in complete shock. He'd even paled
quite dramatically.
"I, Master Healer Eliza Pockridge, confirm I have been given a lawful
order by Madam Director Amelia Bones, Director of the DMLE, to
immediately administer to Mister Albus Percival Wulfric Brian
Dumbledore five drops of Veritaserum."
As she walked around the table she cracked the seal and opened the thin-
necked vial.
As Dumbledore began to cower away, Moody stomped forward, grabbed
him by a fistful of his regrowing hair and yanked back, causing
Dumbledore's head to be tilted right back.
Then he reached forward with his other hand and pressed down on the
old man's chin, forcing his mouth open as Dumbledore tried to struggle
against him.
The Master Healer then reached forward and allowed five drops to enter
the man's mouth, counting them out as she did so.
Moody held Dumbledore's mouth open for another ten seconds, to allow
the Veritaserum to be absorbed before Dumbledore could try and spit out
any remnants, before finally releasing him.
Pockridge then said, "I have now administered five drops of Veritaserum
to Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, as ordered by Madam
Director Amelia Bones of the DMLE. Mister Dumbledore had to be forced
to take the serum."
As Moody stomped back to his 'place' next to the door, Bones and
Pockridge watched as he tried to fight against the effects.
Pockridge said, "From witnessed evidence, Mister Dumbledore is
attempting to fight against the effects of the Veritaserum."
After a further ten seconds the visible signs were there that the serum
had taken effect.
Pockridge then said, "From witnessed evidence, Mister Dumbledore is
now under the effects of Veritaserum."
Bones said, "Thank you, Master Healer Pockridge. As I have ordered
Mister Dumbledore to be dosed with five drops of Veritaserum, please
continue to monitor Mister Dumbledore's health as I question him."
"Yes, Director."
With everything now ready and Dumbledore suitably dosed, she began to
ask the old man her pre-prepared list of questions.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
At Hogwarts, students were just finishing up their breakfasts and the four
Heads of House had just delivered their new class schedules when the
owls began to arrive.
Mainly, the mail was not personal letters but small packages of items
students had meant to bring with them and had forgotten to, or their
parents had sent them because they should have taken them and had left
them behind. Of course, there was also the dozens of copies of the Daily
Prophet that many students had subscribed to, advertising bumph and
catalogues from various wizarding retailers a few students had added
their names to and other sundry mailings.
But, almost everyone was immediately alerted by seeing it for themselves
or being alerted to it by their nearby table-mates to there being an old,
wonkily-flying barn owl that had in its beak the tell-tale red of a Howler.
It was making its way to the Gryffindor table.
However, before it was able to complete its journey, a very accurately
fired stunner from the Head Table impacted it, sending it dropping onto
the Gryffindor table at the Head Table end.
The Professor they'd been introduced to the night before as the new
Professor of DADA, Professor Murdstock, hurried around from the head
table and approached the now stunned owl and its released but
undelivered Howler. His action had many gasping in shock or making
small exclamations of surprise; but, none interfered with him. Nor did
any of the young first year Gryffindors at that end of the table touch
either the bird or the Howler.
Once he reached the table he quickly deactivated the charms on the
Howler parchment, turning it back to normal parchment, and picked it
up. A quick check of the addressee and he looked down the table.
He called, "Which of you is Ron Weasley?"
Though Ron was slow to respond, the Professor noticed quite a few
Gryff's towards the middle of the table look to a cringing red-headed boy.
Ron, seeing the Professor stare at him, replied, "Errr... that would be me,
Professor."
The professor gave a firm nod and walked down the table before handing
him the parchment. "Tell whoever sent that, that Howlers are now
banned at Hogwarts. They're considered bullying and will be treated
accordingly."
Accepting the now-letter, he embarrassedly replied, "Yes, Professor."
With a firm nod to the boy, the Professor walked back up the table,
scooping a still stunned Errol up on the way.
Walking past the new CoMC Professor he gently placed the owl on the
table clear of the man's food and said, "Deal with that, would you please,
Oliver?"
After making sure the Professor had gone, even though there was a lot of
students and some of the staff watching him, Ron opened the letter and
read it. Of course, as it was a short note, it didn't take him long.
He slumped in his seat with a sigh of disappointment.
While he was reading, his twin brothers walked down and asked, "What
did you do to annoy Mum?"
About to snap back at them in anger, he hesitated, noticed how many
people were watching him, and said, "Let's go out into the Entrance Hall
and I'll tell you." Then rose from his seat.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After alerting the aurors the two teens were headed for Pottermore,
Harry hurried upstairs to change into casual wizarding robes.
Surprising him, when he hurried down the stairs it was to see Hermione
had already beaten him down. However, she was dressed 'appropriately',
as he asked her to be, in her own witches' robes.
"Ready?" he asked, coming down the last few stairs.
"Just waiting on you," she smirked.
"How'd you get up and down so fast?" he asked.
She gave a slight scowl and said, "Betsy had everything ready for me."
He immediately grinned back in amusement. While she wasn't as visible
as Dobby around the house, Betsy still made the household aware she
was around by the little things she'd do. One was 'assisting' both
Hermione and Monica in getting prepared and ready for the day. That
included readying their clothes, making sure their make up was at hand,
things like that.
Less than five minutes later, the two teens with two aurors were in
Pottermore, with Harry quickly heading to the hidden ward keystone to
enter the two aurors into the ward book as Guests. Neither were with
them when Harry and the Grangers first visited.
While there, he asked Willy about combat training and was told the
duelling room allowed anyone to cast magic, including possibly lethal
curses, without fear of the wards reacting negatively towards them. That
was something he was relieved to hear, as he did not know how they'd
accomplish any true training if anyone casting magic at him while
duelling found themselves stunned and trussed up like a Christmas turkey
due to a reaction by the wards.
Back upstairs in the welcoming parlour he alerted the aurors to the
change of their status while at Pottermore.
Looking to Hermione, he asked, "Ready to do some training, Love?"
When she looked a little concerned, he said, "We'll use the training
dummies, just to get comfortable with casting again."
Relieved, she smiled and nodded. Harry led her down to the basement.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Dumbledore was still coughing up honest answers to her questions after
fifteen minutes, so Bones pressed on. She was determined not to give the
man time to waffle too much, so he could delay enough to have the time
limit run out. She figured out his strategy after the first question, when it
took him almost a full minute to answer a question it should have only
taken him less than five seconds.
Figuring that was his game, she was ready for it and reverted to asking
closed questions - those that only required a 'Yes', 'No' or 'I don't know' to
answer - before asking an open question if she wanted clarification.
While she was pressing hard, not giving the old man time to dawdle, she
kept an eye on the healer. Only when the woman gestured her to back off
or slow down, did she do so.
While she continued to press she was also watching the old man's, though
muted due to the serum, expressions. He was quite flushed, breathing a
little rapidly and sweating buckets.
At the eighteen minute mark, the Healer simply said, "Enough." And
Bones immediately stopped and sat back.
She then watched as the Healer administered the antidote and kept up
her monitoring charms on the old man as he began to recover.
Once he appeared to have regained his senses, Dumbledore started to
look quite shocked and utterly disappointed.
"Well, well," she said. She'd have smirked at him if she wasn't already so
horrified by some of the answers he'd given.
"Dumbledore, we now have the following confirmations under
Veritaserum and faithfully recorded by Dicta-quill: You lied in court
when you stated you did not know the Dursleys would mistreat Lord
Potter. If anything, you were counting on it. You even 'helped' in that
with the occasional casting of compulsion charms to increase their ire
towards Lord Potter when he first arrived there. In effect, you were
conditioning them to condition Lord Potter for you. Plus, if the abuse the
Dursleys heaped onto Lord Potter was ever discovered, which it was, you
would have ready 'patsies' to take the fall for you while you sat back and
faked pious disappointment, which you did.
"What you've either completely forgotten about, or simply didn't care
about, is that, if Lord Potter did not have the sheer force of will and
fortitude he holds and has since amply demonstrated and had actually
tried to suppress his magic as his muggle relatives tried to force him to
do, you may very well have turned him into an Obscurial."
That caused the old man to nearly jump in his chair in shock, as if he'd
been surprised by getting tagged by an electrified cattle prod.
Bones ignored it and went on. "On that, I have you for premeditated child
abuse, psychological; premeditated child abuse, emotional; premeditated
child abuse, physical; child abuse by proxy for all three; deliberate child
abandonment; criminal child neglect; muggle-baiting many more multiple
accounts than you've already faced court for and perjury of the case 'The
Ministry and Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore; Regent Dowager
Lady Augusta Longbottom, presiding'.
"That last one means I can now keep dosing your arse with Veritaserum,
over and over again, until I have all my answers before resubmitting that
entire trial back before the Wizengamot. That means all those crimes of
yours, which did not receive the full sentence, I get to reopen and have
reheard. Double Jeopardy does not apply.
"Going back in time a bit, I now have the following: You received
information that the Dark Lord had specifically targeted the Potters and
Longbottoms. On hearing that you immediately 'ordered' both couples go
immediately into hiding, but refused to tell them why other than you
'suspected' the Dark Lord was specifically targeting them. You tried to get
the Longbottoms to use a Secret Keeper of your choice, but they refused
you and Frank's mother fulfilled that role. However, you demanded to be
informed of the Secret... in writing... and you were. You then kept that
slip of parchment in a draw in your desk in the Headmaster's Office at
Hogwarts, not even under a lock and key let alone within a magical safe.
"The Potter's, however, also wanted to use a Secret Keeper of their
choice. However, you managed to convince them to use Peter Pettigrew
instead of Sirius Black, their first choice. You were able to convince them
by stating how much of a prank it was to fool everyone into thinking it
was Black when, all along, it was Pettigrew. You also knew Pettigrew was
a Death Eater and had obliviated him of knowledge you knew. As such,
you convinced the Potters to use a Secret Keeper who you knew to be a
marked Death Eater. I also have confirmation, from your own mouth
while under Veritaserum, you were hoping Pettigrew would share the
secret with his master, Voldemort, so that his master would go to the
Potter Cottage, kill Lord and Lady Potter and attempt to kill the then
infant Heir Apparent, Harry Potter.
"In other words, you deliberately and with forethought engineered the
death of the last remaining members of a Noble and Most Ancient House,
thereby rendering that House extinct. As such, by your own evidence-
submittable admission, on this act alone I have you dead to rights for a
capital crime that has only one punishment - the Veil. As the evidence is
via your admission under Veritaserum and faithfully transcribed onto
parchment by Dicta-quill, it cannot be overturned.
"All other crimes I've been able to uncover through your questioning
today is just icing on the cake and, ultimately, doesn't mean much.
However, it is useful in learning the truth about matters of importance to
the Wizarding World.
"From what I have been able to learn so far, I now have enough to make
a certain decision right here and right now.
"I, Madam Director Amelia Susan Bones, Director of the Department of
Magical Law Enforcement, determine the wizard known as Albus Percival
Wulfric Brian Dumbledore to be a Dark Lord. As I say, so let it be
written."
That had Dumbledore blanch so white she thought the man was going to
die, right then, from either a brain aneurysm or a heart attack.
After a pause to carefully watch the man to see if Pockridge would have
to step in to save the man's life for the moment, she had to wait a bit for
Pockridge to step back before she continued.
"I, Acting Madam Minister Amelia Susan Bones, concur with the
determination made by Madam Director Amelia Susan Bones, Director of
the Department of Magical Law Enforcement; and also determine the
wizard known as Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore to be a Dark
Lord. As I say, so let it be written."
With a shorter pause, this time, she continued, "I, Madam Regent Amelia
Susan Bones, Regent and Heir Secondary of the Noble and Ancient House
of Bones and member of the Wizengamot, concur with the determination
made by Madam Director Amelia Susan Bones, Director of the
Department of Magical Law Enforcement; and also determine the wizard
known as Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore to be a Dark Lord. As
I say, so let it be written."
There was a muted triple-flash from Bones that signified the magical
command had taken effect upon the three legal entities in one body she
was.
As soon as the triple-flash occurred, another occurred about Dumbledore.
Magic had accepted the determination.
With a nod, she declared, "Let the record reflect magic has accepted the
determination. From this moment forth, the wizard known as Albus
Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore will be known as the Dark Lord
Dumbledore. This determination may only be overturned by the three
who determined it to unanimously agree to do so, or a full sitting of the
Wizengamot through majority vote to do so.
"End transcript."
It took a long moment before young auror Fitzwallace was finally able to
say, "Errr... yes, Ma'am. Deactivate!... The Dicta-quill is deactivated,
Ma'am."
"Thank you, Auror," she replied. "As of this moment, I declare the matter
of the questioning of Dark Lord Dumbledore, together with his
incarceration within the cells of the DMLE, a Security of the Realm
matter. It has a designation of High Secret. Only those in this room and
any auror of the rank of Master Auror or higher may know of it. To speak
of it outside this room is an automatic sentence to Azkaban and an
obliviation of any knowledge of it, other than you breached a High Secret
matter of which you once knew."
Having given the old man time to cogitate through his mind he was now
a declared Dark Lord, she smirked and said, "You no longer hold any
position of any authority, Albus. You're unemployed. Therefore, there is
no employer who will question your sudden disappearance. Only your
brother will question it if you disappear. Even then, I have it on good
authority he wouldn't push for an investigation.
"When I'm done with you - if I'm of a mind to - I can stun you, mask your
presence and levitate you down to that lovely room with its lonesome
arch... and float your arse through it. As you should well know, anything
that goes in there is never seen again. No trace, whatsoever. And Saul
Croaker owes me a favour."
It was easy to see Dumbledore was now completely terrified. His half-
broken Occlumency shields from the Veritaserum didn't allow him to
mask his emotions.
"As I cannot have Veritaserum used on you again for twenty three hours,
we'll have to wait to do this again until tomorrow."
Leaning forward and glaring at him, she tapped her list of questions and
said, "I'll have these questions answered. It does not matter how much
you pontificate your answers, trying to last out the eighteen minutes, I'll
have as many lots of eighteen minutes as I need; day... after day... after
day. If I manage to accidentally kill you in the process, so be it. You're
now a declared Dark Lord. Therefore, if you die, no punishment awaits
me.
"Once I have all my answers, only then will I call for your new trial. If
you're already dead, then I'll simply try you in absentia. That way, the
information that comes to light will all be public.
"By the time I'm finished with you, Tom Marvolo Riddle, also known as
The Dark Lord Voldemort... if he does actually manage to come back, as
you believe he will... is going to be pissed. Because, he'll have lost the title
'The Worst Dark Lord, Ever'."
She sat back and returned her attention to her notes. As she then began
to pack them up, she ordered, "Take him back to his cell and put a
twenty four hour suicide watch on him. Other than aurors, no one is to
see him; and no one, including the aurors, is to talk to him.
"If he attempts to talk to them, he is to be immediately silenced. I will not
have him employ his silver-tongued ways to get any... concessions."
Once she had packed her notes and tucked them under her arm, she rose
and walked over to the clerk's desk, collected the record of interview and
walked out the door without another word.
About a minute later, the two beefy aurors who first dragged him into the
room came and got him. Moody and Robards escorted them.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After the morning's classes, Herbology and CoMC, Neville was almost
bouncing in excitement. He didn't know if Headmistress Marchbanks
planned it that way, but putting Herbology and CoMC one after the other
in classes that weren't separated by a morning tea or lunch break was
clever. It now meant they could go from working in the greenhouses to
working on the grounds, or vice versa, and not have to worry about
rushing inside to change clothes between classes before changing back
later.
And then there was History with their second new-Professor-taught class
for the day. All the Gryff's and the 'Puffs they shared it with thought he
was brilliant; though he did scare them, at first, knowing as they did he
was also the new Deputy Headmaster. No one slept a wink in his class.
As the Fourth Year Gryff's had a self-study period immediately before
lunch, many quickly changed out their books for their afternoon classes,
an elective double.
Though early for lunch, the house elves brought up a small portion of the
food from the kitchens for those who stopped by early to have their
midday meal, like Neville and other Gryffindor Fourth Years; and,
apparently, the Hufflepuff Fourth Years, for starters.
Neville was just in the process of building a lunch when MacMillan
approached him again.
"Heir Longbottom," he said, getting Neville's attention. "When will we see
Lord Potter arrive?"
Neville calmly said back, "I answered that question for you, this morning.
My answer has not changed. Is there anything else?"
MacMillan appeared frustrated, but he shook his head and replied, "No."
Then turned about and stalked back to the Hufflepuff table.
Neville mentally smirked and thought, 'There goes a very unhappy boy.'
After he finished his lunch he gave Susan and Hannah a signal and
walked out the doors into the Entrance Hall, a quick look around and he
ducked into the antechamber all the new First Years were herded into on
their first arrival at the castle and before the Sort.
He only had to wait about five minutes before both girls walked in and, a
couple minutes later, so too did Daphne and Tracey.
"How are you all holding up?" he asked. As the senior 'Heir', without
Harry also there, it was his job to make sure the other four were all
alright.
"We're fine," replied Tracey, for the four of them. "You're the one who is
getting continually questioned over and over again."
Susan added, "We've been watching. We think you're getting about triple
the questions the rest of us are getting."
Neville sighed and replied, "I'm fine, too. It's not as if we didn't expect
this."
Daphne asked, "No word from Lord Potter?"
"No," he replied. "Without news to the contrary, he and Hermione still
plan to arrive tomorrow morning during breakfast."
Daphne sighed and said, "If you manage to talk to Lord Potter before I
do... which, of course, is almost a certainty... can you pass on the
message I need to speak with him?"
When Neville looked curious, he still replied, "Of course."
Taking another look around her she let her 'Ice Queen' mask slip, as she
would only in their presence or within their dorm, and said, "Alliance
Secret time. My father has tasked me with approaching Lord Potter about
a Concubine Bond Agreement."
That had everyone, but Neville, shocked. He and Susan just looked at
each other for a moment before both blushed.
"If we're talking about such..." he said, giving Susan a pointed look.
She didn't indicate he was not to say, so declared, "Alliance Secret;
Susan's aunt, Regent Bones, and my father are also talking about a
Concubine Bond Agreement for Susan with me."
"Furthermore..." prompted Hannah.
"Furthermore," he agreed, with a nod in her direction. "My father and
Mister Abbott are currently negotiating a Betrothal Agreement between
Hannah and me."
That seemed to surprise the two Slytherin girls. And both noticed that
Susan and Hannah did not seem surprised.
Tracey looked to Hannah and asked, "You don't have a problem with the
Concubine Bond Agreement, Abbott?"
"Nope!" the once-pigtailed blonde happily replied. "As you know, Sue and
I have been friends since we were babies. We... kinda... hoped this would
happen ever since Sue found out she'd enter either a Concubine Bond
Agreement or needed a Line Continuation Clause in a Betrothal
Agreement."
Neville smirked and said, "Harry, apparently, figured it out during that
day when he formally introduced Hermione as Lady Presumptive to you
all. According to my dad, he'd told him it was quite obvious by the way
the two girls acted between themselves and me, when he was talking
about his and Hermione's Betrothal Agreement. He said it had something
to do with 'body language', whatever that means."
Tracey, not realising Neville didn't actually expect an answer, replied,
"It's to do with how people move, stand, gesture with their hands, hold
their heads a certain way, their expressions, things like that when
interacting with others. Apparently, someone who becomes skilled in...
reading... it can determine a lot more information than the person just
telling them."
When she noticed the others, except Daphne, looking at her in surprise,
she blushed and added in an almost mumble, "Leastwise, that's what my
father tells me."
Neville was the first to react. He gave a small snort of amusement and
said, "And that means Harry was both telling my dad the truth and knows
how to... read, as Tracey put it... someone's 'body language'."
Daphne asked, "All three of you are happy with this arrangement?"
All three replied in the affirmative.
She then said, "Well, then; I can only hope Harry is as open to discussing
this for he and me."
"As you now know," said Neville, "Harry is not an idiot. You've now seen
and talked with the real Harry Potter. He'll hear you out and give the
matter a lot of thought.
"Your bigger, probably only, problem is going to be Hermione. She's a
muggleborn, remember? They don't have concubinage. Mum even told
me it's illegal in their world.
"You're going to need to be able to explain it to her in a fashion she'll
understand. And you're going to need to give her a logical reason why
she should be accepting of it."
Daphne winced. Her one 'card' she could play was that she and Hermione
were both in Ancient Runes and Arithmancy; and the two had studied
together for both those subjects.
In her mind she began to formulate her arguments for the girl.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Harry and Hermione had spent the first half of the morning going
through their spell books for all their wand-based classes at Hogwarts,
revising the practical side of the work. They transfigured for
Transfiguration, they charmed for Charms and moved onto hexes, curses
and shielding for DADA.
When Hermione began to flag, Harry called on Willy to organise a
morning tea for them - one the little elf insisted they partake of in the
informal dining room. And then they moved onto theory revision.
That led to lunch, again in the informal dining room, before returning to
the duelling room to practice more hexes, curses and shielding; this time
against each other, rather than the training dummies.
However, they only did that for about ten minutes before the auror with
them in the room called a halt and offered to teach them and provide
better training for the rest of the day.
That had the two of them then practicing against he. And he'd hit them
with stinging hexes if they weren't trying their best against him.
"You're not going to hurt me," he firmly declared. "I hold a dual Mastery
in Combat Magics and Defence! I might only hold the rank of Senior
Auror within the aurors, but part of that is because I cannot be promoted
any faster than I am now. I spent the first five years out of Hogwarts
working on my Masteries, so I'm probably the most highly skilled of all
the aurors on the force; and I include Mad-Eye Moody and Bones herself
in that!
"So, either try your best, or be prepared to need plentiful application of
soothing balm on your welts! Because, as from now, stinging hexes is
what I'm going to hit you with, if I see an opening in your defences I can
exploit.
"Your next issue," he continued, looking to Harry, "Is that you have a
tendency to go 'all out' right from the start. I noticed that when you
whittled down that rock on the banks of the Black Lake at Hogwarts.
That's all well and good when you're up against a mediocre wizard, but is
unwise against anyone who has a firm grasp of strategy and tactics. All I
had to do was spend most of my time shielding and dodging, waiting for
you to tire yourself. Once you did, you became a much easier target.
That's when I had you beat. Don't do that, in future.
"Next, you tired out too fast. While Quidditch gives you some added
fitness, it's nowhere near enough for what you need when facing someone
of my calibre. You need to get more aerobically fit; to build stamina. That
is, you need to become fitter in the style that allows you to keep going
beyond a mere couple of minutes. You need to get your fitness to a level
where you can keep going at near full speed for at least fifteen minutes.
With developing finesse and strategy you could easily take me on within
a year or two. At the moment, I can easily keep wiping the floor with
you.
"Now, let's go again." And the auror, who barely showed any fatigue,
gestured for both of them to stand and ready themselves.
Once they were, he snapped, "Begin!"
By the end of the training both teens were quite exhausted, Hermione
more so. But it showed Harry, now that he'd recovered from the effects of
malnutrition and an unhealthy lifestyle, needed to dedicate more time
into getting physically fit. Hermione then stated she'd be joining him.
"But, where?" she asked.
"The Room of Requirement," he firmly replied.
She sighed and said, "Of course."
The auror, after rehydrating a little himself, came over and said, "You,
Lord Potter, have power to spare. However, your focussing more on that
power, rather than on finesse, is your weakness. Power versus power you
had me beat, hands down, on your own. Now you need to focus on
strategy and, as I mentioned, finesse."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Returning to the Granger residence in time for Harry to make a start on
dinner - he was determined Dobby wasn't going to rob him of the chance
to cook the last dinner before they returned to Hogwarts - they were
home well before Wendell and Monica were due.
He had no idea Hermione had already had a word with Dobby to alert
him to letting Harry cook dinner that night. "It's his last night here,
Dobby," she explained. "You know he'll want to; need to, even. Let him."
That also meant, once he had the dinner in the oven, he was able to head
up to his room to take a quick shower.
Hermione also took a shower, seeing as both returned quite sweaty from
their exertions, but must have spent longer under the water as she was a
little while before she came back down.
When she walked into the kitchen to find him doing something with raw
vegetables, she looked beautiful and her bushy hair was significantly
tamed.
He practically goggled at her, which made her blush.
He exclaimed, "What happened to your hair?!"
With a light jut of her chin as if in defiance, she replied, "Betsy used her
magic on it. She also used some potion she collected from Pottermore
that's supposed to tame unruly hair."
He stood staring back in shock for a moment more before he realised he
was doing it and gave himself a shake. "Must be Sleak-Ezy," he suggested.
"The Potters were involved in developing and initially marketing it."
Getting her blush under control, she smiled back and said, "Yes. She told
me that, too."
"Hunh!" he exclaimed. "I was about to send one of the aurors up to see if
you'd slipped and disappeared down a drain hole or something."
She gave a snort of amusement and said, "So. I take it, you like?"
"Yes!" he immediately declared. "But, that's if you like it, too. You don't
have to go to the trouble if you don't want to. But, it's very nice to see
you looking so beautiful."
She smiled back. "Well, then," she said. "It looks like Betsy is coming to
Hogwarts with us. That is, if you don't mind."
"Nope!" he happily declared.
As she helped him prepare dinner, he said, "You know... your father's
going to take one look at you, looking as beautiful as you do now, and be
thinking about threatening me to keep my hands off you again."
She giggled.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
44. An Oops and a Myocardial
Infarction
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 Four - An Oops and a Myocardial Infarction
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
When the Grangers arrived home, Wendell took one look at his daughter,
both radiant from the exercise and looking gorgeous, and goggled in
shock. Then he turned an almost scowl on Harry.
Harry just looked innocently back and shrugged. Wendell's behaviour
was exactly as he expected.
Monica, not so much. She took one look at her daughter and smirked
before dragging her upstairs 'to chat'.
As soon as they were gone, Wendell asked him, "What happened to
Hermione's hair?"
"Betsy fixed it with elf magic and a hair management potion called Sleak-
Ezy," he immediately replied. "It looks good, doesn't it?"
"Hmmmph," Wendell grumbled. "Remember: As her betrothed, it's your
job to make sure no harm befalls her. If you need help hiding the bodies,
let me know."
Harry grinned and replied, "No worries. I remember."
Both 'men' knew the other knew exactly what they were both alluding to.
When both ladies came back downstairs, Monica was demanding to know
more about the potion and if it worked on non-magicals.
"No idea," said Harry. "I don't know why not, though. Try it and see. Call
Betsy and ask as she'd probably know and could even source it for you."
Monica did exactly that and Betsy couldn't say it wouldn't work. She also
promised to purchase some for her and come to apply it if called, with
Hermione's permission."
"My permission?" asked Hermione.
"She's your Ladies' elf, Hermione," Harry explained. "If you order her to
answer someone else's call, she'll do it."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Dinner that night was a bit of a feast. However, the only people sitting at
the table were the Grangers and Harry. The aurors said they'd eat in the
'Quarters', so Harry and the Grangers could have this last meal together
in private.
As it was winding down, another well-cooked and succulent roast beef
with all the trimmings, Harry made sure the two Granger adults were
finished with theirs and about to have their teas when he gave his throat
a little clear and said, "Wendell... Monica... Thank you, so very much, for
allowing me to come and stay. And for putting up with having strangers
in your home for this past near month and a half―"
"You're very welcome, Harry," said Wendell, cutting him off. "And the
aurors and other guests have not been a bother."
"You've brought us new friends and acquaintances, Harry," said Monica.
"Plus, we've both been given a better look and understanding of the
world our daughter is now a part of."
He blushed and looked down. "Still―"
"Still nothing," Wendell firmly said. "Monica and I are now a great deal
more relieved our daughter is going to be alright in your world. It was
something that plagued us with... yes, even nightmares... this past few
years.
"This past five weeks has given us both a lot of peace. Especially knowing
that manipulative old coot of a Headmaster of yours is now effectively
dealt with."
"And the wards," added Monica. "And the floo out the back."
Still blushing he said, "If you're safe, Hermione's happy. Plus, I've got one
more thing to give you and a couple of things to tell you to keep you
safe."
He then reached into his pocket and drew out two items before offering,
one each, to the two adults. They were little lapel pins.
"Each of these is a fully charged portkey. If someone, for some reason,
manages to get through your wards with ill intent and you're home, the
bringing down of those wards will activate them. As long as you're
wearing them, you'll be portkeyed direct to Pottermore and under the far
more powerful wards there.
"If the wards come under attack, an alert built into them will also alert
both myself and Sirius that they're such. And both of us will be able to
call on the aurors to get here with alacrity. But, the portkeys will get you
away to safety even if something goes wrong with that, or the aurors are
delayed."
Both accepted them with near reverence and looked at him with
gratitude. Hermione, however, turned in her chair, leaned over to him
and planted a major kiss on him.
With eyes shining brightly she pulled back and quietly, but heartfeltingly,
said, "Thank you."
Wendell gave his own throat a clear and softly said, "Yes. Thank you,
Harry."
Getting his blush under control, he frowned and said, "Dumbledore
worries me. But, he's not the only threat to you out there from our world.
While Dumbledore will try and use you, there are those who may come
after you with more life-threatening intent. Dumbledore's attempts to get
in through the wards, twice, is only an inkling of that."
"We'll wear them always, Harry," said Monica.
After a quick nod he said, "Secondly, if you're not somehow wearing the
pins and the wards start to go, I've instructed the Potter elves to get you
out of here if you're still here. If you're at, say, the hospital if it happens,
they'll alert you to it without letting anyone else see them. They're pretty
good with things like that."
After that quite emotional moment, the two adult Grangers immediately
donned them.
"Well!" said Monica with a sigh. "What time, did you say, you had to be
ready to floo to Hogwarts tomorrow?"
Harry smiled at her, grateful for the obvious intent to change the subject.
"7.30am sharp," he replied. "Dobby... and, probably, Betsy... will bring
our trunks once we're gone. It's safer than taking them with us through
the floo unless we were to shrink them and put them in our pockets. I'm,
for one, just as likely to trip over mine and break my fool neck stepping
out of the floo at the other end if they don't, even if it is in my pocket."
That had the other three grin back.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
For his last morning Harry was determined that today, of all days, he was
going to beat that half pint, sawn off, little joy-killer of an elf of his to the
kitchen. He'd set the alarm to go off an hour earlier than normal.
When going to bed he chuckled and thought, 'Got ya now, pipsqueak!'
When the alarm went off, on as quiet a setting as he thought he could get
away with, he was quick to deactivate it, pull his invisibility cloak over
himself, put on as many masking charms on himself as he thought he
could get away with - scent, noise, body heat, etcetera - and hurried
down to the kitchen.
Almost giggling to himself he hurried into the kitchen... and stopped
dead in shock.
Dobby was already there and preparing breakfast. "Good morning, Master
Harry!" he chirped, working with a skillet and the fry pan for the hash
browns. The eggs were being poached, the bacon was on the grill, he
even had tomatoes being grilled, as well.
Yanking the cloak off and cancelling the charms with a powerful finite he
firmly said, "Damn it!"
Glaring at the back of the elf with suspicion he checked the clock on the
wall... and found it was set to a time half an hour later than the one in
his room.
He again glared at the elf before he hurried back up to his room... and
found the clock was set the same as one in the kitchen. That meant he
either didn't set the time of the alarm right, or someone had changed the
time for it to go off.
Hurrying back down to the kitchen he found Dobby now checking the
poaching eggs and demanded, "Did you change the time on by clock to
go off half an hour later?"
Too innocently to be believable, Dobby turned to face him and asked, "Is
Master Harry feeling alright?"
"Damn it!"
Still with his cloak in his hand, Harry stomped off back to the stairs to go
back to his bedroom to get showered and dressed for the day.
It was while he was showering, and trying to figure out where his plan
had gone wrong, that he had an epiphany. "That... little... shit!" he
quietly but vehemently muttered to himself. "He's charmed my clock!
That's how he knows when I get up and can beat me to the kitchen!
Cheeky... little... bastard!"
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
When he got out of the shower and dried, as soon as he stepped through
the ensuite door and back into the bedroom he noticed everything was
packed in a 'new' trunk and one full set of his Hogwarts Uniform,
together with fresh underwear, was laid on his bed. One pair of his shoes
were tucked under the side of the bed, ready for him to don.
"Now he's just rubbing my nose in it!" he huffed.
He dressed then went over to inspect his 'new' trunk. Flipping it open he
saw the thing had wizarding expansion charms and compartments in it.
All his new clothes, both wizarding and muggle, were now neatly packed
inside. So were his school books, parchment, ink, quills, cauldron, scales,
potion ingredients' case, telescope, received Christmas gifts, other
paraphernalia... and even his Firebolt. He was stunned.
It took him at least a full minute before he slowly closed the lid and
latched it again.
Finally able to shake off his apparent shock he gave a huge sigh and,
more calmly, began to make his way down to the dinette for breakfast.
However, he'd only dropped two steps down the stairs from the first floor
landing when he heard Hermione suddenly cry, "Bet-seeee!"
That had him immediately spin about and race up the stairs to the second
floor without making too much noise about it. If there were intruders, he
didn't want to alert them to his quick approach.
The door to Hermione's bedroom was open, so he jumped within with his
wand drawn, crouched and ready to battle. He didn't even realise he'd
drawn it.
Hermione was in the room wearing a fluffy pink dressing gown that came
down to mid thigh, with her hair trussed up in a white towel. She was
looking back at him in shock.
After his quick check found the room to be clear of Death Eaters or
similar, he looked back at her. That's when he noticed what she was
wearing; but, even more, that what he could see of her body was showing
signs of having only just come out of the shower - her skin was flushed a
healthy pink and was lightly steaming. Then realised she was probably
naked under that dressing gown as he could also spot her own Hogwarts
uniform was laid out on her bed with her pink underwear on top.
He immediately blushed and stuttered, "Errm―"
Getting her own shock under control before he could get his under such,
she firmly said, "Best go downstairs and wait for me to get dressed,
Harry. I need to talk to Betsy."
"Errr... yup!" he said, before he spun away and hurried down the stairs as
quietly as he could. He was just in time to pass Monica on her way up
from the first floor. She was wearing her own, but bigger and longer,
fluffy dressing gown with a look of confusion on her face. But, Harry
could see she was at least somewhat dressed under her robe.
He only paused long enough to blush again and quietly said, "Oops!"
Then hurried down as quietly as he could and raced for the kitchen.
He was just thankful he hadn't also come across Wendell. He'd be told off,
just for the evidence of the blush he knew he was now sporting.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
As Monica rounded the top stair and saw her daughter's bedroom door, as
usual, wide open she was also greeted to the sight of her daughter doffing
her robe and standing in the room, side on and naked. Her skin was the
pink of a hot shower and she still had wisps of steam rising from her skin.
Quietly stepping in through the door, as her daughter bent over to pick
up her underwear from off the bed, she quietly said, "Well―"
With a very shocked but quiet, "Eeek!" Hermione's reaction was near-
instant. She dropped to the floor, grabbed her robe and jumped back up
holding it before her as she turned to the door, blushing furiously away.
It almost appeared as if she bounced down and up.
Knowing she'd caught her daughter out, Monica smirked and continued
to say what she was going to say. "I certainly hope what I just saw was
not what Harry just saw."
Furiously blushing, Hermione squeaked out, "No!... I-I was wearing my
robe when he saw me."
Stepping in further, Monica reached for the door, closed it and turned
back to face her daughter. "I did warn you that, one day, if you continued
to leave your door open while you were getting dressed you were going
to give someone an 'eyeful'.
Hermione, still holding the dressing gown looked down in somewhat
shame and quietly said, "Yes."
Monica gave a snort of amusement and said, "You'd better get dressed
and go down and see Harry. You just embarrassed the boy again."
Then she left, closing the door behind her.
With a pained sigh, Hermione threw her robe on the bed and turned back
to don her clothes.
'Betsy, first; then, Harry,' she thought.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
At 7.30am, on the dot, Headmistress Lady Marchbanks was watching as
the floo 'whoomphed' with a burst of flame and the flames turned green.
A moment later an auror stepped out, then Lord Potter, then Miss
Granger and, finally, a second auror.
As they were stepping out, she came out from behind her desk and was
waiting before it by the time the second auror stepped out.
Once the floo reverted back to orange flames she quietly said to the two
teens, "Welcome back to Hogwarts."
Both grinned happily back. Both were also already dressed in their
Hogwarts robes, with Lord Potter wearing the Potter crest on the
opposite breast of his Gryffindor crest and the Black crest subservient.
While Miss Granger wore the Potter crest on her right sleeve up near her
shoulder, signifying she was under a Betrothal Agreement or contract to
House Potter.
But, that was what they were wearing. Lord Potter had clearly grown a
few more inches, filled out across the shoulders, lost the spectacles and...
yes... apparently also lost that famous scar. And, while Miss Granger's
physical statistics hadn't changed, her hair now fell in loose waves to lay
on her shoulders and was clipped back at the temples by matching gold
clips. Her changes were small, but no less startling.
"Your luggage, dears?" she asked
Harry gave a nod and called, "Dobby... Betsy..."
With a double flash, both elves arrived with their two trunks.
With a nod of her own, she called, "Toby."
A third elf arrived. This one, clearly a Hogwarts elf, was looking to her
for instructions.
To the elf she indicated the two Potter elves and said, "Show these two
that Lords' Quarters apartment I had the school elves ready for me, would
you?"
"Yes, Lady Headmistress," the elf replied, before he turned and looked at
Dobby and Betsy for a moment. Then both Potter elves nodded back and
all three, plus the two trunks, disappeared.
Hermione appeared confused for a moment before she looked to
Marchbanks and asked, "Headmistress? You asked... Toby... to show both
Dobby and Betsy the Lords' Quarters...?"
in a tone that sounded as if she was saying it was obvious, Marchbanks
replied, "Yes, dear. Lord Potter is being given an apartment with three
bedrooms. As his recognised betrothed, you're allowed to share with
him."
Hermione stood there, mouth open a little and blinked for a moment.
"Ummm..."
Harry, realising the problem, said to her, "Hermione, if you want to be in
the Gryffindor girls' dorms with Parvati, Lavender, Sophie and Fay, I
understand. We can have Betsy move your effects to there, if you prefer."
Looking to him she said, "Ummm... no! I... i-if you don't mind, I'd prefer
to stay with you."
"I thought you knew to expect that, dear," said Marchbanks. "Have I
offended?"
Spinning back, Hermione replied, "Ummm... no. I... just didn't expect it.
That's all."
"And I didn't know, either," said Harry. "I should have... and didn't."
"Actually..." said Hermione. "I'm... thinking... this will be a much better
idea. Thank you."
"You're welcome, dear," said a slightly confused Marchbanks.
Hermione grinned at her.
One of the aurors asked, "And where are the Lords' Quarters,
Headmistress?"
"On the fifth floor on the way to both Gryffindor and Ravenclaw towers,"
she replied. "Go up the grand staircase to the fifth floor, head towards the
two towers and I'll have an elf meet you on the floor to show you the rest
of the way."
The auror gave a nod and said "Thank you, Ma'am," And he and the other
auror left through the door to the stairs.
Looking to the two teens she said, "I believe it's now time we head for the
Great Hall. There's been a lot of speculation as to when you two would
arrive."
"Yes, Ma'am," said Harry.
Both teens then followed her out.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
As they walked, Hermione asked the little old witch who was their new
Headmistress more questions about the Lords' Quarters and why
someone, who was only betrothed, was expected to stay there with their
betrothed.
"Aren't you worried what we might get up to?" she asked.
"You're betrothed, Miss Granger," replied the witch. "I might not be fully
aware of what your Betrothal Agreement states, but I have a fair idea of
the gist of it. Part of it states Lord Potter may act for your protection,
does it not?"
"Well... yes," Hermione replied.
"Then, where better for you than to be close by so he can protect you
than in the room next to his?" she asked.
"Oh," said Hermione. "I didn't think of that."
"Hmm!" said Marchbanks in a verbal nod.
When Hermione didn't seem to want to ask any further questions she
stopped and waited for the two teens to stop as well, they did only two
paces forward, and looked back at her. Both were looking at her with
quizzical expressions.
She was a moment before she quietly said, "Alliance Secret."
That had Harry give a little start of shock as Hermione looked even more
confused.
Marchbanks looked to Hermione and said, "That means, what we discuss
here cannot be discussed with anyone outside of the Alliance, dear."
"Oh," said Hermione, understanding.
Marchbanks then looked back at Harry and said, "I have received
correspondence from Lord Longbottom. He has informed me that he is
currently in negotiations with Mister Abbott about a Betrothal Agreement
between Heir Neville Longbottom and young Miss Abbott. Further, he is
in simultaneous negotiations with Madam Bones about a Concubine Bond
Agreement between Heir Longbottom and Heiress Susan Bones.
Both were surprised, but not so much.
"I see this is not news to you," said Marchbanks.
"Not that it would happen, but that it is happening now is," replied Harry.
"Hmm," said Marchbanks. "Lord Longbottom has requested that, when the
Agreements are signed, I call on you to suggest you recommend Heir
Longbottom request Lord's Quarters of his own for he and the two young
ladies. I will approve it."
That surprised both.
"Why?" asked Harry. "I mean, why me?"
"Lord Longbottom does not want it to seem as if he's over-fathering his
son. However, if the suggestion comes from you..."
Harry nodded and said, "Then Neville won't think it's an order from his
father. It'll be his choice. He wants Neville to make these sort of decisions
on his own."
"Precisely," she nodded.
"Uh-huh," muttered Harry. "I'm happy to do so. I also expect Neville will
leap at the opportunity if he doesn't think it'll get him into trouble. The
other three boys in the dorm are all slobs, whereas Neville and I are not."
"Then you'll need to convince him it won't hurt to ask," she said.
He nodded and said, "Will do."
She then hesitated again and asked, "Do you know why you've been
offered an apartment with three bedrooms?"
Both teens immediately looked shocked. "Errr... you know something
about a possible approach for a Concubine Bond Agreement for me, don't
you?"
"I do," she firmly stated. "However, since that approach does not appear
to have already been made, it is not my place to expand on that."
"Noted," he said. "Not even a hint?"
She smirked back and replied, "I'm sure you can figure it out, if you
haven't already."
"Greengrass," he sighed.
She just smirked back. "Shall we continue to the Great Hall?" she
innocently asked.
As she walked between the two teens and continued on her way, both
turned to again follow her. Both teens, at the same time, glanced at one
another.
A few seconds later and as he followed, Harry softly but firmly said,
"You're an evil woman, Lady Griselda Marchbanks."
She just cackled. It was so much fun 'tweaking' the youngsters.
'Oh, how I missed this!' she thought.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Walking the long way, so they'd walk in through the main doors of the
Great Hall from the entrance hall, it was about ten minutes before they
arrived.
As soon as they walked in following the Headmistress, the Hall fell silent.
Marchbanks just ignored it and continued on her way between the tables
to the head table, while Harry and Hermione peeled off at the head end
of the House tables to go to the Gryffindor table. They already saw
Neville was sitting there waiting for them with a grin on his face.
They'd no sooner separated from the Headmistress before the first of the
other students tried to approach. It was Angelina Johnson.
"Harry!" she exclaimed. "I want―"
"Back off and let us sit down!" he snapped out.
That immediately brought her to a sudden halt. Though he wasn't looking
at her, she had an expression of shock on her face.
Reaching a grinning Neville, Harry made sure Hermione walked around
the table with him, so their backs were to the wall, sat her first next to
Neville and sat alongside her on the other side. They'd sat next to the
other boy, who had also chosen to sit with his back to the wall, to show
solidarity. They didn't know, however, he'd saved them seats.
"Morning," grinned Neville, just after they sat. "Making waves, already, I
see?"
Having already eaten before they flooed to the castle, both teens only
dragged over a cup and saucer and began to make cups of tea each. Both
knew they were going to be immediately bothered by other students all
demanding answers to their questions and wouldn't get much of a chance
to eat before they had to go to class.
From an inside pocket of his robes, Neville drew out two small sheets of
parchment, checked them and offered one each to the two. "Your class
schedules," he said.
Hermione was all set to snatch it out of his hand before she hesitated
with a small start, then more calmly accepted it. "Thank you, Neville,"
she said.
Harry smirked to her and nodded. He approved. And she smiled back.
After just finishing making their teas, Harry asked, "How did everything
go on the trip here and yesterday?"
Neville had only just opened his mouth to reply when they heard the
cough of someone trying to get their attention opposite.
With a mental sigh, Harry turned to see who it was. Ernest MacMillan.
The boy looked determined, angry and not a little scared. 'Ah!'
Sitting back and up a little straighter he looked the boy full-on and asked,
"Something I can help you with, Heir MacMillan?"
Self-fortifying himself first, the other boy said, "Lord Potter. I have come
at the request of my Lord to offer you my heartfelt apology for my
behaviour I have directed towards you between the start of this school
year and today. I―"
Harry interrupted and asked, "What about Second Year, Heir MacMillan?
Do you not remember your behaviour towards me throughout that year?
Does calling me the Heir of Slytherin not ring any bells with you? Do you
not recall what you called me... to my face... in public? And what about
the hexes and such in the corridors? How many did you cast at me?
"Secondly, you 'come at the request of your Lord?' At least you're honest
in stating apologising to me is not something you actually want to do.
"If you want to apologise, Heir MacMillan, then actually apologise. Make
it from the heart or it'll be worthless."
MacMillan, clearly angry, had to close his eyes as he managed to rein his
temper in. He knew he had to do this, or his grandfather was going to
disown him on the spot as soon as he learned of it. He... had... to do this.
Getting himself back under control, he looked back, took a deep breath
and firmly said, "Lord Potter. I have come... to offer you my heartfelt
apology for my behaviour I have directed to you over... our time together
in the school. I have behaved with... dishonour and in a manner that has
brought my House into conflict with you."
As he talked he seemed to get more into it and even managed to calm a
little.
"Though... I see now that I was in the wrong and you did not deserve the
treatment I caused to befall you. You were undeserving of any of it.
"My... I hope you accept my apology in the spirit it is given and we both
may put this matter behind us."
With that last line, MacMillan almost seemed to slump inwards.
Obviously, his apology was done.
Harry gave it a long moment for the boy to collect himself before he
replied. "Apology accepted. You may inform your Lord I have accepted
your apology in the spirit it was given and invite him to speak more of this
matter with Lord Longbottom at Lord Longbottom's convenience.
Anything else?"
MacMillan looked back for a moment and replied, "No, Lord Potter.
Thank you." Then, without waiting for Harry to say anything else, spun
about and hurried away.
Harry gave a snort of amusement and returned to his tea.
Neville leaned around Hermione and said, "I think you've just caused
anyone who had visions of coming over to demand answers from you to
rethink their plan." Then he flicked his eyes to the rest of the Hall.
When Harry glanced up through his eyebrows and looked about he could
see what Neville meant. There were quite a few who were staring at him
and appeared very reluctant to get on his bad side.
They now knew, more than ever, the meek little orphan boy was gone.
They could also see he was a great deal taller, had filled right out, wasn't
wearing his glasses any more and sat with a firm posture. This was no
longer the Harry Potter they once thought him to be.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Dumbledore did not sleep well. He never did in these cells. They never
turned the light off completely, only dimmed it down so they could see
him if they ever took a peek through the little viewing slot in the door for
that purpose.
However, his sleep that night was even worse. That Bones had declared
him to be a Dark Lord had really hit home. It was even worse when he
quickly realised that, with being declared a Dark Lord, it now meant the
prophecy could now be about him and not Tom, as he truly believed.
When the little slot for an auror to peek within would be opened about
an hour after he'd been given his meagre breakfast, he knew―
He heard the bolt on the outside of the door give its distinctive deep 'shh-
clunk', signalling the door was about to be opened. And then it was.
The same two burly aurors as the previous day stepped in. The senior of
the two said simply, "Prisoner, stand."
With a sigh he rose to his feet and held out his hands held close before
him, bent at the elbows with his wrists inches apart. A few seconds later
and the magic-inhibiting manacles were firmly affixed.
As soon as they were, both aurors stepped to either side of him, gripped
him by his upper arms and marched him out of the cell and towards the
Interrogation Rooms.
This time, during his move from his cell to the Interrogation Rooms, he
never said a word.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
A few minutes after MacMillan left, the mail arrived. Neither teen
received anything as they'd received it before flooing to the castle.
It was as he was returning to his tea, Angie Johnson regained her courage
to approach.
"Harry?" she carefully asked.
"What can I do for you, Angie?" he calmly asked.
As he was neither smiling or appeared angry, she was at somewhat of a
loss on how to proceed.
"I... want to talk to you about you withdrawing from the team," she said.
"What about it?" Again, no inflection.
"I want you to reconsider," she stated.
"I have," he replied. "However, as I stated to you in the letter I sent you, I
stand by my decision.
"I really did not appreciate my so-called House-mates practically berating
me and demanding answers to their questions that day Hermione and I
returned from the Wizengamot trial sessions.
"I am not a walking version of the Daily Prophet they can command to do
their bidding like I'm a bloody house elf, or something.
"If you need a new seeker, as I said in my letter, I strongly suggest you
approach young Miss Ginny Weasley. I've seen her in action and believe
she will make an excellent seeker for the Lions."
Angie, though clearly angry at what she perceived as a 'brush off', didn't
retort. Instead she simply gave a single sharp nod in return and walked
away back down the table - marched, really.
Hermione quietly said, "You know it means you can never go back to
being a seeker for the Lions, don't you?"
Harry gave a quiet sigh and said, "I didn't want to be the seeker in the
first place, Love. I was bullied into it by McGonagall. She told Wood I was
to be the new seeker for the Lions, without even bothering to ask me first,
and that was that.
"I like flying, Love. And chasing the snitch gave me something to do while
doing that. But, I can still do that by simply releasing a snitch on my own
and chasing after it."
Surprised, Hermione said, "I thought you liked being seeker."
He smiled back and replied, "No; the fake Harry did, because it helped his
façade"
"Ah!" she said. A moment later she added, "I'm glad. I didn't like how
dangerous it was for you; nor how much you seemed to get hurt, all the
time."
He leaned across a little and kissed her on the cheek, causing her to blush
a little and look away.
Looking back around her, he looked to Neville and said, "Now. Before we
were interrupted, you were going to tell me about how the past couple of
days went."
Again, Neville was about to open his mouth when Professor Babbling
approached and said, "Lord Potter. I'm here to escort you and your
betrothed to your new accommodation. You'll also be needing to collect
your books for your morning classes."
With a sigh, Harry looked to her and said, "Very well, Professor." Turning
to Neville he clearly said, "I apologise for yet another interruption to our
conversation, Heir Longbottom. Perhaps we'll be able to complete it
during next break."
As the Professor gave a little start of shock, Neville grinned and replied,
"I look forward to it, Lord Potter. Perhaps we'll be able to complete it
during morning tea."
Harry gave a smile back, rose, stepped back over the back of the bench
seating and turned to the Professor as Hermione rose beside him.
She waited for them both to walk around the table and then lightly
gestured towards the main doors before walking that way, herself.
The two teens followed, knowing they had many eyes watching them as
they did so. Both ignored them.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After Dumbledore was again manacled to the ring-bolt on the table, as
with the previous day the same aurors entered and took up positions.
This time they were immediately followed by the Dicta-quill operator and
the Master Healer carrying her rack of vials of Veritaserum. Then Madam
Bones entered with her file and went directly to her seat on the opposite
side of the table.
Without even offering a greeting, this time, she opened her folder, made
herself comfortable and asked, "Ready for your next Veritaserum dose,
Albus?"
"No," he lowly replied.
"Too bad," she smirked.
After everything was set up, the Dicta-quill was activated and the dose of
five drops of Veritaserum were administered Bones began her
interrogation.
"What was the true purpose of you having caused the erection of those
series of so-called traps in the third floor corridor as you announced on
the first of September, 1991, to the students of Hogwarts?"
As Dumbledore mentally struggled to not directly answer the question he
replied, "I informed the staff the traps were erected to protect a valuable
artefact given to me by a dear friend―"
"Was that response meant to direct me away from the truth?"
"Y... Y... Y-y-yes."
"What were you trying not to tell me?"
"T... T... T...Thhhhh-the traps were... a... s... series... of tests."
"Tests for whom?"
"H... H... Haaaarry P... Puhhh...ter."
"What was the purpose of testing Lord Potter with those series of so-
called traps in the third floor corridor as you announced on the first of
September, 1991, to the students of Hogwarts?"
"T... t... t... toooo test... h... his... braaaa-ver-y."
"Do you see, Albus? Fighting the potion is pointless! You are only delaying
the inevitable."
"Y... Y-yes."
"Did you know Quirinus Quirrell was possessed?"
"Y-yes."
"From when did you know Quirinus Quirrell was possessed?"
"Ffff... fff... ffffirst... of... Sepppp-tember―"
"Did you know Quirinus Quirrell was possessed from the first of
September, 1991?"
"Y... Yyyy-yes."
Bones was a few moments before she asked, "When were you aware the
troll was released into the school, as reported by Quirinus Quirrell on the
thirty first of October, 1991?"
"Ah... At th... the Feast."
She paused a moment while she thought and then asked, "At what time
were you first aware the troll was released into the school, as reported by
Quirinus Quirrell on the thirty first of October, 1991?"
"Ssss... sssiiii.. sixxxx thhh-... thurrrty seh... sehven, thhhhat n... night."
Scowling, she demanded, "What time did Quirrell burst into the Great
Hall to make his announcement about a troll being loose in the
dungeons?"
"Sssseh... Sseh-ven nnnnuh.. niiiine...teen."
"So, you were aware a troll... a second troll, if you consider the first troll
being the one that was part of those traps of yours... was within the
school grounds approximately three-quarters of an hour before Quirrell
made his shocking entrance into the Great Hall?"
"Yyy... yes!"
"Why did you not head it off and deal with it as soon, or very soon after,
you knew it had entered the grounds, Albus?"
"Aaaa... I... wwwwanted... to... sss- sssseee... wh- whhaaat... T-T-
Tommm... w... would do... w-whuh... w-with it."
"And if, instead of releasing it into the corridors of the school, Quirrell
had brought it direct to the Great Hall?"
"H-heee... didn't."
"Did you know where it was, at all times it was within the school?"
"Y... yyyyes."
"At that time, did you know that a student was not in the Great Hall, but
was on the second floor in a girls' bathroom?"
"Y... yes."
"Did you know that the troll was making it's way towards her?"
"Y-y-yuh-... yyyesss."
"Did you know Lord Potter was going to go and find the girl, when it
became apparent to him that Miss Granger was not in the Great Hall?"
"Y-yyy... Nnnno."
Frowning at the response, Bones had an epiphany. "Did you use any form
of compulsion... No. Did you directly use any form of mind magic on any
student to inform Lord Potter, then Mister Potter, that a student was in
that second floor girls' bathroom?"
"Nnnn... Yyyeeesss."
"On which student did you use such mind magics to inform Lord Potter a
student was in that second floor girls' bathroom?"
"M-Missss... Br-Brown."
"And which form of mind magic did you use against Miss Brown?"
"C... Cuh... Com...pul...shun.. charm."
"Why did you use an illegal compulsion charm on Miss Brown to inform
Mister Potter that Miss Granger was in that girls' bathroom?"
"Sssso... yyy... yuh-oung... H... Ha... Harr-reee... w-would... go.. ressss-
cue... h-her."
"Why would you send Lord Potter to go rescue her?"
"Tuh... T-tooo... tessssst... h-his.. b-b-braaaaay-very."
Surprised, she blurted, "Are you trying to get Lord Potter killed, Albus?"
"N...n...nnn-Yyyy... Yeeehhs!"
Utterly shocked, the aurors and even the Master Healer in the room all
gasped in shock. Bones was a few moments stunned silent.
"Why are you trying to get Lord Potter killed, Albus?" she demanded.
"... ... ...B... Beeee... C-c-c―"
Dumbledore then appeared to go into some form of fit.
The Master Healer immediately stepped forward, rapidly casting over
him as he went into some form of paroxysm. Then, without a word,
suddenly stunned him.
She immediately whirled to stare at Bones and snapped, "He's having a
heart attack. I need to get him to Mungo's... now."
"Shhhhit!" said Bones.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
As Harry and Hermione began to follow the professor up the grand
staircase, as soon as they were apart from any of the students moving
about on the stairs, the Professor looked to Harry and said, "I apologise
for interrupting your conversation, Lord Potter. I thought, once Miss
Johnson had departed, your conversation had ended."
"Apology accepted, Professor Babbage," he immediately replied.
"However, you should know, both Miss Johnson and Mister MacMillan
before her were both interrupting the same conversation that had started
between Miss Granger and me and Heir Longbottom almost as soon as I
sat. You were just the third to do so."
She just gave a nod and small smile back. So, Harry knew she wasn't too
upset about it; unlike how McGonagall would have reacted - with a
snooty huff.
Once on the fifth floor she led them along the main corridor in a part of
the castle Harry did not often traverse and to quite the fancy wide
wooden door. It was almost half again wide as a normal door; about the
same width as one of the doors into the Great Hall from the entrance
hall, but nowhere near as tall. In the past, he'd normally be one floor up
when heading for the Gryffindor tower.
An auror seemed to be standing watch opposite it; watching both
directions and the door, itself.
Entering after the Professor, Harry was surprised to see the floor change
from bare stone to a carpet runner along a long and wide corridor. There
were also skylights in the ceiling, letting in natural sunlight, and silver
brackets along the wall just above head height containing gas lamps. The
skylights had to be magical, course; as there was another two floors
directly above this one.
She walked down past about four doors on either side before she arrived
at one numbered '9'.
Turning back to slightly face them, she indicated it and said, "This is it.
Lord Potter, you need to claim it as your own by placing your wand hand
palm flat on the door, pushing a little with your magic and claiming it."
Harry gave her a nod and put his hand on the door and 'pushed'. "I am
Lord Harrison James Potter. I claim this suite for the Noble and Most
Ancient House of Potter."
Harry felt his palm tingle a little before he 'felt' the acceptance.
As he stepped away, the professor said, "Now you, Miss Granger. You just
announce yourself and Lord Potter has to again put his hand on the door
and announce you're granted access."
Hermione stepped forward, putting her own hand on the door, and firmly
said, "I am Hermione Jean Granger, betrothed of Lord Harrison James
Potter."
Then she removed her hand and stepped back giving her palm a scratch
with her off hand as she did so.
Harry then stepped forward and put his hand back. "I am Lord Harrison
James Potter, I grant Hermione Jean Granger access as my betrothed."
As Harry stepped back again, the professor gave a nod and said, "The
suite, or apartment, is now keyed to only allow the two of you access. If
anyone else touches the doorknob they'll be stunned and the staff will be
alerted to that.
"You need to open the door first, Lord Potter."
Harry stepped forward again, gripped the door-handle and gave it a twist
before then giving it a push. The door swung inwards and away.
"In you go," said the professor.
As Harry walked through the doorway and inside, Hermione followed
right behind; then the Professor. He was surprised to also see the auror,
who had been standing guard outside, also step in and begin casting
detection charms about the place.
'Really?' he thought, not knowing Hermione was also thinking pretty
much the same thing.
Both Dobby and Betsy then appeared with twin flashes and big smiles on
their small faces.
"Master Harry! Miss-tress Herm'nee! Welcome!" said an excited Dobby.
The Professor gave a quiet cough to catch their attention.
When both teens immediately turned around and looked towards her, she
said, "I'll leave you to quickly explore. Classes start in a little over fifteen
minutes and I believe you both have a double of Transfiguration, then
morning tea, then a double of Herbology before lunch."
"Thank you, Professor," said Hermione.
"Yes, thank you, Professor," added Harry.
The Professor gave a small smile before she let herself out, pulling the
door shut behind her.
As both turned back, Harry looked at Dobby and said, "How about a
quick tour? Then we need to collect our books and go."
Less than five minutes later, both teens were walking out, pulling the
door shut behind them.
Dobby and Betsy had both loaded their book satchels with the right texts,
ink, quills and sufficient parchment.
Hermione looked to Harry and said, "Wow! I don't know what your room
is like, but mine feels like 'five star'!"
"The same," he grinned. "We need to bring the others up here, especially
Neville, so he can see what it's like, first hand."
"You, too, can live like this?" she smirked.
"Exactly," he grinned.
She gave a nod and said, "We'd best hurry. As Professor Babbling said, we
have Transfiguration first, so at least we only have to drop down one
floor. But, we'll still be late if we don't get a wriggle-on." Beginning to
fret a little, she added, "Ooohh... I hope the new Professor is as good at
teaching as Professor McGonagall was."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
The apartment had, as promised, three bedrooms; with each having its
own ensuite. The apartment started with a central common room. From
that led four doors and an arch. Each of three of the doors led to a
bedroom and the fourth led to an office. The arch led to a combined
kitchenette with a small dining table that could seat six at a squeeze.
The entire apartment was lavishly appointed though seriously out of
date, as expected. However, all the furniture appeared in almost pristine
condition and little wear appeared anywhere.
Harry's trunk, his entire collection of personal effects at that, were set up
in the clearly master bedroom. Hermione's were in the next largest sized
room and Harry was surprised to see just how much stuff was in there.
"How, on Earth, did Betsy manage to fit all that into your trunk?" asked a
shocked Harry.
She gave him a wry grin and replied, "She didn't. She got rid of my trunk
and replaced it with a, as she claims, 'Noble Ladies' Travelling Trunk'
from Pottermore. The inside is wizard-spaced like you wouldn't believe.
"Oh, and that was why I had that loud exclamation, this morning," she
blushed, "When you raced upstairs to find out what was wrong, I'd
noticed my walk-in wardrobe was basically bare. Betsy had managed to
pack the lot."
"Ah," he stammered. "I-I'm... sorry, about that... by the way."
"Not your fault," she firmly replied. "Besides, you didn't see anything
inappropriate. I wear a great deal less than that at the beach."
"Errr... yeah," he muttered.
"Mum gave me a right fright right after you left, though," she explained.
Then blushed slightly and said, "She came in just as I dropped my robe to
get dressed."
After they finished looking at each other's new bedroom, they explored
the rest of the apartment, together. Dobby and Betsy had been busy
setting it all up for them. Even the pantry was stocked with groceries
under stasis. Looking at the labels Harry knew it was all brand new, so
wasn't there from years past or anything. Dobby had to have gone
shopping.
However, when Hermione saw the office with all its empty bookshelves,
she stared fixedly at them and softly said, "Harry, dear."
"Yep?"
"The bookshelves are empty, Harry," she firmly said. "I don't like empty
bookshelves."
He smirked and said, "When I've got the chance I'll send Dobby to
Pottermore to collect and bring back a selection of books related to the
subjects we're studying. I'm sure there'll be enough to sufficiently
populate these shelves for you."
She turned a familiar smile on him and planted a kiss on his cheek. "Good
boy," she softly said.
'Now that was pure Monica,' he thought.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
At Saint Mungo's, Bones was pacing outside the Casualty wing; the
emergency 'centre' of the hospital. She was muttering to herself as she did
so, but not loud enough for anyone to overhear.
Moody and Robards were standing with their backs to the wall on
opposite sides, Moody near a corner. Both were watching her and
everyone else move about while protecting their Boss's back.
Pockridge had already been out once to update her. "It's confirmed," she
sighed. "Dumbledore had a heart attack. A pretty severe one. They're
working to stabilise him now."
A half hour later, a cardiac specialist healer came out.
"Madam Bones?" he asked.
"Yes?" she replied.
He took her to the side wall near Robards and softly said, "As Healer
Pockridge informed you, Dumbledore's had what's commonly referred to
as a heart attack. It was brought on by both his poor diet - too much
sugar - and spending quite a bit of time trying to fight the effects of
Veritaserum.
"You should know the extra drop did not cause this. We've also
determined it is safe for him to be given five drops, just not for a while.
"He seems Merlin-bedamned to fight the serum and, if he does, he risks
yet another myocardial infarction. Healer Pockridge has informed me it is
imperative he be questioned and forced to speak truthfully. However, his
own mulishness not to answer will kill him if you push too hard.
"I'm sorry, but I don't know what you can do to force his compliance to
answer without risking further infarctions, or even death."
Frustrated, Bones muttered. "So close!"
The Healer just gave a shrug and said, "Perhaps a form of Veritaserum
can be developed that also includes a calming component? Sorry, but it's
not my area of expertise."
Surprised at the suggestion, Bones only gave a nod and replied, "Not your
fault, Healer. And, thank you, for saving the old fool's life."
"You're welcome, Madam Bones," he replied. "Now. If you'll excuse me, I
need to get back in there."
As the man began to turn away, she quickly asked, "How soon can I get
in there to ensure he's properly secured. He's a flight risk."
"I assure you, he's not going anywhere," he firmly replied. "However, we
should be moving him to the DMLE secure ward in about thirty to forty
minutes. He'll remain unconscious well beyond our moving him there;
probably at least until this afternoon, at the earliest."
She gave a pained sigh, pinched the bridge of her nose in frustration and
said, "Thank you, Healer."
"Again, you're welcome," he replied.
This time, she didn't stop him from re-entering.
When Pockridge came out thirty minutes later, she was leading the way
with Dumbledore on the levitated bed and escorted by another Healer
and two medi-witches. Dumbledore was, as she'd been warned,
unconscious.
Without a word, Pockridge just gestured for Bones and the other two to
follow.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
As they were descending the stairs of the grand staircase, Harry said, "By
the way, after class this afternoon - or, first chance I get otherwise - I'll be
asking Professor Babbage the opportunity to test to enter this year's
Ancient Runes class."
In pleased shock she suddenly dove at him and gave him a Hermi-hug of
old. "Harry!" she exclaimed. "That's wonderful!"
Chuckling, he held her for the moment and said, "I knew you'd be
pleased."
When she pulled back she then planted a kiss on his lips, sighed and said,
"We'd better hurry." Then proceeded to drag him down the last few stairs
and along the fourth floor corridor.
He just grinned and allowed himself to be towed along.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
45. Daphne's Proposal
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 Five - Daphne's Proposal
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
While Harry knew Hermione always liked to be at least five minutes
early to each class so she could properly set herself up for the lesson
about to be imparted upon them, Harry actually wanted to be right on
time. He didn't want to give others the chance to approach him and 'be
stupid' before the Professor arrived to teach the class.
However, he was relieved to discover the new Transfigurations Professor
also preferred to arrive about five minutes before the beginning of the
class.
With the new Professor already there and waiting for them, he was saved
from being approached. As no one, yet, had any real idea as to the man's
general attitude, no one wanted to 'test' him just yet; as kids are wont to
do.
Harry thought he looked pleasant enough. He was standing before his
desk, leaning back with his bum perched on the edge of it with his arms
and ankles crossed; smiling.
Hermione immediately dragged Harry to the front row of the class. And
Harry was happy to see Neville, Susan and Hannah sitting in the second
from front row. The front row before them was empty, so that's where
Hermione led him.
Not wanting to gain the Professor's ire in their first class on their first
day, Harry only acknowledged Neville and the two girls with a slight
head nod and smile to all three and said, "Neville, Susan, Hannah. I look
forward to speaking with you during morning tea."
All three smiled back and greeted them both.
As soon as they sat, both teens pulled out their texts and stationery,
ready; and were joined by Justin Finch-Fletchley a minute later. The boy
sat next to Hermione on the other side and quietly greeted them.
As soon as he sat, he quickly pulled out his own text and writing
equipment, before then immediately writing a short note. He asked
Hermione to pass it to Harry moments later.
Curious and knowing the class had not started yet, Harry quickly checked
the note.
~ # ~
Lord Potter,
I seek audience with you at a time of your convenience for a few moments to
discuss a matter of importance to us both.
Please respond when you can.
Lord Justin Finch-Fletchley
The Viscount Lonsdale
~ # ~
With surprised shock, Harry was stunned for a moment before he leaned
to look around Hermione and saw the boy was watching him. Softly, he
said, "Please speak with me for a few moments immediately after the end
of this class, Lord Finch-Fletchley."
Finch-Fletchley gave a nod back and replied, "That is agreeable Lord
Potter." And sat back again.
Hermione stared at Finch-Fletchley in her own shock for a moment
before she turned to look at Harry in confusion.
Harry gave her a quick head shake and softly said, "After class."
As Hermione gave a nod back, he immediately sat back and turned to
look at the three behind. He could see they were just as surprised and
just as curious as he.
When he turned back to look at the Professor, the man was looking at
him a little curiously of his own, but didn't say a word. He didn't even
move, other to turn his head to look back towards the door and
occasionally glance down at the wristwatch he was wearing and was
visible peeking out from under the cuff of the left sleeve of his robe.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Harry thought the class was brilliant. By her reaction as they were
packing their things up, so did Hermione. He'd been so involved in what
the man was teaching he didn't even realise the time was getting-on, until
the sound of the ringing of the bell signalling the end of the class period
was heard.
Packing up and knowing Finch-Fletchley wanted a quick word, he
indicated Hermione to stay seated. She did. So did Finch-Fletchley.
Once those nearest them headed for the doors, Harry looked to Finch-
Fletchley and quietly said, "I owe you two apologies, Lord Finch-
Fletchley."
"And I owe you a major one, Lord Potter," he replied. "But, please, me
first?"
Harry gave him a nod.
With a similar nod, Finch-Fletchley said, "I am completely aware I treated
you appallingly on the evening of Flophart's one and only duelling class,
Lord Potter. I reacted instead of thinking of what had occurred. In
hindsight, it is easy to recognise you had called that blasted snake back
from me. My instant near-terror blinded me to that.
"I apologise unreservedly for the slight against you."
"Thank you, Lord Finch-Fletchley. I accept your apology without
quibble," replied Harry. "For myself, I apologise for the very public slur I
directed towards you regarding your... intellect... on the day of the first
task of the Tri-Wizard Tournament. It was behaviour most unseemly on
my part. Irrespective of your prior behaviour I should not have done that.
"Secondly, I was operating under the false impression you were not titled.
While there are some within the wizarding world who will refuse to
recognise you hold such title, I am not of that mind. I shall be
immediately endeavouring to discuss with other members of the Potter-
Longbottom Alliance how the Alliance may aid you. And I shall, from this
moment forth, pay you the respect for which you are entitled.
"I apologise unreservedly for both slights against you."
Finch-Fletchley smiled back and replied, "Thank you, Lord Potter. I
unreservedly accept."
Each smiled back at the other.
Harry gave a nod and then indicated Hermione. "I also introduce to you
the Lady Presumptive of my House, Lady Presumptive Hermione Jean
Granger, magical ward of the Lord of the Noble and Most Ancient House
of Black, Lord Sirius Orion Black the Third; and betrothed of, myself, the
Lord of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Potter."
Reflexively, Hermione held her right hand out and Finch-Fletchley raised
it to his lips and lightly kissed her on the back of her knuckles while
smirking back. "Charmed, my Lady."
"As am I, Lord Finch-Fletchley," she softly replied with a light blush.
"Uh-hmm!" came the throat clear from the front of the class. Professor
Biffingwater was sitting at the desk and smirking at the three of them.
"Don't you three think you should be heading for the Great Hall?"
Harry smiled back and began to rise, "Thank you for the reminder,
Professor."
As the three headed out the door, Biffingwater sat back and pondered on
what he'd just seen and heard. He'd been warned about the hereditary
title issues in magical Britain. But, seeing it in action for the first time,
demonstrated for him he had much to learn of the system. Born and
raised in MaCUSA, he'd not had to deal with it in the past.
He thought, 'I shall approach the Headmistress, Lady Marchbanks, about
it at lunch and see if she has any books on it she could recommend.'
He had no idea she'd authored many of them.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
As the three stepped out the door, with Harry pulling it shut behind
them, it was to find Neville, Susan and Hannah waiting for them. Finch-
Fletchley gave an almost self-deprecating bow to the three of them before
he said, "Ladies, Longbottom." And turned and walked off.
Once he was more than far enough away to be considered well out of
earshot, Neville turned to Harry and asked, "What was that all about?"
"It seems I underestimated him," he replied. "Finch-Fletchley holds the
title of Viscount in the muggle world. That means, Finch-Fletchley is
rightfully titled, in his own right, as Lord Finch-Fletchley. His father or
grandfather is also probably titled either an Earl or Marquess at least."
"Merlin!" breathed Susan.
"Yup," said Harry. "Finch-Fletchley is a member of the British peerage."
Hannah offered, "We didn't know that."
It was easy to tell she meant her and Susan.
Hermione said, "He might not have been comfortable telling anyone. Or,
it could have been a security decision, on his part, for no one here to
know."
Harry thought about it and said, "We, five, know of it now. Unless Finch-
Fletchley makes a big deal of it after this, we keep quiet about it; except
for informing Daphne and Tracey and the Alliance, as a whole.
"As for what he wanted to talk to me about, he wanted to apologise for
his behaviour towards me. I had the impression he wasn't 'asked' to,
either. I accepted and also apologised to him for my public behaviour
towards him, which he accepted."
"We should discuss this further after classes," suggested Hannah. "We
need to get to morning tea."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
As the five walked together into the Great Hall they separated with Susan
and Hannah heading for their table as they headed for their own. Harry
immediately began to build himself a decent-sized meal, as the effects of
the appetite enhancing potion was still having some effect on his body.
However, yet again, they were interrupted. Johnson tried, yet again, to
convince Harry to rejoin the Quidditch team.
Finally, he'd had enough with her. Standing up and staring at her, he
firmly asked, "Miss Johnson, do you believe me to be a liar?"
Surprised, she replied, "Err... no?"
When he cocked his eyebrow that showed he thought, 'Really?', she
corrected herself, "I-I mean; no, Lord Potter."
"Then, pray tell, why are you continuing to approach me to practically
demand I rejoin the Lions?" he asked right back. "I told you, I will not.
That you continue to try to get me to do otherwise tells me you do think
I'm a liar."
She blushed and mumbled, "Sorry." And retreated again.
Dropping back into his seat with a sigh, he mumbled, "Daft morons."
As Neville snickered in amusement, a major departure from the 'Neville'
of old, Hermione softly said to him, "I'm starting to see what you mean
about always being under pressure from everyone else to be who they
want you to be and someone you're really not."
Harry, with his mouth full, just nodded back. He was still showing an
expression of annoyed frustration, though.
When it appeared Neville had eaten his fill, Harry asked him, "Now that
you've eaten, can you do what you tried to start this morning and catch
us up?
"Of course," said Neville, wiping the edges of his mouth with a napkin.
"As you suspected would happen, I've been approached by over a dozen
people, all demanding to know where you are... were. As you suggested, I
gave the same answer, each and every time..."
They didn't have long, so Neville only gave a quick overview of what had
happened over the past day and a half. He left a lot out and didn't even
mention about the Betrothal Agreement or Concubine Bond Agreements
that were currently being negotiated.
He'd save those for when they had a chance to be private. Otherwise,
there was too much of a risk of being overheard.
As they needed to walk quite the distance from the Great Hall to the
greenhouses, they had to leave morning tea a couple of minutes early.
And Harry was unsurprised to see, almost as soon as they rose and began
to make their way out, they were again joined by Susan and Hannah.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
With Professor Sprout still being the Professor of Herbology, the five
were not concerned about what they would expect of the class.
As they'd walked to the greenhouses, Neville asked if he could share a
bench with Susan and Hannah and told the other two he would explain
later.
"Sure, Neville," said Hermione.
"No problem," added Harry.
He never saw the knowing smiles the two other teens gave each other.
Knowing they'd rather choose their 'bench' partners, Harry and Hermione
hung back until some of the benches started to fill up. Then Hermione
indicated one with two Hufflepuff girls sitting at it and turned a hopeful
expression on him.
"Works for me," he shrugged.
Walking over, both sat opposite the two girls in yellow trim.
"Hi!" Hermione brightly greeted them.
Both, though surprised 'Lord Potter and his betrothed' chose to sit
opposite, softly returned, "Hello."
"I'm Harry," said Harry, offering his hand in a handshake to each.
Followed by Hermione immediately doing the same.
"Megan," said one, with the other answering, "Lilith."
"I don't believe we've ever shared a workspace before," Harry smiled to
them. "So, it's nice to meet you both."
Both girls tentatively smiled back as Megan said, "Same here."
As they pulled their Herbology texts and stationery out of their bookbags,
Harry glanced over to Neville and the girls. He saw that Finch-Fletchley
had chosen to sit with them.
'Smart boy,' he thought. 'He obviously knows all three are part of the
Alliance and is making use of the opportunity to mix with them.'
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
More than two hours after Dumbledore suffered his heart attack while
being interrogated under Veritaserum, the old man was beginning to
recover.
The first sign of that was his beginning to move in his bed.
The auror stationed to watch him immediately sent a Patronus message
to 'The Boss', Madam Amelia Bones.
As Dumbledore more and more came around Bones, flanked by Moody
and Robards, entered the ward from the secure entry.
Less than five minutes after he showed signs of waking, Dumbledore's
eyes snapped open and he gave a gasp of shock; before then trying to
rise. He couldn't, due to the restraints which held him to the bed.
A medi-witch immediately hustled in from her secured medi-witches'
station and approached the bed. "Do not try to move, Mister Dumbledore.
You are secured to a bed in the DMLE-secured wing of Saint Mungo's."
As the old man appeared confused for a few moments he eventually
croaked, "Wa-ter?"
"Just a moment," she replied, turning to the bedside table and pouring
him a mug of water into a thick ceramic tankard. Turning back she
dropped a straw into it and held it for him as he took a few long sips.
A few seconds later, she pulled it away and said, "Not too much. Too
much, too quick, and you'll just vomit it all up again."
Putting the tankard back on the bedside table, she quickly cast a few
diagnostic charms over him before a look of satisfaction passed over her
face. The old man was now clearly watching her. And had also already
seen that Bones and three of her aurors were also in the room with them,
watching him.
His expression showed he was annoyed with that.
Once the medi-witch was satisfied, she pulled away and said to Bones,
"He's all yours. However, you're to spend no more than five minutes
talking with him. After that, I order he be allowed to rest again."
Bones gave a single nod back and said, "Noted. Thank you." And the
medi-witch returned to her office.
Looking to the young auror who had been tasked with watching him, she
ordered, "Go join the medi-witch in her office until I call you back out
again."
"Yes, Ma'am," replied the auror, standing and walking out.
Once the auror followed the medi-witch out through the door, pulling it
shut behind him, Bones turned her attention back to the old man.
"Amelia―" he began, before she even had a chance.
"Prisoner Dumbledore," she returned.
Seeing the man give a slight wince, she continued, "You gave us quite a
scare, there, Dumbledore. I've never before seen someone struggle so
hard under Veritaserum they give themselves a heart attack. Consider me
impressed."
"Thank you for your care," he sarcastically said.
"Oh, I don't care if you die while under Veritaserum, Mister Dumbledore,"
she returned. "I just care that you die before I get the answers to my
questions."
Again, Dumbledore gave a small wince. "There is no need to be cruel,
Am― Madam Bones. You need to learn to forgive."
"You have no right to ask for forgiveness unless you first come clean with
your sins," she shot back. "Since you will not willingly come clean, you
have not earned forgiveness. As such, no forgiveness will be given."
Dumbledore, with his eyes closed again, frowned.
"When you are well enough we will continue, Dumbledore," she
continued. "While you are recovering from your cardiac arrest, I have
Potions Masters developing versions of Veritaserum custom-designed
with you in mind.
"Rest up. Get better. Then we start again."
Without waiting for a response she headed for the secure medi-witches'
station to alert them she and her two Master Aurors were leaving again.
And for the young auror to return to his post to watch him.
Once they'd gone, Dumbledore sighed.
He knew he had a heart condition. Pomfrey had told him about it and
that he needed to take better care of himself - before he obliviated her of
the knowledge. But, he did not know just how painful a heart attack was
like until he'd experienced it for himself.
Still, he had hoped it would lead to the Bones woman abandoning her
using Veritaserum on him. He had hoped she would 'try' to force him to
give an oath, instead. As no one knew his real name and he knew how to
give the flash of light that signalled an oath being given and accepted, he
had hoped to trick her into it.
That she was having a custom made version of Veritaserum designed
with him in mind, was not something he had considered.
As a Master Alchemist, he should have. He'd then even begun to think of
how to go about it.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After a relaxing class, where both teens were able to get the two
'Puffettes to open up and tell them a bit about themselves when Sprout
wasn't closely monitoring them, they met back up with the other three
and headed back to the castle. This time, though, Finch-Fletchley joined
them in their walk.
As soon as they were clear of the greenhouse and sufficiently apart from
other students they could quietly talk without being overheard, Neville
said, "Harry, when in public, please don't refer to Lord Finch-Fletchley's
title. As you suspected, he's trying to keep it quiet."
Harry turned to the other boy and said, "As you wish, Mister Finch-
Fletchley."
The boy gave a relieved smile back and said, "Justin, please."
"Justin, it is," said Harry. "And you may call me Harry."
Hermione immediately piped up and simply said, "Hermione."
"Thank you," said the other boy. "Thank you, both."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After entering the Great Hall and splitting into two groups of three,
Harry, Hermione and Neville went to their now usual seats on the
benches up near the head end of the table and set to work making their
lunches.
However, Harry had only just managed to load his plate with what he
wanted when, yet again, Angelina Johnson approached.
"Lord Potter," she tried.
"Go... away," he said, before then choosing to ignore her.
"No, I can't do that," she said. "I really must impress upon you―"
Slamming his cutlery onto the table each side of his plate Harry jumped
to his feet, glared at her and snarled, "If you so much as even hint at what
you want to talk to me about is relating to the Gryffindor Quidditch team
I will hex you into next week!"
Johnson, for all her dark skin, blanched; or at least her dark skin paled
somewhat.
"Each time I have tried to eat my meal in peace, or hold a conversation
with my peer, Heir Longbottom, you have chosen that time to interrupt
it," he continued to snarl. "Are you under some sort of compulsion charm,
or something, to utterly piss me off?"
"N-no," she practically squeaked
Harry peripherally heard someone hurrying up from the head table and
was about to speak again when the voice, Professor Babbling, firmly said,
"Miss Johnson!"
When both turned to her, she, still glaring for herself at Johnson, firmly
said, "Return to your seat, at once. That's twenty points against Gryffindor
for your nagging and you've earned yourself a week's detention with
Professor Burbage in the detention classroom. Now, leave... Lord Potter...
alone!"
Johnson stood staring at her in shock for a long moment before she burst
into tears, spun about and ran from the room.
Harry saw both Spinnet and Bell jump up and run after her. From the
look Spinnet flicked his way, shame, it appeared the two had been
pressuring the girl to keep approaching him.
Before Harry got a chance to sit again, Babbage said to him, "And five
points from Gryffindor for raising your voice in the Great Hall, Lord
Potter."
Harry just stared back with a firm and closed expression for a moment,
before he gave a firm, single nod and sat again.
He managed to eat his meal, that time, without it being further
interrupted. However, when he'd finished and noticed Hermione had
also, he asked her, "Mind taking a walk with me down near the lake?"
"Not at all," she immediately replied.
As both wiped their mouths and rose, Harry quietly said to Neville,
"Hermione and I are going for a walk so I can burn off some of my
anger."
"Sounds like a good idea," said the other boy. "The rest of us will be
waiting for you in the entrance hall for when you get back. I have
something important to tell you both and really cannot wait too long."
From where he was sitting down with Thomas and Finnegan and
watching Harry practically storm past with Hermione in tow back to the
main doors, Ron Weasley gave a disappointed sigh and thought, 'Why
can't people leave him alone to calm down, so I can see him to apologise?
'If I don't get it done, soon, I'm going to spending half the summer at Aunt
Muriel's again.'
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Though still quite cold out, Harry and Hermione took their walk down to
the lake and the now somewhat decimated large rock on its shore.
Indicating it, Hermione said, "Remember when you lost your temper less
than two months ago and did that?"
"Yeah," he sighed. "I'm surprised someone didn't repair it once we
returned inside."
She smiled and said, "The aurors said to leave it as a reminder not to
annoy Lord Potter."
He gave an amused grunt and wryly returned, "It seems that lesson has
already been forgotten."
She offered, "I think Johnson was getting pushed into it by Spinnet and
Bell."
"That was my thought, too," he replied.
As they continued to walk for a while more, by then down near the
Whomping Willow, Hermione said, "I think you may need to back off on
Angie."
He nodded and replied, "I do. However, as I said, she was 'pushing' me
too hard. I have made my decision and I do not like people trying to
force me to change it.
"If anyone wants to discuss something with me... when I'm not otherwise
busy... then I will discuss the reasons for my decision. However, Angie
was being damned rude coming over each time I was eating to interrupt
my meal. That is considered a great insult in this world, Hermione. It
basically states, 'What I have to talk to you about is more important than
your need to eat'.
"What she should have done, in all three situations, is written a note and
passed it to me. That's precisely what Finch-Fletchley did and he's a
muggleborn. Angie's not."
Hermione nodded. "Thank you for explaining that, Harry."
Harry smiled back and drew her in for a proper kiss.
When they finally drew apart again, both blushing, he said, "We need to
go back to the castle. Neville told me the others will be waiting for us in
the entrance hall.
She nodded.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Walking in through the main doors, they immediately spotted the other
five waiting for them. Harry hadn't had a chance to see Daphne and
Tracey since their return, except by seeing them and giving them a small
wave each at each of the three breaks.
Neville gestured for them to follow him and he led them all into the
antechamber. As soon as all seven of them were within, Harry threw a
Colloportus on the door and added a privacy charm for good measure.
Once done he gave a sigh of relief and turned to the others.
"Just think," said Neville, "It's only the first day, not even halfway done
yet."
Harry gave him a wry look and sarcastically returned, "Thanks."
It only had the other boy grin even wider.
As Harry gave a snort of amusement, Hermione was busy catching up
with the other girls.
Neville gave a firm nod and braced himself up a bit. "Before we get too
carried away," he said, looking to Harry and Hermione. "Harry...
Hermione... Alliance Secret."
That had both teens look back.
The other boy gave a small smirk, cast a glance towards the two 'Puffs
and said, "My father is currently in negotiations with Mister Abbott about
a Betrothal Agreement between Hannah and me; and also in negotiations
with Madam Bones about a Concubine Bond Agreement between Susan
and me."
Both already knew, of course, but both feigned surprise so the boy did
not know Marchbanks had already told them. It would lead to questions
they couldn't yet answer.
As Hermione let out a very girlish squee sound and practically threw
herself into a hug with both girls, Harry grinned at Neville as he walked
over and said, "Congratulations, my brother." And shook the boy's hand
as he placed his other hand on the other boy's shoulder.
"Thanks," blushed Neville.
"I hope you know and understand how lucky you are."
Neville almost shyly nodded back.
Releasing the other boy's hand he then walked over to the two girls.
Hermione had already backed off a little, so he just stepped past and
dragged both girls in for his own hug. "Congratulations, you two."
"Thank you," both replied with a blush.
Directing her question to Hermione, Daphne said, "I thought muggles
were against concubinage."
Hermione smiled back and said, "Not just against it, it's illegal. But, as
Harry explained to me while he was staying at my place, this isn't the
muggle world, is it? I have to treat it like a foreign country that has
significantly different laws, but where everyone speaks with a British
accent."
Daphne was immediately relieved. What she needed to do might not be
immediately discounted, after all.
Once the congratulations were out of the way, she called, "Lord Potter,
Lady Presumptive Hermione, I have a matter of what my father considers
of great importance for me to speak with you about."
"Oh-kay," said Harry. "Would you like us three to go somewhere to
discuss it?"
She shook her head and replied, "No; but, thank you. I do not mind our
peers from within the alliance being aware of this."
"Very well," said Harry. "How may I assist the Noble and Ancient House
of Greengrass?"
She hesitated a moment before she seemed to reach an internal decision
and said, "I would like and ask of you to consider the idea of you, Harry,
and my Lord negotiating a Concubine Bond Agreement between you and
myself."
Hermione gave a little gasp.
He looked to her and she seemed almost in awe of the situation. He'd
guessed right, again. And she was surprised, this time. She shouldn't have
been, considering the warning they'd received from Marchbanks.
Harry turned back to Daphne, who appeared quite worried, and said,
"Hermione and I are in the Lords' Quarters. It's private and will afford us
a place we can talk, without interruption. Do you know where it is?"
"No, I'm sorry," she replied.
"No need to be. It's on the fifth floor, directly above the Transfiguration
corridor. Actually, it's almost directly above the Transfiguration
classroom. In that corridor there is only one ornate door. It's also about as
wide as one of the doors into the Great Hall, but normal height. When
you walk down that corridor you'll easily find it.
"Hermione and I have a class for next period, but not one for the last
period. We have Astronomy with the Hufflepuffs late tonight.
"Do you have a class for sixth period?"
"Yes, actually," she replied. "Transfiguration."
He gave a nod back and said, "We have Potions together next; but, once
you finish Transfiguration, how about you come up and talk with us? If
you have trouble finding it, I'll have arranged for my personal elf, Dobby,
to come if you call him. He can then show you the way."
"Thank you," she said, with a relieved sound.
"Actually..." he said, looking around, "How about you all come up and see
it for yourselves, after classes?" Turning back to Daphne he said, "That is,
of course, if it's alright with you?"
She gave a pleased nod back.
Checking her watch, Hermione said, "We need to go. Some of us need to
get all the way up to the fifth floor to collect our books and potions
equipment for this next class."
Checking his own watch, Harry realised she wasn't exaggerating. "Damn;
she's right."
As soon as he removed the privacy charm and the Colloportus on the
door he opened it for the others.
As Daphne was about to pass, he softly said to her, "Don't worry too
much about the decision. Hermione won't be as against this as you may
fear."
She paused for a moment to look at him before she almost visibly sagged
in relief. She gave a tiny little nod and kept going.
Instead of going all the way up to the fifth floor, as soon as they reached
the first floor, Harry grabbed Hermione and dragged her into one of the
abandoned classrooms there.
"Harry!" she quietly squealed, almost pleading. "We'll be late!"
"No, we won't," he firmly replied.
With the door almost closed completely he firmly called, "Dobby!"
The little elf appeared only a moment later.
Offering him his satchel, he said, could you replace what's not needed of
the contents for what we need for Potions?"
"Of course, Master Harry," replied the elf. A quick finger snap and both
he and their satchels disappeared.
"Oh, Harry," sighed Hermione.
A moment later Dobby was back and holding out both satchels.
Taking both, Harry said, "Thanks, buddy!"
As Dobby popped away again he then handed his over to Hermione with
a smirk. "We won't be late, now."
The look he got in return was the one she now reserved for him when she
was feeling as if he just 'rightfully' made her feel stupid.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Walking into the Potions corridor the two could see there were already
quite a few people there. And that Susan and Hannah weren't two of
them. However, Neville was one of them.
As they approached Neville pulled away from the 'pack' and approached
them. With a grin he quietly asked, "House elf?"
Surprised the boy had also figured it out, Harry chuckled and replied, "Of
course."
"Did you call yours to switch out contents, too?" asked Hermione.
"No," he replied. "I have wizarding space in mine. I was already carrying
everything I needed when we met in the antechamber."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Another class with a new Professor teaching, Potions was significantly
different than it was taught by Snape. The windows had been enlarged
and allowed in more light. There was some sort of fume extraction ward
in operation, as the air remained crystal clear and clean all the time. And
everything appeared scrubbed clean.
Unsurprising to Harry, but clearly surprising to everyone else, they did
not brew a potion that day. Instead, they were given a period length
lecture, complete with copious notes, on the importance of safety in the
potions lab.
The new Professor, Potions Mistress Doris Grimfield, was an Australian.
Her accent was quite different and took them all a little while to get used
to it. But, once they did, she was easily understandable. It was good that
she did not have the 'Aussie' habit of speaking overly quickly or 'crushing'
syllables together into one.
While they'd been waiting outside the lab for the Professor to come and
open the door, Ron Weasley had tentatively approached them.
Harry was immediately wary, but relaxed when he realised the redhead
was actually both a little scared and uncomfortable.
"Lord Potter," he began.
"Yes?" asked Harry.
"I've... I need to know when you have time to hear me out," he stuttered.
Harry thought about it for a few moments before he said, "Tomorrow
afternoon after classes. I'll come up to the Gryffindor common room and
we can meet up then. Is that suitable?"
"Not... this afternoon?" the boy asked.
Harry firmly shook his head and replied, "Sorry; no. I have a prior
engagement until dinner. And, as you know, we have Astronomy late
tonight and we need to rest up for it."
The boy gave a sad nod and went to walk away when Harry called after
him. "Mister Weasley."
When Ron turned back, curious, Harry said, "After Potions, if you're
willing to accept advice, you should immediately go to the Infirmary and
have Healer Robinson check you over for mind-altering potions. During
the break, as I'd written to the twins about, Hermione was discovered to
be under one such."
Ron looked a little surprised but, after a small hesitation, gave a nod.
"Thank you."
"You're welcome," said Harry.
When it didn't look like Harry wanted to say anything further to him,
Ron turned away and returned to where he had been talking with
Thomas and Finnegan.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After the class completed, Harry and Hermione were quickly packed and
left the room. However, Harry held Hermione back, just outside the door.
When the two Slytherin girls came out, he indicated for them to join him
and Hermione out of the way of traffic.
When they did, clearly curious, he smiled and said, "Hermione and I are
going back to our quarters now. I look forward to seeing you both in a
little over an hour."
"Me too," said Hermione.
Both nodded and Tracey replied, "Thank you, Lord Potter, Miss Granger."
"Ah?!" said Harry. "No one's listening. It's Harry and Hermione for you
two, remember?"
Both nodded and smiled back.
Harry just gave a firm nod and indicated they should head off.
As soon as they did Neville said, "She's worried."
"Understandable," said Harry. "As you know, it's a very, very big thing
we're going to be talking about."
"Are you sure you want the rest of us there?" asked the boy, concerned.
Harry smiled back and replied, "This is not the negotiating phase, Nev.
This is just her finding out how open both Hermione and I are to the
concept."
Neville hesitated for a moment before he asked, "Do you mind if your
god-brother and fellow Alliance named partner Heir knows what your
thoughts are on this?"
Harry directly smiled at him and said, "Nice, Nev." Looking back at the
retreating backs of the girls, he said, "I have been anticipating an
approach by Lord Greengrass for quite some time. I'm somewhat aware of
the difficulties he is experiencing with pressure from the... traditional...
Houses. As such, there is not much I will not do to aid an allianced
House. A Concubine Bond Agreement is well within my ability to effect.
"Does that somewhat answer you query?"
Neville smiled and replied, "It does."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
On returning to their apartment, Harry suggested they both change into
wizarding casual.
"Why?" asked Hermione. "I've not seen anyone do that before. And, aren't
we expected to be wearing uniform to dinner?"
"Nope," he replied. "The only time we're required to attend dinner
wearing uniform is when it's a feast. And, I suggest the change of clothes
as we'll be discussing Alliance and House matters, this afternoon; not
dealing with school matters."
"Oh," she replied. "Well, alright then." And went off to get changed.
After smiling at her back for a moment, Harry put deed to word and went
and got changed, himself.
When they both met up in the common room again - 'Living room,' he
thought. 'It's not a dorm.' - Hermione curled up on one of the sofas and
said, "I think we need to discuss this, Harry."
Harry was happy to do so, and was sitting alongside her a moment later.
When it looked like the girl did not know where to begin, Harry started.
"You're worried what your parents might say if I go ahead with this,
aren't you."
Surprised, she looked to him and nodded.
"I did tell you your father and I had already discussed this and he
supported it," he said. "He might have been a little reluctant, but he
knows I'd do it to protect the... bonded. He now trusts me not to do the
wrong thing."
Calmer, she replied, "Yes; I had forgotten. Or, I'd just been so shocked to
hear that, I thought I might have dreamed it."
"Nope," he replied.
"And what did you mean by 'the wrong thing'?" she asked.
Seeing her sly smirk, however, meant he knew she knew what he meant.
It didn't stop him from blushing though, which made her smirk widen
into a grin.
"You know very well, Miss Granger," he mock sniffed.
She just snickered back.
Wanting to get serious again, he gave it a few seconds before he
refortified himself and looked at her. His expression had her stop her
snickers and also look serious.
"Now for the serious question, Hermione," he said. "Are you going to be
alright with this?"
She sighed and thought a moment before she replied, "So long as all we're
talking about is doing this for her personal protection... and for the
House of Greengrass... and so long as what we're talking about is just the
Agreement so she'll have that protection... I'll be, as you put it, alright
with this."
He nodded and said, "You don't want it to be so that I'll have to have sex
with her."
She blushed and replied, "Yes."
Firmly he said, "I assure you, Hermione, no matter what Lord
Greengrass's, or Daphne's, intent is for such an Agreement... I'll be
making damned sure the same escape clauses as in our Betrothal
Agreement will be included in this one."
With a sigh of relief, she said, "Thank you."
Then fearing she'd said something wrong she was quick to add, "That
doesn't mean I don't want you to have a concubine, Harry. It's just that...
I'm still not completely comfortable with the idea; alright?"
"Completely understandable," he said. "Neither am I, truth be told."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After they decided they'd discussed it enough between them until they'd
heard what Daphne had to say, they turned their attention to their
homework.
"Harry?" she asked.
"Mmm?"
"Could you ask the Potter elves to make a start on bringing some of the
books from Pottermore to here for us?" she carefully begged.
Surprised, he replied, "Of course. Dobby!"
When the little elf popped in, Harry carefully gave it instructions as to
which books in general he wanted brought to the office in the apartment
from Pottermore: Astronomy, Charms, DADA, Herbology, History of
Magic, Potions, Transfiguration, Care of Magical Creatures, Ancient
Runes and Arithmancy.
Dobby said he'd get right on it and let him know when it was done and
popped away again.
Ten minutes later he was back and said the bookshelves in the office
were now full.
Hermione almost jumped to her feet and ran into the room. A moment
later, Harry heard her shout of joy and snorted in amusement.
By the time they heard the final class bell, both teens were well into
completing their homework assignments for the day and Dobby had
prepared wholesome snacks.
"Master Harry be entertaining guests," said Dobby. "Dobby be preparing
snackies!"
"I was going to do that, Dobs," he sighed.
When Dobby crossed his arms and glared back, he groaned in annoyance
while Hermione laughed. "Fiiiiine!"
After the bell went, both knew they had time to pack up what they were
working on into a tidy pair of piles.
Looking about as he rose, Harry gave a nod of satisfaction at the
presentation of the room.
Looking to Hermione, he said, "Back in a couple of minutes."
She smiled and said, "I'll go and alert Dobby to the imminent arrival of
our guests.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Harry only had to stand outside the door that separated the Lords'
Quarters from the castle proper for about two minutes before he saw
both Slytherin girls approach. As soon as they saw him they were
relieved.
As they calmly approached, Harry called, "Dobby."
When the elf popped in, he said, "Are you able to open the door to my
and Hermione's apartment?"
"Yes, Master Harry," replied Dobby.
"Good," he breathed in relief. "Would you mind, then, escorting these two
ladies in?"
"Dobby can do," replied the elf.
Once the two reached him, while also giving Dobby curious glances,
Harry said, "Ladies, I have to wait for our other three guests. And expect
them to be about twenty minutes, at least. Would you like to wait with
me, or would you allow Dobby to escort you in?"
After a quick glance at one another between them, Daphne looked back
and said, "We'll go in."
"As you wish," he nodded. And gave Dobby a gesture to go.
"Miss-tresses?" said Dobby, "Please follow Dobby."
He trotted over to the main door, elf finger-snapped it open on his
approach and walked in. Both girls followed.
Harry didn't know whether Neville would come on his own, or drop
down to the Badgers' Cete and escort the two 'Puff ladies up. He'd be
disappointed with him if the boy didn't choose the latter.
"Lord Potter?" called an auror, who had just dropped a Notice-me-Not
and now had the watch.
Harry turned to look. "Yes, auror?" he asked.
"How many more guests are you expecting?" asked the auror.
"Three," he replied. "Heir Longbottom, Heiress Bones and Miss Abbott. I
expect Heir Longbottom will be escorting the other two when he comes.
I'll be disappointed if he is not."
The auror gave a nod and said, "I'm capable of casting a messenger
Patronus. If you'd prefer to wait inside, when they arrive I'll send one to
you to let you know to come out to get them."
Surprised at the offer, Harry said, "Thank you; that's very kind of you. I
accept."
With a smile back, the auror nodded towards the door. "You'd best see to
your guests who've already arrived, then."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After a last look down the corridor, Harry re-entered the hallway before
going to the door of the apartment and entering. As he stepped in, he
noticed Hermione was taking the girls on a short 'tour' of the apartment.
Coming out of the kitchen, she was surprised to see him. "Where are the
others?"
He smiled and replied, "The on-duty auror outside will send me a
messenger Patronus when they get here, so I can go back outside and
bring them in."
Hermione gave a snort of amusement and said, "Clever. It sounds like this
one is not a daft moron."
Harry grinned back and, as he walked over to the 'sofa' area, looked to
the girls and gestured to the seats. "Please be welcome to be seated."
As he expected, Daphne and Tracey sat together on one double sofa,
leaving the identical one facing it to Harry and Hermione.
As soon as they sat, Dobby popped in with a tea set complete with
crockery, teaspoons and a tray of little biscuits. For now, everyone
ignored it.
Looking to Daphne and noticing how nervous she was, Harry asked,
"Now, Daphne―"
When she looked back with a measure of intensity, he said, "Before we
begin to talk about a Concubine Bond Agreement, I need you to answer a
couple of questions for me."
She nodded. "I shall endeavour to answer them to the best of my ability,
Lord Potter."
He smiled at her formality.
"Firstly, I need to know, is this something you want? Not your father...
not your House... you."
Clearly a little surprised, she hesitated a long moment before she replied,
"Not... really. However, if I do not do this, there will soon come a time
my father will... have no choice, but to accept an offer from another."
Harry nodded and said, "I thought so. And, thank you for being honest."
He thought what to do next before he said, "So, you are willing to enter,
or be entered, into such an arrangement because it offers you protection?"
"Yes," she firmly replied. "Plus, it protects my family."
"What about your sister?" he asked, curious.
"Other arrangements are being made for her."
"Fair enough," he nodded. "How far are you willing to go with such an
arrangement? I mean, what if the agreement becomes a contract? It
would mean you and I―" And gestured.
She blushed and replied, "I'm aware."
"It would mean you would be stuck with me," he said.
She looked at him in surprise for a moment before she gave a small snort
of amusement. "I do not think that would be a hardship... Harry."
Tracey gave her own snort of amusement. And he was surprised
Hermione made a similar non-verbal exclamation.
That had actually surprised Harry. When he looked to Hermione in what
must have been confusion, she said, "Harry, you're no longer that
scrawny, under-fed boy. You're now quite attractive."
That had him blush and look down for a long few moments.
Getting his blush under control he looked back up and between the three.
He could see the truth of that remark in their faces.
"Hmm," he muttered.
Looking back to Daphne he said, "Here's my thoughts. Hermione says I
have a 'saving people thing'. I cannot disagree. When I see someone in
trouble I have the strong urge to help. And, I have a tendency not to
ignore that urge.
"I'm aware of the difficulties your father is currently under regarding
having only two daughters for heirs. And the pressure he would be under
from those who see that situation as an opportunity to get their hands on
the Greengrass estates.
"Because of that, I have already discussed with Hermione and her parents
what I saw as the likelihood of your father approaching me, as an allied
House, with the intent to request a Concubine Bond Agreement.
"At first, as you would likely expect, they were against it; as, I'm sure
you'd also understand, was Hermione.
"However, once I discussed my views on the matter and why I would
consider it, they found themselves in agreement. So, you have no need to
fear Hermione and her family would be completely against this right
from the start."
That had Daphne look to Hermione with gratitude. And that look was
what satisfied him that she wanted this; and wasn't being pressured into
it by her father.
"I won't go into the specific details for obvious reasons, but Hermione and
my Betrothal Agreement has escape clauses that make it so either of us
only need to say a certain phrase for the agreement to be voided in it's
entirety, without penalty. Of course, it also has conditions that, if they're
met, those escape clauses become void and the agreement becomes the
contract. I do not think you lack the wherewithal to figure out what sort
of conditions I'm talking about.
"If it is still your desire for your father and my legal representative to
negotiate a Concubine Bond Agreement, it is a non-negotiable condition
that similar escape clauses of the same ease will be included for both of
us. If your father cannot accept such, there is no point the two even
meeting. If, however, he can, then I believe I can enter such an
arrangement."
It was a long few seconds before Daphne, who was looking at Harry in
wide-eyed hope, suddenly seemed to collapse into herself, dropped her
head almost onto her knees and broke down into deep heart-wrenching
sobs.
Surprised at her reaction, Harry didn't know what to do. When Tracey
slid over closer to her friend and wrapped her arms around her, Harry
turned to look at Hermione in no small level of confusion.
"It's alright, Harry," she whispered. "Go wait outside for a while. Us girls
are going to talk." Then she rose, went across and sat on the sofa on the
other side of Daphne from Tracey, before moving in close.
When Harry hadn't moved, truly unsure of what to do, Hermione looked
at him, glanced to the main door and flicked her chin at it before turning
to help comfort Daphne.
He quietly rose and walked out. He decided he'd go and wait for Neville
and the other two girls, after all. He had no idea how to otherwise help
the girl, but it seemed Tracey and Hermione did. He left them to it.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
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